Tweeze My Man

Did you know that you can actually send used tweezers back to Tweezerman and the company will sharpen them for free? Yeah, baby! I tried it. Worked well. Tweezers are sharp. By the way, if you're thinking of buying make-up from Sephora this holiday season, shop now or shop online. I've been in the store twice recently and they are sold out of many popular items like Nars Orgasm and Nars Eros lipgloss. What's a girl to do? Go Online! What are you giving this holiday season? By the way, does anyone know where they can buy Jelly Pong Pong cosmetics?

Bigelow Take Me Away

As soon as the weather changes so do my hands. They crack. They get dry. Now I'm trying Bigelow Lemon Body Cream. Let's see if it does the trick. Even if it doesn't work, it smells divine, like a lemon pie. One of the things I miss about the North is diners that serve lemon meringue pie. Gotta have some.

Hard as Nails

Tomorrow, Sunday that is, I am headed to Birkdale Village in Huntersville to try out a new nail treatment. It's called Prescription Nails. I have weak nails and I am hoping to leave the salon, Beauty Brands with pretty looking fake nails. My husband will be the judge of the nail tech as he does not like fake nails that much. I'm not a huge fan of fake nails either, but I'm willing to try something that will make my nails look feminine and elegant. My mom has had acrylics for as long as I can remember. Let's put it this way -- she has known her manicurist Teri for more than twenty years. Oh Boy!

QVC

So today QVC is doing a day of beauty. Very cool. That said, why is it that some of the models looked better in the before picture than in the after? Scary, hum. I realize that QVC must use a lot of cosmetic products in order to punctuate the change. But seriously, do we really need or want to bring back Tammy Faye's mascara? NO, NO, NO. Women look best when they look like themselves. I'm such a sucker for natural or bridal make-up that looks effortless, even though it never is. I'm not saying women should never go for a dramatic look, i.e. at the Oscar's or Emmy's, but I love when women look like women and not clowns. 'Nuf said.

Kinerase Can Erase

There's a reason this stuff is expensive. I love the way Kinerase's gentle daily wash and lotion help smooth my sometimes discolored skin. Very soothing, non-irritating. Just what the doctor ordered. By the way, you can buy it online at a variety of stores and of course, at my alma mater, Sephora.com. By the way, if you want to try it without marrying the product, Kinerase is offering a trial pack/travel set. It's not cheap, but it's a great way to sample silky skin.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Are you Lovely? If so, take a whiff of Sarah Jessica Parker's new fragrance Lovely. A must-have if you like musky scents. By Coty.

Welcome Charlotte Observer Readers

Thanks for checking out my new beauty column, ProductPerfect. I hope you enjoy reading about cosmetics as much as I enjoy writing about them. Most of my column is about answering your beauty questions and making recommendations.
Questions?
Email: Style@charlotteobserver.com.

A special thanks to my husband who got me started writing about all things beauty. And a special thanks to my grandmothers Bea Slater and Blanche Bedrin who love to give me their cosmetic freebies from Estee Lauder et. al.

BeautyBabe
p.s. Don't forget to tune in WFAE 90.7FM, Charlotte's NPR News Source

The full article will be available on the Web for a limited time:
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/style/12597460.htm
(c) 2005 Charlotte Observer and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.

Helping Others During a Time of Crisis

It's hard to believe what the hell is going on all over the Gulf Coast. My husband just returned from a week of work there and he said the damage is overwhelming and he's not one to use hyperbole. I hope this doesn't sound trite, but I'd love to see a pharmaceutical company donate - in addition to maintenance meds for asthma et. al, supplies, you know things like soap, toothpaste, hand cream to the victims, survivors and workers living in the swamps of Louisiana. I wish I could pay for every woman to have a massage. God knows - everyone there is going to need it. It's hard for me to watch people expire from a lack of food and water. And it makes me realize how this country has a big divide between the haves and the have nots. I'll return to posting about products in a few weeks when I feel less stupid writing about lipstick and blush during times of crisis.

Go Ahead! Drench that Body

Mom says she found a new cream - body drench daily moisturizing lotion. Not sure if this is really new, or simply new to my mom, but she loves it so much, she wants to buy another bottle of it. She's picky. So if she likes it, chances are you will too.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Biotin 1000mcg (good for hair and nails) We'll see!

Oh My Mascara!

This is me (before my beauty obsession began)

So, I'm reading this other blog - www.jolieinnyc.com and the bloggette asks about mascaras: do you have a favorite etc. It was so interesting to read about how many different brands people claim as their favorites. Mac, Clinique, Estee, Origins -- funny how ESTEE owns all of those brands. But, if you took a very unscientific poll, Lancome would probably have won out. But the last time I bought a Lancome mascara it was so clumpy and you know what clump rhymes with: DUMPY. So I absolutely cannot buy anything that makes me think about clumpy or dumpy, if you know what I mean.

Got to give a shout out to my new sulfur-mask for my face. Hope it's working.

Do you have a favorite product? Tell me what it is. Mascara or mud? Black or Black Amethyst? What do you wear?

When to visit a dermatologist

When you've spent a fortune on drugstore brands and your skin ain't cleaning up- go pro. Call in a dermatologist for relief. I did. Now I am asking myself why I waited so long?

Kohl's Beauty is Cool

Want department store cosmetics at drugstore prices? Shop Kohl's where you can find American Beauty, Flirt!, Good Skin and Grassroots. I loved the wide assortment of lip glosses and how neat the counters were. Beauty at a Bargain. What's better than that?

From One Jersey Girl To Another

Tan in a Can? Yeah, this Jersey Girl was skeptical too, but this bronzer and self-tanner is wonderful. At first you get a hint of a bronze glow, but the tan deepens over time. No orange tint. No icky smell. This self-tanner will give you a natural, albeit faux glow. Spray from at least 12 inches from face and remember, Bronze Infusion does not contain sunscreen, which means if you're going outside, put some on. www.jerseygirltan.com


Top Shelf Recommendation: Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreen. Worth every penny. Won't smudge, melt or sting.

Pore Me Over and Tip Me Out

Here's the DEAL. When cute blond chicks want help concealing what they describe as larger than normal pores, I say it's time to find Neutrogena products. You can follow my instructions: if you need to clean up blackheads, pick up the blackhead eliminating toner. If you want to refine pores, get the pore refining toner. You can consider toner that has a salicylic base as an exfoliant. GREAT FOR THE SUMMER when skin screams for help and therapy is just too expensive.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Jo Malone Lip balm. Keep those lips moist, baby.

Back To Biolage

I remember when Biolage (Matrix) first came out and it was all the rage. The other day I had to buy it. I just had to rekindle the smell and the way the conditioning balm softened my hair. Ever think about stuff like that? It's nice to switch products and to bring back the love. Plus, when you factor in the sun, chlorine and sweat, an extra dose of conditioner can make all the difference. I don't condition every day, but I'm upping my use of conditioner as my hair grows.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Carmex for those pesky dry lips that seem to surface during summer.

Cetaphil Rocks My Boat

Lots of people recommend Cetaphil for cleansing the face. I've used it and it's a calming, soothing cleanser. You can use it on the face or body. It's soap-free. But did you know the company makes a cleanser for normal to oily skin. Now truth be told, my skin is probably more combination than oily, you know, dry in some areas, breaks out in others. But when the weather changes my skin tends to freak out a bit. I've been trying Cetaphil for Oily Skin and I really like here. Here's why: it's not drying. In other words, no flakes. And it doesn't make my face feel tight. Plus, it's really not that expensive when you consider what dermatologists charge you for their products. So, go ahead. Try it. And don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

Top Shelf Recommedation: Philosophy's Amazing Grace perfume. Smell pretty and get addcited. Buy it at Sephora or Sephora.com.

You caught me!

So, yesterday I went to the mall with my friend Jaimi. We were headed to an outdoor shopping mall but the traffic was nasty-looking, so we headed in the other direction. Smart move. While my favorite store Sephora didn't have the exact lipgloss I was searching for Saturday, I did end up buying a new lipstick that I think will be perfect for summer. Can I blame Sephora for being low on stock on a lip gloss called Orgasm? Probably not. Not only is the lipgloss supposedly the perfect color for everyone (sheer nude-peach with slight shimmer), it also has a name that makes you want to scream. Really. So my friend Gabby asked me, if when I hit SouthPark, whether or not I bought make-up. What a question. Does Gwyneth Paltrow wear Chanel (she's got a major Chanel diaper bag - or so says VH1) ? I mean, really. Anyway, I'm looking forward to using my new Dior Addict lipstick. I'll have to let you know if I get any compliments.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Bliss' Steep Clean. I am seriously addicted to this product that helps cleanse the skin and loosen dirt from pores. Seriously, I have many products that I use a few times and forget about. But this is one product that I really like. It's a light exfoliant and it smells fresh. Never gritty and won't leave residue on your face. Nor will it turn your face red or splotchy or blotchy. Too bad it's so pricey. www.blissworld.com

Glow Baby Glow!

When you want some color, but could do without a "mystic" (spray-on)tan, try Bobbi Brown's All Over Bronzing Gel. Bobbi's bronzing gel will give you a healthy glow that will make people take notice. Another benefit? Bobbi's All Over Bronzing Gel has an SPF 15. One word of caution. This is a bronzer, not a self-tanner. So apply generously, and expect to see color right away. You may want to try a little bit on the back of your wrist to see how the color blends. www.bobbibrown.com

Top Shelf Recommendation: Remember how I mentioned a fabby new toothpase in my last post? I don't even know if this stuff is new or old, but it does taste yummy. It's Marvis, Paradise Fruit Mint. Even the tube is pink. (Got to love pink) Don't worry the toothpaste is white. For my Charlotte readers you can buy this at Bamboo Apothecary at Philips Place.

Gettin' Published

Check out my first professional beauty article. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/charlotte/living/style/11458515.htm

I guess I am officially a beauty writer now. And speaking of beauty ... I'm really enjoying my new toothpaste. I'll fill you in tomorrow.

La Mer for La Mom

My mom swears by La Mer. She says it's the only cream that doesn't make her itch or twitch, or something like that. Anyway, I recently received a sample of their hand cream. Apparently, Slimdi (aka my mom) knows what she's talking about. Not only did the cream soften my hands, it smells divine. All during the movie "Fever Pitch" (love Drew! love Jimmy!) I kept sniffing my hands. Definitely better than having hands smell like buttered popcorn. Anyway, I've got many more products to tell you about but my radio work calls. Play ball! Oh yeah, someone emailed me and asked me about Du Wop's Lip Venom. I've used it. Who knows if it can really plump my pout ... but it sure awakens the senses. Very strong cinnamon flavor. You may want to try this out before pulling out the Visa, Amex, Discover etc.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Coppertone's new continuous spray "sport" sunscreen (waterproof, no spills!) Available at CVS, Target, Eckerd. Just remember, it only works if you apply it before you lay out, not two hours after gettin burnt.

Dollface

I am tired tonight, but I wanted to share one of my new favorite products with you: Tarte's cheek stain in Dollface. The reason I like this lovely product is simple: It make me look and feel pretty. Not tan, Not bronzed but beautiful. It glides on my cheeks and gives me that ... well you know, that glow.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Anything that makes you feel good. Go for it.

My apologies

So, it's come to my attention that I've been a bit delinquent on the blog scene. (Hasn't anyone ever heard of WORK!) Seriously, My apologies. I've been busy writing about beauty for The Charlotte Observer. But that doesn't mean that I've lost interest in all things cosmetic. Hey, that has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. Maybe some day I could have my own column or talk show and call it "All Things Cosmetic." Well, I've been snooping around the beauty counters and here's one top-notch recommendation. This spring think fresh. In other words ladies, go sheer. Glow, don't show. I like products that make you feel flushed, not like you're running a temperature. Think fun and flirty and don't forget your sunscreen.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Bobbi Brown's pot rouge for lips and cheeks.
Sun-kissed is perfect for dark haired beauties. But if you're a natural blond (and aren't we all) you'll be happy to know she's got a lot of colors at the counter.
Available at www.bobbibrown.com

I'm Just Curious

I never thought I'd say this, but I like Britney Spears' new perfume Curious. It's a lovely, light scent that makes me think of a spring evening. Shhhhhhh. Don't tell anyone that I like something by Mrs. Federline. I mean, she really is becoming skanky. Anyway, I'll also plug Elizabeth Arden's new Green Tea Summer scent, which is fresh and fruity. Won't overpower you or your co-worker. I know some people fear perfume. Why fear it? I say, fear W instead. Perfume should compliment you, your mood and your sensibilities. It should not make you feel like you need to hold your breath. Now that's scary.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Essie Smoothies hand and body lotion. I like Pomegranate& Mango.

Ah Choo

You know how some people swear by zinc lozenges? I swear by Kleenex. Boy, do I have a nasty cold. Yep. And I'm on the radio to boot. What do you do when you have a cold? I think I'm going to take a bath and put some droplets of chamomile in the tub. Why not? Even my teeth hurt. I know. I know. Sinuses. So, when you don't have a cold and you want to accentuate your skin, try prepping it with primer. Laura Mercier has a great one that makes your foundation or tinted moisturizer glide on perfectly. As it should. I used to think primer was just an extra step. Then I tried it. Primer works. You'll see.

Top Shelf Recommendation: I know this isn't a beauty product, but if you're down and need a sweet pick me up, go for chocolate. I love Cadbury mini-eggs. Delish!

Jumpin' for Juniper

I know. I know. Last blog I bitched about BBW ... for those of you who don't know the lingo, that's Bath and Body Works. Anyway, I do like their products. And just to prove it to you I'm going to tell you about one of them. Well, make that two. Let's say you've just finished hitting the tennis ball around for 45-minutes and are about to spend another hour doing some power yoga ... you may want to cool off in between the two activities but may not have time to rinse off. The beautybabe says spritz, spritz, spritz. Thanks to my good friend Gabby, I've discovered BBW's Juniper Breeze Body Splash. It's not too strong, but still, try not to over do it. Gives you just the right amount of scent so you don't have to worry about offending any yoga buddies or the instructor.

Top Shelf Recommendation: So if you're in BBW, treat yourself to their Chocolate Fondue tutti dolce lip gloss. Delish!

Bath and Body What?

Have you noticed how upscale Bath and Body Works has become? Actually, that's not one hundred percent accurate. The store still carries its trademark soaps and scents, but it's recently added some top of the line brands like C.O. Bigelow and another line from Provence, France. I tried out some of these higher end products and have to say they are very luxurious. I enjoyed a lip balm made with shea butter from a honey-based line. I also tried some products with lavender and rose. I love rose products. I was going to buy some eye make-up remover but it was 15 bucks. I thought that was a lot of money for a small container of product. (Even the beauty babe has to resist temptation sometimes.) In any case, I've read that the company is also adding some high end cosmetic lines too, like Awake, but only in their flagship stores. I'm always amazing how busy BBW is on the weekends. We were in the Concord Mills store and people were lined up at the cash register.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Pop Beauty lip gloss: kitten. Give your lips something to purrrrrrrrrrrrr about. Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Say Cheese !

I'm a sucker for certain products (no, really?) but I'm still going to gush about my latest find. I love Go Smile's new AM and PM toothpaste kit. The paste is supposed to keep your teeth white, but I find it to be very calming and, well, soft on my teeth. I'm a teeth person. Not everyone is a teeth person. But if you find that you need a little pick me up, and you're not looking to spend a fortune, pick up some Go Smile toothpaste. Nothing against Crest and Colgate, but sometimes you need a little gourmet. Life's short. Go gourmet. You can find it online at www.gosmile.com. It's also available at Sephora. P.S. I've tried the company's other tooth whitening products, too, and I like their concept. Compact, clean, disposable and you don't have to worry about swallowing them. (I once swallowed a Crest white strip)

By the way, I want to thank my reader who has now enlightened me about the properties of quince. Apparently it's a forbidden fruit, a mix of pear and apple.


Top Shelf Recommendation: Green tea for its antioxidant properties. I bought some with mint. One tea bag with one pack of Splenda. Boil water and pour. Enjoy.

Airplane Lips and Hands

Why are airplanes so drying? Sometimes it feels as if the moisture is being sucked right out of my skin. Today I look a little like a lizard, even though I tried to stay hydrated both during and after my flight. At least there are products that provide relief. That's what it's all about. Finding the perfect products to alleviate things like the stress of flying. Imagine if someone made hand cream with a touch of valium that could be absorbed into the body. Rub it on your hands and your whole body floats. Ok, I better come back down to planet earth right now.


Top Shelf Recommendation: Aveeno Positively Radiant Lip Enhancer. I just coated my lips with this product. Right now they feel shiny and comforted. It's kind of like a lip balm, minus the pot and goo. I bought it at Walgreens.

For My Friend Leigh

I am not going to divulge her itsy bitsy problem, but my friend Leigh says she needs a new shampoo. She's called on the beautybabe for advice. I've made two suggestions: baby shampoo or Bumble and Bumble Hair Tonic. You can buy Bumble and Bumble online if you can't find it in the Queen City. But here's a third option -- wash hair infrequently. When you hair is coarse you don't need to wash it daily. I wash mine about three days a week. But I realize that not everyone has dry hair. Anyway, Leigh, you're beautiful with or without the special shampoo. Just keep smiling that pretty smile of yours.


Top Shelf Recommendation: C.O. Bigelow hand cream -- Quince. Amazing stuff. Available at Bath and Body Works. Try the purse size. Absorbs quickly and leaves a trace of a light scent. Does anyone know what a quince is?

Finding a Lip Gloss Even I Don't Like

Well folks ... even I found a lip gloss I can't stand. Can we say Yuck!

I've bought other products by Wet 'n Wild before and enjoyed them. So I tried a pink sparkle lip gloss (in a tube) because I liked the color. The gloss is nice but the texture was so gross and the product so foul I had to wipe it from my lips immediately. Here's my advice. If you buy a gross lip gloss and you've spent less than 5 bucks, dump it. If it's morethan 5 bucks and you still have the receipts, return it. Most stores, including drugstores and department stores will take back products -- yes used products with a receipt.

Top Shelf Recommendation: For a lip gloss that does taste good .. . try Wink's lip gloss. It comes with a gloss and a pencil. I have giggle. It may be the perfect pink lip gloss. And it tastes yummy - almost like cocoa, no need to wipe it from my lips. Enjoy it. Buy it at Nordstrom.

Modern Friction

I read about. I tried it. Now you can too. Origin's new Modern Friction gentle dermabrasion. Rub it dry on your face for a minute and then add water and make it soapy. Made my face a little red. But don't let stop you -- just don't use it right before a big event, like your own wedding.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Modern Friction. By it at Bloomie's, like I did.

Cocoa Therapy

If you like chocolate like I like chocolate, try Origins Cocoa Therapy. Love it. The perfect shade of lip gloss if you're a brunette like me. Run out to Bloomie's, Nordie's or Macy's and buy this stuff pronto. For my Southern Belles, even Belk has Origins. Can you believe a Yankee like me is talking about Belk. Anyway, a girl has to shop, wherever she may be living. So back to Origins. I tried this new lip balm (Cocoa Therapy) and then swirled a bit of Mac lip glass (clear) on top and my lips looked amazing. I'm not one to brag, but I looked hot. My husband thought so. Also at the Origins counter -- although I didn't buy it because I didn't want to seem greedy in front of my momma -- a new lip gloss in a tube with a bit of peppermint oil. I love peppermint and I love it in gloss. If you caught Sunday Styles this week
(and please tell me you read S.S.) you'll see a product that I recommended last week from Bath and Body Works. It's the Mint lip gloss. I have one. I need another. You will too. I tried to buy one at the mall, and they were sold out. Can you believe that? You bet.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Origins Cocoa Therapy lip balm. (Enjoy) P.S. The company says it's a mood booster.

OSCAR! OSCAR!

I am so sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I've been busy, busy, busy. Let's cut to the chase. Hilary looked amazing at the Oscars. What a body. My goodness. And I have to give it up to the Kate/Cates. They both looked wonderful in periwinkle and yellow the shade of butter. Salma Hayek was like a godess in Prada. The dress fit her perfectly and she defined sexy. I love Laura Linney, but the woman looked so bland Sunday night. And I happen to think she's very attractive.

If the girls look hot (or sometimes not), why are the Oscars so boring? And when did they get so boring? I used to obsess about them - and now they are blah. I still miss Billy Crystal and his medleys. I can hear his voice in my head, singing "Oscar, Oscar!"

Getting back to make-up, my mom and I went to Drug Fair in New Jersey to get some products (what else) and I picked up some Dove hairspray and mousse. Remember when all Dove made was soap? Anyway, the hairspray smells great, very feminine, but not too flowery and it's very light and airy. Speaking of things that smell nice ... my mom got a free sample of Narcisco Rodriguez perfume. It's wonderful, kind of like a light musk. I just remembered that Sarah Jessica Parker is teaming up with Coty to put out a perfume. Why? Isn't she worried about overexposure? Guess not.

Top Shelf Recommendation: For my Boca bombshell (wink, wink) ... Oil of Olay's new body Quench moisturizer. In the sunlight the cream gives you a hint of sparkle. Nice scent, not greasy. Available at Target.

Oprah

Oprah Winfrey just pierced her ears. I'm home watching TV and Oprah's on the tube showing off her amazing body (wish I had a Pilates reformer, too). Anyway, I thought it was so funny that this strong, vibrant woman was so scared of getting her ears pierced. I guess it's what my therapist said to me this morning, mixed emotions are a natural part of life. So anyway, I've got to hand it to Oprah Winfrey. The woman looks amazing. She really does. Some people just get it.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Prada lip balm -- honestly, this stuff is amazing. It's made with shea butter and it's one of the nicest products I've ever felt on my lips. I have one set (they come in the tiniest tubes I've ever seen) in a brick color and I also want a clear set. Try it, please!

When You Already Have Enough ...

My skin has been breaking out a little bit so I thought I would try a new face wash. But then I remembered the 26 dollar wash I had from the dermatologist. As much as I am tempted to buy new products, sometimes you just have to go with what you got. And why not, when you're like me and you have fifty different scrubs under the sink, it's easy to feel as if the old is new again.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Laura Mercier Tender Lips Lipstick. Great barely there color for brunettes like the beautybabe. Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Make me up Mac

You know when you just need to feel refreshed? Or after your workout how you can't seem to calm down that redness? Try getting a hold of a bottle of Fix + (MAC). It works great to cool you down, especially if you put it in the fridge. It's very light and soothing, without a heavy scent. Sometimes I throw it in my gym bag.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine
Mint-infused for fresh breath
Available at Bath and Body Works

Hairspray -Not the Broadway Show

So, a few weeks ago my good friend Jo and I were shopping at a local stripmall in Charlotte when we walked into Ulta. She wanted mascara, I wanted something, even if I didn't know what it was at the time. We walked around and browsed the aisles and had some fun. I told her I would buy her some mascara. A few years ago she treated me to a manicure. It was my turn to treat her, plus, I know more about mascara than she does. Of course, while we were browsing the make-up I found some awesome hairspray. We forget about the importance of hairspray, especially during these times when we have gels and mousse and molding paste and shining serum. But I read somewhere that you can spray your hair with hairspray and then dry it. So I tried it. It works. I forget how hairspray can make a not-so-neat ponytail thrive, too.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Freeze. Super Hold pump spray. I forgot to mention the pump. It's super efficient. I bought mine at Ulta.

Caribbean Therapy: Is Prozac Involved?

OOOH. I walked into a local salon to buy some more shampoo and what did I find? Aveda's new Caribbean Therapy body cream. I tested it on my hands, of course. This stuff is thick, but it absorbs quickly and smells delightful. I'm not sure what's Caribbean about it, but I still like it and you will too.

Neutrogenius

So what's up with Neutrogena? Has anyone ever noticed that their products are more expensive than a lot of other lines? (Not that that's ever stopped me from buying their stuff) The other day I had a little meltdown so I bought myself a new lip gloss and it cost 8 bucks. What is this? Lancome? I don't think so. So I just put some on. It's a lip balm called Lip Nutrition- Passion fruit and it comes in a little tub. I thought it would give my lips a little tint, but it's a little too red for me. Anyway, it is moisturizing but I probably could have used the money on something better, like dental floss. Did you see Newlyweds? Don't you just want to floss, floss, floss. What is Simpson's problem? Anyway, did you happen to notice that she was eating some banana pudding or something like that? It looked good. But ever notice how their house never looks lived in? Anyway, today is Friday and I am at work waiting for a phone call -- such is a reporter's life. Later today I'll be on-air from 4-6:30 and then from 9-midnight.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Bath and Body Works Hydrating Lip Protector (Rosemary) from their Pure Simplicity line
Smells great - works nicely, too.

Baby Wipes

I've got a tip for you. When you're in a rush and you need to wipe off your make-up, try baby wipes. I like unscented types, Target or Eckerd brand is fine. Of course, just 'cause you use them on your face, doesn't mean you can't use them on your tush, too. (Not the same one, though)

Remembering the Avon Lady

Avon has a new product line on the market for teens and young women. Since reading about Mark (that's what they call it) I've wanted to try it out (of course!) So last week I ordered a couple of products online. The stuff is very inexpensive and I had to order enough to make the shipping charge worthwhile. I'm surprisingly pleased with the products I received. I ordered lip balm, lip gloss, lip stick and a body scrub. I know, you're thinking, "how many lip products does this girl need?" "You only have two lips!" Well, the beautybabe likes to know it all. And I like my lips. Even when they are dry, they're still mine and that makes them special. Speaking of liking oneself, this is just a reminder that it's OK, even encouraged to treat yourself to a special something every now and then. So I spent some money on lip products. Now I have something to write about on my blog. And I had a bad cold and the make-up cheered me up. Life is short. Enjoy yourself, ain't that right Boca Bombshell!

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Mark Juice Gems lip gloss. Available online. Light taste and feels great on the lips.

H2O

Ever notice how you're always thirsty in the winter? I think heat dries out the throat. Anyway, I've been trying to drink a lot. I have to since I talk for a living. I'm taking a break from beer and drinking water, seltzer and low-cal fruit juice. Here's a hint for a healthy glow. Next time you want some flavored water, make it yourself by putting a few orange slices or cucumber slices into a pitcher or water bottle. I can't take credit for this tip. I got it at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC at their amazing world class spa. Got to love the spa. Calagon ... Take me away.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Tangelo oranges ... for the water bottles.

The Magic Potion

I'm so sorry I haven't written in a few days. I had a nasty cold (wash those hands!) and I've had some computer problems. But I'm back and feeling better, although my head is still kind of congested. Anyway, I just got this postcard in the mail from one of my favorite beauty stores in Charlotte, Potion. It's on East Boulevard in the Twin Oaks shopping center, near Starbucks. Potion will have a Peter Thomas Roth demonstration Feb. 10th and Feb. 11th. For those of you unfamiliar with the PTR products, get with the program! No seriously, I use PTR sunscreen. But the line has everything you could want or need or want, from toner to exfoliant. You can buy PTR at a couple of stores in Charlotte, but I like Potion because they carry my favorite rubber bands for the hair, and because Candice (owner) is very cool and is a make-up junkie, like yours truly. So, if you're like me and you're sick of breaking off your hair, try the blax brand of rubber bands. They are a little more expensive than say, a Goody elastic, but they last and they are thick, so they're great for Jewish girls with thick hair or anyone else who has thick hair, for that matter. They come in clear, black and dark brown. Love 'em.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Blax elastic bands. At Potion on East Boulevard.
(704) 347-6841

Heel-Toe-Magic

I got this cool tip about keeping heel smooth. Found it in a health magazine and decided to try it. Before heading out to the gym wipe vaseline or some type of product on feet. Cover with gym socks. Exercise. When finished feet will feel very smooth. I tried this with one of my favorite products Aquaphor. I've done this a few times now and my feet look great. At first I thought my feet would be slippery, but they're not. I love getting rid of cracked heels. I don't know about you guys, but they hurt!

Top Shelf Recommendation: Aquaphor. You can rub it on your heels, elbows, cuticles or lips. I've even used it to prevent chafing when I run. My mom swears by a nightly vaseline treatment to keep her fingernails and cuticles strong, but dad and I am partial to Aquaphor. Available at Target, Eckerd, CVS, and the supermarket -- basically all of my favorite stores.

Yogurt Facials

I was reading Shape magazine the other day and someone wrote in about how they use yogurt to give themselves a facial. I keep a lot of plain yogurt on hand because I like to mix it with raspberries and other things for breakfast or for a snack. So I figured, why not? I covered my face with plain yogurt for about 15 minutes and rinsed it off. My face felt refreshed and smooth. Also, I was concerned the yogurt could irritate my skin but it did not. I would definitely do this again. It's a cheap way to give yourself a boost and a mini-facial. I kind of just spooned the yogurt on to my face and let it dry. It dries quickly.


Top Shelf Recommendation:
Dannon plain (non-fat?) yogurt. Pat it on your face and let it dry. Rinse clean.

Avocado Madness !

My friend Carrie wants all of my readers to know that avocado is good for fingernails. Growing up my mom, a.k.a slimdi@aol.com never let me eat avocado because she said it was fattening (what's not?) Anyway, I love avocado. I think it's a great addition to salads and turkey sandwiches. I also like avocado with eggs. I really have no idea if avocado helps protect your fingernails, but I thought I would pass along Carrie's advice. If you're cool enough to have a name like Carrie, you're cool enough to be part of the beautybabe's blog.

Coming up tomorrow ... beautybabe dishes on yogurt facials.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Mac Lip glass lip gloss. Love it alone or over lipstick. Yeah baby! And go eat some avocado.

Lancome's Back and She's Better Than Before ...

My dear friend Erica told me she had a blast at the Lancome counter the other day at the mall (Wish I had been with her.) Now, Lancome, even after all these years makes me think of my mom. For years she was a devotee. She always wore the same lipstick (Champagne?) unless she was wearing a special shade of red. And I can still smell various Lancome creams. Ok, so back to Erica, the realtor. She bought herself a small party tub of products: foaming fash wash (Loves it!), eye cream (very important), tinted moisturizer, Raspberry flavored Juicy Tube lip gloss and exfoliant for the face. Boy did this girl have fun. She says she was feeling icky - you know bored with her skin care routine and like she needed a little boost. In other words, she needed a change. Now this Jersey girl turned Boca Bombshell says her skin is A+. Good for her. It's OK to change your skin care routine. I do it all the time. Well maybe I'm not the best example, considering that I buy way too much product. Love that product. Today a friend told me that Sephora was her church. To that I said, "Honey, it's my heaven. Seriously, the reason I haven't written about Sephora yet is that I am waiting for that perfect moment, a time when I am feeling less than thrilled with the world and find solace at Sephora.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
From the Gap of all places.
A new lip gloss called Slip Gloss. Looks sticky, feels silky. Looks like a Lancome Juicy Tube, but with a wand. I bought it and tried it today. Very nice, just a hint of shimmer.
$12.50 at a Gap near you.

Heaven.

Imagine how I felt when I saw all this make-up! This photo was taken at my friend's wedding. Congrats Jaime and Greg!

Mini-Mani ? Mini-Me?

I had some time to kill today before my haircut, so I decided to treat myself to a mini manicure. (For once my nails were looking respectable so I'm trying to keep 'em in shape). Trouble is, mini-manicures are hard to find in Charlotte. When I lived in the Big Apple, I could get a mini-mani everywhere (sometimes a mini-mani and pedi). In the City, they're quick and cheap, maybe ten dollars. But in Charlotte, manicures are upwards of 15 bucks. Today I decided to put my foot down. Well, better make that my hand down. I told the girl in the walk-in salon that I just wanted a polish change. No parrafin wax, no sugar scrubs, no frills, you get the point. She followed my instructions and gave me an $8 polish change. I gave her a $2 tip. Exactly what the doctor ordered.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
If you have coarse hair or thick hair and it's feeling a little dry, try Aveda's Cherry Almond Bark conditioner. It will do the trick. Use two to three times a week, based on hair type.

Follow-up

Yesterday I was talking about the wonders of mascara. I meant to mention one that I really like that I bought during Christmas. It's called Illusionist, by Estee Lauder. I use 01 (black) . Illusionist is a curling mascara, but I like it because it's got a great wand brush. I find I get clean lashes with a nice tint. No glob, goo or mess. (By the way ... it's a good idea to buy new mascara every 3 months or so. You want to avoid bacteria growth. And don't share mascara either, except in dire emergencies!)

On a different note, I keep having these wedding nightmares. I'm slightly concerned because the wedding is already over, like two months ago. Anyway, last night I dreamt that my incredible make-up artist Gayle York showed up late to do my bridal make-up. Weird dream. It was very stressful. I felt like I couldn't breathe. But Brides-to-be -- I promise that Gayle will never be late. She is talented and prompt.

Now, to conclude ... I must quote my wonderful friend Erica.
She had a less than perfect experience at Sephora looking for a tinted moisturizer. In her email to me she said:
"Anyway, my summary of that experience is never to take beauty advice from a girl that looks like a male clown."

Ain't that the truth! Have you ever been at a make-up counter and thought, "Why am I asking this person for advice." The beautybabe never understands why women at make-up counters don't look better. How hard is it to look pretty when you have the world of products at your fingertips?

My brother's girlfriend Kelly says that when she worked at MAC the customers would come to her because she was the only girl that looked normal (i.e. no goth) .

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Looking for a good tinted moisturizer? Try Laura Mercier's. I love it. I've used it in "sand" for a long time. I got my cousin to use it, too. My only advice - in the winter you made need to mix it with a little moisturizer as it's very light. But I hear it's what the pros call a "layering product."

With a Wave of My Magic Wand

Hey, I got some new mascara. I've been wanting to sample the new Lash-in-a-tube concept for a while. So when I was shopping with my friend Joanna we stopped in an Ulta and I bought some. Actually we went in to browse, but who browses when make-up is involved. It's shop, drop and squeal. Anyway, I like Ulta. Stuff's real cheap. Anyway, I liked the new mascara. I got dark, pretty lashes. (But wait! I thought I already had those) Eventhough I liked the product, I have to admit I couldn't tell what the difference was between this stuff and other mascaras I've ever used. Believe me. This beautybabe has tried 'em all. Now, on a more practical note, one cool aspect to this lash-in-a-tube concept is that the product is very clean and doesn't seem to spill over. Good if you travel or carry it with you during the day.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Physicians Formula Lash-In-A-Tube
Available at Ulta (beautybabe's 2nd heaven) and other drugstores.

Smelling Groovy

Just bought this new perfume from Clinique. It's called "Happy to be." Great new scent. Kind of pear-scented, yet kind of musky. In other words, it's right up my alley. Spritz on a little after you shower to feel energized. I find the scent uplifting and so does my husband. In fact he's the one who first smelled it and said he liked it. By the way, Happy New Year. On a different note, I saw Bobbi Brown's name in the newspaper and again, it was spelled incorrectly. I'm not sure what the problem is here, but, please get it right. If I worked for Bobbi Brown's company, I would ensure she was properly represented.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Oscar Blandi's Jasmine Hair Serum available at Sephora (God Bless Sephora!) Rub a few drops of the serum in your hands and through wet or dry hair to help style and calm flyaways. I mix a little with gel or mousse before I dry my hair. But remember, a little goes a long way.