My BFF's Beauty Bag

Going Back to Curly?

2009-05-27T12:48:00.011-05:00

Ok, so you might feel like I can't stop talking about Kerastase products and you're right, I can't! I told you I have naturally curly hair that I have been straightening for the past five years. I have been entertaining the thought of going curly again but I need to be educated again on the curly hair products out there. I asked my hair stylist and he told me about Kerastase Oleo-Curl.

I love the other Oleo-Relax products so I thought I would try it. It's a leave-in "Curl Definition Cream for Thick, Curly Hair." It really softened my hair, defined my curls and left me with less frizzy hair which is a huge problem for me. I liked how healthy my hair felt. Am I ready to go back to curly hair? Eh, not yet but the idea is growing on me.

Dove Deodorant for Less Underarm Hair

2009-05-26T15:15:00.009-05:00

Per my previous post, you know that I'm currently obsessed with Dove Deodorant. I've been trying the different scents that they offer and am loving their products. Now look at what they have done!

They have created a new product called Dove® Visibly Smooth anti-perspirant/deodorant that is said to have natural extracts that makes new hair grow in finer, making it less noticeable. It also makes the hair softer, so easier to shave. It's available in two different scents: Wild Rose and Natural Fresh. Don't you love the packaging too?

I've been using the Wild Rose for a couple of weeks now. I'm a daily shaver so I am waiting to go a couple of days without shaving to see if I can tell the difference. I'll report back once I have used the deodorant for over a month.

If you've been using it, let us know what you think!

Making the Switch to Dove Deodorant

2009-05-17T10:41:00.012-05:00

I never thought I'd be so picky about my deodorant but I went on a quest for a new brand a couple of years ago when I would come home at the end of the day and smell funky. Gross, right? The baby powder fresh scent is pretty darn disgusting after a full day at work and time at the gym. Believe me, I wasn't so "fresh" smelling. So I decided to try Dove. I used their soap so maybe I'd like their deodorant?

I tried their Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Scent deodorant. It was part of their "Cool Essentials" line and promised me 24-hour protection from odor and wetness. I wasn't completely sold because, really, don't they all say that? Tried it and I did not smell at the end of my work day and even after some intense workouts, I still smelled good!

My latest obsession is Dove's Energizing Grapefruit and Lemongrass Scent. It smells even better than the green tea version. Now it's my new favorite.

Tip for a Perfect Blowout: Kerastase Ciment Thermique

2009-05-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

In the past 10 years, I've tried every relaxer and straightener. I've even spent a ton of money on permanently straightening my hair with the Japanese straightening process, Yuko and most recently the Brazilian Keratin Treatment. Needless to say, my hair is dry and damaged but I refuse to give up my straight hair. One of the few products that has really protected my hair, kept it silky and minimized split ends is Kerastase's CIMENT THERMIQUE. It uses a Vita-Topseal that protects and reinforces external layer.

This is a great product if you're worried about using heat-styling tools on your already damaged hair. Just apply a quarter-sized amount (sometimes I use two) to wet hair and don't rinse. I start underneath the back of my head and focus on the ends of my hair. Since I need double duty on my damaged hair, I use it with the Oleo-Relax serum I talked about in a previous post. I blow dry, flat iron and my hair is silky smooth. A crucial product for the perfect blowout. It's worth the $34 and is one of the best smelling hair products I own.

O.P.I. and Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ

2009-05-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

I've always been able to get away with not getting pedicures. I have been painting my own toenails for years and people always ask, "Oh, where did you get your pedicure?" Don't get me wrong, I would love to be pampered and get a foot rub but I don't always have the patience or the time to sit and wait for the polish to dry.

I'd like to take all the credit but I believe it's all about the nail polish you use. I've been using O.P.I. nail polish. I vary between a couple of colors but mostly stick to some classic colors such as: Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ and Kennebunk Port.

I ran a 30 hour relay race last weekend which wrecked havoc on my feet. But somehow it still looks like I just got a pedicure. I was too exhausted to notice but the boyfriend noticed and my toes were nowhere near a football game or a case of beer. Need I say more?

The Magic of Kerastase

2009-04-26T16:51:00.008-05:00

My hair stylist introduced me to Kerastase products 5 years ago and I've been hooked ever since. I have very thick, curly, dry and frizzy hair. As anyone with crazy hair like mine can tell you, the search for a product that can tame the frizzies and the volume is never-ending. Kerastase Nutritive Serum Oléo-Relax calms dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair. It has essential oils that relax my hair and leaves it smooth and shiny.

I use it on my hair when it’s wet and dry. I use two pumps before I blow-dry and flatiron to help protect it from any damage from the heat. I use one pump after to give it a little bit more moisture and smooth the flyaways. It's a bit pricey but completely worth it - one bottle lasts me over 6 months and I have a ton of hair!

The Perfect Blush?

2009-04-26T16:03:00.013-05:00

Guest blog by Lois Arbogast

Every girl deserves a beauty product splurge every once in a while...and Chanel blush is definitely mine.

I don't usually spend $45 on make-up, but this is an exception. I love the quilted pattern on this blush and the little velvet bag it comes in. I know, I know. I'm a sucker for the luxury marketing scheme, but it's so worth it!

I've had mine for just more than eight months and I use it almost every day and still have a lot left. The colors they have are classic, so you can use them with everything.

Editor's note: This blush is perfect for getting the Ashley Greene look we described yesterday. Of course, if you have the Ultimate Blockbuster, the blushes in there work, too.

Get the Look: Ashley Greene

2009-04-26T15:32:00.007-05:00

Last Friday night, late, my sister-in-law sent me this photo of Ashley Greene and asked how she can get that look. I guess after the kids went to bed she was browsing fashion magazines! I told her to buy some individual false eyelashes and that I would show her how when I see her next.

But then I thought, wait! This is a great blog tip. So if you want to get this look, following is how to do it.

1. Buy individual false eyelashes and make sure you have really good tweezers.

2. Prep your face - if you wear foundation or tinted moisturizer, get it the way you like.

3. Use serum (I like clear mascara) to shape your eyebrows and fill in with either a brow pencil or a tapered brush dipped in eyeshadow that is a shade darker than your hair color.

4. Swirl your favorite blush on the apples of your cheeks and apply a clear or light lipgloss.

5. Using your tweezers, apply individual lashes in the corner of your upper lid. Then fill in alternately through the middle. Do this until you feel like you have enough and it's not overpowering. Do the same with your lower lash line, but be careful - you don't want to apply many here. Let the glue dry.

6. Using a tapered brush, dip it in water and then in an eyeshadow of your choice (I would probably use brown or violet black). Draw a line from the corner of your eye, getting thicker as you move to the outside of your eye. Repeat on the other eye.

7. Apply mascara.

Viola! Send me pictures so I can see how you look!

Reversing Damaged Hair?

2009-04-26T15:14:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Daily Candy had a story about a new hair therapy, claiming it can reverse damaged hair. The offer was a free four-week kit if I paid for shipping. Duh...sign me up!

The Kronos package just arrived and it includes shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and overnight repair masque.

The brand promise is that it's clinically proven to address all signs of aging hair if I use it consistently for four weeks. I'm going to begin with the overnight repair masque tonight and will use it consistently through May 26. Check back here on May 27 to see if it's worth the $55 for you to buy the discovery kit.

Until then, you, too, can try it free! Register online here. But beware, unless you return the unused product that didn't work, they'll bill you every 60 days and send you more.

Does BareMinerals Provide Flawless Coverage?

2009-04-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

Guest blog written by @CandiceStone

What's not to like about make-up so pure you can sleep in it! But seriously, being able to sleep in it is not one of my key requirements of a beauty product (editor's note - it is one of mine!).

What IS important to me is a product naturally free of the dreaded chemicals everyone is trying to avoid these days and the ability to reduce the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles.

I have been using Revlon's New Complexion One-Step Compact Make-Up with SPF 15 for about 20 years, but as I approach 40, I have been finding that it emphasizes the age lines appearing around my eyes and mouth. It also doesn't hide my uneven skin tone and a couple of age spots.

A friend recommended I try BareMinerals because it is 100% naturally made with crushed minerals from the earth.

After a trip to ULTA in La Jolla to pick up the BareMinerals Starter Kit, I tried it and have to say that the "flawless coverage" they promise it pretty close to actually being flawless. Best of all, it really does feel like you are not wearing any make-up at all and I don't end the day with skin-toned fingerprints on everything I've touched that day.

Eyeliner No Longer Needed!

2009-04-20T21:19:00.004-05:00

If you missed buying the Sephora Ultimate Blockbuster (they no longer carry it), the second best beauty product staple is the Sephora Deluxe Palette - Collector's Edition.

It's 20 eyeshadow shades, two blushes, two powders, and 24 lip glosses. It also comes with applicators, but you don't want to use them as they're not very good.

I use my tapered brow brush and apply shadow as if it's liner (sometimes I apply it wet and other times, if I'm lazy, dry). Depending on my mood, the day, and what I'm wearing, I could have smoky eyes, glowing, golden eyes, or make the blue in my hazel eyes pop out with either purple or blue shadow as liner.

It reminds me of the Elizabeth Arden make-up boxes my great Aunt LaVin bought me when I was a kid. Now I can play dress up every day!

Trust me on this. Spend the money. It's worth it.

A Wise Investment: A Mason Pearson Brush

2009-04-20T21:14:00.005-05:00

Back in the day, when I was working with Purebeauty, they introduced me to the Mason Pearson brush. Since then, I've coveted one, but never wanted to spend the money on it... hoping, instead, I would receive it as a gift.

Five years went by and I still hadn't received the beautiful handmade brush as a gift...so I gifted it to myself.

I'll be honest, I spent three or four months trying to figure out what the big deal is. I have really thick hair, but each strand is fine. So it's hard to find brushes that get my hair to cooperate, let alone get the tangles out.

But then...the big deal was revealed. This brush is an investment and worth every single penny that it costs. It makes my hair glossy, it does get out the tangles, and, oh, it makes my hair shiny...without product.

New Cleansing Soap

2009-04-20T20:23:00.005-05:00

Some of you know I love Twitter. I mean, it's a complete obsession. So it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that I met @sibu_beauty out there.

Sibu Beauty is an all-natural, Sea Buckthorn based beauty product system delivering beautiful skin, hair, and nails from inside-out and outside-in. AND they're based in Salt Lake City (my hometown) so when they asked for blog reviewers, I volunteered!

They tell me Sea Buckthorn contains estradiol (a natural hormone), catechol (an enzyme that is anti-cancer), and serotonin (a vital chemical found in the brain). The catechol caught my attention because I got some feedback that Aquaphor used as eye cream causes cancer. So if I use Sibu soap and Aquaphor at night, I won't have wrinkles OR get cancer.

They actually sent me four different products, but I've tried only the cleansing soap so far (stay tuned for additional reviews). I have always used Dove to clean my face so this was something a little daring for me to try.

I've not had a single breakout since I started using it and it smells really good. The only problem is that it doesn't remove make-up, no matter how hard I try. You have to make sure all of the make-up is removed (no traces at all) before you wash your face with it. But it complements my moisturizer so I'm willing to go the extra step to use a make-up remover before I shower.

It's definitely worth $5.95!

Healing Benefits of a Massage!

2009-04-15T07:46:00.004-05:00

I’m always looking for the one product that is going to make me look miraculously 10 years younger with limited amount of effort. Mostly because I want to look young again, of course, but also because I’m living my life at such a fast pace that I don’t have time to waste!

A week ago I got a huge reminder of what really could keep me looking young and feeling young. A friend of mine had to basically force me to get a massage. I literally thought I didn’t have an hour to “waste” on a massage. As soon as the words came out, I couldn’t believe I had said it. I had always been a huge proponent of making sure people took care of themselves, relaxed and minimized stress and realized I had a huge problem doing it myself.

Although I fell asleep for half of the massage, it was a huge reminder to slow down. I woke up and looked at how soft and relaxed my face looked. I had an hour free of stress and true relaxation which I believe is truly the key to younger looking skin. If only I could hire a masseuse to come to my house every day or follow me around at work.

Want to Look Like a Model?

2009-04-14T21:04:00.002-05:00

Guest blog written by Molli Megasko

I swear by The Present by Philosophy.

I hate foundation and I don't have the clearest skin. I'm sure most make-up artists would sin me for only using powder. But The Present makes me look like a supermodel. It's more than a primer; it's actually good for your skin and it makes applying make-up fun. It's like when you were a kid applying blush to a Cabbage Patch doll. Move over Gisele!"

The Love Handler: Does It Work?

2009-04-13T20:44:00.003-05:00

Six weeks ago I received a nice little package from @BlissSpa and in it was a free bottle of The Love Handler.

I wrote here that I would try the beauty product daily for six weeks and report back.

Well...

It does not work. Granted, I'm a cynic in whether or not a cream would actually help tighten your skin and I'm probably not their target audience, but it does not work.

It smells good. It feels tingly. But it is not the cure for lazy abdominals. It does not whittle your wiggly waist, tone your tummy pudge, or keep back fat at bay.

You know what does?

Sit ups.

Try that instead.

It's Time for Bronzers!

2009-04-07T20:52:00.002-05:00

Guest blog written by Lois Arbogast (@loisatvistage)

There is only one reason for making this my #1 beauty product. It's the best.

Down here in SoCal, most women have 24/7/365 perma-tan that I just don't seem to embrace. I love the look of that "glowing" skin, but skin cancer runs in my family and my best friend is a dermatologist, so I'm pretty much a Nicole Kidman when it comes to laying out.

But that doesn't mean I have to look pasty white when the temperatures are soaring into the 90's. Instead, I use my Cargo bronzer everywhere. On my cheeks, forehead, and yes, occasionally even my chest. It's safe, looks natural, and gives just enough of that sun-kissed look without all the sparkles.

Want Shiny Hair? Advice for Two Products Here!

2009-04-06T07:15:00.005-05:00

Guest blog written by Molli Megasko (@mollimegasko)

When choosing a hair gloss for my thin, over-bleached hair, I am more than picky. I've tried them before and they always weigh down my hair and make it look dirty. I've been using beauty products such as Bed Head's Superficial spray gloss for the past few years, which to me is like a classic movie - you watch it when nothing else is on. But I'm looking for something with a little more drama.

I can't wash my hair every day because it dries out my ends, so I need to find a gloss that would not make my hair look greasy or oily.

When the saleslady told me that Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse was just what I needed, I jumped on board!

I've been using the gloss in the shower every time I wash my hair (every other day) for a little more than a week now, and I do see a difference. It's not a huge difference; people are not coming up to me, asking me how I got my hair so shiny. But there is a difference.

My wispies (baby bangs, as I call them) and my fly-aways are not as out of control as usual! It does make the roots feel thicker when blow drying. It doesn't weigh it down at all and provides a nice, subtle shine.

Would I recommend the product? Sure. But I'm always up for new suggestions on hair shine.

*Editor's Note: I have very thick, straight hair and have been using Frederic Fekkai Three-Minute Mask twice a week for nearly a year. My hair is healthy, strong, and shiny...and strangers do ask me what I use for the shine. But the saleslady at Sephora told Molli the mask would be too heavy for her hair.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

2009-04-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

I have sensitive combination skin so I’ve never been able to find an exfoliant that wasn’t too harsh or didn’t make me feel like I was rubbing a handful of rocks on my face. They would eventually turn my face red or make me break out. I desperately wanted my skin to feel extra soft, smooth and refreshed. And I loved the feeling of washing away that layer of dead cells that is necessary to achieve a healthy glow. That is exactly what Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($49) does. My healthy glow may not be apparent ALL the time but I do promise it makes your skin feel oh so good.

You add water to this fine, rice-powder substance to make a non-abrasive scrub/paste. You feel the tiny granules enough so you know it’s effective but gentle enough to not irritate your skin. And it's loaded with good-for-you ingredients like grapefruit, which brightens skin, and green tea to soothe.

The only downside is that the bottle is like a salt shaker so if the holes are exposed to too much moisture then

the bottle may clog up. I have had my bottle over a year though and still works great.

The best part is that when they say you can use it daily, they really mean it. It’s like getting a mini-facial every day. No wonder it won InStyle’s Best Beauty Buy award.

Wake Up Beautiful Without Doing Your Hair

2009-04-02T07:33:00.004-05:00

My sister-in-law has naturally curly hair that she washes at night, piles on top of her head, and wakes up beautiful every morning. I've always been pretty envious of that. My hair is really thick (therefore, lots of layers) and stick straight so I didn't think it would work for me.

But in the April issue of InStyle, they claim you can go to bed with wet hair, no matter the type, you'll wake up beautiful.

They recommend finding your inner ballerina by piling your hair into a twist on the top of your head and to use a scrunchie to avoid crimping.

Well, I don't own a scrunchie (didn't they go out of style in the 80s?). So I asked Angela what she uses and she said, "A cheap barrette I bought at Walgreens."

I have to use a cheat barrette and lots of bobby pins, but this is how the experiment has worked:

1. Monday morning I woke up with waves, but had to rewash my bangs and run a curling iron through my hair. I think it's because I did a deep condition on Sunday night.

2. Tuesday morning I woke up in all sorts of disarray and had to pull it back. I did not wash it (only wet it down under the faucet) and I did not use product.

3. Wednesday morning I was fed up and just did it normally.

4. Last night I took a shower before bed, but I did not wash my hair. I just made sure it was super soaked through. Then I added some product and piled it all on top of my head, including my bangs.

This morning I woke up and my hair was still a bit damp. But I ran the hair dryer through it quickly and used a comb instead of a brush. I had one little spot that was sticking up that I couldn't control so I just pulled pieces of my hair at the crown back into bobby pins. I even have a nice little wave in my bangs. It took my 20 minutes to get ready this morning.

I think I'm sold.

Dior Mascara

2009-03-29T19:22:00.004-05:00

Everyone knows I love my mascara. I mean LOVE MY MASCARA. I think you all also know that my all-time favorite is Givenchy Phenomenon Eyes ($28). It's my favorite because it works for all types of eyelashes and works especially well on the tiny lashes closest to the corner of your eyes.

That being said, I just bought some Dior Black Out ($24) on a recommendation from @spoiledpretty.

You know that trick I showed you? The one wear you apply mascara to the tops of your eyelashes and then fill in the empty spots (see it here)? The Dior is PERFECT for this trick!

It's worth throwing into your mascara rotation. I try a new one every three or four times. I'll be back to the Givenchy in six weeks.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

2009-03-29T19:15:00.004-05:00

I live in Chicago so the real sun time I'm going to get each year is about three months. Not a lot of time, plus it's bad for my skin. So I'm always looked for beauty products that don't make me look pasty white, even in the dead of winter. I also hate foundation and wouldn't wear it, even if I had really bad skin.

That's why I love Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It's sheer and very lightweight. It provides just enough color that my face glows. Plus it contains SPF 20 so I wear it over my moisturizer and get double the coverage.

The look of sun-kissed skin without the fine lines and sun spots!

Two Ways to Wake Up Beautiful

2009-03-25T08:06:00.003-05:00

I'm combining two of the 10 ways InStyle suggests to wake up beautiful because they don't require a beauty product and they're habits you can begin tonight!

Sleep on your back. "Note to Audrey Hepburn fans: Lying on your stomach is bad for beauty sleep. The average head weighs seven to eight pounds - a lot of pressure to be putting on your face every night. In fact, many dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there."

Get a lift. "Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the headrest area of your bed on two- to four-inch pieces of wood. Gravity helps lymph and blood flow so fluid won't accumulate."

I actually have done both of these pretty much my entire life so I can't tell you if there is some miraculous change once you start, but, hey! It's worth a shot for less wrinkles, right??

Aquaphor: Multi-Purpose

2009-03-24T09:35:00.004-05:00

In the April issue of InStyle, there is a section on the 10 ways to wake up beautiful. We're going to try all 10 ways and report back on our findings.

The first one we've tried is actually number four on the list: Save money, not wrinkles. They say...

At night you don't need to worry about eye treatments smearing your make-up, so slather on the richest formula you can find. Aquaphor conditions the lashes and hydrates the delicate eye skin really well.

I started using Aquaphor about eight years ago when I ran my first marathon. I used it to prevent chafing in the places you don't want chafing, but also on my lips because they dry out really quickly during any kind of outdoor exercise.

Then I realized it had more uses when I burned myself on a hot pan and it soothed the searing feeling. It also is great for cuts and scrapes and any kind of dry skin.

So I tried it on my eyes (which also means I am now washing my face at night). It is WONDERFUL! You definitely don't want to wear it during the day, but to sleep in? InStyle is right. It's one way to wake up beautiful.

You can get it at the drugstore, it's cheap, and it comes in a variety of sizes. I have the tub in my bathroom, I carry a tube in my purse, and I have a lipgloss-sized tube for my lips.

L’Oreal’s Wrinkle De-Crease Collagen Filler

2009-03-23T14:50:00.002-05:00

Guest blog written by Candice Stone (@CandiceStone)

My first fine lines around my eyes arrived along with my 35th birthday a few years ago and since then I have tried a whole host of products that claim to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

I used Strivectin MD when it was touted as the new wonder treatment. Wonder treatment? Not really, but it does help – the only downside is the high price tag. (*Editor's note: This is our favorite eye cream).

I then tried Alpha Hydrox products after hearing from Dr Oz on Oprah that Alpha Hydroxy Acids are one of the few things that really work to support aging skin. I didn’t find that at all.

Finally I tried L’Oreal’s Wrinkle De-Crease Collagen Filler which you can get at the local drugstore or supermarket for less than $20. L’Oreal claims the Collagen Bio-Spheres in the product expand on contact with the water found naturally in the skin to fill fine lines and wrinkles immediately – I have certainly found that there is an immediate noticeable improvement.

They also claim that you will continue to see improvements over time with continued use and again I have found this to be true. I apply it at night after washing and again in the morning under make-up to take advantage of the ‘immediate plumping & filling’. No sensitivity or break-outs with using the product either.

Why pay more than $100 for a beauty product when a sub-$20 dollar product works so well! My only concern is that I have been trying to move towards only natural products in my beauty bag and this does not fit the bill – however, until I find something natural that works as well I am not prepared to give the lines and wrinkles an inch!

A Paraben-Free Anti-Aging Eye Treatment

2009-03-20T08:28:00.004-05:00

Guest blog written by Vicki Zerbee (@vickizerbee)

Before I found my favorite eye treatment, I had flaky skin under my eyes that was hard to look at and hard to cover. It was worse in the winter, but I would have it year-round. Any attempt at concealing the flakes on this tender skin around the eyes resulted in a messy, and even more unflattering, look.

I also had the same fine lines and wrinkles under and around my eyes that all women get as they age, and they are no fun either. I was looking for a product that was safe, natural, and would be effective at making my eyes look healthy and younger.

I found a paraben-free, hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested formula that contains anti-aging botanicals and vitamin C, to help fine lines and wrinkles disappear. Enfuselle Eye Treatment has been clinically proven to decrease the appearance of skin wrinkles more than 200 percent in as little as two weeks. It also decreases visible fine lines and increases skin resilience and firmness.

I have not had flakes of any kind under my eyes since I started using this eye treatment and I can't tell you how happy that makes me. When I tell my story, women can relate to it because many of them have issues with their eyes and are looking for solutions.

I will use this eye treatment forever!

Dermalogica: The Cure for Combination Skin

2009-03-19T15:11:00.009-05:00

I have been searching for the right face wash for as long as I remember. I have been blessed with combination skin. By being blessed I really mean born with a big fat curse and I blame my Italian mother. Although face washes promised to moisturize the dry patches and remove oil from my T-zone areas, I would end up with one cheek being dry, my forehead still being oily or a little blemish on my nose.

Until I was introduced to the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. Its part of a skin care system researched and developed by the International Dermal Institute. It promised me it would “wash away impurities without stripping or drying” and it did! It’s soap-free, fragrance-free, my face is never too dry and I have had minimal “impurities” ever since.

They have also developed an online Face Mapping^SM skin analysis that analyzes your skin and provides recommendations on what your face needs. Pretty cool!

I Found the Perfect Eyecream!

2009-03-17T10:49:00.003-05:00

I received a little Beauty Insider gift from Sephora last week. It's a nice big tube of StriVectin-SD Eye Cream.

You know I've been looking for an eye cream and this is it! It's formulated to help to significantly improve the appearance of fine lines. Apparently it aids in the build-up of collagen, which I didn't realize happened except when you wanted lips like Angelina Jolie.

Those "wrinkles" my husband told me he loves are gone. Pair that with the new trendy braids in your hair look and I'm back to looking like I'm in my 20s!

The Taste of Her Cherry Chapstick!

2009-03-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

And here's the cherry chapstick version. Didn't we all feel sassy when we were in high school and our lips were tinted red from our fancy chapstick. Tastes good, feels good and smells good. What more can I say? Katy Perry famously talks about "The taste of her cherry chapstick!"

The new and improved version now has SPF 4! Oh, and there is a strawberry flavor but it's definitely not as tasty.

H20 Almond Body Lotion

2009-03-12T17:16:00.004-05:00

Not really sure how I overlooked the most important beauty product I use every day...perhaps because it sits on my desk and I apply it multiple times each day without thinking about it?

I love, love, love the H2O almond body lotion.

Growing up in the mountains has given me chronic dry skin. This lotion has shea butter in it, along with a little glitter, that leaves my hand soft. Plus, it smells like almonds, which is just a perfect and light scent for my hands that doesn't overwhelm the perfume I've chosen for the day.

It comes in an easy-to-use pump so it sits on my desk all day and I go back to it all day long.

It's Medicated!

2009-03-10T08:46:00.014-05:00

It's medicated! Yes, I'm still talking about chapstick. It's an addiction!! How can you talk about lip balm and not talk about the original Chapstick? Didn’t we all have the original or Cherry version when we were growing up?

I happen to be obsessed with the Medicated version. Like the package says it does heal severely chapped lips but also keeps lips protected especially in the winter.

My favorite part is the fact that it makes your lips tingle about two seconds after it is applied. Wear it under lip gloss or lipstick and your lips will be soft and supple all day long. My other favorite part is that it's inexpensive so I can buy 5 at a time and keep them for my "emergency" situations.

Buy it at your local drugstore or online at Drugstore.com. Honestly, I think you can buy this at the gas station! Classy.

Blood Orange and White Pepper

2009-03-08T12:30:00.004-05:00

No it's not what I had for brunch today. It's a fairly new beauty product line from Bliss. I originally had a sample of the new scented body butter from Sephora. So when @BlissSpa offered 20% off to her Twitter followers, I thought I'd try it.

I ordered the "bounty" set, which is a sugar scrub, bath and shower gel, and body butter.

They say the scent was inspired by a cocktail their scent specialist sipped. It's an "energizing citrus scent that blends bright blood orange and spicy white pepper with nuances of coriander and white musk."

I like it! Bliss products are all great so if you don't like how this smells, try one of their other scrubs, gels, or butters.

OPI Spring Colors

2009-03-07T08:40:00.005-06:00

I took my nieces to get manis and pedis last weekend and the salon had the new OPI South Beach Collection.

Although it's still cold in Chicago, it was 60 degrees in Denver so I felt my winter colors could take a break and I would try a spring color.

I chose Overexposed in South Beach, which is a vivid purple that can't get enough attention.

I love, love, love it! It's not an eggplant purple, but a nice dark color that also has that spring-like feel.

The entire collection includes:

Miami Beat
Done Out in Deco
Suzi and the Lifeguard
Party In My Cabana
Conga-Line Coral
OPI on Collins Ave.
Paint My Moji-Toes Red
Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot!
Sand In My Suit
Clubbing Til Surise
Bronzed to Perfection

Check it out soon!

The Love Handler

2009-03-04T18:38:00.002-06:00

On Twitter a few days ago @BlissSpa offered a 20% coupon plus a free Love Handler for any beauty products bought online. You know I was all over that!

I received my box the night before last (more to come on what I bought) and I pulled out the Love Handler. I had no idea what this was and now I'm intrigued.

It is a liquid workout for lazy abdominals. I'm not making this up.

It is supposed to stimulate skin surface for improved firmness and contour, whittle your waist, toney tummy pudge, and keep back fat bay.

I'm seriously not making this up.

So I tried it. It feels like lip plumper on my skin. It's smells minty and stays tingly for about an hour. My husband thinks I should try it only on one side of my tummy to see if there truly is a difference. I'm ignoring him and trying it on my full tummy.

They say it takes six weeks to see a difference. Check back here on April 13 for results.

Addiction to Lip Balm

2009-03-02T13:15:00.009-06:00

SMITH’S ROSEBUD SALVE

I’m obsessed with lip balm. I probably have ten different places at home where I have a stash. A bit of an addiction I guess. In a coffee table drawer, my nightstand, behind my bathroom sink mirror, winter coat pockets and almost every purse I own and even in a kitchen drawer. You never know when there is going to be an emergency! Nothing bothers me more than having chapped lips and then not having lip balm. That’s what I call an emergency.

I love all kinds really. But one of my favorites is Smith’s Rosebud Salve. It’s been around since the late 1800’s and can be used for any dry spot on your body…dry elbows, cuticles even for burns. I’ve heard people even talk about putting it on babies bums but I really don’t want to go there! The Rosebud Salve comes in a cute tin, is easy to apply and makes it seem like you just put some fancy lip gloss on. You can find it at Sephora and is a must have for celebrities like Katherine Keigl and Eva Longoria!

New My BFF's Beauty Bag Blogger

2009-03-02T12:03:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! Welcome Angelica as our new blogger! She and I are partnering to bring you the very best in beauty products.

Stay tuned for more to come...

Who Has Fabulous Lashes?

2009-02-26T08:38:00.004-06:00

Did anyone try the Spoiled Pretty trick for creating fabulous eyelashes?

If you missed it, check My BFF's Beauty Bag from Feb. 18 or click on the video directly from here.

I tried it with my ridiculously favorite mascara, Givenchy Phenomenon Eyes, but it didn't work because the wand is a little ball. So I tried it with a regular wanded mascara and IT WORKS!

It took a couple of tries (yesterday and today), but the technique is easy to perfect and you'll be surprised at the results.

Try it!

And...thanks again @spoiledpretty!

Laura Mercier Eye Pencil

2009-02-24T17:48:00.002-06:00

Even though I'm a beauty product junkie, I don't wear much make-up. We all know I love my Sephora Ultimate Blockbuster, but it's not ideal for travel.

For travel, I throw in my teeny, tiny Ziploc bag, a Laura Mercier eye pencil in black violet. I like the black violet, instead of brown or black, because it highlights my hazel eyes differently than the more standard colors. I recommend trying it. Big fan.

Water Hurting Your Face?

2009-02-21T09:24:00.004-06:00

At dinner last night, Jessica told me she loves living in Florida, but that the water is killing her face. Having experienced that same thing when I lived in Kansas City, I offered her my best beauty product advice:

STOP USING WATER ON YOUR FACE!

But, she says, I have to shower.

Yes, but you can shower without immersing your face in the water.

I've blogged about this before, but it's worth mentioning again. Use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. You can apply it with cotton pads and remove it the same way. No water necessary.

My mom swears by it - says she hasn't used water on her face since she was 30. I stopped using it when I moved to Chicago and realized I was no longer allergic to the water.

Do you have other non-water cleanser recommendations?

Secret to Fabulous Lashes

2009-02-18T16:43:00.005-06:00

Most of you know by now I am a mascara snob (if you didn't know that, read yesterday's post) and am always looking for new techniques and new beauty products to make my naturally long (but very light) eyelashes even longer.

Imagine my surprise when I saw a video yesterday Spoiled Pretty on applying mascara to the tops of your lashes to make them look even longer. I was intrigued!

Watch the video here, try it in the morning, and let me know what you think! I'll do the same..., but with my fave mascara, Givenchy Phenomenon Eyes, and not that crappy L'Oreal tubes stuff.

And...thanks @spoiledpretty!

Review of L'Oreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes

2009-02-17T14:53:00.003-06:00

I was going to wait to do a review on the new L'Oreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes until I'd used the mascara for a month, but I can't take it any longer.

I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate this beauty product! Everyone knows I love my mascara, but this is not a good one. At all.

Let's start with the first application. It's white and is supposed to nourish and strengthen your lashes. Okay, I'm willing to apply mascara in two steps, if it works. But the first step clumps and I've not yet been able to get my lashes to separate by using it.

The second step is the mascara, and this is where the tubes extend your eyelashes. As I sat at breakfast with @LoisAtVistage this morning, I could feel my eyelashes hit my eyebrows and it made me feel like they were jumping off my face like two ugly spiders!

Now I'm going to admit that I am a bad person. I never wash my face at night. Partly because I'm lazy and partly because my skin is really dry and washing it twice a day really dries it out. So when I washed my face the day after I tried the mascara for the first time, I thought my eyelashes were falling out. There are actual tubes that come off with soap and water.

IT'S FREAKY!!

Lastly, the brushes are on the wrong side of the tube so you have to get used to applying it differently.

I have nothing good to say about this beauty product. Don't waste your money on this one.

Beauty Web Site Recommendation

2009-02-16T09:06:00.004-06:00

Today I have a favor to ask. Check out a beauty product Web site and let me know what you think.

Glimmer. Gloss. Glow.

My friend @ForeverApril writes the content and has the same philosophy I have - don't recommend a product you haven't tried yourself.

Comment here and let me know what you think. I'd love to get her some feedback she can use.

I Swear I'm Over Jo Malone After This Post!

2009-02-15T16:14:00.005-06:00

Apparently Jo Malone has beauty products for everyone!

When I posted the link to the hand cream blog to my Facebook items, my friend Cory commented and said...

Jo Malone has amazing men's fragrance too! Seriously, the "Fig" scent is what I wore all through college and got numerous compliments on it! It's awesome because it's a lower alcohol content (I have sensitive skin) and the scent notes are different and people notice it. It's the "Wild Fig & Cassis" cologne. It smells "old man-ish" when you first experience it, but then you notice the subtle notes and it become like an addiction! I bought it back in London and when i came state-side everyone wants to know why I smell so nice!!!

So now you have gifts to buy your men, too!

Jo Malone Hand Treatment

2009-02-12T10:48:00.004-06:00

Guest blog written by @angelica7641

I never used hand cream. I always hated the oily feeling it left. In fact, I used to wash my hands after I applied my body lotion because I disliked the feeling so much or I would only apply it to the top of my hands. Ridiculous, right?

Then @annagabbert introduced me to Jo Malone's hand treatment. She assured me it wasn’t greasy and she was right! It was creamy and light and smelled amazing. I wasn’t sure what the smell actually was but I found out it’s a hint of pomelo (the largest citrus fruit there is) and cassis. It’s a subtle, rich and sweet scent that lasts for hours.

You can get it at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf or Nordstrom. Just a little of the lotion goes a long way!

P.S. @joyfulbathco - You might want to add this to your shipment!

Jo Malone

2009-02-11T07:18:00.003-06:00

How many of you have Jo Malone among your beauty product staples? If you don't, you should.

I was introduced to her perfume by a friend who said, "I think you would like Jo Malone. Check it." So I did.

The thing I like about the perfume is there is something for everyone. There are spicy, citrus, fruity, light green floral, floral, and woody scents. Among the scented groups are another 20 "flavors."

My favorite is nectarine blossom and honey, which I wear almost daily. It comes in both a 30 ml and a 100 ml. The 30 ml is small enough to fit in your Ziploc bag while you travel.

The best part, though? You can mix scents for something that is all your own. And if you happen upon a store that sells it (I've only ever seen it at Sak's and at the Jo Malone store at the Wynn in Vegas), they will give you lots of little samples to try mixing at home.

One more thing...@angelica7641 says the hand cream is to die for, as well.

Jo Malone. Check it!

Sephora Celebrates Birthdays

2009-02-10T08:16:00.002-06:00

I love that Sephora sends beauty products to their Beauty Insiders on their birthdays.

This year's gift is a set of three lipglosses, which I LOVE. I am a lipgloss junkie, as you know, so this makes me very, very happy!

If you're not already a Beauty Insider, join today (it's free) and you'll get a nice little gift in your mailbox on your birthday.

Sugar! Sugar!

2009-02-09T09:50:00.001-06:00

On Saturday, I saw Torrie pull her beauty product bag out of her purse. She searched for a lipgloss and then pulled out a brown tube and I realized we haven't talked about Sugar yet!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment has SPF 15 and is fantastic for making your lips soft. I don't like it, however, for use during the day. I prefer C.O. Bigelow mint or Buxom Lips because they're minty and tingly and they have a bit of color that is great for running to a meeting, without having to apply lipstick.

But use your sugar lip treatment right before you go to bed and you wake up the next morning with soft, kissable lips.

Which Eye Creams Do You Use?

2009-02-04T07:46:00.001-06:00

One beauty product I was never concerned with is eye cream. Until, a few weeks ago, my husband innocently said, "I love your wrinkles."

EXCUSE ME?!?

I have wrinkles AND you love them??

Resisting the urge to run out and get botox at lunch, I perused the eye creams at Walgreen's.

I bought Oil of Olay eye cream and have been using it underneath my PerriconeMD moisturizer (which, as we now know, claims to reduce fine lines...not WRINKLES!).

I need some eye cream experts...desperately!
Which eye creams do you use?

Week of Moisturizers: PerriconeMD

2009-02-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we discussed the beauty product I travel with. Today is the daily moisturizer that I cannot live without.

My skin is overtly dry. I don't know if it's from growing up in the mountains or if it's hereditary, but every time I have a facial, I hear, "Your skin is really dry. You should drink more water." Well folks, I drink at least 10 glasses of water every day. So that's not what it is.

And then I found PerriconeMD Face Finishing Moisturizer. It came as a sample with my Beauty Insider from Sephora.

It claims to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing antioxidant protection. It also says it helps firm skin and give it a dewy, radiant look.

I should have taken a photo of my face when I started using it and one now to see if that's true. What I do know is that I haven't broken out in more than two months and that my face feels thousands of times better.

The only problem? No SPF in it. But I use Rebel Lite over it every morning, which has SPF 15. I think, in this case, I can have my cake and eat it too.

Week of Moisturizers: Hope In A Jar

2009-02-02T17:08:00.000-06:00

I have an old stand-by beauty product that I travel with because it's easy to find in less than three ounces and fits nicely in my teeny, tiny plastic bag that is supposed to hold all of my "make me pretty" secrets as I go through security.

The Philosophy Hope In A Jar claims to have been created for the medical market and "is a world-renowned skin cream. For years, plastic surgeons have been recommending this formula to patients in pursuit of younger, healthier skin. Results can be seen, and felt, within days. A healthy, rosy glow to the skin that doesn't require make-up or cover up."

Now, I don't know about all of that. What I do know is my skin is rosy (but that might be due to three days of skiing), but I think it's called Hope In A Jar because we all secretly hope it does what it says. I don't use it every day so I can't tell you if it gives me younger, healthier skin, but I do like it for traveling purposes.

Week of Moisturizers: Twitter Recommendations

2009-01-31T07:51:00.000-06:00

We asked our Twitter friends which beauty products they can't live without. Check out their recommendations.

@wtoppert Kinerase Cream. This is my favorite moisturizer of all time! It's pricey, but this stuff is great! It improves the texture and appearance of my skin and it doesn't clog my pores.

@cabbage_babble I can't live without Palmer's Lotion.

@tflynn I like Creme 28 Fruitelia. It's great for exfoliation and has fruit acids. I also love Carolyn Nash. They give free Yonka samples and great facials!

@jasonanthoine For me, I love Anthony Razor Burn Repair. It helps stop razor burn and really works as advertised.

Week of Moisturizers: Clinique vs. Eucerin

2009-01-30T09:42:00.000-06:00

Clinique still is a popular beauty product and it's today's recommendation...with a twist. Is it better than Eucerin or should you stick with the drugstore brand?

From Jen: I use the old standby Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I have been using it since I started wearing make-up. It is extremely lightweight, adds the perfect amount of moisture, and doesn't bother my overly-sensitive skin.

From Diane: The Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer - Dry Combination, along with All About Eyes is what I started using this winter. Until then, I'd used Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Skin Cream and may go back to it. I can't see that the Clinique does anything the Eucerin doesn't do.

Week of Moisturizers: Cetaphil

2009-01-28T14:52:00.000-06:00

I received a beauty product recommendation from @wtoppert for this week of moisturizers. She likes Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion.

She says, "I have dry, sensitive skin, especially in winter months. I've been using Cetaphil since junior high and it is still one of my favorite products. It doesn't irritate my skin, it's inexpensive, and available everywhere."

My mom also uses Cetaphil and has for as long as I can remember. She brags that she hasn't used water on her face since she was 30 and she looks FANTASTIC! One night my husband caught me putting on eye cream and when I said I didn't like the teeny, tiny lines around my eyes he said, "Have you seen your mom? She has GREAT skin!"

So Cetaphil it is! Try the cleanser and the moisturizer.

Week of Moisturizers: Yonka Phyto 54

2009-01-26T17:00:00.000-06:00

This is the week of moisturizers and I'm inviting each of you to send me the one you cannot live without. We'll review them, provide your comments, and you'll be the star of all that is beauty-product related for the day!

Either email me, comment here, Facebook me, or DM on Twitter @ginidietrich.

Today's moisturizer review is more about Yonka.

I've learned something about the Yonka Gel Nettoyant...it doesn't feel as sticky on my face if I use their Phyto 54 instead of my regular moisturizer.

Again, it's really nice and I'm going to guess, if used every day, my face would be super hydrated and youthful.

The fact of the matter is, the cleanser doesn't remove make-up and the phyto 54 has a certain scent that gives me a headache. So I'd have to buy the cleanser, a toner, a make-up remover and a moisturizer.

I think I'll stick with my Dove and super luxurious (details to come later this week) moisturizer. I think I'm still hydrated and look younger than I am. If not, lie to me!

Facial Cleansers

2009-01-24T14:59:00.000-06:00

Today's beauty product discussion is around cleansers. I've read conflicting information about cleansers. Some say it doesn't matter what you clean your face with because toner and moisturizer rebalance your skin. Others say it's the most important part of your daily beauty routine.

I don't know which philosophy is true, but I do know I've used several kinds of cleansers. Following are my thoughts on the most recent.

@tanyaflynn brought some Yonka samples to me the other day and I'd forgotten how much I like their stuff! I've used the Gel Nettoyant as a cleanser for the past couple of days and it smells divine and is really nice...if you don't use moisturizer. It feels really heavy on my skin under my moisturizer and it doesn't work as a make-up remover.
Sephora sent a sample of Murad Age Reform Exfoliating Cleanser with one of my online purchases. I actually really like this, but it can only be used twice a week. It needs to be massaged in for a few minutes until you can no longer feel the crystals.
Dove Soap for Sensitive Skin is my old standby when I'm traveling (it doesn't count as a liquid you have to put in a tiny plastic bag) or when I've run out of cleanser at home and haven't had time to get more. I've never noticed a difference between this or an expensive cleanser. If I were to make a recommendation as a non-expert, I would side with those that say the cleanser you use doesn't matter, as long as your skin is clean and the make-up comes off. Go with the Dove and do a twice a week exfoliation.

I Smell Like Coconut!

2009-01-23T12:05:00.000-06:00

So you know the Dylan's Candy Bar coconut bon-bon ice cream scrub I gave myself for Christmas? And you know the coconut cream body butter Sephora gave me for being a Beauty Insider?
Well, I used both today and I smell like a fresh coconut. I'm afraid the homeless guy at Starbucks is going to ask if he can have a bite of me, instead of asking for money for his dope habit.

In all actuality, it's a light enough scent that I smell good (I think), but it's not overpowering.

Hotel Palomar

2009-01-21T17:00:00.001-06:00

Not only does this hotel have L'Occitane bath products and zebra bathrobes, it has rock star level complimentary items.

Check this out!

Resealable plastic travel bags for liquids
Fashion tape
Humidifier
Curling iron
Heating pad
AND...a straightening iron

That just makes me want to straighten my hair in the morning so I can say I used their complimentary iron.

L'Occitane

2009-01-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

I am staying at the Hotel Palomar in Washington, D.C. and they have L'Occitane products in the bathroom (I know! Nice place, huh?).

But this reminds me how much I like their products. The only thing I don't like is their verbana shower gel. While it works as well as their other products, it smells like Pledge and I don't really want to smell like I was just dusted.

BUT...if you live in Chicago, rumor has it the L'Occitane store on Armitage is closing and they're having major sales. Go check it out!

Epsom Salt? Huh?

2009-01-19T20:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday's Chicago Tribune had an article Tanya forwarded to me as appropriate for BFF Beauty Bag.

It's titled, "If It Works Well for Heidi Klum" and goes on to say that epsom salt can provide pre- and post-party relief.

Read the article by clicking on the title above. First person to try one of the three ideas gets a prize AND a guest blog here!

Body Lotion

2009-01-18T08:46:00.000-06:00

I think I've admitted here that I am ultimately lazy when it comes to getting ready in the morning. If I can cut something out of the routine without it being obvious, I do. That means no body lotion i in the wintertime because no one sees my legs!

But Donna Karan changed that for me when she introduced Cashmere Mist body lotion. I don't like the perfume, but I love the lotion. It's light enough to wear daily and the scent is just enough that I don't have to wear any perfume, but smell good all day.

So I cut the perfume out most days (although two spritzes is easier to apply than lathering on lotion), but you wouldn't know it by smelling me!

It's kind of spendy, but a great gift. I got mine for Christmas!

Sephora

2009-01-17T20:28:00.000-06:00

I love Sephora! They gave me a birthday gift today - THREE super shimmer lip glosses and coconut cream body butter! I walked away with more gifts than purchases. It is heaven on earth!

Love Your Lashes

2009-01-17T09:28:00.000-06:00

The February issue of InStyle has a piece on the right mascara for your eyelashes.

My favorite, Givenchy Phenomenon Eyes, is listed as "best for long, droopy lashes."

The one I hate (I think it's all a marketing ploy to get you to spend $34 on mascara), the Lancome Oscillation mascara is listed as "best for short, straight lashes."

Their other recommendations include best for:

Stiff lashes (Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment; $20)
Long, straight lashes (Clinique High Impact Curling; $14)
Unruly lashes (Maybelline New York XXL Extensions; $9)
Pale lashes (By Terry Blackster; $42)
Sparse lashes (Exceptionnel de Chanel; $28)
Hard-to-reach baby lashes (Rimmel London Sexy Curves; $8)
Sensitive eyes (Physicians Formula Organic Wear; $9)

Do you have a favorite mascara not listed here? What type of eyelashes do you have?

Glowing Skin, Part Two

2009-01-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we discussed ways to get glowing skin using makeup in your Ultimate Blockbuster. According to beauty experts, "older complexions can look dull, while youthful ones appear moist and even in texture" so you want skin to glow as you age.

Your makeup can age you:

Matte lipstick accentuates age lines
Yellow-based bronzer makes skin look sallow
Retro eyeliner is cool, but doesn't make you look younger
Mascara on your lower lashes can cast undereye shadow
Foundation should be applied only where needed because it also accentuates age lines

Avoid these, if possible, and stay hydrated! Glowing skin = youthful-looking skin!

Glowing Skin

2009-01-14T18:24:00.000-06:00

It's nine below zero and I've shoveled snow twice today. It's the doldrums of January in Chicago and I need to something to make my skin glow.

Thankfully, InStyle has some advice for me:

1. Use tinted moisturizer with light-reflecting pigments. I prefer not to use foundation or concealer with tinted moisturizer, but they say you can, if you feel you need added coverage.

2. Swirl shimmering rose blush (it's in the Ultimate Blockbuster!) over the apples of your cheeks, then blend it toward the temples. Dust with a soft gold (or bronze for dark skin) highlighter along the cheekbones.

3. Skim a medium brown eyeliner along the inner rim of the lower lash line, then top it with a creamy gold pencil. Highlight the inner corners of the eyes and lids with a gilded powder for a brightening effect.

4. A slick of light pink gloss adds just the right dose of shine and color.

5. Apply two coats of mascara.

Voila! Glowing skin that makes you look like you spent the day at the beach, not climbing over mounds of snow in sub-zero weather.

An Old Standby

2009-01-12T17:28:00.001-06:00

I'd forgotten how much I like Bath & Body Works. Patti gave me a vanilla body package for Christmas and I used the shower gel and lotion this morning.

It's DIVINE!

They sell C.O. Bigelow and their own brand is fabulous. How can you go wrong? I mean, it's no Sephora, but the good old Bath & Body Works standby is worth remembering at gift time or when you just need a quick shower gel, bubble bath, or daily lotion.

Smoky Eyes

2009-01-11T14:11:00.000-06:00

I love the look of smoky eyes, but I would never take the time to do it as the pros do it. I am not, after all, Keira Knightley. Plus if I spend more than three minutes on my make-up every day, there is something wrong.

I've found a way to create that smoky look without the time commitment.

1. Apply concealer or Benefit Eye Bright to your lash line and curl your eyelashes. I like the shu uemura 24k gold eyelash curler.

2. Using a tapered brow brush and your Ultimate Blockbuster, trace your upper lid with either gray or black. Do this dry, not wet. Then smudge the line with your finger.

3. Clean the brush (I use baby wipes) and press a gunmetal or silver shade into the lower lash line.

4. With a small eyeshadow brush, dab the same gunmetal or silver shade into the corners of your eyes.

5. Swipe a quick dab of powder on your upper eyelids so everything stays put.

This is where I stop if it's just for day. I apply two coats of mascara and then I'm done.

If I'm going out, I continue without the mascara (yet)...

6. Using a medium-sized domed brush, apply inky powder to the crease of your eye and then blend it downward.

Then I pile on the mascara and go with nude or nearly nude lips.

Shampoo and Conditioner

2009-01-10T10:30:00.000-06:00

It's not a secret that I love shiny hair. I have spent the last 10 years trying to find the perfect solution in order for me to have shiny hair every day.

I wrote a blog entry a few weeks ago about the Fekkai Three-Minute Mask, which is wonderful and still highly recommend it twice a week if you haven't tried it.

The other day Olivia asked me what kind of shampoo and conditioner I use and asked me to blog about it. It was then that I realized it's the combination of the shampoo, conditioner, and three-minute mask that gives my hair that shiny, healthy glow.

I use Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner.

But here's the secret (and some of you already know and do this yourselves)...

Wash and condition your hair every other day. Use the three-minute mask twice a week.

For instance, wash, condition, and mask your hair on Monday. Wash and condition on Wednesday. Wash, condition, and mask on Friday. The in-between days you either put your hair up or use a flat or curling iron.

Dry and Cracked Heels

2009-01-08T19:31:00.000-06:00

It works! It really works!

Thanks mom (and Oprah)! The Clearasil, plus Vaseline, plus socks overnight really works.

My feet feel like a baby's butt. I will be happy to let you feel how smooth they are, if you ask very nicely.

Click on the link above to get the direction and information. Try it for yourself. It takes one week before you see a difference. It's expensive and it works!

Benfit Tinted Moisturizer

2009-01-06T20:26:00.000-06:00

I love Benefit You Rebel, their tinted moisturizer. It's really dark so it works well in the summertime, but it doesn't work during the winter (unless you live somewhere that is sunny all year long).

So I was really excited when they introduced You Rebel Lite.

I actually mix some with my normal moisturizer (because I have really dry skin) and it works as double duty - a moisturizer with SPF and it evens out my skin tone. I don't wear anything else, including foundation or powder. Plus the color is light enough for every day use, which is not the case with their regular You Rebel.

Sparkly Eyes

2009-01-05T16:41:00.000-06:00

I've promised some of you that have the Ultimate Blockbuster (go get yourself one, already!) to provide lessons in applying make-up you wouldn't typically wear. The fun with the Ulimate Blockbuster is you can try all sorts of things without buying new make-up to try it. I'm serious. You will love it, even if you don't wear much make-up. I LOVE MINE (as if you couldn't tell).

So today's lesson...gold, sparkly eyes that work for both day and night. You might have seen this newest trend on Thandie Newton, Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, and Charlize Theron (and Gini Dietrich, if you work with me).

Step-by-step directions:
1. Outline your eyes either with concealer or Benefit Eye Bright and gently smudge in with your pinky.

2. Using a shadow brush (even the one that comes with eyeshadow will work), apply gold cream eyeshadow to your upper lids. Just a swipe; it's really just to hold the color so just apply enough that will be covered with eyeliner.

3. Take an angled brush and dip in water and then in brown eyeshadow. Draw a line on your upper lashes, just like you would with an eyeliner pencil. Then dab onto lower lids.

4. Using a soft eyeshadow brush, dab into gold, sparkly eyeshadow and place gently in the corners of your eyes.

5. Apply two coats of mascara.

Viola!

If you've never used wet eyeshadow as eyeliner, it may take a try or two, but it lasts longer and looks better than eyeliner.

Let me know how you do!

Benefit Eye Bright, Part Two

2009-01-04T09:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks, Tammy, for the Benefit Eye Bright recommendation.

Girls, I've been using it the past couple of days, just to see what it's like and if i like it.

Tammy is right. It really opens up your eyes, even after a late night. And I've been wearing it in the corners of my eyes, as well as underneath my eyeliner, instead of concealer. It's a pencil so it's easy to apply and not as messy as concealer.

I give it a big thumbs up!

Nail Polish Touch-Ups

2009-01-02T10:01:00.001-06:00

I was very excited when I learned that both Sally Hansen and OPI introduced nail polish sticks.

They're perfect to throw in your bag and easy for touch-ups in the car, in a cab, on the El, on the bus, even on the plane because they make it through security without so much as a glance. They dry quickly so you literally can touch up and go.

The only problem is that they don't have matching regular nail polish. Ideally you'd either get a manicure or paint your nails carefully and then have a matching color in the stick for touch-ups in the middle of the week or while on the road.

That's not the case and the sticks, themselves, aren't good enough quality to paint your nails. So...not a fan yet, but I could be if they decide to market nail polish and sticks together.

Egyptian Magic

2008-12-31T07:56:00.000-06:00

Guest blog written by Olivia Flink-Larsen

Let me first start with a confession. I'm not all that into make-up. As long as I have good mascara, ti nted moisturizer, and blush in my beauty bag, I'm good to go. I attribute my disinterest to my mom and younger sister, who lug around make-up bags the size of toddlers and typically travel with an extra suitcase stuffed to the brim with "product."

So I am especially cautious about adopting new items into my routine, seeing as how the women in my family have a genetic disposition toward hoarding beauty products. That changed when my masseuse, Missy Eartly, introduced me to Egyptian Magic. It is la creme de la creme! She originally told me to use it on old equestrian scars on my legs, but this all-purpose cream heals chapped lips, hydrates dry skin, treats blemishes, eases irritation from bug bits and burns...and the list goes on.

If that wasn't enough, I even use it on my dog! My Puggle has a bit of a Napoleon complex and is constantly getting into scrapes at the dog park. I apply some "Magic" to the sore spots without worrying about any negative side effects, should he manage to lick it off (and he always does). The seriously bare-bones ancient Egyptian recipe contains olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, bee propolis, and royal jelly (also from honeybees).

For those of us not fortunate enough to see Miss Missy regularly (althought I'd love it if she fit in my beauty bag!), Egyptian Magic is also sold at Whole Foods and on their Web site. If you need a celebrity endorsement, rumor has it Madonna won't leave home without it!

Benefit Eye Bright

2008-12-30T07:52:00.000-06:00

Guest blog by Tammy Shy

I had been wanting to to learn how to highlight the inner corners of my eyes and loved the way it looked on my sister, but she uses Benefit Eyeliner Gilded, which is a goldish color that wouldn't look quite right on me.

I tried Benefit's Eye Bright instead, which is pink with a slight shimmer and matches my skin tone better. I'm not crazy adventurous with makeup, so I end up with a subtle look, but I think it definitely brightens my normally dark eyes.

A little dab with the pencil in the corners, rub it in a bit and ta-dah! I think it might even make me look a little more awake!

Donating Beauty Products to the Homeless

2008-12-29T15:58:00.001-06:00

Guest blog written by Erin Brumleve

We all love Sephora. Most of us love Las Vegas. For those passionate souls that feel fondly toward both of the aforementioned playgrounds, the fervor upon entering the Las Vegas Sephora at the Planet Hollywood shops can be a bit overwhelming.

I certainly love Sephora. The feeling I have when I enter the store is akin to being on the threshold of promise. Promises of beauty, of clear, matte skin...sigh. I am the wide-eyed little girl back at the bulk candy store with the five dollars my parents just gave me. My heart pounds...I am here on a mission!

The orderly aisles, all of the fabulous promise-holding products, so gorgeously illuminated by the multiple full-spectrum light sources. My goodness! Are there really that many different colors of lipgloss? I didn't know shampoo came in a powder! Sigh...Sephora in Las Vegas. I feel a bit woozy.

My mission in the Las Vegas Sephora is to find a primer that is reasonably priced and that I can purchase anonymously at the time of my choosing. You see, I am a therapist. My persona is supportive of others, nearly to a fault, and my Mary Kay lady senses this. Her tone is simultaneously friendly and guilt-inducing when she calls.

So far, I have used my assertiveness training and resisted the urge to buy Time Wise Cellushape Nighttime Body Gel. However, Mary Kay lady is doggedly persistent; she is working on our relationship and is calling me "hon", sending me cards on my birthday, all the while pointing out my myriad of beauty troubles that should be appropriately soothed with her wares. If this keeps up, I will be up to my ears in Mary Kay products in a very short while. I picture her on the other end of the phone, her T-zone so perfectly shineless, beginning to crinkle, as I tell her, "No thanks. I'll just take three tubes of the Oil Mattifier."

"Erin! Focus on your mission!" The clear, bright voice and laugh snaps me to the present. The voice is that of my friend and mentor, Gini, who I have met in Vegas, along with our husbands. Luckily, I have Gini's laser-like focus to guide me today in the labyrinth of delectable make-up delights.

After combing the aisles on the quest for the perfect primer, I decide on Sephora Base Zero Brilliance Anti-Shine Primer. It's a good value, less expensive than Mary Kay, and you get more of it minus the Mary Kay stalker, um, lady. We purchase our products. Strangely, Sephora Nourishing Cuticle Oil and two lipglosses have also ended up in my basket, so I buy them too.

It's hot and I'm already nursing a hangover from the night before so I am glad when Gini and I decide to take a break from our shopping excursion to have lunch. We share a yummy pizza and each have a few glasses of wine. We talk. I am warm and fuzzy from the Sephora excursion, accompanying Gini to Jimmy Choo, and the glam-o-rama Las Vegas vibe in general.

Afterward, we head to the new shops at the Palazzo. I am a conservative gamer when I go to Las Vegas, preferring to invest my capital where I can see it - clothes and beauty products. The shops are just lovely. We order gelato in freshly-made waffle cones. Then we begin to meander back toward our lodging at Mandalay Bay.

At some point, I think we were in the Venetian, I have the sobering realization that my Sephora bag, containing my precious cargo of primer, nourishing cuticle oil, and lipglosses, is - gulp- gone! Where did it go? Why has it taken me nearly 20 minutes to realize it is missing? It's like another limb, or a small child for God's sake - and I just left it somewhere? I am stranded in the desert! My cuticles are in dire need of nourishment! My pores are definitely not happy with the predicament in which I've placed myself, and each one issues a silent, shiny, little protest.

I confide to Gini my loss and we decide to retrace our steps to see if perhaps I've set the bag down somewhere. We go back to the fancy bathrooms, the gelato bar, the pizzeria in the Venetian, all to no avail. Ah Vegas, you vile temptress - you've turned my misfortune into some other lucky gal's happy day.

Though our make-up reconnaissance mission was unsuccessful, the upside of this whole ordeal is that I didn't break the bank on my Sephora purchases and there are several Sephora locations in Las Vegas. I drag a patient Gini to Sephora for a third time that afternoon (we had conducted a preliminary scout visit prior to our second purchasing visit) to sullenly repurchase my orphaned products.

Oooh - now this Sephora has a slightly different layout than our last Sephora. Oh, and they didn't have those at the other Sephora. Oh look! Philosophy has two new eau de toilettes! Sensing my distraction, Gini reminds me what I am here to get and speaks with a saleswoman about the possibility of a new product line of Sephora Bag Bjorn's for tipsy, um, forgetful, customers who need a bit of assistance holding on to their purchases.

The clerk rings up my total and I pay for my items - again. She slips a free sample of Benefit Dr. Feelgood Velvety Complexion Balm into the trademark black and white bag. It's another primer! Yay! With this sample primer, my net primer loss is only .05 oz. Such brings a small measure of comfort to my sea of missing product grief. I give my bag to the reliable Gini for safe-keeping and we had back to Mandalay Bay, exhausted.

Gini and I have laughed about the whole make-up mini-ordeal several times since. She likes to say that I am a Good Samaritan and some homeless person in Vegas is feeling blessed to have nourished cuticles and shine-free pores. Maybe at tax time I'll write it off as a donation.

Reflecting back on hard lessons learned in Las Vegas, I note the Sephora Base Zero Brilliance Anti-Shine Primer is getting low. It has been a good product, serving my pores well. The scent and feel are tingly and lemony. I can wear it all day to keep my pores in check. The Benefit balm has also come in handy - I keep it in my purse for touch-ups throughout the day. I look forward to another shopping excursion to the Elysium realm of Sephora to replenish my supply. This time, though, I'll keep a close eye on my purchases - and maybe even bring a "Sephora Bjorn" to stow them in, just to be safe.

Editor's note: I did not change a word or add anything to this lovely, but extremely hilarious, account of shopping at three Sephora locations in Las Vegas. I also believe I bought something at every location. Sigh...I'm an addict. Next up: Beauty Products Addict Anonymous a.k.a. BPAA

Fixing Dry Heels

2008-12-28T09:00:00.001-06:00

I opened a gift from my mom and it was a pair of pink warm fuzzy socks with packages inside. I put my hand in the first sock and found a small jar of Clearasil pads. I put my hand in the second sock and found a small tub of Vaseline.

I picked up the phone. "Mom, you know I haven't needed Clearasil for 20 years?"

She sighed and told me that she was up late one night and was watching Oprah. They talked about wiping your heels (or any dry part of your body) with a Clearasil pad, applying Vaseline, and putting on socks overnight. She claims, as did Oprah, that she had baby fine heels after one week.
Last night was day one for me. One week from today, check back and I will let you know if this is the magical elixir that means the end of pedicures!

Dylan's Candy Bar

2008-12-26T10:37:00.000-06:00

I bought myself a little gift to open on Christmas morning so it shouldn't have been a surprise, but I opened a box to find what looks like a pint of ice cream. It is Dylan's Candy Bar Ice Cream Sugar Scrub.

This is the beauty product line of the Dylan's Candy Bar in Manhattan. They're famous for their candy and chocolate, but now have sugar scrubs, lotions, and lipgloss in flavors such as coconut bon bon, strawberry licorice, chocolate cupcake, and birthday cake batter.

My little treat is coconut bon bon and it's a great scrub for daily use. I used it this morning before I shaved my legs and it's better than shaving cream. Plus it's a treat without calories and I smell good enough, well...to eat.

I bought some for my niece for Christmas, too, in a different flavor. Maybe her mom will help her write a guest blog!

Happy! Happy!

2008-12-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all my BFF Beauty Bag friends!

Here's hoping you each received The Ultimate Blockbuster this year. If you didn't, take that Sephora gift card tomorrow and buy yourself one.

Trust me on this. You want this in your bathroom.

Happy! Happy!

Foundation Options

2008-12-24T09:45:00.001-06:00

Guest blog written by Jessica Dietrich

So I have been using Bare Minerals make up for more than a year now. I need foundation to cover up the freakish red coloring on my face, but I hate the heavy feeling of liquids. I love, love, love the powder from Bare Minerals. Plus I found that it lasts way longer than liquids...with the liquid foundation, it may last me five hours of my 12 hour work shift. By the time I got off work, I looked like one of the sick patients instead of a healthful nurse.

Anyway the other day I had a real issue...I was totally out of my powder foundation-YIKES! And to make it even better, I am in Columbia (Mo.) and couldn't find any place that sells Bare Minerals...so I had two options, go without any foundation and scare those around me with my naked face, or drag myself out to find a quick replacement until I could get to a Sephora in St. Louis. I chose option two for the sake of all those that had to see me.

So off I went in a rush to my second home, Target, and I grabbed the only thing that looked promising. And at $12.50 a pop I figured the least it could do is get me through the next couple of days without making me look too horrible. So I get home and start getting ready for work, so I drag out the new generic Target makeup and get started......to my surprise IT WAS AWESOME!

It was L'Oreal's ne w Bare Naturale gently mineral powder foundation....ummm...dare I say I like it better than the Bare Minerals?? It was great coverage, nice and light, lasted all day, and even goes on easier than the other stuff. It's cheaper and you get much more powder than you do with Bare Minerals. It also comes with a brush, so if you don't have one, it's a perk. I know most girls are into buying make up at Sephora, or MAC and all those places but this Target-normal-everyday L'Oreal purchase is WAY worth your time and money to try.

So there you have it....my amazing make-up discovery...enjoy the story for yourself or share it with the world..I'm just happy I look good!

Anti-Frizz Creme

2008-12-21T13:32:00.001-06:00

I have always struggled with my hair. I look at girls who have long, straight hair that is gorgeous and all they have to do is let it air dry or run a hair dryer through it, but don't have to blow it out or use a brush, and I'm very, very envious. Not only is my hair super thick and super fine, it has a weird wave in it, but only at the nape of my neck. Nowhere else. It's not like my sister's hair. She got this beautiful hair that has a wave and she can let it air dry and it looks gorgeous. No, I got one weird wave that requires me to either straighten it or use a round brush to blow it out every day.

Well, I haven't been feeling well and have been lazy so yesterday I took the advice of the Fekkai Anti-Frizz Creme sample I have and applied a nickel-sized amount from the roots to the ends, combed it through, and let it air dry.

My hair is so straight! It looks like I have no natural wave at the nape of my neck. It actually looks like it does when my hair dresser's assistant spends 45 minutes blowing it out. And all I did was apply the product and let it air dry!

Eyes Never Lie

2008-12-19T07:47:00.000-06:00

Guest blog written by Dave Moley

What do you get, when a single parent is trying to be Super Dad, get his software business off the ground, and still make effort to not fall into the cliché of, “all work and no play”?

If you guessed tired, dark eyes, then you win a prize! Yes the tell-tale signs of not enough sleep, getting older, and too much hard play not to mention the fact that the eyes never lie… have led me to find solace in another famous philosopher of our generation, “Its better to look good then to feel good.”

So thus begun my quest, not for the Holy Grail, but for the miracle eye cream to bring back that deer in the headlight youthful alertness (ok, so maybe not the best analogy).

I started small, going to Target and buying a box of Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream for $12. Well with hind sight being 20/20 I now realize you get what you pay for, and in this case, it definitely wasn’t Eye Redemption. Pretty much it was fun and exciting to put on my virgin eyes, but really no lasting effects.

This challenged me to go to the opposite end of the spectrum, and I wandered into my local Country Club Plaza MAC store. Quickly, I was greeted by an eager-eyed MAC professional, who was anxious to help me pick out the perfect gift. Imagine her shock, when it actually was me who was looking for something for myself.

After detailing my dramatic story, of my quest for eye rescue, she brought me over to the counter, and with angelic hymns parting the cloudy sky above, and beams of golden sunlight reigning down over her hands as she slowly held up what Steven Tyler himself uses and swears by; MAC Fast Response Eye Cream. “Sold” I said, and for $28.50 a heck of a bargain.

So I tried it. Felt alive for the first time in years (ok, maybe a bit much). But the truth is, It was a bit heavy, which would have been ok, if it worked. But, unfortunately, after daily use, it started clogging some pores, not to mention the fact that the dark circles would come back in a few hours. Although I did see significant improvement, alas, back to the quest.

So my journey finally led me to find the Kiehl’s counter at Nordstroms, which brings us to the present.

Kiehl’s Eye Alert, for $20.50 is heaven on earth. I’ve been using it daily for more than six months now, and it leaves Steven Tyler in the dust. Not sure what makes it work so well. Maybe its the combination of Vitamin E and caffeine. Maybe its that it's not oily at all, never clogs any pores. Maybe, that it seems to last all day, and after use, I can see immediate results.

Whatever it is, I’m content with it for now, but the quest for that elusive Fountain of Youth, finding balance in work and play, and being the best Super Dad that ever existed, never stops.

Everything Sounds Better In French

2008-12-18T09:38:00.001-06:00

Written by guest blogger, Suzie Bilek

Over the summer, when my boyfriend (now fiance!), went to Toulouse, France on business, I told him, "Bring me something good!"

I pondered what he would actually bring back for me. Maybe a cute scarf or an adorable little trinket. I then quickly thought that I shouldn't set myself up for disappointment and should expect something crappy with a French flag on it.

I was pleasantly surprised when he returned and gave me what I now believe is the best exfoliater ever! The Caudalie Sauvignon Scrub is so lightweight and smells fantastic. It has the right balance to exfoliate without feeling too abrasive. I use it primarily on my face, even though it is for face and body. Sephora carries it so I won't need to fly back and forth to France for my beauty fix (though that would be a good excuse for a vacation).

I guess I should give my guy more credit next time. Who knows what he'll surprise me with next!

Editor's note: Girls, it's only $35. Worth a try!

Getting Eyeliner to Last A Full Day

2008-12-17T09:20:00.000-06:00

After nearly 20 years of wearing eye make-up every day, I have finally figured out how to get eyeliner to last a full day.

Apply cream eye shadow underneath the liner!

Why didn't anyone tell me??

Mason Pearson

2008-12-15T20:15:00.001-06:00

Back in the day, when I was working with Purebeauty, they introduced me to the Mason Pearson brush. Since then, I've coveted one, but never wanted to spend the money on it... hoping, instead, I would receive it as a gift.

Five years went by and I still hadn't received the beautiful handmade brush as a gift...so I gifted it to myself.

I'll be honest, I spent three or four months trying to figure out what the big deal is. I have really thick hair, but each strand is fine. So it's hard to find brushes that get my hair to cooperate, let alone get the tangles out.

But then a few weeks ago, the big deal was revealed. This brush is an investment and worth every single penny that it costs. It makes my hair look shiny, it does get out the tangles, and, oh, it makes my hair shiny...without product.

Girls, write last minute letters to Santa and ask for your very own Mason Pearson brush!

Eyebrows

2008-12-13T16:03:00.000-06:00

When I was in college, my mom and I were at a drug store and I was trying to figure out what to do with my eyebrows. This, quite possibly, could have been the first time I'd ever even thought about my eyebrows.

Mom said, "Buy clear mascara." Excuse me? "Use clear mascara to manicure them into place. It has a built-in brush, it creates no mess, and it works."

Since then I've tried everything, including Anastasia Brow-Enhancing Serum. First of all, it does not enhance my brows. Secondly, it does not work as well as cheap, clear mascara.

Benefit Lipgloss!

2008-12-11T13:16:00.001-06:00

No more runny, bad-tasting cheek stain you have to use on your lips so as not to waste.

It's here!

The Benetint Lip Balm!

It's creamy. It has SPF. It tastes good. And it gives you the same "just went on a long run" flush as the cheek stain.

YAY!

Fighting Blemishes

2008-12-10T15:54:00.001-06:00

I have a secret to share. I still break out...badly. On my chin once a month and across my nose and cheeks when I'm super stressed.

In April, right before I went on a two-week vacation to Italy, I was so stressed that I broke out across my nose and cheeks. When I got back, I went to the dermatologist. Nothing he gave me worked. Finally in August (yes, four months of it!) I had a facial.

After she pointed a laser into my pores for an hour (it hurts!), she gave me some moisturizer to use at night.

The Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cream is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It cleared up my skin within a week. And the second I think I'm going to break out, I put this on and the pimple never appears.

It's expensive and smelly, but so worth my vanity!

The Best Lipgloss On Earth

2008-12-08T14:09:00.000-06:00

Rachel G., this is for you!

The best lipgloss on earth.

Yes, the Mentha Lip Shine from C.O. Bigelow! I love it because it's minty and fresh and, if you accidentally get too much out of the tube, you can rub it on your front teeth and be kissable ready!

Lip Plumpers

2008-12-06T10:13:00.000-06:00

It sounds like many of you are on a quest for a lip plumper. Please comment on this blog posting about your favorite lip plumper (if you haven't already) and I'll post reviews of them all in one spot so you can decide which is best for you.

C.O. Bigelow

2008-12-06T10:05:00.000-06:00

I am a C.O. Bigelow fan. My sister introduced them to me many years ago when she bought some lipgloss she didn't like (and yet we somehow have the same blood!) and gave it to me. I've been hooked since. I am a lipgloss junkie, after all.

But then I graduated from lipgloss to hand soaps and lotions and shower gels.

When it comes to beauty routines, I am ultimately lazy. I hate, hate, hate to put on lotion after the shower. Rather than give in and spend two minutes putting on lotion, I search high and low for a shower gel that moisturizes IN THE SHOWER.

In my search, I bought the Mentha Body Smoothing Body Buffer. I can't decide if I like it. My shower smells like a mint heaven every morning, but I don't know that a) it buffs anything or b) moisturizes.

Does anyone have experience with this product?

The Body Shop

2008-12-04T08:30:00.001-06:00

Is anyone a fan of The Body Shop?

I'm in the Minneapolis airport and we stopped in there to waste a few minutes. There is nothing in that store worth a dime, in my opinion.

Do others have differing opinions?

Lip Plumper

2008-12-03T21:34:00.000-06:00

Rachael asked me today if I have a favorite lip plumper. She said she tried the Benefit one (but couldn't remember the name), but that she was open to new ideas.

I've tried them all and am not typically a fan. I am a sucker for marketing tactics and I think this is one that does not work.

That being said, Sephora sent me a "beauty insider" gift and it was a lip plumper. It's the Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips.

Granted, I've only been using the sample for a few days, but I like it! It's minty and massages my lips when I put it on. Plus it has a nice pink tint that makes me look glosssed, but not overly made up. I have no idea if it's making me look like Angelina Jolie, but I like the feel of it when I put it on, and it doesn't taste half bad either!

Smashbox O-Gloss and O-Glow

2008-12-01T11:41:00.000-06:00

My friend Erin and I visited two Sephora locations in Las Vegas a couple of months ago. You know, just in case one had something the other didn't. What we found is Smashbox O-Gloss and O-Glow.

The lipgloss is a Sephora "best of", but don't let that fool you!

Don't get me wrong. I was intrigued by the idea that the gloss and blush go on clear and adjust to your skin tone. Some of you even got to see me demonstrate it..."Watch! It's clear going on and turns pink after it's applied! Cool, huh?"

Turns out, the O-Gloss really dries out my lips. The O-Glow is just a gloppy mess that doesn't really adjust to your skin's chemistry.

I'm the first to admit marketing tactics work on me, but save yourselves. Don't buy it!

Fekkai Three-Minute Mask

2008-11-30T08:27:00.000-06:00

How many of you are Sephora beauty insiders? Is that not the best thing, ever? It's free and you get cool stuff, as long as you give them your email address every time you shop with them, either in the store or online.

One of my beauty insider gifts a couple of months ago was the Fekkai Technician Color Care Mask. You put this on after you've washed and conditioned your hair, and leave it on for three minutes. It's just long enough to shave your legs while you wait. It leaves you with silky and shiny hair. So much so that it's noticeable, as evidenced by a shot of the side of my head from a wedding last month.

Benefit Posie Gal

2008-11-29T07:59:00.000-06:00

Meet the Benefit Posie Gal!

It's my friend Kim.

How jealous am I that she gets free make-up for an entire year?!?

Holiday Gifts

2008-11-28T07:50:00.000-06:00

As you go out today to begin your holiday shopping, there is one gift you can't live without (and neither can your friends or family).

The Sephora Ultimate Blockbuster! It's $48 and it makes a great gift for any woman in your life. Pick up a few of these and your shopping is complete until next year (guys, hint hint).

It's 84 eyeshadow shades, five blushes, one powder, SIXTY lip glosses, one lip liner, and one eyeliner. It also comes with applicators, but you don't want to use them as they're not very good.

I use my tapered brow brush and apply shadow as if it's liner (sometimes I apply it wet and other times, if I'm lazy, dry). Depending on my mood, the day, and what I'm wearing, I could have smoky eyes, glowing, golden eyes, or make the blue in my hazel eyes pop out with either purple or blue shadow as liner.

It reminds me of the Elizabeth Arden make-up boxes my great Aunt LaVin bought me when I was a kid. Now I can play dress up every day!

Top 10 Beauty Products

2008-11-27T10:19:00.000-06:00

On Thanksgiving, I am very grateful for all of my friends around the country. Therefore, I have asked my good friend Lois to provide her top 10 beauty products to share with you so you are thankful for her, too!

The Top 10 List by Lois, who lives in San Diego now, but is a Canadian transplant:

1. Cargo - The Big Bronzer
There is only one reason for making this my #1 beauty product. It's the best. Down here in SoCal, most women have 24/7/365 perma-tan that I just don't seem to embrace. I love the look of that "glowing" skin, but skin cancer runs in my family and my best friend is a dermatologist, so I'm pretty much a Nicole Kidman when it comes to laying out. But that doesn't mean I have to look pasty white when the temperatures are soaring into the 90's. Instead, I use my Cargo bronzer everywhere. On my cheeks, forehead, and yes, occassionally even my chest. It's safe, looks natural, and gives just enough of that sun-kissed look without all the sparkles.

2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Incredibly light and protective coverage for the summertime. This is the perfect substitute for foundation. Use it instead of your daily face lotion and you'll get sheer, lightweight coverage, as well as SPF 20 protection. Between this and the Cargo Big Bronzer, you don't need much else!

3. Lau ra Mercier Foundation Primer
For those special occassions when you want your make-up to stay put and look fresh all night, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is a must-have. It smooths over even the most obvious blemishes and holds your make-up really well, even in humid considitions. It's also oil-free so that's a bonus for those of us susceptible to breakouts.

4. Chanel Blush
Every girl deserves a splurge every once in a while...and this is definitely mine. I don't usually spend $45 on blush, but this is an exception. I love the quilted pattern on this blush and the little velvet bag it comes in. I know, I know. I'm a sucker for the luxury marketing scheme, but the blush is pretty darn good, too! I've had mine for just more than eight months and I use it almost every day and still have a lot left. The colors they have are classic, so you can use them with everything.

5. Chanel Coco Mademois elle Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray
We all have a signature scent. Mine happens to be Chanel. I grew up associating good memories with my mom's Chanel No. 5. So when it came time to pick my "signature scent", I beelined for the Chanel counter. I've been using Coco Mademoiselle for about three years now and I never get sick of it. They just recently came out with this great Twish and Spray bottle, though, so I highly recommend that for those of you who travel.

6. Shu Uemura 24K gold e yelash curler
A staple for my everyday look. A good eyelash curler is a necessity for any girl's make-up bag.

7. O PI "Makes Men Blush" or "Tickle My Francy-y" Nail Polish
I love a good classic pink for my nails. I rarely wear any nail polish so, when I do, I like to keep it natural loking. OPI is, by far, the best nail polish around and these two new colors from their Designer line are my favorites. I tend to go darker for my toes, but I change it up so much that I don't really have one color I can point to.

8. Prescriptives Camouflage Cream
This is the best concealer I've ever had. It gives extremely smooth coverage without looking cakey, and it's not too expensive. At first I thought the tube was only going to last a few months, but I had my first tube of this for a year and it just ran out. You aren't supposed to keep foundation longer than a year, anyway, so it was perfect timing! I like to use it under my eyes and around my nose (which, sick or not, always seems to be red!).

9. C.O. Bigelow Lemon Sugar Body Scrub and Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Bu tter

Have you ever had those little bumps on the back of your arms? This is the solution! I only use this when I have to, but it smells awesome and really works well to give your skin a fresh start. If you live in a cold and dry climate (think Canada here), this is a necessity. Just make sure you follow it up with heavy body butter.

10. Softlips Vanilla Chapstick

I always have chapstick with me and Softlips is the best brand. It conditions, has SPF 20, and smells great. It comes in a two-pack, so I keep one in my nightstand and one in my purse. It's not fancy or expensive, but it's the best.

Obviously I have my staple mascara and some fun eyeshadows, too. I like Mary Kay's new compact for when I travel, but other than that, the above list is a pretty good glimpse into my make-up bag and my everyday routine. I try and spend no more than five minutes doing make-up in the morning, so these products are my life-savers to keeping me on schedule.

The Best Mascara

2008-11-26T13:32:00.000-06:00

Alright girls! I was going to save this as a surprise for the holidays, but many of you have asked me which mascara I like the best.

I love, love, love the Givenchy Phenomenon Eyes mascara.

The wand isn't shaped like most mascara. See the little ball on the end? It allows you to get the eyelashes on the inner-most part of your eye. I've had more people comment on how long my eyelashes are (including some woman on the street) since wearing this. You will love it. It is worth every penny of the $27.

There is only one downfall...your eyelashes will hit your brow bone before the mascara dries and you have to do a little clean-up between applying it and getting to work. But it's still worth it.

Let me know when you try it and what you think!

The Air-Brushed Look

2008-11-25T12:02:00.000-06:00

Molli says:

"I swear by The Present by Philosophy.

I hate foundation and I don't have the clearest skin. I'm sure most make-up artists would sin me for only using powder. But The Present makes me look like a supermodel. It's more than a primer; it's actually good for your skin and it makes applying make-up fun. It's like when you were a kid applying blush to a Cabbage Patch doll. Move over Gisele!"

Who else has experience with The Present?

Face Shammy

2008-11-25T11:26:00.000-06:00

Last Christmas, I got this in my stocking:

You can imagine my curiosity when I pulled it out and turned it over in my hands thinking, "What in the world is this?" My brother saved the day when he announced, "Dummy! It's a face shammy." Excuse me? A face shammy?

That's what it is. Just like you have a shammy for your car, this is for your face. I use it every day instead of a wash cloth. It removes make-up, even waterproof mascara, easily and there is never cleanser residue left on your face. Aveda makes it and it's so inexpensive and COOL that it makes a great stocking stuffer!