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Archive for the ‘Love It’ Category

Love It: CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Typically when something is called a “gloss” or a “balm” I take that to also be synonymous with “colorless”. Even if it looks bright and pigmented in the tube, once it makes its way onto your lips, it magically becomes bland. Shiny, sure- but bright? Rarely.

Not so with these new NatureLuxe Gloss Balm sticks from CoverGirl. They give you an amazing dose of color. I was VERY pleasantly surprised.

This product is an especially good buy for someone who wants to try the whole red lip thing but is a little wary of going all out. Try Peony or Anemone. A juicy yet not intimidating red.

Love It (Actually Can’t Live Without It): The Nuddle

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

People who spend a lot of time around me probably know that there are a few things I am consistently obsessed with. This list is not a long one- since I am lucky to be privy to new things all the time as part of my job, in many categories, my loyalty can be fleeting. From lipsticks to jeans, bronzers to white tee shirts- I will admit that quite often my must-haves change on a moment’s notice.

BUT- not when it comes to a few things. Like eyeshadow (Stila Kitten), favorite treat (marshmallows) and my essential blanket- The Nuddle. In my house, Nuddle has become a verb- as in- “BRIAN- the apartment is freezing, NUDDLE ME!”

Why do I love it so? Sure, it is insanely soft. But that isn’t all. It has foot pockets so your feet never peek out the bottom. I always had this constant battle between wrapping myself up all cozy on top, and then exposing my toes on the other end- which totally ruins the whole cozy experience. And there are three pockets to choose from- so you can put your feet together in the middle, or separate them on either side. The side pockets are quite handy when I order in dinner and refuse to “un-Nuddle” myself when the doorbell rings.

There also happen to be arm holes, so you can read a book or use the remote while bundled. And you can store that aforementioned book or remote in the handy little front pocket.

It truly is the only blanket you ever need.

And now, we officially have 4 in the house. One in each room- and as of yesterday, Alexa has her VERY own Baby Nuddle Blanket. She is officially a Falik!

Love It: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

I have always loved the IDEA of facial mists. They make skin dewy, they smell nice, they hydrate, they are a quick calming fix- all good things, right? But for some reason, I have never loved an actual facial mist enough to give it prominent countertop real estate so that I would remember to use it regularly. Until I was introduced to Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence. I became slightly obsessed with Tata Harper after reading the piece on her farm in the November 2010 issue of Vogue. And knowing as much as I know about the behind-the-scenes of what goes on in the beauty editorial world, it take a LOT for me to be significantly swayed by a magazine article. Tata Harper is the real deal.

Witch Hazel reduces redness (key with this crazy winter weather we are having in NYC), and the blend of Rose, Orange Blossom and Lavender flower nectars smells completely amazing- light but detectable.

My skin is on the dry side so I definitely need a heavy moisturizer underneath this to feel completely hydrated but I love spritzing this on under my makeup and throughout the day when I feel like a moment of pampering is in order.

Love It: Peter Thomas Roth Natural Looking Self Tanner

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

Since right now I am not leaving the house much, nor do I have a ton of time to get all made up like I usually enjoy doing, a faux glow is absolutely necessary. It buys you a ton of makeup-free leeway. Not to mention that while I try to will away this extra baby weight (apparently you can’t work out for 6 weeks, which is terrible news!) I can use all the help from the neck down I can get.

Enter Peter Thomas Roth Natural Looking Self Tanner. You can use on face and body, it dries quickly (which means Alexa doesn’t end up with self tan streaks of her own when I scoop her up) and it doesn’t have that funky self-tan smell. I put it on the other night and totally forgot that I had (yeah, that is the way things are going lately) until I noticed that I looked significantly better in the mirror. And not the slightest bit orange.

Love It: Carmex.

Monday, December 20th, 2010

There is nothing glam or sexy about it. But it works. And has been my go-to since I was about 11 years old in Park City, Utah skiing with my family and had such painfully chapped lips that I had to go to an emergency clinic for relief.

It has something to do with the combo of Menthol (which I just learned kills germs in addition to providing some instant comfort), Salicylic Acid to exfoliate, and hydrating ingredients like Aloe and Vitamin E.

And it is probably the biggest bargain in my makeup bag- something else to smile about.

Randomly stumbled upon this giveaway where you can get a free sample- so if you don’t trust me, give it a try yourself- it won’t cost you a dime.

Love It: Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm

Friday, November 12th, 2010

I was never very good in art class. Coloring inside the lines was never really my thing (read into that however you wish…) Had I known that honing these artistic skills could later in life help me to master my makeup, I may have tried a little harder. Given my penchant for quickly swiping on lip color, usually sans mirror, lip stains have typically proven dangerous. I love the color, but hate the risk.

As embarrassed as I am to admit this, the commercial for the new Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm piqued my interest. I mean, I have been in the beauty industry for 10 years, I should know better than to be swayed by well-produced ad campaigns featuring born-perfect celebs, but I am only human I suppose. And the product, I am happy to report, didn’t disappoint.

The color assortment is amazing (I love Passion, Crave and Gothic the best personally) and the stain is delivered via a marker-like tip that is nice and narrow and fairly mistake-proof. Even for an art class miscreant like me. A true testament to the staying power? If you want a couple seconds and then put on the balm, the color doesn’t even rub off on the clear balm stick.

At under $10 a pop, I think they are a definite drugstore do next time you are looking for a quick face update. Perfect winter blah pick-me-up…

Love It: Ahava Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Friday, November 5th, 2010

I have used Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover for years. It is one of the few beauty products I am consistently loyal to- quite a feat given how many things come across my desk to try daily.  I know, I am a lucky girl…

Anyway- things have been crazy and I ran out of the miracle juice last week, and haven’t had a second to run out and buy more. So, I grabbed this Ahava Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover from my office in a raccoon-eyed pinch. Been using it for a few nights now and gotta say, it works really damn well. It is, as the name implies, gentle- and has the slightest cooling effect which is perfectly refreshing, especially after the long a** days I have been having as of late.

I have always been a huge fan of Ahava’s bath salts and their best-selling hand cream (slather it on hourly these days)- now I can add a third favorite to my list.

Love It: Nars Laguna Bronzer

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

I have read about a million times in my favorite magazines. Heard countless celebs rave about it’s merits. Makeup artists have used it on me and I have loved the results. But until this morning, I never had a Nars Laguna bronzer in my possession. Now that I do, I don’t really know how I ever gone my bronze on without it.

The color is amazing. Tawny perfection in a giant pan (so I can dip my oversized Sonia Kashuk brush in there and no bristle goes un-powdered)- there is not a shred of shimmer in sight. Meaning it looks gorgeously natural. I am smitten. Have you guys tried?

Love It: DayNa Decker Le Petite Parfum

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010


When it comes to fragrance- I try to stay faithful. Really, I do. But it is so hard. See, the scent I have long tried to make my “signature” is this one- but there have been a few hiccups. Mainly, I can’t find a travel size anywhere so unless I am getting ready in my own bathroom at home, I am scent-less. And the second challenge has been the influx of niche fragrance brands that constantly tempt me with their unique perfumes.

The latest one causing me to stray is from DayNa Decker. I have long been a fan of DayNa Decker candles, but was recently introduced to her “Le Petit Parfum” offerings- specifically, one called Pink Couture. Initially, my superficial self was turned off by the name- conjuring up tutus and cotton candy, I imagined the fragrance would be sweet and somewhat silly. But, knowing DayNa Decker’s knack for developing complex, sexy scents, I should have known better.

It couldn’t be more different than my beloved Dior Hypnotic Poison-  there isn’t a hint of spice. Rather, it is a blend of Litchi, Freesia, Raspberry, Magnolia, Tonka and Teak Essence. Sweet without being sugary- I find myself sneaking whiffs of my wrist all day when I have this on.  And the sleek gold atomizer is compact enough to come with me everywhere. And right now, let me tell you, I am not leaving home without it.

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