Sitting in front of a computer screen all day, I am constantly rubbing my eyes. Consequently, they are usually naked by lunchtime, at which point I run to the restroom and grudgingly repeat my morning eye-makeup routine.

Eyeliner is a tricky balancing act. You don’t want something so light that it wears away in minutes, but you also don’t want oil paint that refuses to come off at night, leaving you with raccoon eyes that haunt you until the next morning.

Eyeliner now comes in many forms and the best system is usually the most time consuming. However, you can find user-friendly products in every form that will last through the day.

You can’t beat the pencil for convenience. Body + Soul, a devilishly fun company out of Canada, has taken the idea even further with a line of pencils that double as smudging pads. The eyeliners, which come in shades of brown and black to match the company’s mascaras, are smooth, easy-gliding sticks. Once you have applied your line, flip the pencil to reveal a blending sponge – a must for a natural look. www.bodyandsoul.com

BECCA, the company known the world over for creating flawless foundations, has debuted its first eyeliner. The IBIZA pencil is the quintessential black kohl on one end and a marvelous shade of Spanish paradise bronze on the other. The combination is unendingly flattering for those with olive skin, but fair children, such as yours truly, should probably stay away. Blend the two shades along the upper lash line or encircle the entire eye in bronze for a sultry island-vacation night look. www.bergdorfgoodman.com

With summer fast approaching and everyone sporting their first tan of the season, healthy bronze skin is all around us. In fact, personally, I love this time of year just for that reason. Everyone looks so fresh and happy, unlike the sweltering, over-tanned days leading into Labor Day.

To keep everyone looking so fresh, subtly bronzed with healthy rose-hued cheeks, I submit the new DuWop’s new Bronzerush.

Bronzerush combines a finely-milled powder bronzer (no goofy orange hue”¦this is a real tan/bronzey bronzer). Because it’s so fine, it blends well and stays on nicely. Your skin looks gorgeous and smooth, not streaky. Apply using a large brush (you can buy brushes that are actually named “˜bronzing brushes’) to the face, neck, décollet锦even your ears. Then using your fingertips, blend in a bit of the gel-based blush”¦right on the apple of your cheeks. I prefer a light dusting over that with the bronzer. It sets the gel blush and keeps you from looking like Raggedy-Ann (if you get a little heavy-handed with the blush!).

And not to be a name-dropper but”¦if you’ve noticed how super-cute Sienna Miller is looking these days, you’ve surely taken note of her healthy glow. She happens to be a big fan of Bronzerush.

Bronzerush is available at Henri Bendel and online at www.beauty.com

Warm weather is here and the layers are slowly being peeled off””both clothing and makeup. We all want that ethereal and light-weight sun-kissed look as soon as the thermometer rises above 65 degrees, but we make that vision hard to achieve if we’re still using dated and dirty makeup applicators.

This roadblock on the way to a fresh face can be avoided with the right makeup tools and cleansers.

Tool Time
Your hands may be your best tools in the kitchen, but at the vanity there’s no shame in getting a little help from technology. Makeup artists have developed foundation sponges and brushes that glide and groove against the curves of your face to give you a seamless finish the way your mitts never could.

1. With Hollywood under their belts and a black book that includes Kerry Washington, Carmen Electra, and Tyra Banks, makeup artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz decided to take on the beauty product industry with the invention of Beautyblender. The pretty in pink and biodegradable sponge applicator’s elliptical shape allows users to cover hard-to-reach nooks of their faces while eliminating lines and streaks. www.beautyblender.net.

I admit it; I was born with skinny lips. I have always envied juicy, plump, kissable lips. So I was thrilled when I saw a slew of new lip-plumping lip glosses out there. But there are so many, how do I choose which one is the best? So I tirelessly tried out the best lip plumpers. I wore them while shopping in Soho, going to a loft party, sipping Bellinis and trying to seduce the crowd with my newly plumper lips. Some lip plumpers made my lips look so huge that I got stopped in the street because I was mistaken for Angelina Jolie. And I’m a blonde. Ok, maybe they didn’t think I was Ange, but I can dream about having Brad Pitt’s babies, and use lip plumping gloss to get lips as sumptuous as hers. Do lip plumping lip glosses really work? We got the skinny from the Baron of Botox and Madonna’s dermatologist, Dr. Frederic Brandt. He uses lip fillers in his practice and also has a lip plumper in his skin care line. In an exclusive interview with Beauty News, Dr. Brandt said that lip plumping lip gloss works for the short term because it irritates/hydrates the skin. So lip plumping gloss can actually give your lips the seductive fullness that you crave. Read the following reviews on the best lip plumping glosses and see which is right for you.

City lips has fun geographical names for its colors like los angeLIPS, TINSEL town and my favorite, san franKISSco. It feels very comfortable on, not sticky or tacky. It plumped my lips to utter perfection and gave me a very voluptuous pout. I also love their eminently portable gift sets, with four mini City Lips glosses each. Since I am a girly-girl and covet all things pink, my favorite color set is the City Chic Set, which comes with los angeLIPS, a soft pink shimmer, TINSEL town, a flushed pink with fine silver shimmer, monte COSMO, a sheer raspberry, and san franKISSco, a sheer rose with a hint of plum. All of the shades in this kit are sophisticated, wearable pinks that gloss up your lips while making them look luscious. And best of all? City Lips is tested on celebrities, not animals.

Brides have no fear, these lashes will never smear!

For those of us who hate the clumped and un-natural look of mascara, lash extensions are the cure! During the big wedding day tears (of happiness) and honeymoon dips (with said new husband or dolphins), maintaining beautiful long lashes is no longer a problem.

Celebrities, socialites, brides and busy women are all flocking to Denise Grant at Leaf & Rusher Medical Skin Care Clinic in Beverly Hills to have their lashes done. Although lash extensions are not new””they originated in Asia in the 60′s””this natural looking beauty trick has just recently made its way to Los Angeles.

“This is a great treatment for brides because they don’t have to worry about crying and smearing their mascara on their wedding day,” says Grant. “And they are great throughout the honeymoon.”

Grant knows what brides want and need. She has been a personal makeup artist for 15 years and a licensed esthetician for over four years during which she has worked on brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the brides.

“Brides should come in a minimum of 48 hours before their big day,” advises Grant. “The semi permanent glue takes a full 48 hours to set and they need to be treated carefully during this period of time.” However, after the 48 hour set-up time period, these lashes will last through water, swimming, sweating and of course, tears of joy. During the set up, Grant advises that women should avoid steamy showers, sweating, and should not wear contacts as the contact solution can inhibit the glue from hardening.

The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes and involves no pain or discomfort. If the client has blonde or red eye lashes, Grant will first use a vegetable dye to dye the natural lashes a dark color. If the lashes are already a dark shade or after the dying is complete, Grant begins by talking to the client to find out what look she wants. “Most women want a really natural look, not too long,” says Grant.

She decides on the length of lashes based on the desired look and the length of the client’s natural lashes, typically using more than one length to create a more natural look. With tiny drops of black glue, Grant connects the synthetic lash to the natural lash. The results last up to two months, however they require touch-ups about two weeks following the initial application.

Grant’s bridal and celebrity clients’ lash extensions have received rave reviews. “One bride was a red head and a “˜no makeup’ girl. Her fiancé was very natural and didn’t want her to look different,” says Grant. “He was very pleased with how beautiful she looked with the lashes. All she needed after getting the procedure was a little lip-gloss and eye shadow. That’s all the makeup she wore on her wedding day.”

Grant has quite the celebrity black book of clientele, but does not reveal any names. Even if you have yet to make your tabloid debut, she offers the royal treatment to all. “Most of the women who have the lash extensions done for their wedding come back and get them again and again, even after the wedding and honeymoon, because they love them so much.”

Denise Grant, Leaf & Rusher Medical Skincare Clinic, Beverly Hills, can be contacted at 310.276.5558 or by email denise@leafandrusher.com.

The day you have waited for your entire life has finally arrived. You expect nothing less than looking radiant and flawless at the altar. Below are five wedding day beauty must-haves that will take your makeup all the way from ceremony to reception.

Brides don’t have a minute to spare on their wedding day. In order to avoid time-consuming touchups, try Model in a Bottle Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray. The unique formula locks foundation and eye makeup in place, creating a finished, long lasting look. Glowing skin comes courtesy of the quick drying mist that absorbs skin’s excess oil and leaves you with a translucent finish. Infused with aloe vera extract, the spray adds moisture while keeping you picture perfect. Just a few spritzes over your face for full coverage and your makeup stays fresh and in place all day!

$18. For more information visit www.modelinabottle.com.

Ah, weddings”¦the stuff fairytales and dreams are made of. With all the pre-planning frenzy, you might forget the little details such as which colors to apply for your bridal mani-pedi. Fret not””here are some nail collections specially designed to make every blushing bride glow with infinite marital bliss…

Essie ““ Your ticket to paradise starts with Essie’s 2006 Wedding Collection. Brides-to-be can easily match their makeup palette without any mishaps. Hand-picked by Essie herself, the six universally flattering shades can be worn alone, layered or combined for an elegant French manicure. Perfect for the bride, mother of the bride, bridesmaids or guests! The collection includes: Ballet Slippers, Blanc, Limo-scene, Mademoiselle, Sugar Daddy and Waltz. Also available in the adorable Mini 4-Pack, this is a great gift idea for shower attendees (includes Ballet Slippers, Blanc, Limo-Scene and Mademoiselle).

Full size bottle, $8.00 each; the Mini 4-Pack retails for $12. Visit www.essie.com for more info.

Barielle – Strut your bridal stuff with Shades by Barielle’s latest collection “˜Positive Emotions.’ Featuring seven colors created to complement every skin tone, these lacquers will keep your nails feeling positively healthy. Demure and romantic, the hues range from lovely sheer whites to pale pinks with fitting names like Innocent, Sensitive, Enduring, Love, Cherish, Serene and Gleeful.

Using only safe and natural ingredients (keratin, protein, vitamins and plant extracts), the salon-strength formula is free of damaging irritants such as dibutyl-phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde. It provides a nice glossy finish and is quite long-lasting””a perfect touch to your perfect day.

0.5 fl oz, $8.00 each. Visit www.barielle.com for retail info.

OPI ““ Live happily ever after with OPI’s new Princess Charming SoftShades Nail Lacquers featuring six sumptuous shades ranging from shimmery pinks to ivory-golds. The cheeky hue names will keep a sly smile on your face throughout the ceremony””I’m a Princess, You’re Not!, Princesses Rule!, Who Needs a Prince?, Got a Date To-Knight!, My Daddy’s the King! and Your Royal Shyness.

Already hitched? The Honeymoon Edition is even sweeter. Seductive shades of peachy creams and elegant violets help ring in a romantic life with your sweetheart. The six colors include Matched Luggage, Privacy Please, Second Honeymoon, Tickets to Paradise, Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. and Sweet Memories.

Available at fine salons (including Pure Beauty) for $7.50. Call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com for more info.

For the bridesmaid with the bride to be on the brain, it’s easy to forget her own needs on the big day! Booty Parlor has invented the perfect little kit for the bridal party that’s perfect for a fun and flirtatious evening. This ideal kit includes a little Bling Bling – this glitzy ring gives pleasure that’s solid as rock, a powerful Add Magic Lubricant, an I’m So Sexy Lip Gloss, a few fun Booty Parlor Tattoos, a seductively Safe Is Sexy Condom and a sumptuous Sweetheart Chocolate Bar.

The Bridesmaid’s Baguette retails for $45.00.

For more information about the Bridesmaids Baguette and Booty Parlor, please visit www.bootyparlor.com.

Your wedding day is the start of a beautiful life with your special partner. It’s also one of the most stressful ones as well. As if brides-to-be don’t have enough to worry about, you also have to think about your makeup game plan. In reality, it’s not as hard as you might think. With the proper products and some practice, you can easily create the magazine-perfect look on your own. The following suggestions will guide you to obtaining that dewy, fresh visage.

Prep – Begin by prepping your skin with a toner such as Kiehl’s Rosewater Facial Freshener Toner and then moisturize with a light lotion. We used Estee Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Lotion SPF 15. Follow with your favorite eye cream and lip balm.

Face – Bridal makeup should never be heavy. You want it to enhance your features, not hide them under cakey layers. Makeup artist Maggie Kerr applied Aveda’s Inner Light Tinted Moisture SPF 15 to even out skin tone. She then used Burt’s Bees Concealing Creme to eliminate dark circles and blemishes. Everything was set with Stila Sheer Pressed Powder. A light wash of Estee Lauder BlushLights was then gently blended on the apples of the cheeks.

Eyes – Begin with a MAC eyeliner pencil to define the upper lash line. Kerr then used NARS Decameron on the base of the lid and blended Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Eye Shadow in Bronze Cube on top. Blend, blend, blend! The dark brown shade from Tarte’s Social Butterfly Palette was then gently swept along the crease and lightly lined the lower lash line. Finally, curl lashes and brush with Estee Lauder Illusionist Waterproof Maximum Curling Mascara.

Lips – Get a sexy pout with Tarte’s Sexy-Lexy Double Lip Liner“”nude shades that will work on most skin tones. Glide on Tarte’s Supergloss in J.R. and you’ll be all set!

Hair – 2006 marks a resurgence in soft styles with mild sculpting for a romantic look.

“If you have thicker hair that has length, try leaving your hair down as wearing it all the way up might be too heavy and give you a headache,” Steve Elias advises. “For thin hair, use pre-styling and blow-drying volumizing products to get more texture and hold, as thin hair tends to lose style quickly.”

Elias started by applying Aveda’s Light Elements Reviving Mist, then blew-dry the locks to remove excess build-up. He sectioned the hair into one-inch sections, starting in the back. Using a one-inch ceramic curling iron, Aveda’s Brilliant Hairspray was sprayed to guard against humidity as the hair was curled in different directions for a natural, tousled look. To set hair in place, he gently finger-styled the locks to loosen the tight curls.

Voila! Bridal perfection is now at your fingertips…

*Credits:

Photography: Will Taylor, wtphoto.com

Makeup: Maggie Kerr, missmaggiek.com

Hair: Steve Elias, steveelias.com

Wardrobe: Verrières & Sako, studio23fashion.com

Model: Amber Lunsford of Look Model Agency (SF)

You’re late! Your alarm clock didn’t go off, you barely have time to hose off last night’s makeup, and you’ve just tripped and decapitated the kitten heel off your pink lizard slingbacks. Relax. Take 5″¦

That’s all the time you need to restart this frantic day with a second take and a fresh face. Created by model turned Hollywood makeup artist Judy Twine, Take 5 Cosmetics was designed to make every girl “camera-ready in 5 minutes or less.” Emmy nominated Twine has worked on the celebrity pouts of Nicole Richie, Angie Harmon, and Kimora Lee Simmons, but now she’s bringing her trade secrets to beautyphiles everywhere.

Take 5 has you covered from “vo-LIP-tuous” lip plumpers to sheer oil-free tinted moisturizers packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane to restore your dewy glow. You’ll be particularly impressed by Take 5′s cleverly conceived water resistant “Indelible Brow” automatic pencil. Afternoon spring drizzle or an accidental rub of the eyes have nothing on this resilient brow sculptor. The trio eye shadow color palettes will bring you back to childhood summers at the shore slurping down a triple scoop ice-cream cone.

As if the close up-worthy products weren’t enough, Take 5′s logo will surely ignite your inner Norma Desmond with its throwback to Old Hollywood.

Check out Take 5 Cosmetics on the web at www.take5cosmetics.com