Nars Oasis Blush

Who doesn't love pink champagne? Nars blush in Oasis captures the hue of this bubbly beverage, and it's my Fall blush obsession. A flattering, muted brownish-pink color accented by tiny golden sparkles, this shade is sure to mesmerize.

It looks a little dark in the pan, but it goes on sheer, so you can control the intensity. Like all of the many Nars blushes I've tried, it has great pigmentation and doesn't streak or change color on your face.

Step aside Orgasm, there's a new O in town!

Frederic Fekkai Hair Mask with Shea Butter

The Frederic Fekkai Hair Mask with Shea Butter is good, but it doesn't exactly work wonders, either. Yes it softens, adds shine and has a great scent, but Fred, I was expecting more: tumbling, glossy hair that looked so good it would stop traffic-more.

The shea butter and macadamina nut oils do give it a terrifically rich texture. However, this deep conditioner only marginally improves hair; it's not going to transform your hair into shampoo ad-worthy hair.

I think this would be a great weekly deep conditioner for normal to dry hair. But if you have brittle or severely damaged hair, you should pass.

Dove Cool Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser

Dove Cool Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser is like a little piece of heaven. Designed for normal to combination skin, it has a creamy consistency that feels luxurious, without the luxury price tag.

Silky and hydrating, this cleanser melts away makeup and leaves skin feeling fresh. It contains Dove's signature 1/4 moisturizing lotion, so it conditions as well as cleanses the skin. The light green tea and cucumber scent adds to the refreshing sensation.

It's so nice to find a creamy cleanser tailored to oily skin because, hey oily girls need lather too!

Love Her Look: Rihanna

Rihanna is always looking sexy, fun and fresh, and she sure knows how to work the cat-eye.

The cat-eye has been all over the runways this season, and has definitely become more mainstream. It's easy to see why--the cat-eye equals glamour and sex-appeal in one fell swoop.

Try as hard as I might, I usually can't resist extending my eyeliner out those extra crucial millimeters, even if it means showing up to church in my Sunday-best and cat-eyes in full effect.

To achieve a cat-eye look, simply trace your upper-lashline with eyeliner, and then when you reach the outer-corner of your eye, extend the line slightly, turning it upward. If you're not comfortable working with liquid eyeliner, try a cream-gel formula like MAC Fluidline, or even a smooth-gliding pencil will get the job done.

So next time you're getting ready and jammin' out to Umbrella, draw on a little cat-eye, Rihanna style.

Stila Eye Shadow Pan

Eye shadows that can be used wet or dry are awesome for their versatility, but I can't stand it when they form that hard shiny crust on the surface of the shadow pan after re-drying.

But Stila Eye Shadow Pans make the cut. Use them wet or dry; no matter what, the surface always dries back to its silky texture. The colors are richly pigmented, and the shadow won't crease or fade as the day wears on.

Apply them dry for a sheerer application, or dampen them for a more intense shadow color or to use as a bold shadow liner.

I own this shadow in Pewter, a shimmering gray black shade. It's a beautiful shade to create a smoldering eye, or to simply line the eyes. I like to wet a stiff angled brush, dip it in the shadow, and draw on a sexy cat-eye line. It's a simple way to create a daring look that stays defined.

Allure Sensuelle Parfum by Chanel

Even though Summer is my favorite season, I'm definitely anticipating Fall and the cooler months to come. Why? Because this time last year I discovered Allure Sensuelle, the most captivating, womanly fragrance I own. The heat of summer called for lighter, fresher scents, so I temporarily set aside this oriental, spicy fragrance, but now I'm back for more.

The staying-power of my Eau de Parfum is terrific, so I can only imagine the longevity of the Parfum. It emanates a sexy warmth, releasing an intoxicating fragrance that is absolutely nothing short of sensual.

If you haven't ever tried this fragrance, I urge you to spritz it on your skin, rather than just smelling it on a paper tester swatch, because the heat of the skin and the body's chemistry really transforms this scent into something mysterious. I have to admit, the first time I tried this fragrance I did not like it. (Prior to discovering this perfume, I had just used up an entire bottle of its predecessor and counterpart, Allure). But after a couple wears, I was hooked. I have a feeling I'll be wearing this fragrance for many cool seasons to come.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick

My weakness for lipstick dates back over two decades (I started young), and still, there is nothing like a fresh tube of lipstick. Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick is one of the standouts in my massive collection. The ultra sleek, futuristic-looking tube makes me feel like this lipstick could double as a camera for a Bond girl. In person, this lipstick casing is a gun-metal gray, with a mirror finish and looks so bad-ass.

Infused with Sila-Silk technology, this lipstick has the same smooth feel as the legendary Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. It glides on looking moist and luscious, and wears comfortably and evenly on the lips. While I'm not sure about the other shades, mine has a good color-payoff despite its sheer texture. (My shade is Smashing Lush; I think it has been discontinued).

Photo Finish lipstick is available in cream, sheer and shimmer finishes.

M.D. Forte Facial Cleanser II

Wow! I’m crazy in love with this cleanser right now. The M.D. Forte Facial Cleanser II packaging may be no-frills, but this cleanser means business. Turbo-charged with glycolic acid, this soap-free, oil-free cleanser blasted away dull skin cells and evened my skin tone after just a few uses. Now, my face looks brighter, fresher and feels baby-soft.

This glycolic cleanser comes in 3 strengths, and the company recommends that you begin with the weakest formula (I), and wait until your skin adjusts before moving onto II. I just dived right into II because hey, I'm not scared, and I felt I needed a more aggressive cleanser. Happily, I did not suffer any adverse affects, although my skin is not especially sensitive. Unlike other potent cleansers, this doesn’t leave skin tight or dryed-out.

This formula is low-lathering, but I make certain to massage it into my skin for at least 60 seconds before rinsing it off so that the glycolic acid has a chance to do its thing. And remember, you need to be extra vigilant about wearing sunscreen when using products that contain AHAs, because they make skin more sensitive to the sun.

I haven't been this impressed by a product in a long time, and I'm looking forward to trying other items from this line.

Glossypink Getaway!

Dear Readers,

I'm heading out-of-town for a few days to a place with no internet access. I'll still be writing though, so there will be some extra posts when I get back! Normal posting will resume on Thursday.

In the meantime, enjoy this vintage beauty ad!

xoxo, Glossy

Back by Popular Demand: Megan Fox

Well readers, the people have spoken. You want to know all about how to get bombshell makeup like Ms. Megan Fox!

To begin, use a sheer foundation that has a natural finish. An airbrush formula like MAC Studio Mist Foundation or Dior DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation would work well. Try using a foundation shade one shade darker than your skin tone to achieve a bronzed look like Megan's, but be sure to blend it down onto the neck, so it won't be obvious.

Set the foundation with an ultra-sheer finishing powder, and only where you absolutely need it (most likely the t-zone). Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil is virtually invisible and works wonders to zap shine and make skin look flawless.

Use a shimmering highlighting powder to emphasize the high planes of the face. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Beige is virtually fool-proof. Sweep it over the tops of the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and underneath the eyebrows. I usually place some in the center of my forehead as well, but it looks like Megan has highlighted her temple area instead.

When applying the blush, avoid the apples of the cheeks and sweep on blush at more of angle. This will create a sexier, more angular look. Megan is sporting a bronzed rose color, perhaps Nars blush in Lovejoy?

Moving on to the eyes, she keeps the eyeshadow color pretty simple. Pick a neutral tone, but one that is ultra shimmery. Right now I'm loving Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Glimmer in In the Buff. Run a rich black eyeliner along the top lashes only, making the line thicker at the outer corner of the eyes. MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder is extremely rich and sooty. Coat the top lashes several times with the blackest curling mascara you can get your hands on. Loreal Panoramic Curl works well, and I'm dying to try Lancome Courbe Virtuose. Maybe hit the bottom lashes with one light coat of mascara, but that's it.

And of course, don't forget to do the eyebrows! This is critical. Megan's eyebrows are thick, yet very defined, and it looks like she fills them in with shadow as opposed to a pencil. To get her look, begin by brushing the eyebrows upwards. Then, select a shadow shade that is one shade lighter than your haircolor. (By the time you have it on and it blends with your brows, it will be a perfect match). Using a stiff angled brush, fill in the brows, following your natural line, but also making sure that both of your eyebrows are as close to symmetrical as possible.

Lastly, a luscious, glossy pout finishes the look. To achieve maximum fullness, begin by lining the lips with a lip pencil designed to be used with lipgloss. I use Still Glaze Lip Liner in Soft Pink. Then, fill them in with a tinted, shimmering lip plumping gloss. My pick are MAC Plushglass in Bingo! or Lip Fusion in Summer.

Follow these tips and you'll be transformed into a knockout in no time!

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder and Dream Mousse Blush

These days, drugstore brands are upping the ante, incorporating the latest technology and textures into their products. I scooped-up this powder, hoping for a quick-fix, after a weekend spent outdoors, when my normal pressed powder became too light.

I had such high hopes for this powder, but I was let down. Instead of looking like a smooth, invisible veil, this powder sat on top of my skin looking grainy and somewhat orange.

Although I'm still a firm believer that some drugstore products are top-notch, I think I'll splurge on powder from now on. Even though this powder is supposedly jet-milled, it doesn't have the ultra-fine texture of higher-end brands.


Conversely, I do love Maybelline's Dream Mousse Blush. I have the soft plum shade. This blush glides on nice and light, it's easy to blend, and the color really pops and lasts. The color looks sheer and natural on the cheeks, like a beautiful glow.

It's also great for us gals who lust over cream blush, but have difficulty pulling it off due to oily skin. Mousse is a wearable alternative to powder blush that stays put and won't get shiny.

The only drawback of a mousse-based product is it can get a little dry. I don't really see this being an issue if you use this product frequently, but if you have, oh say 35 blushes and you only get around to using this once a month, then that might be something to consider. Mine is a little bit spongy, but still usable. Although, truth be told, I've had it for well over a year, probably two.

This blush is inexpensive and definitely worth a try.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc

Shimmer palettes have been a wild success lately, and for good reasons. Shimmer can liven-up a dull complexion and create dimension. I have the Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Pink Mosaic. This shimmer is formulated with modern wearable pearl and it is definitely subtle, so it's ok to sport this to work. Fear not--there's no risk that you'll show up at 8 am looking like a disco ball!

A once-over with this powder gives a nice glow to the skin, and I love transforming the matte blush colors I have by simply sweeping some of this stuff on top. This shimmer bloc is also great to have on-hand for those days when you're pinched for time. Swirl this powder over the cheeks, across the eyelids, slick on some lipgloss and you're good to go!

Love Her Look: Sophia Bush

In every picture I've ever seen of Sophia Bush, she's always looking lovely and luminous. When it comes to her look, her glowing skin always takes center-stage. Although women tend to focus on emphasizing either their eyes or lips, skin is also an important main feature that shouldn't be overlooked. Playing up beautiful skin is a wonderful technique to creating a mesmerizing look.

Creating radiant skin like Sophia's can be done several ways. Try mixing a few drops of skin illuminator into your regular foundation (Revlon Skinlight Instant Skin Brightener would work well), or prep skin with an illuminating moisturizer prior to applying foundation. MAC Strobe Cream is a non-greasy iridescent moisturizer that still manages to glow through foundation. And of course, a ready-made illuminating foundation would also do the trick. Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation is supposed to be good, although I haven't personally tried it (yet!)

Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling

Although the skincare market is flooded with exfoliators, those with particularly sensitive skin are often left with slim-pickings. But with Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling, no exfoliating enthusiast will be left behind! Completely non-abrasive, this cream exfoliator won't leave your face red, and yet it is still amazingly effective!

This peel is applied to dry skin and then worked off by brushing with the hands in outward sweeping motions. Within seconds, this cream begins to roll off in little balls, taking with it dead skin cells and impurities. Seeing this transformation makes you really feel like you're getting somewhere! Afterwards, it leaves skin feeling ultra-smooth and pores are visibly clearer.

This peel works its magic with exfoliating clay and skin-softening plant extracts, including mallow, coltsfoot, elder, marsh mallow and burdock.

Hanae Mori Magical Moon

I have always been enamored with perfume--so much so that I don't go a day without it. Currently, I have about five fragrances in my normal rotation. Hanae Mori Magical Moon is one of the perfumes I've fallen in love with.

It is a floral oriental fragrance, created out of night-blooming flowers. Hanae Mori wasn't taking any chances in compromising the fragrance, so they blended it in blue moonstone lined vats and bottled it under a full moon. Magical Moon is supposed to smell best under the moonlight. Now, I've never tested this out, because I can't resist spritzing it on early in the day.

This fragrance is very complex and interesting. Its notes include blooming osmanthus flower, porcelain rose, sugar cane, cotton flower, coconut milk, vanilla, white musk, white sandalwood, red cedar, incense, litchi, patchouli, pineapple pulp, guava nectar, star fruit, orange flowers and pink berries.

MAC Cremestick Liner

I'm not the type of girl who questions the importance of lip liner, but I realize not everyone is as gung-ho about it as me. The main concern of lip liner critics is, of course, the risk of a harsh visible line. This is a legitimate concern, but with MAC's Cremestick Liners, the risk is obsolete.

These creamy, self-sharpening, water-resistant liners always glide on effortlessly--it's not like other liners that are so dry they won't budge. With these liners, a simple rub of the lips together will blend the line enough to turn it into a gradual fade.

The creamy consistency of these liners also makes them comfortable to wear as an all-over lip color. Just fill-in your lips and dab a little lipgloss in the center, and you'll have a full, long-lasting pout. If you end up scooping up one of these liners, be sure to always snap the cap back on so your liner won't dry out.

My favorite shades are Sublime Culture for a nude, Beurre for a deeper neutral, and Pink Treat for, what else? Pink lips!

Crabtree and Evelyn Jojoba Oil Hand Recovery Cream

Last Christmas, I received this Crabtree and Evelyn jojoba oil hand recovery cream in my stocking (thanks, Mom!), and exfoliating as I knew it was forever changed. I was used to regularly exfoliating my face and body, but my hands? Never even thought about it.

This cream is not your regular hand cream. Instead, it is a special blend of sea salt, shea butter, lavender oil and oatmeal that is massaged into the hands for about 20 seconds and then rinsed off. The whole experience feels sensational, because you can really feel the sea salt exfoliating and the rich moisturizers soaking in, too. The result is unbelievably soft hands.

Love Her Look: Megan Fox

I love this picture of Megan Fox because, aside from being stunningly gorgeous, she showcases three great ways to add drama to any look--whether you prefer amped-up makeup or a natural look. Defined eyebrows, curled lashes and plumped lips will take your beauty to the next level.

See my breakdown of how to get Megan's look here.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

For as long as I can remember, Cetaphil has always been touted as the best facial cleanser. Non-alkaline, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, this cleanser is super mild and won't disturb the pH balance of skin. Heck, it's so gentle it can even be used on the skin of babies.

With all this hype, I wanted to get in on the action. But honestly, this cleanser is too mild for my skin. I need deep cleansing to blast away the day's makeup, oil, and did I say makeup? After washing with this cleanser, there were still traceable amounts of makeup on my face, as evidenced by my follow-up toning. The white cotton pad had turned a distinct shade of medium beige--my foundation shade!

But the mild cleansing properties of Cetaphil do make it an excellent cleanser for when I need to wash my face during the day. Often times on the weekend, I wash my makeup off from the day and redo it for the evening out. Rather than use my normal deep cleanser, (which I use a.m. and p.m.) I reach for my Cetaphil. This prevents my skin from getting excessively dry, which can cause oily skin to produce even more oil. Cetaphil leaves my skin noticeably soft and ready for my next look.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Glimmer

I have nothing but love for Bare Escentuals bareMinerals cosmetics. Although the mainstay of their line is their foundation, I have found all of their other products that I've tried to be superb as well. The glimmer is no exception. The particles are ultra refined so as to impart a sexy, sophisticated shimmer--never a juvenile, chunky glitter effect. The shades are diverse and wearable. You can apply them in a gentle sweep for a subtle effect, or pack them on for a striking look.

Because the glimmers are a loose powder, I always prep my eyes with an eyeshadow primer (usually a MAC shadestick or paint) before I apply the glimmer. Also, you may want to place a tissue under your eye when applying a darker shade of glimmer to catch any particles that flutter down.