Calling all brunettes out there!  House Beautiful magazine polled interior designers for the most flattering paint colors for brunettes.   Here are some picks to make your walls complement you!:

  Benjamin Moore “Glowing Apricot-165″:  “This apricot reflects on your skin to make you look healthier and more youthful.”

Benjamin Moore “Bashful-1171″:  “I love the way this soft blush diffuses the light and makes your skin seem flawless…The perfect backdrop for a brunette, because it highlights that reddish undertone and makes dark hair look rich and regal.”

  Benjamin  Moore “True Pink-2003-40″:  “Rich colors are really flattering to brunettes…”

Ralph Lauren Paint “Baja Orange-1862″: “In Mediterranean cultures, you see a lot of brunettes and a lot of orange.”

C2 Providence 6264:  “Brunettes…can swing with any color, like this lavender.” 

(Paint pictures courtesy of myperfectcolor.com)

Sitting at the office and can’t wait for the weekend to start??  Cosmopolitan magazine suggests this beauty tip for a “midday boost”: 

Sweep a cream blush over the tops of your cheekbones and up to the temples in a half-moon shape.  It’ll give your face a subtle (but still noticeable) lift.”

Try L’Oreal Paris HIP Blendable Blushing Creme in “Elated” ($10.99).

How’s this for a mascara recommendation?  In the current installment of People’s 50 Most Beautiful, Champion swimmer Amanda Beard says she uses Maybelline Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara when swimming to look good.  Considering she spends most of her time in the water, that’s quite a product endorsement for the waterproof promises of Maybelline’s classic line!  

I wear makeup in the water. I always wear a waterproof mascara, Maybelline Volume Express. All my makeup is waterproof, even my concealer.”

Hmm, now if she can go into a little more detail on that concealer, we’d be set! 

(Picture courtesy of People Magazine)

If anyone suffers from the recurring skin condition called keratosis pilaris (i.e., small red bumps on your back, arms, or legs), you’re not alone–the condition is more common than you think!!  Both my brother and I have inherited the dermatological nuisance, and I have been trying to rid myself of it for years.   The exact cause of it is known:

Keratosis pilaris results from a buildup of protein called keratin in the openings of hair follicles in the skin. This produces small bumps usually on the arms and thighs.”

…But the exact cure is not!  (Ugh!!)  The bumps kind of look like goose bumps, and although harmless, they present one big ol’ cosmetic nightmare!  Here are some tips on how to at least control it!:

Creamy Body Wash:  In the shower, don’t overexfoliate!  This may seem illogical, but exfoliating actually makes it worse. Instead, use a moisturizing, creamy body wash to help soothe the irritation and be gentle when drying with a towel.  Try Dove Cream Oil Body Wash ($7.99), which is pretty potent and also comes in great scents like Jasmine and Vanilla. 

Lac-Hydrin Cream or Lotion:  A dermatologist will prescribe this to you in its most pure form, but if you don’t have time to get to the doctor’s office, try Lac-Hydrin Five Moisturizing Lotion, which you can find at most drugstores for about $12.99.  I found it really works to smooth out the skin on the backs of my arms.

 DermaDoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin:  This stuff is great, but it’s pricey ($36 at Sephora).  It combines all the ingredients that dermatologists usually prescribe to alleviate the symptoms of the condition.  I only buy it for the winter, when the dry air makes things worse. 

(Opening picture courtesy of jergens.com; Information courtesy of MayoClinic.com and Cosmopolitan magazine)

I will admit that I’m a sucker for concealer, but at least my obsession has enabled me to become wise to both false promises and miracle cures alike!  Benefit Erase Paste ($26) is definitely in the latter category–a great beauty find for all of us who suffer from the drudgery of battling undereye circles and other shadowy facial peeves.  Says the “fake-it” pioneers:

Signs of stress & fatigue are a thing of the past with this innovative formula. This concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer instantly brightens & camouflages all-in-one. The three brightening neutral shades give every gal correction perfection.”

The great thing about this “paste” is that you get three products in one: a concealer that hides imperfections, a brightener that makes you glow, and a camouflager that diminishes shadowy areas around your face.   I tried the product in Medium (also available in Fair and Dark), and it delivers on its brightening promise–I’m not sure how, but the skin around my eyes was lighter and luminous.  

Benefit includes a handy guide to help you get started–”glowingly” good customer service!:

(Guide courtesy of vivawoman.net)