Origins Brighter By Nature™ SPF 30 Skin Tone Correcting Makeup

I've always loved Origins Silk Screen Refining Powder Makeup. I had considered it a holy grail but switched to Bare Escentuals Matte a few months ago, mainly out of a combination of boredom and curiosity. I find myself shiny by mid-day with the BE and when I saw that Origins had a new powder foundation with SPF 30, I jumped.

This oil and talc-free powder is designed to absorb shine and gently illuminate with a small amount of mica. I only use powder on my t-zone to mattify and even out the skin a bit so I cannot attest to how it fares over cheeks, but so far I really like it. The included sponge provides medium to full coverage and the product doesn't look too chalky on the skin the way some powder foundations can. The shade selection is pretty good (though I wish there were neutral shades and not just cool and warm) and the price is right at $27.50.

Favorites Face of the Day

Today's face for this painfully cold day featured many of my tried-and-true favorite products. This is a look that's quick and easy for me to put together on days when I'm running late or can't figure decide what to wear.

• Rock and Republic shadows in Veil and Snakeskin
• Rock and Republic mousse blush in Rumor (this seems to be the only Rock and Republic product that doesn't show up for sale anymore which is a shame since it's a true holy grail. When it's finally done I'll be having it duped by Three Custom Color Specialists)
• Origins Multigrain Bronzer
• Scott Barnes Creme Color in Luster
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink
• True Cosmetics Lip Definer 1
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Baby (this is my second one and you can see it's nearly done. I have a backup waiting in the wings)
  

Finishing off the look were BE Matte in Porcelain on my T-Zone, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye and tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes (which smears more than my beloved Korres mascara). Fragrance was Kiehls Vanilla perfume oil.

My Favorites of 2010 Part One

Somehow I managed to both pare down and buy a lot in 2010. I thought I would share some of my 2010 favorite.
NARS Turks and Caicos Multiple Tint- scary orange in the tube, gorgeous peachy coral flush on the cheeks. I'd buy a backup if I didn't think this would last forever. Has anyone ever finished a NARS Multiple?
Origins Multigrain Bronzer, Julie Hewett Goldie Shimmy and Benefit High Beam- all the essentials for naturally bronze, glowing skin.
Paul and Joe Face Color 16 Canyon- my powder blush pick of the year. Perfect blend of bronze and peachy pink.
Aveda Juneberry Lip Shine- a few shades deeper than my lip color with a hint of shimmer.
Paul and Joe Lipstick 17- a real my-lips-but-better shade. Goes on sheer and luminous.

More favorites coming soon! Also, I've added some new items to my blog sale below. Please scroll down and take a peek!

Helloooooo!

Hi! Is anyone still out there? I know, I know. I've been gone waaay too long. A combination of work, heartbreak and family drama [temporarily] curtailed my mass cosmetic consumption and with very little purchased there was little to write about! That all changed with the Sephora Friends and Family sale! I placed 3 orders! I wanted to share some things I'd been loving in my blogging absence.

I love the new Origins Multigrain Bronzer applied with their new Foundation Brush. I've worn it nearly every single day since I got it almost 2 news ago. Both products are fantastic. Here it is loaded up on the brush:

I've also been using my NARS Turks & Caicos Skin Tint near daily. It's a punchy color on me that last all day until I take it off. I've even slept in it (bad, I know) a few times and it's looked just as fab in the morning. Lancome Crayon Kohl Eye Liner in Black Coffee has become a staple as have Stila Smudge Stick in Purple Tang, and these eye shadows: Edward Bess Dusk, Benefit Fawn Over Me, UD Shakedown, Alima Paris turned into a cream shadow with my Geri G Cosmetics Mixer, and Laura Mercier Vanilla Nuts/Coffee Ground Duo. Add in BE Soul, Becca Tweed, and R&R Veil, Affair, Snakeskin and Diffused and I think I could get rid of all of my other eye colors (though I can't actually bring myself to do so). Lip-wise it's been mostly Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Baby (HG), Laura Mercier Stick Gloss in Tiger Lily, Origins Smileage Lip Tint in Eco Pink and Burt's Bees Super Shiny Gloss in Juicy Peach. Fekkai Summer Hair Zero Humidity Frizz Control and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb have helped get me through the summer (which I'm actually sad to see go. It's chilly here and my summer wardrobe is much cuter than my winter one!).

Well I hope some of you will find your way back to me! I can't wait to share more details of some of the products I just mentioned and will be posting an enormous blog sale soon!

Current Obessions

I go through phases when I can't get the idea of a articular brand or product out of head. Sometimes it's something that I already own and want to wear all of the time. In other instances it's something I can't wait to try.

Some of my latest obsessions include the following:

MAC Eye Shadow in Grain and Edward Bess Eye Shadow in Dusk- both always look great, no matter how tired I am or what other makeup I have on.
Crown Brush Pointed Crease Brush (C139) and Lancome Black Coffee Le Crayon Kohl Eye Liner- the brush is one of the best crease brushes I've used. The shape is perfect for both the socket and outer corner. The eye liner is a deep dark brown that makes the white of your eyes look brighter, and the formula is smooth and silky enough that you can get right up against the lash line with no tugging. It works on the inner rim as well.
Rock & Republic Imitate Mousse Blush in Rumor- this is my favorite blush out of all that I own. The texture is sublime and the shade is perfect. I'm so sad that the line is discontinued. Even though Rock & republic pops up from time to time on sample sale websites, none of them have had the mousse blushes. I'd definitely stock up if I found this one again!
Origins Smileage Plus Lip Tint in Eco Pink- I love tinted balms in the summer and that fact that this one is natural and 95% organic is a huge benefit! Not only is the ginger scent uplifting, but the shade is a spot on--a sheer warm pink. Please excuse how jagged the tip looks; I almost destroyed it trying to take the picture!

Those are some products I already own that I'm loving, but my wishlist keeps growing! Right now I'm obsessing over Vapour Beauty, another organic line. The Aura Radiant Blush and Elixir Lip Gloss are calling my name! I wish I didn't have to order these sigh unseen but they are not available in brick and mortar stores as far as I know.

29 Cosmetics Highlighting Cream Blush is also at the top of the list. According to Neiman's it's a "real honest-to-goodness healthy glow packed with antioxidants that leave the skin naturally looking "blushed" not made up." This line is only carried in a few stores, none of which are on the east coast.

Finally, I'm also totally obsessed with Whole Foods 365 Caribbean Frozen Fruit Bars- strawberry, mango and coconut flavored deliciousness and only 110 calories per bar. It seriously tastes like vacation!

Shimmery Complex Roses

I tend to gravitate towards interesting colors. No straight pinks or greens for me! I like complex, multidimensional colors--murky taupey browns, iridescent pinky browns, luminous reddish pinky peaches. These shades are all what I'd considering interesting. They're all a blend of several tones and are of varying depths. If pressed for a one word description I'd use "rose," but that would belie the complexity of the shades.

From left to right: Origins Rose Gold, Shiseido SL13, Dolce and Gabbana Naked, Julie Hewett Nude Noir, Clinique Gingerfrost, Lancome Rendez-Vous

Same order as before: Origins Rose Gold, Shiseido SL13, Dolce and Gabbana Naked, Julie Hewett Nude Noir, Clinique Gingerfrost, Lancome Rendez-Vous

What's In My Shower Right Now

I am definitely a shower and not a bath girl. Here is what's I've currently got crammed in there:

• Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo
• Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
• Neil George Intense Repair Mask
• Neil George Detangle Nourishment Spray
• Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Conditioner

• Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash
• Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-in-1
• Origins Ginger Burst Body Wash
• California Baby Sensitive Baby Wash
• Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Soap

• Carol's Daughter Body Aches Bath Salts (I sprinkle these on the floor of the shower for an aromatherapy treatment)
• LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs in Coconut Cream, Coffee Bean and Island Guava
• Pangea Organics Facial Scrub- Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle
• Avalon Organics Shave Cream
• Clarisonic Mia

Pretty Peachy Pink Glosses!

I am definitely more of a lipstick girl than a gloss fan, but there's something about the first days of Spring that calls for gloss! I rummaged through my lip gloss collection and pulled out some of my favorite peachy pinks.

Left to Right:
Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Nectar Light, Hourglass Lush, Hourglass Truth, Origins Caramel Candy, Prescriptives Custom Gloss, Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Rosette

Hourglass Extreme Sheen Glosses are hands down, bar none my favorite gloss formula. Smooth, totally nonsticky, gorgeous shades and a cake batter scent. Lush has a lot of gold shimmer and Trush is a luminous cream.

I love the color of the Trish McEvoy but the gloss separates terribly. Ever time I go to use it I end up squeezing out a significant amount of clear liquid before the color flows.

Swatches, same order: Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Nectar Light, Hourglass Lush, Hourglass Truth, Origins Caramel Candy, Prescriptives Custom Gloss, Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Rosette

Holy Grails

I, like most beauty junkies, go through phases where I love a certain product. Sometimes the infatuation lasts a few days, sometimes weeks, but there are very few items that I consider true holy grails--things that I'd absolutely replace right away since I would never want to be without them. Here they are:

• Clinique Take the Day Off Balm- I am not a Clinique skin care user apart from this product (though it was my gateway to higher end brands way back in my early teens) but this product is just amazing. Just a little bit completely dissolves all makeup with no irritation. I rinse it off and follow up with my normal cleanser since it does leave a bit of a film, but those with dry skin could probably just tissue it off.
• Bobbi Brown Baby Lipstick- I've posted about this several times. The formula isn't my favorite but the color is so perfect I won't let it go.
• Origins Silk Screen Powder Makeup- I don't wear foundation, but do like a powder in my T zone but to make me matte and for a little redness around my nose. Every time I stray from this I regret it. It's silky smooth, covers just enough and keeps shine at bay. There are plenty of shades from which to choose and Porcelain matches me perfectly.
• Korres Mascara- length, thickness, a rich inky black and it's all natural! No flaking or smearing either. A tube does start to dry out quickly but being much more reasonable priced than brands like Chanel and Lancome, I don't mind replacing as often as needed.
• Benefit Kohl Eye Liner in Sable- this is unfortunately discontinued but it might reappear if Benefit has a clearance sale. This dark brown lasts forever on the waterline. It's more tenacious than it's counterparts dubbed long-lasting or waterproof. The best.
• Rock and Republic Rumor Mousse Blush- A+ in terms of both color and formula.
• Chanel Brush #3- the best for adding a deep eye shadow color to the outer corner
• Lancome Artliners- these are the easiest to apply and never run, flake or smear. I have half a dozen and hope they come out with new shades soon! I much prefer these to their new Ink Artliners in the pot.
• Bare Escentuals Soul Eye Shadow- this best lid-brightening base
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle-keeps my skin clear and smooth with minimal effort (but a maximum price tag!)
• Rubis Tweezers- the sharpest and most precise.
  

Honorable Mentions:
These are products I trust and rely on and use all of the time, but as of now would not send me into a fit if they couldn't be replaced, either because I think they could be duplicated or I haven't had them long enough to truly call them a Holy Grail. They could achieve that designation though!

• Nude Facial Cleansing Wash- free of all the yucky stuff I don't want on my skin yet keeps my face looking great
• Paul and Joe Face Color 16 Canyon- such a flattering combination! I can't wait to try more shades.
• Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Palette #1- my eyes look great every time I use this
• Desert Essence Organics Coconut Hand and Body Lotion- the most divine scent ever. I just wish it didn't fade quite so fast!
• Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid- I love this for the fall and winter, but it's just a bit too rich come spring and summer.
  
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink- less harsh than black, more interesting than brown, this color is perfect on green eyes.
  

Tres Simple Face of the Day

Oh, insomnia. How I wish I could quit you. I've slept about 4 hours over the last few dates which necessitated a simple face today that would make me look alive! I find it easiest to put together a look in a hurry if I stick mainly to one brand, and since I wanted to retry an Origins blush I had previously put in the 'discard' pile (I love to set aside items that I think I no longer want and revisit them down the line, sort of like shopping in my own collection), I went with that line.

My eyes are Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Shadow in Gold, a taupey gold metallic cream that lasts all day, even through copious eye rubbing (thank goodness), with Laura Geller Key Lime/Dark Green Apple Baked Cake liner. I used Origins Sugar Cookie blush, a healthy sunburned kind of color, atop my new Jouer Tint in Whisper. Origins Rose Gold Creamy Lip Color and Caramel Candy Liquid Lip Gloss. (Fragrance was the delicious Ginestet Botrytis with hints of honey, candied fruit, quince and gingerbread for comfort).

With my Senna powder peeking out, and having forgot the lip gloss (it's that kind of day):

Sugar Cookie and Key Lime/Dark Green Apple:
Jouer and Laura Mercier:
Lips:

Travel Beauty

It's SO nice to finally be back in NYC after my week of traveling for work, even if it is freezing here!

For me, traveling always presents a number of beauty issues, especially when flying is involved. First, I don't like traveling with any makeup or skincare that would be extremely costly or impossible to replace should something get lost or confiscated by a TSA agent having a bad day. I was initially going to pack my new Ellis Faas products but given how closely the items resemble weapons and how expensive they are, I quickly thought better of it. I'm still recovering from the time a male TSA agent went through my carry-on with a fine-tooth comb because he just couldn't understand what my eyelash curler was, and whether it posed an in-flight threat! I tried explaining it to him (to no avail) the purpose of an eyelash curler and he just looked at me, half dumbfounded, half thinking I was crazy. He wouldn't let me through until a female agent who clearly understood that the only danger posed by the curler was to my eyelid saw what was happening and waived me through!

I also left my beloved Rock and Republic at home because it's darn near impossible to find now (not to mention heavy), and poor Lancome Erika F never gets to leave the house!

Next, I have such a vast collection that narrowing down what to bring, especially when going away for a full week, is hard! I wear something different just about every day and love having option from which to choose! Anticipating what I'll want to have at my disposal while still keeping the quantity manageable is downright daunting! I normally end up selecting too much but given that I would be schlepping to several cities this trip I was determined to scale back and I have to admit, I was very pleased with what I chose! The real workhorse of this trip was my Kevyn Aucoin Essential Eye Shadow Palette Set #1. I wasn't all that thrilled with it when I first received it in the mail but I wore it nearly every day I was away and found it flattering and extremely versatile. I used it to create soft day looks for shopping, more polished looks for meetings and smokier, more dramatic eyes for going out at night. I did also bring a MAC quad with Grain, Sunday Best, French Grey and The Body Shop Conker but I found myself wearing the Kevyn Aucoin almost every day. (FYI, I just received an email that Kevyn Aucoin will be on Hautelook Monday with all items under $7! I certainly paid more for mine and am seriously considering another palette given how much I've grown to really love this one. I'd like to try the other color combinations offered). I typically wore the shimmery ivory lash to brow, the taupe next to it in the crease, and the shimmery charcoal used wet to line and smoked into the crease and outer corner with my Chanel brush #3, one of my favorites. The brush is worth every cent of the (pretty reasonable) $28.50.
Despite having packed half a dozen lipsticks, I wore Bobbi Brown Creamy Lipcolor in Baby almost every day as well. It not only works with the palette but it just always looks great on, no matter what. I never thought that I'd find a Holy Grail lipstick, but this one is very close! If the formula wasn't so thick it would be perfection as far as I'm concerned. Bobbi Brown Metallic Lipstick in Gilded Pink is supposedly very similar, which is why it's been on my wishlist for a long time now. I can't believe it, but I've almost finished Baby! Honorable mention goes to Paul and Joe 17 Bunch of Grapes which I used quite a bit as well just to break up the monotony.
For cheeks I mainly stuck with a Julie Hewett Cheekie topped with Paul and Joe Face Color in 16 Canyon. I almost always layer a powder with a cream and not only did this combination last through all day meetings in dry, recycled, conference room air, but it kept me looking alive as well! I have 3 of the Julie Hewett Cheekies in mini sample sizes which are perfect for travel and varied between (left to right) Natural, Destiny, and Jami (the lilac pot all the way to the left is the Shimmy highlighter in Pixie) depending on whether I wanted a warm, cool, or neutral look.
Finally, I always find it difficult trying to decide what makeup to wear on a flight, especially long, cross-country ones. I really have no idea if it makes a difference, but I try to wear more "natural" products when flying since I feel like it all gets sucked into your pores with that cabin air. I also opt for a simpler, "my face but better" look, which leaves less room for smudges should the unlikely scenario of my actually falling asleep arise! This time I wore Bare Escentuals Blush in Golden Gate on my cheeks, a pretty peachy pinky that I really should use more often. I also had on my usual Korres mascara, MAC Technakohl in Phtograuvre, and Origins Smileage Plus Liptint in Eco Pink. I love these guys--they're 95% organic, super-moisturizing, full of healing butters and oils, and the shades are sheer and pretty.
What are your beauty challenges when traveling? Do you have any secrets of solutions for packing or getting through a flight looking fabulous? Do you tend to over pack or do you have a set group of products you typically bring when going away? Please share!

My Top Products of 2009

Even though 2009 seemed to fly by, I managed to buy and try a lot of new items! Some of these products debuted in 2009, others were just new to me, but all became favorites over the course of the year. I'd love to hear what you loved in 09!

1. Rock and Republic Snakeskin Eye Shadow- I fell in love with Rock and Republic Cosmsetics in 2009 and am very sad to see that the line is on the way out. My only consolation is that I was able to stock up on some things when they were on sale at Hautelook and the items are so large they'll likely last forever! Their Rumor mousse blush and Call Me powder blush quickly became staples, but Snakeskin stole my heart! It's a gorgeous murky smokey khaki olive green with shimmer that really enhances my green eyes (I'm a big fan of green shadows and liners on green eyes). If you spot Snakeskin, grab it!
2. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle- I was always a fan of manual exfoliation until I tried this. I initially purchased the regular Exfolikate but found that it really irritated my sensitive skin, leaving it raw and red even if I left it on only a few seconds. I was hesitant to try this but am so glad I did. I hate the price tag ($65 for just 2 oz) but Exfolikate Gentle leaves my skin clear and glowing by gently removing the dead surface layer of skin on my face. Three minutes twice a week and all of my other skin care products work better!
3. Bobbi Brown Cream Lip Color in Baby- While I'm not the biggest fan of the formula (it's on the thick side and yet doesn't last long), the color is the closest I've come to a Holy Grail. The Bobbi Brown website calls it an "icy nude pink" but I'd call it a warm, natural peachy pink with shimmer. This lipstick seems to go with every look and brightens my face but not in that "I'm wearing lipstick" way. I reach for it all of the time and will repurchase once it's gone.
4. Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash- Organic, free of harsh and toxic ingredients and leaves my skin smooth, clean, and breakout-free. This cleanser is gently foaming, removes makeup well, it doesn't strip and the bottle lasts forever. What more could you ask for in a cleanser?
5. Julie Hewett Cheekies- Julie Hewett Cheekies are firm-textured cream blushes that come in pot and palette form. These look so natural on the skin and the Cheekie palette is great for travel. The shades have a translucency to them that makes your cheeks look like the color is naturally coming from within, and they work well on their own and with a powder blush or highlighter layered over top for more color or shimmer. All of the colors are lovely though Destiny is my favorite! (clockwise from top left: Peachie, Jami, Destiny, Natural).
6. Benefit Fawn Over Me Velvet Eye Shadow- an incredibly textured, highly pigmented dark beige shadow that's perfect alone for a quick everyday look but also makes a fabulous shimmery base for a smokey look. This shadow is super versatile and is an ideal item to pack when going on a trip and space is limited since it goes with so many different looks. This has to be the smoothest, creamiest powder shadow I've felt.
7. Custom Prescriptives Gloss- I had a Prescriptives lip gloss custom blended for me at Bergdorf Goodman and I have to say it's fabulous. I highly recommend getting this done before the line is gone for good at the end of this month not only because of the ability to custom blend the shade and select a scent, but because the formula is smooth and not at all sticky. I opted for a peachy pink with a tropical fruit scent but the possibilities are really endless when you're blending your own. You can choose the shade, the finish, the scent and from different colored frosts and shimmers.
8. Red Flower Ocean Body Wash- this body wash in absolutely incredible. The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas stocks guest rooms with the Red Flower Ocean line, and when I returned home from my stay there I had to immediately order full sizes of the products, my favorite of which is this body wash. It smells exactly like the ocean--a little salty, a little briny, and very fresh and earthy. I find the scent very relaxing and I can't get enough! It's wonderful to shower with after a long, stressful day (but be careful--it will make you long for the beach!). This scent is also available in a candle, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. To boot, the product is organic and free of parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, dyes and synthetic preservatives.
9. Lancome Erika F Shadow- This unusual and elusive shadow never fails to elicit compliments. It's a taupey olivey green with silver shimmer and tiny shimmer particles that are more subtle that glitter but dance and catch the light much more than traditional shimmer. I usually wear it from lash line up into the crease and apply a very very thin line of Lancome Artliner in Star Shower followed by several coats of mascara. It creates the fastest dramatic smokey eye but because it's not a deep dark shade, it's equally appropriate at work. Unfortunately it's not available in the US, but it pops up on Strawberrynet from time to time, both on it's own and in the Escapade Champetre quad.(with flash)(without flash)
10. Sephora Flat Blush Brush 42- this uniquely shaped brush is perfect if you have a small face or cheek area or just prefer a smaller blush brush more more controlled or pigmented application. It doesn't shed and is very reasonably priced at just $22. It's become my favorite blush brush.
11. Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Glosses- I always avoided lip gloss until I discovered these this year. The colors are beautiful and the texture is outstanding--completely and totally not sticky but with a decent lasting power. Some of the shades are sheer and others pack more of a punch. I find that 4 of 10 shades are extremely similar (in the pink-beige-brown family) but all are wearable with a delectable cake batter scent. The glosses are paraben-free and very moisturizing. The downside is that they cost $28 a piece but in my opinion they're worth it and can turn even a gloss-phobe like me into a glossophile! (Left to right: Ignite, Truth, Origami, Lush)
    
12. Laura Geller Baked Blush and Highlighter in Como/Portofino- I got pulled in by a late night Laura Geller demonstration on QVC and ordered this pretty baked duo. Admittedly I don't use the Portofino Highlighter often (it's the champagne shimmery wedge at the top of the pan) but the Como blush has become a staple. I love that it's sheer and has a luminosity to it so it layers fabulously over cream blushes and the shade is perfection-a subtle warm pink that would be impossible to mess up and has to look great on everyone. The swirls of color are also so pretty just to look at!
13. Korres Deep Color Mascara- I try to apply mascara as close to the roots of my lashes as possible since I have naturally blonde lashes, but I noticed that in doing so I inevitably get a little bit of mascara right on the underside of my eyelid. Given all of the chemicals and harsh preservatives typically in mascara, I went in search of a more natural, gentle alternative since some was actually getting in my eyes. I purchased the Korres on a whim since I hadn't heard much hype around the line and am so glad I did. For a "natural" mascara, this provides incredible length, color and fullness without leaving my lashes crunchy or spikey. I don't notice any damage or lashes falling out either like I used to with other mascaras. This does not contain parabens, GMOs, sulfates, mineral oil, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, synthetic dyes or fragrances or ethanolomines. It does tend to dry out on the quicker side but it's a small price to pay in my opinion for such a great product.
14. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest Shimmer Ink- I generally prefer liquid eyeliner to gel liners because I think they're quicker to apply, you don't need a separate brush, and they don't dry out the way gel liners in pots can, but this shade is so fabulous I purchased it anyway. It's a deep dark forest green with gold shimmer with none of the cool blue tones that Bobbi's Hunter Ink has. Once it's on it last all day and really brings out my green eyes. I love the way the gold shimmer catches the light.
15. Origins Peace of Mind On the Spot Relief- I am definitely a high-stress person! Whether it's work, my personal life or simply the intensity of living in NYC (being packed into subway cars like sardines with icky people you'd otherwise never let near you, trying to get through the throngs of tourists walking slowly and holding hands down 5th Avenue, realizing that you're paying $2.50 for a small can of corn at the grocery store or enduring crazy noisy neighbors above you), I always feel like I need a vacation! This tiny little bottle holds a miracle potion inside that not only relieves stress, but helps with my migraines and creates a cooling tingle on hot humid days. The combination of peppermint and other essential oils is deeply calming and therapeutic. I warm two tiny dabs between my index and middle fingers and apply to the back of my neck and my temples. In just a minute you start to inhale the herbal blend and feel the coolness start to soothe. I keep one at home, one at my desk at work, one in my purse and I even have one for travel. It's inexpensive, the bottle lasts a long time and most importantly, it works!

Some 'New to Me' Eye Basics

I have more eye shadows than any other beauty product and am constantly promising myself I won't buy any more. Oops.

I recently picked up Urban Decay Matte Eye Shadow in Shakedown ($16) and Origins Underwear for Lids in Golddust ($14.50).

The Urban Decay caught my eye because the shade looked like a slightly warmer version of MAC French Grey, one of my all time favorites. When I tested it, I was surprised at how velvety smooth and pigmented the shadow is! I certainly don't need another shadow, let alone another taupe, but I purchased it anyway and am finding it a lovely workhorse basic. For those unable to find French Grey, this is a good substitute (minus the shimmer). Shakedown combines brown and gray to create a universal taupe that's not too warm or too cool.

Without Flash (French Grey left, Shakedown right):

With Flash (French Grey left, Shakedown right):


Origins Underwear for Lids is an eyeshadow base that comes in two formats, a matte flesh toned one and a collection of shimmery light shades. The product is housed in a small swivel-up tube and glides on creamy but sets for all day wear. Golddust is a light champagne with tiny gold and silver shimmers that my camera refuses to capture. The product is extremely versatile--I've worn it alone, as a base for other shades to make them adhere and add glimmer, to highlight the tear ducts, brow bones and the center of my lids, and just to perk up my face after a long day. This shade can make any 'work' shadow festive enough for a party! Underwear for Lids is inexpensive, tiny enough to fit into any makeup bag, and both the product and shade deliver.