Model Hair

I have a serious bone to pick with the girls in the Pantene and Kerastase hair care ads. Their luscious, vibrant hair practically pour out of the magazine pages and suddenly I'm consumed with this competitive envy (normally reserved for bags and shoes my two greatest weakness; as my brilliant sis always says you can be wearing a garbage bag and still look amazing with the right bag and shoes). But back to my envy: as I lovingly gaze like a step-sister at the images I feel like I've been left out of an insider VIP club where tips for this touchably soft hair are exchanged like stock market insider info. Unfortunately an outsider feeling does not bring back fond memories. It conjures up the good ole' elementary school days when the cool girls wouldn't let me sit at their lunch table. Well I'm not going to be excluded anymore, move over mean girls I know how to get that gleaming hair!

We all know to get that perfectly in place, healthy hair you need serums to add shine, mousses for volume, pomades for control, moisturizing sprays to detangle and oh don't forget the once weekly deep treatment masque to nourish. Do you see where I'm going with this laundry list of products? Just think of the build-up caused by using them daily. What every Jennifer Aniston good hair day connoisseur knows is that every once awhile you need to give your hair a deep, deep cleaning to remove all that gunk. I rely on Pantene Clarifying Shampoo to discriminately remove the build up and restore my hair's natural brilliance. We all know the importance of exfoliating skin (if you don't we will cover that soon) to keep pores clean and remove dulling skin cells, well think of this as an exfoliating treatment for your hair. After awhile styling products will cause build-up inevitably rendering the products themselves completely useless. Hair is dull, lifeless and limp. You need to kick start strands and start with a clean slate. This clarifying shampoo revives and refreshes for that bouncy hair you adore.

Usage tip: Use no more than once a week and always be sure to follow with a moisturizing conditioner to avoid that straw-like feel.

The result: Positively radiant glossy hair that will make the Kerastase model jealous!

Recession Proof Usage

To my dear readers (read: my mom, sis, longtime high school bff & strikingly gorgeous, Shake Shack eating friend! Actually I'm not even sure if my family even reads my blog so that narrows it down just to you Amber and Lisa!) I apologize for the untimely delay in this post. I have made a "cross my heart, hope to die"promise to myself that I will post three times a week: Monday, Thursday and Saturday. And already I'm breaking the rules but I'm going to make it up to you.

In spirit of the half million first time filings for unemployment benefits in July (a saddening monthly statistic), dismal back-to-school retail sales and a fatigued unemployment rate edging scaringly close to double digits; I thought we could continue with the recession theme a bit longer. Today's topic: how much product should you be using during application. The funny thing is I've found that we don't always know how much is enough, and since our mindset reflects a more always = better philosophy often we are just overusing product. I don't know why we are necessarily programmed to think that if I apply more skin cream, it's going to work twice as fast for quicker results. Unfortunately when it comes to beauty it's the exact opposite. Overuse will prohibit your skin from properly absorbing the product, leading to clogged pores that only result in breakouts. So how much is enough? Are you overusing? Are you repurchasing too quickly because of it? Let's break it down product by product, category by category. And just for the fun of it (and keeping with our recession theme) let's define the usage amount in relation to currency.

Facial Skin Care:

Cleanser -nickel size

Serum - dime size

Moisturizer - nickel size (if skin is extremely dry add an additional penny size)

Eye cream - penny size

Sunscreen (face + neck: yes you should also be covering your neck!) - quarter size

Body Care:

Body wash - 4 quarters size

Body lotion - dollar bill size

Body oil - quarter size (if skin is dry add an additional dime size)

Body cream - 3 quarter size

Sunscreen - dollar bill size (while in sun reapply every one to two hours)

Hair Care:

Shampoo - quarter size

Conditioner - nickel size

Styling cream/gel - nickel size

Shine serum - dime size

Usage tip: I think this time I covered it all off in the main content! Just remember everyone's skin or hair is a bit different; dependent on your unique personal id (ie. long vs short hair or dry vs oily skin) so use these recommendations as guidelines and customize them to meet your needs.

The results: Efficacious beauty, used at the right amount, for the best results. And oh yeah, saving you a few bucks along the way!

Recessionista Goes Natural

Two huge trends - actually I take that back I don't think they're trends anymore, rather they have crossed that great holy grail and become mainstay consumer consumption patterns. Thanks to the Bernie Madoff's and Sherry Lehman's (no not the wine store in Nyc! Although wouldn't it be a better place if we just had more wine? My dad swears by it!) of the world we have all traded in our fashionista status for a recessionista preference. We have learned to become savvier shoppers (hell I traded my Starbucks lattes for the McD's version - same great taste and a $1.50 cheaper) questioning each purchase and appreciating the value of saving. At the same time with all the food recalls and terrifying water contamination stories (see this Sunday's NY Times about high concentrations of weed killer being found in local water supplies), we, as eco-conscious consumers, have become aware of the benefits of returning back to the fundamentals. Back to the natural and untouched version of our foods, otherwise popularly called organic or all-natural. While these two patterns may seem counter intuitive you may be surprised that they can overlap! And this brings me to my next beauty favorite....are you ready for it?

Coconut Oil! Ok so I'm guessing this isn't what you imagined but just bear with me. This naturally produced, nutrient-rich oil has been used for generations by South Indian woman as an intricate part of their beauty regimen. I remember my Indian neighbor always telling me that as a child her mom was constantly slathering her hair and body with coconut oil. Fast forward 20 some odd years she's still practicing the same beauty ritual and has the dense, ravenous hair and petal soft skin to show for it. Why? This unique oil has a dual nature: it forms an invisible barrier on the skin's surface to lock-in moisture while it's molecular structure allows it to deeply penetrate skin for an inside-out hydration. As you've probably figured out by now, I'm from the crackberry-ing, let me please juggle one more think generation so I expect my products to work all sorts of wonders. Unrefined pure virgin coconut oil has been revered for it's high antioxidant properties helping fight free-radical damage leading to collagen breakdown (wrinkles) and discoloration (hyperpigmentation). Gotta love the anti-aging benefits! I'm especially appreciative of this hydrating oil in the Nyc winters when the delightful wind is a constant companion literally sucking any moisture out of my skin leaving it obnoxiously dry. With it's anti-inflammatory properties, the coconut oil soothes and restores the suppleness. Now here's the best part for $8.99 you can buy a 16oz tub of certified organic, un-filtered virgin coconut oil from the Whole Foods brand 365. Used daily this tub of love will last you months on end. Don't you just love it when the stars align and you can embrace both your inner recessionista and naturalite preferences?

Usage tip: Use sparingly! A little goes a long way. Apply on damp skin directly after the shower for optimal results. Wait a few minutes before putting on clothes to allow the oil to penetrate and avoid any product transfer. And for my favorite part: as you're applying deeply inhale the transfixingly delicious scent of the coconut oil...in the cold months it's the closest thing to a vacation I will get!

The results: Supple, silky, youthful skin all courtesy of the best natural hydrating ingredient!

Summer Wavy Hair Minus the Blowdrier!

The New England summer humidity has just so many charming traits. Let's begin counting the ways:

1. By the time you get to work you need another shower to get that "disgusting" feel off
2. You can save on spa treatments because the misty feel is exactly like a steam room
3. Your hair permanently resembles a "hot mess" despite the sweaty hours you spent trying to blow it out

I realized there wasn't much I could do about one and two unless I somehow wanted to trade my eco-conscious subway rides for the pricey air-conditioning taxis and hire a personal assistant who's sole responsibility would be to constantly fan me (could you even imagine?! - sadly I do know some narcissistic people who would/have tried to that). BUT I could do something about point 3! 1 out of 3 is not bad...it beats most pitchers batting averages (disclaimer: I really don't care for baseball so I'm not sure if that last statements is even accurate). On another random Target shopping trip where I bought more things that I needed or even wanted, but then again that's just the beauty of Target, I discovered the Conair Flexi Sticks.

These bendy rollers were like discovering the most rare jewel possible...I swear I heard the heavens call out hallelujah! Just think what sort of magic tool can you give you that incredible, tousled wave look without needing any heat appliances or time spent sweating in the bathroom? Available in various diameters, you simply wrap 1-2" sections of your hair around each stick to achieve the desired curl length, and then bend the ends of the stick in to keep it in place. Depending on how damp/long your hair is, leave the sticks in for 30-45min while you catch up on the laundry, emails or indulge in an Entourage episode. Then poof! You're done!

A couple of things to note: when sectioning off hair, I recommend rolling similar length strands together so that you can get a more choppy, textured finish. I also like to apply hair spray just before I remove the sticks to really help set the curls. If you like a more defined finish leave the curls intact once the sticks have been removed. I like more impressionist-inspired look so I use my fingers to gently break up each curl. The first time I did my hair this way this summer season, not only did savor the extra hour and stress-free styling routine vs my normal blow outs but next day at work my very handsomely gay coworker took one look at me and said "Umm what did you do last night? You have that devilishly seductive tousled look only achievable by spending hours rolling around the bed!" Enough said!

Usage tip: Towel/air-dry hair to the point of light dampness before applying the curlers. If hair is soaking wet it will only take triple the amount of time for the curl to set. Keep the sticks vertical to your head during wrapping to get that soft, tousled wave you crave. Short on time? Quickly blowdry each section to speed up the drying and setting process.

The results: Beach-inspired, sexy waves for that amazing slept in look (no hot curling irons or blow dryers necessary!).

Mannequin Skin

I write this entry as my soul is quenched from the cultural festivities of the evening. I stumbled upon an outdoor concert at Lincoln Center featuring Buika, a West African artist respected for her flamenco gypsy soul music. Her passion (and poppy red, one shoulder, Grecian dress) rejuvenated me in the hot, muggy evening and made me think of the beauty products that really set the tone in my day-to-day regimen. It's amazing the avenues by which we are inspired by! On a small side note, Lincoln Center Out of Doors is apparently an annual FREE! August event featuring performances in all categories 3-4 times weekly. It is a divine treat as you embrace the music, gaze at the Nyc skyline and savor the glass of wine in your hand. Who knew something like this existed? This is what I love about Nyc after 5 years and living blocks away, you can still discover something new. It gives you hope...

But I digress my beauty aficionados. So the product that really sets the tone for me morning- after-morning, more reliably than my Sencha green tea, is JK Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer. I discovered this life-changing product on a random visit to Target. I had been on a search to replace my MAC Strobe Cream which I always mixed with my daily spf (don't worry we will surely cover this beauty staple in a future entry) for a radiant boosting glow. Unfortunately I found the MAC cream to be too moisturizer end benefited with not enough luminosity. I used the JK product once and I feel head over heels in love (I guess there is such a thing as love at first sight!). This non-greasy, fast absorbing cream immediately brightens skin with that "je ne sais quoi" glow. Diffusing imperfections while evening skin tone with is luminescent particles this product sets the tone for a completely beaming face. Available exclusively at Target, this $24 tube goes the extra mile.

Usage tip: Mix a dime size amount with your foundation or moisturizer (depending on what you use as your base). Make sure to mix the two products in your hand before applying to ensure even coverage and radiance.

The results: A spell-binding, natural glow!

Nick-Free Shave

So I know this post will be a bit off topic but I simply can't help myself. I got out of the shower over 2hrs ago and my poor legs are still stinging from the very cruel razor I used. Now I'm all for "alternative" hair removal if you will (meaning waxing, laser, depilatory, etc) but when it comes to my legs I'm a bit old fashioned. You see I'm 5'11" (so you can guess that I have long legs) and have a very low pain tolerance; so the easiest, painless, quickest way to make my legs silky smooth is through shaving. I just went home for the weekend and of course I forget what I thought was my insignificant razor that I have had for years. When I shaved tonight I used another razor (designed for women). Everything was peachy keen until I got out of the shower and immediately my legs started stinging, it felt like a million bees had attacked them. I kid you not there was no amount of lotion, calming gel, or cool towels that could take that pain away. Still feeling the same hours later, I realize that my old, taken-for-granted shaver is a lavishly gentle miracle worker for my legs.

Yes Gillette Venus Razor you are my leg's long lost soul mate. I don't ever like to be one of those people who realizes what they have until it's gone but in this case I failed you my dear Venus. I remember the day I bought you- it was about 6 years ago and you had just entered this pretty little world. Our neighborhood Costco had a big welcome party for you and I, like millions of other women, rushed to pick you up. We had heard of your groundbreaking 3 blade cushion design. We had seen the ads for the close, smooth shave and nick-free strokes. Fast-forward 6 years and you're still delivering on all your promises. That's a better return for my investment than that hostile 401k I keep dumping money into monthly. I promise Venus I will never mistakenly leave you somewhere again. My legs and I miss you! Mom send me my razor please!

Usage tip: For a closer shave, first wash and exfoliate your skin to help remove the dead skin cells. Then when as shave see and experience the blades getting as close as possible for the smoothest, nick-free skin.

The result: Silky smoothness that as you cross your legs at that boring Monday meeting you have to say to your self "Oh wow, that's divinely soft!" And oh yeah, the best part is there's no stinging!

Magic Wand

Here's the funny thing about the world today, we are constantly going, going, going - rushing from work to the gym to the grocery store to home to making dinner to doing a load of laundry to responding late night emails (or as in my case posting new blog articles) and yet we are expected to always look impeccably flawless, healthy and well rested at ALL times. The world is not really that interested in seeing or hearing about your problems, we are supposed to handle it all gracefully with smile on our faces similar to the '50s housewives while looking like a million bucks. Well thankfully I have my million buck, dependable product that no matter how bad the proverbial crap is hitting the fan it is always there like my ever present rock. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch is my magic wand.

I'm telling you this bewitching wand can perform more magical wonders than Harry Potter's could ever dream of doing! (I know that's a really bold statement to make since the "chosen one" can actually transport himself in time and my wand can't exactly do that). But this highlighter/concealer pen erases fatigue or any signs of a late night helping me look like I really got that 9-10hrs of sleep I need. It instantly transforms tired, dark under eyes to well rested, luminous eyes. Uniquely formulated, this concealer draws light in and then reflects it back outward for an unprecedented radiance. It's that one product that always "pulls me together" if you know what I mean. And I absolutely love the fact that this pen-brush is so conveniently easy to use on the go, I know I need a refreshing touch up by the end of a very long work day. There is a reason this product has a cult following but you don't need to take my word just try it and see. Available in 4 shades, you may think it's a bit pricey at $40 but listen, I'm all about saving (thanks dad all those finance books helped!) but there are some products that you absolutely MUST splurge on. They are worth their weight not only in gold but diamonds, rubies and platinum, they are the difference between "so so" and "god damn she's fine." And the product lasts forever.

Usage tip: This magic wand can also be used to highlight and sculpt other facial features. Use it on the ridge of your nose, by making a vertical line starting just below the brows and going all the way to the tip. This trick makes your nose look supermodel slim (see this $40 product just saved you from getting a couple thousand dollar nose job!). Trace around your entire lip line, especially at the bow area on the upper lip, to create fuller more luscious lips. In both cases be sure to blend the product with your fingers after applying.

The result: A true miracle, well-rested glowing eyes and a beautifully defined face that just makes you go "Oh wow!"

The Signature Step

We each have that one step in our makeup regimen that "completes" our look. Let's call this your signature touch. It may be your irresistible red lips or perfectly defined cheekbones (you're not fooling anyone we all know that being born with those chiseled, striking cheekbones is a near impossibility). In my case it's the black eyeliner I apply to the top lid. To me this small line helps define and set my eye makeup. On the days I experiment and skip it all together, I somehow feel like somethings missing or that my eyes don't pop the way they should or could. That's the funny thing about signature touches - they become an ownable trait that helps define who you are.

Now I'm very particular about how this eye liner should be. It's always jet black and a very thin line concentrated solely around the lashes. I don't like the Marilyn Monroe vavoom liner that starts thin and gets thicker toward the outer eye corner. Somehow it just doesn't fit with me. Eye pencils never get the definition or precision I need so I use gel based liquid liners from a pot and the one tool that is makes this perfect line all possible is the MAC 208 Angled Brow Brush. Yes I realize that it's a brow brush but that's thing about makeup/beauty you have to think outside the box. I own 3 of these miracle brushes (just in case I lose one and gasp be stranded!). This may be a bit extreme to you but just think - this is the one beauty tool that I CANNOT live without. I'm sure you have your favorite product that you own in multiples, but don't worry your secret is safe with me! If you're like me and enjoy a beautifully defined, precisely navigated liner I encourage you to try this brush. And for $19.50 this little baby goes the distance! I think I've had mine for over 7 years!! Remember work from the inner lid using the top most angled part of the brush to really get in the corner and as you move outward use the rest of the brush to finish the line with a clean stroke.

Usage tip: Always clean the extra product off after each use as it creates build up on the brush and will hinder the liner application.

The result: A perfectly controlled eye liner- exactly where you want it and how you want it!