New, Fab and Hydrating!

I came back from winter break with a slight sunburn and dry, tough skin. (Yes, shame on me, it is a long story about being stranded without shoes, money or sunscreen on an island with three kids.) Waiting for me on my desk was Revive’s new Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supreme Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator. Now honestly, I would buy this just on the name. (Just kidding!) The truth is, after one night, my skin is smooth, hydrated and glowing. The cream has a rich, whipped texture and a delicious soft orange scent. I am in love. . .

Oldies but Goodies - Fall Makeup

I felt like I was stuck in an August makeup rut so I rummaged through my makeup drawers for some fall colors. Here are my new addictions to old products for fall:

1. Laura Mercier Chestnut Lip Pencil. This goes with any fall neutral - it's the only lip pencil I am gravitating towards right now.

2. Nars Belize Lip Gloss. The perfect light nude to go with high drama eyes, which I love.

3. Bobbi Brown Caviar Eye Shadow + Trish McEvoy Brush 11 Precise Eye Lining. This is the perfect fall eyeliner. The color is the deepest chocolate with a hint of amethyst but looks almost black. Perfect for day to night and is striking with leather - which is everywhere!

4. Nars Orgasm Multiple mixed with Nars Laguna Multiple. My skin color is so blah as we transition from summer to fall - orgasm brightens while the depth comes from bronzy Laguna.

I feel much better with my new old colors!

Cat Eyes for All

This cover of the New York Times Fashion Magazine this past Sunday epitomizes fall to me. Dramatic cat eyes go with all of the deep, rich hues of fall. Burgundy dresses, high chic leather boots, furs and shearlings, the glamour of fall demands smoky and daring eyes. It used to be hard to get this look, requiring the perfect steady hands plus the perfect mix of water and eyeliner. No more – there are so many new, one-step, easy to use products. From Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Colour to NARS’ Larger than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner, drama and glamour is right around the corner for all of us. This look reminds me of the trademark makeup of one of my all time favorite fashion icon,
Carine Roitfeld, the former editor of Paris Vogue.


P.S. Need help with this – the bluemercury makeup artistry team is unbelievable at teaching tips and tricks!

A Facial for My 40+ Lips

When I first started bluemercury (with my now husband!), I was 29. Our older clients used to come in and say it was bothering them that their lipstick feathered. While I knew this was a beauty problem, at 29, I just couldn’t relate. Now, at 41, I have that problem. As tiny little wrinkles have formed on the outside of my lips, my lipstick just doesn’t want to stay put. Lucky me, Bliss just sent me their brand new Fabulips Treatment Kit. A 4-step facial for your lips – I can’t decide which step is my favorite. Cleanse, scrub, plump, and hydrate – I love all of these products on their own. While the sugar lip scrub is too die for and the softening lip balm is one of the best around, I must admit, my favorite step is the peppermint tasting lip plumper. This is truly a facial for your lips. I highly recommend this post shower, pre-night-out on the town for the perfect, kissable baby lips.

U2's Bono and Skincare?

I went to the U2 concert last night in Philadelphia outside at the Lincoln Financial Field with 100,000 of my closest friends. Despite the crowd - it was unbelievable. Summer night, 65 degrees, a full moon and Bono and the Edge at their best. "One," "Pride," "It's a Beautiful Day," "Vertigo," they know how to write and perform. Needless to say, my skin felt grimy and gross after. As I rustled through my bag, I found Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's EZ4U Facial Towelettes. I wiped the grime off right away and my skin felt fresh and glowing. They are pocket size and very mobile. I highly recommend them....and U2.

Pure Magnificence: SPF 30 No Makeup Necessary

I was fortunate enough to receive La Prairie's Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 ($200) as a gift from La Prairie. I have been hoarding it and saving it for the summer. I have honestly never used a sunscreen that has been so perfect. I have been slathering it on in the morning, popping on mascara, eyeliner, a cream blush and lip gloss, and then running out the door. My skin looks hydrated, luminous and I get SPF 30 protection?! As I have been getting older (think 40+) I have been religious about using tinted moisturizer or foundation to even out my skin tone. Not necessary with this miracle cream. What a lucky discovery!

Note: I would not use this as a sport sunscreen (for tennis or beach), but it is the most perfect every day sunscreen ever!

Order from Bluemercury 2 – Westport, CT 203-222-9222 or Marlton, NJ 856-985-9226. Free shipping until July 31, 2011

Recess: Sunscreen Required

My 8 year old daughter came home sunburned yesterday from school. Recess combined with the gorgeous May weather we are having is a recipe for disaster! I promptly put Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 and Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ by the back door. These are the two sunscreens that my children like and find it easy to put on themselves. From now, until the end of school, our morning routine will include sunscreen application to cheeks, noses, foreheads and bare-arms!