Beauty Junkie

With a name like 'Glued' this hairspray may evoke a little hesitation from most folks, but for me, it's a winner. I've tried tons of hairsprays in my time and I've never been fully satisfied with a spray that locks in my (heat-styled) curls and (hard-earned) volume. Got2B's Glued freeze spray hasn't let me down yet, and its fierce hold control appeases my southern Texan roots and glamorous big hair dreams!



$5.99 at most drugstores.

Wonder Liner

MAC just debuted this jumbo eyeliner pen (or shall I call it a marker?) from their 'Wonder Woman' collection, and I'm super curious to test it out. I tend to prefer thinner pens for a more precise line, but MAC tends to know a thing or two when it comes to eyeliner. More importantly, does it have superhero powers like performing for hours on end and refusing to smudge?



If you've tested this one out, please let me know!
$19.50 at Nordstrom.

Umi Saves the Day!

Once in a blue moon, I'll stumble upon a freebie in a gift bag that will actually get me super excited. (The rest? Lovingly tossed in the bathroom cabinet or distributed amongst my very dear loved ones.)

Enter Umi Products, a new-ish modern hair care line from a Boston-based salon.


I nabbed samples of their styling creme and hair powder at Fashion Week and decided to give the powder a road test this weekend. I had day-old hair and decided to see if this powder lived up to its claims to 'freshen up tired locks.' I puffed some into my roots, massaged in and before I knew it, my hair looked alive again. The powder managed to absorb oil and add volume and thickness in seconds. I teased the roots just a bit with a comb, and I was out the door!

I've tried other dry shampoos before, but in my book, Umi's the best so far.

This Works!

Back when I was working at a glossy fashion magazine in New York City, I had some funny escapades not too far off from Anne Hathaway's character in The Devil Wears Prada. One that stands out, was when my director instructed me to find a dry leg oil (ummm...kinda gross to think about it, no?) that she had read about, and to have a full-size bottle on her desk by the end of the day.

She didn't remember the name or the brand (naturally), but recalled that it was created by a former Vogue beauty editor. Given those details, I did some sleuthing, and discovered that it was, in fact, the Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil by This Works, a line that hadn't quite made its official way to the U.S. just yet.

I got in touch with their PR (in London, naturally) and managed by some miracle to get that bottle in her hands before the clock struck six.

Fast forward three years later, and I'm sitting across from Kathy Phillips, the creator of the line (and former Vogue UK Beauty Director to boot!) yesterday in Beverly Hills.


She shared more about her line with me and gave me a full explanation of all of their awesome benefits. Basically everything's pure, natural and essential. Using principles of aromatherapy, Phillips created an effective and simple line of products that she lusted for but never found, despite the years she spent in the beauty world as an editor.








After a leisurely afternoon sampling her powerful-yet-pleasant products, I'm impressed with her inventive and effective line, as well as her entrepreneurial drive. Even more astounding? Kathy's still an editor! She's currently the International Beauty Director for Vogue China/Japan/Korea/Taiwan.

I think I have a new role model.

Wash On, Wash Off

What's your skin type? Have to admit, I've always had fairly sensitive skin on the dryer side, but lately (the last 3-5 years or so), as I've gotten older, my skin has calmed down considerably and has really learned to behave itself. Either that, or I've just perfected my skin care regimen and really know how to steer my skin in the right direction.

One thing's for sure, though, when I find a good product that works, I stick to it, no matter how many other contenders crawl out of the medicine cabinet calling my name.

Needless to say, it's kind of a big deal when I actually stick to one product for an extended amount of time and use it til the very last drop. It's an even bigger deal when I recommend this product to different people--with different skin types.

Such is the case with Nars Softening Milk Cleanser. It's seriously great for all skin types and lives up to its name. It's mild, refreshing, pure and as gentle as can be.



And for the $36 price tag, I should also mention that it lasts for a long time (6 months? maybe more?) even with daily use.

Available at NarsCosmetics.com

Dear Fabulous File...

I stopped by CVS Pharmacy and need to buy a hair volumizer pronto! What should I get?

-Annie

Dear Annie,

The drugstore is packed full of products, so finding the perfect hair fix can be daunting. Here are a few root-lifting recommendations.

Sebastian Collection Texturizer Body Builder $17.49


Pantene Pro-V Texturize Ultra Hold Spray $4.49


Pantene Pro-V Body Builder Volumizing Mousse $4.19


Nexxus Mousse Volumizing Foam Styler $10.69


Psssssst! Dry Shampoo Volume + Color $7.99

Beauty Junkie

Favorite body scrub of all time? Benefit's Wonderbod Bum Deal.
No two body scrubs are created equal (believe me, I know), and this one, in my opinion, rises above all of the rest. It's the perfect texture for a scrub (not too harsh and grainy, not too liquidy that you question if it's actually exfoliating anything), the scent is delightful and it really does smooth the body where it matters most.
$24 at Sephora.

Beauty Junkie

I know I raved about LORAC's Front of the Line eyeliner not too long ago, (and I still stand by it), but I HAD to share my latest 'ultimate eyeliner' discovery.

I snapped up K-Palette's 24 Hour Eyeliner from a Japanese cosmetics store over the weekend on a whim, and I am SO. GLAD. I. DID.

It's inky black and ultra thin and, best of all, it doesn't budge an inch. My eyeliner looks exactly the same at the end of the day as it did when I first applied it in the morning. Truly, truly impressive for just $16.

In Honor of Memorial Day Weekend...

*BECCA Compact Concealer, $35
*Stila Smudge Pot in Black, $18
*Givenchy Pop Gloss in Crystal, $23.50
*Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow, $22
*ghd Sea Spray for Matte Waves, $24
*Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, $33
*NARS Duo Gloss, $28
*ColoreScience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Powder, $50
*MAC Fix, $15
*Smashbox Body Lights Tanning Lotion, $35
*Maybelline Sky High Curves Waterproof Mascara, $6
*Lolita Lempicka Fragrance, $44

Dear Fabulous File...

I've got big travel plans coming up and I want to pack a stash of travel-size amenities (think: shampoo, conditioner, face wipes, perfume, etc.) so I'm not without anything. Also, just to add to the challenge, I'd love to find products that are moderately budget-friendly and discreet (I'll be traveling with my new boyfriend, so I don't want to scare him off with an arsenal of scary beauty products!)
Any tips?

-Cara
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Dear Cara,

Great question! Summer's just around the corner, and we're all looking to pack up our bags soon for a little getaway. Nothing spoils a trip more than a bad hair day (thanks to lackluster hotel-provided shampoo and conditioner)--so you're smart to source your own beauty goodies in advance.

Here are some options:

Burt's Bees Travel Shower Kit, $12.99 at www.drugstore.com




This affordable and natural kit has you covered. It includes:

Milk & Honey Body Lotion
Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo
Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Conditioner
Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash

Kiehl's Perennial Favorites Travel Kit, $39 at www.kiehls.com



Kiehl's is a classic stand-by, and their best-selling goods are top-notch. You won't be sorry you splurged on these fab products. Here's what this kit packs in:

Creme de Corps conditioner
Lip Balm #1
Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Amino Acid Shampoo
(All adorably packaged in an earth-friendly bag made from 100% EVA and biodegradable
material.)


Pond's Clean Sweep Cleansing Towelettes, Travel Pack, $2.39 at www.drugstore.com



The perfect solution for a quick, easy method of rinsing off the grime at the end of a day.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Fragrance, $30 at www.sephora.com



Why mess with perfume bottles, when fab fragrances now come conveniently packaged in solid or roll-on oil formulas, perfect for traveling!

And now...
the most FABULOUS finds of all?
FREE gift sets with any $100 purchase!

From Beauty.com:


Beauty.com has recently partnered with designer Lela Rose to create a luxe beauty gift set, packed with prestige travel-size products like Alterna caviar moisture shampoo with seasilk, Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion, L'Occitane's Verbena Harvest shower gel and body lotion, Vincent Longo La Dolce Vita lashes and mascara, Bliss Foaming Face Wash, and Tarte Cheek Stain.

The chic bow-adorned bag also comes with built-ins like brush holders and zippered plastic compartments for easy organizing.

And, last but not least, BeautySak.com is offering this free gift with any $100 purchase:



Packed with tons of convenient little samples to get you through your vacation without the bulk of bottles.
Snap one up before they run out!

Happy Travels!

Beauty Junkie

Aqua Tan Self-Tanning Body Milk


Summer's just around the corner, and nothing kicks things into gear better than a good self-tanner. Overwhelmed by the options and fearful of turning into an orange mess? Those worries are behind you with the magical help of Aqua Tan!

I am dead serious when I say it is truly THE BEST product I have come across in this category. The scent is surprisingly light and pleasant, the color is incredibly natural-looking and perfect, and it lasts for days without reapplication. I'm hooked.

$37 at www.aqua-tan.com.