Hot or Not Beauty

Although we’re quite far from the times where aristocracy would use white lead to create a ghostly white complexion, such products not only would cause lead poisoning also had arsenic in their complexion.

One of the most iconic would probably be Queen Elizabeth I, but white complexion was also incredibly popular in the court of Fashion Queen Marie Antoinette.

It was common belief that whiter complexions were a sign of nobility, mostly it meant that you just didn’t have to work outside in the sun. Also, it was believed that a paler complexion would blur wrinkles and signs of aging far easily, one of the reasons why Elizabeth I’s well known white lead look was called “The Mask of Youth”.

However in the West, times have changed and beaches are filled with Sun God worshipers for that ideal bronze gleam on their skin that creates an all out healthy glow. Asian women on the other hand try their hardest to achieve a porcelain tone to their skin.

The basic belief was the same, paler complexions were a sign of being noble and protected from the sun’s rays and to this day geisha wear white foundation products to become beauty at its most iconic.

So what do today’s cosmetics offer and what can they truly accomplish?

To be continued.

I may be a snob when it comes to beauty producuts, but I also recognize theres a time to splurge and a time to skimp. You don’t always need a $25 mascara to do the job, or a $65 cleanser to take your makeup off. With that said, I’m as much a shop-a-holic at my friendly neighborhood drugstore as I am at Sephora or Nordstrom.

These are my favorite finds:

1. Mascara — I’ve worn them all- Chanel, Lancome, Bourjois, Blinc, Kevin Aucoin, I could go on and on. I love mascara. I love big huge eyelashes that are slightly on the side of trashy. Loreal Voluminous Mascara gives me all the oomph of a Dior Show mascara without the price tag. Try the newest black, Carbon. Its blacker than black. Walgreens frequently has a buy one get one free, and that’s when I stock up. $6.99

2. Makeup Cleansing Wipes – I travel for work, and there are all stiff controls as to how much liquid you can carry on board airplanes. I love Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They remove even the most stubborn makeup. $6.49

3. Scrub– I have written about my exfoliating addiction. I love a good scrub. St Ives Swiss Formula Medicated Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid is an excellent scrub. Its great for acne prone skin and as an anti-aging exfoliant as well. $3.99

4. Facial Cleansing Pads – When I’m not on the road, I use Perfection Facial Cleansing Pads for cleansing my skin and removing makeup. They are 100% cotton, made in France and lint free. Much bigger than a cotton round and they save getting makeup on your wash cloths! $2.99 for 85.

5. False Eyelashes – I use plenty of these in my work and need to replenish my kit often. I could go to MAC and splurge, but why when I can get them for $3.49 a pair in assorted styles. Andrea is the brand and they work just as well as the big dog brands.

6. Body Lotion – Keri Age Defy & Protect Moisture Therapy. This body lotion contains an SPF 15 plus alpha hydroxy acids. So you get sun protection and anti-aging benefits in one. Helps to even skin tone and tame those awful bumps on the backs of arms and thighs. Keeps feet smooth and sandal weather perfect. $7.19 for 15 oz. Sure beats $40 and up for treatment lotions that don’t work half as well.

7. Hair Gel – I really can’t understand spending an arm and a leg on hair gel. I get the cheapest stuff on the shelf. I love Citre Shine. It’s not too hard and doesn’t flake. Around $3 for a 20 oz bottle.

8. Overall makeup brand – Physicians Forumla. This line has it all. From fabulous bronzers to awesome eye shadow quads that I love. Prices are reasonable and the ingredients are quality. They have innovative products that work like CoverToxTen50™ Wrinkle Therapy Concealer

10 minutes = Over 50% reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
10 hours = Up to 52% visible dark circle reduction.
10 days = 77% visible dark circle reduction.

So that’s it. The best of my drugstore basket. Of course there is more, but my lips are sealed.

Bargain beauty buys — Hot!

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For several years, I spent my time writing advice for Sephora.com. If you are a product junkie, you know that it’s the hugest e-tailer of beauty products, cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and skincare in the world. As a makeup artist and esthetician with years of experience and one who has tried thousands of products, I am what you might call a pretty jaded guru. I’m not impressed by hype, but by results.

So in my own humble opinion, I know what’s hot and what’s not. But this is where I need you — the beauty blog readers out there. I am starting a new feature — Ask Ms. Hot or Not. So please send your questions to me via the contact link on the page, or in the comments section. If I don’t know the answer, I will do the research. If it’s a product I haven’t reviewed, I’ll get it, use it and review it. And know, I will give you my honest opinion.

Please, deluge me!

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I received a beautiful package of body products to try out form Maryam’s Soap Nook. Well, I thought they might be cheesy, since they weren’t from a major manufacturer. But I had to think again about my snobby attitude. The best products are born in someone’s kitchen or garage or bathroom. So, I got over my own arrogance and started dipping and smelling these lovely goodies.

My favorite from the group is the Shea Butter & Dead Sea Salt Glow Scrub in Peppermint Sea. I’m an exfoliating junkie. I have written about my love of the scrub before. Well, this scrub is just about perfect. The ingredients are top notch: Dead sea salts, shea butter, essential oils, camellia oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, vegetable glycerin and vitamin E,peppermint, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper and lemon.

The scrub melted into my skin and wasn’t at all rough as some that I have used. It rinsed clean and left my skin completely moist. My skin was soft as a baby’s behind. I was extremely touchable after using this scrub! I really didn’t have need for body lotion afterward. The scent is a little heavy for me because I like to wear perfume. I will just resolve that by using the scrub before bed!

TO USE: Stand in the tub or shower and massage the scrub onto your skin, body and hands only
(avoid face). Do not use on sunburned skin, or just shaved skin. If you must shave, exfoliate first. As
with all salts, do not rub into or onto a wound or open skin, as it will sting.

Maryam’s body scrubs are available in 15 scents and are so reasonably priced. $15 for an 8 ounce jar OR $25 for a 16 ounce jar. I’ve used scrubs that cost a fortune and don’t work nearly as well, so check her out. In addition to the scrubs, Maryam has gorgeous handmade soaps, Shea Butter Body Butters and more delicious body products. I’ll defintely be writing more about her awesome products.

Glowing skin from Maryam’s Salt Scrub — HOT!

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I don’t know about you, but I love free stuff. In particular free beauty products. Nordies often offers a great GWP and the current promotion is awesome. So if you are a spender and want to reap the reward of shopping, do yourself a favor and spend your moolah at Nordstrom beauty online.

What you get:
Exclusive Online OfferWith your online beauty or fragrance purchase of $95 or more, you’ll receive deluxe samples from the following beauty brands:

Online only. One per person, while supply lasts. Gift will be added automatically in Checkout and can only be shipped to the same destination as your order.

Now’s the time to get that one big purchase like a moisturizer or treatment serum. Then you will automatically get the reward of the freebies listed above.

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As a makeup artist, I have to stand for long periods at times. I also spend untold hours on planes. This leads to the horrible consequence of swollen legs and feet. Sometimes I look down at my legs and they are totally unrecognizable. My kids laugh at how huge they get. Well, I found a cure! At least something that helps.

Nuxe, a French skin care brand, has a wonderful product called Spa Tonic Refreshing Gel for Legs.

Nuxe Spa Tonific Refreshing Gel for Legs works to relieve sensations of fatigue and heaviness in the legs and feet. Butcher’s Broom Extract and Horse Chestnut Extract are well-known for their protective action on veins and capillaries. Legs and feet feel lighter and refreshed. 5 fl. oz.

Recommendations: For ALL Skin Types, even the most sensitive. Massage upwards from foot sole to thighs whenever necessary. Its non sticky texture is rapidly absorbed. Can be applied over stockings. In case of extreme discomfort, use as a refreshing mask on legs and feet. Remove excess gel after 5 minutes.

After I shower, I slather this stuff on, even on my ankles and feet. Then I hop into bed with my remote and put my feet up. Voila’! In the morning, my swelling has gone down. Even after a couple hours, I notice a considerable difference. This product is a necessity in my travel bags and is on my nightstand at home. The downside? You may find yourself going to the little girls room a bit more than you planned on…

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I’ve been writing about Spring 2007 makeup, so take a peek at some of the best collections!
NARS “Charmed”
Inspiration:
A blend of simple and sophisticated: light, fresh pink sheer lips are accented by bold and daring hues of apricot and plum for eyes with just a hint of sparkle.

Includes:
• NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow Compact, Thebes
• NARS Sheer Lipstick, Tutti Frutti
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Calliope
• NARS Lip Gloss, Risky Business
• NARS Makeup Primer With SPF 20

Lorac “Pleasure Island”

Inspiration: Look like your favorite celeb – just back from an island vacation with sun-kissed skin. Sparkly hues for eyes, cocktail-flavored lips, and lashes meant for the red carpet will keep you looking fresh and fabulous.

Includes:
• LORAC protecTINT Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, Dare to Bare
• LORAC Cheek Stamp Satiny Powder Blush, Golden Glow
• LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes Long-Wearing Mascara, Black
• LORAC Maui Wowie Full Face Kit, Limited Edition ($90 Value)
• LORAC Mocktail Flavored Lip Gloss, Maui Mai Tai

Vincent Longo: Sheer Beauty
Inspiration:
The youthful spirit of Spring is here with a soft and sheer natural look. Start by applying a flawless complexion and add touches of flushed colors to cheeks and lips.

Includes:
• Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil, Soft Pink/Spring Rose
• Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-To-Powder Foundation, Bisque
• Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blush, Savannah Fresh
• Vincent Longo Baby Balm Lipstick SPF 12, La Dulceta

Of course there is no need to buy every piece in every collection, the point is to do a makeup update. A pretty new lip color, lighten up your cheeks for spring or try something new on your eyes.

Get shopping!

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I love the Spring 2007 makeup trends. They are wearable and reasonable. Trend #1 that I wrote about was the heavy metal influence. Wearable metallic eye shadows. Spring makeup Trend #2 was a bold lip. Now, mind you, each trend isn’t meant to be worn all at once. You would definitely be a victim for the makeup police. And remember, trends are just that — fleeting. So take your pick and wear it well.

There is no better way to look fresh for spring than to add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks. And fortunatley, pink blush is a easy-to-apply spring trend. Makeup brands are behind this trend, as well as designers. The flushed pink cheek was seen on runways and is being featured in spring editorial makeup. Michael Kors models sported a clean fresh face that featured pink cheeks.

Carol Shaw, founder of Lorac features a soft pink cheek using her Cheek Stamp blush in Hibiscus (glimmering rose) or Pink Paradise (vibrant pink).

The pink cheeck interpreted by Lorac. Notice the soft pink lips and soft pastel shadows that compliment the soft flush of pink on the cheeks.

Bobbi Brown, the Grand Dame of natural beauty also does the pink cheek justice. Again, notice the soft eyes and mouth that accompanies this makeup trend of soft pink blush.

Long time frangrance house Guerlain does the updated pink cheek in it’s spring makeup collection.

My favorite pink blushes:
NARS Desire blush A yummy cotton candy pink. Perfect for porcelain to medium skin tones. Nars blush in Sin is ideal for deeper skin tones, olive to chocolate.
Laura Geller Pink Grapefruit Baked Blush — a sheer pink with golden luminescent light diffusers. Good for all skin tones, light to deep.
Cargo blush in Catalina for all skins tones. Lyon for deeper tones.
Smashbox blush Radiance (radiant fuschia) — perks up all skin tones, in particular deeper tones.
MAC Powder Blush in Desirious or Frankly Scarlett. Both are awesome on all skins.

Flushed pink cheeks are a HOT Spring makeup trend!

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Hot off the press! Light up Lip Gloss! Now, I haven’t tried these yet, but Oprah loves them, that that means that they are sure to be cult favorite. Life & Style Magazine reported that when Oprah’s makeup artist Reggie Wells, pulled out the Light Up Lip Gloss Oprah flipped for it, and said that it would make a great gift. Yet another one of Oprah’s favorite things!

Go Light on My Lips coms in 5 colors and is priced at $19. For the Swarovski encrusted edition, monogramed with an initial, you will shell out $38. Although I have personally mastered the art of making up in the dark, this nifty gloss has a light and mirror that makes it ideal for touch ups. Not to mention that’s it’s really, really cute and ingenious.

I haven’t tried this lip gloss for it’s wearability yet, but I think I just have to get one, if only for the kitchiness of the light!

Light up Lip Gloss — HOT!

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Gloss, the online shopping site for Estee Lauder brands, has an email special that I’m passing on to you. Shhhhhh!

Receive a complimentary Gloss Makeup Clutch in a metallic blue PLUS a 3 piece Travel Brush Set AND Free Standard Shipping with your $35 gloss order. Enter offer code TARGET at checkout.

Gloss carries not only Estee Lauder, but MAC, Bobbi Brown, CHANEL, Jo Malone, Darphin, Lab Series, La Mer, Origins, Prescriptives, Rodan +Fields, Clinique and Thierry Mugler.

Go ahead, get some free goodies! You know you need some new lipstick.

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Spring is almost here and it’s time to update the face! As much as I hate to admit it, fashion decidedly influences the makeup styles for each season. Spring 2007 fashion is all about sporty or romantic looks. Metallics and throw back inspiration from the ‘8o’s. Colors are limited to Black and White or your basic nude. The fashion trend, dictates the makeup. In makeup we will be seeing pink flushed cheeks, metallic eyes, bold lips and strong brows.

Let’s start with a fun trend for Spring 2007 — metallics.
Granted the way a trend is presented on the runway is not the way we everyday girls wear it. Trends are exaggerated on the runway. Sort of hyperbole in fashion — so we get the point. Models at CHANEL Spring 2007 sported bold gold and silver shadows rimming their eyes. While most of us wouldn’t wear that much shadow or in such a fashion for everyday, it does give us some insight into how to interpret the trend for everyday wear.

How to wear the trend:

Metallic shadows run the gammut from light sheens with a slight glimmer of metallic, to full on heavy metal. Your choice depends strictly on preference. I wouldn’t recommend a corporate lawyer wearing Urban Decay shadows with super shine and glitter, someone conservative certainly could wear a color wash (soft sweep of color over entire lid) of a soft sheen like Stila in Kitten or Nude. Pump up the metallic with Urban Decay in Baked, El Dorado or Vapor — the best of their metallic bronzes, golds and silvers. These metallics double as liners when wet and used with an angle brush.

Other sure fire metallics:
Dior 1-Couleur Powder Mono Eyeshadow in 065 Silver Dust
Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner — Try any color
Make Up For Ever Flash Color — Gold 20 and Copper 752
Becca Jewel Dust

Metallic eyes — HOT!

Check back for tomorrow for Trend #2.

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Have you ever put on makeup, foundation in particular, only to remnants of it on your favorite piece of clothing. Or worse yet, lay your face on your guy’s shoulder and leave a face print? (He better be YOUR man with that kind of tell tale evidence). Well I have recently discovered a foundation that does not only is a beautiful product, but is non-transferable.

Laura Geller Phenomenal Foundation works a world of wonders.

What it is:
A phenomenal liquid foundation that’s rich in botanicals.

What it is formulated to do:
It glides on smooth; has buildable coverage (which means you can wear it sheer or layer it for added perfecting); it looks perfectly fresh for hours; and stays put but can be removed easily.

What else you need to know:
Loaded with damage repairing botanicals including white tea extract and centella asiatica. Oil-free and comes in an “airless” pump so you can get every drop.

Why I love it:
It’s easy to color match. Available in Fair, Light, Medium and Deep. It blends down without that awful “line of demarcation”.
And with Black and White being the fashion colors for spring and summer, you certainly don’t want to take any chances with makeup on your beautiful white shirt!

Application tips:
This foundation needs manipulation to blend into the skin. You need to use your fingers to apply or use a makeup sponge. A foundation brush doesn’t cut it. Take it from me, I’m a pro.

$35, available at Sephora.com and selected Sephora stores.

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Bronzer has become a year round makeup staple. Where once it was used to just give that aura of having sunned in the tropics, now women (and) men use bronzer to look refresed and to fake a tan. I have worked with many many bronzers, and have my favorites.

My Top 5 Bronzer Picks:

1. NARS Bronzer in Casino or Laguna
Okay, you all know I love this makeup line, and the bronzers are beautiful. Never orange, but just the right amount or warmth. Casino is the perfect bronzer for darker skins and the best countour powder I’ve found. With the slight shimmer, skin always looks luminous.

2. Cargo Bronzer
Generous sizes and light, medium, dark and matte finishes. These pretty bronzers warm the skin without streaking or looking artificial. The option of a matte finish is ideal for those who don’t like a shimmer in their bronzer.

3. Laura Geller Bronze and Brighten
Not only is this a beautiful bronzer that works on all skin tones from light to dark, but the bronzer works double duty as an eyeshadow, eye liner, contour powder or “foundation” for darker skin. Balances the tone of ruddy and yellow skins. It’s actually a baked liquid — pretty awesome technology.

4. Guerlain Terracotta
Terracotta has been a mainstain bronzer for years. Guerlain was making bronzer long before other companies even thought about it. While their earlier versions tended to make skin look a tad orange, of late this bronzer has just gotten better and is the Grand Dame of Bronzers. I like the matte finish in particular.

5. Stila Sun
My favorite is the original, but now there are sheer and matte versions of Stila’s lovely bronzing powder.

Application tips:Use a big fluffy brush. Lots of brands sell a bronzing brush at a ridiculously high price. Sephora has a retractable brush for $19 which is a good buy for your bronzer brush. If you can find one cheaper, let me know.

Brush bronzer over the points of the face where the sun would naturally kiss it with color — forehead, cheeks, chin and across the nose.

For more intense color, buff the color into the skin.

Bronzer can keep your looking fresh in the midst of winter, so go ahead and give yourself a little warmth.

Bronzer — Hot.

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I am a complete addict when it comes to beauty products and truly appreciate any type of deal. Yes, I’m a sucker. I thought I’d share a few with my reading public.

At DERMAdoctor:
Neova SPECIAL OFFER
Purchase $85 or more of Neova products, receive a free gift set. Including a travel size Body Smoother, a full-size Cuticle Therapy, sample packettes of Eye Therapy and Night Therapy, plus a copper mesh gift bag. While supplies last.
An $20 value!

At Saks:
Online and in stores from Thursday March 1, to Sunday March 11. Receive this exclusieve white patent bag filled with deluxe samples of the best beauty brands, with any cosmetics or fragrance purchase of $100 or more.

Just enter code: ROMANTIC at checkout.

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I love a deal. I think most people do. Especially those of us who are makeup junkies, we in particular love a deal. So, I’m here to pass on a great deal. Laura Geller Baked Beauties is an awesome beauty buy. A $100 value, yours for $55.

What it is:
Three richly-hued compacts of multi-toned marbleized pigments ranging from blush to bronze hues, swirled together into a radiant liquid, poured onto terra cotta pans, and baked for 24 hours into a soft, creamy powder - plus lipstick, mascara, and Spackle foundation primer.

What you get:
Set includes full-size Blush ‘n’ Brighten in Golden Apricot (bronze, gold, and rose); a Balance ‘n’ Bronze Split Compact (half in pink, tan, cream, and bronze, and half in soft tan, peach, and cream); Baked Eye Shadow in Unearthed (bronze, chocolate, and champagne); plus a Creamy Mascara in Black, Lipstick in Peach Melba (bronzed rosy peach), and a 1 oz Spackle foundation primer mini in a clear, zippered travel bag.

Why I love it:
The Balance and Bronze practically eliminates my need for foundation. My typically sallow skin is evened out and brightened. Something I learned from Laura is that whether you are ruddy or sallow, this bronzer evens your skin. Thanks to that swirling technique of all the colors.
The Blush and Brighten works perfectly with my yellow tones. Everyone needs blush, and this is a lovely everyone-can-wear-it blush. The Baked Eyeshadow in Unearthed I apply over my entire lid. Because of the way the colors are in the dome, you can apply the lighter tones under your brow bone, or use the darker ones in the crease. Or, just swish your shadow brush across the entire dome for a color wash to the entire lid. Spackle is the ulimate primer. And the lipstick and mascara are just the icing on the cake.

Laura Geller Baked Beauties — Definitely HOT!

Available at Sephora.com.

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