On Being a Girl ...

I like pretty things. I want pretty things. I like frilly baby pink dresses. I love the color periwinkle and think it looks best on a newly potted Hydrangea. I love afternoon tea and find silky cotton scarves sexy in the summer. I think tulips are romantic and I love Cherry Blossoms when they are in full bloom.

I like floppy summer hats and soft, sexy long legs. I think men in jeans with no shirt are a total turn on, even if they don't have a GQ body. I like to golf, but prefer to play with pastel pink golf balls and love Burberry on the course.

I like the fact that I cry at movies, tv shows and even commercials... that certain songs make me deeply contemplate the world and that I think Nina Simone is one of the saddest and most beautiful singers of all time.

I like pearls and chocolate and am a sucker for heart-shaped anything. I love a roaring fire and candlelight and anything in the color of Tiffany blue. I could decorate a whole house in just boxes and bags from my favorite stores and think the most beautiful pajamas are a super soft cotton bright white v-neck baby-tee, cute but comfy undies and boys athletic socks.

I am a sucker for polka dots and love clothes that remind me of Audrey Hepburn or I Love Lucy. I love crackly-microphone jazz from the forties and think sitting in a dark bar by yourself on a Friday night is spectacular.

I love tiny food that takes hours to prepare like hors d'ouevres and petit fours. I think lavender is one of the most calming scents on the planet and feel super sexy when I use sugared bath oils, lavender soap and almond lotions. I don't want to own a Chanel bag, but I want to know that I could because there is something so sophisticated about those little "C"s.

I like to shop for Christmas and my favorite experience is giving someone something that makes them super excited or cry for joy. I am a sucker for soft, passionate kisses, particularly in the rain, and I think strong hands make the man. A good hug or a good cry can give me the cleansing feeling I need that life is good and that I am loved. I like polished toes and long, slender fingers.

I think cafe mocha is a fabulous invention, so long as I ignore the calories. I could eat cookies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I prefer not-so-sweet ones like madeleines.

I like being read to and falling asleep in my husband's arms. Pistachio is an exotic flavor to me and something about spending the weekend sleeping in a Paris hotel and only drinking cappucino and eating croissants until it is time to leave is exciting.

I think people in Texas are more genuine and I love the idea of working in a small town as a waitress where no one knows me. I think dainty flower dresses with cowboy boots and a hat are sexy and that kissing on a ferris wheel is sweet. Cashmere and high thread count sheets are a must.

Few things are as rewarding as rescuing a doggie and having him curl up with you every night under your sheets. Sunsets on water are magnificently calming and there is something so peaceful about praying at sunrise. Wrinkles on confident, experienced women are attractive. I love listening to stories of old people. I think board games and eating dinner together are a must. I think happiness and optimism are essential for a long life and don't mind that my world is sometimes rose-colored. It's okay to sometimes be depressed and sleep away a weekend. It reminds you to appreciate the good days when they return.

Losing people you love is sad, but remembering funny stories and good times you had is precious. I hate being in pictures but think black and white candid photos are amazing. I adore soft blonde curly hair, even though mine refuses to do that and I think tattered old comfy sweatshirts three sizes too big are the best winter clothes. I like fancy, intimate dinner parties, even though I rarely have them. There is nothing better to recharge your batteries than a spa day with services you can't even pronounce with herbs and salts from places you've never been.

Being pampered is exquisitely relaxing, but helping a good friend move feels just as good. I love stationery and handwritten letters. I could look at pretty paper all day. I feel better when my desk is organized and think everything looks better in threes. I think chandeliers in a creamy vanilla kitchen are elegant, even if you can't cook. I love food delivery and the idea of a personal chef. I have odd idiosyncrasies like everyone else.

But these are the things I love and that make me girly to me. And sometimes, it's okay to be a girl.

What IS that Product For???

Hi Divas! I was thinking about all of the products I've been trying and using and decided to do a little run down after my investigation of why I am actually using them and want to continue. I've had a lot of questions from my diva girlfriends about what products to use when and why. So, let's investigate together, shall we? And let's do it starting from the moment you wake up.

FACIAL CLEANSER:

I don't know about you, but as soon as I wake up, I can't wait to wash my face. I especially like to use cold water to sort of "wake up" my senses and, especially, my eyeballs! Also, I hate feeling oily and if I used a night time moisturizer that ended up being too greasy, I can't wait to get it off! So, assuming I did what I should have and took my makeup off the night before, I use a fairly gentle morning cleanser. I recently tried the foaming Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser and found it to be a perfect addition to the morning routine. It's super light and foamy and cleans away completely. No residue. Remember to only cleanse with lukewarm water (after that delightful morning splash of cold), otherwise, you can experience broken capillaries and redness.

Now, if I didn't do what I was supposed to and I have a digusting layer of makeup on my face, I feel the need to scrub a bit more. So, I go with an exfoliating cleanser. Be sure to use a gentle scrub with tiny beads. My favorite is Philosophy's Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash. It's only $25 for 8 ounces and it's truly a dream. Ultrafine scrubbing on your skin to resurface the dead skin cells. It makes your skin brighter and more radiant.

One of the things I like to do when my skin's not ready for an exfoliant (maybe use only 2 to 3 times a week), but I need a greater "scrub", is place a gob of my gentle cleanser on my most favorite tool: the $5 Sephora Face Complexion Brush. It's bristles are super soft and gentle. I love it!

EYE MAKEUP REMOVER:

If I did what I was supposed to and have a clean face, sometimes the morning rinse off can cause a bit more eye makeup to show up under my lids. So, I take a Q-tip dipped in my favorite eye makeup remover: Make Up For Ever SensEyes Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and gently swab away any remaining blackness. You'd be surprised what comes off and how much brighter you can make those under eye circles with this little step you might have missed!

If I didn't do what I was supposed to and I have a LOT of eye makeup to get off, I'll go more hardcore than SensEyes and use Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover ($26) or, the cheaper almost-as-good-version Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover ($7). Be careful with your sensitive eye tissue around your eyes - but get that makeup off!!!

TONER:

If you feel the need for extra balancing of your skin, then feel free to use a toner. I don't typically need one and find it to be a bit sticky. It is supposed to tighten your pores, remove any additional makeup residue and balance the pH levels in your skin. That's why I don't usually use it - I think you should use a good enough facial cleanser to get it all off in the first place! But to each her own! If you do use toner, use a circle cotton pad and upward and outward strokes. You can also use a spray toner and do something else while it dries.

Incidentally, it is directly after this step that I use Visine. It takes away the redness and brighter, whiter eyes make you look younger!

SERUMS:

Next up is your favorite facial serum. The molecules of a serum are smaller and can sink deeper into the deep layers of the skin. The serum is to deposit nutrients into the skin. The moisturizer will deposit moisture. Just decide what you need - acne protector, anti-aging, dark spot brightener, etc. Personally, I am using anti-aging serums and I like the ones that are not thick. You need to make sure that you get enough on your face and neck and rub it in... let it soak in before you move onto your moisturizing steps.

EYE CREAM:

And now, do you need an anti-puffy eye cream? One for dark circles? An anti-aging cream? Whatever you need, now is the time to put it on. I've been trying Bliss Baggage Handler Eye Gel, as promised, and I must say that I have been pleased with the results. I think it is better than the Clinique All About Eyes Serum Depuffing Eye Massage. But, I don't really care for the "gel" of it. I prefer a more lotion-y feel. Of course, the Chanel is my favorite. But, as I told you, they changed the formula, so I am still on the hunt for perfection. It does help to keep your eye cream in the refrigerator, but my fridge is too far from my bathroom, so I skip that part! Your eyes are working a lot during the day - all that blinking alone! Your skin retains less moisture and dries out more quickly as you age. The tissue around the eyes is very thin, as well. So, use your favorite eye cream and dab it (or dot it) under the eye at your orbital bone (the product will travel upward). Then, using your weakest finger (ring finger) and a circular motion, apply your eye cream around the whole orbital bone. Start from the outer portion of the eye and head inward toward the bridge of the nose - up the nose, around the eyebrow to the outer edge of the eye bone, back to where you started. Give that a minute to sink in.

MOISTURIZER:

Unless you are using a tinted moisturizer, your next step is this. If you are using any product with color, you'll want to use your primer first. Starting in the center of your face, apply your moisturizer in a circular motion up and out. Kind of give your face a "lift". Don't forget your neck! Allow at least 3 minutes for it to soak in before applying your primer. Now assuming you don't intend to wear any makeup today, that's it! I'll pick up the tips with primer and follow through with makeup application in the next blog. Doesn't your face feel better already just thinking about it being clean???

The Benefits of Oxygen and Other Good Things for Your Skin!

My Diva Friends ~ Have you discovered the fabulousness of oxygen yet? I mean, I know it is on my Must Have list, so I hope you've at least gone to Sephora for a sample... not air silly, but products with oxygen? When you spend three days in a casino resort and don't see the sunshine or taste real air the entire time, you really learn how great the products that re-oxygenate your skin can be. So this is perfect for after flights, after a long day in the office with nothing but recycled air, or a long seminar in a hotel.

I again used the Must Have Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Face Mask and just think my skin literally cannot live without this product. The only thing I don't like is that the bottle is so large. You really want to alternate your masks, given the particular needs of your skin in any week or month. So, this one bottle for $52 will last you all year, if not longer. Remember, it's a frothy mask that feels like hydrogen peroxide bubbling on your face as it puts oxygen back into your skin. The claims of instantly appearing brighter, younger, and smoother are all true! It will be coming with me on any flight I take.

I also tried Boscia's Tinted Moisturizer. This is a new tinted moisturizer and I tend to like several Boscia products. If you need a little more "moisturizer" with your tint, then this is a great alternative to Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer. Personally, I still think Stila is the best because I like a little more coverage with my moisturizer. It helps avoiding the addition of any foundation. This one blends well into the skin, however, and definitely keeps you feeling and looking "dewy".

Oh ... and I tried Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiwrinkle Night Cream. It smells exactly like Playdoh!!! While I do like Korres products, this night cream isn't that fabulous. Of course, that's probably why it's half the price of products like Kinerase. Mostly, it doesn't really "soak in" nor does it feel soft. It also has the exact same consistency (and scent) of their day cream. So I didn't really see a difference. Overall, it was your basic must miss.

You know what product has most agitated me in the past month? Smashbox's HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder. I've tried it with like 5 different brushes since I thought it was so impressive in the store when a makeup artist used it on my face, but it must have been some of the other products used because this one just isn't doing it. I like the idea of the holder: you twist it and tiny little razors scoop out the product to give you just the right amount. However, I much prefer just using my MUFE HD Microfinish Powder or It Cosmetics Pore Perfecting Powder. HALO just doesn't do it for me. Therefore, I'm not even going to try the new HALO Bronzer either. I love Smashbox, but this just isn't worth your time.

The cutest, most fabulous new product I have tried is Tarina Tarantino's Sparklicity Shimmer Dust. It comes in the cutest little bottle with a puffer that adds a delicate, soft, sexy shimmer to your skin. Perfect for the upcoming summer sparkly tans and night look. Absolutely fab!!!!!!

And, lastly, the absolute Must Have (yes, it is on the list) is just $15!!! It is Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths. You get 30 single use cloths for this price and when you are just too tired to take that makeup off at the end of the night, this is the product for you! You don't need any water and you just squeeze the cloth in your hands, rub together, and it gets all frothy. It takes off all of your makeup, even your eye makeup AND you don't have to rinse. Usually, when I have tried products like this in the past, I just had to rinse because it felt sticky. Nope! This product is perfect! It feels great, it takes literally 5 seconds, and the cloth is big enough to do the whole job! It is totally worth it. Be sure to take advantage of the 15% promo code for VIB's right now - VIBMADNESS.

Another MUST HAVE! I Love It When One Appears!

Hi Divas! It's been awhile since I've placed something on Your Daily Sample Must Have List, but today I have two new Must Haves to report! Let's get to it...

First, I can't comment on it's usefulness for anything other than blonde hair, but I can absolutely confirm that there is a reason the product was voted Number 1 in Allure Magazine - you must run to Sephora and get Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo. I've used nearly every brand they make and every type too - powders, sprays, hair cloths, etc. By far, this powder is the best at helping your hair smell clean (lemon verbena scent) and suck up all of the dirty oils and, for blondies, get rid of those nasty dark roots. The product lets me go a whole two days longer without shampooing. That's a huge time saver. And ... my hair gets more volume and often looks better after using this product. Yeah, it's a little pricey ($19 for 2.5 oz - pricey because it doesn't got super far) and yeah, it's not the best delivery system (you tend to get a little bit everywhere, but it cleans up quickly and easily), but it's fantastic.

The next Must Have is an entirely different product and just as fabulous... Benefit's Stay Don't Stray. This is an amazing primer for your eyeshadow and concealer and makes your makeup and your concealer and just your puffy, dark or red eyes alone look spectacular. That's a word I don't use often. Now, I am still a fan of Too Faced Shadow Insurance for more mature skin (50s +). That one is much, much lighter and silkier. However, 20s, 30s and 40s??? This product is IT! Give it a try and see what you think. Your eye makeup stay put longer, your colors are more true and vibrant, and your concealer (which I'm sure is the other must have - It Concealer) looks ever better. There are NO creases and fine lines are quite diminished. If you have discoloration, this product is spectacular, as well. As for me, it's a must have.

Now, let's discuss a must miss that I am quite sad about. I had super high hopes for the new Smashbox Photofinish Targeted Pore & Line Primer. It's available for Beauty Insiders only right now and I bought the full size since I have such great feelings about Smashbox's primers. Unfortunately, this one doesn't do anything the basic primer doesn't. It comes out in a very fine line, so you can get it in those deeper lines, but I don't think it works as well as the basic primer. Don't waste your money. I still haven't found a great targeted primer, but I'll keep sampling!

And I have also committed to a single mascara. I have retried several that I sampled throughout the year and have confirmed that the single best mascara for thick, long, volumized, and curled lashes is Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara at $22. I've officially placed it on my Must Have list, though I know this will cause some room for argument. Remember - just because it is my recommendation for a must have doesn't mean it's perfect for you. I'm trying to give you the best recommendations that I can, based on my experiences. I can tell you that everyone's lashes are different, finicky and have their own needs. I do hope this works for you too!

This next exciting and totally different product is not necessarily a Must Have, but it is a Must Try. You can try the sample size for $10 or purchase the full size for $32. It's Michael Kors Leg Shine. It does just what it claims - provides a scented, sleek, shine and shimmer that gives bare legs a healthy glow. It comes in a twist up (full size) or push up deodorant-style canister. If you have leg discoloration, spider veins, light colored legs, etc., then you are probably better off with my favorite "leg makeup" - Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs in Light Glow. However, if you want a great summer shimmer, a great feel, a total lack of "makeup-ness" that you have to wash off and a wonderful smell on your already tanned or lightly bronzed legs - give this a chance!

I Should Be Working But ...

I should be working, but ... Well ... I always should be working but a girl has to take a damn break sometimes. I committed to a friend that I would have three boxes of work done this weekend... one per day. Well ... I have one more big fat case in box #2, so I think I deserve a break, don't you? :) Just agree with me. Things go over so much better when you do.

Now, is it just me, or are you extra dry right now for this time of year? As you know, one of my Daily Sample Must Haves for just such a normally-winter condition is Chanel Hydramax, but it's so darn pricey. So ... I thought I would try some others to see if I really had the best. I sampled Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra Gel. What I learned from this product is to be very careful about the gels you select. Much like Ole Henriksen's eye gel, this product is way too sticky. It doesn't soak in enough and ends up feeling yucky instead of revitalizing. Amazingly enough, it's $100 god damn dollars! Yet even further proof that just because it is pricey, doesn't make it good.

I'm also getting to the point of swearing off "serums". There's a serum for everything and without instant gratification, I'm not sure I'm getting my money's worth. My biggest problem with serums is that you just don't know whether they work and I don't think you'll ever know until you're 10 years down the road and you say "Wow, I look so much better than you do and the only difference is that I used a serum!" Like that's gonna happen. But, true to my sampling ways, I prefer to just think of it as not having found the right serum yet. The one you put on and go "Now that's what I'm talkin' bout!" So, the must misses are Anastasia Line Erasing Serum. It supposedly has "Instalift with Goji." Whatever. It wasn't any different than Dr. Brandt's Collagen Booster or Clarin's Multi-ActiveSkin Renewal Serum or Peter Thomas Roth's FirmX Growth Serum. But I'll admit it ... I'm afraid!!! What if I don't use the serum and it really does have secret powerful ingredients?!?!? I'd never forgive myself. So... here I sit, wearing a serum I don't even understand. And you can't say that it's because I didn't use one product long enough. Dr. Brandt's says "denser skin in one month" - okay, so maybe I'm still too young for that one since density is not a problem. Beautiful women of 60 + years ... unite! And go get it and tell me if it works. But, I used PTR's FirmX at $150 an OUNCE for a whole month and ... NOTHING! It says "Helps to improve the appearance of facial contour definition, skin resilience, texture, and firmness while smoothing fine lines to create a youthful look. The potent blend triggers ten different skin responses by tapping into the skin's natural regenerative mechanisms, constantly "reminding" the complexion to act and look younger. These engrained mechanisms help dying skin cells turn over at a rapidly accelerated rate while helping to promote the longevity of healthy skin cells, preventing their deterioration. The result is that aging skin cells are eliminated faster and healthy skin cells remain for overall younger-looking skin." No it isn't! There are NO results... that I am aware of anyway. My complexion wasn't "reminded" to look younger, despite the fact that I reminded it every day. My wallet was reminded it was thinner though.

At least something is losing weight in this house. I'm even trying the Perricone MD Cold Plasma serum that the whole beauty world seems to be in love with these days. I have to say that of all the serums I have tried, this one feels the smoothest and doesn't feel like you have too much product on. Supposedly this serum is for ages 20 to 65. Now how can that possibly be? It seems we should all have much different needs. 99% of women allegedly saw a difference in their skin in 4 weeks. Trust me, I don't have enough of this $150 an ounce product to last 4 weeks and I'm not about to buy it. I think the women noticed better skin because they were committed to a ritual of cleansing, moisturizing, etc. Again ... I could be wrong and I do love me some Perricone MD.

As for an enjoyable product I've been sampling, I like Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream. Surprisingly, it is not too thick and I really appreciate the fragrance smell. It reminds me of the Estee Lauder counter, which might be a bad thing for you, but personally makes me think of my mom who is GORGEOUS, by the way. So, if I smell like her, all the better! I mean, whose mom didn't use Youth Dew at one point? The cream is for all skin types and I do think it is a nice general moisturizing cream. Most of you won't like it because it doesn't have an SPF. I'm partial to tinted moisturizers these days, but sometimes you just need the basics.

One last gripe about serums and then I'm done. I also used Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum. I have this really annoying zit smack in the middle of my chest. It's like it's always there. Can't get rid of it. So, I liked the idea of trying a serum for it. All the serum did is cause other zits near it. How annoying is that??? I haven't really cared for anything from Juice Beauty just yet. This might be the end of their products for me.

Okay ... and because now I really should be working ... only one beauty comment. There are those of you out there who just cannot get into spa-ing. I don't understand you, but you are out there. :) If you happen to be someone out there who hasn't enjoyed the utterly fantastic experience of going to a day spa all by yourself (or with your girlfriends if alone time is just too ... alone), then I recommend you start setting money aside in your spa fund and JUST DO IT! There is nothing better than the quiet calm of the waiting room, with hot tea and fresh apples and nuts, the soft sounds of nature mixed with amazingly calming instruments on the spa music coming from the speakers; the easy glow and warmth of the fire place and the scent of lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, magnolia, and other lushes herbs, the steam room, the utter lack of vanity in your diva spa robe, the sheer guilty pleasure of doing something absolutely for yourself! You must try a massage. Or a vichy shower. Or an herbal wrap. Try all three! Get a scalp massage. Take some "me" time and just go get pampered. If you haven't done it before, it's time to start. If you had a bad experience at one spa - go to another. I'm telling you ... taking care of yourself helps the inner beauty shine through.