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

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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.