Icon: Catherine O'Hara in Beetlejuice

For those of you who know me personally, you are probably very aware of my various fashion muses by now - Ms. Page, vintage boudoir babes, and NYC art teachers from the 80s. I credit this last one for my complete and utter fascination with Catherine O'Hara's genius character Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice.

Hello stark black eyeliner with ferocious red lips. Hello all-black asymmetrical ensembles that would make any 1988 art professor drool into their acrylics. Hello LEATHER GLOVE HEAD WRAP!

P.S. Who wouldn't want to rock those earrings?!

I watch this movie at least once a month and never get tired of seeing Delia in her art-obsessed, self-centered bitch glory. Also, this scene cracks me up every damn time, stoned or stone-cold sober. And anyone who can deliver this line with such direct intensity is a GD hero in my book.

Classic: Make Up Forever's Aqua Black

I was fortunate enough to attend a Make Up Forever event at the W in Austin several weeks ago. Fortunate for two specific reasons - I got to see the very accomplished makeup artist James Vincent work his magic with a live demo and I found my new desert island must-have . . .

Make Up Forever's Aqua Black, now my go to eyeliner.

This stuff is hardcore and not for the faint of heart. But for eyeliner junkies like myself, I say bring it on. I understand that this product is a staple in thousands upon thousands of make up kits already but I am just now discovering it. Don't tease me. Haha, get it? Tease? Shit. Moving on.

Use an angle brush to apply this to the top of the lid, on the bottom and top eye membranes, and bottom line if you're going for an uber dramatic look. Once dried, this stuff does not move so apply slowly and carefully. I always keep a cotton swab dipped in make up remover handy. I use this product for all different kinds of looks. Most of the time, I go all out and put this over most of my top lid. Other times, for my "day time" look, I just lightly line close to the lashes to make them appear more lush.

Confession time. I have washed my face at night, avoiding the eye area and worn the liner to bed, only to layer some more on the next morning. I call it my "Yeah, I went out the night before and looked fabulous and woke up looking just as fabulous this morning with crazier hair" look. Trust me, it works.

Do yourself a favor and go out and get this stuff. Then come hang at my place so we can try out all different kinds of looks and inspirations. I will provide the brushes, you bring the champagne.

Fan Favorite: nails inc. Magnetic Polish

I first read about this crazy cool new nail polish in last month's Vogue and have been obsessed with the idea ever since. Any nail polish that gets its own feature story in a top fashion mag has got to be worth it, so my product-infatuated brain told me.

The British nail emporium, nails, inc., recently released a magnetic polish. Yes. That's right. A magnetic polish. And it looks like this:

How freakin' metallic sexy is that? Here's how it works - clean and file your nails, then apply a base coat and let dry. Next, apply the desired magnetic color and immediately hold the special cap over the nail for a few seconds to create the swirly, whirly goodness. Finish with a shiny top coat.

After I read last month's Vogue feature, I received a serendipitous email from my personal makeup mecca, Sephora, announcing they now carry nails, inc., including this fresh and fabulous polish. Sephora also created an easy to follow video so you can check out the polish at work.

See it, believe it, then run out and get it. This is going to be THE nail polish to wear this fall.

Fan Favorite : Argan Oil

Check out my first guest post about Josie Maran's 100% Argan Oil on the awesome new blog, The Mode Life! And while you are there, feel free to poke around (in a friendly way, teases). Founded by some pretty sweet ladies, including Austin's own Michelle Weber, The Mode Life is the latest lifestyle blog for real peeps like you and me. Good times all around.

Fan Favorite : Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

A recent text I got this past weekend from a pleased friend prompted me to write this post. My girl had been looking for a new and improved foundation and I recommended this awesome tinted moisturizer, my go-to whenever someone is looking for intense but natural-looking coverage. She fell in love after just one application and used a lot of exclamation points in her corresponding text.

Laura Mercier's Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 covers and conceals like a foundation but feels like a light-weight moisturizer. Really, anything from the Mercier Flawless Face collection is sweeeeeet but this particular product never fails. For some reason, my hormones decided to kick my skin's ass this past week, so mama is a little broken out. But I had no fear because I knew I housed this tint in my arsenal and used it all week to pretend like I had flawless skin. I highly recommend this product year round.

Classic : Saturday Luxury

It is early Saturday afternoon and I am sipping strong coffee, lounging around listening to some of my favorite tunes of all time, and compiling a storyboard of makeup ideas for a lady friend's wedding while I wait for a good friend to come over so I can continue doing nothing except drink champagne and get some sun at the pool. I am literally having one of the best Saturdays I have had in a while. And I got to thinking about the concept of treating oneself. You know, just completely indulging yourself in nothing but extravagance and guilty pleasures.

The idea of spending money or even just a little bit of time on ourselves these days sadly seems to be far and few between. I gave four facials this past Friday and three of the lovelies I pampered had never had a facial before. Picture me gasping dramatically. Why is we don't treat ourselves any more? Don't blame the economy! There are so many things you can do to treat yourself for very little money. I say it's time to carve out an afternoon or evening and just lounge. Glamorously. Because there ain't nothing with wrong looking your absolute best while you indulge your deepest, darkest, dirtiest... well, you get the idea.

I keep a bottle of Lollia's Relax Evening Bubble Bath in my bathroom for those times when you just need everything else around you to chill the freak out while you take a calm, long breath.

The scent is soft, not too flowery or sweet. And it makes your skin feel dewy and sexy. Fabulous. Also, a hint to all the ladies out there - wear ridiculously huge earrings whenever you lounge. Seriously. I wear these large gold hoops I got at Strut during the most inappropriate times. Think baths, poolside, doing laundry or just sweeping my kitchen floor. I promise you it makes you feel amazing. Hell, throw on a gaudy necklace while you're at it just for kicks.

Also, everyone should own a silk kimono robe. I want this one.

When indulging, your skin should be glowing and healthy. Get a boost from Vaseline Gel Cocoa Butter.

This stuff is not messing around, so apply it with caution. And never leave your face in the dust. It should be illuminated as well. Lately, I have been liking Josie Maran's Argan Illuminizer.

It is not too heavy or shiny so it's perfect for those days of luxurious excess. Another glamourous tip: highlight one body part you are totally digging at the moment and accentuate the hell out of it. Right now, I am liking the tan on my shoulders, so I am wearing off the shoulder tops like they are going out of style (if they haven't already). I do this because even when you are by yourself, you must feel sexy at all times. Come on, Teases! You know it's true. Plus, you never know who might knock on your front door for a visit.

If you need a little more inspiration on how to be glamorously lazy, take a cue from Feu D'Amour by Taschen. I mean, can it get any more sexy than this?

I think not. Enjoy your Saturday!

Fan Favorite : Clarisonic

There are a lot of amazing perks when one goes to beauty school - nerding out over the histology of skin, makeup kits (!), being surrounded by people just like you. But my favorite perk might just be the huge discounts I get on professional-grade equipment. I know, I know. Life is so hard. I received this week's FAN FAVORITE, my super girly pink Professional Clarisonic, in the mail a few weeks ago and use it twice a day. Once in the morning as an amazing wake-up call and once in the evening to scrub the day away. I swear I saw a difference in my skin after just one use.

The Clarisonic uses sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to wash away dirt, impurities and makeup, while minimizing pores and prepping the skin for your nourishing products (serum, moisturizer, etc.) My face has never looked more even-toned. Plus, the Clarisonic is awesome to use right before you wax or tweeze. It makes those wayward hairs stand on end, making it 10 times easier to pluck those suckers out. And don't forget the body brush! I use this one all over for touchable skin, which comes quite in handy as everyone knows I love to be touched. For realz. It is especially effective under the arms and on the legs for kick-ass exfoliation.

Right now, it looks like you can get your own Clarisonic at Sephora, Amazon or from their official website. Also, check in with your esthetician as they might retail it at their spa. I know I will definitely be using one in my practice to get my clients extra squeaky clean.

And for awesomeness on the go, check out the new travel sized Mia. Eek! How bad do I want this in Sapphire?

Oh. So. Bad.

Icon : Winona Ryder in Reality Bites

First of all, let me apologize to each and every one of you for neglecting our relationship these past couple of weeks. I have something to confess. I am having an affair - with beauty school. Specifically, this beauty school. But I will dedicate a whole other post to that later on. Let's get on to Winona. Don't mind if I do.

I have been Netflix'ing the shit out of some classic 90's movies. Think...

Empire Records and Renee's "Sugar High"
Chasing Amy and its awesome relationship advice
Swingers when Vince Vaughn was a smokin' hot drunk

And of course, the ultimate movie from my earlier years. Reality Bites. This film is just about perfect. But what I love most is watching Winona in all her grungy, waif-like awesomeness. She works those thrift store dresses and short, layered bob like she was born to play that role. I have never wanted to wear burgundy lips and smoke a cigarette more than after watching her with her best accessory, Ethan Hawke.  Why couldn't life be as simple as this?

Want to recreate her look? I know I do.

Next time I plan on heading to a coffee shop with a greasy, sexy guy on my arm, I will have a swipe of Shiseido Perfect Rouge in Mystery on my lips and clear, matte skin created by Laura Mercier's Laura's Secrets Volume 3 Flawless & Shine Free combo set.

I would finish it off with some lived-in smokey eyes, courtesy of lots of kohl eyeliner and a messy night's sleep. Oh, I would be listening to this while getting ready.

Now, don't think I have forgotten about the amazing coolness of Janeane Garofalo as Winona's best friend and confidante. Here's a refresher:

How badass is she? I could dedicate an entirely separate post to her beauty routine, but it is late and I need some rest. Promise me you will channel your inner 90's goddess this weekend. And boys, forget the shampoo, start chain-smoking, and throw on that thrift store shirt I know you still have. Then call me for some coffee.

Classic : T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel

I have found myself recommending this product a lot recently, so I thought it was a great time to write a CLASSIC post about my all-time favorite toner - T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel. There is nothing I hate more than washing my face and still finding makeup clinging on. Ugh! So, in order to feel really, really clean, I always use witch hazel after washing at night to make sure my pores are nice and clear. It is so satisfying to see leftover dirt, oil and makeup on my cotton swab after toning it up.

This particular brand is great. It seems to always be in abundance in drug and grocery stores and is always cheap. Plus, it is 100% natural and contains no alcohol. Normally, I would boo-hoo no alcohol but in this case, it's OK. I always found stronger toners that contained alcohol too drying and could not use them around my eyes. With witch hazel, I never have a problem with redness or over-drying.

Toner is so important! Buy this shit and tell me what you think, ya'll.

Icon : To Wong Foo, Thank for Everything! Julie Newmar

I decided to dedicate my first ICON post to all three gentlemen in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, one of my all-time favorite movies. I will take a moment of silence while you judge me harshly.

Moment's up. OK, let me explain. The tag line says it all - "Attitude is Everything." Um, true. Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo all look amazing in the movie.

Fabulous.

And seriously, the opening scene of them all putting on their make-up to Salt-N-Pepa's "I Am The Body Beautiful" will make you want to grab for your vampy lipliner, eyelash curler and decorate the 'eff out of your face.

Move over, Mother, 'cause I'm going faster than you can you drive . . .

These honorary ladies embody the definition of all that is stunning and sensational. They work it in high heels and tight dresses while staying true to themselves. Life lesson much?

I promise you. Take a listen to the soundtrack while you are getting ready for a night out of balls-to-the-walls partying and I guarantee you will walk out your door feeling like the glamorous tease I know you are. 

Fan Favorite : Summertime Supplies

With summer officially in session, I thought it would be the perfect time to list some of my favorite 2011 hot season must-haves.

Suave Dry Shampoo

I am claiming this as one of my best beauty finds of the season. I use it everyday to build voluminous hair. For my personal summer hairstyle, I . . .

1. Dry hair with a diffuser until almost dry

2. Use a 1-inch curling iron to smooth and define my curl

4. Turn my head over and spray on dry shampoo, concentrating mostly at roots

5. Flip up for a fabulous look ala Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Hot.

Remember, if you have dark hair like me, please be sure to rub in the dry shampoo with your fingers. You do not want to look like you got attacked by a gang armed with baby powder. BTW, this product costs $2.74. What?! I know. I get my supply from Target as they consistently seem to have it stocked. I have made trips to other local drugstores only to be sorely disappointed in their lack of dry shampoo (ahem, Walgreens).

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm

I bought this tinted lip balm on a whim because I needed something to wear to the pool that provided sun protection. I totally lucked out.  This balm adds the perfect hint of color (I bought Petal Glow) and moisturizes like nobody’s business without feeling heavy. Plus it has an SPF 20, a MUST when baking under the sun. I feel super glamorous while still looking natural. I am excited to try the other tints.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

I have been using this as my every day lotion, NOT as poolside sunscreen (I use hardcore waterproof SPF for that). This lotion is perfect for getting the sun protection you need while running errands or reading in the shade without feeling super greasy. Plus, it smells like you are at the beach, one of my all-time favorite smells. Pina Colada, anyone? No, really.

Sephora Harmony Trio Bronzer

My favorite summer look right now consists of black liquid eyeliner, loads of waterproof mascara, just a touch of concealer to hide imperfections, a light peach lipstick (my favorite is by Rimmel in Crush), and a few sweeps of Sephora’s bronzer. With peach, pink and gold all included, it looks great on any skin tone. I love the sheen it gives my cheeks without all that glitter nonsense found in other bronzer/highlighters. It gives just the right amount of color without looking too bronzer-y.

Revlon Metallic Nail Enamel in Gold Coin

Simply put, this nail enamel looks bad-ass with a tan. 'Nuff said. 

Oh, you need more? Vampy Varnish did a fabulous job showcasing all three of the colors in Revlon's metallic set. Check it out here!

Put all of the above together and you will have a summer look so hot, I will want to date you. Seriously.

Classic : L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Just like every beauty junkie I know, I have a list of personal classics - those tried and true products that I have continuously bought over the years (and years) of my make-up wearing existence. L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara will forever live in my beauty suitcase. I have a thing for big, fat lashes. I love them. I need them. I must have them every day of my life. And Voluminous has made them a reality for me since high school. I use at least two coats in the morning and a touch up coat if I'm going out at night.

Take time with your lashes. If you have to leave the house wearing just one make-up item, let it be Voluminous. I prefer Carbon Black. I say go all the way, baby. For the nighttimes, line your upper lid with a very thin swipe of liquid eyeliner right at the base of your lashes and a few coats of mascara. I did this this other night and felt 50's fabulous.

Be careful when using on your bottom lashes. Raccoon peepers may occur. I hardly ever use mascara on the lower lashes unless I am going for a very dramatic eye. Overall, Voluminous will stay put. If you experience a little flaking, wrap some Scotch tape around two fingers and lightly roll it underneath your eyes to get rid of flakes and loose eyeshadow specks.

Fan Favorite : Sephora Cream Lip Stain

My lips are constantly getting a workout. I talk and eat a lot during the day and, with a little help of a whiskey and Coke (or five), I kiss everyone in sight at night. Thank goodness I have found my go-to lip stain.

Sephora’s newest cream lip stain provides a concentrated, lasting color without the drying properties of other long-lasting lipsticks. I really like the pinkish nude color (05 Infinite Rose) for every day use and the bright berry red (03 Strawberry Kissed) for night. I actually used the red just the other night for a Sunday sock hop session and it looked great until 2:30 a.m.! If I had had a booty call, I would have showed up looking mighty fine.

Because of its creamy application, the stain does not flake or leave that annoying line along the back of the lips. However, I have talked to a few ladies who did find it a tad drying. I recommend lightly dabbing some Rosebud Salve to provide some emollient once your let the stain dry.

I plan on getting the classic red (01 Always Red). I am always in line for the next best rouge. My only complaint is the lip stain does not come in any sort of coral. I love me some orangey pink lips. Hopefully, Sephora plans to expand this line with more variety.

Have you used this product? Tell me how you like it.