beauty school

Every so often I have those days when I wish I had a big-time makeup artist living in my medicine cabinet. That way, I could open the door, have her reach out a brush or sponge, and make me look picture perfect. But, of course, that would be ridiculous (especially given the size of medicine cabinets in Manhattan apartments!) If you can relate, I urge you to get to Bloomingdale's on Thursday, May 7th, for a playful day of beauty plus a two-hour makeup lesson from one of the world's leading makeup artists, Trish McEvoy. Her Power of Makeup Master Classes feature new products, makeup tips and application techniques. The cost ($150, redeemable in products) is definitely worth all the expert advice. The place: Bloomingdale's, 1000 third Avenue, New York City. The time: 5:30 PM or 7 PM sessions. The products: www.saksfifthavenue.com.

happy mother's day: time to dash!

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than by spending quality time with your daughter? Dashing Diva and Harlequin Books have the answer--with a special event commemorating Mother's Day and the launch of a new book, 113 Things To Do Before You Turn 13, by Brittany and Terri MacLeod. This beauty extravaganza will take place Tuesday evening, May 5th, from 5-7 PM at the New York Dashing Diva salon (149 Third Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets). Just purchase a mani/pedi treatment for yourself (you deserve it!) and your daughter (13 and under) gets free little diva services and a great goody bag to go home with! Books will be available for purchase. Also, click on www.dashingdiva.com and check out the gorgeous Dashing Diva Manhattan Collection Nail Colors in cremes, sheers, shimmers, frosts and nudes, as well as other best-sellers like nail kits, hair removal kits and skin care treatments--all designed to make you look dashing!

happy mother's day: curl girls

Anyone with curly hair knows the drill--go to Ouidad. You may have been battling your curls all your life but you won't know how to truly treat them right unless you enlist this expert's help. The pioneer of the curl movement, Ouidad knows just what it takes to get a curl to look its best--no more unruly mess! Her salons in New York City and Santa Monica (and other Ouidad certified stores across the US) are the destination hot spot for the curl and wave set. If your mom fits the bill, get her a gift certificate for an ultimate curl treatment this Mother's Day. Curl experts will solve her curl questions and tend to her stressed tresses with indulgent treatments. Or try the brand's signature Deep Treatment, a protein and amino acid rich formula that feeds and strengthens hair while rebuilding the inner layer to give curls bounce and shine. An added bonus: Bring mom into the New York or Santa Monica salon between now and May 17th and receive a 30% discount on her services. Or pick up some products for her to try at home: Ouidad Deep Treatment, regularly $42.50, is 30% off till May 15th! Go to www.ouidad.com to purchase products, find a salon or store near you, or take the curl profiler quiz to determine your individual curl-defining needs.

look younger with Lancôme

We all know how hard it is to find the perfect gift for mom. Lancôme is here to help. Stop by the Lancôme counter at Saks Fifth Avenue on Monday, May 4th, from 3PM-5PM, to get a personally signed copy of the best-selling book, "How Not To Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways To Look Ten Years Younger, Ten Pounds Lighter, Ten Times Better," by beauty and fashion journalist Charla Krupp. The book, which features Krupp's age-defying tricks such as picking pink for your pout, arching your brows upward, whitening your teeth, wearing your hair in bangs, switching to cream blush and illuminating your face and hair, is free with any $150 purchase. The personal appearance is part of Lancôme’s “Ageless Beauty Secrets Event” featuring new skincare innovations, mini-facials and makeup touch-ups. Space is limited so call 212.940.2199 to reserve an appointment. A $50 reservation fee is required but you can redeem it in Lancôme products. Check out Lancôme’s amazing new products for summer 2009 (like Laque Fever Full Color Lipshine, pictured here) at www.Lancome-USA.com.

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.