Max Factor Maxes Out

Just in time for Max Factor's 100th anniversary, by the year 2010 P&G will phase out the makeup brand in the U.S. in hopes to make more pocket money for CoverGirl. Though Max Factor products will still be available overses where its sales are the strongest, I'm sad to bid farewell to one of America's most wallet-friendly makeup brands. It seems like Americans are opting for more of CoverGirl's easy, breezy, down-to-earth look (a la Drew Barrymore) than the straight-off-the-runway look (like Max Factor spokesmodel Giselle Bundchen), which happens to be more appealing for Europeans. If you're a Max Factor fanatic, it's time to stock up!



Photo: Max Factor

Another Beauty-ful Beginning

I'm finally done slaving over papers and studying for final exams. But now I can be a voluntary slave to beauty with my new position as InStyle special issues (Weddings, Hair, Makeover...)!

I went into the interview thinking it was an internship position. Though a full-time, permanent job in magazines right after college is often the dream, it's rarely that easy. I figured that I'd get more experience and make more contacts in the industry, so there wasn't anything to lose by applying. During the interview, I found out that it was a freelance position and I get the luxury of calling myself a beauty assistant. When I met my now boss, she said the beauty team is very small--basically just me and her. It's the perfect situation--though it means a ton of responsibility, it also means a ton of experience.

Though I'll be busy blogging for InStyleWeddings.com and doing my beauty assistant duties, I want to keep my beauty blog alive to keep track of my journey as I slowly claw my way up the editorial ladder. It's fun seeing familiar faces at Time Inc. and it's good to know everyone in the messenger center remembers me from People because of all those bags of beauty products I made them bring up...

Wave like Whitney

Wearing her signature bohemian style, Whitney Port reunited with her former cast members of The Hills at the Paley Television Festival last night in LA. Staying true to her Californian roots, Whitney accessorized an ivory floor-length tiered dress with pretty bangles and beachy waves. To get waves like Whitney, spritz hair with Bohemian Beach Spray by David Babii for Wild Aid, $11.95; db4wildaid.com. Then wrap your hair around a 1-inch curling iron (to mix in tighter waves, try a ½ inch iron!) and hold for 30 seconds.

Beauty Face Off: Side Pony

Last weekend Carrie Underwood and Miley Cyrus both sported side ponytails at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Photos: Retna

Who rocked the curly side pony better? I'd definitely say the winner is Carrie! (Who also won the CMA's top award: Entertainer of the Year)

Her soft curls and longer hair also lengthens her face just right and balances out her one-shouldered dress. The length of Miley's hair falls a little short--making it look more like a beaver's tail than a sophisticated sidekick. Miley also wore a one-shouldered gown and her frilly frock does nothing but hide the pretty jeweled accents.

Shecky's Girls Night Out

Last week was Shecky's SOLD OUT "Girls Night Out" event in New York City at the la.venue & Terminal Stores on 28th Street. Shecky's gives out complimentary cocktails and treats (the free smores were a nice surprise), discounted fashion (anything from designer labels to vintage to up and coming artists) and of course the famous goodie bag, which includes a hodge podge of items.

I also got the chance to meet up with Glamour.com's fashion editor, Tracey Lomrantz and had a great chat about her attending the Inauguration this year and her upcoming trip to Amsterdam.

Shecky's events are an awesome opportunity to look for unique fasion pieces, catch up with old girlfriends and meet new ones! I'm looking forward to this summer's "Girls Night Out" :)

A Glowing Lindsay Lo

Everyone knows Li-Lo has perfected the art of a year-long glow. So it's no surprise that she's coming out with a spray tan line through Sephora so everyone can try to imitate a great fake bake (perhaps not quite as orange as Lohan's been in the past). The Stay Gold Collection is set to hit stores this spring, just in time for the warm weather. Get glowin'!



(Photo: Retna)

Lauder Loves Freida

Not many people can say they've become a celebrity overnight, but the star actress of Slumdog Millionaire, Freida Pinto, is truly your rags-to-riches story. The once struggling model not only has bragging rights for the 8 Oscars Slumdog snagged, but Freida is rumored to be making a deal with Estee Lauder--joining the ranks of legendary beauties: Liz Hurley and Gwenyth Paltrow. Freida will also soon be gracing the covers of Cosmopolitan and Vogue. I have a strong feeling this gorgeous starlet won't just be a one-film wonder.


(Photo: Retna)

Can't Live Without...

This season I've experimented with a lot of products that help keep my skin looking and feeling healthy. Here are my go-to winter items that are always in my purse:

Softlips Lip Protectant / Sunscreen in Cherry, Vanilla or Rasberry, $3.69 for 2, drugstore.com
Especially during these harsh winter months when the air's super dry, I'd still like my pout to be moisturized. I never leave home without some form of chapstick, but Softlips definitely helps my lips feel healthier and hydrated for longer.

Chanel Glossimer Lip gloss, $27, chanel.com
This lip gloss adds the perfect amount of shine without all the stickiness of other lip glosses. I use a limited edition shade called "Constellation," but a similar color available on the site would be "Sunset Gold." Both are a perfect peachy-orange color with flecks of gold.

L'Occitane Creme Mains (Hand Cream) in Lavender, $20, loccitane.com
Nobody wants to have their gloves rubbing up against cracked skin, so I like to always have this L'Occitane hand cream, well, on hand. Ican instantly feel nourishment with the shea butter and vitamin E and the tube lasts for months!

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, $22, bobbibrowncosmetics.com
I'm normally a night owl (must be those late nights of studying...) and staring at the computer all day strains my eyes leaving not-so-friendly raccoon rings. I can fake a good night's sleep with this ultra creamy Bobbi Brown concealer. It's packed with vitamins A and E, which help reduce fine lines and adds antioxidant protection.

i.d. Bare Minerals face color in "Warmth," $20, sephora.com
"Warmth" by Bare Escentuals is an all-over face color that makes it look like you just came home from a day at the beach. A little goes a long way with this mineral make-up--I've had the same one for half a year! It gives my fair skin tone a subtle bronzed glow.