So if you’re thinking that you recognize Jenn Falik, you’re probably right. Jenn has been featured as a beauty & style expert on pretty much every channel ranging from The Today Show to The View to E! News and now, I got the scoop on her latest project, Beauty BFF on MSN, an original new web series on MSN Lifestyle and Bing Video. The web series will cover everything from how to achieve the looks you crave (but may be scared to attempt on your own) to the latest trends in hair, makeup and skincare. The series will premiere TODAY and will run through Fall 2010 and luckily, we were able to steal 15 minutes of Jenn’s time and grill her with some burning questions:
Q: What are your favorite new spring beauty products?
A: 1-) Darphin Hydraskin Essential. This is the perfect moisturizer- it smells amazing (clean and fresh), is packed with super softening ingredients like butterfly lavender and organic shea butter, and creates a nice smooth base for makeup. I also love how it keeps my skin hydrated all day- I hate when I put on creams and a few hours later, I feel the need to re-apply.
2-) Tarte Lip Stain in “Amuse.” This is the juiciest lip stain ever- I never thought a stain could be this glossy and actually last, but it does. And the fact that when I travel with it, I don’t have to worry about it leaking all over the contents of my bag is an added bonus.
3-) Le Metier de Beaute MAGIC. This is very cool- a translucent cream glaze that transforms any powder color formula- blush, eye shadow, even powder into sheer stains, creams and glosses for lips, cheeks, eyes and face. It is also great as a lip primer.
4-) Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Invisible. I try and wash my hair as infrequently as possible- and this is my new go-to especially because of the volume it adds- and this spring, I am feeling big-ish hair BIG time. The formula features gentle starches to absorb excess oil and protect build up, while vitamin E and wheat protein strengthen and protect the hair shaft.
Q: What is the best part of your job and what is the worst part?
A: The best part of my job is having an excuse to talk to big wigs in the beauty and fashion biz that probably wouldn’t give me to time of day otherwise. The worst part, hmmm, I guess I would have to say the early mornings, but to be honest, I have always kind of been a morning person so they don’t bother me too much.
Q: What advice would you give yourself 5 years ago?
A: Well, I got married 5 years ago and wish I had told myself to get a spray tan, wear my hair in some sort of cool messy updo, and wear false lashes for my wedding. Seriously. I kick myself on a regular basis over this. Sad, but true.
Editor’s note: We think you’re gorgeous Jenn and we’re sure you looked fabulous at your wedding too 😉 For more tips and news from Jenn, follow her on Twitter or visit www.JennFalik.com.
So I was totally one of those 7th grade girls who bought all her beauty products at Bath & Body Works back in the day. Now? Well I’m definitely a lot more open-minded, yet still appreciate a good product regardless of price and a fancy name. I showered this morning with Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash and I have to tell you, I had the best morning ever. This product’s scent and quality is absolutely comparible to a higher-end version and the scent, ohhhh, the scent. I basically felt like summer 1997 as soon as I lathered up. A bonus? 12oz. cost only $3.50! Yes, you read that correctly…$3.50. Quality products at a bargain make my damn day.
So wouldn’t life just be easier if makeup came in a convenient yet stylish pouch? I’m so intoDieci Colori’s Face in a case…For the Girl on the Go. The compact makeup case contains all of the essentials for your basic beauty needs- a shimmering multi-colored mineral powder, three mineral eyeshadows, a large shadow eyeliner and a mineral blush, which, is makes my face look flushed…in a good way.
So I’m a big fan of the Xen-Tan line and I’ve been using their self-tanning products for quite awhile. In fact, I have their Face Tanner Luxe and Deep Bronze Luxe to credit for my healthy birthday party glow (see below). And, as an LA resident, I was thrilled to hear that starting April 19th, Xen-Tan will be sold in four Kitson locations! The stores will be carrying their hero products – Transform Luxe, Face Tanner Luxe, Deep Bronze Luxe, Dark Lotion Luxe and Velvet Glove. LA residents, you should run and grab these before they sell out.
So lately I’ve been really into delicious cocktails. The problem with said delicious cocktails is that they are usually LOADED with calories. Cool, right? I recently got the chance to try out a great little concoction that features Haamonii Shochu…and it’s definitely my drink of the moment. But what exactly is Shochu, right? I thought the same thing. Shochu is an ancient Japanese distilled spirit that’s over 400 years old, and I actually just learned that Shochu actually surpassed sake in consumption in Japan for the first time ever- crazy. It’s actually quite delicious for those of you who are skeptical. It’s made from grain, barley, sweet potato and/or buckwheat so it’s similar to vodka and sake but packs it’s own original flavor. Here’s a delish recipe for a low-calorie summer drink (read: approximately 100 calories):
The Haamonii Tart (seriously…only 100 calories, ladies)
Ingredients:
3 oz. Haamonii Sachu
1/2 cup diced seedless tart fruit of choice (berries, plums, apples, etc.)
1/6 lemon
1 tsp. simple syrup
Cinnamon sugar
Directions:
Muddle the lemon and fruit
Add simple syrup and Haamonii Shochu
Shake with ice and pour over a strainer into a cinnamon sugar-rimmed martini glass
So, as I’m sure you can tell from my blog, I’m a big fan of leopard print. Of course, I don’t have big furry dice hanging from my rear view mirror and I certainly don’t wear leopard print leggings but I DO appreciate a little wild print thrown into the mix via accessories and small accents. Leopard print is a classic fashion staple and like it or not, it’s not going anywhere. Here are my leopard print beauty must-haves:
Hard Candy Eye Tattoo -Of course, only appropriate for Halloween and a crazy girl’s night out but I love these nonetheless.
mark Pretty Wild Color & Shine Lip Gloss – When I first saw these I thought “how do they do this?!” Well it’s the old tube in a tube deal. No matter how much gloss you use, the leopard print never goes away. Amazing. Plus, the shine is supurb.