Nothing says appeasement of inner turmoil and emotional upheaval quite like Chanel.  It’s like a miracle hangover cure.  Slap on some Chanel (perfume, cosmetics, whatever floats your boat) and …. voila, you look/feel good enough to go back out and face the world, at least for a while.

After a bottomless champagne ladies brunch a while back at the Ritz – seriously, where else is a girl to go? – I found myself at the Chanel counter at Nordstrom’s.  Because I owe it to City Girl’s to try the new Coco Shine, right? You will recall that yours truly was a big fan of the Rouge Coco back in the day.  The Coco Shine likes to think of itself as a cross between lipstick and lip gloss.  And, it succeeds.  I abhore lip gloss.  I don’t like the sticky feeling, I hate getting my hair caught in it, I hate how it goops on my glass of champagne.  And so enter Coco Shine – it’s sheer, lightweight, and comes in a flurry of georgus colors that are spot on perfect for spring and summer.  It could make one think of an uber fancy tinted chapstick (or the grown up version of those covergirl lipthings you got when you were 12? Remember those?) but it has more staying power… and anyway, my soul needs appeasing and my wallet stopped caring, and  so after some champers, who gives a damn?

My personal favorites for summer were Evasion and Elise.  I put some of thus stuff on and I *think* I look fabulous – that’s worth $32.  And did I mention that I have entered spurned womanhood? Yes, hello Chanel.

Looking back on my college years, I have to shake my head at my 20 year old self. That pixie cut? Oh dear. The scratch and sniff nail polish? What was I thinking?

Mostly though, I spent a lot of money on unnecessary things while I neglected a lot of really important things!

So if I could send a letter to my 20 year-old self, here are the tips I’d mention:

1. Don’t bother with expensive makeup-removing products. They’re harsh on your skin and a waste of money. Use a facial cream to smear it off. Gentle, easy, and bonus– you’re moisturizing at the same time. Don’t ever go to sleep with make-up on. Do I really need to say that? I think we both know I do.

2.  Don’t try to shape your eyebrows on your own. You’re fooling yourself. Have a professional do it. Then, to save money, you can maintain them by plucking hairs that grow outside the line.

3. Forget expensive shampoos. When your hair is looking limp and lifeless, go buy another (inexpensive) shampoo. Your hair will spring into life. Keep 3-4 different shampoos on hand and alternate.

4. You have a short forehead and that means you can’t have bangs. Your hair stylist tried to tell you that. Now I’m telling you. There are times when it makes sense to listen.

5. Wear a daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15. It’s the single best way to avoid wrinkles later on. Wear it EVERY day not just when you feel like it. Your 30-something future self will thank you.

6. Youth is one of the most beautiful things about your face right now. So you don’t need much makeup. Use a concealer to cover up blemishes but avoid the temptation to slap foundation all over your face. It looks silly.

7. If you’re in a rush, don’t skip out on makeup. Just boil it down to the following 3 steps. Moisturize. Cover blemishes. Apply generous amounts of mascara. This is all you really need to look bright and beautiful every day. You will look like one of those radiant people with flawless skin.

8. Eye shadow requires blending. It is almost never ok to apply one color from lash to brow.  Reserve dark eye shadows for evening only. Remember that a little goes a long way.

9. In reference to number 8, purchase yourself a set of makeup brushes. Minimally you need two. One for eyeshadow and one for blush. If you can afford four, get a tiny one for eyeliner and a large one for pressed powder.

10. Your best make-up item for a night out in “da club” is super shiny lip gloss. That and mascara are powerful weapons.

10. Applying eyeliner effectively is an advanced skill –one you do not yet possess. Sharpen a soft eye pencil and get a mirror. Better yet, YouTube it. Be grateful that YouTube exists.

11. Stay away from glitter. Don’t ask questions. Just stay away.

12. Don’t ever move into an apartment without a bathtub. Your skin (sanity) is dependent upon hot baths.

P.S. Enclosed is a list of names and years. Avoid these men at all costs (no matter what they say to convince you).

Recently, I took our lovely WorkingGirl Alison over to Neiman Marcus in Friendship Heights for a serious beauty event. Yes, that is right: beauty week is starting, and in celebration Neiman’s invited bloggers to come and enjoy the beauty ahead of time.  And oh yes, we did. We DID.

Champagne? Check. Cookies? Check. And all the beauty/makeup and skincare a girl could want? CHECK.

So, I’m here to share the secrets that I have learned about certain brands that have a special place in my heart. And yes, I sometimes may stalk them.  But in my defense…only sometimes!

So I have the rundown on the must-haves for the brands, coming from the brands themselves as well as my own personal hardcore couch assessment (I am not to be fooled by bright lights or good cookies!)

Lancome: This is a brand built on perfume but universally known for mascara.  I have tried their latest Definicils mascara…and overall, it lengthens, stretches, and goes on easy.  Not as dramatic as DiorShow Black, but definitely awesome, and work/evening appropriate…which is what we look for in a mascara, i.e. one that goes with our heels.

Insider’s Secret: It smells like honey/beeswax. Very very nice!

Guerlain: Oooh, the brand with THE BEST product packaging had me last year with their incredible lipstick (made of rubies. Yes, I said RUBIES). But anyway, when I asked what product a girl should own from Guerlain if they could only own one, I was told the orchid cream which can be used all over the face, and does everything but your taxes! I, however, still view the lipstick as AWESOME.  Vitamin A, you are my friend.  Work your magic!

Insider’s Secret: Use the orchid cream on your lips as well as your eyes etc.  It apparently does wonders there as well!

Laura Mercier: Obviously we love the LM, and agree with their assessment that the tinted moisturizer/radiant moisturizer is THE Laura Mercier product to own and take to that desert island.  Or, wherever our cabana boy has wandered off to.

Insider’s Secret: Check the LM website first before you buy, they sometimes have really sweet gifts with purchase ranging from deluxe samples to full-size products.

Bobbi Brown: Our favorite from their current line is also the lipstick.  A lower price point than Guerlain, it is long lasting and with a strong pigment. For a longwear, it doesn’t dry you out which we totally appreciate.  And we love the themes of Bobbi Brown…peony and python is the theme now and it is FAB. We also, admittedly, are a sucker for purple in any form, but especially eyeshadow.

Insider’s Secret: The longwear lipstick does not need a lipliner–it goes on easily and stays put regardless!  Also, at Neiman’s this week for beauty week Bobbi is giving away TWO amazingly light-weight lip AND lip palettes with purchase. We especially loved the eyeshadow — all NORMAL colors, and the perfect shades of brown for anyone.  Le Sigh.

Beauty week should be everywhere, but we know for certain it is at Neiman Marcus and continues into next week.  There are gifts with purchase and they are luxe. Happy shopping!!

BEIGE?! Beige.

Beige is not fabulous.

This is a new habit that I blame on waking up at 6am to play the role of Full-Time-WorkingGirl, which leaves me feeling very uninspired let alone creative enough to experiment with new makeup looks.

Therefore, I have turned into the beige girl. This is frustrating to me. And I am sure that I am not the only workin’ lady with this issue- I love makeup, but I am in the rut that is called “blah.”

Like most little girls, I was very intrigued by makeup. I would even do makeovers for my friends (I have the great before-and-afters of my 14 year old friends in my photo box under my bed. Very cute.) There was a year that I didn’t go to prom, I stayed home to do makeup for my friends going to prom! They would have to make appointments because I would have so many requests. Not to toot my own horn, but I was quite the entrepreuner.

My first beauty book I ever bought was Bobbi Brown’s Teenage Beauty. I adored her natural looks and tips on how to achieve the perfect brow.

In college, I would be late to class if I knew she was going to be featured on The Today Show that morning…clearly, I love this woman’s opinion on makeup.

Although, prior to last week, I never actually used her skincare or makeup products! I’m such a phony.

I tend to stick to my one brand of makeup because I am certain that anything else makes me break out in hives (this isn’t in my head, this is fact- and my medical records prove it.)

But, last week, (hives-less) I was enthralled listening to the darling sales associate, Joanie, explain Bobbi’s concept behind her products while playing with the products.

There are a few reasons that make me now LOVE Bobbi’s products:

- The range of colors and the feel of the makeup.

The makeup is truly perfect for the everyday Working Girl that has a life (Me me me!!!) She has nailed the meaning of a gorgeous neutral and created colors that you can wear every day without looking drab, which is my current problem.

The picture below is her  new Rich Lip Color with SPF12 in Plum Rose.

I am not a lipstick-wearing sorta girl… But I was blown away by the coverage of this lip stick- It’s full coverage without that nasty feel that I’ve come to associate with lipstick. [Editor's note: This lipstick IS fabulous. We wore it long and hard, and it did NOT disappoint.  Golf claps all around!]

Also, Bobbi knows that we Working Girls work hard for the money and like our cocktails and nightlife too! So not only does she knock the neutrals out of the park, she has gorgeous saturated colors that really make your look pop at night.

- Practicality:

Bobbi creates her products based on her daily needs and the concerns expressed by every day women. She caters to us.

I highly recommend you check out their line during beauty week at Neiman Marcus. Not only will love your purchase, you might receive a complimentary gift if you spend a certain amount…! Hmmm…!

All in all, the entire line of colors are classy and gorgeous.

I promise that you will love it- Heck, I am taking time out of my busy work life just so I can rattle on about her products!

I have decided that I am going to explore the idea of being a full-time, fabulous, WorkingGirl and try out new makeup brands and looks to see how they hold up during a full work day and report back to my fellow workin’ ladies…. And I hope you find this helpful!

Bobbi Brown’s Plum Rose Rich Lip Color SPF12 ($22) and Plum Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara ($24)

Rating: Till Death Do Us Part

Beauty Review Rating Codes:

Crush: It’s lust at its best. That thrill of something new, something exciting, something that gets your pulse racing. Will it last until next season? Maybe not. But who cares. It’s here and its now.

Til Death do us Part: True Love. In it for the long haul. A product so near and dear to the heart, it’s practically family.

Maybe next week: There’s no denying a basic attraction and a certain level of interest. We’re totally on board for a few dates but we’re not penning love letters or making commitments here.

Let’s just be friends: Listen, if we bump into each other, that’s fine. There’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s just that there’s nothing really right either…

Lost your number: Let’s just forget this whole thing ever happened

But then, we had a makeover together.

And I attended a beauty event.

And my life was changed.  Dude. DUDE. I cannot even believe I’m going to say it for a third time but DUDE.

Laura Mercier has rocked my world.

Not only has she made a foundation that I like (versus one that I want to spit on),  but she has also made it anti-aging. ANTI-AGING.  How is that possible? I feel the need to ask again in a bad French accent: How eez that possebleh???

Answer: I don’t know.

But I do know I love it. The foundation provides heavy mosturizing coverage, goes on with your fingers, and lasts for FREAKING ever.  And it makes your face look pretty flawless. Even if you have eaten way too many carbs/sugar/soda and as a consequence your face has revisited a time we like to call “embarrassing middle school years.” Even then!

And here is a tip: no need to buy said foundation.  Actually, we recommend going to an uberfriendly department store (Nordstroms?) and asking for a sample once they’ve tried it on your skin.  The tiny container that they will give you has lasted us for 7 weeks.  7 WEEKS! Granted, we weren’t applying it every day, or all over our face, but it works. And for that, we will be forever grateful.

PS: Beauty Girl Laura pointed out that you need to be well moisturized and primed before using the foundation. Fortunately, you can get a free primer with purchase if you buy it off of the laura mercier website.

Product: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation, $50

Rating: Till Death Do Us Part

First Spray – went on quickly and flawlessly, besides the fact that my eyebrows, eyelashes and hairline were tinted with the spray. FAIL. I figured I was putting it on incorrectly so I’ll rethink the next application. ::shrug:: Ok, moving on…But the smell of the foundation as it dried on my face was impossible to ignore. I definitely had a new distinctive smell that I was going to wear to the office.

Second Spray – this time, with a little more strategic application, my ‘brows and ‘lashes were saved! But I guess I had squinted while I sprayed, so imprints of my lashes could be seen under my eyes. Odd, but easy to wipe off so no big deal. But the smell was the same as the first time I wore the DiorSkin.

Third Spray – ok, I’m getting used to this. This time, no ‘lash dying or imprints, just good ol’ even colored skin tone, thanks to the quick (but strategic and careful) application. The smell was no longer intrusive but still distinct, which I chose to ignore because my morning make up routine was cut in 1/2 the time.

My thoughts? Hmm…It’s a pretty good idea in terms of saving time, but maybe not the best deal. 2.3 FL. OZ costs around $60 and the majority of the spray doesn’t end up on your face. Upon further inspection, little bits of the spray foundation was found on my sink, bathroom door, my hair and even my towel. For me, this is a straight up, no questions asked, “Let’s Just Be Friends”.

Hints: Apply close to your face, before you do your hair or get dressed. Prepare for some mess and certainly do this FAR away from anything that could be stained. Shake the can (yes, can) before spraying. Keep the top to the can on firmly in between uses so that the foundation doesn’t dry and get clogged.

Beauty Review Rating Codes:

• Crush: It’s lust at its best. That thrill of something new, something exciting, something that gets your pulse racing. Will it last until next season? Maybe not. But who cares. It’s here and its now.
• Til Death do us Part: True Love. In it for the long haul. A product so near and dear to the heart, it’s practically family.
• Maybe next week: There’s no denying a basic attraction and a certain level of interest. We’re totally on board for a few dates but we’re not penning love letters or making commitments here.
• Let’s just be friends: Listen, if we bump into each other, that’s fine. There’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s just that there’s nothing really right either…
• Lost your number: Let’s just forget this whole thing ever happened

Ruby: Passionate, spicy and robust, this one speaks for itself. I love it but I think my personality is too bold for it. It would be perfect for a stylish lady who has just the right energy level for a strong scent. La Prairie describes its Life Threads Ruby as “…evoking burning desire, opening the heart to love.” Va va VOOM.

Emerald: Green and fresh. “Green” perfumes are often brushed with a slight citrus aroma but this one doesnt, which I love. It’s clean but it still has spice. Its floral but not sweet. Best part is that its refreshing and light but still feels sexy and enticing. La Prairie says “this fragrance evokes the splendor of spring…”

Sapphire: Swoon. I LOVE THIS. This perfume is a secret assassin. It’s sneakily amazing. When first sprayed, its unique smell immediately grabs your attention but then soothingly drifts away. It has a woody, musky smell which is normally something I avoid, but La Prairie’s Sapphire has notes of flowers which  Let’s just say I got a few extra nuzzles with this one.

Cost: $125.00 for 1.7 FL. Oz and is available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Gdodman, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstroms and Saks 5th Avenue.

Score: 5 out of 5. 10 out of 10. 20 out of 20. The scents are long-lasting and evoke that “you smell AMAZING” gaze from a certain someone. La Prairie even put their talents into the packaging – I feel beautiful just holding the glitter and gem-encrusted bottles. I’m buying at least Sapphire as soon as these sensual babies come out in October.

Rating: Crush!

What I love the most about my job here at CityGirls is that I get to test and review products from up-and-coming companies that put out smashing, high-quality products.  And that’s exactly what Pur-Lisse does.  Jennifer Yen, Pur-Lisse’s creator, is a woman after my own heart: after struggling to find skin care that wouldn’t cause her skin to break out, she took charge her skin’s destiny and created her own skin care line. We’re impressed – Jen obviously works a lot harder than we do and we applaud that! Her philosophy is simple: combining the best of nature and science to make skin care geared towards ultra sensitive skin and that preserves skin’s youth and natural radiance.  Also note worthy and dear to my heart: all her products are formulated without harsh ingredients such as parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic color/fragrance or animal by-products.

After trying the Pur-Bright skin brightening serum for a couple of weeks, I’m a believer of the Lotus Lupine Peptide Complex that the serum touts.  It seriously helped my skin pull through a rough patch of eczema by reducing redness and evening out my tone. If I could say that Lotus Lupine Peptide also took out the trash, walked the dog, briefed the client and put dinner on the table, I would.   What it did do though is get me out of the bathroom faster in the morning because I didn’t have to stand in front of the mirror and inspect my blotchy face!  The serum smells great (unlike many a serum out there) and the packaging is stylish and convenient.  Ah, the price… yes, it’s rather expensive.  We all have different expectations when it comes to skin care and what we’re willing to pay.  Admittedly, the Pur-Bright is a little pricer than what I would normally want to pay for a serum BUT what I respect is that this is an independent, woman-owned company and that this is a very high quality product that is free of parabens, petrochemicals, and other ingredients that normally bring the cost of skin care down.  So, if you have extremely sensitive skin (as many of us do), I would suggest that the price is worth it.

I also had a chance to try the Pur-Delicate gentle soy milk  cleasner and makeup remover and the Pur-Moist hydra balance moisturizer.  I really enjoyed the refreshing cleanser though I did find it necessary to follow up around the eyes with eye makeup remover.  Granted, as the Ladies at CG know, I can get a little crazy with shadow and liner.   As for the Pur-Moist, I can tell that it’s going to be a life-saver during the winter!  It’s super moisturizing but absorbs fast into the skin.

Props to Jen for creating such a lovely line of skin care for our sensitive skin!

Beauty Review Rating Codes:

• Crush: It’s lust at its best. That thrill of something new, something exciting, something that gets your pulse racing. Will it last until next season? Maybe not. But who cares. It’s here and its now.
• Til Death do us Part: True Love. In it for the long haul. A product so near and dear to the heart, it’s practically family.
• Maybe next week: There’s no denying a basic attraction and a certain level of interest. We’re totally on board for a few dates but we’re not penning love letters or making commitments here.
• Let’s just be friends: Listen, if we bump into each other, that’s fine. There’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s just that there’s nothing really right either…
• Lost your number: Let’s just forget this whole thing ever happened

Yes, ladies, it happens to the best of us.

I DID judge the book by its cover.  Having spotted Lancôme products in my Mother’s beauty supplies, I assumed that it wasn’t for me. I mean, have YOU ever tried Lancôme or have I just been oblivious?  Anyway, in short order after approaching the Lancôme counter, I found myself in Linda’s capable hands.  And let me tell you, Linda blew my mind (can you tell I’m still in shock?!).

After decking me out with some great feeling serums and creams (regenifique? cellitique? something “ique”), she pulled out a bright metallic grey for the eyelid.  I was dubious.  Surely, it would be waaaay to bright.  Surely.  She then wiped a black (sparkly?) shadow for the crease.  Whoa, surely, too dark and intense.

After much blending, she started applying a midnight blue liner.  And there, I had to politely stop her – “Navy?!”   And Linda (a veteran of the beauty industry): “Yes, navy provides contrast for green eyes.  And blue eyes look fabulous lined with green.”  WHAT? REALLY?!  And the extension to that is… what, purples for brown eyes?  I get it now!  Yes!   Because of my non existent lids (”hooded” as they say), she lined the inside of the upper lash and the bottom lash line.   She used a neutral blush (Mauve Coquette) and a sheer berry mauve color for the lips.  Et voilà!  A fall look at was trendy, yet very elegant, and that really worked well with my features!  Thank you Linda!  Thank you because I would never have thought of 1) the bright metallic grey, 2) the midnight blue liner, and 3) neutral blush (I usually stick to pink) and deeper lipstick.  Love it!

So, if you ever want to live life on the wild side like me and try out Lancôme makeup products, here are my top pics:

- Hypnôse Mascara, $24.50: Extreme volume!

- L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Perfect Fig, $29: Think Chanel Rouge Coco (goes on smooth, very “lightweight” feeling, long lasting, moisturizing) except that, IN ADDITION, it has SPF 12 (Rouge Coco, sadly, has none).

- Le Stylo Waterproof eyeliner in Minuit, $24.50: My new BFF.  Fabulous, super wearable midnight blue that does not smudge and that lasts all day and night.

- Color Design Eye Shadow in Metallic, $17: I can’t believe I bought one more eye shadow.  Sigh.  But I couldn’t live without it… it’s buildable color is simply stunning. [Editor's note: She's totally right. I saw the lovely Laura later that night and was all agog at her perfect eye makeup!]

So there you have it ladies, don’t judge a cosmetics brand by the image you had of it when you were 12.  Hey, if it’s good enough for Julia (who’s one heck of a hot mama!), it’s good enough for me!  Bravo Lancôme ,  you’ve done your dirty work and now I have one more counter to check out when I do the rounds!

PS:  You can find Linda at the Tyson’s Nordstrom Lancôme Counter!

Products: Nature Effect Fluid $86, Purifying Care Cream $33

Rating: Crush

So, we have recently developed an interest in “natural” beauty makeup.  But we did nothing about it (well, I did nothing about it, Laura, our illustrious beauty blogger has been shouting things from mountaintops) until magically, as if our thoughts were being heard by the magic beauty fairies, Annemarie Borlind found US.  They offered us some products to try, and admittedly, we were skeptical.  “Natural?” we said with a snooty quirk of an eyebrow.  “Have you MET our skin?” we sarcastically queried. “Our cheetos are bright orange and our makeup is full of scary ingredients!” we stated firmly.  How could natural work as well as orange number 5?

But then, our inner monologue got off our couch and into the bathroom.  And we tried the beauty stuff.  And we…noticed a difference, snooty eyebrow be damned!!  We (me) are very fair.  And our skin is…often troubled.  Dry, oily, angry, constipated, with a certain low cunning…especially when we try and use foundation. But, after 2 weeks of regular use, we noticed that our skin was softer.  And dare we say it? Our complexion IS more even.

The Nature Effect Fluid is a creamy serum that definitely made our skin more toucheable.  We liked the instant effect it had–though we for some reason did not love its smell.  However, we do love how even our skin now appears, and how easily our makeup goes on now.  Props!!

We followed up the serum with the Purifying Care Cream, and found the moisturizer both light and rich, and definitely made our face more even.  Our skin, often notoriously dry and unhappy even in the summer, is soft and pleasantly moisturized.  It’s turned the corner from horrible teenager to gainfully employed adult, which is solid work from a moisturizer.  Again, our only problem is with the fragrance, but our nose is most often tuned to “chocolate” as a setting versus “flower.”  The cream is designed to sooth the skin and counteract impurities, and we give it both a big two thumbs up as well as a large wahoo of affection.  We rate ourselves vastly pleased, and think that this “natural products” malarky might actually be onto something.