Pore Perfection

Our skin is made up of zillions of pores. They allow our skin to breath, but they also get clogged with all sorts of ooky stuff that leads to breakouts and blackheads. Some of us may also complain about the size of our pores, since we think that perfect skin comes from pore-less skin. While it's impossible to airbrush or photoshop our skin each day, there are a few things we can do to minimize the appearance of our pores and improve the look of our skin. Here are some things to try:

• Exfoliate your skin regularly. Use a cleanser with 1% or less of salicylic acid--also called beta hydroxy acid or BHA or something containing less than 5% of lactic glycolic acid--also referred to as alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs. Both of these ingredients stimulate cell turnover and keep pores clean while reducing the amount of oil. Oil-free, clean pores will look smaller and will be much happier than clogged pores!
• Use an oil-free moisturizer. Again, look for BHAs or AHAs in your products. Also look for products with Vitamin C and retinol, which will firm up your skin and make it look and feel better.
• Don't forget your sunscreen. Do I really need to remind you about this? No matter where you live or what time of year it is...even if it's going to be an overcast day....be sure to use a sunscreen on your face and neck.
• Try an at-home mask or peel...again, you need to find products containing BHAs or AHAs, or even NDGAs (which is short for Nordihydroguaiaretic acid...a powerful antioxidant that can prevent blackheads)

There are a lot of pore minimizing products on the market and at all different price points. The key to reducing the size of your pores is to use such products consistently. The products only last as long as you use them!

How To Style Your Bangs To The Side

In the February issue of Allure, a reader asks, “I want to wear my bangs to the side. How do I style them?”

Garren, the owner of the Garren New York salon at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel in NYC shares some words of wisdom. He writes:

Looser, softer bangs are in right now, and getting that effect is all in how you dry them. Part your hair when it’s damp, apply a conditioning spray (or a styling spray with very light hold), and sweep bangs to the side. Then let them air-dry almost fully; they’ll take direction better than if you started blow-drying when they were soaking wet. Use a large, round brush to pull the bangs down and to the side as you finish them with the blow-dryer – never pull forward; you’ll end up with a big bump. If you need to get ready quickly, blow-dry your hair most of the way, then sweep your bangs over and tuck them behind your ear so the effect will still be soft and natural.

Garren's advice isn't so helpful to brown girls like me (let my relaxed hair air-dry? neva eva). But for other hair types, he probably knows what he's talking about – so I thought I’d share.

New Shadows And Free Shipping At Stila

Stila introduces “new shades that shimmer and colors that sing spring.”

New eye shadow duos double your beauty pleasure. Stila's 14 perfectly-partnered duos feature all new shadow shades! That's a total of 28 brand new colors that will inspire you to mix, match, and play! The improved shadow formula contains micronized powder pigments and pearl for a smooth application, and a silicone-based binding system for even better blendability.

Stila’s new reformulated matte eye shadows are talc-, oil-, and paraben-free resulting in beautiful, rich, shimmer-free color. Enriched with natural minerals for a smooth texture and an application that is never chalky or dull, these shadows are just what you need to modernize your look.

And for a limited time, get free shipping on any order that includes new duos or matte eye shadows. Simply use the coupon code STILAEYES at checkout.

M.A.C Spring/Summer Trend 1: Neo-Dynamic

Click on the image to zoom in

Soft Play

The only lip that you can play against neo-dynamic eyes: natural and a little lush. Here, C-Thru Tinted Lipglass finished with a soft layer of Lip Conditioner SPF 15.

Deep Dynamics

Apply Nehru Eye Shadow all over eyelid and line the middle of the lower lashline with Pale Yellow Eye Pencil. Line the upper lashline with Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Grey Utility winging it upwards then line the inner third of the lower lashline, extending slightly past the tear duct and the outer third of the lower lashline, winging upwards. Softly blend the eyeliner on the outer corner of the eyes upwards. Using a 239 Brush, lightly apply Dazzlelight Eye Shadow over the middle of the lower lashline for a blended and diffused look.

Sculpturesque

In a sweeping motion towards the temples, contour the hollows of the cheeks with Powder Blush in Sincere and a 168 Brush. Apply a light layer of Half 'n Half Lipstick and top off with Chai Tinted Lipglass.

White Line Fever

Apply a stark white line on the top lashline with Gesso Eye Shadow and a 263 Brush. With the same brush and Blacktrack Fluidline, apply a slightly thicker line above the white eye line, winging it upwards.

All Purpose Powder

Don't ya just love when a product does double beauty duty? Me too. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on Glamo-Glitz by Scarlett Cosmetics.

Glamo-Glitz is a one-of-a-kind product that can be used in seven different ways! These mineral-based loose cosmetic dusts are multi-functional, and are used on eyes, cheeks, lips, body, highlighting and even for mascara. Here’s how it works...

Eye Shadow: Use wet or dry and sweep lightly or dramatically over lid.

Eye Liner: Dip an eyelining brush into water and then into Glamo-Glitz, and sweep along lash line. The ones with glitter look fabulous this way!

Lips: Put petroleum jelly on lips then mix one part water with two parts Glamo-Glitz and dab onto lips.

Mascara: Mix two parts water with one part Glamo-Glitz and put onto lashes with a disposable mascara wand. Need a shocking teal mascara but can't find it? No problem, make one from your Glamo-Glitz. Do not wear glitter formulas if you have contact lenses, though.

Cheeks: Dip a blush brush into your Glamo-Glitz and swep onto cheeks.

Decollete: Get a big, fat brush and brush over this area – as well as shoulders. Very sexy!

Nail Polish: Adding your choice of Glamo-Glitz color to clear nail polish can make a custom color. It blends smoothly so you don’t have to worry about clumps and the nail polish not drying. Try mixing one that has glitter in it!


In the photo, you can see a few of my favorite Glamo-Glitz shades (from top to bottom – Gypsy, Mombasa, and Pop Star). I wet the powders so that they would photograph more vividly; but please note that they also can be used for a sheer wash of color. That’s why they’re so great – because they’re all-purpose!

Scarlett Cosmetics are sold by select retailers in the U.S., U.K., and Hong Kong. But no matter where you’re from, you can live the Glamo-Glitz life by visiting scarlettcos.com.

Angelina Jolie's Make-up Breakdown

This blog is solely based on Bollywood's make-up trends, but Angelina's features are very Aishwarya Rai-esque, which in turn her make-up suits Pakistani/Indian women as well. I love her, and think she ethereal. Here's her make-up breakdown from the recently SAG Awards.

Angelina Jolie turned heads at this year’s SAG awards with her billowy vintage Hermes gown from N.Y.C’s Rare Vintage. Makeup artist Mary Burton played up the ’60s/’70s vintage feel of the dress by keeping the makeup natural. Since Angelia doesn’t like too much color on her face, Burton used Chanel’s Pro Lumiere foundation, — mixing several shades to match her skin. She applied Laura Mercier powder blush, as an orange-y tint for her cheekbones. For her eyes, Burton used Shiseido’s Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow, for a light, creamy color on her lid and under her eyebrow. She lined her lid with a liquid eyeliner from Lancome. Burton used two mascaras from Lancome — one to lengthen, and one to volumize. The lips were kept neutral using Cargo’s beige high-definition lipgloss compact.

Beauty Turns Ugly

Yesterday, the New York Times ran a particularly scathing piece about beauty bloggers. In a nutshell, the 'expose' likened us to beauty whores – posting for free products.

There are so many inaccurate allegations in this article that I have neither the time nor the energy to set the record straight. Luckily, fellow BBN member Christina posted a retort on her blog, Bon Bons in the Bath…and I wholeheartedly agree with her assertions.

So Spoiled Pretty readers, please be assured that I am solely motivated by my love for all things beauty – and the opportunity to converse with you all everyday. Product samples and industry events are wonderful perks; but essentially, these benefits are what enable bloggers to compete with 'traditional' beauty media – and provide you with the unbiased reviews, breaking news, and tips you crave, in real time.

If you have any questions about the beauty blogging biz or the product review process, I am open to questions. Please feel free to email me, or leave a remark in comments section below.

Color Nirvana

Mark your calendars! On February 6th, OPI unveils their new color collection for the Spring/Summer of 2008. After sending us to Russia over the Winter with their amazing, luscious, rich colors (Russian Navy, anyone?!), OPI is seeking inspiration from India.

The Indian Collection promises color nirvana and includes 12 spicy and exotic nail lacquers. Some colors seem pretty and pink, others are richer...there are plenty of reds, deep oranges, and elegant golds. Since it's still Winter, I'm digging the Black Cherry Currant and Royal Rajah Ruby, though Charmed by a Snake looks promising.

Take a peek for yourself:
Colors from left to right, top to bottom:

• I'm Indi-A Mood for Love
• Elephantastic Pink
• Black Cherry Chutney
• Keys to My Karma
• Monsooner or Later
• Moon Over Mumbai
• Yoga-Ta Get This Blue
• Get Me to the Taj on Time
• Curry Up Don't Be Late!
• Charmed By A Snake*
• Lunch at the Delhi*
• Royal Rajah Ruby*
  

*also available in a coordinating lip color

Be A Balm-Shell With Just Kiss Me!

Ever since I first laid eyes on Victoria’s Secret Just Kiss Me! Glossy Lip Balm, I’ve been obsessing. This clever compact is shaped like a Restylane-enchanced kisser, and contains a hydrating balm.

This will be my Valentine’s Day gift to myself. What’s not to love?

Make-up Trend: Easy, Simple Make-up

I'm sure Diya Mirza's makeup is more than just a little eyeliner, blush and lip stain, it gives the appearance of being utterly simplistic and at the same time stunning. Keep the eyes basic: a flesh-color base all-over the lid, followed by liner on the inside of the lower line and along the upper lash line. Then swipe a pretty pink stain over lips.

Newbies, stick to kohl pencils—they tend to be easier to work with than liquid liners. If a pencil seems stiff, soften it by wrapping a fist around the pencil for ten seconds to warm it.

Rec: M.A.C Eye Kohl

Get In The Mood On February 1st

Confections of affection, these new Essie shades are light and luscious. Sweet gets sassy, pale turns perky, and pastels show their passionate side. These special treats are sure to get you in the mood for spring!


In The Mood, Essie’s Spring 2008 collection includes:

Hi Maintenance
Great Expectations
Body Language
Secret Affair
Hard to Get
Looking for Love

These girly, gorgeous pastes will be available in salons and stores on February 1st.

This Is What Crazy Sounds Like

Does anyone watch Bad Girls Club on Oxygen? It’s not really a show that I watch…I admit that I’ve seen a few episodes, but it’s never on purpose.

Anyway, the show is about a group of self-confessed ‘bad girls’ who live, Real World style, in this mansion in LA. They don’t have any responsibilities, but there’s plenty of attitude – and even more alcohol. They spend most of their time disrespecting one another, and wrecking sh*t. And hilarity ensues.

In this video, Tanisha exacts revenge on her roommates because their partying kept her awake all night. Watch and be amazed.

America The Beautiful

Lancôme read about how I adored America Ferrera’s SAG look...so they sent me her red-carpet makeup recipe.

Celebrity makeup artist, Vanessa Scali used the following Lancôme products on America for the awards:

Eyes
Color Design Artist Palettes in Couture Warms and Stylish Neutrals
Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Noir
CILS Booster XL (super-enhancing mascara base)
High Definicils High Definition Mascara

Lips
Le Lipstique in Rasinberry
Color Fever Gloss in On Fire

O.P.I Nail Polish India Inspired Collection

I'm a generally not a fan of nailpolishes, but I recently came across an ad in Allure Magazine, that made me stop dead in my tracks. It had a girl dressed as a bride, wearing anklet attached to a toe ring, with Curry Up Don't Be Late on her toes. This collection has a shade for everyone, and it is especially made keeping in mind us desi-skinned ladies (If any of you can scan me that picture I will love you forever, I seem to have misplaced my copy). Ladies enjoy these while they last.

• I’m Indi-a Mood for Love: hot pink
• ElePhantastic Pink: carnation pink
• Black Cherry Chutney: dark black-red
• Keys to my Karma: rich red
• MonSooner or Later: orange-red
• Moon Over Mumbai: soft gray
• Yoga-ta Get This Blue: dark blue
• Get Me to the Taj on Time: pale opal
• Curry Up Don’t Be Late: gold metallic
• Charmed by a Snake: bronze
• Lunch at the Delhi: coral
• Royal Rajah Ruby: burgundy frost

Genie In A Bottle

I don’t run. Walk briskly? Sometimes. In rare instances, I’ve been known to jog…whilst being chased by leash-less animals or trying to catch the bus when I’m running late for work. But run? Uh-uh.

On the flip side, my eye makeup loves to run. Yeah, child…seems like every shadow and liner I bring home has a case of the can’t-sit-still. A few hours after I’ve painstakingly applied said makeup to my lids, the color starts to migrate south. And all that you can do is clean yourself up, and wonder how long you’ve been walking around with raccoon eyes. Right? Wrong.

A few weeks ago, I decided to try Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. And let me tell you – it stopped my vagabond eye makeup dead in its tracks. The primer works in three ways: eye shadow and liner last longer, color is more vibrant, and there’s no creasing. All you do is swipe it on your lids before applying eye makeup. It dries almost instantly – and a little goes a very long way.

One tube of the Eyeshadow Primer Potion will knock you back $15, but Urban Decay also sells an Eyeshadow Primer Potion Duo for $25 – so you can stock up or share your beauty booty with a friend in need.

Urban Decay is also available at Sephora.

Make-up Trend: Long Lasting Lipcolor

Kareena Kapoor got her own dose of lip service for The Star Screen Awards. Create a long-lasting pout by filling in your lips with a water-proof lip liner. Then, to give it a vintage glamour feel, add a sheer, coat of shiny gloss.

Want to get this mega-watt smile? Kareena kept Lancôme Fever lip gloss in On Fire in her purse for pre-picture touch ups.

Rec: Lancôme Le Lipstique Lip Coloring Stick in Raisinberry

A Kiss For Your Valentine

I can't believe Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away (that also means my birthday is just a few weeks away--ugh!). So over the coming weeks, I'll be talking about some products to get you ready for a beautiful, kissable Valentine's Day. Today we'll start off with the kissable aspect of things.

Hopefully you all have someone special in your life, or at least someone to share a February 14th smooch with. In order for you to be at your most kissable, you need to make sure you don't have funky breath. Even if your Valentine's Day includes a garlic-filled dinner, you can still have a kissable mouth with French Kiss gum.

This gum was developed by Dr. Harold Katz, aka America's Bad Breath Expert for his celebrity clients. It is designed to reach below the tongue's surface to absorb bad breath odors. By chewing a few pieces, you can feel confident that you have a fresh, kissable mouth 24/7.

What's also great is that it doesn't contain artificial sweeteners like asparatame or saccharin. French Kiss gum is available at www.therabreath.com. Three packs of twelve pieces of gum costs $9.00. Not bad!

Jersey Girls: Join Lancôme For An Evening of Fashion & Beauty

Want to experience what it’s like to be a Fashion Week model?

Lancôme invites you to get catwalk ready with Fashion Week and Celebrity Makeup Artist Extraordinaire Daniel Martin, Lancôme Spokesmodel Selena Breed, author of the acclaimed book “Violet on the Runway” Melissa Walker, and the Lancôme Backstage Makeup Team.


WHEN: Friday, February 1, 2008
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lancôme - The Boutique
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills, NJ 07078
RSVP: cschramke@lancome-usa.com
(Please include full name, phone number and that you are RSVPing for the New Jersey event)

There will be gift bags, mocktails and cupcakes! Oh my!
Enter to win a luxurious prize!

Be the first to…

Get your hands on limited edition Juicy Tubes created by hot London Fashion Designer Christopher Kane.*

Get the hottest beauty looks for spring, straight from the artists who worked backstage.

Receive a complimentary copy of “Violet by Design” and an official Lancôme Backstage t-shirt with any purchase of a limited edition Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes and a Lancôme Mascara.

*Please note that this will be the only time consumers will be able to get the Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes in advance. They will not be on counters until mid-March.

Fragrant Flower

Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring opens to reveal a travel-friendly version of the floral, feminine fragrance.

Available at Sephora.com.

Gilchrist & Soames Giveaway!

When I’m traveling and staying in a hotel, one of the most exciting things – for me – is walking into the bathroom and seeing what toiletries are mine for the taking. And take is what I usually do; I hoard travel shampoos, soaps, and shower caps like a squirrel preparing for winter.

Anyway, the crème de la crème is Gilchrist & Soames – the leading provider of luxurious hair, bath, and body products for world-class hotels, exclusive resorts, and distinguished spas, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Though Gilchrist & Soames toiletries can be found at some of the world’s most prestigious properties, products can also be purchased on their website.

Want to treat yourself to VIP status and try some of their travel amenities (without the cost of a five-star hotel room)? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Spoiled Pretty has partnered with Gilchrist & Soames to bring you another of our world-famous giveaways!

One winner will receive…


Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Travel Gift Bag, which includes:
1oz. Sea Kelp Shampoo
1oz. Sea Moss Conditioner
1oz. Sea Fennel Body Lotion
1oz. Sea Rocket Body Wash
Shower Cap
Mending Kit
Vanity Pack
Shoe Mitten
Toothbrush
1.5oz. Exfoliating Sea Salt Soap
1.5oz. Moisturising Skincare Bar Soap
.75oz. Glycerin Soap

AND


Gilchrist & Soames Verde Travel Gift Bag, which includes:
1oz. Hair Purifier
1oz. Hair Protector
1oz. Body Refresher
1oz. Body Butter
1.1oz. Dental Rinse
Vanity Pack
Mending Kit
Shower Cap
.75oz. Facial Bar
1.5oz. Facial Bar
2.5oz. Exfoliating Bath Bar

To enter:
*Name the hotel where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon. Here’s a hint: I wrote the post in August.
*Send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - and make sure to include the hotel name, your full name, and email address.

The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 3rd. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 4th, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

Damn! I Knew This Was Going To Happen!

I have been avoiding all those futuristic looking products from GoSMILE. I knew that if I ventured over to that part of Sephora, my pocketbook would be drained, but my teeth would be beautiful.

Well, looks like I was right. I recently tried a sample of GoSMILE's B1 Tooth Whitener and all I have to say is WOW! It was a snap (literally!) to use and provided instant and impressive results.

Here's how it works: the whitening product (a gel) is housed in a capsule called an ampoule. On one end of the ampoule there's a brush (it actually looks more like a pad, but whatever). The ampoule is housed in a cardboard sheath and you just take it out of the sheath to expose the brush, put the sheath back on the wrong way, then squeeze the ampoule until it pops. This releases the gel and fills the brush with the whitening product. All you do now is rub the gel on your teeth in a circular motion. That's it. No strips, no trays, no mess.

The product doesn't taste bad or feel slimy like some whitening products out there. It also does not increase tooth sensitivity, which has been an issue for me with drugstore brand whitening products.

I honestly couldn't believe how quickly and effectively this product worked! I noticed that my teeth were looking a little less than perfectly white, so I was anxious to give GoSMILE a try. With one use, my teeth looked brighter. Wow!

Now, here's the rub. Since this seems like the PERFECT tooth whitening product, it comes at a price. A supply of 20 ampoules will set you back almost $90. Yikes. Still, if you're dying to make a splurgy beauty purchase, I highly recommend GoSMILE's B1 Tooth Whitener.

Make-up Trend: Raccoon Eyes

Embrace your animal instincts, like Vidya Balan, by rimming the circumference of your eyes with dramatic smoky shadow. Line both eyes with black kohl liner, then brush matte charcoal or brown shadow around eyes and up into the crease of lids.

Raccoon eyes should look tame, not rabid: Dust a generous amount of loose powder under your eyes before starting. It will catch flakes and dripping powder. Sweep it away with a tissue when finished.

Rec: MAC Cosmetics Royal Assets Smoky Eye Palette

Ooh Bop – Fashion Week

The most amazing thing has happened! I have been invited to cover New York Fashion Week, as a beauty correspondent! Can you believe it? This time last year, I didn’t really know what a blog was; now I have my own, and I’m going to Fashion Week. I’m ecstatic!

I have been invited backstage - by MAC Cosmetics - to interview the MAC Makeup Artists and MAC Product Development Executives. I will be behind the scenes at Alexandre Herchcovitch, Tadashi Shoji, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Donna Karan. Additionally, I will be having cocktails and dinner at Koi with other members of the Total Beauty family; and the next night, I will attend a dinner at Indochine – organized by MAC – for a select group of beauty bloggers.

I will be chronicling my Fashion Week experience for Spoiled Pretty – so stay tuned for breaking news, tips, trends, interviews, and ridiculously fabulous giveaways!

Details continue to unfold – so I may have more great news to share before I jet off (actually, I’ll be riding Amtrak) to NYC on Friday.

The only thing that could make this better is if, while I’m in NYC, someone mistakes me for Kerry Washington. Fat chance, I know – but a girl can dream.

Guest Post: The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette

The following review is courtesy of guest blogger, Angela Showell. Take it away, Angela...

The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette #02 comes in a really pretty gold case - and from the front little window, I could see that the colors were right up my alley: golds, blue, and copper. I then decided to get a closer look by opening the case. It was extremely hard to open. I do have acrylic fingernails so they are a little long, but not even my stubby fingernailed husband could get it open on the first try! Eventually he got it, thus making this review possible!

The case has a mirror and long-handled, double sided applicator which was handy for the eyeshadow, but not so much for the bronzer. So, I broke outmy fluffy blush brush and got to work.

I applied the bronzer over my normal cream powder foundation (shout out to Neutrogena). It was a little too bronze for my winter pale-ness so I toned it down with a little more foundation blending. Next I went for my all over lid color. The palette came with 3 shades of gold (well, a light gold, a true gold, and a bronze) and one shimmery blue. I used the light gold as a base and then did the blue for my inner corner (it came out kind of green when mixed with the light gold) and blended in the copper for my outer crease. I used the applicator to do the blending instead of my normal brush, it worked out pretty well with a little help from my finger (the best blending tool anyway, your mom is right).

The eyeshadows stayed a nice color all day, with minimal creasing. Overall, I really liked this product. The colors are neutral enough that it could be your everyday standby.

Mother's Nature Soap Winners

Happy Monday, Spoiled Pretty readers! The time has come to announce the winners of the Mother’s Nature Soap Giveaway.

To enter this contest, you needed to subscribe to Spoiled Pretty – which means that I won’t be announcing names this time, but rather email addresses. Congratulations to:

First prize: jol240
Second prize: joni514
Third prize: sestes555

Obviously, these are incomplete email addresses; I have omitted the email provider to protect the winners’ privacy. All winners have been notified.

Thanks to everyone who entered. You’re all winners because you are now signed up to receive Spoiled Pretty updates to your email! Not impressed? Well, Spoiled Pretty will be announcing a new giveaway later today – so y’all come back now, ya hear?

SAG Awards 2008 Red Carpet Recap

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of participating in a web seminar - presenting four new products from CoverGirl. CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern and Procter & Gamble Beauty Senior Scientist, Sarah Vickery discussed CoverGirl's latest beauty innovations (more on that later) and this season's red carpet makeup trends.

Before she had to run off to work her makeup magic at the SAG Awards, I asked Molly to predict what beauty trends we would be seeing on the red carpet. Without hesitation, she responded that - this awards season – women want to look more like themselves. Fast-forward a few hours to the SAG Awards arrivals…Molly couldn’t have been more right-on.

Usually, the SAG Awards are a total non-issue to me. But this year, thanks to the Golden Globes cancellation, I have been absolutely jonesing for a red carpet fix for weeks – and the SAG Awards didn’t disappoint.








Low chignons and beachy waves were popular; as were lush lashes paired with understated lips. If I had to play favorites, I’d have to say that I’m loving me some Jamie Lynn Sigler (so envious of how effortlessly chic she always looks), Brittany Snow (check out the Veronica Lake likeness), Debra Messing (red hot), and Eva Longoria (she has perfect hair/makeup/gown/accessories down to a science).


But if I only had one award to give out, it would go to America Ferrera – hands down; she is my style goddess.




I also love that Amanda Bynes isn’t trying to look any older than her 21 years. And I’m not advocating plastic surgery, but Michelle Pfeiffer’s face looks amazing!


Bonus: Angelina Jolie showed up wearing an ombre Hermes dress, that pretty much confirmed her rumored pregnancy. Congrats, Brangelina!

Beauty Sleep

I must be getting old! Despite a couple of bouts of insomnia (ugh!) when I was in college oh-so many years ago, I used to be able to sleep forever. I would stay up late and get up late and clock in about 10 or more hours of sleep a night . Now as an adult, I'm lucky to get 7 hours.

Even though sleep is very mysterious to most researchers, everyone will tell you that it is essential to keeping your mind and body healthy. Hey, they don't call it beauty sleep for nothing!

For me, Sunday nights are anxiety-filled (I'm usually stressing about what I need to do at work, what I've forgotten to do, whatever) and I have a terrible time falling asleep. What's a girl to do? Here are some tips for getting decent shut-eye without resorting to drugs:

• Keep the bedroom cool AND dark! Turn your thermostat down to 68 or lower. The cooler temperature has been proven to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Covering up any annoying light sources will also trick your mind and body into nodding off.
• Don't check the clock in the middle of the night. Ugh! I do this so many times when I can't sleep, and I begin to think of the clock as my constant, glowing enemy, taunting my inability to sleep by clicking off the minutes and hours of my stress-filled state of being awake. It's no wonder sleep experts say checking the clock causes anxiety!
• Block out disturbances. If you live on a noisy street or have someone noisy in bed next to you, put in a pair of earplugs or turn on some white noise. I've used those thunderstorm and ocean CDs in the past and they seem to work.
  
• Go to bed and wake up as close to the same time every day as possible. I find this hard because I like to stay up a little later on the weekend, and because sleeping in on a day off is fun. But I have noticed that when I am consistent about my bed time (and my wake time), I get better quality sleep and have fewer problems falling asleep on my stress-filled Sundays.
• Don't do anything stimulating in the hour before going to bed. No talking on the phone? No knitting? The only exception to this rule, apparently, is sex. Having sex right before bed has actually been proven to relax people and let them fall asleep easier. Ah, one more reason to get it on! I love it!

Sweet dreams!

Coach Beauty Is First Class

Have you heard about Coach Beauty?

According to Reed Krakoff, President and Executive Creative Director of Coach, “This distinctive collection captures the true, classic style and femininity of the Coach woman.”

Coach Lipstick ($18): These lightweight, full coverage lipsticks are available in three flattering colors - Poppy, Rose, and Peony. They are formulated with Shea Butter and Almond Oil to moisturizes lips; each comes in a unique tube featuring the iconic Signature pattern.

Lip Gloss ($22): These pretty, polished glosses are packaged in a glam tube featuring the Coach logo. Available in three shades - Gardenia, Hibiscus, and Heather.

Coach Shimmer Powder ($38): Brush this powder on your face and body for a subtle glow.

1.7 Oz Perfume Spray ($68): This classically inspired fragrance has a unique blend of soft florals combined with amber, vanilla and precious woods. Together they capture the distinctive style that is exclusively Coach.

Purse Spray ($42): You’ll want to carry this chic scent with you wherever you go. This conveniently sized spray fits easily into your handbag, tote or travel piece.

Perfume Solid ($40): This solid version of the scent is perfect for the girl on the go. It comes in a fun Coach tag shaped compact that can easily be attached to your handbag, wristlet, or key ring.

Body Lotion ($38): This lotion can be used alone or layered with the Coach fragrance.

Coach Beauty products are available at Coach.com, but a little birdie told me that the new lip glosses will soon be available at Kohl’s.

Rihanna's On The Cutting Edge Of Style

The R&B princess debuted a new pixie hairstyle at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France on Saturday.

What inspired her to make the cut? At the October photo shoot for Allure’s January 2008 cover, Allure’s Creative Director, Paul Cavaco, suggested that – for her next look – she channel old-school Linda Evangelista.

Looks like she took his advice.


Speaking of Linda E. - here's an oldie, but a goodie. Enjoy!

Christopher Kane For Lancôme – Limited Edition Juicy Tubes

British designer Christopher Kane has partnered with Lancôme to launch four limited-edition lipglosses. The colors were created to compliment Kane’s Spring 2008 collection, entitled Burns Night.

Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rouge, Red Hot New York, Tokyo Plum Blossom, and Rio Mango will be available at Lancôme counters in March.