By Kaye Cloutman, Photography by Melissa Gabriel Baltazar

Molly Ringwald and Boutique Proprietor Lisa Wasylychyn at Benefit Cosmetics San Francisco

It was an afternoon of pure girl fun and beauty as 80’s icon Molly Ringwald graced the San Francisco Marina store of Benefit Cosmetics last week. The divine boutique shop was replete with fantastic women all ready to embrace and welcome prettifying techniques which left everyone absolutely glowing with delight – especially since Molly shared her two-cents and tips on radiating gorgeousness from the inside out. To most of us, Molly will forever be the sixteen-year-old we all grew to love – but seeing her that day with her hilarious daughter made me finally accept the fact that yes, this woman now in her forties, has evolved as the “it” woman we gals who are still stuck in the era of “hair bands” and outrageous fashion seriously need to look up to.

Now a mother and bestselling author, Molly read excerpts from her book, Getting the Pretty Back (!t Books, $16.99, 230 pages, 9780061809453) and openly enlightened her audience on her personal take on life, love, fashion, beauty, travel, entertaining,  sex and motherhood – which of course many of us could really relate to!  Can you spell r-e-m-a-r-k-a-b-l-e? This book is not only eye-candy but filled with practical tips so we can navigate all the phases of our female adult years in a stylish and practical way.

I totally love everything about Benefit Cosmetics too – from founders Jean and Jane’s stories to the wonderful line of products creatively packaged with amusing names. Personal favorites are The Pore Professional which is a foundation that blends evenly on skin to minimize the appearance of pores, and the rose tinted lip and cheek stain called Benetint. This legendary item was especially endearing as it was originally concocted in 1977 for an exotic dancer who requested something to make her nipples pretty and pink – how delightful indeed. Add to that the drop-dead gorgeous staff, who were, by the way, instrumental in making the event as successful as it was. Their makeup brushes almost seemed like magic wands, creating instant incredible transformations – I kid you not, there was no shortage of oohs and ahhs from the guests after that.

Makeovers galore!

The Uber Glam Team of Benefit Cosmetics San Francisco

Enjoy the fun interview we did with Molly that day!

See photos from the event!