The 101's

There are certain basics any beauty buff must know so she/he can work the system to her/his advantage. These insider tips and know how make the difference between smart beauty (read you don't wait in line, afterall what's the VIP rope for anyway?) and playing by the rules beauty (another words you do everything by the book). So here are my top 5 tips and tricks to go from so-so to brainiac:

1. Do I need a lotion or cream?

Here's the difference between lotions and creams: the amount of water content and moisturizing agents. Lotions are made up over 50% water while creams have significantly less. Instead creams are highly concentrated in humectants like glycerin and shea butter to nourish and moisturize skin more deeply. So which should you use? Lotions are great for spring/summer when your skin tends to be a bit oilier versus the colder months when your skin is parched and needs more loven'. However if you have extremely dry skin or perhaps more mature skin then opt for a cream year around.

2. OMG!!! I noticed my first wrinkle maybe I should apply more product to prevent more lines!

Here's the deal more product does not under any circumstances = better. You can apply the entire bottle of face cream (I don't recommend trying it!) and frankly it's not going to make the lines disappear any faster. The reality is your skin can only absorb so much anything above that just sits on the surface, clogs pores and causes breakouts. So practice smart usage and use the right amount.

3. I'm out of my night lotion/cream can I use my daytime SPF instead?

The short answer is yes. You obviously don't need the UV protection at night and temporarily it's not harmful to use the daytime SPF until you're able to make it to store and purchase a new night treatment. The inherent difference between these 2 products besides the SPF is that night lotions/cream have a higher concentration of active ingredients (the little miracle workers that fight the lines, wrinkles, discoloration, etc). At night your skin is at a rested, repair state so it's smarter feed your skin with all the essential tools!

4. My skin is so dry. What can I do?

Did you know the best time to apply creams and lotions on your body, hands and face is right after washing? When your skin is exposed to water it soaks it in, rehydrating the cells. By applying a rich cream immediately after you "lock in" the moisture helping to reinforce skin's moisture barrier for suppler more hydrated skin.

5. What's the quickest way to banish winter scale-like skin for touchable softness?

This is easy...the answer is exfoliation and rehydration. Twice a week slough off the dead skin cells with a body exfoliator. Up the ante and use a body brush to enhance the exfoliating action to ensure proper softness and smoothness. Then do as specified in tip 4 and apply a rich cream directly after the shower.

Usage tip: Beauty is about improvising and customizing. Don't be afraid to experiment and be sure to share your tips and tricks!

The result: The savviness and know how that will make you the grand master of all things beauty!

Cause You Never Know

You never want to be caught unprepared. Let me explain what I mean. Have you ever showed up to work after a peaceful weekend only to find oops! there’s a 9am presentation that you’re not ready for, and oh it’s 9:10am! Or how about showing up at family holiday gathering only to find out that “gift giving for the kids” was code for bringing presents for everyone. Well this past weekend I made the journey that all women eagerly anticipate with a healthy dose of excitement and a hint of anxiety…I met the sisters. Probably not what you expected me to say but let me provide the finer details. My extra special someone, J, has four sisters. Meeting the family is always tough, but four sisters? Hmm, we are in a whole new ball game. So like a proper lady I planned on joining the family for an afternoon/evening celebration and then catching the train back to the city. What did the dating gods have in store for me instead? 90 mile per hour winds, torrential rains and trees uprooted and flung on streets. Another words: no way in or out equaling an impromptu sleepover party. Not the worst thing in the world but when you’re trying to make a good impression it helps to have a fresh pair of clothes, a brush to tame the bed head and oh yes a toothbrush! So today I dedicate this post to the beauty essentials you must always keep in your bag, cause you just never know.

The 5 Beauty Essentials (you never leave home without):

1. Mini hair brush- this one is self explanatory but you can find some collapsible tiny combs that take minimal space in your bag and do the trick.
2. Concealer- This magic stick will multi-task like there’s no tomorrow. Besides brightening up your under eye, you can use it over the lids to correct redness, discoloration or to just provide an all over uniform glow. Then help contour your face by applying a small amount along the bridge of your nose down to the tip, along your jaw line and above your brow bone. This will highlight and illuminate your face.
3. Pink/red lipstick- This is a must even if you never wear it on a normal basis. Apply a small amount to your cheeks to give you that healthy flush. Using your fingers dab some color onto lips to just bring liveliness to your face.
4. Mascara- Store a small sample size one that can be used to coat your lashes for added eye definition. Another fun trick is to wipe the wand on a tissue removing the mascara juice, then use the clean wand to comb and define your brows.
5. Perfume- Keep a small sample size in your bag, you won’t believe how handy this is.

With these handy tools, you can at least put yourself together for that naturally beautiful look.

Usage tip: Travel or sample sizes are your best friend! So the next time you’re at your favorite makeup counter or at Sephora (which has the best sample policy) ask for some samples of your go-to beauty essentials to stash in your bag.

The result: The unpredictable, unprepared moment actually ends feeling effortless and like it was meant to be. As for the sisters, each was thoughtful, articulate, warm and charming in their own right.

D Day

So now that we're in official cleaning/housekeeping mode why not continue with the good times? I know you think I'm crazy to enjoy cleaning but there's something you should know about me...I'm totally OCD with a side of type A personality. Now in my defense I'm convinced that this is a hereditary attribute. True story: my cousin actually has a ruler for his closet which he uses to measure the distance between his suits so they have the proper room to "breathe." On the other hand, my uncle notices once he enters a room if a pillow or picture frame has been moved even a millmeter and can't focus on anything else until he adjusts it. Now I'm not as bad but I have been known for my "no street clothes on the bed policy." Let's just say some people (J I'm talking to you!) can't seem to wrap their head around it much less thing of respecting it! So I know that the familia is a bit crazy but crazy in a good way, right? Now your next "to do" is to evaluate the lifespan of all your beauty products and toss out the ones that have surpassed their golden years. Expired product spells possible allergic reactions, poor performance and in some cases bad smells so it's important to be aware of your product's age (you can't lie about this one!). Let's outline and define how long you should be holding on to your beauty products.

Expiration Date (bye bye!)

Makeup:
-Foundation: 12-18 months
-Concealer: 12 months
-Eyeshadow & powders: 24 months
-Pencil eye liners & lip liners: 24 months
-Gel based eyeliners & blushes: 12 months
-Lipstick & lipgloss: 18-24 months
-Mascara: 3-4 months

Face & Body:
Most products have a open jar symbol in the back which indicates how long they will stay efficacious once they're opened but...
-Cleansers: 12 months
-Eye makeup remover & toner: 12 months
-Serums: 12-18 months (products packaged in airless jars and bottles, those which you can't open unless you take a jack hammer to it, keep the actual formula stable for longer by minimizing air contact)
-Lotions & creams: 18 months
-SPF based products: 12 months or until the expiration noted on the packaging
-Nail polish: 24 months

Hair:
-Shampoo, conditioner & mask: 24 months
-Styling products: 12 months

Usage tip: Most beauty products are formulated to stay efficacious for up to 3 years unopened but once you start using them adhere to the guidelines above. You can always extend the product's shelf life by storing them in the fridge. And of course if you play it smart by keeping the products' lid closed when you're not using it and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures your product will go the extra mile and last longer. Essentially you want to minimize air and potentially bacteria contact. Of course these are just guidelines so if your product starts to smell funny or changes color it's time to toss it out!

The result: For better or worse you become a beauty product OCD junkie, never settling for less than the best! And frankly that's they way it should be...your a 10 and you deserve the champagne life!

Officially

Have you ever noticed that we as humans have a perverse attraction to anything that legitimizes or accredites a certain thing, place or being? We almost have this blood thirsty hunger to seek out these "official" looking titles, seals and logos to somehow ease our minds. Now I am no psychologist (actually maybe I was in a past life because god knows I love to analyze) but I'm thinking this desire stems from a need for reassurance and stability. Perfect example, boy meets girl, boy casually dates girl, boy and girl fall in love...hmm boy is thinking maybe I should make this a bit more official so she and the world know how much she means to me (and no one steals her from underneath me). So boy, like any gentleman, gets down on one knee and...no people there's no ring involved here, they were only casualing dating! But boy asks girl to be his girlfriend and with that swift move official titles of boyfriend and girlfriend are born. Another example, I'm a huge believer in buying organic, local and natural foods. Any time I reach for my certifed organic milk or eggs and see that USDA seal, I know I'm buying food that was produced in the most sustainable and meaningful manner possible. I am reassured that I'm putting goodness into my body. This organic/natural movement has also migrated into the beauty arena and we are now bombarded with organic, natural, eco-friendly and "free of" messages. With a plethora of products out there that it is hard to differentiate between the "official" ones and the fakes so I think it is important to cover the 3 certifications available to help you distinguish. Because if you're anything like me you are too classy to do anything the fake way.

USDA Organic: Developed originally to classify agricultural products this accredition is available for two levels of organic products (note there are three types of USDA recognition but only those products meeting the top two standards can display the seal). The first and most stringent level are those products that are made with and processed by 100% organic sources. These products will call out "100% organic" on the label. The next tier is "organic" which signifies that at least 95% of all ingredients used are from organic origin. An example of products meeting either of these standards is the Origin Organics line.

EcoCert Organic: A French organic and natural certification this standard also has two classifications- "Eco and Bio". Products carrying the "Eco" seal are made up at least 95% natural ingredients with 50% of the total plant ingredients being certified organic. The overall formula must contain 5% organic content. The more robust "Bio" seal must also have at a minimum 95% natural origin ingredients but 95% of plant ingredients must be organic and the overall formula must be made up of 10% organic ingredients. Lines like Care by Stella Mccartney and select L'Occitane products have earned this recognition.

Natural Product Association: Founded by people behind Burt's Bees this is one of the first widely reconized designations for natural products. Products meeting this seal must be made up of at least 95% natural ingredients which are sourced from renewable resources found in nature. Non-synthetic ingredients are not permitted unless the natural alternative is not readily available and there is a long list of prohibited ingredients including parabens, sulfates and petrochemicals. Of course Burt's Bees products meet these standards.

Usage tip: Read first, buy later. Do a gut check and define your philosophy. Are you only going to buy organic beauty care products or is natural ok? Perhaps you only want to sprinkle in a few of these type of products into your regimen. Either way figure it out first then shop accordingly.

The result: Education = smart choices (oh my parents would be so proud!)

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!

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!