(Re)discovery

  

    Remember "mood" lipstick? It's back, baby! This season's popular shocking pink lip can be gotten for a few dollars. These things RULE! Some vendors have a little chart showing you which bizarre color turns which shade of coral or pink.

      I got a baby blue one today that morphs into a neon pink combination of lip-stain and lip-gloss. After it sets, you can blot off some of the shine to get that "bitten" look. But remember, don't test them on your hand, it can be really hard to remove later! 

Happy October

      Since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'd like to present OPI's Pink of Hearts, proceeds from the sales of which goes to breast cancer cure research. 

       I was on a lovely perusal of this odd little beauty supply shop by the movie theater today (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, it was pretty cute, gotta love those two but that whole schtick is getting pretty banal; the drunk chick saved it), and while the cashier was ringing up my purchases I spotted it on the counter: the most perfect, classic ballet pink polish. 

Perfect product placement for once! But let me tell you, breast cancer is the only way I'd buy an $8 bottle of nail polish, no matter HOW perfect the pink...

Pantene Nation

Allure magazine endlessly touts Pantene as the best hair care brand in its annual beauty poll. While many experts say Pantene is actually not restorative but destructive, I had my doubts about using it. A boyfriend's careless purchase of it convinced me to use some; his hair smelled so good!

In my pursuit of growing out healthy hair, I decided to try Pantene's Beautiful Lengths shampoo and conditioner, which has a nice creamy lather and isn't drying. However, I rarely wash my hair more than once a week, so I can't be getting the results Pantene pledges through five or six uses. I needed a creamy hair mask as well, to try to undo some of the damage to my poor over processed hair.

Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask made a noticeable difference in the condition of my hair after just one use in the shower. No half-hour spent with my head in a hot towel or a heavy residue left behind. Just silkier, smoother hair and yep, a delicious scent too!

I might have to give the shampoo and conditioner a shot, too.

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup 5 Stars!

I was lured to the shiny, perfumed section of makeup counters in Macy's the other day because of two reasons: I spilled my loose powder foundation ALL over my white robe and bathroom counter one too many times, and advertising.

Clinique's NEW Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 was shown alongside a nifty little sample on a card inside a magazine. I liked the powder's finish so much that I had to investigate.

This powder foundation is super light with a silky, soft-focus finish as well as commendable building power. The accompanying sponge wiped out my under-eye circles and spotty redness, and it works well with brushes as well. I can condone the price as well; $22.50 these days isn't the worst damage you can do to your beauty budget.

Staple of the Week

Cover Girl Perfect Blend eyeliner

This basic Cover Girl pencil in black-brown is my cheap little secret.

The soft formula and handy sponge blending tip gives the perfectsmoky, yet natural smudgy eye. Remember: In regards to makeup, the only hard edges should be on your compact. And at $4, this pencil lets me save my money for my wishlist items!

Tip of the Week #1

For a luminous effect, apply powder highlighter on your cheekbones before applying other face makeup.

Before I apply mineral foundation, blush and bronzer, I apply a pearly highlighter under my eyebrows, on the inner corner of my eyes and high up on my cheeks.

The effect is a really natural glow, especially after a mist of water or a pat of lotion to up the dewiness-factor. The light color near the eyes also emphasizes the whites of the eyes and detracts attention from dark circles.

[Also, if you have a "bigger" nose like I do, I have a great tip from Jennifer Lopez's makeup artist: Blend a small amount of highlighter on the tip of your nose to create the illusion of a more button nose shape.]







While I've been using a pearly white eyeshadow from L'Oreal as my highlighter to test this new beauty tip, I am considering some more appropriate upgrades. Benefit's Dandelion, a soft shimmery pink highlighter in an adorable package, is high on the list.





However, Guerlain's Terracotta Blush & Sun comes in three deeper shades from shimmering peach to dusky rose, which might allow me to combine a step and throw out my bronzer.