Is it possible?

Have I found a potential replacement for my beloved Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof Mascara?? I have been trying other waterproof mascaras and they have ALL come up short. Sadly, sadly short. They flaked. They clumped. I looked like a raccoon by the end of the day.

But then, I discovered Neutrogena's Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara. This stuff uses olive extract (not a chemical) to create volume- how cool is that? The best part? It's tres affordable and available anywhere! I got mine at Target and I think I might be in luuurrvvvve...

So, if you are looking for a new mascara for the dog days of spring and summer when most mascaras are just going to pool under your eyes, give this stuff a try. I think you'll like it.

You're so sensitive!

Some people really, really want to use a retinol but are scared to because they have sensitive skin and usually want to avoid things like burning, redness, irritation, etc. Nothing says pretty like a tomato red face!

I digress- the good news is that there are anti-aging products out there for those of you who need a little more TLC. The best review I have found is for Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream. It contains a lesser concentration of the retinoid agent, thus creating less irritation. It also uses anti-oxidants to help refresh the skin and leave it soothed while fighting wrinkles.

This stuff comes in a day version that contains an SPF and a night version without. Give it a try, my sensitive ladies. See how it works for you!

Ask and ye shall receive

So, one of my international readers (yeah, I have international readers. I'm kind of a big deal) requested that I talk about undereye concealers. Sound familiar? Need some help in this arena, too? Well, here's what Too suggests!

First and foremost, let's make sure you are taking care of the delicate skin around the eye area. Please tell me you are moisturizing. At least at night, if not in the morning as well. If the skin around your eyes is dry and flaky, your concealer is going to look AWFUL. So, don't even bother to buy concealer if you're not going to take care of that skin. (Puts soapbox away now.)

If your problem is dark circles:

This is the most common reason to use concealer. Those lovely shadows that make you look exhausted and/or like someone just punched you in the face. Neither of which is exactly a photo friendly state of being. What you're going to want is a moderate to full coverage with maybe a hint of illumination to help mask the darkness. The illumination will help bounce the light off the area and make the circles less noticeable. You might like-

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer: This stuff comes in a ton of shades and is extremely light while providing SERIOUS coverage at the same time. It's kind of a miracle in a jar.

Smashbox High Definition Concealer: This stuff is made for HD cameras, so you know it's not joking around.

Almay Bright Eyes: This stuff is cool because it also doubles as an eyeshadow base. Definitely brightens the eye area.

Neutrogena Skin Soothing Under Eye Corrector: Mmm! Tiny light refractors in this stuff?? Talk about a neat trick to help you look awake and aware.

Cle de Peau Beaute or YSL Touche Eclat: If you suddenly won the lottery and were wondering what completely frivolous makeup you should buy, these would be the concealers. Every makeup artist in the industry RAVES about both of these. They are so creamy and moisturizing and yet cover like NOTHING else and do not move at all. They apparently also completely blend into your skin absolutely seamlessly!

If your problem is puffiness:

Concealer can also be your friend for this condition. It is important to make sure that you buy something that has ingredients that are soothing and de-puffing so that it can work on your eyes during the day. You might like:

Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer: This has aloe and green tea in it to work on those puffs while you wear it! It also has an SPF of 20 which is just an added bonus.

Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer: Contains loads of natural and botanical ingredients, including buckwheat wax which is supposed to reduce puffiness!

Tarte The Eraser Concealer: So many amazing, soothing, anti-inflammatory stuff in this one! This concealer is for my "green" girls.

Cover Girl and Olay Simply Ageless Concealer: This concealer works great for people with undereye puffs because it almost "floats" on top of the skin. Instead of settling into the lines around the puffs, this will remain on top and create the illusion of smoother undereyes.

Now, let's be honest. There are some of you who are like "Yeah, I just want something that's kind of an all-in-one. What can I just slap on?" Alright, I hear you. Here's what you need- Clinique's All About Eyes Concealer. The idea behind this stuff is that they mixed their best selling eye cream with a concealer!! WHAT?? That's just crazy talk!! It's oil free. It covers dark circles. It moisturizes. It disguises the puffs. And, it also won't settle into any fine lines. So there you go. There's your cheat version. You slackers. :)

Let me just say what I have said for years and would fly behind a plane if I could: EVERY WOMAN NEEDS CONCEALER. Whether they are a super model or a super mom. Find one that works for you and you'll be amazed at how much better you look!!!

Just a gentle reminder from your beauty guru

I genuinely hope that wherever you live, you are experiencing the GLORIOUS weather that we are having in my neck of the woods. The plan is to be outside as much as possible this weekend. Should your plans sound a lot like ours, please remember that you have to first and foremost take care of your skin. Slap on a layer of sunscreen and feel good knowing that you are protecting yourself from so much harmful stuff. And this means ladies of ALL skin tones. At the very least, you're slowing down the aging effect the sun can have on you. At the most, you're staving off skin cancer!

The good news is that there are so many options out there for all skin types. I will be using a "dry touch" type on my oily skin. I can honestly say that Neutrogena has some of the best sunscreens on the market. They are recommended time and time again by dermatologists and are affordable and accessible. So, run, don't walk, to the drugstore tonight on your way home and grab a tube. Then, you've got some for all the lovely warm weekends ahead!