The Next Big Things in Beauty

Dying to know what beauty insiders will be clamoring for this year? Check out my article in this month's issue of Women's Health. Enjoy! xxRoo

Smoke and Mirrors

For me, smoky eye makeup went out along with the hot pink, jewel-encrusted Dolce and Gabbana strappy stilettos and sparkly Sass & Bide minidress around the same time I realized my disco days were over. What can I say? Kate Moss I'm not. But when I came across this Benefit Smokin' Eye Kit (at right), my appreciation for sooty, rock star eyes was instantly revived. The compact palette slides easily into a tiny party clutch, and contains every shade you need to recreate your own model moment (including a tiny set of tweezers for neat brows, and a step-by-step paper insert for pro application). Still feeling like you've outgrown the sweaty nightclub look? Modify the style by dipping a dampened brush in the shimmery grey shadow and tracing it just along upper and lower lashlines instead of all over lids.

Forward March

Spring has officially sprung, and so I started my weekend with a little beauty housekeeping. Out with the stale foundations, never-used lip stains, and goopy mascaras, and in with the newly acquired liquid bronzers, cream blushes, and bright eyeliners. To prep my hard-working makeup brushes (favorites include ones by Trish McEvoy, Hourglass Cosmetics, and Bobbi Brown) for another season of use, I detoxed each with a mixture of warm soapy water and a drop of Aveeno Baby Shampoo, and let them air dry. Every few days, I plan on spritzing them with Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser, a low-maintenance formula that removes residue build-up so your investments last longer and work better. For more ideas on spring cleaning your makeup and bathroom, check out my story in the April issue of Real Simple, on newstands now.

Good-bye, Old Friend

My decade-long quest for the ultimate concealer has led me to YSL Touche Éclat (too thin), Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge (too thick), Clé de Peau Concealer Stick (too...too), and pretty much everything in between. Finally, a beauty industry friend recommended Chanel Satin Smoothing Creme Concealer when I pumped her for the secret to her flawless skin, and I haven't looked back since. The creamy formula instantly but invisibly erases blemishes and dark undereye circles, and is completely undetectable—even in broad daylight. So imagine my dismay when I stopped in at Bloomingdale's to refill my fix and discovered the product was recently discontinued. Lucky for me, the woman behind the counter had three Medium Beiges left (which I promptly snapped up). Get them while they last. Just don't be surprised if I've beaten you to it.  

Sleeping Beauty

Lately, I have to mentally congratulate myself for washing my face before bed—forget mustering enough energy to apply anti-aging serum and eye cream. But two new skin care lines are getting me a little more motivated. Origin's Night Health Bedtime Face Cream is infused with buckbean and St. Paul's Wort to relax fine lines as you sleep (while chamomile, lavender, and mandarin essential oils lull you deep into REM), and Murad Sleep Reform Serum (above left) contains a delivery system that works with your complexion's natural renewal cycle to maximize collagen production and boost firmness overnight. After a month of using these, I might finally become a morning person. 

Shiny Happy People

Dancing with The Stars fans, rejoice! Body glitter is back—sort of. Olay's new Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons contains superfine, light-reflective mica minerals that adhere to skin, giving limbs a subtle, lustrous glimmer that lasts even after you've rinsed and toweled off. Amazingly, the ultra-rich formula feels soft and powdery, not slick and messy, and eliminates the need for heavy moisturizer or goopy self-tanners. What better one-step, pre-spring pick-me-up?

Where's Roo?

Dear Readers,

I'm drowning in *paid* deadlines this week (stay tuned for upcoming articles in Martha Stewart Weddings, SELF, In Style, and V magazine), and so, will be taking a few days off from the blog. I hope you'll check in next week for tons of updates on the new products and treatments I'm loving right now.

Thanks for reading!

xxBeauty GuRoo

Indie Star

Long before ShopBop made her a household name, New York-based designer Jill Stuart was serving up precious, crystal-studded dresses and supple leather jackets to in-the-know fashionistas from L.A. to Ginza. Now the ultimate girly girl is introducing her signature cosmetics line (available this spring). Already popular in Asia, the extensive collection includes skin care, makeup, fragrances, and even nail polish, each packaged in adorable jewel-inspired bottles and tubes for modern-day Marie Antoinettes. Try the Berry Scrub (at left), my personal favorite, for skin as soft as one of Stuart's silky tops.  

Freeze Frame

Unlike many Hollywood celebrities d'un certain age, Virginia Madsen is candidly owning up to her love affair with Botox. The incredibly well-preserved 46-year-old Sideways star has joined Allergan (makers of the injectible) as the face of its Freedom of Expression campaign, appearing in both print and television ads and traveling cross-country to educate consumers. A twice-yearly user for the past six years, Madsen admits that she owes her rejuvenated complexion to the filler, giving new meaning to the term "truth serum." Brava, Madsen!

Helping Hands

Most brides obsess over their bouquets. I obsessed over hand soap. Hours before walking me down the aisle, my lovely and dutiful bridesmaids placed the dozens of bottles of Molton Brown Naran Ji Fine Liquid Hand Soap (at right) and Soothing Hand Lotion I insisted upon sinkside in each of the bathrooms. Instantly, our modest reception venue was transformed into a swanky London lounge. Even now, my guests remember the extra detail, though few can recall the colors in my Belle Fleur centerpieces. Bottom line? Not everyone will try your signature cocktail or appreciate the customized cocktail napkins, but they will visit the restroom. Give them the royal treatment where it counts.