Hairstyle Pick-me-ups...

If you're like me, your hairstyle is neither here nor there. So for those days when you need to do something clever or creative, try one of these Goody hair clips. They are easy to use, inexpensive and fun. You can use them in short hair or long hair.  Just hide them from your girlfriends or they may disappear. I like these little twists. It's a messy - sexy style, but keeps your hair away from your face. Very Jennifer Garner. By the way JG, congrats on your new arrival.

Brighten Up! Jaime's Triple Threat!

It's no secret that winter is rough on the skin.

Dry heat robs the skin of its moisture - just strips it. I don't know why we overheat our buildings, but it seems that most places are a bit warmer than they need to be.

Yesterday I was at a NYC diner and I thought I was going to melt away.

I can't do much about the dry heat or the bitter cold weather. But I can offer some tips on how to keep your skin looking fresh.

Here's my recipe  for success:

1. Wash face with everyday cleanser.

2. Use an effective scrub/mask. I like Prescriptives' Instant Gratification because it exfoliates and helps to resurface the skin. Let it sit on the skin for 5 minutes before rinsing off.

3. Next, apply a hydrating mask like Kiehl's Brightening Botanical Hydrating Mask. This mask is lightweight, soothing and very moisturizing. It contains Vitamin C, and white flower extracts and is alcohol-free. I like that it rinses off easily.

4. Finish with moisturizer. I am enjoying Clinique's Moisture Surge. This is a gel-like moisturizer that absorbs very quickly. Leaves skin feeling refreshed.

Sunny Days

It is 17 degrees today in NYC. 

Forecasts call for even colder temperatures tonight. 

Need a pick me up -- but can't afford to jet to Turks & Caicos? 

Buy a festive, feminine, light pink nail polish that screams spring.

This one is from Lancome.

It's called Sassiness.

It was created by the company's new artistic director Aaron de May who comes from one of my favorite places, New Zealand.

Another option for springing forward ... these shades by Barielle. They won't be available until February. Something to look forward to as the weather thaws.

Jaime's Favorite

Lip gloss is kind of tricky. Sometimes what you see is what you get. Sometimes, that's not the case. But I tried a gloss by Julie Hewett, called Bardot. When I looked at it, I was concerned because it was kind of odd-looking. It was bronze-y. But it's lovely on the lips. Very natural and complimentary. So the morale of the story is ... TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. 

25% off everything on MAC's website

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Can't beat that!

Code: MACFF9

DIY Zit Cream

Welcome to 2009. I have a juicy whitehead smack in the middle of my forehead. Luckily it is not too big or too white. But it's still a a zit. Sorry folks, I don't feel compelled to show a picture. Anyway, I was cleaning out my email and I came across this do-it-yourself zit cream. I did not create this recipe and I don't know if it works. Let me know if you do try it -- or something else.

ingredients:

Q-tip

1/2 T. of lemon juice

1/2 oz. of powdered oatmeal

1/4 cup egg white

3 drops of honey

hydrogen peroxide

directions:

dab HP on zit to cleanse it and prevent infection from spreading

mix remaining ingredients

dab on zit

leave on zit for 20 minutes

rinse with warm water

(courtesy of Sally Hershberger Face Place)

Welcome to '09

It's 2009!

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year. 

May 2009 bring you peace, love, joy, good health and a favorite lipgloss.

Right now I'm addicted to my Trish McEvoy Luxe Balm. Made with shea butter and other emollient properties, this balm helps soothe my parched lips. It's kind of pricey and shaped oddly (it looks like a stick of deodorant), but it does the trick. 

If you prefer something more traditional, you might want to check out Julie Hewett's Camellia balm. It comes in a pot or a stick. Right now the balm is sold out on Julie Hewett. 

Both products are great for your cuticles and other dry spots!

Gift Sets on Sales

You know the economy is tanking when beauty gift sets are on sale. I remember as a kid and teenager I used to get so excited for any limited edition beauty gift sets, from Bonne Bell to Bobbi Brown. I used to love to comb the aisles at CVS and the beauty department at Bloomingdale's. I don't think I've ever seen cosmetics -- department store cosmetics -- go on sale. I'm not saying the stores are giving stuff away, but if you need little gifts for girlfriends, or teenage daughters with upcoming birthdays, you can't go wrong with the Clinique Super balm lip sets or Bobbi Brown's lip tint sets. 

Pucker up! 

A Touch of Luxe

This holiday season indulge yourself and your friends with soothing products at Bath and Body Works. I really like their shea cashmere line. The hand cream and body cream are delicious and do a nice job to soften the skin.

M.A.C says enjoy 25% OFF their current holiday collections.

Available at any M.A.C retail store, department store or on maccosmetics.com