MOI XOXO

L’Oreal either owns or produces some of the best cutting edge beauty products around spending millions producing high quality and affordable items to keep us looking fabulous! One item that has been going strong for over 40 years is a common household beauty find..a hairspray simply called Ellnet. My hairspray owes its cult following due to a similar characteristic found amoungst say …a Hermes Birkin, it is hard to get! It used to be banned in the United States because of its difficulties getting through customs. I can probably spray a whole can on my head and still run my fingers right through it. It’s flake free and easy brush ability comes with certain ozone depleting compounds which are prohibited in the US. I realize its not Earth friendly, but its hard to part with it as I have to decide between a touchable updo or a cripsy one. If your lucky to be in Europe, this hairspray is found in every drugstore. For us stuck in the US, we need to return home with a suitcase full of the golden can which has not changed its packaging since 1963. Can we talk about the fresh clean scent too? No lingering alcohol fumes at all! If you live near a Nordstrom Rack, that’s where I purchased my last 4 cans @ 35% off the $19 price tag as I was scared that I they would be gone upon my return. If your not within driving distance of The Rack then call your nearest location and have them ship it to you. As Penelope said above, Your Worth It!

Moi xoxo

I am going on my third tube of this lipstick in the same color and with good reason. It’s amazing! Shu Uemura’s Lolishine is the ultimate sheer and shine lipstick! #268 is hands down the perfect shade of pink. Not too light and not too dark, but just right and not packed with *disco ball* glitter! When most women reach for their glosses during the summer, I reach for this lipstick cause its sheer and my long hair doesn’t stick to my lips. I wear it everywhere ..to the pool, beach, shopping, dancing, and it stays on even though it has a high gloss sheen and it blends in with my own natural lip color. Shu Uemura’s secret ingredient is their exclusive thermo-active Shine Amplifier which delivers gloss as it comes into contact with skin temperature. Then the Aqua-Lock system ensures adequate moisture to the lips all day. The packaging is high tech which is something to expect coming from Japan and the clear bullet design of the packaging fits into any clutch or pocket.

I hope that Mr. Shu never discontinues this line of lipsticks, I would literally cry if he did.

Moi xoxo

Ever wonder why men look younger than us with little effort? They don’t even realize that their daily routine of shaving is their fountain of youth. That’s their secret..daily shaving is daily exfoliating, tricking the skin and causing it to reveal new skin cells. I thought to myself a long time ago, I want to use a daily exfoliater myself to do the same process, minus the shaving my chin. During the years, I have tested every new scrub out the market until I found my favorite. Some were too rough and tough, some felt slimy, some had the word scrub in the name but the maker forgot to add the grains. That was until I noticed a new green tube in the shower that I didn’t recall purchasing. My J picked up Aveeno’s Skin Brightening Daily Scrub and face wash at Target because it was on sale and I tried it and the holy grail light appeared in my head! The smooth microbeads in this scrub gently exfoliate, while the soy adds moisture to soften the skin. It cleanses without leaving a tight finish and exfoliates without being harsh. My mission ended and J had no idea what a gem she found! A travel size sample of Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Day lotion with SPF 30 was given as a gift with the scrub and it is light as air! That is unusual considering the SPF 30 factor tends to produce a thick texture. Watch out Neutrogena Dry Sunblock Day lotion ..I think you just met your match!

Moi xoxo

Keeping with my summer philosophy of staying light, easy, and green comes a product that is grossly overlooked but equally important by my standards. There is just nothing glamorous about the mass produced deodorants on the market. They all appear manly to me and the feminine versions do not offer any protection for hygiene except for leaving white marks on my black clothes. That was until a model friend of mine introduced me to Weleda Wild Rose deodorant spray, a bottle worthy and girly enough to leave out on the bathroom counter. Weleda grows most of their plants in their own gardens organically and this deodorant is free from aluminum and propellants and is made with essential oils. It comes in a non fussy pump spray bottle and gives excellent coverage with only 1 squirt. Weleda also sells this deodorant in two other fragrances so if wild rose is not to your taste, why not try the sage or the citrus instead! Retails for $14 at Whole Foods

Moi xoxo

At first I just purchased the bronzer for the Bond Girl *007* look of the case! After trying it and wearing it as a bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, and occasional cleavage seducer, I am sold that no brand does bronze like Guerlain! If your looking to create or enhance a summery glow year round, Guerlain’s Terracota line delivers in numerous shades to suit your skin tone as you lightly dust it over areas that would naturally catch the sun. Guerlain first introduced their bronzing products in the mid 1980’s, therefore it was one of the first bronzing powders, and its still a classic. You get the most natural, lightly tanned look with no streaking and no artificial shine, just a warm glow. It lasts forever, even after I come out of the water, so although it may seem expensive, your cost over time is very reasonable. The summer ‘08 collection includes spray bronzers, pearly color balls, and baked bronzers in a compact for easy toting! Something to suit every taste~

Moi xoxo

I first heard about Tammy Fender while I was visiting Florida last year. As I was sipping one of many champagne drinks at The Pelican Resort in Fort Lauderdale, there was a sample of this *miracle* in a tube, neatly arranged on a table as you exited the restrooms. The scent of the hand lotion immediately perked me up, although I am also sure the champagne helped too! The front desk advised that the gift shop sold travel kits left behind by the local aesthetician. I purchased the kit and didn’t touch the rest of my face toiletries during my entire 5 day trip. That Florida sun was cooking as I was running the streets of Miami and South Beach and not once did my face peel or burn! I am from California and the minute my skin notices a change in the environment it likes to act out! Tammy Fender products are sold exclusively in Florida where she resides and I quickly learned that celebrities, models, and South Beach “ladies who lunch” trust Tammy Fender to reform their skin back to a healthy and glowing stage! I have since finished the sample set and now have to re order from the internet but it’s worth it! Tammy’s line is a collection of pure, organic, custom blended skin care based on the healing traditions of holistic medicine, freshly prepared in small batches and formulated with a divine consciousness and a commitment to excellence and purity. Her motto is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang, who are also the founders of holistic medicine. I was immediately sold and since I travel to Florida at least once a year, I plan on stocking up and Fed Ex’ing a care package home along with a facial at her “already waiting list” salon. I am addicted to all things beauty and Tammy’s products makes my skin have a beautiful day!

Moi xoxo

If only Hawaii were closer, Candice Morales just might be a commuter. “I’m a little island-obsessed” admits the peripatetic makeup artist and hair stylist. The words “bronzer” and “glow” comes out of her mouth 365 days out of the year so of course tropical resorts enter her mind quite often! Candice Morales knows a thing or two about make up and hair styling as this OC based celebrity racks up car and frequent flier miles jetting off to LA and NY for cosmetic and hair shoots. She even gets to act out her resort obsession by hopping off to her favorite island destination of Kauai and Honolulu complete with her own cabana, to relax after attending to demanding models! I got her to stop and answer a few questions for me on her beauty products of choice and what she likes to do to relax.

Moi:I think I know you pretty well to say to come between you and your makeup is like don’t touch a black man’s radio station! You probably love your makeup and hair products more than you like small children! Thanks to you I am in love with my Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing Powder compact. This amazing bi-colored bronzer combines the perfect blend of pearlescent gold and warm bronze to create a warm and vibrant bronzed complexion all year long without the harmful effects of the sun. How did you come across Physicians Formula makeup and the Summer Eclipse powder?
CM: Well I am always looking for products that have great STAYING POWER as well as good for your skin! I’ve used everything from MAC to Dior *word to the wise* MAC is a great powder for photo shoots but not for daily wear as it clogs the pores. I came across the Summer Eclipse Powder at Rite Aid and thought why not it looks nice and I have always been a big tester of brands. So in doing this, I found a great powder and bronzer combined. No matter what time of the year this powder gives the face a nice hint of color and staying power that I need. I especially love using it when I take pictures, it gives me the GLOW I need without looking caked on. Make up should enhance your beauty not cover it! I use this powder right after I apply my foundation and for those hot summer days when I don’t want to wear too much makeup. I apply a light moisturizer or a tinted one by either Neutrogena or MAC as both reflect light to give that dewy look. Then apply the powder to set the makeup. I also keep one in my purse for personal touchups

Enough make up, I want to be nosey:

Moi: What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
CM: My hammock and a good magazine! If you only knew how many I had! Moi understands!

Moi: Of course I understand, I have as many magazines! So what’s the last book you read?
CM: Skinny Bitch which is a great book on what to eat and what not. Also Face Forward from my favorite makeup artist of all time Kevyn Aucoin. I find his book is great to try out new and different looks

Moi: What’s in heavy rotation on your Ipod?
CM: Prince, JayZ, Jlo, AliciaKeys, Janet and Michael Jackson, Bob Marley - if you saw my ITouch I have over 4,000 songs, everything from - hiphop/r&b/reggea/jazz/classic rock/rap.. I got it all!

Moi: Favorite getaway spot?
CM: Fiji, Paris, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Brazil. For local travel I like to venture to AZ, Vegas, and NYC

Moi: What’s your favorite store in the world?

CM: Target - How addicting is this store!! For high fashion finds I do Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barney’s. For quality and budget friendly finds, I venture to H&M, Forever 21 and Asian boutiques found in the strip malls for those little select pieces.

Moi: What is your favorite work of art?
CM: I can’t say I have a favorite but I do favor Herb Ritts photography

Moi: What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
CM: Egg white and roma tomatoes omelet from Panini’s

Moi: What’s your dream job (other than your current occupation)?
CM: When I was younger a model but I am only 5′0!

Moi: Tea or coffee?

CM: I prefer tea to be exact, Starbucks black tea sweetened on ice otherwise known as honey ice tea mama drink! I’ve gotten everyone hooked! Depending on the occasion, I love a good Vanilla Latte or Cinnamon Chai!

Moi: When are you happiest?
CM: I would say NYC at Christmas shopping or with my loved ones in Puerto Rico and my new favorite is on Moi’s couch chit chatting and being gals!

Moi xoxo

Mascara is the number one item you ask any female and she will answer she cannot part with it. She can have a complete bare face even on her way for a swim or lay out at the beach and she will still reach for mascara to complete the look. Since mascara should be discarded and replaced every three months, that makes it easy for me to test a variety of brands from drugstore finds to department store staples. A lot of tubes come and go in my vanity table but there is only one that has a permanent fix in there and no it is not Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara. My choice is often overlooked as it doesn’t get heavy press but the die hard NARS fan knows its a classic. Nars cosmetics are at the top of the beauty industry food chain. Top makeup artists choose Nars makeup and it’s a favorite among fashion magazine beauty editors, in the makeup bags of many Hollywood starlets, and the fashion world’s top models. If that kind of status doesn’t carry a little weight, I don’t know what does. Nars cosmetics are not simply a short term “hot beauty product”. It has staying power as a favored product line beyond trend, because it has delivered fabulous results in the most scrutinizing beauty circles. This mascara doesn’t have a fancy name and doesn’t tell what it does. It’s simply called Mascara by Nars Cosmetics. Comes in Black Orchid which is the inkiest black you will come across and Bamboo Brown for fair skinned ladies. I have both regular and waterproof formula for rainy and beach activity days. One swipe and your lashes are transformed into long and lush versions of false eyelash extensions. Zero smudges, flakes, clumps, and washes away at the end of the day with no tugging. Enough said!

Available at department stores $23.00

Moi xoxo

Lumene’s Age-Protecting Hand Cream and I have a love affair that will never die! This is definitely my favorite hand cream, and something I don’t allow myself to run out of as it is simply too good! I have purchased many hand creams from high end to low end and this one is the BEST. I never heard of the Lumene line until I recently came across it at the drugstore. Lumene originates from Finland, and is only available in the US from your local CVS drugstore. Lumene has a wide line of skincare and cosmetics, using many ingredients that are exclusive to the Finland area. The hand cream is very silky and smooth. It really only takes a small bit to accomplish the moisture you are striving for. I like the fact that it doesn’t leave my hands greasy nor do I have to re-apply it a billion times a day like most other hand creams. It has a light scent as to not interfere with your perfume. The lotion is absorbed into the hands quickly and it’s rare to find an affordable hand cream that also contains SPF. We put SPF on our faces daily before we head out the door but the hands are often neglected. They are exposed to the sun’s damaging rays especially during driving. I keep a tube in my work, gym, and travel bag.  At $7.99 a tube that’s nothing for instant gratification!

Moi xoxo

I favor the color black with punchy colors and offbeat combinations in work and my personal wardrobe. I love the unexpected: incorporating color with neutrals, mixing periods and having fun with style. Even in my home, my interiors are sophisticated, but there is a sense of humor to them. Being creative is my job, and looking good and feeling good is an important part to it. Living in Orange County, CA in a city run rampant with Juicy Couture sweat suits, flip-flops, and Los Scandalous (L.A.) as its neighbor, I like to set myself apart by favoring more electric and playful designers like Anna Molinari. L.A. has such a relaxed vibe, but I like to dress up the majority of the time.

I have been receiving a lot of personal email, especially the ones asking for tips and advice of my own style, not just on the people I like to write about! I weeded through a few and here are my responses:

How would you describe your style? An electric mix of vintage, modern, and designer. It’s different every day and I don’t believe in uniforms. Sometimes I am dressy, sometimes casual.

Who is your fashion icon? This is easy, Jane Birkin! I admire her style and direction. She saw the beauty in everything around her. I liked that she was a major risk taker and you cannot move beyond a certain point if you don’t take risks.

Beauty Essential? Eye cream. I have applied it three times a day since high school graduation. I carry the sample size tubes in my purse and re apply just a dab after lunch. Otherwise for day I use Estee Lauder’s Daywear because it has SPF and Kiehls Abyssine for night. It must be the texture but I reach for Kiehls on a regular basis.

Crystal in my cabinet? I don’t use that word as it reminds me too much of my mom’s formal hutch as a child. I prefer the colorful patterns and designs of Versace china and it’s fine to use it for everyday use. Why only use china for special occasions?

Favorite Fashion Haunts? Buffalo Exchange in Costa Mesa, Darewear in Huntington Beach, and Fred Segal in L.A.

Most Recent Purchase? Bottega knot keyring and Burt Bees lipbalm

Worn to Shreds? Marc Jacobs two tone heels

Signature Scent? Frangipane by Chantecaille

Affordable Fashion Thrill? Urban Outfitters and Target

Spring Shopping List

• Michael Kors jeans
• White Bottega hobo purse
• Holly Dunlap mules
• White and Orange canvas tote for my many trips to Palm Springs
• Nars lipgloss in Dolce Vita

Moi xoxo