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.


Friday, May 27, 2011

look like a natural beauty


Summer is fast approaching. Whether you're frolicking at the beach or socializing downtown, you'll want to achieve a natural summer glow. Here, some tips on how to look like a natural beauty from stylist Susan Redstone, as seen today on Atlanta TV.

Prep Your Skin: Red Carpet Primer from emergenC
Red Carpet Primer ($42) from emerginC is a tinted primer that's infused with plant-based plumping micro-spheres and Vitamin C to immediately reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.You'll see almost immediate plumping of the skin surface which reduces small wrinkles within one hour – leaving skin plump, smooth and ready for the red carpet! Available at leading spas nationwide, plus www.emerginc.com.

Show Off Your DNA: Growth Factor Serum from DNA EGF Renewal
Growth Factor Serum from DNA EGF Renewal ($145) is alightweight plant-based serum that accelerates the growth of healthy skin cells so that texture is refined, pores look visibly smaller, and younger, fresher skin emerges. - The line was created by top dermatologist Dr Ron Moy, who is on the forefront of DNA technology and Growth Factors in skincare. Available via www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Hydrate Your Lips: LypSyl Lip Balm
LypSyl lip balm ($2.99) originated in Sweden over 100 years ago, with a name derived from the Swedish to communicate the soothing and natural benefits of beeswax. Formulated from all-natural, pure Swedish beeswax, LypSyl products combine natural and therapeutic ingredients like organic Shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A, providing unsurpassed moisture and lip protection. LypSyl has a unique creamy texture and lightweight consistency that goes on smoothly and feels better on lips than other leading brands. LypSyl offers a unique patented lip balm delivery system with a sliding bee that is easy to use and helps to apply the lip balm more evenly. Try the LypSyl HoneyBerry SPF at Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Shop-Rite and Wal-Mart stores and www.drugstore.com.

Sleek Legs: Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razor
The new Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razor ($7) with a handle scented in Skintimate's best-selling scent, Raspberry Rain, keeps your legs smooth for that natural beauty look. The brand's multi-city "shower your senses" mobile tour will be at the Atlanta SummerFest on the weekend of June 4th so you can stop by for product giveaways, fun activities and more. Available at drugstores nationwide.

A Perfect Fit: FIT ME! from Maybelline New York
The first shade-aligned system of foundation, concealer, powder and blush, the new Fit Me! Collection features Maybelline New York’s largest range of shades to date - 18 shades of foundation and powder, 6 shades of concealer, 12 shades of blush and 3 shades of bronzer – all offering coverage that blends weightlessly and matches skin tone flawlessly. It’s a full regimen of lightweight face products tailor made for individual skin tones, featuring a technology that blends and enhances skin tone. All products go beyond basic shade matching, leaving skin the way it was meant to be –fresh, breathing, perfectly flawless and most importantly let’s YOU be YOU. Fit Me! goes beyond matching. It let’s skin breathe without clogging pores – providing a coverage that’s not opaque or dry, but perfectly fresh and natural. The formula delivers ultimate blendability, breathable skin, and True to Her color for a custom-fit effect. Fit Me! Foundation ($7.99) is a unique translucent base combined with ultra-lightweight pigments that allow the foundation to give replicate the shade on the skin and natural coverage. Also try Fit Me! Powder ($7.99), Fit Me! Concealer ($6.49) and Fit Me! Blush ($5.51) at mass market retailers nationwide.

Go Nude: Nyx Cosmetics' Nude on Nude Palette
This beautiful Nude on Nude palette ($25) contains a collection of effortless earthy hues and shades to complement and emphasize your natural beauty, all available in one sleek compact palette! There are 20 eyeshadows and 10 lip colors to choose from. This is one of Nyx’s top-sellers. This is a very popular summer gift for brides-to-be as well. For more info, go to www.nyxcosmetics.com. Talk about looking good in the nude.


Thursday, May 19, 2011

treat and conceal: it's a miracle!

Have you ever tried to use a concealer to erase dark circles, even out skin tone or hide other skin flaws, only to find that you could still see the flaws right through? Not this time. Miracle Skin Transformer's next-generation 3-in-1 Treat & Conceal concealer ($36) really does the trick. It blends right into your skin, actually erasing everything you ever wanted to hide.

The first-ever naturally derived silicone based concealer, Treat & Conceal hydrates, covers and protects with powerful treatment benefits. Designed for use on both the under eye area and the face, Treat & Conceal will correct, cover and protect all of your skin’s concerns leaving you with a flawless complexion.

The best part: You can actually see the difference. I kept walking from room to room trying to look at my skin in better light because I just couldn't believe the coverage. Available in light, light/medium and medium, see for yourself at www.miracleskintransformer.com.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

May is Melanoma Awareness Month


As melanoma is the fastest growing and most lethal form of skin cancer, it's important to know these relevant facts and be familiar with simple ways to protect yourself.

FACTS: Melanoma Research Foundation – www.melanoma.org
· Every hour of every day someone in the United States dies from melanoma
· Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and World Wide
· Most melanoma is curable in the early stages with an over 90% survival rate
· Most causes of melanoma are caused by exposure to UV light and sunlight.

Dr. Leonard Farber, founder of the Farber Center in NYC says to know your ABC’s. Danger signs of malignant melanomas:
A: Asymmetry (uneven shape)
B: Border (irregular or jagged)
C: Color (varied- often mixed black, brown, tan or any change in color)
D: Diameter (large size (¼ inch or 6mm, typically the size of a pencil eraser)
E: Evolving- moles that change in size, shape, color, or elevation

Carefully examine your skin once a month and see a dermatologist if you notice any changes. If melanoma runs in your family, make sure all of your family members are checked regularly by a dermatologist once or twice a year. Protect yourself from UV radiation by practicing safe sun habits:
  • Avoid the sun during the peak hours (generally 10AM - 4PM)
  • Use sunscreen daily. Sunscreen should contain elements which block both UVA and UVB rays and should have an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after sweating or swimming. Do not use a sunscreen to spend more time in the sun.
  • Wear protective clothing if you are going to be exposed to a lot of sun (or you are particularly sun sensitive). Wear a wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirts/pants, and sunglasses.
  • Avoid tanning salons. Exposure to tanning salons increases your risk of melanoma.
More on Melanoma Month to come...stay tuned!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

in condition


"Try it, you'll like it?" It's more like "Try it, you'll love it!" My hair has never looked or felt so good. I can't stop running my hands through it ever since I tried Wen® Cleansing Conditioner. It feels so silky soft that you feel like you should be hired to star in the commercial.

This is truly a revolutionary new concept in hair care. A 5-in-1 formula, this one product takes the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos—it is designed so it won't strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention.

Celebrity stylist Chaz Dean created Wen®, an industry-changing product line that is the first ever to exclude ordinary shampoo. What sets Wen® apart from the rest is its cleansing conditioner, a single-step process that cleanses and conditions the hair simultaneously.

You won't believe it till you try it--so go to www.wenhaircare.com now to place your order.



Sunday, May 8, 2011

happy mother's day: luxe treats

The best mother's day gift also make great gifts all year long. These treats from Sara Happ are a perfect treat for moms who never take time for themselves.

The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ ($24), the original lip exfoliant, comes in great flavors like vanilla bean (shown here), almond creme, peppermint, brown sugar, cinammon sugar, cocoa and creme brulee, is designed to eliminate dry, flaky skin to leave lips ridiculously soft and supple. Just massage onto lips in a circular motion then wipe away with a tissue. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

The Lip Slip By Sara Happ ($24), otherwise known as one luxe balm, offers the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable. Wear it all day. Wear it overnight. Results are immediate. It's infused with Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Macadamia nut oils, with a polymer blend that took two years to perfect. Smooth onto lips after exfoliating. Wear it alone for universally appealing shine that brings out your lips' natural color, wear it over color for unbelievable shine, or put it on before bedtime and wake up to a plump, baby-soft pout.

Vanilla Bean Body Scrub by Sara Happ ($46) is silky, not greasy, hydrating, not oily, gentle enough to do no harm and tough enough to remove even the roughest dead skin. Kukui nut, macadamia and sweet almond oils that leave zero residue behind and sugar crystals get the job done right. Massage a generous amount onto wet skin using a firm, circular motion then scrub away. Rinse thoroughly and reveal smooth skin all over.

Go to www.sarahapp.com for more info.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

spring fever


It doesn't take much to look good this spring. But you do need a good line of basic makeup products to start with. Lavera delivers with good-for-you ingredients like organic oils and flower extracts for a natural makeup look and feel this season.

The European beauty brand trades in harmful synthetics like parabens, emulsifiers, petroleum, phthalates, lead, synthetic preservatives and fragrances for natural, effective plant-based alternatives that arecertified organic whenever possible. Every cruelty-free, biodegradable product represents a smart, gentle choice for the skin, body and earth.

Luxe Lashes: Whether you're at an indoor business meeting or an outdoor happy hour, you need this mascara. Lavera's Double Black Mascara ($20), made with organic beeswax and oil, includes a precision brush on one end to lengthen, strengthen and separate for ultimate impact, and a volume brush on the other end to create a breathtakingly full fan of lashes and holds lashes in place.

Lip Shtick: Give lips a lift with this formula that's sure to dazzle. Lavera's Glossy Lips ($15), formulated with carefully selected, high-quality olive and jojoba oils as well as a soothing, pampering vitamins and minerals, is a must-have accessory. After just one swipe across each lips, you'll see a soft, healthy pout and a touch of seductive shimmer that really sparkles day or night. Available Shades: Shining Star, Rosy Promise, Magic Red, Almond Kiss.

Skin Is In: Illuminate your skin with this super-smooth, all-natural foundation. Lavera's Natural Liquid Foundation ($20) is a hydrating foundation that blends easily and hides imperfections. Free-radical fighting argan oil, organic blossom butter and vitamins A, C and E protect, rejuvenate and nourish skin. Available Shades: Porcelain, Ivory, Honey, Almond.

For more info or to purchase products, go to www.lavera.com.


Sunday, April 24, 2011

'70s style


From the catwalk to the sidewalk, spring 2011 is all about 70’s.

Prints and vibrant fabrics sashayed down the runway at Marc Jacobs and Gucci, Coach is re-launching their iconic 70’s bag exclusively with Net-a-Porter, and Hollywood's leading ladies such as Nicole Richie, AnnaLynne McCord and Kristen Bell are sporting the laid-back style.


For me, the seventies was all about bell-bottoms, Charlie's Angels, winged-hair and roller skating parties. But I also remember the makeup--frosted lips and shimmery eye shadow, to be specific. Urban Decay brings back that '70's glamour with its Urban Decay Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette ($32) that's sure to bring out your inner disco diva.


The Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette contains three neutral shadows: verve (beige), suspect (gold) and darkhorse (khaki) and one pop of bright pink, called woodstock, to create shimmering neutral looks with an easy-to-add hit of color for the ultimate disco glow. It comes with one 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey (a medium shade of brown) that really does glide on and a mini tube of Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in a hot pink hue (it's more wearable than it sounds as it goes on less bold and it cools and plumps your lips in the process).

Available at Sephora, ULTA, Macy’s, Sephora.com, Beauty.com, ULTA.com and UrbanDecay.com