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!