Beauty Beauty

Soft Porn...

2012-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

If you want so see some shag rugs mixed with soft porn references, head on over to Fantastics Mag to view my new story...

Lingering until later...

2012-01-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

So sue me...I'm taking this month off. Years end 2011 was full on and I went up until the very last minute. I needed a break and accordingly took off updating most of January so that I could regroup and set concrete goals and plans for the New Year...I also couldn't share any work with you guys because all of the editorials are under wraps until they are published. I also need to replace my camera but I'll definitely be back up and at it as soon as Fashion Week rolls around...Until then...

2011-12-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

Sparkle...

ph:tumblr

...and shine your way into the New Year!!!

ph: Terry Richardson

Step out in style into 2012!! Happy New Year Everyone! Wishing everyone health, happiness and success for the upcoming year!!!

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

While I'm taking the weekend off to enjoy family, friends and fun times, and to catch up on a Nightmare Before Christmas & A Christmas Story, I want to wish a Merry Christmas to all of my readers and followers around the world!

ph: Tony Kelly

Happy Channukah...

2011-12-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

Beauty Beauty wishes a Happy Channukah to all of you around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights!!!

ph: Martha Stewart

The Nude vs. Red debate

2011-12-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again: No, not just the Holiday Season, but the time of year where most women debate what to wear on their lips for this festive time of year. Some of you will try a real commitment to red for the first time (and I hope that you do) and some of you will feel more comfortable with a nuder pout. For those of you who are trying red, I believe in fully going there so I've only addressed my favorite full on reds here. Wherever you may happen to fall in either spectrum see some of my favorite recommendations for both below:

1.) YSL Rouge Volupte´ Red Taboo Lipstick $34.00 2.) T. Leclerc Royal #16 $24.00 3.) NARS Jungle Red Semi Matte Lipstick $24.00 4.) NARS Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil $24.00 5.) Tom Ford Scarlet Rouge Lip Color $48.00 6.) NARS Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil $24.00

And for those of you who prefer to keep your lips more bare, here are some of my favorite nude lipsticks & glosses:

If you are able to get your hands on #1.) Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting lipstick in Vanilla Truffle $24.00, please do so. It's a beautiful universal nude that looks good on a wide range of skin tones from super fair to deeper olive complexions (because of its lack of pink). It''s limited edition so consider yourself lucky if you can track this one down. 2.) NARS Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey $24.00 For the very pale amongst you, try 3.) YSL Rouge Volupte Sensual Silk 002 $34.00 It's a light pinky nude. I recommend applying this super creamy lipstick with a lip brush so that the ante is upped on the staying power 4.) A fave for a full on opaque nude mouth (but of course) is Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Blush Nude $48.00 5.) Dior Rouge Dior in Angelique Beige #314 $32.00 6.) NARS Lip Lacquer in Chelsea Girls $24.00 7.) NARS Lip Gloss in Sandpiper $24.00 Loving this light apricot nude gloss for all skin tones but especially medium to darker skin tones. It has just the right hint of color to give you that nude pout.

Hopefully some of my faves become some of yours. Let me know your thoughts and how you make out if you do decide to change it up a bit. Happy Holidays!

As a side....

2011-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

...Here's a video preview that accompanies a yet to be released beauty story that I shot...

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-10T21:04:00.001-08:00

Here's to hoping that the upcoming season is fashionably merry & bright!!!!

ph: Paul Farrell

ph: david dunan

ph: Giampaolo Sgura

Shop Talk: L'Occitane Fresh Face Water

2011-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Lately, I'm really liking this Fresh Face Water makeup remover/ toner from L'Occitane to use to start off my makeups. Though I go back and forth on using astringents and toners (hey, each skin is different) I'm definitely digging this one. In general, I like multi-use products because it helps me cut down on the amount of things that I need to carry and helps me to preserve the very prized real estate in my makeup kit. I spritz this on to freshen up and tone skin and (instead of a wipe), to remove any makeup residue or dirt that may be there. I then follow with the remainder of my skin prep routine. I also like that Fresh Face Water is alcohol free and that it contains moisturizing Shea Butter extract.

L'Occitane Fresh Face Water

L'Occitane Fresh Face toner is available here, retailing for USD$20.00

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011

2011-11-10T23:37:00.001-08:00

This years Victoria's Secret Fashion Show had its regular dose of wings, bling, celebs & Angels but for the first time in regards to the makeup everything was stripped way down and pared back to allow the inner girl next door shine through without any interruptions. This kind of makes sense, since Victoria's Secret is the one show where its about the girl and the lingerie is kind of secondary. This translated to Tom Pechaux designing a makeup look that included no fake spray tans, no contouring & no fake lashes. This also extended to the hair as there no extensions used. The goal was to let the girls' real beauty & individuality shine through:

Tom demo-ing the look

Isabelle Goulart


Flavia de Oliviera

Emanuella de Paeva

Tom designed this years look highlighting the beauty of the girls. He used brilliant shimmer shadow in Stardust (which is actually a loose pigment) lightly dusted across the lids and the tops of the cheekbones. Eyes were finished off with a thin line of black liquid eyeliner ever so slightly winged and black mascara was used on the lashes. Mineral bronzing powder in Glitterati was used as a slight contour & Starlet blush was mixed in and applied on the cheek. Black liquid eyeliner winged ever so slightly was applied to the lashline and finished off with black mascara. A nude lipstick and gloss in Sublime (my favorite, I fell in love with it last year) finished off the look. All color makeup used is from the VS makeup line.

Scenes from backstage:

new meaning to the word: boobie bling. This years version (above) is worth $2.5 million & will be worn by Miranda Kerr...

The 'shell' wings that Miranda Kerr wears with the $2.5 million dollar bra

Wings, wings and more wings...


A close up of the set of wings above from the Aquatic Angels section

First timer Sui He & Liu Wen being interviewed by a Chinese TV Network. They were so excited as its not everyday that they get to do interviews in America for China.

My favorite selection of the evening: diamond cuff bracelets, and matching diamond rings in white, rose and yellow gold

Alessandra Ambrosio's jewelry selection for the 4th look

Sui He, in first looks

Glitterman doing final touches...he literally sprinkles the entire runway in glitter...

Neon light up wings in the wings from the Pink section...

Champagne to close out the evening after the last taping. It was a 14 hour day (and it was the day right after Versace for H&M & the afterparty with the Purple One)...definitely well deserved...

This was just a preview but to see the rest, you will have to tune in to see the Angels, Maroon 5 and the rest of the musical guests!!

The 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion show airs on Tuesday, November 29th, at 10:00pm EST on CBS.

Versace for H&M

2011-11-09T03:03:00.000-08:00

A gift box from the gift bag...

I'm not quite sure if I was happier about doing the makeup for this show, or knowing that The Purple One himself was going to be performing at the after party....

For the Versace/ H&M Collaboration runway show, the only appropriate makeup for a show that was filled with Rock Star Royalty, the Fashion Elite and a ton of celebrities was a look that tipped the scale on the super sexy side: After several run throughs and trials, the final makeup look that Tom Pechaux designed oozed major sex appeal: a jet black smoky eye pulled out at the corners & topped off with a healthy dose of metallic silver accented with wet gloss. Brows were bleached down, lips were kept super nude & matte & cheeks were chiseled with contour:

Josephine

Jasmine

Complimented with sleek, straight, waist-length hair, this aggressive makeup look was perfect for the bright colors, studs & signature glitzy Versace prints that Donatella sent down the runway. Though I had to be up super early the next day for the Victoria's Secret 2011 Fashion Show, there was no way that I was leaving before Prince took the stage for the after party:

THE PURPLE ONE!!!

Versace for H&M launches in select stores on November 19th, 2011.

Preparing for your Big Day

2011-07-26T04:04:00.000-07:00

A story on Bridal Makeup & Products for the 'Big Day'

Outtakes...

2011-07-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Lena

Star Spangled Beautiful...

2011-07-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

To all of you in the US! Happy July 4th!!

ph: http://kayperz.tumblr.com

Whatever you have planned, be safe! I'm going to disappear for the weekend; take some well deserved time away from my computer where I've been spending a ton of time as of late, perhaps hit a BBQ (or several)...Be back soon...

Själ Beauty Influencers Lounge

2011-06-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

"A global concept bridging ancient eastern medicines with European & Japanese biotechnology" -Själ Skincare

To define själ means touching on the spirit, the mind the heart and the soul. Truly a one of a kind holistic luxury skincare brand, they conceptualize using a global mindset resulting in a hybrid of technologies, philosophies & energies. "The line integrates elements of Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Vibrational medicine, with the latest innovations in biotechnology and bio-osmotic power". In addition, Själ has amazing packaging: High end, luxurious, form following function, nothing extraneous and having perfect medicine cabinet and countertop appeal. And did I mention that the ingredient lineup embodies a top notch fusion of holistic goodness and cutting edge scientific research? Själ shuns any fillers like silicones, caffeine & mineral oils and instead opts for some unique ingredientes like gemstones & minerals extracts that provide and promote wellness, restoration, radiance, clarity & balance. Truly designed with the consumer in mind, the purposeful absence of such temporary fix ingredients allows the brand to not only focus on the promotion of long term skincare benefits but it helps to keep the line streamlined and allow it to seamlessly evolve with technology and the times.

The själ skincare lineup

In the rooftop penthouse of the Gansvoort Hotel in the Meatpacking district, overlooking the streets and the Hudson River, Själ Skincare held their Beauty Influencer Lounge. Noshing on Sushi and passed hors'devours and sipping a signature Själ cocktail made special for the event, we sampled their amazing skincare line and were treated to pampering in the way of mini hand massages, manicures, facials and even crystal healing.

One of several platters of sushi..

The Saphir Ginger Infusion- the signature cocktail of the evening although I opted for some wine. Gin and me, were not the best of friends and this was definitely not the place to experiment...

A selection of crystals at the healer's station

From their well curated line, a few of my favorites that I will immediately be incorporating into my professional kit and routine is:

1. mineral källa energy tonic: I like facial mists because not only are they refreshing on the skin, they're also moisturizing. This one packs a powerful punch as not only is it moisturizing, it also offers both internal and exterior barrier retention which broken down in blog-man terms means that it helps counteract internal stresses and imbalances in the skin while outwardly defending against environmental, free radical damage. Use this mineral tonic after the cleansing routine with the Själ balans deep pore cleanser for a shot of hydration or after a makeup application to 'set' makeup...

Själ Mineral Kalla Energizing Tonic $70.00 USD for 6oz./180ml.

When I misted this over my face it was not only refreshing but energizing. I could feel the forcefield around my face waking up...and that feeling stayed with me for several minutes making this the perfect product to just carry around in your bag and spritz for an as needed skincare pick-me-up. The spritzed particle is neither too big nor too small and the faint rose scent is pleasant. I'll be using this on my models faces on shoots and backstage during the skin prep as I already know that response is going to more than favorable. Especially with as many full face makeup changes that I can sometimes put them through in a day...

2. Orbe Eye Contour Créme:

Själ Orbe Eye Contour Créme $175.00USD for .05oz/ 15ml.

If you want a do it all eye cream that does not disrupt the rest of your skincare routine OR interfere with your makeups application and wearability, then THIS one is it!!! The unique mix of not only the type of ingredients but also the way that they are combined and blended together is what gives this multitasking product its magic. It hydrates, reduces the appearance of puffiness, fat deposits as well as fine lines and dark circles around the eye area. It also lifts, brightens and oxygenates through a combination of ingredientes like red algae, copper, pearl powder & vitamins A & C. With all the work that this little .5oz (14.2grams) container can do, its without a doubt being added to my kit. The texture is luxurious and smooth, not at all tacky and leaves a nice surface that your makeup or other skincare products can easily glide over. Also feel free to use this around the lip and mouth area as well. The same aforementioned benefits apply!!!

Giftbags

Travel sized samples of the cellular renewing creme, the eye contour créme, the anti-aging liquid vitamin lift (serum) and a crystal...

The contents of my goodie bag above & below:

Själ balans deep pore cleanser

Into my personal routine goes the balans deep pore cleanser (above), the Pearl Enzyme exfoliating mask & the kura intuitif intense hydration cream (both below):

As a dryer skin type, I have to be careful of the amount of times that I exfoliate as being overly aggressive with it strips my skin out of what moisture is already there. I also have to make sure that the exfoliator is gentle enough (meaning the particles aren't too big or abrasive). The crushed pearls in this exfoliating mask not only remove the flaky dead skin that plagues my forehead area, it also leaves it looking luminous and polished. Its really gentle so I can use it every day if I like which i will most likely do in the winter months. Leave it on for approximately 10-15 minutes and you get the added benefit of using at like a balancing masque. It contains active Vitamin E so being diligent when removing it with warm water is a must. I like that this gives me deep exfoliation without causing any surface damage. Besides, I feel extremely luxurious and girly scrubbing my face with crushed pearls. I'll be following it up with the Kura Intuitif moisturizer, the more intense and denser of the 2 moisturizers.

Själ Perl Enzyme Exfoliating mask $165.00 USD for 2oz./60ml

Själ Kura intuitif créme $255.00 USD for 2oz./60ml.

Ready to go shopping? Get your Själ fix over at their website. Take 15% off all purchases by using the coupon code: digital (*Valid July 1-31, 2011)

Thanks to the lovely ladies over at Själ skincare and to my girl Deborah!!! It was a great event!

Själ on Twitter
Själ on Facebook
*product still life photos courtesy of Själ skincare

LA IMATS 2011

2011-06-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

The LA IMATS were held this past weekend in Pasadena California. It's a predecessor of the Makeup Show (started in 1997) back when the industry, the technology, the players and the offerings were much different. It has since evolved in a great way and fellow blogger at MakeuptoGo and working pro makeup artist Tania Russel was there and gave a great rundown that needs to be shared here:

The International Makeup Artist Trade Show – the second of the two major LA-based makeup trade shows – took place this past weekend. This was the first year in IMATS’s history that the Los Angeles show completely sold out (IMATS originated in LA back in 1997). In fact, we here at Makeup to Go almost missed this show entirely. As a pro makeup artist (and same with my en Español partner, Delia Jimenez Owens) I do not always know whether or not my schedule is going to be open to attend the trade shows. By the time I got my schedule sorted, I missed a lot of cool new features for Professional Artists that IMATS instituted for this years show AND regular admissions tickets were almost sold out. As it turned out, I was able to get tickets for the MTG crew for Sunday and we were able to attend the show for the day. So here’s a wrap-up of what I saw and what I bought…
Actually, let’s back up a bit: This year’s show actually started Friday night with a Pro Only preview event with the vendors. A Pro Only preview is something I have advocated for all the Trade Shows for the past several years. Nothing against makeup fans attending the shows, but it is difficult for pros to talk to vendors about new products/formulations/etc. when you are waiting behind someone asking what shade of concealer would be best for them. We are two different kinds of makeup purchasers with two different kinds of needs so I am glad the needs of the Professional artist are starting to be addressed. I missed that event this year, but if I’m not booked I will be there next year.

We arrived at about 10:30am on Sunday, the plan being to walk the floor and see what vendors had to offer, go to lunch and see what would happen from there. I get a lot of makeup sent to me via the editorials I do, so I really didn’t plan to buy much, I mostly wanted to look and see what was new, do some research, etc. The first booth we encountered when we entered the show was...(read the rest on makeuptogo blog)

Las Ondas Mas 'Sexy'

2011-06-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Makeup for a story that I did for one of my regular publications on sexy curls for the summer....

30 seconds...

2011-06-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

...of a video from a beauty shoot that I did:

Bet that you wanna see more don't you??

What I'm loving right now...meaning what I've been using on shoots these past few weeks

2011-06-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

NARS Highlighting Blush in New Order:

NARS New Order Highlighting Blush

(No relation of course to the amazing 80's band, although its cool quotient is right up there with it.)I'm using New Order blush on its own, but also on top of other blushes. It's a soft light pink thats got a dual shimmer/glitter particle to it (gold & silver) so I like it to not only add just a bit of kick to the cheekbones via a subtle highligh, but also to slightly tone down colors that are a bit stronger if I so desire...

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara:

Clinique Bottom lash mascara

Loving the brush on this...It just may replace my Maybeline Lash Discovery mascara, as the size of that brush is one of the main reasons why I used that mascara anyway...If you want a mascara that fits perfectly underneath the lower lash line, this is it. Just tuck it up and in there...Its also great to get those stubborn little baby lashes at the inner corners of the eye that bulkier brushes sometimes cannot reach. I like the black/brown (it's more black than brown but not as black as their black) as it's delicate yet define-able enough for use in both of the aforementioned areas...

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

I needed a new foundation for myself and since I only ever use liquid on myself I was drawn to this one. It's lightweight but more importantly its sheer but builds easily and has an impressive shade range. It also doesn't rub off (which is crucial during humid summers) and gives a nice natural finish to the skin: Not matte unless you powder it, not so shiny if left unpowdered. Wearing this, my skin has a FLAWLESS quality about it and I have no problem saying that I already have good skin to begin with. It's now also added it into my kit as a liquid foundation. (You know I'm first and foremost a cream girl when working so I needed a liquid foundation alternative to OCC Skin Tint). I also loves that it doesn't have any SPF...

MAC Lipstick in Growing Trend:

MAC Growing Trend lipstick

I know, I know. I can't believe it either as usually all of the shades of MAC lipstick that I used to be fond of, have long since been discontinued and buried in the makeup graveyard of the beauty beyond. I was initially looking for Moxie lipstick off of a Back to Mac return that I had for a beauty story I was shooting. It was a gorgeous shade of magenta/fucshia and it was matte as all heck...seriously whatever wasn't kaolin in that product was pigment, but alas, it no longer exists. So... I exchanged my empties for this shade of warm putty, cement-y nude beige instead. I've been using it on shoots all this week....Beware though, this color only looks good on VERY specific skin types. More likely than not, unless your SUPER fair, it's not going to be yours but its genius nonetheless and in my kit it shall remain, at least for now...

*All pictures in this post courtesy of their respective brands

This is what happens when the model doesn't use a straw...

2011-05-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

...she mussed the precise line of her lips...its kinda cool although I fixed it before we returned to shooting...

The Haul...

2011-05-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

I knew that I would only be able to spend one day at The Makeup Show as I had booked a job for Monday. I had gone through my kit and wrote down a list of the must haves that I needed to replenish and what new products I wanted to see and check out. So, basically, I came with a plan of attack.
I had already reunited with ALOT of my makeup artist friends that I had not seen in a while the night before and if it was anything like in years past, I knew that it was going to get packed, hot and crowded fairly quickly.

On my list I had:

1. lip brushes from Hakuhodo

2. an artist pack of Beauty Blender Sponges

3. 2 shade refills of my Graftobian HD foundation

4. Elegant Faces brush shampoo

5. Goe Oil

6. Embryolisse (I hoard it so I never run out...)

7. replenish 4 shades of Kevyn Aucoin foundation

8. Kevyn Aucion lash curlers

I had wanted to check out:

1. NARS even though I usually get supplied via their online service and they opened a store here in NY on Bleecker, I still wanted to see if they had anything new, fun & exciting debuting at the show

2. YSL. Nothing else needs to be said. It's YSL, I've been a long time fan and devotee of several items in this line and for reasons aformentioned in number 1, I wanted to see what the deal was there

3. Anything else that caught my eye that I deemed as necessary. Being a seasoned artist, I'm quite specific about what it is that I'm looking for and what I would consider purchasing, hence having a plan of attack to make a beeline for exactly what I needed...

I managed to get through and conquer everything on that list with the exception of No.2 as all of the artist packs were sold out by the time I got to a booth that was selling them and No.4 as the vendor wasn't at the show. It's been out of stock since forever so it brings me to wonder if they are even making this product anymore as its my favorite organic shampoo soap block with which to wash my brushes...This may pose potential problems, I should look into this further (note to self...)

Let's now go through the rest of that list in order, shall we?

-Number one on the list: check. I even picked up some other brushes from them. I've been using Hakuhodo brushes for MANY years and I'm happy that I can count on them being there. Honestly, they are one of the main reasons that I even bother to go to the show. Since I'm based in NY, I have access to nearly all of the other brands at this show except for them so that's why they are my number one draw. I really only needed to get some newer lipbrushes, (as I wanted some with covers) but I ended up buying about 5 new eyeshadow brushes in varying shapes and sizes as well. Seemingly, I can never leave that booth without spending less than a few hundred dollars. The staff and I are on a first name basis so we both get happy each time we see each other.

-Number two sadly was already addressed so I will have to get in contact with the Beauty Blender people and rectify that situation STAT. I don't always use sponges, but when I do, 90% of the time, its a beauty blender.

-Number three: I didn't end up getting the HD refill as I forgot to write down which shade I needed; I mistakenly just wrote down the palette. However upon perusal of their booth, I was delighted to come across their new Super Palettes:

Graftobian High Def Glamour Creme Foundation Super Palettes in Super cool (left) & Super warm (right)

Let's discuss for a moment why these make me happy. Firstly I love the Graftobian High Def Glamour Creme foundations. I found them when I initially started upon the journey to find something that closely approximated the old Shu Uemura Nobara foundaion. It's no secret that I love cream foundation and tend to use it a majority of the time. I like their coverage, their performance and their color selection is thorough and its perfect for hi-def. I also like the fact that they make one of the best dark skin foundation palettes that I've seen in a looong time. I'm also a big palette fan as ANY time I can condense something to take up less space in my kit, than I do so. I like how they have 18 shades in each of the palettes as they used to only be available in the 5 well palette. So, Yay for having every color you could possibly need and for having it in such a portable handy dandy, at-the-ready, thin palette (with a mirror).

Since the booth was sharing the aisle with Make Up For Ever, it was pretty mobbed and I was only able to get a snapshot of 2 of the 3 foundation palettes. Shown above is the Super cool palette on the left and the Super palette warm on the right. It's also available in a third option: Super palette neutral. I'll be picking up one of each of these to put into my other makeup kit...

-Number four: Elegant Faces Brush Shampoo

Bueller? Bueller? Frye??....Frye? If anyone has seen this can you please let me know. I feel like its becoming one of those Where's Waldo moments as I've been searching for it for at least a year. Please see the aforementioned intro paragraph if your conused to what I'm referring to here...

-Number five: Goe Oil

Check...I discovered Goe Oil last year when I went to replenish my hand refresher. (Yes, that Jao, the amazing hand refresher people) In addition to the products, I love the principal and the philosophy behind the entire Jao Brands line: (small, family owned & operated, passion and research are put into each product, they smell delicious etc...) I also get a ton of compliments any time someone gets a whiff of my hands when I'm doing their makeup. Couple that with the fact that I love the smell of lavender and well, you have what initially made me fall in love with Jao's hand refresher about 9 years ago but I'm sidetracking. I apologize. I have a thing for body sheens, balms, creams, highligthers, lotions, oils, potions, gleams and the etcetera. I'll try anything on my quest to find the perfect body product. Goe Oil was the personification of my 'unicorn'. It's super moisturizing (it delivers the moisture of a body butter or a balm but its not heavy) and last longer than just a regular lotion. It's packaged in a tube so that should give you an idea of its consistency. Sometimes on the body, when I'm not using it as a basic moisturizer I use it as I would a highlighter; just on the 'high' spots, down the center of the shin, on the shoulders (you get the idea). It imparts a well moisturized and lightly oiled or sheened look without the mess of say, baby oil (stylists won't kill you) and its not in the least bit greasy. it leaves your skin super soft plus it smells like heaven. AND you can use it in your hair, or on your cuticles, it's not just for faces but also can be used on spare place's (sorry, I was getting all Dr. Seuss-y)....

Jao Brands

So as Gale & Wendy were wrapping my Goe Oil, I poked around their booth a bit more and discovered that they've launched outdoor products as in natural plant based bug repellants. Firstly I think the name Patio Oil (I swear their products have such cool names) is pretty genius. Secondly, I love the packaging and the logo of this stuff (Something about it reminds me of summer in the 70's but yet it's super modern:


Patio Oil Moisture Mist (left) & Outscent perfume (right) on display

Gale seemingly took great care in creating these to be effective, good for the skin (as in moisturizing & 100% natural) while not smelling like bug repellant (to me it smells like 'fruity earth' meaning lemony & fruity but also earthy/woody and comforting). Natural Oils (it contains hemp, jojoba and lemon eucalyptus) are good natural repellants and when you spritz it on you get a nice cooling sensation (kind of like a peppermint patty) on your skin. And since its not at all harsh, it can be applied and re-applied as needed.

Outscent is sort of Patio Oils friend (you can layer it) and yet another multiple use product all in itself. As another side, I love that nearly everything at Jao Brands can be used in a number of ways. As a pro, it helps me to cut down on the amount of product that I carry. Its also less wasteful. But oh yeah, back to Outscent. It's actually a lightweight essential oil perfume that you can spray on your skin or on your clothes year round. Naturally in the warmer months it will also help to repel those annoying bugs just by default of its ingredient content but its I also imagine it to be pretty cool spritzed on a sachet hidden in between sweaters in a drawer in the cooler months...If your an essential oils wearer or a patchouli lover Outscent is going to be right up your alley.

-Number six: Embroylisse:

I've been the Lait Creme Concentrate since the days when one had to smuggle it back from Paris. Thankfully, its now also available stateside, (although sometimes I miss the smuggling back from Paris part, the 'score') It's one of the best moisturizers and one of 3 that I carry in my kit. I used it on all skin types on 90% of my jobs and have never had an issue. I love the texture of this stuff, and the slip and the way that it feels on the skin is so yummy...

-Number seven & eight: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

Let me preface this by saying that ANY brand that has won this many editors choice awards is major. I was a huge fan of the man but I'm also a huge fan of the makeup. I Love, Love, LOVE this line. I fell in love with back when it launched and they only had a few sku's. I've used their foundations both the Sensual Skin Enhancers & the Radiant Reflections since their inception. As one of the best artists in the world, its no wonder he created one of the most amazing foundations (IF you know how to use it and what to do with it) There is a bit of a learning curve to them, but once you experiment and find the way that they work best for you, you too will be hooked. Gee, how funny, yet another cream product (see I told you).

Sensual Skin Enhancer

I picked up only 2 shades of the Skin Enhancers as I already had several of the 16 available shades. I don't need every shade but have the essential ones as I tend to blend them together...

Radian Reflection Foundation

The Radiant Reflection foundation (stick) is flawless in its 6 tone color range (perfect yellow based neutrals) and much sheerer than the Skin Enhancers that are Full coverage. And when I say full, I mean FULL. And they're all named after Supermodels, how cool is that? I didn't pick any up at the show as I had just gotten 4 of them in the mail the prior week. I do find that especially with the Radiant Reflection foundation, a key to its success in using it is with a damp sponge/ beauty blender. I find it doesn't respond well to fingers or even dry sponges. You will pretty much just end up dragging it around the face, especially if you are dry or have texture disturbances. It feels cool going on as it contains quite a bit of water and the products sets on the dry down once the water evaporates, hence, working quickly is a must...

It was also imperative that I pick up several of their lash curlers. Yes (I hear you asking now, it's definitely comparable to the Shu Uemura lash curler AND the lash pad is red not just because it looks cool but also so that those of you with difficulty or hesitation in curling your lashes can actually see them before you press down on them...

Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler

So, Kevyn Aucoin, check, check...and check...

Now, lets address the second list going one by one, the 'Stuff I want to check out' or the 'anything that catches my eye' portion:

Sheila over at Kett Cosmetics introduced these great little plastic zip bags. It can hold their airbrush foundations or you can use them for whatever products or sundries that you would like. The plastic is definitely heavier & more durable than the ones that are mainly available and the zipper is super sturdy. I need to be able to see everything in my kit. It helps with organization as I organize everything by type and I'm able to put my hand on it in an instant. I also need everything to stand up on its own inside of the bags so its not just one mass jumble of product.

They come in 3 different sizes and have that lovely and super convenient 'dopp kit' handle on the side.
I came home and immediately found uses for them: One of the bags, I filled with my collection of Lip Tars:

See how they all stand up on their own and there's no excess/ unnecessary space? I love that...

The other one which is actually the same length as the as the one I filled with the lip tars but is slightly taller, I filled with my selection of mini tarte cheek stains and NARS multiples:

The small baby one is the perfect size to fill with Q-tips, various sized cotton swabs and those pre-soaked, indivuality packaged makeup remover cotton swabs. It's also the perfect size to hold your lash curlers, tweezer & tweezer pouches and lash adhesives.
Good job on the bags, Sheila!!

YSL

Yves Saint Laurent made their debut at the NY Makeup show this year. I was uber excited to see that they were going to be a vendor as I mainly use either pro brands or luxury brands in my kit. Not counting my brief love affair with their fragrance Opium in the late 80's when powerful scents like that were the cool thing to do even if you were only 16 years old, I've been a fan of theirs since I started using their Touche Eclat in the late 90's. Since that time, I've grown to love more and more of line:

Love their Volume Effet Faux Cils (its my favorite volumizing luxury brand mascara). I tend to go for volume over length and this mascara and I have a had a long standing love affair: Great brush, great formula in the tube, not too wet, not too dry, easy to apply and dries without leaving a dull or flat finish. In my opinion, they also make the best shade of violet mascara. I also love their Rouge Volupte lipsticks. I use them quite frequently in editorials as the pigments, texture & payoff are really top notch. They also have an amazing selection of neutrals in varying shades.

YSL came with their entire product line and a beautiful chic setup consistent with their luxury branding and thankfully I got there early enough to have some play time with their newest color offerings. They previewed the summer collection of 2 of their Pure Chromatics Wet/Dry eyeshadows: palettes No.19 (shimmery rose neutrals) and No.20 (shimmery gold neutrals). Of course these shadows can be used dry for a sheer wash of color but when you wet them the pay off is taken to a whole different level...

YSL Pure Chromatics Palette No.19

YSL Pure Chromatics Palette No. 2

They contain 70% mother of pearl and color pigments and the rest is water. During the manufacturing process, the pans are filled from the bottom with water and when the water is removed the block of color is left. It applies opaque and dries quickly enhancing both the shimmer and mother of pearl pigment particles. If you don't like a full commitment to shimmer it also blends down and softens beautifully leaving behind a sheer veil of color...

They also carry one of my favorite waterproof eye pencils. The texture of it is not like many of the typical waterproof eye pencils that to me, always have a sense of 'plastic encasement' to them and it takes them a few passes to make them opaque. This one is softer, more like an eye kohl or Craypas: super creamy and opaque upon the first pass. I tested the absinthe green shade and its the perfect cross between a mint green and a pastel green with a turquoise undertone:

YSL Waterproof eyepencil

Quick effective eye makeup removal without irritation or a greasy residue is best so I cant finish this post without recommending the YSL eye makeup remover, one of the best:

Its dual phase which is my preference for both personal and professional use as it cuts through and removes even the toughest and stubborn eye makeup. It's also non irritating and works great on removal of heavily pigmented lip products...

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics:

Moseying on down the aisle to OCC we find that they've launched OCC Tint:

A long time ago, MAC used to make a product called E-PT which was an amazing pre-cursor to tinted moisturizer. It was discontinued more than 10 years ago and I've yet to find something to replace it...until now. OCC Tint is the closest thing that I have found to it, but its way cooler and far more advanced than anything from 10 years ago. If EPT had aged and gone to a retirement home, this perhaps would be what it matured into. Falling in line with the OCC skin philosophy which is also my philosophy (skin should look like real skin) OCC Tint personifies this perfectly! It's sheer and beautiful, moisturizing & soft and it disappears flawlessly and invisibly into the skin.

As we've come to expect from OCC, its perfect for pro usage but also the everyday makeup wearer and the selection of 12 shades are spot on:

OCC Tint in shades Y0 through Y5 (left to right)

Viseart:

Rounding out the foundations are new offerings from Viseart, professional makeup Paris. With the exception of an older generation of the pro artist community (by older I mean those of us who have been doing makeup professinally for at least 10+ years) I don't think alot of people at large are familiar with Viseart. They wouldn't be; its a line thats mainly for professionals and carried only in pro or makeup specialty shops. Vieseart are the great people from Paris that brought us the STAPLE pro brand neutral eyeshadow kit seen here:

Viseart eyeshadow palette

Anyway, Viseart has added onto their brand by launching an entire set of brand new HD Matte foundation compacts:

Viseart HD Cream Foundation Compacts

Viseart HD Foundation Powders

(Sorry for the heavy shadow in the second picture. People started to crowd around and come over when they heard me talking about how fabulous this stuff is...)

Offered in both cream and powder formulation options they're both oil & silicone free and the 'true to skin shades' blend flawlessly, disappearing into the skin leaving behind a seamless & smooth, sheer natural matte finish. Easily buildable and blendable and the compacts are flat to boot?? I think that its a matter of time before these 2 new additions to the Viseart line become addictions.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! I made it in and out of the show in about 4 hours. Undoubtedly I would have moved quicker had it not gotten so hot and crowded so fast but I was thankful that my pre-planning was effective as I saw everything that I had set out to and then some...I was able to come home and filter my new stuff into my kit an activity that upon completion gives such a sense of contentment and satisfaction; I imagine it as the feeling akin to finally getting a newborn to fall asleep after a 3 hour crying spell...Now to enjoy the rest of my evening with a glass of wine...

The Makeup Show 2011 Preview Day

2011-05-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

The 6th annual Makeup Show in NY is this weekend. For once, I was in town and not away on a job working so I took up the offer on a last minute invite to attend a small blogger preview to see some of what the vendors would be featuring over the next 2 days.
I must say, that judging by the preview and the 'schwag' promotional bag that this is shaping up to be one of the best years yet. The show has grown since its debut six years ago not only in attendance size and in the education and workshops offered to artists of all levels, but also in the selection & variety of vendors.
Let us be honest, I've been at this for a long time. I'm not a new makeup artist and my focus when I come to these sorts of things is not so much on education and workshops although those are cool too & I do get a bit of that in, but its mainly to talk shop, pick up some items for the kit and to see what's new both in terms of product but also new up & coming companies.

Makeup Show 2011 Schwag Bag. I can't wait to go through this properly and do it justice...

I'm looking forward to letting my fingers do the walking and fully dissecting the contents of this 'schwag' bag within the next 24 hours...A quick peek revealed newness from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Mehron HD Foundation, a Kevyn Aucoin white eyeliner pencil and more... For now, I'm going to turn in, I'm knackered and have a super early morning...

Manouvres

2011-05-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Seeing the final edit of this Manouvres video makes shooting this outside on a cold, raw, rainy day SO worth it. It's the first installment of what will be a few. Enjoy!

manouvres from Dominique Palombo on Vimeo.

Red lipstick

2011-04-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

...NEVER goes out of style. Like, EVER. Here's some stuff I did for a story on red/bright lips:

At the Cinema...

2011-04-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a big documentary buff. It's actually the sole reason why I signed up for a subscription to NetFlix. I went to see Beautiful Darling: the Life & Times of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol Superstar today at the IFC. It's a documentary culled from live interviews, vintage footage and diary entries of the late Warhol Superstar & protege Candy Darling, a gorgeous transsexual personality of the late 1960's, and early 70's underground scene who was obsessed with stardom, hollywood, celebrity, beauty and being blonde. It's a beautiful look at a New York era that no longer exists: the people who populated the New York 'downtown', the back room at Max's Kansas City & the universe of Andy Warhol.

I had been waiting to see this film for quite some time as I love Andy Warhol but I also love this particular long gone era in New York. I also loved Candy Darling and how she created her own persona & celebrity. Once she perfected her look and came into her own, her look was quite stunning. I always love a symmetric eye with a good crease and a slight downturn at the edges; Candy Darling embodied that beautiful 70's look that I adore so much:

Candy Darling w/ Andy Warhol ph: Cecil Beaton


ph: Anton Perich

(Gotta LOVE a lavender eye and a red/orange lip...)

ph: Gerard Malanga


ph: Peter Beard

I highly recommend that if this film screens at a cinema near you (most likely an independent one) to go and see it. So very good on so many levels...See a preview of the film here and get more information about screenings at the official film website.

Shelby, Emoting...

2011-04-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is Shelby. These are her outtakes. She emotes well...She moves well. Heck, shes just a darn good model:

If only the sky could look like that all the time...

I'm not sure whats cooler: her new wrist tattoo, or, the fab lip color I whipped up for her (my vote is the lipcolor *wink wink*)

Diana for NAAG

2011-03-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some more of Diana for NAAG. The others are on my website