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

 Remember those sassy words spoken by Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich when Albert Finney (as Ed Masry) addresses her seemingly “suggestive” attire in the workplace:

“[As] long as I have one ass instead of two I’ll wear what I like if that that’s all right with you.”

Indeed, this line may make the career-driven fashionista working in corporate America proud. It, however, is not exactly the attitude that will prove to your business superior a character of confidence and strength, but rather naivety at best. Considering that my inner “fashion-wearing vixen” often gets her way, I have struggled with the notion of sartorial conservatism in the work environment. Point being: there is a difference between business professional and personal professional.

Granted, every business setting has its individual dress code for employees to emulate, but what qualifies your appearance as outright too much, wherein your clothes are doing more of the talking than you are? Obviously ladies, the days of cumbersome shoulder pads and 80s-pegged, pinstriped suits have officially come and gone. Praise the ever-changing style gurus! At Beauty Chat, we definitely do not intend to reunite you with those days of the androgynous corporate female (Mental visual anyone? – Think Miranda in the first season of Sex and the City). While we do recommend you to opt for discretion, we do also encourage you to own your stylish self. 

When Googling “women’s business attire,” you will find that numerous search results offer you consulting resources on “what not to wear” versus “what to wear” in a business setting, especially when interviewing for a potential job opportunity. The following chart is a sample of the dos and don’ts of formal dress code from communications consulting company ECG’s “Dress Speak for Women:”

Dressing Right  

“DO” 

• Dress for the audience, circumstance, corporate culture, and yourself
• Hose should be skin color or darker 
• Conservative business make-up  
• Simple manicure  

“DON’T”  

• Wear clothes that talk louder than you do
• Wear clothing that no longer fits
• Fragrance that smells from a distance
• Heels so high you’re unsteady
•  Too much make-up

Brace yourself women, these are only a chosen few from a more elongated list. Before you   get your Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy ® panties in a twist, highlight the key phrase “corporate culture.” These two words should be regarded with the utmost awareness – simply, be aware of the nature of your work, the place of work and your position at work. You’re choice of clothing is likely to be considerably more fashionable for an interview with Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada as opposed to a straight-laced environment – like a law firm. When deciding on an outfit for a professional setting, choose your “personal v. business” battles wisely, never avoiding the balance between taste and tact. Remember, you want to be taken seriously for your assets up top (i.e. your brain) rather than your assets on bottom. To preach the words of ECG, “Regardless of what you’re wearing, make sure it works.”

~ Mellori
 

My feet can be a nightmare if I don’t get regular pedicures, and I have missed my last two!  They need some attention!!! So I decided to try the Spongeable 15+ Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer. I have to say that when I opened the package and the funny-looking star sponge stared back at me, I had to think: Will this really work? 

It fit in the palm of my hand, and smelled delightful! Infused with Citron Eucalyptus Aromatherapy (packed with olive oil for skin hydration, glycerin for gentle cleansing, shea butter for moisture and Vitamins A & E for healing antioxidants; to prevent premature aging and skin damage). It was a little slimy to the touch at first, but as soon as it got wet, it lathered up very nicely.

So here’s how I used it on my feet: I sat on the shower step and began to scrub my feet with the sponge.  It kind of tickled at first, but then it was nothing but pure pedi pleasure!  I buffed my foot with the scrubbing side and then rinsed.  Then I massaged my foot with the smooth gel-infused side.  It tingled and felt wonderful.  My only question while enjoying this fabulous product is: How do I store it?  For now, it is in my travel soap container.

After I was all done paying attention to my neglected feet, I gave them the ultimate test…The husband.  I had him rub my feet, which can be a chore if they look ragged. But after I took matters into my own hands and used the Spongeable 15+ Pedi Scrub Foot Buffer, he greatly obliged!  He was just as happy I was. 

The Spongelle Bodywash Infused Buffer (also shaped like a star), another heavenly cleansing product manufactured by Spongeables, also comes highly recommended. Elana, our Beauty Chat editor, swears by the Lilly of the Valley Green Tea Infusion scent. It is said to: exfoliate, purify, rejuvenate, and hydrate. She says it can also be used on the feet (nice!), which she does as part of her daily shower ritual. 

Got a favorite skincare product that dares to compare to the Spongeable 15+ Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer or the Spongelle Bodywash Infused Buffer? Tell us all about it!

~ Denice

Product Images: www.spongeables.com and www.spongelle.com

The next season of America’s Next Top Model is about to begin. Tonight, we will all get to finally meet the new Top Model hopefuls! 

This season, dubbed “The Future of Fashion,” promises to have new and exciting photo shoots. Tyra Banks, who is going for a more high fashion approach, feels this season has a more unique group of girls, saying, “They are less obviously pretty.”

After all, the models that typically appear on America’s Next Top Model are not your traditional-looking, “commercial” models (like Jaslene, the winner from last season). After looking at all the girls’ photos and parts of their video interviews on the CW, I have already chosen my favorites, as well as the girls I think will cause some issues.  

Half of the fun for me is trying to predict who will win the modeling contract!  My predictions?  Ebony is going to be the girl we all love to hate!  She seems to have the personality that is going to rub other girls the wrong way.  I would love to see Sarah win. She is the only plus size girl, but in my view, not really a plus size at all.

Tyra, Jay Manuel, Miss J (J. Alexander), Nigel Barker, and Twiggy, along with the new guest judges on Top Model, are going to have their work cut out for them!

Many of the girls seem to have tried out for the show as a joke. I can’t wait to see the cat fights, challenging photo shoots, Tyra Banks’ style for the new season and of course: Miss J and all his fabulousness!

Plus, I wonder if these models every had to undergo plastic surgery to look as fierce as they do!

 ~ Jacquie

Sometimes it’s the pits being a celebrity on the red carpet. No…I don’t mean it’s unfortunate to be a star making a pre-award show appearance (Are you kidding me?!), I am referring to their pits — as in armpits.

With the flashing of a million cameras, the weight of promoting their Kevan Hall gowns or Prada suits, and the anxiety of the acceptance speech that they may possibly have to recite later; even famous people can suffer from sweating.

Feel better?

 Before celebs hit the press line at shows, such as last night’s Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, they often pay a visit to their plastic surgeon, or dermatologist, for Botox ® injections to stop their excessive perspiration. This is a growing trend; however not just among celebrities.

We recently saw one of Dr. Will Kirby’s patients on Dr. 90210 undergo Botox to stop his underarm sweating. These injections are also great at tackling wet palms as well. In a procedure taking only a few minutes, perspiration can be temporarily halted for up to seven months! (Botox-only boutiques are popping up all over.

At SmoothMed in Manhattan, you can undergo injections in less than 30 minutes. This is great for time-pressed celebrities and ordinary Joes – or Jills – alike!)

While recently watching E! News, I also learned that a red carpet trend catching on is Restylane ®. This facial filler is being used to plump up the face and lips, as well as an effective combatant against, yes ladies…uncomfortable shoes!

When injected into the heels and balls of the feet, Restylane can make a pair of stilettos feel as comfortable as some furry slippers. With the extra cushion, beauty doesn’t have to be exchanged for blisters and cramping.

So who doesn’t want to have the luxuries of the rich and famous?

Well here’s your chance to indulge like one, minus the excessive spending. Contact a physician for further information on Botox and Restylane injections — and start living like a star! 

~ Leaann

Photo Credits: www.feetforlife.org and http://tv.msn.com

The sensation of warm water running over your feet combined with the relaxing vibrations of a massaging chair…sounds intoxicating, right? Even better, you get your toenails painted to your desire. Want a cute little flower? How about some sparkling rhinestones? Done! And your fingernails? Don’t get me started! You can choose from length, color, design, and so much more.

Manicures and pedicures can provide the utmost relaxation, not to mention beautifully detailed fingers and sandal-ready feet. However, with the rise of nail care popularity, how do you know which beauty salon will provide you with the best service or the safest conditions?

Nail salons are popping up all over. If you live in the city, or even a moderately populated town, you probably know the location of several nail shops. While business is booming for these nail salons, clean service is sometimes exchanged for the number of clients they can serve. How many times have you entered a packed salon, where you should have been turned away, but instead they squeezed you in?

While you might like to think that your nail salon of choice is up to par on sanitation, you could be dangerously wrong. It’s as easy as cutting one’s nail (and oops! a little bit of their skin at the same time) and then using that same set of clippers, that haven’t been cleaned properly – or at all – on you. That action can spread several scary infections. 

Just think of the feet alone. Do you know how easily athlete’s foot can be caught? Not to mention warts, fungus, bacteria, and much more. According to ABC News, Kristina Preston of Colorado was awarded $3.1 million in 2002 after allegedly contracting herpes from non-sterile nail salon equipment that was used on her during a manicure. Although this is obviously an extreme example, and a rare one at that, it shows that it is possible for an infection to spread.

If you insist on getting a manicure or a pedicure, make sure that the beauty salon is clean! Nail care sure looks, and usually feels, great. Sometimes it’s just not worth sacrificing pain for beauty. Take notice of where the utensils are kept; check to see if the person helping you has his or her license displayed. 

If the manicurist or pedicurist is too rough with the tools used on your hands or nails, tell them!

There is nothing wrong with making regular trips to the salon, just remember: make certain you are in a sanitary setting, and if you ever feel uncomfortable in a nail salon, you are not obligated to employ their services.

~ Leeann

For years I have stayed away from those cute shoes in the store window, or the newest fashion trends in sandals, because I was always afraid of “breaking them in.” I hated getting those blisters on the backs of my heels. The foot pain associated with wearing a new pair of cute shoes was just not worth it!

Well, enter Band-Aid ® Active Flex Blister Block  Stick!!! I was so excited when I saw the television commercial the other day, that I ran right out to purchase it.  It claimed to stop the friction of your skin rubbing against the back of your shoe.  WOW! I thought if this works, it will change the way I look at shoes!  No more buying just for comfort in hopes of preventing blisters on my feet.

This was opening up a whole new window for me, especially after being envious of all the cute and stylish shoes my coworker wears (ahem…Elana!). Now I can wear them too!

So, when Monday morning came, I couldn’t wait to try it. I applied the Blister Block to the back of my heels (like applying chapstick) and slipped on my new, black, peep toe pumps!  After about two hours of wearing them, I noticed that my heels were…FINE!!!  Because I was a little unsure about the product, I brought it with me to work, and reapplied another coat around 11 a.m. After the eight hour day, I was fine! I am proud to say that I had no blisters either.

To be sure that it was not a fluke, I tried the Blister Block again the next day with a pair of strappy sandals. This time, I applied it to my heel and on the side of feet near my toes – where the sandal straps touched. Again, after the eight hour day, NO FOOT BLISTERS! 

So, I can say with confidence: I love Blister Block by Band-Aid ®.  Every girl should carry one in her purse!

~ Denice

Product Photo Credit: www.walgreens.com