Ms Lynn Beauty

I'm moving on it's broken!

2010-05-18T16:42:00.001-07:00

Since blogger can't figure it out! You can now read me @ https://mslynnbeauty.wordpress.com

kisses xxx

Spring Forward

2010-04-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

The month of April is known for being the best month for starting fresh. Spring is officially here and the temperature has risen to the occasion as well.
There are many things that are best done at this time. I love spring weather Not too warm to have ashy skin and not too hot to turn your skin oily. Just perfection!
Here are the things that I will be planning on doing this season.
You too should put a pen to paper and a few of these items to your to do list.

1.Get a pedicure.
That includes corn removers (yes I said it). Because no one wants to look at those. Buttons look better on clothes than on your toes.Ok!

2.Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
That's right.Get rid of the dry skin cells accumulated under your layers of clothing.

3.Moisturize and Firm.
Best time to use products that moisturize and firm. You want to be as confidant as possible when you walk around in your short shorts or on a date in your sun dress.

4.Go to the gym.
And sweat it out.I don't like the gym but guess who wants a perky booty this summer. Me!!! Now Go!

5.Find the most delicious scent possible.
I'm always on the hunt for a new fragrance. I usually have Two or three different scents to choose from. With the weather warming up, it may be time to put your winter scent away. No Dior Poison in 70 degree heat. All commuters will be very thankful not to suffocate on the train. Thank you.

6. Be positive.
It's not a secret and you don't need The Secret to tell you that the more positive you are the more beautiful you will feel and bring more beauty in your life.

Besos xxx

Ms. Lynn

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

As you know it's spring time! As excited as I want to be, I'm just not ready! I have spent the last several weeks trying to spring clean my life. Cleaning out my beauty and garment closets, moving, finding work that I truly love! Not all so successful... what can you do? Very happy that I completed my beauty challenge: Not buying new products and finishing the ones that I have already started. There are still tubes and jars to squeezed product out of but I am surely on my way to a streamlined and lighter beauty possesions. One day at a time. It is not easy to ignore all the new products, the promotions and the old brands simply repackaged. Contentment (I loathe that word) had to be found with what I currently own to better enjoy what will be purchased tomorrow. So deep! LOL! I guess it's a lesson I can apply to other aspects of my life. It's only normal that I love the beauty industry so much, it changes constantly. It is always new. Every bottle, tube or jar is a promise. A promise to make your hair shiny. A promise to smooth out your wrinkles. A promise to be beautiful!
I can't get enough of the promises. And sometimes they're fulfilled.
This season I want to start fresh. My winter was spent hibernating but now that spring has sprung, I will spend this time blooming into a better and happy me. So cheesy but it must be done. I guess this is a new challenge. Spring clean my material (taxes, debt, clothes), spiritual, physical and emotional life. Whoa! Six days down, sixty six days until this girl blooms into Venus by the summer solstice.

Kate Moss is BB with a London Twist

2010-03-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

(And Dieu crea la femme une seconde fois.)

When asked who their beauty icon is, most women will give the same and oh so boring answer: Marilyn Monroe. Eye roll!!! With at least a century of photography and film, this is propably the most recurring name. This is not a debate. Marilyn Monroe had serious sex appeal and... That was it! At least in my opinion.
Growing up, I was more fascinated by Raquel Welch, Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot.
Ah, Brigitte. Not another icy blond like a Catherine Deneuve or a Grace Kelly although I also happen love them but for different reasons. She had an earthy, warm sex appeal. She was beautiful and she knew it. She loved sex and we knew it. Beautiful without the fuss of primping. Always feminine but sexily disheveled like she got all done up, had sex and rolled right out of bed. Pouty baby pink lips with black liner on her bedroom eyes, finished off with voluminous hay colored hair. An air of nonchalant arrogance that is rare and very difficult to replicate and imitate. Part French Bohemian, part Coy Sex Kitten and part Rock & Roll Femme Fatale.
While reading this description, doesn't it remind you of someone?
KATE MOSS!!!
Kate Moss is my new BB (Brigitte Bardot)but with a London twist. They even look alike. She's everything like her predecessor: sexy gamine, rock chick, posh Brit and always disheveled. She has gotten even better with age. Not fair! The industry can't get enough of her and I never tire of her either. She inspires art, fashion and music. She is a living muse. If I wrote a book she would be my heroine. If I were a designer, she would be my inspiration. And if I directed a movie, she would be my leading lady. Sounds like I'm a fan and I am!
Who is your Muse and why? I believe the answer to that question says a lot about a person. So think about it and please, try to think outside of the box. Although, all these women are conventionally different they all have something that is original and different. That is the point. Push yourself to find what makes you special and unorthodox and cultivate it. I guess this is an introduction of the women who influence my views on beauty and fashion.
So let's toast to Kate Moss for being all of what makes her Kate Moss.

Cheerio!

Ms. Lynn

Spring Nights by YSL: Mood Indigo

2010-03-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to wear this look on the warm spring/summer nights in New York City. Cocktails with the ladies or hot date? Both! You decide which order to have them.

Welcome To America

2010-03-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love most about traveling is exploring all the different beauty brands. Paris was a non stop beauty excursion for me. If you can't go that far, Canada is the next best trip to take. Montreal is a mix of North American and European beauty philosophies. Many hard to find "niche" french brands are easily found there. Mass market brands also develop products there first! Like a pop star, it needs to be tested in different markets before being launched in the U.S. Apparently, we are a difficult bunch to please and picky! Don't act surprised?
The worst is when you fall in love with a product and it is not available in your homeland. Lately, a few of my international faves are now available.

1. L'oreal Elnett Hairspray
Glossy hold and shine! Never have you heard these two words to describe the very same product.

2. Aveeno Positively Nourishing Body Wash
Well, not so foreign but these products were just released last month. I bought the three different kinds from my last trip to Montreal which was six months ago.

3. Nivea Touch Of Body Washes
I used to go to independent chemists to find really good Nivea products. I don't understand why this brand is so under developed in the U.S. market. The best quality/price ratio you will find.

I am always on the look out for new imports. I will be bringing you new updates very soon!

Bisou,

Ms. Lynn

Polish Your Wardrobe

2010-02-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

There is officially twenty days until spring! Can you believe it? I sure can't. With all the snow benches laying outside it is very hard to believe winter is soon to be over. I am de cluttering everything: wardrobe, books, magazines and of course beauty products. I have the urge to just throw everything away and start fresh and new. Unfortunately for me I have to wait to be in my new place before doing an image revamp. A light weight and inexpensive alternative is to start with nail polish. Never mind that I already own possibly every shade of red. I just think that no look is complete without the perfect manicure and pedicure. Do not think for one second I am not looking at your tootsies. If you're gonna put them on show they better be ready for the spotlight.
So there I was walking around in (you guessed it) Duane Reade in Herald square making a never ending list of polish colors I am dying to purchase. I was being tempted by all, Rimmel London, Sally Hansen, O.P.I and Revlon. Ah, reminds me of my first days of being a product junkie. I gave myself a fresh mani daily and this is all I want to do now, eat cheese all day and apply nail polish. This spring I will aspire to keep my mani and pedi consistently tidy.
It won't be very hard with this list of the most mouth watering colors

The cleverest names are matched with the cleverest colors with:
Hong Kong Collection by O.P.I
- Panda monium Pink
-Red My Fortune Cookie
-Dim Sum Plum

My new favorite color:
Rimmel London Long Lasting Pro in Steel Grey. It is the best combination of grey and with a hint of lavender. Love, love, love! I can't stop staring at my own nails! The brush is wide and fanned to enable a precise application in minimal strokes. I was taken by the beautiful taupe after testing on one finger that I could not stop applying it to all ten. The cashier was gushing and could not believe it was coming from a $3.99 bottle of polish. Chanel makes the same color and it's of course sold out. You may have a hard time finding this color at your drug store.

The list is not over. Brace yourselves for Miss Sally Hansen:
Complete Salon Manicure (5 in one: base and top coat, strengthener, color and self renewing shine!)
- Cafe au lait (one of my favorite skin tone hue)
- Gilty pleasure
- Kook-a-mango (summer toes!)
- Lavender cloud (just like a marshmallow)
- Commander in chic (taupe very close to Rimmel's steel Grey)
- Peachy keen (colour of the moment, will look beautiful with all the khaki and coral color palettes of the spring/summer collections)
-Pat on the black (almost black burgundy that I have been wearing for more than two years)
- All fired up (orangey- red that wants to make me board a plane to the nearest caribbean island)
- Pedal to the metal ( a Beyonce approved silver-chrome)
- Right said red (red corvette of reds)

These are only the colors that stood out to me at first glance. A good start or addition to any Diva's polish wardrobe.

Bisou xxx

Ms Lynn

Beauty Challenge #1

2010-02-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

Never have I take pen to paper to write down my New Year's resolutions. Never would I think to actually have this list available on a blog for all to see.They say that goals are easiest achieved if written down. Now it seems the universe is forcing me to achieve one of these goals which happens to be one of my greatest challenges: Finish what I start. Finishing all products before I purchase new ones. I'm always going to need something right?...Eventually! I can't ignore new packaging, new products and sales.This is what I do best. The situation is that I am moving, yet again. This time around I prefer not to have to carry boxes and boxes filled with magazines and beauty products. Considering I have little furniture moving should actually be a breeze for me. This is what I am passionate about, magazines and beauty. I buy them when I'm happy and sad. I have a whole reward system which I won't get into right now but you understand.
The challenge is the not buying part. I can deal with throwing away stuff because it makes more space to replace. I guess once I'm settled I can always refill. But in the meantime, what am I supposed to do? Ignore the new product launches, not buy the latest issue of Glamour U.K for my annoying subway commute and ignore emails from Sephora and Origins? Inconceivable! But it must be done! Good timing since spring is coming. Start fresh and new. I have exactly one mont to achieve this task. Seems like an eternity but now that I am writing this I feel oddly motivated.
Wish me luck and willfulness. This girl will need serious encouragement.

Au Revoir.

Ms. Lynn

Image Of Perfection: Halle Berry

2010-02-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

When is she ever not perfection? This photo made me stop dead in my tracks. In this moment, I want to look like her: the hair, the dress, the manicure. I love her whole look! I am talking about the new advertisement campaign for her second perfume Pure Orchid. Notes are of blackberry cream, Italian lemon and Masdevalia orchids. I was sold at blackberry but looks can be deceiving as I learn over and over in the perfume department. I will run to the nearest mass market retailer and sample this new juice. If I can't look like her then I shall smell like her.

Bisous les cocottes xxx

Ms. Lynn

Emergency Beauty Kit

2010-02-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

We all need some rescuing from time to time. It is no different for our skin. Look in the mirror, see if the warning sighns are there: zits, blotches, dry skin, eczema. It's all there, the evidence of your negligence. We're all very busy and stressed out and our skin often suffers. I can't seem to keep my eczema at bay. Sometimes, it doesn't matter how great your beauty routine is, lack of sleep and stress will undo any effort at clear skin. Is it possible that a clear mind = clear skin?
I can't confirm that just yet but it seems to be a major factor. Until I master my beauty resolutions, I will be turning to these products when things get too intense.

Ambi Fade Cream: Clears up discoloration from past blemishes and scars. This is not about skin bleaching (can Lil' Kim hear me?), just unifying your skin tone from past boo boo's.
Application Tip: Do not apply allover! Squeeze product unto a Q-Tip applicator and apply to the area to be treated.

Hydrocortisone 10: I like to use the extra strength and extra moisturizers version. Cortisone can be drying and over usage can cause skin thinning. the over the counter brands are safe and mild enough on minor eczema outbreaks. Anything above 1% should be prescribed.
Application tip: Apply a fair amount to the area that has erupted in rash or small little bumps. If I get an all over attack, I will spread evenly to my entire face like you would a mask. I do this for a few nights and sometimes I mix it with my moisturiser.

Salicylic Acid: My favorite ingredient to treat pimples and mild acne. It decloggs pores, exfoliates and smooths skin. You name it, it does it. I apply it everywhere and anywhere, bikini bumps, corns or any bump that was not there at birth.
I recommend Rapid Clear Fight & Fade 2-in-a gel from Neutrogena or Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment.
Application tip: Don't overdo it. Do the Q-Tip application. when I have been wearing a lot of make up or when my skin gets unusually oily, I will do an allover treatment nightly for a week. Seven nights are usually more than enough to bring things back to normal without causing additional irritations.

Vaseline: This is great for wind burned skin or lips. When nothing seems to work I just put a thin layer before bed. Tyra Banks approved!
Application tip: Put thin layer on skin after thoroughly cleansing. you can do this day or night depending on climate. Great on really cold winter days.

Bio Oil: You've all seen the ads and counter displays at your local walgreens or CVS.
this can be smoothed on face and body. Not to be used if you are pregnant since it does contain vitamin A. Claims to reduce stretchmarks?!? One can only dream.
Application tip: To be used just like any body lotion or facial moisturizer. I love to mix this with a cortisone cream, it creates the almost perfect facial moisturizer. Add to runny body lotions instead of throwing them away.

Et Voila! You may not need to run to ther derm with these tips.

Bisou xxx

Miss Lynn

Camera Ready

2010-01-29T20:07:00.001-08:00

A few days ago I booked a last minute photo shoot. So excited but wait, my skin is not at all ready! A few days are needed to recuperate from all the late nights, dehydration and nutrient deficient diet. I had all of 36 hours to make the best of my skin. The camera does not forgive and without a good make up artist you can be plagued by horrendous pictures for the rest of your life. And I'm not even being dramatic. The theme for the shoot was very film noir on acid. This can be a great addition to my portfolio or blackmail material. I pray that I will get photo shopped to death. For the rest of that day I only drank water, ate fruits and swallowed several spoons of olive oil. Gross but it works. Failed to go to bed at a decent hour. Woke up to a massive zit on my chin staring back at me in the mirror, mocking me. Totally my fault. I should be good to my skin all the time. I should always be ready for my close up! I get to the shoot and there is no make up or hair stylist! No panick! I will have to do my best with what I've got: good genes, a maybelline concealer, a tube of Voluminous Mascara from L'oreal and a tube of black lipstick. Creative I will have to be and I was. I pinned all of my hair forward, since it was slightly dirty it had that wavy texture. Next, I applied countless coats of mascara and finally the lips were immaculately painted black. I always pay very close attention to every and any make up artist that has ever touched my face. All in all: I did an amazing job. All hair, lashes and lips! Fab! I don't know how the pics turned out just yet. Promise I will post it as soon as I receive the digitals.
A lesson to be learned: If you're on your best behavior all the time you then don't have to worry about the odd snap of camera phones or hanging out with those friends need to document every second of their life. Yeah, I have a few of those and I always put a little extra on for them. Who wants to be tagged on a photo on facebook not looking their immaculate best?
Girlies always be camera ready.

More Exciting Than Fashion Week

2010-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Unless you're one of the lucky few who will be sitting in the front row of this year's New York Fashion Week, there is one thing more exciting: All the beauty launches! I'm tingling just thinking about it all. Perfume launches, new color make up collection. I can't wait to test them all! For the next several weeks a visit to Sephora, Space Nk and Henri Bendel (to name a few) will be holding a little surprise. Don't get me wrong, this girl looooooves her fashion but it is beauty pulls it all together. You hair and make up will make or break an oufit. You know, you watched the Golden Globes. Jennifer Anniston was a desastre! Disheveled only works on Kate Moss and Brigitte Bardot. Ok! Rihanna is the poster girl for "the complete look". Her hair and make up, nothing is neglected. So, when the Avaatar like creatures will be descending upon us, I will be constructing my "complete look" from all the gorgeousness coming from the runway. If I don't make it to the rows or the runways of NYFW then I'll catch up with you at the after parties!

Ciao les belles!

Ms. Lynn

Victoria's Beauty Booty Secret

2010-01-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

It was my favorite time of year: The semi-Annual sales!!! All stores do this twice a year, in january and in july. I wait patiently and when the time comes I make sure I stack up on all my favorites. One unlikely place to hoard beauty stuff is at Vicki's. While most will be clamoring for dainty little under things I prefer playing in the beauty section. Sexy and dainty their lingerie are but not my favorite brand of undergarment. Sorry, they just don't fit me well enough.
So when you see me entering a Victoria Secret store be certain that I will not be fighting you for the last black lace miracle push up in a 34D. No, no, no. I am skipping the madness and beelining straight to the discounted beauty bins.
Don't get it twisted, I'm still very selective about my beauty products and Victoria Secret has the ability to relieve my insatiable desire to acquire more beauty goodies. And at up to 75% off, the task becomes easier to achieve without any shoppers remorse.
Here are some of the goods bought:
- Naturally Victoria Secret body lotion in tonka bean
- Naturally Victoria Secret body scrub in tonka bean.
Like your underwear, products should match.
From their organic Pink line
- Lip balm in Fresh. Light rose balm that moisturises like balm but has the coverage of a sheer lipstick.
- Energizing sugar scrub with organic citrus and mint
- Moisturizing body wash with organic shea butter
Love, love these last two. They really make your skin feel soft post shower. I don't know if this line is being discontinued and if it is they have big shoes to fill.
In the meantime, I will be enjoying my goodies until that time comes around again.

Ms. Lynn

Double or Nothing

2010-01-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have a disease! It's a real sickness! I've done research to find the meaning and maybe even the cause of this impulse.
I buy everything in double! I cannot purchase an item in a uneven amount. It must come in 2's and 4's, even samples must be given to me in pairs. I have no shame asking the sales person for a second sample on pretext of frequent travel.
If there is only one of a beloved product, I will go hunting for the pair. Sick, I know! So obsessive compulsive.
The good thing is, I rarely run out of anything. Not suggesting that you develop a mild behavioral disorder but I recommend doubling up. Body wash, nail polish remover, facial cleanser and body lotion are some of the items you will be glad you have in #2's.
Other great reasons to double or nothing are: It foams and requires frequent use. It's on a sale! They're just begging you to grab a second one. The product is being discontinued and if you don't buy a whole supply now, you will later desperately search for it on the web. How sad when you'll find yourself scraping a jar or worse cutting the tube of a product to get to the last 0.001 oz of it. I'm talking from experience here. Don't take that chance.
If you're going to gamble, I say double or nothing!

New Year, New Beauty Resolutions

2010-01-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Each year I make resolutions that I (you guessed it )break. This year will be different, this year my beauty resolutions will be a new way of being. It is to my utmost benefit. In twenty years, my skin will say thank you for treating her like a bff.
Here's the plan:

1. Cut back on caffeine
It dries out skin due to it's diuretic properties but it's also a great antioxidant.
So controversial!

2. Finally join a gym
Preferably one with a steam room and sauna. Better blood circulation equals better skin.

3. Be beautiful from the inside out
It's time for me to improve my eating habits. I will drink plenty of water and pure fruit juices.
Maybe I'll even get a juicer. I'll eat all my fatty's! Fish, nuts, olive oil will all be on the menu.

4. Don't be lazy!
Take off make up every night! Yes, even it was the wildest party ever and now I'm exhausted from all of the evenings activities. My pillowcase and my pores will be thankful.

5. Be diligent about eye care
Another year on the calendar means another year for your skin cells.

6. Discover greener alternatives.
After noticing the benefits of more natural products, this year I'll try to be as green as possible. The goal is finding natural or organic products that are effective and provide a pleasurable sensory experience.

7. Catch my zzz's
I'm not 18 nor am I 21. Without enough sleep, cells can't fully regenerate and I want mine to get all the help they can get.

8. Do the yoga thing
Mind, soul and body are all connected. Better mental health and less stress leads to better looks. You know I will try everything.

9. Finish what I start
I will finish all purchased products. Challenging but it must be done.

10. Be grateful.
It's easy to forget that we're blessed. Beauty, health, laughter and joy are all gifts that should be cherished.

I have a whole year to a better me.

Ms. Lynn

Best Products Of 2009

2010-01-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

As we're speeding towards 2010 (in less than two days to be exact) I was contemplating on the best beauty products and happenings of 2009.

Let's start with

L'Oréal H.I.P Jelly Balms and L'Oréal H.I.P Presso Lip Glosses.
How many times should I name drop L'oréal? Sorry, they're just that good.
The balm delivers enough color to be worn just like a gloss and keeps lips sexily moist. I honestly love all the shades. The Presso collects two compatible shades of gloss that can be combined at your liking. Perfect if you can't decide which shade to wear.

St-Ives In-Shower Body Polishes
It comes in Moisturizing, Renewing and Smoothing. Inexpensive,foams like a shower gel and exfoliates like a real scrub.

Rimmel London Glameyes Mascara
No hype! This mascara gives me long,thick and curved lashes.Compliments guaranteed.
And it's official, if you want a product to sell Kate Moss is the spokesmodel to hire.

François Nars 15 Year Career Celebration
What better way to celebrate 15 years of creative genius? If you're François Nars you assemble you favorite celebrities for an eyegasmic photoshoot.

Shu Uemura Art Of Hair
This line has every styling product necessary to turn your ordinary 'do into art. From the texture spray to the hair serum all products are created to be mixed or used alone. After styling, hair remains pliable and can be restyled without having to rewash. Heaven!
And I'm not a hair product overload kind of girl. If you're low maintenance or like to believe that you are, you must try the Satin Design White Tea Polishing Milk, the Silk Oil and The sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray.

My other hair must this year was

M Moroccan oil
Yes, argan oil has been showing up in many beauty products over the last year and with good reason. It is lightweight but very nourishing and contains vitamin e and essential fatty acids. amazing on all hair types and textures. I can't stop appplying it to my hair. My mane is now glossy and super soft, just like a Moroccan.

Dolce & Gabbana Tarot Perfumes
I always had the idea to pair a scent with a tarot card. Too late, this duo had the brilliance to take the most powerful tarot cards and not only associate each card with a scent but with a Supermodel. An original Supermodel.

Green Beauty at Whole Body(Whole Foods)
While most assemble their carts with organic produce my basket is filled with organic lotions,scrubs,incense and an occasional bottle of antioxidant rich fruit smoothie. The year 2009 was the year I saw myself consider going all green. Thank you Whole Foods for opening my eyes to green beauty. From Dr.Hauschka to Ren the possibilities are now endless.

YSL Parisienne?

2009-12-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

The new YSL Parisienne scent has to be the most disappointing perfume on the market. Not that it doesn't smell good. It just has nothing to do with the image it's trying to convey. The ads are sexy and sensuous but the perfume is not! It can be described as lovely and soft but this is not what we're going for. I usually love perfumes that have blackberry, rose and sandalwood as notes but something is missing in this mixture. It's missing the musk!
It's missing all the sex (musk) portrayed in the ad. Kate Moss is effortlessly sexy in this ad (very French). I want to be her; I want to smell like leather, roses and morning after sex with a French man. Unfortunately if you also want to smell this way, you will have to reach for a different bottle of perfume.
But let the ad inspire us.

Ms. Lynn

At A Duane Reade Near You.

2009-12-18T14:33:00.001-08:00

Many of New York City Duane Reade's have gotten major face lifts. Now that logo colors have changed from dreadful red and blue to very cool purple, white and black, you no longer need to feel ashamed of walking around with their shopping bags. Not that you were but these bags will not completely cramp your style. Anyways.
I visited the store located in Herald Square, not only do they carry my European favorites like Vichy and Lierac but also tons of new additions. Now you can buy This Works and Rilastil products while picking up a box of tampons. That's exactly what I did today. It is so New York ! I love it!
Walking into a Duane Reade will never feel the same again and that makes me really happy.
I snapped a few pics while in the store to give you an idea but still can't figure out how to upload from my phone to my blog. Yes, I'm technologically challenged but I have better qualities.

Bisou.

Ms. Lynn

Good Grease!!!

2009-12-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

Whenever I'm shopping for a new body moisturiser (which is always), I scour the aisles and labels for words like balm, butter and essential oils. This girl loves her lotion greasy! The oilier the better! Now that winter is fast approaching, I'm on a mission to stay more greased up than your Thanksgiving turkey. When I take off my leggings or my jeans in the evening, I don't want to see dry skin flaking off into the ether.
I know you know what I'm talking about.
But before you reach over for that bottle of Crisco (which is not such a bad idea) here's what to look for.
A good formulation should contain a combo of oils (coconut, almond, sesame, kukui); humectants (honey, hyaluronic acid, urea and or glycerin) and something containing natural butters like shea, cocoa or illipe will provide long lasting goody moisture.

Here is my good grease list:

Lancome Nutrix Royal Body Cream

Lierac Long Lasting Moisturising Body Lotion

Origins Precipitation Extra

Origins A Perfect World Body Cream

LaRoche Posay Lipikar Body Balm

Avène Cold Cream body Lotion

Bath and Body Works Lay It On Thick

Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion

Biotherm Baume Corps

La Mer the Body Cream

More grease to you all!

Ms. Lynn

Upgrade Me

2009-11-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

Although, I have loved regular pharmacy brand products like L'Oréal, Nivea and Revlon. A time came when I felt the need to venture outside the regular $5.99 jar of moisturizer. Growing up in suburban Canada I cannot say that we lacked product variety. I didn't grow up with Sally Beauty emporiums or these mega huge beauty supply stores where you can find anything from hair extensions to rubbing alcohol. I believe as a French Canadian, I received a far better education in beauty. My local pharmacy was stacked with high end brands like Lancôme and Estée Lauder and a "panoplie" of French super brands like Biotherm, Avène and Renée Garraud.

Initially, my 12 year old self could not affored to purchase a $30 plus tube of cream. I started saving my allowance and any monetary gifts to buy whatever I wanted. I insisted on getting samples and made them last.

By junior high I was saving my lunch money and packing my lunch everyday. Definitely not the cool thing to do. But when you're a crimson lipped 14 year old, such details cannot tarnish ones popularity.

By senior year of high school, I was working for $9.50 per hour and spending nearly every dollar on my beauty obsession. I had a fixation on Clinique lipgloss in Air Kiss, Lancôme mascaras and the just launched Juicy Tubes.

After my initiation there was no turning back. This also reinforced my love for some mass market brands (remember they are often produced by the same company).

What's not to love with a high end brand: the advertising campaigns are absolutely gorge, the scents, the texture and the packaging. I'm a sucker for great packaging. My products are always on display.

If you're still using generic products then it's time that you upgrade.

Upgrade with anything from Yves Saint-Laurent but you can start with:

1. YSL Touche Eclat

2. YSL Mascara Effet Faux Cils

3. YSL Nail Polish

The gold packaging always makes a statement.

4. Crème De La Mer body Cream

Most people would shell ot for the face cream (which you should) but I decided that my face can have the leftovers of my body. The best $200 I've ever spent.

5. Lancôme Mascaras
That's right, they're all great!

6. Guerlain anything.

I mean, the ads speak for themselves.

7. Chanel, Chanel, Chanel !

Fall Beauty Closet

2009-11-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

Summer has officially left us and now that we have settled into fall it's time to clear out your beauty closet.The drop in moisture and temperature can leave your skin drier than the Sahaara dessert. To prevent your skin from feeling like an emery board, throw away that almost empty tube of lightweight moisturizer that kept your skin semi-matte on the beaches of East Hampton. Along with your moisturizer, get rid of all extra oil absorbing products: extra foaming cleansers, foaming scrubs. Stop treating your skin like you would your dishes. All that foaming action is not the best thing for your skin in this climate. Unless you have oily or acne prone skin, you are allowed to keep a product that will control excessive oil production.

You want products that will keep your skin moist and supple through the increasingly dry and cold weather. Also, indoor heat is a major factor in dehydrated skin.

Find a cleanser that thoroughly cleanses without stripping your skin. The more you strip, the more oil skin produces to compensate. Products containing salicilyc acid will help rid the skin of dead skin cells and any bacteria trapped in pores. Next, exfoliate with a scrub to really stimulate and prepare your skin for any treatment that will follow. Do not overscrub and don't apply any pressure. You should be using the tips of your fingers and let the exfoliating beads to their job. I see women do this all the time, just rubbing and rubbing... Ouch! Just don't.

It's very useful to have a mask or two on hand to use once a week. Depending on your skin type, one should be hydrating, purifying or clarifying. This should be performed after the exfoliating step. The last step is very important. Actually, the first and the last steps are crucial. The first sets the tone (literally) to your routine. Before anything else happens, skin has to be squeaky clean. The last, is where anti-aging, anti-oxidizing, anti-glycating can happen. This is when your skin receives all the necessary nourishment and protection it craves and needs. Look for a moisturizer that contains anti-oxidants like vitamins A, C and E. If you can find a moisturizer that contains all three then you're in good shape. Other ingredients to look for are natural oils and humectants like shea butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, honey extract, stearic acid and glycolic acid. Obviously, what you choose will depend on your skin type and it's needs.

Here are a few options for each skin type.

Oily/Acneic skin

Clinique Wash Away Gel Cleanser
Avene Cleanance Soap Free Gel Cleancser
Bliss Steep Clean Pore Purifying Mask
Clinique exfoliating Scrub
Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer
Vichy Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care

Normal/Combination skin

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser With Cottonseed
Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash
Clinique 7 Day Scrub
Lierac Exfotonic Scrub
Lierac Masque Clarte
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Cream Fortifying & Soothing 24hr Care

Dry/Dehydrated skin

Clarins Pure Melt Gel
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
L'Occitane Shea Butter Gentle Face Buff
Vichy Detoxifying Exfoliating Cream
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Balm
Bliss The Youth As We Know It

xxx

Ms. Lynn

The Beauty Products That Set It Off!

2009-10-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the products that contributed to my beauty obsession. Many of these, I use to date but some alas have been reformulated or my skin no longer tolerates them.

Revlon Nail Enamel : The color selection is great. I have loved nearly every shade but Vixen is my favorite.
Pond's Cold Cream : Classic and inexpensive
Nivea : Every product I have used from this brand was not just good but great. One of the best quality/price ratios on the market. It is no surprise that it's a staple of every European woman you will ever meet. I loved their original body lotion with almond oil but I have now fallen in love with Smooth Sensation body lotion. Smells divine, has great texture and really moisturises. I take moisturising quite seriously and this brand rarely disappoints.
Noxzema Original Cream Jar : The creaminess and tingle drove my teenage senses crazy. I would slather on, rinse and repeat until I actually lost a shade in skin tone. I just loved the way it made my skin feel and look. The camphor in the cleanser provides the tingling sensation and increases circulation resulting in rosy skin. The succeeding step was exfoliating with
St-Ives Apricot Scrub : This product has many devotees and I used to be one of them. Exfoliating several times a day daily! At the time, the results were great. I could not keep compliments or palms away from my face. Now, with the damage I may have caused from overexfoliation I would undoubtedly flare up. Not a good look!

Finally

Dove : Anything and everything from Dove will do. The soap is not drying as most non vegetable based soaps are and the body washes are fantastic! Not overly perfumed which can be very drying for the epidermis.

Later Divas.

Ms. Lynn

In The Beginning

2009-10-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

"You're a product slut!", this is what my then co-worker exclaimed as I handed her my newest hand cream. Stunned at the initial statement, I couldn't deny the truth: I am a product slut! I am. Absolutely obsessed! From the aisles of Duane Reade to the counters of Bergdorf Goodman I want it all! I have sampled an insane amount of beauty booty! At times, suffering from allergic reactions as a result of all the experimentation. Each tube, bottle, jar feels like a new opportunity.

So, how did this all begin...

My astrological chart reveals that my moon is in scorpio. Apparently, this placement can make you intense and prone to addiction. A quality I share with many serial killers, stalkers and the psychologically disturbed. As you can see I got really lucky.

I can recall the moment that set me on my never ending search for the ultimate beauty find. It was a warm summer day in the early 90's. I must have been 12 years old. At the time, too many hours were spent watching soap operas and music videos. All that shine and gloss!!! I too wanted to be one of these lacquered beauties. I couldn't wait to be all grown up and have red nails with matching lips (of course), dewy skin and long thick black lashes. I eventually stopped envying these glowing creatures and decided to take matters into my own hands. Armed with a whole dollar I walked across the street to The Dollar Store. I was determined to find something to make me feel beautiful. And there it was staring at me, Sally Hansen nail polish in sandalwood: a dark brown with a hint of taupe. This color was too sophisticated for a 12 year old, I wasn't very concerned though. My glamour puss mother disapproved of my choice only to later start wearing it herself. Confirming that I had an eye. I spent the rest of that summer sporting a different nail polish color every single day!

But this was only the beginning.

Ms.Lynn