Playing with Glitter

Sparkly makeup and nail polish are all the rad -- but it must be done right.

If you find you're apprehensive to indulge in the trend, try a glittery nail polish. They're usually sheer so you can build up to maximum brilliance. Try DEBORAH LIPPMAN All That Jazz Trio/$40. Shades included Razzle Dazzle, Some Enchanted Evening and Lady Sings the Blues. You may also like SEPHORA's OPI Limited Edition Collection/$9 (with green ingredient list). Try Only Gold For Me at right. Or opt for stick-on appliques!

For sparkles in your eyes, keep it simple. Use glitter eye liner to avoid looking too over the top. Try NOUBA Rainbow Eye Liner/$18 at http://www.beautyencounter.com/, BOBBI BROWN Glitter Liquid Liner/$20(lasts til the end of the party --it's waterproof) or Glitter Eyeliner from The SEPHORA COLLECTION. I like #5 the blue -- brightens the eyes.

Tips for Playing with Glitter:

1. Purchase a safe cosmetic product like MAKE UP FOR EVER Glitters.
2. Use a nude shadow base and apply glitter before it dries down.
3. Glitter flies all over the place...get dressed after.
4. Focus on one feature -- if you use glitter on your eyes, balance with soft lips sans shimmer.
5. Clean up is easy with scotch tape -- removes specs from skin and clothes.

Secret No. 3

L'OREAL unveiled another secret! Studio Secret No. 3 is the new Color Smokes Shadows. The professional line expertly combines pigment, intensity and texture to compliment every eye color. Each compact is customized so you can play it by number...literally! The quads have a step by step illustration on the back and each shade is numbered for an additional guide.

1. Line
2. Base
3. Highlight
4. Brighten


Play it safe or mix and match for your personalized look. Choose from Cobalt Color Smokes, Forest Color Smokes, Lavender Color Smokes (as shown) or Blackened Color Smokes for the ultimate smoky eye look made easy. Bargain at Ulta.com for $4.89.

Lash Out Loud!

I'm back from vacation! And just in time to celebrate NORDSTROM's Anniversary Sale in a few days. I'm excited about the fall looks from my favorite brands, but I'm even more amped about the beauty exclusives.

For instance, the Mascara Wardrobe Set from SMASHBOX offers three of its signature mascaras for the low price of $24 (a $49 value). You can choose a different lash look every day. The DNA Mascara is a real eye opener. It promises extreme lengths for an innocent doe-eyed look. Hyperlash Mascara boasts of lush lashes all around..lifts, volumizes, defines, and lengthens. And the trio's superhero, Bionic Mascara adds volume with claims to strengthen and protect lashes! (The DNA & Hyperlash mascaras are full size.)

I also found (but have not tried) BEAUTY SOCIETY Enormous Lashes & Beautiful Brows Anniversary Set for $99 ($151 value). Includes a full sized Enormous Lash Mascara that builds, lengthens and separates lashes with a full brush for maximum performance. If you're familiar with this product, feedback is welcome. I'm going for a test run for sure this week. Sale begins on July 16th -- take advantage of the pre-sell online or in store.

L'Oreal Introduces All Day Drama

How did they do it? With a new waterproof liquid eyeliner.

L'OREAL PARIS Telescopic Waterproof Precision Eyeliner delivers a precise line for an intense look. It has angled felt tip that's slanted for the most accurate application. You can get as close to the lash line as possible. Clean and crisp.

More importantly, the look will last. Through sweat and tears. It's swim-proof, sweat-proof and smudge-proof. Up to 16 hours of wear, fragrance free and is great for sensitive eyes! It's the perfect product for the ever sexy cat eye.

Available in shades from Dark Brown and Black for approx $8.

(photo courtesy of blogsephora.com)