When You Already Have Enough ...

My skin has been breaking out a little bit so I thought I would try a new face wash. But then I remembered the 26 dollar wash I had from the dermatologist. As much as I am tempted to buy new products, sometimes you just have to go with what you got. And why not, when you're like me and you have fifty different scrubs under the sink, it's easy to feel as if the old is new again.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Laura Mercier Tender Lips Lipstick. Great barely there color for brunettes like the beautybabe. Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Make me up Mac

You know when you just need to feel refreshed? Or after your workout how you can't seem to calm down that redness? Try getting a hold of a bottle of Fix + (MAC). It works great to cool you down, especially if you put it in the fridge. It's very light and soothing, without a heavy scent. Sometimes I throw it in my gym bag.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine
Mint-infused for fresh breath
Available at Bath and Body Works

Hairspray -Not the Broadway Show

So, a few weeks ago my good friend Jo and I were shopping at a local stripmall in Charlotte when we walked into Ulta. She wanted mascara, I wanted something, even if I didn't know what it was at the time. We walked around and browsed the aisles and had some fun. I told her I would buy her some mascara. A few years ago she treated me to a manicure. It was my turn to treat her, plus, I know more about mascara than she does. Of course, while we were browsing the make-up I found some awesome hairspray. We forget about the importance of hairspray, especially during these times when we have gels and mousse and molding paste and shining serum. But I read somewhere that you can spray your hair with hairspray and then dry it. So I tried it. It works. I forget how hairspray can make a not-so-neat ponytail thrive, too.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Freeze. Super Hold pump spray. I forgot to mention the pump. It's super efficient. I bought mine at Ulta.

Caribbean Therapy: Is Prozac Involved?

OOOH. I walked into a local salon to buy some more shampoo and what did I find? Aveda's new Caribbean Therapy body cream. I tested it on my hands, of course. This stuff is thick, but it absorbs quickly and smells delightful. I'm not sure what's Caribbean about it, but I still like it and you will too.

Neutrogenius

So what's up with Neutrogena? Has anyone ever noticed that their products are more expensive than a lot of other lines? (Not that that's ever stopped me from buying their stuff) The other day I had a little meltdown so I bought myself a new lip gloss and it cost 8 bucks. What is this? Lancome? I don't think so. So I just put some on. It's a lip balm called Lip Nutrition- Passion fruit and it comes in a little tub. I thought it would give my lips a little tint, but it's a little too red for me. Anyway, it is moisturizing but I probably could have used the money on something better, like dental floss. Did you see Newlyweds? Don't you just want to floss, floss, floss. What is Simpson's problem? Anyway, did you happen to notice that she was eating some banana pudding or something like that? It looked good. But ever notice how their house never looks lived in? Anyway, today is Friday and I am at work waiting for a phone call -- such is a reporter's life. Later today I'll be on-air from 4-6:30 and then from 9-midnight.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Bath and Body Works Hydrating Lip Protector (Rosemary) from their Pure Simplicity line
Smells great - works nicely, too.

Baby Wipes

I've got a tip for you. When you're in a rush and you need to wipe off your make-up, try baby wipes. I like unscented types, Target or Eckerd brand is fine. Of course, just 'cause you use them on your face, doesn't mean you can't use them on your tush, too. (Not the same one, though)

Remembering the Avon Lady

Avon has a new product line on the market for teens and young women. Since reading about Mark (that's what they call it) I've wanted to try it out (of course!) So last week I ordered a couple of products online. The stuff is very inexpensive and I had to order enough to make the shipping charge worthwhile. I'm surprisingly pleased with the products I received. I ordered lip balm, lip gloss, lip stick and a body scrub. I know, you're thinking, "how many lip products does this girl need?" "You only have two lips!" Well, the beautybabe likes to know it all. And I like my lips. Even when they are dry, they're still mine and that makes them special. Speaking of liking oneself, this is just a reminder that it's OK, even encouraged to treat yourself to a special something every now and then. So I spent some money on lip products. Now I have something to write about on my blog. And I had a bad cold and the make-up cheered me up. Life is short. Enjoy yourself, ain't that right Boca Bombshell!

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Mark Juice Gems lip gloss. Available online. Light taste and feels great on the lips.

H2O

Ever notice how you're always thirsty in the winter? I think heat dries out the throat. Anyway, I've been trying to drink a lot. I have to since I talk for a living. I'm taking a break from beer and drinking water, seltzer and low-cal fruit juice. Here's a hint for a healthy glow. Next time you want some flavored water, make it yourself by putting a few orange slices or cucumber slices into a pitcher or water bottle. I can't take credit for this tip. I got it at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC at their amazing world class spa. Got to love the spa. Calagon ... Take me away.

Top Shelf Recommendation: Tangelo oranges ... for the water bottles.

The Magic Potion

I'm so sorry I haven't written in a few days. I had a nasty cold (wash those hands!) and I've had some computer problems. But I'm back and feeling better, although my head is still kind of congested. Anyway, I just got this postcard in the mail from one of my favorite beauty stores in Charlotte, Potion. It's on East Boulevard in the Twin Oaks shopping center, near Starbucks. Potion will have a Peter Thomas Roth demonstration Feb. 10th and Feb. 11th. For those of you unfamiliar with the PTR products, get with the program! No seriously, I use PTR sunscreen. But the line has everything you could want or need or want, from toner to exfoliant. You can buy PTR at a couple of stores in Charlotte, but I like Potion because they carry my favorite rubber bands for the hair, and because Candice (owner) is very cool and is a make-up junkie, like yours truly. So, if you're like me and you're sick of breaking off your hair, try the blax brand of rubber bands. They are a little more expensive than say, a Goody elastic, but they last and they are thick, so they're great for Jewish girls with thick hair or anyone else who has thick hair, for that matter. They come in clear, black and dark brown. Love 'em.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Blax elastic bands. At Potion on East Boulevard.
(704) 347-6841

Heel-Toe-Magic

I got this cool tip about keeping heel smooth. Found it in a health magazine and decided to try it. Before heading out to the gym wipe vaseline or some type of product on feet. Cover with gym socks. Exercise. When finished feet will feel very smooth. I tried this with one of my favorite products Aquaphor. I've done this a few times now and my feet look great. At first I thought my feet would be slippery, but they're not. I love getting rid of cracked heels. I don't know about you guys, but they hurt!

Top Shelf Recommendation: Aquaphor. You can rub it on your heels, elbows, cuticles or lips. I've even used it to prevent chafing when I run. My mom swears by a nightly vaseline treatment to keep her fingernails and cuticles strong, but dad and I am partial to Aquaphor. Available at Target, Eckerd, CVS, and the supermarket -- basically all of my favorite stores.