Everything She Wants

The makeup your wear on New Year’s Eve is just as important as your outfit.  As always, I’m a big advocate of looking glam for less.  So e.l.f. Cosmetics (Eyes, Lips, Face) is a great option for any budget fashionista.  e.l.f. cosmetics advertisement Most of the cheap makeup brand’s items range from  $1- $10, and all of e.l.f.’s mineral makeup is completely free of chemical dyes, preservatives, and parabens (preservatives that have been linked to breast cancer).   Even Oprah has crowned the thrifty beauty finds as one of her favorite things; O Magazine featured e.l.f.’s limited edition Studio Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette ($10) in its December issue. With 100 fun shades, a mirror, and two double-sided eyeshadow applicators, this kit gives you endless options. It's too bad the kit is currently out of stock, but it should be back soon. Another great tool to kick your festive makeup up a notch is e.l.f.’s  Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil ($1)....

The Northeast has come to a snowy halt.  An arduous trek to the post office was futile; so much for the motto neither wind, nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow.  So what's a cabin feverish girl to do?  Shop... online of course . The inclement weather  has me dreaming of a winter getaway, but many folks are still stranded at the airport or train station. To make your travels easier, here are five items every girl should pack in her overnight bag: A model wearing "Cinders" Sweetslips, $15. Sweet Slips ($15): These foldable ballet flats by Cinder Trout are a treat for your tired feet.  But they're nearly sold out, so don't miss your chance to get a pair. SPairz ($10):  Even if you aren't planning a tropical getaway, these panties come in handy in case you're stranded at the airport or anytime you need to make a quick change. Slip N' Toss ($3.99): Carry a pair of these biodegradable emergency sandals when you go for a pedicure or stash a pair...

Many thanks to everyone who read my blog this year and helped it grow.  I look forward to entertaining (hopefully) and informing you more in 2011.  Until then, I hope you get everything you want for Christmas!

It's cold and the New York City sidewalks are jammed with clueless tourists and crazed shoppers.  But if you still haven't finished your Christmas shopping, there's one store that makes it worth braving the crowds. Daffy's ! Daffy's 34th Street store./Tracy E. Hopkins The family-owned chain has several stores in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, and a few in the tri-state area.   Daffy's has been in business for nearly 50 years and is the place to find high fashion at low prices. So armed with the gift card I received, I went to the Daffy's store on E. 18th Street and Fifth Avenue on a mission to find great holiday gift deals. Here's what I found: Larry Levine coat./Macy's.com Cozy Coats : The zipper on my long winter coat broke and I didn't want to pay $40 to replace it.  So I was geeked when I spotted a similar black down coat by Larry Levine in the women's section for $69 (retail value $200)! After using my gift card, I only spen...

You want festive and flawless makeup for the holidays.  But women of color often have trouble finding the perfect match for our wide variety of skin tones (some shades leave us looking unnaturally gray or orange). So I asked several pros for holiday makeup tips you can easily recreate at home: 1. Working Day and Night Kathy Cabral, a freelance makeup artist for Youngblood , says by using your favorite brands your daytime makeup can easily transition to a glam girl look for night.  For day, one or two coats of mascara will suffice. A neutral shade of eye shadow and a very light application of eyeliner will finish the look nicely. For light-skinned women of color, peach, taupe, and subtle shades work well for eye shadows. For medium-brown women, mauve, brown, and gray are good choices. For dark-skinned women, deeper colors like rich violet, chocolate, and navy look best. Eyeliner should be applied to the upper lids and, if desired, very lightly to the lower lids. ...

Check out my first televised segment, for Brooklyn Independent Television (now Brooklyn Independent Media/ BRIC ), on crafty, creative and cheap holiday shopping finds in Brooklyn.  Hmm , since Oprah is taking a bow, maybe there's room for me on the tele : )

Guinot , a Parisian aesthetician training institute and skin care line, has been around for 40 years.  But it's new to me.  Recently, I experienced Guinot's heavenly signature Hydradermie treatment that uses galvanic currents via what look like mini massage rollers to penetrate active skin care ingredients and nourishing gels into the skin. After the facial, my skin was baby bottom smooth and looked refreshed and more youthful.  Guinot Paris products and spa services are offered exclusively in the finest salons and spas throughout the country. Call (800) 523-1030 or click here to find a Guinot spa near you. I was so impressed with my treatment and the Guinot products I tested (I love the one-step cleanser made with hyaluronic acid and natural essences), I asked Elizabeth Murchison, Director of Education for Guinot in New York City, to give Everything She Wants her winter skin care tips: What are top 5 winter skin care tips? 1. Exfoliation of the fa...