expert advice: Face Stockholm keeps skin hydrated

I'm the first to admit my skin craves moisture in the winter. So I was excited to try Face Stockholm's Moisturizing Treatment Masque ($38). The lightweight gel went on smoothly and tightened as it dried, feeling like it was hydrating, balancing and smoothing my skin where needed. It has soothing botanicals and rich hydrators like Olive Oil, Witch Hazel, Lavender Extract and Green Tea Extract to moisturize dull, dehydrated skin. The trick is removing the mask when it's dry. The instructions say, "peel from bottom to top," which made me think it would come off easily. Not so. When I started to peel it off, it mostly came off in large pieces but I had to work a little to peel off some smaller spots and then wash off the remnants. It left me wondering whether you could do more damage to your skin using this type of product, from either pulling it off your face or slightly scraping to get off the remaining pieces. Can this kind of product strip away much-needed oil from your skin? I asked a Face Stockholm expert, who assured me I was following the instructions correctly. "That is the appropriate way to take off the Moisturizing Masque. The masque will come off in larger portions, the only damage you should be wary of is around the hairline or eyebrows- no one wants a surprise waxing! But actually it works by sealing in moisture and once dry, the only thing that is removed as it’s peeled away is the scale layer/dead skin. So it is actually exfoliating and moisturizing simultaneously. The skin's oils are not stripped away, that would only happen with a highly acidic or alcohol based product." Whew...relief. My skin felt smoother and tighter afterward. For a more regular moisturizing treatment, I prefer the company's Seaweed Cream ($54), a soothing moisturizer with extensive healing ingredients like Algae Extract and Allantoin that also protect skin from the elements. I love the way it makes my skin feels smooth and soft...and safe to use daily. For more info, go to www.facestockholm.com.

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.

vday beauty: make eyes

Whether you share a sly glance, a quick peek, or seriously lock eyes across the room, you'll want to make a statement. For a last minute makeup boost this Valentine's Day, try Mineral Fusion Lengthening Mascara ($16). I have used cute, compact barrels which are easy to stash in a purse for a while now so I was surprised at how much easier it was to control this full-size version. No vibrations, no slick combs, no gimmicks. Just brush it on and watch your lashes lengthen. The first application lifts and slightly curls. Add a second coat and lashes appear thicker and longer, without clumping. Plus, it contains antioxidant protection, thanks to white tea, red tea, pomegranate and vitamins. Choose from Rock (a natural looking dark brown) and Graphite (black) at www.mineralfusioncosmetics.com, then go ahead--bat away.

vday gift guide: chocolate queen

In honor of Valentine's Day, Sweet Jewels Bakery in NYC joins forces with Lipstick Queen's Poppy King to create a limited edition fiery cake ball made of red velvet cake blended with spiced cinnamon frosting, dipped in chocolate, & rolled in coconut flakes with a red hot candy in the center. Inspired by the sheer red FIRED UP LIP GLOSS from Lipstick Queen, this red velvet cupcake is the perfect bite-size sweet and spicy treat. You get a box of five individually foil-wrapped balls in a black box with a beautiful hang tag which can include a handwritten note at your request. Available for a limited time only - from Valentine's Day throughout next week. Go to www.sweetjewelsnyc.com or www.lipstickqueen.com to purchase. You can also check out LIPSTICK QUEEN's Fired Up Power Gloss at www.lipstickqueen.com.

vday beauty: get a sweet makeup look with Josie Maran makeup

Ready for date night? Not so fast. Refresh your makeup regimen with these pretty products from beauty expert Josie Maran. They're perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond...

On eyes: Sweep easy-to-blend, long wearing velvety eye shadow ($20) in Valentine (light pink shimmer) over lids and Chianti (muted red plum shimmer) in the crease for a romantic approach to smoky eyes. Other pretty shades include Sweetheart (cream shimmer), Sweet-Talk (cream nude shimmer) and Beach (ivory beige shimmer). For an edgier effect, try Pewter (silver shimmer) or Embrace (soft copper shimmer) all over the lid. They're all available in a beautiful biodegradable case (made of corn plastic!).

On cheeks: Add a touch of Cream Blush ($22) in Sunset (coral) to give cheeks a pretty flush. It's a lightweight, natural shade that blends flawlessly into your skin and gives you just the right amount of color you need.

On lips: Try Lip Gloss (now $10!) in Authentic (a coral pink shimmer). The non-sticky formula with organic Argan oil gives you natural-looking color with sophisticated shine (no glossy goop to deal with). The brush applicator makes it easy to apply and smooths the product evenly across your lips.

After the party: Come clean with Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($6-$12). These natural cleansing cloths are biodegradable (meaning they won’t clog landfills after you throw them away) and they’re made with natural ingredients that will soothe, comfort, and gently cleanse your skin without harsh chemicals or toxins. (Note: They work well with Josie Maran makeup but not as well on my hard core eyeliner from another brand).

Get this look and others at www.sephora.com.

vday gift guide: light my fire

My husband knew something was up when I emerged from the bathroom with wafts of raspberry, currant, white peach, fresh greens, and organic vanilla extract trailing behind me. I had decided to take a long, luxurious shower via relaxing candlelight (one of my most favorite things!) and I chose Infusion Organique's new Acai Rain Soy Blend Candle ($42) to transport me to an exotic location, like the Brazilian Rainforest, and it really delivered. It smelled sweet and luxurious at the same time. And if you're thinking of gifting it, the package is a winner. The candle is housed in a thick, square, glass case printed with a beautiful flower so it looks as great as it smells. The candle, along with the complementary Acai Rain Eau de Parfum, are both offered at www.ronrobinson.com and www.b-glowing.com.

expert advice: get this sexy Vday look, from makeup artist Angela Civale for Tarte

This Valentine's Day, it's OK--be a Tarte! Just don't look like one. Makeup Artist Angela Civale makes it easy with these great products from Tarte Cosmetics. On eyes: Go for the sexy, smoky look: Try Eye Couture Day-to-Night Palette ($44). On lashes: Try multiplEYE™ Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22) and Mascara ($24). On cheeks: Don't bother with blush. Get a natural flush with Natural Cheek Stain in True Love ($30). On lips: For a romantic pout, Apply Double-Ended Lipgloss, in shades that honor the most famous couples in history: Fred & Ginger, Tarzan & Jane, Odysseus & Penelope ($10 now until Valentine's Day; regular retail price $19). On lips: Get a pout that stays put with new Natural Gel Lip Stains ($24). The mint-infused formula is available in Lust, Enchanted, Amused & Charmed. All products are available at www.tarte.com, except for the Lip Stains which are available at Sephora and www.Sephora.com.