Bella Dolce

Is Butter Better?

2012-01-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

Well if you ask Paula Deen, I'm sure the answer is yes! But here we're talking about the trendy nail polish brand 'butter LONDON'. It caught my eye in all the mags as the trendiest new polish on the market, and priced at $14 a bottle, it's at a mid-price range between high-end Chanel, and every woman's brand, Essie. But, wait! For that price you get a nail polish that is '3- Free'! What's that you ask? Well..

butter LONDON products are formulated without the use of the harmful ingredients like Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP or Parabens. butter LONDON was the first company to sell non-toxic nail lacquer in the United States.

Now here I must admit that those chemicals never really bothered me, as I wasn't drinking the polish, but if it's important to Rachel Zoe and Victoria Beckham (as their name dropping website oh so casually mentions) it's good enough for me!

The colors are rich and yummy looking, the packaging very charming. And it was hard to choose, but I settled on 'Toff' (which in British slang means someone well-dressed) a 'brownish, rose-pink'. Other colors included 'Frilly Knickers' (an iridescent pastel glitter), and 'No More Waity Katie'(a gray shade with a splash of lilac glitter).

I found the consistency to be a bit thinner than other polishes, but it went on very smoothly, leaving a flawless color. But alas, I found it couldn't hold up to my everyday wear and tear, and I noticed chips the very next day.

So for special occasions, definitely a fun 'dress-up' nail treat. And I give high marks to the Marketing Team..visit the website..http://www.butterlondon.com. I promise you, with catchy words like 'butter' & 'free', hip, fresh, colors, and most importantly- Beckham's blessing, your cart will not be empty for long!

Ugg!! Put On a Real Pair of Shoes

2011-12-01T11:30:00.006-05:00

Ladies, face it, the days of Uggs being trendy are waay over. Yes, I said it. Your posture is sloppy; you’re shuffling your feet when you walk-basically you’re wearing heavy slippers outside. Add sparkles, add buttons, heck add a huge price tag, they’re still oversized slippers. Walking around in Uggs, sweats that have print across the butt, and a hat that has the face of an animal is a fashion “Don’t” for anyone over the age of 16.

Now you will argue that they’re comfortable, and uh, yeah, so are my fuzzy sleep socks, but you don’t see me wearing them to the mall. Now before you panic, of course you aren’t expected to wear Louboutins everywhere you go, so I have provided a list of Ugg-approved situations…

1. Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts (I’ll even let you wear your animal face hat)
2. Any Pick Up/ Drop Off Situation (where your time out of the car is minimal)
3. Food Shopping (heck, go ahead and put your hair in a ‘chip clip’ while you’re at it)
4. Dog Walking (no one is looking at you, they’re checking out the pooch)

So what are non-Ugg situations??

1. ALL the REST of the TIME!!!!

Guess what? It’s a big shoe world out there. Check it
out, you might find a shoe that makes you look pulled together and is
comfortable. Sure you might have to wear socks, but we’ll go slowly. You can
thank me later.

Tune in next time when we discuss why grown men
shouldn’t wear baseball caps unless that’s their profession….

Put a Litte 'Sun In' Your Hair..

2011-06-22T09:14:00.015-04:00

Ah, Summer of '83...hanging by the town pool with my best friend, reading Seventeen magazine, eating Jolly Ranchers, listening to Duran Duran..and waiting for her Sun-In to work. You remember Sun-In, right? Easy enough, just like the commercial instructed, spray in your hair, sit in the sun, and voila! Sun kissed hair. Only if you didn't have blond hair to begin with (which she didn't), you got orange, frizzy hair. But listen, we were only 13, and back then beauty options for pre-teens were limited to whatever we found at the local drugstore. Alas, there was no App for that! Her mom eventually had to take her to the salon where they 'worked' on restoring the color and texture of her dark hair, but that's a story for another blog.

So here we are, Summer of '11 and John Freida is pushing his own version of Sun-In..Sheer Blonde -Go Blonder Lightening Spray. But rather than letting the sun activate the product, you simply spray in after washing, then blow dry. So I tested the product on the blondies in my house, and yes, it works! Now before you go calling social services, my tween is always asking me to dye her hair a lighter blond, and the younger one also asks to have her hair 'dialed'. This is an inexpensive (around $10 at the local food store), safe, and controlled way to add instant color to your hair. There was no harsh chemical smell, and the color seems to last through quite a few washings.

Now of course I was curious what would happen to my brown hair..would it turn orange like with Sun-In? So I sprayed my hair(all in the name of science) and guess what? Nothing happened! Not orange, not blond, nothing. I am hoping John Freida is working on a highlighting spray for brunettes.

But if you're a blond, turn up the Duran Duran, pop in a Jolly Rancher, and add blond highlights in just a few quick sprays! Oh, the rest of us? Back out into the sun..but I'm bringing my Seventeen magazine with me!

Saving Bunnies and Looking Good!

2011-05-24T08:28:00.012-04:00

Yes, I am selfish and vain. I admit it. You can tell me how great and natural a product is, how it's saving small bunnies and the environment, but if it doesn't make me look good, into the trash it goes (or the recycle bin, I'm not heartless, ya know)! For instance, I recently tried Juice Beauty Organic peel and wash (http://www.juicebeauty.com/). I think I could have gotten the same results using Ivory soap. Total waste of money.

So I mistakenly skipped the rms beauty booth at the NYC Makeup Show, because 'Organic' does not always mean results. But then Rose-Marie Swift (featured in photo below, and makeup artist to stars like Celine Dion and Sheryl Crow), caught my ear as she was explaining how, when working with top models, she could always tell what kind of diet they had by the condition of their skin. Ms. Swift stated, "I would ask a model with dry skin if they drink Diet Pop, and they would always answer, 'oh yes'!" Hmm. So I stuck around to hear more.

Another skin detriment? Face Scrubs. Ms. Swift explained that our skin doesn't need to be constantly exfoliated, it's aging the skin. She also spoke about the importance of using ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosemary extract, and a whole host of 'real' natural components to nourish the skin, rather than strip it of it's natural elements.

You must read her philosophy about ingredients on her website, http://www.rmsbeauty.com/. She explains the USDA will certify something 'organic' that is "refined, bleached, or deodorized". Scary.

Which brings me to her products. I purchased the Lip Balm (because I go thru tubes of ChapStick daily), the Living Luminizer, and the "un"-coverup. The Lip Balm definately keeps my lips moisturized all day after just a single application! As a bonus, you can use it on any dry spot on your skin. And the "un"-coverup goes on smooth and does not crease.

But my FAVORITE is the Living Luminizer. It has such a slight sheer shimmer, but when you place it on various parts of the face, you instantly get a lovely, fresh, dewy look. You can use it on "cheeckbones, eyes, bridge of nose, even as a lip gloss". Totally worth the $38 price tag, and since you need such a slight amount to see positive effects, that little pot will go a long way!

Saving the world and looking young and dewy? Now that's a cause I can get behind!

You're Never Fully Dressed Without.. Some Concealer?

2011-02-02T09:27:00.035-05:00

Saturday morning, 10am. It's winter. You do not even have a hint of natural color on your face, as weeks of cold weather and clouds have hid you from the sun. You're on your way to run errands. Pop Quiz: Do you put on some makeup first? Some blush? Some powder? Or do you go Au Natural?

What about to work? Did you know that a recent survey in the New York Times stated that 64% of managers said women who wore makeup looked more professional and 18% of managers said that women who do not wear makeup "look like they can't be bothered to make an effort".* You thought no one noticed, right?

I seem to have come across many women recently (who shall remain nameless -but you know who you are!) who have confessed that on a daily basis they wear little or no makeup-even to work. Now listen, it's 2011, far from the days when women have to wake up before their significant other to sneak on some lipstick and blush, lest he see them in their natural state. And we also know that a man worth his salt doesn't want us looking air brushed like Kim Kardashian 24/7. So are there only two extremes? Not at all.

First let's go over the general rules for when it's OK to wear/not wear makeup:

No Makeup OK! (as an aside, sweat pants are also acceptable in these situations)

Food Shopping
Early Morning Drop Off
Carpooling Kids ANYWHERE
Meeting girlfriend for coffee

Please Put on Some Makeup! (do I have to mention this is also a no sweat pants/stretch pants zone?)

Work
Mall
Meeting girlfriends for a drink

Date Nite

So for my makeup challenged friends, I thought today we could review some basic products to stay fresh faced without looking 'made up'. Because when we put even a bit more effort into our appearance we feel just a bit better about ourselves.

Your New 5 Minute Routine

Always start with a Moisturizer. Try Olay Complete Ageless or Lancome High Resolution Refill 3X (a bit heavier than the Olay, but great for skin beaten down by weather).

Or try a Tinted Moisturizer: Bobbie Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, which gives just a hint of color.

You need Concealer to even out your skin: Benefit Erase Paste (for problem areas like redness and sunspots) &/or Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup, which goes on white, then blends seemlessly with your skin tone.

Then a little Powder to set : Clinique Transparency or Bobbie Brown Bronzing Powder (sounds dark but isn't, gives an allover glow to your face).

You only need to sweep a base Eye Shadow for a little color: CoverGirl -Mauveberry or Champagne are two good ones to try.

Lips: Pensil in some color (so many inexpensive colors to choose from at your local drugstore), then top w a little chap stick or lip gloss.

Dealer's choice: Eyeliner, Mascara, Blush. These are all extras that are not always needed for an everyday look, but if you have that extra second by all means add them into the routine.

So the above steps, once perfected, should take you no longer than 3-5 minutes. Give it a try for a few days, you have nothing to lose and only a polished look to gain! And don't forget to post your thoughts and questions in the comments section!

* http://http//finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/ways-your-appearance-affects-your-paycheck-535945.html?tickers=%5edji,%5egspc,spy,dia

*

Tokidoki On My Mind..

2010-12-13T11:59:00.048-05:00

What do you get when you mix brash Ed Hardy style with Hello Kitty-type graphics? A hot new 'brand' empire by the name of tokidoki (pronounced toekey-doekey). Featuring the artwork of Italian artist Simone Legno, tokidoki has exploded on the scene, covering everything from sneakers and purses to iPhone cases, and yes, even makeup.

At a recent visit to Sephora I was drawn to the artwork on the packaging mainly because of the vibrant colors and charming characters, which are obviously targeting the tween and teen set. But a closer look at the artwork had me questioning why that cute cow is holding a machine gun? And is that little bunny being stabbed on a blush brush? And most importantly what in the world does this have to do with makeup?

Apparently nothing. One visit to the tokidoki website reveals endless products covered with these "irresistibly edgy characters". The little cow with the gun is called Mozzerella-he "leads a gang called the 'moofia' assembled to extort milk from the lunchboxes of bullies". While the blush brush is telling the 'traditional' Kabuki story.

But am I alone in believing that the quality of makeup should dictate the branding, not the other way around? We should be dismayed when the same brand that is marketing toys and skateboards is being marketed as a legitimate cosmetics company. This offends me as a makeup purist, and it should raise eyebrows as we question how far mass market branding on products will go.

What's next? Tokidoki antibiotics?

Are You Lash Challenged?

2009-09-16T11:55:00.013-04:00

By now we've all seen the ad with Brooke Shields for Latisse, an FDA approved treatment for the growth of eyelashes. On their website, Brooke tells her shocking story of always having to wear fake eyelashes. Gasp! So let's take a moment and give it up to Brooke for her silent suffering. This woman is truly a profile in courage. Equally shocking is that even I, the most cosmetic product-hungry gal I know, cannot believe that science has advanced the growth of eyelashes. I can see the scientists standing around in their white lab coats trying to decide their next project ...AIDS? ...Swine-Flu? Nah, all too hard, let's grow eyelashes! Cool!!

Ah-hem, apply Latisse nightly and by week 16 beautiful, long lashes will be yours. Of course you must be very careful, some 'side-effects' may include darkening of your eyelid, and there is 'potential' for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent. So you get long lashes and brown eyes. But wait, this is my favorite..."There is a potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with skin surfaces". Wait, if your hand slips during application, you can grow eyelids out of the side of your face? Now that's cool.

For those of us who do not want lashes sprouting in the wrong place, there are a variety of other products on the market promising to multiply lash growth. Tarte's MultiplEYE Lash Enhancer ($65) promises the appearance of lash growth 152% (which seems an odd amount, but I'm not a scientist), but most importantly it does not contain Parabens or Sulfates, which means your eyes will stay the color you were born with! Also, Tarte's products are not tested on animals and are fragrance and dye free.

I have been using Tarte's 4 Day Stay Lash Stain ($18) with better than average results. It's supposed to last 4 days, but I think it loses some luster after day 2. Still, it's nice not to have to apply mascara everyday. It's fatal nemesis is oil... so don't start deep-frying oreos while wearing and you should be OK!

I'd love to know if anyone has used Latisse or a similar product. How often do you usually apply mascara? What's your favorite long-lasting brand? Please share so we don't have to suffer in silence like Brooke.

A Midsummer's Night Facelift

2009-07-27T21:26:00.012-04:00

Where have I been all summer, you ask? Hiding my face in shame. Yes, I have broken the cardinal rule of facial care - I have allowed the sun to tan me like this year's 'It' bag. Please, don't judge me. Really, I had promised myself that this summer would be different - I bought a hat, big sunglasses, and SPF 200 facial cream. But then I got a 'little' color on my cheeks, and I found I didn't need blush! So I let the sun kiss me a little more -I didn't need foundation! And now my face is so dark, the only makeup I use is Bare Minerals in 'Warm' to even out the sunspots that have popped out above my lip (I asked you not to judge!).

In an effort to make amends with my skin (before it gets really angry with me), I purchased The Fix-It Kit Skincare Deluxe Sampler ($118 Value) for $40 at Sephora.

This set contains 'trial'(or for the layperson, really tiny) sizes of Sephora's most wanted skin care lines :

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask
Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother
Cosmedicine Wrinkle Write Off
Kinerase Extreme Lift Face
Dr. Brandt Pores No More
Clarins High Definition Body Lift

For the next week I will be 'treating' my face with these delicacies, and reporting back. In the meantime, let's hear it - have you tried any of these products? Are they worth their status? Any tanning stories you want to share to make me feel better???

Federic Fekkai Salon Color at Home

2009-06-16T10:53:00.016-04:00

Poor Ruth Madoff (yes, Bernie's wife). The New York Times is reporting that due to the sins of her husband, she has been banned from her favorite upscale hair salon-gasp! Apparently she had a standing appointment to highlight her 'Soft Baby Blond' hair (yes, that is her official color) every six weeks. Well no more. But never fear Ruth, I may have found a solution for you.

Now I realize that using a $7 box of hair color from CVS might be too far a fall for Ruth, so I went to Sephora and purchased Frederic Fekkai's Salon Color 7N- Dark Blond (see pic). Fekkai is world renown for his upscale salons and his A-list clientele -think Beyonce and Heidi Klum. And this new product promises to give you hair that is "left healthier than it was prior to coloring, with no trace of grays and 40% more shine, silkiness, and softness". Imagine, quality color without the cost and snooty attitude you usually get at the high-end salons!

The Product:

For $30 you get - Fekkai's exclusive pre-color treatment, salon color, post-color mask, and what I think is the most important aspect- a bowl and an application brush. The 'bowl and brush' method allows for a more precise mixing of the color and application onto the hair strands. I have long thought that mixing color in the ketchup-like tube you usually get was really not the best way to go.

Application:

I applied the pre-color treatment, then went to work mixing the color in the bowl. It was alot of fun and I felt so professional -like playing salon! Plus, I was able to see that the color was indeed properly mixed. The color then stays on for 35mins, which I think is about 10mins longer than the usual product, but not really a big deal.

My only complaint is that the kit only included one pair of gloves, but the instructions say to use gloves while applying the post-color mask. Ruth probably would not like to get her hands dirty. I, on the other hand, am not afraid of a little post-color, and applied straight with my bare hands. Doctor says the rash will disappear in a few days -kidding, just kidding! It was fine.

Results:

Love, love, love the color! I really think using the brush instead of squeezing the color from a tube made a huge difference. The color is very even, and very natural looking. And my hair looks very healthy and silky.

So Ruth, it looks like we found you a solution to your hair color snafu. You can even make your maid apply the color and play 'salon' in your penthouse! You will love the results, I did!

Summer Scent

2009-06-04T17:23:00.007-04:00

When a friend called and said she was taking me to the Soap & Paper Factory, I was thrilled. Partly because with this cast on my leg, I've been stuck on the couch - she could have offered to take me to the 'Mulch Factory' and I would have applauded. But mainly because it sounded like the type of boutique I've been known to frequent (much to my husband's chagrin). Plus, they're only open certain days and hours, so there was sense of urgency and mystique.

Imagine my surprise when we turned into an industrial park! Soap & Paper Factory is nestled in between very non-descript buildings, but once you enter, the fun begins. The front 'showroom' holds wonderful smelling soaps, candles and scented drawer papers. We were greeted by one of the proprietors who was charming and not all pretentious - I say that because her business has gotten a lot of press in such publications as Lucky, Family Circle and Vogue.

Scents include Fig, Green Tea, and my favorite Verbena. I snatched up a Verbena solid perfume. I've never purchased a solid perfume before, but it smells so fresh and lemony, I had to have it. Perfect for the summer when you want to wear a scent, but the heat and humidity make most perfumes unbearable. It's such an uplifting smell, you will find yourself taking a whiff every time you feel stressed!

Soap & Paper Factory only uses the most natural of ingredients and is not tested on animals. They also stress that you reuse the lovely containers their products come in. Eco-friendly, wonderful scent, and their background story is equally as charming. Check out their story and peruse their products at www.soapandfactory.com. You will not be disappointed!

The Hamptons Tan

2009-05-28T14:43:00.012-04:00

OK, so I have yet to be invited to the Hamptons this season, and I've been laid up on the couch with a broken foot -but hey, I deserve to be tan too!! I've always felt that spray tans are too 'Dancing with the Stars' for me, and besides, all the magazines are touting the 'efficiency' and 'safety' of sunless tanning lotions that are quickly populating the shelves. So I grabbed a pale friend and hobbled to the CVS to try two affordable sunless tanning lotions.

My victim, er, friend, tried Jergens® natural glow Firming Daily Moisturizer ($4.99 on sale).

Here's what she said:

"I used it for three days and it did make a little difference in the color of my legs. It definitely smelled, not bad, but a little bit funny. It was way better than using a self-tanner in terms of streaks, but it was hard to make my feet and knees look the same color as the rest of my legs. Maybe I am just not skilled enough. I will use it again this summer, but not on days like tomorrow (I have an interview) because people might notice that I smell funny. I wonder if I use it for a long time if it will really make my legs firmer!!!" - Heather C.

I on the other hand (er, leg) I tried Neutrogena Build-a-Tan® Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion ($9.99-reg CVS price). Here's what happened to me:

"I used it for one day. I lathered it on as directed and thought I blended it well...but since it takes a couple of hours to develop, I really couldn't tell! Plus, I will admit, I was so excited about being tan, I put it on my legs and arms. But when it did finally develop, it was indeed a little streaky and a little orange in color. Which was OK on my legs, but looked silly on my arms! The next day, it did seem to turn a more natural tan color. So then I had natural looking tan streaks! Thankfully there wasn't a smell. Seems like alot of work, wondering if I'm applying it correctly or not." - Dawn D.

I still think the magazines over-simplify the use of these sunless tanning lotions.

Any thoughts readers? Sunless tanning lotions you swear by? Should I go the spray tan route? And if I do that will I feel compelled to add glitter and a dance routine?

Promises, Promises...

2009-05-08T16:35:00.015-04:00

Ah, dear reader. Nothing is worse than 'finding' a great new product, only to discover, alas, it does not do what it promises. I have complied a brief list of those products tried, and SIGH, pushed to the back of the drawer.

1. Bliss -The Love Handler : Touted as a 'liquid workout for lazy abdominals', just rub this caffeine-filled lotion into those muffin tops and poof! Apparently I was not part of the 50% who saw results -and that was with diet and exercise!! Not to mention that every time I used it, I got that song "Wiggle it, just a little bit" stuck in my head.

2. Laura Geller- Eyebrow Marker: I might as well have taken my kid's Crayola marker to my forehead! Enough said. I'm so sorry I strayed from Benefit's BrowZings..will you forgive me?

3. Smashbox-The Big 'O': I want to like this product, I really do. The concept is way cool - it's a clear gel that when applied to your face turns your perfect shade of blush. It even comes in bronzer and lip gloss -all promising that natural look. And yet, I feel like if my natural look was enough, then I wouldn't need makeup. It doesn't cover marks or pores, or fix uneven color. Just simply adds a blush to your face. SO maybe it would work on a 'no makeup' food shopping day, when my only goal is to avoid looking like I'm auditioning for a role in the Twilight sequel.

4. Philosphy - Hope in a Jar: More like 'Nope in a Jar'. Thankfully this was a trial size, so I didn't waste too much money. It has a funny smell, and irritated my skin.

5. Moroccan Oil Styling Cream -Sold primarily in upscale hair salons, this product retails for $75 dollars for a mere 10oz bottle. So imagine how excited I was when my stylist got me 2 bottles at $10 each from the 'secret' beauty supply store! Yes, on application my hair did feel softer, but the next morning, it felt greasy and seriously needed a wash.

Anyone want to add a product to the list? Add your comments and be heard!

'Baked' is the New Black

2009-05-04T15:46:00.018-04:00

The newest buzz word on the beauty scene is 'baked' - shadows, blush, bronzer and powders. And at first glance, the Laura Geller baked 'Mauve' eyeshadow does seem intriguing - it has a multi-dimensional color and a 'raised' appearance, like a tiny tasty baked treat in a pan. So as someone who likes to really understand how makeup works (and has a soft spot for anything baked), I did a little research on these goodies~you can thank me later.

Alas, after nosing around Sephora, and doing some research on the Internet, I found out the shocking truth-'baked' cosmetics are actually not too different than the 'pressed' cosmetics we usually use!

And yet, top makeup brands like Laura Geller and Stila have recently created a buzz about having this revolutionary process done for them in Italy, leading to big profits in stores and on QVC. So why all the hype? Well, first the basics: these cosmetics are baked in their little pots rather than machine pressed, supposedly giving the products a "finer, more luxurious finish". They're also supposed to "mimic the nuances seen in smooth, young skin". Now if that were true, shouldn't I rub it all over my body -why waste it on my eyelids?

Another benefit, as Laura Geller describes, is that if you become tired of the one overall color, you can "isolate a single pigment for highlighting, contouring or lining. The possibilities are endless". Really? 3 million eye shadows out there and I'm going to spend time trying to find one in a marble swirl? I think not.

Personally I think the term 'baked' is a great marketing tool. First, the word invokes thoughts of delicious treats, and secondly, if something is baked, you might tend to believe it's more natural vs. it's processed brother, and therefore better for you, or somehow better for the Earth.

My advice: if you find a high quality color eyeshadow or blush you really like - get it. Regardless of it's baked or compressed nature. It's all the same! Most important is how the color looks on you, and that it's long lasting, not how or where it was made.

Now tell me what you think - have you tried the newest baked products? If so, what was your experience?

Gypsy Moth Season

2009-04-30T15:03:00.007-04:00

Summer is quickly approaching, and if you live on the East Coast as I do, you know all about Gypsy Moths. If not, let me explain - they are furry little caterpillars that at their peek seem to be EVERYWHERE. Know where I've spotted them the most? On people's faces..oh wait, those are your eyebrows? Yikes!!

Why, oh why, I ask, do people not tame their eyebrows? Fear? Laziness? I recently worked with a woman whose eyebrows were all overgrown, and every time she spoke, I never heard what she was saying. I was so distracted, I just wanted to grab her face and tame those suckers. They let me go not long after..

Now I will admit it is difficult to find and trust someone with your eyebrows. But believe it or not, you can do it yourself. I just found Parissa Wax Strips and they are not only easy to use, but they actually work. Each $9 kit contains 16 Wax Strips (8 double-sided) and instructions. Very simple, just peel the strips apart, apply, and RIP! I would have an eyebrow brush and tweezers on hand to adjust the shape. This kit is perfect for those of use who have the right shape, but need some quick maintenance.

If this is your first time ever shaping your brows, I would focus on the strays above and below the thickest part of your eyebrow. Remember, you can always take more, so tread slowly. If you mess up, never fear - use a brow pencil to fill in any trouble spots until they grow back. Because like the Gypsy Moths, they always return!

Strip and Spackle

2009-04-06T16:30:00.010-04:00

OK, so the saying goes that an average woman ingests 3-4 lbs of lipstick a year. How does that happen you ask? You're probably doing it right now - dry lips, innocent gnawing, a little cupcake flavored gloss and voila - dinner is served! Now if they could develop a lipstick that once eaten breaks down belly fat, imagine the possibilities! But I digress...

This spring my lofty goal is to cut down on dry lip chewing and lipstick eating, and getting my lipstick to last! So I purchased Laura Geller's Lip Strip and Lip Spackle. Yes, that's what it's come to - stripping and spackling like I'm some old barn. The Lip Strip is a gentle scrub to get the lips smooth for application, and the Lip Spackle is worn under the lipstick to help it adhere to your lips. Here's how it went:

10am - Husband rolls eyes at sight of Lip Strip and Spackle.

10:05 - I gently rub Lip Strip into lips. You're supposed to wash it off, but it feels like a gloss, and smells good, so I leave it on. I then apply the Lip Spackle.

10:06- Wrestle lipstick out of toddler's hands.

10:07 - Line lips w/ MAC's 'Pink Treat' Creamstick Liner, then fill in with MAC's Cremesheen 'Creme Cup' lipstick.

10:15- Tween comments she likes my lip gloss! So I brag "it's just lipstick". Secretly pleased w/ myself and my new secret products!

Fast forward 3hrs...

1pm - Ask passersby if it looks like I'm wearing lipstick. She says yes, but I see her eyeing an escape exit. I do feel it starting to lose it's gloss, but this is the longest my lipstick has lasted in a while!!

1:30 - McDonald's (hey, if I'm not eating lipstick I still have to eat!) Some lipstick comes off on the napkin - but I'm surprised to see there was lipstick on my lips.

2:30 - Check the mirror. Feels dry, but I still see a faint coat of lipstick! Success!!

Overall I was pleased with the results. I think if I was in a rush in the morning, I might just use some chapstick, spackle, then just lipstick. Fancy occasions might call for the stripping first.

I'd love to hear your opinion. Let me know if you've had any success with getting your lipstick to last either with these or other products. Or what the best tasting lipstick is -Bon Appetit!

Secher du Shampooing

2009-03-29T20:42:00.010-04:00

Leave it to the French to make something so mundane sound so chic. Secher du Shampooing means 'dry shampoo', and this is one of those products that once purchased, you wonder how you ever lived without!

Now in my extensive research I've found that there are two camps of hair: The first camp needs to be washed EVERYDAY, or else it's 'Greased Lightening'. Then there's the second group, who actually look better on day two, and therefore can go longer between washings. Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo helps both groups.

How? Let me count the ways:

1. You overslept and your hair is looking like one of those birds trapped in an oil slick...
2. You decided to do the chic ponytail look, only it really looks like you're ready to wash floors...
3. You're going to do a fancy updo and your hair needs to hold a curl ...

*Bonus uses:
1. Use in kid's hair if you don't have time/energy to fight them into the tub
2. Use on smelly pet's hair when you don't have time/energy to fight them into tub.

So it's really easy to use, all you do is separate sections of the hair using the pointed cap, and lightly squeeze the powder into the roots (for the kids/pets, just hold them down and squirt some out into their hair). Then make sure you really, really massage or brush well! It's key ingredients are natural rice, oat and tapioca starches, making it the consistency of a baby powder. So, blending it into the hair can be tricky, but it still takes less time than washing and blowdrying! And your hair seems magically cleaner and fuller with a fresh lemon verbena scent.

There are a few brands out there to choose from, but Oscar Blandi's famous formula (he does hair for everyone from Kelly Ripa to Katie Holmes) can be ffound at Sephora's in the mall or at Sephora.com. The large bottle will cost you $18, but look around Sephora, sometimes they have smaller, travel size samples for less.

I promise, your dog will thank me!

A Wrinkle in Time

2009-03-26T14:12:00.010-04:00

VS.

"Come on", you say, "who has time for eye cream?"

Let's see, take a moment right now and look in the nearest mirror. See any fine lines and want them to disappear? You need eye cream! Have perfect youthful skin and want to keep it? You need eye cream!

When I started wearing makeup (yes, back when Madonna was still a 'Virgin') my skin was so dry around the eye area, I found I had to use an eye cream daily. Clinique's "All About Eyes" was my eye cream of choice -remember, the available products on the market were not nearly as bountiful as today. And so many years later, and no, I won't tell you how many, I'm glad I added it to my daily face care routine.

It has protected the oh so delicate skin around my eyes, and I am happy to report that as I age, I see very few wrinkles around that area! I only wish I had taken such protective measures with the other areas of my body...but I digress. Now one would think I'd be devoted to Clinique, and I was, until I recently received a free sample of Ole (pronounced 000-lay) Hendriksen's "Visual Truth Eye Cream". Ole is a real chemist, he has earned the right to wear a white lab coat (sorry Clinique), and has developed an out of this world skin care line. The eye cream is so smooth, so luxe, it's like whipped chiffon on your eyelids.

Ah yes, the price. Well, you can't get real diamonds on a cubic zirconia budget, and the same is true here. Clinique will cost about $28, and if you hit their Bonus Time, you'll get a goodie bag. Ole on the other hand, costs $45, and maybe if they're in the mood you'll get a few sample packets.

So start with Clinique, get used to putting it on after cleansing the face every morning. And put Ole on your "When the Economy Turns Around" list. Your eyes will thank you!

This Soap Rocks the Shower!

2009-03-25T10:57:00.005-04:00

That's right, Lush's Sandstone Soap is amazing. Now if you're not familiar with Lush products, let me give you the 411. Lush is a soap and lotion store like no other. Their handmade, not tested on animals, all-natural products are displayed like large chunks of cheese and jello molds! The store is a real treat for the senses, but don't bring a toddler - mine thought a yummy smelling face cream was a chocolate pudding sample.

Now normally for shower scents I go for vanilla, chocolate, coffee - you get the idea. But when I saw the Sandstone Soap, I was entrigued. One layer is lemonade, the other - sand! I use it directly on my feet (and they have become super smooth), and then lather it up and do a gentle exfoliation on more sensitive areas. And the lemon smell is SO refreshing, you can't help but rub it all over.

I also love that there are no tubes or bottles to deal with. Super easy, super quick, and smooth, fresh skin. A two second beauty trick to get your tootsies ready for spring!

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Here is their site http://www.lush.com/. Enjoy!!

2009-03-24T16:27:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my new blog- Bella Dolce. I'm here to help those who want to look good, but don't know where to start! Recently a girlfriend had me sit down and explain all of the products I use to get my 'natural' look, and I was surprised she had no idea what primer was(no silly not for the walls).

Well, I love cosmetics and beauty items, just stepping into a cosmetic store gets my heart racing. And yes,my husband has banned me from such stores - but now I have a reason to frequent them!! I have chosen to share my wealth of information (and my excitement) with you lucky readers! My goal is to find and explain products that can make a huge difference in your appearance...without a lot of work on your part. I also love not paying full price... so I will also keep you updated on any sales or promotions I come across.

So be sure to check in tomorrow when I talk about a lavish soap/scrub combo that has totally changed the way I shower!