I love fall.  Fashion is spanking new and so is makeup. With that being said, there are a gazillion beauty goodies out now that I really, really want.  As a matter of fact, I need them.  It’s hard to nail down, so no doubt there will be an updated lust list next week, but in the meantime, my must-haves for makeup, skin care and hair care are below.

1. Makeup

Everyone knows I’m a NARS freak, and with good reason.  His colors are always on point.  I don’t wear much eyeshadow, but I think I will be rocking this plum, after all it’s the color of the season.

NARS Eyeshadow Daphne $23 Narscosmetics.com

Named after Daphne Guinness, this hypnotizing, deep-violet eyeshadow exudes excitement. Use across lids up to the brow, blending outward.

NARS Single Eyeshadow Daphne

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Lost your glow? Stressed out?  Too much work and not enough sleep? Maybe too much partying and not enough sleep? New baby and not enough sleep?  Or maybe age has crept up on you and robbed you of that youthful glow.

All of the aforementioned can rob us of our natural glow.  Don’t fret — faux glow options are plentiful and can help your fake a beautiful, rested, illuminated, fresh and best you!

Top 10 Glowgetters

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Here I am, lusting for even more beauty goodies. I can’t help it.  The beauty business is like technology — as soon as you think you have found the holy grail of beauty booty, there is more to come.  Well, I have a few more items that I’m putting on my lust list.  And I really need them.  After all, it’s spring.  It’s time for an update to my makeup wardrobe!

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My daughters are on spring break, and so are most other college kids right now.  Many of them in a sun-kissed location doing things their parents are trying not to think about.  But the whole point there is not about the rites of spring break, but how important sunscreen is.  Most of the sun damage we acquire is by age 18.  So the diligent use of sunscreen can prevent  wrinkles and skin cancer. I’ve been spreading the stuff on my kids since they were babies.  Sunscreen is right up there with hygeine — brush your teeth, wash your face, apply sunscreen.  Spring break is no time to throw good sensibilities out the window.  Maybe sunscreen isn’t up there on the top of a parent’s list of sensible behaviors, but it certainly can’t hurt.

And don’t think that just because you have a touch of melanin in your skin that you can avoid wearing an SPF.  No, everyone, including us brown girls need a healthy dose of sunscreen on a daily basis.

The American Academy of Dermatology reports:

Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn caused mostly by UVB rays, but this does not increase the length of time for sun exposure. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun including photo damage, photodermatitis, and rashes from the sun.

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I don’t know about you, but in my neck of the woods it has gotten downright COLD. I realize that winder isn’t officially the season, but it’s freezing outside. Winter is the season for cuddling by the fireplace and playing in the snow, but these months can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry air, indoor heating, and harsh wind can suck the moisture out of skin. Skin that is already dry gets drier and irritated. And so-called “normal” skin needs extra protection.

Here are a few tips to “winterproof” your skin:

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Stila Lip Glaze

1.  Lipgloss

 I have been a fan of Stila Lip Glazes for years now, so I have to give them the first mention.  Not only does Stila provide a plethora of colors from which to choose, but they fall in that category of  lipglosses that are not too tacky, not too shiny, just not too.  I have worn Brown Sugar and Cinnamon for eons, but my new favorite is Blackberry.  I think it will be my Fall 2009 gloss look!  Check out the trio of mini Stila Lip Glazes at Sephora for just $8, a great deal.

YSL Touche Eclat

2.  Concealer

 When ck Calvin Klein makeup launched, I was a bit skeptical.  After seeing Calvin Klein makeup crash a burn a few years ago, I didn’t know what to expect.  But I love this line.  Whereas before the line was based upon the colors of the current clothing collection (yuck, we know how boring the CK palette can be), the colors this time around are lively, vibrant and so very wearable. And the products are state-of-the-art as well.  You know how I love double-duty products, well the Endless Light Brightening Concealer is triple duty.  Conceals, lightens and has skin-firming properties.  Only caveat is the limited color selection.

 But… when it comes to color selection, I have to go the Mac Daddy of all luminizer concealer pens — YSL Touche Eclat.  Every makeup artist and celebrity knows the value of Touche Eclat.  Instant lift, brightness and clarity are brought to the face with just a swipe of the pen.  And best of all, the colors selection is ideal for all tones of skin.  It is YSL after all, the designer who brought black models to the forefront of the catwalk!  It may seem pricey at $40, but it so worth it.

Sally Hansen Nail Pen

3.  Nails

Sally Hansen finally put nail polish in a pen.  How much sense does that make?  I have ruined so much stuff — carpet, clothes, furniture — spilling nail polish.  Now with the polish in the pen, no chace of that!  Fast Dry formula is an additional value.  Only downside is the limited number of colors.  They do have a black pen — right in time for my Raider manicure.  (Yes folks, I’m a stiletto wearing, red lipstick loving, die hard foot ball fan.) Find Sally Hansen at your favorite drugstore. 

Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen

4.  Hair

 Can you believe a little pen that color gray hair and keeps your roots touched up between hair color?  Oscar Blandi has come up with a pen that does that touches up roots and unwanted gray hairs.  Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen is temporary hair color that is amonia-free, water proof, fast-drying and available in six colors.  This is the ideal product for pregnant women who want to maintain their color safely throughout pregnancy.  I have mine on order right now — warm reddish brown.

Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30

5.  Face

Peter Thomas Roth is a leader in technology when it comes to skin care.  When they made a mineral powder sunscreen in a tube with a built in brush I was blown away.  I hate to sound redundant, but a sunscreen that doubles as a finishing powder for ALL skins was right up my alley for double-duty products.  But Peter Thomas Roth didn’t stop there.  They went on to make improve upon their powder suns product by producing an Un-Wrinkle version, and an SPF version as well as the Oily skin matte formula.  This line has been consistent in forward thinking in producing results-oriented products that make sense.  Check out Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral SPF 30 powder which is an oil-free, oil absorbing matte finish translucent brush on powder.

There you have it, click and go portable makeup!  Have fun shopping.

Blinging Beauty Blogger!

I commonly get mistaken for being at least a decade younger than I am.  I’m 52, but don’t look it.  I’m sure that I need to thank my parents for the DNA, because they both look(ed) younger than their years.   Those that know I am in the beauty business ask what I use, advice, tips and I’m more than willing to spill the beans.  I can’t shut-up about cosmetics and beauty stuff.  With regard to my skin care routine, it’s pretty simple.  I do the basics — cleanse, moisturize, use SPF,  diligently use eye cream and I diligently EXFOLIATE.  I’m an exfoliating junkie.  A day without scrubbing is like a day without sunshine for me.

So what is exfoliation?  It is the chemical or mechanical removal of dead or non-functioning skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. Chemical exfoliants include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s) and Retinol.  Mechanical exfoliants are ones that have crushed or powdered nuts or seeds, jojoba seeds, or polyethelene (man-made) beads, to name a few.

As we age, our natural desquamation (skin shedding) cycle slows down.  When skin cells shed, it signals lower cell to start making new ones.  That’s why it is so important to exfoliate as we age.  Have you ever seen someone with dry, flaky skin?  Well, all the mosturizer in the world won’t help until they get rid of that dry stuff.  So exfoliation is key.

I use both manual and chemical exfoliants.  Here are my favorites.  My top 5 exfoliators:

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

1.  Exfoliating Cleanser   Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 6.75 oz $35

Exfoliates dull, dry, uneven texture.  Leaves skin smooth and hydrated.  Smoothes texture while cleansing impurities with a trio of gentle exfoliating acids. Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic Acids provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Pads

2. Chemical Exfoliant   Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads   60 Pads $45
What it is:
A daily hydroxy acid and peptide facial peel. 

Convenient and easy to use, these peel pads are formulated with alpha, beta, and gamma hydroxy acids (which act as exfoliators) and amino acids (the building blocks of peptides). The result: tighter pores, clear skin and disappearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Leaves skin soft, smooth, firm and revitalized.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid

3.  Budget Exfoliant St. Ives Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin 6 oz $3.99

Blemish and Blackhead Control

Oily/Acne Prone

Oil Free

2% Salicylic Acid

Gently exfoliates to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Brown Sugar Fig Salt Scrub

4.  Body Exfoliant  Jones and Rose Brown Sugar Fig Salt Scrub $28

Skin nourishing olive, soy, and almonds oils combine to deliver silky, smooth moisture to soften and nourish rough spots. moisturizes while mineral rich sea salts gently smooths and softens rough spots. No need to use lotion afterwards.

Laura Geller Lip Strip

5.  Lip Exfoliant  Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub 1 oz $16

 Lip Strip gently buffs dry lips to renewed smoothness. Historically, sugar is one of the safest natural exfoliants and humectants, and because the skin of the lips is so delicate, pure organic sugar from Brazil was chosen to use as the base of this scrub. In addition, peppermint and spearmint oils were added for a beautiful, refreshing sensation.

 Try these exfoliators and you too can be a smooth operator!

Dear beauty diary:
I wanted to figure out how many beauty products I use each day, so I started my ticker counting when I turned on the shower. Hmmm, Can I count that cup of coffee? It is a diuretic after all, definitely helps with the belly bloat.

Getting into the shower and starting count.
1. Cleanse face with Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid Cleanser. Let that stay on while I wash my hair. 2. Rene Furterer Okara Protective Radiance Shampoo (for my dyed, highlighted, and bleached hair). Rinse off the cleanser because it’s dripping in my eyes and stinging. 3. Condition with Rene Furterer Okara Protective Radiance Conditioner. Wash up with 4. Tocca Cleopatra Bar soap. 5. Apply Jack Black Beard Conditioning Lube to lower legs. 6. Shave lower legs with Gilette Mach 3 razor. 7. Exfoliate facial skin with Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion. 8. Exfoliate Body Skin with Fresh Brown Sugar Scrub. (not the lower legs though, ouch) All done, rinse everything from head to toe.

Get out and gently pat my freshly scrubbed skin dry. Apply 9. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lotion with SPF 15 almost everywhere on my body. Especially feet, knees, elbows, backs of thighs and butt. 10. Go over that with my luxury Tocca Body cream on decolette and arms. (Subtle scent for my allegies) 11. Apply Caudalie Eye Contour Cream. Read my profile, no lines for this girl. Not even waiting in lines. 12. Apply Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Gel. Get undies on while that’s drying.

13. Apply Olay Microsculpting cream.  Yes, I said Olay.  It’s one of the best drug store budget beauty finds I have found in years.  14. Apply Bliss Thinny Thin Chin to my neck and wanna be jowels.  I refuse to have the turkey neck!15.  Follow with Laura Geller Spackle.  I love this primer, it seals in moisturizer and treatments.  16. Follow with Stila Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 mixed with Smashbox High Definition Foundation.  17. Hide my dark undereye circles  with LORAC Double Impact concealer. Make note — cut back on my therapeutic red wine before bed.  18.  Light dusting of Stila Illuminting Powder Foundation 60 Watts. 19. Nars Lovejoy blush on the apples of my cheeks. 20. Fill in eyebrows with $.99 pencil from the beauty supply. 21 Quick Sweep from the opposite end of LORAC Double Impact highlighter under my brow bone.  22. Bobbi Brown Liner in Ivy Shimmer Ink. 23. Loreal Voluminous Blackest Black Mascara, two coats 24. Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss in Ginger.

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What’s the one thing you wouldn’t be caught without this summer? I asked several friends that question via email, facebook and twitter and the number one summer accessory hands down was SUNSCREEN! YAY! As an esthetician and makeup artist and a general skin care fanatic, sunscreen was my number one pick as well. We all need to practice SAFE SUN!

Why sunscreen? Well, sunscreen is your first defense against aging. Sunscreen helps you maintain an even skin tone. Sunscreen also is the number one way to beat skin cancer. Often people mix the terms sunscreen and sunblock, when actually they are technically different. Says Audrey Kunin, dermatologist and founder of Dermadoctor, “A true sunscreen is a chemical agent that denatures the light, making the wavelengths incapable of causing damage. Sunblocks literally act as a physical wall to prevent sunlight from reaching the skin’s surface. “  So examples of sunblocks are zinc oxide, iron oxide and titanium oxide.   Chemical sunscreens sound like chemicals — Oxybenzone (absorbs both UVA & UVB) and Octinoxate are examples of chemical sunscreens.

 The following is a list of what your sunscreen or sunblock MUST do in order to provide you adequate coverage:

1. Contain a minimum SPF of 15 for routine exposure, with a higher SPF, (preferably around 30) for more intensive sun exposure, such as the beach or if you spend more than 1 hour outside or exposed to the sun per day (do not forget driving time).
2. Have broad spectrum protection, meaning BOTH UVA and UVB protecting ingredients are present. If your label doesn’t say they’re there, odds are they aren’t.
3. Be PABA free for those with sensitive skin, eczema or known PABA allergies.
4. Don’t be fooled by the product stating it’s waterproof. You MUST reapply after water exposure or every 2 hours while outdoors.

My top 5 Sunscreens–

DermaDoctor Sunscreen

1.  DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’  4 oz $30  Skin clarifying & mattifying sunscreen spf 30 PA+++ideal for anyone who is blemish prone, oily or has combination skin. Can be used for both face and “back-ne.”

2.  Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50   1.7 oz $14.60  Highest SPF available in a moisturizer designed specifically for the face! Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free. 

3.  Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion spf 60+  3 oz $11.16  Highest SPF available in a moisturizer designed specifically for the face! Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free.

4. Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 1.7 oz $30  Prevents signs of premature aging caused by environmental exposure by: Delivering high SPF protection and providing intense hydration with an oil-free matte finish.
ALLURE’S BEST of Beauty Award Winner - Best Facial Sunscreen

5.  Peter Thomas Rosh Un-Wrinkle Instant Mineral SPF 30  11 0z $35  Provides a convenient application for immediate any time sun protection. Leaves a residue-free, transparent, matte finish. Instant, chemical free UVA/UVB protection with powerful anti-aging benefits.

Here are the runner up choices for number one summer accessory. 

1.  Big Sunglasses.  A necessity to look chic, hide puffy eyes, dark circles and prevent crow’s feet.   AKA stunna shades.

Chanel Sunglasses

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My daughter is on spring break, and so are most other college kids right now.  Many of them in a sun-kissed location doing things their parents are trying not to think about.  But the whole point here is not about the rites of spring break, but how important sunscreen is.  Most of the sun damage we acquire is by age 18.  So the diligent use of sunscreen can prevent  wrinkles and skin cancer. I’ve been spreading the stuff on my kids since they were babies.  Sunscreen is right up there with hygeine — brush your teeth, wash your face, apply sunscreen.  Spring break is no time to throw good sensibilities out the window.  Maybe sunscreen isn’t up there on the top of a parent’s list of sensible behaviors, but it certainly can’t hurt.

Sunscreen tips:

• Use broad spectrum SPF, at least 15 for everyday, higher if you plan on soaking up sun.
• If  you are sensitive to chemicals, look for a zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen.
• Try waterproof if you plan on water activity.
• Apply a full 1 1/4 ounce, to your body a half hour prior to sun exposure.  Reapply often.
• For more information on what to look for in sunscreens and how to use them, click here.

I love Peter Thomas Roth sunscreens, they are innovative and they work.  For everyday face protection Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 is ideal.  It’s a  matte, talc-free mineral powder with brush included! It finishes makeup perfectly, so don’t worry about mussing your makeup.

For body, check out Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30.  Provides maximum full spectrum face and body protection for active lifestyles by resisting water for long lasting defense and shielding against premature fine lines and wrinkle formation.

Practicing safe sun, it’s a good thing.