Ooh Max Factor!

I just discovered Max Factor makeup, specifically their amazing concealer, Erace. 

(That is not a spelling error. That's how the company spells the product's name.)

I'm using the shade "medium."

It matches my skin perfectly. It covers and conceals beautifully. Did I mention it only costs $5?

Here's the problem. It's hard to find. I went to Walgreens and Rite-Aid before I finally found a small grouping of MF products at Duane Reade. I was excited DR had the products, but I really try and avoid DR whenever possible. I didn't make it to CVS/Pharmacy so I don't know about availability there. But when I checked the CVS.com and searched Max Factor, nothing popped up.

It is also available at drugstore.com and beautyboutique for $3.99.

"Yes I'm black, but I do [the hair] of all women"

It's Fashion Week in New York City, which means a lot of traffic near Bryant Park, and hordes of reporters and photographers trying to snap pictures of celebrities.

Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of some of the bigger picture issues during FW.

But today, when I had the opportunity to interview hair guru Ted Gibson, I decided to start with the tough questions.

I asked Mr. Gibson what challenges he's faced as an African-American in this field. It's fair to say that race is a hot button issue these days even if folks won't admit it.

What do race and style have to do with each other?

Apparently a lot.

Gibson said he often has to remind clients he is not a hairdresser who only does African-American hair. 

In other words, African-Americans can be comfortable with Asian hair and vice-versa. And look around, with the growth of biracial children, more hairdressers will need to work with varying textures of hair.

"I believe in textures of hair and not skin color. Yes, I'm black, but I do [the hair] of all women."

Look around, in other words, you can be dark with straight hair and fair with kinky hair.

 Take actress Debra Messing. Her hair is kinky curly. But she's clearly caucasian.

Gibson says you have to think outside of the box, but too many people want to keep it safe.

Ultimately Gibson says his obstacles will make it easier for the next African-American kid to succeed in this field.

Therapy Systems

I've been meaning to write about Therapy Systems, a skin care line that has greatly improved my skin tone.

You are looking at a picture of their Alpha Beta Treatment cleanser. A friend recommended I try out TS after hearing me complain about various skin concerns. 

I've had some trouble with pimples and skin discoloration. Unfortunately I tend to exacerbate blemishes because I can't keep my hands from my face. I'm a picker. 

But I've found that my reducing zits I am less likely to touch my face. 

This cleanser has helped reduce the incidence of blemishes, specifically in trouble areas, like my chin and the sides of my face. I tend to have repeat breakouts, which are so annoying.

If you are interested in trying TS products, visit the company website. You can order junior sizes of almost every product. Great concept. Like the 'trial aisle' in your local drugstore or superstore. Seriously, why don't more companies do this?

Let me know if there is a product that has helped your skin recover from a rough patch. 

A Letter to My Readers

To my loyal readers,

I'm sorry I've been slow to post the past few weeks. I started a new job at Columbia University and have been swamped. However, I am still passionate about all things beauty -- and I am not ditching the blog. Please don't believe what you read on Page Six. Please look for new blog posts in the coming weeks. Enjoy September!

xoxo BeautyBabe

The Bold and the Beautiful

Have you heard the latest? This Fall it's all about dark, bold lip color.

Dare you say it? Black lipstick. Most of us don't want to wear black lipstick. But there are some wonderful options.

I found one at Blue Mercury, on W. 84th St. It's from Laura Mercier and it's called Black Orchid.
It's a sheer stick gloss -- something in between a lipstick and a lipgloss. I liken it to a sheer lipstick. And the color is buildable. I would have never even selected this lipstick had it not been for Alexis, one of the managers at Blue Mercury. She's a gem - an honest saleswoman who, when she doesn't like something, will tell you. Black Orchid reminds me of a MAC lipstick, Sheer Plum.

Lancôme will also be debuting a dark lip combo product in November--Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black. Priced at $48, it features the black gloss and Color Fever Lipstick in Piha Red. The red lipstick was inspired by the red of a Christian Louboutin sole. Piha is the name of the a beach in New Zealand.

One other option, a Kimiko's dual-ended lip plumpers. These double-sided lip plumpers are basically rich stains with a clear top coat. I really like the Berry color. In fact the last time I wore it, I got multiple compliments. It's definitely edgy, but also feminine.

Olympic Beauty Secrets

American Gymnasts Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson and Alicia Sacramone are going to be the new faces of Cover Girl.

I read that Johnson likes CG's Last Blast mascara (orange tube), $7.49 at drugstores.
Click on this link to read a review I did of CGLB a while back.

Cover Girl Lash Blast -- A winner!

Congrats to the trio for the amazing performances in Beijing!

Brad Pitt & Kiehl's Soap Up

I just read that Brad Pitt is teaming up with Kiehl's to create an Aloe Vera Body Cleanser.
100% of net profits go to JPF Eco Systems, a charity that supports global environmental issues.

Kiehl's "Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser $16.50;
Kiehl's.com

This product goes on sale August 29th

Michael Phelps is NOT a Wallflower!

***Breaking News***

Michael Phelps wins his eighth gold medal in Beijing. To celebrate I'm hooking my readers up with what else, but beauty discounts.

(BTW: Has anyone noticed Silver-medalist Dara Torres' pretty mauve-pink lip gloss? I've seem what appears to be the same shade of gloss in multiple interviews. Not only can she swim, but Torres also has a great sense of style)

Anyway, getting down to business, one of my favorite brands (surely you've read posts about them) Three Custom Color is offering a 10% discount to Product Perfect readers through the first week in September.


Code: PPFALL

The artists at Three Custom Color Specialists have created a great look for fall by adding to the Watercolour for Cheeks line. The new shade is called Wallflower. It is a dewy, shimmery beige that gives cheeks a soft, healthy glow and lips a nude glaze. As soon as mine comes in the mail, I will apply it and take some pictures to show you. But I suspect this one will be a gold medal winner and a makeup bag staple.

$20.50 at boutiques and online

Good News from Kimiko Beauty

Now is a great time to try Kimiko... spend $95 and get free shipping

Code: FREESHIP

Kimiko Beauty

You know when you find a product that just seems to deliver what it promises? Enter Kimiko Beauty. I first discovered this product line at a beauty event at Takashimaya on 5th Avenue. I'll be honest. I was unfamiliar with the brand, but quickly discovered all that I was missing. Right now I am going to highlight one standout product. Tomorrow I will write about the sheer tint lip plumper (see image below).

I've always been a fan of tinted moisturizers, especially in the summer months when skin needs moisture, but often less than in the winter. I really like Kimiko's hydrating tint for several reasons. It is a water-based moisturizer, an SPF 20 with UVA and UVB protection. All those factors are important, especially the high SPF. But what I really likes is the way it blends so easily into my skin. In the past, I've used tinted moisturizers from various beauty lines, including Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. It's a great product, and it often gets mentioned in magazines, but I always felt like it needed a bit more moisture. In fact, sometimes I would put on a thin layer of moisturizer before applying LM or mix in a little moisturizer to create more of a milky product. That's why I really like Kimiko. It protects, offers just the right amount of coverage and feels great on the skin. For more info on Kimiko, visit Kimiko Beauty.