The Newest in Makeup Brush Design

Say hello to the newest in cosmetic application design - the liner and oval "brushes" (dare I call them an applicator?) from MAC Cosmetics


They claim they are the best at blending and precision (look how they are shaped to get into the the tiny corners of the eye!)

and I see the appeal and I'm interested - to be sure!

There are three sizes, the smallest and most narrow for liner, eyes, concealer, brows and lips
The medium Oval for eyeshadow and concealer
The large oval for highlighting, cheek color and foundation


$25, $32 and $42 each based on size - so I grabbed the small one and I was surprised at how much volume the tip had - but as promised - you do get insane precision and an ultra smooth application.  In hindsight I would say the medium one is probably the most useful - and would apply thick creamy shadows with ease.

Application Level - Medium Difficulty (you have to learn how much product to use all over again!)

Hair Drying Segment Video

Today on Bridge Street I talked about the right steps to blow dry your hair with the least amount of damage - which is especially important if you dry your hair daily (I never do - second day hair is the best!)

I loved joining the gorgeous Tanya Babitch too, she was such a good sport when she put on the towel!

Watch the video here:

http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=4656706

How to Use a Clarisonic Properly

Oh, the Clarisonic, God's latest tech gift to women - the sonic debris-clearing brush that makes us look younger by the day!!!



But you know- there is a right and wrong way to use the Clarisonic - I'm here to give you a check-up on your favorite product!!!

If you aren't familiar with the Clarisonic, its the market's leading facial cleansing system and it comes in original (larger) size that covers a wide range of skin areas, including an attachment for the back for stubborn breakouts there! And then there is MY favorite, the "Mia"


which is a smaller more compact version of the larger brush that is sold at a lower price point and in several cute shades!

Prices right now?  Check out the Mia on QVC - they are the best price point and also have easy pay options when its featured

http://www.qvc.com/Clarisonic-Mia-2-Sonic-Cleansing-System-Holiday-Preview-Search-Results.product.A238711.html?sc=A238711-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-5-_-A238711&catentryImage=http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/a/11/a238711.001?$uslarge$

So if you have a Clarisonic, here are some tips for you for proper use:

1. Don't use it every day - sometimes the deep cleaning can be too harsh - start with every few days and work up to every other day if your skin can handle it
2. Wash your face first - you should clear the makeup and dirt with a light rinse of face wash BEFORE using more face wash and the Clarisonic.  What happens is your brush will grab the makeup, look dirty and you'll think you need to keep washing.
3. You don't HAVE to use it the whole minute!  The rule of thumb is 20 seconds on nose and forehead, and 10 seconds on each cheek - but you can do less if it irritates you
4. DON'T PUSH, you don't have to use pressure for the Clarisonic to work.  The reason you paid $$$ for it is because it is patented sonic cleansing (not just the back & forth of a cheaper version) and the pulse actually breaks up dirt and oil beneath the skin - no pushing pr pressure necessary - in fact, it will hurt your skin!  Gently glide along.
5.  Don't use on white-heads - sorry , but the Clarisonic is best for blackheads, using on white heads (aka: puss) will only spread bacteria and make breakouts more frequent and make skin redder and more sensitive!  Ouch!  Avoid whiteheads but concentrate on blackheads
6. Rinse & separate the brush to dry.  By not allowing the water to sit in the brush you'll discourage bacteria growth and get to keep the brush longer - about 12-16 weeks!
7. That said, CHANGE THE BRUSH HEAD!  At least every 12-16 weeks!  (check out Amazon.com and buy in bulk - you'll save tons!)

The Mother Load

No seriously, when I say the end all be all of eye shadow collections: I am talking about Urban Decay's "The Mother Lode"

http://www.urbandecay.com/urban-decay/exclusives/the-mother-lode/393.html??src=111213MotherLode&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=111213MotherLode&utm_term=CTA&utm_content=vault&utm_campaign=Marketing&cyEmail=rosa.osu@usa.com

Sure, its nearly $600 BUT you are getting the ultimate collection: Every one of the 68 eye shadows in Urban Decay's Collection - Oh, and this is not some shitty half-assed travel compact...nope.  FULL SIZE and they all interchange in a travel 4 spot compact!!!!!



Prepare to never buy eyeshadow again (at $8.80 per FULL SIZE who would?) because you'll have every color in the spectrum!

Amazing gift for your makeup loving girl!

Friday Flashback: The Smokey Eye

Check out this fun Bridge Street Segment, featuring my dear friend Lauren as my model, where I talk about the smokey eye!

The Do's and Don'ts of Hair Drying

I've got some tips for you when it comes to drying your hair - you might be damaging your strands without realizing it!

For starters, blow outs are actually BAD for your hair!

Nooooo!  I hate to hear that, they are one of my favorite things!  Turns out, by pulling on wet hair and drying it for so long, hair becomes damaged.  Yikes!  What a bummer (I will still indulge when I can though!)

So, to avoid damaging hair during drying, here's my step-by-step guide:

1. Towel Dry Hair First

DON'T rub hair, instead, squeeze gently with the towel to soak up all excess water

2. Do a 'loose' blow dry on low/medium heat

Notice I didn't say to use any styling products yet!!!

Loosely dry hair to zap even more moisture from the hair, this should only take a few minutes

3. Apply styling products to the damp hair.  You have more control over the application of the styling products at this stage.  I like to use

Styling Cream

I use Bumble & Bumble Color Minded UV Protectant Styling Cream $28

And I also apply Argon Oil to the bottom half of my hair

I've found Agadir is the best ($20 on Amazon)

4. Grab a brush and set the heat to medium (only use high heat if you have extremely thick or course hair!)

Point the nozzle downward (use the director nozzle that your dryer came with - it makes a huge difference in the smoothness of hair!) and follow the brush strokes on the 1-2 inch sections

5. Finish with the cold blast button

You always wondered WHY there was one, and now you know - the cool air helps seal the cuticle and add shine to hair

Its worth the extra minute of drying time!

Need a great dryer?  Then you need to splurge on t3's Featherweight Luxe 2i dryer ($250!)


more info here
http://www.t3micro.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=284&zenid=4d28a3f066b729def7d9548d1f934a4f

WHY is it worth $250?  I will tell you!

FEATHERWEIGHT LUXE 2I DRYER

Winner of TWO 2013 Allure Best of Beauty Awards for Best Blowdryer & Best Breakthrough.

T3 introduces the next generation of drying. The Featherweight Luxe 2i is Ion Generator-enhanced for fast, healthy, beautiful results. Dry hair fast with enhanced T3 Tourmaline® + SoftAire™ Technology that’s proven to be healthier for your hair than air drying. The included Tourmaline Ceramic Brush styles the perfect blowout with maximum frizz-reducing, shine-enhancing benefits.

(info courtesy of t3)