Doesn’t everyone wish from time to time that they knew the ins and outs of the beauty world? Maybe knew what high end products were worth the splurge and which drugstore brands would work just as well? Well Nadine Haobsh knows those secrets and isn’t afraid to dish.
In her latest book, Beauty Confidential, this former beauty editor leaves nothing back and let’s you know when to spend your hard earned money and when to save it. We sat down with Nadine and asked her to share some of her knowledge and know how with you.
Tell us a little about yourself - how did you get started blogging about beauty and fashion and what is your experience that lends you to be an expert in all things beauty?
After several years as a beauty editor in New York where I had access to every beauty item and salon under the sun, I began writing about my escapades and favorite products on a blog I called Jolie in NYC. It started as a cross between a gossip site and an insider’s look at the beauty industry, and has morphed into an all-beauty destination where I post the dirt on which products are worth the money (and which aren’t), give breakdowns on celebrity beauty, answer reader questions, and provide tips and tricks to help women make the most of their looks. I’ve worked for Lucky, Ladies’ Home Journal, FHM and Jane, and my first book, Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You’ll-Actually-Use-Guide to Looking Your Best, was published in November. I’ve since been touring colleges around the country giving beauty tips and reading from the book; one of my favorites is a “Beauty Myth” section titled “French Women Are Inherently Prettier, Sexier, and More Chic Than You. Oh. And They Don’t Get Fat Either.”
Since you already have quite a successful blog, what made you decide to write a book? I love your voice throughout the book. It’s just like talking with your girlfriends about makeup and products.
Thank you! The book was born from a desire to pass along all the tricks I’d learned from the magazines, especially while working at Lucky. Beauty isn’t this secret club that’s only for celebrities and supermodels; any woman can (and should!) be armed with the tips to make the most of her features. The industry tends to play to our worst fears, and as a result women spend too much money on products that are all marketing and hype; I try to point my readers in the direction of the very best products that will give them results. More expensive is not always better! (Unless we’re talking about a haircut, sadly…)
What do you feel are the top 5 beauty myths?
I debunk beauty myths throughout Beauty Confidential, but a few of the most pervasive are: 1) You must drink eight glasses of water a day; 2) A cheap haircut is just as good as an expensive haircut; 3) French women are more chic and prettier than American women (see above!); 4) You can’t play up your eyes and lips at the same time; and 5) Cellulite creams work (alas, they don’t!)
What three things do you think every woman should do to make the best of what she’s been given?
Focus on your skin; if your skin isn’t in good shape, no amount of makeup slapped on top will make a difference. Sunscreen, an exfoliating regimen (whether it’s retinol, glycolic acid, an anti-acne system like Obagi ClenziDerm) and then proper hydration and nourishment (pump your skin pull of peptides and antioxidants!) will make a world of difference. Once you’ve got your skin in check, a little blush (NARS Orgasm is my favorite!), pinkish lip gloss and mascara will go a loooong way!
Is there really such a thing as drugstore products being equal if not better to higher end, department store brands? Do some high end designers use the same formula or colors drugstore versions?
Many expensive brands are indeed souped up versions of drugstore products owned by the same company. L’Oreal, for example, also owns Kerastase, and some of their hair-care products have nearly identical ingredients and results. Honestly, when you buy a $75 moisturizer, more than half of what you’re paying for is marketing, advertising and prestige. Many of the products at the drugstore really are superior to what you’ll find at the department store; Olay Regenerist is one of the most effective anti-aging serums on the market, period.
For those of us not willing to splurge on beauty products, what are some of your favorite drugstore products?
I’m a drugstore beauty addict! As far as the favorites that are perennials in my personal beauty closet, I’m partial to Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Clean and Clear Oil-Blotting Sheets, Infusium leave-in conditioner, Appearex vitamins, and the $2.99 mini-bottle of Musk Oil you’ll find at random CVSes. (I never know when and where I’ll stumble upon it, but when I do, I buy in bulk!)
What are you top 5 beauty products that you can’t live without?
My number one, I cannot survive without it product is Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals foundation. The best cleanser for problematic skin like mine is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, and I’m so in love with it that when I lived in England, I actually bought over five bottles of it with me. OC Eight oil-control gel is phenomenal for greasy-complexioned gals like me, and it makes a huge difference in how fresh and clean my face looks. Then, I am obsessed with Lancome mascara (any Lancome mascara!); I particularly love Definicils, Courbe Virtuose, and Fatale. Finally, you will never, ever, ever find me without a tube of lipbalm; I’m partial to Kiehl’s #1, but also love Fenix All Natural Eye and Lip Treatment, and even chapstick will work in a pinch.
What’s in your make up bag right now?
The actual contents, as follows! Bare Minerals foundation; two eye shadow compacts (Elizabeth Arden Neutral Cashmeres Color Intrigue and Lancome Colour Focus Palette 4 Ombres in 4Style); Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips gloss in Kanani; Prestige Soft Blend Khol Eyeliner in Lagoon; Lancome High Definicils Mascara; Fenix All Natural Eye and Lip Treatment; and mini-samples of Vivite Daily Antioxidant Facial Serum, IS Clinical Active Serum, IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum, and IS Clinical Treatment Sunscreen SPF 25.
Any parting advice or wisdom for our readers?
Forget trends, don’t compare yourself to celebrities and be kind to your face and body; try to look like the best version of you by playing up your most striking features, and don’t stress over the things you can’t fix! And remember, if you carry yourself pretty, you will look pretty!
Leave a comment below with your biggest beauty concern, and you could win one of five copies of Nadine’s book, Beauty Confidential.
How to Enter:
1. Reply to this post in the comments section below with your biggest beauty concern. One comment per person, please.
2. You must supply us with a valid email address.
3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our server no later than Friday, April 11th, 2008 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time to be eligible.
4. Five winners will be selected during a random drawing using random.org and will be notified via e-mail to receive the prize.
5. No prize substitutions.
6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA.
7. No purchase necessary.
8. Void where prohibited.
My biggest beauty concern is how to have beautiful, healthy skin naturally! That is, without a lot of weird chemicals, by companies that use natural, organic, and earth- (and people-) friendly ingredients.