Beauty Maverick

Prescriptives Flawless Skin vs. M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35

Prescriptives Claim: This concealer provides the benefits of cutting edge technology and broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 25 protection for the eye area. Non-acnegenic, Dermatologist tested, and waterproof.

M.A.C Claim: Studio Finish is lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. It provides smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic.

Price: $22.00 for Prescriptives' Flawless Skin SPF 25; $14.50 for M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35

Coverage: Prescriptives 7/10; M.A.C 8.5/10

Texture: Prescriptives 7.5/10; M.A.C 8/10

Ability to Match Skintone: Prescriptives (9 shades) 6/10; M.A.C (14 shades) 8.5/10

Summary: Both of these concealers are great overall but the M.A.C Studio Finish could cover a tattoo and still appear light and natural on the skin. The Prescriptives Flawless Skin would be ideal for someone who has the odd blemish or late night out but for those of us that either go out more than we'd like to admit or are just the victim of hereditary dark circles and/or acne, I'd have to recommend the M.A.C Studio Finish- it's brilliant!

Winner of this concealer comparison:
M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35 available at Gloss.com

DiorShow vs. Hypnose by Lancome

Dior claim: Rich, non-clumping, high pigment formulation which is applied with a large, full brush ensuring the 'just off the catwalk' look with only one coat. 

Lancome claim: Achieve 6x the volume with a patented Powefull brush to intensify lashes from root to tip. The formulation is said to give custom control with no smearing, clumping, or smudging.

Price: Both $23.00

Volume: Dior- 8.5/10; Lancome 6/10

Brush: Dior- 9/10; Lancome 8.5/10

Formulation: Dior 9/10; Lancome 8/10

Summary: I loved the DiorShow mascara as I have fine, non-existent lashes that came to life with one coat, but I should warn that after a few hours there is a little flaking that can occur with their formulation. The challenger, Lancome's Hypnose, is a decent mascara but I didn't see the same volume as with DiorShow and found the formulation weighed down my lashes. Though my lashes appeared full, they looked quite a bit shorter which was an issue for me as I love getting the look of thick, long lashes with the use of only one mascara (as oppose to layering volumizing and lengthening mascaras as some pros reccomend). 

Champion mascara in this match:
DiorShow by Dior available at Sephora.com

Shu Uemura Flare Lashes

Not the prettiest post to look at but these little lashes are fierce. Add them to your entire lash line for a dramatic effect or just to the outer corners of your eyes for a playful look that borders flirtatious.

If you're in NYC, I highly recommend the Shu Uemura in-store lash application, or if you're in London, spoil yourself with a session at the Pout boutique in Covent Garden.

Where to buy: BergdorfGoodman.com
Cost: $15 for lashes, $8.50 for adhesive

Soap & Glory

Miss Bliss is at it again! Marcia Kilgore, a.k.a founder of some of the most popular spa lines in the US and UK, has created a new line of playful bath and body products for the beauty addict on a budget.

Soap & Glory aims to deliver your basic beauty products with a cheeky twist. Think along the lines of a lip gloss called Sexy Mother Pucker and a deodorant called Sweat Banned. Yeah, it's not too original in concept but the packaging is cute and the products are inexpensive.

It's too early to tell if this will be a successful venture but if it's anything like Marcia's previous creations, Soap & Glory will soon flood your local retailers and be a brand you'll hear everyone buzzing about.

Check out SoapandGloryCosmetics.com for more information.

Caudalie Vinocaps

I read in Jane Magazine some time ago that these little beauty supplements could curb PMS cramps and prevent breakouts, but couldn't seem to find any in-store to try (so frustrating).

About a month ago, I randomly came across a pack at an apothecary and decided to test them myself... wow. Caudalie Vinocaps may become a lifetime obsession- these little pills fight against aging, act as an antioxidant, and give my skin a gorgeous glow.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $50.00

Bumble and Bumble Bb Big Shine

This is definately an exciting addition to Bumble's extensive collection. Their products can be hit or miss (Hit: Surf Spray; Miss: Hair Powders), but this lightweight shine spray has a finer mist than the original Bb Shine and also comes in an exciting little package that makes you crave a night out with the girls.

Retailer: Drugstore.com
Cost: $40.00

Freshly Squeezed Favorites

Fresh Sugar Lemon EdP $22- $65
Shu Uemura Orange Marmalade Lip Gloss $18
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune EdT $50
Jimmyjane Habanero & Grapefruit Candle $48
Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Citrus EdT Spray $53- $85
Philosophy Old Fashioned Lemonade 3-in-1 $16
Stila Plumping Lip Glaze in Citrus Mint $24
Bliss Sweet Orange & Spearmint Sugar Scrub for the body $36
Anthousa Vanilla Grapefruit & Blood Orange Ambiance $60
Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier $100
Jo Wood Organics Amka Bath Oil $125
Jo Malone French Lime Blossom Body Lotion $60

Avon Under Construction

If you've been reading WWD lately, you've probably noticed a few Avon announcements that haven't been about new CEOs or stock prices. It's no secret that Avon has been working on its image to appeal to a broader market, from naming Salma Hayek a spokesperson to modernizing their packaging and ads.

What's truly surprising are the recent collaborations with successful entrenpenuers like Cynthia Rowley and Jillian Dempsey (of Delux Beauty) to create color palettes that even the most discriminating beauty addict will consider adding to her collection. Forget the elderly image of Avon, this brand is being revived and the results look promising.

Vanessa Minnillo Asked to Flirt!

Kohls recently announced that Vanessa Minnillo, MTV VJ and girlfriend of Nick Lachey, has been chosen to be latest 'Guest Creator' for their Flirt! cosmetics line.

This partnership will allow Vanessa to have her own limited-edition range that will debut nationwide in August 2007. "Fashion and beauty play such a big role in my life, so being a Guest Creator for Flirt! is a dream come true for me,” she has recently stated in the press. "I am constantly surrounded by actors and musicians who use makeup to transcend every mood. To me, makeup is all about having fun and trying out different looks and colors. Flirt! is the ideal platform to do that."

Though Mannillo has no previous experience in beauty, aside from being a pageant queen, the collection should be a success as consumers seem to be intrigued by anything celebrity related these days...

M.A.C Viva Glam VI

Every few seasons, M.A.C comes out with a brilliant new shade of lipstick for their Viva Glam collection. This time around they're offering a warm terracotta-plum shade that not only flatters any skintone, it lifts the spirits as every cent of the proceeds are donated to their HIV/AIDS fund.

Retailer: MacCosmetics.com
Cost: $14.00