Lucky Me! Lucky You!

I just discovered a great website for perfume addicts. Imagine being able to sample a vial of perfume or perfumed oil for a couple of bucks. Most vials are $3. Some are $4. You'll find trendy fragrances like Monyette on www.luckyscent.com. There's even a grab bag for $20. I can't wait for my package to arrive in the mail. I'm dying to try something from Comptoir Sud Pacifique. Aren't you?

Ni Hao! (That's Hello in Mandarin)

During a recent trip to China, I learned that Asian women enjoy beauty products as much as I do. I'm always searching for that perfect shade of lipstick while Chinese women it seems, are on the hunt for ways to lighten and brighten their complexions. You can buy a variety of lightening creams and gels in the States, but typically they are for spot treatments. In Asia however, the women want to look pasty white. Nicole Kidman white. Apparently it's a symbol of wealth and status. Funny isn't it - Westerners want to look like bronze goddesses but on the other side of the world, women pay for pale skin.

My Birthday!

Friday was my 30th birthday. I've officially left my twenties. It was time to say goodbye to the tumultous twenties, and move on to the terrific thirties. I celebrated my big day with good friends at LuLu on Central Ave. in Charlotte. Delish. Any place that serves artichokes & olives is a great choice for me. For dessert? What else but ice cream cake.

Quick product update. I want to thank my gem of a friend Carrie Pearl for indulging me on my birthday and buying me some Becca "product." Great choice for this beauty babe. Can't wait to pucker up.

How About a Cool Mist?

Here in the South - we need sunscreen a lot. I can't believe how many sunspots are already appearing on my face, especially near my eyes. And that's just from driving. Between the pollen and the sun, I'm lucky to make it through Spring in one piece. That's why I'm wild about Neutrogena's new sunscreen in a can. Try it. It refreshes the skin and protects it. Not bad for 10 bucks! I like products that do two things at once. Make that three. I used it to shave last weekend. But mostly I like this spray because it makes me think of Summer.

Curing Parched Lips

Erica from Florida wants to know how to soothe her sunburned lips.

Here's a tip I got from Rona Berg's book Fast Beauty: 1,000 Quick Fixes.

To ease dry lips, (very) gently brush them with an old toothbrush and Vaseline or use a face scrub to slough off dry skin. Apply lip balm.

And the next time you plan on spending some QT under the sun, apply a lip balm with sunscreen!

Why I Like Fekkai

There's a shampoo and conditioner by Frederkic Fekkai called glossing cream which I really like. I bought myself some trial sizes for travel but find myself using them even when at home. I love the clean smell and the way my hair feels after using his products, silky and feminine. I'm also a fan of his Texturizing balm and Wave spray. You can shop Fekkai at Sephora.

Chantecaille, Oh My!

I can't stop talking about Chantecaille. That may be because Saturday I had my makeup applied by Chantecaille's famous makeup artist Greg. And though I've tried many of their products, previously I had never had my own sample of the face wash with rice and geranium. I got to use it twice today because I showered before work and used it after my afternoon run/walk. Let's put it this way ... I can't wait to use it again tonight. More later...

Thank goodness Gina is out

I don't want to be obnoxious or even mean, but Gina was not a candidate to be ANTM. She has a pretty face and great cheekbones, but she was so out-of-place on the show. I'm glad she's gone. It was getting painful to watch her drown.
My favorites are Sara, Brooke, Danielle and Nnenna. My money is on Danielle. She takes amazing pictures and she is so witty. When Jade said she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, Danielle said she would rather home school her kids than have Jade teach them.

Moving on to products ... have you tried anything from MOR? The Australian-based company makes body creams and scrubs that smell a whole lot better than anything from the retched Dessert line. I like the Gelatto body cream and Marshmellow body scrub.

In Charlotte you can buy MOR at Potion. Most of the products are reasonably priced.

The Poncho Squad

Bea Slater's poncho squad. The only granddaughter absent from the photograph is Saralah.

ANTM

What is wrong with this girl Gina?

Kick her off the show!

When you're a model you can't be squirmish. Maybe Iman can squirm, but unknowns do not bitch about their jobs.

You may be wondering why I watch ANTM. I like to learn what the judges are looking for in future models. It's interesting to see what it takes to compete in the industry. For example, one judge complimented a contestant because she had held her pose from her head to her toes. In other words, she was committed to the pose, kind of like acting. You can't do it half-assed.

I'd like the show's judges to spend more time with contestants teaching them about moving their bodies and their faces.

In other words, when a judge says, "you need to tilt your head because you have a strong jaw," what does that mean? Show the audience. I for one, would like to learn how to fix that problem.

Maybe next week Gina will get the boot. She's a beautiful girl who needs some confidence.