How To Wear Red... A Crash Course Refresher

Red is bold. Sultry. Smoking hot. A red mouth says, "come hither" without having to use words. Red is also the color of Santa's onesie suit! So, in the holiday spirit (and with festive soirees in our very near future), Beauty Banter wants to offer a refresher course on how to wear a red lip right! (For last years how to wear red guide, click here).

Step 1: Exfoliate the lips - You can use a toothbrush and some paste to get the job done, or you can turn to an actual lip exfoliator (PTR makes a great one - click here for the rave review), to make your pucker smooth.

Step 2: Primer - I like to use foundation over my lips (trick of the trade, ladies). Yes, it looks a tad frightening at first, but once blended it acts as a face primer, actually filling in the tiny lines around your mouth. It also helps to combat the dreaded "bleeding lip" syndrome (you'll thank me later!). Just a dollop applied with a sponge (you can use your everyday foundation) and you're good to go.

Step 3: Choose your color - There is no "perfect red." If you want something fire engine, you have a gazillion hues to choose from. Prefer a more berry red and you've got another gazillion options. Then it's whether or not to use a matte lippy or a gloss... or both! I like to mix different reds together to create a stunning concoction of color. Depending on my mood, I'll go with bold (more fire engine), sultry (more deep, blood red), or even muted (just a hint of berry red). Some of my favorite Holiday Reds are: MAC's Classic Dame Mattene Lipstick, Cover Girl's 968 Ruby Rush, Stilla's Poppy, MAC's Red Romp Lip Glass, Chanel's Ruby Slipper, MAC's Party Line, Sephora's Limited-Edition Holiday Red with the Swarovski Crystal Case. Blend away!

**For a more precise application, use a lip brush and try lining your lips with the color, then blend inwards.**

Step 4: Blot - I have this trick that I do to remove excess lipstick from the inside of my lips. It may be a bit phallic, but I assure you, it works. Stick your finger into your mouth, suck, and pull it out. The excess red transfers from your lips to your finger (and to think, that could have been lipstick that stained your pearly whites... oh the embarrassment!)

Step 5: Vaseline - Yes, good old fashioned Vaseline! And no, not for your lips -- but for your teeth! Take a finger-full of Vaseline and smear it on your teeth. This will guarantee that any misguided red will not end up near your teeth. The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier and the red lipstick literally slides right off! It's an old red-carpet trick.

I'm wearing Cover Girl's 968 Ruby Red mixed with Sephora's Holiday Red. Good bling finishes the look - Ring by Skinny ($70.00).

And that's it! Now, remember when wearing a red lip, there's really no need for a full face of makeup, maybe just some defined lashes. You want the focus point to be on your lips, and if you're lucky, you may just find yourself kissing that sexy certain someone (underneath the mistletoe)!

A Natural Antiseptic: Products and Uses of Tea Tree Oil

For those not in the know, tea tree oil is an amazing natural antiseptic! Back in the day, Australians used the medicinal leaves from the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant for healing cuts, burns and infections. Nowadays, it's still used to treat cuts, burns and infections (but we use the oil not the leaves!), as it stimulates and revives cell growth. AND it's a great natural remedy for acne!

Besides being used for burns, cuts and acne, tea tree oil is also fabulous for:

• Athlete's foot
• Dandruff (shampoos such as Desert Essence Daily Replenishing Tea Tree Shampoo with Organic Tea Tree Oil)
  
• Oral care (i.e. dental floss and toothpaste)
  
• As an antiseptic
• Boils
• Lice
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Nail care
  

*source*

But, get this: Tea tree oil is also SO amazing if you suffer from sinus congestion.... just add a cap full into boiling water and/ or a humidifier and you'll have easy breathing all night (and day) long!

Editor's Pick for Pure Tea Tree Oil:

Desert Essence Kinder to Skin Australian Tea Tree Oil (great for sensitive skin-types; can be used directly on the skin without diluting). $6.99 for

A few of our favorite products with tea tree oil:

Astara's Blue Flame Purification Mask - Fab blue clay mask with antiseptic tea tree oil - amazing for problem skin. Also rocks as an overnight spot treatment. $41.00
Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Foot Wipes - Tea Tree oil and wild mint, clean, replenish and revive tired, dirty feet. They tingle ever so slightly giving feet a quick pick me up! $5.99
Desert Essence Blemish Stick - the name pretty much gives it away - great for daily blemish touch-ups, comes with a roller ball applicator - I never leave home without it! $9.00
Ole Henriksen New Beginning Scrub - A very gentle and emolliant face exfoliator that uses jojoba wax beads - great from sensitive skin or acne-prone skin as tea tree oil acts as antiseptic aiding in ceasing the spread of infection. $24.00
WEN by Chaz Dean Tea Tree Oil For Bath, Body and Hair - A dropper ads just the right amount of this medicinal oil into the bath for a relazing, healing experience. Can also be used to combat dry, flaky scalp by putting 4-8 full droppers into scalp, massage and leave on overnight! $20.00




We heart when one product can do SOOOO much!

The Dirty (and Clean) on Dry Shampoos

I have an oily scalp - blame it on genetics, my skin is oily too (at least I won't be getting wrinkles anytime soon) - thus, I'm forced to wash my hair every day or every other. And as any great colorist or stylist will tell you, the worst thing you can do to your hair (besides jumping into a vat of chlorine - or using a flat iron or curling iron every single day) is shampoo it on a daily basis. Why? Because your hair needs to nurture its natural oils and because shampooing leads to stripping the hair (especially bad for us "faux colored" folks).

So, what's a girl to do when her hair is secreting enough oil to fill the tank of an SUV (yes, I'm obviously exaggerating!)... DRY SHAMPOO!

Dry Shampoo is the most genius product since the invention of hand lotion!
What dry shampoo does: Cleans hair without the use of water, absorbs excess oils, makes the hair smell puuurty, adds volume!

Who should use it: Everyone can use dry shampoo!
While it's great for people with oily scalps, it's also great for people who:
a) don't feel like getting their head all wet and lathered
b) don't have time, say, after the gym before returning to the office
c) don't want to wash their hair in between weekly or bi-weekly salon styling/ blowout visits (but hair is looking and smelling a bit dirty)
d) want to add volume to their roots (like for a special event, night out on the town, date with that certain someone).

I literally live for my dry shampoo - and I stock up big time! Those bottles go quickly in the house of Sarah Howard... but since my love affair with dry shampoo, I don't have to wash my hair as much, giving it time to breathe and helping my color to last longer. Not to mention, everyone knows that day-old hair looks a thousand times better!

**Beauty Banter Tip** If you run out of your dry shampoo - or don't feel like shelling out the cash for a bottle, you can always use BABY POWDER! All you do is pour baby powder onto the palm of your hands, pat them together to ensure that excess powder doesn't pollute your mane, and rub your hands into the roots and scalp (motion as if you were lathering your head with shampoo!). Yes, this even works on darker-colored hair - but make sure that you don't use too much or you'll end up looking like you're going grey. AND, be sure to rub the powder into the scalp fully and completely, allowing it to effectively soak up excess oils (thus you won't be left with specks of white that could be misinterpreted as dandruff!). An added bonus: your hair will smell like the bum of a baby - clean, refreshed and free of oil and ciggies (if you smoke - which you shouldn't! But sadly, I do)! It's a win-win.

Tons of companies are jumping on the dry shampoo wagon - while some are in spray cans, others come in pour-out nozzles. And even others come colored - made specifically for blondes, brunettes and redheads!

Check back tomorrow for Beauty Banter's Dry Shampoo Picks and Pans!

How To Maintain Hair Color... Tips From A Pro

George Papanikolas of the Andy Lecompte Salon, and our new favorite baliage colorist (that's George on the left!), dishes **exclusively** for Beauty Banter on how to keep colored hair lasting longer (so that you're not spending so much time (and money) in the salon)!

Here are George's tips, tricks and product suggestions:

- WAIT 2 DAYS to wash your hair so that the color can set in.

- Use shampoo specific for color-treated hair. George's Pick: Joico's re:nu Age Defying Shampoo and Conditioner. "I love this shampoo because it gently cleanses the hair, while restoring softness
and manageability. Strengthens hair, leaving it significantly more resistant to breakage. Prolongs the longevity and vibrancy of color-treated hair," says George.
Remember, the more you wash your hair, the quicker it oxidizes (turns orange, red and brassy... NASTY!) So, try using a dry shampoo in between washes to clean hair without the harsh effects of a real shampoo, absorb excess oil and add volume (check back tomorrow for Dry Shampoo tips and benefits!).

- Avoid volumizing shampoos and conditioners as they tend to strip the color because of the ingredients that allow them to give you added volume (they are meant to be more clarifying, thus they are a very heavy, deep clean).

- Keep color hair healthy by using weekly treatments. " I recommend Joico's K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. It leaves the hair shiny, strong and in a healthy, manageable state. The results are immediate. There is a difference in strength, texture and appearance," explains George. "I follow this with Joico's K-Pak Intense Hydrator which replenishes moisture and lipids to overly dry, damaged hair, rendering it manageable, soft, shiny and hydrated."



- People who get a single process (straight up hair color) can use color depositing shampoos (the ones that add color - a NO NO for highlighted hair!). Use every other time you shampoo or dilute it with your normal everyday shampoo because too much of it can turn ends purple.

- If you must be in the sun, wear a hat!!! And try to stay out of the pool. If you are an avid swimmer, you may need a colored gloss in between a full head of color to freshen it up and give hair that nice shine and lustre.

- If you're receiving a single process (full color - no highlights), you should return to the salon every 4 to 6 weeks (or when your roots have grown a half-an-inch).
For highlights and baliage, maintenance it's every 10 to 12 weeks.

- And, lastly, just as a FYI - red color fades the fastest, blonde stays the longest (although you'll need to touch-up roots more often, especially if you have naturally dark hair and roots).

Thanks to George for all of his fabulous, A-list hair-care secrets!!!

Sarah's EXCLUSIVE Senna Fall Makeover!

I've been a fan of Senna cosmetics for a long time now (it's actually the first place I went for a brow shaping - they don't use wax!), and if you aren't familiar with the color line then this is a must-read post for you!

So, let's get down to business. Senna's fall line, Siren, is both bold and wearable. It's about playing the role of heart throb. Again, the trend seems to be a dramatic eye and lip.

A quick glimpse at the line:


Now, time for MY makeover. Cindy Melendrez, Senna's makeup artist and eyebrow designer, tended to my mug to create a "siren look. Bold eyes, bold lips, vintage vixen with glam eyebrows, lots of lashes and thick liner with a tail."

Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to create the Siren Look...

On my eyes Cindy used one of the 4 shadow trios, Medallion. She started by sweeping my entire lid with the lightest shade, an earthy gold.


Then she used the sage color in the middle of my eye from lash line to brow bone to create a layering effect. Lastly, she used the darkest shade, an espresso brown, in the outer corner crease, blending it toward the brow. She took this fantastic feather brush (a must-have) and swept everything across toward the inner eye area. (You can use this technique with any of the shadow trios - start with the lightest shade and build to the darkest).


Cindy dusted Eye Bling 24 Karat (a creamy grown-up sparkle) in the inner corner of the eye up to the brow bone and past the brow. This gives a subtle glow that reflects light.

To create the "winged" vixen liner look, Cindy used a black chocolate powder eye pencil (this thing is spectacular - so creamy and smooth). The powder makes it less smudgy. She dotted it in between the lashes to make the lash line appear thicker.


**BEAUTY TRICK** For the dramatic wing, Cindy used a credit card to create a perfect line! How genius is that!!! She says to line up the credit card against your natural eye line and make your line follow that of the card. Like this:


Cindy used Lash TLC Mascara (lengthens, thickens and curls) to the lashes. She swept them to the side to create that sultry, "come-hither" look of the classic 1920's and 1930's.

For the brows, it's all about a classic, fuller arch. Cindy did some major coloring in of my thin brows. The end result: thick, glamed-out arches!

She then applied the totally transforming concealer in neutral medium to the area right under my eyes. This stuff is AMAZING! It contains daisy extract to reduce swelling and puffiness and increase firmness (and it doesn't appear at all cakey).

For the face, it was a quick sweep of their incredible mineral powder - no talc, loaded with SPF 20. This gave my face an airbrushed look. Cindy then applied the highlighter, Lace, on all the natural highlight points: above the cheekbone, brow bone, chin, nose, above the upper lip, and... very cool beauty tip.... in a V on the forehead! This makes the entire face open up and literally "pop."


As for blush, Cindy used the very neutral and subtle, Amour, a melon blush. She applied it on the cheeks, above the nose area to emphasize a delicate "crush blush."


Finally, for lips, Cindy used one of the new 4 lipsticks, Allure, a sheer cream, neutral mauve. She applied it with a lip brush for a perfectly lined and filled-in pout!


And.... Voila! The Siren Look:



Now, if only I had a sexxxy, Siren-licious date! How do YOU like the Fall face???

Hair is washed with the sulfate-free David Babaii for WildAid Amplifying Shampoo and Conditioner and styled with a dollop of Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Holding Foam, then air-dried.

**Reviews of both hair products coming soon - so check back this week!**

5 Unconventional Uses for Vaseline

Vaseline is a beauty staple. Every makeup kit (and every bathroom) should have a jar/ tube/ tube of Vaseline (a.k.a. petroleum jelly). It comes in all shapes and sizes and sells for anywhere from $2.00 (for the tub to the left) to about $8.00 (depending on size).

Obviously, conventional use of Vaseline is to cure chapped lips... and we love it for its ability to moisturize and soothe a dry pout. But Vaseline is SO MUCH MORE then merely an effective lip balm.

Here's 5 other amazing uses for Vaseline:

1 - If you're an avid reader of this blog then you'll know that we also use Vaseline as a non-irritating and soothing eye makeup remover. A little dollop on a shut eye, a quick wipe with a cotton pad, and even the most irritating mascara comes right off (without ripping the lashes off too!).

2 - Every night before bed, I rub a pea-size amount of Vaseline on my eye brows. It's the perfect emollient to help moisturize and course brows AND it also molds them into place without the harsh effects of hair spray or gel. My brows have a tendency to grow down and thus I use Vaseline to train them to grow up! I've been doing this for years... and it works!

3 - Vaseline is also great for shaving sensitive and "intimate" areas. I don't like to use it on my entire leg (as it gets a tad greasy) but for the bikini area and underarms, it's pretty phenomenal. Coat the area with a light layer (make sure not to use too much as it will plug up your razor) of Vaseline - DON'T USE WATER - and shave. It's as easy as that. The shaved area is so soft, SO smooth and totally moisturized! It's a genius shave.

4 - One of my favorite things about Vaseline is that it is an incredible base for lip glosses, cream shadows and highlighters. This trick is like being a chemist, but it's so much fun. To create your own, personalized colors (or to use the excess of last seasons colors), mix Vaseline and any other lip stick or eye shadow in a bowl (you can use both shadow and lip stick). For a lippy, use more Vaseline. For a cream shadow and/ or highlighter, mix a little bit of Vaseline with your favorite shimmery shadow. And then apply to eyes, brow bone and cheek bone for a glowing, luminous look!
**extra beauty secret** if you're feeling (and looking) a little tired, you can use a very thin layer of Vaseline on the brow bone and the cheek bone (by itself, sans color) to make your eyes appear hydrated. They'll literally "pop" without the need for a cat nap or some heavy duty concealer. I do this during the day if I'm in my car going from meeting to meeting. By the end of the afternoon, I'm exhausted and my eyes show the signs of fatigue. But with a little extra glow from the Vaseline, I automatically look rejuvenated!

5 - Vaseline is the greatest hand and feet moisturizer EVER! I use it when my paws and claws are extremely chapped. Coat your hands and feet with a decent amount of Vaseline, then apply socks and mittens (or you can do sock for the hands as well) to both the feet and hands and let them hibernate for 10 -15 minutes (enough time for the petroleum jelly to soak into the skin). The socks trap the moisture and combine it with heat to allow for full penetration (not sexual, you dirty minds!). The result - freshly hydrated and smooth hands and feet! It's like your very own at-home paraffin treatment!

Do YOU have an unconventional use for Vaseline? Let us know! Share it in the comment box below!

Why Sulfates SUCK...

Here's a beauty secret from the hair professionals:

There's been a bitter war raging between sulfate-friendly shampoos and non sulfate-friendly shampoos for quite sometime now. (note: most shampoos you use do contain sulfates). Many companies are trying to remove sulfates entirely from their products!

I, for one, wanted to know what the big hooplah was all about!



So, I've recruited the guidance of hair guru, Jen Atkin, of the Chris McMillan Salon to give us the real story on sulfates....

"Sodium laureth sulfate (pictured above) is absorbed into the body from skin application. Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of SLS is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and Menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved."

Okay, let's pause for a moment. So, basically sulfates can cause cancer and hinder male sperm count.... NOT OKAY (for me or my man)!

Why use Sulfate free shampoo?

"Sulfates are essentially foaming agents that are also found in industrial cleaning products and detergents. They can be extremely drying. It's really great for people who suffer from psoriasis (which I don't).

Sulfate free shampoo is free from sulfates, harsh chemicals, fragrances and colorings. It is cleansing and suitable for sensitive skin and scalp. An environmentally friendly option, for those concerned about our waterways."

Better for our hair, body AND the environment??? That seems like a no-brainer...

Jen gives us some of her favorite sulfate-free products out there:

Alterna
Enjoy
L'anza

And one of my very favorite new hair lines (sulfate-free, of course):

David Babaii For WildAid (Kate Hudson is the spokes-chick)

I'll have a full review on the products later in the week, so make sure to check back!
In the meantime, do you use a sulfate-free shampoo (immediately go into your shower and CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR SHAMPOO CONTAINS SULFATES - it would be in the ingredients section)?
If so, let us know which one!

The Secret to Keeping Cool During Summer

I've found the secret to keeping cool during this terrible, sweltering heat - peppermint!!! I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. Minty products have long been used to awaken, energize and invigorate - they use some form of mint in many aromatherapy bath products because the "cooling" sensation is said to awaken the senses (think Aveda's Rosemary MINT shampoo...).

Anyway, I've had Bliss's Super Minty Soap N Scrub in my shower for years now. It's funny, I can never use this product during the winter. It leaves me too cold. But this summer has been extremely hot and, once again, I've found refuge in the scrub. Only this time around, the scrubs cooling abilities are my favorite part! I exit the shower feeling energized and... cooled off (dare I say, even cold)! The best part, the scrub is actually good! It exfoliates leaving you super clean, dry skin banished - - and it has a flip-top for convenient shower use! $30.00



Bliss also makes the matching lotion: Minty Moisture Milk. It's very light, milky, fluid, super minty. Again, it cools the body so I like it in the sense that it's great to use when I'm sweating my thighs off in my apartment... but to be honest, the milky aspect is a little too light for my liking. It doesn't moisturize enough for me to DIE over the product. Although, if you prefer less moisture, you'll probably love this - I love butters and balms. But it definitely works to cool down your body temp during the icky hot and humid months of summer! $30.00


Something a tad thicker, just as minty and cooling and ALL organic, is Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion in Peppermint. I literally sleep with a bottle next to my bed... and I apply several times throughout the night - hands, feet (tons between the toes - somehow this really does cool me off), arms, legs, stomach, back. I'm not a huge fan of the peppermint smell but I am a huge fan of no sweat in my bed so I deal with the smell to lessen the perspiration. Avalon Organics doesn't use any synthetic fragrances and all of their products are paraben free. At $6.47, you really can't beat the price!



Splurge on the Bliss minty scrub, then act a bit more frugal and purchase the Avalon Organics lotion instead (we like it better, anyway!).

So, that's my tip for staying cool in these record-breaking temperatures.... you have a tip? We'd love to know!

The WHITE EYE done RIGHT...

We, at Beauty Banter, are here to help. We love receiving your beauty questions and those sometimes frightening beauty emergencies. After all, that's why I started blogging in the first place!

So, when one of our lovely readers, JOG, wrote in with the following question - "I see a lot of pics of celebs with what appears to be white eyeshadow. how do they pull this off without looking creepy/cakey/gross? Is there a method or a specific e/s you can recommend?" - we knew we not only wanted to answer it for her, but for all of our other readers as well.

This is a great Summer beauty question... how do you do a white eye right?

(Shimmery White Eye with Liner and Lashes:
J. Lo. from the Costume Institute Gala; May, 2008)

We enlisted the help of two amazing professional makeup artists for the answer.

Celebrity Makeup Artist and Photographer, Troy Jensen (he's painted the faces of Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale, Halle Berry, and Paris Hilton - just to name a very, very few... you must check out his website - his client list is RIDICULOUS!), gave us these brilliant products and tips to help us on our quest:

"Jouer Cosmetics has a brilliant cream white highlighter that works great in the eyes, Just dab it on your eye-lids with your finger tips, curl your lashes and add black Diorshow Mascara. I love to pair this eye with a deep pink stain lip and sheer gloss. I love Three Custom Color's "Light Bright Lip Collection" in Palladium, Danceteria, and Limelight. They give a sheer wash of vibrant color. Perfect with a shimmery white eye, That's fresh for Summer."

Smashbox's resident makeup artist, Lori Taylor, also had some tips and products in mind. Here's her professional advice:

"The best way to achieve this look is by not choosing a white that is chalky. Using a cream based shadow or a shimmering white is best (try the white from the Smashbox trio, Twilight). You can be a little playful by adding an eyeliner that has a bit of pop to it. Like metallic gray, bronze or pewter (Try Smashbox's Lava-Pewter, Putty-Taupe, Thunder-Gray or Water-Proof Jet-Set Bronze). Even purple, green or blue (a deep and subtle shade, not electric) shades can enhance the subtle color you tend to have by being in the sun. Experiment with false lashes. Summer is the time to push the make up envelope and shed those old winter habits and drab winter colors.

It's always important to keep in mind that during the summer months (and really all year round) one should not mask the skin with foundation, try using a tinted moisturizer like Smashbox's Sheer Focus. Skin is the basis for any good make up!

Thanks to Troy and Lori for their **exclusive** expertise!

And remember, if you're in a beauty bind, email us! We're here to help (and so are our fabulous, famous makeup artist friends)!

Hair Therapy: Part II

While Jen (Atkin) - the most fab cutter in all of the land - was working her magic on my mane, she offered up her healthy summer hair beauty advice....

And now I'm sharing it with all of you!

It's actually quite simple and is only 2 words: Davines Love.

What is Davines Love, you ask? Well, it's a conditioner that smooths and repairs dried-out ocean hair. Jen says that "it's like aderal for your hair." It literally wakes up harsh and frizzy hair bringing back it's natural sheen and lustre. And it's awesome for naturally wavy and curly hair as well.

The conditioner boasts a very special ingredient... Borage Oil - an all-natural moisturizer that coats the hair and is a great alternative to silicone. It leaves the hair silky with that healthy, radiant look.

Jen swears by this product and she even gave me a jug to try at home (sharing the beauty secrets..). And I've gotta say... it's pretty amazing! It's definitely thick and potent so a little goes a long way. But it really did make my hair feel like strands of silk... and the shine... WOW, this stuff made my hair shine like a ten karat diamond!

Jen's professional tip: Davines Love can double as a smoothing serum too! Here's how: Work a tiny dollop into towel-dried hair, scrunch it up, and let it air dry for that beachy, bed head look (sans the frizz!).

Jen also suggests using Leonor Greyl's Shampoo for long hair (Greyl products have long been a favorite of hair professionals) in conjunction with the Davines Love conditioner. It gives you that salon look and feel every day of the week!!!

Davines Love Conditioner Retails for: $22.99 (a massive jug!)

**Jen Atkin works at the Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills.**

On-Set Beauty Tips!

On Friday, I shot a little scene for my friend's pilot, "Grean Teem" (yes, it's meant to be misspelled).

I played one of two girls who spends the night in a "green" bus (I'll leave the rest of the plot to your wild imaginations...).

Acting is always incredibly exciting and fulfilling, but there's tons of downtime before and during shooting. I, of course, tend to find refuge in the hair and makeup trailer. With all of those amazing products, what beauty whore wouldn't love herself some cosmetic therapy?!

The hair and makeup artist working on this shoot was the lovely and talented, Cheryl Calo. She gave me big, flowing, "bed head" curls and smokey eyes (we were going for a sexy, "just-rolled-out-of-bed" look).

Cheryl Calo and Sarah Howard

Here are some of my favorite products that were used:

Mac Strobe Cream ($29.50) on the corners of the eyes - Calo says the cream, "makes the eyes pop like a filter." Eyes become brighter and more youthful (I immediately noticed a difference).

Prescriptives Beyond Long Mascara in Black ($19.50)- Lengthens without globbing (I've long been a fan of Prescriptives mascaras... their wands are brilliant!).

Mark Eye Shadow in Wings ($4.00)- It's a gold shimmer that Calo applied on the inner corner of the eye and under the bottom lashes. She loves the Mark shadows because "they are affordable and long-lasting."

Shu Uemura Blush in Red 14 ($21.00)- It's a watermelon pink hue. Calo applied the blush with a fan brush (MAC's 184($22.50)) because, "it is highly pigmented. The fan picks up a bit of color and disperses it evenly on the apples of the cheeks. It naturally blends instead of blobbing." I never understood the importance of a fan brush, until now. It really does make a major difference in application... everyone should own this brush! Regarding the blush, Calo adds, "this color warms up everything." This is my new Summer blush... I love it!

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer ($40.00)- "They're mineral, which means, better for your skin. A little goes a long way. Coverage is like camouflage. Perfect for bags under your eyes or covering tattoos," explains Calo. I am OBSESSED with this concealer... it's full coverage, without being cakey. And it lasts all day long!

Sarah Howard and Allison Jacobs (primped and prodded)

As for my hair, Calo used a curling iron to define my already wavy hair. She then rolled the curls up toward my scalp, secured them with a pin (so that the curl wouldn't "drop"... hence, why I look like Princess Leia in the picture below), and sprayed massive amounts of hair spray for added curl and hold.

Sarah Howard, Allison Jacobs, and Courtney Wagner (on-set downtime)

Right before shooting, she took out the pins, teased the crown of my head, and sprayed some more. The look: full-bodied curls!

Thanks to Cheryl for introducing me to some great new products...

Fellow Beauty Whore Banter...

Thanks to Michelle for emailing in this great TIP:

"Here’s a little tip I thought might be useful to your blog (which, I read almost as religiously as I buy make up- A LOT)……but anyhoo…

PLUCKING YOUR EYEBROWS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, at least for me anyway.

I get my eyebrows waxed every three weeks and in between I pluck (which is the norm, I guess).

I kept getting dry skin on my browline and it is awfully hard to pluck when there is this flaky mess coming off.

I use a dab of vitamin E serum before I pluck and say bye bye to dry flaky eyebrows!!!!!!!!

-michele"

We love a great beauty secret! Tell us yours by leaving a comment in the comment box below!

Summer Tips

I just love a good beauty tip...

Like rubbing crushed garlic cloves on a popped pimple.

And now, thanks to Physician's Formula, celebrity make-up artist, Joanna Schlip (who paints the famous faces of stars like Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson, Ellen Pompeo and Hilary Duff), we have some fabulous Summer beauty tips!

***To keep her A-List clients sweat-free, Joanna came up with a clever trick that is ideal for all women in the thick of summer: Schlip applies a clear, solid antiperspirant before applying makeup. Focus on applying it to areas like the upper lip, forehead and hairline to fend of sweat and maintain a matte appearance throughout the day so makeup doesn’t slip off.

***Aside from imparting a natural look and offering an ultra-gentle formula for breakout-prone or sensitive skin, Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Foundation is sweat-resistant making it the ideal choice for your summer foundation. Silicones help to form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, so it becomes resistant to sweat allowing makeup to stay put all day long.

***Blotting papers are a must for dabbing away sweat and oil over the course of the day, but what’s a girl to do when there is no blotting paper in sight? Use one of those handy paper toilet seat covers of course. Schlip tears a piece of a toilet seat cover off and blots her way to a perfect matte finish.

***Rather than apply lip gloss/stick in the extreme heat that will just melt off, use a stain or even better, lick your lips and then apply cherry Jello – simply dip fingers into the powder packet of cherry jell-o and apply to moist lips for long lasting, sweat proof stain.

What are your beauty tips? Tell us by leaving a comment in the comment box!

Yet Another Facial...

After a long, hectic and sweaty shoot, my skin was begging for a deep cleanse. I opted for a facial at the highly recommended West Hollywood, The Face Place.
Celebs like Tom Cruise (insert Katie Holmes joke here), Michelle Pfeiffer and Renee Russo frequent the same place for the standard hour-and-fifteen-minute facial.

So what's so fab about the facial?

They actually do things to my skin that I can't do from home! Like the yucca-root soaked cotton strips that are placed all around my face (like a mummy) then topped with an archaic looking mask (a hole only in the center to breathe from) that is meant to serve as a sauna - bringing toxins and impurities to the surface.

Why not just use steam? Well, did you know that steam actually takes out the skin's natural oils? It's true! Thus, the sauna effect is more gentle to the face.

Then the facial expert (mine happened to be the lovely Marianne), does some extractions before soaking the face in a vitamin and anti-oxidant facial brew. Again, a mask is placed ontop... only, this time, the mask (very Hannibal Lecter looking) turns on and a wave of electric currents penetrate the skin.

It's genius.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"Our clinical approach combines skilled extraction techniques and galvanic current to deliver improved skin tone, firmness, fewer lines and a clearer complexion. It is the original and most effective anti-aging treatment offered today. The galvanic current allows a powerful anti-aging solution to penetrate the skin providing optimum stimulation and regeneration of the facial tissues."

This isn't a feel good facial with a neck massage and a caviar face mask. This is the real deal - the differance between a Pinto and a Bentley!

If you want to give your skin a great gift, give it a facial from The Face Place.

P.S. A great tip - keep your skin hydrated after a facial... not moisturized. Hydration is completely different. It's lighter and non-oily. I use The Face Place
Collagen Elastin Treatment. It's delicious!

FACIAL PRICE TAG: $100.00

An Oldie but Goodie...

From the wonderful lips of Di Gaeta....
"Here’s a dirty little secret for your naughty bits and more: Jing Jang Crème. This little pink jar houses a Chinese herbal remedy that does everything from soothing your sore or chaffed kitty-cat (you know what I mean) to moisturizing your cuticles and lips. This is the edgier rose-bud salve and it is also great on your cheek and brow bones after make-up to give you that “I just had a facial” look. Jillian Dempsey (wife of hottie, Patrick) is a fan too. I keep mine in my purse, cause you never know when it’s going to come in handy….xoxox"

UPDATE!!! Hair crazed Jenny just informed me that Madonna's make-up artist gave her the creme too, telling her that Madonna uses the jing jang for EVERYTHING!!!

Roses are Red...

Dry skin hurts. And it feels like sand paper. And it looks like a raisin.
Okay, don't start crying just yet... let me tell you about nature's secret moisturizer... Rosewater. It works wonders.
Rosewater is said to be a natural hydrator. Hydrated skin looks better and feels better. Oh yeah, and it slows down that nasty little thing called aging...
Not to mention, the smell... pure roses, au natural!

Here are some rosewater products that we adore:

Mario Bedescu's Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater is the ideal boost of hydration. Use it daily to cool off or after make-up to help it all settle in.

Smith's Rosebud Salve is the ultimate chap-stick. Also can be used for diaper rashes and blemishes. I sometimes rub it on my cuticles to hydrate the sensitive skin (especially after a manicure!)

Epicuren After Bath Rose Petal Moisturizer. No, it's not roseWATER, but rose is actually considered to be "nature's most moisturizing essential oil. The lotion calms and hydrates dry skin.

Bigelow Chemists Rose Water Skin Tonic 8 is a balancing tonic for normal to dry skin. "This gentle tonic perks up tired-looking skin, promoting a bright radiant complexion."

So next time you feel like your skin is going to shrivel up like a prune, try one of these rosewater enriched products and stop complaining!!!
Tres Magnifique!

To pick... or not to pick

Pimples are brutal. Period.
I've been known to be a picker... but at some point, you've got to grow out of bad habits. In my quest to change, I found some really amazing at-home zit-zapping recipes!

See if any of these tricks help your delicate skin battle the bitter break-out!!!

An oldy but goody: Toothpaste. Yes, I've tried and tested and toothpaste really does decrease the swelling and the redness. I prefer Crest, the white kind... it seems to smell the best.

Our friends over at Daily Candy interviewed a fab facialist at Spa to the Stars, Sally Hershberger and discovered a great at home recipe to zap the zit:
The next time you’re tempted to squeeze, prod, and pick your face into an irritated mound, stop. Instead, use this gentler, smarter, at-home zit cream from Karen Axmaker, our favorite facialist at Sally Hershberger Face Place.

Ingredients:
cotton swab
hydrogen peroxide
½ oz. powered oatmeal
½ T. fresh lemon juice
¼ c. egg whites
3 drops honey

Directions:
1. Dab cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide and cleanse the infected area. (This will keep the infection from spreading.)

2. Mix everything else in a small bowl.

3. Cover blemish with mixture and leave on for twenty minutes.

4. Rinse with warm water.

5. Store leftovers in fridge for up to one week. (Do not eat.) Apply twice daily until pimple disappears.

SOURCE

Mike Herman, over at ezinearticles.com, has a few tricks up his sleeves too:
How About This Home Remedy Zit Treatment?

When beginning to make your home remedy for zit and pimples, look at items in your kitchen, pantry, or refrigerator.

When a pimple pops up, rub crushed garlic cloves on the skin.

The garlic will reduce swelling as well as cure the pimple.

Another great homemade recipe is to mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
SOURCE

So next time you have the urge to purge on your innocent skin, remember that there is always an alternative.

Tell us what zit-zapping tricks you use!!!

Skin Secrets From A Fellow Beauty Whore...

Many of my devout blog readers have been asking about that one product that will gaurantee perfect skin. Well, I'm a product whore so I can't narrow it down, thus, I've enlisted fellow beauty whore, Di Gaeta (actress and artist) to unveil her favorite... after all, she's always ready with a glowing complexion and a seductive stare.
"I am an avowed product whore, I am constantly in search of that magical product that makes me look like I have slept forever and am naturally the prettiest person alive. Needless to say, I’ve kissed many a frog on my journey and I believe I have finally found the skin care line that makes my dreams as close to reality as possible…
May I present Amore Pacific, sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, and in their flagship store in NYC. This line imparts some kind of dewy glow of health that has people asking you why your skin looks so good. They have multiple combinations for any type of skin so I suggest you mix and match but the one, truly universal, must have is the Moisture Bound Vitalizing Mask . (above, left) You slather this clear sweet gel over your face and go to bedy bye, and the next morning is honestly a new world. I have to say, it is constantly sold out because of little beautybrats in the know, so I suggest buying two of these at a time. They’re moderate at $60 a bottle and worth every red cent. Now the secret is yours, do with it what you will….
With all this good skin, foundation is infinitely easier. I’m all about Embryolisse 24 hour Miracle Cream, for the ultimate makeup-stayer slash amazing skin booster. This trick was passed onto me by an amazing guy who did my makeup in NYC. He told me that Christy Turlington never showed up to have her face done without this product in her bag. To use, simply apply a thin layer to clean, hydrated skin and let it sink in for five minutes before your normal face paint routine. With all this stuff in your arsenal behind closed doors the world won’t be able to handle itself when you’re around!!!!!!"

Xoxox Di

(Di and her glowing complexion)

A Beauty Whore's New Year's Resolutions

Resolutions for 2007:

1. I will ALWAYS wash my face prior to falling asleep (regardless of how lazy, tired and/or drunk I may be).
2. I will spend more time moisturizing and less time obsessing over minescule skin flaws.
3. I will take more baths and load the bath with my new favorite bubbly, Booty Parlor Naughty Bubbles Bubble Bath because, after all, I deserve to feel sexy even at bath time. (Plus, the tuberose scented, irridescent bubbles leave my skin smelling and feeling like a sex goddess!)
4. I will exfoliate lips at least once a week with Smashbox's Emulsion Lip Exfoliant because I vow to kiss more in 2007!!! (and smooth lips just feel better!)
5. I will deep condition my hair at least once a week for twenty minutes using the old secret recipe of grocery store olive oil (Cindy Crawford swears by this!)
6. I will try new color combinations on eyes and lips (like the new pink lippy that is Spring's must-have... (I'm liking Vincent Longo's Gel-X Lipsticks Enhanced with Lip Plumping Moisturizers in COAST because it's color, plump and shine all in one!)
7. I will finish my hair care line, LUCID, and finally launch the most fabulous organic hair products since Loreal made Kerastase!!!

Happy New Year to all of my fellow beauty whores... may this year be filled with beautiful skin, hair and make-up!!!

Gobble, Gobble...

WHAT I'M THANKFUL FOR...
I'm thankful for:
Nars Turkish Delight lip gloss - a "pink sorbet" color with mega shine minus the goo.
Kerastase Nutritive Elixer Oleo Relax hair drops - the most fabulous anti-friz serum in all of hair care land! (my mane is always soft, friz-free and curly when I use this product)
Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs perfume - a staple fragrance that smells of gardenia and musk. (I've worn this for the past 5 years and still continue to get loads of compliments)!
Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream - my new dark circle savior!!! It moisturizes and minimizes bags and darkness. Alas, I feel like a pre-teen again! (also a great base prior to using eye make-up!)
Kiehl's Coriander Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser and Hand and Body Lotion - an old favorite past time that has become a new and welcomed bathing treat! The smell is a delicious blend of Winter richness that lathers and rinses leaving my skin soft and radiant. And the lotion compliments the shower gel, moisturizing and reviving dehydrated skin.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - the closest thing that I've found to a zit zapper. This is a miracle product that literally dries out those nasty little pimples overnight! It's like magic!
MAC Splashproof PowerPoint Eye Pencil in Engraved - a liner that goes on strong and lasts so long! Easy to apply and fun to smudge... I use it to line my lids as well as that sensitive area inside of my eye! (very mysterious....)
Tend Skin Razor Bump Solution - An oldie, but goodie! After a painful wax in that "intimate area," Tend Skin is a welcomed soother. It actually rids the region of redness and ingrown hairs! TRICK!!! Tend Skin can also be used on acne for a quick fix... 1,2,3 and the pimple is gone!
C.O. Bigelow's Dr. Hiosous Quince Hand Lotion - a salve that literally saves my chapped and cracked hands! All natural, it smells of a mixture of fruit extracts and carrot oil and it lasts for an unearthly amount of time. This is my absolute favorite hand cream in the world... I never leave home without it!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FELLOW BEAUTY WHORES!