VIG (Very Important Gloss)

A few weeks ago, I blogged about mood-changing lip glosses and recommended purchasing Too Faced Mood Swing over Smashbox O-Gloss; my reasoning was that they were essentially the same product and Mood Swing costs less. Well, I take it back. I take it all back.

Yesterday, I received a tube of O-Gloss in the mail (courtesy of Allure Experts) – and I am deeply in love with this gloss. The moment the clear gel hit my lips, it morphed into the most flattering shade of pink...I was very impressed. Rich in antioxidants and botanicals, this non-tacky gloss moisturizes with avocado oil.

O-Gloss has already become a staple in my makeup bag.

Available at Smahbox.com and Sephora.

VIG (Very Important Gloss)

A few weeks ago, I blogged about mood-changing lip glosses and recommended purchasing Too Faced Mood Swing over Smashbox O-Gloss; my reasoning was that they were essentially the same product and Mood Swing costs less. Well, I take it back. I take it all back.

Yesterday, I received a tube of O-Gloss in the mail (courtesy of Allure Experts) – and I am deeply in love with this gloss. The moment the clear gel hit my lips, it morphed into the most flattering shade of pink...I was very impressed. Rich in antioxidants and botanicals, this non-tacky gloss moisturizes with avocado oil.

O-Gloss has already become a staple in my makeup bag.

Available at Smahbox.com and Sephora.

Mood Swing

Are you the type of person who wears your heart on your sleeve? Now, thanks to Too Faced, you can wear your mood on your lips too. Mood Swing is a new lip gloss that changes color on your lips depending on your body heat, ph balance, and mood. The formulation starts off clear and blossoms into countless shades of pink - from cotton candy to deep fuchsia - depending on the wearer's emotional state.

Personally, I think the gimmick is kinda clever*. Nevertheless, I doubt I would ever purchase this product because I’m a control freak. Call me uptight or boring if you want to, but I don’t like surprises – and I really don’t like capricious cosmetics. But if you insist on wearing makeup with a mind of its own, I would recommend Mood Swing over Smashbox O-Gloss (which happens to be sold out online and in many Sephora stores). They're essentially identical glosses, but with Mood Swing ($18.50 for .45 oz, versus $22 for .34 oz), you get more product for less money.

Or you could spend the same amount on a pretty pink that never changes its shade, but always looks great on you – regardless of your mood.

*Too Faced has another gimmicky gloss. FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Lip Gloss is infused with fruit flavors and appetite curbing energy boasting ingredients found in FUZE Slenderize beverages. Supposedly, it “energizes and slenderizes.”

Mood Swing

Are you the type of person who wears your heart on your sleeve? Now, thanks to Too Faced, you can wear your mood on your lips too. Mood Swing is a new lip gloss that changes color on your lips depending on your body heat, ph balance, and mood. The formulation starts off clear and blossoms into countless shades of pink - from cotton candy to deep fuchsia - depending on the wearer's emotional state.

Personally, I think the gimmick is kinda clever*. Nevertheless, I doubt I would ever purchase this product because I’m a control freak. Call me uptight or boring if you want to, but I don’t like surprises – and I really don’t like capricious cosmetics. But if you insist on wearing makeup with a mind of its own, I would recommend Mood Swing over Smashbox O-Gloss (which happens to be sold out online and in many Sephora stores). They're essentially identical glosses, but with Mood Swing ($18.50 for .45 oz, versus $22 for .34 oz), you get more product for less money.

Or you could spend the same amount on a pretty pink that never changes its shade, but always looks great on you – regardless of your mood.

*Too Faced has another gimmicky gloss. FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Lip Gloss is infused with fruit flavors and appetite curbing energy boasting ingredients found in FUZE Slenderize beverages. Supposedly, it “energizes and slenderizes.”

News You Can Use

I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but I spent my Saturday night watching QVC.

Totally by accident, I stumbled on QVC while channel surfing…and was surprised by the addictive nature of their Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face, a special that gives viewers the inside scoop on beauty from the industry's leading experts.

The program showcased new and bestselling products from Bare Escentuals, Borba, Essie, Kate Somerville, Laura Geller, Mally Roncal, Ojon, Peter Thomas Roth, Smashbox, and Tarte – just to name a few. I was also surprised to learn that many of the show’s featured products are QVC exclusives. For example, RareMinerals Blemish Therapy with Brush won’t be available at Bare Escentuals stores, counters, or on their website until February 2008 - but you can buy it now at QVC.

I usually consider myself immune to home-shopping television, but this particular program was absolutely riveting. The hosts were selling the you-know-what out of those products. I had to restrain myself, several times, from pulling out my credit card and picking up the phone.

For more information about the products featured on QVC Beauty Newsmakers, click here.

News You Can Use

I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but I spent my Saturday night watching QVC.

Totally by accident, I stumbled on QVC while channel surfing…and was surprised by the addictive nature of their Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face, a special that gives viewers the inside scoop on beauty from the industry's leading experts.

The program showcased new and bestselling products from Bare Escentuals, Borba, Essie, Kate Somerville, Laura Geller, Mally Roncal, Ojon, Peter Thomas Roth, Smashbox, and Tarte – just to name a few. I was also surprised to learn that many of the show’s featured products are QVC exclusives. For example, RareMinerals Blemish Therapy with Brush won’t be available at Bare Escentuals stores, counters, or on their website until February 2008 - but you can buy it now at QVC.

I usually consider myself immune to home-shopping television, but this particular program was absolutely riveting. The hosts were selling the you-know-what out of those products. I had to restrain myself, several times, from pulling out my credit card and picking up the phone.

For more information about the products featured on QVC Beauty Newsmakers, click here.

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

It's So Easy Being Green

Just because I love makeup doesn't mean that I can't love the environment too, right? It used to be that eco-friendly cosmetics were few and far between, had an extremely short shelf-life, and were as couture as a hemp bracelet. But recently, a number of companies have jumped on the natural beauty bandwagon - giving us good reason to go green.

Makeup



Cargo's PlantLove Botanical Lipstick contains no mineral oils or petroleums. In their place, the formula contains meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba and shea butter as well as their trademarked Orchid Complex. The packaging is what makes this lipstick truly special. It’s made entirely out of corn (which by it’s nature, is completely bio-degradable). In addition, the outer carton is made of flower paper, embedded with real flower seeds. So plant the packaging and see how your garden grows. In addition, Cargo is donating two dollars from the sale of every shade of lipstick to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Natural rose and jojoba waxes in Dr. Hauschka Mascara Intermezzo help strengthen lashes. It also has a silky, plant extract-rich formula that's great for contact-lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. Jennifer Aniston is a fan.
















Smashbox Palettes for PETA are limited-edition, 100% vegan eye shadows formulated for superb blendability that have never been tested on animals. Pick up a palette and help smashbox support cruelty-free, kind living. IPalette includes a double-ended brush for blending, lining and smudging.

Face

Epicuren Citrus Herbal Cleanser is an all natural liquid cleanser for normal, combination or sensitive skin. Infused with apricot, walnut, and cucumber extracts, it is a superior aromatherapy cleanser.















Angelina Jolie loves Shea Terra Organics Lip Butter, made from shea butter, beeswax, and virgin coconut crème oil. And unlike most balms, their ultra moisturizing lip butters are petroleum-free and naturally sweetened, so chances are you will be licking your lips!

Stella McCartney Care 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream improves skin's moisture, nourishes, helps to protect the skin from exposure to the environment, and leaves skin firm, fresh, and radiant.

Hair

John Masters Organics Bouron Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer is an extra-strength texturizer that's perfect for shaping hair into any style, from spiky to smooth. It adds amazing texture and creates a soft, shiny, non-greasy finish.

Lauren Conrad uses It’s All Good Rosemary Mint Shampoo, which cools and revitalizes your scalp leaving hair feeling soft, silky, and smooth.

Skin

What's so special about Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme? Honey, where do I begin? It offers intense moisturization to even the roughest of feet and callused skin. With coconut oil, olive oil and vitamin E it will pamper and nourish your feet leaving them soft and beautiful. Peppermint oil provides a cooling and refreshing feeling. For $4 more, purchase the creme as part of the Foot Care Kit, which includes a pumice stone, sleep socks, and tips for touchable tootsies.





Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Matcha Tea Body Scrub exfoliates skin with antioxidant-rich green tea and sea salt. It whisks away roughness, dullness and skin stressors, purifies the body and reinvigorates the flow of healthy energy to restore the four perfect principles of the Tea Ceremony - “Wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), jaku (tranquility)”.

It's So Easy Being Green

Just because I love makeup doesn't mean that I can't love the environment too, right? It used to be that eco-friendly cosmetics were few and far between, had an extremely short shelf-life, and were as couture as a hemp bracelet. But recently, a number of companies have jumped on the natural beauty bandwagon - giving us good reason to go green.

Makeup



Cargo's PlantLove Botanical Lipstick contains no mineral oils or petroleums. In their place, the formula contains meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba and shea butter as well as their trademarked Orchid Complex. The packaging is what makes this lipstick truly special. It’s made entirely out of corn (which by it’s nature, is completely bio-degradable). In addition, the outer carton is made of flower paper, embedded with real flower seeds. So plant the packaging and see how your garden grows. In addition, Cargo is donating two dollars from the sale of every shade of lipstick to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Natural rose and jojoba waxes in Dr. Hauschka Mascara Intermezzo help strengthen lashes. It also has a silky, plant extract-rich formula that's great for contact-lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. Jennifer Aniston is a fan.
















Smashbox Palettes for PETA are limited-edition, 100% vegan eye shadows formulated for superb blendability that have never been tested on animals. Pick up a palette and help smashbox support cruelty-free, kind living. IPalette includes a double-ended brush for blending, lining and smudging.

Face

Epicuren Citrus Herbal Cleanser is an all natural liquid cleanser for normal, combination or sensitive skin. Infused with apricot, walnut, and cucumber extracts, it is a superior aromatherapy cleanser.















Angelina Jolie loves Shea Terra Organics Lip Butter, made from shea butter, beeswax, and virgin coconut crème oil. And unlike most balms, their ultra moisturizing lip butters are petroleum-free and naturally sweetened, so chances are you will be licking your lips!

Stella McCartney Care 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream improves skin's moisture, nourishes, helps to protect the skin from exposure to the environment, and leaves skin firm, fresh, and radiant.

Hair

John Masters Organics Bouron Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer is an extra-strength texturizer that's perfect for shaping hair into any style, from spiky to smooth. It adds amazing texture and creates a soft, shiny, non-greasy finish.

Lauren Conrad uses It’s All Good Rosemary Mint Shampoo, which cools and revitalizes your scalp leaving hair feeling soft, silky, and smooth.

Skin

What's so special about Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme? Honey, where do I begin? It offers intense moisturization to even the roughest of feet and callused skin. With coconut oil, olive oil and vitamin E it will pamper and nourish your feet leaving them soft and beautiful. Peppermint oil provides a cooling and refreshing feeling. For $4 more, purchase the creme as part of the Foot Care Kit, which includes a pumice stone, sleep socks, and tips for touchable tootsies.





Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Matcha Tea Body Scrub exfoliates skin with antioxidant-rich green tea and sea salt. It whisks away roughness, dullness and skin stressors, purifies the body and reinvigorates the flow of healthy energy to restore the four perfect principles of the Tea Ceremony - “Wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), jaku (tranquility)”.