Not Again!!!!!

In Memoriam: Covergirl Multiplying Mascara 2006-2009 Oh my beauties, I have suffered 2 devastating losses to my personal beauty arsenal this year. First was my beloved Joey lip liner, now we bid adieu to my long time companion- Covergirl Multiplying Mascara. I blame myself- I do. I spread the word about Joey- it was written up in a local mag as one of my faves, but I kept this mascara a secret. Not to brag, but I am a trendsetter(was even voted it in 6th grade)... but sometimes when I let on about my favorites, I cease to be able to find them around town. I was selfish- I should have done more! In a desperate attempt, I contacted a Junior League friend who works for Proctor & Gamble who had to break it to me gently.-"It was pulled off shelves in January- do you have any friends or family I can call for you?" Frantic pleas to buy remaining stock left me empty handed. Now I cherish the six tubes I was able to score off of Ebay like precious diamonds.
Now the quest begins anew. The Joey journey has proven unsuccessful, but these two mascaras are beginning to woo me. This Paul & Joe Duo Mascara has two different applicators & formulas so you can become your very own mix master. The comb helps separates while the other end adds delicate fibers (not spider lashes) to add the appearance of volume. I will be quite frank in saying I draw the line at a $30 mascara(for that price it should clean my house as well!) Especially since one should replace every 2-3 months. $26 http://www.peacelovelipgloss.com/

The Mally Mascara claims that what makes it different is "the combination of natural waxes and carefully-chosen powders gives lashes an instant boost. The plush combing brush works with the powders in the formula to help thicken lashes without clumping, giving you gorgeous volume that lasts and lasts." I struggled with the formula when the tube was brand new (as a make-up artist I'm a goldie locks...I hate brand new tubes, but wait too long and the product becomes too dry. About a week in is when it become just right) I have been layering this on top of a coat of my Covergirl to start the weaning process to rave reviews. 2 for $24 http://www.qvc.com/
So girls help a friend out- any suggestions?
Peace. Love. Mourning My Mascara. M

Music to My Ears

Music's an integral part of my life. For some- they just listen to it in the car...For me my life has been a constant soundtrack. Looking back over the years and memories, relationships, good times, bad times- there has been music to get me through it & that takes me back whenever I hear it. I even did the musician's girlfriend thing( the talented & infamous Wes McDonough) for 2 yrs...I lugged a lot of musical equipment during that relationship!
Live music is my passion- I love small intimate venues, where acts are less scripted and the vibe is authentic. Wednesday nite Movie Girl & I went to see our beloved Matt Nathanson. at Ramshead Live in downtown Baltimore. Besides being amazing live- he's hysterically funny. Check him out you won't be disappointed.

The lovely Erin McCarley was the opening act- for being such a tiny creature, she has a set of pipes! Her music's perfect for a dinner party- I was really impressed by her soulfoul voice.

The ever talented Jack's Mannequin was the headliner...and after getting there at 6:30 to ensure we didn't miss our Matt, these over 30 girls were starting to take a turn for the worse. There are these moments you have where you realize you're not in your twenties anymore...The man next to you who hasn't discovered deodorant.... The 19 yr old whose oversized bag keeps smacking you in the back of the head. ...All capped off with the tallest man you've ever seen standing right in front of you and a shoving match between 2 people on your other side. Ah yes- my beauties there is nothing like live music!!! Regardless, we had a blast & would do it again in a heartbeat- Matt Nathanson is that good. Happy Weekend! Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Stick it to You

Hi My Beauties,

So I'm still catching my breath after attending the International Esthetics Spa Conference in NYC this weekend. I picked up so many goodies for the boutique and anti-aging products for my clients- I can't wait to try everything out! I will post this week I promise, but until then feast your eyes on this contraption. It's called a micro roller. I picked this one up from Bio Jouvance and will report back to you after two weeks use...Though it looks like an implement of torture, the device with its little pins is supposed to create over 900 micro-channels, which allow the nutrients and active ingredients in skin care products to penetrate up to 400 times more effectively than products simply applied topically(according to Leaf and Rusher whose company is the pioneer of the technology.) I always say beauty is pain! Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Skype Hype

Beauties,

My heart is so full right now I can't even stand it. I just got off my first video call with BFFH. (that's Best Friend Forever Hawaii) I will quote Tom Cruise in saying "She completes me." She knows every sorted detail of me & I of her and there's comfort in that- no apologies. I've known her for almost 17 yrs now. She's been in Hawaii for over 1 1/2 years and it truly felt like she was right here with me just now. I have been so homesick for her, for she is home to me. So have you ever heard of Skype? I've seen it on Oprah, but this was my first time using it. It was so easy to do I was amazed(especially since I'm computer challenged and had happy hour with Kelly Hair) Skype was up & running in no time and after we finally got off the phone so I could get ready for bed I almost cried(good tears.) I hope you download it and get to feel closer to someone who makes you happy, too. Peace. Love. Video. M

Oh no she didn't!

I make no apologies for the love affair that is moi & The Hills. I don't care that I'm a thirty something that's glued to the screen every Monday. I can not look away, even if I tried.
Hills fans know that this is Lauren's last season on the show...Audrina is signed for her own reality show & lord knows fame whores Speidi will follow a camera anywhere. But in tonight's episode, I could actually see how done my beloved LC is with the show. I actually felt like I could hear her thinking -'what am I doing surrounded by all these idiots?" (um hello Stephanie?!?)

Even more mesmerizing was everyone's lip fillers!!!! My Lord Heidi was a trend setter. I'm not judging- as an esthetician I'm all for doing what makes you feel better about yourself. But hello- Steph you were stumbling over your new lips. Brody's girlfriend Jayde? Bordering on looking disfigured. It was distracting- almost from the fact that Justin Bobbie's still an idiot & that Audrina(though her subtle injections are the best of the bunch) should be ashamed of herself for going after someone in a relationship. Kharma party of one. Regardless I love the whole bunch.

Peace. Love. Lipfiller. M

SPF Most Def!

Alright, so I laughed out loud after seeing this picture. I can definitely sympathize with her pain- who hasn't been here? But as an esthetician, knowing the damage that Kim Kardashian just inflicted on herself is no laughing matter. Inflammation is what causes aging my beauties & a burn like really causes trauma to the skin. With these longer summer days soon approaching, I must nag about the importance of SPF! The girls and I just had a Sonya Dakar training this week at the spa where we were told that 75%-90% of aging is due to environmental stressors like sun & smoking (ie, we can't blame everything on mom & dad.) So apply a SPF 30 or higher each and every day girleens whether rain or shine. If you do find yourself in this unfortunate predicament- immediately take some advil to quell the inflammation internally and then apply tried & true aloe or compresses of cool milk (which has an enzyme present to help calm the burn) Peace. Love. SPF! M

Late Night Beauty

I'm not going to lie to you, late at night if someone were to drop by unexpectedly- I could be rocking this look. One suggestion I make in make-up lessons is to play around with new looks right before you hop in the shower- it helps you master the technique without the stresses of having to go out in your creation. I always tell my clients 'practice makes perfect!' Hey- I didn't master my cat eye overnight...I also always remind my clients that make-up should be fun. There not many mistakes in life that can literally be cleaned up with just a little bit of cleanser.
My most recent descent upon Sephora yielded some fun acquisitions- like this high definition concealer from Cargo $24. Light in feel, moderate in coverage.

You would have thought by now I would have discovered an eyeliner that would stay put and not run on my undereye...No such luck. This Make-Up Forever liner delivers intense pigment, but not enough staying power for my difficult lower lash line. The quest continues... $18

I am really happy with this cake liner duo from Laura Gellar. I got the blueberry & coffee duo. I accessorize my mood with different liners. My collection is quite impressive- if I do say so myself! The texture is easy to work with, and if applied wet gives stronger color. The brown isn't as intense as the navy and it's a classic to add to your make-up wardrobe. $24

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a needless gadget. Cargo's new lipgloss has an expiration tab that you activate at the time of purchase. Necessary? Not at all...especially on a gloss, it'd be better on a mascara-but it does make this classic nude gloss a little edgier. $20 All products can be picked up at http://www.sephora.com/ As one of my elderly clients says, " A little powder & a little paint can make a lady look like what she ain't!"

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M