Best Of

There's something exhilarating yet chilling about New Year's Eve. You reflect on the year behind- the good and the bad moments, the things you wish you had done differently and how you grew as a person. Then with your heart filled with promise and higher expectations you look forward to the New Year and in our case the new decade. We take this moment to perhaps address our own perceived shortcomings (ie. I will lose those 5 pounds, I will get out of these dead end job and finally open that bakery I wanted) and start fresh again. On a personal note 2009, ugh, was not one of my greatest years so I'm mustering up strength and optimism to look forward and not backward to what I hope will be a brighter, more fulfilling year and bountiful decade with more laughter, less tears, more celebrations and less heart wrenching moments.

But as we take that moment to reflect on the year behind I thought it would be good to go through the top 5 blog posts that you most enjoyed and found most helpful.

5. Who doesn't love fuller assets? No... I'm not referring to your stock portfolio although things are looking up but not that much! I'm referring to your own ladies. Amplify, highlight and add to your decolette for that return on your investment.

4. Ever heard the saying "eyes are the windows to the soul?" Whether you are a believer or not why not create that extra twinkle in your eye? Users beware! Love at first sight might be possible too!

3. Yes we all want to look younger and stay that way. But like any practice or regimen you must follow the right protocol. Listen you don't get washboard abs by doing 20 lousy crunches a day so for perfect skin follow the right morning and night regimen!

2. The recession taught us to save more and spend less. This thrifty consumption pattern can be applied to all facets of our life. Are you perhaps overusing product? Make sure you're being smart, using the right amount for the best skincare results and bang for your buck!

1. Now go celebrate this year in style! Sparkle your way into a brighter New Year!

Usage tip: I want to hear your thoughts! Post a comment and let me know beaute topics you would like covered or questions you may have. Let's together make 2010 a beaute-full year!

The result: My ray of sunshine is my readers...thank you for your support and readership. I wish you and your loved ones a bright, prosperous and healthy New Year!

Glitter Like It's 1999

One of the ultimate affirmations that you're a member of the select "in the know" crowd is when a signature action that you did/do suddenly becomes THE trend. I laugh as I write this...in high school my friends and I would adorn our faces with glitter on those special occasions that were considered big events during those adolescent years- Homegame games, birthday parties, Winterballs and those special evenings we would paint the town (read our crushes houses would mysteriously be teped with toilet paper). We would pile into the cars head to the fabric store and stockpile on little bottles of these sparkly jewels. At home they would be carefully applied to the eyes (to accentuate our eye liner), on the check bones (to illuminate our complexions) and on our virginal decollete (to help draw the boys' eyes to the "assets"). So it should come as no surprise that a mere 10 years later the fall runways from Prada to Louis Vuitton to Chanel were bejeweled with glitter. In lieu of the biggest global annual celebration why not dip your toes in this sparkling pool and glitter like it's 1999. From the more conservative, glitter-shy beaute lovers to the sparkly aficionado's there's a way for you to indulge.

Bling Bling Options (Boldest to Modest)

1. Eyeliner: Highlight eyes with gel glitter eyeliners like those from Too Faced available in every possible hue. Alternatively you can create your own with MAC Pro Mixing Medium Eyeliner a clear gel that binds to loose glitter (I like Make Up For Ever Glitters) for a customized liner.

2. Mascara: With each blink set hearts a flutter by layering a glitter lash gloss on top of your favorite mascara. Try Ulta's Sparkly Lashes available in Oscar Gold and Silver Screen.

3. Cheeks: A throw back to the originals and do like we did in high school by dusting cheek bones with craft and fabric store bought glitter. Economical and avant garde.

4. Eyeshadow: Frost the windows to your soul with glitter shadow found in every color under the sun from pretty much every cosmetic brand possible like MAC to Nars to Urban Decay Glitter Eyeshadows. Highlight any part of your peepers from the crease to the entire lid.

5. Lipgloss: Make yourself even more kissable with diamond inspired lips compliments of Sephora Ultra-Shine Gloss.

6. Eye Pencil: Give eye a bit more intrigue by lining the lower eyelid with Nars Glitter Pencils. Subtle glitter flicks catch light for a literal, Hollywood style "glimmer in your eyes."

7. Nails: You don't need a diamond ring to have something sparkly to look at it. Paint nails with Revlon Glimmer Gloss Nail Polish (or just layer on top of your favorite polish) for the ultimate light catching shine.

Usage tip: Use gentle medical tape like Nexcare Gentle Paper tape to clean loose or misplaced glitter as those buggers often have a mind of their own!

The result: Dazzle your way into 2010!

Smokey Eyes for Dummies

One of the most beautiful things about life is that each day brings a new opportunity to learn. Afterall, we are lifelong students regardless of how specialized or well versed we may be. My sis, as you have read in previous posts, is a jack of all trades. She effortlessly prepares the perfect flaky pie crust, as she designs vintage jewelery, while she scours for the next Kid Cudi. So it should be no surprise that during my holiday visit home, this talented sis schooled me on how to create the sexy smokey eye in under 3 minutes. This technique is so flawless and foolproof that I must share with you courtesy of Ms. N (a big thank you my sis for your passion, love and everpresent support).

Ms. N's Smokey Eyes for Dummies
1. On a clean, makeup-free eyelid apply a primer to even out skin tone while creating the perfect base for added holding power. I like Paula Dorf Eye Primer.
2. Gently pull eyelid taut using your ring finger with your non-dominant hand. This helps the pencil run smoother over the eyelid in the next step.
3. Starting from the outer corner line the upper lashes with the Nars eye liner pencil in Kyoto for a metallic slate or Kaliste for a popping blue. This line should be thick and doesn't need to be neat as we will be smudging (see picture 1 above)
4. Using a smudge brush, eyeliner sponge (found on the opposite end of some eye or lip pencils) or even your fingers gently smudge the line in a back and forth motion working the color up till the crease (see picture 2). If you want to further darken the lid add more color. Apply the pencil where ever you want greater intensity and smudge (see picture 3).
5. Using the same pencil line only one third of the lower lid starting again from the outer corner (see picture 4).
6. Smudge the line such that the top and lower lines meet at the outer eye corner.
7. "Lock" the color with a translucent powder by gently brushing it on the upper lid.
8. Using a light sparkly champagne eye shadow powder, highlight under the brow bone and inner eye corners for added illumination.
9. Curl lashes (you know my favorite Shu Uemura eye lash curler) and coat lashes with a black mascara.

Et voila timeless, holiday and party appropriate smokey eyes from zero to sixty in under 3 minutes!

On a final note, I want to wish all my readers and their families a very Happy Holiday and a bright, fruitful and healthy New Year. 2009 marked the launch of my beaute blog and without each of your support and readership this really would not be possible. Your comments (yes they get back to me through the grapevine but please also feel free to post them on the site) are my fuel and I'm humbled by your patronage. Here's to a beaute filled 2010!

Usage tip: As Ms. N says "big on the eyes, light on the lips" so finish this look with a pinkish nude lipgloss. The key to this look is to not be afraid of a misstep. The thicker the line the more color your smokey look will have. Just be sure to smudge. Don't worry you can't screw this up!

The result: Flawless smokey eyes as you juggle updating your Facebook status while doing the laundry and heating up the restaurant catered dinner you will later be taking full credit for as your boy comes over for a "home cooked meal!"

Beauty Smarts

If you haven't figured it out by now I'm a total beaute nerd, so you can only imagine my excitement when I buy a new cosmetic product...it's a bit like a kid at Christmas sort of thing. The downside? If something happens to product (ie. the pump on the lotion jams, the powder eye shadow drops and breaks into a million pieces, etc) I'm hugely disappointed, and like most people I hate let downs. This morning as I went to moisturize my lips with the Fresh Rose Lip Treatment, similar packaging to a lipstick, the stick actually broke right in half as I was mid-application. And can you imagine that the lip balm was brand new! Twenty some odd dollars and that's it? Thanks for the good times love but we must part ways and throw you in the garbage can? To me that's almost like burning a $20 bill. Why would you throw away good money? Instead it's time to get a bit resourceful and think "outside the box" (yes I guess I've been drinking the marketing Kool Aid).

One of my favorite tricks to salvage broken or almost empty lipsticks is to melt what's left into a empty lipstick palette. This is even great if you want a compact with your top 6 lipsticks in a small sleek, clutch friendly case. You can buy these sort of trays/palettes at beauty supply stores or online. I found the one shown in the picture at Alcone Company for $15. The great thing is these palettes are reusable so as long as it doesn't slip from your hand and shatter you're good to go for quite awhile.

How to Make Your Own Lipstick Palette
1. If your lipstick isn't already broken the cleanest way to cut off a piece is to take dental floss, wrap it around the stick and gently cut.
2. There's two ways to melt the lipstick:
a. Microwave: Put the lipstick piece in a papercup and microwave for 30 seconds. If it isn't
melted continue to microwave in 15-20 second increments until it is completely liquid.
b. Candle: Put the lipstick in a spoon and hold it over a candle flame until it is completely
melted.
3. Pour the melted lipstick which should be in a liquid phase into the palette. Fill it to the top of each well.
4. Cool the lipstick back into solid phase by putting it the tray into the fridge for 30 minutes.

Usage tip: Chose your favorite colors that can easily be layered, mix and matched for the optimal makeup artist palette.

The result: Money saved, a new on the go accessory made all for your lips!

The Dressing Room

It is without question that women are the superior sex...just think of all the fun we have that men miss out on! Shoe shopping, handbag collecting, jewelery curating...and that's just the clothes! My shelves upon shelves of lipsticks, eyeshadows, creams and exfoliators are a testament of the other goodies we are privy too. Thank goodness I was born a girl because without all these rituals I would be lost and incomplete wandering through the big, bad world. Yet another reason to celebrate our double X chromosomes?!

TopShop's Dressing Room event going on now thru the 21st at their NYC Soho store from 1-7pm daily. This beauty and fashion extravaganza gives you a much needed mini-vaca from the holiday shopping and prepping minefield. After all your hands need a break from all the credit card swiping, your hair needs to be coiffed from the deshabille mall mess and your feet need to be elevated while your parches lips enjoy some refreshing coconut water! So book an appointment for a beauty revamp. Let John Freida stylists style your hair as you get a manicure from M2M nail specialists. With polish names like First Lady and Glam Slam your nails will be well taken care of just like all the celebs (M2M is founded by the go-to A-list star manicurist, Myrdith Leon-McCormack)! I'm a huge fan of her ever-popular green shade appropriately called Dirty Sexy Money. And if that's not enough stylists are on hand to help pull together outfits for all the big party nights ahead. This event is complimentary but guests are invited to make a $5 donation to the Lower East Side Girls Club. So go ahead treat yourself and book an appointment, after all you need a break before all the family drama...err holiday get togethers!

Usage tip: To make an appointment call 212-966-9455 or email broadwaydressingroom@topshop.com. Spaces are limited so reserve now.

The result: A holiday present for the most important person in your life...YOU!

Face Framing

In case you can't tell I have a weak spot for the classics... timeless black, that certain quilted handbag, simple sheath dresses and oh yes who can forget the pearls? Last night on a wet Sunday evening my mom and I made a delicious dinner and cozied up on the couch to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's. Speaking of the requisite classic trademarks, Ms. Hepurn was never without her black sheath dress, pearls and strong eyebrows (ladies take note these are the classics; relevant over 40 years ago as they are today). Scene after scene these hallmarks served and supported the stunning Audrey through her man and money filled drama (yes somethings don't change but luckily she always had Tiffany's New York flagship store to provide her soothing comfort!). There's something captivating about Audrey Hepurn's sophisticated and elegant face...a delicate nose, porcelain skin, angelic eyes and face framing strong brows.

As a teen experimenting with my first eye brow shaping experiences my mom always cautioned to not over tweeze. Thick brows are to be envied she would remind me. As I've grown older, I have realized that yes mother's do know best and this case is no exception. Strong, statement making brows spell youth, beauty and timelessness. Pick up any magazine and strong brows are celebrated in their full glory and as fashionable as winter's short sleeved coats. Now brows like most things are an art form. In the hands of the right artist and with the right brush stroke so-so brows become masterpieces. Of course a pièce de résistance needs supporting tools to hold every hair in place (literally). Thick doesn't have to spell unruly, I have relied on eyebrow gel since my early teens to keep my brows in place. I love Maybelline Define-A-Brow Gel. For less than $5 this clear gel holds and accentuates brows all day long. Think of this as mascara (without the volumizing/lengthening effect) for your face. In fact you can use a clear mascara as well to help shape brows. For those who are not naturally blessed with bushy (in a good way!) brows there are tinted eyebrow gels like MAC's Brow Set in three natural looking shades that help emphasize and enhance fullness. Don't worry it won't flake or smudge so your secret is safe with me!

Usage tip: Apply the gel after finishing your eye makeup and be sure to not apply a profuse amount. Start from the inner corner and brush outwards for optimal styling.

The result: Breakfast at Tiffany's classic, bold eyebrows!

For Everyone on Your List

There's that magical time of year where regardless of how cold it is you can walk the streets for hours mesmerized by the lights and decorations. You eat and drink all those delicious and devious goodies that keep popping up at all the parties without a care to the potential consequences for your midsection and hips. And of course, a certain plant finally gives you the opportunity or excuse to kiss the crush you've been secretly lusting for. As a child this particular time was filled with enchantment and bewitching moments reminiscent of Harry Potter's beloved Diagon Alley and Three Broomsticks pub. School lessons were replaced with parties, plays and recitals. Nights were spent dreaming of Santa's workshop and the hardworking elves. And by far my favorite activity was writing my yearly letter to Santa. In this hand written note I would put forth my compelling argument for why I should be considered a good girl this year then nicely provide my gift wish list and close with my deepest regards to Mrs. Claus and the reindeer. One year I even got a letter back from the North Pole! As a nine year old my brain was overloaded...Santa wrote me back! My hats off to my indulgent parents who nourished the imagination of their child. A couple of years later while I was trying to sort through the existential question, "Santa- to be or not be?" I tested the waters and announced "If Santa doesn't get me a Nintendo I will know that he is not real!" Sure enough I got the Nintendo and Santa kept fighting the good fight. So this year Santa (errr Sephora?) has put together some lavish gift sets for every person on your holiday list. Jam packed with essential goodies, these sets are priced over 50% cheaper than their value and all cost less than $40!...bountiful and wallet friendly. So here is Sephora's top 5 best gift sets that will leave your recipient writing a letter to Santa for next year's presents!

1. Sephora's Exclusive Radiant Skin Regimen Deluxe Sampler ($143 value for $38)

This 9 piece set contains all the essentials from A-Z for flawless youthful skin including Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash, Cosmedicine Medi-Morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator, Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator, DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizing Serum, Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment, Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF15, Philosophy Hope in a Jar, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion.

Perfect for: That special friend who's always there and deserves a little TLC in return.

2. Korres Never Too Many Set ($99 value for $39.50)

Bask in this comprehensive kit that features Korres' bestselling body products. Indulge in their natural yet lavish shower gels and body balms. Set comes with 6 of each in the following refreshing scents: Basil Lemon, Jasmine, Guava, Clementine, Melon and Mint. This kit is so beautiful thanks to Korres' vibrant packaging that it would make a perfect bath accessory!

Perfect for: The bath junkie or eternal traveller on your list.

3. Caudalie Spa in a Bag ($50 value for $30)

Reverred for their antioxidant-rich products thanks to their crushed grapes, this brand was the pioneer of the wine to beauty movement. Unwind with their vinotherapie products featuring their Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel, Cabernet Scrub, Hand Cream and Nourishing Body Lotion nestled in a reusable bag.

Perfect for: The wine enthusiast who has all the wine bottles you could ever dream of.

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Super Stash ($63 value for $36)

Nine mini-sized eye liner pencils of Urban Decay's budge-proof, fool-proof coveted product. Featuring four new, exclusive shades and five best-selling favorites this kit has all spectrum's of the rainbow covered from classic black to rockstar purple. These pencils are the ultimate finishing touch to any eye look.

Perfect for: The night owl, party girl.

5. Tarte Crown Jewels Lipgloss Multi-Gift Set ($165 value for $39)

Pay close attention! This kit includes 3 boxes each containing 5 lip glosses...yes you did the math right! That means you get 15 lip glosses for the cost two and half their individually retailed lip glosses?! To top it off these natural formulas glide on for richly pigmented coverage while protecting and repairing lips with Tarte's proprietary t5 superfruit complex. Soft, supple lips here we come!

Perfect for: The lip locker on your list!

Usage tip: Buy quickly before the secret to these great sets gets out. Who has ever heard of a deal like this?

The result: Lavish, Santa approved beaute gifts!

Hair Color 101

Since so many of you enjoyed the last post on the new brunette but had questions about the do's and dont's of salon color I thought it would be helpful to go back to the fundamentals, or as I like to call them the 101's, for a brief review. Yes I know none of us really took pleasure in being coerced to attend the mandated prerequisites of American history 101 or Physics 101 but in fairness to our higher learning institutions these classes provided us with the building blocks by which to progress our studies...well in theory at least. But unlike middle school, high school or college Beaute 101 provides valuable insight into looking and feeling your best cause after all looks due matter and whoever told you otherwise was either ugly, jealous of your natural beauty or flat out delusion (I'd like to be PC and say I'm just kidding but unfortunately I'm really not!). So the question of the day: what can you do to make your professional hair color appointment and service the best possible?

Before the Color Service

1. Scan through magazines and cut out examples of hair colors (and cuts!) that you like. Hair stylists are artists and they appreciate visual stimulus or inspiration by which they can work off of. By having physical examples of what you're looking for your stylist will have a better understanding of how to give it to you. Now you can take multiple pictures (my preference as you want to create your own look; not to replicate the model in the ad) but be clear in describing what you like. For example, I want that rich auburn hue from this clip as a highlight but I like the subtle weaving techniques of this ad. You get the picture?

2. Don't wash your hair up to 24 hours prior to your hair color appointment. Hair's natural oils help minimize the damaged incurred to hair while not interfering with color binding to strands. By shampooing you are stripping hair of these protective oils.

During the Color Service

1. Ask your stylist to give you a protein/strengthening treatment directly after rinsing the color. This little extra helps restore hair's natural building blocks to fortify strands from the inside out. Breakage is minimized for stronger, healthier hair.

2. If for any reason you are unhappy with your color or cut tell your stylist immediately. They and the salon manager would prefer correcting the mistake right away so that you leave their salon a happy customer.

After the Color Service

1. Wait at least 24 hours or ideally 48 hours before washing hair. This helps ensure that the color molecules bind properly for maxim richness and intensity. When you do wash your hair don't be alarmed if you notice "bleeding" (meaning color rinsing out while in the shower). This is just the excess color that was on your scalp and outer hair layer. Just be sure to dry hair with an old towel that you wouldn't mind being stained with the color.

2. Wash hair with a color protecting shampoo to help boast radiance and maintain color longevity for at least 2 weeks. I like Phyto Citrus Shampoo or Kerastase Bain Mirror. For best color wear also make sure that the shampoo you use at all times is safe or made for color-treated hair. Just rinsing or brushing hair will naturally make color fade but by using a gentle color protecting shampoo you can lengthen and prolong your color.

3. After shampooing, treat hair to a nourishing mask which will restore lost lipids, proteins and nutrients. It's all about strengthening your hair for optimal suppleness, shine and healthiness. Make sure to apply the mask from mid-length to ends (where damage is the most) as it will only weigh down the roots and leave-in for 10-15 minutes. Wrap a towel around your hair (put on a shower cap first) so that the heat from your head helps the mask penetrate the hair. Rinse with cool water to help the seal the cuticles (hair's outer layer). Do this treatment weekly.

4. Use a leave-in product with UV filters and an antioxidant like vitamin E or any of the berries (you know the list blue, acai, goji, etc). These ingredients will help protect color from free radical damage (yes this too happens to hair) which causes color dulling and oxidizing. Ideally it's smart to make this a part of your hair care regimen.

Usage tip: You can get the best color but if you don't take care of your hair the color molecules will eventually be stripped so pay close attention to the after color service portion above and for the best results follow it to the T.

The results: Brilliant, long lasting color just the way you want it and worth every penny you paid for it!

The New Brunette

First off I want to begin by apologizing for going MIA last week. Yes it was the big turkey day and we were all busy cooking up a storm (the two chefs in my family made their best feast to date!). But on top of that I managed to catch that not so friendly cold that's going around which may have contributed to my fainting episode on my United Airlines (not fun!) return flight home (a big thank you to the two nurses and stewardesses who helped me). Anyway, I hope that you and your loved ones had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm particularly thankful for all my beaute101 readers!

In life if you're really lucky there are passing opportunities to experience greatness...great "I will always make you feel fabulous" shoes, great "down to wire, 30 seconds left, touchdown clenching" football games and of course there's the great loves (an elusive concept that we all dream of). In my case I have Gina the Great. Gina is without question one of the most accomplished hair stylists I've had the privilege of meeting. Uniquely talented in both cuts and colors (most stylists specialize in one or the other), I have been flying close to 2,000 miles for the past 5 years to snag an appointment with her (I've been a Gina convert for over 10 years now!). Any stylist who compels a client to fly from Nyc (no less!) for a hair appointment is nothing short of brilliantly ingenious. So on my holiday trip home, I booked my "autumn/winter" hair appointment with Gina to swap my summer, sun-kissed locks for some statement making winter colors. Now what you must know is that I am proud brunette but throughout all my hair coloring years I have experienced a pang of envy for my blonder counterparts. They always seemed to have a richer, broader palette of tones- think swirled honey, dulce de leche and butterscotch, while brunettes could only explore hair colors within the limiting confines of warm dark brown shades like caramel, mocha and mahogany.

Not to be outdone anymore, hair color manufacturers have finally addressed this need gap and are launching colors for a more fabulous hued brunette. Gina the Great and I decided to play with some of these new tones that will soon become a mainstay for all darker haired ladies. The newest trend is a large departure from the food inspired colors mentioned above and veer toward a cooler (in more ways than one!) more organically natural shades. Instead the old warm tones (think the orange-red undertones) have been replaced by chicer, more-bitter chocolate type of palettes. So Gina masterminded a 10 shade, double-processed (read: my hair was first lightened to help the hair quench the desired color molecules, then washed, dried and then recolored) highlight, lowlight, base colors that are truly heart stopping. Set on a background of bad girl black with a blue undertone, each highlight color is inspired by nature and landscape recalling things like fresh soil, aubergine eggplant and bark (I know it doesn't sound sexy but trust me it looks damn hot). 7 hours later (yes you read that right!), I emerged from Gina the Great's chair with a edgy, sexy look only complimented by my rocker, layered cut. I find myself staring at my hair in different lights, captivated by the range and glints of these new sophisticated, cooler tones. I don't know if I will ever be able to go back those caramel-hued highlights! As the recent British Vogue said, "Brunette hair has the ability to look, if not more expensive, then certainly more luxurious than even the most sunkissed of blonde hair" and all I can say is "Yes we can!"

Usage tip: These new cool tones are more flattering to the paler, vampire-inspired winter skin tones. Flaunt your new color with dark black voluminous lashes, bold eyebrows, a hint of pink blush and the new merlot/vamp lips. And if you're in the Denver area or are willing to catch a plane stop by Blondies and pay Gina the Great a visit!

The result: Rock star edgy, uptown chic, lingerie sexy hair! Move over blondes it's time to let someone else have some fun!

Shop Till Your Glass Drops!

Call me crazy but who in the right mind gets up at 4am to join the Black Friday stampede? Really is a new tv, doll house or sweater set worth losing your beaute sleep or worse yet being trampled to death (see Walmart fiasco from last year)? I understand we are in a recession/saving mode like little squirrels who horde their nuts but what ever happened to civility, dignity and compassion? Plus do you really want to brave the holiday crowds, screaming kids and rude salespeople when you can do all your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home (go ahead and indulge by doing it from your bed!)? Think about it: you in your comfy clothes with a glass of vino in hand simply pointing and clicking your holiday gift list away. It's a beaute no brainer, especially since there's so many amazing deals on Cyber Monday (for those of you who are not aware of this internet holiday, the Monday after Thanksgiving is the largest online shopping day!...Apparently no one needs to or is working! ). Now beware many of these deals are only valid for the next 24-48 hours so hurry and take advantage of these insider savings that aren't even available in stores!

Shopping Deals Expiring at 11:59pm on 11/30

Armani: Enjoy 20% off skincare and cosmetics plus complimentary shipping with code FAMILY. Pick up their cult favorite Luminous Silk Foundation for your sis.

Lancome: Save 20% off all purchases plus free shipping with code HOLIDAYJOY2. I bought their Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover and who doesn't love their flake-free mascara?

Origins: $10 off orders $25 or more and get free shipping with code TenOff09. For you natural and organic beaute lover give them their USDA certified organic line.

Shopping Deals Expiring at 11:59pm on 12/1

Bliss: 30% off 2 or more items with code GIFT30 or 30% off hand picked giftsets with code SET30 for the bath lover on your list.

Kiehl's: Enjoy 20% off and free shipping on orders of $30 or more with code FAMILY. Pick up their Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish for someone you want to snuggle with!

Shu Uemura: Receive 20% off and free shipping on orders of $50 or more with code WISH09. Stock up on their amazing brushes and their legendary Eye Lash curler for your makeup-happy friend.

Bath & Body Works: Get 25% off all orders. Treat your mom with Dr. Wexler skin care products!

Bobbi Brown: Spending for a cause! Enjoy 20% off plus free shipping on orders of $65 or more. No code necessary this saving is automatically applied at checkout. Proceeds from purchase will help support their donation of $10,000 to Dress for Success. Get their fool-proof Long Wear Eye Gel for you're best friend.

Usage tip: Start enjoying the holiday festivities since you no longer will be wasting your time standing in line at the retail counters!

The result: Stress-free gift saving...don't you love your computer?

The Third Date

There's something so promising and idealistic about the first date. You're filled with hope and optimistic expectations as your mind runs wild with all the possible scenarios...could he/she be that great lover typically reserved for the story books? Perhaps a future baby daddy? (No judgement on my part. I understand times are tough. Just kidding! The gold digger look is not a good style so drop it like you did with last season's MC Hammer-esque harem pants)! Or if you're not already jaded, perhaps you may be as far-reaching to fantasize that this may be the one! (We have saying in my culture: there's a wedding in the bride's house and the groom doesn't even know it!). Then there's the second date...by now you've been brought back to earth by the events transpired during and between date 1 and 2. You've started to make your pros and cons list to see if this is worth the investment. Date 3- I like to call this the deal breaker. Either you're intrigued and willing to stay for more or you've seen enough and well...au revoir, adios, adieu, you get the idea!

Luckily for the Clarisonic Mia Skin Care Brush date 3 continued to exceed Dr. Sam's expectations (if you have no idea who Dr. Sam is you need to keep up and read the last post!). After using the brush both morning and evening, Dr. Sam has been experiencing a new radiance and luminosity. The blackheads around her nose have nearly dissappeared and her hyperpigmentation spots have been lightened. Her skin's texture is smoother and softer, it's almost surreal! Of course all these end benefits are a testament to the brushes cleansing and micro-massage mechanism that effectively removes more dirt, oil and impurities than your typical manual cleansing methods. And because her skin is being "detoxed" in a sense, Dr. Sam is noticing some breakouts as deeply seated bacteria is brought to the skin surface. But as she moves on to date 4 (I know, I think it's becoming serious although they haven't had the "talk" yet), I can already see Dr. Sam is hooked! She has doubled her treatment time from 50 seconds to 2 minutes!

Usage tip: Use the brush around the neck and decollete area at least twice a week to deeply cleanse the skin. After all skin ages everywhere and it is much harder to mask the maturity signs in these two key places.

The results: You know the butterfly feeling you get in your stomach on date 3? Well imagine the same sort of feeling just for your face!

The Mia, Day 1

As a child your mind is like a sponge, eager to absorb any and everything. It is during these earlier stages that you form opinions, views and preferences based off these individual experiences, and as the experience/situation is repeated over and over again your notion or inclination only gets further cemented. I know, I know, what does this have to do with beaute and what's with the deep introspective, philosophical talk?! I'm privileged enough to have a vivacious, whip-smart cousin, and for circumstances beyond either of our control we haven't always had the most warm, intimate rapport (this is where those childhood experiences come in). However on a twist of fate I'm honored to have her visiting me this week, and in an effort to start a new beginning we will be co-authoring this weeks posts. And did I mention that this brilliant cousin is a dermatologist? Oh yes! So get ready for two expert opinions!

Taking advantage of Sephora's V.I.B. 20% off event, we picked up the Clarisonic Mia Skin Care Brush over the weekend and decided to put their claims to the test. At a $150 a pop we wanted to make sure this professional gadget goes the extra mile. For those of you not familiar with this tool allow me to give you a brief introduction. Borrowing from the sonic technology of your favorite toothbrush, the Mia is a soft, cordless brush that moves back and forth at more than 300 times per second to remove makeup six times better than traditional methods. Worried about irritation? The brush comes in 3 styles designed by skin type: normal, sensitive and delicate. And the claims? Clarisonic promises cleaner, smaller pores and healthier looking skin that is so thoroughly clean that your skincare products will work better. So we will be reporting to you from the frontlines of my brightly lit bathroom where we will be test driving the Mia for the next 5 days.

Immediately/Day 1

Methodology: We followed the prescribed directions and washed for a total of 50 seconds, spending 10 seconds on each cheek, 20 seconds on the forehead and the nose/chin. (Note the brush automatically turns itself off after a minute). You can use any cleanser with the brush, we washed in the evening with the one provided and in the morning with Dr. Sam's favorite. Interestingly neither foamed especially since the brand Dr. Sam uses is known for its lather properties when used mechanically by hand.

Findings: Immediately I noticed Dr. Sam's complexion had a rosy, healthy glow almost like she had spent the day frolicking in the mountains inhaling the fresh air. Her skin was silky, silky smooth to the point where we could not stop touching it! And ohhh the softness! You would have thought we were admiring the butter soft leather bags from our favorite Italian brand. Dr. Sam appreciated the gentleness of the brush, she was astounded that her skin was thoroughly cleaned with minimal abrasion. In the office she only sees results like this through more invasive procedures like microdermabrasion. Dr. Sam was hooked....she couldn't wait till morning so she could use it again!

Usage tip: Remove eye makeup first with a cotton pad and eye makeup remover. I like Lancome Bi-Facil. Lightly wet the skin and brush before cleansing. Make sure to gently move the brush in small circular motions but avoid pressing too hard as it will only irritate the skin and prohibit the brush from properly cleaning.

The result: Skin as soft as a baby's bottom, radiant as a post-workout glow and smooth as silk!

Pin Straight Smartness

There are just some looks that are so iconic and in a sense timeless that they become synonymous with that certain tweed jacket or enviable quilted bag. Back in the '90's our go-to-girl, Ms. Rachel Greene (aka Jennifer Aniston), evolved her shag that spawned a million "me too's" to a sleek, pin straight layered look. The moment that happened there was a stampede of a million women running to buy their very own flatiron...and the copycatting continued. Over 10 years later that polished look has stayed relevant and mainstream. Ms. Aniston still sports it and the house of Gucci and Givenchy made the modern sleek hair front and center of their autumn/fall campaigns. Of course like all things there's a right way of doing it and a wrong way. I'm still haunted with the memories of my first flat ironing experiences. Within months my hair was ravaged. The ends became prone to breakage, my hair lost its luster, felt straw-like and began to make this almost scary crinkling sound when touched. Unfortunately I was still in my beaute guru apprentice days so there was much to be learned!

Now having perfected the look, I want to share the "right way" to do it to avoid the unnecessary damage and scary side effects! Let's think of this as the Whole Foods, yoga approach to flat ironing.

Pin Straight Hair (the healthy way!)

1. After washing and gently towel drying hair, apply a heat activated milk/serum from mid-length to ends. Protecting hair from heat damage, this type of product prevents against breakage and the scrunchy feeling to keep strands healthy and strong. I recommend Kerastase Ciment Thermique.

2. Blow dry strands till they are barely damp.

3. Take a paddle brush and quickly smooth hair in 2" sections with the blow drier. This preps the hair by beginning the early straightening stages helping to cut down on the flat ironing time. Reminder: this is just a quick prep so don't focus on making it perfect.

4. Starting at the root, rest hair on the inside panel (the one closest to your scalp) of the iron and gently pull it taut or straight with your hand. Closing the iron at the root causes an unsightly kink/bump so this technique gives you pure smoothness.

5. After straigthening the 1" section of hair near the roots, gently press the iron closed inch by inch as move down the remaining length of hair. Never, ever drag the closed flat iron along the hair. This will only damage your hair shaft.

6. After your straightening is complete, mix a shine spray or serum between the palms of your hand. Then clamp 3" hair sections between the palms and almost in a clapping motion apply the shine enhancing product. This method avoids ruffing the hair cuticles and maintains the frizz-free smoothness you worked so hard to attain.

Et voila ma belle! You got the look without the burn (yes this is one of the few cases it's good to avoid that burn, baby, burn feeling we all seek at the gym)

Usage tip: Always use a flatiron with ceramic plates and make sure that the temperature does not exceed 180 F. There is absolutely no reason your iron needs to be hotter than that! I once met a women who liked her flatiron to be 450 F. When I told her that at the temperature she could literally melt her hair she started crying! Melted hair is not an iconic look so please be smart. And learning from our last post it is imperative to nourish your hair weekly with a conditioning, restorative masque. Afterall we all need a little TLC!

The result: Beautiful yet sleek, healthy yet polished straight hair.

Deshabille No More

There a couple of ways to spend a perfect Sunday night - making dinner with a special someone as you hand feed each other, watching the latest Desperate Housewives (yes I'm a fan, albeit a bit closeted about it) over a bottle of vino or attending a poetry reading, as I did this past Sunday. While I sat and listened to the most soulful, core-stirring, inspirational words known to man, I couldn't help but notice the women in front of me. It wasn't her sweater or intent concentration that caught my eye. No it was her frizzy, deshabille, split-end screaming hair that distracted me from the evening's festivities. I literally had to sit on my hands to avoid interrupting the reading to tell her how to fix the hot mess on her head. With the plethora of amazing hair care products and especially one special treatment called a masque there's no reason to look like that!

Richer and more luxurious than your traditional conditioner, the masque nourishes and revives dry, stressed, brittle hair. Masques feature fortified formulas packed with moisturizing, strengthening and taming ingredients to reinforce hair from the cortex (the center/structural foundation of hair) while smoothing the cuticle (hair's outer layer). Imagine little packman's that replenish hair with it's essential building blocks (proteins) to rebuild from the inside out. Lipids and nutrients replenish hair while conditioning agents seal for shine and manageability. Hair is smoothed, softened and glowing. Depending on your price point I recommend either Kerastase Nutridefense Treatment ($58) or Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Instant Melting Conditioner ($4.99). Both will restore environmentally stressed, heat damaged hair for glossy, shiny, advertisement locks!

Usage tip: Apply once a week from mid-length to ends. Leave on for a minimum of 5 minutes (basically while you wash your body, exfoliate and shave your legs - talk about multi-tasking!) or up to 30 min (wrap hair in a towel so that your head's body heat helps in penetration) depending on damage. Although rich, these products are weightless so if you apply a nickel to quarter size amount (dependent on hair length) your hair will maintain it's bouncy volume. In desperate need to cover your split ends like my fellow poet enthusiast? Use the masque twice week on ends only in lieu of conditioner for an instant seal!

The result: Touchable, velvet soft, luminous hair!

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend!

There are a few innate things you can always count on in life: taxes must be paid every April 15th, the sun will rise in the east and set in the west and the ladies will always have a weakness for a certain sparkly gemstone. Think about it: have you ever met a girl who didn't go gaga over diamonds? Whether it's the pre-recession/finance-induced/celeb-sporting multi-carat (read: as big as your face) stone or a more subdued micro-pave, females will always become a bit weak in the knees. And a girl will always be able to recount the first diamond she received. The incidence sets a precedence, given from one loving person to another (for me it was the studs my parents gave me on my 16th birthday). Along those lines I have a diamond gift for my readers...

If there is one part of your face that you would like to sparkle like a million little diamonds or glitter the way fresh snow dances with a radiance-like dazzle, it is without question your lips. The multi-faceted shimmer of a D-flawless lipgloss imparts a sumptuous, multi-dimension, almost irresistible look to lips. So for your gift: drumroll please as you tear the wrapping paper, discover amongst the tissue a small blue box and open the lid to find....Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer! Without question, this is THEgloss for a sophisticated, timeless glimmer. Imagine a micronized diamond bracelet that was transformed into a lipgloss and you would get Chanel Glossimer's. Available in 40 different shades, this gloss is what makes your lips desirably and unattainably kissable (beware of people becoming so fixated with your lips that they will be chasing you down the streets for just the smallest hope of kiss!). Formulated with my favorite antioxidants, vitamins C and E, this product will also prevent against free radical damage while the water-resistant formula stays put for hours upon hours. So for your next night out (or if you want to add a little something to your day) pull this out and frost your lips with this multi-watt diamond gift!

Usage tip: Use alone or layer on top of a complimentary lipstick for intensified shine and color. My personal favorite color is Unity which originally launched as a limited edition but like all blockbuster hits became a Chanel mainstay. It's the perfect caramel, shimmery bronze hue well matched and non-competing with any eye shadow color!

The result: Timeless, classic lips (after all that's what diamonds are!)

Kings & Queens

It is sort of funny the way things transpire. Have you ever noticed how one thing can just lead to another without you ever expecting it? On a recent Target shopping trip I picked up a new, ribbon-weaved notebook for work (I need something pretty to look at while sitting through endless meetings). And in one of those meetings my co-worker complimented me onit. We started talking about the shopping utopia Target is and the endless things one never knew they needed until they browsed the aisles. As a fellow New Yorker who doesn't have the luxury of having a Target store within the city, she commented on how Duane Reade (the smaller, NYC answer to Target) has cultivated an equally interesting selection of products. She started raving about this body product line she had seen there after having once purchased it at Nordstorm. 9am sharp the next day she is at my desk clutching a heavenly body butter...

And that is the moment I fell in love with Kings & Queens Nefertiti Honey Body Butter. It is rare that a product can sweep me off my feet within the first few seconds. I tend to be the cautiously skeptical type who must use a product several times before recognizing any affection-like feelings. My eyes were fixated on this ornately designed tube as I thought "Wow I don't need to hide this product in my bathroom." It's so beautiful it can actually be a decoratory element. As I unscrewed the cap and squeezed the cream, the nourishing scent of honey sealed the deal. And of course with all that foreplay, the cream really delivered- rich, luxurious and hydrating. So off I went to my local Duane Reade and stockpiled this life-changing product. I also picked up the complimentary body wash to complete the whole experience. Used by the original Beaute Guru, Cleopatra, honey has been long revered for its natural humecant properties (meaning it attracts and retains moisture), utilized in combination the body wash and body butter nourish skin for a long-lasting silky softness. I had almost forget about the products until I went to put my sweater on this afternoon and noticed how unbelievably rose petal-esque my skin felt. I must have not been the only person to realize this, my poor coworker had the body balm stolen off her desk after showing it to me. Can you imagine?! Beaute readers run (not walk) to your Duane Reade for this lavish indulgence. For my non-Nyc friends checkout out Beauty.com which sells a set with the body wash and balm for $12. Now that's what I call pampering, recessionista style.

Usage tip: For optimal hydration, apply the body balm directly after getting out of the shower to seal in the moisture. Check out there other scents as well, although I must warn you that they're not nearly as amazing as the honey.

The result: Nefertiti, the royal wife of an Egyptian Pharaoh, was revered as beauty icon who relied on honey for all her beauty treatments to ensure she lived up to the essence of her name, which means "the beautiful woman has arrived".

A Twilight Halloween

Whoever tells you that they don't like the movie Twilight is either

A. Lying (they're in the closet fan)

B. Jealous of Rob Pattinson (in the guys case) or Kristin Stewart (cause who wouldn't want Edward Cullen lusting after them?)

In my case after many months of protesting to my sister that there was no way I would ever watch a vampire movie, I finally succumbed to the Twilight fever and like most other viewers was totally paralyzed by the sheer force of Bella and Edward's young love (I'm not going to lie staring at Rob P is a nice bonus with that chiseled face and soul searching eyes). Now I'm going to put myself out there and tell you a secret- I rented the movie from Blockbuster.com and kept it for at least 3 weeks watching it at a minimum once a week...odd for an adult who never wanted to watch it in the first place! So when it came time to select my Halloween costume this year it was a no brainer...a vampire, but Twilight style! I figured from a cost perspective this was a good choice as I could save myself the money and put together an outfit from my closet (Twilight vampires are after all modern fashionistas like me and you). I could rely on my makeup to pull the whole look together and who knows maybe I could meet my very own Edward Cullen (a girl can dream can't she?).

Twilight Vampire Makeup

Face: Vampires are of course quite pale but unlike traditional vampires that have a chalky white complexion, Twlight vampires have more of an iridescent glow to their skin. So get foundation 2 shades lighter than your skin tone that has some light reflecting particles. Not sure if your foundation has this glow-like finish? Look for words like "brilliance" or "radiance" on the packaging. You can also improvise and mix the foundation with a shimmer powder like Laura Mercier Shimmer Loose powder in Star Dust. Apply the foundation all over your face in circular motions with either a brush or sponge for even coverage. Be sure to cover your neck, ears and decolette so your skin tone is consistent with the pale vampire complexion.

Eyes: Apply a light lavender eyeshadow like MAC Crystal on the upper eye lids working the color into the crease and toward the brow bone. Then work the lavender eye shadow onto the lower lids, tracing the lash line. Coat upper lashes with a black mascara.

Lips: This is a no brainer. Blood red lips! If you're not sure how to apply a foolproof bold red pout go back and relook at my old post!

Usage tip: If you will be out and about in your costume during the day remember to apply body glitter to exposed skin. Twilight vampires' skin sparkles like diamonds in direct sunlight unlike traditional vampires who burn. Remember it's Halloween so have fun with your makeup! This is the one time that more may actually be better!

The result: A smokin' hot, Twilight vampire! To the pale skins (how they refer to normal humans in the movie): you're forewarned and beware, we are on the prowl for our first victim!

Jet Setting

I have always been the type of person who appreciated the quality of friends over the quantity, and I'm truly lucky to say that I have some incredible friends. One of whom is my rock star, trans-Atlantic, manic cyclist friend...let's call her Fifi. This girl is a full on rock star, no joke. I can barely keep up with her. She's in Miami, no wait on a private yacht in the Greek Islands! Scratch that, she just landed in London. What? You're going to be in Nyc for 48 hrs? Off to Cyprus? Oh my! Clearly there's a lot to be envious of. She works hard and plays hard. But unfortunately all these frequent flying, champagne soaked trips have taken a bit of a toll on my dear Fifi and she has turned to the Beaute Guru for some help to rejuvenate her exhausted body! Fifi I'm ordering a two-fold prognosis for you: post-flight rehab and in-flight preventative care.

Post-Flight Rehab
Let's start with that smiley face. Book a facial asap. Depending on the facility I recommend one of the following- a radiance boosting facial to awaken your complexion's luminosity and restore vitality, an energizing facial to regenerate and stimulate tired, stressed skin or an antioxidant facial to to accelerate cell renewal and regulate moisture level. Next some r&r for the body. Where to begin? How about a massage? For someone who's been traveling and not really eating, sleeping or exercising the way they're supposed to I would recommend a lymphatic massage to kick start your body's drainage system, filtering out toxins and bacteria. It awakens a sluggish immune system and gives your a renewed sense of energy. If your spa doesn't offer this service try a Stone Therapy de-stressing massage to melt away fatigue, relieve tension and harmonize the body's energies. Finally, book a detoxifying seaweed/marine body wrap to replenish skin with essential minerals while expelling impurities and toxins. Fifi after these three services you should feel like your old self.

In-Flight Preventative
Of course the best care is preventative and the altitude, recycled air and lack of space on airplanes can reck havoc on your skin and body. Before long flights (5 hours plus) I always remove my makeup (bring a long a wet towelette like Garnier's for convenience) and apply an ultra-rich moisturizer. If you have dry skin then I would recommend applying a hydrating masque instead. Just make sure to properly work it into skin so you don't walk around the airplane with a Frankstein-esque face. Apply an emollient lip balm and make sure to repeat every 45 minutes or as lips feel dry. Don't forget your delicate hands! Moisturize with a nourishing cream like L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream every hour. Next skip the dehydrating alcohol and instead replenish your body with water or a relaxing tea like Chamomile. I like to drink a glass of water every 45 min so skin stays plump and hydrated. Finally be sure to get up and walk around every hour, do some yoga stretches to avoid cramping and kick start circulation.

Usage tip: Don't forget when you land regardless of what time zone you're in take a natural sleep aid so that you can get that much needed 8 hours of zzz's. It's during this crucial time your body repairs and recovers!

The result: Detoxed, revived, restored and replenished you! Let the partying again...where are you Fifi? Did you say Vienna?

The Essentials

There are just certain times of the year that I just eagerly look forward to like a helpless little puppy. There's of course the semi-annual Barney's Warehouse sale (I mean who doesn't love fighting over a dress while all the women around you are half naked desperately trying on clothes while hoarding their pile of goodies?! Mind you this is all happening in a large warehouse where men, children and the poor sales clerks are witness to this animal-like behavior!). Then there's the first day of spring where the buds are blooming, the sun is shining and for once you don't need that horrific down puffy jacket. There's something almost transcendental that happens on that therapeutically rejuvenating day. And then there's the Sephora Annual Friends & Family Event. 20% off any and everything online...need I say more? I know, I know your blood is rising as you read this and there's a frenzy starting as you desperately try to make a mental list of the things you need. Deep breath in and out! Beaute Guru is here to make sure you take advantage of this great deal the right way (no buying products that will just sit in your makeup drawer!). I have put together a Top 10 List of all the essentials any beaute aficionado absolutely must have, no questions asked, to help you better shop this event.

Proudly introducing the Sephora Top 10 Beaute Must Haves

10. Laura Mercier Shimmer Loose Powders because there is always that special occasion where the "ladies" need a little extra oomph. If you have no idea what I'm talking about go back to that post (click the hyperlink above).

9. Because we weren't born with perfectly curled, come hither lashes: Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler

8. Yes random cuts, nicks and stretch marks happen but your porcelain skin doesn't need to become tainted. Carol's Daughter Scar Butter is the first aid lotion you need!

7. Whoever told you raccoon eyes in the morning is hot was lying or just trying to get some. Avoid that disastrous situation with Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover.

6. Ok here's the reality we are all multi-tasking, over scheduled people and frankly it's not healthy to wash your hair everyday anyway. Klorane Dry Shampoo gets you that one extra day while giving your hair that sexy, rolled around the bed look.

5. I have good news! Love at first sight does happen and this is the product that makes it possible: Make Up For Ever Star Powder.

4. This is a no-brainer. We are all trying to avoid crow's feet and that botox injection. Be proactive with Dr. Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 30.

3. The magic wand! And my dearest Lisa can attest to the magical powers this bad boy has: YSL Touche Eclat.

2. Ok, seriously if there's one thing I want you to take away from reading this blog is this- wear sunscreen every, freakin' day! I don't care if it's raining, snowing or sun shining. 80% of all wrinkles are caused by sun damage (and thus why this is number 2 on the list!)! DDF Sun Enhancing Lotion SPF 30.

1. A few things on our number one. Dry hands are not only unattractive but they're awful to touch. Hands age like the rest of our body but unfortunately it's a bit harder to mask the getting older tell-tale signs. So start stockpiling the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream in both the full and travel size (perfect for carrying on the go)!

Usage tip: The offer ends online on November 2nd so make sure you take advantage of this deal. Enter code FF2009 at checkout. Sephora offers free shipping on all orders for $50 and above so it's an all around sweet deal, delivered free right to your door! Talk about service! On a side note, Benefit Cosmetics is also doing their annual Friends & Family event online through Saturday. Enter code FRIEND09 to save 20%. They too are offering free shipping on orders $50 above if you also enter the code PRETTY50.

The result: All the beaute essentials for the most flawlessly, gorgeous you at a price you can't beat! (Now do you realize why I look forward to this yearly event?!)

Disclaimer: I'm not being compensated by Sephora or receiving any sort of kick back whatsoever. These are the products I covet and use. As a fellow beaute lover I want to make sure you know of the best products and the best deals. I'm just watching out for you!

The Fundementals

Here's a secret that you may not know...(actually if you've ever met my mom and savvy sis you probably do know this) but when it comes to the art of cooking let's just say I'm a true novice compared to the gourmet cooks that they are. They have this uncanny talent to taste something completely blind and be able to replicate it the very next day without any sort of guidance. Now me on the other hand, I've tried that a few times thinking perhaps the brilliant chef trait is genetic, turns not so much. My adventurous dishes are inedible to say the least. I'm well aware that I need to learn the basics, the 1-2-3's of cooking, before I can aspire to the creative artistry of mom and sis. And that's the funny thing, you can have the freshest produce, organic poultry and the finest wine but if they're not used in a proper way the chicken with porcini sauce turns out to be a nightmare-ish mess (even if the recipe says easy in big bold letters). The same protocol-following logic can be applied to a proper and efficacious skin care routine. You can have the most cutting edge products with revolutionary, proven technologies but if they're not used in the right way then you might as well skip it. So to round out our week of the skincare basics 101 I would like to review the proper AM and PM regimen.

Night Routine (Less than 3 minutes)

This is the most important time for your skin to recover and repair. During the day your skin is busy fighting environmental aggressors like pollution and the sun but in the haven of your bed, your skin is able to focus on it's needs to keep your complexion radiant and youthful.

1. Remove eye makeup with Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. For waterproof or stubborn makeup leave the cotton pad wet with the remover on the eyes for 30 seconds before wiping off.

2. Cleanse with a glycolic cleanser like MD Formulations Facial Cleanser which gently exfoliates dead skin cells and helps fight fine lines.

3. Wet a cotton pad with your favorite toner and gently wipe the entire face, neck and decolette area to remove trace impurities and makeup. I like Clean and Clear Acne Clearing Astringent to prevent breakouts.

4. Apply 6-8 drops of the Skinceutical CE Ferulic Serum. Make sure to avoid the delicate eye area but to cover the neck and decolette, as after all skin ages there too!

5. Allow the serum to dry and penetrate the skin for optimal absorption (and results!), around 3-4 minutes. Follow with your eye cream and face moisturizer!

Day Routine: (Less than 4 minutes)

1. Cleanse skin. Yes I realize that it is clean from the night before but while your skin is in the night time rest mode it tries to detoxify itself by pushing any impurities to the top layers. To keep these trace elements from dulling your complexionand to remove any excess, unabsorbed product it's always good to wash. Now you can use a milder cleanser like Cetaphil to prep the skin.

2. Tone. Same logic as above, making sure your skin is properly cleaned!

3. Apply 6-8 drops of the Skinceutical CE Ferulic Serum. Remember to allow this super serum to absorb fully before applying the next products to get the anti-aging, 8 times photoprotection benefit.

4. Protect and hydrate your delicate eye area with a spf eye cream like Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15.

5. Last but not least my favorite part: sunscreen! If you're a foundation wearer then apply a light lotion with SPF like Olay Complete SPF 30 or if you prefer to go au naturale then wear DDF Sun Enhancing Protection lotion SPF 30 for a sheer, self-adjusting coverage. Again allow the skin to soak up the product before applying your makeup.

Usage tip: Now the general rule I like to follow is to apply product in order of their liquidity/viscosity from most liquid to least. So if you use a brightening treatment that's super watery apply it before the Skinceuticals serum. Just always remember to wait 3-5 minutes between layering products so that you allow your skin to properly drink in the product. Think about it when you're overloaded with a million to-do's, running around like a mad man nothing gets taken care of the right way. But when you focus in on one task before tackling the next then you get the best outcome.

The result: A complete skincare regimen that really works!

Super Power

There are certain questions that are just inevitable. At a job interview: "So what are your areas of weakness/development?" (Is this a trick? How do you even answer that?). On a first date: "So what do you do for a living?" (read: are you employed and driven?) and "Have you ever been married? Do you have any kids?" (just kidding...actually not really). When people learn that I've been in the beauty industry for years and have developed all sorts of beauty products the first question asked without failure is "So do any of these anti-aging products really work?" Drumroll please..are you holding your breath for this million dollar question? And the answer is...YES! I know what you're thinking, yes there is a god!

We are all educated on the benefits of antioxidants. They fight free radicals, curtail oxidative damage and essentially prevent pre-mature aging due to environmental (ie. sun) and lifestyle (ie. stress) aggressors. However what you may not know is that the efficacy and benefits of these antioxidants are determined by their concentration and combination (if multiples are used). Bringing the "super" in antioxidant skin care treatment is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum. As noted in their packaging and marketing communication this industry gold standard is made up of 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and ferulic acid. What makes this product so ground breaking is not just the high concentration of damage controlling antioxidants, it is the skillful combination that is used. Independent clinical studies conducted at Duke University Medical Center show that by the these three ingredients double the level of photoprotection from 4-fold to 8-fold than each individually! Did you catch that? This tiny serum should not be confused for a small kid in the school yard. It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays 8 times better than nothing at all (of course you still must wear sunscreen!). Hmmm I wonder how many premature wrinkles that translates to especially since 80% of wrinkles are caused by sun damage. Unmatched within the marketplace this revolutionary antioxidant combination increases collagen synthesis, neutralizes free radicals and brightens skin. The best part? It cannot be washed or rubbed off so you get continuous, synergistic protection. Skinceuticals is responsible for the serum trend you see in the marketplace but with like all copycats only the original is the real mccoy. Umm where's the dotted line so I can sign up for a life-long supply?

Usage tip: After cleansing and toning, apply 6-8 drops onto the palm of your hand and be sure to apply all over your face, neck and decollete. Wait 3-4 minutes before layering your SPF lotion during the day or night cream.

The result: The answer to the eternal question...yes there is a skin care product that really works!

Time for Toning

I started this blog because I realized how confusing and difficult it has become to navigate the beauty aisles and counters. As a consumer you're bombarded by marketing messages, pushy sales clerks and pitch-happy media. Who can really decipher between all these recommendations? What's real, what's not? What should you be buying? What should you splurge on? These are valid questions that we ask ourselves daily. So this week's topic is going to skincare basics 101. We will cover what I consider to be the cornerstones of an efficacious, fool-proof AM and PM beaute regimen.

It's funny how we have these preconceived notions of how things should be. I remember as a teenager always thinking that turning 16 would mean independence and 25 would ring in wisdom and all the answers to the big questions. The interesting thing about life is it never goes as planned and those expectations? Well maybe it's better to just keep an open mind. Which brings me to the beaute presumptions we all experience. I always thought that breakouts and acne were reserved for my teenage years. Turns out not so much, and apparently this nagging problem plagues almost half of all adults! We all know the importance of cleaning our face twice daily but do you also use a toner? Most people think cleansers are able to remove all dirt, makeup and residue. I have not really found this to be the case. While cleansers are thorough, I find that toners are able to clean up any remaining traces of these dulling, aging and breakout-causing culprits. To be clear not all toners are designed for anti-breakout action. There are plenty of mild toners that remove trace impurities while gently hydrating skin and prepping it for treatment products. Since I am a proud member of the 50% pimple-prone adult population I thought I would share my favorite toner that helps keep breakouts at bay.

Breakouts are caused by blocked pores. There's a multitude of aggressors that can cause this blockage like thick, non-absorbant products, body's naturally produced oil/sebum and even stress. Cleansers wash away the bulk of these things but often that's not enough to ensure pristine skin. I rely on Clean & Clear Acne Clearing Astringent to keep my pores clean and clear! One of my favorite beaute ingredients is BHA's (beta hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid. This plant derived ingredient helps exfoliate dead skin cells to prevent pores from clogging and allowing for new cell growth. While the Clean & Clear toner is formulated with this impurity fighting agent it is mild leaving behind a much needed moisture balance to keep skin soft. Many anti-bacterial toners can be quite aggressive not only because of the salicyclic acid but because of the high alcohol content. Clean & Clear does not treat skin abrasively and will not leave your skin tight or uncomfortable. Rather you can bask in cleaner, breakout free skin. This product treats a multitude of pimple related conditions from "once in a blue moon" breakouts to daily acne so you can use it daily or just when you experience a flare up.

Usage tip: Use both morning and at night directly following your cleanser. Apply a nickel size amount to a cotton pad.

The result: Acne or in-frequent breakouts are banished to your adolescent "spin the bottle" kissing days!

Twinkle in Your Eye

Besides assessing fellow passenger's complexion on the subway and making mental notes of what they could do improve their skin, I also like to watch people and see how a circumstance/environment can bring out an unexpected extra something to their look. The girl at the gym has the perfect rosy hued glow after running on the treadmill for 20 minutes. That color, in that exact location gives her a healthy radiance (mental note: match blush to the color cheeks have after working out and remember where to place it). Running late for work as she's trying to finish her breakfast and drop the kids off at daycare, the mother haphazardly throws her hair up in a ponytail with loose pieces lingering to frame the face (mental note: finger hair up into a ponytail making sure to leave some strands behind for a sexier, innocent look).

But my absolute favorite is looking at someone in a darker restaurant or lounge. The candlelight from the candle expertly placed on the table in front of them shines on the eyelid to give this alluring, inner radiance. You know that saying "the twinkle in your eye?" That's exactly what I'm talking about, it draws you in seductively and leaves you hanging on for more. Wow my body temperature went up just saying that! Anyway, wouldn't it be great if we lived in a world that was a bit darker and someone could walk in front of us with a candle so we could always have that allure? Laughable and unimaginable yes, recreatable abso-freakin-lutely!

Step 1: On clean eye lids first apply your eye cream (yes this is important, hydrated skin looks plumper) followed by an eye primer. (Amber how proud of me are you right now? I did a hyperlink! Pathetically sad that I get excited about something so simple!)

Step 2: Apply your all over lid and crease shadow as normal.

Step 3: Before applying eye liner but after using all the eye shadow you desire, take the small shading eye brush and dip the oval tip into the desired Make Up For Ever Star Powder. Remember to chose a lighter, highlighting color. One of my favorites is Pearl Gold which is versatile and complimentary to any eye palette. Be sure to tap the brush to remove any excess powder before applying.

Step 4 (AND THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE): Just above where the eye liner would be, apply the powder along the length of your eye pupil. Meaning, draw in invisible line of where you pupil starts and ends on the upper eye lid. That's the area you want to apply the powder. You can work it a little up towards the crease as well so that when your gaze is straight ahead, the distance from the upper lid to the eye crease is highlighted with the powder. Don't apply it too far up in the eye lid as that will be an over kill and end up transferring the powder into the crease. Think a delicate line. See picture above as well for further clarification.

Step 5: Apply your eye liner (I love using an eyeliner gel with an angled brow brush).

Step 6: Curl lashes and apply mascara.

Step 7: Apply concealer to your lower lid.

Usage tip: For added staying power, dip the small shading brush in water before picking up the Starlight powder. This helps the powder bind to the lid a bit more.

The result: If you don't know go back and reread the first paragraph or look at the finale picture above!

Smack That

So I know I promised another tutorial eye makeup post but I had an urgent request from 3 beaute 101 readers and I figured if they were all asking the same question perhaps you were too (just not out loud!). Yes fall has officially arrived! I started "winterizing" my closet and taking out the scarves to make my daily commute a bit warmer and perhaps more interesting (didn't you see the movie Shopaholic? That green scarf made her!). And while it's fun to rediscover your sweaters, this seasonal swap is not unique to just your clothes...you have to adjust your beauty regimen (and I mean the full shibang). We will cover this category by category, product by product in a lot of upcoming posts but probably one of the first areas you are noticing needing a bit more tlc is your lips.

The skin around the lip area is one of the most delicate and thin, making it susceptible to any external aggressors like sun, colder temperatures and the wind. The dry almost arctic (at times) weather we will experience from now till, well let's see umm April/May if we are lucky, strips your porcelain-like lips of any moisture. With each windy gust the lips moisture barrier (think of it as a wall keeping the water in) gets disrupted and over time your lips lose any ability to stay conditioned. That tight, almost needle-prick feeling your lips feel when the eastern winds are blowing so hard you feel it in your bones (ugh I'm really not excited about the winter!) is their way of saying HELP! Of course any old chapstick won't do for us beaute lovers. We need more perhaps a little color so we don't feel completely bare maybe a little UV protection...you know we want it all. So I have been test driving some lip balms and I have finally found one that may just be winter-proof.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioners are just like a little pot of gold. The first time I applied it my lips just went "ahhh!" Formulated with the best hydrating ingredients earthly possible including shea butter, avocado, sweet almond and wheat germ oil, this emollient balm coats the lip with essential moisture helping restore the humectants needed to make lips supple and soft again. What's amazing is hours after you've applied it and numerous cups of tea later, you can still feel it like a protective glove keeping your lips safe. Now as I told you before I'm not a huge daytime lipstick wearer so I need my lip balm to also give a touch of color. Available in six versatile colors from pink to coral to bronze beige, MAC has got you covered so that your lips don't look drab in the gray weather. As if that's not enough they even go a step beyond. The lip conditioner also gives your lips a nice juicy sheen you typically only experience in their lip glosses (but no stickiness). So let's see so far you have hydration, color and shine? Oh wait, I forgot to mention the SPF 15 to protect lips from long-term damage. Well folks your lips should be safe this winter, so just go ahead and find a worthy kissing partner!

Usage tip: MAC also has Suntints but I didn't find it to be nourishing enough for weather-battered lips, it's a product more suitable to warmer conditions. For optimal results apply every 2 hours or as needed. Don't lick your lips! It only depletes the moisture from lips. The lip conditioners come in pots so if you're germaphobic like I've become with all the flu warnings invest in a travel lip brush. Added bonus? A more professional, controlled application.

The result: Color-infused, moisture enriched succulent lips!