My Current Lip Gloss Obsession: Clinique Black Honey

Clinique's Black Honey is like Nar's Orgasm or OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress. It's one of those iconic, classic makeup shades that seems to work on a lot of people and is perpetually mentioned in lists of cosmetic favorites. Black Honey is usually found as the Clinique Almost Lipstick, a semi-translucent gloss-lipstick hybrid. Clinique describes the shade as "Deep blackened raisin", but it definitely looks different on almost anyone that wears it.

I had heard from friends that Black Honey existed as a gloss, but had never actually seen it in person or on-line. It isn't listed even on Clinique's website. I loved the Almost Lipstick version, but on my pale skin it was just too much, I knew a gloss would be better.

Well, I found the gloss when I was in Seattle last week! It turns out that it's a Sephora Exclusive, and it just hasn't been in any Sephora I've ever been to before. I snatched a tube up (and you can get yours on the Sephora website if you want it too). I couldn't wait to try it out, I was opening the box as I walked out of the store.

You can see from the swatch above that the color is definitely more translucent than the Almost Lipstick (if I can find my Almost Lipstick of it I'll post comparison pics, it's around here somewhere). It is a berry color but with a bit of purple thrown in. It's perfect for punching up my natural lip color. Something is obviously there, but it isn't too dark with my skin tone, it's just really pretty. Not to mention the gloss itself has great shine, isn't sticky, has no taste and lasts for hours. All of which are must haves in my book.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss at Sephora

Milk of Magnesia: The Secret to a Matte Face?

Getting a matte face in even the most hot and humid weather is definitely possible. It doesn't take a hard to find primer or a finely milled powder that you can only buy in Paris. Nope. What it takes is a quick visit to your local drugstore for Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Really. You can use Milk of Magnesia as a makeup primer and it will keep your face super matte!

I thought this tip was crazy when I first heard about it as well, but I looked it up on Makeup Alley, where hundreds of girls have written about it in product reviews and on various forums. There are also quite a few YouTube videos about how to do this properly.

I've been doing this for a few weeks. I bought Phillips MoM, but that was because the Walmart brand was out of every size except what appeared to be a full gallon. I didn't want a gallon. It's best to buy the Original flavor, but if you have to buy a flavor make sure that it does not contain Mineral Oil, since this can cause clogged pores and breakouts.

I apply the MoM as soon as my daily moisturizer has fully absorbed. Shake the bottle well and pore a small amount into the plastic cup that comes with the MoM (you don't want to get bacteria into your bottle, so excess from the cup should just be washed down the sink). I dip my finger into the cup and apply a small amount across my nose, onto the center of my cheeks and up onto the center of my forehead. Only apply to the areas that you get oily. I rub in until I can't see it, and then give the MoM a minute or two to dry. Areas that have too much MoM can get a white chalky residue, just rub this off.

You can apply makeup directly over the MoM, but I find that foundation applies more easily if I apply a primer first.

Using Milk of Magnesia has dramatically cut down on shine for me. Much more so than any primer, oil absorbing product or powder ever has in the past. I no longer need to repowder my t-zone during the day, my face stays matte all day long.

Anti-Aging 101: Ok, Really, What to do First?

Last week, I told you what dermatologists recommend you include in your anti-aging regimen. Sure, that's all fine and dandy. I even named a few products I've tried and liked to fit into those steps. But, should you really just go out and buy an entire new skin care routine?

No. It's actually much more simple than that.

Prada's New Infusions: Infusion de Tubereuse and Infusion deVetiver

This year Prada is adding to their Ephemeral Infusion collection, and this year they are bringing two new additions, including their first men's addition to the series.

First off, I have to admit a bias. I kinda love Prada fragrances. I've had good luck with them in the past, and I like pretty much everything they release. However, I haven't tried any of their infusions. But, when I heard that in addition to the Tuberose, Blood Orange would be featured as a note.... I had to try it out. Mention a fruit note and I am there.

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+, I DIE!

I know her show is a bit 2000 and late (I don't care, I love her and her show), but I was having a full-on Rachel Zoe moment when I checked my email and found information about Kiehl's lastest product.

Literally, I was fawning and gasping over an email. It's a really good thing my husband wasn't home, he would have thought I was crazy. I honestly said "Oh My God, I DIE!" I was about ready to put on my giant sunglasses (I have them, oh yes I do) and self tan my skin into a deep bronze.

And when you hear more about the product that hit Kiehls.com on Cinco de Mayo, you'll be fawning too!