Glam Beauty: Whish Body Products

If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to inject a little bit of glamour into your daily life. Even if that means doing something as simple as applying lipstick instead of lipgloss or, of course, there's the more mundane task of shaving. A brand named Whish is helping to make shaving not so much of a chore with their line of glam shaving products that include Shave Crave shaving creams, Body Brushes and Shave Savour (an after shave for the ladies). The luxurious, pre-foamed shaving cream comes in yummy scents (pomegranate, lemongrass and almond) and the brushes are Swarovski crystal bedecked and to-die-for (not to mention they're handmade in England)! Use the brush with the Shave Crave to exfoliate the skin and to transform the cream into a rich texture. After you're done shaving, apply the Shave Savour (it comes in the same scents as the Shave Crave) which contains natural antiseptics to help soothe irritated skin. Of course, glamour doesn't come cheap- these products are definitely a splurge. The brushes alone are $105 or $180 depending on the style.

Nosy Beauty: What's In Your Make-up Bag?

A make-up bag is unique to every individual- that's what makes their contents so intriguing. So here it is: I open up the contents of my Chanel make-up bag to you.

1. MAC Lipstick in Underplay: A delicate peach caramel...the perfect nude.

2. MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack: My latest obsession! A gel eyeliner that's easy to apply, smudge-proof and dramatic.

3. Revlon ColorStay Makeup in Toast: I love this foundation. It's cheap and natural looking plus it lasts all throughout the day.

4. Prescriptives Camouflage Cream Concealer in Yellow/Orange: this is a good make-up line because they'll blend the foundations and concealers to a personalized shade.

5. Bloom Aromatherapy Lip Balm Luscious Lips: I mostly love the luxe glass jar this comes in but the vanilla essential oils are definitely a plus. I dab this on my lips after I line and fill in my lips with lip liner.

6. MAC Eyeshadow in Humid: A pretty, shimmery emerald green that I never use.

7. MAC Eyeshadow in Surreal: A shimmery, seafoam green that I use occasionally.

8. Drugstore Lip Liner and Eye Pencil: I use the black pencil to line my bottom lids (but, now that I've discovered Fluidline, I only line my upper lids) and I line my lips and fill them in with the brown lip pencil. I also use it to fill in my brows.

9. Barbie Loves MAC Beauty Powder in Pearl Sunshine: I apply this on my cheeks for a pretty glow.

10. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpage: I use this on my cheek bones as a highlighter. It's so pretty and it lasts forever. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued.

11. MAC Blush in Dessert Rose: A pretty pink shade. I've had this case forever and it's nowhere near being empty.

12. MAC Eyeshadow in Amber Lights: A gorgeous golden bronze shade that I use often.

13. MAC Eyeshadow in Black Tied: A gorgeous black sparkly shade that I use when I'm going out and I want a dramatic, smokey look.

14. MAC Eyeshadow in Sketch: A pretty brownish, burgundy shade that I use occasionally.

15. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black: This gives me dramatic, plump eyelashes instantly.

16. MAC Eyeshadow in Retrospeck: A very pretty champagne color that I haven't used yet.

17. Revlon Slanted Tweezers: Essential.

18. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine No. 502: Love this stuff! Gives a nice tingly sensation, freshens breath and provides a glossy look.

19. Makeup brushes: A Sephora eyeliner brush, a really expensive foundation brush (I'm so glad I splurged on this), a Lancome eyeshadow brush and a blush brush and loose powder brush that are of an unknown brand.

• Not pictured: MAC Loose Powder in NC45; MAC Hyper Real Foundation in Gold: It's discontinued which makes me so sad. I use it as a primer under my foundation and it fills in pores and gives me a luminous glow. They have a product now by the same name, but it's NOT the same.

Willing to share the contents of your make-up bag? If so, email me a picture at kmaury7453@hotmail.com with the subject line "Make-up Bag" and tell me why you love your products. I will feature your make-up bag on my blog. Can't wait to hear from you!

Informative Beauty: Allure Magazine

Just in case you didn't know, for all things beauty read Allure magazine. I can't tell you how excited I get when a new magazine arrives in the mail- A WHOLE magazine devoted to beauty! No stupid articles with titles like "100 ways to wow a man" or "200 new sex tips" (It should be called "200 recycled and obvious sex tips"). As far as pleasing a man, I mean really, is there anything new under the sun? But when it comes to beauty, there's always something new and that's why I LOVE allure! The June 2007 issue features the Readers' Choice Awards. Among the winners are:

• M.A.C. Lipstick in Viva Glam V


• Nars Blush in Orgasm (I've still got to try this one)


• M.A.C. Fluidline Eyeliner Gel in Blacktrack (see my past entry)


• L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Make Up


• Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation


• Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa I'm in the Mood for Scrub

and many, many more...

Summer Beauty II: Bath and Body Works Sparkling Body Mousse

I went to Bath and Body works with my 5-year-old cousin and she wanted to try this product (Bath and Body Works Sparkling Mousse in Sunset Mango from their Temptations line). It wasn't something I would usually be attracted to but I'm so glad she pointed it out. After the first try, we were addicted and we kept going back for more: I thought to myself, 'Wow, I'm acting like a 5-year-old kid...I have to get this stuff.' The appeal of the mousse is that when applied it gives you an incredible icy cool sensation. I must admit, I bought this product more for novelty than for anything else. It's far from perfect: it's a bit sticky, it has glitter in it and the mango scent may be a little too candy-like...But the icy sensation it gives is fabulous and oddly entertaining- perfect for a hot day when you're lounging on the beach and you need to cool down. For $10 I hope it lasts, but knowing me, I'll run through the can in one sitting.

Dramatic Beauty: MAC Fluidline

My friend introduced me to liquid eyeliner several months ago and after my first application I thought 'Wow, I can't believe I haven't been using this stuff the whole time." Black liquid liner is the easiest way to add some drama to your look- it simply does what a pencil can't do. I've been using the cheap $1 versions at the drugstore but I figured I wanted to upgrade so when I went to MAC yesterday I asked for one. Well, the MAC guy enthusiastically introduced me to Fluidline and I'm sooo glad he did. Fluidline is a gel formula that comes in an ultra cute little glass jar. You put it on with a slanted eyeliner brush and- VOILA!- amazing eyes. For people who aren't used to using eyeliner brushes (like myself) it may seem a bit intimidating at first and it may require some practice but it's much easier than applying regular liquid liner plus it's easier to get a more dramatic look. Most importantly it's smudge-proof and long-lasting. It's $14.50 and it comes in 15 colors. I bought Blacktrack but I'll be investing in other shades soon.

Nude Beauty: Underplay Lipstick by MAC

I finally found the perfect nude lipstick: Underplay by MAC. The website decribes it as a "delicate, peach caramel." It's creamy and beautiful and I love it!!!

Drugstore Beauty II: Revlon Colorstay Makeup

Out of all the drugstore foundations I've tried, this one is my favorite by far. It's not exactly cheap ($12.99) but I keep going back to it so I may even prefer it over most of the department store foundations I've tried. Not to mention, Halle Berry endorses it. This foundation comes in two formulas: one for combination/oily skin and one for dry/normal skin. It provides medium to full coverage and it comes in 20 shades (including a range of shades for women of color)- Toast is my perfect match. I suggest using a foundation brush to apply it. Revlon claims that the makeup will stay looking fresh for 16 hours. I'm so thrilled with the look and feel of the makeup that I haven't paid much attention to how long it lasts, but since I just bought a new bottle I'll keep that in mind tomorrow. UPDATE: This really does last for up to 16 hours. I didn't have to do one touch-up...SOOOO much better than MAC.

Bobbi Brown Beauty: Tips for African-Americans

I was browsing through Bobbi Brown's website when I came across a section dedicated to African-American beauty: Click here to visit. She has great tips and you can email a make-up artists if you have questions (I've used this service on the MAC website and I loved it). Bobbi Brown has wonderful, natural looking products but they're also pricey. I did try her Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm at the store and OH MY GOSH, it's so rich and fabulous- it feels like satin pudding...if that makes sense. I think it may be worth the $48.

Stay Put Beauty: Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine

Let me preface this by saying I generally hate hairspray and avoid it at all costs BUT I make an exception for Paul Mitchell's Freeze and Shine Super Spray. This is the only hairspray I will use. Although I rarely use the spray (because the alcohol in hairsprays will dry your hair out), there are times when it's necessary. I'm a broadcast journalism major and I've had to go out on extremely windy days to shoot stand-ups for class. The picture you see above was taken in November after I trekked through campus on one of the windiest days of the year. The wonderful thing about Freeze and Shine is that my hair still has movement after I apply it. So it'll blow in the wind, but it'll just fall right back into place. Also, it's not sticky, it smells nice and it doesn't leave icky white flakes- in other words, it doesn't make me feel like I have to wash it out of my hair. You can apply as little or as much as you want depending on what you're trying to do. For maximum hold, don't hold back- spray, spray, spray!

Heat-safe Beauty: Redken Heat Glide

To minimize heat damage from flat irons I use Redken's Smooth Down Heat Glide. It's a protective smoother for very dry or unruly hair. It contains macadamia oil and it smells so good- like a professional salon product. The directions say to apply 1-2 pumps to towel-dried hair but because my hair is so thick I do 3-4; you have to be careful not to overdo it or it will weigh your hair down. After you blow-dry apply 1 pump to your ends. The 5 oz bottle costs me $15 but it lasts forever. I've had it for over a year and I have more than half of the bottle left.

Award Winning Beauty: CEW Beauty Awards

Beauty is a big deal. Not only for us women who pluck, trim, apply and suffer in the name of beauty everyday but also for the people who create these products we couldn't live without. The beauty business is a multi-billion dollar industry- beauty manufacturers have a lot to lose especially with the appearance of online beauty forums and Internet review sites like blackhairmedia.com and makeupalley.com. The CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc.) Beauty Awards has taken beauty to a whole new level giving manufacturers even more reason to create beauty products that are up to par or better yet, to create the next product with a cult following.

The CEW Beauty Awards, the beauty industries highest honor, gives recognition to the most innovative products of the year. To see a list of the 2006 winners, visit http://events.cew.org/viewbook/winners (the website also includes winners from previous years). Next time you're shopping for beauty products online, keep an eye out for the CEW logo.

Minty Beauty: C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine

I'm not usually into glossy lips because it reminds me too much of high school but I make an exception for C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shine. This product is mint-infused so it not only gives a glossy shine but it also makes my lips feel tingly and refreshed and it acts as a sort of breath mint. It's like Double-Mint gum...but for your lips. It's made with pure peppermint oil so it doesn't taste or feel cheap. Bigelow makes the lip shine in tinted and clear versions. It also comes in a Cinnamint flavor which I'm sure is just as amazing (it's a CEW Beauty Finalist). I buy mine at Bath and Body Works for $5.

Eco-friendly Beauty: Cargo PlantLove Lipstick

I haven't tried this product yet but I'm loving the concept. According to the website http://www.cargoplantlove.com/lipstick.html: "PlantLove™ is a collection of eco-friendly lipsticks. The lipstick case is a revolutionary innovation made entirely from corn. What's more, the box the lipstick comes in grows wildflowers when planted! This bright idea has even inspired Hollywood to go green: five of the lip hues were designed by celebs, who individually collaborated with CARGO to create their ideal lipstick shades. With PlantLove™, you can feel great about planting one on Mother Earth.

It's an amazing innovation: a compostable lipstick case made from corn. (Yes, corn) This revolutionary bio-plastic is not only made from a renewable resource, it's also greenhouse-gas-neutral, which helps us fight global warming. Even the box the lipstick comes in is eco-friendly. It's embedded with seeds. Just moisten and plant to grow your own wildflowers."

We can help save the planet and be beautiful at the same time! Also, $2 from the proceeds of each lipstick go toward the St. jude Children's Research Hospital.

Smiling Beauty: Crest Whitestrips

If you haven't used these yet, I urge you to go get them now. You'll have a bright, white smile before summer arrives for only $24.99. You wear the strips twice a day for thirty minutes and before you know it, your teeth will be movie star white. You only have to do the process once a year as your teeth will stay white for up to twelve months. In my opinion, the original formula is the best (and it's also the cheapest). I used the premium version (which takes only 7 days) but the results with the original were more drastic. Keep in mind that this product may cause tooth sensitivity for some people. Luckily, I only felt slight discomfort when eating very cold foods.

Before and After Beauty: Chi Ceramic Flat Iron

I took these pictures a month or so ago before I colored my hair golden blonde. I love to see the transformation of black hair! I don't have a perm and I never go natural, so I rely on my trusty flat iron to do the job. I love my Chi but it still takes forever for me to get my thick hair straight. And, as of yet, I haven't found a flat iron that does the job by only going over my hair once...I always have to go over it twice. Until I find a flat iron that does that, I will continue on with my Chi because I like what it does for the texture of my hair, it gets hot super fast, it's ceramic (that means less damage) and it has cut my straightening time down a bit.

Celeb Beauty: Nicole Ritchie

Despite all the bad press, I'm really loving Nicole Ritchie's look. A year ago, I never thought I'd say Nicole Ritchie would be one of my style and beauty idols. She used to look a mess but now she looks fabulous with a chic blonde bob and some much needed weight gain (she could still afford to put on some more weight). Ritchie has really certainly cleaned up her act. I cannot express how much I'm in LOVE with her hair. Also, her style is quirky and cute with a retro flair.

Birthday Beauty: Anti-aging Products

I turned 22 yesterday and luckily, my battle with the aging process has not yet begun. A few weeks ago, I stopped into CVS and saw that Pond’s Time Rewind, an overnight wrinkle repair cream, was on sale for a mere $4 (it’s usually $16). I couldn't’t resist such a great deal so I bought it and I’m so happy I made that decision. The moisturizer is so creamy and thick, just the way I like it. While moisturizing with this cream I’m also getting an early start on the anti-aging process. Not to mention, a recent study revealed that high-end department store brands are no more effective in the anti-aging process than drugstore brands. In other words, it’s very likely that a $16 cream made by Pond’s is just as good as those $200 “luxury” formulas.

Another product by Pond’s that I've been using for a couple of months is the Purely Polished Microdermabrasion Anti-Aging Kit. I was looking for a microdermabrasion product and this one just so happened to be an anti-aging product as well. I love this product too! As you may have noticed already I’m all about glow and this product definitely brings out a healthy glow and a more even skin tone. Don’t worry, I’m not on some crazy anti-aging kick but I figure, ‘why not kill two birds with one stone?’

Golden Beauty: Amber Lights by MAC

I never wear eyeshadow because I don't like to look too made up. I visited the MAC counter and requested a shade that would make my eyes pop and that I could easily wear during the day. I decided to go with Amber Lights. It's a gorgeous golden shimmery frost that looks really great on women of color- both light and dark skin shades. Until I get a bit more brave and decide to try out other colors, I'll be wearing this pretty shade everyday.

Summer Beauty: Banana Boat Tanning Oil

I cannot stop raving about this stuff! I bought it for the sole purpose of tanning on a recent cruise vacation, but when I realized how amazing it made my skin look, I started using it when I go out. Along with my summer regime of a daily sugar and olive oil scrub (which I also can't stop raving about) I will be lightly misting this on as well (after I apply lotion). It gives a wonderful glow and it smells like summer!

Shiny Beauty: Optimum Oil Therapy v. Elucent Power Drops

I bought this product when I was looking for a shine booster to replace my empty bottle of Elasta QP Elucent Power Drops. I LOVE the Elasta stuff, but I haven't been able to find it in the beauty supply stores around where I go to school (I'll definitely be putting this on my list of things to buy when I go back home to LA for the summer). The Optimum Oil Therapy is a good product...not amazing though; I think it may be a bit too heavy...I can't really decide. I've been using it everyday as a moisturizer and to give my hair sheen and it does its job. But Elasta's Elucent Power Drops are the best- it doesn't weigh my hair down and it smells so so good. Although, now that I think about it, the Power Drops may be more for shine intensive purposes while the Optimum actually moisturizes. Hmm...what's a girl to do???

Drugstore Beauty: L'oreal Voluminous Mascara

After trying some of the eyelash formulas that come with a primer and experiencing lackluster results, I decided to go back to the old school way of swiping on mascara. I went to my local CVS and spent several minutes at the makeup section scouting out the most worthy mascara. L'oreal was having a sale on all of their mascaras so I went with their Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black. This $5 mascara did not let me down! In only one swipe it gives me full, luscious lashes- much better and much easier to use than the mascaras that I've tried with the primer. I think I'm hooked.