On a tip from a beautybaby reader several months ago, I purchased Laura Mercier’s mineral makeup kit, the primer, powder, bronzer, and finishing powder. Part of my decision to change up my face routine was my recent trip to LA, where a full face of foundation just felt wrong. What sets Laura Mercier’s mineral powders apart is her use of crushed pearl to give a certain illumination to the skin. The priming powder does create a great base for the foundation powder. It also totally smoothes out any pores and sort of brightens the skin in its own right. The powder goes on smoothly and blends super easily. My biggest worry with mineral makeup is that is goes on looking amazing and is literally completely gone in about an hour. I need to test drive this product to determine if it has the staying power I need. So far, I like the product line and think it may be just the thing for my new life on the left coast. See the minerals here.

I was thrilled to return to my house today and see my little box of “Wen” products at my doorstep. I tried it immediately in an attempt to wash that redeye airplane ride smell out of my hair. It took about 32 pumps of the product to effectively cover all parts of my hair. I fear that I will deplete this bottle in a week given the sheer amount I had to use. However, it smelled fresh, felt a little tingly, and left my hair soft and shiny. It isn’t miraculous yet, but I think it could be. More to come as I continue to experiment with Wen.  Learn more about Wen here.

I was out in Los Angeles house-hunting this weekend and felt the need to promptly post about my fashion findings there. First of all, I was astounded that the Juicy Couture and Ugg look still completely flies in LA. Granted, it was a bit rainy and even somewhat chilly this weekend (and even I will acknowledge that this is perfect Uggs weather) however, I saw a multitude of women wearing this type of loungey sweatsuit look all across the city. Another LA phenomenon: Victoria’s Secret “Pink” product line as sportswear, not sleepwear. On drive in the hills of Bel-Air, I spied an Ugged out Vanessa Manillo in black boots and black sweats loading groceries into her Navigator. (I take that back, someone else was loading them for her.) She looked cute, albeit so 3 years ago. In addition, there was lots of wrapped scarves that were all the rage here in NY this past spring and summer. Big glasses and handdbags are everywhere and I liken this to the Jessica Simpson phenomenon. In fact, I would say she is probably still a fashion icon here. Everyone looks, or is trying to look, like Jessica on a down day. I am interested to see how my wardrobe translates and am already feeling the need to reconsider some of my initial spring purchases.

Last Thursday I placed an order for Wen, the hair care kit that is being heralded as the ultimate hair-transforming line. I first read about the line in Lucky magazine and have since seen loads of reviews proclaiming the products to be somewhat miraculous. The concept of the shampoo is unique because it has no sulphates and actually works as a shampoo and conditioner in one. Because it is sulphate-free, it doesn’t lather, so you literally comb it through your hair in the shower with a wide comb that comes with your kit purchase. It promises softness, shine, and unparalled manageability, and  I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of Wen into my life. I will promptly post on the details.

It seems that, after several weeks of deliberation, I am moving to LA with my family. I am really struggling with this decision because a) I love and am inspired by New York and all of the amazing fashion and beauty here and b) I am worried that I may lose my New York sensibilities and go soft on the West Coast. On the other hand, I am somewhat excited about the sunshine, the beach, and actually having a car to tool around town in. The next few weeks will bring lots of changes but hopefully they will all be for the very best. I will continue to post about my favorite things beauty and otherwise and will hopefully continue to be inspired by my surroundings.

This weekend was of particular importance in that pedicure maintenance became an absolute necessity. In the winter, I can go several weeks without a ped because, of course, my feet are hiding in winter boots. I was feeling that need for not only some foot maintenance but also a burst of spring color on my toes. I went straight for Rescue Beauty Lounge, home of my favorite waxer Rose, and the best pedicure spot in the city, in my opinion. Rescue literally goes to town on your tootsies. They spend at least 45 minutes to an hour shaping, scrubbing, buffing and simply making your feet feel like a baby’s bottom. I love them and their selection of polish shades that made me feel cheery even in these dreary gray days of winter.

I feel compelled to write about my other favorite blog, Park Avenue Peerage. It chronicles the lives of New York socials, and I am simply addicted to the site, not only for the images of the social swirl but also because of the snarky comments everyone posts. A bit of history: two years ago, a website called Socialite Rank emerged and started posting party pics and ranking the socialites each week in order of fabulousness. The site became the instant obsession of many manhattanites because it was a sort of online slam book. The socials would go online and post about one another, and the comments were often unbelievable. It was like watching the mean girls battle it out- all on this newbie blog created by mystery writers. (Believe me, there was a mad rush to find out who was behind the site. Supposedly some socials had lawyers involved in the hunt.) Last year, about this time, Socialite Rank abruptly shuttered, Park Avenue Peerage took its place, New York magazine outed the Socialite Rank bloggers and all was right with the world again. For the most part, people play nice on the PAP site, although commentary has gotten a bit more down and dirty as of late. The funniest thing about the site is that it is edited by a college student in the corn fields of Illinois, believe it or not. At any rate, it makes for a fun lunchtime read at your desk. Check it out here.

I have hesitated to write my first post about Proactiv because I have been so fickle about my skincare, and I truly wanted to give Proactiv its fair shake before I officially reviewed it. I have been using the products since mid-December and have remained true to the 3-step process, no matter how my frequent trips to the drugstore and beauty counters work to dissuade me. I have to say that my skin is clearer and better looking than ever. Proactiv has literally wiped away any oiliness, replaced acne with normal, clear skin, and brightened my complexion. I have gone back to Proactiv several times over the past few years but have never religiously used it. The 3-steps work. I am loving it. Buy it here.

Here I go again, watching QVC Saturday night beauty, discovering a new must-have product, and racing out to Sephora to buy it. The product is Smashbox Jet Set, and it is a waterproof gel liner for the inner rim of the eye. You apply it with a fine eyeliner brush, and unlike other liners, even waterproof ones that tend to smear and disappear by the end of the day, the Jet Set liner stayed and stayed and looked amazing all day. It truly opened up and defined my eye. I purchased the liner in brown, not black, because it tends to be a bit softer and look better with my coloring. As for shadow, I simply dusted Bobbi Brown white on my lids for a very clean, wide-eyed look. Check it out here.