Beauty Contest

Mariobadescu is having a contest for acne suffers. Five winners will receive a consultation with one of the company's skin specialists and a customized regimen of Mario Badescu Skin Care products.

I've been using MB's acne line. I like the company's acne facial cleanser and glycolic cleanser. Good stuff. I also recommend their masks. Great products, reasonable prices.

For details go to http://www.mariobadescu.com/acne#contest .

A visit to Space NK

Tried a fun lip crayon today from Poppy King, Lipstick Queen.
Sadly I am not the lipstick queen.
Had lunch with a friend near 72nd street so I decided to pop into Space NK on Columbus Avenue. I really liked the crayon called mystery. It looks like a deep plum. But it is sheer and rich at the same time. A very pretty purple.
But, it was sold out.
Next time.

I also tried this Rachel Zoe-endorsed product called Glam Balm (Rodial). Very interesting product. It's supposed to give an instant lift to face and lips. But it also helps heal cracked feet -- so says the salesgirl. It felt wonderful on the lips. Very moisturizing. My lips felt well-protected. But I could not bring myself to purchase it because it was so expensive!

Later this week look for a post about Mario Badescu products. I'm using their Acne cleanser religiously -- well, sort of.

She's Here!

My own bottle of Chloe arrived via the USPS yesterday. I can't wait to sneak a spritz. So excited.

Chloe, I can't quit you.

An update on my recent post about Chloe. I have been emailing with my friend Amy about the perfume. As I mentioned, she's the one who first introduced me to the fragrance. She told me she also loves the Estee Lauder perfume Beautiful, but that she "can't stop wearing Chloe ... You find something at 16 that works for you -- you keep it, right. How rare."
Amy has two adorable little girls, Lucy and Penny. She sent me this note recently:

"I also associate Chloe with all the wonderful things that have happened to me -- living and working in Paris, meeting Jeff and now having Lucy. Lucy and I have a perfume ritual in the morning. I spray some on my arms and then rub on hers. She loves it too!
Chloe, I can't quit you!"


(What a wonderful way to start the day with your daughter. Thanks Amy for sharing.)

You, Me and Chloe.

To quote my dear friend Joanna, "I'm sweating Chloe," as in the perfume.

I first learned about this perfume from my friend Amy in Charlotte.
Poor Amy; whenever I would see her, I'd say, "you smell so nice."
Last time I saw her she said she had spritzed up just for me. What a nice gal.
I tried to buy it once, but didn't like it on me. But as of today, that is all in the past. A recent Bloomingdale's spray and sniff experience has made me realize that I can too can wear this lovely, floral fragrance.

I'd also like to give a shout out to one of my students who wears it too. Go Saskya.

40% EVERYTHING ONLINE

My friends at Three Custom Color are giving away their amazing products with a fire sale!

40% everything online!

CHECKOUT CODE: LOVE
Now through October 1st.

Now is a great time to stock up on your old favorites or try on something new for size.
One of the things I love most about makeup is that it doesn't come in sizes!

I love Three Custom's concealer trio. I use it at concealer and foundation! I also love the company's lip glosses; excellent color and never tacky! Same goes for their lipsticks. They are fragrance-free and very moisturizing.

Congrats to Three Custom for their recent appearance on QVC.

Nars Attraction

I am on a Nars kick. Just picked up a few more products including Morocco lip liner, $20 and a creamy taupe eye shadow called Corfu, $21.

Unfortunately, when I opened the box to my new bronzing powder Laguna, it looked like someone had stuck their finger in it. I'll be taking this back to Blue Mercury for an exchange. --JB

Blush & Mush

Dear readers ... a confession.

I bought the Nars Montenegro cream blush.

Love it!

I'm also enjoying Aveeno's leave-in treatment. It helps keep my hair manageable and soft. Also, I'm looking forward to trying Aveeno's Positively Ageless skin care line. The products arrived in the mail today!

I also received a sample of Banana Republic's new fragrance for women. I'll let you know what I think about the perfume in a week or so.

...A shout out to my students Diana and Angelica who tell me they like my hair curly. Thanks girls. Now get an edit!

Darling Michelle O.

Somebody tell me what lipgloss Michelle Obama is wearing tonight. She looks amazing.

Angelika!

I've never been a big blush fan. I mean, I like it on other people. But not on me. Thar's mostly because I have so-called rosy cheeks and don't need a lot of extra color. But every now and then a blush calls out to me. That's what happened with Nars' Angelika. In the container the blush appears very pink. But it's actually very flattering and not as bright as it appeared in the container. It's also nice when worn with Nars' cream blush Montenegro. (see below)


But I'd save Montenegro for fall. It's very rich and does a nice job of warming the face.

I have to say, the more Nars products I try, the more I like them.