The Great Wax Job

Can you remember when the craze for waxing and "The Brazilian" began? I was in the music industry. All of the chi chi girls talked about how clean and fresh they felt. Not to mention how amazing they looked poolside and bedside. Alrighty...*wide-eyed stare*

We are well aware of what a bikini/Brazilian wax entails. Warmed wax, special cloths and clenched fists. It IS uncomfortable but the hair generally takes 3-4 weeks to grow back. Is it worth it? As a woman, vanity and pain stroll together hand in hand often.

TIP: Manage the pain with a two painkillers before your appointment. If it still hurts, ask the technician to apply strips to smaller areas. The waxer may resort to tweezers for remaining strays.

RECOMMENDATION:

• inhale before each strip is removed.
• soothe bikini irritation for the first 48 hours with hydrocortisone cream or aloe.
• exfoliate the area daily to remove dead skin.
• try COMPLETELY BARE BIKINI BUMP BLASTER/$32, TENDSKIN/$15-$45 or BLISS INGROWN HAIR ELIMINATING PEELING PADS/2 sets for $68 to maintain smooth skin.

(picture courtesy allure.com)

Small Changes...Big Impact

Simple realistic ways to revamp your look...forgo the full color trends for spring/summer makeup for one day. Try these quick tips for a refreshing change...

1. Sculpt sexy cheekbones with a matte bronzer for a supermodel-esque effect. Fill the hollows of your cheeks with the bronzer (circa 80's) and then soften the effect with a light dusting of shimmer powder at the tops of your cheeks. Check out Physician's Formula to find one that's right for you.

2. Put the focus on all your features with just one shade. Dab a pale peach shimmer cream shadow on lids, a peach/coral blush on cheeks like MAC's Hipness from their newest collection, To The Beach and a super sheer peach gloss on lips. Complete the look with a black/brown mascara. Trade the peach color for a sweet rosy shade for a demure flush. Or make a strong statement with "pretty in pink" cheeks and lips. Lightly brush and blend a strong, bright pink color onto the apples of your cheeks like MAKE UP FOR EVER Blush in Fuchsia NO. 26. Add a shiny, shimmery candy pink gloss to pack a punch! Monochromatic makeup can be pretty.

3. Finally, for a night out, try a look straight from the runway. Add gloss to your lids. Stroke on a neutral shadow, then smear lip balm or clear gloss right on top. Gives ordinary shadow extra WOW. Feeling bold and edgy, replace the beige shadow with a grey one like COVER GIRL Smoky Shadow Blast Eye Color in Onyx. The texture change is really cool!

(picture courtesy of makeuptalk.com)

Haute Style for Le$$

This weekend, many of us will be pulling out our SATC 2 inspired gear. Sexy platforms and strappy shoes, designer bags, and a FABulous outfit as we celebrate "us" over cocktails.

You may think this requires a little shopping...but there's a smart option to buying something new. You can RENT your favorite carryall just like Carrie's assistant in the first movie. At AVELLE's BAG BORROW or STEAL, high end designers are featured (CHANEL, CHLOE, vintage, and more). If you fall in love with your rental, it's yours for 70% LESS than retail price. Join for details.

If the 3-day weekend has you celebrating something else, order an A-list frock for the event at renttherunway.com for as little as $50. The slogan: "Rent. Wear. Return." Offers next day shipping. You won't find a deal like that at Bloomies or Bergdorf.

TIP: Shop for stylish sandals in early fall or boots in June at NEIMAN MARCUS and NORDSTROM (women's half yearly sale started today). Also check 6pm.com for serious salesprices: up to 70% off!

Sexy Workouts!

A few friends and former clients have taken up sultry workouts...Belly dancing and pole dancing are replacing traditional workouts at a quick pace. Joining the ranks is EROTIQUE CARDIO STRIPTEASE FITNESS. You can spice up your workout routine with exercises that target your abs, upper and lower body. Strengthen, tone, and define your body with sexy deliberate moves. In addition to toning up, you gain a renewed body image for your body type plus learn moves that take you from the gym to your boudoir. Classes are available in parts of Virginia and Maryland (check the site for specific cities).


The rest of us can order the DVD here. If it tightens the tummy and strengthens core muscles, could be worth investigating... At home anyway :)

Mascara Madness -- May 29th!

Lush lashes! Thick lashes! Dramatically full and plumped up!

We gals like to speak with our eyes....They tell our story. Of innocence. Sexiness. Confidence. Yeah, we can play them up in oh so many ways!

NORDSTROM invites you to do just that at the "Mascara Madness!" event. An in-store and online exclusive where you buy two mascaras and get one free. Choose from luxurious brands like CHANEL, M.A.C., DIOR, LANCOME, YSL, BOBBI BROWN and ESTEE LAUDER! Note: It's not any and all mascaras. From each of these brands, the best selling mascara is featured in the promo: MAC Plush Lash Mascara, DIORSHOW and LANCOME Definicils to name a few. A very special deal at select stores and online this Saturday May 29th. Just in time for your SATC soiree! So head to your mall, go online or call 1.800.933.3365. In the blink of an eye, it will be over.

Take It All Off!

We've heard it more than enough times: It is crucial to clear skin that all makeup is removed at the end of the day. But sometimes, we may not feel like standing over a wash basin and going through the formalities of our cleansing routine. I've got an easy solution for you.

BIORE Makeup Removing Towelettes

For under $10, you get a quick, thorough, effective clean that dissolves oil and dirt. Leaves your face free of makeup. Removes even the most stubborn eye liner AND waterproof mascara with one swipe, yet it's gentle on the eyes! Infused with green tea extracts, coconut water, and vitamin E and it's free of artificial dyes. One easy step to a fresh clean face in a resealable pouch sounds good to me!

Sex and the City 2, A Girl's Getaway & More

MACY's Herald Square and Sex and the City 2 invite you to a not-to-be-missed fashion event. Bring your girlfriends to enjoy refreshments, tunes, glam store specials and affordable luxuries from your favorite designers.

• Starting Friday, May 21, with any $100 purchase, you get a free makeup brush kit. Just bring your receipt to the fragrance department to claim your gift (in store purchases only). You know the rules: one kit per customer while supplies last!
• The women's shoe department has a bonus 12 month subscription to LUCKY Magazine with any $60 buy.
• I.N.C. is giving away a free tee with your $75 purchase. Also, on Saturday May 22, with a $100 purchase, show your receipt to get a certificate redeemable at select theaters for an admission to see Sex and the City 2.
• MICHAEL Micheal Kors shop on 3 is handing out a complimentary tote with any $500 purchase.
• Just like my gal pals, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda & Charlotte, you can spend some time in Marrakech. It's the ultimate girls' getaway! A 6-day vacation in Morocco for you and three of your besties. Trip includes air travel, hotel accommodations and luggage sets for each (four sets total) courtesy of SAMSONITE. All you have to do is enter-to win at macy.com/girlsweekend now until May 23rd (see page for details).

All this fun in one location...a girl can have it all!

(NOTE: The SATC Celebration is taking place at select MACY's stores nationwide.)

Friends & Family Sale @ Beauty.com

The sale already started but you still have time to shop at Beauty.com for luxury brands until Friday, May 21st at 11:59 PST. Get 20% off lashes from SHU UEMURA, glossy Lip Glaze from STILA, sexy blushes from NARS like Super Orgasm, and bronzing powders from CARGO. The sale also includes skincare items and beauty tools. In fact, the only brand to be excluded from this promotion is JANE IREDALE along with gift certificates. Happy Shopping!

To Be Bootylicious...

Beautiful bodies have caught our attention on many occasions. Who doesn't like to see a fine man with broad shoulders, firm abs, and toned calves? And fellas LOVE to look at women who have it all -- curves in the right places, a small waist and a pretty face. We are truly visual creatures AND we like to look good.

A little nip/tuck can be invigorating for some...a real boost in confidence. However, these days, there is an obsession with "perfection." I admit I would LOVE to have a bigger tush (a la Beyonce or Jessica Biels). I know I am not alone in my quest to be bootylicious! But there are woman who are sacrificing their safety and well-being. Sadly for some, it costs them their lives. A fellow blogger featured this tragic story and I was taken aback. Cosmetic augmentation is serious. It's a personal decision that requires professional consultations and procedures along with adequate healing time.

For those of us who prefer a traditional approach, here are some options:

SQUATS: My cousin SWEARS squats round out the buttocks! Paired with exercises for your abs, this workout may very well sculpt the body nicely.

(video courtesy of righthealth.com)

LEG LIFTS: Firms the butt and tones the thighs for a nice lift. Click here for SELF Magazine's tips on a better booty or check Women's Health.

BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT PROGRAM: An in-home DVD fitness program featuring butt sculpting techniques that target all three glute muscles. Claims to reduce the hips and saddlebags AND shape and lift the butt.

BODY SHAPERS: For a sexier look instantly, this is for you. The body shaping panty has silicone padding to give your bum a boost. You can try a local lingerie shop or contact me for an ARDYSS Body Magic consultant.

Secret No. 2

Glad I'm able to share another L'OREAL secret. Were you aware that the brand launched color correctors? Studio Secrets Professional Primers includes two primers for anti-dullness for light and deep complexions. The green corrector eliminates redness for a uniform skin tone.

Had the chance to sample it at The Makeup Show today on a fellow makeup artist with fair skin. A little bit around the eye really brightened her face. She liked the light texture and non-greasy feel. Each of the three are formulated to meet your unique skin type! You can use it under foundation or alone. If you can't find it in your neighborhood drugstore, try http://www.drugstore.com/. Also, you can sign up at myloreal for special offers, samples and coupons.

Secret No. 1

L'OREAL PARIS has a big secret in a little glass jar. Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. It just may be the key to perfecting your skin. Allows you to create a flawless look -- minimizes fine lines and seemingly makes pores vanish before your eyes. What I truly love is the texture. This primer has a super creamy luxe feel to it...doesn't feel slippery at all. It's 100% oil-free AND fragrance free. Use it after you moisturize and under foundation. It won't pill like some brands and is great for all skin types. Did I mention it wears all day? Talked about it today at The Makeup Show! Every ONE of the makeup artists there tested it for themselves. Results? Rave reviews all around!

You can try a little bit of magic yourself...The product retails for $10.99 at Target! Let me know when you do!

BeautyFul Products For Less Than $20

Here is a list of some beauty industry staples. And they're all super inexpensive! You can easily include them in your beauty routine.

L'OREAL True Match Super Blendable Makeup -- $11

MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl - $15

MAKEUP FOREVER Eye Shadow - $19

BENEFIT A Little Bit BADGal Lash Mascara (limited edition) -- $9

MAYBELLINE Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner -- $9.99

SHU UEMERA Skin Purifier Cleansing Beauty Oil (online only at sephora.com) -- $12

REVLON Color Stay Mineral Finishing Powder -- $14

OPI Nail Lacquers -- $9

MAC Lipgelee - $14 (Moistly -- BLACKswan favorite)

L'OREAL True Match Powder Blush -- $9

bareMINERALS Tinted Mineral Veil -- $19

LANCOME Juicy Tubes Natural Origins -- $18

MAC Viva Glam Lipstick -- $14 (charitable cause and universally flattering shades)

NEUTROGENA Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes -- $9

KIEHL's Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover -- $16.50 (BLACKswan favorite)
PHILOSPHY Classic Fudge Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath -- $16

What are some of your favs?

The BLACKswan L-O-V-E-S Rachel Roy!

She's dressed Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson and the First Lady, Michelle Obama, to name a few. She's launched collections at Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman and Macys. And still finds time to support reputable charities in Africa.

I've ALWAYS admired RACHEL ROY's style -- even had a picture posted at my desk for inspiration! She personifies what a woman is: smart, feminine, flirty, modern and sexy all at once. That's my opinion anyway. You can decide for yourself.

Must-haves from the affordable RACHEL RACHEL ROY line includes cross drape dresses in flowy material, shorts and cargo rompers, and an adorable strapless jumpsuit.

Stila Waterproof Liners

STILA Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liners are phenomenal!

If you like the STILA Smudge Pots, you'll love the versatility of the liner -- you can smudge the color all over your lid for a stay-put shimmery shadow. You have a few minutes to work with it before it dries down. Or you can rim your eyes for a sultry inky intensity that lasts as long as you do!

• Highly pigmented for strong color deposit!
• Waterproof for staying power!
• Eight vibrant colors!
• Packaged in a thin retractable tube!

It may be hard to choose just one shade. Go with non-traditional colors. My recommendations: Blue Ribbon, Purple Tang and Moray (golden olive) for full color impact ($20 each at Sephora stores).

A Little Bit of Glow

For a hint of color without the damaging rays of the sun, try New JERGENS natural glow. Not only does it give you a sexy hint of color, it temporarily tightens as it tans. The moisturizer has 50% more antioxidants and Vitamin E than before. It gradually creates a natural color with subtle darkening agents. Features an exclusive anti-cellulite Firm Perfecting Complex with ginseng, collagen and elastin for healthy looking skin. Supposedly reduces the appearance of cellulite in as little as 7 days -- almost like a guarantee for firmer, visibly tighter skin. I may have to give this one a try. If you do, please let me know.

I keep NARS Body Glow around for a taste of the islands. Infused with coconut extract, it smells amazing. The multi-purpose beauty oil smooths and moisturizes the skin with a bit of chocolate shimmer. Or you might try SCOTT BARNES Body Bling.

NOTE: Dab a touch of highlighter down the center of each leg for a slimming effect.

Are You Brow Beaten?

Finding the perfect eyebrow shape is a bit difficult sometimes. A few of my makeup artist friends are completely obsessed with brows! I understand their passion. Well-shaped brows play an essential role in our look and are a real focal point since they add expression. The right shape and density are equally important. Honestly, neat groomed brows frame the face even when you're not wearing makeup. Fortunately, there are guidelines to assist!

• Options range from waxing, plucking, threading, sugaring, stenciling (ANASTASIA kits come complete with an instructional video), tattooing, and even transplants!


• Invest in a good pair of tweezers. TWEEZERMAN sharpens them for free.


• Prefer to DIY? Fill BOTH brows with pencil or brow powder in the desired shape. Factor in the natural arch of your brow or consult a professional to start you off.


• Remember growing in sparse hairs is a slow process. If you're a victim of over plucking or waxing, you can bang it out (see pix at right). A bang hides an overzealous "brow grooming" session.

• Pluck stray hairs between brow sessions. Adds polish and makes for a cleaner fuller shape.


• Brow gel keeps the strays in place. I like MAYBELLINE's Define-A-Brow. It's safe for sensitive eyes and is not at all gooey.

I AM a fan of the brow gel but I also love M.A.C.'s self-sharpening brow pencil in Stud to add definition and shape. For a softer look, I fill in the brow with a #208 angled brow brush also from M.A.C. Cosmetics for precision.

Beauty Makes Sense to Me

Beauty isn't all about a pretty face and chic clothes. Beauty engages all the senses.

• SIGHT: Vivid eye shadows are truly eye-catching. MAKE-UP FOREVER palettes are vibrant and highly pigmented which means they truly last! Choose from matte or semi-matte textures with iridescent sheen. I like Copper 54 for summer.


• SMELL: Delicious aromas appeal to our sense of smell. MICHAEL KORS VERY HOLLYWOOD EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY ($85) has an old Hollywood glamour with art deco diamonds cut right into the glass bottle. Notes of mandarin, jasmine and ylang-ylang linger after a quick spritz.


• TOUCH: Hop out the shower and rub on JOHNSON's BABY OIL GEL with ALOE VERA & VITAMIN E to lock in moisture. The aloe is really soothing and Vitamin E is a great skin conditioner. I even put a little in my bath...Leaves skin glowing!


• TASTE: Some lipwares tease our taste buds like MAYBELLINE's SHINE SENSATIONAL LIP GLOSS. These tasty glosses come in 18 shades, are moisturizing, and non-sticky! Try Glamorous Guava or Cocoa Fever for luscious shine.


• SOUND: Listen up here for a free online tutorial from M.A.C. artists who can help with just about any beauty blunder. They show you how to master current trends and even offer a guide to applying lashes!

Got A Minute?

That's all you need... 60 seconds or less! Quick beauty tips when you're short on time.

• Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for an instant face brightener with a fluffy brush. Looks like an innocent flush of color! Who doesn't love that?
• Lipstick stays put if you base it with a liner in the same color. Fill in your lips with the pencil and apply a creamy lipstick directly on top for full color impact. Results: HOT LIPS!
• Want to look as if you spent the day at the beach? Swipe bronzer all over with a full brush. Be sure to brush it onto your earlobes and lightly on your neck for a completely natural look if you're pulling your hair back.
• Sweep taupe (yes, taupe) shadow over your eyelids for a wide-awake look (color seemingly zaps redness)! Add navy or liner for definition and shape. Go from day to night in a flash with a touch of shimmery beige shadow at the inner corner to brighten the look.
• Apply a metallic shadow to the lid and inner corners of your eyes. Results? Won't be able to ignore your sultry gaze!
• Get your punk on! Coordinate your makeup and accessories for a pulled together look. Pair vampy red lips with a patent red clutch. Gold eye shadow with big gold hoops. And hot pink lips with funky fuchsia booties! Loves it.

Free Stuff at ALLURE.com!

Allure Magazine is giving away free products! What's really special is that you can't buy these two products before June. The first 500 Allure readers to sign up at noon EDT...

....on Wednesday May 5th, can win:
NIA 24 Rapid Exfoliating Serum: a leave-on, plant-based exfoliating treatment that sloughs off dead cells. Prickly pear and willow bark extracts help stimulate natural exfoliation enzymes while Pro-Niacin works within cells to generate healthier skin and improve cell turnover. Won't irritate skin with abrasive ingredients. Reduces rough dry patches that clog pores and dulls skin's appearance. Improves overall texture, brightens tone, and reduces pigmentation.

On Thursday May 7th, you can win:
AVON Perfect Wear ExtraLasting Lip Gloss: New to the Perfect Wear line and a lot like the long-wear lipstick...this transfer resistant shimmery gloss has much more staying power than other long-wear glosses. In Eternal Rose, it's a shade that flatters most!

Product goes pretty quickly so click the link to get Allure online at NOON!

Wood These Work for You?

I am all for the shoe trend this season: muted earth tones, metallic accents, caged ankles and wooded platforms (check NineWest Shoes or Steve Madden)! So many styles to choose from.

When shopping, remember:

* If you have thick ankles, try a platform to create a balanced proportion or t-straps which make the ankles appear leaner (check out Samantha's shoes/Sex and The City).
* If you have lean skinny legs, go for delicate strappy versions.
* Elongate your legs with a nude shoe if you are petite.
* File toenails neatly, even if you prefer a clear coat of polish.
* For the best fit, shop in the afternoon since our feet swell.
* Never sacrifice comfort for style. Sexy stilettos are best when walking is minimal!
*Sandals look amazing on glowing skin! Try NARS Orgasm Illuminator or URBAN DECAY Midnight Cowboy Body Shimmer Lotion @ sephora.com.

MAC Superglass: For the Super Sexy Only!

MAC amps up gloss once again! On May 6, the brand introduces us to the uber sexy Superglass. It's nine glosses even more blinged-out than the super-sparkly Dazzleglass with “snowflake-shaped helicone pearls” giving us more sparkle and shine without the grit! A light aroma of vanilla enhances kissability...So worth investigating!


*Superflash (mid-tone yellow-pink)
*Sweet Tart (pale baby pink)
*Sugar Overload (white-beige)
*Disco Blend (light tan)
*Gift Wrap (light pinky peach)
*Cherry Electric (bright cherry pink)
*Totally Bang (fuchsia)
*Fab Frenzy (deep blue-purple)
*Tunnel of Love (deep blue-brown)


P.S. It's limited edition!