There is a great article in this month's Allure talking about confessions of a beauty editor. Beauty editors, along with makeup artists and models get a first hand look at all the new products that are going to market. Editors and makeup artists are sent boxes of creams, lipsticks, foundations, anything new, new and improved, revolutionary, first of it's kind, and on and on. Then they slap it on themselves and the models in the magazines and can tell you what they really think. But when you see them they always look like they're not wearing anything at all but look really great. Is it their skin? Is it some big secret? No they have just learned how to apply flawless makeup that looks so natural it is undetectable.You would think with all the products they would get overwhelmed when in fact they learn how to streamline with the best products. I like to choose the most refined products and find the ways to enhance my features quick and easy. I still have fun trying trends of the season but I do it with a sheer wash here or a new lip gloss there but never do I try to fight against my natural look. Celebrate your unique beauty. Every day people say to me "Your not wearing any makeup and your a makeup artist". Well the truth is I am. I have just used the right products in the right places! Follow my morning steps, they work on almost anyone. First, use a sheer foundation or spot conceal a well moisturized and sunscreened face. Next, apply a refined highlight shimmer cream along the top of the cheekbones and under the eyebrow and on top of the tear duct. My favorite is Compact Dew available at Alcone beauty supply in New York it is colorless and just naturally beautiful. Apply a rose cream blush on the apples and along the cheekbones. Make sure there is not glittery but glowy and sheer and with the left over on your finger smear a hint of it along your crease on your lids. Smudge just a hint of a chocolate brown pencil along the upper lash line and soften with an angle brush. One coat of mascara and then a good lip gloss that has color but is not too shiny, You will look polished, perfect and people will think you are naturally gorgeous!!!

1. Lorac eye shadow in Cocoa. It is the perfect neutral. Available at Beauty.com.
2. Bourjois lip gloss #17 for African American beauties. Available at Sephora.com.
3. Skyn Iceland Arctic Mist. This incredibly energizing mist instantly stabalizes irratable or parched skin with a cooling burst of beneficial mineral water. You also get a radiant and healthy glow. This whole new skincare line is develped to end the negative effects of stress on the skin. From moms to execs we all need this kind of soothing. Available at SkynIceland.com.
4. Kai body lotion. It smells like Hawaii and who doesn't want to smell like Hawaii? Available at KaiFragrance.com.
5. The new Bigalows facial care line at Bath and Body Works. This has been my favorite pharmacy in New York for ever and now it is accessible to everyone. Available at BathAndBodyWorks.com.
6. Kevin Aucoin sensual skin enhancer. These concealer shades are gorgeous and oh so smooth. Available at Saks Fifth avenue.
7. The new Fresh Gloss Absolute inspired by jelly and ribbons. Available at Sephora.com.
8. Peasant skirts and boho chic!!!! It is back! Makes my California heart sing.
9. The Gucci braided leather sandals for Spring. Available at Jeffrey's New York.
10. The Gregory Colbert exhibit Ashes & Snow at Pier 54 New York City. What majestic beauty. It was so awesome it made me cry!!! Make sure to buy the book because there are more photos in it then in the exhibit. Coming to a city near you!

Okay so New Years came and went and whether or not you stuck with those resolutions there is enough time now before bikini season to get started. We have about 3 months before the water and weather is warm enough to strut our stuff and that is plenty of time to make a big difference. I have been training at Peak Performance New York City's premiere private training facility. They combine traditional strength training techniques with secret techniques used by professional athletes to improve speed, endurance, power, flexibility and tone. Celebrity trainers like James Bowman coaches you in a sun drenched loft building you into a lean, mean, bikini wearing machine. These guys were all athletes at one time or another so they know their stuff. I have to really watch my diet and work out since I am prone to gaining weight when the wind blows so I have tried it all. The diets, the cardio, the pilates, the yoga. All of it! Nothing has worked better than this type of training mixed with proper eating habits. My body is transforming at a fantastic rate and I owe it all to Peak Performance.They did alot of myth busting for me as far as diet, nutrition and workouts. My body is strong and lean and my energy level is up. They will soon be in Los Angeles as well but you can visit their web site and look in your local area for real athlete trainers who might share this type of philosophy. They taught me to never worry about "bulking up", that is a myth women have been believing in for a long time and that you need shorter stronger workouts as opposed to long tedious cardio workouts to transform your body. Think power blasts and raised heart rate not hours wasted on an elliptical. Thanks for the new bod boys.

Peak Performane is located at 54 West 21st St., 8th floor, New York, N.Y. 10010 (212) 229-3670 website - PeakPerformanceNYC.com.