5 Favorites

I don't know where to start.  My whole regimen has taken a turn for the better lately and with each new launch and product mailing I'm falling in love all over again with the latest lotions and potions.  Allow me to present my five favorites of the moment.  You can thank me later!

Rodial Glam Balm Multi, $59, has been a staple in my bag.  I've been traveling a ton lately and this non-greasy balm is loaded with stem cells so it has plumping benefits and is super moisturizing.  You can use it as a day or night cream on your face for extra hydration, on your hands, cuticles, lips, elbows.  The options are endless.

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment, $75, has my favorite anti-aging key word, retinol, as it's main ingredient.  My biggest paranoia lately has been fine lines on the sides of and underneath my eyes.  They make me look old and tired!  I trust StriVectin and the combination of Retinol and Niacin is a perfect blend to help diminish them quickly.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, $45, offers lightweight coverage in a variety of shades.  I'm not one to wear foundation daily, but when I go on TV, it becomes my best friend.  Hello HD!  This powder blends seamlessly into my skin without feeling caky.  Plus, it's easy to carry around for last minute touch ups.

Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Mousse, $14.99, puts an end to the search.  The search for volume that is.  The famed UK brand just landed state side and after trying a variety of their products, I couldn't be happier.  Since my strands live for mousse, this is by far my favorite product in the line.  It's lightweight and not only offers volume, but it also gives bounce.  That's the difference.  Who doesn't want bounce?

 Gelish Mini Soak Off Gel Polish, $10 ea., come in a variety of fashion forward shades for fall.  My favorite being 'A Touch of Sass' and soak off easily without ruining your own nails.  Hey, a girl needs a gel mani every once in a while!

Go Backstage at Walter

In the undying words of lead makeup artist and creator of the eponymous makeup line used backstage at the Walter show during New York Fashion Week, “Not to prime is a crime!”  Of course, by “prime,” Napoleon Perdis was referring to the application of foundation primer underneath the models’ makeup to create a smooth palette and a soft glow to the face. The focus of the show was a good girl/bad girl dichotomy: “The theme is masculine/feminine, militaristic, tough yet girly,” noted a visibly excited Perdis.  To achieve this look, the styling team focused on creating clean complexions, eyes rimmed with black and shaded with blue, barely-there blush, and a strong but not overstated lip.  This season, the boldly hued lip has been a key makeup trend across the board.  When asked if he has any DIY tips for our readers at home, aside from his insistence on priming, Perdis pointed out, without hesitation, “Mascara first, always!  This way, if you get the rest of your face dirty, you can clean up before you apply the rest of your makeup.”

In keeping with the good versus evil premise, lead hair stylist Whitney Bliske of Toni & Guy used a myriad of Tigi products to create structured hairstyles that still managed to retain a sexy, feminine movement.  Most girls sported simple pony tails, placed high and with a bit of a controlled messy look and some height at the crown; for many, a section of hair was wrapped around the hair tie, or with “mushroom-colored bows for the brunettes and black bows for the blondes,” to add a girly touch to a tightly pulled back, sporty look, explained Bliske.

The common link between all the up-dos at Walter?  High shine.  This was achieved through prepping the hair with Tigi’s “Your Highness,” a styling must according to Bliske.  Her insider advice to getting the catwalk look yourself: “Never try to flatten out the bumps after you’ve already made the ponytail.  Work it all out with your fingers and gather the hair, then fasten.”  Considering the countless number of times I have succumbed to this exact faux pas, her advice was duly noted!

-JD