Meg here! How do you build a better mousetrap? That's been an age old question. The more popular question? How do you build a better mascara?

When I first opened up the cult fave "Mesmer Eyes Mascara" from the genius that is Napoleon Perdis I was more than a little nervous. I was perplexed by the brush, it wasn't the usual bristle application that I was used to. I was a stiff wand, with one end completely flat. Hmm, it says its a "trip threat mascara that lengthens, adds volume and curl."

Ok, I'm game. The trick is to to keep applying the color while your lashes are still wet and to curl with the flat end of the wand.

I'm hooked and I know I've gotten this out to more than a few Megheads in their makeup packages. The wand does take a little bit of effort to get used to and you do have to spend a minute longer while applying compared to the usual types of wands but it is so worth it. If you get too much on the wand a little blot with a kleenex with bring you back to business. Once you learn the flat end handle trick you can cut out curling your lashes all together.

Its another Napoleon win but what else can you expect from this perfectionist? How about a fantastic beauty event February 20th? Napoleon and W Magazine's Beauty Director Jane Larkworthy are coming together for what is sure to be the beauty event of a lifetime. A master class, tips and trends from Jane Larkworthy herself and each attendee will get a gift from Napoleon himself!

How could this be even better? THe $75 enrollment fee can be used to spend on Napoleon Perdis products! What even better? WINNING 2 VIP Tickets to attend for FREE

SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY HERE FOR THE MASTER CLASS! 

Wednesday, February 20th 2013 6-9pm Napoleon Perdis Make Up Academy 6615 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood CA 90028

Stacy B here! I'm freaking cold. It's 10 degrees with a wind chill of 1 right now as I write this. One. ONE degree. We are dangerously close to negatives. And I mean dangerous literally, if you are outside for too long, you can damage exposed skin! No make up can cover up frostbite so get inside!!

I normally don't complain much about the cold, I live in New England and choose to stay here. I accept the winter cold, I love the snow and I enjoy the changing seasons. But, every year, we get a 1-2 week stretch of bitter cold that really tests my decision to live here. My husband is from LA so we do have an out if we were desperate, but so far, he's happy here, too. In fact, he just left to go out in downtown Boston to meet up with a friend who's in town for work and happily put on his warmest coat and gloves knowing the wind chill is even worse with all the steel buildings creating wind tunnels.

This kind of weather really does a number on your hair, nails, skin and overall demeanor. Especially after the holidays, there's such a letdown. After I took off my holiday red nail polish my nails were so awful. They kept breaking and chipping and splitting, it was gross. The extremely dry air didn't help, along with making my skin crack and my hair static-y. The skin I fixed with some heavy winter lotion, the hair I run a dryer sheet over before I head out and that keeps it fairly tame. But the nails, I had no quick fixes.

I was so fed up I said, "that's it, I'm cutting them all down to the skin!" and looked down and realized half of them were there already. I didn't even have to cut them. I just filed them so they were smooth, even, and unbelievably short. Like, can't even scratch an itch, peel off a label or tap out a fun little tune on my desk, short.

I knew a fix would take a week or so, so I went with a trusty Sally Hanson polish that my husband put in my stocking for Christmas. He chose Sally Hanson's Green Tea and Bamboo Strengthener. He definitely had no idea what it was, just told me "you drink green tea a lot and say it's good for you and the box said green tea so it must be good for you, too". Smart guy.

Nick Stern here! Meg's Man roomie, the one she makes write for her! Happy Belated New Year Everyone!!! I love the beginning of a new year because it's the time when people are the most positive about change. They vow to achieve some resolution that they lacked the previous year promising to lose that extra weight or quit that bad habit. As the clock struck midnight, I certainly felt a strong bond to my fellow human knowing that every year this time we as a race make that universal goal of being better...THIS YEAR IS MY YEAR! Then I woke up January 1st and threw up...(awesome, thanks for cleaning the toilet bowl-not.)

January 2nd I began my journey of leading a healthier more productive life. My biggest challenge and worst enemy to achieving productive success has been the word that many of us struggle with...procrastination. (I would have gone with "lazy" but sure, we can say procrastination.) I must apologize to Meg and to my growing fan base (thanks for your patience Mom) for being so lackadaisical with my Manly Monday reviews. Meg reminds me constantly how lucky I am to have access to so many amazing products because before her I thought CVS was the only place a man could purchase hygienic items. She's right...I must share these products with the millions of men in the world and show them that there is something more than what's in their local pharmacy (or at the very least the women who can nag influence them:) Oh boy Meg is yelling at me about my deadline....where was I...oh yes...my review. You're "wordy" and take too long to write anything. Get to it Nick. For the Love Of God, we don't have all day.

Today, I will be discussing Billy Jealously Salad Days Body Scrub which I've implemented into my daily shower routine at a reasonable price of $36.00 a bottle. (It's reasonable because I gave it to him for FREE)To be completely honest, I have always used an unscented bar soap but after moving to the dryer LA climate I swapped out the bar soap for a body wash and a manly gray loofah (which hangs among the fifteen pink and purple ones...I have no clue why girls need multiple loofahs but they're like fucking ornaments in our bathroom).Did you just really write "fucking" on Megsmakeup.com?  My Grammy reads this! 

At first I thought a body scrub named Salad Days was a poor name choice since guys hate eating salads much less putting something called it on their body...but then I realized that it isn't that men don't like salads it's that they don't like admitting that they like salads. Salads are the least manliest food there. Right next to sorbet so men must become closet salad eaters. If I'm out with a girl and she orders a burger I'm ordering a burger extra bloody just to prove a point...but secretly my heart belongs to that baby spinach and beet salad with roasted asparagus. (Really, how is he still single?) Where better to be a closet salad lover than in your own shower. Salad Days Body Scrub has a refreshing scent with hints of mint and citrus that leave your skin smelling fresh without an overpowering perfume smell. The Jojoba Esters gently exfoliates removing dead/dry skin cells and allowing the sage and peppermint to purify and tone the skin underneath.

I noticed that it says you should use it every other day (I'm not really good about reading labels) SHOCKING! but I find it's gentle enough to use every day.  Also, the best part is that the smell is so nondescript that you and your man can use it together splitting the cost while both profiting from all the skin renewing benefits. So go out and try it for yourself and remember to tell your man it's okay if he tries a little salad too.

But seriously Meg, leave me a little Billy Jealously we're almost out. 

Nick, the review was great but we need a little more info...So, if a lady friend brought this to you as a gift, what type of occasion would this gift be appropriate for? Nick: Not as a gift. Just if she brings it over and puts it in the shower, that would be nice and then I would have sex with her in the shower.

Stacy B here! I wish I had a cute lead in story to this post that linked my fabulous life with a great product all with clever anecdotes and witty comments that will keep you coming back for more.

I don't. It's been a fairly boring week.

Everyone is finally healthy (mostly) so you'd think we'd be getting good sleep, feeling better and living life to the fullest. Nope. Enter night terrors. My poor kid. And poor us. No one sleeps when your baby is screaming at the top of his lungs, thrashing around like someone is killing him and there's NOTHING you can do. Nothing. You aren't even supposed to pick them up, wake them up or anything. You just have to let it happen. Last night was 30 minutes between 12:15 am and 12:45 am. The night before was midnight to 12:25 am and I'm praying tonight doesn't happen. It's been 3 of the last 5 nights. Poor kid.

My only relief is that our doctor says that even though there's nothing we can do, we should be comforted by the fact that he doesn't remember anything when he wakes up. I know this is true because once he finally stopped screaming last night, he quietly sighed, opened his eyes, blew a giant raspberry at me, giggled, and rolled over to sleep the rest of the night peacefully. Thanks kid.

Ugh, I just want us all to sleep!

My creative juices are just not flowing this week so I'm going to jump right in. Buy a makeup brush from EcoTools. No, it will not cure night terrors, croup, sinus infections or world hunger but it's an awesome tool to get some makeup on those tired eyes and get you through the day looking good and feeling good about an environmentally friendly tool.

I used the Bamboo Eye Shading Brush this week and loved it. It was so soft, smooth and easy to use. I told a coworker about it and she said she bought these expensive brushes from Sephora and they were terrible. Stiff, didn't pick up the shadow and were too prickly to spread what little shadow was on the bristles evenly. She was so mad she wasted money on them. I just gushed about this brush, and I think I may have convinced her to buy one! And why not? It's only $4!

The whole line in cruelty free and made with resuable materials. The bamboo handle is light and easy to grip. I really like bamboo, I've been using it in my kitchen mostly, for cutting boards, cheese servers, etc. It's a great looking, good for you, easy to take care of wood. I was pretty excited to use it in my bathroom, too!

Meg here! 13 days and smoke free!! Woohoo! It's definitely getting easier everyday and I'm getting more and more compliments on how great my skin has been looking.

Stopping smoling has made my face look clearer and brighter within just a couple weeks but there is one thing it hasn't stopped...My hormones. With PMS kicked into high gear and both my mood and my skin out of balance, my monthly pimple emerged.

I could feel my frightful visitor about to arrive at my doorstep (If the doorstep was on my forehead, right between my eyes.) Luckily, it was the same day as Relogy arrived at my door!

Relogy was touting itself as a "Natural Acne Treatment." I quickly opened up the box, broken down into an easy 3 step process labeled Step 1 and Step 2 and then topped off with an easy spot targeted pen-I couldn't wait to get started and nip this third eye in the bud.

That night, I hopped in the shower and started my Relogy journey. Step 1 is a face wash. With a few pumps from the dispenser, a foamy mousse was dispensed. It spread light and evenly across my face and washed off clean. No tight or sticky feeling, no residue left. What exactly is in this? Step 1: Relogy's Rinse-Free Foam penetrates deep into the skin's surface to start clearing acne immediately, while soothing naturals promote a healing, redness reducing, anti-inflammatory effects. Tough on acne bacteria, this product is still gentle, smells great, and feels silky on your skin.  And, it's 100% benzoyl-peroxide free!" 

OK, that was easy enough, now how about Step 2? The bottle says to use a pea size amount and that it's "Natural Skin Balancing Lotion is the ultimate side-effect preventer, keeping your skin soft, with just the right level of hydration for smooth, healthy, glowing skin."  I used a pea sized amount but I did add another pea to the soup. This lotion went on very light and spreadable. It wasn't a heavy moisturizer but felt more like a serum on application. I really liked it.

The third step? The stainless steel roller ball spot control is for specific care targeting (that third eye I speak about.) I have been using this routine for the past 6 days and I am happy to report that there was nothing to have to conceal or (Yes, I admit it. Squeeze and pop.) Period due tomorrow and I have no zingers!

I love that Relogy is animal cruelty free and vegan (you know how I'm a stickler on animal friendly products.) Its gentle formula is safe for skin that usually is prone to irritation or redness since so many acne fighting products use such harsh chemicals.

So now, with my Relogy Acne Fighting Routine, my nightly Apple Cider Vinegar shots and my kicking cigarettes, I'm going to be like Benjamin Buttons. Everyday I may not be getting younger but I am definitely looking better and healthier.

I'm really loving how easy it is to have such great skin. I have this amazing app on my Iphone. It's called "Period Tracker" and it tracks when your ovulating, when you're the most fertile and WHEN YOUR PERIOD IS ON IT'S WAY! It gives you the exact date. This makes my planning business trips a God send! Nothing worse than flying on Day 1 of dear friend Flo. Now, one week before I am due (and my most oily) I will be breaking out my Relogy, by doing this, I'm guaranteeing these will be the only "break outs" that I see!

Stacy B here! "This year's flu season could be the worst in decades" uh, what? You're kidding me, right? I have two kids who attract germs like a Kardashian attracts papparazzi and now I have to worry about the flu!? They just got over coughs last week!

Break out the kiddie pool, I'm using it indoors and filling in with sanitizer. We will NOT get the flu. We WILL NOT. OK, maybe I can get it, I hear it helps drop the holiday weight. Kidding!!

I'm not sure what else I can do within the realm of normal parenting behavior. Everyone washes their hands when they get home, sheets are washed weekly in hot water, scarves, hats and mittens are thrown in there occassionally, both boys (and adults) are eating lots of healthy veggies and vitamin-c packed fruits, adults take multivitamins, we all drink lots of water and exercise regularly. We can't live in a bubble.

In case the bug gets us, we do our best to make the duration of the cold or flu as short and pleasant as possible. Steamy showers, hot tea, lots of rest, chicken soups, doctor's visits, if necessary, and for the adults, cold medicine (which you know never works). I definitely feel bad for my youngest who, at 8 months, can't take any medicine or drink tea and soup. My 4-year-old has a few more options but still. I try to find non-drug ways of making them feel better.

I found some body wash from Kiss My Face called Cold and Flu Shower and Bath Gel. Sounds way too good to be true. And it kind of was. I didn't love this. I liked it. Just liked it. Which was tough because I loved the company, the message behind the products, their environmental responsibility, the innovative products, even the price.

It started out really promising. The bottle is huge, and only about $11 retail price. I was intrigued by the eucalypus and menthol blend and the advertising on the back. It says "While it doesn't provide a cure, it sure does provide a dose of soothing comfort." 

What? A company being totally honest with you and not trying to trick you into believing they can cure the world? Set my expectation right away: this wouldn't work miracles, but would offer a break from the annoying cold and flu symptoms we all hate. Perfect. We all know there's no cure for the common cold, or flu, so a break is about all we can ask for as we let these things run their course.

Meg here! I’ve got a fun contest for you guys! I have partnered with DermOrganic, an amazing vegan, cruelty free hair and skin care line. We’re giving away FREE DermOrganic Try Me Hair Sample Kits!

Meg  here! Sometimes I can call 'em! I think it was back in 2006 when I proclaimed Liptini my most favortie lip stains ever! Back then they were a little boutique company right here in LA. The last time I was in NYC I was walking down the street and saw, much to my delight a big display of Liptini right in the drugstores window! It was a big drugstore too, like a Duane Reade or a Walgreens. It's a nice feeling when I am validated that "yes! that was a pulse my finger was feeling!"

I know I'm not alone in my obsession with these gorgeous colors, amazing staying power and conveniently packaged tubes of greatness. Over the years, I told all of my friends to go pick them up if they wanted a great item whose color you can layer for an even bolder effect. I know I know my stuff but it is great when I "google" the Liptini and see thousands of A+ reviews with lots of women agreeing with me! So you go Liptini! This Momma is so proud!

I recently tried Liptini's shade "Pink Squirell." It looks a lot redder in the tube but once it goes on, it's really a perfectly innocent, youthful and realistic pink. The type of pink lips you'd get if you were 5 years old and playing in the snow. It's that healthy natural pink that no one seems to ever have naturally. I know. Go figure. I like to layer so I apply it, let it dry and repeat 3x. Sometimes, I'll add a clear gloss or a complimentary shade in a pink.

Stacy B here! Happy New Year everyone! Fresh start, new year, better tomorrows. Hopefully.

The last two years have been a bit trying for my husband and I, for many reasons, including a rough pregnancy, the increased cost of two kids in daycare, a job change for my husband that turned out to be a terrible move thanks to some corporate decisions made just after he was hired that essentially changed not only his job, but his salary. Not good, and questionable business ethics if you ask me.

That's as much detail as I'll bore you with, but we are confident this new year will bring us much more happiness and good luck. We have healthy boys and a nice place to live so I shouldn't take that for granted, but a happy work environment for the hubby and a boost in our economic situation would be icing on the cake.

We're not big on resolutions at our house, I feel like they set you up to fail. They are always too big and a year is just too long to hold yourself to something that could be a major life change. I'm sticking with what I know and just vowing to stay on my healthy eating and gym workouts plan.

I was at the gym last night and saw a bunch of New Year's Resolutioners huffing and puffing on the treadmills in their new gym clothes looking like they were about to throw up. I admire them for taking that first step, but if you don't start out slow, you'll never made it past January. It took me 6 months to work up to 45 minutes of cardio and 25 mintues of weight training 4 nights a week and while it was frustratingly slow, in 6 months I lost 23 lbs and every ounce of baby weight I put on. I'm pretty proud of that and I know it was because I took it slow, didn't expect miracles and pushed myself just enough to see results without hurting myself or getting discouraged.

One thing that helped was taking walks during lunch at work. I have a gym right down the street and I can get there, walk on an incline for 30 minutes and get back to work in an hour. I don't over-exert, there's just no time for showering so I do just enough to get off my butt, burn some calories and boost my energy without sweating like a pig. Thank God for dry shampoo and makeup wipes! My favorite wipes are Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit Oil Free Cleansing Wipes.

I have these in my gym bag and I love them. They smell so fresh and citrus-y. I use them when I'm changing to do a quick wipe down of my skin, especially around my hairline which does get a little sweaty, even though my workout is very low impact. They are also perfect for around the bands and straps of my sports bra that can also get a little sticky. Just a quick swipe and my skin is clean, sweet smelling and fresh.

I know these are primarily for your face, but they work everywhere else, too. They are not sticky at all, they wipe away clean, although it does take a minute or two for them to totally dry. I don't have time for a full moisturizing ritual after my workout but these are not drying at all. That's one of the reasons I like them so much, I can use them without feeling my skin tighten up and get cracked or itchy. And since it's 8 degrees today as I write this, the air is dry enough, I don't need a wipe sapping any more moisture from my skin.

 Meg hair! You want to know what stinks? When you're five years old in a sandbox and everyone else in the group picture has cute ponytails and you have tufts on your head and your grandfather refers to you as "his little Ed Asner."

Being bald due to cancer must be terrible. I mean, you have cancer, so there are bigger issues. I never had cancer. I was just bald because God has a very good sense of humor and that's life.

Now, I have long, luscious hair. Amazing. It only took 10 orphans in a poor Indian village to get it. So, win? Win?

I can lie and tell you if you use this product your hair will grow. It doesn't. I spend the GDP of a poor nation on my tresses. Because I am on TV and I HAVE TO. Those long full locks with a slight curl on the end? Yes, they're as natural as my full C+ boobies and plump upper lip.

Jessica comes to my house after I've spent $300 on new, auburn Indian hair. She has to remove all of the old stuff. It gets ratty. I've got my extensions out and now she is coloring the remaining pieces I have in. She has to, we have to make the new hair perfectly match. It's step one in a process that will take hours and almost $1,000 a month. I think I'm JLo.

Full hair is sexy, full hair equates youth and health and vitality. Full hair has always eluded me, until I took the hit to my wallet and decided "full hair" was worth it.