Advertisement

Barbara Gerbasi

Photo of Barbara Gerbasi

I am a freelance writer whose essays and articles have appeared in the New York Times, Newsday, House Beautiful,and numerous other publications. I've always liked makeup, but to my surprise in late life it's become an obsession. Routinely I circle the cosmetic departments in search of that product that will help me recreate the face I used to see reflected in the mirror or, barring that, help make this new one more to my liking.

Recent Stories

From alabaster to golden

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Last year I found that I was spending too much time and money applying cream lotions and sprays in an effort to achieve that bronze glow. More often than not the results were streaky or artificial looking. Not to mention that tan itself was receiving a lot of bad press.

The worst beauty bargain

Saturday, May 31, 2008

I was checking out the Boot's 07 display. I've never used their products but had heard good things about them. What caught my attention was a a full size eyeliner and mascara packaged together for $6.99. It was a no-brainer.

Orgasm ... again

Saturday, April 19, 2008

A few years back NARS saw their sales sky rocket when they came out with a blush that some marketing genius named Orgasm. It immediately drew women's attention to a nice peachy shade that many of us may have been apt to overlook. In addition this new shade was billed as one that looked good on every skin tone.

Found! The product I've been searching for

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Only pink — not coral, bronze or red — gives that color that at a young age appears naturally. It lights up the face and brings it alive like nothing else, save vigorous exercise or sex can. In her later years my mother achieved it by combining three products together (don't ask). I wanted the same result from one powder.

Quickest way to protect skin from UV rays

Friday, March 28, 2008

No, I'm not suggesting you sequester yourself indoors for the summer, but I have found that getting myself equipped to face the morning sun on my daily power walk takes a lot longer than it used to.

Shrink wrap that sagging skin

Friday, March 21, 2008

I know that headline reads like an ad for a product in the back of a cheap magazine, but there actually is a proven way to restore youthful firmness to sagging skin on the arms, legs and abdomen.

Beauty product rebellion

Friday, March 7, 2008

I've made up my mind and I won't be swayed. From this point on I will never purchase any two-step beauty product be it mascara or anything else.

What are they wearing for the Oscars?

Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008

If the expressions on the stars sashaying down the red carpet look just a little more frozen than usual it could be because they're wearing Freeze 24- 7.

Lip color with staying power

Friday, Feb. 22, 2008

Any color I put on my lips has a tendency to do a quick disappearing act so I've long been on the lookout for lip color that lasts. Yes, I know there are some out with staying power, but they leave my lips feeling parched.

The easiest way not to look old

Friday, Feb. 8, 2008

Clothes, hair and makeup visually define who we are and hint at our age. But there's another important factor in the equation; one that shouts old no matter how well you've nailed the perfect skirt length or lip color and that's posture and bearing.

More stories