Update on Kiehl's Liquid Body Cleanser

An update now on a product I've mentioned before. I've always been a fan of Kiehl's liquid soaps (body cleansers), but tonight I used the cleanser to make a bubble bath. On a scale of 1 to 10, the suds quality was a perfect 10. The suds were lightly fragrant without being overpowering. When I stepped out of the tub, there was no sticky residue on the inside of the tub or on me. My skin felt clean, without feeling tight. And although I liked the fragrance, in this case, cranberry, I really liked that the scent faded once I got out of the water.

Holiday Helpers

Looking for a sweet stocking stuffer? Check out Stila's Holiday Collection and their Noir palette. It comes with an eyeshadow base, crease, liner and cheek color. Toss this in your gym bag or your purse and you are good to go. This palette is flat, so it would also fit in a narrow desk drawer. In typical Stila fashion, the colors are modern and sexy. $32

Natural and Organic

If you are interested in products that are natural, organic or something in between check out a tab on Sephora.com. I just noticed they added this feature. You will probably recognize many of the brands already, but it makes shopping easier. By the way, did you know that the Sephora at Times Square is open until midnight? Happy shopping!

Times Square
1500 Broadway #304
Cross-Streets: On Broadway between West 43rd & 44th Streets
(212) 944-6789
Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10 am - 12 am

Atopalm

A friend introduced me to a new line of skincare products called Atopalm. The line is designed for dry, sensitive skin. I've been using the cleanser and moisturizer and I have to say the products are very gentle, yet effective. Sometimes when you buy extra gentle products they don't work that well. But I felt like the Atopalm products were very concentrated.

Pantene Party!

After volunteering for a special event at the Waldorf-Astoria last week, I walked away with a goody bag filled with Pantene hair products. Pantene was a sponor of the Beauty of Giving event, which raises money and awareness for Cancer and Careers. This group aims to help professional women cope with cancer. Pantene has received a lot of press lately for its "Beautiful Lengths" campaign. You may have seen actress Hillary Swank cut her hair on Oprah. She donated her locks to Pantene's program.

Beauty Booty Event Alert!

Experience a complimentary new lip treatment at Salon AKS (locations at 694 Madison Avenue & 689 Fifth Avenue) with the purchase of any MD Skincare® product.
The treatment, which uses MD Skincare® products, is called Lip Service and will instantly plump, smooth and hydrate lips and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Kiehl's Since 1891

I am sitting at my desk with a candle, a Kiehl's candle. I know candles can be dangerous, but I figured what if I could make my desk a bit more comfortable? The reason I chose *this* candle is that it's fragrant, without being overpowering. I asked my co-workers if it bothered them and they said no. I really like this Limited Edition Scented Candle in Cranberry. Buy it now while you can. Not sure how long the candle is in stores...

But if candles aren't your thing -- you can also make someone happy with Kiehl's lipbalm set. Enjoy the limited edition set: pear, mint and cranberry.

Neutrogena Goes Battery Operated

Dear readers,

It is that time of the year. You know what I mean by that time.
We're not even into December yet and already I feel like I'm suffocating.
I'm all for a little Christmas music, but this is ridiculous..

I digress -- where was I?

I traveled to Ohio for Thanksgiving, which means not only did I eat turkey, I also shopped at Wal-Mart. You've got to love those super Wal-Marts. They are so big, you can burn off a slice of pumpkin pie while walking from one end of the store to the other.

One product that jumped out at me was from skincare king Neutrogena. The company just unveiled a new battery-operated power cleanser that fits in the palm of your hand.

I tried mine today and loved it.

It is small and simple to use. It comes with single-use textured pads which stick to the massage applicator. It's like an electric toothbrush for the face.

There is one small power button. And the power cleanser even comes with a AA battery. It's gentle enough for daily use. You can even use it in the shower. Oh -- and it's pink!

Dew Wonderful Dew!

Sephora handed me a sample of DDF's ultra-lite oil-free moisturizing dew.
I am not sure what the magic is in this product, but I have to say it is ultra light and calming. Great for sensitive skin, and skin affected by weather changes.Somehow it gives my skin and even appearance. It sells for $36.

Weathering Nars

What kind of makeup does super weather woman Heidi Jones prefer?

Ms. Jones tells me she likes MAC's spray foundation.

But what she really loves is Nars' bronzer. Why not? It's amazing.

Good choice Heidi. Now what's up with this weather?

H20

A reminder ... don't forget to drink plenty of water this fall. It's delish when you add a slice of lemon or lime, or a few sliced strawberries.
--
Jaime



Life is short, buy lip gloss!

Beauty and Bloomie's

Just a reminder ... Bloomingdales is holding its Beauty Benefits event now through Sunday October 28th.

Don't miss out on the free samples, gifts with purchase and makeup consultations.

For more information: 212-705-2333 59th & Lex

Aveeno Wins Over Neutrogena

Dear readers,
Over the past few weeks I've been looking for a replacement for my Pat Wexler exfoliating cleanser, from her acne line.
I've run out and I can't seem to find it anywhere. It's available on the Bath and Body Works Web site. But I don't want to pay for shipping.

So, I've been comparing similar products from Aveeno and Neutrogena
designed to treat acne.

I'm really enjoying the Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser
Like the Wexler product, it seems less harsh on my skin than the Neutrogena. I have fairly sensitive skin.

It cleans nicely without leaving a film.

In addition, it has a mild scent. Many of Neutrogena's acne products have a medicinal scent which I don't care for. But that said, in general, I am a big fan of Neutrogena. I really like their liquid soap, Liquid Neutrogena and the brand makes the best sunscreens.

Bottom line: You can buy the Aveeno at Walgreens or your drugstore of choice.

Update on Wexler Products

Previously on this blog I've written about celebrity dermatologist Pat Wexler's acne products.
I especially like her exfoliating cleanser. Unfortunately, I can't find it anywhere. I've been to several Bath and Body Works stores, in New Jersey and New York City, and all the stores are sold out. What good is a great product if you can't get it when you need it? Now I'm going to try Avenoo's new acne line, since I can by this cleanser at the drugstore. Expect reports soon.

Holiday Gift update

I love to give gifts. And I really love to give useful gifts. When I got married I gave my bridal party personalized terry cloth cosmetic bags. You can buy these bags at Pottery Barn. But I also found cute ones for kids in the Lillian Vernon catalog. Page 79. And at $13, you just can't go wrong.

By the way, my apologies for not blogging more this month. We just moved, and I was wiped out.

News from Ahava!

AHAVA revealed that Kristin Davis (aka Charlotte York) has signed on to be the international face of its famed, mineral-rich skin care line.
As part of this multi-year agreement, Ms. Davis will appear in AHAVA’s global advertising campaign, on the brand’s international web sites, as well as in various marketing and communications initiatives. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Kristin Davis is an exceptional woman; she is talented, intelligent and radiates a joie de vivre,” said Yacov Ellis, CEO of Dead Sea Laboratories. “This partnership establishes a new era for the brand. We are thrilled to welcome her to the AHAVA family, and are looking forward to the coming years.”

Congrats Kristin!

Origins Handouts

What a great evening. I stopped by Origins at 84th and Broadway and left with a goody bag of products -- without spending a dime.

I asked for one sample, and left with half a dozen. Now that's a way to do business.

I'm looking forward to trying out Andrew Weil's Plantidote serum and using a little Peace of Mind on my stress points.

Blot, Blot, Blot

I never used to understand how or why people used blotting papers.

Then I started to ride to the subway in August.

And September.

And ...

It's hot down there.

And I sweat.

Boy, do I sweat.

So, I use Boscia's Green Tea Blotting linens to help control it.

These papers are great because they absorb so much of the sweat without disturbing your tinted moisturizer of choice.

Gloss, Set, Match!

I'm not sure how much I improved my service game tonight -- but I did hit a grand slam in lipgloss.

While waiting in line to enter the U.S. Open grounds, I asked a glamorous fan about her gloss of choice.

"Dior" she said.

"Number 488"

Then she held up the tube to show me how much product she had used. A lot.
Actually, she told me she had already used up one small size tube that she received in a gift set, liked it so much, she bought a full-size tube.

Answers to Your Questions

Dear Amy,
Thanks for your email. Here are two of my fave drugstore-brands of mascara.

If you want a good drugstore mascara:
1) L'oreal Telescopic mascara
2) L'oreal Voluminous mascara

If you have more $$$ to spend, you may want to try Stila's Multi-effect mascara. It works like a charm.

New Mom Beauty Questions Answered Here!

Earlier today I received an email from a friend in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Amy G. is a reporter with The Charlotte Observer.

She writes about all things business. She also pens a handy financial blog that you can read here.

Amy has a 9-month-old. Right now the new mom is looking for a makeup routine that's budget and time friendly.

Her email to me:
(comments have been edited for clarity and length)

"...So you know I don't wear a lot of make-up. No time. No skill (in applying). And I don't like to spend a lot of money on it.

Also, I don't like the heavily made uplook.
Still, I am tired of clumpy drugstore mascaras.
What are the best drugstore and non-drugstore mascaras?"

-------------------------------------------------------
My answers coming later this afternoon...

Skin Deep

The Times' Natasha Singer has written a funny piece about fall makeup.
You can read it here:

Skin Deep
No, I Haven’t Been Mugged. Why Do You Ask?
By NATASHA SINGER
August 23, 2007

YOU know fall is upon us when beauty companies start pushing femme fatale makeup.

Ideally, theatrical colors — mulberry lips, scarlet-fever blusher, black-widow eyeliner — should conjure a glamorous diva. But, in reality, a face anchored by a dark matte mouth and penumbral eyelids could easily qualify for the pages of Glamour Don’t.

“Look! It’s Grandpa from ‘The Munsters,’ ” exclaimed a colleague when I returned to the office last week wearing the latest fall makeup, freshly applied by a beauty adviser at a department store.

How to wear autumn makeup shades without looking as exaggerated as a female impersonator is an annual problem.

Every spring, cosmetics companies bring out new pink, pastel and terra cotta tones, marketing them with terms like “fresh,” “healthy” and “glowing.”

Come fall, the same beauty brands inevitably introduce deeper-hued jewel and berry shades, with slogans like “a return to glamour,” a marketing scheme intended to induce women who may have pared down their summer grooming routines to a bit of bronzer and a dash of lip gloss to reinvest in foundations and lipsticks.

Every year there are new names for this heavy-lipped, heavy-lidded look. Estée Lauder’s fall makeup collection is called After Hours. Prescriptives has The Seducers. Department stores are advertising Smokin’ Hot from Yves Saint Laurent Beauté.

But that is just rebranding. The look was old when Gloria Swanson wore it in 1950 in “Sunset Boulevard.” The practice of using color pigments to play up the seductive quality of eyes and lips predates even Cleopatra (the consort of Caesar and Mark Antony, not the movie in which Elizabeth Taylor disports with Richard Burton).

The question is whether a retro look befitting Norma Desmond or an Egyptian mummy could work on a contemporary woman who spends her working day not in a West Hollywood swimming pool or on a Nile barge but in a Midtown office.

I decided to sample the fall collections to find out.

PRESCRIPTIVES, MACY’S

Products used (11): concealer, foundation, liquid eyeliner, four eye shadows, eyelash primer, mascara, blush, lipstick.

Total cost of products used for makeover: $200.

Time spent: one hour.

The makeover started well enough.

A beauty adviser primed my face with a little concealer and foundation. Then she set about creating what she called “the fall eye.”

Using a black liquid eyeliner, she drew a thin line from the inner corner of my eye, widening it into a graphic block at the outer corner, which turned up into a 45-degree angle.

“It’s called the cat’s eye, or the Egyptian eye,” she said.

In combination with pale primed skin and nude lips, the thick eyeliner recalled Brigitte Bardot circa 1960. It looked intense, but it worked.

Then came the overkill: The adviser layered on white, black, purple and lilac eye shadows patted on thickly both above, and a bit below, my eyes. My eyelids looked like I had gone a few rounds with the heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Next, she chose a lipstick called Purple Prose, which she applied above my lip line, halfway to my nose.

“It looks strong to you now because it is still summer,” the beauty adviser said. “But when the weather is cooler and you are wearing fall clothes, the makeup will fit right in.”

Somehow I doubted it.

I bought just the eyeliner.

YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTé, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Products used (14): exfoliating cream, face serum, eye cream, age-defying cream, concealer, liquid foundation, loose face powder, eye shadow compact (four colors), eyeliner, mascara, two blushes, lipstick, lip gloss.

Cost of products used in makeover: $941.

Time spent: 40 minutes.

“Feel your skin!” commanded the beauty adviser, taking my hand and running it along my face. “It’s so uneven. You have dry patches and your pores are clogged!”

Apparently the old negative reinforcement technique still moves products.

She remedied the situation by applying a $300 face serum and several other skin-care products to provide a smooth canvas, the better to show off the makeup, she said.

To create fall’s smoky eye, she used a new eye compact called Palette Esprit Couture. She started with a nude eye shadow as a base coat. Then came purple along the eye socket. And then a deep brown, patted all over the eyelids. She brushed on several coats of mascara and then used a blue eyeliner, drawing it along the lash line.

“See how much wider your eyes are!” she pronounced.

It looked good — if I were Avril Lavigne got up for a semiformal dinner at the captain’s table on a Bahamas cruise.

“Well, this is a nighttime look,” she conceded. “You can take it up or take it down.”

Tone it down, I suggested. She obliged with a lot of beige eye shadow under my brows, blending it into the dark brown to lighten it and cancel out the mauve.

To top it off, she chose a deep scarlet lipstick, using it liberally to enlarge the size of my mouth.

It was a look John le Carré described as “a fat lipstick mouth drawn over the little thin one underneath.” Not something to emulate.

Upon request, the adviser toned down my lips as well, applying concealer to the lipstick that had overrun my lips and adding a neutral lip gloss to mute the bright pigment.

At dinner that night, a friend said: “It’s not you, but it looks beautiful.”

I am going to use the eye shadows, remembering to skip the mauve and to go easy on the brown.

SEPHORA

Products: 1 lipstick.

Time spent: 10

minutes.

Cost: $10.

Lipstick sales have declined in the last decade while lip gloss sales have increased almost tenfold, according to NPD Beauty, a market research firm.

But don’t tell that to Sephora.

Earlier this month, Sephora installed signs in some stores trumpeting the idea that “Lipstick Is Back!” To bolster this notion, saleswomen, referred to in-house as “cast members,” said they had been encouraged to swap their glosses for lipsticks.

At the Times Square store, I installed myself at a long red table topped with lighted vanity mirrors and asked a beauty adviser to help me choose a fall lipstick.

“Do you want a classic red red or a deeper red?” she asked. “The pinkier red is easier to wear, but the classic red makes more of a statement.”

We chose Sephora Cream Lipstick 94, a take-no-prisoners matte tomato of a color described as “fierce” in the company’s fall catalog. Indeed, it was so fierce that I wondered whether I should wear foundation and eye shadow or at least a lip liner, some kind of cosmetic diversion to distract people from looking at it.

“You don’t need to wear makeup with that. You can wear it as a stand-alone,” said the woman, clearly a graduate of the soft-sell school of beauty advising. “Why, do you want a lip liner?”

She applied the red lipstick to my mouth, miraculously staying within the lines. The result was vaudevillian.

“It looks great,” she said. “You can pull that off.”

There are some women who can pull off cherry-popsicle lipstick. Madonna, say, in “Who’s That Girl?” Paloma Picasso. Gwen Stefani. But it was too bright for me.

Still, I have to admit I liked it. Even if it was too fierce, the lipstick served a purpose, providing an instant and welcome change, like a new haircut. It made me want to wear deeper lipstick shades this fall, albeit in sheerer formulas.

Reader, I bought it.

Warren-Tricomi

This past weekend, in East Hampton, I got to hang out with Edward from Warren-Tricomi. He was at White's Pharmacy, promoting his new haircare line and a sassy new hairbrush.
The haircare line has three steps.
*Shampoo,
*Protect hair/treatment
*Condition

The idea, says Edward, is to prevent damage to hair before it begins.
The products sell for roughly $25 each and they smell heavenly.
I believe they are infused with figs, which give them a sweet smell.
Here is a picture of Edward outside of White's Pharmacy.

Maybe She's Born with it....

How Fresh Are You?

A new Fresh (cosmetics)opened up near ABC News on Columbus Avenue in NYC.
I ventured in today. Nice store - small space. Could use a few more mirrors.
I tested the new lip glosses. I liked Sugar Flirt. Good gloss -- but a little pricey. This gloss will set you back $25. So you may not want to lend it to your co-worker.

What's on your nails this Fall?

Oooh! When the weather gets hot and humid, I start thinking about the Fall. I miss the crisp air and the crunchy apples And autumn-friendly nail polish. This year the colors rock. I just took a look at Essie's newest colors and I am thrilled with the selection. I don't even like dark colors that much, but I can't wait to try out the decadent diva, a rich shimmering cocoa.I'm also excited about the bags to riches, a light caramel taupe. Pictures to come soon!

Beauty Lounge in Summit NJ

Calling all lovers of beauty boutiques. I've discovered Beauty Lounge at 31 Maple Street in Summit, New Jersey.
The store is a small beauty emporium. It carries Fekkai products, Paula Dorf and Malin & Goetz. There's also a great selection of hobo clutches and Cari jewelry.
You can also drop some Ben Franklins on the wide selection of Dr. Brandt skin-care products.
Shop often and have fun! The store is located across the street from trendy Urban Paws and around the corner from Starbucks!

Store info:
31 Maple Street
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-6688
www.beautylounge.info

Mario Badescu

Need a lift? If you like creamy lotions -- but don't want one that leaves a lot of grease -- you may want to try out Badescu's Olive Oil cream -- that's Mario Badescu. You can buy it at Nordstrom.

By the way -- I'm now on Facebook.

7 Online's Lauren Glassberg

The adorable and witty Lauren Glassberg just did a story for our local ABC affiliate WABC.
Tonight's piece was about caring for and treating your hair. The story talked about how to diagnose hair issues.
If you'd like to read more about this topic, click on the pink hot link.
Recently I had a deep conditioning hair treatment and I've been pleased with the results. A series of highlights left my hair dry and icky. Now my strands are more supple.

Sunday Styles

Did anyone read Sunday Style's today?
Bobbi Brown's Navajo eye palette was featured.
You can also read my review on this blog.
I think the palette is wonderful for fall.
A modern -- yet classic fall look.
Let me know what you think about the palette.

Sunscreen drama

Say you're like me. You wear sunscreen, but your forget to apply it in certain places.
Then you go kayaking for 2 hours.
In the sun.
On a big pond.
With your mom, dad and husband.
Then you burn.
A lot.
Your knees are red.
The tops of your thighs burn.
What's a girl to do?

Korres to the rescue.

Slather on the Korres cooling Yoghurt lotion-gel for relief.
Obviously the Greeks get how to cool off after a nasty stay in the sun.

Korres is sold at Sephora.

And coming this fall ... Korres is opening a store in Soho

Stay tuned for posts on Korres' yummy guava body butter. Delish!

Update on Bobbi Brown

Well, I've finally had the chance to try out Bobbi Brown's new Stonewashed Nude eye palette. It's lovely. I spent my train ride from Glen Rock to New York City applying various shades of shimmer-y grey, mica, ash shimmer, nude and hot stone shadows.
I also liked the espresso eyeliner that accompanies the shadows.
The only problem, says my mother Slimdi, is that the palette is tricky to open.
Not impossible -- but if you don't want to break a nail, be careful.
I also really enjoyed Bobbi's new Brownie Pink lipstick and Stonewashed nude lip gloss.
If you pair these shadows with this lip combination, you're sure to be what I would call a "natural knockout."

As I write this blog, Slimdi is trying out the Brownie Pink. I'm not actually sure where the name Brownie Pink comes, but I digress. Mom says, "It looks good with a tan."

Bobbi Brown's Fall Looks

I just received a little pamphlet from Bobbi Brown, promoting her Fall 2007 collection. Does any one in the beauty biz do natural better than Bobbi?
I'm loving her Stonewashed Mauve Shimmer Lip Gloss. Well, actually, I haven't tried the products yet. But the pictures make them look very pretty.
We'll keep an eye on these glosses and Bobbi's Stonewashed Look.

Orna for your tired, aching feet

This is a foot cream that was recommended to me by a colleague. It's very rich and helps to eliminate dry, cracked heels. If you wear flip flops the way I wear flip flops, you will understand what dry heels look like. They crack. They bleed. They are messy and unsightly. They disturb my chi.

Buy this fabby foot cream :
www.ornaskincare.com
The product retails for about $30

Streekers!

Folks! I'm not talking about skinny dipping here. But I wanted to give you an update on my new fave summer product. I tried the hair color today -- in pink -- and it was great. You can brush it on a strand or two of hair for a small hint of color or you can apply it thicker for a more dramatic result. I used it and liked it very much. And it did wash out easily, as promised. However, I went biking and I sweat so much under my helmet that I ended up with a small pink spot on my forehead. That too washed off easily. So go ahead ... paint your hair pink. Just wait until after you go biking and the beach.

*WHAT THEY COST: $9.95 each
*WHERE TO FIND THEM: Select salons and cosmetic specialty stores; ULTA; or via www.streekers.com

Think Pink! Or Yellow! Or Blue!

New ways to have fun with your hair color this summer -- without doing permanent damage. That's coming up --
When I review "Streekers."

Coming Soon -- Hamadi Hair

Hamadi products. Do you know them? I just learned about Hamadi at a local beauty event in New York City. More on Hamadi, coming up soon.

Kiss My Face

I used to think Kiss My Face was all about soaps and handcreams. Turns out the company makes hair mousse (far left), tinted moisturizer, lip balm and more.

I liked this 3-in-1 lip tint on the left. You can also use it on the cheeks and eyelids. I like that it has SPF. Always a good idea.

I still haven't tried the body scrub ... but I will. And when I do... you'll be the first to know.

Kinerase Karma

Here's a brief update on my mom and her favorite moisturizer, Kinerase.
Apparently Slimdi has a trick for squeezing out as much moisturizer as possible.
She cuts the tubes.
I had no idea.
But, my mother says she cuts the tube to retrieve as much of the good stuff as possible.
Go mom!

Kiss My Face!

Coming soon, the beautybabe will be reviewing new products by Kiss My Face. The company is know for making gentle hand soaps. But now they are turning out a wide variety of products.

Summer glow minus the harmful rays

I bought this at Sephora, kind of on a whim. It's a great product. No orange streaks. But I use it very sparingly. I mean, I kind of tap, tap, tap it onto the apples of my cheeks. This helps to give me a healthy, sun-kissed glow.

KINERASE FOR MOM

Not sure if you've ever experimented with Kinerase. But as you can tell from this picture, my mom is an addict. She squeezes her tubes until there ain't nothing left. Love that. Please note, while Kinerase is expensive, my momma is worth it. Also, my mother has dry skin, and she is sensitive to a lot of products, including many sunscreens. But she's happy with Kinerase.

New from Aveda

If you're thinking about ways to keep your hair sleek this summer ... you may want to try out Aveda's Smooth Infusion. This shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair soft and reduce frizz, but the products don't weigh down hair. I know, because I have a lot of hair.

Update on Bobbi's lip tints

I got one! Bought it at Bloomie's at Willowbrook mall in New Jersey. Hey, it was for my bday. I'm enjoying it ... pink raspberry is lovely.

Products that Plump

If you've ever tried DuWop's Lip Venom, chances are you like products that plump. From the makers of Lip Venom, comes their latest must-have product 2nd Sin.
It contains a blend of cinnamon, wintergreen, and ginger oils to help increase circulation to the lips. It also cools the lips using a non-menthol cooling substitute. At $27, it's expensive. But, it should last a long time.

Sheer Genius

So, I'm in White's Pharmacy in East Hampton Saturday when I come across a new Bobbi product.

Her new tinted lip balm is great. So great it's already sold out in several shades at White's and on www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

And unlike other tinted balms on the market, hers delivers both moisture and color. Apply on-the-go and enjoy!

Stila multi-effect mascara

She's a winner!

Notice how I've made the mascara a female.

Anyway, I've tried Stila's new mascara and it's great. It's light, but covered my lashes well. I like the curve of the brush. I tried the multi-effect mascara in black and it was the appropriate color for my dark brown eyes.

Lashes that Delight

Coming soon ... a look at Stila's latest eyelash sensation...the beautybabe tests it out.

New web site

A friend suggested a new web site to me.

You'll find the latest scoop on beauty & fashion at www.topbutton.com.

You'll also find info on sample sales and celeb trends.

Take a look. I'd love to know what you think of my new fave site.

Stila Face Color -- Katie Couric in a blush

I love when I find a new product that's well-designed and does what it's supposed to do. Case in point:

Stila's All Over Glow -- Peachy keen.

Swipe this dynamic duo powder over your face when you want a fresh, healthy glow.

I'm the kind of gal who has naturally pink skin.

My grandma would say I have rosy cheeks.

I'm often nervous about using blush, for fearing of looking like a clown. But this peach is sooooooooo natural-looking. It just perks you up. It's like Katie Couric in a blush.

Anyway ... the peach color in this awesome duo is way lighter in color than bronzer, so you don't have to worry about looking like Charlize Theron at the Oscars a few years back.

And as you can see in this itty bitty photograph, the blush comes with a second, shimmer-y powder than you can use to highlight.

Great gift for the teenager in your life! Or for mom!

Curel for Your Mama

Holly Robinson Peete is joining forces with Curel Skincare and www.winkflash.com to offer moms the picture perfect Mother's Day - 50 free prints and Curél Skincare samples. It begins today!
Log on to http://www.curel.com/winkflashWinkflash.com for free pics.

I got the chance to try out Curel's new creams. They are very nice and fast absorbing. Also, they have the mildest, almost undetectable scent. I've been using the foot cream at night and I've heard no complaints from my husband.

Curel & Holly Robinson Peete

Coming Soon...

Prescriptives' Magic Potion

I have to admit it. I first saw this product on QVC. The hosts talked about this product as if it were the Taj Mahal of beauty products. Now don't get me wrong, it's a good product. Use it as a highlighter before and/or after your foundation or tinted moisturizer. You can wipe it on your cheek bones, or on the bridge of your nose, wherever you want a little extra sheen. The Magic Potion helps illuminate the skin.
But it's not a primer as the hosts on QVC mentioned. You want a primer? Stick with Laura Mercier's oil-free primer. Great product.

Prescriptives

More beauty blogging ahead ...

A look at Prescriptives Magic Potion et. al.

Be right back!

But Wait, There's More from Wexler!

About my only complaint with Pat Wexler's new line of plumping lip glosses, is their name.
I mean, who wants to hear the word injection?
Anyway, these glosses tingle. But they do plump. And they're very pretty. Also, the colors are nice and sheer. I like Raspberry.

More Pat Wexler

Here's an update to my previous blog. I mentioned Wexler's starter kit.
Here's a picture of it. I'm really enjoying the cleanser and glycolic acid wipes.
By the way, I've also tried her plumping lip glosses, too. Very nice. Now, if only I could get an appointment with Doc Wexler.

Pat Wexler Strikes Again

Dermatologist Pat Wexler strikes again!
The go-to derm has introduced a new must-have product in her well-received Acnostat line.
This is a 2-step glycolic acid peel for acne-prone skin.

You can try this product, and many others at Bath and Body Works.

What I really like is how this product comes packaged.

You can buy it as part of a trial set for $40.

It comes with a cleanser, serum & moisturizer, plus the pads.

I know you can't tell from the image here, but to use the peel, all you have to do is wipe a pad across your face. It's that simple.

I've used other products that contain acids and they've irritated my skin.
Results in a few weeks!

Sunscreen!

My new facialist, Nirit just came down coming down on me for not wearing enough sunscreen.
"But my moisturizer has sunscreen built into it," I said.
"I don't believe in combined products," she replied.
"Oh well," I said.
"Every day," she said with her thick Israeli accent.

Guess I'm wearing sunscreen on top of my moisturizer every day.

You would too if your facial woman was from a country that made people enter the military.

The Szish Dish

Meet Katrina Szish. You probably recognize her from her television work. She's a style reporter and quite good at the ins and outs of all things Hollywood. Catch her on ABC NEWS NOW and filing for US Weekly. I'm pretty sure this Kat likes makeup the way I like makeup. So I asked her for a few product recommendations. Remember, Katrina spends a lot of time on-air. She always has to look like she could win America's Next Top Model. Actually, she probably could win the competition. Anyway, she needs products that won't fade or make her look fake. If I looked like her I wouldn't want to look fake either. Thanks Katrina for your thoughts on all things beauty.


Szish Dish's recommendations...

• Lancome's Hypnose mascara "the best I've ever tried and I've tried a lot!"
• Lola water-based foundation primer
• Make-up Forever matte velvet oil-free foundation for complete coverage
• Nars powder blush in Orgasm
• cle de peau concealer "Expensive but worth it"
• Three Custom Color Specialists light clarifier pencil for inner rim of lower lid

Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier has a new foundation stick. I've tried it a few times with much success. This product is best for folks who need light to medium coverage. I like it because I can use it as a foundation and a concealer to some extent. The wide stick makes for an easy application.

Life's Crests and Troughs

A funny thing happened to me last weekend. While spending the weekend hanging with Slimdi & the gang, I left my favorite toothbrush in New Jersey. You're probably thinking... how can someone have a favorite toothbrush? Well, I do. Teeth are a big part of my life. You'd understand if you had braces, twice; headgear, multiple retainers, including one that needed to be turned with a small key... all the while practicing for your Bat-mitzvah. 'Nuf said. But wait ... there's good news too. Although I deeply miss my electric toothbrush, I still had great toothpaste waiting for me at home. You can't try it until the spring, but I got a sneak peak at Crest's new Nature's Expressions line. I tried their peppermint. It's actually infused with peppermint oil.

Here's my review. The paste was refreshing and made my mouth tingle. But the peppermint was not overpowering. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other flavors in the pack. I think you will too.

I like it. I really, really like it!

Now to an update on Bobbi Brown's face oil. You may recall that I wrote about the oil a few weeks ago following fashion week. I attended Tory Burch's show which was where I bumped into Bobbi.

Bobbi explained to me personally that the oil helps keep skin moist and dewy -- but not shiny.

So I bought some.

And you know what?

I like it. I really, really like it. I apply it at night and rub away my stress. Truth is ... I was worried I'd break out. So far, so good. And last night, when I got up around 1am and couldn't sleep, I used the oil to massage my face. Then I conked out. The oil is also good on your cuticles.

I bought mine at Bergdorf Goodman, but you can pick it up at high-end department stores or online. It's not cheap, but you don't need a lot. Another top-notch product from the folks at Bobbi Brown.

More pics from FW

And you thought models didn't eat...






The Aveda hair people were amazing to watch.
They created silky, sexy styles for the models.