About Face

I like makeup, correction, I love make-up. The entire length and width of my dresser is covered with glosses, shadows and blushes. My make up comes from gift bags, drugstores, Sephora, gifts with purchase and department store splurges. Sometimes, I have on a face full of drugstore makeup and sometimes it's a face full of luxury brands. One thing is that like my outfits, you will never see me in the same face twice. I refuse to get into a make-up rut and end up with the same old face all the time. Ladies you know what I am talking about. . Whether it's a party, interview or wedding, you rock the same old C3 Studio Fix, and Oh Baby gloss. Sometimes you may pop some frosty eyeshadow on those lids but for all purposes you are in a beauty rut.

How do you get out of it you say- well check out my tips below and hopefully, your inner chameleon will come out!

Go Pro

This is the time you utilize the professionals at department stores or free standing stores. I've had magnificent experiences at the Nars counters in Saks and Bloomy's. Thinking about a red lip, they will show you the best reds for your complexion. Want a smoky eye, a counter person can do this in their sleep. Just remember, if it looks good, then buy it!

Go Cheap

Drugstores and discount retailers like Walmart are all the best places to experiment on a budget. CVS and Rite-Aid are known for great sales as well flexible return policies. So if you been wanting to try blue eyeliner run over to the Jordana section and purchase it for less than $2 bucks. If it doesn't work, keep the receipt and get your money back.

Go Play

Free time is the best time to play around with beauty products. Nothing on TV, or your Mom is running her mouth on the other end, play in some makeup. Put some gloss over those eyelids, try some orange blush and take some pics of yourself. Your mirrors don't lie, and you can walk around the house in your best face.

I hope Beauty Week has given you a some decent tips and product suggestions. Stay tuned for more tips, and trends next week!

Baths are Beyond!

Living in such a fast paced city with a hectic schedule, finding time to take a bath is really a luxury. Think about it, you have run the water to the right temperature, wait until it fills the tub and you have a deep pre-war tub like mine, it takes some time. On top of that to justify all the the time the water ran, you have to sit in the tub at least 20 minutes.

Sorry, I didn't paint the prettiest picture for a bath so maybe we should visualize the surge of relaxation the warm water gives you. Or how you can sleep like a baby afterwards. Any sore muscles, a bath can help. During Fashion Week, with the standing in high heels, the running all around town, dancing at after parties, gift bags weighing more than a toddler my body starts to ache. So every night as soon as I walked into my home, I ran some lukewarm water a few squirts of Chocolate bubble bath midway to the tub and soaked my legs and feet. I also used a body brush from the 99 cents store to increase blood flow, and sooth my calves.

Every night I slept like a baby and woke up invigorated. Baths have amazing properties and are one of the most simplest forms of luxury. Time in itself is a luxury and doing nothing but soaking your body is a major luxury. Here are a few products I use specifically for bath time.

Johnson&Johnson Bedtime Bath

Listen just because it's for a baby doesn't mean I can't use it. With both Lavender and chamomile in it's ingredients, both known to relax the body, it is also not harsh on skin and one or two squirts will fill the entire tub!

Epsom Salt

A staple at any drugstore or 99 cents store. Epsom salt eases pain and muscle tension when used as a soak. It also draws toxins from the body. I like to pour 2 cups into a running bath for the best results.

Body Brush

Skin is the largest organ and there some spots we can't always get to. For example the middle of your back. A body brush not only exfoliates, but it stimulates circulation. I buy my brushes from Jack's 99 cents store, they are the best!

So what you waiting for, get yourself a box of Calgon, let it take you away and just luxuriate!

Do You Pre-Poo?

Photo Courtesy of Veer.com

With every Tom, Dick and Becky running around quoting from Chris Rock's Good Hair, I know you're like, pre-poo- what in the hell is that? Pre-Poo is short for Pre Shampoo, a deep conditioning process done to the hair previous or prior to the shampoo process. Pre-poo, especially if done overnight, penetrates the hair follicle and replenishes moisture with greater effectiveness than post shampoo. Think about how harsh shampoos can be stripping your hair of oils etc.. I believe dry hair absorbs nutrients better than wet hair. I have been swearing by this treatment for the last two years. With winter creeping up, our locks can look a little dry and dull. The pre-poo will give your hair that bounce and shine you want back. Check out my instructions and a few of my favorite pre-poo treatments.

What You Will Need:

1. An intensive deep conditioning or restorative hair conditioner ( see below for a list)

2. Oils used for hair i.e. Coconut, Rosemary, Argan, Olive, Avocado or any Hot Oil Treatment

3. Hair clamp

4. Conditioning Cap

Directions

Comb hair thoroughly to remove dead hair and tangles.

Section hair into quadrants

Apply oil to exposed scalps, edges and ends of your hair.

Apply Conditioning treatment to each section. Comb thru hair once.

Place hair in clamp or bun and cover with conditioning cap.

Let settle at minimum 45 minutes for better results try overnight.

Rinse out with lukewarm water and begin shampoo process. You can condition after if you like.

Here are some of my favorite Pre-Poo treatments

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

It may smell a little funny and be pricey but this baby is the Godfather of pre-poo treatments. A little goes a long way as well !

Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment

With avocado oil, this will take parched and thirsty tresses into soft and touchable.

Roots of Nature Deep Treatment

I discovered this at Walgreen's and fell head over heels in love with it. Price wise you can't go wrong and it smells great as well

Miss Keys 10 en 1

This is a Dominican Salon Staple. It adds bounce, shine and moisture - you can't go wrong with that! You can find this at any beauty supply store.

So what are you waiting for make your hair healthy and stay tuned we only have two more day left for Beauty Week!

Keep That Pout Puckerin

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then lips are the gate! With Winter right around the corner, chapped and dry lips are a major beauty faux pas. Have no fear, I have a few tips from keeping your pout from looking like Tyrone Biggums.

1. Lips Are a Part of Your Skincare Regimen

How quick we are to wash our face and apply creams and potions for our eyes, necks, etc and leave our lips out of it. Whether it's day or night, give your lips a quick exfoliation with your toothbrush and as soon as you get out of the shower apply lip balm. Don't wait until you get out of the house to apply.

2. Nighttime is the Best Time

I learned a great tip from a make-up artist. Before going to bed, dab some olive oil on your lips. While you sleep, the body is rejuvenating itself. Which includes, absorbing potions and shedding dead skin. I tried this remedy for a week and my lips look great.

3. Whatever You Do Don't Lick 'Em!

Once your lips get dry they need a topical ointment, and sorry saliva is not! If all else fails and you don't have balm around, get a sip of something to temporarily solve your lip horrors!

4. Buy Balm in Bulk

I keep lip balm and chap stick in every single purse as well as lotion. I don't go all out and drop big bucks. Actually, ever year around this time, I buy about 5 lip balms at the 99 cent store and replace them in all my pocketbooks. That way I am never without.

5. SPF and Vitamin E are Your Friends

As you purchase any new lip cosmetics; i.e. pencils, balms, glosses and lipsticks ask if there is any Sunscreen and additional moisturizers such as Vitamin E added. We often forget to apply sunscreen to our lips for fear we'll look ashy as well as the horrid taste. Most lip color especially lipstick has SPF of at least 10 added as well as moisturizers like Vitamin E and Grape seed Oil. These are great topical additions to keep your mouth super sexy in the colder months!

Follow these five tips and you are guaranteed to preserve your sexy and keep your pucker poppin! Stay tuned for more tips on skin, hair and body during Beauty Week!

How to Make Your Mani Last

Chips, peels can really kill your manicure. The darker the polish, the more noticeable. I have even picked up a sort of no red polish phobia because of my fear of imperfect nails. Have no fair ladies I have a few tips for making your manicure last.


1. Bring Your Own Polish

There are two major reasons you should bring your own polish, health and potency. Salons harbor lots of germs so I always bring my own kit which includes polish. Who knows how long those polishes have been in the salon. Also, salons are notorious foR stretching out their polishes with acetone. When a polish is stretched out with chemicals it weakens it, making your mani easier to chip.


2. Allow Time to Dry Between Coats

Salons don't always give you this privilege. They are trying to get you in and out with the quickness but always try to at least get near a fan in between coats so that polish has enough to dry before another layer is added.


3. Topcoat is Your Friend

Applying topcoat daily is one of the best ways to make your mani last. A light application will be a barrier from water, and work, the two major enemies of your manicure.


4. You May Have to Drop a Little More Dough

Frugal Franny that I am, when it comes to nail polish I almost mess with three brands, OPI, Essie and Sally Hansen. The $1 ones never last especially if it's a color, you can lie in state and still get chips. I am a sucker for a sale but sorry, nail polish I go a little Luxe.



5. Protect Yourself

With H1N1 out there I would be a damn fool to say limit washing your hands. I will say that water and work are the two enemies of a manicure. If you wash dishes or find yourself cleaning, always wear a pair of super duper cleaning gloves. That goes for moving or gardening as well.


Follow these five tips and your Manicure is guaranteed to have a longer life- Stay tuned for more post on beauty this week!

Will Choo Be There?

This Saturday at select locations, Jimmy Choo for H&M will launch a capsule collection of clothing, shoes, jewelry and bags for men and women. It is suppose to be mayhem and H&M has posted on it's site how to behave during the launch as if fighting and spitting are the norm! With prices a little bit higher than H&M but lower than Jimmy Choo, I believe they reach a happy medium. I so have the hots for the one shouldered dresses and leather leggings! The Collection is not available at all the stores, see below for the list of NYC stores carrying and also check out the H&M website for more details.

Jimmy Choo for H&M NYC Locations

1328 Broadway corner 34th

150 East 86th corner of Lexington

435 Seventh Ave corner of 34th

640 Fifth Ave corner of 51st

731 Lexington Ave corner of 59th

Sample Sales for Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls can enjoy these Sample Sales!


Who: Hugo Boss
What: Mostly menswear up to 60% off
When: Today until Saturday November 14
9 A.M.- 5 P.M.
Where: 317 W.33rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
Why: Cuz your bf is in desperate need of a new interview suit!

Who: Lafayette 148
What: Womenswear;; Jackets, leather, dresses starting at 75% off
When: Today until Friday November 13
9 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Where: 148 Lafayette Street between Howard and Grand St.
Why: A twist on classic, you can't beat that!

Who: White+ Warren
What: Classic Cashmere some men's
When: Today until tomorrow
11/11 8 A.M.- 7 P.M., 11/12 8 A.M.- 3 P.M.
Where: 80 W. 40th 3rd Floor between Fifth and Sixth Ave
Why: Cashmere- hello?

Who: Tibi
What: Swimwear, Shoes and Clothing up to 75% off
When: Today until Friday the 13th
11/11-12 , 11 A.M.- 7 P.M., 11/13 9A.M.- 6 P.M.
Where: Coolture Showroom 409 West 39th between 9th and 10th Avenue
Why: Great party dresses, colorful separates, you would be a fool to pass this up!