Surprise Sunshine!

Ms. New Beauty really likes to entertain. From a simple dinner at home to a full out catered backyard barbecue with tents, MNB is in her element putting together a fun event. So it was only fitting that she decided to throw a birthday party this weekend for her boyfriend who has never celebrated his big day. Just to shake things up a bit, she decided to make this bash a surprise party and conspire with one of his friends to get him to the club after all the other guests had arrived. Sounds simple in theory but it actually required a lot of work. First, she had to send out a number of "semi" threatening emails to keep people in the loop without anyone spilling the beans. (Ms. New Beauty found that threatening a fine for violations was surprisingly effective). Then, on the day of the actual event, MNB's fingers were caught in a flurry of texting. Texting the friend who was bringing him to the club almost every other minute for location checks. Texting other friends who were having trouble at the door to hide out at the WaMu ATM so as not to ruin the surprise. All in all, the party was worth the trouble. Ms. New Beauty's boyfriend was completely surprised and had a great time. But, now, on the Monday after, MNB is looking down to find that all that furious texting has left her hands badly in need of a manicure. The polish is chipped, cuticles are dry, and those pesky hangnails are starting to creep up. So today, she's going to pamper her fingers and treat them to the newest trend in nail colors, just in time to bring in the spring.

OPI Need Sunglasses?

This bright, lemony yellow is the perfect shade to wear on your nails this spring. After what seems like an eternity of black, dark purple, and navy nails, this is like a breath of fresh air. Especially since it seems like everyone from 80 year old retirees to 8 year old elementary school kids had black nails this winter. This sounds incredibly snobby of me, but once a trend hits the masses, you really have to let it go.

With this, you get the same sense of the unexpected that made the dark nail polishes so interesting, but in a much newer way. Plus, the yellow will really stand out against most skin tones and give the same dramatic contrast. And, yellow just makes me happy. I see yellow and I want to smile and giggle and frolic. This will be my own personal springtime on my fingers.

Around $7.50, available in drugstores and at opidiva.com

Creative Nail Design Hot Pop Blue

This spring, both Chanel and Dior released their takes on the navy nail polish trend. And, while I normally love both companies' cosmetics, I couldn't help but think "too little, too late." Why would I pay $20 for dark blue polish released four months too late when OPI Russian Navy was only $7.50 and released while the trend was still relevant? But, I digress.

Navy nails were quite a beautiful take on the dark polish trend. Blue is such a new and different color for nails in a sea of reds and pinks. But after two dark winters, it's time to update that look for spring. Try this bright pop of blue instead. The opaque finish makes this color's statement much bolder than a shade in a shimmer or frost finish. This would look fabulous paired with some of this seasons neutral, safari-inspired pieces. It'll be just that touch of the unexpected that makes life interesting.

$5.95, available at enailsupply.com

OPI Goin Ape-ricot

First, don't you just love the names OPI gives their polishes? I know I can't be the only one laughing at bottles of nail polish at the salon. Moving on.

Want to get in on the bright nail trend but need to keep your nails a little more subdued for work? Try a pretty tangerine shade like this. It's just a little bolder than your average coral, but still not so left field that your manager will wonder if you lead a secret double life once the clock strikes 5. And, since this polish has the aforementioned pearl finish, the look is much softer and wearable.

The best part about wearing an orange shade is that you can always find one to suit your complexion. Since orange is a mix of yellow and red, you can just choose a shade that has more of one or the other to suit your undertones. My complexion is really yellow based, so this would work well on me. For those of you with more pink or red in your skin, look for a shade that's more like a ripe tomato.

About $7.50, available at opidiva.com and drugstores


Treat your fingers to bright burst of spring with your next manicure, and give the darks a much needed break, but just don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!

Back to Basics

Ms. New Beauty both loves and hates the arrival of new spring collections in early winter. Because she is a Northeastern girl, born and bred, it is always far too cold for her to truly partake in the lovely little dresses and pretty printed delicate fabrics that typically march down the runways in fall and hit the stores right around now. On the beauty front, MNB is always delighted by the return of petal pinks and cream corals that are often included in spring cosmetic collections. Fall and winter collections have been so loaded down with deep, dark hues that the release of spring looks is such a welcome change of pace by late January. But something just isn't right about looking like Miami when you live in a tundra-like town. To Ms. New Beauty, some of those bright colors are simply a tease to her, reminding her that they won't be fitting the temperature or mood of her environment for quite a few months. Rather than swear off spring's pretty palettes or be forced to stick with the dark and heavy makeup looks that she's so tired of by now, Ms. New Beauty has found the perfect compromise - nothing!

M.A.C. N Collection

N Collection is an idea so simple, it's genius! This is a collection of face, eye, lip and nail color designed to give you the perfect nude look. Now, we all know that you can always get the products you need for a nude face, lips or eyes. But instead of wandering all over the beauty department trying to find that lipstick that looks like you're not wearing lipstick from, say, 35 different cosmetic counters, M.A.C. has put them all here together at once. This collection is essentially the building block of any respectable train case or cosmetic pouch. These are the Little Black Dresses and White Button Down shirts of your cosmetic wardrobes - those basics that are so simple yet stunning and go with absolutely everything else that you own.

The N Color Collection features the lipsticks, glosses, nail polishes, eye shadows and lip liners that will perfectly complement any stronger cosmetic looks. Use the lip colors when you're doing a dark or heavy eye and switch out to the nude eyeshadows when you're sporting a bold lip. My favorite, favorite from this collection though are the polishes. The naturally rich is actually the perfect shade of brown to just blend in with my complexion and the Demi Blanc is the prettiest metallic oyster. It's light enough to be perfectly conservative but the metallic sheen gives it enough depth not to be boring.

The N Face Collection brings back those absolutely coveted Mineralize Skin Finish baked powder foundations and bronzers to make your skin look perfect yet completely natural and untouched.

N Collection is on counter now, but for a limited time so get it while the gettin is good.


Indulge in a new spring treat without looking out of place while it's still winter, but just don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!


(Photo courtesy of Specktra)

Red Hot

As a general rule, Ms. New Beauty doesn't make a habit out of posting on the weekends. For one, MNB's weekends are normally pretty full. She can either be busy with organizational meetings and community service or a packed with social events and late nights out. Some days, like today, Ms. New Beauty likes to stay under her covers and hunker down for good TV and good food, like the Project Runway marathon that she's currently three episodes into and the leftover smoked gouda and bacon mac 'n cheese from Cafeteria. And, Ms. New Beauty also realizes one inherent truth about most of her readers - that the New Beauties of the world typical get their doses of MNB while at work (when they should be working). But today is a special day, a day Ms. New Beauty holds close to her heart, so she must recognize it - Saturday or not. Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day. A day when we remember those affected by the disease and when we recommit ourselves to fighting and funding a cure. And so, we honor this day here at Ms. New Beauty by showing our support for this cause by wearing red.

M.A.C. Viva Glam

Last year for World AIDS Day, I encouraged you all to support M.A.C. Viva Glam lipstick and today I will do the same again. Unlike breast cancer awareness, AIDS doesn't get an outpouring of support from the beauty and cosmetics community. But M.A.C. was one of the first lines to pledge their support to finding a cure and one of the few to remain steadfast in that commitment. In 1994, M.A.C. introduced the first Viva Glam lipstick and pledged every cent that it raised to the M.A.C. AIDS Fund. Since then, the company has introduced five new Viva Glam shades and the M.A.C. AIDS Fund has raised over $100 million to support this cause.

Originally, the first Viva Glam was not my style, but now there are so many shades and there's a color that will look good on everyone. So, please go out and pick up a tube. You're gonna buy lipstick anyway, so at least buy one that can help change the world.

$14, available at M.A.C. cosmetics stores and counters


NARS Lip Lacquer in Diablo

Unfortunately, M.A.C. is the only cosmetics firm that I've found pledging its support to the AIDS cause. But after you've supported Viva Glam, made your own donation to an AIDS charity and most importantly, GOT TESTED!, you can still wear red to draw attention to the AIDS crisis.

NARS Lip Lacquer is impossibly shiny and glossy without being messy or goopy. Diablo is a deep apple red shade that I believe will work on a multitude of skin tones. This shade is classic and can take any outfit or makeup look from everyday to Old Hollywood Glam with just one quick slick. The second I tried it on in Sephora, I knew I'd be taking it home with me. It instantly upgraded by Sunday afternoon jeans and sweater ensemble. I only wish that it came in a tube to make application easier. The small pot makes application something that must be done with a lip brush and a mirror, so there'll be no touch-ups in the backseat of a speeding taxi as you jet from one party to another.

$23, available at Sephora


Essie A-List

The best way to really make a statement today is to match your classic red lip with classic red nails. In keeping with the Old Hollywood glam feel, give your nails a swipe of Essie nail polish in A-List. It's a similar shade of red, like a deep red apple. This is a little bluer in its undertones than the NARS Lip Lacquer but it's still just as flattering. I normally go for really trendy darks (like Russian Navy or Noir Ceramic) or almost completely bare with clear polishes or very, very pale pinks. But, this is a nice change of pace for me. I actually got a lot of compliments on it at the salon yesterday where the nail tech offered me a free manicure, looked down and saw my nails, and instantly retracted the offer because I didn't need it.

With such bold color on your lips and nails, someone is sure to comment. Make sure you accept the compliments graciously and remind your admirer what today is and why you chose a double dose of red. Use this chance to educate yourself and others about the global AIDS crisis. Why not offer a little tidbit like "despite the heavy coverage of AIDS in Africa, the disease is also having devastating effects in India, China and Latin America."

$7, available at drugstores.


Wear red today and show your support for the fight against AIDS, but just don't forget to get tested and that Ms. New Beauty told you!

Hand It Over

One of Ms. New Beauty's favorite people on earth, her Partner in Crime, is about to turn 25. It's going to be a glorious celebration in Las Vegas replete with late nights, ignorant amounts of champagne, lots of short skirts and long legs, and one pair of fabulous Chanel shoes. MNB is quite excited to take part in the festivities especially since her Partner in Crime's birthday is the day before New Year's Eve. But in thinking about her friend turning 25, MNB came to the realization that this event means she'll soon be turning 25 too, since their birthdays are only about a month apart. For a beauty junkie like MNB, turning 25 means only that now she will officially fall within the target market for anti-aging skin care products and treatments. Now, Ms. New Beauty knows that she doesn't quite need wrinkle cream yet. Mama New Beauty still looks 10-15 years younger than she is, so MNB knows that her face won't be cracking any time soon. What she was surprised to learn is that her hands may not be so lucky. Since her hands have been wrinkled since birth, Ms. New Beauty can only imagine what they will look like once the signs of aging add to what genetics has already done. Not one to lay down and give up without a fight, MNB is taking matters into her own, for lack of a better word, hands.

Freeze 24-7 IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep and Polish

Most anti-aging skin care products are far too rich and emollient for my face. My skin tends to be dry on my body and annoyingly oily on my face. So wrinkle creams and cleansers often make me break out. But, I recently learned that those creams that my face can't handle my body will readily drink up. So, I've been using traditional face creams on my hands and I'm quite happy with the results.

IceCrystals Prep and Polish is one of the scrubbiest exfoliants I have ever tried. The particles are small and fine but ridiculously powerful at their task. They scrub, scrub, scrub to get rid of layers or dead, dry skin without being too harsh or abrasive. What I really love about this scrub and what sets it apart from others I've tried is that it's creamy and moisturizing without being greasy. Many body scrubs are just way too oily to be effective for the hands. Unlike the skin on our bodies that really doesn't have much to do once we get dressed, your hands are constantly at work. And, anyone who's ever tried to open a door after applying a greasy lotion learned this lesson the hard way. IceCrystals is special in that it gives you the level of moisture you want and need in the most ingenious way. Within the scrub are encapsulated beads of jojoba oil. The beads help to exfoliate and during the course of the wash, they burst and leave behind soothing moisture. If you use it on your face, the jojoba beads actually let you skip your moisturizer afterwards. And, because this is an anti-aging product, it actually helps to reduce age and liver spots so your hands look younger.

$65, available at Freeze247.com

Freeze 24-7 IceCream Double Scoop Smoothing Anti-Aging Moisturizer

After I'm done giving my hands their nightly scrub down before bed, I like to follow with this thick, rich moisturizer. This also is traditionally meant to be used on your face but I love the way it makes my hands feel. It's thick but sinks right in. It's rich but not the slightest bit greasy. I had been using Creme de La Mer on my hands right before bed, but I found that a little too greasy for me. (So, I'm using it on my feet instead. How ridiculously indulgent of me!) When I wake up in the morning, my persistently dry hands are softer and smoother and feel glorious.

Since the weather is changing, I've noticed that certain parts of my face are drier than normal, particularly right around my nose and mouth. So, I've also been putting on just a touch after my normal moisturizer has had a chance to sink in and absorb. All that dry tightness is gone but this doesn't make me any oilier. I really love that because any girl with oily skin will tell you that eradicating any bit of excess oil or shine in products or on your face quickly becomes your life's mission. I also have to admit that I get a bit of an Erica Kane rush of glamour by displaying a luxury face cream on my night stand and say "oh that, it's just for my hands" when friends ask what it is.

$105, available at Freeze247.com

Neutrogena Illuminating Whip Moisturizer with SPF 20

The last part of my Young Fingers Forever trifecta was going to be a face cream with SPF that I can carry with me and use on my hands throughout the day. I am constantly washing my hands (germaphobe + small bladder = hands washed at least 15 times a day) and all that soap and water is really drying. Plus, I know that sun ages skin more than anything else and my hands are the one part of my body that is always unprotected and exposed to sun damage. The commercials for this product really got me excited, enough so that I scoured three drugstores looking for it. When I finally found it, I was in love with the texture. It's so light and whipped that it feels like applying some kind of moisturizing frosting to your hands. The jar is a little big for toting around, but I figured that I carry enough other crap in my purse all day that one more thing won't hurt. Well, I really have no need to carry it with me anymore because it only took one day to leave me unimpressed.

Now, the first word of the product's name is Illuminating, so that should have been a tip off for me. But, after reading it, I didn't think that illuminating meant tons of shimmery gold sparkles more fit for a disco than daytime wear. After I put this on, I looked down to find the palms of my hands almost completely shining with gold. I know that it's supposed to add radiance, but this much shimmer is a little too much. I thought maybe the effect was harsh just because it was on my hands, but I was similarly unimpressed after trying it on my face. The shimmer is more obvious than it ought to be and just not right to be used all over as a sunscreen. This would be better suited as highlighting cream for certain spots only. I also hate the smell. When you open the jar, it's overly perfumey and enough to send anyone with allergies into a fit of sneezing and headaches. Plus, I found that something in the formula reacted with the silver of my ring to produce a really horrible aroma. It's a nice idea in theory, but definitely needs more work to be a product worth investing in.

About $14.99, availabe at drugstores


Keep time off your hands, and be a little indulgent in the process, but remember that Ms. New Beauty told you!

P.S. If you haven't already, sign up for the M.A.C. Holiday Collection giveaway. Don't let all that goodness go to somebody else.

Gimme, Gimme More

Ms. New Beauty has been getting a lot of feedback lately about nail color trends for fall. A few weeks ago, MNB definitively declared the black nail trend of last fall dead, dead, dead. It's been done, it's over, let it go, move on. In the meantime, New Beauties have been asking her "if not black, then what?" The beautiful blue shade from M.A.C. that Ms. New Beauty raved about was part of a limited edition collection and sold out faster that Spice Girls Reunion Tour tickets. Other New Beauties have complained that dark blue nails are no better off in their conservative workplaces than the black tips of seasons past. They need something traditional enough to avoid the ire of stuffy higher-ups but still trendy enough to let other women in the know see that the latest beauty styles have not escaped them. Basically, the New Beauties are singing like Britney and need MNB to offer up more nail options for this fall. Well, Ms. New Beauty aims to please, so she's giving you more shades to suit more tastes.

Sally Hansen Salon in Cerise Noir

This shade is perfect for New Beauties who can't sacrifice a 9-to-5 for their nails. Rest assured, you can still stay on trend and be perfectly corporate acceptable. Cerise Noir is a deep burgundy brown shade. It's deeper and darker than your average burgundy and more interesting than most chocolate browns. And, it's a hue that will flatter a variety of skin tones. Unlike a lot of dark nail polishes, this will work on the fairest and the darkest complexions. Some of the other shades of dark polish look good on fair fingers, but some ebony-hued New Beauties can't pull that look off.

The best part is that this shade is still all occasion appropriate. It's not so far out there that it would stand out in an office or conservative environment. It's close enough to the original shades to be comfortable, yet dark enough to still be on trend and fashionable. I wore this on my toes to my sister's wedding last weekend and it fit right in. Lucky me that her colors were shades of brown, so it blended beautifully. I actually got a few compliments from people who noticed it peeking out beneath the layers of chiffon on my dress.

Everything in this post is about $5, available at drugstores

OPI in Russian Navy

Like I told you before, this season blue is the new black. Beautiful navy nails are going to be everywhere this fall, which means beautiful navy nail polishes are disappearing off of store shelves quickly. M.A.C.'s Whirlwind is already sold out and going for more than twice the retail price on eBay. So, it's time to find replacement shades that will still achieve the interesting indigo look.

Enter OPI in Russian Navy. Part of the Russian Collection, Navy is a deep, midnight blue that will look beautiful when painted on. It is still as interesting as other dark polishes, but has a deep inky, almost purple feel to it. This will perfectly complement all of the charcoal clothes that you will no doubt be wearing this season. Just a touch of navy like this can keep gray from going dowdy, which is gray is oft prone to do.

This shade is getting a lot of hype around it, so scoop it up if you see it otherwise someone else will. Just in case you can't find it, also keep your eyes open for Sally Hansen Salon in After Midnight. The shades are quite similar and achieve the same look.

OPI in Lincoln Park at Midnight

OPI has done it again so they get two hits on this post. Lincoln Park at Midnight is this season's update on last fall's tremendous Lincoln Park After Dark. This keeps all the mysterious beauty of the original deep purple shade, but takes it up a notch. It's deliciously dark but softer and more feminine than deep blue shades.

What I love best about this shade is that it is a more red-based, as opposed to blue-based purple. That means that it will complement a lot more skin tones, especially my beautiful New Beauties with the darkest ebony and mahogany complexions. Sometimes, dark blues and grays don't read well on dark fingers. The contrast that makes this nail trend so beautiful isn't there and it just looks, for lack of a better words, bad. But this shade will actually complement darker skin tones. The purple will pick up on the undertones of your brown skin and look fabulous. If you have a little more leeway at your job, you can probably get away with this one at work too. Though, I would save this for relaxed offices or more creative industries.



Satisfy your cravings for dark nails with even more options, and know that MNB tries her best to address your concerns, but don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!

Blue is The New Black

Every season, fashion writers and critics announce that some other color is the "new black." And every season, Ms. New Beauty reads such proclamations in magazines and select fashion blogs and rolls her eyes and shakes her head. MNB has always considered the "new black" to be nothing but rubbish. No other color, shade, or hue will ever take its place. Black is neutral yet bold, classic but refreshing, sleek and sensual all at the same time. Nothing can be the new black because black never gets old. It's not trendy, it just is. Except when it comes to nail polish. Last fall, with CHANEL's one-two punch combination of Black Satin and Noir Ceramic polishes, black nails were the epitome of fall's trends. Every fashionista with money to spare raced to CHANEL counters to snap up the few remaining bottles. Ms. New Beauty herself even got into quite the eBay bidding war over a bottle of Noir Ceramic when her local Neiman's was sold out. But with all the fanfare, black nails soon ended up on everyone and just as quickly went the way of the rooster bangs and goopy lipgloss. With this fall, dark nails still fit the feel of the season just with a different, but no less edgy and fashionable, hue - Blue!

M.A.C. Nail Lacquer in Whirlwind

I'll readily admit that I fell hard for the black nail polish last year. It was such a new and thoughtful look, I had to have it. And, I did. For every night out, special event, or burrito run, Noir Ceramic was on my nails and it definitely made even my schlubbiest sweats feel chic. And, then it was over. By around February, I was just so tired of it and couldn't stand to see it anymore. Even now, I occasionally spy black nail polish on women and just think, "that's sooooo 2006!" But it was a wonderful look, which is why I am so glad to see black nail polish in its latest reincarnation, as a deep, inky, midnight on the ocean blue.

Photo Courtesy of All Lacquered Up

This polish is part of the limited edition Blue Storm collection and it is the perfect answer to this season's dark feel without feeling like you got in on it just a tad too late to still be stylish. At first glance, it does almost look like black polish because it is so dark. But then the light catches it and you can see the blue, the subtle hints of green, and just enough shimmer to keep it from looking flat. The color has so much depth. See. My only gripe about this polish is the handle on the bottle. It's the same size as the bottle which makes it a little unwieldy for someone who barely paints their own nails like me. I got the hang of it by just giving up on any attempts at precision and slapping the polish all over my nails knowing that I'd come back with a q-tip dipped in polish remover to clean up my mistakes.

Blue Storm is a limited edition collection and this polish is one of the standout pieces of the collection, so it's going fast. It's already sold out online but you can still get it at many M.A.C. counters.

$10, available where M.A.C. is sold.

Remember that nothing can ever take the place of black, but this season's dark blue will get the job done, and don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!

Just A Touch

Just a touch. Of Love. A Little Bit. Ms. New Beauty has been planning this post for well over two weeks. And she knew that the title would be "Just a Touch." Ever since then, she's been singing that song to herself and dancing a little bop to herself. She can't help herself. She's still having a little private party on the couch as she types. Okay, enough of that. On to the regularly scheduled post.

Now any faithful reader of Ms. New Beauty knows that MNB has a number of mandatory beauty routines to keep up with. There's the weekly hair appointment. The bi-weekly eyebrow wax and pedicure. Weekly exfoliation and monthly hair removal. And, that does not even take into account all of the daily rituals that help MNB preserve her sexy - pushing back the cuticles, taking the pumice stone to her heels, cleansing, toning and moisturizing her face day and night, plus the regular sun protection. Anyone who says living a beautiful life is low maintenance lies like a rug. But don't get her wrong, MNB loves all of these beauty routines. They are the sunshine in her life. But, she just doesn't have time for everything. And, the one thing to be consistently sacrificed is nail care. Ms. New Beauty just does not have the time or energy to worry about keeping her fingers painted. Shamefully, the only reason she keeps her nails trimmed is because they interfere with her text messaging when they get too long. Most days, a swipe of cuticle oil is all they get. So, when MNB saw a new nail polish pen that's just as easy to apply as her faithful cuticle oil, she just had to try it.

Yves Saint Laurent Nail Touch

The idea behind this nail color pen is ingenious. Similar to their cult favorite concealer Touche Eclat, Nail Touch is a pen with the color and brush attached right to it. Just pump the end and the color dispenses on the brush, ready to hit your fingernails. It's the perfect size to just drop into your purse and go. The nail polish inside is thinner than the average nail polish, which I assume is to make it dry quicker. As soon as you brush it on, the polish gets really tacky almost instantly and then is dry within about a minute. In theory, I should be in love with this.

But, in practice, I'm underwhelmed. The brush attached to the pen was a little too wide and unwieldy for me. The polish did not go on smoothly at all. Also, because the polish is so thin, it goes on really streaky. I tried two colors - #4 (a beigey pink similar to Essie Ballet Slippers) and #1 (clear). The both went on streaky. The clear dried to a pretty finish but the beigey pink dried with the streaks and looked quite the mess on my fingers. The drying is also a little hard to navigate. By the time you get one coat on all your fingers, it's way too tacky to come back for the second coat so the streaks just look even worse.

All in all, this could be a great product but it definitely has some kinks to be worked out. It's barely available online which could be because it was released with the new summer collection or because it's just sold out. But, I picked mine up with no problems at the YSL counter in Neiman's. If you see it, I'd suggest you keep that $20 and treat yourself to something you know you'll love.

$24, available at Nordstrom and YSL Beaute counters


Save your money on this one, but keep on having your own little private parties, just don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!

P.S. And Comments 4 A Cure is still running on Ms. New Beauty until Saturday, so keep them coming.

24K

Ms. New Beauty is finally getting a chance to recover from a ridiculously busy week. Last week, after returning from a much needed vacation, MNB couldn't even unpack her bags before she was busy planning her birthday party. Since she was turning 24, MNB decided that a gold "24K" theme was only appropriate for such a fete. The invite was done and she encouraged all her guests to wear gold to the party. The only problem? She couldn't find a smashing gold outfit to wear herself. Spending hours scouring malls, outlets, and the best online sites, MNB had come up empty handed, with only one day left before the party. She had no other choice but to head to Boston's premiere destination for chic boutiques and cool stores - Newbury Street. Under normal circumstances, shopping on Newbury is nothing but pleasant. But when the temperature drops to 20 degrees, with a windchill of negative 200, outdoor shopping is on MNB's list of "favorite things to do" right behind cleaning the toilet and having a root canal without anesthesia. But, in the name of fashion, she sucked it up and pounded the pavement in search of the ensemble for her birthday bash.

Popping in and out of boutiques and chain stores for almost an hour, MNB had come up with very little. She bought a sequined top that really wasn't her style as a backup. It was her safety shirt in case she didn't find anything better. Convinced that gold sequins were the best she was going to find, MNB was already figuring out how to make the top acceptable for her party when she realized that she was right across the street from Betsey Johnson, the boutique, not the woman. Knowing that BJ always makes the cutest little party dresses, MNB headed inside with a glimmer of hope that she would find a party perfect dress. And she did! Sitting on the last rack, all the way in the back of the store, was the most perfectly draped, expertly ruched, gold party dress that MNB has ever seen. A quick trip to the dressing room revealed that the dress hit Ms. New Beauty in all the right spots. She pulled out her plastic, grabbed her bags, and headed down the street on cloud 9, elated that she found a dress for her party. MNB was taking long Seabiscuit strides down the street with her smile beaming. The whole street knew that Ms. New Beauty was a Crest Kid. And as with any great fashion moment, a great beauty find was right behind.

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Here's a quick personal confession - I lotion my hands, almost compulsively. I have to, I have no choice. Ever since winter descended upon this city almost overnight, bringing with it bitterly cold and desert dry air, my hands have been ridiculously dry. The Dove hand cream that works wonders in normal conditions is no match for this harsh winter. I've tried a bunch of different hand creams lately, but they all seem to be plagued with one of two problems. They are either (1) too watery and my hands get ashy again within minutes or (2) too greasy and make opening door knobs far too much of a challenge. But, Kiehl's Ultimate Hand Salve has become my salvation and rescued me from my dry skin misery.

This thick hand cream moisturizes and protects my hands all day without the slightest trace of greasiness. Designed to give "glove-like" protection for those doing heavy industrial work, this cream is more than capable of keeping my little fingers from being ashy during my daily activities, like typing on my laptop or digging in my purse for my cell phone. My hands have never been softer and there is no ash in sight.

$12.50 for a small tube, available at Kiehls.com and where ever Kiehl's products are sold.

Keep those hands moisturized, and stop for great beauty detours on your fashion journeys, just don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!


P.S. - And, just in case you want to see the dress that I spent so much time looking for, here it is. I was having a great time in this shot!

Dark Touches

Ms. New Beauty has admitted it before, and she'll do it again - she's lazy. She's not a so lazy that she only gets out of bed for bathroom breaks kind of girl. Just one whose life is busy enough that certain things have to be eliminated or completed only by using the shortest of short cuts. Thus far, it's been her nails. No time for polish that always chips and peels off, and definitely over the acrylic tips that require bimonthly refills, MNB has contented herself by keeping her nails short and groomed with just a touch of cuticle oil. After months of holding onto this lazy side while desperately trying to resist a new trend, MNB has finally relented and given in to one of the chicest nail colors in years - black.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in #337 Noir Ceramic

This polish became the signature of the black polish trend in recent months. A limited edition black polish with subtle blue metallic undertones that expertly recreated the look of, as the name implies, black ceramic. That sublte shimmer ups the chic quotient of black nails, keeping them from straying too far into goth girl territory.

This polish has been sold out for months. At this point, the only way to get ahold of one yourself is to call every retailer in your area (which isn't likely to be successful considering that the holiday shopping season just passed) or to resort to eBay. So not in the mood for hours of dialing and reserving, I'm getting mine off of eBay. To avoid a price war, I downloaded a free trial of Auction Defender. This program will place your bid 15 seconds before the end of the auction, so you can get the best price. Pray for me though, because we all know how easy it is to get burnt by those online auctions. I am going to be so hurt if I go through all of this and end up with a bottle of Wet N' Wild.


There are other options available if you are not married to any particular shade of black. And, if black nails don't work with your skin tone or would be too harsh in a conservative office, you can get the same chic look with softer colors.

Orly Liquid Vinyl

On a whim, I picked this shade up from Sally Beauty Supply. Surprisingly, it looked really good on me and lasted few days despite me skipping both a base and top coat. My only pet peeve is that despite the ultra high shine, the color is flat. There is no depth or shimmer like the Chanel color. The result is that I have a slightly Morticia Adams look about my fingers. The flat black seems so much like a Halloween costume to me, while the subtle shimmer of the Chanel makes more of a chic adult statement.

But, I do like the slightly subversive look to it. It's been four days since I painted it on and it's starting to chip ever so slightly around the edges. A chipped manicure is normally a huge no-no in my world, but with the black polish, something just seems right about it, like I'm the kind of girl who just doesn't give a damn. Whereas in another color, like pink, chipped nails come off as just plain old unkempt and messy, it works with black.

If you just want to buy in on a trend easily, this may be the best choice since it only cost me $4 at Sally's and the Noir Ceramic is going for around $50 on eBay.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

Part of OPI's "Be Bold, Go Deliciously Dark!" Collection, this shade still gives that dark polish look but in a softer way than the black. This plum will never be harsh or scary on the fingers, making it appropriate for almost any occasion. Great as a first step into the realm of dark polishes.

This deep plum shade is also ultra flattering on almost all skin tones. For darker skinned women, this may work better than black. The chicness of the black polish comes from the high contrast between the color of the polish and the skin of the fingers. That effect may be lost or less attractive on darker women. But, this plum is rich and warm and will perfectly complement any skin tone while still achieving that dark tipped look.


OPI Romeo & Juliet

Perfect for the girl who doesn't want to buy completely into the black nail polish. This shade is a deep burgundy that's less harsh than black and is perfectly appropriate for wearing to the office, no matter how conservative your profession. Just a tad darker than the standard burgunday, this polish takes advantage of a popular trend while still looking fresh and new.





If you buy into to the dark polish trend, regardless of the shade you choose, make sure to take the polish off after a few days with an acetone remover. Otherwise, your nails can start to turn icky yellow.

Follow the trends, whether by eBay or different shades, paint carefully, and don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!

Hands Down

Now what kind of FAMU alumna would I be if I hadn't headed down to Atlanta for the Classic this weekend. Me and the girls had all kinds of fun, meaning lots of late nights and early mornings. The only things that kept me from looking like a wretched and ragged lady of the night were my under-eye concealer and white eyeliner on my lower lash line. Of course all that fun and partying came at a price, I now have a nasty little cold and haven't left the house since I got back late Sunday night.

We all know that Rule #1 of cold care is wash your hands often. Washing at least two or three times an hour should be wearing me out but I'm truly loving the experience thanks to my new favorite hand soap and my own little personal hand treatment.


Molton Brown Fine Liquid Hand Wash

This is the gentlest hand soap I've ever used. Actually, I don't think you can even properly call this soap. Hand wash is better, especially since that's what the creators have chosen to call it. I use the White Mulberry formula and it is so lovely. Lifts my spirits every time I lather up. Plus, the white mulberry and essential oils have natural anti-aging benefits to keep hands looking young. We all know that it isn't wrinkles or grey hair that gives away age. It's always the hands and the neck. I'm still at the height of my youth but it's never too early to start protecting yourself against the signs of aging. I plan to have the skin on the back of my hand snapping right back from now until 90.

The best part is I got hooked on this by using the sample I got in my gift bag from the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event. I told you that thing was the greatest. If you didn't heed my advice this time, make sure you're there next year.

Barielle 60 Second Manicure

You would think that my hands and cuticles would be dried out by now, especially since you all know that I'm far too lazy to keep up a regular manicure. I ought to be walking around the Penthouse with gorilla fists by now, but I'm not. These hands are soft and supple and feeling like a newborn's. I've been using my Barielle 60 Second Manicure every morning when I wake up. It's a natural sea salt scrub with essential oils made just for your hands. A vigorous scrub for a minute or two instantly exfoliates hands, removes cuticles, and gives you the softest handshake a grown woman has ever had. I get excited for any new opportunity to exfoliate since dry, dead skin is my nemesis, the Newman in my life. And, this keeps me from cutting my own cuticles, a huge no no when it comes to hand and nail care. Plus, the scrubbing really leaves my hands feeling invigorated, like these are the hands that will rule the world. My delusions of grandeur aside, I am so in love with this product.

Try them, use them, have the softest and youngest looking hands in the world, and remember that Ms. New Beauty sent you!

Lazy Is as Lazy Does

There just aren't enough hours in a day for all the beauty products and routines that I would love indulge in, so something's gotta give. In my case, it's the fingernails. I can't invest my time in painting my nails and then waiting for an hour for the polish to dry without smudging. And, nail colors bore me pretty quickly. Monday's purple is wearing me out by Tuesday.

The solution is simple enough. The look of a French manicure with none of the work and it's simple enough to do while walking down the street, riding the subway, or driving (that last one might be pushing it). It's two slim pencil products that work wonders - Sephora's White Nail Pencil and Cuticle Care Pen. Rub the white pencil under your tips and lightly brush the cuticle oil onto your nail beds. The white pencil gives you a more realistic Frech manicure look (the corner nail shop calls it an American Manicure) and actually lasts through a few hand washings. The cuticle oil moisturizes and adds shine without having to wait for a top coat to dry. All of this for less than $25 total. And of course, they fit right in every purse for instant touch ups.

Try it, love it, and don't forget to tell them Ms. New Beauty sent you!