shiny happy people

There's so much hype about this product--backordered for months--thar I just had to try it! A miracle serum, they say? Hmmm... Let's see. I smooth it on pre-shampoo to intensely hydrate and condition my hair and I also try it after blow drying as a shine serum with UV protection (just a drop will do to avoid the greasy look). When I style my hair, it looks chic, straight, and--yes!--it really shines. But I'm not the only one who thinks so. Chris McMillian uses it on Jennifer Aniston's famous locks. Sheryl Crowe, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kate Bosworth and Emily Blunt are also fans. It smells sweet (think camillia) too which makes you want to rub some on. The best part is that you get such a gorgeous shine, you instantly think you should save it for a special occasion but, the truth is, you can use it any day! To try it yourself, go to www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/styling/design-and-perfect/essence-absolue.htm and order your very own bottle.

hello spring!

This past weekend, I was finally able to indulge myself with a professional body scrub at my local Equinox Fitness Club (www.equinoxfitness.com). I had been dying to shed my skin of the ravages of winter and smooth things over in celebration of the new season. The esthetician used loofah gloves and a sea salt/aromatherapy oil mixture to exfoliate my skin from head to toe. I left feeling smoothed, soothed, revived and ready to show some skin this spring.

I also left wondering how I would maintain my silky smooth look and feel. Thankfully, I found Naturopathica Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub ($28). Its gently granulated formula features micro-ground bamboo to slough away outer layers while extracts of Sugar Cane, Citrus and Apple penetrate for deeper exfoliation. It has a zesty lemon scent (thanks to lemongrass, mimosa, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang), so if you work it into your AM shower routine, it will really give you the lift you need to get your day started. Check out www.Naturopathica.com and spas nationwide for more info or to purchase.

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.

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.

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.

the oscars: what will they be wearing?

Read my interviews with Hollywood's top celebrity stylists at

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/02/24/2010-oscar-nominees-dresses-predictions/.

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

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/03/01/oscar-style-bloopers-oscars-2010/

Enjoy the show!

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.