And the winner is...

It's official, Lash Blast has replaced Great Lash in my heart and in my makeup kit.
This mascara really gets the job done. Even my skimpy blonde lashes look longer, thicker and make my eyes pop. Since I switched to Lash Blast I've had more compliments on my eyes than ever before. Really.

Fall Fashion 2009

Here I am with A list stylist, Mariel Haeen at the Saks Fifth Ave. Fall 2009 Want it! Event.
A long but fun day with Mariel, stylist for Rhianna. I spiced up my look at the end of it with a sequin top by Nanette Lepore. Mariel helped me pick out the earrings from designer Deborah Gaspar. Mariel's fashion recommendations for 2009 are rocker boots, a strong shoulder jacket, legging, mixed metals and fur. Fashion fun!

Melrose Place Press Tour

I am often asked if I enjoy working with celebrities. Or someone will ask, "who's the most difficult person you've ever worked with?" I guess everyone wants a story but the truth is I've been very lucky to have worked with some really lovely people. Laura Leighton who will appear in flashback scenes on the new Melrose Place and Collin Egglesfield were no exception. When I asked for a photo for my portfolio they did not hesitate. No drama there. If you liked Melrose Place before, the new show won't disappoint.
Locally Tuesdays on CW33.

Climate proof your skin

I love fall, bittersweet, pumpkins, changing trees, acorns falling, the cool, crisp air, it's my favorite time of year. It's also the most challenging time of year for my skin because I have genetically dry skin. Dry, crisp air means I have to try harder to lubricate my skin from the inside out, and so should you.

In this part of the world most people have combination skin or dry skin. However many people mistakenly believe their skin is oily. To that end, they do everything they can to dry up the imaginary, excess oil. This is totally wrong. Moisture is the best way to combat fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps create a healthy epidermis which protects our skin from disease and the elements.

Here are my tips for lubricating, aka moisturizing, your skin without creating breakout.
Most of them you've heard before. If you've heard it before think about it...it must work!
1. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water. 2. Get your essential fatty acids. 3. Avoid washing your face with soap and water. Use a lotion cleanser. 4. Apply a light hydrating lotion after cleansing. A few I like are Kinerase - Hydraboost, Kate Sommerville - Quench, Complex 15, an oil free lotion.

Your skin will thank you for it.

Correcting Summer Sun Damage

Long before I was a professional makeup artist I had a passionate and innate interest in skin care.
Thanks to my mother, I developed a regular skin care routine as a teenager.

When I began to study makeup artistry one of the most important things I learned was how to correct uneven skin tones and skin imperfections. One of the top 10 questions I'm asked is how to perfect the skin.

We now know that avoiding long term, direct sun especially without any SPF or other protection is one of the best ways to keep your skin smooth and damage free. For those of us who already have sun damage, and that's most of us, please watch the next DFW Closeup. Reporter Vanessa Brown and I will talk about what causes sun damage and how to minimize it. I'll have info on the latest and greatest products to help lighten, brighten and tighten your summer skin.

DFW Closeup - CW33
Sunday, September 13, 2009
7:00 am, CST

Please watch it here and feel free to post your comments.

Chris Botti

World class trumpeter and composer Chris Botti, in the makeup room at Channel 13. Chris made an appearance to help raise for funds for PBS and promote his upcoming concert in Dallas, April 2010.
His most recent studio album Italia, featuring songs with Andrea Boccelli, Dean Martin and Paula Cole will soon reach gold status.
How could I not like him? He's talented, he's handsome and he's Italian! Thanks for the foto Chris.

Rome 2009

Rome is a visual feast. It's ancient and it's modern. And can anyone ever say enough about the famous Roman light? The city positively glows. It's almost impossible to take a bad photo there.

Life is lived in the streets and piazzas and you never know what will happen. What great people watching! I love the faces of the Italian people. The skin! Those eyebrows! sharp, angular and strong. Anyone who knows me as a makeup artist knows weak brows are one of my pet peeves. The brows define the face. Whenever a makeup look changes significantly you will see the brows change. Think Greta Garbo, Betty Davis, Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Brooke Shields. What would they look like with different eyebrows? Can you imagine it?

What did I see in the streets...purple everywhere...loved the purple suede platforms. Did I say platforms? In every possible heel height and color. Beautiful Italian fabric in prints and florals, tunics, leggings(still?) dresses over everything, oversize belts, lots of bling, makes Dallas look plain; fishnet stockings, boots, ankle boots, motorcycle boots, gladiator sandals. And black - even in the heat the Italian girls look cool, hip and elegant in black. How do they do it?

Gigi Levangie Grazer

NY Times bestselling author Gigi Levangie Grazer at Barnes and Noble book signing, Dallas, Texas, June 2009. Gigi is a ball of fire, funny, intelligent, beautiful...thanks for providing me with such a perfect canvas Gigi. And thanks for the advice.