Beauty (4)

May 21, 2013

Steal My NYFW Look: Laura Mercier at Jenny Packham

Fashion is at the top of the list for spectators during New York Fashion Week but I adore checking out the make-up equally! One of my favorite looks to come down the runway was from Laura Mercier’s Talia Shobrook, lead makeup artist for this season’s Jenny Packham show.

Talia complemented the red carpet designer’s “chic yet playful” collection to develop a makeup look that was a fresh, modern take on “1960s Las Vegas glamour.” According to Shobrook, the end result was “dewy skin and soft coral lips framed by jewel-like eyes with long, fluttery lashes.”

GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS!!

Celebrity fans in attendance included Brad Goreski, Minka Kelly, Jordana Brewster, Lauren Conrad, and Madisen Beaty.

Get the Look:

Jenny Packham: Spring/Summer 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Look created by Talia Shobrook for Laura Mercier

Face: “Dewy skin” was key to keeping this look fresh and modern.
1. Talia first applied Laura Mercier Oil-Free Day Lotion SPF 15 ($95) and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Hydrating ($32) to prep the skin and create an even canvas for makeup application.

2. She then applied Laura Mercier Moisture Supreme Foundation ($43) all over the face, and concealed problem areas with Laura Mercier Secret Concealer ($22) and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($30).

3. To highlight the contours of the face and give the skin a healthy glow, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – Illuminating ($43) was applied to the forehead, nose, chin and cheekbones.

4. Talia contour the cheekbones using Laura Mercier Bronzing Pressed Powder in Dune Bronze ($32). She then applied and blended Laura Mercier Gel Lip Colour in Hibiscus Bloom ($22) to the apples of the cheeks.

Eyes: Talia used various shades of blues to create flirty, “jewel-like” eyes.

1. Talia first gently pulled up the eyelid at the brow and applied Laura Mercier Eye Pencil in Midnight Bleu ($20) straight across the lid, starting just below the lid’s crease and extending slightly beyond the outside corner of the eye.

2. Using the same eye pencil, she then filled in the area of the lid below the line and repeated the steps using Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Turquoise ($20). Talia gently pressed a layer of Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Lagoon ($22) over the liner to set it.

3. With a dome-shaped brush, she then applied Laura Mercier Metallic Crème Eye Colour in Platinum ($22) from above the crease of the eye to the brow bone.

4. In addition, NEW Laura Mercier Artist Luxe Liquid Liner ($125) (available October 2012) was applied to the lash line.
Talia finished the dramatic look by applying a coat of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara ($24) and then applying Laura Mercier Full Faux Eyelashes ($18).

Lips: Talia layered several products to create an updated version of the “coral pastel lip that was favored by women in the ‘60s.”

1. Talia used a lip brush to apply Laura Mercier Crème Lip Colour in Tangerine ($24) along the top and bottom lips. She then applied Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Baby Lips ($20).

2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF – Illuminating ($43) was applied to add dimension and shine, and the lips were set with Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder ($35).

To purchase any of the products listed above, click this link to visit Laura Mercier’s official site.

Joan Smalls and Liu Wen rock Estee Lauder at Derek Lam

Joan Smalls and Liu Wen hit the red carpet at the Derek Lam Spring 2013 runway show this past Sunday, September 9th at St. John’s Center in New York City. For the sixth consecutive year, Estee Lauder sponsored the beauty look (makeup & nails) for Lam’s highly anticipated show.

Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux led a team of 15 makeup artists to create the stunning look on 30 models – while famed manicurist Jin Soon Choi and her team polished their nails with NEW Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in So Vain (launching March 2013).

“The look is very feminine, very elegant and very discreet. Glistening aqua shades, see-through subtle color and shimmer that reveal little by little. Derek is not a show off. If you take time to discover his clothes close-up – you are wowed,” said Pecheux who used Estée Lauder makeup to complement Derek Lam’s beautiful collection of approachable silhouettes, complex textures and irreverent color mixes.

Speaking of Pecheux, his new fall collection Violet Underground for Estee Lauder is so breathtaking! It features a Limited Edition Five Color Eye Shadow Palette, Pure Color blush, Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara, Pure Color Gloss, Pure Color Quick -Thick Eyeliner, Pure Color Velvet Lipstick and Nail Lacquers.

Even in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt could look glam with the addition of this collection to your make-up routine!  What do you guys think about these amazing shades?

Photo Cred: Estee Lauder

Enter to Win: Dove Prize Pack

Sponsored Post

Happy Friday! It was a short week, with most people being off on Monday for Labor Day, but at last it’s the last day and we can celebrate! I was thinking how we could welcome the weekend properly and realized it would be a great time to hook-up one lucky winner with a fabulous prize pack from Dove.

Last week I told you about Dove’s Clinical Protection Deodorant and all the reasons why I love it.  When I’m on-the-go, this is the product that gives me the confidence to face the world and know that my sweat is under control and that I am not suffering from any under arm wetness.   I have to meet people all the time and it’s so important for me to know that I am at my ultimate best!

Prize Pack includes:

Dove Product: 1 full size product, 1 travel-size product

Matte Blotting Papers $8.00
Hand Sanitizer $1.80
On the go Nail Files $2.00
Sony – Headphones $9.99
Polka Dot Cosmetic Bag $4.80
__________________________________
Total: $26.59 + tax

To enter to win let us me know, when you need the most confidence? Hit the comments below and give me the scoop! When you’re done, follow Dove via Twitter and Facebook.

Good luck!

Disclaimer:
I was compensated by Dove to run this contest but all opinions are my own.

Katie Homes becomes Bobbi Brown’s first celebrity face!

Katie Holmes says “bye bye” to Tom and “hello” to Bobbi! The 33-year-old has been announced as Bobbi Brown’s first-ever celebrity face.

“Katie Holmes epitomizes the modern ‘Bobbi woman’… I think of her as the modern day Ali McGraw, who I have always admired,” says Bobbi Brown, “Katie is a classic natural beauty, entrepreneur, and mother. When I met her, I thought she was a natural fit for my brand, and felt an instant connection with her.”

As part of New York Fashion Week, Bobbi will be the lead makeup artist at the Spring/Summer 2013 Holmes & Yang Fashion Show, the eponymous line founded by Katie Holmes and celebrity stylist Jeanne Yang. Talk about the perfect marriage between fashion and beauty!

“Bobbi is exceptional and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is a company that we, as women, all turn to because it is makeup that is very accessible and makes you feel pretty,” says Holmes, “Sometimes it is just a lipstick or a blush that makes you feel like you can do what you need to do. Makeup is powerful and I am thrilled to be a part of this brand.”

You can expect to see Katie make her first appearance come spring 2013 via print ads, light boxes, on-counter and with supporting editorial features.

Congrats to Katie!

Steal My Look: Gaby Espino at Premios Tu Mundo

New mommy Gaby Espino looked stunning during the inaugural Premios Tu Mundo on Thursday, August 30th, 2012 at the Fillmore Miami Beach. Alongside hottie Rafael Amaya, Espino served as hosts for the evening that celebrated pop culture and combined the power of television, web, mobile and social media platforms.

Gaby had quite a few outfit, hair, and make-up changes throughout the night and we wanted to feature our favorite: The Messy Fishtail Braid. Marcos Carrasquillo, Gaby’s hairstylist for Premios Tu Mundo, gave us the breakdown on how you can replicate this look at home with just three products.

Inspiration: As Gaby Espino was the official host of the FIRST-EVER Premios Tu Mundo, Marcos wanted to keep Gaby Espino’s look modern and fun. For her first look as presenter of the awards show, Marcos gave Gaby a trendy messy braid to maintain the feel of effortless beauty.

Products Used:
* L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Unscented ($14.99)
* L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Alcohol-Free Volume Root Lifting Spray & Volume Boosting Mousse ($6.99 each)
* L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment with Argan Oil from Morocco ($6.99)

Step by Step How-To:
* Marcos began by wetting Gaby’s hair and applied a generous amount of L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Volume Boosting Mousse before using a hairdryer to blow it dry using only his fingers to give hair texture
* Marcos then parted Gaby’s hair on the side and applied a tiny drop of L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Precious Oil to tame frizz hair and achieve softer strands and a luminous shine
* He then braided her hair with the fishtail technique making sure to keep the look messy and pulling out a few strands using his fingers
* Marcos completed Gaby’s look with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray – Extra Strong Hold Unscented to keep hair in place for her first look.

Not only was Gaby a big winner on the red carpet but she also took home the award for being the “Most Social”. If you follow her on Twitter you know how much love she shows to fans as well as hunky boyfriend Jencarlos Canela!

Congrats!

Favorite Thing Friday: Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant

Sponsored Post
Today’s “Favorite Thing Friday” post is sponsored by the fabulous folks from Dove but do not let this convince you that my personal opinions on this product have been bought. As a beauty blogger, I get to sample a great array of beauty products many times before they even hit the market. So when I tried out Dove’s Clinical Protection Deodorant there are many reasons why it quickly became a favorite.  Check them out below:

1. I live in Miami where the sun and humidity take a toll on everyone! Only Dove Clinical Protection (Anti-Perspirant)/Deodorant combines the powerful (odor and wetness) protection women need while caring for skin 3 ways.
– (1) Moisturization, (2) Gentle on skin, (3) Soothes after shaving

I’m all about products that combine benefits so that I can be ready to get out of the house faster. The dermatologist recommended formula provides powerful 24-hour odor and wetness protection, allowing women to feel confident and self-assured.

2. Although Miami is hot, there are plenty of occasions where I start to sweat that doesn’t pertain to the heat. I get to interview some of the hottest celebrities in the industry (hello Robert Pattinson, Colin Farrell, and Henry Cavill) and sometimes I have to go before my peers and give speeches or entertain crowds! You bet my anxiety brings up my inner temperature to that of our precious sun! (eek!)

­- Popular occasions for usage are during a special occasion (57%), when speaking in public (52%), while on a date or out with friends (44%) and while traveling (35%).

3. The Dove Family of products have been a longtime favorite around my house because of how they incorporate moisturizers. Dove Clinical Protection (Anti-Perspirant)/Deodorant is the only clinical strength formula on the market with Dove ¼ moisturizers™ and Vitamins E & F.

– Nourishing moisturizers provide softer, smoother underarms
– Available in the following fragrances:
• Original Clean (HERO variant) – Light, clean scent
• Soothing Chamomile – Citrus scent with notes of orange blossom, chamomile and delicate lily of the valley
• Rebalance – Plum and sakura blossom scent
• Revive – Pomegranate and lemon verbena scent
• Cool Essentials – Cucumber and green tea scent
– Also available in:
• Clear Tone Skin Renew – Formulated with calendula and sunflower seed extracts to help restore skin to its natural tone+

To learn more about Dove and to submit your personalized image of Beauty + Strength to enter to win a Spa Trip for you and a friend, check out their Facebook page here.

Lady in Red: Taylor Swift strikes a pose for new fragrance

Not only does Ms. Thang Taylor Swift have a hot new boyfriend (ahem a Kennedy no less) and a new oceanfront estate in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts to be excited about, but she is also gearing up for the release of her second fragrance come fall! Dressed to the nines in a crimson Monique Lhuillier gown, Taylor posed for an advertising campaign for Wonderstruck Enchanted at the Magnolia Plantation in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“I love the look of my Wonderstruck Enchanted ad,” Swift told People Magazine. “I’m wearing this amazing red gown that I loved as soon as I put it on. It’s a classic look, and that’s been my recent style obsession. Anything classic and timeless.”

The press release gives us a bit of insight as to what we can expect from Taylor’s second fragrance, which is a collaboration between Taylor, Elizabeth Arden and Givaudan.

An Oriental Gourmand, Wonderstruck Enchanted introduces a new dimension to the Wonderstruck portfolio, with an irresistible blend of luscious wild berries and sugar-glazed petals, wrapped in a touch of sensuality for a captivating signature. Wonderstruck Enchanted has an addictive balance of creamy flowers and sensual woods which blend harmoniously and add an alluring quality to the fragrance.

As a huge fan of Wonderstruck, I’m looking forward to Wonderstruck Enchanted helping me transition from my summer scents into the fall! You will be able to purchase it nationwide at prestige department stores in September.