Makeup Magic Monday: ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture Shampoo

I've only tried a sample of this stuff, but I am sold. Though I will NOT replace my old reliable Pantene shampoo for everyday, ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture Shampoo is a fantastic treatment once or twice or week.

After ONE sample-size use, my hair was even softer, silkier, and shinier than it is with Pantene. Truly amazing. I'm convinced it enhances the effects of my everyday shampoo.

Why not use everyday? Well, for me, it may make my hair feel too heavy. I suppose it depends on your personal preference. I was amazed when I used my Pantene the next day and STILL had the effects of the caviar treatment...in fact, the effects have lasted. Another benefit to not using it everyday: it will last FOREVER. You don't need much of this to begin with.

Available at Sephora, $30 for a bottle; $30 for a travel size kit, which includes shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and overnight care.

Makeup Magic Monday: Benefit Dandelion Luminizer

This is probably my favorite "blush" ever. I don't like to look like Betty Boop when I apply blush. I prefer a natural pink. Hello, Dandelion! This powder is truly your natural pale pink in a box.  In fact, it's not really a blush--it's light, natural and makes you look like you had the best sleep of your life.

The benefits of Benefit's Dandelion:

1. Natural looking--purely the perfect pink I've ever found.
2. Will NOT break out sensitive skin, based on my findings.
3. Large quantity--this will last you ages
4. Adjustable color--because it looks so natural, you can easily add extra blush without looking like Betty Boop. Mistake Proof!!!
5. This is one of those colors that will look gorgeous on any skin tone. 

Benefit's Dandelion, available at Sephora, $28.

Makeup Magic Monday: StriVectin-SD Eye Cream

Best. Eye. Cream. Ever. I swear by this stuff--I've been using it for years. Originally, StriVectin was used by women who suffer from stretch marks, post-pregnancy.  However, women discovered additional benefits: anti-wrinkle and dark circle preventative agents. Because the original formula contained a specific fragrance some women found too strong to use around the sensitive eye area, the makers of StriVectin re-formulated the famous cream sans fragrance.  

StriVectin-SD Eye Cream, $59, available at Macy's.

Makeup Magic Monday: Sephora By O.P.I. Nail Polish Drying Drops

Along with Urban Decay's Potion Primer, this would have to be in my arsenal of top secret makeup tricks. Remember the days of having to wait for your nails to dry? FORGET THEM. I'm way too excited to reveal this one...Sephora By O.P.I. Nail Polish Drying Drops are a little bit of heaven in a bottle. (If you've tried this, you know why I call it heaven).

Simply apply your bottom coat, then your color, then your *optional* top coat; wait for approximately 60 seconds; apply one to two drops of the nail Polish Drying Drops and...presto!!! Nails will be dry to the touch in one minutes and completely dry in five minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!! This stuff works. I try to give it a little longer, just as a precaution, although it's probably not necessary.

As an added bonus, these drops have Vitamin E and jojoba oil to keep nails conditioned.  A little goes a long way--I've had my small bottle for about a year now.

If you are sick and tired of waiting on your nails to dry, grab a bottle of this Harry Potter-potion-esque magic today. $14; available at Sephora.

Makeup Magic Monday: Laura Mercier Loose Powder

Do you want your skin to look like pure velvet or silk? Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder is by far the best I have ever tried. I discovered it years ago (while reading an article about Julia Roberts, who apparently swore by the stuff) and have never turned back. Just a dab will set your makeup all day without making you look cake-y or overly made up. Throughout the day, your skin will still retain that dewy, fresh look (if it gets on the oily side, just re-touch with the puff only or use a blot powder that doesn't add makeup, like M.A.C.). Oh, and it lasts FOREVER.

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder can be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Nordtsrom. $34

Makeup Magic Monday: Zit Zapper!!

We've all had them--those pesky little numbers that pop up out of nowhere. When you do get one, don't panic...just grab a tube of Acne Free Terminator to keep on the shelf for times when stress (or raging hormones) gives you a zit.

This stuff works. As females, we know that certain times of the month can give us a pimple (dang those hormones!). Rather than wait for the sucker to go away, slather this stuff on in the morning and at night before going to bed (just give it enough time to dry). You'll notice a marked change in that zit within a day, maybe less. 

I keep this stuff on the shelf for emergency zit-usage. It's really fabulous. Another big plus? It's only about $5 at Target.

*NOTE: could cause drying/peeling. I find that using a moisturizer and gently buffing with a warm cloth helps with any drying that may occur.

Makeup Magic Monday: Sephora's Mineral Matte Powder

I'm not one for pressed powder, but blot powder is a different story: it doesn't add much powder; removes oils beautifully; and lasts a long time.  My first love is M.A.C.'s blot powder, but I have found a close second for those occasions when you can't find M.A.C.'s or if they are sold out in your shade: Sephora's Mineral Matte Touch-Up Powder.

It's formulated without parabens and synthetic fragrances, and comes in one universal shade: translucent. 

Although M.A.C. is my first love, I'll take Sephora's version in a pinch. $18. 

Makeup Magic Monday: O.P.I. Nail Strengthener

I love a good topcoat, particularly one that strengthens nails. What I love even more, is a strengthener I can wear by itself and have it make my nails look naturally pretty.

O.P.I. Nail Strengthener is just the ticket. $9 at Sephora.

Makeup Magic Monday: Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover

For literally years, Lancome has topped every beauty list with their world famous eye makeup remover, Bi-Facil. But, the brilliance comes at a price: $26 for 4.2 fl. oz.

Want the benefits of Bi-Facil without the price? Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is equal to Bi-Facil on every level...except price.

For a 3.8 fl. oz. bottle, expect to pay a whopping $4.95.  If you shop at Target, this product is often featured as one of their sale items, so you can get it for even less.

Like Bi-Facil, you shake it up prior to each use, pour some on a cotton ball, and gently swipe over eyes. I have found that it removes even the toughest waterproof products. 

It won't dry out your eyes, either. Just a wonderful product! In fact, In Style named it as a lower cost equivalent to Bi-Facil.

Available anywhere Neutrogena Products are sold.

Makeup Magic Monday: Smashbox Camera Ready Concealer

Last Monday, well, I was a little distracted, but today I can tell you what helps with the nice little under-eye circles insomnia so predictably delivers: Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer by Smashbox.

It has all the pluses of a concealer: doesn't cake, won't smear off, isn't drying, and is in a shade light enough for the pale folks, like me. Hurray! It's a great little savior for the morning after a sleepless night, or for a cantankerous zit brought on by raging hormones. Whatever the deal, it works nicely, and a little goes a long way.

I've never used the $70 Cle de Peau concealer, which is supposed to be the best. I'm pretty happy with this little number by Smashbox at $18.

TIP: Use as a brightener! Look super-well-rested by dabbing a little in the corners of your eyes. Set with loose powder and watch your eyes pop!

Makeup Magic Monday: CQ Smartliner Lip Liner--Bargain!!

For years, I have used MAC lip liner in Spice--it goes with literally everything and matches highly pigmented lips perfectly. Still, $13 for an everyday lip liner seemed high, so I decided to track down an inexpensive lip liner.

Enter the CQ Cosmetics Smartliner in Dusty Rose #3. The color is so close to MAC's Spice, I couldn't believe it. The color stays, doesn't feather, and goes on smoothly.   

NEGATIVE: If you turn it too much, or press too hard, the tip breaks off. Still, at approximately $2.50 from my local WalMart, it's a bargain for everyday.

Makeup Magic Monday--Urban Decay Primer Potion

This is quite literally a "can't live without" product for all women.  How would you like to put on eye shadow and have it last, not melt off, and not crease? Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a miracle in a bottle.

It is the ultimate eye shadow base with ABSOLUTELY NO CREASING! Your eye makeup will look perfect ALL DAY and will STAY PERFECT until you wash it off at night. I'm in love with this primer.

NOTE: I put it on first and let it dry for a good minute or two, before dusting on my bare minerals.

NOTE: You do not need as much eye shadow when using this primer; it quite literally makes your colors look rich and vibrant. Use a light hand until you are comfortable.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is available at Sephora for $18. This is a must have for anyone who wears any eye shadow!!

Makeup Magic Monday #2: Bare Minerals

If you are like me, you want a makeup that will:

1. Cover, but isn't a mask; look natural
2. Doesn't clog pores and cause breakouts
3. Go on evenly
4. Go on quickly
5. Last a long time
6. For the fair skin folks: match our skin tone.
7. Have a natural SPF

Well, call me crazy, but after years of trying everything under the sun, moon, and stars (liquids, powder combos, cream foundations, drugstore brands to top brands), I have finally found the perfect makeup...and it's a mineral powder. Never in a zillion years did I think I would love a foundation so much. It goes on quickly and evenly (under 5 minutes for the whole face), doesn't clog pores (in fact, it's all natural, no chemicals, dyes, etc.), and their lightest shade works well with my porcelain skin. All in all, I'm in love...and have been for over five years now. Bare Minerals Makeup $25.

TIP: Practice! You will need time to get it down pat, particularly if you are switching from a liquid or cream foundation. The first time I put it on, I looked ridiculous--seriously, I used too much.  After a short time, you figure out how much you need (which likely isn't too much). 

You can use any BM brush--I'm still using the first brush I ever ordered: The Full Coverage Brush. I like how you can control the coverage. 

Though it might not be to everyone's liking, with a natural SPF 15 and great value starter sets (makeup, setting powder, cheek color, brushes, etc. all in one), maybe it's worth a try. Available at Sephora, QVC.

Makeup Magic Monday #1

For anyone with fair skin, you know the importance of blush. Fair folks, in an effort to differentiate themselves from the undead, need a high quality blush that will add a natural, long-lasting pink. I have several loves: Nars' Orgasm and Benefit's Dandelion. However, at $26 and $28 respectively, I wanted to find something a little less bank-busting...and with a little more color-pow. Enter Urban Decay's After Glow in Quickie.