The Holy Grail of mascaras? Quite possibly...

You may remember I have eyelash issues... Eyelash envy, if you will. I'm constantly lusting after the long, lush lashes you see on the models in magazine ads. Granted, many of these models are wearing falsies, so realistically, I probably never will achieve such greatness with my own God-given eyelashes. But, I might be able to come pretty darn close.


How, you ask? Thanks to my latest discovery, I'm sporting long, thick separated lashes. This miracle product is none other than Chanel Inimitable mascara. I've been a fan of Chanel cosmetics over the years, but they come with quite the price tag attached. Thus, I usually pass on the brand. But I read so many great reviews and saw so many amazing pictures of people wearing this mascara on MakeupAlley, that I figured I couldn't go wrong.

The reason it's so great, in my humble opinion, is because it takes a similar "revolutionary" brush that you'd find in Cover Girl's Lash Exact, and pairs it with an amazing, high-end mascara formula. So lashes are longer, more volumized and more separated than ever!

And (as if it could get better), it's used by a well-known celebrity. Jennifer Aniston is also a fan of Inimitable. So if it's good enough for her, you know it's gotta be good!

You can get it in Black (Noir) or Brown (Brun), and it will set you back $26.50. A big splurge for mascara (I budgeted in other areas so I could justify buying it!), but believe me, I don't think you'll regret it!

I'm a Barbie Girl...reluctantly

Rarely do I get caught up in the hype of advertising. Companies can try their best to convince me that I want something, but it's not until I hear from other reliable sources about how great a product really is, that I actually want it.

My case in point is the Barbie Loves MAC limited edition make up line by MAC Cosmetics.


The Barbie Loves MAC collection is a collaboration between MAC Cosmetics and Mattel. As you can see from the marketing photo, the colors are inspired by the makeup Barbie wears (those are real models, not dolls - I swear!) and are named appropriately. One could pick up Malibu Barbie colored lip gloss (which, if you're wondering, is bright fuchsia - which is all too appropriate for Barbie, but probably not so much for the average woman), or an eye shadow in Springtime Skipper (if you remember, Skipper is Barbie's little sister), which is a pearly mint green shade.

I'm not a regular MAC make up user. It's not that I don't like the line. I just haven't bought much from it. I did, however, own a good many Barbies when I was little. And although I always wanted to look like her when I was younger, I can't imagine wearing those bright colors now. Thus, I had no desire to buy anything from this collection.

That was, until people on MakeupAlley (my trusted source for beauty information) started talking about one particular eye shadow shade - Moth Brown. This shade was previously released in a different limited edition MAC collection, but due to its huge popularity, was brought back for the Barbie collection. My fellow make up comrades on MakeupAlley raved about this eyeshadow shade - it's what you'd call a "complex" shade. It's brown, but has silver, grey, purple and blue undertones. With all those undertones, you can pair it with tons of other shades. People raved so much about how fabulous and versatile it was, that when I went to the MAC counter to get a birthday present for a friend, I decide to check it out for myself. I was sold on it as soon as the sales associated showed me the color on her hand. In the pot, it looks blah, but when you put it on your skin, it shines. It's iridescent and beautiful. The perfect shade for a smokey eye that's not too smokey.

So if you're like me and don't get caught up in advertising hype, take my advice to at least check this shade out. It could be a valuable addition to your makeup collection.

Un"bare"ably beautiful

I bet you've seen the infomercials or the perky QVC women gushing over how well this product works. The countless demonstrations of "Swirl, Tap, and Brush." I'm, of course, talking about bareMinerals makeup, made by Bare Escentuals.

Minerals are the In thing right now, but Bare Escentuals has been around since 1976 (I'm as shocked as you are about that!). They started this mineral revolution. And, in my opinion, they are the company to check out of you're considering mineral makeup.

What is mineral makeup? Well, unlike traditional liquid foundation, bareMinerals is in powder form. According to their website, they make their products with crushed minerals from the earth, which makes it 100% pure. No preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance or other things that cause your skin to freak out. And (as if it could get any better??) they claim that using their makeup will actually improve your skin. Can it possibly be true? Can minerals help your face?

Well, I say they do. I switched to bareMinerals about six months ago, after becoming frustrated with how liquid foundation felt on my face. I'd seen the demonstrations on TV, and thought it could be gimmicky. But the claims, if they were actually true, warranted testing it out. After all, I could always return it.

When I ventured out to the store to pick it up, I learned that there are several options for purchasing the makeup. You can buy the kit, which comes with 2 shades of foundation, their Mineral Veil finishing powder, a "warm" all over face color, and 3 brushes. OR, you can just buy the foundation on its own. The latter is the way to go. I say skip all that stuff in the kit, and just start out with the foundation. It will cost you less than half the cost of the kit, plus you can pick out a foundation that matches your skin better.

Another super important thing you'll need to invest in is a brush. But don't bother to buy the Bare Escentuals brushes. You can save yourself money by picking one up at your local drugstore that's just as good. I strongly urge you to buy the Essence of Beauty Kabuki brush. It's amazing, and it's almost a third of the price of the brand name brush. (Please note that the brush pictured below is Bare Escentuals - I just want you to know what a kabuki brush looks like so you can go to CVS and pick out the Essence of Beauty brush, which apparently you can't find a picture of on the Internet!)

OK, back to the part about how great it works. I used to get occasional breakouts, like many other women. That has dramatically decreased since I began using this makeup. They say it's so good for your skin that you can sleep in it. I have done so on many occasions, and although I wouldn't recommend doing it on a regular basis (come on, your skin needs to breathe sometimes!), it certainly won't cause you to wake up to a zit forest on your chin. Plus, it makes your skin tone look so even and smooth. Supposedly, the Mineral Veil creates even more of an "airbrushed" look, but I've personally never used it.

Bottom line? It's not a gimmick. It will make your skin look amazing, clear up problem areas (some have said it's even improved fine lines!), and will feel like you're wearing nothing on your face. And if you're at all like me and hate the feeling of heavy makeup, you'll appreciate that feature more than any of the other benefits combined.

Something to smile about

I was paging through the February issue of Allure (one of several fashion/beauty mags I read on a regular basis) and a sidebar in the magazine caught my eye. "Put on a Happy Face," it read. The content of this mini-article certainly put a smile on my face, as it provides evidence that wearing makeup is good your well-being. Finally, my passion has been legitimatized.

Rather than try to put author Jessica B. Matlin's words into my own, I'd rather quote them here verbatim for those of you who don't read Allure. (And I suppose I'm also feeling a little lazy, given it's late on a Sunday evening and I just want to go to bed!)


Put on a Happy Face
As if you needed an excuse to buy a new lipstick - according to experts, cosmetics can actually make you happier. Seeing yourself in a new shade or patting on a luxurious product can give more payoff than even the most lavish gift with purchase.

IT'S UPBEAT
"Applying makeup is a fundamentally optimistic act," says Michael Cunningham, a professor of psychology and communication at the University of Louisville. "It shows that you are ready to go out into society and want to be looked at in a positive light. When people become depressed, they stop caring about their appearance. They get into sweats and sleep."

IT'S COLORFUL
"The shades you choose can affect how you feel," Cunningham says. "Warmer hues, especially rose, produce feelings of hope, while cooler ones, such as light blue or dark green, induce feelings of calm." Select your lipstick, blush, and eye-shadow colors accordingly.

IT'S CONTAGIOUS
"Cosmetics send signals to other people," says Helen Fisher, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University. "And happiness breeds happiness. People actually feel better when they're around others who radiate positivity, and that's the purpose makeup aims to serve. Rosy-colored cheeks and large, bright eyes connote youth, vitality, and happiness."

IT'S EXCITING
"Novelty is a natural stimulant," Fisher says. "It drives up dopamine in the brain. That feeling you get when you find that perfect lipstick is your reaction to its newness."

IT'S CALMING
"The whole ritual of putting on cosmetics is soothing," Cunningham says. "Performing small actions deliberately and carefully can be tranquil. And spending time focusing on yourself can be very restorative."

I couldn't agree more.

13th Annual SAG Awards

Celebrities flocked to L.A.'s Shrine Exposition Center this Sunday for the second big awards show of the red carpet season, the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Unlike the Globes, this year everyone looked amazing. In fact, I struggled to come up with my picks for the worst looks of the night. Picking the best looks of the night was a much easier task, so I'll start with those!

Hands down, Mariska Hargitay stole the show for me. She. Looked. So. Good. The smokey eye makeup, neutral lip, and loose tendrils... Perfection. See for yourself!

Reese Witherspoon followed in her own footsteps from the Golden Globes, again donning a knee-length Nina Ricci dress. She complemented her new bangs with a loose and relaxed updo. Again, she's the portrait of understated elegance. So classy!

Also topping my list, just as she did for the Globes, is Jennifer Hudson. Her skin absolutely glows (I'm dying to know what products she used). I'm not wild about her dress, but it sure does show off her curves.

Another dewy faced diva that tops my list is Eva Longoria. I'll come right out and admit my sheer and utter jealousy of her eyelashes. Granted, they're probably fake, but she wears them as if they were her own. And what a glow she has about her. Must be her engagement to Tony Parker that's putting that sparkle in her eye!

Kate Walsh of Grey's Anatomy also tops my list. I love redheads, though admittedly, I wouldn't want to be one, but Kate works her red hair like no one else. I love the pale yellow dress and the berry lip she's rocking - it goes so perfectly with her skin tone. It's tough to work with auburn tresses, but she does it well.

Finally, I once again am totally digging on America Ferrera. She just does it right every time! Again, she's gone with a jewel-tone dress and simple-but-elegant hair. I love the berry lip on her as well - it suits her. I love this girl!

There were so many great looks this year, that I have to at least give out some Honorable Mentions. Here's a shout out to the women who rocked their looks, and due to space (and time), couldn't be included in this post.

Honorable Mentions: Anne Hathaway, Nicolette Sheridan, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, and Terri Hatcher.

Okay. Now for the bad. Like I said, it was tough to be anything but impressed with what I saw, but there were a few women who definitely donned Don't outfits.

First, we've got Debi Mazar from Entourage. I don't watch the show, so I don't know if this is how she looks all the time, but ay yai yai! She looks like a creature from outer space. Scary!

The next victim is Kiersten Warren from Desperate Housewives. I didn't like this woman on the show, and my dislike has continued onto the red carpet. Is that a beehive? She also needs to get her girls to stand a little more, uh, upright, if you know what I mean. Probably not the best choice of necklines.

Next, we have Elizabeth Perkins from Weeds. It's not that she looks bad. I just don't care for it all put together. I think it's a little too matchy-matchy for my taste. The hair nearly matches the dress, which exactly matches the lipstick. I don't think the color is flattering for her as other colors would be.

It looks like I'm having to "pass on grass" this year, as far as the women from Weeds are concerned. Next on my list is Mary Louise Parker. This look is more appropriate for a small child. Her shoes are atrocious, as is the dress. In fact, she looks like a small child in this ensemble.

I love me some Meredith on Grey's Anatomy, but I don't love me some Ellen Pompeo at this year's SAG awards. Her hair looks so severe when it's pulled back so tight. And while I love the stunning color of the dress, the tortoiseshell detailing at the neck is just plain weird. Her makeup, however, looks quite nice.

Finally, I'm having to add Rachel McAdams to the worst looks list. I'd love to sit this girl down and talk to her about the pink hair. It has got to go. I used to dip my hair in Kool-Aid to get that look, back when that look was still cool (I'm talking, like, 1994). I'm praying the pink hair can be attributed to a role she's currently working on; if not, she needs a style intervention.

And finally, I've got to give a special mention to Patricia Arquette, who did a total 180 from the Golden Globes. This time around, she sported a much softer look. The hair color is so much more complementary, and the style is much more elegant. She's toned down the jewelry (that necklace is worth $1 million - I certainly can't turn my nose down at that!), and the dress is flattering. I'm glad she made such a great turnaround. I just wish I had a better picture to show you all.

I'm looking forward to what these stars will come up with next on the red carpet. Next stop, Oscars!

To clump or not to clump? That is the question.

I was cursed with short, sparse eyelashes. It makes little sense to me, because the hair on my head is as thick and long as can be - you'd think some of that fullness could have transferred to my eyelashes. But it didn't, so I'm forced to deal with my lack of eyelashes on a daily basis. Thus, I'm on a constant quest for the miracle mascara that can transform my lashes into long lusciousness.

But my biggest gripe about most of the mascaras that I've tried is that they deposit icky black clumps on my lashes. Yeah, that looks really natural. If I'm trying to hide the fact that I'm lacking in the lash department, a clumpy fringe blows my cover.

That's why I was so excited to try a mascara with the new, "revolutionary" brush that, rather than the typical nylon bristles, has rubber bristles. Such bristles, the companies claim, help deposit the mascara more evenly for fewer clumps.

An answer to my prayers - this was just what I had been looking for. On a weekly Target run, I picked up a tube of Cover Girl's Lash Exact (available at any drugstore for around $6). I, being the product junkie that I am, like to try things out as soon as I get them. So I went home, cleaned off my eye makeup, curled my lashes (which is a must for my feeble fringe), and carefully applied the mascara. I stepped back, looked in the mirror, and voila! My lashes were separated, long, and natural looking! It was, indeed, a miracle!I've been using their mascara ever since. But what I was still lacking when I used the product was volume. I had the long, clump-free lashes of my dreams, but they were still a little puny in the grand scheme of things. I discovered a formula for semi-clump-free, voluminous lashes when I tried layering a second coat of Benefit's BadGal Lash (which gives serious volume, but deposits the typical clumps). It was a workable solution for those nights out when I wanted to make my eyes pop. But it was growing tiresome having to constantly tote two mascaras around.

Then I saw the commercials for Cover Girl's follow-up to Lash Exact: Volume Exact. My prayers were answered! A volume mascara that had the revolutionary anti-clump brush! But would it, could it, work? I turned to one of my most trusted sources for answers: MakeupAlley (MUA). If you love makeup, or even just want some basic questions answered, this website's message board is the perfect place to turn. I posted a question asking for reviews of the mascara. I expected the MUAers to sing its praises, but the responses were less than praiseworthy. Many said that Lash Exact was much better than the new Volume Exact. Some said it was clumpy. And others said it was okay.
Given the mixed reviews, I decided to try for myself. As much as I hate to say it, I'm sorely disappointed. Granted, I've only been using it for two days, and I was in a rush to get ready in the morning both days. Thus, my mascara application time was shorter than usual. Regardless, however, when I put this stuff on, there is very little volume and even some *gasp!* clumping! I'll give it another week with more careful application, but my first impression of this product is that you'd be better off with the original version. Who needs volume when you can happily live clump-free?

Signature Scents...

I'm a fragrance amateur. Olfactorily challenged, if you will. I can't tell you the difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum. Sandalwood, bergamot, patchouli...I have no idea what these are supposed to smell like. I was not blessed with "the nose," or un nez, as the French say.

But I do know what I like (and what I don't like). On a recent trip to ULTA, I was reminded of a scent I had long forgotten. A scent I discovered on a trip to the French Riviera nearly ten years ago, at a perfume factory called Fragonard. Located in small village called Eze, near the city of Nice, the factory offers tourists a look inside the world of perfumery. The best part, by far, was the fabulous boutique of products at factory prices. We're talking French-milled soaps in glorious scents like freesia, lavender, verbena and honeysuckle, for as little as 3.50 Euro. (FYI, Fragonard also has a factory in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, as well as a boutique in Paris).

As I was stocking up on soaps, I came across a fragrance that, at the time, was the best smelling fragrance I had ever experienced. It was called Bouquet Marin, and came in a lovely little bottle with a corked top. It wasn't meant to be spritzed on, but rather splashed. The scent (to my novice nose) was fresh and beachy. It was the smell of the ocean captured in a bottle. I was in love.

This fragrance, in the eyes of the great perfumers, was nothing to brag about. I mean, it came in a bottle with a cork - not exactly swanky. But to me, it was perfect. I hate heavy scents, so the lightness of this eau de toilette was perfect. I proudly brought it home with me and wore it every day for a year. It was my signature scent.

As time went by, however, the bottle got pushed to the back of my perfumes and was eventually forgotten - at least until I picked up a perfume at ULTA and was immediately reminded of my former signature scent.
L'eau d'Issey, by Issey Miyake, is described as a "floral-aquatic" fragrance with notes of lotus, freesia, peony and carnation (among others). This perfume is the closest I've ever come to smelling something reminiscent of my once-favorite perfume, except more sophisticated and refined. And although I may have outgrown my former signature scent, I think L'eau d'Issey might be an appropriate replacement. If nothing else, the perfume will remind me of my wonderful trip to France. To be reminded of that every day, particularly in the dreary winter months, is well worth the price.