Allure Magazine

Allure's a great magazine for keeping up with the trends, but not being overtaken by them.  The tutorials in each issue- how to put on bronzer, how to do a smokey eye, etc- printed on keepsake cards are worth the subscription price, about $10.

Eyeliner on top only

Top tip- Use eyeliner on top of lid ONLY.  If you do use liner on bottom, use a lighter color to avoid closing in the eye.

FREE Metallic Stephanie Johnson bag at Saks Fifth Avenue!

Go to this link to see these great metallic totes, free with any $75 dollar beauty purchase at Saks:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/SectionPage.jsp?catID=2%2C534%2C374%2C306%2C418%2C051&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418051&prp8=t1&bmUID=1253573983980

Don't wait, this is while supplies last or until October 4th, in-store or online.  Top picks at Saks:

For a makeover in a bottle, try YSL Teint Majeur foundation for $100.

Rachel Zoe, the stylist to the stars, swears by Armani Liquid Silk Foundation.

If you love romantic, feminine fragrances, pick Chloe in the pretty bottle with a sterling silver top. It makes you... happy!

Makeover in a bottle- YSL foundation

Yves Saint Laurent Teint Majeur Foundation is amazing.  It is creamy yet not oily.  It covers yet does not cling. Even with combination skin, it never gets greasy....  When I tested it, I was stunned at the difference...in the mirror was a new, much younger face!

Here's the link for this non-surgical miracle worker at Saks Fifth Avenue.  You can see the shades here, but you'll need to go to Saks or Bloomies to find the right one.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446172588&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492047619&bmUID=1253576170374&ev19=1:16

BIG NEWS NOW- Saks has a $75 dollar metallic tote for free with a $100 purchase in store or online.  It's like "buy your foundation, get a free bag".  Don't wait, it's while supply lasts.  Here's the link.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/SectionPage.jsp?catID=2%2C534%2C374%2C306%2C418%2C051&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418051&prp8=t1&bmUID=1253573983980

Try OOKISA

Want thicker hair? Try the free sample of OOKISA available everywhere on the web.  It's a 3-part system- shampoo, conditioner, scalp serum- that really works.  The bad news is the cost @ approx. $80.  The good news is that you can use the trial supply, while you make up your mind...  Note, don't pay the regular outbound shipping cost, they will negotiate that down to half or nothing, so if you do return it, the final cost is just the return shipping of near-empty bottles.

Finally sunscreen that won't gross you out

The number one source of aging is photo aging, or exposure to sun.

We don't use enough sunblock to effectively block the sun, according to recent books by derm doctors. The #1 reason- the stuff was nasty. Well, that is finally changing. Plus other beneficial ingredients are being added to amp up the protection.

Here are the latest sunscreen winners and their best uses:

1. Under make-up/ normal to dry skin: Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives
This creamy lotion provides "skin renewal moisture" with SPF 30 from helioplex (the latest non-allergenic sunscreen that avoids the stinging etc that came with PABA) plus antioxidants which the latest research lauds for sun protection. Feels like an expensive cream from France. Best of all, this one smells good, citrusy!  (Make sure you get the right one, Neutrogena has a lot of variations, not all have helioplex or antioxidants.)

2.  Under make-up/ normal to oily or combination:  La Roche Posay Anthelios 60
This is what those in the know (and with enough $) use in Europe. Thin, almost liquid, no scent, great under makeup. Easily absorbed. Now available in US, but pricey. A 1.7 fl oz bottle is $30 at CVS.  


3. Arms and chest: Aveeno Continous Protection Sunblock Lotion
Perfect to use before a commute or an outdoor workout on arms, hands and legs. Oil-free, non-greasy, dry feeling.

Tweezerman Eyelash Curler

The best eyelash curler is not the Shu Uemura one that the beauty mags push, but one made by Tweezerman, famous for top quality implements, especially tweezers.  I got mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Don't waste your money on those in the drugstore.  They will disappoint.

Smashbox Lash DNA

Received a sample of Smashbox Lash DNA from ULTA.  It has a funky spiral brush that works!  Makes your lashes behave and look thick, dark and separated.  Finally a mascara that delivers.

Don't let your hair be FLAT

Today, I had a picture taken in a restaurant with my 70 year mother.  I had just fluffed up her curly blonde hair with Ouidad products at Sephora; and it looked great.  I'm 20+ years younger, but my likeness was captured with flat hair and pale make-up.  Bottom line,  I looked monotone... and she looked great.

It is not about age, it is about effort!  Please take the effort to put VOLUME in your hair and create contrast in your eye make-up. It really makes a difference!

ps- Here's a great reader comment:
The secret to using the Ouidad line.
Comb SHAMPOO & conditioner through hair with a wide tooth comb. Rinse WELL. Use spray sparingly.

Sephora!

Off to Sephora this weekend.  Will bring back the latest product buzz and tips.