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.


Showing posts with label face. Show all posts
Showing posts with label face. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

undermakeup moisture with atopalm

Try applying makeup right after your favorite moisturizer and you may find yourself in slippery territory. Now there's a new way to get makeup to stay put: With Atopalm Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream, a unique, paraben-free formula designed to hydrate skin while creating the perfect canvas for flawless makeup application.

Its patented MLW technology, made with plant-derived ingredients, is the secret. It mimics the structure of the skin's natural lipids, replenishing lost moisture while protecting over-evaporation, leaving skin soft, supple and comfortable.

Sounds too good to be true? It's not. I tried it under concealer, foundation and blush, only to see results as promised. All makeup stayed in place and my skin felt great too. But the formula is so smooth, I like to wear it without makeup too.

Designed to treat dry, sensitive, sun-damaged skin, Atopalm products are rich, emollient and non-greasy. Check out other Atopalm face products like the Eye Repair Serum, Skin Revitalizing Complex, Facial Cleansing Foam and Cleansing Wipes at www.atopalm.com.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

beauty 'round the clock

Expertly-picked color combinations in one adorable clockpot... Hissyfit just cut my primping time in half and found a convenient way for me to tote by favorite shades 'round the clock.

The Hissyfit Clockpots come in a range of shades and formulas for eyes, cheeks and face. Just open the top of the "pot" and choose the color combination that works for whatever time of day you are prepping for. The gorgeous hues are designed to flatter any skin tone and are easy to apply.

Face Clockpot features Hissyfit Saving Face Foundation and Highlight plus four powders so you can highlight, contour and glow all over for a flawless finish. Eye Clockpot offers a velvety primer and four eye-shadow trios to take you from work to play. And Cheek Clockpot comes with a soft sponge and four color duos to give you a subtle blush, rosy flush, bronzed hue or bold effect.

Go to www.hissyfit.com to learn about more products that will simplify your life.

Monday, February 15, 2010

fashion week: get this fresh makeup look from Napoleon Perdis


Just back from Fashion Week where I interviewed makeup artist Napoleon Perdis backstage at the Tony Cohen show. His "tough chic" makeup look "takes you from office to club in just a few simple steps." Perdis started the look with Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer and Boudoir Mist, followed by Stick Foundation and Camera Finish Powder. On eyes, Perdis took smoky to a whole new level, using Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) and #29 (Black) on lids, #66 (Healther) in the socket, #44 (ehite and #5 nude) on the brow bone and China Doll Eyeliner Equinox in Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) along the lashline. On lashes, he brushed Mesmer-Eyes Mascara, which comes with a dual-sided brush that features a fine mascara comb and a slightly wider tooth comb. "The finer side separates and the other thickens, lengthens and curls," explains Perdis. "Plus, the formula makes your lashes look glossy and beautiful, not dehydrated." Perdis used Stick Foundation to contour cheeks, then brushed DeVine Goddess lip gloss in Lianna (named after his 10-year-old daughter) on lips and Luminous Lip Veil in Hot Toffee as a lip finish. Finally, he spritzed the entire face with a lightweight skin spritzer for a slightly dewy effect. "My goal is to infuse freshness," says Perdis. "No matter how strong the look is, there's still a certain freshness to it." For more info on Napoleon Perdis products, go to
www.napoleonperdis.com.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

sunscreen: rock on


I'm all about touch. To be honest, I fell in love with Rock & Republic's extraordinary makeup collection because of its sleek, extravagant packaging. But I have to say, the products are just as unbelievable. From rich, vibrant colors to luxurious textures, they make you feel like you deserve to indulge. I recently tried the Classic Tinted Primer SPF 20 ($46) and wished all sunscreens could feel so decadent. The mousse-like formula spreads on evenly and absorbs quickly, providing sheer coverage with a matte finish. If it's true that the silicone base fills in fine lines and minimizes pores, I plan to use it every day. The best part: I can skip my morning coffee. The primer has caffeine in it to stimulate circulation and energize the skin. Also, try the Accentuate Bronzer/Highlighter for Face and Cheeks ($45) featuring a matte shade of bronzer designed for all skin tones and a shimmer finish highlighter in coral, rose or gold. Swarovski compact and kabuki brush ($225) sold separately. Available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom and www.rockandrepublic.com.

Friday, March 27, 2009

in your prime


If you've ever applied face makeup and found that all it does is accentuate your uneven texture and fine lines, you'll be thankful for Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer ($36). Just smooth it on alone or under foundation to create a radiant, even canvas before applying your makeup. The lightweight formula won't clog pores or irritate sensitive skin but it does give it a smooth, matte finish while absorbing excess oil. But what really intrigued me was the fact that it promises to reflect light to give skin a brilliant glow. I applied some to my face and immediately noticed Global Goddesses' smoothing properties, thanks in part to vitamins A and E which nourish and antioxidants which protect. It also contains licorice extract which boosts circulation, brightens skin tone and lightens the appearance of imperfections. While it definitely helps makeup slide on evenly and stay put longer, I love the fact that it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth on its own. Besides, who doesn't love an upgrade? Available at Dillard's locations nationwide and on www.victoriasecret.com and www.globalgoddessbeauty.com.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

under cover


So your life has been pretty stressful lately--too many important meetings to prepare for, late nights to recover from and emotional antics that really take their toll. The worst part is that more often than not, it all shows up on your face. If only there was a magic wand that could erase the damage. Introducing The Eraser ($19), a great new tool from Tarte Cosmetics. It's a 4-in-1 natural concealer that comes in ten shades to suit any skin color. Just swipe it under eyes day or night to send dark circles, blemishes and puffy eyes packing. The silicone and water based formula keeps skin hydrated and prevents creasing and caking. And a handful of hydrating, antioxidant-based ingredients like safflower seed oil, cucumber extract, vitamins C and E, and olive oil keep skin looking soft, smooth and brightened. I'm always wary of concealers that leave skin looking worse than it does naturally...but this one sounded so appealing, I couldn't wait to try it. Now I know why Mary Louise-Parker looked so great at the Golden Globes! Just twist the product up into the wand then brush it on. It absorbed easily and blended well with my skin tone. My skin felt soft and smooth--leaving me with nothing to hide! Check out www.tartecosmetics.com.