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!