Miss Universe: A Surprise Winner

I love the Miss Universe pageant. I've always been so fascinated by international cultures, and I'm obsessed with seeing the worldly beauties in their native costumes and glamorous gowns, and getting a glimpse into how women all over the world live. This year was no exception. The top 15 were all so beautiful that it seemed like an impossible decision for the judges, but Miss Brazil was my pick from the beginning, so I wasn't surprised when she made the top 10 and then the top 5. My only surprise came when she didn't win! Miss Japan was adorable and had great style, but Miss Brazil was dazzling. She lit up the entire stage! My other favorites were Miss Tanzania (if you can look that good bald, you must be truly stunning - although she wasn't that graceful during the swimsuit competition), Miss Venezeula, who sort of grew on me, Miss Mexico, who seemed to have as much charm as beauty, Miss Korea, who looked like a beautiful doll, and Miss Angola, who was gorgeous, if a little stiff. A couple of other points:
1. There were no blondes in the top 10, which was strange and interesting. Are our standards of beauty expanding to include a bald, ebony Miss Tanzania? I hope so!
2. Although Miss Egypt is beautiful, I do find it interesting that she had very fair skin and blue eyes. Although coloring runs the gamut in the Mideast, she is definitely more the exception than the norm. But it's definitely a sign of the culture, where the fairer your skin, the prettier you are.
3. Again, why didn't Miss Brazil win? I don't get it!

Miss Sweden and Miss Universe

Tomorrow, I will be blogging about Miss Universe, but tonight, I wanted to discuss the whole saga of Sweden pulling out of the Miss Universe pageant. I think Sweden's position is comical, at best. Spokespeople for the Miss Sweden pageant said that the Miss Universe pageant degrades women. In my opinion, judging is still judging, no matter what the criteria. Whether you're being judged on your looks or your I.Q. they are qualities that you are born with, not that you cultivate, so what is the difference. But that is a different story. My position about pageants aside, how did Miss Sweden get to be Miss Sweden? By winning a pageant. So isn't it hypocritical to say that one pageant is sexist and another is not? Granted, Miss Sweden dropped the swimsuit competition and succumbed to pressure from feminists to accept applications for the position as they would for any other job, but it's still ultimately a pageant. The winner, Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, is a statuesque blonde. Not a short, dumpy Nobel Prize winner. She may be brilliant, gifted and compassionate, but that is not really the point of these competitions. Maybe pageants are obsolete - who knows? - I still enjoy watching them. But I do think the Swedish officials need to rethink their stance on this subject, and if they want to ban pageants, they should start by banning their own.

Snuffle-upagus Lashes

My sister has Mr. Snuffle-upagus lashes. They are so long, they touch her cheeks when her eyes are closed, and they are thick and curly. Her three daughters have also been blessed with fabulous fringe, and the four of them together look like a mascara commercial.
I've always been fairly satisfied with my lashes, until I compare them to my sister's. (It's sort of like thinking you have a pretty decent body, and then comparing yourself to your sister, Gisele). My lashes are pretty long and thick and curly, but they are not so outstanding that they attract attention and garner compliments. So I've always been on the quest for naturally longer lashes.
Sure, mascara can give you longer, fuller lashes temporarily, but I want my lashes to be wink-worthy even without makeup.
For years I've relied on Talika Lipocils, a brush on lash conditioner that you apply in much the same way as you do mascara. Unlike mascara, it really builds longer, stronger lashes. I've been using it on and off, and when I'm religious about it, I really notice a difference.
But recently, my friend Kari slipped me a tube of RevitaLash. One of the key ingredients in RevitaLash is a glaucoma medication, which may sound strange, but it's really supposed to have miraculous effects. Unlike Talika Lipocils, RevitaLash is applied as you would liquid liner, at the base of the lashes. Kari is a beauty professional and she is a definite believer! She's been using it for a couple of months now, and her lashes are noticeably longer and lusher. She claims her lower lashes have gotten so long, that they look like they used to look with mascara on.
Unfortunately, I will have to wait to try it until after my pregnancy. Because even though I will never have my sister's blue eyes, I wouldn't mind competing for most lavish lashes.

The Best Mattifiers Ever

This category covers products designed to leave your skin with a matte finish and to absorb excess oil. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Origins Zero Oil: I love this portable, easy-to-use skin serum, which instantly zaps oil and leaves skin smooth and silky-matte using natural ingredients like winterbloom and Chinese camphor. $10
2. Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel: This inconspicuous, potent shine-fighter leaves skin satiny smooth by continually absorbing oil and minimizing pores. $35
3. Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper: These powdery sheets immediately soak up excess oil and shine, so that skin looks refreshed and makeup lasts longer. The antibacterial formula won’t cause breakouts. $14.50
4. Skin Alison Raffaele Blotting Tissues: If you’re looking to blot oil without messing makeup, these delicate tissues do the trick. They’re powder and lint free to soak up sebum imperceptibly. $6
5. Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel To Go: This light and lemony gel is a pleasure to use, and leaves skin matte and breakout-free. $5
6. Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens: Natural linen is naturally absorbent, making these perfect for absorbing oil without adding anything. $6
7. Sephora Roll-Up Blotting Papers: This tiny, hygienic dispenser lets you roll out your blotting paper to the length you want, eliminating waste. Most importantly, it immediately blots out signs of shine. $8
8. DDF Daily Matte SPF 15: This lightweight liquid serves two practical purposes: it eliminates shine and protects skin with an SPF 15 sunscreen. $34
9. I-Iman Matte Spray: This unique product is unlike any I’ve seen: it’s a gel that mists on to set and seal makeup, leaving it matte and gorgeous. $27
10. Smashbox Anti-Shine (“Smashing Neutral”): Cool and invigorating, this powder-gel helps skin maintain its matteness all day long. $26

The Popular Vote
1. MAC Matte, $16.50
2. Benefit Dr. Feelgood, $24
3. Origins Zero Oil, $10
4. Clean & Clear Oil Blotting Sheets, $5 (approx.)
5. Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector, $16.50
6. Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control, $13.50
7. Awake Day Matteness, $35
8. Origins Matte Scientist, $21
9. Smashbox Anti-Shine, $26
10. La Mer The Oil Absorbing Lotion, $165

Can Nail Art Ever Be Chic?

Even as I read the headline for today's blog, I shudder. For many years now, I've been a staunch supporter of short nails (no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch past the nail bed). My rule: Nails should be short, squoval-shaped, and painted a pale pink-white neutral or a classic red. No French. No rhinestones. And no (the horror!) nail art. But that may be changing. Today, I saw a blurb in WWD Beauty Biz about Zoe Pocock, a 33-year-old London manicurist who is designing the most innovative manicures ever. Suddenly, my short, chic-beyond-reproach manicure looks bland and unimaginative. Zoe likes to take inspiration from accessories, like the goth-cool manicure inspired by a pair of black satin Christian Louboutin pumps. The nails are long, slighly tapered, and pitch black. The twist? The entire underside of the nail is painted red. So creative. She uses unconventional ingredients, like cocoa powder, to create amazing effects like a suede finish or a crocodile-texture (inspired by a Mulberry bag). Now, granted, I probably wouldn't wear long black-and-red talons to take Lola to a playgroup, but I do think that her work could change the way we approach a manicure. It's theatrical, it's dramatic, and it's unconventional. For a cool night at a hot club, or an extravagant black-tie bash, we may be seeing more than short, pale squovals. And even I have to admit: It's about time.

Fabulous Beauty Gifts

I love to send beauty gifts to friends and business associates, but lately I've been sending products to people whose styles and tastes I know little about, which can be challenging. Beauty products are such a personal thing, so it's hard to find something guaranteed to please. How do you send a can't-miss beauty gift. Keep these rules in mind:
1. Focus on the basics, like lip balms, body lotions, and shower gels
2. Keep it simple: Remember that not everyone is as adventurous as you may be, so when buying products for someone you don't know very well, shop with subtlety in mind. Choose a lip gloss over a large elaborate makeup palette, for example.
3. Buy what you love. If you have some tried and true favorites, send them with a note saying as much.

Here are my top great gift picks:
Benefit BeneTint
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub
Fresh Sugar Lip Balm
L'Occitane hand soap and hand lotion duos
Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream
Oscar Blandi Proteine di Jasmine Protein Mist
Smashbox O Blush
Tarte Cheek Stain in Flushed
Smith's Rosebud Salve
Keihl's Coriander Shower Gel
Boscia Blotting Linens
Mario Russo Styling Cream
Benefit Touch Me Then Try To Leave Cream
Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo and Shower Gel
Frederic Fekkai Moisturizing Body Lotion with Shea Butter
Nars Monoi Body Glow
Dior Show Mascara
Too Faced Liquid Light

American Idol Beauty

Here's my take on Jordin and Paula this week:

Paula: Okay, I feel bad that she broke her nose trying not to step on her chihuahua and all, but what's up with the hair? With the hair and the ruffles at the neck, she looks like Paula Barbie, but not in a good way.

Jordin: 1st Look: Great movie-star hair! So gorgeous! The tunic and skinny black pants really worked for her. The tunic had graduated colors from black to green, and was fun and funky. Her makeup, as always, is flawless. She has such great skin, which helps, of course, and I love that her makeup is always fresh and natural and youthful. 2nd Look: I love the deep purple tunic, with the funky print and the wide sparkly belt. So cute and age-appropriate, especially with the cool earrings. Her makeup and hair seemed the same - still flawless. 3rd Look: The sparkly black tulle cocktail dress was pretty and age-appropriate. It was classic without making her look too much older than she is. Her hair was still gorgeous, and so was her makeup. She seemed to amp up her lips with a coral gloss.

Dancing With the Stars: The Beauty Breakdown

Here's the scoop on how the women looked this week:
Samantha Harris: I love the indigo gown with the beaded detail at the waist. Beautiful, and a really incredible color with her skintone. But she went back to the poufy hair, which I'm not loving right now. Still, it did look shinier and softer than usual. And her skin looked amazing. As usual, though, her makeup was flawless.
Laila Ali: Laila should always wear red. She looks fabulous in it. I also loved her softly curled hair, which was pulled back elegantly off the face. I also loved the earrings, which were pretty without competing with the dress. I also loved the deep red lips and russet cheeks. She just glowed. 2nd Look: I do not think that second look went with her body at all. It just didn't flatter her. But I did love the addition of the bright pink lipstick.
Julianne Hough: Great Marilyn-style hairdo, which was fun and retro and looked so cute on her. I also loved her makeup, which was fresh and pretty as always, with fresh hot pink lips, rosy cheeks, and sparkling eyes. So lovely! 2nd Look: What a change! Both for her, and for the show. Her hair was sleek and sexy and totally modern, as was the soft, clean makeup, which didn't seem to change much from the first dance. Not a bad thing, though, as it was perfect.
Kym: Her hair finally looked almost normal! Tousled, wild and all over the place, but modern and soft and not oddly curled near the face. What a relief! Her makeup was pretty, with bright pink lips, rosy cheeks and shimmery eyes. The lashes seemed a little heavy, though. 2nd Look: Same hair, and same makeup, so the same comments apply. She is so pretty, but I do think she could use a new stylist. She always looks slightly cheesy to me.

Best AHA or Antioxidant Product

This is kind of a broad category, so the results reflect that. Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity

The Beauty Insider's Picks
1. Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Formula: Alpha Hydrox was one of the original innovators to develop and use alpha hydroxy acids, and the line is still one of the best, and most affordable, options. This formula features ten percent glycolic acid in a base that is oil-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and safe for breakout-prone skin. $10.89 (approx.)
2. Cellex-C High Potency Serum: Light and oil-free, this sophisticated serum packs a powerful dose of antioxidants into one simple step. $90
3. Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Clarifying Gel: No oils or other problematic ingredients appear in this effective skin treatment, which makes it perfect for combating oily spots. Skin is refined, smooth, and clear. $45
4. M.D. Formulations Vit-A-Plus Illuminating Serum: Hyperpigmentation is dealt a swift blow with this powerful treatment, which combines AHA, vitamins A and C, grapeseed extract, and a natural botanical complex to even out skin tone. $65
5. NV Perricone Vitamin C Ester Amine Complex Face Lift: The anti-wrinkle guru has developed a winning formula with this elegant, results-oriented treatment. Vitamin C ester, amino acids, and NTP complex work together to boost moisture, reduce oil, and give skin a little lift. $85
6. Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Vitamin and Antioxidant Skin Treatment: This king of creams is not just luxurious—it also covers all your skincare bases. It exfoliates, softens, tightens, and nourishes in one easy step. $155
7. Jan Marini C-Esta Serum/Oil Control: This is my daytime version of my favorite serum—it packs a potent punch of vitamin C while leaving skin matte and keeping oil in check. This serum contains DAE Complex, a stabilized form of vitamin C. $75
8. Neutrogena Visibly Firm Face Lotion with Active Copper SPF 20: Neutrogena makes many wonderful, affordable products, and this is no exception. An excellent daytime moisturizer, it’s fragrance-free, not greasy, and boasts an SPF 20. The addition of copper helps enhance skin’s resilience and firmness. $17.99
9. Caudalie Face Lifting Serum with Grapevine Resveratrol: This triple-threat skin serum is designed to firm, de-age, and protect with antioxidants. Sensitive skin will appreciate the gentle, lightweight formula that is free of fruit acids. $75
10. Boscia Antioxidant Recovery Treatment C: This botanical-based treatment is like a skin-loving salad, with parsley, willowherb, and jojoba leaf to battle blemishes and repair aging skin. Skin appears more vibrant and youthful. $45

The Popular Vote
1. Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Crème, $10.89
2. Estee Lauder Idealist, $46
3. La Mer Crème de la Mer, $110
4. Paula’s Choice 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Solution, $13.95
5. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, $19 (approx.)
6. Philosophy Save Me, $60
7. GlyDerm Lotion 5% for Normal Skin, $16
8. Awake Authority Age Release Serum, $105
9. Bare Escentuals Skin Rev-Er Upper, $24
10. Beauty Without Cruelty AHA Renewal Moisturizing Cream, $17

Argireline and other Hot New Ingredients

I recently got a call from a close friend. "Have you ever heard of Reclaim with Argireline?" I hadn't. Apparently, it's a new product in the Principal Secret line from actress Victoria Principal. I hadn't heard much about the line, good or bad, so I looked up the key ingredient in a few different sources. Apparently, Argireline is the trade name for acetyl hexapeptide-3, but it is not of the promising peptides that have taken the skincare industry by storm. The manufacturer is touting it as a Botox alternative, but that's a stretch, at best. There is very little evidence to support it's claim as a muscle relaxant, and it's safety is questionable, at best. So I told her to turn off the infomercials, and instead to focus on skincare products with proven, effective ingredients, like:
alphahydroxy acids
tretinoin or retinoic acid (Retin-A or Renova)
peptides
hydroquinone

If Argireline was the miracle ingredient it is touted as being, it would be cropping up in every other skincare product. Some of the new, hot ingredients are unproven and worse, potentially unsafe, so until there is more evidence, save your time and money!

MD Formulations Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel

My cousin Nancy and I both used this product, which will give a more well-rounded perspective because we have different skintypes. Nancy is a very youthful 30 with oily skin that is breakout prone. I am in my mid-30s and, though my skin used to be prone to breakouts as well, it is now past that stage and I am battling dullness, discoloration, and aging.

Description (from www.mdskincare.com): Developed by Dr. Dennis Gross as an at-home, safe and effective way to improve the skin on a daily basis, the Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel solves every skincare concern. The two-step, patented system provides a precise blend of Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids to improve skin’s tone, texture, and clarity, plus moisturizers, Green Tea Extract, and antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E to leave skin soothed, balanced and protected.Benefits:
• Improves skin density and firmness, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles• Effectively treats even difficult skin conditions, including acne and rosacea• Helps prevent breakouts by regulating oil production, visibly reduces pore size• Helps skin achieve equilibrium, making oily skin less oily, and dry skin less dry• Evens skin tone, minimizing areas of discoloration• Enhances skin’s radiance and clarity• Contains Genistein, an innovative soy-based active that stimulates skin• Helps maintain and enhance the benefits of professional peels
How it's used: This is a two-step process. First, you swipe the Alpha Refining pad on your face, then wait for it to dry before wiping with the Neutralizing pad.
Price: $75 for 30 applications

My Review: I love how easy this product is to use, especially when compared to other home peels. I used it in place of toner, since it definitely removed any last traces of makeup or dead skin cells. One thing I noticed immediately is how fresh and clean my skin felt after using this. It also felt instantly smoother, and the texture felt and looked better. After a few days, I noticed that my skin looked fresher, brighter, and clearer, and my skin tone more even. Love that, especially with so little effort. Post-pregnancy, I plan on trying this again when I'm doing a series of facial peels, since it's supposed to enhance the effects of the peel.

Nancy's Review: I have been using these more like every other day. They really are great. Whenever I have a bad skin day, I use the two steps, and just like that my skin looks five years younger and much healthier. So then I feel okay about showing my skin : ). I think they also help keep you from breaking out.

Hair-Tudes, or What to Do with your hair at a Pool Party

I went to a dinner on Saturday night at a country club, and after the official part of the evening was over, most of the guests wandered outside onto the pool deck. That's when the complaints began. It was a warm, humid Florida evening, and the weather took its toll on our locks. My already thick, curly hair got fuller and frizzier as the night wore on. My flat haired friends complained of the opposite problem: hair that got progressively flatter and more lifeless.
What to do? While hair products can do a little to shield your tresses from the ravages of the environment, there are two far more effective strategies, in my opinion:
1. Pull your hair up, or back, if you plan to be outside. A neat chignon or a cute ponytail can keep you looking sleek and perfectly coiffed all night long.
2. Go with it. Change your attitude. Label your coif the latest thing, and embrace the flatness (Flat is the new full!) or the frizziness (Fluffy is fabulous!). Find a new name for the way that your hair looks: Instead of Frizzy, call your hair Voluminous. And your limp locks aren't Flat, they're Sleek. And don't forget: what looks bad to you might be beautiful to someone else. While my friends bemoaned their flat hair, I envied their lack of poufiness. And, at the very end of the night, when my hair was at its biggest and baddest, someone slipped me an unexpected compliment: "Your hair is gorgeous." I was tempted to ask if she was serious, and then I saw that she was. So I just said thank you.
Maybe Fluffy is Fabulous.

American Idol Beauty

Here's my take on Paula, Melinda and Jordin this week!
Paula: Paula is so attractive and such an essential up-note to the show, so I don't understand why it always looks like she is wearing a wig. Maybe she is, or maybe it's just really bad hair extensions. Whatever it is - I don't get it. I did like the subtler, more sophisticated makeup and outfit this week, though.
Melinda: 1st Look: Her hair was soft and pretty and natural. It's never looked better! I have mixed feelings about the dress, though. I like the little bubble at the bottom, but I don't like the style of the top, which was high necked and sleeveless. It wasn't flattering, and this is the first time I noticed that her arms looked full. The makeup was perfect, though. Pretty, soft, and glamorous at the same time. Love her!
2nd Look: Again, I loved the hair, which was pulled back at the sides with a little volume at the crown. Not sure about the outfit .The tunic with a Pucci-esque print didn't' seem to fit or flatter her. It hugged her body in the wrong places. The makeup was still beautiful though!
3rd Look: Loved the hair, which seemed to get even better as the show went on. Same chic neutral makeup, but again I didn't love the outfit. I got what they were trying to do with the suit, but it wasn't feminine or flattering enough.
Jordin: 1st Look: Loved the cute chiffon babydoll dress. It was so pretty and perfect for her. I also loved the striking purple shades on her eyes, especially with the otherwise neutral face. Her hair, though, was a little too poodle-ish for my tastes. I liked it when she wears the curls a little softer and looser.
2nd Look: Fun look. Great funky top and dark jeans. Her hair also looked better. I think she used some product to add definition and shine. Same gorgeous makeup, with the addition of some pretty apricot gloss.
3rd Look: Hair the same from the second look. I loved the dress, again. This time it was a pretty pink Empire dress with beaded black trim that was just lovely. Fabulous strappy black shoes. Three winning looks tonight. Her makeup was also pretty, with pale pink gloss and slightly smoky eyes.

Dancing With the Stars: The Beauty Breakdown

Here's my take on the female hosts and dancers this week!

Samantha Harris: Ravishing in red. I loved the dress,w hich was flattering and elegant, and I like the fac that she changed her hair a little tonight. She's been wearing it kind of poufy, and I felt like it was a little aging, but tonight it was sleek and had some texture and looked fresher and hipper. Big improvement!
Julianne Hough: 1st Look: All out glamour! I loved the teal green gown, which had a 30s old-Hollywood vibe to it, as did the hair. Her blonde locks were pulled back into a chignon that looked so chic yet soft and youthful at the same time, which is hard to pull off. I also loved her makeup, with the nude glossy lips and slightly smoky eyes. So pretty! 2nd Look: She always looks so fresh and innocent; who knew she could pull off such a sexy look (and dance)?But she did. Her bronzed skin looked amazing, as did the long braid down the side of her face. I never would have thought that hairstyle woudl be flattering, but on her, it was lovely. She kept the slightly smoky eyes, nude pink lips and rosy cheeks, which were so pretty and perfect for her.
Cheryl Burke: 1st Look: I really still don't get her hair. The shag is choppy and odd and not at all blended, as are the highlights. The magenta eyeshadow might not have worked on lighter skintones, but it blended beautiuflly on her olive skin. I also liked the glowy skin with the berry cheeks and lips. 2nd Look: Hair and makeup didn't change much, so the same comments apply.
Laila Ali: 1st Look: She did justice to Cleopatra! The dress was fun, if a little costumey. I loved the deep smoky graphite eye makeup, the soft bronze cheeks and the nude lips. Her hair was also supershiny and slightly shaggy. Daring, but she pulled it off. 2nd Look: The only change was a swipe of pretty plum lipstick, which I loved.
Kim: 1st Look: The other weird hair dancer! Her hair looks like a cross between bad 70s and early 80s hair. It is so puffy and helmet-y and wiglike and just wrong. I totally dont' get it. Where has she been for the last twenty years? Her makeup was a little too Barbie-like, I htink, with too much foundation, frosted eyeshadow, and pink lips and cheeks. 2nd Look: Same hair and makeup, so same comments apply.

The Best Anti-Aging Products Ever

Here's my list of the best anti-agers ever, so far! Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of two separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity

The Beauty Insider’s Picks
1. Jan Marini Age Intervention Face Serum: Jan Marini’s prized Age Intervention Cream has been lightened up for oilier skins, and the results are astonishing. It addresses two main skin issues: hormonal imbalance and damage from cumulative sun exposure. The result? A product that effectively combats aging without causing breakouts. $75
2. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Advanced Time Complex Capsules: This anti-aging, antioxidant-rich treatment is hygienically dispensed in individual capsules. Over time, it helps repair damage and leaves skin smoother, softer, and more finely textured. $62
3. L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Serum: I love the gorgeous bottle and the fragrant essential oils, but I love the results this serum produces even more. With regular use, it evens out skin tone, combats age spots, and leaves you glowing and radiant. $45
4. N.V. Perricone Alpha Lipoic Acid Face Firming Activator: Stars swear by this treatment, which gives an instant, albeit temporary, lift to sagging skin. Lasting benefits include smoother skin, smaller pores, and more even texture and tone. $95
5. Origins Grin from Year to Year Brightening Face Firmer: This multi-purpose skin firmer is as easy on the schedule as it is on the budget. It’s packed with good-for-skin ingredients, like licorice extract to prevent brown spots, green tea to ease irritation, and soybean oil to soften fine lines. $26
6. Avon Anew Ultimate Skin Transforming Cream: This rich, luxurious cream has a decadent texture and glamorous packaging that belie its modest price tag. An exclusive cocktail of gold, copper, and magnesium is formulated to aid in repairing and maintaining youthful skin. While waiting for the long-term effects (firming, retexturizing) to kick in, you’ll enjoy the immediate glow this cream delivers. $30
7. SkinCeuticals Intense Line Defense: This nighttime treatment begins with a skin-loving base of hyaluronic acid, and then adds 12% hydroxy acids to deliver powerful, yet gentle, exfoliation that refines and declogs pores. The oil-free gel is comfortable on even the greasiest skin. $50
8. Yves Saint Laurent Instant Firming Gel: I’m a sucker for glamorous packaging, but I still need a formula that’s effective. This product delivers luxury and results—two things that don’t always come together. Plant-based proteins revitalize and redefine skin for a youthful glow. $71
9. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish Cream: This is the perfect, simple solution to skin that, like mine, is battling blemishes and aging at the same time. Retinol and salicylic acid combine to fight lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. $11.99 (approx.)
10. Somme Institute A-Bomb: This light, easily-absorbed cream features generous doses of vitamins A and E to uncover more youthful skin, target acneic areas, heal damage caused by sun and time, and ease fine lines. $58

The Popular Vote
1. Avon Anew Clinical Line and Wrinkle Corrector, $32
2. Estee Lauder Perfectionist, $52
3. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $46
4. Estee Lauder Idealist, $46
5. Kinerase Cream, $110
6. La Mer Crème de la Mer, $110
7. Linda Sy Green Cream, $40
8. Renova .05%, $115
9. Retin-A Microgel .1%, $125
10. Avon Anew Retroactive+ Repair Face Cream, $25

Convenient Cosmetics?

Now that I have a busy toddler, I'm always looking for a way to make beauty more convenient. And since I'm often making up in my car (at red lights, I promise - I won't put my baby at risk!), I love products that are neat, portable, and easy to use on the run. So when I spotted a product called Eye Magic on Oprah's big idea show, I thought it was genius. These eyelid shaped eyeshadow applicators apply a single dose of three eyeshadow colors onto your eyelid in one sweep. Each set comes with two applicators, one for each eye. You just hold it down over your lid and wipe the shadow on, and you get lid, crease and brow color in one swipe. The first thing I thought was: I could wear eyeshadow again. Even I have time for that! And then I stopped to think about it. This is my problem: You use them up, and then you need to stick more in your bag. And I'm just not that organized. I would need to carry tons of those little Eye Magic applicators in my bag, which would mean they would take more room in my already crowded makeup case, not less. (I am so disorganized that I carry a full size container of wipes in my diaper bag, so that I don't have to refill one of those small portable containers. They just run out too quickly!)
This got me thinking about other cosmetic conveniences that haven't worked for me. Like makeup palettes, for example. Whenever I travel, I fantasize that I'm the type of person who can slip a slim makeup palette in my bag and head out the door. Instead, I decide to pack several, because they all have a shade or two that I like or need. I don't have the discipline to streamline my bag. (On an unrelated note, another problem with palettes is the lip colors. I hate using the tiny lipbrushes to apply the lipcolor, and it never seems to show up. I have to keep applying coat after coat to build up any instensity at all. It makes me pray for an old-fashioned tube of lipstick!)
I also have a problem with sample sizes. Since they're so tiny, I reason, I can pack dozens. And so I do. And they take up so much room, I might as well pack full sizes. Or I'm tempted to pack things I would never normally take on a weekend jaunt, like a hand mask, for example. Who knows when I might be stranded in my hotel room, late one night, desperately in need of a hand mask? You get the idea.
Maybe more organized people can use palettes, samples, and even Eye Magic the way they were intended to be used, but I'm not one of them!

What is beauty?

For as long as I can remember, my standards of beauty have been determined by fashion magazines and, to a lesser extent, Hollywood. It's the glossy magazines that decide how long I wear my nails, how I style my hair, and how I do my makeup. So it's absolutely amazing to me to see segments of society that seem completely unfazed by the same fashion-conscious concerns that I have. They have their own standards, and their own ideas of beauty. I started thinking about this when I was doing the blog a couple of nights ago about Dancing With the Stars. Now, in any fashion magazine, the hair and makeup, and certainly the ensembles, of the professional dancers would have been ensured that the wearer wound up with a dark slash over her eyes and a big "don't" above her head. But in ballroom dancing world, that's the way to look. The same with pageant queens. And square dancers. And preppies. And the women from New Jersey or Queens or Staten Island who are always portrayed in the movies with huge hair and long nails. [No offense to any of these women. I know this is an awful stereotype. There are women who look like this in every part of the country]. When I see the whole big hair/scrunchy/long nails thing, I try not to judge. I am almost envious. These women live in a bubble, and clearly haven't had an update since the 80s, but they are oblivious. They think they look great, and so does everyone around them. What more could a girl want?

American Idol Beauty

Here's my take on the contestants and female host this week:
Paula Abdul: Okay, what's up with the ponytail again? It is so fluffy and so Barbie-doll-ish, as was the makeup. Was she seriously wearing pink lipstick and blue eyeshadow, or was there something wrong with the color on my screen?
Melinda: First look: Great flippy, sexy hair. It was fun and flirty. I also loved the warm, flattering makeup tones and the outfit, with a hip black jersey top and dark skinny jeans. I do think the outfit could have been a little more fun though.
Second look: Didn't like her hair as much. It seemed flatter somehow. But I loved the outfit, a grey dress with a wrap top and an a-line skirt worn with black stilettos and dark grey pearls. Really pretty. I also loved the warm russet lipstick and shimmery shadow.
LaKisha: First look: Loved the long, sleek hair, which looked pretty and feminine, and the flattering makeup, particularly the glossy brown lipstick. Didn't like the first outfit. I don't think the skimpy top and skintight leggings flattered her figure at all. I found it very distracting. Second look: Liked this outfit a lot more, though I think she could use sleeves on more of her outfits, since her arms are not her best feature. But the green and black jersey dress was really pretty. The makeup was pretty,, with smoky eyes and the same brown glossy lips she usually wears, and I still liked the hair, which she seems to have changed by sweeping the bangs to the side. Overall, a great look.
Jordin: First look: Loved her gorgeous, long wavy hair. It was so movie-star-ish. I also loved the makeup, with the gold shimmery shadow, peachy blush, and glossy neutral lips. What I didn't like was the brightly printed babydoll dress over blue jeans. The print and the style overwhelmed her, and didn't flatter her figure at all. It made her look heavier than she is, when she is so beautiful. Second look: Love this look, overall. I loved the drama of the long teal empire gown. It gave her an ethereal slightly hippie vibe that I loved. Also loved teh makeup, with the glossy coral lipstick, and dark lined eyes with the glittery shadow. I also loved the hairstyle, with the center part and pulled back on the sides, but she could have use some styling cream to tame the frizz, which was highlighted under the bright lights.

Dancing With the Stars: The Beauty Breakdown

The Host:
Samantha Harris: I love her sophisticated makeup, with classic berry tones and smoky eyes. Her hair was soft and flowing and perfect. I also loved the indigo gown, with horizontal pleats all the way down the length. Gorgeous and elegant!
The Star:
Laila Ali: Beautiful! Love ht enew short, straight, sleek hair! So gorgeous and sophisticated. I also loved the red dress, which was elegant and flattering and just lovely on her. I also loved the beautiful deep matte lips, a refreshing change from all the gloss we see on the show, and the shimmery, black-lined eyes.
The Dancers:
Cheryl: She went for a glamorous evening look, and makeup-wise, pulled it off. Strong red lips, berry cheeks, and shimmery eyes were all beautiful, and the marabou trim on the dress was fun and went with the whole evening look she was going for. Her hair style was better, in a softer more natural shag, but I think the highlights were too streaky and obvious.
Kym: What's with her hair. She looks like an old-time square dancer! It was puffy and curled and pulled up and and just too much. Too poodle-like! Her makeup was pretty, though, with glossy hot pink lips and rosy cheeks. No comment on the dress. It was an atrocity. Again, square dancing comes to mind.
Karina: I didn't quite get the hair, which was almost too shiny and too curled, but pretty anyway, in a way. Her makeup, though, seemed overdone. The heavy tan with the lipstick with the blush with the eye makeup was all just overdone. I loved the gown though, which was a gorgeous pink 30's inspired evening gown. So pretty!
Julianne: Love the sparkly, bare-backed black jumpsuit. What a nice change from tall the gowns. It was so much fun and looked beautiful on her, as everything does. As always, her makeup was pretty and not overdone, with shimmery eyes and hot pink glossy lips. Gorgeous. She is wise not to pile on the makeup, because she's naturally beautiful and has delicate features that could be overpowered. Her hair was also lovely, swept back in a braided side chignon that was elegant and glamorous.

The Best Acne Treatments Ever

Here's my list of the best acne treatment ever, so far! Feel free to weigh in on your favorites. This list is actually comprised of three separate lists:
1) The Beauty Insider's Picks: My own personal list of the best products in that category, in no particular order
2) The Popular Vote: The results of a poll I did of over 1000 beauty-savvy consumers, in order of popularity
3) What the Pros Chose: These are the top picks of the beauty experts who appear in my book, also known as The Beauty Bunch. (You can learn more about this genius team of experts by clicking on the About the Book tab, and then clicking on "Who are the Beauty Insiders?").

The Beauty Insider’s Picks
1. ProActiv Repairing Lotion: This light lotion has an elegant texture. When I was a teenager, I avoided any product that claimed to be gentle—I wanted to beat my acne into submission. This product is proof that my approach was all wrong: it’s soothing, gentle enough to use daily, and extremely effective. $39.95 (as part of three-step acne treatment system)
2. Origins Spot Remover: This is the best spot treatment I’ve ever used—even my husband is hooked. One tiny dab of the salicylic acid, oregano, and clove formula zaps blemishes virtually overnight, and since it’s clear, no one needs to know you’re treating anything. $10
3. ZapZyt Maximum Strength Acne Treatment Gel: This budget-friendly product employs ten percent benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and keep skin smooth and blemish-free. Plus, it’s invisible, so it’s perfect for daytime use. $5
4. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: This classic pink potion looks a little bit like calamine lotion, but it’s designed to quickly dry up pimples and whiteheads almost overnight, without irritating the surrounding skin. $17
5. Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel: This overnight treatment is an acne triple threat: it sloughs off dead skin cells, soaks up excess oil, and fights bacteria. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil keep skin blemish free with regular use. $31 (approx.)
6. Payot Pate Grise Anti-Bacterial Treatment: I spent much of my recent month in Paris trying to track down this elusive product. I tried every single apothecary, pharmacy, and parfumerie I passed, to no avail. It was sold out everywhere. I eventually returned home and ordered it online, from a French pharmacy. This thick grey ointment has earned legions of devoted fans for its ability to easily eliminate skin eruptions. $21
7. Jan Marini Skin Research Benzoyl Peroxide 5%: I use this clear, lightweight treatment gel daily, as directed, as the final step of my skincare routine. It keeps breakouts at bay without drying my skin out. I love the dry, invisible finish. $25
8. Peter Thomas Roth BPO Gel 5%: This silky, easy-to-use gel makes an effective, yet gentle, all-over acne treatment. With regular use, it clears up existing blemishes while preventing the formation of new ones. $22
9. Yon-Ka Emulsion Pure/Juvenil: Yon-Ka’s luxurious, aromatic acne treatments are spa-like, not boring or medicinal. Emulsion Pure is an oil-free liquid infused with five essential oils that’s designed to be used as a compress (my esthetician recommended using gauze pads), but can also be dabbed on all over to prevent blemishes. Juvenil Deep Acne Fluid is for deeper, more problematic blemishes, no matter what your age. It’s antibacterial, antiseptic, and never stings or leaves skin dry. $40 (Emulsion Pure); $38 (Juvenil)
10. Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment Vanishing Formula 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide: Troubled skin that is easily irritated will benefit from this mild solution, which packs enough punch to clear up skin without leaving it dry or inflamed. $6

The Popular Vote
1. Clean and Clear Clear Advantage Daily Acne Clearing Lotion, $6.69 (approx.)
2. Paula’s Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid Solution, $13.95
3. ProActiv Refining Toner, $39.95 (as part of three-step acne treatment system)
4. Retin-A Microgel .1%, $125
5. Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment, $6 (approx.)
6. Origins Spot Remover, $10
7. Avon Clearskin Invisible Blemish Corrector, $5.29
8. Tazorac Cream .1%, $200 (approx.)
9. Accutane, $800 for 20 weeks of treatment (approx.)
10. Acnomel Acne Medication Cream, $9 (approx.)

What the Pros Chose
Clearasil, approx. $4-10: Wende Zomnir, Meredith Green
Kinara Spa problem skin products, $35-55: Julie Hewett
Avance Algae Deep Gentle Cleanse, $29: Dee DeLuca-Mattos
Catherine Atzen AM-PM Purifying Gel, $46: Vanessa Talabac
Aveda Balancing Infusion for Oily Skin/Acne, $18: Shauna Raisch
Enessa Clove Oil, $25.50: Michelle Ornstein
Peter Thomas Roth problem skin treatments, $22-45: Peter Thomas Roth
Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel, $45: June Jacobs
ProActiv Solution, $39.95 for three-step system: Mala Elhassan
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17: Hara Glick
The Vital Image Acne No, $12: Linda Deslauriers
Cosmedix Clear Medical Clarifier, $36: Shan Albert, who chose it because it’s “chirally correct, meaning that it provides the finest results with the fewest possible side effects.”
Facials: Danielle Browning
Yon-Ka Crème 11, $40: Gabrielle Ophals, who likes that “Yon-Ka’s philosophy is that problem skin needs to be treated as gently as possible, and that the primary goal is to reduce irritation. The Crème 11 is known in our spa as Cream ‘911’ for its ability to bring down inflammation.”

American Idol Beauty

Here's my take on Paula Abdul and the female contestants this week:
Paula Abdul: Not sure about the ponytail. It should have been cute and fun but instead it looked a little overdone. Fun outfit, though, with the black jacket and the black/white striped blouse.
Lakisha: I don't know why, but I can hardly stand watching her anymore. There is no spark or life in her eyes, and she has zero warmth. That said, she did look great tonight. Her hair looked very sleek and sexy and shiny, if a little helmet-like. Maybe it was the cut. Her makeup was fun and sophisticated at the same time, with glossy red lips and smoky eyes. I also loved the outfit. She wore a strapless black bustier accented with red lace under the bust, and a pair of skinny jeans with red heels. Very slimming and sexy, and proof that you don't have to be skinny to wear skinny jeans.
Melinda: Amazing! Great sleek sexy hair, which had the movement that Lakisha's lacked. She totally pulled off the whole rocker thing, with a cool tank and skinny blue jeans. Great smoky eyes and neutrals on the rest of the face. This woman is incredible. She can do no wrong!
Jordin: Love the wild new look! It went so well with the rock vibe and the energy of the music. Her hair was done in a huge sexy mass of curls with a few red ringlets spread out among the dark curls, and it was so cool! I also loved the outfit, with a black babydoll dress over tight black jeans. Great look for her, and great jewelry to complement it. I also thought her makeup was gorgeous: Loved the glittery smoky eyes, glowing cheeks and sheer neutral lips. Simon is nuts when he said she looked like she was from the Addams family. She looked hot!