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.

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.

This Holiday Season, Tarte Wishes You Health

Accidentally leave some friend/cousin/co-worker off of your list, and now you’ve got to promptly stuff some stockings? Tarte’s We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is a sure bet. The kit contains:

Mini Clean Slate Face Primer: the silicone-based formula is packed with avocado oil to moisturize and echinacea, rosemary & hibiscus oils to soothe. Just a pea-sized amount of our new clean slate foundation primer smoothed onto clean skin is enough to provide the fresh start you deserve. Note: because of the silicone, I wouldn’t recommend those with oily skin.

Mini Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo (shade - slate): this double-ended wand has a Vitamin E enriched cream on one end, and a finely milled crushed mica powder shadow on the other end. Apply in to simple steps: brush a sheer wash of the cream shadow on lids and wait about 10 seconds for it to dry. Then roll the matching loose shadow directly on top; the binding agents in the cream shadow will lock with the powder, creating a crease-free, budge-proof finish.
Mini Inside Out Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade - serenity): the ultimate in double-duty beauty, this pomegranate-scented, moisturizing lip gloss works to soothe and hydrate lips, while Borba’s nutraceutical blend delivers powerful ingredients.

Mini Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara: whatever your lashes lack, this feather-light, 4-in-1 mascara finds a way to compensate. Rice bran and candelilla wax extend the length of lashes; synthetic film formers lock in curl; proVitamin B5 thickens lashes; and organic compounds coat and treat lashes to protect against breakage. This product, by itself, is reason enough to purchase the gift set – it gives you the look of perfect lashes, but without screaming “I‘m wearing mascara.”

The We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is only $30 (a $50 value) and available at tartecosmetics.com and Sephora.

This Holiday Season, Tarte Wishes You Health

Accidentally leave some friend/cousin/co-worker off of your list, and now you’ve got to promptly stuff some stockings? Tarte’s We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is a sure bet. The kit contains:

Mini Clean Slate Face Primer: the silicone-based formula is packed with avocado oil to moisturize and echinacea, rosemary & hibiscus oils to soothe. Just a pea-sized amount of our new clean slate foundation primer smoothed onto clean skin is enough to provide the fresh start you deserve. Note: because of the silicone, I wouldn’t recommend those with oily skin.

Mini Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo (shade - slate): this double-ended wand has a Vitamin E enriched cream on one end, and a finely milled crushed mica powder shadow on the other end. Apply in to simple steps: brush a sheer wash of the cream shadow on lids and wait about 10 seconds for it to dry. Then roll the matching loose shadow directly on top; the binding agents in the cream shadow will lock with the powder, creating a crease-free, budge-proof finish.
Mini Inside Out Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade - serenity): the ultimate in double-duty beauty, this pomegranate-scented, moisturizing lip gloss works to soothe and hydrate lips, while Borba’s nutraceutical blend delivers powerful ingredients.

Mini Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara: whatever your lashes lack, this feather-light, 4-in-1 mascara finds a way to compensate. Rice bran and candelilla wax extend the length of lashes; synthetic film formers lock in curl; proVitamin B5 thickens lashes; and organic compounds coat and treat lashes to protect against breakage. This product, by itself, is reason enough to purchase the gift set – it gives you the look of perfect lashes, but without screaming “I‘m wearing mascara.”

The We Wish You Health Skinvigorating Gift Set is only $30 (a $50 value) and available at tartecosmetics.com and Sephora.

Philadelphia Phocus: Ursula Augustine

When I visited Ursula Augustine in her Rittenhouse studio, I patiently waited while she finished the makeup of a customer. As she was leaving, the woman warmly hugged Ursula and said, “See you on Saturday” before walking out of the door. Being that it was Thursday, I asked, “Is she a regular?” Ursula explained that the woman isn’t just a regular; she does her makeup 20 days out of every month. The moral of this story? Ursula Augustine has skills, and she takes care of her customers.

Ursula is a board-certified cosmetologist with an impressive career that spans over two decades. Earlier this year, she opened Philadelphia’s only makeup studio, About pHace – and since then, has been very busy, thanks to features in The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Magazine (she was voted Best of Philly 2007, Makeup Application). Ursula’s creative talent is no news to me, as we have been acquainted for years. So for my first Philadelphia Phocus, I decided to pay her a visit and find out how the new business is doing.

The first thing I noticed while touring Ursula’s studio was the organic tea bar; depending on the day, Ursula’s customers can choose blends such as Blueberry Echinacea or Exotic Chai. And while they sip tea, customers can leaf through some of the books in her library. Ursula prefers non-fiction, particularly biographies – from Marlon Brando to Chuck D, and everyone in between. Ursula’s space, is a calm retreat in the midst of bustling downtown Philadelphia; with its waterfall wall sconces and meditation area, it’s easy to understand why Ursula’s customers come back again and again. But, naturally, talent is her ace in the hole.

In addition to her makeup artistry, Ursula recently unveiled her own line of cosmetics and skin care products that blend natural products with beautiful packaging. Her makeup line is mineral based, but this is no Bare Minerals knockoff. The foundation is liquid powder – so it’s minerals without the mess. The foundations and powders come in a variety of shades to compliment every skin tone.

Ursula’s eye shadows and blushes are gorgeous, yet very wearable – and her lipsticks are available in three finishes: matte, lip shine, and micro-bubble (which release oxygen to the lips throughout the day, keeping them hydrated). The item that blew me away, however, was the Retexturizing Face Primer – which, literally, melts into skin and leaves an invisible layer of silk on the face. Amazing is the only word to describe it.

Ursula’s own line of skin care is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and natural preservatives. When asked to name her favorite product, she couldn’t decide. “It’s like picking your favorite child,” she complained. Finally, she narrowed it down to two – her Oolong Tea and Carrot Oil Eye Cream (which smells like she poured it straight out of the teapot into the jar) and the Pumpkin Apricot Walnut Facial Scrub that she kindly gave to me as a gift. The scrub, which Ursula created years ago with her Cuisinart, is unlike any I have ever tried. It uses ground walnuts (not walnut shells) because they are gentler on skin. And the product can be used without water - just apply and tissue off, which means that you can pamper your skin anywhere, anytime.

It gets better…Ursula offers “pHace Lift Parties” - so you and a group of your friends can enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres while taking a “Smoky Eye Class” or learning how to get that “J.Lo Glow”. She divulged that she’ll soon be adding karaoke to the menu!

Ursula’s About pHace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio is located at 1700 Sansom Street, Suite 201. For more information and to contact Ursula, visit her website.

Spoiled Pretty Tip: If you visit Ursula’s studio, ask her about the TGBIW brush. The acronym stands for “The Greatest Brush In the World”, which was shortened to fit on the brush’s handle. Created with a blend of sable, mink, and inner-thigh goat hair, the brush's name doesn’t exaggerate.

Photos courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Philadelphia Phocus: Ursula Augustine

When I visited Ursula Augustine in her Rittenhouse studio, I patiently waited while she finished the makeup of a customer. As she was leaving, the woman warmly hugged Ursula and said, “See you on Saturday” before walking out of the door. Being that it was Thursday, I asked, “Is she a regular?” Ursula explained that the woman isn’t just a regular; she does her makeup 20 days out of every month. The moral of this story? Ursula Augustine has skills, and she takes care of her customers.

Ursula is a board-certified cosmetologist with an impressive career that spans over two decades. Earlier this year, she opened Philadelphia’s only makeup studio, About pHace – and since then, has been very busy, thanks to features in The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Magazine (she was voted Best of Philly 2007, Makeup Application). Ursula’s creative talent is no news to me, as we have been acquainted for years. So for my first Philadelphia Phocus, I decided to pay her a visit and find out how the new business is doing.

The first thing I noticed while touring Ursula’s studio was the organic tea bar; depending on the day, Ursula’s customers can choose blends such as Blueberry Echinacea or Exotic Chai. And while they sip tea, customers can leaf through some of the books in her library. Ursula prefers non-fiction, particularly biographies – from Marlon Brando to Chuck D, and everyone in between. Ursula’s space, is a calm retreat in the midst of bustling downtown Philadelphia; with its waterfall wall sconces and meditation area, it’s easy to understand why Ursula’s customers come back again and again. But, naturally, talent is her ace in the hole.

In addition to her makeup artistry, Ursula recently unveiled her own line of cosmetics and skin care products that blend natural products with beautiful packaging. Her makeup line is mineral based, but this is no Bare Minerals knockoff. The foundation is liquid powder – so it’s minerals without the mess. The foundations and powders come in a variety of shades to compliment every skin tone.

Ursula’s eye shadows and blushes are gorgeous, yet very wearable – and her lipsticks are available in three finishes: matte, lip shine, and micro-bubble (which release oxygen to the lips throughout the day, keeping them hydrated). The item that blew me away, however, was the Retexturizing Face Primer – which, literally, melts into skin and leaves an invisible layer of silk on the face. Amazing is the only word to describe it.

Ursula’s own line of skin care is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and natural preservatives. When asked to name her favorite product, she couldn’t decide. “It’s like picking your favorite child,” she complained. Finally, she narrowed it down to two – her Oolong Tea and Carrot Oil Eye Cream (which smells like she poured it straight out of the teapot into the jar) and the Pumpkin Apricot Walnut Facial Scrub that she kindly gave to me as a gift. The scrub, which Ursula created years ago with her Cuisinart, is unlike any I have ever tried. It uses ground walnuts (not walnut shells) because they are gentler on skin. And the product can be used without water - just apply and tissue off, which means that you can pamper your skin anywhere, anytime.

It gets better…Ursula offers “pHace Lift Parties” - so you and a group of your friends can enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres while taking a “Smoky Eye Class” or learning how to get that “J.Lo Glow”. She divulged that she’ll soon be adding karaoke to the menu!

Ursula’s About pHace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio is located at 1700 Sansom Street, Suite 201. For more information and to contact Ursula, visit her website.

Spoiled Pretty Tip: If you visit Ursula’s studio, ask her about the TGBIW brush. The acronym stands for “The Greatest Brush In the World”, which was shortened to fit on the brush’s handle. Created with a blend of sable, mink, and inner-thigh goat hair, the brush's name doesn’t exaggerate.

Photos courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Vow to Be Beautiful

Today, my Internet surfing took me to InStyle.com – where I stumbled upon an article about the summer celebrity weddings of 2007. Looking at the glowing faces and wide smiles of Rebecca Romijn, Katie Holmes, and Eva Longoria made me remember my own nuptials three months ago.

I felt more beautiful on my wedding day than any other moment in my life. Mainly, it was because I was marrying my true love and best friend, but I have to admit that my makeup choices didn’t hurt any.

Bridal beauty is tricky because you want to appear fresh, but you also want your look to last. And while you want to be a drop dead gorgeous bride, you don’t want to look at your photos later and ask yourself - who is that?

“On your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful,” says Bobbi Brown.

I spent a long time figuring out which beauty products I would use to look special on my special day. And I think all of my research and makeup trials paid off (if I do say so myself). The following were the contents of my wedding beauty bag:

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer* creates a smooth, invisible layer that acts as a buffer between skin and makeup, and helps makeup stay fresh and color-true for hours. Available in three formulas – regular, hydrating, and oil-free (for shiny gals, like me).

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit includes concealer on top and sheer loose powder on the bottom to set concealer for long-lasting wear. I’ve had this kit for years, and I swear it’s bottomless – a little goes a very long way. Awarded Brides Magazine 'Beauty Makeup Award' (May/ June 2007 issue).

If you want to look flawless, but your skin is far from it – look no farther than Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation*. Its sheer texture evens out dark spots and delivers an airbrushed finish. At $55, it’s a splurge – but one you won’t regret when you see yourself in photos.

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup* is, technically, foundation – but I use it as powder. Its silky, oil-free formula looks like your skin - only better. The buildable coverage lasts for hours, yet weighs nothing. Can be applied with a brush, sponge, or puff.

Diorshow Mascara* is an industry cult-fave, creating the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever, resulting in an ultra-glam "just-off-the-catwalk" look. I accidentally bought the regular formula, but it held up beautifully though the vows, toasts, and even the dance with my dad.

My wedding day blush was actually a bronzer – Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #2. The finely-milled powder imparts sheer, buildable color that warms the skin with a subtle shimmer.




Armani Silk Lipstick clings to lips without the dryness that usually accompanies many long-last formulas. Available in a palette of 18 signature shades with 3 must-have fashion top coat lip accessories to be layered for a matte, satin, or sparkling effect.

Add Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer over lipstick to give more depth, intensity and shine to the shade. Lip Shimmer is a sophisticated, shimmering translucent gloss – without any of the tackiness that typically traps stray hairs like a magnet.

*Holy Grail

Vow to Be Beautiful

Today, my Internet surfing took me to InStyle.com – where I stumbled upon an article about the summer celebrity weddings of 2007. Looking at the glowing faces and wide smiles of Rebecca Romijn, Katie Holmes, and Eva Longoria made me remember my own nuptials three months ago.

I felt more beautiful on my wedding day than any other moment in my life. Mainly, it was because I was marrying my true love and best friend, but I have to admit that my makeup choices didn’t hurt any.

Bridal beauty is tricky because you want to appear fresh, but you also want your look to last. And while you want to be a drop dead gorgeous bride, you don’t want to look at your photos later and ask yourself - who is that?

“On your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful,” says Bobbi Brown.

I spent a long time figuring out which beauty products I would use to look special on my special day. And I think all of my research and makeup trials paid off (if I do say so myself). The following were the contents of my wedding beauty bag:

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer* creates a smooth, invisible layer that acts as a buffer between skin and makeup, and helps makeup stay fresh and color-true for hours. Available in three formulas – regular, hydrating, and oil-free (for shiny gals, like me).

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit includes concealer on top and sheer loose powder on the bottom to set concealer for long-lasting wear. I’ve had this kit for years, and I swear it’s bottomless – a little goes a very long way. Awarded Brides Magazine 'Beauty Makeup Award' (May/ June 2007 issue).

If you want to look flawless, but your skin is far from it – look no farther than Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation*. Its sheer texture evens out dark spots and delivers an airbrushed finish. At $55, it’s a splurge – but one you won’t regret when you see yourself in photos.

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup* is, technically, foundation – but I use it as powder. Its silky, oil-free formula looks like your skin - only better. The buildable coverage lasts for hours, yet weighs nothing. Can be applied with a brush, sponge, or puff.

Diorshow Mascara* is an industry cult-fave, creating the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever, resulting in an ultra-glam "just-off-the-catwalk" look. I accidentally bought the regular formula, but it held up beautifully though the vows, toasts, and even the dance with my dad.

My wedding day blush was actually a bronzer – Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #2. The finely-milled powder imparts sheer, buildable color that warms the skin with a subtle shimmer.




Armani Silk Lipstick clings to lips without the dryness that usually accompanies many long-last formulas. Available in a palette of 18 signature shades with 3 must-have fashion top coat lip accessories to be layered for a matte, satin, or sparkling effect.

Add Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer over lipstick to give more depth, intensity and shine to the shade. Lip Shimmer is a sophisticated, shimmering translucent gloss – without any of the tackiness that typically traps stray hairs like a magnet.

*Holy Grail