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, February 3, 2012

DNA Renewal: the anti-aging miracle


Who doesn't want to turn back the clock a couple of years when it comes to skin care? Decrease some of those fine (or not-so-fine) lines, smooth your skin's surface and look brighter, firmer and more radiant overall? Now there's help, with DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser ($28) and DNA Night Renewal ($130), both designed to repair photo damaged aging skin.

I have to admit: I tried them reluctantly as I've tried so many products that promise the same youthful effects. But I tried them each for a few weeks, giving me time to see the fruitful results. My skin not only feels softer and smoother but I definitely see some optimistic retexturizing results. Fine lines seem finer, deep lines seem more subtle. Granted, there's no surefire way to go back to the old days but every little bit of skin renewal helps!

The Foaming Cleanser's gentle, non-irritating formula genlty washes away dirt, oil and makeup, leaving clean, vibrant skin. Its unique ingredient, AHC, a glycolic sugar acid, is combined with amino acid for slow, controlled release, reducing stinging or irritation that's typically associated with standard AHA's. Apply it with a washcloth or soft brush before bed or in the AM then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

The Night Renewal lotion has an advanced liposome delivery system to maximize cell repair while your body sleeps. It works overtime to regenerate cells and counter photo-aging damage to restore skin's vitality. Ideal for dry and stressed skin, smooth it on before bedtime and you'll wake up looking and feeling more youthful.

To order and get these amazing results for yourself, go to www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

undermakeup moisture with atopalm

Try applying makeup right after your favorite moisturizer and you may find yourself in slippery territory. Now there's a new way to get makeup to stay put: With Atopalm Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream, a unique, paraben-free formula designed to hydrate skin while creating the perfect canvas for flawless makeup application.

Its patented MLW technology, made with plant-derived ingredients, is the secret. It mimics the structure of the skin's natural lipids, replenishing lost moisture while protecting over-evaporation, leaving skin soft, supple and comfortable.

Sounds too good to be true? It's not. I tried it under concealer, foundation and blush, only to see results as promised. All makeup stayed in place and my skin felt great too. But the formula is so smooth, I like to wear it without makeup too.

Designed to treat dry, sensitive, sun-damaged skin, Atopalm products are rich, emollient and non-greasy. Check out other Atopalm face products like the Eye Repair Serum, Skin Revitalizing Complex, Facial Cleansing Foam and Cleansing Wipes at www.atopalm.com.

Monday, January 30, 2012

New Year, New You Beauty, as seen on FOX 31 Denver, Colorado's Everyday Show: expert advice from beauty and style expert Susan Redstone


Did you know, you should replace your mascara every three months? And your foundation, every six? Beauty products do have a shelf life, and we'll show you what to toss and when. Luckily, since new beauty innovations pop up just as fast, if it's time to toss out some of those antique products and make room for some new items, Beauty and Style expert Susan Redstone has some of the newest replacments to refresh your beauty supply for the new year.


Whats OLD? Six-month old liquid based foundations.

Buy NEW: Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation SPF 16 by Maybelline New York $10.99 at drugstores.

Ideal for normal skin, try this amazing foundation designed to achieve 100% nude perfection for a lightweight, flawless finish.


What's OLD? Six-month old lipsticks, lip glosses

BUY NEW: Vaseline Lip Therapy Original (mini on-the-go jar) $3.29 - www.vaselineliptherapy.com for chance to win Swarovksi crystal jar

One of the best lip treatments ever to combat dry or chapped lips. Smooth some on and prepare to pucker up (a great investment with VDay just around the corner).


What's OLD? Tired, thin brows and lashes

Buy NEW: Rapidlash $49.95 at drugstores or www.Rapidlash.com

It's clinically proven to be safe and effective in enhancing the appearance of lashes and brows--and who doesn't want lashes or brows that wow?!


What's OLD? A three-month-old mascara

Buy NEW: NYX Cosmetics Boudoir Mascaras www.nyxcosmetics.com $6

Get longer, fuller lashes with one of seven formulas and seven distinctive wands--in a spanking new tube! Time to get batty.


For more great beauty advice, go to www.kdvr.com.



Friday, January 27, 2012

STILL PRETTY GREAT: Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer

Some beauty and skincare brands have been around for a while...and whether they launch new products or continue to offer the same formulas they are known for, they're still pretty great. I was recently sent a complimentary bottle of Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer ($3.99 for 10 fl. oz.) from the Kao Brands company and am happy to learn that after years of using Jergens' products, I am still a huge fan. This is one product I can't live without...


Starting winter without Jergens is like heading into sub-zero temps without a scarf and gloves. You want to protect yourself from the elements and Jergens is your best shield. Formulated with a blend of vitamins C, E and B5 to deeply nourish and replenish skin, the fast-absorbing body lotion goes beneath skin's surface to lock in moisture and heal dryness at the source, preventing its return. Offering 24-hour relief, the formula helps heal extra dry skin including heels, elbows and knees--which are often some of the toughest nuts to crack.


Slather it all over to instantly double hydration, and infuse skin with a powerful blend of intensely-moisturizing vitamins. The replenishing formula not only helps heal extra dry skin, but it also softens and smooths, leaving you with winter skin you can be proud of.


The best part: When it's time to shed your clothes to escape winter and jet off to someplace warm, you'll be more than prepared to bare. Throw it in your suitcase to combat dry heat, the sun, and chlorine which can also dry out your skin, leaving it yearning for some serious hydration. Go to www.jergens.com for more info or drugstores nationwide to purchase.



Monday, January 16, 2012

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: hydrate your hair


When the temperature drops, I can never seem to infuse enough moisture into my hair. Static, split ends, the frizzies all end up being everyday occurences. That's why I always look for ways to revitalize my hair. Pureology Colour Care Ambassador Natasha Sunshine offers some simple ways to keep your hair looking great all winter long.

1. Keep a mini bottle of Evian spray in your purse. A light blast of water can help with static or even hat head. Spritz a light mist all over your head from about 12" away, then smooth your flat palms over your hair.

2. Condition, condition, condition. Choose a daily conditioner with extra moisture during the driest months. Plus, a once a week conditioning masque for five minutes will give you that extra dose of hydration your hair needs. Try Pureology's Hydrate Conditioner and Hydrate HydraWhip Masque.

3. When it comes to styling, be sure to lock in moisture by using a leave-in conditioner and a deeply nourishing styler. Pureology's MiracleFiller is a leave in that will give you a supple dose of protein while hydrating the hair as well. Choose a wet/dry styler like Redken's Argan-6. This incredibly light oil goes on wet and melts over the hair in a protective shine while blowdrying. You can add a couple drops after your style is complete to get extra shine, nourishment and protection.

4. Stay away from too many hot tools. If you're going to blowdry, skip the iron and vice versa. If you opt for the flat or curling iron, go to bed with a wet head and style in the morning.

For more information visit www.Pureology.com.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

BuyABoutique.com: A pretty great deal


We’ve all been there: We put together a great outfit and find ourselves looking for the perfect accessories to complete the look, at a price we can afford. No easy task…until now.


BuyABoutique.com (BAB) is the brainchild of founder Bill Mazhar, whose family business was located in the heart of Manhattan’s wholesale district. “I saw that there were numerous stores with great designs and good prices for accessories but they were only available to big retail shops who had to purchase a large quantity of accessories to even qualify for an order. Luckily, our store allowed both retail and wholesale purchases.” But there was still something missing. Mazhar realized that customers wanted experienced stylists to help them match their favorite accessories and they wanted discounts for purchasing items that matched perfectly together. In addition, they preferred trusted name brands when purchasing their accessories. By combining these factors, he established a new way to purchase jewelry and BAB was born.


BAB has a team of designers that curate jewelry from quality brand names and sells them in a bundled set which we call a ‘Mini Boutique’ at a steep discount. Mini Boutiques are brand name accessories composed of two or more items. BuyABoutique.com is different from other sites because it sells all of its products in bundles prepared by experienced stylists at prices that are heavily discounted. After all, who doesn’t love a bargain? The website provides customers with designer bundles at discounts over 50% off the retail price. Stylists pair up with name brands to offer styling advice and create very trendy mini-boutiques to sell on BAB for unbelievable discounts. Choose from a handful of must-have collections including: BOLD (statement pieces), EDGY (innovative jewelry made of wood, gun-metal, beads and animal prints), BOHEMIAN ( eclectic options) or SOPHISTICATE (a cultured, cosmopolitan look).


Some of our favorite bundles: The Swan Necklace and Bracelet from Elizabeth J’adore. The faux pearl necklace is an edgy alternative to the one your grandmother gave you for your high school graduation and pairs beautifully with the flower white leather bracelet (bundle price, $64). The Luxe Sophisticate features a necklace, bracelet and earrings crafted from a mixed medley of materials, including stunning crystal stones, glitzy rhinestone chains and an ultra-delicate floral motif made from minted gems (bundle price, $144).


The best part: At BuyABoutique.com, you get expert advice on how to wear the items you are purchasing. Let leading industry stylists help you put together a winning accessories look that will take you from work to day to night with ease. Go to www.BuyABoutique.com to choose your favorite jewels.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: be good to your skin


It’s that time of year again, when we make promises to ourselves that we will diet, exercise, and become more organized! This year, take your resolutions a step further and make a promise to yourself that you will make more of an effort to become “skin healthy.” After all, the skin on your face is your best accessory, not to mention the skin on your body is what holds you altogether. Here, Marina Peredo, MD, founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, NY, offers her tried and true skincare tips.


Skin Rx: Make an appointment to see your dermatologist for a full body skin check, once a year (if there is no history of skin cancer.) If you have melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, you should see your dermatologist every 3 months, the first year and following years, every 6 months for life. This isn't something you should put off. It can save your life!


Treat It Right: Make an effort to see your esthetician on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and get a microdermabrasion or chemical peel to rid your face of dead skin cells and bring on a new, fresh, glowing looking face, regularly. If you cannot see your esthetician, try a home-made scrub with Honey and Sugar. The Honey smoothes the skin and has antibacterial properties and the sugar exfoliates. Follow-up with an egg white to tighten your skin.


Stock Up on Skincare Essentials: Invest in good skincare products that contain essential vitamins and anti-oxidants that can help reduce the negative effects of free radicals, stress and other elements that can impede healthy skin. Start off with a gentle cleanser for most days and an exfoliating cleanser for a couple of days in between to help get rid of dead skin cells (this will hold you over until you can make it to the medi-spa for your facial!) Then, try a good anti-aging serum that contains vitamins and antioxidants to help with cellular turnover and of course, a daily moisturizer that contains a sunscreen.


Don't Forget the Sunscreen: Sunscreen is needed every day, not only at the beach or vacations. That is why it is important to find a sunscreen that provides protection as well as hydration.


De-Clutter Your Stock: Throw away outdated skincare products. Make-up that hasn't been used in a while and outdated skincare products may be hosting bacteria and can cause breakouts. Open the medicine cabinet and empty your make-up bag. If you haven't touched that skincare product or piece of make-up in a few months it’s time to say goodbye. Your skin will thank you later.


Come Clean: Sleep without make-up. Not removing your make-up is one of the worst don'ts when it comes to your skincare routine. Make-up clogs pores and can leave your complexion looking dull. Wash, tone, and moisturize your skin every night before bed this year.


Personal Tip: *My newest discovery is Macha Tea, a type of Green Tea that has antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. Not only do the free radicals break down collagen that cause wrinkles and sagging skin, Macha can also help to suppress your appetite and give you more energy…helping achieve your weight-loss resolution!


For more info, amazing skincare products and great skincare tips, go to www.spatiquemedicalspa.com.