Beauty Maverick

It's All in the Base

If I've learned anything from my time in the beauty industry, it's that the girl with the most gorgeous complexion is the most likely to be faking it. Just like a mind-blowing O, naturally flawless complexions are few and far between.

For an instant pick-me-up (sans specialist, diet, or gallons of H20), use a primer to enhance the effects of your favorite foundation/tinted moisturizer, or on its own to veil imperfections.

If you seek:

A warm glow, pick-up Shu Uemura Base Control Complexion Enhancer in Gold.

To minimize pores and fine lines, use Cargo blu_ray High Definition Mattifier.

Less redness in your complexion, try Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Green.

A youthful radiance, stock-up on La Mer The Concentrate.

The perfect sun-kissed glow, try Chanel Brillance Pur.

Just a touch of radiance, use Chantecaille Just Skin SPF 15.

A matte complexion, pick-up Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine.

Top Tints of the Season

To highlight, contour, and define.

ByTerry Bronze Expert, $48; Trish McEvoy Lip & Cheek Stain in Pick Me Up, $28; GoSMILE Smileceuticals Good-For-You Lip Treatment (makes teeth appear whiter), $18; NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Thebes, $32; Tarte 4-Day Stay Lash Stain, $18; Guerlain Terracotta Sunless Express Self-Tanning Spray, $50.

Stila Sun Shimmer Dry Oil

This weekend marked the arrival of summer in NYC, so I was finally able to break out the sandals and slather myself in bronzing products from top-to-toe. I'm all about bronzing, it's key.

I like to use a transitional body bronzer at this time of year, something that adds a hint of color without dramatically changing my skin tone. This Dry Shimmer Oil by Stila does just that. It gives my skin a golden glow (that's actually believable), and leaves it feeling super soft.

The compliments have been overwhelming.

Retailer: StilaCosmetics.com
Cost: $26.00

And the winner is...

Congratulations Joanna S. of Rochester, NY!
You've won a selection of the coveted Dior Goldrush collection for Summer '08.

Thank you to all who entered the contest, and to Dior for their generosity.

YSL Pop Blush

These golden tubes contain the most brilliant blusher you'll find this season.

Yves Saint Laurent's formulation glides on with ease (it's virtually fool-proof), and leaves a radiant glow that lasts all day. I love the Strawberry/Raspberry swirl for it's flirtatious finish, but the Peach/Blackcurrant shade looks amazing on darker skin tones, and the Vanilla/Chocolate gives a beautiful bronze glow.

Highly recommended.

Retailer: YSLBeautyUS.com
Cost: $42.00

Oh Dear.

Variety gave Sex and the City: The Movie (yet another) lukewarm review.

Are you still excited to see it? Have you already watched it??

Enter to Win: Dior Goldrush Collection

Be one of the first to strike gold with the NEW, highly anticipated Dior summer '08 collection. Simply post a comment on this entry with your name, city/county of residence, and the correct answer to the trivia question (below), and you could win a gift basket full of these luxurious, limited-edition beauty products.

Included in the prize:

Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 High Protection Matte Bronzing Powder in Healthy Matte
Provides an even, natural-looking (and water-resistant) tint of color.

Luminizing Makeup Jewel in Gold Lame
A touch of radiance for your face, eyes, cheeks, and/or lips.

5 Couleurs Iridescent Eyeshadow Palette in Goldfever
Five shimmery shadows to highlight your eyes.

Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Beige Moire
A sheer, pearlized golden nude lip gloss.

Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Chiffon Beige
A subtle, reflective bronzed nude lip gloss.

Vernis Long-Wear Nail Lacquer in Gold Nugget
A burnished gold polish that's perfect for summer. 

Trivia Question:
Which state was home to the great American gold rush?
a) New York
b) California
c) Texas

The winner of this glorious gift basket (valued at over $200), will be drawn at random from the eligible entries on Monday, May 19th 2008. Be sure to check-in to see if you've won!

International entries welcome.

Best of luck xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Some restrictions may apply. Only complete entries will be considered. Contest closes on 05/19/08.

The It List

What I'm currently obsessed with; What you need to try...

Cargo Blu_Ray High Definition Mattifier
Wear it under/over your makeup to blur large pores, hide fine lines, reduce shine, and even-out your skin tone.

Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Eye Shadow
An easy-to-apply shadow that doesn't crease (or budge) for up to 10-hours.

M.A.C Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose
Camouflages all those little imperfections without looking cakey.

Fresh Hesperides Bath and Shower Gel
Awakens the senses with its sparkling grapefruit scent.

Kerastase Resistance Reinforcing and Refinishing Treatment
A great treatment to restore hair that's been excessively heat-styled or in desperate need of a trim.

Jo Malone Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Candle
An uplifting, energizing scent that's ideal for spring/summer.

The New Muse

Chanel has chosen a new dynamic duo to create the latest edition of the No. 5 love story, (director) Jean-Pierre Jeunet and his muse Audrey Tautou.

This short will mark the third collaboration for the pair (Jean-Pierre directed Audrey in Amelie and The Long Engagement), and should offer a brilliant new take on an iconic scent.

Set to be released in 2009.

The Met Costume Gala

Last night's Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Gala was was quite the show, with some embracing the "Superheros: Fashion and Fantasy" theme (to a fault) and others choosing to completely disregard it.

The best dressed couple of the evening had to be Zac Posen and Kate Mara (in his design). They had fun with the theme, yet also managed to look modern and refined.

Honorable mentions: Anna Wintour, Christina Ricci.