To keep your breath kissably fresh, carry Hint Mints, the original designer mint. These mints come in sleek, curved tins and come in handy when you need a subtle hint to give friends fresh breath. $20 for a pack of 12 at Amazon.com.
Ever had a pedicure on a cold winter day, then messed it up a bit by sticking your feet back into your closed-toe shoes? Well, here's the thing for you! Bootie Pies: Pedicure Boots for Posh Toes are stylish suede boots with a patent leather toe that flips up when you get your toes painted, keeping the rest of your foot warm and cozy! For serious pedicure aficionados, they're available for $128.00 exclusively from Bootie Pies.
I'm on a perpetual hunt for the perfect shade of nude lipstick, and I've found two that I use interchangeably (the photos don't reflect actual colors). Chanel's Hydrabase lipstick in Tempt, for $24.50 from Saks Fifth Avenue, is a perfect brownish pink. It's creamy texture and slightly rosy smell are delicious. Sometimes, for a more glossy look, I have Sephora's gloss lipstick in #117. It's a slightly lighter brownish pink, with a more sheer finish. Two nudes, take your pick.
I found this no-frills website, Community Nail Polish Gallery, dedicated entirely to photos of users' nails painted in a multitude of colors, brands, and finishes. You can see "most viewed", "top rated", "my favorites", etc. It's fun to peruse, especially if you've run out of nail colour inspiration! The picture at left is Chanel's Black Satin, with 294 views. Now, why couldn't I have thought of this?
Maybe I'm really late to the game with the minerals makeup revolution, but I'm impressed with bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. It really is everything they promise! I ordered the starter kit for $60, and was swirl-tap-buffing in no time, thanks to the handy DVD included. Made from all natural mineral ingredients, the powders are silky, colours are natural, and can be layered to achieve the desired coverage. They cover blemishes beautifully, too, better than any concealer I've tried! It makes you look like you have great skin, even if you don't (like me). Try it for yourself, and post your comments here!
There's no need to pay department store prices for excellent skincare products these days. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer, from your local drugstore, comes highly recommended by dermatologists. It's lightweight, moisturizes well, and protects skin from both UVA and UBV rays - something even some more expensive moisturizers can't claim. Best yet, you can get it on sale for $9.99!
Does your carefully blow-dried hairstyle deflate within a few hours? If so, Bumble and Bumble's Hair Powder might be just the thing for you. These color-tinted powders absorb excess oil, keep hair under control and prevent pins and clips from slipping. Pick a tint closest to your hair color, and you'll get the added bonus of a root touch-up too.
Visine can do more than just get the red out! According to makeup artist Charles Douglas in Ladies Home Journal, "Visine Eye Drops doubles as an eyeliner sealer. Apply a few drops to a powder eyeshadow, then pick up the dampened shadow with a fine eyeliner brush and stroke it next to upper lashes. The liner lasts for hours -- a better result than you'd get with water". What better way to make use of all those forgotten eye shadow colors at the bottom of your makeup bag?
Chrys Solomon of The Homemaking Cottage offers up a simple concoction you can whip up from things in your fridge/pantry. Here it goes:
I'm always game to try natural remedies, so when my Dad suggested I try this Tropical Traditions organic virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer, I gave it a shot. With it's velvety texture and natural antibacterial properties, it sinks right into your skin. Perfect for soothing winter-damaged skin, hair and nails. (By the way, it tastes great in your oatmeal too!) Thanks, Dad.
