November 19, 2008
No matter how low-maintenance a girl may say she is, there are two annual occurrences that causes pause…. long enough to make modifications, even if it is ever-so-slight, to her beauty regimen to hallmark the onset of Fall and then again for Spring. For major league coszies, such as moi, it’s just another excuse for a make-over. I am especially excited about this season’s beauty trends. They are very simple to obtain and oh-so feminine. Wispy chocolate bangs that fall on illuminated skin that looks as if it is lit from within. Perfectly polished digits paired with flirty, fun eyes framed exquisitely with black, glossy lashes. How I love being a girl!!!
1> Low-Lights: Turn on the drama, by turning down the brassy shades of summer. You autumn-ize your automobile, your skin, why not autumn-ize your ‘do with a fresh cut and rich shades of copper and chocolate low-lights. When it comes to hair… you best leave this up to the pros! At home, you can subtly warm up a color that’s close to perfection with a color depositing shampoo like Aveda’s Madder Root (for hints of red & auburn), Vintage Clove (enriches brown hair) and Black Malva (for deeper brunettes and black hair).
  
Traditional blonde bombshells warm-up to the idea of Autumn-izing their look: SJP, Cameron and Miss Simpson.
2> Smokey Eyes in an Unexpected Color: When you mention smokey eyes, your mind conjures up images of black kohl meticulously blended out from the lash-line. But for Fall 2008, think again. The smoke is simplified in jewel-tones of Sapphire, Emerald and Amethyst. Estee Lauder makes this look effortless with their limited edition Smoked Eye Pencils in all three shades. If you have the slightest fleck of green in your eyes… go for Amethyst. It will make your eyes look a-maz-ing! If you are a novice to this dramatic eye look, relax. Use liner from the lash-line to the crease for staying power and add a matching shimmer shadow to blend it all out. The most effective way to solve your blending woes is to use MAC’s 219 Pencil Brush. I got some trend going on below…. check it out. You likey??? Amethyst Eyes, Half lashes and low lights along w/ some new bang. The color may be out of a bottle, be the shine is all me, heehee.
3> Lash out Loud: Like mentioned before… the Fall look is ultra feminine and lush lashes exudes femininity. Once only worn for the most special of occasions, more and more ladies are making false lashes (aka-falsies) a daily occurrence. Again, if you are new to lashes, don’t panic. Before you go all Twiggy… find yourself some ’starter lashes’. Go from catwalk to reality with half-strips you adhere to the corner of the lash line. Here’s how you do it… 1> Apply a thin bead of glue to the falsie. 2> Curl your lash. 3> Prime your lash using a lash primer. 4> Apply Mascara. 5> Using tweezers, carefully line up the lash and adhere to the lash line. 6> Apply a light coat of mascara to blend falsie and natural lash (optional). 7> Repeat with other eye. Trust me, you’ll love it and be sporting the ‘big girl’ lashes before too long.
 Twiggy getting Jiggy with her lashes in the ’60s
 Lind-Lo & Eva sporting half strips and looking fierce!
4> Dewy, Fresh Skin: Matte skin can be pretty. But, if you have pores, oiliness or even a hint of an imperfection, matte (dry finish) skin is very unforgiving. In the two pictures above, both Lindsey and Eva have the fresh, dewy looks. This can be achieved by using wetter, more luminous make-up products like foundation (base), creme blush or a finishing balm. A more popular alternative is to take a cue from Make-up Artist Bobbi Brown. She perfected the dewy look which exudes health and youth. The look can be yours with Bobbi’s Shimmer Brick. But heed my warning… go light onto ye gentle complexion… as this can get ‘disco’ if you go heavy handed. Shimmer Brick (pictured below) comes in 6 shades… my favorite is the subtler sister named ‘beige’ (middle).
  
5> Inky Nails: Chanel Vamp Nail Lacquer literally change the way nail polish was worn and marketed and a new classic was born with the dark, short, impeccable manicure. For Fall, the gothic shades of black, blacker and blackest are just too extreme for daily wear. Make this trend your own by choosing deep, inky shades of burgundy, brown and plum. If you just can’t perfect the neat-technique (dark nails have to be perfect), pick up a pack of Sephora nail strips. They are just too easy for words.
     
From Left: The one that started it all: Chanel Vamp, the new kids on the block… OPI’s French Collection, Dummy proof your manicure with Sephora’s Nail Patch Set in ‘Red Night’.
6> A Signature Scent: Nothing can alter a mood like a spritz of fragrance. Just a mere whiff can take you to back to someplace special in your past, or off to a far off wonderland. Choosing a fragrance is a very personal choice and really should not be dictated by the latest celebrity hocking her wares (think: Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Hilary Duff). Celebrity fragrances hit rock-bottom when Paris Hilton launched not one, not two, but three signature scents. If wearing a Paris Hilton scent repulses you as it does me… stick to designer inspired fragrances. My favorite fall scents are Gucci by Gucci Eau de Toilette, Coco Mademoiselle and Dolce & Gabbana ‘The One’. The current recession may prevent us from splurging on that new Gucci Scarf, Chanel Watch or D&G handbag, but we can certainly live the dream through our fragrance. All three scents are warm and inviting… perfect for a cold Arkansas November!
  
So there, that was easy right??? Six very do-able and wearable trends to take you from the hot to the cool. I strongly suggest you get your smoke and false lashes on… you just don’t know what you are missing.
Stay Pretty,
Sheryl
November 11, 2008
OK… Maybe not COLD. But, it is definitely COOL-er than what I am used to in a region known for the sweltering southern heat and humidity. For us fashion mavens, the cool temperatures allow us to layer outfits (or should I say, ‘costumes’) with high-neck sweaters, scarves, tights and boots. But, a dip in temperature can set your beauty regimen off kilter.
Treat your body, mind and spirit during these chilly nights with a warm soothing bath. Refrain from drawing the water too hot, because that can make skin feel drier, tighter, itchier and like it’s two sizes too small. A rich, foamy dip in the tub is a great way to celebrate and enjoy the cooler temps. There are tons of delicious bath products to choose from. These are a few of my personal top picks.
ME! Bath has bath ice cream (IE-bath bomb) in flavours like Pomegranate, Strawberry Kiwi, Chocolate and Papaya Nectar… just to name a few. These guys are made with 6 essential oils including jojoba oil and Epsom Salts to soothe tired muscles. My guilty pleasure is to drop one in the tub and enjoy a glass of wine (cooler). Me! Bath can be found at Dillard’s, www.dillards.com, or www.mebath.com,
   
Laura Mercier is known for her luxurious line of Honey Bath. With flavours like Almond Coconut, Chocolate Truffle and Creme Brulee these bath products smell good enough to eat… but please don’t. Not only will your bathroom smell glorious… your skin will be fresh, clean and toned. To top off the experience, slather on the matching body creme… or, choose another scent to create your own personal blend. This bath is complemented with a glass of champagne and the man of your dreams! Find your signature Laura Mercier scent at www.sephora.com or B. Barnett in Little Rock.
 Laura Mercier Honey Bath Collection
If showers are more your cup of tea, feel like royalty with Korres Holiday Spirit collection… a 3 piece shower-gel set in festive flavours that are beyond your plain old cinnamon, peppermint and vanilla. For starters, experience Brandy, a dry-to-sweet fruit distillate, aged in wood. Then warm up to Amaretto, a distinct liqueurish flavour of almonds. And just when you think it can’t get any better… feast your eyes on Glogg Wine. When I tell you what it’s made of, you won’t laugh (so hard) at the name. It’s a Scandinavian mix of sweet wine, orange peel and cinnamon spice. The perfect pairing is a luxurious cashmere robe and cup of your favourite hot tea. Korres is dermatologist tested and free of mineral oil and silicone. Available at all Dillard’s locations.
  These fellas come in two sizes… go big, you deserve it! And you can thank me later:-)
With sweet treats like these, I am really looking forward to the short days and long nights. Stay Cozy! Sheryl
(With last week’s blog being a bit randy… I decided to keep this one ‘clean’ 
November 2, 2008
My first time leaves an indelible print in my mind. Man, did I feel like a woman that day. I was 17. It was a Saturday morning and I was a bit nervous. Not really sure what to expect. Granted, I did some experimenting on my own, but had no clue. Since that first time, I was liberated. I do it all the time now… during the day, at night, sometimes I let my fingers do the work and do it on the Internet. I think every girl, young lady or woman remembers her first time at the cosmetic counter. (what did you think I was talking about???)
It’s a rite of passage, moving from the drug store to big girl cosmetics and connecting with a Beauty Advisor who will assist us in choosing the right make-up and skincare. For some, after that first experience, you are hooked… conferring with the Advisor is the only way to go. For others, like me, you may be a bit promiscuous, jumping from Advisor to Advisor and brand to brand. So the question is: Is it better to be beauty monogamous, or to get around???
Much of it depends on the individual. The average woman uses SEVEN different brands (clarification: Brands, not items) in her beauty routine. If you don’t have much knowledge, or confidence, sticking with one brand or a couple of brands is probably the right way to go. It is really in your best interest to stick with one line for your skincare needs. Most skincare items are designed to work together for desired results. Clinique 3-Step is founded on the principle of the synergy of products working together.
 Three things that work great together! Clinique’s Famous 3 Step Skincare System
That strategy is solid for about 90% of the consumer population. If you have special needs, or feel like the strict regimen does not work for you, it’s OK to color outside the lines. I never follow my own advice. My bathroom looks like the laboratory of a mad scientist. I personally at any given time use FIVE different brands just to treat my skin (no make-up). The current line up of magic potions includes: Clarisonic, Osmotics, Janson-Beckett Cosmeceuticals, Dior and Lancome (all pictured below).
    
Make-up is a whole other story. While it is aesthetically pleasing to have matchy-match containers, there are no rules. The only quasi-suggestion I have is that it is nice to have your foundation (liquid make-up base) and powder complement. But once again… I’m a make-up hoe. My current make-up table (there is waaaaay too much glamour to contain in a mere make-up bag) consists of (in no particular order): The Balm, Nars, Pur Minerals, Clinique, MAC, MAC and more MAC, Cle de Peau, Armani, Anastasia, Dior, Benefit, Estee Lauder, TINte and Lancome.
   I ‘heart’ MAC!!!
As a consumer, you can have it all. You can have that one-on-one advice from an Advisor and the luxury to try everything the beauty scene has to offer. Any Advisor who makes you feel bad about trying new things, or makes you feel like you are cheating on her is not a good Advisor. Period. Take it from me… I am having too much fun being promiscuous and looking fab with my SIXTEEN beauty brands to let anyone else bring me down!
Stay Pretty,
Sheryl
October 26, 2008
Halloween on a Friday night… how lucky can you get? Time to get your party on! This holiday is really for the grown-ups rather than the kids. Or, it just means two different things. As I remember from my youth, it was little about the costume and all about nabbing enough good candy to last you until Thanksgiving. To refresh your memory, the good stuff consisted of any thing Reese’s. Back then, it was just Peanut Butter Cups and Pieces. Now, there are Reese’sFast-breaks, White Chocolate Cups, BIG Cups, Caramel Cups, Cups with Nuts and Crispy Cups. Reese’s products were the gold standard of Halloween requisites, and if you lived in a neighborhood long enough, you know who had ‘the stuff’. A close second, third and fourth to the coveted Reese’s was your Twix, Snickers and Butterfinger candy variety.
I still enjoy the tradition of candy for Halloween and many years find my self wanting to stay home and be the cool neighbor with the good candy rather than spending a weeknight out on the town. But this Friday is Halloween, a double whammy, and it should be fun!!! So, as you are reading this blog you may be thinking…. what to wear? what to wear? I have taken the liberty to break costume decisions into 3 simple categories…. Sexy, Spooky and Celebrity… read on.
 
Sexy: Admit it, dressing up as the Sexy School Girl or the Naughty Nurse is cliche’. It has become the cornerstone of the Adult Halloween Holiday… dressing up like a skank and getting drunk. But, if you are now a ‘grown-up’, meaning you have a real job and your parents don’t pay any of your bills, you deserve this one night a year to go crazy, have fun and skank it up! Added bonus, www.weather.com reports Halloween to be clear and cool with no rain, perfect conditions for a sexy get up!
  
Above: Sexy Geisha, Pirate and Indian Costumes found on www.mydivacloset.com
No sexy costume is complete without the right accessories and make-up. Fishnets and platform shoes are a must. Mac and Make-up Forever make great false eyelashes.
Spooky: This category of costumes can be a lot of fun. Ever want to walk into a club anonymous??? Here’s your chance! Zombies, Skeletons and The Crow seem to top the list of the spooky costumes. Ladies, skip the masks, they are creepy and difficult for one-on-one convos. Click on www.maccosmetics.com for some real spooky looks. Most of which can be obtained using items in your make-up kit.
  
From Mac: Space Diva, Skull Meister and Woody.
And whose to say you can’t up the ante and be a sexy zombie? a seductive skeleton? or a gorgeous ghoul? That’s hot!
Celebrity: A hot and growing category for Halloween. What’s fun about this category is that what’s in last year, is passe today. Need some ideas on who to replicate? Read the newspaper or a recent tabloid.
The top pick this year has to be Republican VP Candidate Sarah Palin. Get with a gal pal and she can dress like Tina Fey, impersonating Sarah.
  The Girls- Sarah and Tina
This is an EASY costume to pull off… Up-do, glasses, red (or blue) skirt suit, a wave and a wink and your golden.
Angelina Jolie is a perenial fav! How many babies is she up to now… 6? Pin them (dolls, of course) all over your outfit and have some fun with mimicking her tattoos!
Happy Halloween!
Sheryl
Postscript 10/28– I would be remiss if I did not include the skanky, spooky, celebrity trifecta…
 AMY WINEHOUSE!!!!
October 19, 2008
Christmas came early for this Coszie as I have been anxiously awaiting the release of MAC’s ‘Red’ She Said Color Collection that launched Thursday. I high tailed my booty over the the MAC Counter at Dillard’s Park Plaza opening day to be one of the first to experience this high drama collection. And, in typical MAC fashion, ‘Red’ She Said did not disappoint.
 Codie shows off the NEW ‘Red’ She Said Colors… work it!
So why the big deal, you may ask??? Well, it is always fun to play in make-up. I mean, who doesn’t want to transport themselves to a world of glamour and retro style? As with any MAC Collection, there are several looks to choose from: Bold Eye/Soft Lip (see Belinda), Bold Lip/Soft Eye (see Shawn) or Bold/Bold (see Codie). With reasonable price-points, Eyeshadow trios for $17.50, Lipsticks priced at $14.00 and the coveted Dazzleglass at $17.00, you can get a runway look with out breaking the bank. Checkout the Mineralize Eyeshadow Trios ($17.50) These are super-sheer and super fun, giving ‘washes’ of color and shimmer on the eyes. ProTip: to create drama and depth, first use your regular shadows, then go over with Mineralize.
Top Row Left to Right: Inter-view*, Word-of-Mouth, Danger Zone. Bottom Row Left to Right: Persuasive, Threesome*, Outspoken* (*-shades I could not live without… so I bought them! heehee)
I had so much fun hanging out with the MAC Team. Here are some of their fave looks:
  Look: “Pomposity”
‘My’ MAC Makeup Artist, Shawn, brings the look to life. We had so much fun… we picked out some fun colors to coordinate with colors I already own. I also took home some new make-up brushes that really lets me create some new looks! To round out the shopping spree- Mineralize Face Powder and Miss Dynamite Dazzle Glass. Shawn is one of my favorite artists… we *always* have fun and I learn something new.
 Codie: Lashes and Glitter and Gloss, oh my!
  Look: ‘Miss Dynamite’ by the pretty Miss Belinda
So, if you are entertaining the thought of getting some FUN make-up (this stuff is totally F-U-N), go see my girls. A word of warning, don’t wait. When the colors are gone…. they are gone forever. When the last color collection, “Cult of Cherry”, came out, I procrastinated about one of the palettes and it was gone by the time I got my act together.
 Here’s my fave look from the Collection! Stay Pretty divas….. Sheryl
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