Have you seen the commercial for the prescription eye lash thickener, Latisse? I’m sure you probably have. It stars Brooke Sheilds, who raves about the wonders of thicker eye lashes and then towards the end of the commercial they throw in the following information “May cause your eyelids to darken or turn yellow”. Whoa, WHAT? First of all, is the need for thicker eyelashes such a problem that we now need to go to the doctor for help? Shouldn’t science be working on a cure for cancer or AIDS before they worry about our wimpy eyelashes?

Interestingly enough, I recently read that the Food and Drug Administration has come down hard on Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse, for misleading consumers about the risks associated with the product.

The agency said the Latisse website either doesn’t mention potential side effects including bacterial eye infection, allergic reactions, excess hair growth outside the intended treatment area, and permanent changes in iris and eyelid pigmentation, or presents them in small text that is much less prominent than statements about the product’s effectiveness.

The drug is approved to make eyelashes thicker, fuller and darker. The FDA approved it for that use last December. Latisse, or bimatoprost, was already on the market as a treatment for glaucoma.

Hair growth outside of the treatment area?! GROSS! I’ll keep my wimpy eyelashes, thank you very much…

Need a good mascara for your poor un-medicated eyelashes? I have been using this one for years:

Paula Dorf in Chocolate: $20.00

It’s waterproof and it thickens. It comes in several colors, like chocolate, which is great for me. I’m a redhead so my eyelashes are lighter and look a little strange with black mascara.

Shop for affordable mascara at Smarter.com.

latisse, Mascara, paula dorf

We all want to sparkle and primp from head to toe, but what are the celebrities wearing this season that we can mimic? Surely not those Chanel dresses and thigh-high heels, but what about the nails? Nails are a chic way to make your outfit look put together, and for this fall season there are only two trends to look out for: Nude matte, and midnight-dark colors.

My favorite nail polish company: Essie. They’ve got great trends and super hot colors, a little on the expensive side but it won’t peel like the cheap store bought ones usually do.

Top essie colors of the season:

essie loves diamonds by Judith Ripka Limited Edition Collection: $10.50

Limited Edition, this beautiful nude matte color is going to make you a standout! Available in two much darker shades as well, all designed by Judith Ripka.

essie Cuddle with Color Fall 2009 Colors to Go 6-Pack from Amazon.com: $30.99

A great combo pack of Essie’s hottest fall colors. Great for mixing and matching for every outfit, day or night.

Shop thought a variety of colors of nail polish at Smarter.com.

Image Source: celebritybeautyblog.com & starfashionaddict.com

essie, nail polish

A few short years ago, I had a slight obsession with a certain bath and body store. I’d wait for the annual sales and throw down serious cash for lotions and shower gels that smelled extremely strong in the bottle but never lasted more than an hour on my body. One day while on vacation in Canada I stumbled upon the Lush Cosmetics store and I was forever changed. The smell in the store almost knocked me over it was so strong but it wasn’t an artificial floral or candy smell (like that other popular mall standard). The scent was unique, I smelled rosemary and herbs and a clean soapy smell. It smelled organic and grown up.

So what makes Lush so unique?

“Our Core Beliefs

We believe in making effective products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.

We invent our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made.”

And you know what? They aren’t lying! You feel the love in every Lush product. Nearly all of their products are vegetarian or vegan friendly. On every bottle is a sticker with a picture and name of the person who made it by hand and the date they made it. Every single product I have purchased has improved by skin, my hair, or my mood. Sometimes all three! Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite:

BIG Shampoo $21.35

“Lemon-lime margarita shampoo adds shine and body to fine hair. The difference between a hefty, healthy hairdo and a lot of limp, lackluster locks? It’s this saucy, sassy, salty shampoo! BIG combines shine-enhancing citrus juices with the beautifying, hair-buffing impact of sea salt and genuine sea water for a body-building regimen your fine hair won’t sweat over.”

This stuff is fabulous. The scent wakes up up and it leaves your hair shiny and soft. You don’t even need conditioner! If I could marry this shampoo I would! Just kidding……or am I?

Shop for more shampoo at Smarter.com.

lush beauty products, shampoo