The Joker Is Not Well Groomed These Days

I know. I know. Shame on me. I've been so out of commission, it's actually frightening!

Very sorry lovely Modos. There are myriad reasons for my absence, but although I may post slightly less frequently - perhaps once a week rather than three times - you will be hearing my beauty musings with, at the very least, more regularity.

So let's talk pop culture. It's an unconventional topic for me, to be honest, even though my job requires me to be somewhat on top of it. But having worked the Dark Knight premiere, and bearing witness to the extreme hullabahoo surrounding the production, I feel it's still at the forefront of my mind. Granted, this film is heavy on the men folk, with the only really important lady being Maggie Gyllenhaal (and did she ever hold it down! LOVE her!); there wasn't exactly a lot of relatable beauty present it terms of my viewing enjoyment. (Gyllenhaal did sport a killer red lip to the premiere and looked stunning.)

However, it's worth noting that the makeup in the film was magnificent in the form of Heath Ledger. Going back to my post about chipped nails, it's worth noting that the Joker is certainly making an impact in the film with his chipped foundation and chipped lipstick.

You've seen the stills if you haven't made it to the theaters, so you know what I'm trying to say.

It's very funny to me that this is our contemporary Joker, rather than being the perfectly masked Jack Nicholson interpretation (he was fastidious with his grooming techniques, no?) - what people are calling "humanized." Yes, Heath plays the part to perfection - humanizing a totally dark and destructive character - but there has to be something said for the fact that our interpretation of humanizing the Joker aesthetically is through mussing him up and making him look like he hadn't showered in months.

The one thing I will say is that in the past, many of our most villainous characters in film were represented as completely well put together - i.e. Cruella Deville, Catwoman, Norman Osborn (Spiderman), and Jafar (Aladdin); remember Angelica Houston in "The Witches," the film adaptation of the Roald Dahl book? All completely primped to perfection. I wonder if being perfectly groomed happens to be our little warning that something sinister is brewing beneath the surface?

Maybe this is why I always felt so suspicious of Victoria Beckham...

Really, this is just an observation, but it's a funny thought that in order to "humanize" a demon, we aesthetically rumple them up a bit, huh? Thoughts lovelies?

~ Olivia Villanti

The New "RED" Look

Do all of you remember the retro-60,70,80’s look? Madonna, Goldie Hawn and a few others used to sport this trendy look. Well, it quickly went out of style with the turn of the decade: 90’s is here!!! I grew up in the 80’s and at the time, loved the style. But who doesn’t love and try to ride the trend tide in their decade? We all do.

The blue eye shadow, the poofy hair, the curly perms, the leather w/zipper jackets, the whole nine yards. You’ve probably seen that some aspect of this past trendy style is back and a big hit in Hollywood. Lipstick, especially. I personally, really used to hate RED lip color. I felt it made people look like vampires or zombies. But Hollywood has been incorporating the color red - very nicely, I must say - in movies and on celebrities. I like the new, up-to-date, red lip color, especially with the opaque face.

It brings back the whole Eva Gardner look of the early 50’s. CLASSIC….one might say! Kate Hudson, Eva Longoria, Julia Roberts and more have sported these looks recently at award shows and while on outings. (Paparazzi gets all the good shots!!). Guys, I just love the look so much, I had to write about its beauty!!!!

Stay GORGEOUS!!

~ Nekiwa Smith

Summer Days Call for New Ways

Welcome to summer! Now that your calendar is filled with summer events, you can't exactly go bare-faced. So, to help you look your best in the hottest of temperatures, I've gather some tips to help update your summer makeup routine. Tis the season to change your routine, not ditch the makeup bag altogether. Here is a breakdown on how to make your routine match the summer heat.

Sunscreen: Applying a daily dose of sunscreen will help your skin help itself. Sunscreen works as an absorbent that keeps the UV rays from reaching your skin. Sure, most makeup foundations list SPF's of 15 to 30, but that amount of protection is only fundamental protection added for walking to your car or checking the mail. For prolonged exposure to the sun, which is 15 minutes or more, sunscreen should be applied to your full face prior to makeup application. Allow at least 20 minutes for the application to dry and absorb.

Tinted Moisturizer: This is a great way to make your makeup pull triple duty, because it works as a moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen. Moisturizers like Neutrogena's SPF 30 will give you added SPF protection on top of your sunscreen application. The tint in the moisturizer helps you skip the step of covering your face in foundation. Keep it light and natural.

Primer (optional): This was a new must-have tip for me that I've only heard of when mineral makeup started gaining momentum. However, primer might just be the new must-have of the summer. Primer helps keep a clean palette on your face to hold your makeup in place. I know it's another layer, but it is invisible and weightless. Primer works by controlling the shine and absorbing excess oils.

Tinted Lip Balm: Let's not forget about equal lip protection now that most lip balms come with an SPF of 8 to 12. Try a tinted balm to give your lips color without the heaviness of a lipstick.

Bronzing Powder/Creams: If you are not quite satisfied with just the tinted moisturizer, then add a bronzer. Apply the bronzer to your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. These are the places where the sun hits the face. Only emphasis the cheeks and lightly dust the bronzer on the other areas of the face. When using a cream bronzer use only on the cheeks. Pink bronzers are the latest trend in this area. I will go more into bronzers on my Thursday Trends blog.

Eyes: On the eyes use a shadow creme in a neutral or seasonal color. This will be the area where you can play easily with color without looking overdone. Use a liquid waterproof liner to draw a thin line at the lash line. Remember to line through the lash line, not above it. For nighttime hold, use a crayon liner on top of the liquid liner. Use a cream shadow first. Then top over it with a powder shadow to hold color and withstand the heat. Pair the liner with waterproof mascara and this will open the eyes for a fresh-faced look.

Clean Up: With all the waterproof products you will need to invest in a makeup remover. Waterproof products are tough to tackle with just cleanser and water. The makeup wipes are successful in cleaning off most of your face prior to a nighttime wash.

I hope that I shed some light on transitioning your makeup routine from spring to summer. In honor of the summer heat, I will try introduce some more seasonal tips on my "Try It Tuesday" blog. Thanks for reading.

~ Charlotte Almazan

My Name Is Olivia and I Had Chipped Nails

A little while ago I came across a piece in the New York Times entitled "I Love What You Didn't do to Your Chipped Nails" about a new trend in nail polish- the imperfect upkeep of it. Amazingly, I was onto this trend eons ago :) as I am just not one of those perfectly primped and primed ladies. But the point of the article wasn't just about the trend, it was about when and where this sort of casual attitude is acceptable. And according to the majority of celebrities that young girls are emulating, there was a certain "Anywhere you want" bottom line. Lindsay Lohan had no trouble sporting flakey "wicked" polish to a film premiere and the list went on and on of young starlets on the “yay” side of the debate.

But that's really the beginning. In the Times piece you got the sense that it was ok to sport grody manicures (pedicures were decidedly a WHOLE OTHER story) as long as you are sporting an "it" bag. You can't really look like a total schleppy slob with a Birkin on your arm, can you?

The more that high/low fashion gets all muddled together, the more we see an "anything goes" attitude in our grooming and beauty rituals. There is something kind of grunge/punk rock in chipped polish that certainly lends itself to the perfect Balenciaga S/S08 ensemble or an Alexander Wang F/W08 look. It compliments it, rather than detracts because the whole idea it seems is more "yes I know luxury, I can afford all these special things, but there is nothing precious about me."

I think it's a woman's way of taking something that is so powerful and statement making in itself and turning it into their own.

But can you do this with beauty?

Can we really apply the same rules?

Personally, I am a bit embarrassed when my nails go totally AWOL- but it is hard to keep up. I wish I could get a weekly mani/pedi, I have friends that do, but it just doesn't seem to happen. It feels like such a commitment. And although it's very relaxing and I quite enjoy it, most days I'd rather be relaxing with a book if I have the time than to be sitting inhaling fumes and worrying that each page I turn will undo all the hard work.

I've tried to apply the same philosophy to waxing, etc. The minute anything is out of place, I vow that I will head to salon (and every time I return I admit that it has been way too long). Subsequently, my nails are bare 85% of the time. And I quite like it that way.

Ultimately, I believe that yes there is a time and place where letting your grooming guard down is simply unacceptable. When my company was hiring interns, you can bet the girl with chipped polish did not get hired. I was actually uncomfortable for her, though she didn't seem affected one bit. She flashed her stop sign red nails, corroded and broken, gesticulating as she proceeded to answer my questions. I was amused afterwards, thinking how strange it must be to be so oblivious. Yes, me, wearer of chipped polish (on occasion). Because although, yes, it's happened to me, I would never enter an interview that way, would never really enter the office with anything more than "minorly cracked" and were I to find myself in the uncomfortable situation of being across the table from a potential employer in a condition less than satisfactory (god forbid) you can bet my hands won't be anywhere in sight- even if it's awkward and uncomfortable.

So I think my personal stance on this whole thing is- employing a devil may care attitude towards fashion is all well and good but just like there are still formalities that should be upheld, even in this "anti fashion" fashion era, there's a code that should be followed when it comes to beauty too. And I do think, professionally, there are some things that are a don't. Chipped nails, in my book, are one of them. I will remember this the next times things start going south…

I vow to.

~ Olivia Villanti

Primary Colored Eyeshadow - Beauty Do or Beauty Don't?

So remember that impulse buy I mentioned in my last post? (It feels like that was ages ago…sorry it’s been a busy week!)

As usual, my love for the yellow eyeshadow was in full swing under the bright lights of Sephora and it’s reassuring employees who made my “risky” fashion statement seem like no thang (their lids seem to be inspired by strobe light gels). But once home, well, it felt just a bit “girlfriend woke up with jaundice.” “Sickly” could be considered chic in an Italian Vogue kind of way, but on the streets of NY as a mere mortal, I wondered about my eyes becoming a bit of an eyesore.

But as a determined experimentalist, I decided I had to just find the right opportunity to sport it and to temper the “Motion Sickness Victim” reference with some dark eyeliner and mascara.

Last night was the perfect opportunity.

I was gifted with tickets to see The Cure (!) and where is there a better place for makeup experimenting than a concert (of goth gods no less)? So I worked it.

I kept my face bare for the most part. And I was admittedly light handed with the application- using it more as a liner. But the results were surprisingly fun and did make me feel a bit mischievous and cat like. I am posting some pictures here of the results. This may have been a horrible fashion faux pas, you’re welcome to weigh in with WTF’s or bad, wrong, no no no’s…but there was something a bit intriguing about it and made me feel kind of like a cool goth girl.

I secretly love going to concerts because there seems to be a general anything goes attitude towards fashion. I certainly could have had a heyday with street style pictures of people entering and exiting Madison Square Garden.

In a really old, thread bare tee stolen from the BF, stovepipe black jeans and black stiletto ankle boots, I felt like the crazy eye makeup added a nice level of “androgynous femininity” which is what I was going for.

Anyway, enough of my personal musings- it would tickle me if you would disclose your biggest beauty risks. How do you make them work? Any tricks for tempering something that feels like it should be a great big non plus?

~ Olivia Villanti

Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere

I love soap. Rich, luxurious handmade soap. In fact, I can truthfully say I love handmade soap almost as much as I love shoes and purses. If you haven’t tried a bar of handmade soap, then I recommend that you run right out and get one right now.

But first, let me make myself clear, I am not talking about bars of glycerin soap, I am talking about bars of soap made using the Cold Process method. A method that involves mixing the oils, lye and fragrances together in a very specific order and manner. Those who make cold process soap are truly artists, blending everything together to make a bar of wonderfully fragranced, super moisturizing perfection.

These bars almost always contain Saponified olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. Naturally, each maker has their own secret recipe. Plus, the most fantastic scents. Each soap maker creates their own unique scents. You could spend your entire life sampling all the different fragrances out there.

Now if you are wondering how I became a soap nut, let me explain. I used to be a body wash kinda girl, didn’t matter what brand or what scent, I tried them all. Sure they worked fine, even smelled pretty good, but I wasn’t completely satisfied with them. A lot of the body wash fragrances seemed all the same to me. I wanted something that smelled truly exotic or fresh.

Then of course, there were the articles that I read that indicated that body wash and commercial soaps are more “detergent” then soap. That the process to make these large batches of soaps takes something fairly natural and turns it into a giant chemical soup.

Enter the bar of handmade soap. Here was something with a short list of ingredients, handmade by a real person. Someone who took real pride in their work, not to mention the scents were amazing. Anything that you could imagine they had. Plus, you may be able to work with the soap maker to customize a scent. So you could have a “designer” fragrance made just for you.

The packaging also appealed to me. No plastic bottles, just a bit of cardboard or tissue paper wrapped around each bar. Although, some of the soap makers go out of their way to pretty up the soap with beautiful wrapping paper and ribbons, which is so much cooler then a plastic bottle. Traveling with the soap is easy, especially with today’s regulations about what you can take on an airline. A solid bar of soap is no problem in your travel kit.

Some bars are gentle enough to work on your face and some are specifically shampoo bars and can give you beautiful, shiny hair (you could even cheat and run the shampoo bar over your entire body). Hey! Sometimes an all in one is just what you need on a morning when you are running really, really late. You can use the soap for EVERYTHING, even shaving your legs.

Come on give it a try, get a wonderful handmade bar and lather up!

~ Jennifer Flaten

Filler Up!

One of the first signs of aging is what I like to call loosy goosy. That’s when the skin starts to get a little slack and just doesn’t have the spring and firmness it had when you were younger. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life and unless you know something I don’t, it’s going to happen at some point.

A common misconception is that once the skin starts to sag, we should book a date for a face lift. Cutting and pulling the skin taut isn’t the answer to a fresh faced look. Instead, most of the time patients end up looking just tight and artificial.

Autologous fat transfer is a procedure in which an individual's own body fat is used to plump up sunken or emaciated areas of the face or to add volume where desired. The word "autologous" simply refers to the use of one's own tissues or fat.

The first step involves the liposuctioning of excess body fat (usually the thighs, stomach or buttocks). After the suctioning, the fat cells are injected into the areas in the face that have lost volume.

Facial fat injections help to plump up the areas that have started to go loosy goosy. It leaves the patient looking refreshed and youthful. The features aren’t changed, they are just brought back to the fullness they had in more youthful days.

Facial fat sculpting offers several major benefits. In addition to correcting problems of the aging face, facial fat transfer is natural. The material used is not from an animal, or a cadaver, or a synthetic product. It's also versatile; the fat can be used for many facial imperfections, including scars and depressions in the skin. The effects of facial fat sculpting are very long-lasting — facial fat injections last significantly longer than cosmetic injectables such as Restylane®, and Juvéderm. And facial fat sculpting is safe, since there are no allergic reactions to worry about, because the fat transplantation is from your own body.

The risks are minimal as long as you are seeking treatment with a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience performing this procedure. Soreness and swelling are possible, but they're not commonly experienced.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to consult with a fully accredited surgeon. The surgery is relatively minor; however, it’s still a medical procedure and should be taken seriously. Do your homework and you should have wonderful results.

~ Eileen Lang

For more information try these helpful websites:

http://www.plasticsurgery.org

https://www.abplsurg.org

Sugar and Hair Removal...the New Frontier

So “new frontier” was really just a journalistic hook because there is actually nothing new about the ancient practice of “sugaring” (a technique of hair removal originating thousands of years ago in Egypt) but it is, relatively speaking, new to us North Americans. If you live in the Big Apple, you probably are familiar since Shobha, which started as a singular salon off Broadway a few years back and has now officially garnered the title of “Empire,” is ubiquitous in beauty circles as the hair removal destination for New York women.

Hair removal is a sticky subject (pun intended) as each person reacts differently to every method. So to say one method is better than another can only be applied on a personal level. That said: Sugaring changed my life.

My very first bikini wax took place at a rather divey little place by the beach in Barcelona. At age 18 I hadn’t quite developed a sense of caution regarding the condition of my surroundings. My biggest concern was if I could afford it, and there I could. Halfway through I was praying that something would happen that would force her to stop without me being the baby that couldn’t handle the pain- a fire, a hysterical woman acting out on the feelings I was experiencing- ANYTHING. But that didn’t happen; she kept tearing those sheets off and such intense nausea was building up inside me that once it was over, I felt that I had just come down with the flu and would require a few days bed rest. I was bleeding and the job was uneven and awkward. I swore to never do it again.

And then I heard about Shobha. Sugaring was reportedly 40% less painful and at this point (2 years later) I knew I had to face my demons. Terrified but with flecks of optimism I entered my appointment.

And left a convert. The procedure was so startlingly different than the aforementioned nightmare, I almost wondered if the hair hadn’t really been removed at all.

But it had and the job was fantastic.

I referred several friends who actually felt deceived by my praises of sugaring, as many of them were forced to incorporate wax at some point in the process. As said before, each person is different and thus what removes hair on one may not do the same on another. But I believe that in the right salon, with a caring practitioner, you won’t ever experience the trauma that I went through. My friends that did go reported that the mixture of sugaring and waxing was actually ideal.

Bikini follicles are extra stubborn, but sugaring is safe and effective on legs, arms and anywhere else body hair is unpleasantly lurking.

If you have sensitive skin it is definitely worth a shot, as sugar is made entirely from natural kitchen ingredients (sugar, lemon juice, and hot water); you are much less prone to become irritated after.

Any particularly ambitious ladies out there looking to DIY, this is possible- many recipes are lurking around the internet. But I’d caution you to make sure you don’t burn yourself. Skin patch tests are crucial with a very small amount of your concoction. You’ll know if it’s too hot. Most recipes call for cotton swatches to adhere to the substance, and at Shobha they use denim. I’d definitely go with denim because of its very durable nature and the fact that it’s not likely to stretch or give much in the removal process.

Would love to hear from anyone that tries it out. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even try it out.

~ Olivia Villanti

Natural Summer Protection

Taking special care of your skin is essential, especially as the seasons change. In the winter, we need more moisture; during the summer, we need additional protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun. The right sunscreen can make a huge difference in how your skin ages in the future. If you want to keep your youthful looks way into your late 40’s, properly protecting your skin is crucial. Usually during the summer months we spend more time outdoors enjoying the beach, picnics, festivals, long walks, and gardening - all the while soaking up UV radiation.

When you use sunscreen, avoid applying it too early. Never swab on sunscreen more than 20 or 30 minutes before venturing outdoors. It’s important to smooth a even coating of sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin. Don’t forget areas such as the feet, neck, knees, earlobes, and lips - they need application as well. The average sunscreen wears off after about two hours so remember to reapply. Select a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher for adequate protection. Try to use hats and sun-protective clothing to help fend off damaging rays.

Some of the best sunscreens for sizzling summer heat are organic. Origins Sunshine State SPF 20 Sunscreen which costs about $22.50 is excellent. A less expensive alternative is Alba Botanica Sun Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 18 priced at $9 designed specifically for sensitive skin. Aveda Dual Nature Face Protection SPF 15 for $25 and Jason Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sunblock SPF 30+ for $17 are two of my favorite organic sunscreens. These products feel light and carry a fresh summer-like scent that isn’t overpowering.

~ Ange Perdu

Miracles Do Happen - Everyday!

When shopping for that ‘right shade’ of foundation or coverage, do you often ask or say to yourself:

I wonder if this is hypoallergenic?

Let’s see if the label state’s that it has sunscreen…

It better match my shade or at least as close to it as it can get!

I hope it doesn’t smudge or run easily.

I ask myself these exact same questions also and even more. If you’re acne prone like me, the chemicals that are in the foundation is of utmost important, ya know!!

Mineral Make-up is the ‘in’ make-up these day’s because of the "minerals" that are in them to make our coverage more even, smooth and create a great finish….

But there are so many brands on the market today, it’s very difficult to find that perfect brand of mineral makeup. I’ve found a brand that work’s great for me ---- WITHOUT THE BUMPS, PIMPLES, AND ACNE, also. For sensitive skin, this is the best find, really.

Sheer Miracle mineral foundation is manufactured without Bismuth Oxychloride. I heard your thought, ‘what in the world is that?’ and ‘does my make-up contain it?’ Well probably so, most mineral make-up has this chemical and it’s added to increase that much needed and wanted shimmery glow or look .

Side affects: itchy skin, break out/acne prone skin, blemishes

So ladies, we can have that even, glow coverage of mineral makeup without the hassles; and did I say that it’s reasonably priced?! Prices range at around $18.00 per bottle.

So guys, go out and try this make-up and let me know what you think. I bet you won’t go back to ‘that other brand’.

~ Nekiwa Smith

Tricks of the Trade

Ahhh...

It's been such a long week for me, stylish readers. The boy was leaving the country for two weeks and his job of four years permanently (translation: going away parties galore), my bestest friend was in from the West Coast and there were a couple of work related events that required, ahem, suggested..late night revelry. Hence, it's the beginning of the following week and it is all catching up to me. It’s when I finally have a cozy night to relax, de-compress, and sub chamomile for sauvignon blanc, that the exhaustion envelops me. People start asking me, "ooo...did you sleep ok?" Yes, its kind of a problem when it gets to that, but one that I encountered today.

So let's discuss our little remedies for hiding the debauchery- that I clearly didn't employ today and completely blew my cover.

I have only a few tried and true methods for masking my rebel child so I am actually quite eager to hear your assessment of the best products for doing so, as I could use more tricks. But a few highlights that helped me avoid (or at least prolong) the dreaded, “Did you go out last night?” question.

The first indication of a long weekend is the skin tone. So in my case, I turn to a light dusting of powder (something I almost never do because of my sensitive skin). But first, before powder, I apply smashbox photo finish. It’s one of those items I thought was a huge gimmick but because I hate, HATE when makeup cakes up around my eyes I gave it a try and fell in love. It primes and smoothes your skin so foundation is totally even. I rarely use under eye concealer, even when those dark circles are recalling costume makeup more than “normal face.” Instead, I apply primer and a little extra powder near my eyes (delicately, mind you). Maybe this is a sin in beauty land, but I have never experienced any repercussions.

My foundation is a discontinued Sephora brand- but I have seen amazing results with Versace long lasting hydrating foundation.

True story: One morning, I came into work and asked my co-worker if she had gotten a facial that morning because her skin looked amazingly smooth and fresh. That was what she was wearing. In the beauty/fashion world you hear a lot of those stories and I usually assume they are made up anecdotes. Not so. That really happened.

Second, blush. I find skimping on bronzers or bronzer combos is a good thing post all-nighter. I can’t say why, but bronzer never helps the “fresh” look we are trying to achieve on these days.

Next, and this is something I use daily but is particularly helpful for those rough mornings- Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick. A truly effective highlighter that brightens my skin up with a few strategically placed strokes- it’s the one constant in my daily makeup ritual.

Last, and of course not least, black mascara. Brighten up those eyes people. It’s a no brainer.

And to top it off, there is nothing like a good shower, a nice body moisturizer and spritz of perfume. Smelling fresh is the first step in your repentance.

I know there aren’t any real tricks in my makeup routine, which is why I am imploring you to lend me some. Something tells me that after the week I had, I’ll be putting them to use.

~ Olivia Villanti

Summer Lips 101: Color & Fullness

Don’t let the sizzling heat get the best of you! Stay fresh and sexy with minimal makeup by focusing on the lips. Actions speak louder than words and so does great lip color. That's why it is so important to select the right colors for your lips this summer.

If you want to stand out take a plunge with a bold shade of red. Red will always be a classic color and a show-stopper. When you want to spice it up remember red is your friend.

Pink is an excellent summer color for your lips. The possibilities are endless with pink. Virtually any shade of pink will work for the summer. It’s a light pastel color that blends well with most attire. If you want a natural glow try a shade of pink that appears almost translucent to your lips. Stay within two shades of your natural lip pigment for a sheer polished look.

Shades of cool mauves are also a summer trend for lips. Add a clear gloss over lip color for more shine. There are a variety of tints available that are perfect to get your lips summer ready if you prefer a lighter feel.

Another trend for the summer is plump, full lips. Although we all are not blessed with sexy Angelina Jolie lips, there are a few tricks of the trade that can do wonders for a more fuller look. Various lip plumpers are available in the market designed specifically to increase collagen production, making your lips appear larger. They also reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your lips. Who wouldn’t love that? Always use a shiny lip gloss with your plumper to create more dimension.

A fantastic product I like as lip plumper treatment is Neiman Marcus’s Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. It has a mixture of blackcurrent oil designed to plump up the lips with essential fatty acids. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 consists of a blend of oils, vitamins, antioxidants, waxes, and real sugar. Sugar has a way of making everything much sweeter doesn’t it?

Stay sweet and sexy this summer with sensational lips!

~ Ange Perdu

Puff Be Gone!

I am a full-time mom, student and wife so my life is extremely hectic, 24 hours a day.

Sometime’s, I barely get the minimum amount of sleep. The evolution of my world, pretty much, keeps me routinely busy. Sometime’s when I’ve pulled a late nighter (you know, surfing the web, blogging, research, Myspace, that whole deal) I wake up the next morning and my eyes are so big and puffy, it’s looks as if I’d been crying my heart out all night before.

There’s a lot of stuff on the market today for eye puffiness. I’ve tried Avon-Eye Renewal for puffiness, Neutrogena, Olay and others. At the start of my usage or regime, these products felt so good to my face and skin - there was a tingling feeling, you know, the feeling that it’s REALLY WORKING. To me, all worked pretty fine, considering, but with routine use, it could get pretty darn expensive, and aren’t we all on some kind of budget nowadays?

So, I scratched that and began my own search for a cheaper solution to my problem that I could also use consistently. I was speaking with my great-grandma, bless her heart (90 years old) one day regarding this issue and she let me on to what I thought was an outdated old-wives tale treatment for puffiness. Of course, I thought I did have to use something that was at least within this DECADE.

But she told me that she and her sisters used to use fresh, under-ripe CUCUMBERS. I said "Cucumbers, I think I might have heard that from somewhere previously.”

I definitely gave it a try and truthfully, it superseded my expectations, you guys. Cucumbers really do work to prevent and treat puffiness under the eyes! Just wanted to put such a great tip out there for everyone, it worked for me and I believe you’ll enjoy also.

~ Nekiwa Smith

Tea for Two

We’ve all been there…drank a little too much last night, cried my eyes out over a romance not meant to be, or a severe allergy attack brought on by our beloved furry friend. You wake up with eyes that are red and swollen. Yikes!

You can spend tons of money on lotions and potions or you can shuffle into your pantry and pull out two tea bags. I’m a hopeless experimenter of new products- I try everything. Honestly, I think this home remedy delivers the result.

Because caffeine shrinks blood vessels (puffy eyes are caused by these irritated blood vessels and increased blood flow to the eyes) applying tea bags will help reduce redness and swelling. Placing the tea bags in ice cold water has a rebuffing effect that is soothing to the eyes. Tea also contains tannic acid, which acts as an astringent and may even tighten the skin around the eyes, at least temporarily. Keep a few stored in the refrigerator for emergencies…a girl can never be too prepared.

~ Eileen Lang

Summer Lips 101 : Shimmer!

The secret to looking sexy without appearing overdone is to keep it simple.

Your lips have the power to turn heads this summer with the right application. Adding a touch of shimmer or gloss to your lips can make a huge difference from bland to total glam. It’s important to give your sexy pout protection from the summer’s heat, humidity, and harmful UV rays.

Enhancing your lips with shine or a little bit of color will give you a dewy sun-kissed look for the summer. Avoid applying heavy makeup and pursue a more natural glow with seductive lips.
Sephora’s Juice Beauty lip formulas are the perfect solution to get your lips summer ready. Their lip moisturizers consist of certified organic plant oils, fruit essences, honey, and vitamins which aid in hydration. I love the scent and richness of Juice Beauty Lip Moisturizers. They are a must have for this summer. It comes in a set of three including one naturally clear gloss, a mineral tint called playful and another natural tint called joyful. You can alternate the colors or combine together for a new look. Lip gloss and tints are a fun way to feel super sexy without the effort.

If you’re looking for a more tasty and fruity smelling lip balm to wear this season, The Body Shop has Born Lippy Balms to suit your needs. They are packed with moisturizers, organic ingredients, and the flavors of the summer to leave your lips shimmering all day long. The high-gloss effect and convenient size make it great to carry around in your tote bag or purse for quick touch-ups.

For the environmentally conscious that seek more shine and less glam, Urban Outfitters Peacekeeper Eco Sensual Balm is a good investment. The company PeaceKeeper donates all of their after tax profits to women’s health advocacy and human rights organizations. The balm is loaded with oils and vitamins to give you soft shiny lips at an inexpensive eco-friendly price. Peacekeeper Eco Sensual Balm tastes extremely minty cool and fresh which is perfect for any time of the year.

~ Ange Perdu

Lumpy Bumpy

Cellulite.

The word just makes my stomach drop. It’s something of an embarrassment to 85% of all women (even though it’s not our fault). I’m sure you’ve all seen it, if not on your own backside then on someone else’s.

Just when you think it’s a lost cause…rescued by the French! LPG Systems pioneered a sub dermal approach to treating those lumps and bumps. Endermologie was originally developed in the 1980’s as a treatment for keloid scars. While being treated, many patients noticed a reduction of problem areas (i.e. hips, saddlebags and tummy pooch) and skin texture. Since then the treatment has been improved and cleared by the FDA as the first treatment to improve the appearance of cellulite.

The treatment lasts for 35 minutes and involves wearing a full length bodysuit (definately not a great look) followed by a massage. The massage is done by a certified technician with a mechanized device that has two motorized rollers and regulated suction - a bit like a vacuum cleaner. The results are a loss in inches and the reduction of cellulite's appearance. The Endermologie treatment feels amazing and really gets the blood flowing!

Ok, it’s not a miracle or complete cure-all, but it sure helps! It’s recommended to start with two treatments a week for 14-20 sessions followed by once-a-month treatments for a year. Prices generally run $100.00 per treatment session.

For more information check it out: http://www.endermologie.com.au/about-lpg

~ Eileen Lang

Red Lips, Nude Face

This is a recipe for the easiest evening glam.

I have been on the hunt, like every dutiful girl on the Lower East Side, for matte red lipstick.

OK, full disclosure, I haven’t actually “hunted” as much as swooned every time I saw a girl with the perfect shade and subsequently dreamt that one day my perfect shade would find me. My idealism was severely questioned when my bestie came in from LA this weekend. She’s always armed with the best options as far as red lipstick goes and I threw up my hands and brought her with me to Sephora today to help me find my match.

As referenced in Dawn’s post, relying on the salesgirls at beauty counters or the ones that float through Sephora aisles is about as risky as closing your eyes and waiting to see what your finger stops at. Not to mention how much I loathe having someone that I don’t know stare and critique the condition of my skin and as result prescribes me an entire regimen of products that I MUST purchase. Especially directly following a long night of vices (it is the weekend after all).

I have, unfortunately, discovered that red lipsticks don’t come in “one shade flatters all.” Although my friend rocks her red shades with a certain gusto that initially turned me onto the trend, our conflicting complexions sometimes leave much to be desired of the shade when I give it a go.

And so we hit the brightly lit Sephora on Broadway near Prince. It was decided in advance, since this store is a hugely tempting playground that offers the best impulse buys at every corner, we would stick to the goal- lipstick. And for that we would stick with the pros of matte lipstick, NARS.

Lucky for me, at this particular outpost of Sephora, there was a section of matte reds specifically separated from the plethora of other colors being offered. I started with “Jungle Red”- the stick appealing to my inner party girl. It’s a vibrant shade, with hints of fuchsia and va va voom apple candy red- totally fun, mischievous and sexy. It wanted for something on me however. A bit too pink, a bit too much “fake mouth color.” On my friend it was amazing (always a bummer when you find yourself admiring something deeply on someone else and knowing it just won’t work for you).

Next up was “Red Lizard.” A slight step down on the pink and a bit truer red. I felt like a classic film noir star- really everything I hope to evoke when wearing a red lip. The shade was the perfect balance of mystery and in-your-face allure. A top contender (which was only reaffirmed when a girl stopped me in the aisle to ask what I was wearing).

To protect myself from complete judgment impairment (this happens when you test way too many products) I gave myself one other chance. “Trans Siberian” felt like a logical progression- much more brown than the others. It was a sophisticated color on; a bit sultry like the color that you imagine a woman kissing an envelope shut would leave behind. More classic than it’s tester predecessors, it was an interesting transformation on me. It picked up more pink from my mouth than I would have expected from seeing it off.

Decent, but didn’t have the element of fun that I was looking for.

So I left with Red Lizard in hand. Victorious.

(And yes there was one impulse purchase- a NARS eyeshadow duo of yellow and auburn. I tend to be partial to statement makeup in the evenings. As you may notice, the theme was fun, and I am planning on having plenty of it with my new cosmetics.)

~ Olivia Villanti

Father's Day Skin Care

Father’s Day is almost here! This year, let’s do something to pamper those men in our life. It is about time that their skin was as soft as the hearts hidden inside those tough exteriors. Besides, my man does not need another T-shirt in that overfilled T-shirt drawer. What he needs is something to keep his outside as beautiful as his inside.

If you man is like mine, he spends his day working hard at the office; only to come home and play hard with the kids and work hard around the house. Taking good care of his skin is the last thing on his mind. Sure he showers, but it is with whatever is at hand; bar soap, kid’s soap…no special products for him. Never mind that huge array of skin care products I have available, those are for women.

That’s right, part of the problem in getting your man to take care of his skin is to find good products for guys. Nothing girly for these tough, manly men. That's why Clinique.com packages their great line of men’s grooming products in sleek black containers.

Their products are all geared towards giving your man great skin and a great shave. Their 3 step product system can take all the guess work out of skin care for your man. What is great is that then you can follow it up with Clinique’s great smelling Happy for Men or their Men’s Chemistry, so your man smells as good as he looks.

Of course, if natural products are more your man's style, you can check out the line from Solessence.com; they offer a great line of men’s shave products that are all natural. With a great mix of herbs and essential oils, these will leave your man soft, smooth and smelling good.

Once you get your man started on great skin care products, you can gently lead him into bigger and better things…like tackling that T-shirt drawer!!

~ Jennifer Flaten

Summer Skin

Summer’s here and that means either getting a tan or clothing yourself like a mummy and avoiding rays all together. Even if you opt not to get the golden glow, sun protection is a 365 day must for all!

One of the newest products available in the US is sunscreen containing the ingredient Mexoryl. The FDA just approved it here although it’s been available in Europe for 13 years. In fact, it’s the first new sun filter approved by the FDA in 18 years! I guess we’re a little slow on the draw.

Most suntan lotions are good at screening out the sun’s UVB rays- those are the ones that make us look like lobsters, but most people don’t realize that the other rays (UVA) are the ones that give us wrinkles and make us look like alligators. Up until now, no sunscreen was able to address the UVA rays. Without getting super technical, anything containing Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide or Parsol 1789 will give minor protection of UVA rays. Mexoryl offers even better protection.

Anthelios is the product to look for made by La Roch Posay. They make a daily moisturizer as well as sunscreen all containing Mexoryl.

Check their site for stores or order on-line…your skin will thank you!

http://www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/consumer/home/index.aspx

~ Eileen Lang

Step 1: Get a Celebrity

So Kate Hudson is releasing a line of hair care products (David Babaii for Wildaid).

Translation = someone much less famous that KH looking for some extra cash is cashing in.

I hate to sound so cynical but there are a few rules that I like to employ when choosing my beauty products. My rules are admittedly unfair, being that I am quite sure that there are many talented masterminds behind these celebrity endorsed...ahem "designed"...products. But I can't get past the idea that in a saturated market- one in which I think (or is it hope) people are starting to calm down the search for MORE MORE MORE and embrace the old "quality over quantity" adage- we are still so willing to throw money at products that have as much longevity as the elusive and transitory Hollywood careers that are behind them.

Maybe I'm old fashioned but what I look for in beauty products is a company that has either been around for a while, or specializes in that field. It's my own personal way of weeding through the masses.

I know those celebrities aren't donning lab coats and mixing up the concoctions that are hitting the shelves (at least not when photographers or videographers aren't around) and the people that are actually at the drawing board are seasoned professionals quite schooled in the field.
But personally, I would respect them more if they weren't courting a celebrity at the launch, naming the product after them, etc. Maybe the initial sales aren't going to boom but I have a sneaking suspicion that if the product works, we'll still see it on the shelves after said celebrity's latest movie gets panned and they exit the world into the abyss of Hollywood retirement.*

It's merely speculation on my end that even if KH's hairline worked wonders, it still has a shelf life of approximately 10 years (and that's pushing it people).

OK OK, to be fair here- there is something really wonderful about the mission behind the line: David Babaii for Wildaid (this is the product’s name- nary a reference to Kate in sight, although with the insane press coverage we may as well call it the Kate Hudson line). The line is all natural- no sulfates, no parabens, and not tested on animals. David Babaii actually was quoted on Fashion Week Daily saying Kate was his test “animal.” Ummm...(?) Anyway, 10 percent of the proceeds from the sales are sent to Wildaid, a global wildlife conservancy.

I am on the eco-friendly bandwagon everyone, don’t get me wrong, but I have trouble with the celebrity aspect. I’m sorry, but I do. All in all, it just feels like one ginormous press-ploy. I’m not knocking Kate (love her!) nor David Babaii (maybe could love him?) but these products are not going to be hitting my shelves because I’m just not that kind of a girl. Call me old fashioned.

~ Olivia Villanti

*Or they get a reality show and God knows no beauty aficionado is lining their shelves with reality star endorsed beauty products.

Dior Promo Woe

Makeup counters can be helpful - unless they are running a promotion. Wait a second, you say. Before you start the lynching, read on.

I use Dior makeup, for example. We have a love/hate relationship.

I love how easy Dior makeup is to use. I love the colors, the sheen, and the blending palettes. Dior make-up is wonderful. Yet, I hate that every time I find a new product I like, they discontinue it. Everything they make is for the now. There is no future, no signature shade, nothing permanent.

Having said this, I buy everything from foundation to mascara from Dior. Their new colors are even better than the old – they keep getting more youthful and dewy.

I walked into Bloomingdale’s where Dior was promoting their new mascara. This was the exchange:

SALESWOMAN: “You look like you barely have any mascara on. What brand do you use?”
ME: “Dior Show.”
SALESWOMAN: “Oh, well, this one is better because it’s new.”
ME: “Is Dior Show being discontinued?”
SALESWOMAN: “No, um, is there anything I can help you with?”
ME: “I could use a pale shade of lavender or lilac lipstick.”
SALESWOMAN: “Oh, I sell a lot of auburn. You should wear that.”
ME: “Okay, but I’m looking for lilac or lavender today.”
SALESWOMAN: “This is a great color of red.”
ME: “I would like to purchase this lipstick. [Points to display]”
SALESWOMAN: “We’re out of that one. Oh, we have deep plum.”

Normally they have great salespeople. However, when a make-up counter is running a promotion they hire outside help. The next time your favorite make-up counter is offering a promotion, run to the nearest Sephora.

In case you are concerned that this was her tactful way of suggesting that lavender was not my color, I was a makeup artist for four years. She just didn't know where all the lipsticks were kept.

Sephora has a Dior Addict and they have a beautiful shade of pinkish plum, number 680. It is part of the new Ultra Shine line and I highly recommend it for summer!

~ Dawn Land

The Sunscreen Conundrum

Hello lovelies!

It has been positively violent here in New York what with the weather and all. If you have checked out my profile you'll see that I happen to be one of those (or am I the only one?) bizarro hot weather-worshipping, sun-loving fiends. Ahhh...heat makes me happy although I will acquiesce for the sake of you all not jumping to the conclusion that I am subhuman, these two days have been downright uncomfortable. There I said it.

On these days the penetrating sensation of sun on my skin, although a welcome change from those frigid, short days not long ago, fills me with so much anxiety it's difficult to enjoy something that ought to be invigorating. I have these horrible images popping around my head of skin cancer, dark spots, breakouts, wrinkles...oh my!

The sun has become public enemy #1, am I right?

So like all dutiful Americans that have been force-fed sunscreen since infancy, I slather on my daily moisturizer with a powerful SPF year round. As of late, however, I have been questioning this ritual that we are so ingrained to think is totally necessary for avoiding pre-mature aging or worse...

First, I know that the sun destroys cells. This is not at all debatable. I know it causes skin cancer. I know that dark spots and wrinkly, leathery skin are the results of too much exposure to Lovely Ms. Sol. But, is there a middle ground here? Is it any healthier to don protective chemicals year round? I know that there are "natural" sunscreens available and I am sure loads and loads in development. I haven't found one that I much like just yet- nor that I can tolerate the smell of. But I still question how "Natural" these natural sunscreens are.

OK I realize that this post is based entirely on gut reaction and this all begs for a bit of research (so don't worry, I will follow up once I school m'self) but take for example a "Natural" sunscreen available at Whole Foods called UV Natural. The ingredients still leave me in a pretty perplexed "huh?" state. Zinc Stearate, Iron Oxides, Capric triglercycerides...

I begin to wonder if, like all crazes come and gone, we are just a bit riled up and searching again for ways to control our environments. I read an article by a nutritionist guru out of NY, Natalie Rose, that a few hours of sunlight in the early morning is GOOD for you and to be honest, my intuition believes her.

For memorial day I was out on the North Fork with my family and lost my mind when I realized I had forgotten my moisturizer with SPF!! (For the record I use DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer). It was probably the first time in years that I had been so vulnerable to the horrors of the sun- with only my nighttime moisturizer to get me by (Bee Yummy, a totally granola concoction sans any chemicals that would raise eyebrows. But people- I SWEAR by it). I didn't sun bathe, or course, but an early walk on the beach, a lounge in a hammock under the shade, an outdoor evening dinner...I'm telling you lovelies, my skin had never looked better. It was only slightly tinted but seemed to glow a bit upon the reunion with its old friend. It felt lovely and for the first time since my childhood, I had little freckles speckled across my nose (faintly mind you!).

So ultimately I wonder if the old adage "everything in moderation" holds true- even with the all-powerful sun. After returning to NY, I have been back to my SPF routine, but I have a secret fantasy of ditching it again on my next trip. It honestly makes me feel ridiculously naughty and indulgent.

Am I just asking for trouble??? Please weigh in!

~ Olivia Villanti

The Loss of a Legend

Hi all! Today I have taken on quite the lofty writing assignment. The loss of one YSL this past weekend has forced all fashion aficionados (and far more than that) to wave their hypothetical flags at half mast and forced me to reflect on the influence that such a brilliant mind has had on a small peon like myself. My introduction to Mr. Laurent was really through his muse, Loulou de la Falaise. I adore the designer/muse relationship and long for the days of yore when it was totally clear whom the designer's right hand woman was as he conceived each collection (maybe I'm just blind but I don't see it lately!).

Loulou de la Falaise is a truly magnificent personification of the brilliant mind of YSL. She is, in my estimation, a woman who is completely at ease with her femininity. Still rather enigmatic as far as the celebrity style icons go, just glance through pictures of this woman, and I assure you, you will be inspired as well! It's much more than just le smoking and trapeze dresses that YSL gifted us, it was a whole new way in which women could relate to their clothing (and the clothing in their boyfriend’s/ father’s/ husband’s closets as well). I have a serious soft spot for menswear, and before I had any idea that YSL and Loulou had a relationship (I think my first experience was through a random photo pf her on style.com), I was admiring the way she wore a jacket.

So what do we learn from this woman? Well for one thing, I like the way she wears her clothes in her later years especially. She is for me exactly what I will strive to be like when I get older- confident, effortless and fashionably inhabiting her age. There are no rules that she applies to the way she dresses and she clearly has never had any kind of relationship with a plastic surgeon. YSL defines the "only getting better with age" adage (all those pieces are meant to be worn 20 years from now) and Loulou mirrors this sentiment. Could you possibly imagine more seething femininity than Ms. De La Falaise? Her makeup is always flawless (ahem, looks like she is wearing no makeup at all…), she opts for hair that is never too "done" and I can imagine she chooses a really classic and sophisticated scent that is just as individual and mesmerizing as she is (for the sake of it let’s venture a guess and go with YSL “Opium”).

For me Loulou is living proof of the legacy of YSL- so much more than gorgeous clothing. At the risk of total cliché-dom: It’s the way you wear something that ignites the imagination and calls attention to the marvelous pieces you own. He gave women the gumption to wear it proudly and wear it well.

~ Olivia Villanti

In Search of the "Me" Scent

It's been far too long since I have regularly ascribed to a scent. This isn't for lack of trying. I mean it. It's a horrible dilemma I find myself in every time I scour the racks in search of a fragrance. The real issue is, if I like a scent off, how will it smell two hours later on my skin? I simply can't commit to any one perfume. Some seem to just kind of dissipate throughout the day to the point of not really smelling like much (Marc Jacobs Blush), save a light lingering flirty waft every now and then. Which I like, in a way, but I am convinced when you can smell the perfume, and it doesn't smell like part of "you" it just isn't right.

When you note the scent's progression over the course of the day, it's a sign that something isn't working. I've been able to clearly develop a profile of what I think my natural scent is and the kinds of scents that should logically harmonize with it.

Unfortunately my logic often falls short and can lead me far far far away (ummm...Fresh Canabis anyone?) but I know that I tend to feel most "me" with woody, warm smells. Although I adore the blatant femininity of a gentle, sweet scent (Stella, D & G's Light Blue, and SJP's Lovely) they just are NOT me. I've tried. I really have. It doesn't work.

So how in the world does one arrive at a fragrance? Testing, I think, is the answer. It's a tricky thing to do, admittedly. Once you've smelled three different fragrances in a short period of time, I find my senses get de-sensitized and everything smells the same: Generic "Perfume" Smell.

So if you are testing perfumes how do you know when you have arrived at YOUR smell?

I don't have the answer to that just yet, but there are some nice options available to guide you on your way. Sephora has a section on their site called “Fragrance Finder” where they help you narrow down your more abstract ideas of what you like into tangible objects (i.e. “Woody: Citrus, warm woods, Moss). From there, the categories are broken down further until they find your soul-mate scent (from a fairly predictable roster of names, unfortunately).

You may also choose to go straight to the experts, like Le Labo in New York City, where you can interact with a human that can give you samples to smell and really pinpoint what you like. I love this idea (although lament that the steep price tag for such a service is far too costly for me) because often times we may think we like something, when in fact, we like it more because of our familiarity with it and not so much because it suits us. At Le Labo (www.lelabofragrances.com) they will create a scent that is just your own and, like mad scientists, package it up and scribble Eau de (your name here). Add the date and voila! Match made in perfume heaven.
I was going crazy smelling the whole family of Comme Des Garcons colognes the other day and fell absolutely in love (or was it affixiated?) with one straight out of the bottle; but alas, after spritzing my wrist and walking around the East Village of Manhattan, I realized this was not my match. My skin added some really sweet qualities to it that I swear were not there before.

How do you arrive at finding a scent? Am I alone in my dismayed state? Do you have a signature scent?

~ Olivia Villanti