I knew it was going to be a great week when the forecast called for spring-like temps. I mean, 45 degrees in Chicago is not supposed to happen in February. And yes, my idea of spring might be a bit depressing. BUT, the spring-like reprieve was fantastic. Throw in five good hair days, and this week was just mine. My locks have a new (to me!) brush to thank, the Spornette Luxury Cushion Brush, this week’s Beauty VIP.

Spornette has been making brushes since the 1950s, and the Sporn family still runs the business (making good brushes must be in the DNA).  In fact, they’re based just south of Chicago. The second best part of Spornette’s Luxury Cushion Brush? It doesn’t come with a luxury price tag. The first part, of course, is how this little diddy treats your hair. I’ve been using the smaller size, which is great for travel (or toting in your purse!)

The brush features a duo of bristles in a combo of boar and tourmaline-infused nylon. The result is a brush that glides gently and smoothly through the hair. I use it on damp and dry hair, and before bed, just like Marcia Brady used to. It manages to smooth out tangles when damp without tugging at my hair and doesn’t cause static when used on dry hair. Also, the handle is very easy to hold on to and has a nice satin finish. If you tend to drop things out of your hand a lot, then you would appreciate this feature. This brush is my new companion. Won’t leave home without it!

Wardrobe malfunctions, botched Black Eyed Peas songs, talking babies and men in tights – yep, Super Bowl Sunday is just a couple days away.  Can’t decide who to root for but still want to dress for the occasion? Lucky for you the New York Giants and New England Patriots have nearly identical team colors so you can still be in spirit without choosing sides.  Check out my style picks for the most watched TV event of the year and if in doubt, stick to reds and blues. I guarantee no one will know you’re only at their viewing party for the beer and halftime show.

I’m lucky enough to be heading to Indianapolis for the game this weekend and I don’t know which performance I’m most looking forward to – Tom Brady’s or Madonna’s. Either way, I can’t wait!  Will you be watching the game (or at the very least the commercials) this Sunday?

Clockwise from top left: Splendid sweater; Super Ciccio Eyeglasses; J Crew bracelet; J Brand Jeans; Rouge Dior Lipcolor; Butter London in Royal Navy;  Buxom Mascara in Blue Noir; Rebecca Minkoff MAC

Some people read romance novels. We read Beauty Huile blog. Written by Nav Kaur, a.k.a. N.K., Beauty Huile is the ultimate resource on oils in skincare. Her product reviews are expertly crafted and written like a juicy, steamy romance novel. A love story for oils, truly. Her insights are unparalleled. By day, N.K. works in strategic marketing and communications and by night, serves as feature beauty writer for a national publication in addition to blogging at Beauty Huile. Lucky for us, N.K. spared some time to share her knowledge here on Product Girl. We suggest you bookmark this and then head directly to Beauty Huile to read her salacious reviews!

PG: There’s a fear factor associated with using oil. What’s your advice for people who aren’t sure where to start?

NK: Yes, most women assume if it’s an oil, it’ll cause skin to break out. It’s a common misconception that face oils will exacerbate acenic conditions. But, really, it’s the exact opposite. Stripping away the oil sends your skin into overdrive, producing more of the spot-inducing shine.  By using nutrient-rich oils on oily skin, you send it a message that there is sufficient hydration, so the sebaceous glands can relax and stop the cycle of overproducing oil. Acne-prone skin responds well to oils that boast essential fatty acids or are vitamin-rich. Did you know that acneic skin has naturally low levels of fatty acids or oils? For these skin types, they should be seeking out oils with a spiky freshness from omega-3 and omega-6 to make up for that deficiency.

Demonizing the ‘oil’ has long been a marketing myth, perpetuated in the media from the original intent of trying to educate consumers of crudely produced mineral oil. Since the 90s, we have seen the launch of some highly purified, pharmaceutical grade qualities of oils. And, some of today’s face and body oils are actually certified USDA, which is the strictest of organic standards because it is really a food standard. It actually requires 95% organic content to use the logo on the packaging and prevents synthetic preservatives from sneaking in and any chemical processing of those wholesome ingredients. Good enough to eat – try it!

PG: What are the benefits to using oil on our faces and body?

NK: Most women opt for face and body lotions, but don’t realize the true, effective ingredients are often found in least concentrations, usually lagging far behind the customary fluff of chemicals. A face and body oil will deliver highly desired plushy antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals directly into skin without any potentially irritating chemical offenders getting in the way. Hailing from ancient cultures 5,000 years ago, the use of specific essential oils in precise ways has been well studied and thoroughly documented in the treatment of many skin conditions. Most oils are small in molecular size. Because of their small size, their volatility and lipid-liking characteristics, essential oils readily penetrate the skin to reach and affect the deeper layers of the skin. An interesting sci-fi fact: Rose Oil has the highest frequency (320 Hertz) of all the essential oils, which means its fragrant molecules, on inhalation or application, are able to quickly penetrate and travel the infinitesimal pathways of the body, quickly energizing skin and bringing balance, harmony and beauty to the body. 

Some benefits of using oils include: 

• Deep, Deep Moisture: For skin to maintain its suppleness, firmness and elasticity, it simply must be well-hydrated whenever possible. Face and body oils can help retain your skin’s natural moisture by locking it in. And, with cherry-picked, punchy essentials, you can target normal, oily, mature, or severely dry skins depending on the choice of oil.
•  Anti-Aging Effects: As we get older, much to our dismay, the skin loses its ability to retain firmness and elasticity. Cell turnover slows to a halt and age spots may even pop up unexpectedly. Certain oils contain specialty blends containing pure, organic antioxidants (these are necessary to fight the free radicals that cause damage on the cellular level) to address your anti-aging and anti-pigmentation concerns help with bringing back luminescence lost over time.
• Natural Sun Protection: According to the National Institute on Aging, exposure to the sun contributes to several skin conditions, such as reddening, dryness, freckling, age spots, skin tags and breakdown of the elasticity of the skin. Many oils contain extraordinary high amounts of Vitamins A & E and Omegas, which help counteract the damage done by environmental aggressors by repairing free radical damage and regenerate happy, healthy skin cells. 

PG: Labels can be a mystery. When it comes to oils, what ingredients should we be looking for? And on the flip, what should we be watching out for?

NK: Seek out face and body oils free from chemicals such as glycols, parabens, parrafins, petrolatum, phthalates, propylene glycol, silicones and synthetic dyes. Basically, any chemical sounding ingredient is your hint you’ve got a filler. But, also learn to research out some names, which is just oils under a different name. For example, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is simply another way to list Fractionated Coconut Oil, which is highly refined and brings stability to the product, And, Linalool is really a naturally occurring fragrance substance produced by a wide variety of plants such as mint, cinnamon, citrus fruits and birch trees. 

PG: When did you first start using oils? What product spurred your passion?

NK: I was working for Chanel in the 90s, when they first launched a line of Dry Oil Mists for each of their capsule fragrances. When I took home my supersized bottle of Coco Chanel Dry Oil Mist, I couldn’t believe how super smooth my legs felt after shaving! And, the scent? Forget about it – the spicy oriental lacings of Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine and Vanilla were seductive yet sweet. I came back to oils about a year ago when I covered Tammy Fender’s Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil in a feature story I wrote up in Upscale Magazine. Been hooked since then. 

PG: Do you use lotion? Or are you all oils, all the time?

NK: I do use feathery oils and richer balms (which are oil-based) as the right ones do work nicely under sunscreens and mattifying primers when I need to primp up for work or play with foundation and powder. 

PG: Tell us a few of your favorite products. What are you loving right now?

NK: Beauty wise, I’m so, so impressed with:

• Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation: it leaves such the right about of sheen to highlight my cheeks
• Giorgio Armani Maestro Shadows: the muted luster & smooth finish when used wet lasts through all night without creasing
• Estée Lauder Signature 5-Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks, Face: gives me a flushed look without the overt 80s streaked out glimmer
• In Fiore Veloutee: a wickedly delicious balm, which uses carrot seed, black currant, olive fruit and resveratol to plump up my pucker
• Black Tea-sing Rose Bud Body Oil: a late night [wink, wink] 100% organic playfully femme treatment, which is infused with pink rose buds for weeks
• Artist Brushes from Michael’s: since my fave eyeliner brush was discontinued by Chanel, I haven’t been able to find a suitable replacement to perfect my customary cat eye. Until I popped into Michael’s, where I snagged a $2.50 (after a coupon) impeccably crafted brush to use as a liner. Department store varieties now seem kind of second rate in quality.

It’s a new year and us gals here at Product Girl decided to introduce a new monthly feature dishing on our favorite products from makeup, skin care, hair, and anything in between. We call it “Products on a Pedestal.”  If you’re like me and love hearing people’s favs, check in at the end of every month to get the scoop. I’m kicking off the first edition!

To start, my favorite blush.  Is it possible to talk too much about a single product?  Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes are just so good! We’ve yet really talk about the color Exposed, though. It’s such a unique tan, plum color. My everyday, perfect blush.

A new obsession for me is highlighters (following in the footsteps of my sister and Laurie!) Current favorite? TheBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer, such a cute name! The champagne shimmer is suitable for cheeks and eyes.

Now, since it is winter, had to mention my moisturizer. I’ve been using Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream and let me tell you, ahh-mazing!! It smells incredible, doesn’t feel greasy and makes my skin so soft. It also isn’t too much for my oilier skin.

Mascaras are an obsession of mine, so I had to include one. I’ve been head over heels for the Tarte Gifted Mascara. That’s exactly what it is, gifted. Does it all – lengthening, separation and volume in just one coat. Hardly any mascaras are up to my liking with one coat! Clump and flake free, this is something to talk about.

Undereye circles are something pretty much every woman faces at some point. As a teenager up late at night studying and chatting with friends, waking up in the morning is not my favorite thing. But when I need a pick me up, I reach for my Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Roller. Roll on a bit, blend, and I’m instantly (looking) more awake with laser sight!

Viva La Vida Glam!

This just in…images for MAC VIVA GLAM with Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj.  The new Viva Glam members will be available beginning February 15, 2012 through February 2013. And, as usual, every cent of the selling price goes to support the MAC Aids Fund.  We can’t wait to see Nicki’s shade live and in-person! What do you think?

WOW. I uttered this simple, yet powerful, word on many occasions in the last day. Wow, is it really 60 degrees outside in JANUARY? Wow, is this Shrimp and Corn Chowder soup from Chicago Organics the best thing I’ve eaten all week?  Wow, is this Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation all sorts of awesome? Yes, definitely and COMPLETELY.

Benefit needed a foundation in the line, and did they ever do it right. It lives somewhere between a foundation and a tinted moisturizer, and the texture is more liquid than cream. I love putting this on my face. Wow! It really feels great. But there’s more behind the “WOW” than just the expression. Benefit’s “Oxygen Wow Hydrating Complex” is what makes this brightening foundation uniquely theirs. It helps boost cellular respiration for a “plumping up” effect and contains vitamins C & E derivatives known to prevent signs of aging.

Also, the pump is genius. Never underestimate the power of a perfect pump. One single press down and out comes the perfect amount to cover your entire face. No more, no less.

Benefit’s Oxygen WOW launches in March, but Maggie and Annie of Benefit will be demoing Oxygen WOW on HSN February 2 at 3 a.m., 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. (all times EST). The foundation will run you $34, and if you purchase on HSN February 2, you’ll also get $5 off Benefit’s Hello Flawless powder, which is available in complementary shades of the same name.

Get in on the WOW early and often. Hint: it’s available for sale now here!

Tucked away in the back of that photo is the Spa Nordstrom pedicure station. It’s private and fancy, and where your feet get some major attention. Filled with pillows and the current issues of People and US Weekly, it’s like a private retreat within a private retreat. If you’ve only ever been to pedicures at the nail salons, then you’re missing out on a real treat. And what a treat this finale was to my day of spa-ing at the Michigan Ave Spa Nordstorm.

The Spa Pedicure begins with an herbal foot soak — like the one you get at the beginning of your spa treatments. From there, begins a serious hour of pampering. It was the longest pedicure I’ve ever had the pleasure of enduring. It’s such a myth that you should not get pedicures in the winter. I can’t tell you how many times I hear the “well, no one is seeing my feet,” or “I wear socks every day in the winter.” I actually think I say those things sometime, too. Oops! All false. Pedicures are so necessary this time of year!

From foot soak to foot scrub and skin removal. My calluses have calluses, and a little part of me scoffed at the foot file the pedicurist pulled out.  I thought, “What’s that going to do? Massage my heel?” But I quickly changed my tune, for reasons that would be TMI to get into. Needless to say, I purchased that foot file that day. For the curious, it’s called the Biosana Swiss Foot File. Spa Nordstrom sells it for $18. It’s double-sided, and even the “smoother” side should be used with caution. Damp skin is best otherwise you might literally hurt yourself.

I also opted for the paraffin dip before the polish application. For as much as I’ve mastered the DIY mani, I can never shape or paint my toe nails quite like they do at the spa or salon. I think that’s why I enjoy pedicures so much. I really feel like it’s something I can’t do myself (at least not as well). But callus maintenance, that I need to do. Very excited to have found a product that is effective without me having to essentially do a full cardio workout.

And, I’m proud to report that I stuck to the esthetician-mandated exfoliation detox. I went 15 days without any physical or chemical exfoliation (save about 5 uses of the Clarisonic). I’ll admit, it was eye opening. I was sure my pores would clog and skin cells would build up, but it was a much-needed break. My skin looks and feels better. I’ve also gotten into the habit of only washing my face at night and just rinsing in the shower in the a.m. I can tell that my skin is maintaining healthy moisture levels.

After a day at the Spa Nordstrom to kick off a New Year, I feel pretty great. My next move is to figure out when I’m going back!

Disclosure: The spa services were gratis, courtesy of Nordstrom. All opinions are my own.

NARS Lhasa Eyeshadow is what I like to call a “single that’s ready to mingle.” These are the best kind of eyeshadows, really. By definition, these outgoing eyeshadows play incredibly well with others. They quickly earn a permanent place in the makeup bag, and are reached for at least five days a week. As much as I love eyeshadow duos, trios and palettes, there’s nothing quite like a versatile single.

Lhasa and its flattering lavender grey shimmer is the epitome of this eyeshadow category. It’s been mingling with all sorts of other eyeshadows, cream bases and eyeliners for the past week. And everytime I wear it, no matter how, it looks great. On the lid and into the crease with smudgey plum eyeliner or paired with the mid-tone rose shade in Douce France. And not to be forgotten…Lhasa on its own. It’s a single after all — totally independent and not leaning on another shade. It’s perfect in texture, wear and color. In fact, an eyeshadow hasn’t evoked such a reaction in me since I discovered MAC Moleskin. And wouldn’t you know it? Moleskin and Lhasa are stunning together. Of course they are! They’re both the mingling type.

Don’t gloss over this single. You may have similar shades, but Lhasa practically earns a paycheck it’s so good.

One of our favorite looks from last night’s SAG Awards Red Carpet was Lea Michele in Atelier Versace. The slit was DARING, and she just totally killed it. The makeup and hair complemented the dress perfectly, too. The man responsible for Lea Michele’s soft and sultry hairstyle was Dove Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend. Mark used several products from the new, nine-piece Dove Style+Care collection to get the look. This line officially launches March 1, and is designed to help nourish and protect hair for long-lasting style.

 “I started by applying a large dollop of the new Dove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse to Lea’s damp hair and blow dried with a large round brush for volume.

Next, I took a dime-size amount of the new Dove Frizz-Free Shine Cream-Serum in my hands and rubbed them together to warm up the product, and then raked my hands through her hair. I am obsessed with this cream; it gives the hair amazing shine and separation, and also nourishes the hair too so it’s like having a styling product and a conditioner in one bottle.

I pulled her hair into a loose bun while Lea had her makeup done to set a loose wave in her hair. Then, I let the hair down and sprayed Oribe Après Beach Spray all over to give the hair that great sexy “second-day” hair.

Just before Lea left for the red carpet, I finished her hairstyle by spraying the new Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray all over to keep her hair in place without it looking stiff or crunchy.”

And, we’re giving away the three Dove Style+Care products used to create Lea Michele’s SAG look! Leave us a comment and tell us what you thought about the SAG styles. Did you like Lea’s look? Who was your favorite! We’ll pick one winner* end of day Thursday, February 2.

Update: Congrats to Jennifer, the winner of the Dove Style + Care giveaway!

I’m channeling the beach this week, with butter LONDON’s vibrant teal Slapper, part of the spring/summer 2012 collection. Slapper is this awesome color that looks turquoise in the sun and green in dim lighting. It’s bold and bright, and I totally love it. If you’re looking to inject some bright color into your winter wardrobe, Slapper makes a great accessory. This will also be one of those staple nail colors for me come June.  I stopped by Ulta this weekend, and saw the spring butter LONDON shades in the display. However, they were 100% sold out. Looks like everyone is thinking the same thing!

What are you wearing on your nails this week? And, are you as frustrated with the state of your cuticles as I am with mine? I’m going to slather them in hand salve every hour on the hour. It’s a dire situation.