Are you a Rockaholic?

Tigi's new Rockaholic line has been flying off shelves. Tigi says, "We are a culture surrounded and influenced by everything music - it is you and everyone you know - the way we dress - how we style our hair - the way we think. Admit it, you are a Rockaholic. Unleash your inner icon and get addicted today." The product I'm most excited to try is the Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo. I love the look of second-day hair, and I've heard this product is amazing.

A Regenerating Experience

Though I may be scarred forever emotionally due to my horrible experience with Zeno, my physical scars are beginning to fade thanks to Patricia Wexler's Skin Regenerating Serum. The burn marks have faded noticeably after 8 weeks of use, and I'm am so excited. It has also reduced the red blotchiness that is usually the norm for my fair skin, while still leaving it glowy. Apply at night with a light hand, as it's a little too heavy for day. Highly recommended.

Special bonus offer: Purchase $35 of Wexler Products and add this deluxe size 3.4 oz MMPi.20™ Skin Regenerating Serum for $45 - A $150 value!

Think Green. Live Pink.

Victoria Secret's Pink body collection is made of natural, organic, and 100% vegan ingredients. The simple, flirty packaging reflects their motto of "Think Green. Live Pink." The collection includes body lotion, body wash, sugar scrub, hand cream, hand sanitizer, refresher spray, and lip balm. My favorite is the Everything Refreshing Spray, which may or may not be my secret to after-gym happy hours. With Organic Citrus essences, it instantly freshens up hair and body with a light, clean scent.

The 80s Called and Want Their Eye Shadow Back

Estee Lauder's Orchid Garden collection is an exclusive to Nordstrom. Highlights include the Illuminating Gloss and Illuminating Powder, but the rest of the collection makes me feel like I'm back in the 80s. I mean, pink eye shadow...really? I didn't like it when I wore it in 7th grade, and I still don't like it. The bushy eyebrows and frosted gloss just add to the 80s vibe. This look is NOT okay with me. Would you wear it?

Chantecaille Goes Under the Sea

Could this eye shadow palette get any cuter? I seriously doubt it. Each limited edition collection that Chantecaille comes out with is exquisite, and the La Baleine look is no exception. It shows an underwater scene of a Blue Whale and her calf. Now available for pre-order, this eye shadow set is based on marine tones that make a statement in sheer pale blue and deep blue-gray accents. An iridescent champagne base completes this palette that is straight from the spring runways.

Saks Beauty Event

The Saks Beauty Event launched online today, and their gift-with-purchase is available with any $75 cosmetics purchase. The floral bag designed by Stephanie Johnson is available in three colors, and filled with deluxe samples.

Samples include:

-Dior L'Or de Vie Trio

-Clarins High Definition Body Lift

-Sisley Paris Packette

-Fekkai Ageless Duo Shampoo and Conditioner packet

-Kiehl's skin care packet

-Lancome mascara

-Narciso Rodriguez Essence

Enter code HOTHOUSE at checkout.

Smashbox Sneak Preview

For 24 hours only Smashbox is selling an exclusive preview of their new Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss, three months before it hits stores! Per the company, "This advanced formula gloss saturates lips with a high impact shine. Vitamins and hyaluronic acid deeply moisturize, fill in lines, and naturally plump lips for the perfect glossy pout. Wear it alone or over any lip color – the reflective pearlescent shade looks stunning on every skin tone."

Day Time Face Powder

Though I maintain my love for the MAC mineralize skinfinish powder, it's heavy and is better suited for night. My latest craze for day coverage is Laura Mercier's Foundation Powder in #2. This product is offered with the option of pink or yellow undertones, which is perfect for me since most companies only offer yellow undertones. The coverage is buildable: for lightest coverage use a powder brush, for medium use the puff, and for the heaviest coverage use the sponge (both puff and sponge are included).

Bobbi Brown Runway Kit

Bobbi Brown's Exclusive Runway Kit is based on her work for New York Fashion Week. I absolutely adore the clutch, and the eyeshadows are great for travelling this summer. Very chic, yet simple.

Set Includes:

-new Runway Shimmer Brick Eye Palette

-a silver metal compact featuring ten sheer

-pure pearl eye shadows

-a sparkling Pink Crystal Glitter Lip Balm

-a mini Eye Shadow and Lip Brushes

-a chic silver clutch

Jennifer Aniston's Oscar Look

I was not a fan of Jennifer Aniston's funky braid and minimalist make-up; it's cute, but she looked like she was going to the beach, not the Oscars. Aniston's make-up artist, Angela Levin, says "she is the quintessential California glamour girl...She was radiant as always on Oscar night."

How To Do It:

-After moisturizing Jennifer's skin, Levin applied Chanel Lift Lumiere foundation in Beige, concealing undereye circles with the matching concealer.

-Instead of blush, she dabbed Hydrabase lipstick in Coco Red on the apples of Jennifer's cheeks.

-After that, she dotted Sheer Brilliance in Sunkissed around the tops of Jen's cheekbones. (This captures light with a slight shimmer.)

-A bit of powder bronzer gave Jen a sunny glow.
-Levin used Lorac eye shadows in Jade (green) and Serenity (bronze), along with Tina Earnshaw shadow in Aubergine. She closely lined the top and bottom lashes with black eye shadow.

-A coat of Chanel Inimitable mascara in black finished the look.
-On her lips were Chanel's forthcoming Aqualumiere Lipshine in Panarea. Get a similar look with a deep rose, creamy lipstick or Chanel's Aqualumiere in Yucatan.

Kate Winslet's Oscar Look

Kate Winslet looked stunning at the Oscars last night. Make-Up artist Jillian Dempsey did an amazing job keeping her radiant and classic looking. She reminded me of Grace Kelly!

How to do it:
To frame Kate's eyes, Dempsey used Lancôme Modèle Sourcils Brow Groomer in Naturel ($21), playing up their natural shape. Next, Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer ($9) was used on the eyes, and Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Mascara in Black ($9.50) was swept on the lashes. For a neutral, sheer lip, Lancôme Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Old Flame ($25) was applied.

Vanessa Hudgens' Oscar Look

Can you believe how smooth and flawless Vanessa Hudgen's skin was? And I loved her eye make-up. This was one of my favorite looks of the evening. Make-Up artist Karan Mitchell is responsible for her va-va-voom look.

Make-Up How To:

-Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers in Light to Medium to Vanessa’s already radiant skin.
-To set the look and add a hint of shimmer, she then applied Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Blush in in Natural Apricot to the apples of her cheeks, followed by a touch of Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Illuminator.
-To create Vanessa’s soft-smoky eye, Mitchell began by applying Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes in Medium underneath the eye to rid of any dark circles, and on the eyelid as an eye-shadow base.

-She then used Nourishing Eye Duo in Fairy Dust, applying the darker shade to the crease and then brushing the accent shade over the entire lid up to the brow bone.

-Finish by applying two coats of Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black.
-To complement Vanessa’s darker eye, Mitchell applied a mixture of two pink moisture-infused lip colors – Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick SPF 20 in Angel’s Blush and Sheer Luck.

Hair How To:

-Take 2 x 2 inch triangles, lightly saturate the hair with your favorite aerosol hairspray. Comb through the section to make sure hair is evenly distributed. With one hand, take entire section and twist to base.
-Place the FHI Heat 3/4″ Curling iron underneath the section. Take the hair and wind around the FHI Heat 3/4″ Curling iron. Hold for approximately 15 seconds - slide iron out and secure with the FHI Heat T-Rex Clips.
-Complete the entire head in this fashion. Let it all cool and remove clips. Apply approximately 1/2 a dime size of FHI Heat Hot Sauce to hands to emulsify - work through sections gently.

All-In-One: Cleanser, Toner, Make-Up Remover

Something shocking has happened: there is a product that actually does what it claims it will do. Normally I use a make-up remover before my cleanser, but with MD Skincare's All-In-One Facial Cleanser with Toner I have no more need of make-up remover. This product gently removes make-up and doesn't leave dark raccoon circles from mascara. It's truly a one-step product that has replaces three items that I used to use. My skin is supple, toned, and cleansed after I use this. Though it is a make-up remover and cleanser, I still wash my face with it twice at night--once to remove make-up, and once to wash my skin. I have been completely converted to this product and highly recommend it!

Bobbi Brown Platinum Collection

I love the Bobbi Brown Platinum Look. It's relaxed, but still mysterious. It's a great going-out look for summer. The look includes the new Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick, which gives the face a fresh glow.

Get the Look:

• Apply the Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick onto cheekbones with the Face Blender Brush.

• Apply either Confetti Shimmer Lip Gloss or Bright Pink Lip Gloss.

• Using the Cream Shadow Brush, sweep Steel Long-Wear Cream Shadow over the lid and along the lower lash line.

• Add highlight by using the Cream Shadow Brush to sweep Platinum Long-Wear Cream Shadow onto the brow bone.

• Apply two coats of Black Everything Mascara.

• Fill in and define brows with the Rich Brown Natural Brow Shaper.

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event

Neiman Marcus' beauty event gift with purchase is available online through March 9th with any $100 cosmetic or fragrance purchase.

Includes the following:
• NM Exclusive Dior L'Or de Vie La Creme Yeux, L'Extrait, and La Creme, 0.03 oz. each

• Karl Lagerfeld Kapsule Eau de Toilette in Woody, Floriental, and Light, 1.2 ml each

• Clé de Peau Beauté Le Coton, 5 sheets

• Lancome Paris Definicils Mascara in Black, 0.09 oz.

• NM Exclusive Valentino Eau de Parfum, 0.06 oz.

• Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Bath & Shower Gel, 1 oz.

• Bobbi Brown Invitation for full-size Blush in Pink Clay

• Kiehl's Since 1851 Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion, 0.17 oz.

• NM Exclusive La Mer Invitation for Creme de la Mer, 0.24 oz.

• Arrives in a NM exclusive tote in your choice of pink, turquoise, or orange.

Note: The Saks Beauty Event starts soon and I like their gift more. I'll post it when it's available.

Thicker, Longer Hair

My mom has been using Ovation Cell Therapy products for a few months in the hopes of thicker, longer hair and now she raves about the stuff! At the steep price of $56.95 for a 12 ounce bottle, the company claims this product "dramatically accelerates hair growth, reduces breakage and hair loss. Creates visibly thicker, fuller and longer hair." Now that my mom has been using it for a while, you can see the baby hairs starting to grow out. That's good enough proof for me!

Hotel Amenities Put To Good Use

I was staying in Park City last week and our room had the cutest mini Bath and Body Works hair care items. I'm very picky about my shampoo and conditioner, so I never use the complimentary amenities for their actual purpose. However, I always take the nicer brands home with me, and use the conditioner as a shave cream. I've used this trick for years, and it saves money and moisturizes my legs!

Jennifer Aniston's Premiere Look

Jennifer Aniston looked chic and sophisticated at the He's Just Not That Into You premiere last week. People magazine talked to makeup artist Angela Levin to see exactly how her look was created.

-Cover lids with Shu Uemura Cream Eye Shadow in Beige.
-Apply Chanel Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Le Bronze to outer half of lids and Tina Earnshaw's Bitter Sweet shadow in crease.
-Highlight brow bone with Chanel Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Platine.
-Line with Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in Ambre and finish with Chanel Intimitable Mascara in Noir.

Out With The Old, In With The New

Style.com just posted guidelines for the shelf-life of cosmetics that I think is extremely helpful. I've been known to keep foundation and sponges for waaaay too long. Seriously, though, I think it's fine if you keep your items longer than posted below, but that's just me.

Powders and shadows: Two years
Cream shadows: 12-18 months
Foundation: One year
Lipstick/lipliner: One year
Mascara/eyeliner: Three months
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes completely covered

It Hurts So Good

I'm of the mindset that if it hurts, it's working. Not necessarily accurate, but in the case of Smashbox's O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper, that's definitely the case. The color is the same as the original Intuitive Gloss, but this one is packed full of an ingredient (not sure what it is) that plumps your lips. And it actually works. I should warn you that it feels like pins-and-needles when you first put it on, but my lips were definitely bigger. I've only been using it for a few days, but so far I'm loving my fuller pout!

Big Night Out

If I'm going to an event, or just in the mood to get dressed up, I like to try new looks. For inspiration I'll come through years of past makeup photos from Allure magazine. Each look includes a simple how-to guide with printable directions and color suggestions.

For hair inspiration, I look through Bumble and Bumble's Style Book. Photos are separated by hair length, and each image includes a how-to along with recommended products to get the look.

Photo: Michael Thompson

Smooth Silky Lips

Laura Geller's Lip Strip is an essential step in my winter routine. I get horribly chapped lips, and this exfoliant, formulated with organic sugar cane granules, smooth the uneven texture and moisturize my lips. The sugar cane, mixed with the peppermint and spearmint oils, leave a sweet taste on my lips that I love. To use, just dip a fingertip into scrub and massage over lips in a circular motion for about half a minute, then rinse off with water.

Well, Hello Kitty...

The much-anticipated Hello Kitty Collection from MAC has finally arrived. "When innocence meets MAC, anything can happen...Be transformed with the mild-go-wild shades, lashes, and too chic-to-be-cute accessories of this special-edition collection." This collection will sell out fast, so buy now!

I have a feeling this is going to be like the Barbie collection a few years back, and it's going to go crazy on eBay. I sold a MAC barbie on eBay for three times what I paid for it at the store, so you may want to consider this collection an investment (check out the cute charm bracelet).

Cargo blu_ray Concealer

I have been using Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer in #1 for years as my under eye concealer. I like that it has more of a pink base, rather than the usual yellow tone--it works better on my skin tone. I've been pretty satisfied with it, and never felt the need to try any more concealers.

Well, I was trying out the Cargo blue_ray line at Sephora the other day, and happened upon their blu_ray Concealer in #1. Wow. This stuff works great! I immediately bought it and am so happy I did. It has light-diffusing pigments to help with dark circles, doesn't settle into fine lines, and is water resistant.

I've read in reviews that the coverage is too light, but I think that's just the way it's applied. It comes in a twist up pen, but I apply it with my fingers, and use two layers. Layering is key with this item. Also, I wouldn't use this on blemishes, just the under eye area. I highly recommend this item.

Kim Kardashian's Sexy Look

For a recent promo shoot to promote Kim Kardashian's reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashian's, makeup artist Troy Jensen used Yves Saint Laurent makeup to create this smoky, sexy look.

Step 1: Use a light moisturizer and eye cream to prepare the skin.

Step 2: Dab a touch of concealer under the eyes, around the mouth, and anywhere to conceal skin imperfections. Blend with a foundation brush. On Kim: Anti-Cernes Multi-Action Concealer in 2 Nude Beige.


Step 3: Dab a touch of pale beige liquid shimmer at the top of the cheek bones, above the lip, and down the center of the nose. Blend well with the same foundation brush you used with the concealer. Then apply the liquid foundation across the forehead, down the jawline, and into the neck, blending with your foundation brush and making sure you blend well into the skin. On Kim: Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation in 6 Gold Beige.


Step 4: Set with pressed powder. On Kim: Matt and Radiant Pressed Powder in 4 Golden Beige.


Step 5: Apply powder cheek color, starting with the apples of the cheek and blending upward toward the hairline. Blend well. On Kim: Touche Blush in 6 Sienna.


Step 6: Start eyes with a well-groomed brow and using your powder eye-shadow duo, dust the light shade just below the brow and the darker shade over the entire eye lid and below the lower lash line, creating a smokey effect. Blending upward but not too cat-like. Then line entire eye with black eyeliner and blend with a sponge applicator or q-tip. Curl and coat your lashes. On Kim: Eye Shadow Duo in 1 Heavenly Beige-Astral Brown, Long Lasting Eye Pencil in 1 Intense Black, and Luxurious Mascara in 1 High Density Black.


Step 7: Line your lips with a neutral lip-liner, if needed, for added definition or just simply apply the pale pink lipstick to the entire lips and top off with the shimmering lip gloss. On Kim: Sheer Lipstick in 11 Pink Diamond, Shimmering Lip Gloss in 11 Golden Whisper.


Step 8: Nails should be black with a touch of top coat for added shine.

Customer Service Is Alive And Well

A quick story about the highlight of my weekend: I was going to throw my Zeno away (I just couldn't stand looking at it after such a bad experience), but a friend of mine told me I could return it to Sephora even though I had used it. Skeptical, I printed out the online receipt from when I bought it last summer and took it into the store. No questions asked, they gave me a full refund. I couldn't believe it; talk about amazing customer service! I already loved Sephora, but this just reinforced my near-obsession with this company. Thank you, Sephora!

In related news, this could end up being a bad discovery because now I'm not going to be afraid to 'buy and try' new products.

MAC Brunette Blonde Redhead

Almost a year ago I got this crazy idea that if I dyed my hair black I would look like Angelina Jolie (I told you it was crazy). It didn't work. Unfortunately, I couldn't dye my hair back to blonde right away because my hair was so damaged--it was a looooooong four months. During that time, I had to get all new makeup to complement my new hair color. I have always put more stock in skin tone over hair color, but the makeup I used as a blonde was washing me out with my dark hair. I soon realized that I had to use a heavier hand with makeup and apply darker colors than I previously did. The geniuses at MAC must have realized this too, because they have come out with a Brunette, Blonde, Redhead collection that plays up your hair color. Simple idea, amazing results!

Laura Mercier's Gilded Garden

Laura Mercier's Gilded Garden collection with be coming out next month, and I will be first in line for the Mosaic Shimmer Bloc (top right corner of picture).

The collection includes: The Gilded Garden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc, 4 shimmery eye colours, Lip Stains in Hibiscus and English Rose, and Lip Colour - Stickgloss in Azalea and Tiger Lily.

The Exceptional Serum Lives Up To Its Name

I've been using a deluxe sample of Thalgo's Exceptional Serum for over a week now, and I have received so many compliments on my skin. I excitedly went online to buy the full size product...and saw that it was $180. Yikes!!! I mean, I'm sure it lasts a long time, and I love getting compliments, but that's a lot of money right now. I'm going to wait to buy it, but if you have the extra money lying around I would definitely suggest you pick this up.

Angelina Jolie at the 2009 SAG Awards

Seriously, who doesn't want to look like Angelina Jolie? I know I do! And how better to start than by copying her luminous look from last month's SAG Awards? Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton gave Jolie a retro '60s vibe with high-drama eyes.

How to do it:

-Apply Lancome Artliner in Noir above lash line.

-Dust lid with YSL Ombre Solo Double Effect Eye Shadow in #3 Blue Silk.

-Sweep on Lancome Courbe Virtuose Mascara in Black.

-Finish with Lancome Color Fever Gloss in Rose.

Clinque Bronze Beauty Bonus Set

Bloomingdale's is offering a gift with any $25 Clinque purchase. It's a good gift, and I love the cute cosmetic bag that comes with it.

Gift includes: Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser, Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator, Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer, Colour Palette, Lash Doubling Mascara, Long Last Lipstick in Honeynut, 3-Piece Brush Set & Deluxe Cosmetic Bag. While supplies last.

A Racier Single's Gift

A slightly racier gift for a single friend: Nars' Safer Multiple Orgasm Set. This set features two tastefully wrapped condoms and Nars' most famous shade, the Multiple in Orgasm. Orgasm is a pinky-peach shimmer for face.

Note: A portion of the sale benefits amfAR, The American Foundation for AIDS Research, programs to promote global safe sex education initiatives.

A Single Gal's Valentine

The Overnighter kit from Benefit is a fun, sassy gift for single girls this Valentines Day. Because you never know when you're going to have an 'unexpected' sleepover...

Set includes:
-exclusive hanky panky thong
-the justine case mini beautifier kit
-california kissin'
-eyecon
-benetint
-some kind-a gorgeous

Scarlett Debuts New Hair Style

Here is a photo is of Scarlett Johansson at the premiere of He's Just Not That Into You, debuting her new straight brunette do. I must say that I'm not a fan. The color is boring, and does nothing for her complexion. I think she looks infinitely better with blonde hair.

Photo: Getty

Less Frizz for 6 Weeks

I'm really tempted to try Liquid Keratin's 30-day starter kit. It claims to remove curl frizz and, to be quite honest, I'm completely sold on this brand just by looking at their website. Their tagline: "Defy your DNA." Am I just getting sucked in by the sleek packaging and scientific-sounding tagline? I'm such a sucker for marketing ploys. In fact, I could sleep the other night and was thisclose to buying a sham-wow on tv. True story.

But I digress...the company claims this product is "the first safe, at home alternative to expensive salon treatments." It supposedly last up to 6 weeks. If I straightened my hair I would definitely give this a try; the only thing holding me back is that I don't want it to ruin my natural curl when my hair starts growing in. What if I had half straight/half curly hair? Then I'd have to chop my hair off and you'd never hear the end of my whining. Will someone please try this and let me know what you think?

Color Me Couture

I'm a big fan of Lorac pallets for travelling. The latest Color Me Couture contains 5 eyeshadows/eye liners, and a dual sided application brush. Lorac eyeshadows are not for the faint of heart. Infused with Mother of Pearl, these shadows capture the light and are highly pigmented.

Pallet contains:
- Enlighten (shimmering creamy pearl)
- Style (shimmering gold pearl)
- Luxe (shimmering bronze pearl)
- Jade (shimmering olive green with gold pearl)
- Designer (shimmering black with gold pearl)

A Rant--Jessica Simpson

So, this is completely off topic, but I'm taking the attacks on Jessica Simpson personally. She is a beautiful girl; who cares if she's now a size 2 instead of a 0?!?! It really bothers me that this is the cover of magazines and is talked about on CNN. How is this real news? It makes me sad that women are held up to such high standards of outward perfection. I've met many girls who appear perfect, but are ugly in the ways that count.

I felt the need to post this because, even though I promote beauty products to improve appearance, the most effective way to be beautiful is to have self confidence and a big smile. True happiness is the best beauty booster of all!

Thank you for putting up with my rant; and now back to our regular programming... :)


Photo: Splash News

Superbowl Review--Jennifer Hudson

Watching Jennifer Hudson's triumphant return to the public eye after so much tragedy last year brought tears to my eyes. She has never looked more beautiful or sounded better. Outfit? Classy and chic. Make-up? Flawless. It was truly inspiring to watch her performance, and I hope for nothing but the best for her this coming year.


*Photo courtesy of Access Hollywood

A New Kind of Candy Hearts

Philosophy's Candy Hearts lip gloss trio is a fun new take on the traditional candy hearts gift. The box even has a "To" and "From" area to write your names. I love the cool tubes it comes in--you can say "be mine" with melon daiquiri, "ask me" with vanilla birthday cake, and "love you" with raspberry sorbet.

There is currently a gift with any $75 purchase at philosophy.com. Includes the Falling in Love spray fragrance 0.5 ounce, hand cream 1 ounce, and Kiss Me pink lip balm 0.5 ounce, all in a clear Philosophy bag. Valid 2/3-2/8, or while supplies last. Enter promo code FALLINLOVE at checkout.

Tarte "Perfect Pairs" Lipgloss

If you know anyone getting married, I would definitely them about Tarte's custom glosses. You can pick any gloss duo (my pick is Jake & Samantha) and Tarte will personalize the names for the bride and groom. For instance, if I was getting married I could have wedding favors of lip gloss named Lindsey & George (Clooney). Such a cute idea! Minimum order is 25, and the more you order the more discount is given.

Forget the Genie...try Model in a Bottle

Model in a Bottle spray is a MUST for me before a night on the town, as many of my friends can attest; I force everyone to try it if they happen to be getting ready with me. It's a mist that you spray on your face after all your makeup is done. After it dries, skin is left with a matte look. My friend J describes it as hairspray for your face. It keeps oil from coming back later in the evening, which is essential.



NOTE: Close eyes and mouth and hold your breath before you spray--there's a high alcohol content in it.