11 Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

Posted on May 6, 2009 · Filed Under product news, styling tools · 29 Comments

It doesn’t have to be ALL hair all of the time around these parts. Take a gander at some of my beloved, tried-and-true beauty products.

1. Kiehl’s Lip Gloss in Goldenberry – First off, I want to eat this stuff straight from the tube. It smells damn good, but more importantly, it’s the perfect ultra-sheer pink with a touch of gold. Kind of like…a GOLDENBERRY! How novel.

2. Sephora Complete Lip Balm – Part of my nighttime OCD ritual involves slathering this perfect balm all over my lips. Love it.

3. Dove Sensitive Skin Face Cloths – Simple, non-scented cloths that gently exfoliate my skin. (Apparently, I’m not the only fan since my local Target is ALWAYS sold out. Bastards.)

4. Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Lotion – This lotion is a godsend for my mild rosacea. I have NO idea how it gets rid of my redness, given that’s it not specifically formulated for rosacea, but it does. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest drugstore.

5. Redken Blown Away 09 Blow-Dry Gel – If I’m in a blow-drying mood, this gives my hair the perfect amount of flexible hold while completely eliminating frizz.

6. Pureology Real Curl Creme – Most days I’m a wash-n-go girl, and this curl creme defines my waves perfectly. If you are a wavy/curly girl who likes to air-dry, you should definitely try this.

7. Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream – One word. SHINY.

8. Chanel Blush in Tempting Beige – When a Chanel associate tried to sell this shade to me, I must admit I balked. Beige? BEIGE? Who in the hell besides The Golden Girls wears beige blush? (Um, I DO. And it’s hands-down the most beautiful shade my fair/light skin has ever seen.)

9. GHD IV Styler – Pretty penny, but worth it. Not only does it straighten in a flash, but it renders my curling iron obsolete.

10. Chanel Glossimer in Pagoda – A perfect, your-lips-but-better gloss. Looks downright amazing paired with NARS Dolce Vita lipstick.

11. Amazing Cosmetics Concealer – This stuff isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a serious concealer and a little goes a LONG way, but it makes my undereye circles disappear completely. I only use a tiny pinprick amount, so the tube should last until 2045.

You know, eleven is such a odd number, don’t you think? We should make it twelve. Tell me the ONE product you couldn’t exist without. Skin, makeup, hair…you name it!

Volume 3.7

Posted on March 12, 2009 · Filed Under makeovers · 13 Comments

This is Tessa.

Tessa’s hair:

Naturally medium brown
Very thick, but fine
Normal condition
Needs length for ponytails for sports
Hates styling her hair
Uses no products

Tessa. Please don’t kick my ass (she plays rugby), but if you don’t use products and/or don’t try to style your hair, it will look like those photos FOREVER AND EVER. I wish I could wave my magic wand and give you great, effortless hair, but that ain’t the way the cookie crumbles.

I think taking some of the bulk out of your hair would work wonders. Same for using a product or two – you could really reduce frizziness and promote a healthy shine.

I think this would be a great look for Tessa.

retna.com

A few inches off the bottom and medium-to-long layers cut throughout will help eradicate the poufy look, BUT she needs to have those layers texturized by her stylist. I like the faux-bangs – enough to give the cut added style, but easy to pull back while playing sports.

Most importantly, PRODUCT. A smoothing serum would work wonders on Tessa’s hair. As always, don’t forget about my favorite, Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream. A tiny dollop of that miracle product would give Tessa more shine than she’s ever experienced.

Do any of you have a smoothing serum that you just adore? Do tell!

The Giveaway Of All Giveaways

Posted on August 7, 2008 · Filed Under giveaways · 817 Comments

Ladies (and gents), I think you are going to like what I’m about to tell you.

The wonderful owner of Stylebell (Hi Sapna!) is offering one lucky reader a collection of some of my very favorite hair products and tools. (Have you been to Stylebell? If not, PREPARE YOURSELF TO BE SUCKED INTO THE FABULOUS HAIR VORTEX.)

(I KNOW!)

Take a look at these awesome, tried and true bestsellers.