Obsessed with Gadgets

I know. That' s a weird name for a blog about beauty, but today I was perusing the Bliss catalog and I started obsessing over the beauty gadgets I have to have. If they do what they say they do, I neeed every single one. So my goal, immediately post-pregnancy, is to try one at a time and report back on how they worked. Here is my wish list, and the claims behind them, according to Blissworld.com:

Nuface: "Did someone say 'facemaker'? At last, a petite, portable device that uses a gentle microcurrent to lift and firm your face and neck, lessen the look of lines and wrinkles, and pump up production of collagen and elastin. Delivering immediate and long-lasting results in just a few minutes a day, we think it's nothing short of lifesaving." $450

Wellbox: "What uses the same technology as top spas to curb cottage cheese and fab-up flagging faces and is making headlines from Manhattan to Monaco?Wellbox—the only at-home dimple dashing device to use tissular therapy—delivers visible results in just 6-8 weeks.With 3 power heads for body and 2 for face, you can target specific cellulite-sullied or sapped areas on the fly, or do a face-to-feet fix in less time than it takes to eat a pint of (low-fat) ice cream. And, with a starter series of in-spa cellulite treatments alone averaging upwards of $1500, being queen of your own machine is just a drop in the bucket.THE #1 CELLULITE TREATMENT WORLDWIDE!" $1595

beurer softlaser healer" "Point at acne spots, small scars and wrinkles, for light-induced improvement. This safe-on-the-skin, do-it-yourself laser healer stimulates cell energy (via the 'right' UV waves), for faster repair, healing and cell process pick-me-up!The Beurer Softlaser Healer uses low-level laser light therapy to stimulate cell activity below the surface of the skin, which leads to an increased rate of healing of breakouts, rebuilding of lines and wrinkles and speeding up of other stunted cell processes that might cause the beauty foibles that you fret about. We know that cellular activity naturally slows as we age, and so do the processes (collagen production, waste removal, cell division, fibroblast activity) that keep our skin young. The Beurer Softlaser Healer works on the premise that a safe amount of low-level light therapy can be self-administered to speed up what's 'sagging'." $219

zeno pro acne clearing device : "Just one to three 2 1/2-minute treatments with this patented, prize-winning pimple point-and-shoot will '86' (or significantly improve) 90% of pimples within 24 hours. Uses a finely targeted dose of bacteria-busting heat to take aim at mild-to-moderate acne. In a new teal color. Includes a black leather carrying case with mirror." $185

verilux deluxe phototherapy skincare system
If you have prolific pimpleage on your face, back or chest (and don't want to do the doctor and drug thing), give it 15 minutes a day in front of this tabletop light. By killing P. acnes bacteria and soothing inflamed pores, this synergistic combo of natural-spectrum blue-and-red-light improved mild to moderate acne in 75% of those tested in just 12 weeks. Includes goggles. Replaceable bulbs last up to 2 years. 18" x 13"." (Have to find someone else to test this since I no longer have acne). $199

Can you see why I'm so obsessed? Do these devices work? Has anyone tried them? If so, I'd love to hear!

Product Review: Clinique Turnaround 15 Minute Facial

The Claim: "Delivers all the radiance and smoothness of microdermabrasion—with significantly less irritation or stress. Immediately reveals brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin via an advanced cocktail of exfoliants. Use weekly, or for an anytime radiance boost." (From clinique.com)
The Price: $34.50 for 2.5 oz.
The Review: I tried Clinique Turnaround 15 Minute Facial last night, and I have to say that I'm quite pleased with the initial results. I have combination skin which right now is a little on the dry side (possibly due to pregnancy). I had some taut areas on my cheeks and some flakiness on my forehead and neck.
The Application: I love the way this feesl because its a soothing blue-green gel, and not cakey or grainy like most masks. When you apply it, it dries with a slightly whitish cast, but is almost undetectable compared to a clay mask. My baby didn't even notice I had it on. It's also easy. You just smooth it on, wait 15 minutes, and then remove it with a washcloth.
The Results: This immediately got rid of the flakiness, and seemed to smooth and brighten my whole complexion. My skin felt satiny soft, and I kept touching it all night. Not sure how it did to even out my skin tone, always a big concern for me, so I will update this review after a few more applications.
The Verdict: Well worth the 15 minutes. This isn't going to work miracles (no mask does) but it will soften and gently exfoliate. I wouldn't say that it could replace microdermabrasion, though I do think it's a great option between treatments.

The Best Eyeliners, Ever

This category covers the very best eyeliners, regardless of price. 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. Pupa High Definition Eyeliner Pen (“Kohl/Black”): I was disappointed when Pupa dropped the round, retro packaging of this product and replaced it with a more streamlined wand. At least it’s still red. The long liner pen easily applies the waterproof color. “Kohl” is a dramatic pitch-black. $16
2. Kimara Ahnert Liquid Liner (“Smoke”): The woman who got Catherine Zeta-Jones’ eyes right for her wedding can make yours beautiful, too. This liquid liner is available in six durable, wearable shades that last all day. “Smoke” is a stormy graphite gray. $22
3. Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner (“Noir”): A felt-tipped applicator makes application of this smooth, long-lasting liner easy. “Noir” is a true black. $30
4. Anna Sui Liquid Eye Liner (“001”): A thin, ingenious brush makes the tricky act of applying liquid liner seem almost effortless, and the line stays put all day long. Plus, I love the retro-chic packaging. “001” is a coal black. $19
5. Makeup For Ever Color Liner (“Iridescent Black”): A super-fine felt tip applies smooth, even, intensely pigmented color. “Iridescent Black” offers a twist on classic black liner—a pearly iridescent finish. $19
6. Lancome Artliner (“Noir”): This easy to apply, foam-tipped liner offers deep, pigment-rich color that doesn’t tug or skip. “Noir” is an intense black. $25.50
7. Bourjois Liquid Liner (“Black 21”): Slightly watered down and easy to apply, this is the beginner’s liquid liner. It lasts forever, but mistakes are erased easily with a little water. “Black 21” is a medium black. (Note: In Europe, Bourjois is an inexpensive mass market brand, so stock up if you find yourself overseas.) $15
8. L'Oreal Lineur Intense Defining Liquid Liner (“Black”): The sleek, ultra-thin brush deposits intense, budgeproof color. “Black” is a deep jet. $7 (approx.)
9. Urban Decay Liquid Eye Liner (“Crash”): You wouldn’t expect an ordinary liquid liner from Urban Decay, and you won’t get it. Fun, bold metallics make up the color options, with some containing glitter. While these should only come out at night, they are surprisingly wearable. “Crash” is a deep purple with flecks of silver glitter that gives extra sparkle to evening eyes. $14
10. NARS Liquid Liner (“Silkwood”): This is uniquely packaged: the bottle looks like it should contain nail polish, and there’s no brush.Use your own thin eyeliner brush, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing texture—creamy and velvety, not watery. Two more reasons to love this: The great color selection and the fact that the bottle contains almost twice as much product as other liquid liners. “Silkwood” is a deep plummy purple. $27


The Popular Vote
1. MAC Eye Kohl in “Teddy”, $13
2. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in “Sepia”, $18
3. MAC Power Point in “Engraved”, $13
4. Lancome Artliner in “Black” and “Smoke” (tie), $25.50
5. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in “Black”, $6.50
6. Clinique Quickliner in “Smoky Brown”, $14.50
7. Clinique Quick Eyes, $15.50
8. NARS Liquid Liner in “Equus” and “Silkwood” (tie), $27
9. Stila Eyeshadow in “Twig”, $16
10. MAC Eye Shadow in “Sketch”, $13

My New Stylist

You may remember me raving about my superstylist Suzie, who has been doing my hair for almost 4 years now. Suzie is a genius when it comes to cutting, coloring and styling hair. But when it comes to combing, she's no match for the new stylist on the block, my daughter Lola.

Lola recently came upon a tiny little doll comb with teeth on both sides. One side has very fine teeth, and on the other side they are even finer. Lola enjoys attempting to comb her hair with this toy, which is great because, as I've mentioned before, her hair is as fine as the teeth on that comb. Unfortunately, mine is not. But that hasn't stopped Lola from trying. One of her favorite things to do these days is to stand behind me when I'm sitting on the floor, doing my hair. She is undaunted by the fact that the comb does not seem to penetrate my thick curls in the least, and that she is unable to run it through. She pulls, she yanks, and she tries to force my hair into submission. I've made similar attempts with my hair in the past (though mine have been considerably less painful) and I've been equally unsuccessful.

Thanks to my new stylist, when I ran into Jennifer, a good girlfriend of mine, at the grocery store this evening, I was sporting what could best be called a frizzy halo. I wore very little makeup and a jersey dress that would have been cute, minus the virtual menu of stains that adorned the skirt. Jennifer, as always, looked sleek and flawless with her swingy straight hair, little black jacket and sequined slides. I felt a little like the proverbial hausfrau. Sigh.

This is the second time I felt like this today. Earlier, Lola, my husband and I were all standing in line at Target (I know - you envy me right about now) behind the most gorgeous woman. She wore a stylish but casual cream jersey top, trendy red shorts with cream stitching, and cream platform stilettos. She was thin and toned and her blonde hair was perfectly in place. I reminded myself that I'm pregnant and therefore fully entitled to be sporting a comically huge belly and hair that is impossibly thick and hard to control. I comforted myself further with the fact that I was a mommy who had barely made it out the door with her shoes on, so there was no way I could put as much effort into a trip to Target as a woman who clearly had a lot of time on her hands. Then she turned around and I saw it. There, strapped to the front of her lithe and faux-tanned body was a baby girl in a Baby Bjorn, looking pink and perfect and adorably dressed (as was Lola, I might add!). This woman had a baby! A young one! Probably not even 6 months old! And she was buying monstrously huge bags of dog food at Target in platform stilettos, much like I used to do pre-baby. Sigh. Again.

I don't know whether to feel tired or inspired.

Neons for Fall

There are a lot of makeup trends that seem to go hand in hand with fall: red lipstick, smoky eyes, and more polished hair. There are other trends, however, that do not. One is fall's hot neon makeup trend. I consider myself an adventurous beauty junkie, but I couldn't figure out how hot pink lipstick and stripey neon eyeshadow works with fall's luxe gray wools, chunky sweaters and couture-like details. So I took some time to think outside the box. Here are a few ideas:

A classic grey pencil dress would look fabulous paired with a vibrant pink lipstick or a striking, bright-on-bright "French" manicure.

A fabulous chunky black sweaterdress worn with neon-bright tights would be totally complemented by a "smoky" eye composed of neon-bright shadows rather than the usual greys and blacks.

A shot of color on an otherwise fresh, almost dewy face, whether it's in the form of a bright eyeliner or a pop of lip color, can add life and youth and vitality to a classic pantsuit. I also love the idea of a sexy 40s skirtsuit paired with an almost nude face, save for a hit of bright color on the lips. So fresh and modern.

Maybe fall luxury and 80s neon-brights aren't such an unlikely pairing after all? I'm definitely looking forward to giving these looks a try!

Red Hair for Fall

Sometimes beauty can really be ironic. All the fashion magazines and websites are raving about how hot red hair is for fall. For years, my dark hair has turned an unwelcome shade of auburn with sun exposure. In my early to mid twenties, the ends of my curls were absolutely carrot-like! My natural color is a very dark brown, but it never looks that way, because the slightest sun exposure turns it lighter. For the last five years, to cover premature greys, I have been coloring my hair a shade or two lighter than the natural color, and during this entire time, I have pleaded with my colorists to not let my hair go red. I always wanted the caramel or honey tinted brown of Gisele or Jennifer Lopez, only darker. And every time, I leave the salon with slightly red hair. It seems that my natural auburn highlights manage to break through every time, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
And then last night, I visited with my gorgeous friend and Beauty Bunch member Kari Boatner, whose hair is the most warm and radiant shade of auburn. (We have the same superstylist, Suzie, by the way). This, in combination with all the trend stories about the glories of red hair, has me rethinking the red ban. Now, suddenly, it looks new, fresh, and glamorous for fall. So will I make a change? I'll keep you posted! Meanwhile, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Best Cream/Liquid Eyeshadows, Ever

This category covers the very best cream/liquid eyeshadows, regardless of price. 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. NARS Cream Eyeshadow (“Klondike”): NARS cream eyeshadows are among the best on the market. Creamy, luxurious and blendable, they dry to an ultrasilky powdery finish. My only complaint? Too few color choices, and they do tend to crease. “Klondike” is an icy, silvery white. $18
2. Benefit Creme Eye Shadow (“Naughty Feather”): These shadows really stay put. “Naughty Feather” is described as an “oyster shell pink,” and it makes a great all-over lid color. $14
3. Fresh Eye Luster (“Pale Rose”): This soothing, pearly liquid shadow delivers creamy, creaseless color with the flick of a wand. “Pale Rose” looks exactly like it sounds—a wash of pale pink perfection. $22
4. Sue Devitt Eye Glides (“Nara”): This innovative shadow looks like those retro roll-on lipglosses, but deposits shimmery shadow onto lids. “Nara” delivers a bronzey sheen that is universally flattering. $18
5. Almay Bright Eyes Color Cream Shadow (“Golden Gleam”): Inside an unassuming tube —one of the most amazing cream shadows on the market. It glides on smoothly, and stays put on even the oiliest lids. “Golden Gleam” is a golden ivory. $5 (approx.)
6. Wet 'n' Wild MegaEyes Cream Eyeshadow (“#193 Cafe au Lait”): As easy on the eyes as it is on the wallet, this creamy shadow stays put through long, sweltering days. “Café au Lait” is a gorgeous, ultra-shimmery neutral brown that can stand on its own or serve as a base for a more dramatic look. $2 (approx.)
7. Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eyeshadow (“Rose Gold”): An easy-to-use tube delivers waterproof, non-greasy, buildable eye color. “Rose Gold” is truly unique—a stunning, bronzed-down pink gold. $21
8. Urban Decay Liquid Metal Eyes (“Plutonium”): This stuff is aptly named—it looks exactly like liquid metal on lids. Intensely reflective and not for the faint of heart, these shadows stay put all day long without creasing. “Plutonium,” the most universally flattering of the colors, is described as a “silvery rosy taupe.” $15
9. Clinique Touch Tints for Eyes (“Shimmer Frost”): This lightweight, water-resistant formula delivers sheer, wearable color in a great selection of neutrals. “Shimmer Frost” is a soft, gleaming white. $13.50
10. Lancome Colour Dose Eye All Day Wear Cream Eye Colour & Base (“Serenity”): These sheer, versatile shadows double as shadow bases as well—and they definitely do the trick. Soft, waterproof color stays put all day. “Serenity” is a barely there ivory that creates a quick, fuss-free finish. $16.50

The Popular Vote
1. MAC Paints in “Bare Canvas” and “Stilife” (tie), $15
2. Maybelline Cool Effects Cooling Shadow/Liner in “Chill the Champagne” and “Cold as Ice”, $6 (approx.)
3. Benefit Creme Eye Shadow in “Naughty Feather”, $14
4. Almay Bright Eyes Color Cream Shadow in “Champagne Shimmer”, $5 (approx.)
5. Clinique Touch Tints in “Nude Sparkle”, $13.50
6. MAC Cream Colour Base in “Shell” and “Luna” (tie), $14.50
7. Stila Eye Glaze in “Honey”, Discontinued.
8. L’Oreal Colour Fresco Refreshing Crème Eye Shadow in “Bubbly”, $7 (approx.)
9. Urban Decay Cream Eyeshadow in “Gotham” and “Shag” (tie), $16
10. Lancome Twinkle Tubes in “Cosmos”, Discontinued. (Lancome Colour Dose EyeColour, $17, is comparable.)

Product Review: C.o. Bigelow Rose Wonder Cold Cream

For years I struggled with oily skin and breakouts. And during that time I always looked longingly at the products designed for drier skin. It just seemed so much prettier and more glamorous. Side by side at the store, the clinical names and dull ingredients in products for problem skin didn't stack up to romantic sounding ingredients like rose water and neroli. After all, who wouldn't rather use a rich, decadent moisturizer than a drying lotion? Anyway, I got my wish. Now that I'm firmly in my mid-30s, I've found that the breakouts have almost stopped, except for a very occasional hormonal pimple or two. Now I am dealing with the drama of aging skin: fine lines, dullness, and dryness. While I'm waiting until after the pregnancy to indugle in some facial peels and possibly Botox, I wanted to deal with the dryness right away. My Peter Thomas Roth anti-ager is great, but it's a gel and not quite as hydrating as I need these days (this would be a great anti-aging product for oily or breakout prone skin. It is full of beneficial ingredients, and spreads on and blends in so easily and quickly. I'll fill in the name later, I promise!). So I went searching for a moisturizer, and went home with something entirely different. As I mentioned on one of my recent blogs from my trip to Chicago, I bought the C.O. Bigelow Rose Wonder Cold Cream. I love the old-fashioned feel of this product, and the process of rubbing in the rich cream and then smoothing it off with a washcloth or cotton pads. It just feels very vintage-y and romantic. But most of all, I love the fact that, unless you rinse very well or use a toner afterwards, this leaves a light moisturizing film on your skin. It's designed to do this, of course, as it can also be used as a moisturizer. For my skin, using it directly as a moisturizer would probably be too much. I think it might look greasy and lead to breakouts, although I might give it a try if my skin gets really dry. But the process of washing my face with it is perfect. It leaves just enough moisture to battle some of the dryness I've been experiencing. My skin already feels softer and smoother. Plus, it really removes makeup well. A new favorite! It's $15 for 3.35 oz.

The Odds of Getting Ugly

I know that sun protection is not necessarily a heated topic for most people, but it is for me. I get steamed when celebs like Alicia Silverstone dismiss the need for SPF with a lame excuse about needing vitamin D. Get vitamin D from a vitamin, or from going without sunglasses a few minutes a day (you absorb a lot of it through your eyes) but wear your sunscreen. So when I was at a party recently, and clueless, very tanned woman started defending her complete ignorance about sunscreen, I almost lost it. She was so smug, and so flippant, and had such an obnoxious attitude that I felt myself get angrier and angrier. As the rest of the group tried to reason with her, citing stories about melanoma rates and the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, she grew more and more defiant. I chimed in once, and then shut up and ignored the conversation because I didn't want to lose it. Once I got home and replayed the conversation in my my head, I almost kicked myself. I had the perfect retort, but the moment had passed! I have one important thing in common with this girl - vanity - but I never played that card.

Let's face it. Few of us really believe we are going to get skin cancer. When you're olive-skinned, with a Mediterranean background like I am, you believe it even less. Even though people of all races and ethnicities get skin cancer, those of us with darker skin are lulled into a false sense of security. But there's one thing most women have in common: a desire to avoid aging. So rather than pointing out the chances of getting skin cancer, I should have pointed out something that she would have found much more fearful: the odds of being ugly. And they're pretty high. 100% in fact, since doctors now say that sun exposure and not natural aging is the number one reason we get wrinkles.

What I could have said, that may have stopped her in her tracks, is: "Forget cancer. No one really thinks they're going to get cancer. I'm more worried about looking ugly. If you keep that up, in ten years, the skin on your face is going to look like the skin on your elbows." I think that would have shut her up. Sigh.

So the next time someone shrugs off skin cancer, play the ugly card. You might just be saving their life.

Help for a Fine-Haired Baby

I'm not talking about my hair here. I'm talking about Lola's. Her hair is just like her daddy's. Baby fine and almost without curl. But it does need some control, especially in the back, where it tends to get frizzy and a little flyaway. So I'm testing baby hair products. I need something so light that it won't weigh hair down but that still offers some control and frizz management. So far I've tried the Original Little Sprout Miracle Detangler, which I passed along to my sister. She loves it as a detangler for her daughters' thick curly hair. It works like a charm in that department, and smells amazing, but it doesn't offer any hold. So now I've moved on to the Conditioning Mist from Noodle & Boo, and I LOVE IT. There are several things I like about this product:
1. Comes in a big bottle, so you don't need to repurchase constantly.
2. Smells amazing!
3. The mist makes it easy to spray on just the amount you want.
4. It works amazingly well on tangles.
5. The best part: it makes Lola's hair smooth, silky, and not frizzy or flyaway at all. It's even controlled the little frizzy patch on the back of her head, which is no longer there. Her hair looks so soft and shiny and beautiful! One night, she fell asleep before I could condition and comb her hair, and so I used the conditioning mist the next morning and it worked just as well! It eliminated bedhead and tangles and frizz, and left her hear soft and shiny. Love it!

The Best Powder Eyeshadows, Ever

This category covers the very best powder eyeshadows, regardless of price. 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. Smashbox Eyelights Palette (“Smashing Beam”): Smashbox shadows feature silky, luminous colors with lots of pigment. “Smashing Beam” is a trio of neutral metallics that adds sparkle to any look. $32
2. Vincent Longo Sun, Moon & Stars Eyeshadow Trio (“Orbit Dusk”): Longo’s numbering system (shadows are numbered in the order you’re supposed to apply them) makes getting the perfect look with his eyeshadow trios as easy as 1-2-3. “Orbit Dusk” features three cool neutrals ranging from taupe to cream. $26.50
3. NARS Eye Shadows (Duo in “All About Eve,” Singles in “Night Star” and “Nepal”): These shadows are richly pigmented and satiny smooth. “All About Eve” features two warm-toned shadows, one lighter, one deeper, that make a fabulous eye virtually foolproof. “Nepal” is a warm rosy beige, while “Night Star” is a shimmering golden beige. $28/duo; $18/single
4. Tarte Eyeshadow (“Valley of the Dolls”): Tarte packs its hip, wet-dry shadows in a signature lilac leather compact. “Valley of the Dolls” is a glamorous, shimmery white. $17
5. Face Stockholm Pearl Eyeshadow (“#29”): Face Stockholm’s shadows are silky and long-lasting. I reach for #29 more than any othern eyeshadow. It’s a gorgeous shimmery white with golden highlights that makes a great all-over lid color. Paired with my black liquid liner, it creates a sultry look that my husband loves. $16
6. Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow (“Brun Casual 730”): Dior’s pigments are silky yet intense—and the color selection is among the best out there. As you would expect, so is the designer compact. The “Brun Casual” palette features a collection of neutrals from pale and subtle to deep and dramatic. $49.50
7. Urban Decay Matte Shadow Threesome (“Hazmat”) and single eyeshadow (“Cherry”): Urban Decay Matte Shadow Threesomes offer a trio of complementary matte shades in one compact. “Hazmat” features matte shadows in cream, camel, and deep brown. Urban Decay single shadows are shimmery and daring—definite fashion statements. “Cherry” is a frosty pink with subtle silver sparkles. $22/ Threesome; $15/ Single
8. Hard Candy Eye Shadow Quartet (“Techno”): Hard Candy makes some of the best metallic shadows out there—finely textured and dreamy to wear. “Techno” is a selection of metallic silvers and blacks perfect for dramatic evening eyes. $28
9. POP Beauty Eye Cake (“Brown Eyes”): I love POP’s Eye Cakes. The cute and clever packaging—five shadow stripes in a single round tin—is also practical. Unlike many eyeshadow compacts, it won’t break in your bag. These five coordinated shadows are designed to bring out your eye color. “Brown Eyes” is a selection of rosy shades ranging from aubergine to soft pink. $19
10. Bloom Eyeshadow (“Lavender”): Luxurious texture and smooth application, all in a cute mirrored compact adorned with the company’s whimsical retro illustration. “Lavender” is a gorgeous mid-toned shade that brings out the best in brown eyes. $15

The Popular Vote
1. MAC Eyeshadow in “Shroom”, $13
2. Stila Eyeshadow in “Kitten”, $16
3. MAC Pigment in “Vanilla”, $18.50
4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in “X”, $15
5. Chanel Shadowlights in “Vega”, $21.50
6. Jane Eye Zing Shadow in “Sungloss”, $3 (approx.)
7. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in “Stone”, $18
8. NARS Eyeshadow in “Nepal”, $18
9. Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in “ME Silver 945”, $18
10. Bare Escentuals i.d. Glimmer in “Nude Beach”, $13

Hits and Misses

Chicago, like every great city, is diverse. And with that diversity comes a diversity of styles. Sometimes this combination of influences is successful, and sometimes it's not. Here are the style hits and misses I spotted in my week in the city:

Hits:
1. Green Girl: A gorgeous African-American girl who really knew how to play up her beautiful skin coloring. She wore a green dress with a wide navy belt, green thong sandals (not exactly the same shade, so it worked!) and metallic olive green polish on her toes. Somehow, it all worked! She looked perfect, cool, and effortless.
2. My friend Trevian: Trevian owns G'bani, a funky-hip boutique on Chicago's posh Oak Street, and she has incredible style. When we stopped by a couple of days ago, she was wearing a purple and cream striped fitted sweater that laced up on the sides, and purple peep-toe pumps. Her hair was pulled back under a fabulous little hat. Flawless.
3. Tall Blonde Girl: Okay, I know this is an obvious choice, but I saw a girl at our hotel who glided out the door. She seemed virtually weightless on her feet, like she was a dancer. She wore a beautiful short gauzy dress that was subtly dotted with sequins, beautiful flats, and long straight simple hair. Her face seemed makeup-less and simple and perfect.

Misses:
Black Lipstick Girl: We've all seen them, and somehow they never get the memo that the rest of us received years ago. These are the dark-lipliner girls. This case was extreme. She was working at a coffee shop that I frequented, and every time I went in she was wearing the same harsh look: Vamp-dark lipstick rimmed in heavy black uneven lipliner. Scary!
Extreme Nails Girl: There were a few of these, but the one I remember most had super-long, menacing nails painted in a metallic coppery color. Yikes!
Black Bra Girl: This otherwise cute and stylish girl made one grave mistake when getting dressed. She forgot to look in the mirror. The result? Disaster. She wore one of those super-thin tee shirts, in pale pink, with a black bra underneath. Not only was the bra completely visible beneath the shirt (these were meant to be layered!), but both the bra and the shirt were too tight, producing unappealing bra bulges on her back, even though she was thin. Tragic!

More Makeup Shopping!

Today, I spent tons of time (okay, a solid hour, but these days that's forever) in the C.O. Bigelow store in Water Tower Place, on Michigan Avenue. It's insane how obsessed I could get with that place. Dare I say that I almost like it better than Sephora. In some ways, I really do. I like the layout better, and the way things are merchandised, and I love some of the lines that they carry. Anyway, I smelled all of the candles, trying to find the signature scent for my home (I'm trying to pick one for summer and one for winter), and I loved Agraria Verbena, Fresh Sugar (which I have), and a couple from Slatkin. But I still haven't decided for sure. I wonder how Diptyque Baies, Fresh Sugar, and Agraria Verbena (or L'Occitane Verbena) would work in combination with each other. For winter, I could do a combination of Esteban Amber (I have their gorgeous glass potpourri) with the Diptyque one that smells like a fireplace. Kind of like you would combine perfumes. Hmmm...

Anyway, this is what I walked away with:
C.O. Bigelow Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover with Cabbage Rose Extract
C.O. Bigelow Rose Wonder Cold Cream (I've been wanting to try a cold-cream cleanser for a while. It's part of my vintage beauty kick.)
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Hand Wash (Love the scent!)
American Girl bath and body products for my niece, Grace

I also tried Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer (SX 08), which surprised me. I'd have to play with it a little more to see what my final verdict will be, but I expected it to go on creamy and rich, like a moisturizer, but instead it's like a very thick cream foundation. It doesn't blend exactly easily, but it does blend well when you get it going, and it has amazing coverage that looks really natural. This covers everything! So I may have to buy some and give it a real shot.

Then I ran by Sephora and picked up Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation in 50 Watts. I was really torn between 50 watts and 60 Watts. 50 Watts seemed darker and more olive, and 60 Watts seemed more orange. I kept trying on both, and finally settled on the olive one. And I forgot to pick up the compact. I used this years ago, but I can't remember which shade I used. Ialso bought the Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Rendezvous. I never tried it on, so I hope it works!

How to Test Makeup!

I have learned a thing or two about testing and choosing makeup colors over the years. Here, some of the tips I've collected:

1. When going makeup shopping, as when going clothes shopping, dress nicely and make sure your hair looks good. Otherwise, you won't like anything you try on!

2. Trying foundation? Try to see it in natural light, if possible, by putting a few stripes of different colors along your jawline and examining them outside. If this isn't possible or practical, apply much more foundation than you normally would (a thicker coat) so that the color shows up enough and you can decide whether the color is right for you. Do this even if you are trying tinted moisturizers, which are designed to be worn sheer. If you apply a substantial amount, you will know immediately if it's too pale or too orange or too anything!

3. When you're shopping for lipstick, do the rest of your face. No lipstick will make you happy if applied to a completely naked face. You want to see how it will look with your regular makeup. Does it make you light up, and your eyes sparkle? If not, then pass.

4. Shop alone. I find that, if I really want to get some serious makeup shopping done, that it's best not to bring a friend. That way won't feel rushed through the process. Plus, she may be a great friend, but that doesn't mean that you have the same views on makeup.

5. If you've rubbed, wiped and brushed your way through a makeup boutique, your face may be makeup-less, or worse, clown-like. Take a few moments to fix yourself before continuing your day. You'll feel a lot more confident!

The Best Face Palettes for Evening, Ever

This category covers the very best face palettes available for evening, regardless of price. 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. Urban Decay Face Case (“Rock Superstar”): These Face Cases are instant classics, and with good reason. The sturdy packaging and wild but wearable selection of colors makes them a favorite. Each case also gives you hints on looks you can achieve with the four eyeshadows, lipgloss, lip “gunk,” lipstick, and blush or glitter gel. I love “Rock Superstar,” though it’s not for the faint of heart. The cool-toned palette, with shades like “Oil Slick,” “Asphyxia,” “Hot Pants,” and “Polyester Bride,” is for the adventurous only. $34
2. NARS Lip & Cheek Palette: I have a lipstick fixation, so even though this palette doesn’t contain shadows, it’s still one of my top evening picks. It features four shades of Lip Lacquer, two shades of Semi-Matte Lipstick, and two shades of Sheer Lipstick, plus two shades of Multiples (which work on cheeks and eyes). The shades are deep and dramatic enough to pull off any evening look. $70
3. Bloom Multi-Purpose Cosmetic Palette: This long slim palette offers an instant upgrade from daytime neutral to nighttime pow. Two shimmery shadows (“Lagoon” and “Moss,” which look just like their names imply), a lipstick, lipgloss, a cream blush, and a double-ended applicator make this perfect for statement-making evenings. $27
4. Sue Devitt Studio “Naughty” Palette: This pocket-sized palette features four daring, sparkly shades, including two plummy, glittery lip colors, and two shimmery eye colors. $32
5. Diane von Furstenberg Glamour Compact (“Sun Goddess Golds”): Though the name of this palette implies sunny days, the shades are bold and vibrant enough to make this one of my favorite evening palettes. It contains three lipsticks, four eyeshadows, and two blushes in shades ranging from bright red-oranges to deep browns, and a colorless face powder. $75
6. Bobbi Brown Lip & Eye Palette (“Deep”): This cool palette features a tray of four lip colors that slides out to reveal another tray with three eyeshadows. Combine the colors to create smoky eyes and nude lips, or standout lips and subtle eyes. The dramatic yet neutral shades make the possibilities endless. $48
7. Chantecaille Palette (“Sunset in Brazil”): This palette contains three shades, and infinite possibilities. “Caipirinha” is a golden gloss for lips, “Jungle” is a gorgeous green shadow, and “Ipanema” is a creamy bronzing product perfect for sun-kissed cheeks and shoulders. $65
8. Laura Mercier Pocket Paints Lip & Eye Palette: The small size makes it evening-bag friendly. Inside, you’ll find four neutral shades for eyes and four for lips, each ranging from pale to deep. The shades are subtle enough for everyday, but pigmented and powerful enough for evening. $50
9. Poole Kit (“Addicted to Love”): These mirrored silver cases hold six pots of color for lips, cheeks, and eyes, plus an eyeliner. “Addicted to Love” features a dark grey shadow with green highlights, a peach-gold blush, red lipstick, red gloss, clear gloss, and a highlighter, plus a black eyeliner. Whether you’re going for a subtle nod to the 80s or all-out glamour, this is a great pick. $45
10. Sonia Kashuk Shimmer Spotlight Makeup Set: If your idea of evening is more subtle shimmer than shocking color, this is your kit. It features three stunning, glowy shades of lipgloss, three luminous eyeshadows, a shimmer cream, and a blush. Unbelievably, it also features a six-piece set of Kashuk’s hip, high-quality makeup brushes—real, full-sized ones, and not the rinky-dink sizes typically found in palettes. That makes this undoubtedly the best bargain of the bunch. $24.99

The Popular Vote
1. NARS “Rapture” Palette, $70
2. Urban Decay Face Case in “Gypsy Den”, $34
3. MAC “Liza AM” and “Liza PM” (tie), Discontinued.
4. Smashbox Color Face Compact in “Red Carpet”, $25
5. Bebe Face/Night, Discontinued.
6. Bloom Multipurpose Cosmetic Palette in “Girlie”, $27
7. Lancome Go-Go Girl in “Cool”, Discontinued.
8. Philosophy The Little Black Book in “Superjewel”, $37.50
9. LORAC Greatest Hits CD in “CD 2”, $48
10. Laura Mercier “Evening”, Discontinued.

What I bought at Sephora, and why

Aaaah... Today, I had my time at Sephora, and it was so luxurious. While Lola napped in the hotel room and Kevin stayed with her, I snuck out and spent a full hour rubbing, swiping, brushing and wiping different products on and off my face. By the end of the hour, my lips were almost raw, but it was so fun and so well worth it!

Here's what I bought:
POP Eye School in Brown Eyes: This is genius!!! It's a fun gold leather ziparound case that contains 12 different eye shades based on your eye color. There are 4 liners, 4 lighter base shades and 4 deeper accent shades. The colors are all very elegant and wearable. I've been obsessed with makeup for ages, so I know which colors work best on my eyes, but for someone who is confused about what colors to choose, this is a true confidence-booster. I bought it because I loved the concept, and it consolidates a small eyeshadow wardrobe into one case. I might just throw out my other shadows! (Just kidding. That's crazy talk!)

POP Eye Caker in Brown Eyes: A smaller version of the above concept, with stripes of 5 different shadow shades in one small round tin. Genius!

Make Up For Ever Lipstick in #205: I tried on many colors, from Nars to Vincent Longo, and this is the first that totally wowed me. It's a classic true red on me, and it's gorgeous. It lit up my whole face. I also like the creamy texture and intense pigment of these lipsticks.

Diorshow Mascara in Blackest Black: I've tried Diorshow in the past, and always loved it, and I've been dying to try this shade for a while. It's a really intense, sooty black for dramatic eyes, which I love. After all, why else would I wear mascara, if not to get noticed?

Nars Blush in Orgasm: No surprise here, right? But for me it is, because for some reason I've resisted buying this blush for years, since the buzz first came out. Every time I stop at a Nars counter, I walk away with a different shade (like Crazed, for example, which I love, but it is so highly pigmented that I have to apply very sparingly and blend like crazy to keep the look from being too clown-ish), because I'm always convinced that any shade that works on so many women can't possibly work on my medium olive skin. This time I gave in. I was tired, and makeup-less (I walked into Sephora barefaced so that I could try on whatever I wanted) and this just warmed up my complexion and made me look all glowy and rested. What more could I ask for?

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler in Red: I needed a new one, and I liked the color. A staple.

Sephora Slanted Eyeshadow Brush: I used to have a similar brush, but I can't find it. I will use this to apply brow powder and line my eyes.

More shopping to come, as well as what I didn't buy, and why, and my tips for testing makeup at a store!

Sunscreen Wipes

My least favorite thing to do when it comes to taking care of Lola is probably to apply sunscreen to her on a daily basis. There is nothing like slathering thick white lotion on a screaming squirming baby to wear both of you out! Plus, the sunscreen inevitably gets in her hair and makes it look greasy. That's why I'm always experimenting with different types of sunscreen applications. My current favorite is the sunscreen wipe. I think these should be in the baby aisle whit the diaper wipes, because they are that important. Here's what I've found that works, and why. (I'll add to this list as I try more options!)
1. Dermalogica Solar Defense SPF15 Wipes: These are the first ones I've tried, and I still like them. They come in a yellow packet with 30 wipes for about $25 (not cheap!) but they have UVA/UVB protection (critical) and enough product per wipe to cover Lola's whole face and body. Besides the price, the only downfall is that these are only SPF15, but I only use sunscreen wipes for every day use, not beach use, anyway.
2. Desert Essence SPF30 Sunscreen Wipes: These cost about $10 for 25. Love that they are SPF30, and the convenient plastic container that lets you neatly grab one wipe at a time, once you get it going. But I hate these wipes! They are very small and thin and measly, and they hardly contain any sunscreen! To cover my baby's little body, I had to use 3 of them. What a waste!
3. SPWipes Sun Protection Wipes SPF30: I originally got these for my blonde, blue-eyed husband, who hates the greasy feeling of many sunscreens and was neglecting to use it every day. He liked them, except that he found that one wipe was only enough to cover his face, neck and arms. For a baby, however, I've found them to be perfect. They are generously sized and big enough to cover my baby's whole body, as well as my own arms and hands. And now they come in a baby version, which I haven't tried yet. I have to investigate to see what the difference is, but either way, they are both the same price, about $8 for 10. They are less expensive if you buy them in bulk, however. I also love that these are SPF30! These are individually packaged in foil packets, which is a plus or minus depending on how you look at it. And they have a new huge 8x10 size that might even make my husband happy! The only downside is the cedar smell, which fortunately dissipates very quickly, and is mild to begin with!

Beauty Wish List

We just arrived in Chicago, and in addition to doing tons of clothes shopping for Lola and myself, I'm looking forward to some serious beauty shopping, including an entire leisurely evening spent at Sephora after Lola is asleep. Here's my shopping list:
1. Creed Green Irish Tweed for my husband: He just ran out, and the sophisicated masculine scent really does it for me! He's been wearing it for a few years now.
2. Kiehl's body lotions and shower gels: I'm in the mood for revisiting some of my old favorites, particularly the Grapefruit and Cucumber scents, which make my pregnant nose happy
3. Fresh Pomegranate Anise: Even though Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb is my signature scent, sometimes I'm in the mood for something a little lighter and less serious, so I reach for Fresh Lemon Sugar or Pomegranate Anise. Both scents make me feel happy and give me a little lift.
4. Caswell Massey Cucumber Body Splash: This is the perfect thing to splash on after a hot bath or as a pick-up during a sweltering day. I put it into a spray bottle. It's got some alcohol, which may be a little drying but it also gives it this cooling effect that I love. Who says you need to smell like a peppermint patty to be refreshed?
5. Home fragrance: This doesn't technically fall under the category of beauty, but I have been wanting to find a signature scent for my home for a couple of years, but before I commit, I want to smell several options. Maybe I'll pick a summer scent and a winter scent. Then, just like I do with my personal fragrance, I will layer the scent by stocking up on candles, room spray, incense cones - whatever I can find.
6. Tinted moisturizer. I might look into the old classic from Laura Mercier again, or try some new options.
7. Lipstick, lipstick, lipstick. I am so bored of my current options, so I want to expand my horizons with some amazing new shades for fall!
8. Eye makeup: I wear very little eye makeup on a regular basis, and I'd like that to change. I think I'd like to branch out beyond my old standby: shimmery pale shadow and liquid liner. Maybe I'll actually use color on my eyes again.
9. Mascara: I've had a bad streak of luck with mascaras lately, so I want to explore a few different options at Sephora. Or maybe I'll just buy some tried and true favorites, like Dior Show, Fresh Supernova, or Benefit Bad Gal.
10. Makeup bags: I've been using my vintage-style makeup bag from Benefit for years, and I love it, but I'm ready for one that makes it easier for me to be organized, with some compartments, as well as a smaller one that I can stash it in my purse or diaper bag.