Beauty411

3 ways to wear the new CHANEL Noirs Obscurs Makeup Collection

The new limited-edition Chanel Noirs Obscurs Collection could be considered avant-garde; it's definitely a bold makeup collection.  The colors are strong, but beautiful. So how to wear the Chanel Noirs Obscurs Collection whilst not looking overdone or goth? 

My advice is to not try to wear all the makeup in the collection at once.  Pick one feature to highlight--whether it's eyes or lips.  Play up that feature and maintain balance by keeping the rest of the makeup muted. Less can be more with these intense colors. 

Here are 3 ways to wear the new Chanel Noirs Obscurs Collection:

 

The Quatour Boutons de Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Les Folies Noir can be used in a variety of  ways.  Apply one of the deep eyeshadow colors on your lid for an intense, smokey look.  Blend well, then apply only a subtle highlighter under the browbone.  Add Inimitable Noir Obscur Mascara in Extreme Black to finish eyes. To balance out the look and keep the focus on the eyes, I would keep the rest of the face neutral and finish lips with the Aqualumiere Gloss in Furious.

Get the Hair and Makeup Look: Sienna Miller at G.I. Joe Premiere

Photo credit: Getty Images

Sienna Miller was a vision of golden Hollywood glamour last night at the LA premiere of G.I. Joe.  Makeup Artist Kate Lee for CHANEL stated "Sienna was really keen to embrace the spirit of old Hollywood for the premiere of GI Joe at the Chinese Theatre. The dress was a glamorous YSL silk chiffon encrusted with beads in a kind of neutral colour. "

The goal of Kate Lee for CHANEL and Adir Abergel for Frederic Fekkai was to create a hair and makeup look that would be classical but modern. It was Sienna's idea to go with a strong lip. The make up was kept very neutral, gently sculpting the cheek bones with a mixture of Soleil Tan de CHANEL and CHANEL Powder Blush in Tempting Beige. The eyes were clean and simple to bring the attention to the lip.

To achieve the look, CHANEL Éclat Lumière in Beige Rosé was applied all over the lid and then CHANEL Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Sand was applied in the socket area.  Brows were lengthened and after multiple coats of Exceptionnel de CHANEL in Smoky-Noir, both individual and cut up strip lashes were added. The lips were a mixture of two CHANEL Rouge Allure shades, Fatale and Obscure, both launching this Fall.

In creating the hair, Adir Abergel for Frederic Fekkai wanted to create a modern day Veronica Lake look that had wonderful movement and softness with lots of shine and bounce.

Adir applied Fekkai Zero-Humidity Frizz Control from the roots to ends; next he applied Fekkai Bouffant only at the roots to add a little body.  He then blow-dried the hair with a round brush to create the perfect texture.

Once the hair was completely dry, he took a 1 1/4 curling iron and curled her hair, and then pinned it in place.  He did not curl the hair at the root, because he wanted the top of the hair to stay smooth, but wanted to give the rest of the hair body.

After curling, he then let the hair cool down for 10 min and took out the pins.  He brushed out the curls with a Fekkai Classic Brush for the perfect smoothness, softness, and bounce.To finish this look he applied Fekkai Nonchalant Cream to top of her head, to smooth away tiny flyways.  Finally, he added a little bit of Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray to lock in the style.

Sienna Miller looked absolutely stunning!

Bridal Beauty and Makeup Tips

So much planning goes into making your wedding day perfect, from the invitations to the flowers to your dress.  That means not thinking about beauty, hair and makeup products on your big day can be disastrous, since you want makeup that will photograph well, yet still convey the essence of you.  Many brides schedule appointments for hair and makeup, but in a recession, that might not be an option. 

The following bridal beauty and makeup tips may help you get a head start...

In her book, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, Bobbi shares some tips for bridal makeup:

• If you're doing your own makeup, consider that bridal makeup needs to have enough color to compensate for the whiteness of the dress.
• Flash photography emphasizes pink tones, so make sure to use a yellow-toned foundation.
• Set concealer and foundation with a sheer loose powder.
• Choose a lipstick one or two shades brighter than what you'd normally wear.
• Waterproof mascara!
• Pack a small bag with makeup essentials for quick touch-ups.

The book is an excellent reference -- I highly recommend it.  You can find the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, as well many great makeup options, at BobbiBrown.com.

Beauty Bylines™ Interview: Meet Kim Soane of Bobbi Brown's Artistry Team

This month, Beauty Bylines™ explores the what it's like to be on Bobbi Brown's Elite Artistry Team with Kim Soane, Manager of Artistry at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.  Kim is an accomplished makeup artist, having worked in fashion, on celebrities, in print and TV. 

Beauty411:  Did you always know you wanted to be a makeup artist?  How did you decide to turn your passion for beauty into something more? 

Kim:  When I was in grade 12, I ripped out an article about a woman that had started her own business by making women beautiful. I found it so inspiring and still have the article to this day.   

I was raised in a conservative environment where success in your job meant to work in an office, like a lawyer or an accountant does. After years working as a cosmetics buyer for a mass retailer in Canada, I would sit in buying meetings, stare at a vendor and say, “Yes, we will ship this product, but did you know that you would look great with some blush?”  

I started to do friends’ makeup for their weddings, and then I left the world of cubicles to work at a makeup counter. Since then, I have never looked back and have never been happier. 

Beauty411:  Describe for us what it's like to work with Bobbi Brown.  As a member of her Elite Beauty Team, how intense is the training? 

Kim:  I have been very fortunate over the past four years in New York to work side-by-side with Bobbi, and represent her brand on many occasions throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.  Bobbi leads by example. She is hard working, has high expectations, and is kind and honest. She challenges you to be the best you can be, to step back, look, and ask yourself, “Could it be better?” 

Every photo shoot, fashion show, and television appearance I do with Bobbi is a day of training. Each time I work with Bobbi, I learn and move forward, making me stronger and more creative.

MAC IN MODE: Spring/Summer 09 Makeup Trend Report

In this new video, the MAC Senior Artists provide trend direction on what's new and hot for spring/summer '09 makeup.  This behind-the-scenes video includes facecharts and if you look closely, you'll see many of the MAC artists that were Twittering during Fashion Week.  I loved this backstage pass!

Angelina Jolie at the Oscars: Get her hair and makeup look!

Angelina Jolie chose a classic look at the Academy Awards, in a black strapless Elie Saab gown paired with beautiful emerald-colored jewels which added a striking burst of color.  I've never really been a fan of Angelina's, but her hair and makeup was amazing. 

The makeup:  Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton created Angelina’s flawless look. Mary applied Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony to the upper and lower lash lines. She emphasized the shape of Angelina’s eyes by applying more liner to the outer corners of the eye. Several coats of Ôscillation Mascara were applied to the upper lashes for added volume and length. Mary put a touch of pink to the cheeks using Shu Uemura Blush in M Pink 31 and applied it to her cheekbones near the temple. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling.

Beautyblender Cosmetic Sponge Makeup Applicator

One makeup trend that continued to be strong at Fashion Week was natural looking skin.  That look was achieved with a variety of cosmetics--foundations, illuminators, powders and concealers.  Beautyblender is a makeup application tool that can help to achieve that beautiful finish. 

Beautyblender is a bright pink elliptical sponge that will replace all of the makeup sponges you're currently using.  Shaped like a teardrop, you use the large end of the Beautyblender to "stipple" on your foundation, the small end is perfect for concealer.  The shape allows you to cover hard-to-reach areas under your eyes and in the crevices near your nose.  More hygienic than your fingers, the finish when using Beautyblender is really amazing.  I was skeptical until I tried it!

Beautyblender is easy to use.  You just dampen it with water, squeeze out the excess and then dip the Beautyblender into your makeup.  Apply your makeup with a bouncing or stippling effect, then go back and re-blend around the edges for a natural look.  There is a Beautycleanser solution available to help care for and clean the Beautyblender.  Cared for properly, your Beautyblender should last up to one year. 

Check out the video for tips and techniques using Beautyblender:

Beautyblender is available at www.beautyblender.net and Beauty.com.  Additional retailers can be found on the Beautyblender website.

You may also be interested in:
MAC Hello Kitty Accessories Collection

Golden Globes Beauty Trends 2009

Red Carpet Reds, Coordinated Couture and Satin-Skin Showstoppers

This year for the 2009 Golden Globe Awards L’Oreal Paris Consulting Makeup Artist, Collier Strong is providing his expert tips and the latest trends on how to look red carpet ready. This year, it’s about being bold and beautiful — even if you’re on a budget!  

First Focus — On The Lips!

“It’s all about a beautiful bold lip!  Whether it’s warm or cool, a bold, opaque, red lip has a very sexy yet romantic feel. The eyes are as glamorous or neutral as your wardrobe dictates. During the day, eyes are kept simple; at night, opt for a darker look. Either way, eye makeup should be blended beautifully and brows should be perfectly groomed for an elegant look. Finish the eyes with long, beautiful lashes. Pair this look with clean, glowy makeup, achieved with foundation, concealer and powder. For cheeks, use a complementary color to the red of the lip that works with your skin tone. Apply on the apples of the check for a pop of color.” 

Get the look:  use L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipstick in Zinfandel or Crimson.  I love this lip color as it gives a bold pop of color and feels great on your lips.  For mascara--definitely try the Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: Essential Reading

Bobbi Brown has authored a new Makeup Manual that is so good, you feel like she is right next to you giving expert guidance.  In the Makeup Manual, you get the benefit of Bobbi's years of experience as a makeup artist and teacher.  She writes in a style and voice that is her hallmark: simple, direct, easy to understand--and not over your head.  This is the makeup book that Bobbi Brown fans have been waiting for: her 25-plus years of makeup styling experience translated into one complete, gorgeous book.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual includes a Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup that teaches you how to apply your makeup in ten minutes or less.  The book is comprehensive, covering everything from skincare to brushes, to how to choose the right shades and colors of makeup.  That chapter is worth the price of the book alone.  Not only that, but the business side of the beauty industry--what it takes to become a makeup artist, the tools you need and how to put together a portfolio.  The pictures are so well done; closeups of the products used and great, detailed, instructions on how to get each look.

Want to take a peek inside the book? 

As a beauty fanatic, I'm always looking to learn new tips and techniques and I honestly couldn't put the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual down when I got it.  This isn't a book that is meant to sit on a shelf; it's a book meant to be a working manual.  Keep it near your makeup, because you will want to refer to it often.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual (hardcover $32) is available now at Bobbi Brown counters, online at BobbiBrown.com and at booksellers nationwide. 

Max Factor Beauty Tips in Time for New Years Celebrations!

Max Factor Celebrity Makeup Artist Jake Bailey is sharing some holiday beauty tips, perfect in time for a special New Year's Eve look. 

Jake Bailey is a premier makeup artist in Hollywood, creating red carpet glamour for celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Kyra Sedgwick, Mandy Moore, Brittany Snow, Paris Hilton and Katherine McPhee.  What's nice is that these makeup tips are easy and fast.   

For a daytime high impact eye:

·     Start by lining the upper and lower lash lines with MAXeye Liner in Fresh Coffee. Dot the eye liner in the inner lash lines to create high impact and high drama. Use your finger to smudge the liner on the upper and lower lash lines to create a smoldering effect. Don’t worry about smudging the liner too much; a little bit of “messiness” creates a sexier eye.

·     Liven up lashes by applying one coat of Lash Perfection Volume Couture Mascara in Black Brown on the upper and lower lashes.

For a smoky eye:

·     For a twist on the smoky-eye, create a look that’s all your own by blending your favorite shades of shadow to create a customized hybrid. Shades I have found universally flattering are grays and lavenders.

·     Start by mixing together the charcoal colored end of Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duo in Domino Effect, (a silver/charcoal combination) with the purple shade in Vivid Impact Eye Shadows Sultry Sage for a smoky plum shade. Using an eye shadow brush, work the shadow all the way from the lash line to the brow bone, blending the pigment with your finger towards when nearing the brow to create a dramatic eye look.

·     Liven up lashes by generously applying Lash Perfection Volume Couture Mascara on the upper and lower lashes.

·     Keep the face flawless and lip simple so as not to overpower the vivid eye: Apply ColorGenius Pressed Powder in a shade that compliments your skin tone, to minimize any shininess. If you desire a little extra color, work a light blush into the cheeks such as ColorGenius Pressed Powder in Peaches.  Circle the product with a large round brush onto the apples of the cheeks and brush up towards the temples.

·     Finish with a light pink gloss, such as MAXalicious Lip Glaze in First Kiss for barely-there glossy lips.

 For a bright pink lip:

·     For a beautiful and eye catching look for day and night, try using Lipfinity 3D in 80s Pink with just two coats of mascara, such as Lash Perfection Volume Couture Mascara in Black Brown, on curled lashes. This creates sophisticated beauty looks with not a lot of makeup.

·     In the Winter, a bold lip hue can brighten your complexion instantly!

Max Factor products are available in mass retailers nationwide, including drug and discount stores.  You can also purchase online at www.maxfactor.com.