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.


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

st. patrick's day beauty: go green


Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, right? So if you want to get into the holiday spirit, but wouldn't be caught dead in a bright green dress or a shamrock tattoo, here's a more subtle way to celebrate. Try Sue Devitt's Hydrating Marine Minerals Eye Palette in Green Isles ($37.50).

No, it's not a throwback to the seventies--it's the 2010 version of eye shadow chic. With four glamorous shades to help you shade, highlight, line and define, the palette gives you long-lasting eye color and high-impact beauty.

But not only does it make your eyes look alluring, the unique formulation offers extraordinary hydrating and refreshing properties of the sea, designed to increase skin's moisture level and vitality. (Great for eyes that have started to show their age!) It contains Sea Butter, Shea Butter, Ceramide 2 and Hyaluronic Acid in addition to vitamins, minerals and proteins that help skin absorb water from the air while restoring skin's natural elasticity. So it goes on smoothly and stays on till the party's over!

I have always had a passion for green shadow--maybe because it adds life to my naturally green eyes--but have often been afraid to apply it. This palette offers options for the more timid as well as the more daring among us. For more info, go to www.suedevittbeauty.com.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

st. patrick's day beauty: pretty green things

A touch of green can turn a basic manicure into one that really turns heads. For St. Paddy's Day, paint your digits with Sula's Paint & Peel Polish in Fern ($9). The nature-inspired shade gives nails a fresh, clean look and pays homage to the famous shamrocks the holiday is known for. The best part: The one-of-a-kind, water-based formula lets you peel off the polish in one clean sweep--no nail polish remover required! So you can show off your Irish roots on Wednesday and go back to pristine pink the morning after. Check out this and other radiant shades at www.sulabeauty.com and celebrate in style.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

moisture where you need it

When it comes to moisturizers, it's hard to choose the one that's right for you especially when you skin craves hydration one minute but not so much so the next. Extreme Regenovive Hydro-Zone ($47.50) by Italian Beauty’s Perlier, which launched exclusively at HSN and hsn.com this past Sunday, uses ‘smart hydration’ technology, targeting the parts of your skin that need moisture the most. Thanks to Trehalose-2 alpha, a natural sugar found in the desert rose that absorbs moisture and gradually releases it, Hydro-Zone absorbs and distributes moisture according to the needs of the skin--even in extreme climate conditions. The first thing I noticed when applying Hydro-Zone is its smooth, moisturizing texture. Just apply twice daily after your cleansing routine and you'll be giving your skin the hydration it craves. It's also designed to fight the signs of stress, time and age...what more could you want in a moisturizer? No matter what your skin type, it's worth trying. Go to www.HSN.com to purchase.

Friday, March 5, 2010

the oscars: what will they be wearing?

Read my interviews with Hollywood's top celebrity stylists at

Plus, check out these fashion bloopers from award shows past, at

Enjoy the show!

Monday, March 1, 2010

expert advice: get a gorgeous spring makeup look from Sarah Lucero of Stila


The Fall 2010 NY Fashion Week shows may have just wrapped up but new spring beauty products and makeup tips are on everyone's lips...literally! The brains behind the beauty at shows like Betsey Johnson and Lela Rose, among others, Stila makeup will definitely make an impact this season. Sarah Lucero, Stila’s Pro Artist, shares her spring 2010 beauty tips.

“The spring beauty looks have color and vivid shades on the eyes and lips. Lipstick is making a huge comeback; we are using bold bright shades that leave a matte finish. Reds, Hot Pinks, and Bold Orange are seen at many shows and have created a beautiful trend. Keep the skin smooth and dewy, as this will allow bold eyes and lips to stand out and look modern. If you over-apply foundation, it will take away the youthful glow and you will look like you have on too much makeup. Try using a tinted moisturizer with illumination in it – Stila has Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer and almost all skin tones and types can wear either shade 1 or shade 2. it just brightens up your skin and adds hydration to dull skin. Cheeks have a pink flush and you can achieve this by using a gel cheek and lip stain such as Stila Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. It will last all day and give you that youthful flush we all want that! Think fun color, vivid hues, and a beautiful glow and sheen on the skin.”

Test drive these beautiful Stila products yourself to get a fresh new look for spring. Stila One Step Makeup ($44) is my favorite. The four-in-one primer, foundation, concealer and powder blend flawlessly into your skin and feels luxurious on. This, from someone who is not a foundation fan. But any product that can conceal my lack of sleep is more than OK in my book! The Stila Jewel Luxe Lip Glaze Trio ($34) is another winner--three glosses that glide on gorgeously and leave a trial of sequin-y reflections on lips. They all contain Stila's Exclusive Gem Complex, which contains diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal. The amethyst shade looks dark in the tube but brushes on with just the right dose of color and moisturizes while it softens. The Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette ($32) offers four glittery shades that leave you sparkling. They feel creamy on so they're easily blendable and will last all day. Personally, I'd rather sparkle at night but they do that too. Stila's Black Diamond Mascara ($24) is very cool. I tried the black with silver shimmer--it lengthens lashes and leaves them looking like you've just come in out of a gentle snow flurry. All are available at www.stilacosmetics.com.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

ole henriksen fights winter skin


We're having a wacky winter in New York--ridiculous snowstorms, torrential rains and whipping winds. You can wrap yourself from head to toe in coats, scarves, hats and gloves...but unless you hide behind a heavy-duty ski mask, your face is exposed. Ole Henriksen comes to the rescue with its Skin Insulator comforting creme with SPF 15 ($35). They should have a stash in Vancouver! This creamy concoction has Grape Seed Oil to nourish skin and Borage Seed Oil to prevent irritation, dryness and water loss. It smells a little fruity so I never leave for the day without a healthy dose. At night, I opt for Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel ($45), an AHA gel that actually smooths and tightens your skin as you sleep. Designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and breakouts, it really revives skin and you wake up feeling refreshed. Another favorite is the Fresh Start Eye Cream ($38), which feels rich and soothing while it smooths and firms the under eye area. Talk about sweet dreams! Purchase these and other Ole Henriksen products at www.OleHenriksen.com.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

expert advice: revive winter skin with Votre Vu


While dreams of warmer weather grow more frequent, winter is still here. And what better place to put the ravages of the season to the test than at last month's Sundance Film Festival. Makeup artist Olaf Derlig made Marisa Tomei paparazzi-ready within minutes using Votre Vu products from Paris. He started by applying Wrinkle Eraser all over her face to give her glowing skin. This magic potion actually erases crows feet and fine lines around lips. (How can a product with such a tough job actually smell so good? Is it the Manoi Tiare Oil?) Then he smoothed lips with Luxe Lips to add moisture and shine. Makeup artist Jessica Liparoto relied on the Attentive line to whip Adrien Brody into star-shape. "He's very particular about what he puts on his face and tends to stick to what he knows," says Liparoto. "I was very impressed with Tragic Magic Rescue Creme. It completely balanced him out. I also used Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm on him." Makeup artist Jordan Long used Votre Vu Habitude Men's Daily Face Crème SPF15 on Joseph Gordon Levitt (Hesher). She said, "It hydrated without looking greasy." She also applied Tout Le Monde antioxidant eye gelee to combat slight puffiness and fatigue. Makeup artist Jordan Long also worked on up-and-comer Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone). "I used the Tragic Magic Rescue Creme to calm her skin as she had slight redness," says Long. "I also used Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm for a nice nourishing base before I applied lipstick." I followed this tip and I haven't left my apartment for a week without it. Talk about velvety smooth--it glides on and blocks winds that whip up unexpectedly. It's supposed to minimize fine lines too--any help is appreciated! To shop for these and other Votre Vu products, go to www.votrevu.com.