Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

in condition


"Try it, you'll like it?" It's more like "Try it, you'll love it!" My hair has never looked or felt so good. I can't stop running my hands through it ever since I tried Wen® Cleansing Conditioner. It feels so silky soft that you feel like you should be hired to star in the commercial.

This is truly a revolutionary new concept in hair care. A 5-in-1 formula, this one product takes the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos—it is designed so it won't strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention.

Celebrity stylist Chaz Dean created Wen®, an industry-changing product line that is the first ever to exclude ordinary shampoo. What sets Wen® apart from the rest is its cleansing conditioner, a single-step process that cleanses and conditions the hair simultaneously.

You won't believe it till you try it--so go to www.wenhaircare.com now to place your order.



Sunday, May 8, 2011

happy mother's day: luxe treats

The best mother's day gift also make great gifts all year long. These treats from Sara Happ are a perfect treat for moms who never take time for themselves.

The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ ($24), the original lip exfoliant, comes in great flavors like vanilla bean (shown here), almond creme, peppermint, brown sugar, cinammon sugar, cocoa and creme brulee, is designed to eliminate dry, flaky skin to leave lips ridiculously soft and supple. Just massage onto lips in a circular motion then wipe away with a tissue. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

The Lip Slip By Sara Happ ($24), otherwise known as one luxe balm, offers the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable. Wear it all day. Wear it overnight. Results are immediate. It's infused with Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Macadamia nut oils, with a polymer blend that took two years to perfect. Smooth onto lips after exfoliating. Wear it alone for universally appealing shine that brings out your lips' natural color, wear it over color for unbelievable shine, or put it on before bedtime and wake up to a plump, baby-soft pout.

Vanilla Bean Body Scrub by Sara Happ ($46) is silky, not greasy, hydrating, not oily, gentle enough to do no harm and tough enough to remove even the roughest dead skin. Kukui nut, macadamia and sweet almond oils that leave zero residue behind and sugar crystals get the job done right. Massage a generous amount onto wet skin using a firm, circular motion then scrub away. Rinse thoroughly and reveal smooth skin all over.

Go to www.sarahapp.com for more info.