Santa Baby...I've been a good girl this year

It's always a challenge for me to make my beauty wish list each year. But I've finally compiled my list for 2010. Below is a sample of what I'll be hoping Santa leaves under the tree for this beauty addict. Please, Santa Baby?

*Bumble and Bumble Mending shampoo and conditioner - $22.50-$25 each -- great for color-treated (me!) or extremely parched hair.


*Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude- $42 -- not the chipper chicken, but here's hoping Santa had a good year. This moisturizer leaves skin looking fresh, matte and ready for powder/blush.


*Nars Blush in Orgasm - $26 -- My favorite shade (peachy pink with shimmer - not pictured) gives you a healthy glow especially in the dead of winter.


*Clinique Foundation brush - $30 -- The perfect way to apply the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer or foundation.


*Smashbox Photo Finish Primer in Light - $36 -- my favorite face primer - leaves skin matte and pores minimized. Apply foundation and powder once dry.


*Clinique Instant Lift for Brows - $15 -- my new favorite product from Clinique! Fill and shape brows with the pencil end, highlight underneath brows with the pearl highlight for a great eye opening look.


*SJP NYC Perfume (available at Macy's or any fine department store) - $25 for o.5 oz -- My favorite new fragrance for 2010 -- a mixture of fun and youth, and totally NYC-style.




What are you hoping Santa brings you this year?

Fall Hair 2010 - Big and Blonde

Ahhhhh, fall is quickly approaching. I can smell it in the air (bonfire, anyone?). For many this season means finally getting the kids out of your hair and doing some serious shopping and pampering.

Today was the first day that felt a tiny bit like fall (my absolute favorite season) to me. As I buttoned up my new Express long army green cardigan, I noticed the leaves falling off just a few of the trees on Ingleside Road. Another delight when I came home from work: the arrival of the J Crew 2010 Fall catalog. As I peruse the pages lined with velvet boots and cashmere cardies, one of the models strikes me. She has medium length blonde hair, and it's super curly and crazy.



As I scour the web for runway show photos, I can honestly say the verdict is in for fall 2010 hair: go big and blonde or go home.

What surprises me is how so many women mistakenly dye their hair dark during fall/winter. I have been a victim to this color mistake in the past. Fall and winter is typically when your tan starts to fade, and you cover up more skin. This is when you should lighten your hair. When you have a beautiful glowing summer tan, that's when you should try to walk on the "dark side."

For the brightest blonde hue like these looks below, ask your stylist how light you can go. Remember if you go 5 shades lighter than your natural hair color you'll need to get touch-ups every 4 weeks. If you're not up for the maintenance but want to lighten up a bit, ask for highlights 2-3 shades lighter than what you have. And if you're going this light, please do not try it at home. A box of $7 hair color just about ruined me and my sister's hair back in 9th grade. It was the perfect shade of brassy orange! Cough up the extra money and pay a professional.





Volume is another must-have for fall. Invest in a tease comb and get to work! I love the structure and softness on this bouffant from the Vera Wang show.



Don't be afraid to take off a few inches. Just when you think everyone in Hollywood is an extensions-clone, Scarlett Johannson goes and cuts off her long hair. And doesn't she look great! For this look, start with a good thickening spray. Work mousse or cream into roots and let hair air dry. Use a curling iron for the middle of the hair, avoiding the ends. For extra hold, spritz with Pantene ProV Sheer Volume hairspray.



For hair that's seriously stressed out from the sun, or for those of us planning a ditch-work vacay to Maui mid-September -- pack some Aveda Sun Care Protective Veil in your carry-on. Try a moisturizing mask for even more damage-control and schedule a good trim with your stylist for your return home.

And while you're at it, don't forget to schedule a trim for your furry-friend before the winter snow freezes them out!



Have the guts to try a new look for this upcoming fall season, ladies!
Because the same hair is boring hair!

Ciao loves,
Amanda

Beauty Staples

Despite the fact that I am a fanatic about trying new products (my mom and I hit up the new Sephora back home quite a bit this past weekend), there are a few staples in my beauty arsenal that rarely change. Once a week I get questions about what products I recommend, and here are just a few of my favorite basics. Give 'em a try and let me know what you think!

*Best Make-up Remover - Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes - I've tried several liquid products, but hands down this is my favorite way to remove foundation, eye liner, even waterproof mascara. Great for sensitive skin, it also works wonders for late Saturday nights when you're just too lazy to wash your face.




*Best Leave-in Conditioner - John Frieda Root Awakening Detangling Spray - With peppermint and natural eucalyptus, it not only smells amazing, but it strengthens hair with protein while making it feel unbelievably silky. And at just $6 it's easy on the beauty budget and you can pick it up at Target or Walmart.



*Best Shine Spray - Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine is my favorite shine enhancing hair product. Great especially for color-treated blondes, this little blue bottle creates instant shine. Rub a little extra on ends of hair for added shine. This is a bit of a splurge at $20 - but lasts a long time.
**Tip -- spray on hands and then rub through hair to avoid product overload.



*Best Regular Face Wash - Clean & Clear's Deep Action Cleansing Cream - A staple in my shower since 9th grade, this is the perfect face wash to remove dirt, oil and makeup without overdrying skin. I've always been obsessed with the smell too! This isn't the only face wash I use, but for summertime this is my go-to.
**Tip - doubles as a great shaving cream!



What are some of your beauty staples?

Low-Key Beauty

I haven't written in awhile...and I realized it's simply because it's been so darn hot outside that I haven't been using hardly any products -- imagine that! Also, with vacation season winding down, and most of my money blown at a number of pricey Vegas casinos, the beauty budget has been the chipper chicken recently. The last purchase was a set of Maybelline eye shadow. And it was just OK. Not very blog-worthy.

One product that has been helping me survive this dreaded Northeast drought is Aveda Air Control Hairspray. I usually stay away from aerosol hairsprays, but the scent of this hairspray is just amazing. And it's not tested on animals -- a big plus!



Here's a little makeup/hair style rundown I've been practicing to beat the heat.
Step one: shampoo and condition like normal. (I've been really liking John Frieda's Root Awakening for dry hair.) Next, apply mousse or Bumble & Bumble's Thickening Spray all over hair, focusing on the roots. Then blast hair for 5-7 minutes on high heat. Stop when hair is about 90% dry. Roll in large Velcro rollers so all of your hair is secured and out of the way. Apply makeup while hair air dries.

For summer, skip the foundation and heavy powder -- it's only going to clog your pores when you inevitably start to sweat. Instead, switch out your normal powder foundation for a tinted moisturizer (Sephora makes one I love) and a bit of translucent powder (Physician's Formula makes one with an array of shades to match all tones.)



Summer is supposed to be fun and exciting so try on a new shade of shadow and eye liner. I like bright turquoise or navy blue for a change. Apply one coat of waterproof mascara, finish with a tinted gloss that contains SPF 20 or higher to help protect your puckers -- try Neutrogena's Soothing Lip Sheers in Fresh Rose.



At this point it's probably time to check on those Velcro rollers. If hair is completely dry, spritz with Aveda's Air Control Hairspray. Yes, while the rollers are still in. If hair is still a bit wet, blast with dryer a few more seconds and then spritz. Remove rollers, flip hair upside down and hit with hairspray one more time. To keep hair out of your face bring along a few bobby pins; they're a summer life saver!

A low-key pretty summer look awaits you!

Enjoy that sunshine, my beauties!

Beauty Counter Diss

Ya know, some days I just hate the women who work at beauty counters. I try to be super friendly, knowing what it was like when I worked at Victoria's Secret Beauty (back when the makeup and fragrance was a separate store) but alas, on days like today I just want to spray perfume in their eyes!

I was perusing the beauty counter at a major department store this afternoon with my eye on the prize:

Lancome's Self-Tinted Flash Bronzer - $33

I had read two decent reviews on it and decided to take the plunge to give my pasty legs some much-needed color.

But as I waited patiently, I still hadn't been greeted after 5-7 minutes. Finally, a rep came over to me.

"You finding everything OK?" - annoying lady who knows nothing.

"Yup, just fine. Do you happen to know if this product is oil-free?" - me

"Hang on, I'll be right back."

Do you think she ever came back?

Nope. Begrudgingly, I decided to forge ahead. My trusted Lucky beauty editor had to be right about this one! As I waited in line patiently, it was finally my turn to cash out. The cashier then turned, paused, looked at me, and said, "Sorry, you'll have to wait. I have someone else in front of you." What? Where? I was next in line to cash out, I didn't need ten pounds of makeup slapped on my skin. It will take you two seconds! Ugh!

So what did I do? I'll tell you what I did. In true Hauger-fashion (my maiden name), I put that product back, not even in the proper place, and huffed away. (Editor's Note: In my mind this scene was as dramatic as George flipping out about hot dogs and hot dog buns in Father of the Bride.) Your loss, lady!

Where do these people get the nerve? Just because I look like I'm 16 doesn't mean I have no money to burn. The audacity! I'll get my hot dogs elsewhere!

So with no sunless tanner in hand to review, I turn my attention to summer skin issues. I think all of you reading will agree, it's not fair to break out after the age of 25. But, it happens. When my skin freaks out and I start freaking out, I reach for the product that's been my best bud going on 10 years now (and yes, it's still the original tube).

Clinique's Deep Cleansing Emergency Mask - $19.50
Literally, this mask is a God-send. I first read about it in Teen magazine, going on 10 years ago. They had teenage girls trying out different acne medicines and the girl who tested this one out said it changed her complexion overnight. I ran out the next day and bought it. I am just now running out.

The next time your skin flares up, dot a small amount of this on your forehead, cheeks and chin and spread. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes until it is completely dry. The next day you'll literally praise the almighty Clinique gods!

Another mask that I love is Proactiv's Refining Mask. You don't have to be a fan of the traditional 3-step Proactiv system to love this mask. It usually comes free though when you order their kit initially. I am a Proactiv fan. I tried it back in college and hated it, but recently gave it another shot and it does work. Not saying it will work for everyone; the key to acne-free skin is to find what works for you and to continue your regime.

Oftentimes people try out a new product, it clears up their skin right away and they move on to something else. When you find something that works for you - keep using it.

Also, I wanted to clear up one myth that always comes up during the summer months. Tanning and laying out in the sun may clear up your skin initially because it gets dried out. But weeks later your body produces even more oil to compensate for the dryness and you'll end up with a nasty complexion. To keep skin clear year-round, use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher and avoid too much sun time.

That's all for now. 'Til next time, stay beautiful, beach bums, and don't let those beauty counter meanies get you down!
-Amanda :)

Carry-on Beauty

In just 30 days I'll be jetsetting to...

Yeah mon: Jamaica!

And just a few days later, I'll be back in the skies for a four night stay in wonderful Las Vegas!

All of the travel preparation I've been doing has me thinking...what's the best way to travel with your favorite products and still follow those pesky FAA rules?

So my dear readers, don't you worry your pretty little faces, we wouldn't want you getting a wrinkle, would we? So just sit back and let yours truly do the leg work for you.

I don't know about any of you, but anytime I fly I have a little internal battle with myself: to carry on or to check the bag? Ahhhh, decisions, decisions! For the first trip (Jamaica), I've decided to limit myself to one carry-on approved suitcase and a small duffel bag or large purse equivalent. I know, I know. I realize this may come as a shock to most of you that I am going to attempt to pack 5 days worth of clothing, shoes and products into just one suitcase. Those of you who know my family know we don't travel light. Well, except that is for my dear sister. She is living the "Up in the Air" lifestyle right now and will probably have a thing or two to say about the best way to pack. I don't know how the girl lives out of just one suitcase. Especially when she has a fashion blog (http://dresstoexpressafashionistasguide.blogspot.com/)! (Little plug for you there, S-cookie!)

So, back to the task at hand. First things first: check the hotel accommodations. Hairdryer in the room? Check. That saves you one less contraption to stuff in your suitcase while trying to keep it under 40 lbs. If you must pack a hairdryer, opt for a travel-sized version or at the very least one of those cord-sucking ones that inevitably work very well the first month you own it and then breaks at 6 am on a Monday morning when you're ready to have a flip out attack. But that first month is pure cord-watching amazement.

Second, limit yourself to a detangling comb (a MUST for the beach) and a round brush. There's a two brush limit on this trip. (These are my rules, you can make your own as need be.) If you absolutely must take a curling or straightening iron, pick just one. Both times I've traveled to Mexico now I've taken my Chi along for the ride. I'm trying to rack up its frequent flyer miles. The one night I used it my hair looked amazing, until I stepped outside. The humidity then poked me in my big, fat, frizzy hair and said, "See, I told you to leave this at home, hahaha." So for that point, consider the climate of the destination to which you are traveling. For Jamaica, I'm going to opt for the waves plus braids theory a la LC from The Hills, but I know my mom won't be able to resist sneaking her Chi along for the ride.

Next on your to-do list, head to Walmart or Target. They sell these amazing travel-size toiletry containers that you can reuse and actually put your own products into. No more spending $50 in the travel aisle! I tried this recently on a trip to Chicago and loved it. For about $10 I bought a clear travel size bag from Target (see image below - left) that came complete with not only the containers but cool labels to stick on, too. It even had a cute, little funnel to help with fill up. Sephora also has a travel bag that's airplane approved but it doesn't come with the containers (image on right). But no fear, they usually sell the containers for $1 each (Walmart is your best bet).



A few products to pack:

• Shampoo and conditioner - I like to bring a moisturizing one - especially when I'm at the beach (try Bed Head Self Absorbed Mega-Nutrient Shampoo and Conditioner). Or just squeeze whatever you use now into the perfectly measured containers.
• Face wash - for this one, I usually squeeze my St. Ives scrub into a little jar container to get my pores clean each night. Or I could pack my travel size Proactiv -- again with the decision-making!
• Face cream - my latest find is Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer (with SPF 15). It reduces redness like a gem and works really well with sensitive skin. Just squeeze a small amount into one of the small, round jars that came in your travel bag purchase. I used this on my legs and hands the other day, so it doubles as your body lotion.
• Deodorant - make sure you find the mini version of whatever works for you. My go-to brand is Secret's travel size Coco Butter Kiss. Make sure you don't switch up last minute, because sitting oceanside in 90 degree weather is not the time to test out new deodorants.
• Small toothpaste and toothbrush
• Sunblock - go for the mini version of Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunblock in SPF 55. You don't need a giant tube remember, because you can use your face moisturizer with SPF on your face and neck and reapply frequently.
• Body wash - St. Ive's Energizing Citrus body wash does the trick and the scent is refreshing enough to get me moving even at 5:30 a.m.
• Eye cream - walk into Sephora, buy one must need item, and then ask for a sample of a really good eye cream. They'll put it into the most adorable baby container you've ever seen. Perfect for squeezing into tight spaces in your toiletries bag.

I know what you're thinking: Amanda, you forgot perfume and hairspray and all that good stuff. This is where you have some free reign. Squeeze some of your favorite hair products into the leftover containers but limit yourself to just one or two (I recommend a leave-in conditioner - Biolage is my fave; it repairs even the driest, damaged hair and the scent is to die for!) There's no need to check a bag for an entire bottle of hairspray that's just going to attract mosquitoes. I dare say one has been circling my head while I write this entire article.

As for perfume, I don't recommend it if you're beach bound. You're on vacation, go with your natural clean scent! However, if you simply can't resist, go with a solid perfume with a subtle scent like Marc Jacobs' Daisy or SJP's Lovely - both available at Macy's counters.



So tune in next week, as I try out some sunless tanners first-hand. Hey, I can't be in a swimsuit in 30 days with skin that matches the color of my printer paper.

Until next time, carry on, beautiful!
Ciao!
-Amanda

Q&A with Amanda

Dry skin...eye primers...sunless tanners, oh my!

You asked, I answered!
Q&A with Amanda & some of her readers

Q: Kelly: "Any tips on really good under eye concealer's or eye primer?"

A: Kelly, my favorite new eye product is a must-have for anyone suffering from dark circles like me and questions if they aren't spending all night with vampires with names like Stefan, Damon, and Edward. (OK really, it's my first vampire reference all blog, sue me!)

This little gem in the cutest little tub is ironically called "Erase Paste" by Benefit. It may seem like a splurge at $26, but it's worth every penny. It's not only a concealer but also a brightener in one. It literally erases all signs of insomnia and stress in just a few swipes. Available in three shades for all skin tones (I use medium), you can find this skin saver at Sephora or online at http://www.benefitcosmetics.com. One of my all-time favorite new products! Try it out and report back, Kel!

Q: Robin (aka my mom) asks: "How about sunless tanners?"

A: Well, mom, funny you should ask. I'm actually in the market for a new sunless tanner. I am pleased that more and more people are using these types of products rather than fake baking which has been shown to cause bad skin damage. In the beauty world, I've heard some pretty good things about this one: Sephora's Body Self-Tanning Tinted Bronzing Mist. At just $12 for a 5 oz. can, it's worth a try. Also, when shopping for a sunless tanner, always go with a light to medium shade. Anything darker and you'll look like the inside of a pumpkin.

Q: Mike comments, "My dry skin! Argh!"

A: Ahh, we've all been there. The tight dry itchy remains of winter skin. Just as we're about to pack away the wool sweaters and the down comforters we find ourselves reaching for that bottle of lotion even more. For the past few months my husband has complained about his dry hands and chapped lips, so Mike, you're not alone. But alas, products to the rescue!

I've found the best thing to start with is an exfoliating scrub on the face and body. For guys, try Nivea for Men's Energizing Face Scrub. You can use it all over. And around $6 at any retail store, it's easy to pick up. Next, use a cleanser that has some moisture in it. That will save you a step. But if you're still feeling tight post-shower, my go-to moisturizer is Vaseline. Men -- try Vaseline's Fast Absorbing Body & Face Lotion for Men. For women -- I like their line of Cocoa Butter products.

And the cardinal rule with lotions: always avoid anything scented or with too much fragrance as that dries out skin even more.

Keep the questions coming! Until next time, stay beautiful!
-Amanda:)