MUM'S THE WORD

Morgan is a talented filmmaker who writes about life in the City of Angels at her site, The 818 (the area code for the San Fernando Valley where we grew up). She’s always had great style, as a kid she’d wear jelly sandals when we all wore Keds, donned baby blue Converse with her Vera Wang wedding gown and has the rare ability to pull off just about any hair color. After living in the 212, she returned to her old neck of the woods, married her high school sweetheart and is expecting her own Valley Girl in just a few weeks.

At The 818, she muses on everything from pop culture to politics to prenatal facts of life, including waxing woes, designing her crib (it’s amazing), and remaining stretch mark free into her third trimester. That’s right, no stretch marks. Though she's busy writing, blogging and preparing for baby, she took the time to share her must have products with Beauty Banter. Whether you’re expecting, know someone who is, or just want to file this info away for future reference, readers take note. Thanks, Morgan.


What are your top 5, can't-live-without products right now?
1. Mama Mio Boob Tube (because the girls are precious to me)
2. L'Occitane Almond Belly Oil
3. Bliss Minty Moisture milk (yes, I'm basted up like a thanksgiving turkey)
4. Chantecaille Aquablush in "Brilliance" (is) an all-in-one makeup bag. It's eyeshadow, it's blush, it's cleavage enhancer - it's really amazing stuff.
5. I'm going to say my Snoogle, because sleep is just as important to beauty as any product you can buy off the shelves as far as I'm concerned.

What's the one product you don't leave the house without? Perfumeria GAL Lavender Lip Balm. My lips have been crazy dry in pregnancy.

What product do you buy in bulk? L'Occitane Almond Belly Oil. I'm going through that stuff like it's my job.

You moisturize your face with: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti Aging Moisturizer

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way? Tinting your eyelashes. I'm blonde under all the haircolor, so without mascara, my eyes tend to blend in with my face - Tinting saves me the hassle. One step better? Eyelash extensions. I'm dying to get them.

Beauty icon you admire? Liv Tyler always makes it look effortless.


Not only is Morgan using some fabulous products, most are made with incredibly eco-friendly ingredients. For instance, Mamma Mio maintains a “No Nasties” policy, which means all products are free of parabens, phalates, petro-chemicals, Sodium Laurel Sulfates and synthetic fragrance. L’Occitane offers natural products and environmentally sound packaging, and Chantecaille is deeply committed to eco-philanthropic efforts. Making these products beautiful inside and out. xo a.

Photography by Sara Moe.

A few of my favorite things...

I've decided that each month I'm going to do a post of a few of my favorite beauty "things" from that month...
As always my fellow beauty whores, if you have suggestions or recommendations, let us know by leaving a comment in the comment box below!

ReVive Lip & Perioral Renewal Cream: Why? Because it restores the moisture in my lips like no other lip cream out there. It's also meant to be used around the mouth to nourish and fill in cracks, lines and wrinkles. It's the perfect product to use prior to a red lippy 'cause it doesn't let the lippy bleed! One huge drawback.... the PRICETAG: $115.00 (but if you are a serious victim of dry lips, this is a must-have product to add to your beauty regimine).


Malibu Secret Body Treatment: Why? Because it smells tropical - jasmine, old rose and gardenia - (and all the boys notice) and it feels like a cool souffle layered onto my skin! The company says that it is, "the first body lotion that contains ETF a patented biopeptide, biotech version of Epidermal Thymic Factor, a hormone naturally occuring in the skin that promotes cell renewal." All I know is that this lotion really works and my skin just devours it up! PRICE TAG: $22.00


Benefit's Eye Bright Stick: Why? It fakes the "slept all day and night" look. If applied to the inner and outer corners of your eyes, this wonder stick brightens dark circles and dull, tired eyes flawlessly! It's great for an afternoon pick-me-up as well. Make sure to blend! PRICE TAG: $18.00

Oil of Olay Body Thermal Pedicure: Why? Because it heats upon contact. It's the strangest feeling and I don't know how they do it, but it actually gets hot when rubbed onto your feet (the heating sensation only lasts a couple of seconds but it's pretty cool!). Bora Bora white sand, pumice, and micro-crystals exfoliate (very important after using self-tanning lotions as the tanner tends to create pockets of orange residue around the toes and ankles)! Shea Butter moisturizes. This product is genius! I use it every other day in the bath or shower!!!

MAC Viva Glam VI: Why? Because proceeds from the sale of this terracotta-plum lipstick go to the MAC AIDS fund to support H.I.V./ AIDS research. Since 1994, MAC has already donated 90 million to the cause. And we at beauty banter love sustainable beauty! Giving back! (found in the pages of Vanity Fair's July issue). PRICE TAG: $14.00

Vanity Fair's July 2007 issue dedicated to Africa with special guest editor Bono (of U2): Why? Because it's s a magazine that you'll want to read cover to cover. It left me feeling hopefull and empowered. We can change the world, each and every one of us! (And the 20 special covers shot by Annie Leibovitz boast some of the world's most important faces helping to raise awareness in Africa: Oprah, George Clooney, Alicia Keyes, Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates, even President George Bush!) This issue is an absolute must (currently on newstands)!!!! PRICE TAG: $4.50

Skin Cancer Awareness

In case you didn't know (don't worry, I didn't know either), May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month... and some very frightening statistics were brought to my attention.

Did you know...

"Every 67 minutes someone in the U.S. dies of melanoma; an astounding statistic for a disease which is nearly 100 percent curable when caught and treated early. The incidence of skin cancer is increasing every year and at the current rate, 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer over the course of their lives."

This is scary stuff... especially considering that the sun is a daily part in most of our lives.

But check this out...

"Oil of Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have partnered for “Skin Cancer Takes Friends,” a nationwide program offering women the opportunity make an appointment with one of more than 300 participating dermatologists nationwide for a free screening for themselves and a friend or loved one – so they can go together."

We, over here ar beauty banter, love when huge corporations take an active role in helping humanity. It's all about making a difference.

So, my fellow beauty whores, make sure to get your beautifull asses over to a dermotologist ASAP. For a list of dermotologists participating in this incredible endeavor, CLICK HERE.

And remember, wear SPF and try a faux tan... (read below post for product suggestions).

A faux bag might be a faux pas, but a faux tan is tres in!