Beauty School

When we were tweens (um, before that was even a term), my best friend's infinitely chic, South American mother shared with us her Simple Beauty Commandments: Keep your brows groomed, your skin clear, your lips soft and moisturized, and your nails manicured, and you'll always look naturally pretty and polished. Almost twenty years later, my BFF and I have dutifully maintained neat eyebrows and cuticles, while adding a few new rules along the way. In my experience, beauty trumps fashion (Who cares that you're wearing a Rick Owens leather jacket when you've got a massive  blemish on your forehead?), so follow these religiously to avoid being caught on the street a mess. 

1. In lieu of spending hundreds on trendy makeup and skincare, find the one treatment that makes you look instantly but subtly better, and invest in it as frequently as you can afford. For me, this means false eyelash extensions, but buttery highlights, glycolic peels, or laser hair removal could also apply. 

2. Run a comb through your strands and throw on a headband before stepping out to run errands. You'll look like you never have a hair out of place. 

3. If you're lucky enough to have discovered your perfect blush, lipstick, antiaging cream, etc. stick with it, no matter what. Even as a professional product tester, I keep my medicine cabinet stocked with the tried-and-true standbys that work best for me. Learn by trial and error, but when you stumble upon The One, hang on to it.

4. Buy the right shade of foundation and concealer. Like an ill-fitting bra or VPL, these can make or break your entire look. Take the time to test out colors in good lighting, and if you're skeptical, bring an honest friend to give it to you straight.

5. Streamline the a.m. routine. It shouldn't take you more than ten minutes to apply natural looking makeup. A touch of foundation and concealer, blush, mascara, and lip balm or gloss is all anyone needs. If you're clocking in more time that, you look overdone. 

Skin Rescue

Having some skin issues? Check out this article I wrote for Self magazine, on newstands now. Enjoy!

New and Improved

Ask any dermatologist for his or her favorite moisturizer, and Cetaphil is likely to be the unanimous answer. Even poreless models and their makeup artists consider it a desert island staple. But one thing has been missing from the trumpeted fragrance-free formula all these years: UV protection. Until now. This February, the drugstore bestseller is finally available in SPF 15 or SPF 50 form. Each broad-spectrum version shields delicate complexions from harmful rays, and is gentle enough for those with rosacea and melasma—or using prescription topicals such as Retin-A or hydroquinone. Not bad for $14.

Sun Days

As a reformed tanner, a sun-drunk beach holiday is to me what a long weekend in Napa Valley is to Amy Winehouse. So to prep for my upcoming trip to Playa del Carmen, I'm curbing the temptation to bronze with Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer (at left). The fast-absorbing formula works in just three days to leave skin a rich, deep, believable golden brown. And while it definitely has that lingering self-tanner scent I'm not fond of, it effectively quells my craving for warm, sunny rays. Think of it as a mocktail for your body.

Blush Hour

Don't ask me why, but I have a strange habit of choosing my blush shade according to the colors of my outfit. Petal pink hues are reserved for cool-toned tops and dresses, while peachy versions are paired with earthy chocolate and cream ensembles. Not surprisingly, it turns out I'm over-thinking it. "A general rule for blush is to wear what looks good on you and not worry about complementing your clothes," says New York City makeup artist Susan Giordano. To figure out your shade, she recommends pinching cheeks and paying close attention to the color that comes up. Now replicate it. "Don't be afraid to experiment," Giordano says. "The best hues are the ones that women think will look too dark, like deep berry." Just make sure you stick to sheer textures, such as stains or cream. According to Giordano, "They have the most natural-looking effect."

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

Be still, my heart! Just in time for Valentine's Day, Diptyque introduces a perfectly pink, limited-edition version of its rose-scented candle—transforming two romantic clichés (candles and flowers) into something incredibly modern and chic. Pick one or "bouquet" set of three. At $68, it's still less than the cost of a dozen stems—and a lot longer lasting.

Power Hair

The celebs were out in full force at the Neighborhood Ball in D.C. last night—many of them star-struck by our new Commander-in-Chief themselves. During the multiethnic affair (YAY OBAMA!), lucky attendees were treated to performances by a roster of talent including Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Mary J. Blige. Colombian chanteuse Shakira also made an appearance, and while her bizarre take on country (I think?) was somewhat embarrassing, it didn't matter because her hair looked so good. With strands that thick, long, and gorgeously caramel-hued, can you blame her for showing them off mid-song (above left)? Talk about blonde bombshell—and she didn't have to shake her famous hips even once.

Henri Bendel's Giveaway!

If you're in New York City this week (January 20th through 26th), stop by Henri Bendel's beauty department. Cult-brand Freeze 24-7 will be promoting their new Daily Essentials Kit, which includes the Skin Glacé Daily Detoxifying Cleanser & Mask, IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep and Polish exfoliator, and IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer (at right), a $265 value for only $150. Learn how this highly-effective trio results in younger, smoother, wrinkle-free skin with a free demo, and receive a complimentary travel-size sample of the moisturizer ($32) with any purchase just by mentioning BeautyGuRoo. Enjoy!

Helping Hand

While watching Bride Wars over the weekend, I was too distracted by Kate Hudson's long, oval-shaped nails to really appreciate the gorgeous Tiffany Novo sparkler (at left) she was wearing on her finger. The tacky talons were somehow more hideous to me than the electric blue highlights and Seville orange spray tan both she and Anne Hathaway temporarily suffered. "Short, softly-rounded nails painted a sheer nude or pink are classic and elegant for brides," says Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spas in Manhattan . "They look clean and sophisticated, and won't take attention away from your ring or bouquet in pictures." For more bridal beauty "I Dos," check out my story in In Style Weddings, on newstands now.

Cat's Meow

Need a quick, easy makeup look for this weekend's pre-Inauguration parties? Try a classic cat eye, like the model at right. Wet n Wild's new Defining Marker (above) has a fine-tipped felt point for precise, controlled application, plus an inky black formula that glides as smoothly as C.B. Sullenberger III. Add a pinch of regular highlighting powder to your moisturizer or foundation for glowing skin, and finish with a nude balm or lipstick.

Cold Front

Despite all my best efforts, including a flu shot last October, I finally succumbed to a miserable cold this week. My normally dark undereye circles have gone from manageable nuisance to major offense, and the redness around my nose has reached epic levels. With several meetings and parties to attend, I don't have time to look this bad. To the rescue? SK-II Signs Facial Treatment Mask. The mega-hydrating treatment contours to every face shape (with holes for eyes, nose, and mouth) to quench even supremely dry, irritated spots. (Disclaimer: It's quite scary on, so use only when home alone.) Wear for fifteen minutes, follow with an intense moisturizer, and add some shimmering highlighter to cheekbones. Instant—albeit temporary—fix. You'll look so healthy, you might even forget the Kleenex on your way out. Please don't, though.

Curl Scouts

I'm one of those annoying clients that plops into my stylist's chair demanding "something different" without going "any" shorter. So how do I get a fresh new look? With waves, painstakingly created by pin curls and hairspray. Now there's an easier way. Antoinette Beenders, vice president of global creative at Aveda, recently revealed to me her secret weapon for getting perfectly rippled strands: the CurlRod . Its conical, lever-less barrel (at left) produces natural-looking, dent-free waves in minutes. Simply wrap a section around the rod, hold for 30 seconds, release, and comb fingers through. For extra polish, Beenders recommends spritzing Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine onto a Kabuki makeup brush. "Comb it all over ends," Beenders says. "It makes them mirror-shiny."

Jewel of India

At last night's Golden Globe Awards, Freida Pinto emerged the red carpet winner, holding her own against veteran beauty bigwigs Angelina Jolie and Penélope Cruz. Lighting up the stage with her loose, shiny hair, shimmering complexion, and infectious smile, this international newcomer looked, quite fittingly, like a million bucks. To get her style, sweep Jouer Eyeshadow in Amaretto all over lids up to crease. Next, trace Jouer Eye Definer in Vert along lash lines, finishing with mascara on both top and bottom lashes. On skin, blend Jouer Crème Highlighter over cheeks and brow bone, and top lips with a coat of Jouer Moisturizing gloss in Monsoon.

City Style

If ornamented headbands are a Gossip Girl hallmark, then boho-twists are The City's. Since arriving in Manhattan, L.A. transplant Whitney Port's beachy-cutesy hairstyle (at left) has already been duplicated by co-stars like uptown, "social"-slash-frenemy Olivia Palermo and downtown "hipster" Erin Williams. The easy look works on any length or texture hair, and instantly masks those awkward, in-between staged layers. Simply pull a half-inch wide strand on either side of your forehead, twist (or if you're really ambitious, braid), and secure loosely with an invisible bobbi pin (I like Goody, which has versions that match your natural color). Finish with an outrageously short dress, Barbie-pink heels, and scruffy male accessory, then camp out in the Meatpacking District for your very own MTV cameo.

VanityFair.com Spa Round-Up

Check out the two New York City spa reviews I wrote for VanityFair.com . Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy!

Incredible India

Here's a not-so-subtle hint for anyone gift-shopping for me this year: Indian Beauty, Bollywood Style . The glossy book (published by Assouline, the Maserati of coffee table tomes) is an arresting compilation of glamorous Bollywood icons, kohl-rimmed Mughal maharanis, and voluptuous temple goddesses. Brimming with heart-thumping, ultra-inspiring photos of India's most beautiful women—dipped from head to toe in 24K-set jewels, bedazzled silk clothing, and intricate henna designs—this is one home accessory that won't sit around collecting dust.

Self Help

The amount of money I've spent on manicures and pedicures over the past year would send Suze Orman into one of her infamous, Kristen Wiig-worthy conniptions. In 2009, I'm resolving to scale back the expenses and get my hands dirty, so to speak. First things first? Investing in some good equipment. Sephora's Manicure Kit (right) holds everything you need for permanently polished tips, plus a bonus pair of tweezers, making it ideal for travel. (Disclaimer: The included file isn't the most effective, so I traded it with some simple drugstore emory boards instead). Neutral shades of polish (such as Essie Fed Up ) will camoflauge my unsteady work, while an impenetrable Poshé Top Coat prevents chipping. On my nightstand, I'll keep L'Occitane's super-rich Shea Butter Hand Cream and Essie's convenient Cuticle Pen to extend my hard work. Suze—and my husband—will be proud.

Soak It In

With the holidays now behind us, I'm in serious detox mode. How does a lazy girl repair the damage from a glorious three week Champagne and cupcake diet? With a long, hot bath, of course. INA Crystals White Gold Detoxifying Crystal Salt (right) contains tiny cleansing minerals that penetrate the skin to help rid your body of toxins accumulated by pollution (check), alcohol (check), and processed foods (check, check, check). Infused with circulation-boosting essential oils such as fennel and juniper, the salts reduce bloating and have a temporary slimming effect. According to the company, a 30-minute soak in a tub filled with the entire bag's worth of crystals is as effective as a three-day detox diet. At $85, it's a pricy remedy. But if you simultaneously light a few candles and flip through some gossip mag rags, it'll double as therapy.