Something inexplicable happens to me when the temperatures drop every year: I pack away my colorful, cheery spring and summer clothes and get dressed day after day in almost completely neutral clothing. I don’t know how this phenomenon started, but for some reason, I’m drawn to black, white, and grey almost exclusively from about November […]
For any of us that grew up in the realm of the ’90s and early aughts, the term “brown lipstick” can be, well, somewhat terrifying. The images of brown lipstick seem synonymous in our minds with frosted lip gloss, matte skin, thin eyebrows, and bad, stripe-y highlights…none of which we’d like to see make a […]
In my unofficial studies (read: in my casual polling of friends) it seems that, somehow, eyeshadow is one of the most intimidating products in the beauty world. Not eyeliner, not lipstick, not even self-tanner. Somehow, of my non-beauty-editor friends, not one wears eyeshadow. And I’m not quite sure why. Compared to eyeliner and mascara, shadow […]
Whenever a friend tells me that she’s “terrible with makeup,” I can usually infer that, in reality, she just has no idea how to apply it. And, honestly, I don’t blame her — there are so many different brushes and applicators out there, I’m sure it seems impossible to determine with brushes are used for […]
Some might see the words eye cream and think “God, I can’t really be old enough for that, right?” — but, thanks to my mother teaching me right in my early years, I’ve always understood that taking care of the eye area should be a normal part of one’s skin care routine, regardless of age. […]
Despite the fact that typical ideas of “beachy summer hair” conjure up visions of sun-kissed highlights and tumbling, shiny waves — well, the reality of harsh sun, humid air and salty or chlorinated swims can mean that, come August, one feels less, well, mermaid-like than she imagined. Thankfully, all is not lost! Whether your hair […]
What happened to the days when slapping on some sunscreen at the beach once or twice was sufficient? When most of us were growing up, that was generally the attitude toward sun protection; a coating once a day or so was more than enough, and if you ended the day with slightly pink cheeks? No […]
Is it just me, or does it seem like almost every day is a “National Something Day”? Whether it’s a day dedicated to pizza or siblings, it seems like every day on the calendar now has its own social-media theme. I have to admit, I’m reluctant to get on board with most of these “insta-trends” […]
It never ceases to amaze me how tough the summer months are on my feet. In cooler weather, when my tootsies are safely enclosed in their socks and shoes, foot maintenance is a breeze — a scrub every once in awhile, followed by a fresh coat of polish, is all it takes to keep my […]
While I can’t say that I’m one for high-maintenance hair on a daily basis (let’s be real, a few extra minutes of sleep will always win that battle), I have learned how important it is to have a few key treatment products in your arsenal to use occasionally to give your hair and scalp a […]
So, a story: when pitching ideas for this column for spring, the lovely Camille herself suggested that I do a story on beauty insiders’ favorite beauty products. Of course, I agreed — what better than to feature all of my favorite ladies, and cop their Holy Grail products and tips while I was at it? […]
I’ve always found it kind of hilarious that summer has a reputation for being this super-sexy, sultry season. Yes, we’re all dressed skimpier, but sometimes those bikinis can reveal even more than we want them to: I’m talking razor burn, dry skin, not-so-pleasant odors, sunburns and everything else that comes along with long hot days. […]
My mama has taught me lots of very important things — always be on time, be nice to people, “Wear a pretty color!” — but, one of the most valuable lessons that she taught me was how to groom my eyebrows properly. My mom was a model in the eighties, when Brooke-Shields-esque thick brows were […]
Powder eyeshadow and matte lipstick are my staples during the winter, but around this time of year, I usually find myself craving a change-up in my makeup routine. My favorite way to shake things up? Checking out not just the fresh shades of the season, but the innovative new textures that are available. From demi-matte […]
And none of the grease-slick feel.
Maybe it’s in my head, but I swear that I go through cycles where my lips are just so dry that almost nothing I try will truly eradicate that terrible parched feeling. Whether it’s a long plane ride, a night with one too many drinks, or (ahem) a nice long, dehydrating winter, it seems that […]
Sure, warmer temperatures are wonderful, but the number-one thing I look forward to in the spring isn’t simply more sunshine and rising mercury. My favorite thing about those first few above-40-degrees days is the freshness and sweetness that comes into the air; the promise of flora and fauna that are to come. To complement the […]
As much as I love beauty products, an extensive product habit poses two problems. First, collecting lots of products is a bit expensive. Second, my arsenal of primping helpers takes up a fairly decent amount of space — both at home, at on the go in my much-too-heavy purse. Thankfully, as much as I love […]
Despite the fact that I’ve always been a lover of all things beauty, I’ve never quite hopped on the professional mani-pedi train. I know that there are some women who thrive on the efficiency of the super-rushed, in-and-out NYC salon experience, but I usually find the whole thing uncomfortable, cramped, and bizarre. I usually sense that […]
Ever since I was a child, I’ve associated face masks with a sort of feminine mystique. Perhaps because it’s a cliché in movies for a woman to “primp” or “unwind” with green goo smeared on her face, I always thought that taking a few minutes to relax while some magical potion works its wonders on […]
Gray skies, harsh winds, slushy streets…no offense, winter, but you ain’t the prettiest season there is. Once we get to January, I start to feel like I’ve lost my luster entirely. (Hey, a girl can only endure so many nights that start at 4:30 pm before she starts to forget what a summer breeze feels […]
The new year is a perfect time for fresh starts — and, since my self-pampering routine took a major hit amidst the craziness of December, I’m starting off the year with some beauty resolutions to go alongside my financial/spiritual/self-betterment goals. Besides for the obvious intentions of keeping my eyebrows plucked, my nails chip-free (bare nails […]
Let me start with a disclaimer: I am not one of those girls that thinks that if a beauty product is more expensive, that automatically means that it’s a better product. I’ve used more than enough super-cheap, super-awesome products (hello, $3 NYC Liquid Eyeliner), as well as products that were both expensive and disappointing, to […]
‘Tis the season: for socializing, merrymaking, and, of course, finding the perfect gift for every person on that very long list of yours. I’ll admit that I’m not necessarily the best or most original gifter in the world — I mean, what does one get one’s beloved father-in-law who neither wants nor needs anything? — […]
My hair is a sassy bugger, let me tell you. But, to be completely honest, I both love and hate that my hair is so finicky — as in, dry some days, flat on others, straightish and fine sometimes and wavy and thick-feeling the next minute — precisely because it’s given this beauty product junkie […]