Shiny, Unhappy People

I thought I was done being Miss Greasy Face. In September, I waved goodbye to the oil slick that had summer vacationed on my t-zone. Little did I realize it would be home for the holidays.

I love the way super-rich winter moisturizers soothe my chapped, flaky face; my skin is so thirsty in the morning that it just drinks in the moisture. But by 10 am, I’m rummaging in my purse for my powder compact. And at the end of the day, I’m dabbing at my face with napkins left over from my Saladworks lunch.

If I could get away with the same gel moisturizer I use during warm months, I would; but as luck would have it, when I try wearing a lightweight moisturizer in the winter, I end up looking something like this…


Well, thanks to Eve Lom Moisturiser SPF 15, the oil slick took another vacation – which I think will be a permanent one. Somehow it manages to pamper my parched skin, without any shine or greasy residue; I apply a liberal amount in the AM and I’m shine-free all day - and all night. I would recommend this moisturizer to anyone, regardless of skin type. It’s just that good.

Isn’t it time you learned all about Eve? Eve Lom products are available at Space NK and evelom.com.

Shiny, Unhappy People

I thought I was done being Miss Greasy Face. In September, I waved goodbye to the oil slick that had summer vacationed on my t-zone. Little did I realize it would be home for the holidays.

I love the way super-rich winter moisturizers soothe my chapped, flaky face; my skin is so thirsty in the morning that it just drinks in the moisture. But by 10 am, I’m rummaging in my purse for my powder compact. And at the end of the day, I’m dabbing at my face with napkins left over from my Saladworks lunch.

If I could get away with the same gel moisturizer I use during warm months, I would; but as luck would have it, when I try wearing a lightweight moisturizer in the winter, I end up looking something like this…


Well, thanks to Eve Lom Moisturiser SPF 15, the oil slick took another vacation – which I think will be a permanent one. Somehow it manages to pamper my parched skin, without any shine or greasy residue; I apply a liberal amount in the AM and I’m shine-free all day - and all night. I would recommend this moisturizer to anyone, regardless of skin type. It’s just that good.

Isn’t it time you learned all about Eve? Eve Lom products are available at Space NK and evelom.com.

Look, World - I Have Cheekbones!

As I was prepping for my TV appearance last week, I decided to do a little experimentation. After using my Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go to brighten the area under my eyes, I decided to dot it along my cheekbones. Looking in the mirror at the time, I didn’t notice a difference; but watching the video, I’m amazed at how much it accentuated my bone structure.

Freeze & Go is lightweight, silicone brightener that can be worn under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and imperfections. And it comes in a portable, metallic, pod-like package, complete with a removable mirror and metered dosage – so that you can look fab on the fly!

Look, World - I Have Cheekbones!

As I was prepping for my TV appearance last week, I decided to do a little experimentation. After using my Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go to brighten the area under my eyes, I decided to dot it along my cheekbones. Looking in the mirror at the time, I didn’t notice a difference; but watching the video, I’m amazed at how much it accentuated my bone structure.

Freeze & Go is lightweight, silicone brightener that can be worn under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and imperfections. And it comes in a portable, metallic, pod-like package, complete with a removable mirror and metered dosage – so that you can look fab on the fly!

Siren Song

This past weekend, I stopped by Sephora expecting to just window shop. Oh, who am I kidding…does that ever really happen?

Aimlessly, I perused the aisles and tested dozens of products. I had no intention of actually buying anything, yet I couldn’t bring myself to leave the store. It was as if something was calling to me. Then I saw it - Viridiana lipstick from the Nars Siren Song Holiday 2007 collection.

This lip color had me at hello, ladies. At first glance, I was bewitched by the rich burgundy color. After testing it on my hand, I fell a little deeper in love. By the time the saleswoman finished carefully applying it to my lips, I was obsessed. And in the ten minutes between putting a tube of Viridiana in my basket and paying for it at the register, three women approached me to ask what lipstick I was wearing. Watch out, Dolce Vita…there's a new diva in town.

Spoiled Pretty Tip: For daytime, apply Viridiana to exfoliated lips with your fingers – for a subtle, but sophisticated stain. At night, apply with a lip brush for more concentrated color. The beauty of Viridiana lies not only in the shade, but also in the formula – the semi-matte finish isn’t drying and stays where you put it, so you needn’t worry about the color staying inside the lines.

Nars’ Siren Song collection also includes:
Duo Eyeshadow (in Balthazar, Violetta, and Cheyenne); Lip Gloss (in Rose Gitane and Bad Education); Blush in Luster; Single Eyeshadow (in Night Snow and Night Rider); Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Gloss (in Metis/Victoire, Turkish Delight/Sayonara, Sand Piper/Dare Devil, and Moon Fleet/Indian Red); Nail Polish in Saratoga ; and Perfecting Powder Sheets.

Siren Song

This past weekend, I stopped by Sephora expecting to just window shop. Oh, who am I kidding…does that ever really happen?

Aimlessly, I perused the aisles and tested dozens of products. I had no intention of actually buying anything, yet I couldn’t bring myself to leave the store. It was as if something was calling to me. Then I saw it - Viridiana lipstick from the Nars Siren Song Holiday 2007 collection.

This lip color had me at hello, ladies. At first glance, I was bewitched by the rich burgundy color. After testing it on my hand, I fell a little deeper in love. By the time the saleswoman finished carefully applying it to my lips, I was obsessed. And in the ten minutes between putting a tube of Viridiana in my basket and paying for it at the register, three women approached me to ask what lipstick I was wearing. Watch out, Dolce Vita…there's a new diva in town.

Spoiled Pretty Tip: For daytime, apply Viridiana to exfoliated lips with your fingers – for a subtle, but sophisticated stain. At night, apply with a lip brush for more concentrated color. The beauty of Viridiana lies not only in the shade, but also in the formula – the semi-matte finish isn’t drying and stays where you put it, so you needn’t worry about the color staying inside the lines.

Nars’ Siren Song collection also includes:
Duo Eyeshadow (in Balthazar, Violetta, and Cheyenne); Lip Gloss (in Rose Gitane and Bad Education); Blush in Luster; Single Eyeshadow (in Night Snow and Night Rider); Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Gloss (in Metis/Victoire, Turkish Delight/Sayonara, Sand Piper/Dare Devil, and Moon Fleet/Indian Red); Nail Polish in Saratoga ; and Perfecting Powder Sheets.

Space Cadet

Space NK, founded in 1993 by beauty junkie Nicky Kinnaird, began with one small shop in Covent Garden, London. Today, it’s a 50-store chain, offering a carefully edited selection of high quality, original and effective beauty products from innovators and specialists around the world.

"The process is a combination of personal research, word-of-mouth and pavement pounding during my international travels," Kinnaird explains.

In May 2007, the apothecary crossed “the pond” and opened its flagship store in the heart of SoHo. If you’re one of the lucky lasses with a Space NK in your neighborhood, I encourage you to take a trip to see, firsthand, what makes this chain so addictive.

Kinnaird adds, “For those of you unable to get to our stores in the UK and beyond, why not browse and discover products for yourself online?”

Spoiled Pretty thinks you’ll fancy Face Boutique’s Fresh Faced Moisturiser. Ideal for everyday use, this oil-free gel is designed to hydrate and nourish young skin while providing the perfect base for makeup. Its unique ingredients include zinc-rich Smithsonite, which regulates sebum, prebiotics to help reduce breakouts, and strawberry extract to tone. It's also crammed full of powerful antioxidants squeezed from cherries, apples and grapes.

Space Cadet

Space NK, founded in 1993 by beauty junkie Nicky Kinnaird, began with one small shop in Covent Garden, London. Today, it’s a 50-store chain, offering a carefully edited selection of high quality, original and effective beauty products from innovators and specialists around the world.

"The process is a combination of personal research, word-of-mouth and pavement pounding during my international travels," Kinnaird explains.

In May 2007, the apothecary crossed “the pond” and opened its flagship store in the heart of SoHo. If you’re one of the lucky lasses with a Space NK in your neighborhood, I encourage you to take a trip to see, firsthand, what makes this chain so addictive.

Kinnaird adds, “For those of you unable to get to our stores in the UK and beyond, why not browse and discover products for yourself online?”

Spoiled Pretty thinks you’ll fancy Face Boutique’s Fresh Faced Moisturiser. Ideal for everyday use, this oil-free gel is designed to hydrate and nourish young skin while providing the perfect base for makeup. Its unique ingredients include zinc-rich Smithsonite, which regulates sebum, prebiotics to help reduce breakouts, and strawberry extract to tone. It's also crammed full of powerful antioxidants squeezed from cherries, apples and grapes.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Depending on the season, I’ve got a different skincare regimen – clarifying products during the summer months and hydrating products in the winter. But a recent visit to Nordstrom yielded a must-have moisturizer that I can use year-round.

N.V. Perricone M.D. Face Finishing Moisturizer is effective in restoring the appearance of health and beauty to the skin. Enriched with advanced antioxidants, Vitamin C Ester, and Alpha Lipoic Acid, this rose-scented formula increases radiance and ensures maximum daily protection against moisture loss. And

Perricone’s Face Finishing Moisturizer is one of the most popular hydrating products used by newscasters and models, and was a Best of Sephora 2007 Nominee.

After 12 hours, my combination skin showed no signs of dry patches or shine. I'm sold. You?

Bottom line: Buy. This. Now.

Perricone products are available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, and the N.V. Perricone M.D. website.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Depending on the season, I’ve got a different skincare regimen – clarifying products during the summer months and hydrating products in the winter. But a recent visit to Nordstrom yielded a must-have moisturizer that I can use year-round.

N.V. Perricone M.D. Face Finishing Moisturizer is effective in restoring the appearance of health and beauty to the skin. Enriched with advanced antioxidants, Vitamin C Ester, and Alpha Lipoic Acid, this rose-scented formula increases radiance and ensures maximum daily protection against moisture loss. And

Perricone’s Face Finishing Moisturizer is one of the most popular hydrating products used by newscasters and models, and was a Best of Sephora 2007 Nominee.

After 12 hours, my combination skin showed no signs of dry patches or shine. I'm sold. You?

Bottom line: Buy. This. Now.

Perricone products are available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, and the N.V. Perricone M.D. website.

Laying It On Thick

A few weeks ago, I was in C.O. Bigelow - zipping through the aisles like a Whirling Dervish. A helpful salesgirl, seeing I was overwhelmed by the plethora of products, approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything in particular. Usually I coyly answer, "Just looking" - hoping that the salesperson backs up and leaves me to my own devices (eg- testing 20+ shades of lipgloss on the back of my hand).

But this time, I actually needed some assistance. I explained that I turn into an oil slick during the summer and I'm sick of looking shiny all of the time. So she patiently guided me around the store, suggesting cleansers, toners, and other oil-obsorbing products. I purchased a few, and when she rang me up, she threw a good amount of samples in my bag as well. Now that's what I call customer service (shout out to my local C.O. Bigelow store in the King of Prussia Mall)!

When I returned home, I ripped open my bag to see what beauty booty this girl had bestowed upon me. I was excited to see that she had included DDF's Daily Matte SPF 15, which I had heard such wonderful things about. Sephora describes the product as, "Ideal daily care for oil and combination skin, this lightweight, shine reducing fluid is oil-free and boasts a powerful SPF 15." Well, when Sephora says it's powerful - they ain't just whistlin' dixie.

I applied the Daily Matte immediately after washing my face, and I had planned to follow with a lightweight foundation. As I started smoothing the product onto my face, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off my how thick it felt. I then became more annoyed that it kind of sat on top of my skin, rather than melting into it - the way I thought it would. In fact, to be perfectly honest, it was like slathering sunblock onto my face. Now I realize that the product contains sunscreen, but so do plenty of other facial mositurizers and treatments...and they don't leave me with a Coppertone complexion.

My skin hated this product so much that I couldn't bear it on my face for more than 5 minutes. I had to wash it off and start all over. Don't you just hate when that happens?

Hence, I'm going to have to give Daily Matte SPF 15 two (manicured and Essie-polished) thumbs down. But don't think I'm hating on DDF products...I absolutely love their Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which helps to clear blemishes, clogged pores, acne, and seborrhea.

Laying It On Thick

A few weeks ago, I was in C.O. Bigelow - zipping through the aisles like a Whirling Dervish. A helpful salesgirl, seeing I was overwhelmed by the plethora of products, approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything in particular. Usually I coyly answer, "Just looking" - hoping that the salesperson backs up and leaves me to my own devices (eg- testing 20+ shades of lipgloss on the back of my hand).

But this time, I actually needed some assistance. I explained that I turn into an oil slick during the summer and I'm sick of looking shiny all of the time. So she patiently guided me around the store, suggesting cleansers, toners, and other oil-obsorbing products. I purchased a few, and when she rang me up, she threw a good amount of samples in my bag as well. Now that's what I call customer service (shout out to my local C.O. Bigelow store in the King of Prussia Mall)!

When I returned home, I ripped open my bag to see what beauty booty this girl had bestowed upon me. I was excited to see that she had included DDF's Daily Matte SPF 15, which I had heard such wonderful things about. Sephora describes the product as, "Ideal daily care for oil and combination skin, this lightweight, shine reducing fluid is oil-free and boasts a powerful SPF 15." Well, when Sephora says it's powerful - they ain't just whistlin' dixie.

I applied the Daily Matte immediately after washing my face, and I had planned to follow with a lightweight foundation. As I started smoothing the product onto my face, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off my how thick it felt. I then became more annoyed that it kind of sat on top of my skin, rather than melting into it - the way I thought it would. In fact, to be perfectly honest, it was like slathering sunblock onto my face. Now I realize that the product contains sunscreen, but so do plenty of other facial mositurizers and treatments...and they don't leave me with a Coppertone complexion.

My skin hated this product so much that I couldn't bear it on my face for more than 5 minutes. I had to wash it off and start all over. Don't you just hate when that happens?

Hence, I'm going to have to give Daily Matte SPF 15 two (manicured and Essie-polished) thumbs down. But don't think I'm hating on DDF products...I absolutely love their Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which helps to clear blemishes, clogged pores, acne, and seborrhea.

When Life Hands You Lemons

My skin is usually dry, but the summer humidity in Philadelphia turns my face into an oil slick. It’s so embarrassing to go about my day thinking I look okay, or maybe even good – just to catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror or pane of glass, and realize that the light reflecting off of my forehead has been blinding people wherever I go. And don’t get me started on the countless potentially flattering photos that have been ruined by my shiny t-zone.

I’ve tried my fair share of oil-free moisturizers, mattifying gels, blotting sheets, toners, and powder to know that any attempts at shine control need to start with your cleanser.

One of my favorites is by Fresh. Cleansing Balm with Lemon Oil is a corrective cleanser that controls combination and oily conditions without stripping the skin. Lemon oil acts as an astringent and antiseptic, sandalwood oils rebalance skin, and emollient olive complex dissolves excess sebum while sending a regulating message to skin's oil glands.

The going rate for shine-free skin is $38 for a 3.4 oz tube. Sounds pretty steep…but in my opinion, it’s a small price to pay for renewed confidence in the way I present myself to the world.

Cleansing Balm with Lemon Oil is available for purchase on the Fresh website, as well as at Sephora, C.O. Bigelow, Blue Mercury, and Douglas Cosmetics.

When Life Hands You Lemons

My skin is usually dry, but the summer humidity in Philadelphia turns my face into an oil slick. It’s so embarrassing to go about my day thinking I look okay, or maybe even good – just to catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror or pane of glass, and realize that the light reflecting off of my forehead has been blinding people wherever I go. And don’t get me started on the countless potentially flattering photos that have been ruined by my shiny t-zone.

I’ve tried my fair share of oil-free moisturizers, mattifying gels, blotting sheets, toners, and powder to know that any attempts at shine control need to start with your cleanser.

One of my favorites is by Fresh. Cleansing Balm with Lemon Oil is a corrective cleanser that controls combination and oily conditions without stripping the skin. Lemon oil acts as an astringent and antiseptic, sandalwood oils rebalance skin, and emollient olive complex dissolves excess sebum while sending a regulating message to skin's oil glands.

The going rate for shine-free skin is $38 for a 3.4 oz tube. Sounds pretty steep…but in my opinion, it’s a small price to pay for renewed confidence in the way I present myself to the world.

Cleansing Balm with Lemon Oil is available for purchase on the Fresh website, as well as at Sephora, C.O. Bigelow, Blue Mercury, and Douglas Cosmetics.