Beauty High

As a self-proclaimed former Beauty Junkie, I'd like to start this post by retiring that rather undesirable moniker.  A "junkie" implies a negative addiction that conjures up images of me on MLK Blvd trying to score my next serum in exchange for an old pair of beat-up Blahniks, only to go back to a shameful bathroom full of unsharpened eyeliners, cracked compacts, and half-used lipsticks missing caps strewn everywhere.   Consuming and enjoying mass quantities of beauty products should never be frowned upon!  As a result, I'm adopting "Cosmetics Connoisseur" in its place, not only because it sounds better, but because what I do is akin to a sommelier of fine wines.  Think about it...I do research, I know the origin, I know the maker and what he/she stands for, I know the region/country, I know the industry ratings, I comparison shop and know the best places to purchase, I understand and try the ideal pairings and complementary products, I sniff, I test, and ultimately, I consume and recommend (whew...now I need a glass of wine). 

So on that note, as your self-appointed CC (Cosmetics Connoisseur), I have two new recommendations for you - call it an occupational hazard (which I prefer to think of as a major occupational benefit, since many of you know about my day job, which plays perfectly into my role as a CC).

You know that my beauty regime crosses into many brands* - typically, one brand can't be all products to all people - and I've recently "rediscovered" my friend Nars.  I've always loved their daring approach to color, especially in their lip liners and lipsticks, but I have new favorite in their 'Larger than Life' Lip Gloss.  Gorgeous colors, of course, but the consistency is really terrific - it's slippery enough (the automotive girl in me appreciates good viscosity) without being sticky, and it actually does stay on longer than a typical gloss.  It has a tiny brush applicator that makes it easier to get near the edge of your lip, but the best part is how pretty is looks OVER different lip liners!  I have a shade called Como, and it looks great by itself (with or without liner) AND over contrasting, more intense colors.  And so far, I've had no issues at all with the gloss leaking, so it's safe in your cosmetics bag (if you are just tossing glosses into the bottomless pit of your handbag, shame on you!  Do yourself a favor and buy a cute cosmetics bag asap...or at least grab a ziploc). At $26, this lip gloss is a slight investment, but trust me - you'll wear it ALL the time.
Magic K8 Ball Says: 7, Signs Point to Yes
  
My next reco is Nars 'Pure Radiant' Tinted Moisturizer - it's a brand new product for Nars, and it's a must-have.  We all know to wear sunscreen every day, but most tinted moisturizers only go up to SPF 15 (we really need more than that), so I was thrilled to see this one is SPF 30!  It comes in several great shades (I myself am the second fairest option called "Alaska"), PLUS it adds hydration and reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation in just four weeks - it's like an all-in-one product in a sleek, black tube that looks cool on your vanity.  Best of all, it's not tacky on your skin (translation: doesn't leave that gross film on your iPhone) - it blends super well and sinks in very nicely (you ARE applying it with a brush, right??).  At $42, it's worth every penny!
Magic K8 Ball Says: 8, Gotta Have It!

Spring's almost here, so clean out your beauty "junk" drawers, wash your face, grab your credit card, and proudly raise a lipstick, K8ers, because it's never too late to become a Cosmetics Connoisseur (and that old Chapstick in your coat pocket isn't getting any better with age...but you certainly can).

* If you haven't already, definitely visit with a Nordstrom Beauty Stylist who ALSO crosses all beauty and fragrance brands in the store - it's like all the benefits of a clothing stylist, only she helps you identify and fulfill all your cosmetics needs without being tied to a specific counter, nor pressuring you into anything - totally free, and totally genius!

The OTHER Little Blue Box

When I was in NYC last week for work, I had the amazing fortune to finally fulfill a little dream of mine.  Attending a work meeting in the Empire State Building?  No (although that was still very cool).  Sniffing various new fragrances that aren't yet in the marketplace?  No (also very fun and fancy).  Having lunch with a legendary fashion icon in his atelier a few days before Fashion Week?  Okay, this was indeed amazing, but since I never even conceived of something like that happening, technically it wasn't fulfilling a dream but more of a "Holy Schmoly, I can't believe this is happening!" moment.  

No dear friends, the little dream to which I'm referring is that I finally visited my absolute favorite stationer just by mere chance.  We were on our way from our last business meeting to a dinner meeting and by pure coincidence, we walked by Smythson of Bond Street, the famous London stationer that only has ONE store in the entire United States.  As an avid paper and pen girl (I scoff at standard ballpoints and 3M spiral notebooks), I've coveted their luxurious leather goods for years, and finally splurged on a small one a year ago.  At $80 for a "little black book" sized journal, it's certainly an investment.  And worth every penny.  The paper is absolutely beautiful and made with a very specialized process that features a signature watermark emblem and absolutely does not bleed through.  But most importantly, it just feels good!

I was extremely lucky to walk in the store just five minutes before they closed, and it's probably a good thing since I could've spent hours in there!  I told the sales girl of my great love, and she seemed very appreciative, despite her young age (who says the youth don't appreciate good craftsmanship?).  I ended up selecting a small purple journal with the words "Guilty Pleasures" embossed in tiny gold print on the cover (rather fitting, I thought), as well as a spiral of their signature paper.  The best part was the care she took in wrapping my purchases in their signature blue box with navy ribbon - I tell you, it was better than Tiffany's.  She carefully placed my goodies in their sturdy blue shopping bag, and even my receipt was printed on their blue paper.  As I gazed around the store, admiring all the lovely treasures (90% of which I could never afford), I felt just a little more...fancy and sophisticated (even with approximately twelve different fragrances sprayed on me).  

So if you appreciate good paper as much as I do and you still actually put pen to paper for any reason, why not make it an enjoyable experience and invest in the best.  In the words of Ferris, "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Smythson Leather Goods

Magic K8 Ball Says: 8, Gotta Have It!

P.S. Note to husband - I'll take THIS blue box over the "other" one any day!