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!