Lady Gray

Ebony and ivory
Mixed together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my eyelids, fingers, toenails
Why don’t we?

I’m not going to say anything silly like “such and such is the new black”…because, really, we hear enough of that nonsense every season. There are so many makeup trends right now that even a beauty buff, like me, can’t keep up. But I will tell you that one craze I’m digging is the color gray.

Unlike brown or beige, this basic is anything but boring. It’s neutral, with an edge – yet very versatile. Which cloudy colors am I crushing on?


Essie’s Great Expectations (from the Spring 2008 ‘In The Mood’ color collection) is the lightest, softest, sheerest gray with a subtle hint of glimmer. It goes on creamy and lasts for-evah.

MAC Eye Shadow in Alum is a mid-tone blue grey with soft blue pearl (Satin). A few weeks ago, while browsing at Bloomingdale’s, I was eyeing up this shade for about 10 minutes - when a MAC makeup artist offered to dust some on my lids. A few minutes later, I had the sexiest (but somehow effortless-looking) smoky eye!

Lush Lower Lashes

To lash out like the lovely Courteney Cox, InStyle.com recommends wiggling a waterproof, no-flake mascara wand along the roots of lower lashes, then tapping each lash while holding the wand vertically. Wait two minutes, then gently curl lashes with a Sephora Lower Lash Curler.

Which mascara to use? CoverGirl LashBlast, my hands-down new favorite mascara, is now available in a waterproof formula! Lash Blast supersizes and volumizes, with no clumps. I love how it makes me look like “that girl” - you know the one with the ridiculously fab lashes? Yeah, well…that’s me now.

Here’s another lower lash tip: Last month, I had an opportunity to learn some tricks of the trade from CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern. She said that if you wear a slightly lighter shade of mascara on your lower lashes than on your upper lashes (i.e. – very black on top, black on bottom), your wide-eyed look will look more natural. And at $8 a pop, you can afford to splurge and buy two tubes.

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara is available at your local drugstore.

Verve's February Make-up Trends

DISCO DOLL

The Afro hair and metallic eyes recall the oomphy Diana Ross. The funky late 70s look is for a woman who wears her attitude on her sleeve.

M.A.C Eye Shadow in Freshwater; Make Up Forever Color Liner in Pearl; M.A.C Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petty Pink.

BELLE OF THE BALL

The 70s version of smoky eyes created with blue shadow around the eyes and shimmery pink lips is a foolproof head-turner. Think Joan Collins in Esther and the King.
M.A.C Eye Shadow in Freshwater; M.A.C Tinted Lipglass in Nymphette.

Get 25% Off Jaqua Cosmetic And Travel Bags

Get 25% off Jaqua’s cosmetic and travel bags, just in time for Spring break!


The Getaway Bag, with a cute Jaqua heart logo zipper pull, is perfectly sized for a weekend getaway and it's so lightweight you can fill it up without it dragging you down.


The Necessary Bag is made with pink faux leather (for easy rinses!) and a removable clear PVC pouch for access to all of your hair and body products. It opens out to hang on a hook or a bathroom door, and has zippered pockets for accessories. I have this one...I luvre it!


To carry smaller cosmetic items and precious jewelry, Jaqua’s set of three Treasure Bags is perfect. They are elegantly designed with a sturdy, lightweight nylon oxford front and a faux pink leather back, each lined with fabric in chocolate brown. These precious bags are tied together with a pink grosgrain bow and ready for travel!

Get 25% off these wonderful bags as Jaqua’s way of saying "happy spring!"

Promotion Code use: (1) Add any travel bag(s) to your Shopping Cart (2) Enter the promotion code TRAVL1 below the contents of your shopping cart. (3) Click the "Go" button, next to the promotion code. (4) Confirm your 25% discount has been applied. (5) Check-out.

Promotion expires on 3/5/08.

Halle In A Bottle

You may not look like Halle Berry, but soon you’ll be able to smell like her. Today, Women’s Wear Daily announced that Coty has signed Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry to a scent development deal, which will involve the star developing a fragrance portfolio and appearing in its advertising.

"Halle is an iconic actress and symbolizes beauty to many generations," Steve Mormoris, senior vice president of global marketing at Coty Beauty US, told WWD at the Personal Care Products Council's annual meeting here. "She adds another dimension to the celebrity fragrance market. Halle has always been a little more mysterious, not quite as open with her personal life as some other stars. Her fragrances will allow her to present another facet of her personality to her fans."

I don't know if this fragrance deal will proclude her from being a Revlon spokeswoman. guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Halle's first fragrance products are expected to launch globally in spring 2009. Coty's celebrity portfolio also includes the scent brands of Jennifer Lopez, David and Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kimora Lee Simmons, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Kate Moss and Tim McGraw.

Be Back Sunday!

It's not even Friday, but I am spent! This has been a stressful week and I need a break from things like technology. All I want to do is crawl in bed with a good book and escape from the world.

Once I recharge my batteries, I'll be back with beauty news here at Kiss-and-Makeup and more of my fabulous comments on life at Oh My God Girl on Sunday.

Until then, have a good weekend!

Darphin Special Offer

Darphin is offering beauty blog readers an exciting incentive. Receive a staff picks sample duo including 8 Flower Nectar and Hydraskin Light with any order of $75 or more.

Just follow these 4 easy steps…

Step 1: Place an order for your favorite Darphin products (offer valid on purchases of $75 or more on Darphin.com).
Step 2: Simply enter BEAUTYBLOG at checkout.
Step 3: Receive samples of 8 Flower Nectar and Hydraskin Light.
Step 4: Your order will be processed with FREE standard shipping.

2008's Make-up Trends and New Collections

The Natural Look

Less is more and makeup is ever moving in the more natural, less pancake-ish direction. Word on the street is that the year will see more finishing products that enhance natural beauty -- nude, subtle tones rather than the heavy-baked tanned look that was 'in' back in 2007.
Make sure your skin is in peak condition -- moisturise regularly, especially before applying foundation and makeup to your face. Remember, even the best cosmetic products in the world can't compete with a glowing complexion.
Rec: M.A.C N Collection and Bobbi Brown Nude Collection

Matching Palette

Match your eye shadow to your lipstick, contrast is out. Matching shades will give you a polished, uniform look. The pink eye shadow you see in the photograph is set off wonderfully by the raspberry pink shade of lipstick.
Rec: Bobbi Brown 'Pink Raspberry' Collection

Matte Skin

While shiny foundation and body glitter were all the rage a while ago, the look for the new year dictates a more refined matte finish, as far as your face and skin are concerned.Keep things subtle and classy, even for a night on the town -- glossy lipstick and striking eyeshadow will look more tasteful and less overdone on a matte foundation.
Rec: Shu Uemura Foundation SPF20 Collection

Bronzey Eyes

It's all about warm, earthy tones here -- we're talking bold, shimmering browns and deep shining gold to highlight your eyes! Ditch the light pink and baby blue eye shadow shades for some real color to compliment your face. Gloss your lips with a shimmering nude to go with your eye shadow.
Rec: Lancôme L.U.C.I Collection

Smokey Cat Eyes

The smokey eye effect is still going strong as far as makeup trends go -- from clouded black to silvery gray to the dark navy shade you see here, the choice is yours. Smokey eye makeup effectively involves smudging your eyeliner. Spring '08 brings a new twist, elongate it, and define it to formulate a gorgeous smokey cat eye working the right shade of eye shadow and being creative.
Rec: Chanel Spring French Accents Collection

Cherry Hued Lips

If you plan to go easy on the eye makeup and go with kohl rimmed eyes, cherry hued pink-red lips are hot, hot, hot! Choose a shade that compliments your skin tone and gloss it up as much as you like, because the color should be tame but alluring.
Rec: Shiseido Backstage Beauty at NY Fashion Week

Girly Girls: The Growing Trend of Marketing Makeup To Children

In today’s New York Times, the paper takes an interesting look at the growing phenomenon of pre-pubescent makeup use. Analysts say this is part of a trend called KGOY (kids getting older younger) – a trend which is only enabled by pushover parents.

Years ago, I was shocked when pre-teens started carrying Dooney & Bourke handbags and wearing 7 For All Mankind jeans. And don’t get me started on the sweatpants with “Juicy” splashed across the ass. I used to find fault with just the parents, but the article points out that retailers are also to blame.

“Today, cosmetic companies and retailers increasingly aim their sophisticated products and service packages squarely at 6- to 9-year-olds, who are being transformed into savvy beauty consumers before they’re out of elementary school.”


According to the article:

*In a study last year, 55 percent of 6- to 9-year-old girls said they used lip gloss or lipstick, and nearly two-thirds said they used nail polish, according to Experian, a market research company based in New York. In 2003, 49 percent of 6- to 9-year-old girls said they used lip gloss or lipstick.

*Sweet & Sassy, a salon and party destination based in Texas for girls 5 to 11, includes pink limo service as a party add-on, which starts at $150 a ride.

*At Club Libby Lu, a mall-based chain, girls of any age can mix their own lip gloss and live out their pop idol fantasies. Last year, the chain did about a million makeovers in its 90 stores nationwide.

*Dashing Diva franchises often offer virgin Cosmos in martini glasses along with their extra-virgin nail polish, free of a group of chemicals called phthalates, for a round of services for a birthday girl and her friends.

Virgin Cosmos?!?!?! Huh?

I don’t know about you, but I am sickened by this. It doesn’t quite rise to the level of Big Tobacco marketing to adolescents and teens, but it’s pretty damned close. And the parents who can’t say no just add fuel to the proverbial fire. I’m all for buying your pre-teen some Bonne Bell Lip Smackers (that’s what my mom did, and I turned out just fine)…but limos and faux cocktails? I think this trend will only lead to bad things – like girls begging for rhinoplasty and boob jobs to commemorate their sweet sixteen.



Photos courtesy of The New York Times.

C.O. Bigelow's New Mentha Lip Tints

C.O. Bigelow’s new Mentha Lip Tints are the lip balms we all know and love – now available in six gorgeous shades (bare mint, coral mint, pink mint, magenta mint, plum mint, and violet mint). Lips stay moist, look ultra-glossy, and peppermint oil gives breath long-lasting freshness. One tube will set you back $7.50…but pick up three tints today for the low, low price of $15!

Available at Bath & Body Works and C.O. Bigelow.

Shu Uemura Spring 2008: Rebirth

This Spring, shu uemura introduces their 126th collection, aptly named REBIRTH, in which Mr. Uemura tells a story about nature blooming in spring.

REBIRTH embraces the energy of the season, and translates these elements through vibrant colors. The collection features an abstract image of a flower blooming, drawn by Mr. Uemura himself. This collection is very special, as it was his last before passing away in December.

The REBIRTH collection includes the following limited-edition products:

*Tri-Color Eye Pencil in Aqua Flow and Energy Flow
*Pressed Eye Shadow in Spring Breeze, Earth Brown, Sun Stream, Yellow Elation, and Pristine Green
*Rouge Unlimited in Dewy Beige, Pink Bloom, and Serene Pink
*Glow On in Harmonious Orange and Tranquil Pink
*Nail Enamel in Gold Zest and Innocent Beige

As a tribute to this collection and Mr. Uemura’s work, shu uemura Principle Makeup Artists Jason Hoffman and Misumi Kitano created three very special looks.

Rita Brown, shu uemura Principle Makeup Artist, created this look (left), entitled BREEZE, exclusively for Spoiled Pretty readers!

Face
Matte skin
Subtle highlight around the eye area

Eye
Rocket Eye Pencil in Aqua Flow – use grey pencil from lashline to mid-crease and under the eye
Pressed Eye Shadow in Spring Breeze – layer on top of pencil and blend up into the crease and under the eye
Pressed Eye Shadow in ME Beige 800 – inner corner of the eye
Liquid Eyeliner in Black – very tight line on the top and bottom
Precise Volume Mascara in Black – top and bottom
False Eyelashes Luxe in Black – top and bottom

Cheeks
Glow On Tranquil Pink – apply to cheekbone

Lip
Rouge Unlimited Pink Bloom – apply on top and bottom of lip

I’ll be testing the products soon, so check back for my review. To shop shu uemura, visit shuuemura.com.

This Looks Promising...

Clinique is one of my favorite companies for skin care. Admittedly, I'm not mad about their moisturizer, but I still think they make great skin care products. Now Clinique has an interesting product on the market called Even Better Skin Tone Corrector.

Even Better Skin Tone Corrector promises to even out skin tone by reducing "visible evidence of sun damage, dark patches, skin stresses, ages spots, and the darkening that follows visible scarring." It can be used by women of all ethnic backgrounds and leaves skin even, bright, and clear. It can be used anywhere you have damage: the face, hands, neck, chest....wherever. A bottle of this stuff costs $39.50 and it takes about six weeks to see results.

I don't have visible sun damage yet, but I do have uneven skin--thanks to my pale skin and propensity for pinkness. I know a lot of women who would love to undo some of the damage they've done by lying out in the sun or baking in a tanning bed. If this product is able to do all that it says it can do, I imagine it will be in demand! Who doesn't want even toned skin? Sign me up!

M.U.A Cory Walia Talks About His Eye Make-up Favorites

Make up artist Cory Walia lets us in on his favorite make up:
Eyeliners

• Makeup Forever Cake Eyeliner
  
• Christian Diorliner EyeLiquid Liner
  
• M.A.C Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved
  

Cory's Tip - Metallic colors are really hot these days. Use the ones by M.A.C and Lakme and go wild with color.

To Shadow your Eyes

• M.A.C Eye Shadows are the best and a personal favorite
  
• The eye shadows by Make Up Forever are excellent and like M.A.C they come in bright and subtle colors
  

What Cory looks for:
"Good eye shadows are those whose color is rich and texture smooth. Some eye shadows look very attractive in their packages but when you use them the powder is dry or falls on the lashes. This shouldn't happen," says Cory.

On cream eye shadows?
Cream eye shadows are not too great for Indians as the sweat etc. will get it off, also it collect in the creases of the skin. Using cream eye shadows in cities where the whether is cool is a good idea. Cream eye shadows give a beautiful finish, so what you can so is top it with powder eye shadow to stabilize the color.

Kohl Pencils

• The Estée Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil is Cory's favorite
  
• The M.A.C Powerpoint Pencil in Engraved is super soft and comes in excellent colors
  
• The Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeliner Pencil is excellent for smokey eyes.

Cory's Home Made Kohl Recipe
Cory uses home made kohl. You can make kohl at home by burning a ghee diya with camphor; you then collect the soot in the diya. The soot is then mixed with ghee and applied. In the old days, pearls were also burned to make kohl. Cory mixes black eye shadow powder to his home made kohl and then uses it on his clients.

Mascaras
"Mascaras are a very very important part of your make-up," says Cory Walia.

• My favorite is Estée Lauder MagnoScopic Mascara.
  
• When I'm doing make up for a bride and I don't want her to cry and have black streaks running down for face, I use the water proof mascara by M.A.C. It's called M.A.C Splashproof Lash.
  

Cory says:
"Even though all brands have mascaras, I'm very picky about what I like. That's why the two listed above are the only ones that I use."

Perfect Condition-er

Do you know what my favorite hair conditioner is? Likely, you don’t.

I wrote a review back in the day - when I had, literally, 50 readers. I even bought two jars and sponsored my first giveaway. I think I received 8 or nine entries. Boy, times have changed.

Click here to read the review. Then go get you some.

Pink Eyes

I am absolutely infatuated with Lily Donaldson’s pink eye shadow in the new Spring 2008 ads for Max Mara.

I don’t know if I’m daring enough to rock this look. But for those of you who are, no need to purchase pink eye shadow (though MAC has a great selection). Just find a matte/satin pink blush that compliments your skin tone (I’m a fan of Bobbi Brown blushes), and apply with an eye shadow brush.

Let the shadow be the focus, and leave the rest of your face alone – think natural lashes, bare cheeks, and a nude, understated lip.

New York Mag Gives Spoiled Pretty Some Link Luv

I love New York Magazine, so imagine my glee to learn that nymag.com recently gave Spoiled Pretty some link love. On Monday, Amy Odell's 'the Cut' column gave a shout out to my post on Fresh’s new color collection.

Check it out!

Look And Smell Like A Wino: Amy Winehouse To Launch Beauty Line

Dear Spoiled Pretty,

I love beauty products. But as much as I try, I can’t find the right products to recreate the crackhead look that’s all the rage these days. It seems that I’ve been to every department store and beauty boutique – and while many of the makeup brands have a Park Avenue vibe going on, I’m looking for products that scream skid row. Help!?!?

-Wino Wannabe


Dear Wino,

If looking sober and hygienic isn’t your thang, you’re in luck. The Sun reports that Amy Winehouse is launching her own line of beauty products, which will include hairspray, liquid eyeliner, and perfume.

Crack rocks sold separately.

xoxo,
Spoiled Pretty

Filmfare Make-up Trend: Pale Pink Lips

Kareena Kapoor hit a high note and paired her rose lips with a silver highlighted eye and a sun-kissed look perfect for the Filmfares. The Filmfare Award winner’s shimmery pink gloss and rosy cheeks kept the look elegant, yet playful.
Rec: M.A.C Viva Glam 6 Special Edition Lipglass

Preity Zinta opted for a gorgeous, heavily lined eye anchored not only by immaculately structured brows, but also by the most natural matte lip color (one of the night's best!)
Rec: M.A.C Viva Glam 5 Lipstick

Gauri Khan’s dramatic red-carpet look included neutral silver eyes and bronzed cheeks; Shahrukh Khan's wife kept her makeup from going overboard by finishing it with a frosty pale lip.
Rec: M.A.C Lipstick in Creme De La Femme

Free Kiehl's Lip Balm

Shop kiehls.com now and get a free Lip Balm #1 (reg. $8.50) with any purchase. Enter code CANDY at checkout.

Give Me Some Sugar!

Quick! What's your favorite lip balm? Why do you love it?

I use lip balm every day. If I don't want to fuss with lipstick or if I'm lounging around my house, I usually apply a generous layer of balm and call it good. My two favorites are Burt's Bees (I like the cool, fresh, minty-ness of it) and Boot's Mediterranean Grape, Olive, and Nectarine (I love it's slickness and interesting flavor combo). For me, lip balm needs to be appropriately lubricating and yummy tasting.

Well, now a company called ON10 is making lip balms in some of our favorite sweet flavors. Head over to Sephora and pick your flavor from either: Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Hershey's Almond, Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper Berries and Cream, Schweppe's Lime, or Schweppe's Sparkling Pink. These balms are all beautifully packaged in vintage-inspired tins and range in price from $9 to $16.

These could be a bit too sweet, but since they look so cute, they'd make great gifts for your friends and family. I'd rather a Hershey's Almond lip balm in my Easter basket than an actual Hershey's Almond candy bar, but then I'm weird that way!

How To Apply Mascara by Bijal Soni, MUA for Dior

Do not let your eyes go unnoticed. Apply mascara the simple way, look your best and leave others stunned!

Bijal Soni, make-up artist for Christian Dior says, "Mascara defines your lashes and highlights the shape of your eyes. Not only does mascara accentuate the shape of your eyes but also transforms your look from catty to innocent."

Eye Catcher
Mascara can enhance or diminish your look if not applied properly. Follow these easy-to-apply tips.

Step 1: Always apply mascara after applying eye shadow and the liner. Remove excess eye shadow powder droppings with a cotton bud. For small or lesser lashes use a protein primer before applying mascara.

Step 2: With an eyelash curler, curl lashes upwards and then while looking towards the floor apply mascara in upward sweeps. Let dry and after a couple of minutes put another application if needed.

• To give an innocent look, go for a regular brush – a thin brush shaped like a Christmas tree. Thin from the top but thick from below. The brush also gives length to your lashes, which adds to your look.
  
  
  Aishwarya Bachchan
  
  
• For Aishwarya Bachchan's lashes – buy mascara, which includes volumizing and thickening feature. This will make your lashes look heavy, doll like. Always ensure that mascara comes with a thicker brush to add to the effect.
• To make volumizing last longer, use a single coat of water-proof mascara (Diorshow Waterproof Mascara) after applying the first application.

The Curl Effect
Add curl to your eyelashes with a parallel-looking brush. This is the medium brush, which gives a curling and volumizing effect.

Step 3: To avoid the lashes from sticking together – gently move the brush in a zig-zag motion to separate the lashes. Or use an eyelash comb to separate the lashes. However Dior Diorshow Mascara includes a feature where the brush is designed specifically to separate the lashes.

Step 4: Apply mascara on the lower lashes as well, but not as intense – just a light brush will do. Move the brush from the base to the tip.

Do It Right

• If you have a darker skin tone or have of dark circles, it is advisable to experiment with various colors in blue, deep blue, green or maroon.
• Apply thin eyeliner and not a thick one (most make-up artists prefer a thinner one).
  
• Apply mascara to give you a complete different look. For simple occasions or for regular wear, apply mascara at the tip of your lashes to give a normal look.
• Use a good eye make-up remover to take off the mascara at night before bed or whenever needed. Moisten the tissue or cotton for smooth removal.

Funky Eyes!

• Spruce up your look by applying blue mascara (Diorshow Mascara in Azure Blue). Especially for nighttime, it sure will work wonders.
• Buy waterproof mascara. I recommend Diorshow Waterproof Mascara.
  

Expert Speak
Make-up artist Clint Fernandes says, "When buying mascara, ensure it is non-flaking, non-smudging and easy to apply. It also depends on what you are looking for. It is best to check over the counter by trying out lengthening, volumizing or thickening and then buy what suits you the best."

Video Feature: Clint Fernandes' How-To-Natural Look

Popular to the stars and fashion runways, Clint Fernandes has worked on the most gorgeous faces in the industry. His favorite face he says is Amrita Arora. He thinks she has gorgeous and flawless skin. His successful resume includes the likes of Rani Mukherji, Deepika Padukone and Malaika Arora Khan.

Click here to view the video

Starlet Cosmetics Giveaway

Last month, I introduced you all to Starlet Cosmetics’ 7 piece Folder Brush Set – which has since become a staple in my purse. Now - just in time for Spring - they've released the Theatrical Palette, which contains 15 covetable colors.

From red to yellow to blue eye shadow shades, wearing the season’s most stylish looks involves equally bright colors for both eyes and lips. Both daytime and evening looks can be achieved by incorporating neutrals, grays and black applied for an intense finish.

“This spring is all about color, which allows for so much creativity when it comes to makeup application,” says Debbie Chow, Founder and CEO of Starlet Cosmetics. “I challenge every woman to select an outrageous shade they never thought they would wear, like a purple or orange, and experiment with it.”

The Theatrical Palette retails for $50 and is available at starletcosmetics.com. But one lucky reader is gonna get Spoiled Pretty, because Starlet Cosmetics is generously sponsoring a giveaway!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Starlet Cosmetics Giveaway.” The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, March 2nd. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, March 3rd, I’ll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents.

And for those of you who can’t wait to get better acquainted with Starlet Cosmetics, add them as a friend on Facebook (just reference 'Spoiled Pretty' in the message) and get a code for 20% off your next purchase! This is an exclusive deal – only for Spoiled Pretty readers. You see? Membership does have its privileges.

Enter the giveaway now. And good luck!

Milani Runway Eyes And Color Brilliance Eye Pencils

The other day, I received a package in the mail. When I opened it, I was surprised to find a generous assemblage of beauty bounty – courtesy of my friends at Milani.

My favorites of the bunch are their new Runway Eyes. Each compact contains a single powder shadow that can be used dry for a shimmery, sheer wash of color – or wet, for a more intense look (and as a liner).

The colors are absolutely yummy to look at. And though many of the color options appear quite bold, they are surprisingly wearable.

Now that I’ve had a chance to play around with the products, I can honestly say that anyone can wear these shadows. The lighter colors are so sheer that they compliment a wide variety of skin tones. And the darker shades can be used to create a very easy smoky eye when applied with a dry brush – even for those of you who typically gravitate towards paler eye colors. The only warning I have is that these shadows aren’t particularly long-lasting; so I would advise prepping the lid with a primer. My recommendation is Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Otherwise, these get the Spoiled Pretty seal of approval. Scroll down for more color swatches.


I was also impressed by Milani’s Color Brilliance Eye Pencils. The pencils go on very creamy, apply smoothly – so they won’t tug on your eyelid, and the color payout is very good. In the pic, you can see the colors I received (black, purple, aqua, and green).

Milani cosmetics are available at your local drugstore.

Look Younger...Easier!

Who doesn't want to look younger? If you talk to 10 women, I bet 9 of them would like to appear younger. I'm only 32, and already I'm on a preemptive attack against wrinkles and the annoying signs of premature aging.

I swear by eye creams, moisturizers, and makeup to make myself presentable to the world. I have no interest in botox or surgical procedures for many reasons. If you're looking for easy ways to look younger, try these tips:

• Let your skincare products set before applying your makeup! Doing so allows the product to penetrate you skin's surface so it can do it's job. In a pinch for time? Turn your hair dryer on Cool and blow it over your face to speed up the "drying time" for your skin care lotions and sunblocks.
• Look for products containing mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in anti-oxidants and decrease inflammation which leads to wrinkles and loss of firmness. Check out Origin's line of Plantidote products or Aveeno's Positively Ageless line--all of which are packed with those beneficial 'shrooms (they don't call 'em magic mushrooms for nothing!).
• Use a nighttime moisturizer. Many anti-aging products contain retinoids, and these compounds work better when not exposed to sunlight. Vitamins C and E, also ingredients in many anti-agers, do better when kept away from daylight, so applying strong anti-aging night creams before hitting the sack will give you the most anti-aging bang for your buck.
• Avoid wrinkles by sleeping on your back. I know it seems stupid, but experts swear that sleeping on your stomach or side mashes your skin and causes facial wrinkles. This is bad news for me--I hate sleeping on my back. Maybe I can just switch to a silky pillowcase or something!

These hints may help turn back the hands of time...even if just a little. They certainly couldn't hurt!