Laura Mercier Eye Basics Review

I love almost all things Laura Mercier so when I was given a sample of the Eye Basics from her collection I was elated! This eye primer is advertised as not only water-resistant but also crease-proof and is formulated with aloe vera, chamomile, and many botanical extracts to moisturize the eyelid while providing a canvas for makeup to grip onto.

Do we have a challenger to Urban Decay's Primer Potion? Sadly, it is not even close. The Eye Basics is a cream-based primer that goes on to create a matte finish. The texture is hard to work with and does not blend seamlessly onto my eyelid. It left me with an inconsistent wash of color and varying results. The verdict: stick to Urban Decay's Primer Potion and only try Eye Basics if you are given a sample, and spend the $22 on a MAC Paint.

Estee Lauder TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara Review

Estee Lauder: TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara, $30. I consider this mascara the ugly sister to Lancome's Oscillation. For $4 more, you can get the better mascara (Lancome's) of this vibrating mascara battle of the year. Although Estee Lauder's micro-pulse bristles work great at separating and defining each lash, the formula simply isn't as good as Lancome's. Once again, Lancome has proven itself worthy of its crown. I know tagging beauty items as "exclusive" or "sold out" tend to make them more appealing; but unless you have wads of cash lying around, don't rush to buy this. Wait for Lancome's Oscillation official launch this fall.

Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa and Boutique Review

Featured in this month's Harper's Bazaar is one of my favorite nail salons, Sweet Lily, frequented by many models, such as Christy Turlington, and discerning beauty insiders. I heart Sweet Lily's amazing line of manicures and pedicures and its cozy shabby-chic like decorations. I drift off to a place far beyond every time I sink into one of their ultra plush and comfy chairs.

I highly recommend its seasonal Orange Ginger Pedicure. Every bit of this pedicure is a luxurious experience in itself. From the moment you sink your feet into the mix of orange juice with gorgeous slices of floating oranges, to the spicy ginger scrub used to exfoliate all the dead skin and cells. And to top it all off it ends with a relaxing foot massage! An hour of pure bliss for $64 with a nail color application of your choice! This is a worthwhile investment because no Manolo-wearing lady should be caught committing a horrendous cuticles crime!

This seasonal pedicure ends 09/30/2008, so call for an appointment today: (212) 925-5441, or check out its wide range of selection online: Sweet Lily Spa. Sweet Lily is located at 222 West Broadway NYC 10013.

Chanel LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow in Smoky Eye Review

I love the smoky eye look so when I saw the Chanel LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow in Smoky Eye at my girlfriend's (fellow beauty junkie) place I knew we had to play makeup! This palette of white, silver, gray, and black colors can be combined to achieve many variations and intensities of the smoky eye look.

I went home determined to get one for myself, and after researching I discovered that, sadly, this collection is available only in Asia. I don't see why it should not be launched in the US as it would be a perfect complement to Fall's sultry berry and gray colored accessories.

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush Review

Today is a very exciting day! I received a bag of beauty goodies containing 25 must have item-of-the-moment! Look for reviews over the next few weeks!! I am in heaven trying all of them!

One of the items I received is the Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush. If you recall, YSL earlier launched the very successful Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation which quickly became a beauty editors and insiders favorite! The best part of the Top Secrets Flash Radiance primer is, again, its built in brush.

Like its predecessor, the brush allows for even, flawless distribution of the product to create a velvety smooth canvas for foundation or makeup application. In lieu of my regular primer, I used Top Secrets and layered it with a liquid foundation. The staying power is phenomenal. It lasted all 14 hours with minor blotting throughout the day. I love how smooth and radiant my skin looks just after using Top Secrets! This is one product that will stay the course and become as famous as the Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation. I can feel it when I positively glowed throughout the day and received a few compliments from my coworkers!

This product is worth a try, Sephora, $52: Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush.

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Review

What I love better than an iconic product is a reissue, updated version of it (like Chanel 2.55). This fall, Laura Mercier does just that, updating its signature Tinted Moisturizer with micronized pearls, so that dewy, luminous skin within all of our reach.

I love how buildable the formula is to cover imperfections. Mix it with your regular foundation for heavier coverage, or blend with another moisturizer for a sheer application. With its built in SPF 20 protection, you are automatically covered for sun protection.

It comes in three shades: Bare Radiance, Natural Radiance, and Warm Radiance. Buy it at Sephora, $42: Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20.

Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant Review

An appointment with Tracie Martyn can set you back $300, that is if you can get in, the wait list is 2-3 months long. But if you might run into Brad Pitt, the wait and cost are well worth it! Yes, Tracie Martyn counts Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah (no last name needed), Sandra Bullock, Liv Tyler, Madonna, Rachel Weisz, Kate Winslet, among many of her elite clients. This women is the secret weapon of supermodels and celebrities alike!

Have no fear if you don't have the money for a personal facial, Tracie Martyn's line is available on her website and for a fraction of the cost, you can have a piece of her. Tracie's products are highly sought after by her celebrities clients, and Liv Tyler once begged for a preproduction sample of her favorite product to take home!

One of my favorite item from her line is the Enzyme Exfoliant which leaves my skin soft, supple, and glowing from one application. I found the gentle acid blend to work remarkably well on lightening pigmentation and dark spots from years of picking on my face (I am trying to quit this bad habbit!) and sun damages. The enzymes also penetrates deep into the pores for a deep clean, leaving my skin with a more refined, shrunken pores feel. As with all her products, the enzyme exfoliant is made with all natural ingrediants and free if all harsh chemicals.

Buy it online at Tracie Martyn, $90, Enzyme Exfoliant.