We'll be in New York and Chicago over the next few weeks and will report back on all the fun beauty finds and news we can find from this side of the pond. First things first: Sephora and Ricky's in NYC.
Sephora is always fun and, as usual, I tried everything I could within reason (I can only be asked if I need help so many times before I freak out and want to beat all the staffers with their headsets and ever-ready shopping baskets to a pulp).
The favourites so far:
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Lady
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (but the ingredients scare me)
Sue Devitt Eyebrow Pencil in Congo
Makeup Forever Fake Eyelashes (you are spoilt for choice)
Nars Blush in Exhibit A
Carol's Daughter's Products
Ricky's is infinitely cooler than Sephora, which is the Starbucks of cosmetics (although they do carry some good stuff... there's just too much of it and the most annoying staff in the world. No, make that the universe). The two folks in Ricky's let you shop without watching you like a hawk and the music selection is infinitely better. Plus the piled-high shelves and pot luck of beauty brands (from Hubba Bubba chewing gum to Murad) are way more appealing that the overly slick dispalys at Sephora.
The favourites so far:
That Elnet hairspray costs a whopping $24.99 in NYC (it's 4 quid in the UK)
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in Almond and in Lavender
Mattesse New York brushes and tools
Kiss My Face Peach Moisture Shave
Yu-be Moisturising Cream
Arrojo was created by the MANCUNIAN (yes, you heard that right) stylist who's been a mainstay in New York styling since the mid-1990s. Poached from Vidal Sasson by Bumble & Bumble, Nick Arrojo was high up there until striking out on his own. Check out his line of haircare. The site's a bit hard to navigate (I have some designers I could suggest, Nick, if you're interested) but the products are wicked.
Arrojo, 