Glamour Squad Weekly Reads

Clumps of Mascara does a neutral eye and poppin' lip video tutorial.

The Product Pasha teaches you how to reproduce the unique looks Tarte and Tina Turnbow created for New York Fashion Week.

Butterflydiary is already in love with Givenchy’s Summer 2010 Frangipani collection.

Krasey Beauty shows you her fashion week makeup looks. Which one is your favorite?

The Beauty Alchemist tests Ellis Faas cosmetics.

DivaDebbi tries the newest from Cover Girl’s Simply Ageless collection.

Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Breakage Defense

Pantene is going for the gold this year being a sponsor for several of the Winter Olympics stars including Lindsey Vonn ( and have we not all noticed what fab hair and makeup she has, right off the course ? Are there prep people standing by? Inquiring minds want to know)

You don't have to be a winter olympian though, for your hair to deal with cold winter conditions. In the Northeast this year we've had the snowiest winter on record . Pantene offers their Pro-V Restoratives Breakage Defense collection to the athletes and to us .

I gave this to The Mom recently when one of said snowstorms left her shampoo supply low . Her holy grail is Nexxus Diametress and nothing much sways her. However, she has thin, fragile, color treated hair and always has breakage. She was perfect for a test run. She checked the thickness of the formula, a tell tale sign of a good shampoo she says and off she went.

Her review was all postive. She felt her hair was smoother, yet more texturized and soft. Pro-V Restoratives Breakage Defense isn't a volumizing shampoo, but it still did ok in that area. Maybe not as much as her favorite, but adding in all the volumizing products she uses otherwise helped .

It's hard to beat Pantene in the price wars, and to get something this conditioning for damaged hair at the drugstore level is pretty good.

Pantene is so sure you'll love it, they will switch you back to your old product if you're not happy. See http://www.pantene.com/ for more details.

Retail for each shampoo or conditioner is $ 4.99

MAC Viva Glam hosts an audience with Cyndi, Gaga & Sharon Osbourne

If Cyndi Lauper , Lady Gaga and Sharon Osbourne aren't a trio worth seeing, I don't what is. This is going to be one wild and crazy " audience" that MAC has out together to promote their MAC Aids Fund. You can even leave questions on their Facebook page.

Details:

On Monday, 1st March 2010, Sharon Osbourne will be joined by M·A·C AIDS FUND spokespersons and global superstars, Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, for an intimate and exclusive ‘audience with’ in London, as part of the M·A·C Cosmetics VIVA GLAM ‘From our Lips’ campaign.

The exclusive interview will offer fans from around the world the opportunity to have their questions about HIV/AIDS and their participation with the M·A·C VIVA GLAM campaign answered by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper.

M·A·C Cosmetics also has partnered exclusively with Ustream to broadcast the event to a global audience via the M·A·C Facebook page immediately following the event 4pm GMT / 11am EST / 8am PST.

Led by Sharon Osbourne, the lively and candid conversation will see Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper discuss HIV and AIDS, raising awareness around the subject to get people across the globe to think and act differently about the disease.

** You can leave your very own questions for Cyndi & Gaga by leaving a question on our M·A·C Facebook Page HERE.

**Or if you're not on Facebook, you van view it directly on Ustream :

http://www.ustream.tv/macvivaglam

Smashbox in Stanford, CA Event 2/27

Many of us like to say all the events are in NYC and they usually are. Here's one not only on the West Coast but in Stanford, CA .

On Saturday, February 27th , Smashbox Cosmetics will be hosting an interactive event in Stanford based on photography and makeup hosted by Hank Hoffman, celebrity makeup artist for Smashbox and Steven Khan, celebrity photographer.

Sephora Stanford is located at:
355 Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto, CA

The event is from 11-7pm and is open to the public. Meet with Hank Hoffman and Steven Kahn and with any $100 Smashbox purchase, each customer will take professional headshots by Steven Khan (celeb photographer) and walk away with a CD to share with friends and family.

Chanel Rouge Coco

Chanel's Rouge Coco has re-invented their iconic lipstick. Global Creative Director of Makeup, Peter Philips, has brought it into modern times and made a beauty.

A quote from Philips:
“Rouge Coco fascinates me, because I’ve never seen a texture this comfortable and easy to apply. It’s the ready-to-wear lipstick. Just one sweep over the lips colours them and covers them in a melt-away balm … I like the idea that women from the gloss generation, who are afraid of lipstick, can return to this essentially feminine beauty step with Rouge Coco.”

There is no dryness in this formula. It feels wonderful on, and has meadowfoam oil for moisture. It stays very creamy, lasts pretty long and has good pigment. The shades I have are on the lighter side, and while not matte , do not have much simmer. Just a hint of pearl.

The redesign goes down right to the case which is now in metal, and they tested and retested to get the perfect" click " when capping the case.

Many original, older shades remain but a new palette is part of the line as well. It's a large collection , so you are bound to like at least one.

My shades shown are La Pausa, a light peachy coral. This is the perfect starter coral because it's really far more peach. Next is Perle , which is a beige/pink and a great neutral. Both are very wearable and I've been wearing them a lot.

Rouge Coco launches on Feb. 25 and will retail for $ 30.00

*2nd image courtesy of Chanel

* press sample

MAKE UP FOR EVER & " The Runaways"

One of the most hotly anticipated new movies this year is "The Runaways", documenting the rise of the all girl rock band who gave us the amazing Joan Jett.

While I was too young for The Runaways the first time around, I have to come to be an admirer of Joan Jett as a solo artist. She's always been true to who she is and she rocks the best eyeliner around. Her look is her look and she does it well. I am very happy that a younger generation is about to meet these groundbreaking rock grrrls. Maybe now Joan will finally inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame .

It's amazing how well the made Kristen Stewart into Joan as well as transfroming Dakota Fanning into Cherrie Curry( seriously she doesn't even look like herself). That's the power or makeup and hair.

Make Up For Ever was the makeup used to do those smoky eyes on the ladies. Now you can not only see how they got the look but enter a contest to be a part of "The Runaways" movie premiere.

All the details:

In order to design the eye-catching on-screen looks for the new motion picture, make up department head Robin Mathews chose MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Eye Shadows, Aqua Eyes and Smoky Lash mascara to achieve the smoky eye, rock and roll look of the band.

"I designed ‘The Runaways’ Eyes around MAKE UP FOR EVER Eye Shadows. Their highly pigmented Eye Shadows and Aqua Eyes eyeliners are silky smooth, blendable, and long lasting," said Robin Mathews. "The color selection is limitless, giving you endless possibilities. I finished each look with Smoky Lash mascara – which is truly smudge proof, a necessity on and off stage."

To celebrate the film’s upcoming release, MAKE UP FOR EVER has partnered with "The Runaways" to host a sweepstakes where one lucky winner and a guest will be invited to party like a true rock star at the New York City premiere of the film on March 17th.

For official rules and more information on how to enter, visit http://www.makeupforeverusa.com/runaways/ , and fan us at www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA to see our favorite rocker looks.

Additionally, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s favorite smoky eye color combinations are featured in Sephora stores across the U.S. and Canada, allowing shoppers to customize their look for spring.

Illamasqua Nail Polish Competition

Announcing Illamasqua's Global Nail Varnish Competition - Fall 2010. This is neat chance to create the color of your dreams and maybe win. Good Luck.

Illamasqua, the edgiest, nighttime makeup brand, is looking for the next hot Nail Varnish color, and beginning on February 21, 2010, it could be created by you! Submit a description of your dream color and what inspired it, along with an image or photograph, and you could have your shade created by Illamasqua.

The winning shade will be sold as an exclusive on Illamasqua.com, and through UK-based Selfridges department stores and Selfridges.com, beginning in October of 2010 (although, you'll get your hand on it before anyone else!).

The rules:
The contest is open globally from Feb 21, 2010 through March 14, 2010

In 50 words or less, submit a description of your dream color and what inspired it - pictures are encouraged, whether a photograph, swatch, material etc... - to Illamasqua

You can submit only ONE entry

Entries can be submitted three ways:
via email: competition@illamasqua.com
via blog post: email the link to competition@illamasqua.com
via mail:

COMPETITION
c/o Illamasqua
6-8 Anwell St
London
EC1R 1UQ

One winner will be selected and notified by 5th May. A prestigious panel of beauty trend makers, including Illamasqua Artistic Director and Legendary Make-up Artist Alex Box, Internationally acclaimed Nail Artist Sophy Robson and the Youtube sensations Pixiwoo will be heading up the judging panel!

Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

A product long missing from mass market shelves has been dry shampoo. Yes Pssst brand has been around for ages, but try even finding it these days. Launched during the New York Fashion Week just passed, Tresemme is bringing dry shampoo into the drugstore .

Their dry shampoo is for normal to oily straight hair, not dry hair. There's a waterless foam for the drier/ curly hair.

Having used this a couple times as well as having used several high end ones, I can't say there is much difference between them. Tresemme's did a great job. I like that it has mineral clay, which is a definite oil absorber. There are also citrus extracts to neutralize odor.

Working the same as many dry shampoos, you shake it, spray on hair, wait 2 minutes then brush and fluff. Done. My hair felt a little sticky to the touch but I have had that with any dry shampoo I've used. It still got me the extra day /evening I needed for my hair.

Retail is $ 4.99

You can see the line at : http://www.tresemme.com/fresh-start/

Ellis Faas Cosmetics

It is with great enthusiam that I tested the new Ellis Faas makeup line. It's not too often a line comes along that is this innovative, unique and really generates buzz.

Ellis Faas is a internationally recognized makeup artist from the Netherlands who got her start working with Mario Testino. Her years of experience sent her to create her own line, a line based on what she calls "human colors". Colors that are real and part of the human race like the tint of a freckle. All her colors use tones that are already in us.

Each product , except powder , is housed in lightweight but sleek metal tube. These tubes can then be put into the very unique makeup cylinder. This cylinder allows you to keep all your needed items in one place and right at hand with a twist and click.

The range is a complete one with foundation, concealer, eyeshadows, lipsticks, blush, eyeliner and mascara. The lips and eyes come several variations.

I've got Milky Lips in L206, Blush in S302 and mascara.

The lipstick is luxe. Light but full coverage that lasts well. No shimmer but not quite matte. It's very creamy, feels good on the lip and blends easily. ( Picture is the L206 shade, from the Ellis Faas website and a good representation of the color).

The blush is a light liquid/cream. Again not heavy but deeply pigmented at first, it blends down to a natural but not sheer look. It is very stain like once it dries. The blush also lasts well and a little dab is all you need for each cheek.

The mascara , first off, is one of the longest mascara wands I've ever seen. Thats great for control. It made my lashes very long, very defined. Volume was only a little. The length part alone makes this really good.

Now that I have a few pieces, I need to add the cylinder to the mix.

In the US the line is currently exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman.

Internationally it is at Mecca in Australia, Liberty in London as well as other countries.

See more at http://www.ellisfaas.com/

Glamour Squad Weekly Reads

A special shout out this week to the wonderful Kathy of http://minxbeads.blogspot.com/ for designing our new logo.


Butterflydiary shows you the stunning range of nails and shades at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 Fashion Week shows.

Clumps of Mascara tries CoverGirl's Smoky Shadow Blast. So it really a blast though?

Just in time for fashion week, Krasey Beauty has a legendary hair experience with Redken and the Cutler Salon.

BeautySweetSpot investigates the life of a top model during New York Fashion Week.

DivaDebbi says goodbye forever to the Bryant Park Tents for Fashion Week.

The Product Pasha has been dreaming in color with a little help from Orly new Spring '10 collection.

The Beauty Alchemist previews HerCut haircare line.

Shiseido for Michael Kors Fall 2010

One of my absolute favorite makeup looks from the fall 2010 shows in New York was the one at Michael Kors. You can't deny that the models simply glow. It featured golden beauties as opposed to a deep lip. I don't really do the bold lip seen so often during these fall shows, but this gold/bronze combo perfect.

I'm especially in love with the blush and needed to track down what it was. It turns out Shiseido and the amazing Dick Page were responsible.

The details per Women's Wear Daily and Shiseido, including a look at a new fall palette launch :

"We’re doing a simple, sporty, Michael Kors American beauty,” said Dick Page, working with Shiseido at the show.

Products used:·

EYES:
Dick blended together the Accentuating Color Sticks in Bronze Flush (S1) and Glistening Flush (S3) to create a warm, bronzy shade; he then applied the color all over the eyelids.

· Dick then brushed the Luminizing Satin Face Color in High Beam Gold (BE206) over the eyelids to create a “halo” of color.
· Next, Dick used a fluff brush to apply the dark-bronze shade from the Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Opera (GD804)* along the upper lash line and up through the crease, following the natural eye shape. A large fluff brush was then used to diffuse the color.
· To line the eyes, Dick took the charcoal shade from Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Fire (OR302)* and slightly dampened the edge of the shadow for intensity. Using a small liner brush, Dick used the damp charcoal color to line two-thirds of the upper lash line and the full bottom lash line.
· Then, Dick used the dark-bronze shade from the Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Opera (GD804)* to blend over the lash lines to soften and diffuse the color.

· For the upper lashes, Dick gently curled the lashes with the Shiseido Makeup Eyelash Curler and then applied a coat of the Shiseido Makeup Perfect Mascara Defining Volume in Black (BK901)*.

FACE
· “Warm with a flush of bright color”
· Dick applied a wash of Shiseido Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation over the face and along the jaw line.
· Dick then applied a mix of Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Face Colors in High Beam White (WT905) and Soft Beam Gold (BE206) along the cheekbones and slightly under the eye area to create a highlight.
· Next, Dick applied a combination of Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Face Colors on the apples of the cheeks, depending on each model’s skin tone. Shades used: Tea Rose (RS302), Orchid (RD401), Petal (RD103), Carnation (PK304) and Shell (GD809).

LIPS
· Dick applied Shiseido Makeup Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Caramel (BR333)* with a soft fluff brush and then diffused the color.


*The Shiseido Makeup Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio and the Shiseido Makeup Perfect Mascara Defining Volume will be available September 2010.


Images: WWD and Style.com

Sebastian & Stila for Betsey Johnson Fall 2010

The beauty look at Betsey Johnson on Sunday was inspired by the “sexy cowgirls” in the 1971 French western “Les Pétroleuses,” or “Petroleum Girls,” which starred Brigitte Bardot. The makeup was done by Sarah Lucero for Stila and the hair by Thomas Dunkin, who led the Sebastian Professional Stylist Design Team.

Dunkin used some of my favorite hairsprays like Sebastian Re-Shaper. He also used a lot of the new Volupt spray, made for blowing in big volume.

The Hair Look:

For a windblown, cowgirl look that's playful and sexy, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin suggests the following steps:

-Generously spray Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray throughout damp hair for workable volume and texture.
-Blow dry hair and set it with medium and large-sized Velcro rollers for height and body.
-Once the hair has cooled, remove the rollers and lightly cover hair with Shaper Zero Gravity to create added texture and separation.
-Create authentic cowgirl flair by separating hair into two loose, tousled pigtails and decorate them with torn fabric or thin leather ties. Finish with Re-Shaper.

How to Get the Look with Sebastian Professional:

Thomas Dunkin suggests combining stylers that work together to create volume and texture. Try:
-Volupt Spray - Volume-Building Spray-Gel ($19.95)

-Shaper Zero Gravity - Dry, Brushable, Lightweight Control Hairspray ($15.95)
-Re-Shaper - Brushable Humidity-Resistant Strong Hold Hairspray ($16.50)

For more information, visit sebastianprofessional.com.

Stila has put together the set of 3 eyeshadows used to make the smoky eye on it's website to buy. Here's more on the look :

Products used :

· Stila Eye Shadow in Chinois
· Stila Eye Shadow in Ebony
· Stila Eye Shadow in Espresso
· Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera
· Stila One Step Makeup

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=738&catID=1&departID=1

photos: Sebastian and Style.com

Make Up For Ever backstage at Thuy Fall 2010

Make Up For Ever Alliance team member, Lottie (http://www.makeupforever-alliance.com/), served as key make up artist for the Thuy fall 2010 show. Here's the look sheet with a ful breakdown of products used.

I love the light gold shimmer on the eyes. It really opens and brightens the eye. This is one runway look I've done variations of and you can easily replicate as well.

Complexion & Cheeks: Lottie first applied HD Invisible Cover Foundation to perfect the models’ complexion. Next, she created a contour on the cheeks using Mat Bronze #2, and then applied more bronzer high on the apple of the cheeks. The look was set with Super Matte Loose Powder #12 on the t-zone.

Eyes: To create a sheer, shimmery gold wash on the eyes, Star Powder #920 was applied to the entire eye area starting at the lid and extending beyond the brow and temple. Pan Cake Foundation #3 was then applied to the temples to illuminate the skin. The eyes were finished with Smoky Lash Mascara on both the top and bottom lashes.

Lips: Lottie mixed Flash Color #1 with a hint of Flash Color #17 to get a matte, blood red stained mouth. She applied the Flash Color with her fingertips to blot it onto the mouth.

Images: Make Up For Ever and Reuters

MAC & Ted Gibson for Carmen Marc Valvo Fall'10

(Mouse over photos for captions in slideshow)

MAC , led by Romero Jennings, provided the makeup and Ted Gibson the hair for the Carmen Marc Valvo show. The collection was inspired by the movie Lust,Caution and informed the look backstage. The hair was tucked into a bob and once again a bold lip was front and center. A great winged eyeliner was also done, with blocked out brows. Many of the models were wearing hats so Jennings wanted the makeup to pop from underneath the fedoras.

Cheeks were sculpted with Scult and Shape powders, # 44 lashes were trimmed and used and the lips were a combo of Beetroot pencil and a new burgundy lipstick that hasn't yet been named. The lips were then powdered to a matte finish. Fascinating eye pencil rimmed the inside corners to really open up the eyes.


Carmen Marc Valvo always does beautiful dresses, ready for the red carpet or special occasion, and this was no exception. That last image, the strapless dress with a fedora is a bombshell look straight from the 40s noir films.


All photos in show by The Beauty Alchemist , except first image: © Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images, and last two : elle.com

Barbara Tfank Fall 2010 with MAC

Mouse over the image for captions in the slideshow

Barbara Tfank's clothes this season were all elegance and class. The look was very 60s at times, as you can see with the beautiful swing coat.

Gregory Arlt for MAC keyed the makeup , which was a bold lip , much like what we've been seeing all week.

Arlt was feeling a little retro too, retro MAC and used Del Rio lipstick on the fairer skins and older favorite Era as well as Quarry on the eyes . Sin was used on darker toned lips and new fall product Opulash made an appearance on the lashes.

Hair was done by Ric Pipino, and if you've ever wondered how your hair would look in rollers, here you go. They take time, but what a payoff. If you want tousled, va va voom volume, rollers are it. The ladies hair here looked fabulous and they couldn't resist swinging it .

Model Damaris Lewis especially had such a joie de vivre about her. You can see she gave me a big smile when I snapped a backstage shot and she was working that coat .



All photos : The Beauty Alchemist

Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder at Derek Lam

Estee Lauder made their first foray into makeup for a fashion show when legendary Tom Pecheux, new creative director for the company, created the makeup for Derek Lam using Estee Lauder, including some new colors.

One look at the models faces tells you that Mr. Pecheux will definitely be shaking things up for the brand when his first color collection hits counters this fall.

In a quote appearing in Style.com's Beauty Counter blog he said :“I can’t destroy the heritage of that company,” Pecheux joked. “I just want to bring in a little fashion, some fantasy, naughtiness, and above all youth—a word that they truly own but don’t use enough" .

The copper eyeshadow is a new Pure Color shade and was used on the lips as well.

Products Used:
-Eyes: New Estée Lauder EyeShadow Tested Backstage – Shades Launching Fall 2010
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Midnight Blue
Estée Lauder TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara in Black
-Lips: Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Beige
-Cheeks: Bare
-Skin: Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation
-Nails: Jin Soon Choi for Estée Lauder
-Nails: New Estée Lauder shade tested Backstage

Photos: Style.com and model Liu Wen (Marilyn) Photo Courtesy of Estée Lauder ,Ksenia Kahnovich (IMG) Photo Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Lancome and Chris Benz- Fall 2010

Chris Benz's inspiration this season was the Outward Bound Debutante. The girl who gets in trouble at her private school and gets sent to wilderness camp. You know her, the one who takes her stillettos , not realizing she'll not quite need those.

While backstage I not only got to meet the friendly and extremely calm Mr. Benz , but also a peek at a few pieces hanging on the racks. I love the plaid , it's retro, almost 60s, but I love plaid and the jeweled collars were such a wow. There was also a great metallic infused knit top, that is classic american sportswear. ( But please don't ask about those fur mittens. I don't do fur and I really don't do those).

Daniel Martin of Lancome created the look , along with Chris and calls it Gothic Chic. He went for a brown lip, very 90s, but made more modern. To get that lip he used a brow pencil and then a new for fall bronze lipstick. He explains the brow pencil technique in my video, posted separately.

We have been seeing and he agreed, that this is an upcoming trend possibly. An also new for fall eyeshadow was used and the blush is one of my all time favorites- Cappucine.





The full look:

-- Lancôme Ombre Magnétique in Black (NEW for Fall 2010)
-- Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Guest List
-- Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof EyeLiner in Noir
-- Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black
-- Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre brow pencil in Sable (used as lip liner)
-- Lancôme Color Design Matte lipstick in Bronze Show (available in mid-March, exclusively at Macy’s)
-- Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Hallucination
-- Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence foundation
-- Shu Uemura Sheer loose powder
-- Lancôme Blush Subtil in Mauve Coquette
-- Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cappuccine (for the contour)
-- Lancôme nail polish in Sweet Nude (part of a mini trio, new for fall)


Hair and Nails: Editorial manicurist Ana Maria used Lancôme’s new polish in Sweet Nude on hands and feet, and Redken stylist John Ruidant wove intricately braided updos .






All photos by The Beauty Alchemist, except two presentation shotss by Style. com

Daniel Martin for Lancome at Chris Benz Video

A brief video of Lancome's Daniel Martin explaining the lip look for Chris Benz Fall 2010 presentation. Detailed post to follow.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

One of the nicest things about fashion week in New York is that you get to visit in person places or stores you haven't been to in some time, and then discover some great product you should have tried long ago. One of those products is Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, tested on a trip to the flagship store on 13th and 3rd yesterday.

Not only is this eye cream highly moisturizing with shea butter and avocado oil, but it has what Kiehl's calls a "water burst " effect . When you apply the cream it goes on thick, then bursts into a thinner , refreshing formula that blends easily . It's really quite neat once you try it and you have to try it to truly get the feel of it.

A .5 oz jar is $ 25.50 at all Kiehls stores and online at http://www.kiehls.com/

Doo.Ri Fall 2010 and Tom Pecheaux

The legendary Tom Pecheaux did a wild , wonderful lip for the Doo.Ri show yesterday. Using a deep red base color , he then pressed on blue and teal glitter on the lips.

This royal blue trench gets my vote for best of the collection.

Erin Fetherston Interview Fall 2010

The wonderful Charu of http://www.butterflydiary.com/ interviewed the equally wonderful Erin Fetherston backstage just before her Fall 2010 show.

Erin will be hitting QVC later this week as well, so keep an eye out. She's a pretty cool chick to be on QVC. I hope she really brings it.

Hourglass Cosmetics & La Perla Fall 2010

Hourglass MUA Michael Pierce did the makeup looks at the Spring La Perla show this weekend. I have all the scoop on what was used, including making that gorgeous dewy skin and hot red lip shown in the images. The La Perla collection was a beauty as well. I am so in want with that grey , lace trimmed wrap/robe.

Look #1:
For the LA PERLA collection, I was inspired by 40s Hollywood – Veronica Lake and other silver screen sirens. The focus is on a gorgeous, strong red lip, but a red that every woman can wear. LA PERLA is beautiful, sexy and feminine and nothing portrays a woman's beauty like the ability to wear a truly stunning red. Hourglass’ “Raven” lipstick is gorgeous and sexy– and works for all women. To add to this look, the eyes are light with tight black eyeliner.

Get-the-look:

Skin: Michael used Veil Fluid Makeup for medium coverage and set it with Oxygen Mineral Powder for a modern, semi-matte approach to 1940’s skin. He followed it with Illume in Bronze Light- using the bronze to contour the cheekbone and the highlighter for strong definition.

Eyes: He sweeped the natural sand shade from Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Gypsy from the lash line to the brow for a glowing luminous eye. Followed by Calligraphy liquid eye liner in Ebony which he winged out in an upward direction for a thin lined look. He then finished it with Film Noir mascara (new for Fall) for an intense & dramatic black.

Lips: He traced the lips with Trace Lip Liner in Message. He then filled it with Raven lipstick (new for Fall) and added a dab of Prodigy lip gloss in Hypnotic in the middle to create the perfect pout.


Look # 2:
The LA PERLA Studio collection is an edgier look that is Tribeca-inspired. She is an urban woman that is fearless and owns her city – like she owns her beauty. For this, I created a messy, dark eye with a nude lip in order to portray an independent, inspirational beauty. ( 2nd image)

Get-the-look:

Skin: Michael created rich and dewy skin with Illusion Tinted Moisturizer. He used Hidden Concealer in Pearl, a shade lighter than the skin tone, to lift up the cheek bones and intensify the hallow. He also used Oxygen Mineral Powder in a darker shade than the skin tone to contour the cheek bones.

Eyes: Using Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Prism, Michael combined the two colors and used his fingers for a smudged, unblended look– heavier on the outside of the eye. He then took Extreme Sheen lip gloss in Reflect and added it to the eye lid for an edgy, well-worn look. He wetted a small lip brush and created a muddy consistency with the darker shade of Prism to tight line the eye- added to the inner, upper rim of the eye. Last, He used Film Noir mascara (new for Fall) for a powerful black.

Lips: To complete the look with a nude lip, Michael used Adorn in Poetry and Trace in Bare.

Look #3:
The Villa Toscana collection is soft and feminine and was created for everyday women. The makeup reflects this with a focus on flawless skin. I used a minimum of product to define her features and a neutral full lip with tight defined eyes. My philosophy here is that a woman should wear her makeup, the makeup should not wear her. ( lavender lingerie in image)

Get-the-look:

Skin: This look is all about soft and natural skin. To create this glow, Michael used Illusion Tinted Moisturizer, which has a slight shimmer. He then used Illume in Bronze Light and the blush from Illume in Sunrise to add luminosity.Eyes: To create a soft innocent eye, Michael sweeped the eye lid with the natural shade from the Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Suede. He then wet his brush and reapplied the same color to the eye for a glossed effect.

Lips: Like rest of the look, he maintained a natural beauty and created a natural, full lip with Prodigy lip gloss in Surreal and Trace lip liner in Bare.

photos: Hourglass Cosmetics and -Brendan McDermid/REUTERS via Toronto Sun newspaper ( First two).

Vivienne Tam Spring 2010

Dear friend, Charu of http://www.butterflydiary.com/, was kind enough in her coverage of Vivienne Tam , to be my point person there as well, since I couldn't make it.

The show was inspired by the Chinese Zodiac symbols, each dress reprsenting a sign.

As always with Tam there is some great detailing. The collection doesn't venture too far from her comfort zone but is very pretty and wearable with lots of shiny fabrics and sequins .