Monday, March 30, 2009

Finally, A Non-Greasy SPF


I didn't realize how pale I was until I spent the past four days in sunny Orlando, FL and am now left with the most incredible tan lines, which I'm very proud of. Being that I'm a reformed fake and baker (big time), I used my beauty smarts and slathered on the SPF daily.

I owe my new found golden glow to DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Skin Clarifying & Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 30. Not only did it protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays, but because it contains ingredients such as witch hazel and willow bark it kept my complexion clear so I was able to use it on my face and body. The best part... it mattifies so I didn't feel or look like I had a greasy substance on.

DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Skin Clarifying & Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 30 is available at Sephora for $30.


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Facial Debate

I often hear people discussing how they're in dire need a facial, but I never bothered to explore the reasons behind why they felt that way. Wasn't it obvious? Extractions? Maybe not.

The New York Times recently reported a debate between aestheticians and dermatologists on the effectiveness of facials. Doctors are suggesting that people have "unrealistic expectations" of what a facial can do for their skin and say that since they lack scientific evidence, they're a waste of money. However, considering the fact that facials make up $10.9 billion in the spa industry, aestheticians must be doing something right.

In all reality, no, a facial will not erase your wrinkles and make you look ten years younger. But if your expectations are managed and you get them for the right reasons, you will be pleased. A typical facial exfoliates, extracts and cleanses, leaving your skin feeling clean and moisturized.

Personally, I'm a big fan of facials, (especially the
Mario Badescu European Facial) but definitely agree with The Times that if you have bigger skin issues, you should consult your derm.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Swipe It On and Strip 'Em Down

During my latest Sephora trip I came across a lip gloss like no other. It wasn't the vast variety of shades, not-too sticky texture, or the brush applicator that caught my attention. It was much, much more than that. A naked man to be exact!

The Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss, $19, comes with a man on the top of the tube and when you tilt it over the man strips down into his boxer briefs. Hot! It reminds me of those pens I used to get as vacation souvenirs with cruise ships floating back and forth in the water.

There are eight men to choose from depending on your type. My type is a cross between Timothy and Julio (without the kid). I'll take two! The formula contains Hyaluronic Spheres that fill in fine lines and wrinkles around your pout and all of the glosses taste like creme brulee. Check out the rest of the men on the market here.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Ban the Brazilian!?

The Garden State may soon be full of bushes! On April 14th the state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling will meet to decide whether they should ban Brazilian waxing in New Jersey. This whole controversy stems out of two separate incidents in which women were injured and hospitalized from the risque waxing procedure. Regular bikini waxes will still be permitted.

Ladies, be careful of where you get waxed, and let the Brazilian live on!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Sports Fan or Beauty Guru in Disguise?

Last night a few of my single girlfriends and I decided it would be a good idea to go to our favorite bar to catch the college basketball games and possibly hook a cute sports fan. Caught by surprise, we ended up being very entertained by a group of guys who were very well educated on everything beauty.

Quote of the night: "I love your hair, those are called 'sweeping side bangs' right?" He even used the word 'sweeping.' Of course I laughed, but was immediately turned off.

A Heineken later he says, "You ladies look younger. You must be using really expensive moisturizer." (Little does he know I use Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish Cream for $12.)


It's nice to be with a man who "gets it," but how much is too much?

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Headband Hunger

Starlets such as your fave Gossip Girl character, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), Nicole Richie and Katherine Heigl have all been spotted wearing headbands in all sorts of fashions. Whether your style is hippie chic, prep, trendy or you want to dress up a sophisticated updo there's a headband out there for everyone.

My personal favorite are those by Jennifer Behr. Her new Spring collection debuts the most gorgeous crystals. They're almost as special as wearing a tiara, which definitely fits my style! Katie Perry, Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton are also huge fans of her hair accessories.



Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Luscious Locks

Before the Zac Posen show during New York Fashion Week I stopped by the Tresemme booth in the tent at Bryant Park to check out their latest launches. I was so excited when I learned about their 24 Hour Body line, because I have very thin hair that needs all the help it can get.

The line consists of everything from shampoo and conditioner to styling products, but my favorite is the 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray. It keeps my blowouts in check and adds volume and bounce without making my hair too stiff or sticky.

*Expert tip from the Tresemme stylist team:

To add voluptuous body, use a large round brush when blow drying to simultaneously smooth and add lift. First, place the brush at the roots and wrap a section of hair around it. Then, pull the brush down through your strands following with the dryer. Repeat a few times over each section as necessary and woo-la!, a salon-like blow out.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Chic Cheeks


I have a weakness for packaging and when I saw this new bronzing powder from Yves Saint Laurent I had to have it regardless of what it could do for my look. YSL teamed up with famed makeup artist, Val Garland, when creating this springs Palette D'Artiste, $62.

At first, I didn't want to mess it up by using it, but it wasn't long before I got over it and gently swiped a big brush across the whole palette. The combination of colors gave me a healthy pick-me-up. You can also separately use the brown stripe for contouring and sculpting and the pink for highlighting.

Click here to get your glow on.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Mary Kate Sexifies Her Style


Mary Kate Olsen attended the Metropolitan Opera's 125th Anniversary Gala this past Sunday in NYC showcasing a foxy new look. Red lips and nails paired with dramatic eyes and bed head hair... hot. I'm impressed all around.  Thoughts?


Clearasil Searches for First Dance Crew


When I was young, Clearasil used to be my go-to line for everything skincare. Every once in a while I still get a zit here and there and I recently came across their Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen, $9.99, which you put on right as you feel a pimple forming. I decided to test it out, and sure enough, it stopped my zit from ever fully developing.

In conjunction with this new product launch, Clearasil is holding their first ever Pimple Blocker Battle in search of their First Dance Crew. Teenagers from all over the East coast auditioned for five spots to compete in front of a panel of celebrity judges including celebrity choreographer GEO, Drew Lachey and Alyson Stoner at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, NYC on April 7th. Michelle Tractenberg is hosting.

Three crews will move on and America will vote online. The winning crew receives a $10,000 prize pack! Check out some of the auditions on You Tube and stay tuned for a battle update!

Purchase the Clearasil Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen here.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Paris Fashion Week

Fashion Week is my favorite time of the year and one of the many reasons why I love being a New Yorker. Paris Fashion Week has just wrapped up, which featured Fall '09 collections of designers such as Chloe, Dior, Givenchy, Chanel and Miu Miu just to name a few.

There were a ton of updos. Many shows featured matte red lips on porcelain skin, while others drew attention to the eyes with thick black liner and false lashes.

Compared to New York Fashion Week, the Parisians tend to experiment a little more with color and creativity. I'm anxious to see how the looks will translate from catwalk to sidewalk. (photo from Christian Lacroix)


Saturday, March 14, 2009

Recessionista Primping


Regardless of the recession hair must be cut, nails must be polished, and brows
have to be maintained. Let's face it, certain things are worth spending on to keep us the pretty ladies we are. I've discovered some budget friendly beauty breaks that will help:

  • Get your mani/pedi on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Most salons run combo specials in the beginning of the week and you can save anywhere from $10-15. If you don't see a sign up, inquire with your manicurist.
  • Skip those pricey $200 cuts and try scheduling an appointment at salon training schools. My best friend goes to the Aveda Institute in NYC and gets hers for $18. Click here to see a list of training schools in your area.
  • Don't splurge on your favorite perfume. Visit a Sephora. The product consultants will place any perfume you'd like in a spray tester for free and there's no limit to how many samples you can have.
  • Try threading your brows instead of waxing. Threading is an average of $2 cheaper and normally lasts a few days longer.
  • Watch your tipping. Know how much you're going to be paying and try to figure out your tip before you're put on the spot while paying at the end of your services. The added pressure sometimes makes people throw extra money.
Do you have any extra tips to share?

Friday, March 13, 2009

AXE Hair Care for Your Man


The commercials for
AXE Deodorant Body Spray are right on the money,  my friends and I all agree that just a whiff of the scent is an instant turn on.   Every time I see my friend Stratos, who practically bathes in the stuff, I bury myself in his armpit. Although he'd probably love it if I started singing "boom chica bow wow" instead.

Well now AXE created a new line for your guy to help him shape his coif, AXE The Fixers.  The company surveyed over 2,000 women to find specific things that turn them off about men's hair.  The results: crunchy, flaky, gunky and of course... poofy.  

The line consists of shampoos, conditioners and styling products, but not gel, because the survey also found that 90% of women hated the gelled look and feel.  I happen to love the look, but could definitely pass on the stiffness.  

Ladies, hook your man up, not only will his mane be tamed, but the scent will probably make you want to jump his bones 24/7!  AXE The Fixers can be found at Drugstores.

Click here to view my all time fave AXE commercial.





Convenient Cleansing


Last night I met one of my bff's at a wine bar for some after work cocktails and happy hour turned into many happy hours... several glasses of red wine later, a few fine gentlemen unexpectedly joined us, but lucky for me, I was more than prepared.

Luckily, I had Colgate Wisps in my Louis, which are the tiniest toothbrushes with a blue bead of toothpaste already on them that bursts when you begin brushing. The other end of the brush is a mini toothpick. Genius!

I rejoined our table with fresh breath and unstained wine teeth. Colgate Wisps come in packs of four for $2.50 at Drugstores. 


Fergie's Sophisticated New Look


Fergie swapped her blonde locks for darker strands and has been seen wearing them super straight. She's currently filming her new music video for "Boom Boom Pow," which will feature the new 'do.

I'm a huge Fergie fan so the single is already on my work out play list. If you haven't heard it already, you can check it out here.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Get A Purrrfectly Pink Pout


Remember when you were young and your parents used to take you to FAO Schwartz to pick out that one special toy? I used to head straight towards the section filled with fluffy stuffed animals. Now, I get that same rush of excitement when my mom and I go shopping at department stores and we arrive at our first destination: the cosmetic counters.

I recently discovered the cutest packaged must-have lip gloss at the MAC counter that took me right back to childhood, MAC Hello Kitty DazzleGlass, $28. Part of the Hello Kitty Kouture Collection, the lip gloss comes with an adorable Hello Kitty charm that dangles from the tube, lined with white Swarovski crystals. Meow!

Available in two colors: Kitty Kouture (pale pink) and Dazzlepuss (sheer, bright pink) at MAC.

Katie Holmes Gets Extensions


Miss Katie Holmes was recently spotted with her hubby, Tom Cruise, at the Japanese premiere of Valkyrie with lustrous, long layers.

I'm loving this new 'do and really feel Katie's bringing sexy back. Don't get me wrong, I also thought she worked the bob for all it was worth.

What do you think?

Welcome to Miami


You know Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner when the gym gets crowded and Victoria's Secret sends their annual swimsuit catalogue. Even though you can't rock that little polka dot bikini you so anxiously ordered just yet, you can start getting your summer fix by coating your nails with OPI's South Beach Collection.
Available in 12 sizzling shades:


  • Overexposed in South Beach

  • Miami Beat

  • Done Out in Deco

  • Suzi & the Lifeguard

  • Party in My Cabana

  • Congo-line Coral

  • OPI on Collins Ave.

  • Paint My Mojitoes Red

  • Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot

  • Sand in My Suit

  • Clubbin' til Sunrise

  • Bronzed to Perfection

As soon as I spotted it on the counter at the nail salon next to my apartment I had to test it out. I chose OPI on Collins Ave., $8.50, a vibrant red-orange. I found my must-have summer color and every time I look at my mani I smile and think that soon enough it'll be complimented with a healthy tan.


Click here to find a retailer near you.




Sensual Scent Secrets


How many times has someone stopped you in a crowd and asked, "What are you wearing?" Unless it was a tall, dark, handsome man where you found yourself at a loss for words, you probably spilled your scent secret.

This has happened to me many times (well, not the loss of words part), but I've confessed what perfume I was wearing. There's something about not telling though that leaves a sense of individuality and mystery.

Check out
Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely Collection, share them with your friends, but keep the guys guessing!

Dawn
Fresh citrus and violet leaves mixed with orchid and vanilla

Endless
Key notes include peony and pink jasmine followed by pineapple and patchouli

Twilight
An intoxicating blend of pink pepper, jasmine, amber and sandalwood

Available this April at Sephora.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

At-Home Hair Color



I'm obsessed with dying my hair black, but at the very moment it starts to fade I get antsy about wanting to dye it again. There's something about the intensity of the color that I'm addicted to. However, because of my addiction I've been finding that I tend to dye it more often than recommended. My poor strands!

Problem solved... I discovered Garnier 100% Color, $7.99, that lasts much longer than other dyes I've used in the past (even salon visits) and because it's loaded with vitamins B3, B6, and micro-minerals it's also super nourishing.

Don't worry about breaking the bank on salon visits when you can do it yourself and put the extra cash towards a new pair of stilettos.


Available at drugstores nationwide.