Freaky Friday....

When we are young and our skin is fantastic, there are certain practices that we adhere to in our beauty regime. As we age, that routine changes in a constant march to hold back Father time. Well, some of the old and some of the new is not such a bad thing. Come on all you Girl scouts... "Make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold."

I think it is pretty smart to apply that thought to skin care as well as other aspects of life. While we age - of course there are things in our skin care process that are going to be tossed to the wind but there are others that we should think about keeping around. Here are some of my old school favorites and some old school favorites that really should stay in the past - Enjoy!

Good old practices and products:
- Home made masks (cheap and effective and to use today's terms - natural and sometimes organic!!) (And FYI- here is a link with TONS of masks - http://www.wittyliving.com/recipes/facial-mask-recipes.html)
- Ponds Cold Cream (Now I will admit this is not right for everyone - it can be too greasy for some, but use this to take off makeup, follow up with a warm wash cloth and wash your face afterwards and it will do the job of many a more expensive face cream).
- Pin curls (They work and the curl stays. Thinner hair can wash, pin small sections all over your head and just go to bed. For thicker hair I recommend a partial day (otherwise your hair will never dry) and then pin things up and then go to bed.)
- VO5 hot oil (shiny and fabulous results).
- Classic Chapstick (cheap and effective - two of BGND's favorite things).

Scary old practices and products:
- Sea Breeze astringent (some nail places use this as a sterilizer - enough said).
- Toothpaste on a pimple (trust me - not a good idea for your skin - can even cause potential scarring).
- The whole mayonnaise as hair moisturizer thing (really - its just gross).
- And the number one sin of youth - picking a pimple - PLEASE - DO NOT PICK at your face!! I know it is tempting...but it takes almost 3 times as long for a pimple to heal if you have poked, prodded and made it more infected than it already is....

So - if you want to look like this forever......



But avoid looking like this.....

Hehe - just kidding but you know what I mean - and hey Rose looks good at any age!!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the Week - August 28th, 2008

It is Labor Day weekend (well almost!)- where or where did the summer go?

Well whether you are hitting the beach or not this weekend, BGND's product of the week will have everyone fooled that you had a relaxing, invigorating and potentially scandalous Labor Day. This week's best summer lovin' product?

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - $6.29 (Drugstores nationwide)


This fabulous miracle moisturizer has been around for about 4 years now and has never lost any of its popularity. It is THE best and easiest way to get a little color on your fabulous skin (in a healthy and skin-cancer free way). If you have used this product you know some of its virtues to be natural, subtle color that is nearly impossible to mess up. And now that this product has been out for a number of years there are more color shades and more formulations (like an anti-firming- thank you!!). So be not afraid if you are looking for some summer color but don't want to
1) spend the money for a spray tan or
2) don't want to risk self-applying tanner and end up looking like Lohan circa 2006.

You will love this lotion from Jergens and will quickly understand why 4 years ago there was a WAITLIST for this- a drugstore product!!

Keep looking fabulous and enjoy Labor Day!
BGND

Very appealing...

Hey all! So today I was thinking about one of the most common, yet scary to the uninformed - beauty treatments out there...the good old facial peel. Kind of a scary title no? Who really wants to think of skin peeling off their face?!

(It personally brings me back to a prom I attended after being in the southwestern sun at a track meet all day - YIKES!)
But I digress....

Facial peels are a lovely invention and truly can add a special boost to your skin care routine. When I get a facial, the peel is one of my favorite parts. It does not leave my skin scary and red but smooth and fresh.

So this month you can imagine my delight when I saw that one of my favorite mags (as all you BGND readers know) Allure had an A-Z article about all of the questions and concerns that come up when it comes to a peel.
Well, the article does not disappoint and I recommend you check it out. Now sadly, there is no link via the Allure website that will give you all the scoop. However, some of the questions answered in the article are:
- How do I know if a home peel is the right strength?
- I've been using Retin-A for years- can I get a peel?
- Are peels going to exist in ten years? All my doctor talks about are lasers.

This is just the tip of the question ice berg so hop to that local newsstand and spend your lunch hour perusing the September issue of Allure and the facial peel article...It will answer any questions you may have about peels as well as let you in on some products they tested out in the "at home peel" department.

YAY Allure for always answering the questions we all have!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Color Me Mine

As a little girl, I absolutely loved crayons and coloring. (As a matter of fact, I still do.) I loved finding new colors in my little yellow Crayola carton and going to town on whatever unsuspecting coloring book I had in front of me. Well, I have to tell you - times have not really changed much. The only difference now is that Crayola carton is the MAC make-up counter and instead of a poor unsuspecting coloring book, I now color my face.

Well I am here to tell you that bold, bright color - one of THE TRENDS right now- is something that you can rock too.

I have a few recommendations so even if you are not completely adventurous when it comes to your make-up hues, you can still have fun with color this fall.

Trend #1: Brightly colored nail polish

Nowadays there is no excuse to not try something daring on your hands or feet. If you are a shy gal or just jumping into colored nail polish waters (you always do the same sheer shade of pink, or are a clear girl at heart) there are a number of shades to try that will be more daring than what you are used to but won't cause your conservative nail polish heart to stop. You don't have to be super bright like Rihanna, but you can still join this trend easily without doing the bright yellow polish.

Best budget colors for nails: Revlon Nail Enamel - $4.99 (Drugstores nationwide and online at drugstore.com)

Best mid-range colors for nails: OPI India Collection and Mod About Brights Collection- $5.95-$9.95 (visit http://www.opi.com/ for locations to purchase)

Best splurge colors for nails: Chanel Robertson Exclusive Line- $25 (Department Stores nationwide and online at http://www.chanel.com/)

Trend #2: Bright lips

Beware. This trend can go very wrong. Try colors on, make sure you like them and please, let the rest of your make-up take a back seat to your fabulous lips. Too much of a good thing in colored make-up can make you look like an Andy Warhol painting. But get this trend right and you will look fabulous. See my favorite Gilmore Girl above, Alexis Bledel.

Best budget for lips: Wet n' Wild Megacolors Lipstick - $1.99 (Drugstores nationwide and online for retail informtion at http://www.wnwbeauty.com/)

Best splurge for lips: MAC lipstick - $14 (MAC stores and department stores nationwide, online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/)

Trend #3: Bright eyes

I LOVE bright colored eyeshadow. It is everyone's friend. You can just have a touch of sheer color to highlight your eyes in a way you never thought possible or you can go for the full on blast of neon that will set you apart from the make-up faint of heart. As with the lipstick I recommend trying some colors before you dive in, but be not afraid. Once you become comfortable with bright colorful eyeshadow, your shimmery browns will seem SO boring.

Best budget buys for eyes:

- Wet n' Wild MegaEyes Shadow Pot - $1.99 (Drugstores nationwide and online at ww.wnwbeauty.com for retailer information)

- L'Oreal HIP Bright Duos - $7.00 (Drugstores nationwide and online at Drugstore.com)

Best splurges for eyes:

- Too Faced Shadow Duos - $17 (Sephora nationwide and online at http://www.toofaced.com/)

- Urban Decay Eyeshadow - $16 (Sephora nationwide and online at http://www.urbandecay.com/)

- Mac Eyeshadow - $14.50 (Mac Stores and department stores nationwide, online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/)

So there you are BGND readers - a bright colorful guide to the trend you should be working right now. A quick note, there is a reason that I mention Wet n' Wild a few times in today's post. They are PERFECT for someone who just wants to dabble in trendy make-up. Their products are very affordable, easy to find and if you find out that a certain color or any bright color for that matter is not for you - you are simply out $2. But if you find a color you love, you cannot beat any make-up for $2.

Keep looking fabulous ala Rainbow Brite!

BNGD

Monday Morning Multi-task

Yup - it's Monday. I can definitely feel it. I feel the need to go to Coffee Bean and get that extra strong morning latte and ignore the $5 it will cost me. I feel the need to try my best to look fantastic for work today even though I have no incentive. I definitely feel the need to just get 5 more minutes off the snooze button, and another five, and another five....

you know how it goes.

Well this morning, I am reminded of my long time conspirator when it comes to the multi-task - the absolutely fabulous L'Oreal Paris Colour Juice Sheer Juicy Lip Gloss - $7.95 (Drugstores nationwide.)

Available in 19 awesome colors that will work for almost any skin tone (I love the Watermelon - shown above), this lip gloss was a discovery of mine about 7 years ago when I was living in NYC. As you know, the Big Apple is fast and on the go. Well, when I was a resident that included my make-up. I pretty much refused to do my make-up on the subway although I would see girls every morning riding the train putting on eyeliner (gross in my opinion and a bit of a hazard...) so I needed something I could do at home that would take NO time at all. L'Oreal came to my rescue with this lipgloss. It is sheer, smells fantastic, deposits plenty of color wihout looking goopy...and get ready for it....can be used as a blush in a pinch. Now I know you are thinking- slick lipgloss as blush?!

YUP - love it.

Like I said this gloss is sheer but deposits plenty of color, so in a hurry all you need is some mascara, this for your lips and a dab of it on your cheeks for great color, subtly and the ultimate look we all crave - fresh dewiness. Then slap on those sunglasses and you are out the door!

So invest the very minor $8 this lipgloss costs and you will thank yourself everytime you are running out the door with no time to spare. It is inexpensive, looks great and will get you many a compliment and inquiry about what you did for your make-up that day.

Keep looking fabulous -Mondays and everyday of the week!

BGND

Gift with Purchase is SO last year....

I love Allure magazine. I truly think they do the best job when it comes to reporting on all the things that BGND loves. Another great thing about Allure? They ALWAYS give stuff away for free. And who doesn't love a good freebie?



Well hold on to your hats because during the entire month of August Allure is giving away many many many fabulous beauty items every week day!! Now I know it is already the 22nd, but have heart, there are plenty of fantastic things out there that are still within your reach for free.



So far this month they have given away such glam items as Harajuku Lovers Perfume (valued at $25), Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal (valued at $99), Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral Moisture Lotion (valued at $36) among others. My upcoming pick for best in freebie show - Decleor Expression De L'Age Radiance Smoothing Cream (giveaway on 8/26).



So what are you waiting for? Get on that laptop or super fancy iphone and get to work!
All you need to do is log on to Allure.com/freestuff to get all the details.



Happy freebies!!



Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Product of the Week- August 21st, 2008

Yay- Thursday!
Product of the week day!!



This week's product superstar: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - $10.79 (Drugstores nationwide)



Alright, I hear the collective groan... Cetaphil is SO boring...it is always recommended!!



Yes that is true- and it is for a REASON. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is sent from heaven above. It is gentle but cleans amazingly well. It is soothing but gets all the gunk from out of your pores. It is moisturizing but never feels oily. In a word, it is perfect.

I often use Cetaphil in the mornings or on days when I feel like my skin is lacking moisture. I find it is a cleanser that is perfect for what we put our skins through, meaning all kinds of treatments designed to ward off aging. The problem with some of these treatments is they can wreak havoc on the skin. Your skin can become flaky, or itchy or red from all the things we pile on to make our skin look better. Well to me, Cetaphil is my shower rockstar( a note- it can work with or without water). It makes me clean, lets my skin breathe, look well rested and moisturized and in a word - pure.

I know some of you may be concerned because there is no lather but hopefully you all know by know that products shouldn't over foam. If they do, those are lovely chemicals that have been added to make you feel like your skin is getting "clean". Cetaphil was designed by dermatologists and will clean your face without all that fuss.

Don't knock it till you try it.



Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

Smoke and Mirrors

So BGND readers.....


It is Wednesday aka "hump day" and you are going out on the town tonight for a little well-deserved mid-week drink. The problem of course is that you have been working all day and the lovely eye make-up you put on this morning is just not going to cut it when you throw your come hither stare at the lovely stranger glancing your way down the bar.

Well, an easy and quick smoky eye is one of the most popular make-up application questions I get asked. So today I am going to talk about one of my most favored application techniques that will not only look smashing but only take a few minutes of your post-work time. To avoid bringing your entire make-up kit to work the following is all you will need for a night-time freshening:

- a shimmery/sparkly colored shadow that matches your daily eyeliner
- a small shadow/eyeliner application brush (I recommend either the smudge brush or the small eye shadow brush from Sonia Kashuk for Target - $7.99-$9.99. Her brushes are fantastic and affordable).
- a thinner liquid mascara ( to layer over your morning mascara- or what is left of it) (Maybelline Great Lash is good for layering since it is quite thin in consistency - $4.26)




Now I should clarify that this is not what I would call a full smoky eye. This is a simple technique that you can do on days you want a little something more from your shadow or in this case when you are trying to make the day to night transition.


1 - In the morning when you are getting ready, apply a decent line of eyeliner in the color of your choice. My favorites with this technique are classic black, deep brown, deep navy blue or eggplant. Smudge slightly to lessen the line if it is too dark for your daytime make-up. I recommend pencil for this eye, not liquid.

2 - When you are ready to transition to night time, take a matching shimmery shadow (metallic gray works well with black liner, copper with brown, navy blue or deep gray with blue liner and lastly deep purple shadow for eggplant liner) and apply on top of the line you created in the morning.

3 - You want to sweep the eyeshadow color completely on top of your morning liner but slightly thicker. From there, you can apply a few coats or leave it with one sheer coat of shadow. Do not fill in your whole lid, just simply shadow your previous eyeliner line. This will revive your morning eyeliner and also give you a good new shadow base.

4 - From there, slightly blend this new line upwards with the now clean shadow brush. (It is okay if there is a little residual shadow- this will help smoke your lid a bit.) Blend well at the outer corner of your eye.

5 - Sweep a few layers of thin mascara over what is left from the morning. Do not try to use a thickening or lengthening mascara here- you will just end up with clumps.)

All done! You should have a slight smoke from your lashes about half way up your lid. Just enough to give you daytime make-up some kick and a good start for someone wanting to experiment in the smoky eye department.
Here is the lovely Emmy Rossum as an example of what the slightly smoky eye looks like.

If you notice, her lids are shimmery but really only at the lash line and other than mascara and a simple base color on the brow bone, her eyes are classically simple.

Best of luck with the look and let me know how it works out for you!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Scrub-less in Seattle

Dear BGND,

I do not know what to do...I am absolutely at my wits end. I take care of my skin. I wash, I moisturize, I protect but there is one thing that plagues me like no other... My skin is so flaky and uneven and just in need of a good scrub!!! The problem is I have tried so many and they are either too harsh, too mild or just do nothing. Please help a struggling woman just trying to have smoother facial skin then her stubble-loving boyfriend! Is that too much to ask?!

Hoping you won't flake,

Scrub-less in Seattle

Dear Scrub-less in Seattle,

I feel your pain my friend. Sometimes it feels like we are supposed to have this smooth complexion automatically. Little do people know what we do to get our cheeks to the level of baby softness we desire. Well you have come to the right place in your scrub search woes. I have a few candidates for you to try that will fit anyone's complexion and budget.

Without further ado....

1) St. Ives Apricot Scrub - $3.22 (Drugstores nationwide and online at drugstore.com)St. Ives is a classic and for a reason. They are accessible, they get the job done and they are easy on the wallet. I personally am a fan of the Apricot Scrub for sensitive skin (does the scrub work with micro-beads instead of apricot shell) but the classic Apricot Scrub cannot be beat for most ladies and for those of us with problem skin, there is now a St. Ives with blemish and blackhead control. In short, there is a St.Ives for everyone. I have been using their scrub since high school.

2) Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream - $17.50 ( Clinique counters and Sephora nationwide also at Clinique.com)

In many ways Clinique wrote the current book on skincare. As a department store counter they are accessible enough for even the faint of beauty heart to be interested. However, as more brands have arrived on the market, Clinique has lost some of it's trendiness. Yet they are still around because they know what they are doing. This scrub cream is a great example of that consistency. This cream makes your face feel beyond smooth and it's name tells it like it is- you can use this each and everyday. I am a girl with a budget so I don't buy this scrub as much as I would like but that does nothing to diminish my love for it.

Now you will notice next to the Clinique picture, that lovely little Best of Beauty Award Winner stamp from Allure. This scrub (as well as St. Ives) were both 2008 award winners from Allure's readers. So if my obsession with these two products isn't enough to make you try one, perhaps Allure's readers can sway you.

Now, these are just the two scrubs that I know and have used for years. Each and every girl needs a different kind of scrub and perhaps you have tried one or both of these scrubs before to no avail... In that case, I offer up one suggestions that I call a "popularity pick". Meaning, I have not used it myself but I have heard over and over again how fantastic it is. So if you would like to venture on your own, try the following and let me know what you think!!

Aveeno Skin-Brightening Daily Scrub - $7.49 (Apparently fantastic for aging and acne)

Well Scrub-less in Seattle, hopefully I have made your path to clear skin a little easier.

One last thing about exfoliating to leave you with:

Unless you have a seriously problem skin, you probably do not need to exfoliate everyday. I recommend every other day or every few days. I shave my legs every other day so those are the days when I scrub as well. (Helps me remember!) If you have had lots of irritation in the past with srubs, you could simply be scrubbing too much.

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

The Bronze Medal

WOW is it hot outside! Thankfully most of us don't notice (too much) since we are inside glued to the television and the glorious Summer Olympics. We all love it. The competition, the pageantry, the medals. And even though at the 29th Summer Olympiad the Bronze is considered third place, in the hearts and minds of many a BGND reader, bronze is the place to be.

For some reason, bronzer has only really taken off in the past five to ten years. Maybe it is the realization by many that tanning beds are beyond silly or maybe it is just the natural curiosity to be a slightly more glam version of yourself. Whatever the reason, bronzer is a HUGE seller in the beauty market and for at least the time being, is here to stay.

Now truth be told, I am not a huge fan of bronzer. However, if you are someone who longs for a sun-kissed glow bronzer is probably a main-stay in your make-up bag whatever the time of year. So today I am going to talk about some bronzers that I recommend as being the best. I may not love to bronze, but I can appreciate it for those who do. The following are three bronzers I recommend in order of slightest bronze (for those just testing the waters) to the bronzer for a gal looking to skip the tanning bed but still get that "I've been sunning on the beaches of Hawaii" look.

For the gal just starting out:

Clinique Up- Lighting Liquid Illuminator - $22.50 (Sephora and Department Stores Nationwide, Online at Clinique.com)

Now this is the one bronzer that I do own. It is a glorious light liquid that adds just a hint of sheen to your face. It comes in many colors so there is a level of bronze for everyone. The main reason I like this bronzer is because it is great for someone like me who doesn't want to be bronzed but does like a little glow to their face. Sometimes I mix it in with my face lotion for an all-over glow, or just dab a bit on my cheeks or on my brow-bone for a bit of gloss. And the bottle will last you for a while since a little of this lotion goes a long way.

For the gal looking for a bit more color:

Hoola by Benefit - $28 (Benefit Counters and Sephora nationwide, Online at Benefit.com)

As most of you BGND readers know, I love Benefit. Their Dandelion powder has been in my arsenal for years. Hoola is essentially the bronzer version of that. I love Hoola because it is a fool-proof bronzer. Good for everyone wanting to dabble in bronzer but afraid to end up looking like a muddled mess. It glides on smoothly, gives subtle color and allows you to decide how dark you want your faux tan to be. Use it without fear of looking like you plopped an entire pancake of bronzer on your face.

For the Pro:

Nars Bronzing Powder - $29 (Sephora nationwide or Online at Narscosmetics.com)

One of the most popular bronzers out there for a reason. Apply this correctly and your skin will look even, smooth and tan. For most skin tones, Laguna is the color to go with but if you want to try it out before you buy ($30 is a lot for an "accessory" make-up as I like to call them) then pop into your local Sephora and try it out. Sometimes you can find Nars at Bath and Body Works as well.

So there you have it. My choices for the best bronzers out there. Glow girls glow!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

5 minutes and out the door....

Friday at last. The weekend is almost here and as August clicks on by, we all want to make the most of the summertime we have left. So today I give you my easiest summer make-up. This whole look will take mere minutes and have you looking natural and glowing. Just some quick ideas to get you looking amazing without wasting a ton of time to do so!

You will need a few items:

• tinted moisturizer or clear primer (if your skin is clear)
• concealer of choice for under the eyes (a thin liquid is best)
• loose powder (optional)
• cheek stain or gel
  
• smudge-able liner/shadow ( a good one to try is Maybelline Cool Effect Cooling Shadow/Liner - $4.69, drugstores nationwide)
• mascara
• lip gloss (optional)

1. Depending on your skin and how much coverage you are looking for either apply the tinted moisturizer or the primer.
   
2. Gently dab the concealer underneath your eyes to even out skin tone and dab and smooth across lids to give uniform color there as well.
3. Lightly dust translucent loose powder in the t-zone if needed. (If you want to look dewy or just don't need the coverage after your moisturizer/primer you may skip this step.)
4. Lightly dab cheeks with stain or gel.
5. Swipe a fat line of the colored pencil at base of lids (as you would eye-liner but not as precise) and smudge with fingers or q-tip.
6. Curl lashes and apply one coat mascara.
7. Get out of the house!!
   
   This whole process should take under 5 minutes but give you plenty of coverage and color for a day out. This is my time-saver routine. No brushes needed (unless you opt for the powder) which means this whole process can be done on the go and the colored liner/eyeshadow pencil has become my best friend. It gives you a hint of color without looking like you are wearing eyeshadow.

So enjoy your summer but still look pretty and fresh in 5 minutes!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the week- August 14th, 2008

So this has been a product heavy week already - I know. But there are just so many good things out there to try!

My official fave this week: Tarte Cheek Stain - $28

Tarte Cheek Stain is my favorite blush. Now this is actually saying something. I probably over-purchase blush more than any other cosmetic. I just love the possibility of some fun new flush or a great new color for my skin. But as the new blushes come and go, good old Tarte Cheek Stain remains my steady date every morning. Sheer but full of color, natural looking but with the ability to stay all day- this lovely gel does it all. It comes in many many colors, my current favorite being Doll Face since it has some fun shimmer to it (the shown color Flush also resides in my make-up bag). My mom uses this blush, my sister in law uses it and I have used it for years. It is just a good product. It gives you a healthy glow, a natural looking flush and does not streak, cake or bleed. It really is the only blush you will need. It is available at Tarte Counters nationwide (there are not too many), Sephora nationwide of course or online.

A note on application, with this product I recommend applying it with your fingers. With clean hands, simply dab the stick with your middle and ring fingers then dab on your cheeks. This allows for a much more natural looking application and you will not end up with too much on your face. You simply repeat this process and layer on the product till you get the color saturation you are looking for.

Try Tarte Cheek Stain and let me know what you think- you will not be disappointed!!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

These Boots were made for working!

Maybe it is just me, but there are few greater things than trying a new product and (gasp!) finding out the hype was right and it actually works!!
Boots No 7 has joined that elite club for me. I had of course heard all about the fabulous British import and how women were lining up around the corner for the chance to purchase a rumored miracle worker - Restore and Renew Beauty Serum (take that Iphone! You aren't the only show in town!) I however had not gotten in on the goods until just recently. I was looking for a new night cream after growing dissatisfied with my old standby and was looking for something with a little more oomph.

After a little research I decided to head over to Target and to speak to someone about Boots. (Yes- Target does indeed have Boots representatives in their stores. The schedule varies store to store so if your local Target cannot give you a schedule, hit up the Boots website for advice- http://bootsus.bri-global.com/default.asp). So after speaking with lovely woman at Boots I found out that they offer a few lines, each dedicated to a different age group. This is a tactic that I wish more companies did. Often times companies make a product and market it across all age ranges which isn't really helpful to many. Your body is not the same at 20, 30, 40 or 50 - why would your skin be?

Being that I am not 20 anymore, but haven't hit my 40's yet, I was directed to the Time Resisting product line. I have been using the Time Resisting Night Cream for about 5 weeks now and have seen a major improvement. It tingles a bit on application(satisfying) but isn't so strong that I am getting any of the rashes or burns that can result from too many anti-agers to soon (scary). It smells nice, is completely affordable and is something I plan on using for a very long time. It truly has tightened my skin and helped keep at bay a very pesky wrinkle I have been fighting for years in the middle of my forehead. (Available nationwide at Target and CVS, as well as online - $18.99)

Speaking of that lovely forehead wrinkle, the other Boots no 7 gem that I discovered that day was the Intensive Line Filler. I have seen products of this kind popping up recently, sort of an at-home lotion alternative to Botox. Let me tell you, it seriously delivers. I apply this soft, almost satiny cream to my forehead, to my smile lines and at the corners of my eyes daily after washing my face in the morning and I cannot believe what a difference it makes. It smooths things over, make those tiny lines go away and generally makes my skin look far more hydrated and rested than it actually is. In short, it works and unlike Botox, does not make you look permanently expressionless. (Available nationwide at Target and CVS, as well as online - $17.99).
Boots no 7 has officially earned a spot in my medicine cabinet. I look forward to checking out their other lines and seeing if they work as well as the ones I have already tried. So check back for further updates on Boots no 7. I have no doubt they will be taking over the US skincare industry.

Cheerio and Keep Looking Fabulous!
BGND

Ped- Egg- Cure!!!

Let's talk about feet. They aren't a particularly glamorous subject but we all like to wear cute strappy heels so we do our best to make our overworked feet beautiful. Well my foot woe for years has been dry, coarse skin all over the bottom of my feet with heels that are particularly sad and cracked. So this year, as the time of flip flops and fabulous wedges approached, I set out to solve my sad foot crisis once and for all! I would no longer stare in wonder at those with seemingly naturally soft feet! I would take control of my foot destiny!
And by gosh, I did.

The most amazing thing is what actually solved my foot crisis. None other than a good old fashioned infomercial product!! The miracle Ped-Egg.


A small, white plastic file that for some reason is far more effective than any other buffer/smoother/filer I have used. (And trust me, I have used MANY.) The Ped-Egg is truly easy to use, completely pain free and for the most part mess-free. The best part is that it is cheap ($9,99 at your local Target or a number of locations online). I would highly recommend it to anyone with minor to serious callous problems.

A few notes on use of the Ped-Egg:

• This might go without saying, but please read the instructions that come with the PE. The PE is a metal file and you don't want to use it the wrong way. The instructions will guarantee your success with the PE and they take only a few minutes to read.
  
  
• After any foot treatment it is important to get the right lotion on your clean and smooth feet. I CANNOT live without my Neutrogena Norwegian Foot Cream. I recommend applying it daily as soon as you get out of the shower when your feet are still damp, and again anytime you use the PE. The cream will soften your feet at any stage and will only make the PE's results that more dramatic.
  (Available at drugstores and online nationwide, $4.29)
• One note on the "mess-free" element of the PE. It does have a section that collects any debris you buff from your feet (gross yes, but reality). However, it does not collect every little bit of dead skin. For this reason, you will want to use the PE over a trash can or in an area that is easy to clean up. You may not experience this problem as much as I did, but a word to the wise none the less.

So folks- go! Enjoy the summer with your new, fabulous supple feet! Let the Ped-Egg change your ugly duckling stompers into swan-like beautiful shoe models.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Product of the Week - August 7th, 2008

Hey BGND readers!


Today I start a new element of my blog. On each and every Thursday I am going to give a little shout out to my favorite new product (and if I am lucky occasionally be able to give some away!) I will try to mix it up and bring you varied and different types of products but always know that every Thursday you can check back here and learn about something fun and new or if you are a life-long product lover like me, reaquaint yourself with an old friend.



Today's fave: derma-e Anti-Aging Hand Cream - $9.50





So I LOVE this hand cream. It is just the right consistency, works great and is LOADED with all kinds of goodies like Olive Oil, Green Tea Extract and Aloe to name a few. It is fast absorbing but works like a heavy balm. It also smells delicious (sort of like Sweet-Tarts Candy) and I have gotten so used to putting it on before bed that when I recently forgot it on a trip, I truly missed it. All of derma-e's products are winners, this just happens to be my latest fave and has earned a permanent spot on my night table.


Derma-e is family owned and operated and can be purchased nationwide at Vitamin Shoppe, Drugstore.com or Whole Foods. And of course you can purchae Derma-E through their website - http://www.dermae.net/. The website also has a function where you can input your zip code and find local retailers that sell derma-e.



Let me know if you try out the Anti-Aging Hand Cream or anything else from derma-e and if you like it.



Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Error-sol

So it is the dog days of summer (how is it August already?!) and with being outside so much, a girl's thoughts turn to sunscreen. I don't know about all of you but I have a love/hate relationship with the stuff. I love that it holds off wrinkles, keeps me nice and alabaster and most importantly helps prevent skin cancer. I hate that it is a pain in the butt to apply, often makes me feel dirty/greasy and is just another step in getting ready in the morning.

Well, today I went for a lovely beach day in Malibu with some of my nearest and dearest. It was sunny with not a cloud in the sky and of course there was a nice coastal breeze about. The air even had a lovely coconut smell making me think of frosty umbrella-holding beverages. The reason the air was so delicious? The girl on the towel about 20 feet away from me was using aerosol sunscreen. And so we arrive at my sunscreen thoughts for the day.

Beware aerosol sunscreen. I know it is convenient, I know it keeps your hands clean and I know it is much easier to apply on kids than the old school goop. The problem? Unless you are using it in an area with NO WIND, I do not believe you are not getting the same coverage as you would with a more traditional cream.

Now don't get me wrong, when aerosol sunscreen first debuted a few summers ago I was very intrigued. However, my one experience with it was on a barely windy day when most of what I was spraying flew away into the air and as a result I used an entire can for one day the beach and still got burned. Not exactly healthy or economical. Although I had a bad experience, if aerosol sunscreen works for you and your fam, go with it. Just make sure you are using enough and that what you are spraying into the air makes it onto you and your children's skin. It is no fun thinking you are doing all you can to protect yourself only to find out that you are not as safe as you thought.

Some other quick thoughts on sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen, at home, in the mirror, before you put on your suit. It is so easy to miss the spots that are right along your suit's edge when you apply with your suit on.
  



• Apply before you get to the beach. It is cleaner and easier and sunscreen needs time to sink in and work properly.
  



• Reapply. If you are out for a bit, reapply a few times.
  



• Don't rub it in too much - just enough so that the white color is gone.
  



• Make sure whatever you use offers UVA and UVB protection.
  



• Love your sunscreen! It is keeping you young. Most skin damage is caused my the sun not by aging or diet or anything else.

My two favorites? (Both available at drugstores nationwide)

Neutrogena Sunblock, Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55, 70 - $10-$12

Coppertone Sport Lotion, SPF 50 - $9.99


Have a great summer and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Practice Makes Perfect

Hey all,

By far the thing I am most often asked in my beauty travels is what is the number one tip I would give someone looking for overall great skin. Everyone wants a smooth, clear complexion to be sure but they always want to know what they can DO to acheive that. The answer is simple. BE CONSISTENT. It is an old adage but it still rings true.

Everyone knows that if you don't study in school, you don't pass tests. Now you may be naturally brilliant and able to scoot by on luck or you may be someone who likes to sneak a look at the test next to your's and cheat just a wee bit. But for the rest of us, there is no getting a passing grade without putting in the work. The same theory can be applied to skincare. There are a few lucky folk who are blessed with lumious skin and it remains luminous, whether they have been doing triple shots of tequila and eating french fries all night or whether they have been sleeping soundly for ten hours. Then of course there are those folk who like to cheat a bit, shot of botox here, fifteen chemical peels there. And both of these groups are fine and dandy in my book. Problem is, these groups represent about 15% of the population. And sorry to tell you ladies and gents, but for the rest of us, that 85%, we are going to have to work for that lovely natural skin we all dream of.

So this is my often repeated advice - be consistent and stick with things. Drink your eight glasses of water a day. Wear sunscreen EVERY DAY even if it is cloudy. And most importantly, wash your face every single day. Apply your products every single day. Things do not tighten and firm instantaneously, no matter what the ads say. Wrinkles do not diminish in 8 hours. It took you years of laughing and enjoying life to get the skin you have. It will not disappear the moment you try a new product.

So please, I beg of you. Give yourself 30 days when you try something new. See if it is making a difference and if not, then move on. Not everything works for everyone. But nothing is going to work for anyone once. You have to give things a chance to sink in and adjust. This is true with getting in shape or learning a new instrument or even becoming a master at Wii. And as much as I don't always want to wash my face at night and take off my make-up - I do it. I know my skin will thank me later and so will my bank account (face lifts are pricey!)

So remember, Rome was not built in a day and neither was great skin.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Summer Meltdown

Dear BGND,

Please help! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, new eps of Gossip Girl will start on September 1st but I can't enjoy any of it! Why you ask? My make-up is MELTING off my face! I look all sweaty and streaky and that is not a good look anytime of the year. I am not looking for too much coverage (it is summer and I want to be low-key after all) but I do need just a little something to fill in my late 20's baby wrinkles and even out my skin tone a bit. Any suggestions?

xoxo
Sweaty in Santa Monica

Dear Sweaty in Santa Monica,

OMG! I have SO been there! Summertime can be a frustrating time of year for us beauty girls...having to look fresh and natural, stay cool, be low-maintenance - it is almost too much to juggle! Well, have no fear! I have three suggestions to make you look fabulous and smooth which are easy to master and will fix those nasty sweat and shine problems.


1) Primer/Balm (the most low-key fix of all)

If you just want something to smooth and matte your skin but aren't looking for any kind of color or coverage - there are pleny of primers that can fit the bill. My reccomendation?

Dr. Feelgood by Benefit - $28 (Sephora, Benefit Counters nationwide)

Dr. Feelgood is a fabulous balm by Benefit Cosmetics that I have been a fan of for years. Not only does it feel smooth and weightless, but it comes packed with Vitamins A, C and E, makes your pores smaller, your lines less pronounced, absorbs excess oil and makes your skin nice and matte. It is perfect for anyone who wants something to smooth out their skin but does not want to deal with foundation or anything that feels to heavy.
(Fyi- best to apply this after your daily moisturizer but before any other makeup)



2) Tinted Moisturizer ( still low-key but more coverage than a simple primer)

This is a great all-in-one product for gals looking to stay low-maintenance but needing something to cover their skin just a bit. Tinted moisturizers have come a long way since inception and there is something out there for everyone but I have two in particular that are my faves.

Budget Friendly: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 - $11.99 (Drugstores nationwide)
(this is a popular product and can sell out - in a pinch go with the Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF30 Daily Moisturizer - $14.99)

This product is truly an all in one - moisturizer, sunscreen and a tint - what is not to love?! It will smooth your skin like a foundation, but gives you the weight of a moisturizer. (I am not as big of a fan of the Healthy Defense Moisturizer since I find it somewhat stringent but others LOVE it so I still recommend it.)

Premium: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 Oil Free - $42 (Sephora, Department Stores Nationwide)
This is the industry standard - great coverage, lots of shades, SPF...it has it all. A bit pricey to be sure but when you consider what you are getting for the money, it is worth your money and like many before you, you will not know how you lived without it for so long.



3) Mineral Powder Foundation (the most coverage but still easy and melt-proof)

These days it seems like everyone is getting on the mineral bandwagon, and with good reason. Minerals are good for the skin, give great coverage and make the skin flawless. Best of all, they truly give full coverage just like a foundation but without the caked-on look that can often happen in the summertime months.

Budget Friendly: L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Foundation SPF19- $15.25 (Drugstores Nationwide)
This has emerged as my personal favorite among the drugstore mineral powders. L'Oreal in my experience makes some of the best budget friendly make-up and I have always been impressed with their powders. This offers good coverage, a decent SPF and lots of colors to choose from.

Premium: Bare Escentuals- Bare Minerals SPF 15 foundation - $25 (Sephora, Finer Department Stores and BE stores nationwide)
Bare Escentuals started it all and they are still the best. Free of chemicals and providing excellent coverage, you pretty much cannot go wrong. One word to the wise, make sure to have someone show you how to apply or visit the Bare Escentuals website for some instruction on application. Minerals are more concentrated and if you do not know what you are doing you may end up with a muddy look from too much powder on your brush.



Alright, Sweaty in Santa Monica....I know that was a long answer to your question but I want you to have options so you can choose what works best for you. Make-up is personal and not everyone likes the same thing. Hopefully one of the products I have detailed here today will help you and anyone looking to escape from the summer heat!

Stay cool!
BGND

Best of Beauty 2008

So as we all know, every year all the mags put out their lists of "Best Beauty Buys". These lists are helpful but can be long and expansive and sometimes do very little to help someone struggling to find just a few solid items to add to their skin care rep. I have collected the links for these lists here, but I have consolidated down the many different versions to what I consider to be the best of the "Best". These lists have helped me time and time again and there are items I have found via these magazines that are now permanent fixtures in my make-up bag. Enjoy!



InStyle

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/0,,20179693,00.html



Allure

http://www.allure.com/beauty/bestof



Glamour

http://www.glamour.com/fashionbeauty/slideshows/2007/08/glammies



Self

http://www.self.com/livingwell/articles/2008/04/0421btyawards_shoppinglist



Also, check back for my own "Best of" lists. Over the next few weeks I will be breaking down each skin care and make-up item you may need so that when you are looking for something specific you can come here and find a list of three or four tried and true miracle workers. These will let you find exactly what you are looking for without having to do too much work!