Jumping into selling mark. cosmetics was a natural move for Stephanie Gruelle – a beauty sales expert. With the instinctual knowledge of what makes a woman feel beautiful (when she dresses for herself, and no one else), Stephanie launched “Steph’s Beauty Buzz.” This was after she realized how many people were turning to her for tips on other areas besides mark. cosmetics, from ebay stores for shoes and the season’s more flattering waistlines. With her online business revolved around “Trends, Deals, Sales, and Steals” on myspace, Stephanie shares Beauty Chat’s philosophy of looking good and feeling good.

She also maintains an online forum, performs individual wardrobe and cosmetic consultations, and provides personal shopping services for clients throughout the Bay Area. I wonder how Ms. Beauty Buzz even had the time to be interviewed by me. Did I mention that she’s also in school to become a preschool teacher? Talk about multi-tasking.

Q: Considering you’re pretty much a beauty magazine junkie (with all due respect, of course), and are on top of what an image-conscious gal needs, what are the cosmetic must-haves for fall season?

A: The overarching trend this fall seems to be a return to all things feminine, and both the earthy naturals and the bold dramatic looks have this in common. Fall product must haves include deeper lipsticks, in both autumn berries and glamorous reds. Matte lipsticks are usually a better choice for deeper colors like these, as the color has enough drama without all the added shine.

Black liquid liner pairs well for added drama in this look, and we’re seeing this 40s style glamour all over the fashion mags. With the return of fall’s smoky eyes, don’t forget to stock up on a true nude lipstick as well. I tend to pair MAC’S Viva Glam II with mark’s Hookup Pro Gloss in Swell. I should also note that the smoky eye has revolved this fall to include lots of jewel colors. Deep greens, blues, and plums are joining the traditional browns and blacks as shadow staples this season. I LOVE mark’s femme 4 eye shadow quad for this look. It has four matte shadows in black, plum, emerald, and sapphire.  Try using your jewel shadows as liners for a subtle pop of jewel tone color. And of course, the bigger the lashes the better.

Q: Bigger is not always better when it comes to purses though, and I can say that with complete honesty – it usually takes me FOREVER to find my keys in the morning because they are at the very bottom of huge H&M bag. That said, what are important day-to-day essentials that should always stay in my purse as I schlep in and out of the office?

A: I have had the same problem with my big bags over the years, but I’ve really begun to downsize. One of the most lifesaving products for me has been blotting papers. The biggest reason we feel as though our makeup is half gone by the middle of the day is the oils in our skin. Rather than continue to reapply over and over, blotting papers soak up the oil without removing the makeup. I personally use Sonia Kashuk papers, and I love their convenient little pouch. I’ve also been surprised at how many basic products come in travel sizes. I have a very mini-hairspray to contain flyaways and a mini-size of Frederic Fekkai’s shine spray to add soft non-greasy shine to my do as the day goes on, especially when winter winds can cause dry and brittle texture. I also recommend investing in an atomizer to store small samples of your perfume, so you can reenvigorate your scent as it starts to fade. And of course, I always carry my lipstick and gloss, to reapply throughout the day. Drop in a wide tooth comb, wallet, phone, and keys and you are ready for any big day.

Q: What about when I get all dolled up to go out for the evening? I find it hard for me to switch purses these days, because I end up leaving things behind when I go back to my work purses…which makes me so frustrated!!!

A: This is why I LOVE mark’s products – they are all about convenience. And this is SO important to me, because I recently went back to college to get an education degree, and I often go from school to work to a night on the town, with little or no time to head home between trips. I rely on two major product lines from mark to help me accomplish this while still looking fabulous. The first line is called snap to it. These are compacts, available in three sizes, with magnetic strips. Mark sells blushes and shadows in metallic shells that snap into the compacts. I’ll apply a simple neutral palette to my eyes in the morning and a light natural blush. Then I’ll snap a deeper blush and two more dramatic shadows, in a complementary color, into a snap to it compact, so I can apply them after class. I should note that the large size compact would let you carry your original blush and two shadows as well, in case you needed to reapply. And the magnets make changing the colors in the compacts each day super fast and simple to do.

Q: What if I’m limited to a micro-clutch? Will I be leaving something behind?
       
A: This is where the second product line from mark comes in. You may have seen the ads in many magazines featuring Lauren Conrad for “hookups.” Picture a dual-ended lip gloss, but then imagine you can take the glosses apart and reassemble them in any combination. Mark has taken that one step further, and as offered far more than glosses in this line. The have everything from gloss, to lipstick, to mascara, to liquid liner. They have highlighters and shadow sticks and even gel blush (and many more options than even I have listed here). But every one of these products can be connected to any one of the other products with their connector. When carrying this seasons uber-fab micro clutch, I carry three hookups: one with lipstick and lip gloss, one with mascara and eyeliner, and one with a gel blush and a shadow stick. I could apply an entire new look to any naked face, and it all comes out of a bag the size of most women’s wallet. And don’t forget those handy blotting papers, it can get hot with all that dancing.

Q: Realistically speaking, how many bags do you think a woman should actually own and use, without just being stored in the closet?

A: I have to admit, when it comes to bags and shoes, I’m a bit of a lush. A good bag can change the look of any outfit. I have this great brown jersey dress for instance, and I must have gotten at least 15 looks out of it this season just from changing the bag and shoe combinations alone! That’s not even starting on the accessories. Bags can be a great way to stretch your wardrobe without stretching your budget. The key is choosing bags that are not only fashionable, but practical too. Now a lot of readers may say that micro clutches are anything but practical, but I would have to disagree. The key is to ask yourself: “Where will I be carrying this bag?” If you’re going out for a night on the town, a micro clutch may be easier to lug around than a big hobo.

Going for a major study session or a long day of errands? Then a boho may be better, because a  bigger bag with a good shoulder strap will be key. Long day at the office? Structured handbags exude confidence, sophistication, and a polished look, all while holding your daily essentials. And with all the products we’ve talked about, you can use a variety of bags this season, and all of them will be practical enough to hold ALL of your essentials.

Thanks Steph!

~ Elana

Image Credits: myspace

Ever since I heard about the “gentle, be good to yourself” approach of Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals, several of their products have been on my wish list. The 100% natural formulas and chirally correct compounds used in this cosmeceutical brand are quickly becoming known as “The Next Big Thing” in skin care. Finally, I was able to get my hands on a couple of their selections! As someone who absolutely loves seasonal fragrances, I had to go with these pumpkin-and-chocolate-inspired varieties, and just in time for Halloween:

Mocha Loca – Who doesn’t love a nourishing anti-oxidant peel? And who doesn’t love chocolate? The Mocha Loca peel is exactly what I need right now, as those creases are creeping up on me. Sircuit Skin calls this product “the ultimate age management solution.”  And, after just a few uses, my skin does feel firmer. But the best part? Feel the consistency (like chocolate pudding!), take in the potent scent of real cocoa, organic coffee, and hazelnut oil, and see if you’re not tempted to – well, you know! 

Youth Accelorator Pumpkin Pore Refining Mask –  This is a decongesting mask that soothes and detoxifies. If your resistance to pumpkin pie is futile, you’ll be addicted; it’s enriched with Vitamin A from real pumpkin extract, pumpkin enzymes, and even pumpkin wine – open the jar, and you immediately catch the aroma! After leaving it on for 15 minutes, the mask dries smooth and rubbery (a nice change from the itchy-crackly texture of some masks), and it definitely refreshes and invigorates. 

Sircuit Skin has products for all skin types, which are free of artificial colors and fragrances – everything is pure and natural, so if you’re allergic to any of these key ingredients, hands off! There’s plenty to choose from – just check out the full Sircuit Skin product line. I’m going back for more.

Stay tuned to see what I try next!

~ Brook

Product Photo Credits: Courtesy of Pierce Mattie PR

“Back to Normal”

…and Jana ends up going home; reassured that “resting up” was the best option for her only a few days after her breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Andres Taleisnik. Going home meant that she could lie down and rest, without having to pick up the phone, type, and do everything else a customer service/ project coordinator does for an extremely busy online marketing company.

But when work calls, it yells! Jana decides to give her job a go again the very next day (that’s what I call dedication!) after enjoying a day of rest. It is now 5 days past her surgery, and she is feeling “90 percent better.” During this full day back at work, Jana gets the help she needs when it comes to her administrative duties, yet according to Dr. Taleisnik she must still limit her physical activity in order to ensure a healthy and speedy recovery.

Because Jana wants to achieve just that, she listens to the doctor’s orders!

As for hearing my coworker’s story about her breast enhancement, I gotta ask her this burning question: “How does it feel knowing nearly everyone at work knows that you had a ‘boob job’?” Now wait – before I share her answer, let me make something clear: the only reason we all knew about her surgery was because Jana’s excitement poured through conversations, over cubicle walls, and into the lunch hour weeks before. We all couldn’t wait to witness her new look simply because she couldn’t wait. Her results appear natural, and yes – she loves them. Jana is happy she didn’t go too big (475 ccs) explaining that “they look natural and more proportionate for my body.”

So back to her answering my burning question, Jana says this in regards to the reactions from her coworkers: “There wasn’t a shock factor. For them, it was exciting to know someone who has gone through a transformation. Everyone admitted that it seems to have been the right decision for me.”

Jana says that she was 100 percent back to normal 2 months after her surgery, gleefully recalling her visit to Dr. Taleisnik’s office for her 2nd post-op. After learning that she was able to put her sports bras aside and go shopping for a “regular” bra (without underwire). Ms. Jana hit the mall the minute she left the doctor’s office – she couldn’t wait to find lingerie to flatter her new shape!

The conclusion to Jana’s Story Part 6, is almost here! Check back soon for “Shopping for My New Size.”

~ Elana

See what led up her desire to get breast implants, and check out Jana’s Story:

Part 1: “I was tired of feeling disproportioned!”
Part 2: “Consulting a Skilled Plastic Surgeon”
Part 3: “Pre-op Visit and the Day Of”
Part 4: “Recovering in the Comfort of her Own Home”

Photo Credit: My own camera!

We return to catch up on two weeks’ worth of drama-filled installments of The Hills on MTV, after a short hiatus due to the “Cram Session” recap episode (why watch  it when you can get the info right here on Beauty Chat?).
 
Two weeks ago (episode 10), Lauren Conrad learned that the people she has accused all along of starting the “inappropriate video” rumor – Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, natch – may not have been the only ones responsible.  Throughout the hour, we see Heidi accuse Brody Jenner, with Jen Bunney returning to Lauren’s Circle of Trust (sort of) to relay this information. So Lauren sits down to confront Brody on the matter. His response? He maintains that it was “them” and no one else – no big surprise, but the suspense was fun for awhile.

(Dating a male model seemed like a good idea to Lauren – but alas, it was not meant to be.)

The following week during episode 11 on The Hills Season 3, Whitney Port and Lauren were assigned the daunting task of auditioning male models for the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood event.  One model named Gavin, cute in that “rugby player” way, became the object of Lauren’s interest (or perhaps a jealousy tool aimed at Brody?) for the next few days.  While flipping burgers during Brody’s quarterly BBQ in Malibu, and again while out with Lauren at Sushi Dan’s, Gavin showed us that the entities of “Male Model” and “Fun Person You Would Like to Date” are, in this case, mutually exclusive.

                              (Lauren calls up Brody for movie night!)
 
After arriving at this realization, Lauren wastes no time when the date is over, immediately placing a call to Brody.  She asks him to come over and “watch a movie.”  When asked what movie they would be watching, she answers coyly, “Does it really matter?”  Nice!    

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com     

This week on Dr. 90210:

Episode 13 of Dr. 90210 reveals that someone wants a baby, and someone is having a baby!

The doctors spend time nurturing their patients, and now one is going to be able to dote on a brand new baby in about nine months. Over the course of season 5, we have been able to experience many life-changing events that the Beverly Hills plastic surgeons go through.

During this Dr. 90210 installment, one woman is looking to regain a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance, while on the other side of the spectrum, two other women are featured; yet these ladies want to look older and more mature (proving that every patient has unique cosmetic desires and surgical goals).

To embark on the surgical journey alongside three patients, as well as find out who is going to be welcoming a baby into their lives, read my Dr. 90210 summary in its entirety on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Image Credit: iEnhance.com