I don't like itchy dry skin in the fall/winter

I started skiing two winters ago and can't wait to go skiing again this winter but I don't like getting sunburnt on the mountain and getting itchy dry patches of skin. I was introduced to Skin MD's Shielding Lotion a month ago but haven't really been able to properly test it out. The weather has been kind of crazy lately with cold blasts of wind to rainy to warm and humid (gotta love East Coast fall weather!). This lotion smells a little like baby powder mixed with sunscreen, absorbs really fast, and doesn't leave a sticky residue. The idea behind this Shielding lotion is to shield the skin of irritants thus preventing moisture-loss.

According to their website:

Shampoos, antibacterial soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, colorants and other irritants bombard and penetrate the skin. These harsh chemicals and irritants can break down the skin's natural protective ability. Some strip away moisture, while others lodge in the pores where they cause irritation and other negative reactions.

This lotion is dermatologist tested, made in 100% solar powered facility, eco friendly, paraben free, free of animal products and animal testing (read: vegan friendly). I think this is the perfect lotion to take with me when I hit the slopes or ice rink this winter. I just wish they had a smaller travel-sized bottle so I can put it in my pocket.



Products in this review were given to the blogger by Skin MD Natural. All opinions belong to the blogger.

Tips for a Brighter Smile

Its no secret that we want soft, kissable, bright white teeth.
I love Go Smile for a fresh minty breath, a whiter smile, easy application, and those little mini ampoules are super cute! I've been using Go Smile whitening system and maintenance since 2006 and there's quite nothing like it in the market. I also love the fact that you can easily stash one in your gym bag, make up bag, evening clutch, pencil case (does anyone still carry one these days beyond grade school?). Its a no mess application and the maintenance system doubles as a way to freshen your breath after a delicious flavorful meal.
Go Smile just came out with their new speed whitening system which comes with a pre-whitening gel. This will speed up the whitening process from 14 days to 4 days! Perfect for pre-wedding whitening!

Fashion's Night Out 2010

I spent last night in the midst of a Soho chaotic mess that is Fashion's Night Out event. There were tons of people! I started the evening with friends coming over for a couple drinks then we walked over (in heels) to the Ace Hotel's Opening Ceremony store - there was already a small crowd inside. Upon exiting, the food trucks from the Breslin (restaurant for the Ace Hotel), Van Leeuwen ice cream truck, Baohaus, and another food truck which I can't remember the name of... A line formed (while chowing down a delicious bao) to enter into the Ace Hotel for Opening Ceremony that wrapped around the building (a forecast for the rest of the evening).
We headed down towards the flatiron bldg (still in heels) for Argo Tea's event with MS Apothecary to get our fake lashes & make up touched up by Mary Schook who is super personable. Mary and I talked shop for a little bit.
Hopped on the train to Soho.
Upon exiting the station it was PURE CHAOS! I've never seen Soho this packed in the evening. (ok, maybe after the Halloween parade)
We made it to the Ben Sherman store where they checked IDs and free beers abound (how very frat-boy-esque). Not after passing by the pop-up Piperlime store where Rachel Zoe, the celeb stylist, was anchoring herself down for the evening. There were so many people there, I thought a riot was going to break out. (more on that later)
My gal pal and I went to the Kate Spade store after parting w/ part of our group (which included men so I can understand why this was so not their scene). Tim Gunn was signing autographs for his book. I took a picture of Tim Gunn but I think its a bit blurry. His book sold out by the time we got there. We hung around for a bit at Kate Spade b/c the drinks and appetizers kept flowing. Plus there were comfy plush couches for us to sit on.
A quick trip inside Uggs, Molton Brown, Illori before seeing Karl Lagerfeld and then a stampede broke out in front of Chanel. My friend grabbed me and we ended up following Karl's posse before getting shoved around, but we made it to the front of the line. (lots of crazed ladies out) Chanel was madness, I stood in another line to get a free manicure and it took FOREVER. My feet were killing me in the heels. (why did I decide to wear heels? I should invest and really hot flats so I don't end up in my sparkly fit flops which is not exactly appropriate for events like these). By the time I got my manicure FNO was almost done, and I wanted to purchase the green khaki color but the manicurist said it was SOLD OUT (FML!).
On a random note: My friend also got her iPhone stolen in Chanel while getting her make up retouched (WTF!)


Overall, my fave experiences were getting my lashes, hanging out at Kate Spade, drinking free champagne. Next year, I'm going to do more of the spa-like activities like the free hair blowouts, make up touch ups, and manicures. I ended up not purchasing anything the entire evening b/c the lines for everything was INSANE!

Smooth Skin for your mama

This weekend I had the pleasure of doing make up for 3 generations. For mama of the bride, I prepped her skin with Sleek Skin's skin solution Enhance. The results was fabulous smooth skin! She was instantly 10 years younger even before the airbrushed make up. This solution is geared towards mature sensitive skin and it makes the skin feel soft and smooth. I didn't have to cover up much. Amazing results!

Fall Trends 2010

I've been watching some Fall trends that have been recurring once the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change color. This year there seems to be a vampiress trend. hmmm.. could the latest movies and tv shows have something to do with it...Twilight, True Blood, Vampire Diaries...

1) Dramatic Red Lips
Exfoliate your lips, I recommend taking a damp toothbrush and lightly brushing it over your lips. Apply lip balm. Line your lips with red lip liner. Apply matte red lipstick. Top it off with a red gloss.
Added tips: For longer lasting color with less maintenance, before applying lipstick add a lip stain. That way when the gloss and lipstick wear away the lips are still a brilliant juicy color. I would also blot the lips a few times and then reapply until your lips have fully absorbed the color.


2) Plum lip stain
Follow the same steps as above

3) Dark rimmed eyes with lots of lashes!
Line your inner rims with a dark eyeliner (Note: I did not say black, feel free to experiment with navy, dark green, maroon, purple liners). I recommend gel liners since it is easier to control than liquid liners yet also can be smudged to make a sexy smokey look. Curl your lashes. Apply lots of mascara.

Alcone Make up wipes

I picked these up from The Make Up Show last Sunday at the Metropolitan Pavilion and had a chance to try them out last night b/c my friend and I were out late and were lazy to wash our faces off so we resorted to wipes. (hah!) I can't believe I didn't discover these sooner! This wipe is so gentle and divine against the skin. It literally takes everything off and smells like fresh cucumber slices. I also love the fact that its individually wrapped so its super sanitary, will not go dry, and you can pack it in your gym bag, purse, luggage, etc.
I don't know why it isn't a part of my kit already. I'm definitely a fan of the Alcone Make up remover cloths. I also love the fact that you can purchase them in bulk. I will probably include a wipe for my bride's emergency touch up kit. They will love the scent and how it feels against the skin at the end of the day!

An Invigorating exfoliator

Last fall I attended Eco-Fashion Week that was coinciding at the same time as the regular fashion week and had a blast attending a couple shows.See my post on The Luxury Spot about one of the shows here.

I received a goody bag at the show and I am pleased to discover suki's exfoliating cleanser. The cleanser is infused with organic ingredients like sugar, lemongrass, and rice flour. This cleanser smells like ginger and is invigorating to the skin with an added aromatherapy kick. Every time I used the cleanser I feel awake and my skin looks brightened. This is particularly key during the last remaining winter weeks. I also use this when I'm feeling stressed out and it helps relax me. I definitely recommend this product.