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.