Crazy About Carmex

Sometimes the best beauty buys are staring right at you while you're deciding between Crest or Colgate. Carmex is unassuming in its simple yellow-and-white pot, but nothing soothes and moisturizes my lips better. The balm (which is little more than $2!) contains a cooling mix of menthol and camphor with a touch of salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells. Although the packaging clearly states that it treats cold sores, many find it works best healing and preventing dry, chapped lips. Use it every night for the softest, most kissable lips around!

Mineral Makeup Meltdown

The buzz being generated by mineral makeup is utterly overwhelming. It seems like at every corner I turn, there's an advertisement for a mineral powder foundation. Flip on the ultimate brainwashing, zombie creating device (commonly known as a television) and don't be surprised if you spend a hypnotic half-hour watching an infomercial for more mineral makeup. "Make two easy payments for $29.99 and the foundation set is yours!" It's as if I'm in David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" diner scene. You know, the one where a character is explaining to another his recurrent nightmare about seeing a monster out behind the garbage at the diner they're frequenting for breakfast. The individual decides to face his fear and see if this nightmarish creature really exists, and it suddenly pops out of the trash! His frightening dream is a reality. Replace the hairy monster with a powder brush and a jar of mineral foundation and perhaps this best explains my feelings on the endless attention mineral cosmetics is garnering these days.

However, as a beauty journalist who encourages and reminds herself to review the latest and most talked about products, I placed these views aside and jumped on the bandwagon to see what all the commotion is about. Instead of trying a foundation, I thought I would take a little baby step and try an under eye concealer. I've heard praise-filled reviews of Jane Iredale makeup, so I purchased her Active Light Under-eye Concealer. The creamy concealer has a hefty list of skin care benefits that would make any dermatologist proud. It's packed with vitamin K, a key ingredient that actually lightens dark circles, cucumber extract to soothe puffiness and white tea extract to defend the eye area from free radical damage. The convenient pen and brush packaging allow for easy application and touch ups. The actual skin care benefits are phenomenal, but the product, in terms of camouflaging darkness and general "yuckiness" isn't so stellar. I had a difficult time blending the product and when I glanced in the mirror mid-day, the concealer had settled into fine lines and creases, making them more noticeable! Now, I see that Iredale has a full line of beauty products, ranging from eye shadow to blush. Perhaps I just had a negative experience with one of her many products. What are some of your experiences with Jane Iredale cosmetics?

The Beautiful People

There exists a small tribe in Central America, called the Tawira tribe, where its inhabitants are known as "the people of beautiful hair." Could I put on my new Ray Ban Wayfarer's with a crisp pair of khakis, hop on a plane and travel to this exotic haven? Upon my arrival, I will release my ponytail from its Goody tie and toss my blow dryer, flat iron (or any heat device that I continually fry my hair with) and Clairol hair color into a fire, while embracing my newfound hair freedom. Instead of flying to Central America to attain luscious locks, I opted for a simpler solution and tried Ojon's Ultra Hydrating Shampoo. It contains Ojon oil, the tribe's solution for their coveted hair, and intensely moisturizes dry, damaged and chemically treated hair. The first morning I tried the shampoo, I strolled into work and found my hair being stroked and ogled by a few of my co-workers. My hair was super shiny that morning and felt healthy! The shampoo not only repairs my hair from the day's damage by infusing it with a ton of moisture, the fragrance is incredibly fresh and lingers all day. So, although I desperately wish that I wouldn't blow dry my hair every day and continually color it to the death, I can use that curling iron without remorse knowing that I've got my Ultra Hydrating Shampoo in the shower waiting for me. Since I'm ecstatic over the shampoo, I can't wait to get my hands on the daily conditioner and weekly masque. Rest assured that we here at Monkeybaby Beauty will fill you in on all the details!

Benefit's California Kissin' Is In This Week's Favorite New Product Alert

Blue lip gloss? Yes, the concept seems a bit strange, but wearing a blue lip gloss alone or on top of your favorite lipstick is a great way to brighten your teeth and complexion. Benefit's California Kissin' is a non-sticky, breath freshening (it has the most refreshing mint scent) lip shine that tops this week's Favorite New Product Alert. Don't worry, the gloss is very subtle and won't make your lips turn blue! Last weekend, I dabbed a bit of California Kissin' on top of MAC's Ruby Woo and was impressed with how much whiter my teeth looked.