Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. What will Santa bring you? Happy holidays.

SEPHORA

This is just a reminder that it's always OK to give the gift of product. The next time your BFF has a rough break-up, treat her to something sweet and carb-free, like a Philosophy lip gloss.
Or, give her a gift card to Sephora. Trust me! She'll smile again.

Tocca Perfumes

I recently had the wonderful chance to sniff some of Tocca's perfumes. I tried Touch and Stella and Florence. I loved them all. Lovely scents that linger. You can buy Tocca at Sephora, but you can also purchase their fragrances at Tocca.

C.O. Bigelow and YOU

Calling all up and coming artists.

The legendary New York City apothecary is teaming with Gen Art, the leading organization for showcasing young, emerging artists and entertainers, to host a package design contest in which one grand prize winner will have his or her original design emblazoned upon a limited-edition C.O. Bigelow apothecary jar.


The contest kicks off this week and runs through January 15, 2007. In addition, all three finalists will win a one-year Gen Art membership and a one-year supply of select C.O. Bigelow products. If you haven't tried Bigelow products, you must give 'em a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

Tips for Wintry Weather and All That Jazz...

Winter has arrived. To learn more about treating dry, scaly skin, I emailed some questions to noted dermatolgist, Dr. Heidi Waldorf.
Comments have been edited for clarity and length.

1. How important is it that people tweak their skincare routines come winter? In other words... do people really need to use a heavier moisturizer when it's cold?

Winter in northern climates brings cold temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity outside. The heat is turned on indoors. Skin loses water to the environment by evaporation and becomes dry. Skin feels rough and looks scaly. These changes represent breaks in the skin's protective barrier. Broken skin also exposes the underlying skin to environmental irritants and bacteria which can lead to inflammation and infection. Something called the ‘itch-scratch cycle’ develops: we feel the itch, scratch the spot that itches, the skin becomes more irritated and split from scratching, resulting in an even more intense itch which triggers more scratching and so on.
Basic winter dry skin care involves maintaining moisturization. Daily bathing is a practice that can be harmful or helpful. Try and resist the temptation to take a long hot shower or bath. Water should be lukewarm, not hot. Water removes important moisturizing factors in the top layers of the skin that are important to keep skin pliable. And as the water evaporates from the skin, moisture is lost. Stick with gentle non-soap cleansers and only use on body parts that tend to sweat or need cleaning rather than applying all over. Then apply a bland moisturizer all over.


Here's a tip: You know you are doing a good job if your skin doesn’t feel tight or stingy at the end.

It is important to discuss with your dermatologist what changes might be needed to your regimen as the seasons change to maintain your best skin health and beauty.


2. What can I do to prevent dry, cracked lips?
Lips are always susceptible to dryness. Saliva wets the lips and breath dries them. Mouth breathers, often due to post-nasal drip, the stuffed nose of a cold, or the placement of braces on the teeth, are particularly prone to dry, cracked lips. Applying a petrolatum, mineral oil, or soft wax based product will both soothe and protect the lips. Apply in the morning, after eating or drinking and before bed.

3. Do I still need sunscreen in the winter? What about on those dreary, grey days?Do not forget sun protection during winter, particularly when heading to higher elevations for winter sports. But even in the city on grey days, sun protection is important. Although there is little if any ultraviolet B (UVB, the more superficial 'burning' rays) reaching the ground at this time, the ultraviolet A (UVA, the deeper 'aging' rays) rays come through. Choose a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 and a UVA-protective ingredient like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or Mexoryl SX.

More on Heidi Waldorf:
As Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, NY and Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Heidi A. Waldorf, M.D. is a respected expert in the field of dermatology, including skin rejuvenation and laser technology, as well as skin cancer prevention and treatment.

Need good products that don't cost a fortune?

Introducing ...the Winter Romance collection by NYC New York Color.

-New Miss sparkle highlighter pencil

-New Rhinestone Eyelashes

-New face polish

-New Cheek2Cheek Duo Blusher

-New Metallic Nail Glossies

Everything: $4.50 Where to buy?

Chain drugstores and www.newyorkcolor.com

Blue is Good, sometimes

I've been enjoying Kiehl's Blue line. It's great for acne prone skin. The line helps to clear up zits. But it's not overdrying. If you have oily skin, this product line is a great choice. I really like the herbal moisturizer. Wish it were a wee cheaper, though.

Twisted Peppermint

How I love the holidays and all of the gift packs. Check out these cool ideas. Notice the peppermint body washes and creams. Great for waking up the soul (and the skin) on those chilly winter mornings.

Thanks for The Samples

Jo Malone has been making waves since she started giving luxurious facials years ago. I've enjoyed her perfumes and candles.

This week I popped into the store on Broadway. It's a beautiful store. I'm talking about the one on the ground floor of the Flatiron Bulding at 949 Broadway. Here's their phone number: 212-673-2220.
I sampled at least a dozen fragrances. But I'm a creature of habit. I still really like Honeysuckle and Jasmine.

And I enjoyed talking with the kind staffers. I kept trying things without ever feeling like I had to buy something. That's my kind of store.

This holiday season, if you need a gift, consider the gift of a Jo Malone facial. You may also want to consider one of Jo Malone's gift sets. You can be sure ... it won't be regifted. Take a look.

Got Scissors?

I just saw this on NYMAG's Web site. Very cool offer.
Every Tuesday night, Sally Hershberger Downtown offers cuts ($40), color ($40), and highlights ($60) at a discount by stylists in the advanced training program. 425 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave., second fl. (212-206-8700); from 5 p.m.,

by appointment only.

The Princess and The Pea

Introducing Stella and her l'il sis Rosie.

Stella (w/crown) : Age 3

Rosie (in pea pod suit) : Age 6 mos.

Priceless!

Be Blissful ... Travel Legally and in Style

Some holiday gifts are just perfectly-timed. Here's one you can take with you. Small bottles. Perfect for travel, gym or home. From Bliss ...available at Sephora and other fine stores.

Do you Philip B.?

I've had the great fortune to try out a few of Philip B.'s hair products. I've really enjoyed experimenting with his detangling finishing rinse and his straightener, drop dead straightening baume.

I have thick, wavy hair and his products enabled me to wear my hair straight and wavy.

These products exceeded my expectations because they did a good job. They did not leave my hair sticky, smelly or gooey. My hair looked good, well-kept, but not frozen. It feels soft and yet is manageable.

Buy these products at Sephora and at drugstore.com.

Keeping Lips Supple this Winter

Here's some advice from my friend at work. We will call her A as in Anonymous:

"...allow me to recommend the greatest chapstick ever:
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E in a Swivel Stick.
It looks like a glue stick but it's amazing and lasts forever.
"...and MAC has a great lip glass, it's called Green House and sometimes Blue Memory, but the Blue/Green on red lips makes a clear pearly shine usually :)

La La Lancome

Yesterday I tried on a great lip gloss from Lancome. It's called Pink Horizons. Actually, I tried it on on top of another likeable shade of lipstick called Vintage Pink. The two created a very pretty-- darker than your natural lip shade -- pink. I could wear this combo shade to the office, a party or to the movies (not that anyone is looking at my lips at the movies.) Also, you could wear the two products individually, too. It's so funny the way lip color can polish your entire look. One sidenote: Vintage Pink has a slight blue hue to it. Normally, I stay away from blue. But with the gloss, the look is pretty, some might say delectable. I say perfect.

Why MAC? Why?

Dear MAC:

You make a great product. But your business plans sucks. Yesterday I walked out of your store on Columbus Avenue in New York City. Here's why. You are always out of the good stuff. I'm sick of the the sales girls showing me product that is out of stock. Stop wasting my time. Thank you very much.

BeautyBabe

p.s. Why is your store always so hot? I suggest lowering your heat.

Beautiful Babies

These babies are beautiful. Let's keep them from playing with lipstick ... at least for a little while!


*On top we have Miss Sydney, 4 mos.
*On the left (b/w) we have Miss Zoe, 6 mos.

*On the right, Miss Gracie, 1 yr.

Natural Care for Your Hair

Who knew that a trip to the kitchen could fix your hair?
Here are some tips from celebrity stylist, Abell from the John Frieda Salon New York.

Thanks for your help, Abell. I bet many people look their best because of you.

For soft, shiny, silky hair:
Take two tablespoons of olive oil and apply to the ends of your dry hair using either your hands or a brush -- make sure to avoid the roots and scalp.
Pull hair up into a bun (or a ponytail) and wrap a steaming hot towel around your head. Leave the towel and oil on your hair for approximately twenty minutes. Make sure to rinse hair really well with warm water for at least one minute and then finish off with a quick blast of cold water.

Fresh Marigold flowers will restore never-been-colored hair to it’s natural hue and give golden highlights to light hair. It will also bring out red and gold highlights in light brown and red hair. Bring one cup of water, one cup of apple cider vinegar and one handful of dried Marigold flowers to a boil in a small pot. Remove from heat, strain and pour into a plastic container.Using your fingertips, massage solution into the scalp and let it dry into your hair without rinsing. Comb through your hair using a large toothed comb. Discard unused portion.


A quick fix for yellowing blonde hair:Mix two egg yolks, a tablespoon of almond oil and two tablespoons of rum in a small bowl until mixture thickens. Shampoo into your hair and leave on for twenty minutes. Rinse thoroughly. This will take out the yellowing and brassy hue in blonde hair. Repeat every six months.

Bath Time...

I am kind of excited to try out Bobbi's latest fragrance. It's called Bath. Supposedly when you spray Bath, you're supposed to smell clean and fresh, as if you just stepped out of the bath. Of course, I'm assuming Bobbi's tub is cleaner than mine. Anyway, I love Bobbi's Beach fragrance ... I'm eager to test Bath.

Let the Holiday Season Begin...

Check out Bobbi Brown's new Shimmer Brick compact and lip kit! As a kid, I used to love the holidays, because that's when beauty companies unveiled holiday palettes. Of course, back then, I used to covet the Bonne Bell chapstick sets. Let's see, I liked Bubble Gum and Dr. Pepper. I still like Bonne Bell, but I've also moved on to more mature brands, like Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Stila. You're also looking at one of Bobbi's eyeshadow palettes. Perfect for your daughter, the world traveler.

WEST SIDE STORY

Even if you're not a fan of the musical West Side Story, you'll probably still enjoy Bond No.9's latest fragrance, West Side. Lucky me! I got a whiff while in Saks, Saturday. The sales woman was too pushy for my taste, but that didn't spoil my excitement over the mix of rose, vanilla, musk, peony and amber. It's warm, exotic, and definitely sexual. Very Leonard Bernstein, if you ask me.

LOVELY LANCOME

A recent article in the New York Times talked a lot about foundations. Foundations are a funny thing. A lot of women don't want to wear foundation because they think it's cakey or heavy or grandma-like. But modern foundations are so much better than old formulas. I used to be one of those women who disliked foundations. I would only wear tinted moisturizers. I'm still a fan of the TM -- because they are great. But a good foundation provides long lasting sheer coverage. Today I'm wearing one from Lancome. It's so amazing. It provides medium coverage, but leaves skin natural looking. In other words, the product covers most of my redness, without making me feel like I'm wearing stage makeup. Lancome's magique matte is fluffy. It kind of reminds me of whipped yogurt because of the consistency.

My mother and Warren-Tricomi

Here is a new picture of my mom, Diane. Today was the first time she had her hair cut in NYC. Now that may not seem like a big deal, but my mother wears a rock the size of Staten Island, so you know she could have had a NYC haircut if she wanted one years ago. Anyway, today my mom, aka Slimdi had her tresses trimmed at
Warren-Tricomi. Mom says the haircut was unique. It was the first time she had a dry cut -- that's where you cut the hair when it's dry. I think she likes the results. Her coarse hair is less bulky and very shiny. It's also very organic.

ARE YOU WICKED OR VAMPY?

My lovely husband hates when women wear dark nail polish. So, you can only imagine how he feels about the latest trend sweeping across salons in NYC and elsewhere. Personally, I don't love the trend for super dark nail polish. But I would like to try it. It's just that my hubby -- we'll call him TBOD, doesn't like it. Sigh. Oh well. What do you think about the trend in nail polish? By the way, if you do want to experiment with dark hues ... I like Essie's Wicked. Just make sure you use it on short, well-manicured nails. This is a time where you should not do the polish yourself. Get someone to do it professionally. Trust me.

The Beauty Blog Continues

I've been told that I must continue blogging about beauty. I apologize for my recent break. Moving and starting a new job is exhausting. But I'm getting settled in New York City and enjoying catching up with old friends and making some new ones too.
Since moving from North Carolina, I feel as though I am the only person who is enjoying the cooler temperatures. But that said, my skin is already beginning to feel dry. And if dry weren't enough, my skin itches. So, I use my trusty Aquaphor and my Curel Continous Comfort 24-Hour Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin. I also use Fresh's Sugar Hand Treatment. It's made with flower acids which gently exfoliate the skin and it smells delish. I try to drink water and exfoliate my hands at least once a week. On my face I like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer. Never greasy! I guess being dry is something I'm just going to have to deal with now that I'm back in the city that never sleeps. I love you NYC!
I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming later this week, I'll examine the trend of dark nail polish. Am I the only person out there who thinks the polish is kind of odd? I liked it on one friend, but I'm unsure it's for me. Lately I've been using Essie Pink Glove Service. It's clear, with the slighest hint of pink. Perfect for me.

Lucky Me! Lucky You!

I just discovered a great website for perfume addicts. Imagine being able to sample a vial of perfume or perfumed oil for a couple of bucks. Most vials are $3. Some are $4. You'll find trendy fragrances like Monyette on www.luckyscent.com. There's even a grab bag for $20. I can't wait for my package to arrive in the mail. I'm dying to try something from Comptoir Sud Pacifique. Aren't you?

Ni Hao! (That's Hello in Mandarin)

During a recent trip to China, I learned that Asian women enjoy beauty products as much as I do. I'm always searching for that perfect shade of lipstick while Chinese women it seems, are on the hunt for ways to lighten and brighten their complexions. You can buy a variety of lightening creams and gels in the States, but typically they are for spot treatments. In Asia however, the women want to look pasty white. Nicole Kidman white. Apparently it's a symbol of wealth and status. Funny isn't it - Westerners want to look like bronze goddesses but on the other side of the world, women pay for pale skin.

My Birthday!

Friday was my 30th birthday. I've officially left my twenties. It was time to say goodbye to the tumultous twenties, and move on to the terrific thirties. I celebrated my big day with good friends at LuLu on Central Ave. in Charlotte. Delish. Any place that serves artichokes & olives is a great choice for me. For dessert? What else but ice cream cake.

Quick product update. I want to thank my gem of a friend Carrie Pearl for indulging me on my birthday and buying me some Becca "product." Great choice for this beauty babe. Can't wait to pucker up.

How About a Cool Mist?

Here in the South - we need sunscreen a lot. I can't believe how many sunspots are already appearing on my face, especially near my eyes. And that's just from driving. Between the pollen and the sun, I'm lucky to make it through Spring in one piece. That's why I'm wild about Neutrogena's new sunscreen in a can. Try it. It refreshes the skin and protects it. Not bad for 10 bucks! I like products that do two things at once. Make that three. I used it to shave last weekend. But mostly I like this spray because it makes me think of Summer.

Curing Parched Lips

Erica from Florida wants to know how to soothe her sunburned lips.

Here's a tip I got from Rona Berg's book Fast Beauty: 1,000 Quick Fixes.

To ease dry lips, (very) gently brush them with an old toothbrush and Vaseline or use a face scrub to slough off dry skin. Apply lip balm.

And the next time you plan on spending some QT under the sun, apply a lip balm with sunscreen!

Why I Like Fekkai

There's a shampoo and conditioner by Frederkic Fekkai called glossing cream which I really like. I bought myself some trial sizes for travel but find myself using them even when at home. I love the clean smell and the way my hair feels after using his products, silky and feminine. I'm also a fan of his Texturizing balm and Wave spray. You can shop Fekkai at Sephora.

Chantecaille, Oh My!

I can't stop talking about Chantecaille. That may be because Saturday I had my makeup applied by Chantecaille's famous makeup artist Greg. And though I've tried many of their products, previously I had never had my own sample of the face wash with rice and geranium. I got to use it twice today because I showered before work and used it after my afternoon run/walk. Let's put it this way ... I can't wait to use it again tonight. More later...

Thank goodness Gina is out

I don't want to be obnoxious or even mean, but Gina was not a candidate to be ANTM. She has a pretty face and great cheekbones, but she was so out-of-place on the show. I'm glad she's gone. It was getting painful to watch her drown.
My favorites are Sara, Brooke, Danielle and Nnenna. My money is on Danielle. She takes amazing pictures and she is so witty. When Jade said she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, Danielle said she would rather home school her kids than have Jade teach them.

Moving on to products ... have you tried anything from MOR? The Australian-based company makes body creams and scrubs that smell a whole lot better than anything from the retched Dessert line. I like the Gelatto body cream and Marshmellow body scrub.

In Charlotte you can buy MOR at Potion. Most of the products are reasonably priced.

The Poncho Squad

Bea Slater's poncho squad. The only granddaughter absent from the photograph is Saralah.

ANTM

What is wrong with this girl Gina?

Kick her off the show!

When you're a model you can't be squirmish. Maybe Iman can squirm, but unknowns do not bitch about their jobs.

You may be wondering why I watch ANTM. I like to learn what the judges are looking for in future models. It's interesting to see what it takes to compete in the industry. For example, one judge complimented a contestant because she had held her pose from her head to her toes. In other words, she was committed to the pose, kind of like acting. You can't do it half-assed.

I'd like the show's judges to spend more time with contestants teaching them about moving their bodies and their faces.

In other words, when a judge says, "you need to tilt your head because you have a strong jaw," what does that mean? Show the audience. I for one, would like to learn how to fix that problem.

Maybe next week Gina will get the boot. She's a beautiful girl who needs some confidence.

Give Me a Spritz!

Yeah. I'm addicted to Chantecaille's Eau de Rose de Mai Pure Rosewater Spray. Just gave myself a little spritz on my face. Now I need another one. So addicted. Go to work: spritz. Come home: spritz. Exercise: spritz. Fly: spritz, spritz, spritz! Nina, my cat: spritz. (Wait! Stop! Cats don't like spritzing)


You get the point: go out and spritz someone today. You can find Chantecaille at www.neimanmarcus.com or in Charlotte at www.Potionbeauty.com.

Beauty Babe Responds to Reader Questions

I received this question from reader Jacki recently:

HI, I JUST STARTED READING YOUR CHARLOTTE OBSERVER ARTICLES.
VERY INTERESTING!
I NEED ADVICE ON SKINCARE. WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE AS THE BEST OVER-THE-COUNTER EXFOLIATION PRODUCT-FOR BOTH FACE AND THE BODY?

Hi Jacki,

Thanks for your questions. I'm glad you found my beauty blog. And thanks for reading my columns in The Charlotte Observer.

To answer your question about exfoliation, I think Kiehl's makes a great face scrub. It's kind of pricey, but will last forever (~6 mos.) because you only need a small amount. Plus, I'd recommend using it no more than thrice weekly. You'll find Kiehl's at SouthPark mall at both Nordstrom and Belk. Bamboo Apothecary (Phillips Place) also sells Kiehl's. Or go online to www.kiehls.com.

Of course, if South Charlotte seems like the end of the earth to you, or if you are on a tight budget, consider Wal-Mart. Many drugstore brands make decent exfoliants for the face and for the body. Aveeno, Biore, Neutrogena, Olay, et al.
But, no matter which product you select, I would not recommend using the same one on your face and on your body. Body scrubs, in general, would be too harsh for the delicate facial skin.

Here's something else to consider. What is your skin type? Are you oily or dry? Maybe you are lucky and have normal skin that never breaks out. We need to pair you with the proper product. These products can be too harsh if you have sensitive skin or allergies. I'm not trying to to scare you, I'm just saying, it's hard to recommend a specific product without knowing more about a person's skin type. Tell me more and I'll see what I can do. We'll find something that's just right for you. Thanks for checking in with me.

The Wisdom of Teeth

The Beautybabe is recuperating at home today. I just had my teeth pulled. All four of my wisdom teeth. Actually, it wasn't that bad. I even asked the nurse, April to put vaseline on my lips. They were so dry.

Right now I am at home watching Martha Stewart and Roseanne Barr cook up some fondue.

Bon Appetit!

More on Me

Want more beauty news?
Gabbing for gloss goodies?

Check out my last two beauty-related articles from The Charlotte Observer.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/style/13780075.
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/style/13780074.htm

Creed Not Greed

Ever take a whiff of Creed's Fleurissimo perfume? To die for. That is, if you like floral scents. Usually I don't. But this stuff is very pretty. Elegant. I'm not sure how to say this without sounding like a snob, but I'll give it a try. Creed is pricey. But once you smell it, you'll realize why.

For a sample, or a spritz, and a little goes a long way, go to Potion on East Boulevard in Charlotte, N.C. Or try Neiman Marcus.



East Boulevard location:
1419 East Boulevard, Suite E
Charlotte, NC 28203
704-347-6841


Birkdale Village location:
Huntersville, NC
704.655.8755 or 704.655.8210
Hours Mon-Sat, 10-7, Sun 12-5
Take 77 N and turn left off Exit 25

Becca Blooms

Dear friends:
It is with great pride that I announce that I have just about finished a beauty product. This is a rare occasion. I love my Becca luminous skin color in nude. Think of this as a tinted moisturizer, you know, a sheer foundation. It's one of the best face products I've ever used. Want more moisture? Mix it with your fave day cream. Want a little glimmer? Mix in a luminizer. Want to look extra dewy? Use more.

I know I like a product when I use it day in and day out. Congrats Becca. You get my award. Also, a shout out to my girl Noa, with Becca Cosmetics. Noa is an awesome make-up artist. She is kind, funny, smart and amazing at transforming faces.

Eyes Lips Face

Have you heard of ELF make-up? I just received a batch of it. Cool stuff for eyes, face and lips. Get it? Anyway, apparently the stuff is bargain priced, like a buck an item. Way cool for product junkies like moi.