The 5 W's

WHO: ME! That's who! And some great people this weekend on the Island of Nantucket. It was the usual craziness in a beautiful place and it was a great visit. I'm glad to be home...drying out.

WHAT: July 29th is National Lipstick Day! Cleopatra was the first to use color from crushed beetles to stain her lips but it wasn't until 1923 that the first "swivel tube" lipstick was debuted. Since then women all over the world have been hooked on the simplistic beauty of applying color to the lips to enhance their physical beauty. What would we do without lipstick, I ask you?

WHERE: Revere, MA. The perfect storm. Forecasters in Boston spotted a suspect swam of storm clouds over Worcester early yesterday morning. As they were tracking what they believed to be a, rare for these parts, tornado-it disappeared from the Doppler radar. Then at 9:32 am yesterday morning it was back and landed in Revere, MA, full on with winds up to 120 MPH. There was no time for warning because it came so suddenly and it lasted 4 terrorizing minutes, leaving an unbelievable path of destruction. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured.

WHEN: When Pigs Fly, and that means never! My grandmother used to love to say that. "I'll talk to her again when pigs fly!" When that phrase came out of her mouth, you knew it wasn't good.

WHY: I am guilty of too often asking this question. Questioning life's little nuances has become a sport for me. When I was a little girl, my mom told me that WHY was my favorite question. If I got into trouble, I would ask why. If she said no, I would ask why. My mother said I would wear her down with why questions. I haven't changed too much but the trouble is the answers have. I still wonder why?

Light Up Your Life

There's a new trend in lip glosses happening that will light up your lips and leave your friends pining for your gloss. Lighted lip glosses. These genius little devices use LED lights that you turn on with the click of a button or the turn of the wand and illuminate your life. Equipt with a handy little mirror on the side, you have all you need for the perfect application on your pucker.

Ladies love them. The novelty of the light is that little extra feature that turns this product into a must have, because it is no ordinary lip gloss. Pure Illumination, pictured above, boasts to be the natural, healing and hydrating lip gloss. Made from medical grade lanolin, almond oil, jojoba and Vitamin E, Pure Illumination has 10 stunning shades to choose from. And who doesn't want to be able to apply their lip gloss expertly in the privacy of a darkened movie theatre? Lost your keys in the black hole of your handbag? Let your lighted lip gloss assist you in finding your keys, then finding the lock in the dark of night.

My clients tell me that when they are at lunch with friends or on a girls night out, they instantly become the center of attention once their lighted lip gloss is brought out and they make for a great hostess gift or a little extra something to bring to a cherished friend.

Model Co. also makes a lighted gloss called Lip Lights. The twist of the wand automatically activates the LED light to give you an ultra shine, glossy application. This lighted lip gloss, also comes with the handy mirror on the side which allows you to apply the gloss anywhere, day or night. It comes in 5 ultra shiny shades to choose from.

Light up your life or the life of a special lady. Both of these products are available at The Candy Bar, and I highly recommend you try one. You'll love it!

Today's Special: Lips Of Fire

It's the hottest trend for spring, but it can't be considered new. It's an old stand by, been given new life by the Fashion powers that be. I'm talking about red lipstick, and there is no better time than now to rock the look. Red lipstick tends to split the wearers of lipstick into two categories: 1. Those who do. and 2. Those who don't. I'm here to tell you we can all be those who do wear this vibrant look.

For those of you who wear red lips regularly, I'm sure you know all about the "power" that a crimson pucker can carry, but did you know how easy and complimentary red lips can be? A pop of red on the lips serves to bring attention to your eyes and your flawless skin in more ways than one. First lets talk about the different hues of red. There are blue reds and orange reds, both of which look different on different skin tones. Pink complected skin tones look better in blue based red lip colors, and yellow based complexions seem to favor the warmer, orange based red lipsticks. Choosing the right color is as easy as pretending to be a little girl in your mama's make up bag; you gotta try them on.

A general rule of thumb, (although there are no rules in make-up) is that if you are making your lips crimson, you'd best be served keeping everything else light (refer to the lovely January Jones above); ie: blush, eyeshadow, liner, etc. Unless you're a Cirque du Soleil performer, I think this guideline is a safe bet. Once you've completed a soft, natural look, you can apply the final element. Your lips of fire...

Red lipstick can sometimes feather in the upper lip, in fact all lipsticks have the potential to creep above the lip line, but because of red's vibrance it can be more sightly than a neutral toned lipstick. To prevent feathering, and to give lips a longer lasting fighting chance, I recommend you apply a small amount of under eye concealer with a synthetic brush above and below the line of the lip, then fill in your lip completely with a bare lip liner, or a complimentary red lip liner. The idea is for the liner not to compete with the lips, but to act as an anchor for the crimson lipstick.

Blotting with a tissue is never a bad idea when using red and depending upon your finish preferences, a matte look or shine, apply a small amount of gloss to the bulb of the top and lower lip only and blend slightly. If you prefer a red that is sheer, mix a small amount of red with a clear gloss on the back of your hand and apply. Nothing finishes a dramatic look better and gives you that final element of fancy you desire.

Rock those red lips girls! The Fashion Gods have spoken. If you have never worn red lips, I'm telling you, now is the time to try. Because once you go red, you may never go back.

Today's Special: Pimped Out Lips

*This one's for the ladies. Sorry fellas.

Have you ever used a lip plumper? In the past few years, almost every cosmetic company has developed their version of a lip plumper. Lip plumper's work to give the lips a temporary fullness and shine to give the user the appearance of a more voluptuous lip. And really, what lip gloss diva doesn't want the appearance of a sexy, pouty lip?

Is it a dramatic change? Of course not, but by using a lip plumper you can improve the appearance of the fullness of the lips, giving your smile a slight boost of color, fullness and shine.

DuWop Lip Venom was the original lip plumper, and it's success put the company on the map in the cosmetic industry. It is by far my favorite and yes, I sell this product in my store because I love it!

Formulated with a blend of cinnamon, wintergreen and ginger, these ingredients combine to create a tingle on the lips and cause the blood to rush to the surface of the lips, creating a slight and temporary swell. Hence the name, Lip Venom, a fuller "bee stung" lip. But more than plump and exfoliate, the venom glosses also contain jojoba, sunflower oil and avocado to soothe and soften the lips. It's a "home run" combination for the lip gloss lover who desires a sexy, soft lip and a wonderful gloss to go over your favorite lipstick to give it that little something extra.

The "tingly" sensation is a nice surprise and makes Lip Venom a must have in every woman's make-up bag. Lip Venom comes in several different colors and variations as well as in a tinted gloss in a plastic applicator tube in 9 different shades to choose from which can be worn alone or over a lipstick. My personal favorite; try "Berry Chill" for a berry kissed color that's not overpowering.

I recommend you play the "pouty game" and try Lip Venom. Your lips will be kissable and close-up ready for ANYTHING. Sexy's back ladies, and Du Wop Lip Venom's cornered the market. Try it today.

You'll be so glad you did.

Show And Tell Part 2:The Candy Bar

A brief history: 5 years ago I decided I wanted to open a unique boutique that sold cosmetics for women. Being a make up artist, I figured it was a great way to incorporate my entreprenurial spirit and something I knew and loved quite well. Once I started doing research for my business plan, I realized I had been "off the market" for too long, since I had been a stay at home mom for the previous 11 years and had not been employed during that time. I immediately got a job at a business similar to the one I was planning, and the plan was to work for 6 to 9 months, get all the info I could and then proceed ahead with my business plan.

Then life happened. One month later, my husband (at the time) and I broke up and my whole world went into a tailspin. I have to tell you that I was just happy to have a job at that difficult time in my life, but the whole idea of my own business went out the door and six months turned into four years. Everything happens for a reason I say. Thank God it did.

FLASH FORWARD: June 2009. A woman, (my friend) named Wendy Wheeler, who owns a clothing boutique in Osterville, Cape Cod, where my family has a summer home, opened another Wendy Wheeler clothing boutique right in my home town on my main street. Wendy and I became friends years ago because over the 15 years of her being in business, my family and I became some of her best clients, as we are hardcore shoppers. We talked often about my idea of opening a cosmetics boutique those 5 years ago and Isought her business advice alot. When my life sort of got ripped out from under me, I had chosen to keep to myself and talked to Wendy only occasionaly during the past 5 years.

This June, I drove by down town on my way to the supermarket and I saw the awnings bearing her name on the building and nearly got into an accident pulling into to the parking lot to the store. I couldn't believe it. It was her first day in my home town and when I walked in and saw her, it was like we had had not skipped a beat. She offered me a job, working in her store and since I had been unemployed for the past year, I accepted. My first day on the job, she approached me and told me that I should seriously consider opening "a boutique within a boutique" in her store. Since I was already thinking about it in my head, I knew immediately that my time had finally come.

Two crazee months later, 2 buying trips to New York, and much creative planning, construction and hard work, it is with great honor that I present to you my new venture.

The Candy Bar

at Wendy Wheeler

My funky, fresh, fun little cosmetics boutique which opened yesterday.

This is my window in the front of the store that flanks the right side of the store entrance. (the left side has Wendy's clothing on mannequins)



This is the entrance to my tiny, 110 sq ft of retail store, which is in the back of the Wendy Wheeler store, but in view of the front door.

Welcome to my little world of beauty. The concept is that it's a candy store for women, with cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, candles and cosmetic accessories at your fingertips. Since Candy happens to be my name, the play on words works well to promote my mission.





This is an areial view of my cash wrap-I removed my keyboard and my point of sale purchase items so you could get a feel for what's underneath the glass. It's dangerous for me to be around that much candy.

This is the front of the cash wrap. Those little boxes on the second shelf are bath bombs that look exactly like candy. $6 bucks a pop, they smell divine and look adorable.

These are my bags. The tissue matches the colors on the logo.

This is the "salon" area where a woman will sit down and I will not only do her make up, but I will educate her on skin care, make up application and she will see the dazzling results right there in that chair. (The long talker- remember him?-sent me the roses for my opening, which was very sweet)

This is the main asile to shop. I have Kevyn Aucoin cosmetics, DuWop cosmetics, BKamins skin care and many other wonderful bath and body lines to choose from. I told you it was tiny, but I think it's just perfect for my retail needs. Most of the product lines I chose are unique to this area.

For now I am the only employee of The Candy Bar and I am thinking it's going to be that way until after Christmas. I will be literally living there for the next three months, so it's a good thing I love it. The best part, it's about 2.2 miles from my house and it's MINE....

Thanks so much letting me share this with you bloggers. I guess dreams really do come true when you put your mind to it.

Now who wants a makeover???

Today's Special: MAC Dazzleglass

Sorry fellas, this one for the ladies.

I was out this weekend trolling the mall with no particular goal in mind, sort of looking for an excuse to spend my money, when I came across these beauties. MAC Dazzleglass lip glosses are quite possibly the funnest lip product I have seen in a long time. Being the complete product junkie that I am, and a girly girl to boot, the dazzle of this product immediately caught my eye and I practically ran over to check out these pretty little glosses. I was not disappointed.

Launched on MAC counters in 2008, I am a bit late coming to this party, but that didn't stop me from purchasing 5 different colors and contemplating snatching up more at a later date. The combination of color infused with a sparkly, sexy, pearly, super-shine leaves the lips with a creamy, glistening kiss of color and just a hint of a yummy vanilla scent. There are 18 gorgeous colors to choose from and I think one would be hard pressed to find a shade that did not work for them. These glosses are perfect to wear alone, with a liner or over your favorite lipstick to give your lips a hard to resist dazzle.

The only problem I can see with Dazzleglass is deciding on the color!!! The MAC website lists 24 wonderful colors to chooses from at $18.00 each, but the pictures do not do the product justice, as one needs to see it to believe it. I bought the following:

Stepping Out: a yellow pink with red pearl. (looks like a natural pink-the red is in the sparkle)

Extra Amps: a sheer bright blue pink with pink and blue pearl (looks like a light, opalescent pink-a great color to layer over a darker lip color)

Euro Beat: a peachy coral with gold pearl. (This looks great alone or with a nude liner for a natural, but sexy look)

Roman Holiday: a caramel with blue and purple pearl. (Sounds weird? This is possibly my fave. The combination of color gives it a soft, rose colored tone)

Funtabulous: a screaming magenta with violet pearl. (This reminds me of my eighties throw back lip gloss. Worn alone, it is just a hint of pretty color, but paired with a fuschia liner or lipstick and you are transformed to the days of neon brites and shoulder pads?. How could I resist?)

So if you are looking to add some dazzle to your everyday life, this product was designed for you. If you love gloss, you won't be disappointed.

Today's Special:Top 5 favorites

As a makeup artist, I am constantly surrounded by fabulous, decadent, beauty products. As a woman I am constantly searching for the next best, fabulous, decadent, beauty products. Most women are product "junkies",as I like to call it, and I am certainly no different. So for your enjoyment, I offer you this week special, the top five of the week:

1. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Lotion-

Get this-a cheap self tanner that works to lengthen the life of your tan and actually firms the skin while leaving a natural glow. WOW. That sounds like they paid me to say that but really, they didnt. I love this stuff. At 8 bucks a tube, it beats all expensive brands that claim to do the same. It is a gradual self tanner, but a self tan product none the less. All the same rules apply-exfoliate before use, apply evenly and wash hands after applying. This product is simplicity at its finest!! It works best with a real tan to maximize your golden glow.Try it you'll love it!!

2. Kiehls Hand and Body Lotion and Body Wash in Fresh Gardenia-

These products are a Neiman Marcus exclusive so if you love the soft, fruity, floral scent of gardenias as I do, Neiman's is the place to get it. The smooth texture of the body lotion spreads evenly leaving a soft, silky, yummy fragrant layer of moisture over your entire body. The accompanying body wash is a lovely foamy treat in the shower. I reccommend using the body wash in the shower and then applying the lotion after the shower to layer the sweet scent of gardenias over your entire body for an uplifting aroma that lasts all day.

3. Chanel Mousse Doucer Foaming Mousse Cleanser-

I love a rich, creamy, foaming cleanser for my face and this one has everything I am looking for in a cleanser. Not only was it designed for my skin type, (combination skin-which I share with 70 percent of all women) but it touts the de-toxifying power of Tulip Tree Extract while balancing the skin with the emollient properties of Mallow extract. This soft foam whisks away daily dirt and impurities and leaves the skin feeling incredibly balanced. Perfect for cleansing anytime, but especially great after a long day and before bedtime, it leaves tired skin feeling comfortable and supple.

4. Dior Air Flash Foundation-

For a perfect airbrushed effect this "foundation in a can" leaves a soft application of foundation on your skin lickety split and can be layered with ease for a better coverage. It is expensive, $60.00 for a 2.3 oz spray can, but so worth it. Not only is it fun, so much fun to apply and wear (it works like a can of spray paint), but also it is a great quality foundation with three easy to blend colors to choose from.

5. Lancome Definicils Masacra-

By far my favorite mascara and believe me I have used them all. Definicils is a lash lengthener and does just that, but can be layered for a thickening effect also. One word of caution, it must be disposed of after 2-3 months. Its best used when fresh and the consistency of the mascara is wet.