Word from the street...

So readers, I have new recommendations for your weekend from two trusted sources....

These are both products that I have not personally used myself but I have heard good things about one and the other comes from one of the best brands out there.

So today I present you with two new reader "picks"!

1) Laura Mercier Lip Stain - $20 (Sephora nationwide, Laura Mercier counters and online at lauramercier.com)



I was unaware of this lip gloss until this evening. Not much gets under the BGND radar but this lovely little pot of gloss had. I have it from my good friend B (as we shall call her) that this product is the real deal. In her words - "it really stays on". And I know that this lovely lady works hard for the money so in no way would she foolishly part with her flow on a product that did not satisfy. That is enough of a sale for me.

2) Burt's Bees Radiance Serum - $18 (Online at Burtsbees.com and select drugstore nationwide)

My friend M who recommended this is hardcore. The man takes care of his skin. I have witnessed it. And although I had heard good things about the BB serum, if he says it works...I believe it. It is the next thing on my list to try.

So thanks to B and M for the recommendations- I am excited to try them!!

Have a great weekend and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Things that go bump in the night....

So as you loyal BGND readers know, this blog is mostly devoted to skin and cosmetics for the face. However, not all BGND -related issues fall into the facial category. And other "all-over" skin issues in some ways can be even more frustrating than the common zit or dark eye circle. My biggest personal all-over skin foe?

The dreaded "bumps". Now perhaps you are a lucky individual and you have no idea what I am talking about. But for those of you that do, you are part of the 50% of adults who have "the bumps" and know how annoying the condition can be.

The technical term? Keratosis Pilaris. A simple, harmless skin condition. In basic terms, your skin is not turning over like it naturally should. You are building new epidermis but not effectively getting rid of the old. The result? What looks like dozens of little bumps (some look like pimples) on certain areas of the body (most likely to occur on the upper arms, backside or thighs.) This condition is genetic and there is no cure. It doesn't hurt or cause discomfort (at least most cases do not) but boy is it annoying!

Here is an image for those of you who need one:
http://www.visualdxhealth.com/images/dx/webChild/keratosisPilaris_22404_med.jpg
(I have pasted the link and not the image for those who are a bit squeamish.)

The best way to treat KP is NOT over exfoliation as one might think. People who have KP often go for a harsh loofah and scrub away. This will not help and will probably hurt. What is effective and affordable?
AHAs - (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
If you can find a good lotion that contains them, consistent use will lessen the appearance and the texture of the bumps. Painless and easy. I used a great drugstore lotion in the past but sadly, it went off the market.

BUT....hooray! There is a new product out there for all of us with KP!

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing Lotion - $8.29 (Drugstores nationwide)
This baby is my new best friend. Specially formulated to help "the bumps", this lotion gently exfoliates with AHAs while giving your skin the moisture it needs in a way that only Lubriderm can provide.
YES!

A word to this wise, if you do have KP, it will take a bit for any noticeable "smoothing" to occur of your rough spots. As you know, creams do not work over night. Give this some time to work and you will love the results!

As a final parting note, if you are interested in learning more about KP and other treatment options here is a great article:

http://www.dermstore.com/features/KP/kpinfo.php

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Will you accept this rose?

Oh boy. Another season of The Bachelor is well under way and once again - I am totally hooked.

By the way - this is my spoiler alert- if you have not yet watched the episode for 1/26/09, you may not want to continue reading this post.

It is pretty much the same thing every time...25 beautiful women, 1 great looking guy...all of them dramatic and emotional beyond belief. This year however, I have been looking at things from a BGND standpoint. These women are young, beautiful and living a life of leisure during their time on TB...so why does it sometimes look like they rolled out of bed for the rose ceremony! Come on! You have all the gifts any girl could ask for- why does your skin look like you only drink tequila, smoke cigarettes and never sleep?

Now don't get me wrong. Mostly, the girls look great. But I am always astounded at someone who is supposed to be only "24" looking like they are 44....(who knows if those are their real ages anyway...) If you are someone who reads this blog and has yet to moisturize and wear sunscreen...let these ladies be your warning.

However, currently I am only here to shout a "well done!" to one of the contestants.... She walked away without a rose tonight so she would have had a good excuse to look less than her best... but no- she rocked her rose ceremony look even through the post-breakup tears.

Now mind you, often times these shows have make-up artists on hand to "clean up" the girls for their on-camera time but regardless, I give props for a flawless execution of my favorite "now" look. Perfect for winter time and easy to adapt no matter what your skin tone.I apologize that I do not have a picture from tonight's episode of Megan...ABC probably won't post pics from tonight's show for a bit -this shot is from the season opener. But I wanted you all to know who I was talking about.

Anyway, tonight Megan looked stunning with smooth highlighted skin, a cool color palate with smoky gray eye colors and beautiful pinks on her cheeks and lips. These colors look great on anyone and I was so happy to see someone on TV (in HD no less!) look so good in fresh and vibrant "now" make-up. As soon as I get a pic, I will post.

Keep looking fabulous (for rose ceremonies and your one on one dates)!
BGND

Interesting, very interesting...

So I have seen a new product out and about that I am dying to try. Now, do I need another make-up product taking up precious space in my already crowded cosmetics landscape? Of course not! But this new product is intriguing to me for a very important reason..Instead of masking the little fine lines and wrinkles that daily appear anew on my face - it helps fix them! YES! Finally, a multi-tasker that I can get behind. And what is this new fascinating product?

Smashbox Cosmetics Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder and Brush Set - $59 (Sephora and Sephora.com)Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking. $59!!! For powder?! Well folks, let me tell you why this is no ordinary powder. First off, Halo has a fantastic anti-aging ingredient - Gogi Berry - right inside the formula. Secondly, it is a powder built to hydrate. That's right- a dry powder specially formulated to hydrate your skin. So for all of us out there that sometimes need a little extra moisture, or love to go with foundation because it smooths things out, now there is another alternative. A high-class powder that not only helps get rid of fine lines and wrinkles with it's ingredients, but helps smooth them out with hydration. And this is a POWDER. Not a serum, or a night cream or anything else. Revolutionary in BGND's book.

And if that wasn't enough, this product has a shaver built in so you get just the precise amount of loose powder you need. No longer will you open your powder container only to have it spill all over your counter or worse- that lovely black dress you have on. This of course also means this powder can travel well.

So I don't know about you but I need no other reasons- I am trying this baby out ASAP.

I will report back to you all accordingly and hey - who knows....we might have a new POTW in our midst.

Happy Monday and Keep looking fab!
BGND

New President, New Year, New You!

So I think that while you should stick with what works, sometimes we all need to hit the reset button. Just like diet and exercise, sometimes we fall off the good skin care habits band wagon and we need a little help getting back into the groove of things.

So today, in honor of fresh starts, I have two product packages that might be just what you are needing if you have spent far too many nights going to sleep with make-up on, or far too many days washing with your bar soap since you ran out of your face cleanser. Both of these packages are meant for skin rehab and to get you back on the right track.

1) For those needing a new approach to anti-agers

Neutrogena 14-day skin rescue kit - $25.99 (Drugstore.com)
This kit may look small and insignificant but boy does it have kick. Armed with three different products (cleanser, day moisturizer, night moisturizer), this kit is designed to get you back on track in a serious way. This is the kit to go with if you need powerful anti-agers and results fast. If your goals are to look younger and more refreshed- this is the way to go.

For more info:

http://neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/productdetail.browse?segment=women&catId=1&subCatId=1&productId=460&target=/products/face/14-day-skin-rescue.jsp

#2) For those just looking for a fresh start

Clinique Mini Kit - $46 (Exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com)
So at first glance this looks like nothing new. Everyone knows about Clinique and their "3-step skin care". Perhaps you have even tried it once in the past. Well, if you are having skin issues, this mini kit might just be the restart you need. It comes with the usual 3-step but it also has my favorite eye make-up remover, the best eye cream (although I use the "rich" version of this), great mascara (the very one I mentioned in my BGND cosmetic best of list), and most importantly City Block with SPF. My biggest issue with the 3-step is that the moisturizer has no SPF, but by including the City Block the folks at Clinique have fixed this issue. Of course all of these products are available in full size, this kit is just great if you need to try something new but don't want to commit to anything just yet. Use the minis and if it works for you, get the full size. Or just like a diet, use this program to get you back on track and then move onto something else.

Have a great weekend and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Don't forget!

Go celebrate today's Inauguration of the 44th president by going and getting your free items today from any of the following stores:

• Bergdorf Goodman
  
  
• Bloomingdale’s
  
  
• Carson Pirie Scott
  
  
• Dillard’s
  
  
• Macy’s
  
  
• Neiman Marcus
  
  
• Nordstrom
  
  Saks Fifth Avenue
  
  
• 
  

I blogged about it last week but this is just a reminder...for all the info go to -

www.cosmeticssettlement.com.

Congrats to Barack H. Obama!

Keep looking fabulous (which Michelle did all day!)

BGND

And the Winners Are...

Here it is everyone- finally the first official BGND Best of List Make-up Edition!

A few things before we get started...

- The "best of" list will be categorized as most of them are with all the basics in cosmetics covered, as well as a few reader's favorites and specialty items thrown in.

- When possible, I have listed one "bargain" cost item and one "luxury" cost item for all categories on the list.

- Everything can be found either at a department or drug store near you, Sephora or the wonderful Internet.

- No prices are listed

- Most importantly, 99% of the time these items listed as "best" in their category have found their way to this list from sheer enjoyment and satisfaction while being used by BGND herself. If not, it is because someone I know and trust (and most importantly has different skin than I do!) has used and loved the product for YEARS. No flash in the pans here!!

Enjoy!

BGND Best Cosmetic Products 2009

Concealer:
Bargain - L'Oreal True Match Concealer
Luxury- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer (shown)

Foundation:
Bargain - L'Oreal True Match Liquid Makeup
Luxury - Prescriptives Traceless Skin Responsive Tint SPF 8 (shown)

Powder:
Bargain - Almay Nearly Naked Loose Powder
Luxury - M.A.C. Select Sheer/Pressed or Loose (shown)



Blush:
Bargain - Cover Girl TruBlend Minerals Blush
Luxury - Tarte Cheek Stain (shown)
Eyeshadow:
Bargain - Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Three - Kit Shadows
Luxury - M.A.C. Eye Shadow (shown)




Eyeliner:
Bargain -Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal (shown)
Luxury - M.A.C. Eye Kohl

Mascara:
Bargain - Max Factor Lash Perfection Mascara (shown)
Luxury - Clinique High Impact Mascara

Lipgloss:
Bargain - L'Oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss
Luxury - Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss (shown)

Lipstick:
Bargain - Wet n' Wild MegaColors Lipstick
Luxury - Laura Mercier Lip Color Sheer (shown)Specialty cosmetics and Tools:
Primer - Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primers
Bronzer - Clinique Up Lighting Liquid Illuminator
Highlighter - Benefit Cosmetics High Beam
Nail Polish and Care - OPI
Best Brushes - Prescriptives, Sephora, Kevyn Aucoin
Best Packages and All in Ones- Too Faced Cosmetics (shown)



BGND Reader favorites aka Special Mention:
DiorShow Mascara
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation
Benefit Dandelion
OPI Bogota Blackberry Nail Color
Stila Smudgepots

So there you have it readers!
Did I forget something? Are you horrified that I did not include one of your favorites?
Let me know!

As always you can reach me at beautygirlnextdoor@gmail.com....

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

P.S. Keep your eyes on this blog for the second half of my "best of " list - skincare!!

Interesting, very interesting....

So I received a fascinating email from my sister in law Sara yesterday (thanks girl!!)
I have copied and pasted it for you all below as today's post...
The name of the game? FREE STUFF.

Sara wrote:
Macy's Inc., Nordstrom and other retail chains will be giving away cosmetics, skin care and perfumes next Tuesday as part of a five-year-old settlement involving price fixing on beauty products. The giveaway stems from a 2004 class-action lawsuit settlement on behalf of consumers who purchased cosmetics between May 1994 and July 2003, according to the settlement's Web site at www.cosmeticssettlement.com.
Dillard's (NYSE:DDS), Nieman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue (NYSE:SKS) and Target (NYSE:TGT) also were named on the suit. The retailers have acknowledged no wrongdoing in the issue. Macy's, Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN) and Target operate in Central Ohio.

As part of the settlement, $175 million in cosmetics will be given away first come, first served. Consumers will be able to choose one item per person until supplies are exhausted. Brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Clarins, Guerlain, Givenchy, Chanel, Boucheron, Cody, Calvin Klein, L'Oréal and Christian Dior. The products include mascara, skin care, moisturizers and fragrances, said Sharon Bateman, a spokeswoman for Macy's (NYSE:M). "None of the product comes from the store's regular inventory," she said. "I think these products were created specifically for this giveaway." The offer will last until all of the products in a store are distributed.

So obviously this is amazing and from what I can tell on the website they list no specifications for proving you bought items during the time listed (I don't know how they could possibly expect people to produce a receipt from that long ago). So if you are like me, chances are you bought something from one of those stores during those years- so go get your freebies!! Check out the website for what stores to go to and what they will be giving away.

www.cosmeticssettlement.com

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

P.S. The date for this is January 20th!!!

Product of the week - January 13th, 2009

Okay, I know it is not Thursday. But as I sit here with a sore nose once again this season (seriously- how did I go years without one cold and so far already have three this year?! I guess I was due...), I was overwhelmingly thankful once again for a very simple product in my life.

What product you ask would cause me such happy moment in a time when the skin around my nose (and under it) is red, peeling, itchy and just generally unpleasant?

Petroleum Jelly (aka Vaseline) - $2.00 to $4.00 (depending on brand and size), Drugstores nationwide

Now perhaps you are scoffing at my POTW this week. Maybe you consider it some old fashioned relic of another time and think why would I ever have this next to my lovely creams and potions? Because it works. Very well. For many many things. For example, whenever a cold strikes and I am blowing my nose roughly 256 times a day, nothing is as soothing to the overused area as a thin coat of Petroleum jelly. It soothes, it protects and no it does not clog the pores in the area. When my hands get really dry and crack in the winter? Once again, petroleum jelly to the rescue. What if my lips are chapped? Or if I have run out of eye make-up remover? Stretch marks? Sensitive baby skin?

The list goes on and on.

Now some simply called petroleum jelly "Vaseline", a brand name just like "Kleenex" for a tissue. If you are a "Vaseline" person go for it, but know that for the most part a simple generic is the same in the this case and half the price. In fact, the jumbo jar in my cabinet? Target brand of course.

It is cheap. It works. You will be SO grateful to have it around when you least expect it. Go get some and survive winter and every other season!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

P.S. Just because this is hilarious:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOR4qekHWlA

The Morning After....Golden Globes edition 2009

Happy Monday Morning all you BGNDers!

Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? I did, but I must admit that I tivoed it so I could fast forward through the boring parts...and I was still in bed by midnight!

When watching all of these award shows I am always astonished by the parade of beautiful people and all the hard work it takes to maintain those kind of ridiculous looks. And yet as pleased as I am by the beautiful gowns and elegant tuxedos, I am usually more astounded by the people who have everything to work with and yet still look like a mess!

Since I am keeping this blog positive, (let's face it - there is enough negativity on the Internet), I am simply going to be talking about my favorite looks from last night and not ripping on anyone who looked less than perfect. I mean even celebrities are human right?

The award for best overall look:

Kate Winslet

She has always been one of my favorite actresses and last night she took home not one but two GGs AND looked AMAZING. I mean seriously- she was flawless. And this was without Botox or work being done...she showed aging gracefully is the best way to look great.

Her hair is fantastic, her dress is stunning and best of all, she looks glamorous and glowing but still manages to look natural. I love the deep lips matched with glowing skin and a slight smoke in the eye. Perfect.

The award for most age appropriate goes to:
Kate Capshaw

Stephen Speilberg gave a great speech while he accepted his Cecil B Demille award and yet all I could think was, Kate Capshaw looks FANTASTIC. Great hair, great skin and best of all..she looked age appropriate. As always with awards shows, there were more than a few ladies who looked much older/much younger than they should. Kate was not one of these. She looked her age and rocked it. Who knows if she has had work done but I give her major credit for coming out and having her hair, make-up and dress show a mature woman who has lived life. Kudos.
(Sorry I don't have a picture for this one....)

The award for best post-breakup look:
Rachel Evan Wood

Move over Anne Hathaway, there is a new single gal in town. ERW was very Goth while she was with Marilyn Manson and somehow it never really fit. Her hair/skin are naturally light and the dark hair, crimson lipstick and pale skin (ala Dita Von Teese - who always looks amazing) that she worked while with Manson never seemed the right fit. It looked like she was playing dress-up. Last night however, the real ERW was out in force.

More natural skin color, hair slowly being brought back to life, plus icy cool eyes and a nice rosy lip color. Well played ERW, well played.

Award for best surprise stunner of the night:
Laura Linney

I love Laura. She is a fantastic actress and seems like an intelligent, real woman. Last night I thought she looked better than she ever has. Happy, glowy and at ease. In the past, I have thought she was never really comfortable at big award shows and as a result she never let herself shine but last night she came to the party and was no wallflower.

Sorry I couldn't find a shot of LL all alone but what can you do? Her skin is smooth and glowing, her make-up is beautiful...it brings her color and shine but she is not overdoing anything. She looks fantastic plain and simple. She personifies a California girl doing black tie. Many a younger starlet could take a hint from her look.

Award for most naturally stunning:
Tie- Beyonce and Eva Longoria

Both of these naturally beautiful ladies have been known to go overboard in the past. But last night, they both brought their A-game and let their natural beauty do the talking. Beyonce's jewels/dress, and Eva's striking red satin gown spoke volumes and with their simple make-up, their true elegance came through. Two of the best looks of the night, by far.

http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=aed8be8b-80c5-4a46-bb7e-4664208d2d16#20c45fd0-6e50-471a-8c50-daa302b4a1c6 - Beyonce's look

http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=aed8be8b-80c5-4a46-bb7e-4664208d2d16#321b12c3-6bdb-4611-96f1-878e4a6cc438 - Eva's look

These 5 ladies are of course only the tip of the beauty ice berg. Other honorable mentions that I think would make a great elegant look for anyone looking for some glamour:

Mary Louise Parker
Elizabeth Banks
Melissa George
Eva Mendes
Jennifer Westfeldt
January Jones
Kyra Sedgwick
Sandra Bullock
Kristin Scott Thomas

The only negative comments I will make about last night?

1 - What was with all the messy hair? I understand you are going for a no-muss/no-fuss look. But at least look like you have run a brush through your mane. Many many ladies would have looked 100% instead of 60% if their hair had been under control.

2 -Okay men. I love a little scruffy facial hair. It gives you that slightly rugged, bad boy look. However, it does not work on everyone and there is a fine line between 1-2 days of scruff and looking like a mountain Yeti. Jake Gyllenhaal- well done. You men with no razor in sight- you know who you are!!

Alright readers- that is my GG wrap up for 2009.
Keep looking fabulous,
BGND


P.S. The BGND "best of" list is coming...it is just taking me a bit longer than I expected to compile everything. Sorry for the delay!!

BGND's 1st Annual "Best Of" List!

Hello to all my readers!

Just wanted to give you all a heads up that on Monday BGND will post the very first "Best Of" list. The only scientific research will be from my own experiences and those of you- my faithful BGND readers.

So before the list is posted on Monday and is official...write me and let me know what you think should be on the list. What are the items that have changed your life in 2008? What do you use everyday?

The list will be just like any other "Best of" list and will include the best in skincare and make-up (although no hair care...it is not my forte.) I look forward to hearing from you and what your thoughts are on the 1st Annual BGND Best of List!

As always, I can be reached at beautygirlnextdoor@gmail.com.

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Product of the week - January 8th, 2009

It is the first POTW for the new year and once again here at BGND we are focusing on the best bang for your buck/the most you can get for your dollar/something worth the cash in these financially stressed times.....

Maybelline New York Cool Effect Cooling Shadow/Liner - $4.69 (Drugstores and online nationwide)

This lovely "liner" has been a weapon in my arsenal ever since I moved to NYC after college and needed something that was 1) cheap, 2) easy to apply anywhere/everywhere and 3) a multi-tasker. Today's POTW I bought on a whim to try to fulfill all three of those things... and boy did it ever! Today, long gone from NYC, I have it in many many colors (it comes in twenty) and I love it even more than the day I discovered it at a Duane Reade drug store. It is always there for me whether I need a quick sweep of shadow on a day I am running late, a thick sultry eyeliner for night or perhaps just something I can smudge and make messy. It really is a multi-purpose make-up utensil. I DEMAND you go out and get at least one of the colors so you can see what I am talking about. You will fall in love like I did so many years ago!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

New Year New Rehab..

So if you are like BGND, once the holidays are over, it almost seems like there was narry a wink of sleep to be had with all the parties, family gatherings and shuttling to and fro. In fact, at the end of the holiday rush, BGND is tired and in need of a vacation! Sadly for most of us, it is back to work and back to the grind! So how to get a little R&R post-holidays?

In my mind, a great book and a fabulous (yet affordable) at home mask are the ways to go!
So today I give you my current favorite at home masks (in no particular order) for all types of skin.



For Normal Skin:

Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Facial Clay Masque - $3.99 (drugstores and online nationwide)

Richly infused with vitamin E, this is a thick and useful clay mask when you are looking for something to soften you up and draw out some of those impurities. And for $3.99!



For Acne Prone:

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask - $7.99 (Drugstores and online nationwide)

This product is actually designed as a two in one but the mask application is the way to go in my mind. With 3.5% Benzoyl Peroxide you are getting a good bang for your buck and the cooling sensation is a nice treat.



For something new:

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask - $52 (Drugstore.com, Sephora nationwide)

The priciest of the group but the one that gets major raves from everyone I know who has tried it. This "mask" is designed to mimic the Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial at Bliss spa and comes packed with Vitamin C and more Oxygen than the atmosphere, not to mention many other little miracle workers. For the BGND reader who wants a good mask at home and is willing to shell out a little more to get it.

So grab that book, that glass of wine or hot chocolate and enjoy some R&R for your tired skin!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

P.S. Sorry for the lack of photos today- apparently Blogger is tired as well and was not letting me upload anything!

"The 11"

What is "The 11" you ask? "The 11" is a term that I heard from my mother recently and in my opinion, is by far the funniest thing I have heard in a while. "The 11" is a lovely little nickname for the lines that form above the bridge of most people's noses. You know what I am talking about right? See below for picture proof....

This is just a random guy I found on the Internet but I think it illustrates the point no? So as funny as my mother's phrase was (she would not take credit- she says she heard it somewhere..) to those of us with "The 11" it is not so funny at all. Or in my case, I have what I am now referring to as "The ="..not as catchy to say out loud but still traumatizing just the same.

So how can we prevent "The 11", "The =" and all the other fun little fine lines that daily invade our face? Well, here are the top three fixes for upper nose and forehead wrinkles...(And I am not including the obvious top three- plenty of sleep, moisturizer and drinking plenty of water.)

Option #1 (aka free and easy) - "If you keep making that face, it will freeze that way!"
A childhood taunt to be sure..but very true. My boyfriend likes to gently tease me about the face I make when putting on mascara. Mouth wide open, eyebrows to the sky....Well recently I looked at myself (and not just my lashes) while I was making this face. And guess what? Most of the fine lines I have? You can see them all when I make the mascara face. Now when applying my morning lash goo, I focus on relaxing my features..same goes for washing the dishes..whatever. I don't think we realize it, but often times we are furrowing our brow or frowning when we do not need to be. Think relaxation in your face, not tension and I promise those fine lines will relax too.

Option #2 (cover it up!) - As all of you loyal readers know I am somewhat obsessed with Benefit Cosmetics. Almost everything I try of theirs I love and the packaging is CUTE! My latest acquisition - Powderflage Concealer (get it - like Camouflage?). Powderflage is this wonderful, light, shimmery pink powder concealer. It comes complete with a fun little brush especially designed for the product. Which....was designed to cover up fine lines just like "The 11"! You simply dip the flat fan brush in the powder, sweep gently upwards over whatever lines you are trying to conceal and TA-DA...fine lines banished! Seriously, it works. I have been applying it over my primer but before my powder (for those of you who use foundation or tinted moisturizer- apply after that) and lo and behold my pesky lines are less noticeable. This is a brand new product for me and is already in heavy rotation. YAY!

Option #3 (only for the major league players) - Botox. Yup, I said it...I have not gone under the needle myself but I will say that for the finely wrinkled forehead it is the treatment du jour. If you do decide to go the chemical route, a few words to the wise...a) Time it right - it is best to start Botox before your lines are deep. Botox prevents you from making the motions that cause wrinkles so if you see something beginning to develop, Botox will nip it in the bud. However, it can help with pre-existing wrinkles so don't think if you already have wrinkles you are beyond help. b) DO NOT GO OVERBOARD. There are about a zillion pictures I could post of formerly normal looking female (and male) celebrities who went Botox crazy. Do not go there! Use sparingly and remain human. c) Choose your doctor wisely. I have heard many times that Botox should only be used on the forehead/upper nose area and not around the mouth. Some doctors will dispute this but I think the people who look the freakiest are the ones who have had the shots where they shouldn't. In order to prevent this from being you, find a GOOD DOCTOR. One whom you trust and will not try to fill your whole face. Find someone who has your best interest in mind.

So ladies and gents...whether you have "The 11", "The =" or both...be brave and go forth knowing you have many options to erase time from your face.

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

Happy New Year!

Hello my faithful BGND readers! It is 2009 (wow!) and I am back and ready to attack any and all skin care and make-up issues anew. My apologies to the lack of posts for the end of December...between the holidays and a nasty little spyware virus that sunk it's teeth into my computer (and had it out of commission for roughly two weeks), I had no way to post. But I am back and I am here with something humbling for the new year.

What you ask? What new foot am I starting out on for 2009?

A retraction of sorts- gasp!

That's right ladies and gents, a product (or product type I should say) has worked it's way back into my good graces. And what is it?

Toner!

I don't know about all of you but I have been having some WEIRD winter skin woes. Isn't acne supposed to be worse in the summer and not in the winter? I mean by all general knowledge one would think that sweaty summer heat + gunky lotion + sunscreen would ultimately top cold outdoor wind + drying indoor heat when it comes to the clogging pores equation. Well the truth is- often times in winter our skin is worse. The reason? Exfoliation! We forget that even ravaged winter skin has dead skin cells that need to be cleared so our skin can breathe and regenerate just like our summer skin does. But because we are so afraid of over drying and stripping skin of any natural oil in the winter, we often do not exfoliate enough.

So in my current state I sought out some new advice for my newly minted skin exfoliation issues.

Little did I know that the product most derms recommend for fixing the winter exfoliation issue is toner! If you use the right toner, you will gently remove the excess skin that has built up but still baby your skin the way it needs to be babied in winter.

I set out to use my holiday time as a 7 day trial run - sort of my own toner test. The product? Good old reliable Clinique Toner #2. I used it religiously morning and night for one week, and continued with the rest of my skin care routine as usual. The results? Happy, glowing, less clogged skin! Not only that, I looked and felt smoother and my pesky forehead fine lines even seemed diminished.

So there you have it, I am back on the toner train - at least for the winter months. Perhaps when the weather gets better I will return to my old toner-free practices, but for now- I am loving it!!

Keep looking fabulous in 2009!

BGND

P.S. I still stand by my original post that toner is not for everyone. I only sought it out because I was having a particular issue. If your skin is fine and you already have an exfoliating treatment in your skin-care routine do not rush to add toner. You don't want to over -do anything and end up with a raw face. But if you are interested in trying toner, go gently and work your way up to the toner strength that works for you!