Everyday Beauty Buys that Make Cluttering Your Medicine Cabinet Worth It

I'll admit it, my vanity is like a rotating door of the "latest and greatest" from drugstores, department stores and specialty stores and I'm rarely ever faithful to one product for too long, unless it really wows me.  Hey, it's my job!  The crazy thing is, in my bathroom Joe and I have four cabinets... three of them are taken up by me!  Even though I don't use all of the products at once, I have to have them all on call for different reasons.  I found some disturbing statistics about how often people clean out their medicine cabinets and have some advice, plus suggestions on new product finds! Being that I'm always shuffling products in and out of my medicine cabinet, I never have to worry about expiration dates because I'm really using them and trying something new.  However, I find that I'm a minority!  In a recent survey by Vaseline, they found that more than one in three women admit to cleaning out their medicine cabinet less than once every two years.  Hello, ladies: products expire!  They also found that 27% of women admit to having a product in their medicine cabinet that has been there for more than three years.  Gross.  I highly recommend staying on top of expiration dates and trying new things!  Here are some of my latest recommendations:

Alterna Bamboo 48 Hour Volume Spray, $24 at Sephora

I use this to add volume at my roots before blowing out my hair.  Unlike other volumizers I've used in the past, it doesn't leave my hair sticky and really boosts volume without weighing my hair down.

Vaseline Total Moisture, $6.99 at drugstores

This lotion actually absorbs into my skin and doesn't just sit on top of it, which is major! It actually does everything so I don’t need to use more than one lotion.  I apply it when I get out of the shower in the morning and my skin feels moisturized, not greasy all day and night.

Make Up Forever Sens'Eyes Makeup Remover, $24 at Sephora

Before washing my face at night I apply this makeup remover to a cotton pad and let it sit on my mascara for a minute before wiping it off.  It removes eye makeup quickly and easily so I don't have to rub it off and doesn't irritate my eyes.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Esther, $120 at Nordstrom

After washing my face before bed I apply this Vitamin C all over my face before I moisturize.  The package comes in four tubes, one for each week, and after a month you're suposed to see a brighter complexion.  I'm on week two.

Q-tips Precision Tips, $2.49 at drugstores

A must!  I don't leave home without them.  I use them to clean up makeup around my eyes and apply lip balm regularly.  I have a bunch of these little travel cases and always throw one in my suitcase, because I hate the ones that have in hotels!

Bliss That's Incredi-Peel, $49 at blissworld.com

Once a week I swipe one pad across my face after I wash and it acts like an overnight facial.  Made with glycolic acid, it works overnight with time release technology to help exfoliate and retexturize my skin.

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray, $4.49 at drugstores

A true, touchable hairspray that leaves my hair shiny.  There's nothing worse than crunchy hairspray!

Renee Rouleau Mint Buffing Beads, $41.50 at reneerouleau.com

I use these microscopic beads as a facial exfoliant about once a week to remove dead skin cells and help keep my pores unclogged.  They're so finely granulated that they feel like the softest sand particles on my face and leave it smoother than a baby's butt.

*This post is sponsored by Vaseline, but all of my actions and thoughts are true.

A Recent Love Affair with Barneys Beauty... I Feel Very SJP!

As Sarah Jessica Parker once told Vanity Fair, "If you're a nice person and you work hard, you get to go shopping at Barneys.  It's the decadent reward."  Well, Barneys came to me... A few weeks ago as my doorman handed me all of my packages I found myself floored by the size and weight of the Barneys bag I had to carry up to my apartment.  It was like Christmas morning and even though I only live three floors up, I took the elevator.  It took some time to go through it and try out all of the latest launches, but here are my absolute favorites.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask

I'm a face mask junkie and have about 12 in my vanity, all for different reasons of course, but this one does it all.  It's the miracle mask.  Seriously.  It's clay based and rejuvenates and refreshes tired skin, rids any imperfection from a pimple to a scab and really makes my skin look healthy and vibrant.  It's well worth the $50, but since the bottle is less than two ounces, I hoard this one and don't share.

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Classic

Besides being one of Angelina Jolie's favorite glosses, it's also now my absolute favorite gloss.  Despite the fact that it's a whopping $32 for a lipgloss, I will purchase it when I run out.  People ask me if I had lip injections when I wear it, which is weird because while it does have wheat protein for plumping purposes, it doesn't feel like a lip plumper at all.  The smooth, stick free formula makes my mouth appear full with a classy shine, not goopy.

X-Ray Profumo in Delirium

It's extremely rare that I find a perfume that I love because to be honest most of them give me headaches, but this is a delicate, feminine blend with a sensual twist that I can't get enough of lately.  I also like that I'm the only one in my group of friends who wears it.  Well worth the $185 price tag.

Skincare Discovery: Rodin Olio Lusso, Reasons Why I'm Using Oil On My Face and You Should Too

In the beauty industry, word gets around.  If there's a true, must-have product, it's discussed.  Over dinner one night with my friend Amber of BeautyBloggingJunkie I couldn't help but notice how radiant her skin looked so of course I asked her what she was using.  Rodin Olio Lusso was her skin-changing answer.  Of course, she got the tip from our mutual beauty editor friend Andrea who works at People.com.  So it continues, and now I too, am rubbing oil on my face.  I know, it sounds scary at first, but trust me and my colleagues, it works miracles. First of all let me explain exactly what this magical oil is.  Rodin Olio Lusso is a face oil made up of 11 essential oils that brightens your skin and leaves it with a dewy glow.  Created by former Harper's Bazaar Fashion Editor, Linda Rodin, it's now sold in Barneys for $150 a pop.  But don't let the price tag scare you, because it lasts forever and the results prove its worth.  Here's why face oil is beneficial and why I especially love this one:

• It looks, feels and smells luxurious.  Most of my skincare products aren't scented and I prefer them that way, but I apply this at nighttime, the aroma instantly calms me and takes me to a place of ease.  I almost feel like a sophisticated French woman.
• With Rodin Olio Lusso you're supposed to apply the tiniest amount to cleansed skin in the morning and evening for added moisture.  I actually like using the oil as a pre-cleanse at night.  I take a little bit and gently massage it into my face before I wash it with a gentle cleanser.  Some of the oil is left behind and my skin feels super soft.  Plus, it acts as a makeup remover.
• I don't normally wear a ton of makeup, but when doing on camera work, the foundation gets piled on and I also use the oil to break down my makeup quickly incase I need to refresh it without washing my face or simple to take it off.
• Face oils help to calm the skin and regulate oil production.  Yes, even if you have oily skin it will help regulate it.  If you have really dry skin, apply moisturizer on top of it.

Rodin Olio Lusso can be found at Barneys for $150.

How to Talk To Your Man About Skincare, Plus The Best Exfoliators for Him

Every once in a while you need to have "the talk" with your man.  Well, "the talk" I have with Joe is always about skin care!  Time after time, as men's skin care brands send new products for him to try, we have "the talk" about why he should be using necessities like eye cream and exfoliator.  This week, after two years, I conquered the exfoliator quest!  Ladies, it's not "exfoliator" it's "grit."  You know, the gritty stuff that gets rid of the gunk in your pores.  Whatever works!  Here are my top grit picks for your man (Joe approved). Zirh Scrub

A gentle, gel-like formula infused with aloe and concentrated with the most microscopic exfoliating beads to help unclog pores and control oil.  It smells a bit masculine, but ultimately fresh.

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash

This is great for guys (and girls) with acne prone skin and can be used on the face and body.  With 2% salicylic acid, it helps to unclog pores and prevent acne.  The exfoliating beads are tiny and gentle so they don't irritate sensitive or broken out skin.

Dear Jeannine... How do you find a dermatologist and self tanner?

I can't even begin to tell you how many questions I receive daily from women and men (yes, men too) about beauty and grooming.  So many that it encouraged me to start a "Dear Jeannine" column.  They come in from all angles: Facebook messages, emails, Twitter DM's and even Linked In.  I'm honored and humbled and love answering them!  If you have a question, the best way to submit is to go through BeautySweetSpot's Facebook Fan page.  From now on I'll be answering them all and occasionally publish Q&A's on the site.  Here's the first one:

Hi Jeannine!

I just read your article about tanning beds and I have to admit, I not only love them, I have one. In my house. Yeah, I know. I might as well smoke a pack of cigarettes a day! BUT, I recently had a moment where I felt the desire to embrace my fairness! I have not gone in a month and am feeling exactly as you described. Ugly, fat and unattractive. I am fighting the urge to hop back in. I wanted to try a couple of things you mentioned - a dermatologist and a self tanner. How did you find a good dermatologist? What self tanner do you recommend?

Thanks in advance for sharing. Your articles are fun reads!

-L

Dear L,

Thanks for writing and for reading my Confessions of A Former Tanning Bed Addict post.  I had a feeling people would be able to relate to my experience.  First of all, I'm so proud of you for not tanning this month.  Not only is it unhealthy, but tanned skin isn't even attractive any longer... it's the glow you seek.  Get rid of that tanning bed asap (think of the new shoes you can purchase by selling it)!  Try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse for body and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Face (he has body ones too that are equally as awesome).

To find a dermatologist in your area, check the Academy of Dermatology's website.  You can also find free skin cancer screenings in your area there.  Hope this helps!

xo,

Jeannine

Mother's Day Gift Picks Courtesy of My Mom

Happy (almost) Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!  This year in honor, my mom (and best friend) curated her favorite Mother's Day beauty buys in case you needed a little help with your last minute shopping.   Let me tell you, my mom knows a thing or two about beauty as she's one of my best product testers.  Growing up, she's always taught me that less is more and at 29, somehow I'm envious of her skin!  Everyone says we look alike, and it's the biggest compliment in the world.  Here are her top picks this year: Bobbi Brown Beach Collection

"I love everything in this collection and always use them during the spring and summer.  They smell like the beach, which always puts me in a good mood."

L'Occitane Delightful Hands Collection Gift Set

"L'Occitane makes my favorite hand cream because they're so moisturizing and fit into my purse.  I can never leave home without one.  I like this set because it give you a variety of scents."

Clarins Deliciously Glowing Self Tanning Gift Set

"This is my favorite brand of self tanner and the set comes with everything you need to self tan correctly.  The case is pretty too."

Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow

"I can always use some help refreshing my makeup bag in the Spring and I love this shadow palette.  The Stylish Move 970 is my favorite.  It's like having a little piece of luxury that doesn't cost a fortune."

Bliss Spa "Mother Glows Best" Gift Certificate

"Hint, hint to my kids.  A day of pampering is always appreciated.  This includes a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure.  I couldn't imagine taking a whole day out to do all of that but it sounds nice!"

Behind the Scenes at L'Oreal's Research & Development Center

When my college roommate, Melanie, would tell me about her microbiology experiments dealing with Botchalism I used to make fun of her as I sat at my desk and wrote trend pieces for my journalism classes.  Today, if I could switch jobs with anyone I know it would be her as she's now the brains behind many of the products that I test and write about daily.  I really got to see what she does yesterday when I visited the L'Oreal Research and Innovations Center in Clark, NJ on an editor trip.  Exploring the labs where many L'Oreal and L'Oreal owned brands products are developed, I got to play Mel for the day!

This trip was the first time L'Oreal ever opened it's doors to outsiders and I was beyond excited to be there.  After six years of writing beauty, I've never gotten a sneak peak into the research and development before.  With 400 employees, this is their number one research center outside of France.  Besides L'Oreal the brand, Matrix, Maybelline, Skinceuticals and many other brands are formulated there and in just one year, they launch about 2,500 new products.  Yes ladies, this is where the magic happens.

Labs are broken down into cosmetic, skincare, hair color, styling and fragrance specialties and the evaluation processes were strict.  While skincare is a passion of mine, I was really impressed by what I saw and learned in cosmetics.

Blackout shades are on the windows for lighting control and specialized lights hang above makeup chairs that switch from day to night and even florescent lighting so the cosmetologists can evaluate shades under all circumstances.  What really blew me away though was learning that there are about 17 ingredients into Maybelline's latest mascara, Illegal Length Fiber Extension Mascara.  A soft wax is used for volumizing, harder wax for curl, and these little 4mm fibers are spread through out the formula that adhere to the tips of your lashes for length. To reinvent black, the chemists used a combination of the standard colorant, iron oxide and mixed it with carbon black to make the lashes really pop.  After seeing the breakdown of ingredients and manufacturing of the formula, I knew this mascara was the real deal and when I tested it after I got home, I was right.

It's one thing to receive a product to test out and a press release about its ingredients, but to go behind the scenes into the lab and watch them in the making is magical.

Kate Middleton's Favorite Beauty Products

I'll admit, like everyone else in the world, I have a bit of a girl crush on Kate Middleton.  Who doesn't want to be a princess?   I admire the way she stepped almost seamlessly into the role of royalty, yet is still very relateable.  In three days the world will be celebrating the first anniversary of the royal couple so I rounded up some of Kate's favorite beauty products.  Yes, she really uses these things, so I guess you can call them princess approved. Heaven Bee Venom Mask - given to Kate right after her engagement by the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, the claim is that it's a "natural alternative to Botox," but  like synthetic snake venom (which is common in skincare), the bee venom works to temporarily freeze facial muscles for immediate tightening and lifting.  Kate also had a Bee Venom Facial with Heaven Skin Care Founder, Deborah Mitchell right before her wedding.

NIVEA Pure and Natural Day Cream - throughout the year Kate was spotted at Boots on Kings Road in London purchasing this cream.  This shows the princess not only mixes highs and lows in fashion, but also with her beauty buys!

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics - right before her wedding she was seen purchasing the brand's eye and face makeup.  Remember, Kate did her own wedding makeup, and kept her look natural accentuating her features.  Bobbi Brown is known for helping you create the best version of yourself, which is perfect for brides.

Karin Herzog Skin Care - This UK brand is a cult favorite to many celebs.  The managing director for the brand, Julie Cichocki, clarified that Kate's a regular user of the Professional Cleanser, Vita-A-Kombi 1, Vita-A-Kombi 3 Spot Zapper and the Oxygen Face Cream.

Kerastase Treatments - Her long time hairdresser, Richard Ward, treats Kate's tresses with Kerastase Rituals, which are their in-salon treatments, but Kerastase deep conditioners are available for purchase and you can do your treatment at home.

Part 2: Putting Lasers to the Test, PhotoFacial Results

Every day this past week I woke up and anxiously ran to the mirror to inspect my face hoping for a miracle. Having received an IPL treatment, otherwise known as a PhotoFacial, by my derm Dr. Lefkowicz last week I couldn't wait to see results.  Bye, bye brown spots!  (Here's where I blogged about the laser treatment.)  A week later, I can tell you my complexion is definitely more even (almost as good as my airbrushed headshot), but still has some ways to go. Throughout the week the spots gave me some trouble just as I expected them to.  First, they got a lot darker from the lasers.  The day I had the treatment done I came back to my apartment to write and didn't leave again.  They were embarrassingly dark and irritated that day.

However, I had places to go and people to see throughout the week and was out the door the next day.  While the brown spots were darker than ever on the second and third day, I think I was the only one who noticed.  I felt the need to explain to friends and colleagues that I had an IPL, but to my surprise, they didn't even notice that my brown spots were super dark.  I was just paranoid.

By the fourth day they began to peel and fade.  This is what I was waiting for!  I was a good patient during this time as I normally scrub and pick like there's no tomorrow, but I kept my skin moisturized and allowed the brown spots to disappear on their own.  Now, a week later, my face is almost back to normal with less brown spots and the ones that are left are significantly lighter.

The IPL normally takes anywhere from one to four treatments spaced two to four weeks apart to work depending on one's condition.  I think if I had one more treatment my skin would be where I want it to be.  This week was trying, but worth it.  The treatment isn't too expensive and works quicker than any lightening serums and creams on the market.

 Dr. Lefkowicz can be found at NY Skin Rx at 875 Fifth Ave. NY, NY 10065. (212)288.3200

Putting Lasers to the Test: I Tried A PhotoFacial

Now that I'm 29 (yes, 29 and freaking out about my skin since I grew up a sun worshiper) I've been picking my dermatologist, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz's, brain about what I should do to make sure it looks the best it possibly can.  As I creep near the big 3-0 I want to make sure my skin ages as gracefully as possible.  Yesterday, she convinced me to try a PhotoFacial, otherwise known as Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) to help rid my brown spots (thanks tanning), which dull my complexion and make me look older than I am.  Since I trust her tremendously, I happily surrendered to the PhotoFacial and let me tell you, it's no "facial." This was my first laser treatment.  More anxious than nervous I sat in the chair, put on a pair of goggles and listened as Dr. Lefkowicz told me I was going to be uncomfortable as she targeted brown spots with the laser on my cheeks, chin, nose and forehead.  When it comes to beauty, I'll take discomfort.  As a matter of fact, there's not much I wouldn't do for flawless skin.

The laser felt like a hot rubber band snapping for a second on each brown spot.  After one pass around my face, Dr. Lefkowicz waited a minute and checked in with me and went back for a second and then a third.  The forehead was by far the most sensitive, but the overall experience wasn't that bad, just slight discomfort.  The pulsed light hits the melanin in the skin, which causes the dark pigment to disappear.  When I looked in the mirror I noticed the brown spots were all darker and I had little red marks all over my face where she hit me with the laser.  It took about a half hour for my skin to calm down as it was a little inflamed.

For the next two days my brown spots will be darker and then naturally fall off.  I won't be able to go out without concealor and foundation on to hide them (and I don't normally wear face makeup).  Therefore, I would recommend doing this facial when you don't have any big meetings or events that week.  I'm instructed not to scrub or try to peel them off.  The care is simply to keep my face moisturized and wear SPF.  As you can imagine, I'm completely anxious to see results and will post a round two next week.

The IPL is great for people with brown spots, age spots and even rosacea and can be used on your face, chest.  Of course, treatment is different depending on the patient.  I may be happy after this one treatment, but sometimes several treatments are needed (up to four) spaced two to four weeks apart.

The Results Are In! The Skincare Products I'm Loving Right Now

Back in February I posted about taking a trip to Sephora to have my skin analyzed by DDF's Skin Evaluation System.  Of course I knew I was fighting fine lines and had some discoloration, but what I found out was that my main concern should be my pores!  Since then, I've been testing a variety of DDF skincare products (never mind being super self conscious about my ugly pores) and had to share the results. By far the one that's been making the most difference for my skin is the Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizing Serum.  As soon as I put it on it was like the Angels came down and sang from Heaven.  Thanks to the silicone, my pores were instantly non-existant.  Granted, it rids pores just for the time being, but for that I apply it daily after I wash my face and before I put on my moisturizer.  It's really light weight and it also has a cocktail of Vitamins to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Another product I'm really impressed with is their Revolve 400x.  As an avid Clarisonic user, I was skeptical to use something else, but hey, that's my job.  It comes with two different brush heads.  One to act as a microdermabrasion treatment and the other is for deep cleansing, which I use almost every day.  I like that it has two different strengths and feel so fresh faced after doing an at-home microdermabrasion.  When I met with Giulianna Rancic in February this was her favorite DDF product and she has awesome skin.

*This is a sponsored post, but my opinions and actions are honest.

I Rid My Blackheads Without A Facial Thanks to A Middle School Throwback

One the things that irritate me the most in this world are blackheads.  They're more stubborn than my boyfriend when he knows he's right I swear!  I hate having them and when I notice them on other people all I want to do is start trying to squeeze them out.  Gross, I know, but seriously, what's worse in skincare than a noticeably clogged pore?  Before I was reminded of this middle school throw back, I always had to have a facialist extract them.  Yet today, in my own bathroom I was in awe thanks to Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. They're back!  Do you remember obsessing over them in middle school?  I used to use them often and then forgot they existed for a while until I was recently sent a bag of Biore's latest product collection to test out.  I immediately pulled out one of the strips, recalling the fact that I thought they worked, but now as a beauty guru I wanted to really see.  Here's what I tweeted upon removal:

Jeannine Morris ‏ @BeautySweetSpot

I don't remember dissecting my Biore black head pad THIS much when I was a teenager... #beautygirlproblems

After sitting with the strip on my nose for ten minutes, I peeled it off (and quickly remembered the ouch factor like ripping off a bandaid) and sure enough there were blackheads sticking to the white strip.  They stood up and almost looked like a plucked eyebrow hair with a root (but much smaller).  After dissecting the strip I took to the mirror and was satisfied with my cleansed pores.

Check out Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips at drugstores.

My New Weekly Routine Involves Peeling Off A Tar Like Substance from My Face

When I visited LA last month I stopped by Kravetz PR to check out some of Rodial skincare's latest launches and as soon as my publicist friend introduced me to their newest face mask my eyes widened and I think the words, "Give me that!" came out of my mouth.  Rude?  No, I couldn't wait to use it!  Introducing the Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask... Get this, it's a black, peel off face mask that contains liquorice to help brighten your skin and minerals that help to deep clean your pores.  It also includes Syn-ake (hence the name), which is a peptide that mimics a viper's venom to help your muscles relax (like Botox in a bottle).  A black, peel off face mask with benefits?  Now that sounded like a fun Sunday night activity!

I thinly applied the jet black tar-like mask all over my face and tried to avoid getting any of it on my bathroom sink.  I liked that it was so inky as opposed to the clear, whitish and green face masks I normally do.  This was far from spa-like.  I'm also one of those people (even though I know better) who believe that if something smells strong, it's working.  It's a mental thing.  Throughout the application, I couldn't ignore the smell of chemicals.  It wasn't pleasant (like fresh linens or anything), but I liked it.  It made me think it would be effective.  As it dried, the scent disinegrated and the mask hardened.  Twenty minutes later, I challenged myself to attempting to peel it off in piece, which was a misearable fail, but I'll conquer it next time.

My skin felt very tight, appeared clean and illuminated after I applied moisturizer.  The recommended use is two times a week and I plan on continuing for the benefits and the peel factor.  You can get it at Rodial.com, but use it sparingly as it only takes a very thin layer to cover your entire face and the tiny 50ml tube is not cheap.

Giuliana Rancic and I Talk Career, Beauty and Men

Last Friday I attended a private cocktail party in a suite at the W Hotel in Hollywood with Giuliana Rancic on behalf of DDF skincare.  Picture eight members of the media, Giuliana, her manager (and BFF) and two DDF publicists, it was that intimate.  Now I've met her before, but never really got to know her.  An hour and a half later, she showed me pics of her three Oscar dresses (one for E!'s Fashion Police), chatted about her crush (George Clooney), found out the secrets behind her skincare insecurities and regimen and of course, where she gets her hair extensions done.  What impressed me most?  She's one of the most honest and grounded people in Hollywood. Career

Rancic explained there are two types of actors in Hollywood – those who are a celebrity in every aspect of what they do and those who consider it their job.  She is a business woman.  Hosting and the empire she built is all her job, but she doesn't let it define her at the end of the day.  "I'm true to who I am in all aspects of what I do," she says.  "I'm a business person and a normal person in the industry."  In it for all of the right reasons, when overwhelmed she often takes a step back and reminds herself, "I'm not digging a ditch, I'm reporting on Brad Pitt."

Skincare

She's been using DDF skincare religiously for years and approached the brand about becoming the spokesperson.  "When they asked me to go foundation free at the Emmys last year it was a struggle," Rancic explains.  "My makeup artist and I played with different strategies so I would still look done under the red carpet lights."  Weeks leading up to the big day, they experimented on E! News with tinted moisturizer.  "If your skin can look gorgeous without foundation and a ton of makeup then you succeeded."

George Clooney

Balancing professionalism with her crush on Clooney has never been an easy task.  She confessed that when she started at E! she promised herself not to ask to interview him (even though she was dying to), but to let her producers assign it to her.  About ten years ago, when the day came she had eight minutes with him. "The whole time he was talking all I can hear in my head was, 'Will you marry me,'" Rancic laughed.  At the end of the interview she asked!  His reply, "The word 'marriage' sends sweat beads down my back."  Turns out, Rancic got kudos from the E! producers for getting Clooney to discuss the topic of commitment!

Relationship

"Bill and I know what's at the core of everything," she states.  "First and foremost were best friends and husband and wife and all of the craziness is for a common goal.  If we ride the wave now, one day it will all pay off and we can relax."  After the Oscars they were planning on heading to Cabo to relax with four other couples.

Cancer

"You can't control what life hands you, you can only control how you handle it," she says.  Filling her life with positivity, she's doing just fine.

Do Your Skin A Favor & Give Yourself A Reality Check with DDF at Sephora

In between shows this week I stopped by Sephora in Columbus Circle to check out DDF's new Skin Evaluation System.  It's an iPhone app that only professionally trained sales assistants at Sephora can use to give customers skin diagnosises comprable to ones you'd receive in a derms office.  Skeptical at first (Do I really trust the accuracy of an app when it comes to my skin?), I met with Roy Galifi, a Retail Executive for Procter & Gamble who's worked with DDF for years, and surrendered my face to the dermascope.  Here's what I found out... My skin is older than I am!  Thank you to my college self who thought it was a great idea to bake in tanning beds every single day.  He used an iPhone and went through a series of questions about my skincare concerns addressing aging, sensitivity, pores, oil, dryness, etc. and then proceeded to put a dermascope (microscopic camera that attaches to the iPhone and magnifies your skin 25x) up to different areas of my skin and take photos.

That part was a nightmare! He took close up photos with the device of my crows feet, pores on my nose and cheek and then compared each photo with photos that were rated one through five.  My crows feet scored a three out of five (five being the worst, ladies), pores scored a four out of five (why are my pores humungous!?) and texture scored a three out of five, but I think he was just being nice there as I would have given it a four.

After the survey was completed and photo grading torture was over, he printed out my skin assessment results, which proved that my pores should be my main concern, when I thought it was my fine lines and wrinkles (they ranked second).  To help ease my mind, he recommended a DDF regimen that would help with my true problems and I'm beginning it tonight!

"People come into Sephora with preconceived notions of what they need," Galifi commented.  "DDF isn't diagnosing with this app, but we're getting to root of problems with this evaluating tool."  For example, many people believe they have sensitive skin, but what may really be the issue is that they have a sensitivity to an ingredient in a product they're using.

Interested in having your skin analyzed?  Check out DDF's Facebook page or DDF online to see which Sephora's are holding assessment events.  It surely was a reality check for me!

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my actions and thoughts are honest.

Physician's Formula Launches A Fool Proof Makeup Collection

When I received Physician's Formula's latest launches this week, I spilled the bag out onto my floor as I normally do and shifted through making a mess of packaging on my floor and on my hand of color swatches.  I stopped to pay closer attention when I noticed they had new products called "PH Matchmaker," which is basically genius makeup – a bronzer, blush and lipgloss that work with the PH in your skin and lighting to customize your perfect colors. The bronzer and blush each come in two shades and have flourescein based dye that senses your skins PH and the powders adjust to the light so your glow looks just as fabulous in the sunshine as it does in your own bathroom lighting.  The lip gloss also comes in two shades, pink and light pink and works the same way.  They really a natural lip hue.

I'm really impressed by the technology in these products and believe makeup can either be used to enhance your natural beauty or as an accessory.  Of course I use it both ways, but this collection is a great way to bring out your natural colors.

Physician's Formula PH Matchmaker Powder Bronzer, $19.99; Powder Blush, $15.99 and Lip Gloss, $12.79 all at physiciansformula.com

Tighten Up Without Working Out at Ildi Pekar Spa

A few weeks ago I was having lunch with a publicist friend of mine, Marie Laure, who only takes on clients that she really believes in (which is rare in this industry) so when she asked me to meet with esthitician, Ildi Pekar and visit her discreet location in Midtown, I jumped at the chance.  If ML vibed well with her, I knew I would too and couldn't wait to learn more about what she was going to do with my skin.  She works on rockstars! Before I take you through my meeting let me just say that my face is tight!  I can't even pinch my cheeks anymore and I had sagging hamster cheeks (genetics).

Ildi's from Hungary and has been an estitician for the past 15 years, with her NYC space for the past five.  I went up to the 25th floor of an office building and had to walk to the 26th to get to her spa.  Greeted by a receptionist, I filled out forms and noticed there was only one room and Ildi.  It's not your typical spa, it's a place of privacy, relaxation and efficacy.  Exactly what rockstars, men and even I look for from time to time.

After chatting for a bit, I decide to try the Trio-Lift on my face, which is an electronic hand held device that heats up your skin (on your face to 102 degrees F.) and liquidizes your fat by sending micro-currents throughout your muscles.  The fat then goes through your lymphnatic system and you naturally get rid of it (after drinking about two liters of water within eight hours).

"Since our own bodies have electricity, it's natural and holistic," remarks Ildi.  Natural or not, I'm all about it.  It's non-invasive, relaxing and worked.  The results should last about a month and being that it's NY Fashion Week and I have several TV segments this month, it was good timing!  The treatment works on the body as well and I wouldn't mind having it done on my inner thighs before a vacation!  Warning though: If you go to Ildi once, you'll be hooked.

Ildi Pekar Spa, 315 Madison Ave. Suite 2600 New York, NY Suite 10017

The Scoop on BB Creams and Why You'll Love Them

For the past few months I've been receiving samples of BB Creams to test out. Unfamiliar at first, I became an instant fan. I'm sure you're seeing them pop up everywhere now too so let me fill you in on why you need to get involved. Beauty Balms (BB Creams) were first created in Germany have been popular in Asia for years and have just started becoming a United States staple.  If you're anything like me you've always wished for a product that can do it all.  Well, this can.  At first, I thought it was just a fancy name for a tinted moisturizer until I explored it further.  It's the ultimate multi-tasker! In general, they typically even out your skin tone, rid shine, conceal, protect from UV rays and give you a nice, added glow.

Here are two worth exploring:

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balms, $32

The first BB Cream I was sent was Dr. Jart's Water Fuse Beauty Balm with SPF 25.  Creamy in texture, the one step product opened my eyes to a brand new category.  It acts as a moisturizer and serum and gave my skin a dewey glow evening out my skin tone.  It felt weird at first not to do my normal four steps in the morning, but I got used to it, for a little while anyway. Eventually I ended up adding this product into a daily regimen of products anyway.  I couldn't help it!

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector, $12.99

I was so excited to get this in the mail this week!  The coverage is really light, making it perfect for day time and offers a beautiful glow. Even though I'm pretty pale I use the medium/deep one and make sure to blend it well with my fingers.  My skin appears even and feels moisturized.  As an added bonus, it has an SPF 15 with UVA/UVB defense.

*Available at drugstores in February.

Holiday Gift Guide: Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme Set

Every year I always check in with Laura Mercier about their holiday offerings, because no matter what, they always have something that ends up on the top of my wish list.  The first time I was introduced to their holiday gift sets was when I was working at Cosmopolitan and a sleek, red box arrived at my desk with three mini jars of goods.  It was their Creme Brulee Trio, that I coveted, covered and kept for myself! The Creme Brulee Trio is available again and includes a whipped Souffle Body Creme, exfoliating scrub and honey bath.  It's such a nice treat to give someone else because you're literally making them take time out for themselves.  A true indulgence!

You can get it at LauraMercier.com for $60.

Amanda Seyfried Celebrated Her Birthday with Cle de Peau and I Found the Perfect Lipstick at Her Party

On Tuesday night I attended Amanda Seyfried's 26th birthday party at Norwood in NYC thrown by Cle de Peau (she's the face of the brand).  The whole private club was filled with editors and we all eagerly checked out the brands Spring 2012 launches and wished Amanda a happy birthday by lighting individual candles promptly at 7pm.  The most exciting part – I found the perfect lipstick – Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer in Plum Pudding. ""I like darker lipsticks and I absolutely can't live without the Concealer stick. Clé de Peau's Mascara keeps my eyelashes curled even though they're really straight," she told People Style Watch.

While I've been a fan of Cle de Peau for years, but I just found the perfect lipstick at their lipstick bar that was set up surrounded by rock candy, maccaroons and caramel treats.  The lipsticks in the new Spring 2012 collection were all inspired by the sweets (specifically by a visit to Patisserie Valerie in London) and each have names that reflect it. There are 20 chocolates, berry and caramel shades that are super moisturizing and creamy in texture but offer a glossy like like.  The perfect combination of a lipstick and gloss if you ask me.

They're not available until February, but I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on Plum Pudding!  (I have a bunch of samples for now).  The coolest thing is that since it's a pricey lipstick (yet, well worth it), you can purchase a lipstick for $60 and then save the tube and get a color refill for $35.