reLYME

One of my New Year's resolutions was to pamper myself--treat myself like a queen, if you will. (And you'll probably see me mention my queendom a lot in the future.) Quite frankly, this girl woke up one day and realized she can't let herself fall by the wayside any longer.

As the saying goes, "When you look good, you feel good." Well, then one of the best ways to feel like a queen is to look like one. All day! That's why, I'm making sure my makeup bag is stocked with these essential, long-lasting, won't-melt-off-even-if-my-day-at-work-did-suck cosmetics:

Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer, $24.50

Why I love it? The felt tip marker makes for a simple and klutz-proof application, and it ensures that my pout is perfectly pink for hours! Plus, and maybe this is a bit of hyperbole here, but I felt like I was having a total out of body experience, catching myself in the mirror to see that it was still ever-present several hours later.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray, $24

Why I love it? It's a light-weight primer spray that makes your makeup--eye makeup, concealer, foundation--stay in place! And, it's jam-packed with vitamins! Vitamins on my face is definitely more fun, then big, horse-pill sized vitamins any day of the week.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $20

Why I love it? OK, I was afraid of the concept of waterproof liquid eye liner, too. My hands have a classic case of the shakes, but I found that the tip of this little beauty makes for such a flawless application, and the promise of non-meltdown, was well worth the risk of a little trial and error. Definitely a must-have!

MAKEUP FOREVER HD Microfinish Powder To Go, $15

Why I love it? This talc-free powder makes the perfect topping to the masterpiece that is your face. It's not heavy or drying. Don't be fooled, though...this makeup really can pack a punch by holding up to its name. You know, because it's called...oh, you get it!

For a doll that's only about 12-inches tall, Barbie's reign is larger than life. The plastic mistress has been instructing young girls in what to wear, which career to choose, and how to throw a proper pool party for half a century.

How do you celebrate the birthday of a "woman" who has wed Ken several times before divorcing him; saved animals as a veterinarian; worked as a school teacher; worked as an astronaut; had a brief stint as a McDonalds employee; moved to Hawaii and then to Malibu; grown her hair past her waist; been a rock star; acted as primary caregiver to three younger sisters; changed ethnicities; filmed her own workout tape; impersonated innumerable celebrities; collaborated with MAC cosmetics; owned a dreamhouse and several pink cars; won Miss America; has always stayed fit; and walks on heels every day?

Why, you create her very own runway show at New York Fashion Week, of course! This February, the powers-that-be behind the Barbie empire (Mattel UK) have collaborated with 50 designers--Givenchy, Dior, Vera Wang, and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few--who will create human sized outfits inspired by Barbie herself. Even Christian Louboutin is on board, and will be designing the doll's signature pink pumps.

I don't think Ken will be on the guest list.

If that's not enough, the department store giant, Bloomingdales, will adorn the windows of its flagship store with all things Barbie during Fashion Week.

It just goes to show: you don't have to be tall or outspoken to get ahead. You only need to be blonde and successful. Happy Birthday, Barbie!