Photo: Kevin Cremens

Cat's Meow
For makeup (and kitty) lovers everywhere, behold the captivating Paul & Joe 10th Anniversary "Meow" collection. The three colors in the Face & Eye Color palette (from top, in Kittycat, Purr-fect, and Siamese, Please, $36 each; b-glowing.com) can be used as eyeshadow, liner, and (with the pink palette) even blush. It's our new pet product!
blow-dryer brush

Photo: J Muckle/Studio D

Blow-Dryer Brush
When your hair is freshly blown out, life just seems...better. But getting to that bouncy, shiny, mood-altering state can require multiple tools and more than a little elbow grease. The new John Frieda Hot Air Brush ($40; amazon.com) simplifies things, sending hot, hair-smoothing air directly through a vented round brush. Our technique: Let your hair dry at least 50 percent (why do more work than you have to?), then move in with the blow-dryer brush. Run it through the length of your hair to smooth frizz, then rotate it at the ends and hold for a few seconds for a slight curl (and extra bounce). We've even found the John Frieda contraption handy for smoothing our style the day after (or, sometimes, three days after) a shampoo and blow-dry.
blush

Photo: J Muckle/Studio D

In the Pink
Who doesn't need a bit of brightening these days? Here's how to get it in three seconds flat: Sweep Benefit Hervana ($28; benefitcosmetics.com) on the apples of your cheeks. The angled brush (which fits neatly into the box) leaves an even wash of color, and the formula's slightly shimmery finish works for both day and evening. Nice surprise: The lavender shade (created by swirling together a pearly off-white, a soft peach, a rosy pink, and a light raspberry) looks natural on every skin tone.
mascara

Photo: J Muckle/Studio D

If Pussy Galore were around today, she'd be wearing Guerlain Noir G Mascara ($49; saks.com). Open the sleek, bullet-shaped compact and—so Bond-like!—up pops a hidden mirror. Then twist the cap to pull out a small brush coated with a deep black formula that won't clump or leave lashes dry, thanks to a blend of volumizing waxes and conditioners. After a day of work (or espionage), it reapplies as smoothly as it went on in the morning.
perfume

Photo: J Muckle/Studio D

Mad Love
If you're stumped about what indulgence to give your better half for Valentine's Day, I suggest a handsome bottle of Alvarez Gómez Madrid Agua de Colonia Concentrada. The first time I smelled this cologne—a subtle blend of lemon, geranium, bergamot, and lavender—I thought instantly of my dad, who was a classic ad man (minus the alcoholism and infidelity). If the inimitable Mad Men style has a scent, this is it: clean, elegant, with a zesty nip. Get the 750-milliliter bottle ($100; minnewyork.com)—you'll want to wear it, too.

Next: 5 simple steps to a gorgeous party look