Beauty411

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Edition: What's in my makeup bag?

As you read this, I am winging my way to New York to cover Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2010.  This semi-annual event brings thousands of journalists to New York to see, drool, disect and determine the best of next season's fashions.  The atmosphere in the tents is electric; for a fashionista, it's a huge adrenaline rush.  While at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the fashion media will document Anna (Wintour) sightings, models falling off their shoes and every other nuance of the culture of couture.

As you can imagine, editing the contents of my makeup bag has been a task of epic proportion.  Here are some of the standout products I'm taking with me:

 

Eye Shadow:  When you're watching the world's best makeup artists at work, believe me, you feel the pressure to put on your best face.  This is no time or place for a neutral, day look!  I'll be bring lots of MAC, including pigments, the Smokin' Eyes palette from Benefit, Giorgio Armani Beauty Manta Ray Duo and the Dior Midnight Butterfly eye shadow quint.

 

Mascara:  Maybelline Lash Stiletto, to celebrate that Maybelline is the new official cosmetic sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and new Estee Lauder Sumptuous Color Bold Volume Lifting Mascara--because having a wardrobe of mascara is essential during Fashion Week!

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!

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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Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate - Fantastique!

Lancôme introduces Génifique, the first anti-aging product inspired by your genes.  Rarely have I been so excited about a skincare product that I say "just get it", but Génifique falls into that category.  Génifique is an entirely new category of product and is geared toward restoring a youthful complexion.  To be honest with you; I've never tried an anti-aging product and seen results is so short a time.  I have with Génifique. 

This breakthrough skincare formula is the result of 10 years of research and development by Lancôme in the area of genomics and proteomics and has received seven international patents.  After significant research, Lancôme researchers discovered that young skin is brimming with healthy proteins, but the genes that help activate them slow down with age. 

In developing and testing Génifique, Lancôme was able to document that according to consumers in a clinical study, results can be seen within seven days.  And that is absolutely my experience, too! 

Best Winter Hand Creams - Nine Moisturizers You'll Love!

Although this has been a rough winter, it's perfect for testing hand creams!  My hands have been dry and reddened from exposure to the wind, along with cracked skin.  Not a pretty sight.  I've been trying to fight back and find that perfect moisturizer to restore my hands. 

To be an effective hand cream, the formula should contain a combination of ingredients --humectants to help prevent dehydration, emollients to soften skin and occlusives, like petroleum, to protect skin.  While not scientific, the things I look for, in addition to ingredients, are how it feels on the skin, how long the effects last and consistency of the product. 

These are what I consider the best winter hand creams, in all price ranges:

Sally Hansen has a wonderful assortment of hand creams out now and they're really terrific. My favorite is the Sally Hansen 18 Hour Protective Hand Cream.  Made with shea butter, vitamins a,c and e this hand cream softens, smooths and protects your skin.  Absorbs easily and helps fight age spots. Approximately $ 6.49.

Bath & Body Works Shea Cashmere Hand Cream is made with luxe African Shea Butter and silky Mongolian Cashmere Extract to deeply hydrate and nourish skin for a smooth, creamy finish.  Smells heavenly!  $ 14.50.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand Cream:  This non-greasy hand cream does it all: targets skin crepiness, sun damage, redness, discoloration, weakened nails and dryness.  Treats hands and nails. I love how it feels--so conditioning.  It's perfect for a nighttime treatment. $ 60.

LaMer The Hand Treatment:  LaMer's marine proteins, botanicals and antioxidants help to resurface, protect and heal your hands by creating a protective, emollient barrier to prevent dehydration and soothe the skin.  The Hand Treatment does more than just moisturize; it helps improve age spots and the appearance of your hands. If you like to pamper yourself, the LaMer The Hand Treatment is for you. $70. 

Fekkai Salon Color

 

Fekkai Salon Color is a premium hair color collection that offers salon-quality results at home. I've used it twice and like it so much that I may not go back to my hairdresser for color services again! 

Fekkai Salon Color differs from other home-color kits in several ways.  You're probably familiar with the routine of pouring the color into a bottle applicator and then applying to hair.  Fekkai Salon Color instead starts with a pre-treatment conditioner.  Next up, the thick creme colorant is mixed in a bowl with a brush; very similar to the process in a salon.  Finally, there is a post-conditioner mask that is applied after rinsing.  The other thing that is noteworthy?  No chemical, unpleasant smell; instead, a light floral fragrance.  And it is worth mentioning--the formula doesn't drip.

Fekkai Salon Color delivers results that are better than any other at-home color I've ever used.  Your hair feels incredibly soft, the color is true and healthy looking and the gray coverage is exceptional.  Since I've used it twice, I can also tell you that this color lasts.  I was able to go a full 8 weeks between coloring, and except for a few grays around my hairline, I could have gone longer. 

There are 20 shades of Fekkai Salon Color to choose from and because I ordered online, this was really the only difficulty I had.  The first time I ordered, I selected Medium Brown/Juliet, which was way too dark for me.  The second time, I ordered Light Brown/Jaclyn; much closer to my natural shade. 

As with any at-home color system, it's a good idea to completely read the directions a couple of times to familiarize yourself with the steps before starting in. The directions are clear and easy to follow; helpful tips from Frederic Fekkai are included.  The processing time is 35 minutes for Fekkai Salon Color.  Start to finish (pre-treatment to post-treatment), I would say allow about an hour.

Fekkai Salon Color retails at $ 30 and is available at Bloomingdales (stores and online), Beauty.com, and Bath & Body Works. 

Favorite Beauty Products of 2008

Even though we're a bit into the New Year, a group of beauty bloggers and I are rounding up our favorite beauty products of 2008.  I tried and reviewed so many products, that narrowing down a list was really hard.  These were the products that I considered standouts:

Bobbi Brown Mauve Palette and Gel Eyeliner in Black Mauve Shimmer Ink:  I lusted over the Fall Mauve palette the minute I saw it and similar to Stonewashed Nudes, this has been a go-to palette for me.  And the Black Mauve Shimmer Ink Gel Eyeliner is perfection.

 

Chanel Smoky Eye Quad:  This year, I didn't meet a Chanel Eyeshadow Quad that I didn't love and have to own.  But the Smoky Eye Quad is my Holy Grail.  Done in gorgeous gray to black shimmers, I still marvel over its' beauty every time I open it up.

Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang Perfume: The fact that I fell for this fragrance so hard and was totally smitten with it from the first time I spritzed it was a complete shock to me.  Amber Ylang Ylang is the second fragrance in Aerin Lauder's Private Collection series.  It's warm, vanilla, sexy, ambery....just a wow!  And the bottle is exquisite.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara:  2008 was the Year of the Mascara, with vibrating brushes, special combs and new formulas.  Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes has a genius applicator that allows you to get over and under every lash for truly phenomenal lashes.  Revolutionary.

Kate Somerville Exfoliate:  One of my favorite skincare products, Exfolikate combines a physical and chemical exfoliant to get one great scrub that leaves your face glowing in only a matter of minutes.  I leave this in my shower and apply a few times a week.  No matter how many exfoliators I've tried, this is still my #1.

3 LAB "h" Serum":  I love high-tech skincare and 3LAB "h" serum is one of the most innovative products I've tried.  "h" serum contains a synthetic growth hormone to help reverse the signs of aging by supplementing the growth hormones naturally produced in the body.  Not only that, it feels luxurious.  Exceptional!

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and Hydrating B5 Gel:  The "Dynamic Duo", I think of these Skinceuticals serums as the foundation of my skincare routine.  The C E Ferulic is a powerful antioxidant treatment, while the B5 Gel nourishes and hydrates.  This line, which also includes the newer Phloretin CF, is a line I trust and believe in.

 

Make sure to check out the Favorite Things from these great blogs!

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Vert: An eco-chic beauty boutique

Vert (which means "green" in French) is a Los Angeles boutique that stocks some of the most fabulous, eco-friendly lines anywhere.  Founded by makeup artist Renata Helfman, the shop focuses on beauty products from some of the most popular lines in the natural cosmetics industry.  Renata personally selects Vert’s product offerings, all of which are chemical-free and many of which are organic.

Environmentally-conscious suppliers mean that every purchase is green and guiltless. Names like Josie Maran Cosmetics, L’Artisan Parfumeur, CARE by Stella McCartney, Naturopathica, Nuxe, Red Flower and REN are just some of the luxe, eco-chic brands found at Vert. For the first time, these coveted, beneficial brands are all under one roof at one of Los Angeles’s favorite new shopping destinations.  

Vert is committed to promoting a full, eco-friendly lifestyle.  A key part of its mission is to educate customers through makeup seminars and workshops taught by Renata Helfman herself as well as other experts. Customers flock to her store not only for the products she carries, but also for her knowledge of skincare, eco-friendly makeup and green living.  Renata will also personally create gift baskets for purchase, handpicking the perfect green gift.

You can also find Vert online, which is a great option for those of use who don't live close enough to visit in person.  Vert is making it a little easier, a little nicer and a little more convenient to go green.

Lemon Beauty...Delightful, DeLovely...and oh, so fresh!

 

Lemon in just-about-anything...beauty products, fragrance, heck, even toothpaste has got me hooked.  I love the fresh, citrusy, happy feeling I get when I use a lemon product.  Thank goodness there's no shortage of products for me to choose from.  Today I thought I'd share some of my head-to-toe favorites, many of which are paraben-free and use natural, essential oils.

Kings & Queens Sultan of Granada Lemon Flower Shower Gel is a line brought to us by the Greek cosmetics company Korres.  It's based on herbs and spices that were used by the royals for their own wellbeing.  So it's a little historical, a little mythical, a lot fun and irreverent.   The Sultan of Granada Lemon Flower Shower Gel smells exactly like the fragrance of a fresh lemon tree; zesty and invigorating.  Guaranteed to wake you up in the shower and get you going.

If you like the benefits of a scrub while you shower, NettieScrub Lemon Buff will buff your skin to perfection.  Using sugar and other essential oils, NettieScrubs are handmade in Southern California and come in an adorable little jar.  NettieScrub products would make a great gift for your spa-loving girlfriend! 

You remember my love affair with the amazing Pacifica solid perfumes?  Pacifica has body butters.  Malibu Lemon Blossom Body Butter.  Described as "the scent of salty crisp ocean air ripe with lemon blossoms diffusing their dreamlike perfume in the warm sun".  I couldn't have said it better.  It's rich and emollient (great on elbows and ankles) and I don't need to add a fragrance if I don't want to.  Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Body Butter....you have me hooked.  I am so loving the Pacifica line!

The ARCONA Studio

                                   

                                      

                                                            

Before the start of the Total Beauty Blogger's Summit, I made the decision to go to LA a day early so that I could experience a facial at the fabulous ARCONA Studio in Santa Monica.  I'm so glad I did, as it was an experience that I won't soon forget!

The ARCONA Studio is a beautiful space, with treatment rooms designed for comfort and efficiency.  My appointment started with a review of my skin and identification of any concerns that I had.  My main skincare concern is a few areas of sun damage.  Debbie was my esthetician for the Fruit Enzyme Peel, which she customized to my specific skin needs. The Fruit Enzyme Peel resurfaces the skin, leaving it glowing and healthy looking. The Fruit Enzyme Peel starts with cleansing and the application of an enzyme complex mask, which removes dead skin cells and helps to restore clarity and stimulate production of collagen.  Application of custom anti-oxidant serums is next, helping to restore the skin's softness and suppleness.  As each product was applied, you can't help but notice the wonderful smell.  The  treatment concluded with LED Light Therapy, which is beneficial for hyperpigmentation and skin conditions such as rosacea.  The LED Light Therapy stimulates collagen production and helps to repair skin damage.  At the conclusion of my treatments, my skin was glowing!

In discussing my treatment products, I shared with Debbie that I currently use several ARCONA products, including the ARCONA White Tea Purifying Cleanser, as well as the Triad Pads.  The Triad Pads are in a league of their own; a multi-tasking cranberry-scented pad that cleanses, tones and hydrates. I like to use the Triad Pads in the evening, when I can cleanse, tone, hydrate AND remove makeup.  In addition to all that, the Triad Pads are an excellent treatment product, as they contain vitamins, phyto-nutrients, essential fatty acids and rice milk.  Like all ARCONA products, they are cold-processed in small batches with active, natural ingredients.

The ARCONA Studio is located at 425 Broadway (across from Fred Segal) in Santa Monica.  More information on the ARCONA Studio can be found here.  Whether to learn about a new skincare regimen, purchase products or to nurture yourself with a skin service, I can highly recommend the ARCONA Studio. You can find ARCONA products online at beauty.com and sister site drugstore.com.