Letters From the Earth

Screenshot from Kiehls.com

Mark Ruffalo! I already knew he was one of the most perfect men on earth. We once had a very meaningful conversation in San Francisco (to me) and my heart goes pitter-pat for him, so why is he trying to impress me now with a collaboration with Kiehl's? Mark Ruffalo Rare Earth Cleansing Masque is real. He is too much! A limited edition mask in honor of Earth Day, really? Thanks. It's like you just read my mind.

Mark Ruffalo Kiehl's Mask.

There are a number of impolite puns about face products I was tempted to insert here, but I am not Joan Rivers.  I recommend buying a pot, not because I love the earth or recycling, although I do love these too. Honestly, it's just because I love Mark Ruffalo, one of America's finest, most sensitive actors. Sigh.

As for how this product works, use it just once or twice a week for clearer, more even skin.  Once applied to the face, Amazonian Clay draws out dirt from the face and helps minimize pores. The aloe ingredient helps moisturize skin with soothing botanicals. Masks are great for women with oily skin, as well as city girls with normal skin who want to freshen up their look and combat the effects of pollution and stress.

One hundred percent of profits from the sale of this product go to Recycle Across America, up to $100,000, which is a great non-profit that advocates for standardized recycling bin labels.  There's also Spike Lee, Rosario Dawson, and Florence Welch versions of this mask. Pick your fave.

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.

Buy it: Mark Ruffalo Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($23), available at Kiehl's stores, various beauty retailers and online.

Squeal! Berry-Toned Lipsticks That Will Rock Your World

Berry lipsticks give smiles a splash of color. These two lipstick shades will make you look sweet and supersonic. You can alternate them on a whim.

L'Oréal Colour Riche® Balm SPF 15 in Heavenly Berry is sheer and girlish. When applied, the first swipe looks pretty clear, so I firmly press it against my lips a few times for maximum shine, a  plumper-appearing pout and a cool raspberry tint. Rock.

Don't let the name or even appearance fool you for Clinique #10 Red-y to Wear High Impact Lipstick. This is actually an opaque berry shade and very pink at that, like a yummy raspberry sorbet. I find when the color wears off a little, it can look even better. Totally in love!

Also, these products are road-tested, as always, by Eyeshadow Government. Do they make men blush and slightly flustered? Do you suddenly feel more powerful when wearing them? Are they magical? Yes, to all three.

Follow Me! Advice: Dab on sheer lilac eyeshadow or a pinch of mineral blush and you are set, girlfriend.

Owly Friend!

Via Buzzfeed Via I.ImGur.com

Moi on Monday: Grunge Chic Nails

I was looking at my chipped nails and clucking my tongue until I caught a glimpse of Kurt Cobain's matching look. I guess I'm a 90s girl all the way. Personally, the clean, dark nail polish trend is a little "off" for my taste, so I still haven't subjected my nails to these hues. I know the deep burgundy-violet polishes are supposed to be vampy or edgy, but why pay money to help me look edgy? Either you are or you're not.  When I get a manicure, I am usually "all girl," going straight for classic reds or sweet pink nail polish. 

Section of photo that will be on display at the Morrison Hotel Gallery this month.

My Favorite April Fool's Day Joke

As a cute joke, Refinery29 switched their website today to Refinery '89. To fit the theme, they published articles about the passing of Diana Vreeland and "new face" Kate Moss. My favorite post though is "This Is Our Jam: Paula Abdul, 'Straight Up.'" I spent a lot of 1989-90 practicing dance moves to the sound of Paula Abdul's "Cold-Hearted Snake" for my grade school talent contest and listening to a Madonna mix tape at home. Paula was so extra-sassy. I really envied her.

View of Refinery '89 homepage:

Eyeshadow Government Music Box: "Between the Bars" Elliot Smith Cover by Emily Haines

drink up baby
look at the stars
i'll kiss you again
between the bars
where i'm seeing you there
with your hands in the air
waiting to finally be caught
drink up one more time
and i'll make you mine
keep you apart
deep in my heart
separate from the rest
because i like you the best
keep things you forgot...

Soooooo Good, Are You Sure This Is Legal? Aftelier Perfumes Jasmine Solid Review + My New Spring Purse

Hello beauties,

The weather has taken a turn for the better in my fair city, New York, and I am glad to retire everything in my wardrobe that is woolen and heavy and snowy and designed to hide all my limbs. The sun is out!

To celebrate this beautiful day, I am wearing lush Jasmine solid perfume by Aftelier Perfumes. The solid perfume is sticky and yellow, as the base is natural beeswax, but applies clear. Everything about this perfume is sensuous, not the least bit prim, from the materials to the composition of the notes. At first, you might notice the sweetness of the jasmine and a beautiful, juicy citrus aspect that lifts the heart. Then, it calms down and just lives with you. The scent of beeswax also adds an earthier perspective, tying the blood orange and pink grapefruit notes to the ground from which they spring.

If you have never worn natural perfumes, I recommend trying one or two out. They are not the same  as a synthetic perfume. This perfume creates an atmosphere and nourishes the mind. The Aftelier perfumes don't travel very far from your skin when you wear them, so they are more for your own enjoyment than anyone else's. This is almost the best part. You could pack this ultra-luxe perfume for a beach vacation or give it as a wedding present. What a slice of heaven!

***
Also, recently I had the pleasure of attending "Meanwhile," a new film by the great indie director Hal Hartley. My friend is one of the starlets in "Meanwhile" and yesterday, she gave me this purse, which has a cameo in the movie too. I am very excited because I loved the movie and would see it ten times in a row if I could. It is slightly juvenile, but that's how much I like it. Very happy to get my accessories fix too!