Beauty411

SK-II Air Touch Foundation

SK-II Air Touch Foundation meets the needs of women everywhere for a flawless, radiant finish.  To achieve that goal, it takes a vision of perfection and precision.  A perfect formula; a precise application technology.  And because international make up artist Pat McGrath had a hand in testing it, you know it's going to perform.

SK-II Air Touch Foundation uses a unique ionization technology that disperses a blend of tiny, pure pigment particles and a Pitera formulation onto the skin.  When the Air Touch ionizer is switched on, the foundation particles are given a positive charge, while at the same time sending a veil of negatively charged ions to cover the skin.  Similar to a magnet, the positive particle is attracted to the negative.  The result is that the foundation lays down on the skin in a perfectly smooth finish.

Lancome Boutique Friends and Family Event!

Calling all beauty junkies in New York, New Jersey, California and Texas!  Lancome Boutiques are offering an exclusive Friends & Family discount!

Enjoy 20% off the makeup you love at the Lancome boutiques. This is a great opportunity to stock up on your favorite products or try something new, such as the limited-edition fall collection, Declaring Indigo.  My recommendation is to try Genfique Youth Activating Concentrate.  It's my one of my favorite Lancome products.  Another fave?  The new Oscillation Powerbooster Lash Primer.

To get the Lancome Boutique Friends and Family discount, print off the invite (above) and bring it with you to one of the boutiques between 8/01/09 – 8/08/09. Go to www.lancomeboutique.com for a location near you.  And FYI--this discount is not valid at any other Lancome locations, counters or lancome-usa.com.

Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up

Dolce&Gabbana, esteemed fashion designers, have introduced The Make Up. Each step of the development of this collection is inspired by the Dolce&Gabbana woman who is after a perfect look each day. The attention to detail is evident in the packaging; cases of rich goldtone not meant to be hidden.  Pretty enough to leave out on a vanity. 

The colors of Dolce&Gabbana The Make Up palette received the same careful consideration, using fabric swatches from their collections as inspiration.  The Make Up Collection recreates two key moods; natural perfection for every day and a daring look for evening.  Renowned Makeup Artist Pat McGrath also had creative input, helping to bring the vision to reality.  Scarlett Johansson is the face of the line; she embodies the Dolce&Gabbana woman, talented, sensual, ever changing and universally confident.

Perfect for the summer, Dolce&Gabbana's Gold Bronzing Powder exudes the brand's warmth and sensuality in four shades to achieve a perfectly illuminated glow.  I've been using the Desert shade, which gives the perfect summer glow.  Richly pigmented and finely milled, a few light strokes on cheeks and forehead gives a radiant sun-kissed flush of color.  Gold Bronzing Powder comes in 4 shades.  $47

iS Clinical Skincare: Youth Complex and Active Serum

iS Clinical by Innovative Skincare is a cosmeceutical company that produces a results oriented, pharmaceutical grade, botanically based line of skin care products.  When I was contacted by the company to see if I'd be interested in trying a couple of the anti-aging products, I was eager to for the chance to evaluate them myself. 

iS Clinical Youth Complex is a targeted anti-wrinkle formula made up of a unique blend of potent anti-oxidants, natural hydrators and an exclusive INNOVASE bio-complex.  Youth Complex stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Key ingredients include two forms of hyaluronic acid to plump skin, fruit acids and Copper Tripeptide Growth Factor.

Youth Complex claims to deliver immediate, intermediate and long term results.  While I didn't see "immediate"--within hours--type of results, in using Youth Complex for the past 4 weeks, I have indeed noticed significant improvement in the tone, texture and appearance of my skin.  Youth Complex is a medium-weight cream that is applied in the morning, after cleansing.  Youth Complex can be used by all skin types; I didn't experience any burning or sensitivity.  $135

NARS Fall 2009 Collection

NARS Fall 2009 Collection reflects a sort of ying and yang approach to beauty; a makeup collection that reflects both the fragility and strength of the modern woman, according to François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.

The edgy and alluring Fall '09 look begins with the ultimate bedroom eyes.  A harmony of champagne and charcoal eyeshadow hues built to a sultry finish.  A soft, sheer complexion paired with a sculpted, flushed cheek.  The primary focal points:  bold deep-plum-tinted lips and tips. 

The NARS Fall 2009 Collection includes:

NARS Fast Ride Lipstick - This seemingly dark purple may intimidate, but swipe it across the lips and its true shade is revealed: a sheer mulberry. A color that falls somewhere between an intense plum wine stain, and a moody, deep violet.  I will definitely be getting this lipstick.  Love it! $24

NARS Silk Road Duo Eyeshadow - This new shade mirrors the hues from traditional damask fabrics. Classic meets edgy in this new duo — an icy pink is paired with a warm rose gold with golden flecks. $32

NARS Brumes Duo Eyeshadow - These new hues perfectly capture the moody shades of a cool twilight sky. Brumes pairs a velvety matte charcoal with a sparkling, blue state for a smoky eye that is both confident and serene. These shades are my favorite of the Collection.  $32

NARS Indian Summer Duo Eyeshadow - A typical Indian summer comes as a surprise, balmy sunshine meets brisk fall. Swipe the summery, frosted champagne shimmer up to the brow, and line the upper lid with the autumnal deep, matte mustard for a striking look, appropriate for every season. $32

NARS Mekong Single Eyeshadow - This is the perfect addition to the NARS woman's adventurous palette. The intense, blackened espresso hue scattered with rose gold is a study in contrasts. Applied liberty across the lid it exudes a sexy attitude, or applied lightly, a simple, fashion-forward sophistication.  $22

NARS Tokaido Express - This new hue is a cult classic in the making. Named after Japan’s most heavily frequented high-speed rail route, this lacquer is an opulent blackened amethyst doused with ultra-fine gold dust particles.  This shade of nail polish is gorgeous...definitely want this!  $16

The standouts for me in this collection are the Fast Lane Lipstick, the Brumes eyeshadow duo and the Tokaido Express nail polish. 

NARS Fall 2009 Collection is available online now at www.narscosmetics.com and will be available in August at NARS counters and at Sephora.com.

Beauty411 Named Top 50 Beauty Blog by Konector!

Beauty411 was recently named a Top 50 Beauty Blog by Konector, a company that analyzes online influence.  An article in the July 24, 2009 online edition of Women's Wear Daily also discussed the report and the impact of beauty bloggers.

This is amazing news and I'm tremendously honored to be in such great company.  Many of the other blogs/bloggers listed in the Top 50 Beauty Blog report are friends and mentors.  My heartfelt congratulations goes out to each of them.

This has been an exciting year of growth at Beauty411, where it's my goal to bring you the best in makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty.

Thanks to everyone who reads Beauty411.  I appreciate and value your support!

 

Beauty Bylines™ Interview: Meet Jason Backe, President and CEO, ted gibson beauty

This month's edition of Beauty Bylines™ allows me to introduce you to Jason Backe, President and CEO, ted gibson beauty, Clairol Color Director and Celebrity Colorist.  Obviously, he's got multi-tasking down to an art!  I met Jason a few months ago at a Clairol event in Chicago. He is completely charming, funny, accomplished and yet, thanks to Midwestern roots, so grounded.  Jason gives us great insight into how to get the look you want from your hair colorist. 

Beauty411: Jason, you have an incredibly successful career.  I'm a firm believer that success doesn't happen by accident.  What are some of the lessons you've learned along the way? 

Jason Backe:  Wow.  That’s a great  question and I agree with you 100% success doesn’t happen by accident.  In the 15 years I have been building my career as a colorist, trust and believe I have definitely learned some great lessons.  There is a wonderful little book called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.  In it he lists: be impeccable with your words, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best.  Those four things pretty much summarize the way I want to live, work and play

Beauty411:  You started out in the Midwest, hailing from Minnesota.  Did you always know/dream that you were headed for New York?

JB:  NO WAY!!!  When I was a little kid in Northern Minnesota, I fantasized of moving to the big city and having a home on the lake – back then my idea of the big city was Duluth.  In my twenties I began my career in Minneapolis.  Once I became established, I was sure I had made it and was more than content.  It’s only because of Ted Gibson that I ever left Minnesota.  I told him I would try NYC out for a year.  I had never even been to New York before except for a half day excursion to the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center with my family when I was 9 and then the exact same excursion when I was 20!  The day I moved to NYC I couldn’t believe it took me so long to get here and that it would be a very long time (if ever) that I left.

Beauty411:  Women have such a connection with their hair stylist/colorist.  What is your advice on how best to handle it if you (the client) aren't happy with a service?

JB:  Always be honest.  I was quoted in Allure magazine one time (to the horror of my mother) saying “The last thing I want is a woman to leave the salon saying “Jason totally fucked up my hair” – hehe and it’s true.  Beauty is individual – what I think is spectacular you may think is less than lovely.  Because of that I try not to take it personally when someone doesn’t like what I did for them.  I know all of my work is beautiful and if my guest doesn’t think so, it’s ok.  I’ll change it into something else I think is beautiful that she thinks is beautiful too.  If you are working with a colorist who doesn’t listen or isn’t open to your feedback, move on.

Beauty411 Interviews Nordstrom National Beauty Director Debbi Hartley-Triesch

I recently had the opportunity to interview Nordstrom National Beauty Director, Debbi Hartley-Triesch, about beauty trends and direction for Fall 2009 and the must-have beauty item for holiday.  Debbi also shares some of her favorite makeup and skincare products from the Nordstrom Beauty Department.  Check it out!

Beauty411 talks with Beauty Guru Debbi Harltey-Triesch
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Clinique Lipstick: The Perfect Summer Accessory

Clinique knows that the perfect summer accessory isn't always the latest handbag or sandals--although we aren't going to argue with those tried and true favorites!  Our friends at Clinique suggest that the perfect summer accessory is none other than a brighter, whiter smile!

Clinique has done the work for you and enlisted the help of a dentist to identify 12 lipstick shades that instantly make teeth look whiter.  These 12 shades are proven to make teeth look at least one shade brighter – it was confirmed using a dental colour guide.  These shades are already Clinique favorites and now they’re proven to do even more. 

The 12 Clinique brightening lipstick shades include:

• High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in After Party, Go Fig, Peach Pop or Red-y To Wear
  

• Butter Shine Lipstick in Cranberry Cream, Raspberry Rush or Pink-a-Boo

• Different Lipstick in Ice Bloom, Raspberry Glace or Shy
  

• Long Last Lipstick in Twilight Nude

 My favorite formula of Clinique lipstick is the Butter Shine Lipstick.  It's moisturizing, wears well and provides a sheer to moderate coverage.  Although not on the brightening list, the shade I'm loving is Bamboo Pink, from the Bamboo Pink Collection for summer.  

Clinique lipsticks are available at all Clinique counters and at CLINIQUE.com.

Dior Jazz Club Makeup Collection - Fall 2009

 

Dior's Fall Makeup Collection, the Jazz Club Collection, is a chic and refined collection of smokey purples, greys and light pinks.  Of all the Fall Color Collections I've seen so far, this one has stolen my heart.  Inspired by the daring, femme fatales of the Twenties and Thirties, the look of Jazz Club is seductive and glamorous, featuring a luminous complexion, smoldering eyes and bold shades on the lips and nails to create the perfect day-to-evening makeup.

I ordered several pieces of the Jazz Club Collection and while I agonized about getting the Nordstrom exclusive Jazz Club Palette, I ultimately chose the 5-Color (Quint) Eyeshadow in Night Burgundy.  The greys and amethyst shadows will make gorgeous smoky eyes. I also picked up the Dior Vernis nail polish in Mystic Violine.

The Dior Jazz Club Makeup Collection for Fall 2009 includes:

Dior Jazz Club Smoky Eye Palette offers the basics to make-up the eyes: eyeliner, eyebrow powder, eyeshadows and a top coat for the most natural to the most sophisticated makeup. Nordstrom Exclusive. $65.00

1-Colour Extreme in Argentic or Trendy Taupe $27.50