Eau de Raw Meat

Come spring 2012, Lady Gaga is said to release her first fragrance for women.  I'm intrigued and can't wait to see what this smells like!?  Here's Gaga looking mysterious in my favorite shade, coral.

The Beauty Department: Aztec Secret Face Mask

Wanna know a secret...? This stuff is amazing!!  At around $7, you get a gigantic tub of this ancient clay.  Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar (or water, or milk) and clay powder in a non metal bowl, with a non metal utencil, apply, wait 15 min and your face feels like it has just had a $100 facial.  You can find it at Wholefoods and other supermarkets, or on Amazon.  And I love that it contains no additives, fragrances or animal products.  It can also be "customized" by you, depending on your skin type: visit this site for 12 recipes and different ways to use this amazing product.

The Beauty Department: Hair Products

I was not blessed with shampoo-commercial-girl hair.  But, after years of experimenting with oils, sprays, lotions and potions, here are the tried and true and worth the money products that make my hair look its best.

Good ol'drugstore  Goody bobby pins are good for so many things and never leave a mark or snag delicate hair.

L'oreal Elnett hairspray-good hold without the stickiness

Moroccan Oil adds life to dry, damaged ends and smells like heaven!

The Sephora wide tooth comb untangles wet hair without any breakage.

The Chi hair straightener is my gold standard for beautifully straight and shiny locks.

Only $5 a pop, Tresemme Heat Tamer does a better job than some products five times the price. 

Frederick Fekkai Galanga Root Shampoo and conditioner leaves hair soft and hydrated.

Beauty Must Haves: Perfume

To me, perfume is an essential inexpensive luxury.  Wearing it and experiencing its scent can transform your mood (for better or worse!), and is a great way to express your personal style.  Here are a few of my faves:

Stella McCartney "Stella"...rose scented perfection.

Sage Machado "Pearl": a musk, indian sandalwood and vanilla scent that's both subtle and addicting.

Chanel "Coco Mademoiselle" is a good choice for evening.

"Kai" perfume oil, for gardenia lovers everywhere, is a perfect summer scent.

Jo Malone "Nectarine Blossom and Honey" : a beautiful, fresh scent perfect and light enough for everyday use.

What's in My Makeup Bag

What's in your makeup bag?  Here're a few favorite things I have in mine.  I've learned from experience to spend a bit more on"department store" makeup instead of buying a million cheaper things I never end up using...

(From top):

• Givenchy Photoperfection (foundation-I mix in some moisturizer with SPF)
• Benefit Talk To The Tan (liquid bronzer)
• Benefit High Beam (highligther)
• MAC Studio Fix (powder)
• Benefit cream eyeshadow
• Stila Convertible Color (blush)
• Guerlain Terracotta (powder bronzer)
• Sonia Kashuk for Target makeup brush
• Benefit Bad Gal Lash (mascara)
• YSL Touche Eclat (concealer/luminizer)
• Forever 21 makeup bag

The Beauty Department: Must Haves

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a good beauty product.  Some I'm loving right now are:

1. Touche Eclat by YSL
2. Benefit Bad Gal mascara
3. Mac studio Fix powder in C2
4. Bare Essentials mineral veil
5. Clarisonic Mia skin brush
6. Carmex lip balm
7.  Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in Nude

What is your go-to beauty item?  The one where if you ran out one morning while getting ready for work, may tempt you to call in sick. (yeah, right!)

• concealer
• mascara
• lipstick/gloss
• tinted moisturizer/foundation
• blush
• other