Temple of Glam

Going natural is everywhere. From organic instant pudding to the hair transitioning movement, natural is the new black. I carry around an earth-friendly tote every day and when I forget it, I have been known to walk out of stores with my purchase in hand. Awkward! Plus, I'm really into natural hair and skin products. Segue time...

I received a canvas (of course) tote bag filled with Neutrogena Naturals (made from post-consumer recycled plastic) and other green goodies, it was a sign that I needed to give it a go. So, I went.

Here are my thoughts:

Purifying Facial Cleanser

Normally, I save clear cleansers for the summer because they don't tend to deliver the moisture my normal-to-dry skin requires. This sulfate-free cleanser successfully removed my makeup and left my skin feeling clean, but not stripped of its oil. It not only includes Vitamins B, C & E, but it also has naturally derived, detoxifying salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid.

Two words: Balanced cleanser

Purifying Pore Scrub

I have whiteheads. Go ahead and judge me. As a result, I'm constantly looking for the "miracle product" that will make them go away and keep self-extraction at bay. See what I did there? Anywhoo, this 94% naturally derived scrub detoxifies pores and it has a really great consistency. It's not grainy like other scrubs.

Two words: Smooth operator

Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer

A lightweight-but-effective moisturizer, this is a go-to product for me. I like that my skin feels hydrated, but not like an oil slick. AND my skin absorbs it super fast! It's chock full of bionutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness.

Two words: Moisture booster

Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream

We've all heard it. At night, our skin does its thing: heals, repairs, regenerates (is that starfish specific?).

Enriched with Inca Inchi Oil (it has the highest concentration of omega fatty acids) and Yerba Mate (Brazilian green tea), also known as "tea of life", this cream enhances skin's defense against dullness, leaving it glow-y.

Two words: Night Nurturer

In short, I am in love with this collection. I'm not a fan of perfume-laden products; probably because I'm allergic.

All of the products I used had a barely there scent My arrogant whiteheads were less A LOT less oppressive and my skin felt amazing. Score for team natural!

NEUTROGENA® Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer is a daily lotion that replenishes essential skin nutrients while providing continuous moisture throughout the day for healthier, younger-looking skin. It contains no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates.

NEUTROGENA® Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream replenishes essential skin nutrients and is fortified with vitamins B, C, E and anti-oxidant omega bionutrients. This nourishing cream is clinically proven to boost skin’s defense against dullness and roughness, leaving it naturally radiant, healthier and younger looking today and in the future. It contains no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Neutrogena via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Neutrogena.

Trillions of zillions of $50 treatments are now available in a city near you! Well, not exactly a trillion, but you know the deal: facials, massages, manis, pedis, body wraps and more are on sale at SpaWeek.com for a one week only.

I was more than a little impressed by the Red Door hand treatment I experience at the Spa Week Media Event last week. See? I was stoked!

As you probably remember, Spa Week kicks off with a media party where guests receive complimentary beauty treatments (like blowouts, brow shaping & waxing), mingle, and dip delectables in the chocolate fountain. We also walk out with product-laden gift bags. Here's a glimpse of the magic that is the Spa Week Media Party.

Blowout by J. Sisters...

Lorna from The Fabulous Report, Spa Week's Michelle Joni, Kimberlee & More Bloggers...

The chocolate fountain & more snacks...

OK, OK. The Sulwhasoo facial I had last week lasted for much longer than seven minutes. And yes, my only experience with the ever-popular "7 minutes in heaven" game was watching, "Highway to Heaven". I'm not being funny; there was an episode where these cruel teenagers tricked the unpopular girl to go into a closet with some cute guy just so he could run out in horror seconds later. Bastards.

Anywhoo...Sulwhasoo time. I did a little research beforehand and was like, "whoa mama...$100 for an eye cream?!".  When I came to, I found myself in the facial room at Bergdorf Goodman getting prepped for my experience. I was pretty impressed by the concept of incorporating traditional Korean medicine to promote skin balance and harmony, as well as within the body.

The facial consisted of seven steps (including cleanser, serum, toner, and customized treatments):

Cleansing foam ($36)

First Care Serum ($80)

Balancing Water ($55)

Overnight Vitalizing Treatment ($50)

After all seven steps were completed, I emerged relaxed, revived and glowy-glowy-glowy. And if you spend $150 at Bergdorf Goodman, you will get a free facial.

When recently asked about my skincare routine, I noticed myself rattling off a laundry list of products that'd make any Sephora associate proud. When said routine was called "complicated", I admitted it: My name is Shaunequa and I'm addicted to skin care. Look, it could be worse; I mean, have you seen "Intervention"?

In contrast to my skin care routine, my makeup needs are minimal. I do not conceal, bronze, or line anything consistently. So when I find a product that offers light coverage for a more flawless finish, I'm all over it.

I first saw Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week. I was impressed by its frothy appeal, color saturation, and super-easy application. So I actually *gasp* bought it because they didn't have a tester in a brown shade (c'mon, Maybelline).

Breezy's Tips:

1) If you're looking for medium-to-full coverage, this is not the product for you. If you, like me, are of the tinted-moisturizer persuasion, give it a go.

2) This foam almost instantly "melts" when it makes contact with hands. My suggestion? Spray foam into the cap and apply it with a sponge or your fingers.

P.S. As of right now, there's only one viable brown-girl hue, Cocoa. I repeat: c'mon, Maybelline.

Every now and again I get lost in my mom's wrinkleless skin. Quite possibly more than usual, I've been mesmerized by her visage because she just turned 60. I am so stoked about that fact.

To be honest, she doesn't own a face mist, but her skin is constantly er, moist. For those of us who have dry to normal skin, a mist is a must. Yup, your skin can look instantly hydrated and healthier with just a spritz of the right mist.

Just when I thought I'd tried every mist on the market, I was introduced to Glo-Professional Hydration Mist ($18). Its unique antioxidant-shea butter blend preps skin for makeup application, sets makeup, and offers a refreshing dose of instant hydration. Plus, it's housed in an aluminum can that keeps the mixture cool.

I'd never even heard of the Brooklyn Bodega Hip Hop Festival until last week, but luckily I did and attended with two of my road dogs.

By the time Q-Tip performed "Electric Relaxation" and Bonita Applebaum", we were jumping up with drinks in hand, and perhaps landing (very hard) on folk's flip-flopped feet. I was joyfully sweating, singing, and cool-girl head nodding. For the record, the "cool girl" thing vanished as soon as a very-very-surprise guest hit the stage (and I just about hit the floor). Wait till I tell you who it was...you're going to die.

Despite all of the jumping around, the Tocca SPF 30 Sunscreen Towelette ($28 for 8) I gave my friend stayed in tact leaving her skin silky, sun protected, and scented in the blood orange Stella fragrance. Not that I noticed (or cared) how my friend smelled; I was preoccupied with the thought of not being trampled by the crowd when I passed out in shock. Shock? Yes, read on.

When Q-Tip and Monie Love performed "Buddy" and Busta Rhymes hopped out for "Scenario", I was floored. Then Q-Tip asked the crowd twice, "Can we get much higher?". I was paralyzed with anticipation...disbelief...some other word that evokes intense emotion. Kanye West appeared on stage out of nowhere.

Remember what I said would happen if I was in the same area as him? Well, at least I wasn't carried away. And that's all I can say without damaging my street cred.

L to R: Jordan, Danny, Donnie, Jonathan, Joey. Image courtesy of jamati.com

You probably wouldn't think the New Kids on the Block could inspire a beauty post, but you know how I roll. Last week I went to the New Kids on the Block-Backstreet Boys (or NKOTBSB) concert. Between eardrum-destroying screams and spastic dance movements (what? I was excited), I was fixated on how great NKOTB looked; so, this post was meant to be (kinda' like Donnie and I):

L'Bel Collagenesse XT, ($52)

Front man, Jordan doesn't have a wrinkle in sight and though I don't believe they're anywhere in his near future, 170% collagen-stimulating L'Bel Collagenesse XT can maintain his already smooth (and I'm assuming soft) skin.

Bare Escentuals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer, ($28)

I'd say that lightweight Bare Escentuals Nourishing Moisturizer is great for buff Danny. You see, it has electrolytes (I hear that's good for folks who exercise). Plus, this formula, which is ideal for combination skin, firms as it hydrates.

Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration, ($18.52)

I choose you, Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration. The oil-free moisturizer is just like super-talented Donnie--more than meets the eye. Not only is it a vitamin-packed moisturizer, but its mint extract also cools the skin.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum ($31.50)

Always laid back, I think Jonathan would be into Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. This mineral-enriched formula is made for dry/sensitive skin and provides all-day hydration (thanks to thermal water).

Lierac Intiatic Cream ($48)

For the youngest member of the group, shea butter and goji berry-enriched Lierac Intiatic Cream is perfect because it's made to reduce and prevent the first signs of aging (lines, wrinkles, you know the deal).

Instant Karma got me. I was happily walking in a rather congested part of Manhattan and found myself face-to-face (or bony-shoulder-to-bony shoulder) with another woman.

No, let me clarify. She body checked me like it was nobody's business. And THEN she stood there glaring at me, with her Williams-Sonoma shopping bag, as if to say, "bring it, chump."

I was stunned until I remembered bragging about body checking a massive dude who bogarted the train car door last month.

Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into my building; I received an ego-soothing package of Bare Escentuals goodies, including two new skin care items. Stoked.

You see, since I'm a new Bare Minerals convert, I rapped with National Bare Escentuals Makeup Artist, Renee Lynn Smith about tips and tricks for giving good face. In fact, she needs to be canonized for patiently tolerating my constant, "dewy skin, dewy skin" chanting.

So, she sent over every product she used and ones she thought I'd like. She even included a replacement for my newest "perfect red" lip color since I realized I'm allergic to it.

In true Roman Catholic fashion and in light of my recent instant-karmic episode, I decided to not test fate and step away from the histamine-flavored lipstick or at least save it for the days I do good works.

Style Coalition hosted The Royal Treatment, a super-fun Lierac & Phyto event for top beauty and fashion bloggers. As I walked into the impeccably decorated lounge, I noticed the scent of fresh gardenia wafting through the air. Kinda' perfect since I'd just watched "Lady Sings the Blues". And you know, Billie Holiday wore a gardenia in her hair...and...well, the scent was dope.

Plus, since it was the day of the royal wedding, the ceremony played in the background throughout the afternoon.

I enjoyed a brilliant massage, featuring the new jasmine and gardenia-infused Lierac Sensory Oil, which hydrates for 24 hours and can be used on face, body, and hair. It's a unique oil because when it's added to water, it doesn't just become a gross glob at the top of the water; it creates a milky-moisture paradise (try saying that six times).

With slicked-down bangs (this is exactly why I won't show you the pic of me) and utterly relaxed corps, I reached for my yummy jasmine-enhanced drink.

The other girls experienced the Phyto Scope (Since Phyto Scope and I were up close and way-too-personal with my scalp a week earlier, I sat that part out); they also got their "'dos, did" by hair stylist extraordinaire, Yves Durif. I walked away from Style Coalition calmer, more beauty informed, and royally treated. Take that, Kate.

Can you believe Spa Week is ending this weekend? Yes folks, the opportunity to get a boat-load of $50 spa treatments is ending Sunday, the 17th. If you're into living a life without regrets, book your appointment pronto!

Last week at the Spa Week Media Party, the official kickoff to Spa Week, I along with a room full of bloggers and editors enjoyed beauty treatments, decadent products, a chocolate fountain, and a Dole real fruit-flavored oxygen bar (I kid you not).

Upon my arrival, I stared at the phenomenal ice sculpture and realized it wasn't a booze luge.  Misha told me she sneaked a touch so I (like the eight year old that I am), did the same. And giggled about it for a good minute and 30 seconds. That's how I roll.

It truly was a lot of fun to get a hand massage at the Carol's Daughter booth, scoop my own clariSEA clarifying bath salts, sip the lime-infused Given tequila liquer, and have my face BEATEN by YoungBlood Mineral Cosmetics.

As I headed home carrying my super-heavy gift bag (and inevitably switching shoulders--Spa Week gift bags are always packed-with-awesomeness), I realized that that was quite possibly the only media party that could cancel out the crappy morning and afternoon I had. You know when you are crazy tense, go to the spa, and leave feeling like a gazillion bucks? The Spa Week Media Party is just like that...but with tequila.

This will most likely be the only politics-related intro I'll ever use, but here we go. President Obama was in New York the other day. During my commute, the train conductor casually mentioned we'd bypass the most popular stop in Harlem because of a <insert public transportation excuse here>; it was the same stop as the one for Obama's event. I smirked and continued to read New York magazine.

When suddenly, the levity increased tenfold. As a boarding policeman was confronted by frustrated-passenger questions about the transit change, he gave us an impromptu comedy act about the goings-on. I immediately envisioned his precinct as the one in "Reno 911". Does his lieutenant wear khaki daisy dukes? If so, I need that rag tag squad patrolling my neighborhood.

If you're more interested in line fighting than crime fighting (yeah, I typed it), I think you're going to looove the new Zeno Line Rewind ($39.99). I learned about it at an intimate breakfast at David Burke Townhouse hosted by Zeno and Zeno-enthusiast, Kelly Rutherford from "Gossip Girl". As I noshed on the most delicious lobster scramble, I saw how Line Rewind uses red light technology, heat, and massage to target lines and wrinkles.

In fact, when paired with the Wrinkle Reduction Serum included in the kit, women saw results in four weeks, in a clinical trial. And if that doesn't make you want to try it, just look at Kelly Rutherford. She looks the same as she did on "Melrose Place"! And btw, the pic doesn't do her skin justice; it was LUMINOUS.

Something tells me I've never shared my poor-student-in-Europe stories with you. As you can imagine, they're quite detailed, so for now, I'll tell you about my STA-Travel flight from New York City to London (by way of Iceland).

I hopped aboard Icelandair to Reykjavik. Though it was a lengthy flight, it was wicked cool to land on a sheet of ice. Yes, that pun was intended...sorry. Who'd believe, years later, I'd return to my Icelandic "roots".

Blue Lagoon Silica Mud Mask ($100) is a mud mask enriched with Icelandic sea water, containing lots of minerals, algae, and silica. Its cleansing and exfoliating capabilities appealed to my drab, post-Fashion Week skin. Seriously. My concealer gave up on me just days into Fashion Week. So at its close, I knew I had to take my visage into my own hands and bring out the big guns.

I kept the mask on for as long as I could, rinsed it off, and noticed my skin was refreshed and its texture was noticeably improved. And since that was the only change in my skin care routine, I give complete credit to the mask.

Want a FREE full-size Blue Lagoon Mud Mask? Leave a comment below or Tweet @TempleofGlam something cute about the mask, Iceland, OR how much you love me and/or Temple of Glam using this #beauty hashtag. If you Facebook "like" this article, mention that in your tweet. My favorite Commenter/Tweeter will win the mask!

I attended the Proactiv meet and greet with Julianne Hough. I had oodles of fun checking out the products and meeting really nice girls. I also learned that Proactiv has makeup. Um, did you know that and not tell me?

It contains sulfur, which helps treat acne; it actually clears your complexion as you wear it! Dope, huh?

I also exchanged bizarre Twitter-follower stories with Julianne Hough. I think mine was a little too weird, but hey, I can only be me. If you're interested in hearing the story, holler. But beware...it's a doozie!

I had an acute addiction to Take It All Off makeup remover from Victoria's Secret. And like so many genius TV shows where apparently, I was the only person watching, it was cancelled (or discontinued). And so began my relentless, tireless search for another makeup remover that took off everything, but left my face refreshed. I tried one: too oily. I tried another: left traces of makeup. And another: what is this, water?!

I was then introduced to Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover ($16) at a beauty event. Though it's specifically made for the eye area, I douse my cotton pad with it and wipe it over my entire face. It has a light scent and my face feels clean after using it. I do follow with a cleanser because, I mean, why test fate? So yes, I can honestly say I'm pretty fond of it.

But know this, Take It All Off makeup remover: nothing compares to you.

Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U

Ron from Beauty Stat emailed me to attend the Philips Crystalize event. Ron is huge in the beauty world...kinda' like "The Godfather". He made me an offer I couldn't refuse: skin imaging with an in-depth consultation.

Honestly, I thought to myself, "C'mon, now. My skin is just about perfect...bring it.".

I parked my bumper into a seat as the Philips Crystalize consultant took pictures of my skin. As I prepared for a litany of compliments, she told me instead that out of a perfect 8 (perfectly balanced, well-hydrated skin) my joint was a 3.6. And then she pointed out my fine lines in the photo. Fine lines? Me...Babyface Brathwaite?

The system also tested my skin's redness (um...), texture, and pigmentation.

To assuage my dismay, she  gave me the products that would help my skin look its very best. So tonight you better believe I'll be trying out my new Vichy products. Here's the dealio: the skin imaging and consultation are free. I got mine done at Duane Reade; go here to see where you can get yours!

Image courtesy of austin360.com

A teenager, a dad, and a blogger walk into a bar.

OK fine, there were two teenagers. And... it wasn't a bar. It was a car. I've just always wanted to tell the "A priest, an imam, and a rabbi walk into a bar" kinda' joke. So sue me.

Anyways, I sat in the car listening to two super cute and super smart teenage girls being, well, teenage girls. There was a whole lot of giggling and talking and it was fantastic. The dad jokingly petitioned his daughter to pipe down, but she was totally unaltered (or *ahem* incorrigible). I think many of us older girls can take a note from that play book, verdad?!

All right I'm off my soap box (that reference will be funny in 2.3 seconds): Cor Silver Soap ($15 - $120) didn't impress me when I first saw it. In fact, I was like, "What the hell? Who still uses bar soap on her face?"

But once I read about the glycerin-nano silver soap, I realized I needed to try the minor miracle maker. Work up a lather, apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse away makeup (even 3 coats of mascara), oil, and whatever else has been on your face all day! After that, I promise your skin will be clean and glowing. I will say that it does clean pretty deeply, so if you have dry skin, you will definitely need intense hydration post-suds.

I've been very impressed with Bare Minerals. I took my first hit last week at a Spa Week kickoff party and have been using it more frequently each day. I'm addicted.

Other than an incredible glow, Bare Minerals is also more makeup than I normally wear. How overjoyed I am that I was introduced to Kimberly Sayer Gentle Face Cleanser $25!

If you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin, you have to give it a go.The soy protein removes built-up oil, and yet leaves the skin re-energized (not tight at all). And the lavender oil balances the skin as it relaxes your spirit. Wow, how hokey did I sound there? Anyway, it's the cleanser I've been using every night to wash off my ever-increasing Bare Minerals applications and it's kinda' incredible.

Guys can be many things: slices of heaven, pains in the ass, handy men, sports slaves. One thing is painfully clear: with very little effort (and money), they look incredible every morning. Hate. Them. All. So I asked myself, "what can we steal from the boys?" And off to his medicine cabinet, we go!

Cop His Cleanser (1)

We've all been hoodwinked by mystical-sounding cleansers that promise the world and deliver a sidewalk. Fragrance-free Cerave Hydrating Cleanser ($10.49) doesn't claim to be the fountain of youth, but it leaves skin feeling clean and hydrated.

Take His Toner (2)

True, splashing cold water on his face doesn't constitute a toner in the beauty section of any department store, but he gets the same effect: refreshed skin. Save your blowout and use Evian Natural Mineral Spray-3 Pack ($17.50).

Loot His Lotion (3)

Let's be real. We use a lot of crap...and everything has a fragrance. Maybe try an unscented lotion that cannot conflict with the bevy of other scents you have going on. One like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($13.29) is great for dry, sensitive skin!

Raid His Razors (4)

Isn't the "pink is for girls" thing almost too annoying for words? Consider using CVS Disposable Twin Blade Razors 3-Pack ($1) as a small act of feminism and to save a couple of bucks. Suck it, girly razors: you won't deight in super-foaming Barbasol shave cream anymore.

I'm obsessed with gummy candy. What? Think it'd be beauty or fashion related just because this is a beauty and style blog?! Silly, silly.

Swedish Fish. Haribo Gummi Bears. Peach Rings. I especially enjoy the underrated act of chewing when I'm stressed.

And though my bod has been feeling the results of many chaotic weeks, my face is none the wiser. For I have been using Origins Mega Mushroom Advanced Serum ($50).

This baby is packed with mushroom-y goodness that's meant to soothe tired, agitated skin. Girls with rosacea, this one is especially for you!

And now back to our regularly scheduled candy obsession. If CVS didn't have such god-awful (read:non-immediate) delivery times, I'd be pleading right now with someone to send over a $0.99 bag of Gummi Worms.

Boy, I long for the days of care packages. Mom, if you're reading this, feel guilty...very guilty.

If you were following my shenanigans last night on Twitter, you know that I ran home, took the quickest shower ever, and changed into my fete gear. And then I flew out of my spot headed to the Kitty Bradshaw blogger event celebrating her two-year anniversary. As I speedily headed to the 'tay (as in "par-tay"), I so should have brought my Wen Almond Mint Replenishing Mist ($32). It's normally quite refreshing, but now that I keep it in my fridge, it really would have come in handy as I willed the traffic away and said a couple thousand novenas. But seriously folks, the scent is just enough to notice , but not overpowering. I mean, have you BEEN on public transportation or a vent-less elevator in the summer? There are enough smells up in there!

It energizes the skin and adds volume to hair that maybe missed a wash. I mean, not that I'd ever need that...stop judging me!

Here's a pic from last night's party courtesy of Chandra Is Great. Dig the action shot?

A couple of weeks ago,  I went to a brunch honoring Veronica Webb's new role as member of the Eucerin Skin First Council. It's a group so dedicated to skin health, it even created a pledge, which you can take here, where you promise to honor your skin. I was seated among approximately 15 bloggers and right smack dab in front of Ms. Webb herself. I know, lucky me. I got to curse my decision to get a blowout after the event and didn't put on as much as tinted moisturizer for the event. But you know me, G-for-life so it was all good.

She discussed the importance of drinking lots of water and sweating a whole bunch (to naturally remove toxins from the body). She has also used glycerin soap on her face since she was little. It totally makes sense. It's SLS-free and moisturizing. I think I've seen it in the 99 cents store, so I mean, it's a win-win, no? I haven't tried glycerin soap, but I want to...badly. Have any of you gals used it?

Recently inspired by two of my newly single friends participating in online dating, I thought I'd compose a little sumthin for all my single ladies. Here are five products you can use as soon as you realize the dude is a dandy or a dud.

Peppermint Oil ($9.95)
If he's a luvah: Place a dot on your tongue making the proceeding convo...you guessed it...like a breath of fresh air.
If he's a loser: I'm not recommending you put some in a rude boy's eyes, because you know, I'd never suggest something like that.

Face Highlighter ($25)
If he's a luvah: Apply it to the bridge of your nose and cheekbones for a healthy shimmer.
If he's a loser: Well,if you put enough of this on the corners of your eyes, you can fake conjunctivitis.

Hair Serum/Gloss ($30)
If he's a luvah: Get touchable-looking hair and mask split ends if you haven't seen your salon since it saw you.
If he's a loser: Two words...faux drool

Lip Color ($22)
If he's a luvah: Though the my-lip-gloss-is-poppin look is cool, take the sex appeal down a thousand: blot liberally.
If he's a loser: Coral is the hotter-than-hot color of the season. Why not smear it on your teeth? Take that, Mr. Big Ego.

Volumizing Mascara ($14)
If he's a luvah:Let your lashes go wild as he tells you a fascinating story.
If he's a loser: Give yourself a makeshift moustache. Right there at the table.

Honorable Mention:
Though I am beyond over the ironic, oversized geeky glasses look, they could come in handy if he turns out to be a toolbag. Sport these Aviator Readers ($10) to distract him from your perpetual eye rolling.

I had a less-than-stellar dining experience this weekend. You see, from the time I was born, I was a picky eater. Literally, like I didn’t drink milk (suckled or poured). So when I was presented with a ramekin containing burnt crème brulee, it had to go. My waitperson left surly and came back jovial, ebullient even. Totally freaked out, I got through a few spoonfuls, ignoring his cat-that-ate-the-canary smiles and winks to the other waitstaff. It was when he asked only me, if I was enjoying my dessert, that I put my spoon down and considered sucking down an ounce of hand sanitizer.

Here’s what. I was and have always been a person who knows what she wants…and I’ll be damned if I settle for a char-broiled crème brulee.

Rather than picky, I’d prefer to say I have a highly developed sense of what sucks. I also know what I love: I am all about crème brulee, cream-based sauces, and yes, a decadent facial cream. Catch that segue? Don't try this at home, folks.

I was browsing Whole Foods' health and beauty section and stumbled upon Suki Intensive Brightening Cream ($55). It evens out dry and mature skin without bleaching so it's great if you have rosacea.

 
This Mother's Day, I got to hang with the Original Gangstas: my mom, grandma, great aunt, and cousin. There were plenty of laughs and thankfully only one aborted attempt to house a piece of silverware. Not even a biscuit made its way into a handbag!  I found myself staring at my grandma and great aunt (87 & 88 respectively, though their ages are questionable.  I believe they were those ages last year). I realized that they seriously don't look their age. And their beauty regimens are nothing like our high-falutin' routine: cleanse, tone, moisturize, SPF protect.

I promise to pay more attention to what they use, but until then, you can totally fake a perfect complexion while allowing your skin to breathe. Warm weather season is the perfect time to ditch your foundation and get into a lightweight tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($42). It's so sheer that it doesn't even have to be the perfect match like foundation, but if you want more coverage, you can layer more on. Plus, it truly glides on and melts into your skin!

I have yet to notice myself doing or saying something out of my mother's playbook, but I know the day is coming. When I say any of the following, just know I'll be headed to Margaritaville:

"No you're not adopted. Do you KNOW how many hours of labor I was in for you?!"

"Oh, you hate me and want to move out? I'll help you pack!"

The best way I can salute mom dukes is to shout out her signature makeup rule: give good face whenever possible; and when it's impossible, do it anyway. Since I sometimes go out with a butt-naked face, I obviously have yet to fully incorporate that rule into my life.

Though Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Sunkissed($30) is meant for cheeks, it can also be used on the lips. Watch as it, with one swipe, gives you a barely-there brown (my color barrio). If you prefer to hang in my mom's color neighborhood, a hot-look-at-me-red, layer on more to get your desired shade.