Mischo Beauty: October 2011

COVERGIRL’s Latest Fresh-Faced Beauty (and a Contest!)

And the title of new Brand Ambassador for the COVERGIRL Queen Collection goes to (drum roll please) ... Paula Patton!! The actress was recently announced as the newest face of the collection, which caters to the beauty needs of women of color across a broad spectrum of complexions and tones. Mischo Beauty had the pleasure of meeting her, along with awesome makeup artist, Fiona Stiles, over an intimate dinner with fellow beauty bloggers and glossy editors.

Paula's excitement to represent the beauty of women of color with COVERGIRL was as palpable as she was gorgeous! She shared her new post-baby beauty staples of lip stain that doubles as blush, mascara and the ever important concealer, and revealed the January 2012 arrival of three new products: LashFantastic Mascara, Lasting Matte Pressed Powder and Vivid Impact Eyeliner.

Want to meet Paula yourself? Then visit COVERGIRL's Facebook page, beginning October 31st, and let them know how they can help you unleash your beauty. A winner will be picked in December, and will receive a one-on-one COVERGIRL makeover with Paula and one of her favorite celebrity makeup artists. The makeover will be showcased as part of a webisode series featured on COVERGIRL.com, YouTube and Facebook. I may need to enter this one myself - ha! Good luck!

Are you a Queen Collection fan? What do you think about Paula as the new brand ambassador? -Zee

Amplify with Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Lash Lacquer

So, if you remember, I've told you all about Stubbs (the nickname for my underdeveloped lashes) and my ceaseless effort to amplify what little I have in the eyelash department. Well, I've tried Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Lash Lacquer and I find myself riding the fence on this one.

On one hand, the product definitely made my lashes appear super glossy and jet black, even without the recommended base of lengthening mascara. I was impressed with the glamorous look of it all, and even more taken by the fact that my occasional eye rubbing throughout the day (terrible, I know) did not rub off or flake the lacquer. Its latex-like finish adheres to your lashes differently than mascara does, and therein lies the goodness.

On the flip side, applying this product takes way too much care for my hectic morning routine, but could be worth the extra time when prepping for a night out on the town. Cleaning and brushing off the excess from the brush before each application is a must, otherwise the lacquer clumps and either doesn't brush on at all or gathers lots of lashes into an unattractive dog pile. No, not a pleasure. You really have to follow the directions and take your time.

All and all, I say try it if you have $28 to spare, as well as the time and patience to get the application right. -Zee

Mischo Beauty Challenge Update: "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2011"

October is breast cancer awareness month. As the granddaughter of a breast cancer survivor, I am forever grateful for the saving grace of early detection.

My grandmother is many things: feisty, smart as a whip, witty as all get out, quite free with her tongue, gorgeous at any age and a fighter to her core. She has beaten back breast cancer, twice. A stickler for healthy eating and body maintenance, she has always been very good about annual doctor appointments and physicals. It was during one of those visits, about four years ago, that an abnormal mammogram exposed early stage breast cancer.

Being a septuagenarian, she assessed her options carefully and made a treatment decision that was right for her and the cancer was removed. During a checkup, almost two years later, a different instance of breast cancer, in the same breast, was found, again in an early stage. This time she opted to undergo chemotherapy. The road has definitely not been easy, but she is still here, kicking hard. If you asked, she would tell you that early detection was the key to her second and third chances at life.

The numbers are not heartening: 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her lifetime, and out of those women, a whopping 85% will have no family history of the disease. It is highly likely that each of us knows and loves at least one woman who has or has had the disease.

What do these statistics mean for us? That preventive care - via healthy lifestyle choices, self-exams, and consistent and on-time screenings (as per guidelines outlined by your doctor) - can mean the difference between surviving and succumbing. Please visit the American Cancer Society for more information on early detection and prevention, and stand up for your life. -Zee

Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from my sister, Allison, who asked the following:

"What's your favorite facial mask and why?"

In all honesty, I've had the opportunity to use a variety of facial masks that have worked well for me (I have combination skin), and what's really most important when selecting a mask is knowing your skin type. Generally, there are two types of masks - setting masks and non-setting masks. Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base - harden, dry, absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. They're recommended for oily, combination and acneic skin types.

Non-setting masks should be used on normal, dry or sensitive skin and are primarily nourishing, hydrating and soothing. An example of a non-setting mask would be a gel mask. Benefits of masks include some of the following:

- Tighten and tone the skin
- Draw impurities out of the pores
- Assist in clearing of blemishes
- Hydrate & nourish the skin
- Calm & soothe the skin

And to further answer your question - know that I'm not brand loyal and that I personally use a combination of both mask types. I use a setting mask on my oily t-zone and a non-setting mask everywhere else. So there you have it!

I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how you choose to move forward, as well as what works for you. Love your skin.