Mad Men Madness

I just recently moved into a studio apartment and am living alone for the first time in my life. How do I describe the feeling of being able to have complete ownership of the remote control and being able to watch what I want when I want? ...sheer uninterrupted bliss.

I can only begin to describe how fanatical I am about the AMC TV series 'Mad Men'. I was drawn to this show immediately upon seeing the previews in 2007. I think it was the style of the female characters' makeup that primarily caught my eye. I am always interested to see how women wore their makeup in different eras. My mother grew up in the 60's and has said "that show has portrayed the 1960's dead-on". With the clothing style, use of color, body types, body language and indecency, it is difficult to not become intrigued by what went on in this story...or better yet in that time period. I'm fascinated.

Season 4 began just 3 weeks ago and since I just had cable TV installed yesterday, I wasn't able to enjoy watching my favorite show other than ordering the already-aired episodes on iTunes, after the fact. Episode 4 airs tonight and I literally cleared my entire schedule just so nothing would interfere with my 9pm hour of enjoyment. One huge wrench in my situation is...episode 3 aired last Sunday night and has not been released onto the internet...at all. Only episodes 1 and 2 are available as of yet. I have no choice but to miss episode 3 for now and jump from episode 2 to 4! Sad face. I know this sounds ridiculous...I have been watching this show since it first aired and it is against everything I believe in to miss an episode, or even any one part of an episode. I told my manfriend "I need complete silence when my show is on. I need to hear everything they say, watch their body language and see all their facial expressions." Also, you simply cannot pick up watching this show at any point BUT the first episode. The only way to comprehend what is happening throughout the storyline is to start from the beginning, otherwise none if it will make sense and you will have to then bother someone (like me) who has been faithfully watching since day one. Even then, it is difficult to understand the situation-you certainly have to see for yourself. If you haven't been watching, that is your fault. Best show EVER!

Current To Do List

1) Upload/find my favorite songs from the past
2) Try different sangria recipes
3) Be less wasteful more thrifty with cosmetic/skincare products
4) Read more books
5) Alone time
6) Figure out my new Blackberry
7) Donate clothing and shoes to Goodwill
8) Simplify & Minimalize
9) Stay In for the night more often
10) Find dog parks in New Haven
11) Find farmers' markets in New Haven
12) Drink more water
13) Be more careful with my electronic devices
14) Get a Keratin treatment
15) Make dinner more often

Oh no...Don't Tell Me That.

It pains me to say that I have heard some very unfortunate things during my adventures as Makeup Artist and Skincare Specialist...about how people treat their skin or how they use certain products. I will start with the ones that stuck out the most...the ones I cannot support.

SKINCARE NO-NOs:
1)I don't use face moisturizer. (Your skin is then aging faster than it should be.)
2)I don't wash my face with anything but water/scolding hot water. (OUCH!)
3)I use body moisturizer on my face. (It is called BODY moisturizer. Body.)
4)I use alcohol as my toner. (YIKES....hello rosacea.)
5)I use body scrub on my face. (It is called BODY scrub. Body.)
6)I wash my face with body wash/hand wash. (UGH...do I need to say it again?)
7)I don't use eye cream. (.... you are aging faster!)
8)I don't exfoliate. (your skin isn't regenerating at a normal rate and you prob have 1 or more skin issues)

MAKEUP NO-NOs:
1)I'm using my under eye concealer as eyelid base.(made for/says UNDER THE EYE)
2)I'm using my finger to apply under eye concealer. (waste)
3)I use my brow pencil as my eye liner or vice versa. (I've seen this too many times-terrible)
4)I've had this lipstick since it first came out____years ago. (throw it away NOW)
5)I'm using this color foundation/tinted moisturizer because I wanna look more tan. (This is one of the biggest mistakes women make. Match your skin first w/foundation. Then use bronzer over it to create a tan look.)
6)Powder makes my skin dry. (Your skin is dry because you do not exfoliate and moisturize properly.)
7)I wash my brushes with alcohol. (you are ruining your brushes and possibly your skin.)
8)I just use my daughter's bronzer. (Chances are, your daughter's bronzer is too sparkly for a more mature skin. Try something matte.)

There is a reason why all these statements scare me, and that is because they are all SCARY!
The year is 2010 and there is NO reason why you should have to substitute one product for another. If you have access to the internet, or access to a Sephora, cosmetic boutique or cosmetic counter at a department store, then there is no excuse. Also, be aware that some sales people are not specialists and will try to sell you the wrong product if they are out of stock of the right one for you. Research is the best way to find the right products for you. Asking questions is a good tool as well.

There is also no reason why we shouldn't utilize the proper skincare. I cannot stress how important your skincare is. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. As we mature, the skin loses it's ability to regenerate and produce collagen and elastin. After the age of 25, this production actually slows down by 1% every year. So, if you are 35, your collagen and elastin production has slowed down by 10% already. If you are a sun-whore or smoke, drink in excess, the rate you age increases exponentially. We need to give back to our skin! Proper cleansing and hydrating products are essential to your skin's health and vitality. If we pay better attention to the skin, we can preserve our youth longer. Also, no makeup will look good on tired, dry, irritated skin. The skincare steps are the most important part. Fix the skincare issues...don't just cover up with makeup!

Also, using products with your finger that are meant to be used with a brush is not the best idea. Brushes are sold for your convenience, for a better/smoother application. Using your fingers can waste a ton of makeup and will result in you having to purchase products more often. $$$

Do not save cream or wet makeup products for more than a year! PLEASE! Read my post about not being sentimental with your makeup. Expired products are an infection waiting to happen and you are simply applying dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and bacteria back onto your skin. And that is just plain gross. Get rid of them! Come on...we are always finding excuses to shop. This is a perfect justification to go out and buy new makeup!

Make a list of all the things you need to do for your skin. Make a list of all the issues you have with your skin. If the issues are severe, please see your dermatologist. Otherwise, feel free to always ask questions to a Makeup Artist, Skincare/Product Specialist! Feel free to ask me questions as well!

Slatkin & Co. Fresh Bamboo Candle

Slatkin & Co. has merged with Bath & Body works. They now produce all Bath & Body Works candles. We were sad to see Slatkin & Co. stop making their own home and bath products, but so happy that they have joined Bath & Body Works with some of their original candle recipes and for a fraction of the price! Fresh Bamboo happens to be my current favorite and Pineapple Mango coming in at a close second. The candles come in 3 different sizes. I just purchased 2 three-wick Fresh Bamboo candles for $20. Thats a steal! Such a great scent for Spring...its like fresh cut grass and clean crisp air. And they burn beautifully...the oils are pure and fragrant. Loves it!

EOS "Summer Fruit" Lip Balm Sphere

This is my new obsession. EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm is organic and come in this funky packaging. I must admit, the packaging is what attracted me to purchase it (plus I needed some new balm). It looks like a small colorful round egg that you unscrew to get to the balm inside. The application is fun and different. The flavors are fab and the balm most definitely hydrates without color (man-friendly). Most importantly, the balm is nice a smooth and doesn't get that strange grainy feeling on your lips, in your mouth or throat. It does what it is supposed to do with a rather pleasant flavor/scent. You can find EOS Lip Balm at most local drugstores. I found mine at Walgreen's for just under $4. Other flavors you may want to try are Honeysuckle Honeydew, Sweet Mint, or Pomegranate Raspberry(this is the only flavor that comes in a stick packaging). You can buy them separately or all four in a multi-pack. Pucker up..two thumbs up!

NARS Alcapulco Candle

I will never get over this candle. It brings back emotions and memories both grand and dark. Maybe Jamaica? Or maybe college? Alcapulco has hints of chocolate, whipped cream, vanilla, and espresso. I cannot describe how wonderful the aroma is. The wax is pure black, the jar is pure black. Its slightly larger than a standard sized candle. I only burn it for a little while...the oils are so lovely and potent. NARS has 3 other candles that I also love and are so very unique. Oran, Bosphorus, and Shangri-la. These candles are made to elevate the senses and instill a peaceful ambiance. Alcapulco is noteworthy because I have purchased it many times and will continue to do so until NARS stops production...(never please?!?!) Definitely in my top 3 of all-time favorite candles. Must-have!

Lovely Day

• Getting dressed up for work
• Doing makeup all day for Laura Mercier
• The Laura Mercier family
• Bath and Body Works Pineapple luminary w/ Slatkin & Co. Pineapple candle
• Seeing a best friend I haven't seen in a while
• Hanae Mori Butterfly Perfume
• Talking to Jay
• Open sunroof
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Tocca Stella soap
• Thinking about Italy
• Beach with my sister @ sunset for picnic dinner w/Coronitas
• Peanut Butter frosting
• Peach Iced Tea
• Real Simple Magazine
• Early Bedtime

Don't.

You may not wear the following colors (or any form of these colors) when trying on/attempting to purchase lipstick...

RED
PINK
ORANGE
MAROON
BROWN

Not a hat, not a coat, not a scarf, not a dress, not a shirt, not a sweater. You simply cannot match a perfect color to your skin tone/hair color up against any of the colors listed above. It is in your best interest to wear black that day. You are torturing the salesperson/makeup artist that is TRYING to help you. AND you are also going to purchase and walk out of that store with the WRONG COLOR.

The Lipstick That Doesn't Exist

"I want something pinky, but not too pink, something with a little color, but sheer-ish, not brown, not orange, but maybe coral-y? Not too shiny, but not matte either. Something with no sparkle, but shimmery is ok." I know all my fellow makeup artists would LOL at that. Please...I beg you to let a makeup artist match the perfect color for you or even some new, fun, sexy, gorgeous colors. I cannot express this enought! Its probably difficult for anyone to understand this concept unless you are a hardcore cosmetic junkie or a makeup artist. Nonetheless, I will venture to express my dismay. I have been faced with this issue on countless occasions...almost 10 years in the beauty industry. Please realize that when you see a lip color on a model or in an ad, unless you know the name/brand/packaging of that lipstick...it doesn't exist for you. Believe me. Its best to have a makeup artist match you and make suggestions based upon what looks best on you. Take into consideration that the person who you saw it on most likely does not have the same color hair or skin tone as you. You can try their lip color on and it will not look the same on you...I promise. Please refrain from acting surprised by my last statement or when the salesperson proves this to you upon your visit to the makeup store/counter. This is considered common sense and not just one of those things only a makeup artist would know. You will not look like Jennifer Aniston when you wear the lipgloss that OK! magazine said she wears. THAT, my friends is the beauty of marketing and PR people. They actually have to pay Jennifer Aniston to be able to use her name to promote their product or just wear it once in a picture or ad. Lets smarten up and not follow what everyone else is doing too closely. Individuality and originality are sexy. This way, you stand out from the crowd. Blending in is boring and kind of scary. Be yourself...thats beautiful.

What Do You Mean You Don't Wash Your Brushes?

I'm gonna just come out and say it. This is what you are putting on your face every time you use a dirty (already used-even just once) brush.

1)dead skin cells
2)bacteria
3)oil
4)dirt
5)old makeup
6)germs

All of the above can and will cause breakout and clog your pores. This can also lead to uneven texture of the skin...bumps, skin rash and irritation.
Your brushes should be thoroughly cleansed AT LEAST every two weeks. And what I mean by "thoroughly cleansed" is...use a cosmetic brush cleaner/brush bath. (Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, and Paula Dorf retail these products-these are some good ones.) OR Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo. This is gentle on your delicate brush hairs and removes all yuckiness that I listed above. This is also the less expensive route.

Just shampoo each brush in warm water in the palm of your hand until the water runs clear. Make sure you don't get any water inside the area where the metal meets the wood/plastic part of the brush. (If too much water/soap gets in there, this will cause the brush to fall apart/warp easily).

Also, washing your brushes keeps the hairs from shedding onto your face when you apply makeup. Those loose hairs will most likely all wash down the drain. Bye bye!

Wash your brushes. No makeup will ever look good if your skin isn't healthy. Ever.

Pop That Bub

These little blue bottles were introduced in 1999, however, I recently revisited this effervescent wonder upon purchasing bubbly for a party. These are the perfect size...approximately 1/4 of a standard size bottle. They are single-serve. Sold individually or in a 4-pack and each comes with it's own blue bub sippin' straw. I taste apples, oranges, and lemons in there...mmmm. It seems as though women have fallen rather fond of this trend as you dont have to ruin your lip color/makeup while sipping through a straw. I must say, its like having a great accessory. HOT.

Painfully Familiar

The Bomb.

I know I have recently mentioned in a list of my fave items that I love anything from www.lush.com, but I'm currently OBSESSED with their bath bombs, especially the Honey Bee. Honey has anti-bacterial properties. With rich, nourishing Rhassoul mud from the Atlas mountains, healing aloe vera, and toning sweet orange oil, this bath bomb is softening and soothing. I wish there was a "scratch 'n' sniff" option on my laptop. This thing literally smells like it should be eaten.Just drop the whole bomb into your drawn bathwater and watch it fizzle into oblivion and let the bliss set in. Honey Bee is a definite must-have for you bath-takers out there. And if you don't normally take baths, you may be converted after experiencing the Honey Bee. Its like a gateway drug into bathland.


(My 2nd fave bath bomb is the "Sex Bomb". Its pink and smells like awesome deliciousness. These 2 bombs are aften purchased together.)

9th Grade Throwback

GAP had recently relaunched some of their original scents (fragrance and body products). I'm really aging myself when I say I bought my first GAP fragrance in 1995. Does anyone remember the scent "Dream"? I recently bought the body spray just to be nostalgic and every time I smell it, it takes me straight back to when I was 14...when I would douse my fuzzy hunter green Patagonia fleece in it. (Where is that fleece? Hmm.) Upon purchase of this item, I also took a sniff at the other ones just for fun. Who remembers the scent "Grass","Heaven","Earth" or "Om"? Each one reminds me of a different BFF from high school. Its so funny how scents can trigger memories. Those were the days...

Bunny's Current Obsessions

1) Anything from LUSH especially their Honey Bee Bath bombs or Soft Coeur massage bars. I cannot get enough of the smell of these products. I literally buy them in bulk. (Fresh Handmade Cosmetics).
2) YSL Faux Cils (= fake lashes) Mascara in Black or Purple
3)Majenty Fragrance Oils-especially "Hidden Cove" and "After Hours"
4)Laura Mercier Hydratints (SPF 15) in "Nude" and "Crimson". They are like chapstick with tint. Comes in many diff colors.
5)Diptyque "Tam Dao" Fragrance-like Sandalwood but better
6)Voluspa 3 wick candle in "Truffle White Cocoa"
7)Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Scrub (for face)-it smells like an orange grove
8)Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm in "Soft Petal"
9)Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial (PocketBac) Hand gel in "Warm Vanilla Sugar". Obvi.
10)The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ in "Cocoa"-blissful and you will wonder how you ever lived without it
11)OPI "Russina Navy" (Matte) Nail Color
12)Essie "Chinchilly" Nail Color

I'm always on the prowl for the latest and greatest. Stay tuned....

Did You Eat Fried Chicken On The Way To Work?

Don't get me wrong, I love my lip gloss. Especially Laura Mercier Violet Glace or NARS Risky Business. But too much lip gloss can make you look age inappropriate. Gloss is to jazz up your boring lipstick or to give you a nice pout. It is NOT meant for you to use an entire tube in one night. There are so many fancy glosses and flattering colors on the market, but lets be real, you're not J.LO, and if you are....hi Jenny! Be mindful of the amount you apply before stepping out of your house. Use your mirror. Lets avoid our lips looking like Beyonce's ass covered in olive oil. Lip gloss is the fastest and easiest way to sexify your look, but be careful. We all want to look our youngest and prettiest, but age appropriate is always most lady-like. Trying too hard is tragic.

If It Looks Good, Buy It

I've lost count of how many times I have purchased cosmetic items just because of what it looks like. The packaging is everything...or is it? Sometimes that is the only reason that a product will fly off the shelves. Pretty paper, pretty ribbons...my dear friend and makeup artist Ryan would sing while he would wrap up and package gift items in our store. If it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, we are more apt to buy this item rather than a similar product that exists in a more plain/boring package. And how much fun is it to pull your new product out of your bag while you are amongst friends? They all want to know what it is that you are coveting in there. Which brings us to the age old question "How many products does one person actually need?" MY answer is that products make us feel better, look better, smell better. When it comes to finding the right products there is a whole lot of trial and error and perhaps the grueling chore of "process of elimination" (being sentimental about products is a sickness...throw them away!) Out with the old, and in with the new.
The beauty industry rakes in billions of dollars every year and is exponentially growing. If you are a self proclaimed junkie (or branded this type by a family member, friend, or significant other) you are not alone. I'm going to ask everyone to post pictures of your cosmetic drawers of abyss so that we can unify and share the same sentiments. PJA-Product Junkies Anonymous...well, maybe not so anonymous. We heart retail therapy!

Blush Matters

Once we have solved our skincare issues and found/matched the perfect foundation or tinted moisturizer color/texture we are sitting pretty. But...something is still missing. "Why am I all one color? I look washed out." Here lies the reason why every lady should wear cheek color or blush (rouge, as my Grandma Angie would say). Blush wears a few hats. Not only does it add life and color to your face but it makes the skin appear more youthful and healthy. Like you've just been kissed by the sun for a moment or as if someone has just pinched your cheeks. Blush color should be chosen based upon what compliments your skin and what you are most comfortable wearing. Don't let the MUA (makeup artist) talk you into a color just because it is new. To assure that you are chosing the best color, ask a salesperson who has her makeup done close to the way you would like yours to look. Chances are, that person will be more understanding of your needs (this goes for any cosmetic product you're seeking-knowledge is power). But also, don't count new colors out. Playing with blush is super fun and anything can work if your willing to try new things. A little goes a long way so always start off small-subtle washes of color are most flattering. If you feel as though you need more, you can always build onto a color by applying more. It is easier to add more than to take away too much. Happy Blushing!

Rules of Thumb (or brush) Vol. 1

1)NEVER wear red clothing when attempting to try on/purchase lipstick. (Orange and pink clothes are also a no-no...sorry).
2)Be aware that the word "TESTER" means that product has most likely been exposed to fingers and mouths before yours. Hygiene is the way to go. Yay!
3)Cosmetic brushes are to be washed regularly (at least every 2 weeks) to avoid transfer of dirt, dead skin, bacteria, and oils back onto your clean skin. Think about it...YUCK. Wash them with cosmetic brush cleaner or baby shampoo.
4)The purpose of foundation is to match and even out your skin. We do not purchase foundation that is a different color than our skin. When we match, we can avoid our face and neck being 2 different colors. Bronzer is used to make us look more tan...please always mind your neck.
5)Make sure your skin is properly exfoliated and hydrated before applying makeup. No makeup will ever look good if your skin isn't healthy. Ever.
6)You must not get sentimental about your cosmetics! Throw them away if you're not using them or if they smell funny. If it is a liquid item, one year is almost too long and these types of cosmetics/skincare have shelf-lives and can go bad and cause infection and irritation. Dry products have longer shelf life but can be just as dirty if your not washing your brushes or not using clean fingers. Anything with sunscreen has a shelf life of one year only. After 1 yr, the SPF is no longer effective.
7)Mascaras (each) should be in your life for 3-5 months. Thats it. I don't care if it was $50. They eye doctor will cost way more. Throw it away. Now.
8)DO NOT go to bed with your makeup on. Each offense costs you irreversible aging.
9)Exfoliating everyday can be irritating and too harsh for most skin types. Alternate days with your regular face wash.
10)Use sunscreen...everyday...for the love of your youth! Its never too late.

Finding The Right Lipstick Is Like Finding The Right Pair Of Jeans

Much like discovering super flattering jeans and buying more than one pair, when you've found a lipstick that you simply cannot live without, you should always buy several just in case it is ever lost, broken, retired or discontinued. Or, so you can have one in the house, one in the car, and one in your bag. Don't laugh or the naughty discontinue fairy will come snatch your lipstick (better known as the product development person at the manufacturer...who you can always write e-mails to about your long lost faves. It can't hurt. This could potentially push your must-have item back onto the market someday. I've seen it happen many times). My can't-live- without red lipstick is"Sexy Lips" by Laura Mercier. Although the color has remained the same, they have messed with/changed the texture a few too many times and in true cosmo-junkie form, I've obtained this color in every texture it came in. Different textures prove different pigment application and sometimes a totally different look, even though the color is the same. The final (current) texture is called "Stickgloss" which means it goes on like a lipstick and looks like a lipstick in the packaging, but acts/feels more like a hydrating gloss with color. Its sheer enough that my lips don't walk into the room before I do and its just enough color that I can call it "red" without having Ronald McDonald mouth...no disrespect, Ron.
We may branch out or stray from our best/favorite colors, but we always somehow return to what works/looks/feels best. We are creatures of habit. Us junkies.

Buying Blush From The Boogie Man

So you've recently justified purchasing some new cosmetic must-haves. Those just-stocked coveted beauty mag items that you need to have before everyone else. "All the new colors are gorgeous, but which one is for me?" "I need new skincare, but I want whats best for my skin type." You find yourself at your nearest department store or cosmetic boutique anticipating the swipe of your plastic and the bliss that only the savviest of product junkies could ever fathom. You identify the object(s) of your desire, but little do you know, you've been spotted (or possibly sprayed already...new Prada fragrance? No.). A salesperson.*Much to your dismay, the appearance of the salesperson not only makes you want your mommy, but has you pondering how such an individual was even hired to advise you on your aesthetic well-being. (And what does the person that hired them look like?...Yikes.) You know who they are...please check all that apply. They can be male or female...negative energy, bad breath, possibly hungover or contagiously ill, horrifying or no makeup at all, 2 inch+ roots/bad hair, little to no hygiene, cracked nails or no manicure, no fashion sense/no style, inappropriate clothing/size, gum snapping, lying, can't form full sentences, and not caring in the slightest way. Please feel free to add to the list. Unfortunately, this happens ALL too often and must be stopped. Infact, I will do my personal best to put down my pedicured foot(OPI Russian Navy Matte...must-have) for as long as I am foreseeably involved in this industry. I don't care how long that thing has been working at that counter or in that store, I want someone who looks the part and knows what they are talking about and can educate me on how this ____ will benefit me and won't just get thrown into my drawer of cosmetic abyss. Ok, here it is...you are selling a look, an attitude, a feeling. If you don't look or act the part, you are not the least bit convincing. If you can't at least pretend, please step aside. Let someone else who knows how to care and think do the job. Make me spend my money! I'm not even talking about age here. I don't care how old you are- just do something with yourself. Nobody wants to buy a $700 anti-aging skin cream from someone with bad skin...hello? Nobody wants to buy their first red lipstick from Marylin Manson's female twin. Stop telling me how amazing the new mascara is that your wearing when you haven't removed the tarantulas off your eyes from Saturday night (see Tammy Faye Baker-RIP). And don't tell me you are a professional makeup artist or skincare specialist when you look like poo. Its not brain surgery (although it does seem to be). I don't believe anybody in their right mind is comfortable buying beauty or skincare products from despicable sub-par salesbeings.

*This is based upon personal experience. I'm a cosmetic specialist/product junkie/product consumer in CT/NYC... where I work and prey. These observations are specific but not limited to said areas...sadly.