you can't be too rich!

I'm having a bad beauty day. I just got through trying to squeeze the last drop of Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion (6 0z., $10; 16 oz., $22) out of its bottle. I mean, the ink on the label is even worn off from overuse. The funny thing is, I'd never even heard of Olive Body Lotion until I received a sample to test-drive. Now I don't understand why there hasn't been much buzz about it. The only answer I can come up with is that its dedicated users want to keep it a secret so it doesn't go flying off the shelves, making it more difficult for them to get their fair share. When I first tried it, I figured it was going to be just another body lotion. But before long, I was addicted to its rich moisturizing properties, the way it left my skin feeling silky smooth, and its clean, refreshing scent (it's subtle but there). It's definitely a must-have after my showers when I smooth it on every inch of my body. And it dries in seconds so I can go about my day. I can assure you--I won't be lotion-less for long. I'm planning to go to www.mariobadescu.com as soon as I'm finished typing this to order more.

look on the bright side

Everyone wants to know models' secrets to looking amazing. Their hair and makeup tips and weight and exercise regimens are all forms of advice we want to follow ourselves in the hopes of achieving the same gorgeous results. Another mystery to add to the list: how do they get their pouty lips and pearly white smiles? Many rely on intelliWHITE Pout & Polish ($22), the first-ever non-peroxide stain remover for teeth that's safe on enamel and all dental work. Created by Cosmetic Dentist Jennifer Jablow, DDS, and endorsed and used by many of Ford Models' top faces, Pout & Polish is a 3-in-1 smile must-have for brighter teeth, plumper, glossier lips and fresher breath. Clinically proven to remove stains by 38% in just six uses, Pout & Polish is designed to be used after eating or drinking anything. In fact, the more you use it, the better it is for your teeth since it creates a barrier to prevent stains from forming and leaves teeth feeling smooth and perfectly polished. It's easy to use: Erase stains with one end; gloss lips with the other. Hey, if you can skip a teeth cleaning appointment here and there, why not? Try it yourself at www.rxbright.com.

happy earth day: shadow me

I'm not really an eye shadow person. I'm more of an eye shadow mishap waiting to happen. But when I saw the Smashbox Mother Earth Palette ($45), I couldn't resist. Just pick up the sustainable wood compact printed with eco-friendly ink and you feel like you're doing good in the world. And the truth is you are: With every purchase, a tree will be planted by Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable environments throughout the world. It feels substantial and seems to close securely even without a visible snap or clasp. But as much as I'd like to beautify forests everywhere, I'm still not going to buy makeup unless it works for me. This compact, it seems, would work for everyone. It's filled with four eyeshadows and a blush made from certifiable organic material. The colors are soft, pretty and perfect for spring. There's a cornflower blue shadow in a surprisingly muted hue, as well as a deep purple shade that works well in the crease and as an eyeliner. The other two shades are neutrals (one beige and one olive) so they serve as beautiful bases or subtle color for those who may be afraid of their own shadows! The blush, a peachy coral shade, is a fresh look for spring (it'll match your new coral pedicure!). Just dust on a touch and you've got a whole new spring makeup look. The Mother Earth Palette is available at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com.

happy earth day: keep it simple

I don't know about you guys but whenever I've had a long day and just need to crash, the last thing I can think about is skincare. I mean, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, eye cream, etc... I just want to fall into bed and catch some zzz's. Which, of course, is no frame of mind to be in when it comes to protecting your skin. Leave it to Envision Beauty to come up with a solution, which is exactly what it's appropriately called. The Solution ($74) is an advanced anti-aging complex designed to restore, perfect and protect. It's a combination day cream, night cream, makeup primer and anti-aging cream in one (how convenient!) Packed with goji berry, acai, grapeseed and vitamins (A, B5, C and E), it smooths on easily and feels like a great base on your skin. But that's not all. THe Solution promises to reduce wrinkle density and the appearance of fine lines, and improve collagen production to promote healthy, radiant skin for all skin types. Founder Kimberly Snyder is not only trying to simplify your life, she's also on a mission to help others. At least 10% of the profits from Envision Beauty go to Project Concern International, a charity that focuses on sustainable, humanitarian projects around the world. So click on www.envision-beauty.com to order The Solution today. Make it an Earth Day gift to yourself.

happy earth day: get fresh

Be a natural this Earth Day and join the quest by Fresh to promote all natural ingredients. The company's Get More, Give More Earth Day special aims to create awareness for ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil, rose, soy, sugar and Umbrian clay. At the 15 Fresh stores nationwide, customers can see, feel and touch these ingredients and learn about their beneficial properties at specially constructed ingredient bars. You'll also receive a 20% discount on some of these iconic items when you make a purchase. What's more, Fresh will donate 10% of the day's in-store and online profits to The Climate Group, an international, non-profit organization that creates eco-conscious initiatives to ensure a low-carbon, prosperous future. Try the Brown Sugar Body Polish ($65), made of all natural brown sugar crystals, designed to maintain moisture while buffing away dry skin cells, and new Soy Face Cream with rose water and cucumber extract. Go to www.fresh.com to stock up now and make a difference.

happy earth day: i heart tarte

If you care one iota about the planet we live on, go on a Tarte shopping spree this month. This eco-chic company, founded by beauty addict Maureen Kelly in 1999, serves up endless healthy, nourishing beauty products packed with skinvigorating ingredients. They are 100% paraben, petro-chemical, phthtalate, sulfate, and synthetic fragrance-free and come in recyclable packages that help reduce environmental waste. For starters, try the Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) limited edition set ($35) featuring three 24.7 natural lip sheers, appropriately called reduce (shimmery coral), reuse (pink) and recycle (nude) plus a reusable natural cotton tote. They feel velvety soft, offer just a hint of color, contain SPF 15 and come in post-consumer recycled aluminum. Another award-winning option: Tarte Natural Cheek Stain ($28), made of natural mineral pigments. This perfectly swirled solid cheek color glides on ever-so-smoothly, provides antioxidants to keep your skin looking its best and gives you a subtle blush of color. You have 15-20 seconds to blend it into your skin to achieve perfect color placement. Julianne Moore and Ellen Pompeo are fans. Tarte's Rise & Shine Lip Stain and Lip-Enhancing Gloss ($21) is one of my favorite products (one of Katherine Heigl's too!). The gel-based tint adds a decent amount of color (I tried mauve) and the gloss really makes it look natural while adding a healthy dose of shine. To join the crusade in protecting the environment, go to www.tartecosmetics.com and shop Tarte today!

go organic

In honor of Earth Day this month, many beauty companies are going green and launching new organic and earth-friendly products. And as part of a special Earth Day promotion, a portion of proceeds from any Physician's Formula Organic Wear purchase ($7-$14) will go to Global Green USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to "fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment." In addition, you get a free lip gloss with a purchase of the blush/bronzer and a free mascara when you buy the tinted moisturizer. Christina Applegate and Laura Linney are fans. Here's why: The brand's EcoCert seal means it's internationally recognized certified organic, ie: the company guarantees the genuine practice of environmental respect throughout the formulation and manufacturing of the product, 100% of the total ingredients are of a natural origin and 16% of the total ingredients are produced from organic farming. It's 100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, parabens, GMO's (genetically modified organisms), synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances and it's cruelty free. OK, we get it. It's all good. But what about the makeup itself? Made with OrganiSoy to help even skin tone and Eco-Olive, a natural antioxidant that helps shield skin from harsh environmental factors, the fine Italian powder offers buildable color to naturally enhance and accentuate cheeks. I swap the conveniently compact mini brush that's included for my favorite full-size model, brush it across the product to evenly blend the two shades and swipe it on. The color is subtle but can be layered to meet your desired coverage. The compact is equally eco-friendly. At first, it looks a bit cheap in the package but take it out and it feels totally substantial. It looks like it's made of a light-colored wood (but it's really recyclable paper!) and is adorned with green leaves. One side opens to reveal the product and the other houses the mini brush and mirror. It snaps shut easily and securely without any cumbersome latches or hinges (or at least none that show). All in all, it makes me excited for spring. Also try the Loose Powder, Matte Finishing and Bronzing Veil, Eye Shadow Duo, Eyeliner Pencil, Lip Veil and Foundation, all available at Target, Duane Reade, CVS and other mass retailers. Additional info at www.physiciansformula.com.
*This Saturday from 10AM to 6PM, stop by the Go Green Expo at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan (1335 Avenue of the Americas at 53rd Street). Just bring any old plastic compact to the Physician's Formula booth and trade it in for an Organic Wear 2-in-1 blush/bronzer recyclable paper compact for FREE!