Martin + Osa and American Heart Association are having an event tonight at Tyson's Corner. If I wasn't going to a concert I would definitely attend this event because I am love with this dress. This dress is perfect for dinner with girlfriends, outside on a patio, and sipping a mojito. Summer fun.
Guests will enjoy cocktails and an exclusive 20% discount during the event- the first 15 guests will receive a $25 gift certificate upon arrival.The event supports the American Heart Association.
I'm counting down to my official Girlfriend Getaway to Playa del Carmen next week. I can't wait to see my girls and "my best friend in the whole wide world - Ms. Cassy." It's going to be lots of sun, laughter, and girl talk. I see the margarita in my hand while looking over a stack of magazines and a few books I've wanted to read - all on food. The one item I always bring on a trip is a clutch that I can wear with numerous outfits from swim cover ups to a cute strapless dress.
I'm currently loving all Felix Rey clutches. They have a such a vast array of colors, textures, and prints. My favorite right now is the Felix Rey Mesi Clutch with Ikat Trim. I love this 80s gold mesh with hot pink trim. The gold takes me back to the 80s watching Solid Goldwith my brothers. Now all I need is a deluxe edition of Flashdance and Irene Cara singing What a Feelin'.
P.S. As much as I like Jennifer Lopez she did not create the Flashdance routine. It's often imitated, but never duplicated.
Over the last six months, Matt Tyrnauer’s much-anticipated documentary “Valentino: The Last Emperor” has been feted with star-studded affairs in Venice, Toronto and Miami — all without ever having been seen by the public. But now the film is finally being released in theaters across the country.
During the two-year shoot, Tyrnauer found himself jetting between Rome, Milan, Paris and Gstaad (when he took the train instead, he was scolded) in order to keep up with the designer’s schedule. But he wasn’t expecting to have to maintain Valentino’s sartorial standards, too. “My uniform was a blue button-down shirt and jeans,” he says, relaying an anecdote given at WSJ.’s Big Interview Series. “After some weeks, Valentino said, ‘Matt, if I see you in a blue shirt and jeans one more day, I’m going to scream.’” So the next day Tyrnauer switched to a white button-down. “Valentino said, ‘A gentleman never wears a white shirt before six in the evening.’ He likes to rib you. He plays the role of imperious icon, and he plays it well.”
Before the premiere, Tyrnauer talked to WWD about the logistics of filming a man who always changes his mind, the comedic and loving relationship between the designer and Giammetti and what it means to “pull a Valentino.”
UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS TO M. COSTELLO YOU ARE THE WINNER OF THE CHICKDOWNTOWN.COM GIVEAWAY. PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!
Happy Birthday to All About the Pretty Beauty Blog! It's hard to believe that it has been 3 years today since I started this blog journey and what a fun time it has been. I've met many great beauty bloggers who are now friends for life. I've recently had great press and I'm so blessed. Life is always about juggling multiple tasks and handling them with style, grace, and beauty.
In honor of my 3 year anniversary the website Chick Downtown is giving away a $250 gift card to one of my lucky readers. Chick Downtown? If you don't know the site you need to become fast friends. The site has the largest selection of Black Halo clothing - a celeb favorite. As well as CC Skye (my new favorite jewelry line) and Rachel Pally. Chickdownton is on the pulse of fashion with their revamped fashion blog, Chick Downtown TV, YouTube, and Twitter. Connect with them virtually. The contest starts today at 12:00pm and runs for 24 hours. The contest machine will randomly pick a winner, not me.
I would like to thank all my readers who have supported me over the years and trust me with "bringing the beauty" to you as a much as I can. To my new readers - merci. Remember, beauty is a lifestyle - not just a product. Besos and Bises. And always - may the lip gloss be with you.
Julia
Pretty Script: To my family and friends who supports me in anything I decide to do. Thanks for the unconditional love that is always expressed. Thanks for reading when literally no one was reading, but my family.
To the fabulous writers who help me - Felicia (NY Pretty), Yo-Yo (L.A. Pretty), and Dolo (Partner in the Pretty) - I could not have gotten through these years without you.
Post Pretty Script: To my sweet beau "The Don", thanks for being supportive with all my endeavors and for always being ready for a trip.
Also, here's a link to the hosted page if the widget gives you problems.
I loved the RM Roland Mouret gown that Heidi wore to the Oscars. As part of the Diet Coke Heart Truth campaign, Heidi attended to the awards to raise awareness on women and heart disease. Heidi also gifted the Best Actress nominees VS Vintage Victoria lingerie sets with a diamond and pearl pin. Now let's talk about beauty created by Linda Hay for Victoria Secret Beauty.
EYES
Linda began by lining the top and bottom lashes with Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Eyeliner in Dark Chocolate and highlighting the inside triangle of the eye with a shimmering nude eye shadow in Champagne. She then used the Victoria Secret Spring Look Eye Shadow Quad to highlight the eyes and make them pop. Using a large shadow brush, Hay applied Rich to the crease, Devoted to the eyelid and Champagne again as a highlighter under the brow and the inside corner of the eye. Using a smaller point shadow brush she blended a soft line under the eye from the outside corner to the tear duct. To finish, Linda applied three coats of Victoria’s Secret High Definition Mascara in Blackest Black. CHEEKS d On the cheeks, Linda used the new Victoria’s Secret Highlighter/Blush Duo in Fresh to the apple of the cheek to create the allusion of more defined bone structure.
LIPS
Linda lined the lips with the Perfect Lipstick in Whisper followed by Victoria’s Secret Lip Gloss in Blush for subtle pink finish.
Anne gave me an old Hollywood glamour feel in her jewel encrusted Armani Prive gown and Cartier jewels. Here's how to get Anne's look. Lancome Le Crayon Poudre in Sable on brow, Lancome's Color Design Eye Shadow in Ciel du Soir over the entire eyelid, followed by Le Crayon Kohl in Black Ebony on the upper lash line with Lancome Oscillation Mascara on the lashes. Lancome Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose on the apples of the cheeks. Lancome Color Fever Lipstick in Brickhouse completed the look. Photo: Style.com
Congratulations to a much deserved actress. I love Kate Winslet and I'm so happy that this was her year. She accepted the top honor in YSL and Chopard Jewelry. Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey created her look. She used Lancome La Base Pro primer to prepare the face. The eyes featured Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer and Lancome Brow Expert in Naturel on the brows. Lashes received Avon Pro Mascara in Black. She finished the look with Lancome Color Fever Lipstick in Old Flame on the lips.
Rebecca Taylor Fall 2009: The Fairytale Eye By Felicia C. Sullivan
When you think of sweet flirtation and romanticism, Rebecca Taylor immediately comes to mind. Akin to her signature logo of frolicking black cats, Rebecca Taylor’s clothes exhibit a sexy, playful and kittenish quality. And although her sheer, layered fabrics are ethereal and coquettish, they aren’t regulated to the schoolgirl pack. The inspiration for the Fall 2009 collection drew from Northern European fairytales. The New Zealand-born designer loves to juxtapose bold splashes of pomegranate, violet, and lilac against darker browns, blacks and muted grays – but the magic of her line is in the details: the metallic jacquard ruffled skirts, the woodland print dress in peacock, the champagne sparkled dress and the magenta silk dress with ruched hem detail that pops on the runway. Although the designer stayed true to her roots, grounded in whimsy and obsessive, yet endearing, embellishments, the collection was a bit uneven. While a delicious champagne cocktail dress flounced down the runway, what followed was an ill-fitted cashmere tank thrown over slouch trousers and chocolate booties, which looked messy and too neutral to the point of wash out. However, the thrill of Taylor’s fall collection is the beauty, the flimsy bias-cut dresses draped sensually on the body and the stunning hair and makeup looks, which elevated the look to an all-together magical level.
Makky for MAC elaborated on the look for the fall show, which revolved around a dramatic, shimmering teal, almost Icelandic, eye against a very neutral face. A lip balm on the lips, and the face was kept clean with MAC’s Studio Sculpt Foundation.
Get the Look:
Eyes
Base with White Painstick
Blown out blend of Deep Truth, Cobalt, and Freshwater Chill eyeshadows
Add Naval Blue Pigment in the outer crease and lower corner
Add Teal Pigment to the inner crease and Reflex Teal (to yield the shimmer look) in inner corner
Curl lashes and add a sheer coating of Studiofix Black mascara to top and bottom lashes
The Look at Marchesa: The Nymph Emerges from the Forest By Felicia C. Sullivan
Inspired by the enchantment of the forest, Marchesa’s Fall 09 collection juxtaposes pleated tulle and silk chiffon ruffles with dreamy sequins and delicate lace. Bringing the fairytale feel to life, the runway hair look draws on the power of natural eucalyptus for style infused with vitality. The concept created on the models was airy, whimsical, almost ethereal, and this vision birthed three energies: a low pony, a tousled look, and a severe part with flowing ways. Ultimately, the look at Marchesa was all about textured hair that was smooth, brushed out, and shiny.
This season, runway styles start with strong, healthy hair. As seen at the Marchesa show, strong parts and natural waves are accentuated by lustrous shine with the help of John Frieda Root Awakening products. The formulas nourish, strengthen and condition to create the healthy foundation that makes the strong, shiny look work.
To get the look, lead stylist and John Frieda Collection Creative Consultant Harry Josh equipped models with John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo, Conditioner (both contain natural Eucalyptus to deeply hydrate and feed the roots restoring essential moisture for soft, silky hair) and Detangling Spray (this vitamin-enriched daily leave-in spray nourishes from roots to ends for healthier-looking growth, creating dramatically silkier, more manageable hair) prior to the show, helping achieve the strength and nourishment the style demands.
To recreate the healthy hair seen on the runway, blow out hair and create a severe part where hair lies best. “Using one-inch [recommended] curling iron slanted horizontally, manually wrap hair around the iron for five seconds to create the appearance of natural waves and avoid an overly styled look,” Josh recommends. Think of the all-perm sets of the 1970s. “Brush hair through to loosen curls, then slick down the side and secure with a bobby pin.” Aim the bobby pin at a 45-degree angle from the outer corner of the eye for chic hold.
Vivienne Tam Fall 2009: “An Exploration of Nothingness” By Felicia C. Sullivan
In Vivienne Tam’s audacious Fall 2009 Presentation, the designer explored concept, design, and form, to present an intuitive and unique collection based on the Asian philosophy that the new and unexplored finds its roots in empty, “nothingness” spaces. Tam elaborates: “During this period of global economic turmoil, the idea of the return to a state of emptiness and simplicity from which to renew our lives seemed particularly timely.”
While some designers’ interpretation of the recession as it pertains to fashion was a presentation of subdued, understated clothes in somber monotones, muted grays and charcoal blacks, Tam opted instead for rich, deeply saturated jeweled tones – magenta, crimson, eggplant and her signature red. Bewitching hues coupled with a kaleidoscope of textures – duchesse satins, charmeuses, and chiffon juxtaposed against traditionally male materials of tweed, herringbone, and melton – the collection was a successful marriage of surface textures and bold color. Simply put, you will want to slip into these chic cocktail dresses.
Surrounded by a host of savvy, stylish bloggers, we couldn’t decide on a favorite. Did we covet the red quilted coat with fox fur trim paired with the red charmeuese dress? Would we run off with the turquoise strapless dress with Swarovski crystals? Or would we snatch the purple ponti blouse and red silk diamond pleated skirt right off the model? Decisions, decisions. I’ll reveal that my covet is the red duchess satin crown collar dress – the tailored fit and almost Mandarin collar was so simple, sensual and chic, that it’s definitely on my fall wishlist. I think what struck us about the collection was the simplicity, yet ingenuity of it. A simple silk dress or a duchess gown is immediately elevated with cutwork appliqués and chiffon cutouts. What a surprise to find that a deep red could work with a softened purple. Tam’s twenty pieces were imbued with a hopeful optimism. In the midst of darkness, it’s imperative to seek and bring out the light, and Vivienne Tam offers a needed jubilance for the colder months ahead.
Downtown flair and a back-to-basics attitude with a vintage twist was the trend at David Arquette’s and strummer Ben Harper’s Propr Fall 2009 collection. Propr, named for the French word propre, meaning "fitting" or "appropriate," was a pragmatic line filled with easy, dark-wash denim, flowing checkered skirts, fitted vests, voluminous ponchos, and tailored dresses. The look was simple with an edge – ideal for the young, hip audience listening to Death Cab and Elbow. Although the clothes didn’t exactly evoke sartorial fireworks, the hairstyles were blissfully natural and reflected a carefree, youthful joie de vivre.
Named North American Hairdresser of the Year in 2007, and the “Best Latino Hair Stylists in America” by Latina magazine, Allen Ruiz, Avon’s Global Style Advisor, takes us through the styles created on the models (ladies and gents), as well as a sampling of the products he used to achieve the easy, effortless looks.
The fabulous writers Betsy Lowther and Jennifer Barger of the The Washington Post's Fashion Washington (FW) will be having a live fashion chat on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 12 noon. Betsy is a go-to-source here in DC and with Jennifer her fashion partner-in-crime they will discuss spring/summer fashion trends and discuss what they have just seen on the runways in New York. Here's a link to the chat.
François Nars killed it with the makeup for Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 collection.The collection was inspired by the New York night club scene of the 1970s and ‘80s. Look at all that glorious makeup laid out on that table. That's heaven to me. I just want to dive into like it's a swimming pool. I love how fashion week makeup can be simplistic of theatrical.
Drawing inspiration from these decades and the works of Sprouse, St. Laurent, and Halston, François Nars took into consideration each model’s individual beauty before creating a separate edgy look, reminiscent of the past but still very modern. “We are doing quite an eclectic look,” he said. The inspiration for diversity came from Nars’ book XRAY.“[Marc] wanted to keep that feeling,” said Nars, “the variety of looks, the same way we do the campaigns for NARS.”Overall, it was important that each girl look beautiful, even with strong theatrical looks.Much like the fashion, Nars emphasized having fun with makeup for the coming year, despite the times we live in- “It’s a good antidote.”
Look:Focusing on an edgy, night clubbing look, strong eyes and bold color were a major theme.Black shadow laid the foundation for creating the dramatic eye, to which the artists added cobalt blues, deep greens, bright purples, reds, fuchsias, and glitter.“There is a wide variety of color,” said Nars, “it’s whatever looks good on the girl.”For many of the models, porcelain skin was a key component, allowing the black eyes and bright colors to pop.“You want to play with makeup,” says Nars, “makeup is a great accessory - that is the message.”
Lead makeup artist: Tayaba Jafri for Laura Mercier
Russia, luxury, and regality were the key inspirations for the look that was created for the Pamella Roland show. The makeup look aspired to mimic the beauty of a Faberge Egg, and compliment the gold accessories in the collection. The look was very eye-focused and the face had a full mineral finish giving a luminous glow.
Eyes were "gold-leafed" with wet gold shimmer powder, and defined all around with black caviareyeliner. The lids displayed the beauty of the gold while the eyes were encased with dark rimming all around. Noir eye shadow was smudged in the corners for more definition and structure.
Cheeks took a back seat, and were a subdued shade of a luminous gold/coral.
Lips were a 'nude berry' created with natural lips lip liner and wildberry lip-plumper.
Here are the face charts and video for the Barbie Runway Show. The looks were created by the Stila Pro Artistry Team. The products are available at beauty.com. The charts represent the past, present, and futuristic looks of Barbie.
Over the past few days, it’s been intriguing to witness how designers, and their vision for their ready-to-wear collections, have been affected by the recession. While there was the gleeful optimism that infused the pomp, glitz and fanfare at Barbie, Betsy Johnson, and Charlotte Ronson, other designers opted for subdued, low-key looks. Inspired by modernist sculptor Alexander Calder, Behnaz Sarafpour in her vision for Fall 2009, deliberately deviated from gloss and spectacle, rather her collection evoked a simple, minimalist feel, which is easily translatable to the street. Graphic shapes, bandeau cutouts, and voluminous skirts in somber tones of grays and blacks, in fluid jersey and wool fabrics, harkened back to Sarafpour’s signature coats and dresses that flow organically to a woman’s body. I keep talking about how many of the collections are more realistic this season – honing in on outfitting the bones of a women’s wardrobe, and Behnaz’s coats, slacks, and skirts are terrific mainstays.
And this simplicity and sculpted architecture was echoed in the hair and make-up.VP of Makeup Artistry for Mac Gordon Espinet explained the “overly perfected” look. Since Behnaz’s woman is sensual but isn’t overly fussy about fixing herself, the makeup was a reflection of this easy, yet deliberate, look. This isn’t an open-casket-tan-leg juxtaposition, but rather a healthy face that reflects the colors of the body.
Learn how to get the look:
Eyes Smolder Pencil was used on the top and bottom of the eye to render a graphic edge. Espinet allowed the liner to bleed softly under the lash line. Carbon eye shadow was used to smudge the lid. The eye – while sexy, androgynous, and untouched – is not overly designed.
Cheek
The concept for the makeup was to enhance the model’s natural features rather than imposing a particular face. A darker foundation (than the model’s skin tone) was used not to add color but to create dimension, to enhance the natural skin color and highlight the cheekbone. Espinet used Mineralize Skin Finish and Studio Sculpt Concealer to achieve the look. Again, the contouring was about following the natural shape of the model’s face rather than defining and imposing a look.
Lip
MAC’s Lip Erase returns to give a neutral, colorless finish to the lip. The lip is moisturized and blends into the model’s natural skin tone.
Inspiration:The collection took inspiration from the 1940’s, reflecting the surrealist images of photographer Lee Miller.Combined with a bit of 80’s rock and roll glam, makeup artist Diane Kendal created a strong look without being too girly.
Look:“The look is all about the eyes with soft matte lips for contrast,” said Diane Kendal. To bring strength to the face, Diane focused on creating smoky eyes and full brows, while downplaying the lips and keeping skin fresh with a light brushing of blush for a healthy glow.
Below is a step-by-step to recreate the look:
Face:
Use NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream to moisturize entire face
Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections
Use a minimal amount of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009)
Lightly stroke NARS Blush in Gilda on the apples of the cheeks
Eyes:
Use NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo to line upper lashes and crease
Blend over entire lid and up to brows, keeping dense color by lashline
With Mambo, line lower lashes and gently blend
Use NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali to fill in brows
Draw a very thin line on upper lashes with NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Black (NEW for Fall 2009)
Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler
Lips:
Apply NARS Lip Therapy Treatment in Rain to entire lip
Lightly pat a small amount of NARS Concealer over Rain to take down color
Vincent Longo and his genius team created the look for Vena Cava. I love the lips on this model. The berry color is a perfect contrast to the continuing dark lip trend. Using Rosewood Passion Lip Pencil and Hush Delight Lipstick. The eyes were created using Nerino Vibrant Eye Liner, Silky Orange Liquid Shadow and Aquila Diamante Quad and finished with Black Curl Mascara.
Shecky's Girls Night Out is a girlfriend getaway that is in a city near you. I love this event for shopping, chatting, and catching up. Philly's Event is Feb. 24-25th. I can't wait for the DC event. It's a must for any shopping enthusiast and they do have bargains. I have never had a bad time at Shecky's, which some sample sales can definitely put a damper on going again. Not Shecky's. I like supporting emerging designers and this event is chock-full of them. My favorite is always the accessories. I love big chunky jewelry and Shecky's always deliver.
For Fall 2009, Adam Lippes turned east for inspiration, specifically a Japanese photography exhibition at the Peabody Museum in Boston. The vibrant hues of the cherry blossoms, combined with the rich textures of the Samurais' uniforms and bold prints of the geishas' kimonos formed the basis for the collection, and certainly impacted the hair and makeup looks.
With the bleak economy in mind, Key Artist for ADAM, Romy Soleimani thought of more prosperous times. With an infinitely hopeful outlook, her face for the show was luminescent, upbeat, and wonderfully colorful. In darker times, we seek fantasy and whimsy, and Soleimani's botanical eye to the iridescent cheek was a key reflection of this conceit.
For the eyes, MAC's Beautiful Iris Shadow was swept lightly on the eye, while Teal and CornflowerPigments were added for depth. The Tealo pencil was used on the lower lash line, while lashes were coated with mascara.
For contrast, the lip was neutral and conditioned with Dim Lip Erase – a flesh-colored lipstick that neutralizes and moisturizes the lips. Love Rock (new for Fall 09), an iridescent pink blush was deployed on the cheeks rendering a playful, rosy look.
Lela Rose's Enchanted Forest: Creating the Face for Fall 09 By: Felicia C. Sullivan
Eye drama continues to dominate inside the tents and on the runway. Beauty.com's celebrity beauty artist, Tina Turnbow revealed how she achieved her enchanted forest look. The jeweled eye was the focal point of the Lela Rose face for Fall 09, and to achieve the deep forest inspiration she deployed gold and green shadows from Stila's Precious Pearl Palette mixed with Kajal's liner in emerald and pearl to create a deep emerald eye lightened subtly with seafoam coloring. The lids were smudged with Smudge Pot. Turnbrow noted that not only is the green eye perfect for fall, it works on a variety of skin tones. Considering runway to real-way, I would definitely tone down the depth of color to yield an office-friendly face.
To offset the bold eye and compliment the iridescent-colored collection, the rest of the face was a warm mix of gold and yellow undertones. The cheeks had an almost ochre color, as Turnbrow used Stila's Camellia Cream (new for Fall 09) to create a dewey, wet look. Praline glaze was applied to the lips, and to complete the Lela Rose face, Constellation Shadow (a beige shimmer) was brushed over the brows and at the height of the cheekbone.
While most designers sent unfortunate models tumbling down the runways in sky-high stilettos, frocks that would flatter only the tallest and slimmest of figures (why must we be subjected to the cruel sartorial affliction that is the balloon pant?), or clothes that focused more on high concept than practicality, it was downright refreshing to see voluminous color, delicious embellishments, and impeccably tailored, dare I say wearable clothes featured at Thuy Diep’s Fall 2009 collection.
Simply put, all the looks in Thuy’s collection are closet perennials; they are the bones of a woman’s wardrobe with the volume turned up. You’ll find the perfect black dress embellished with a touch of lace or a cinched jacket spouting the lightest of feathers. From a hand-painted silk dress awash wash in aubergine, deep green, and luscious blues, to a fitted cocktail dress in a splash of chartreuse, Thuy’s clothes were draped on the body, flattering a woman’s natural line.
And the collection’s clean lines and bold touches inspired the makeup look. Senior Makeup Artist for MAC Cosmetics, Romero Jennings, explained that the Thuy makeup is an everyday face. From a strong, intense eye, to a sculptured, contoured cheek and neutral mouth, the face is healthy and translucent with just a touch of drama.
Get the products to get the look:
Eyes
Black Track Fluid Line (This mascara renders a deep black color, terrific for nearly all skin types)
Diane von Furstenberg sent out a collection that has something for everyone. The collection was based on a "nomad" theme. DVF is a huge traveler and there were lots of items for cold months. The hair was soft waves caressing the face.
It gave me a 40s vibe and not a lot of color on the lips. I love this look of almost no makeup and allowing the true beauty of the skin to show.
NARS Cosmetics provided the makeup for Herve Leger Fall/Winter 2009 collection. The trend was a strong brow with dewy skin. Lead Artist Diane Kendal aid the inspiration was gradient palette of earth tones polished by rich shades of deep ebony. Diane drew inspiration from Helmut Newton photographs, using the concept of a brave warrior - strong and fierce. “The collection is very hard and sculpted so we wanted to keep the skin neutral and show strength through the eyebrows.”
Below is a step-by-step to recreate the look:
Face:
Use NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream to moisturize
Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections
Use a minimal amount of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009) to even skin tone
Eyes:
Brush brows to define natural shape
With NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali, fill in brows
Brush again for even, natural look
Apply gentle dusting of NARS Single Eyeshadow in Sophia to entire lid, blending up towards brows for natural shading
Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler
Lips:
Apply NARS Lip Therapy Treatment in Rain to entire lip
Tina Turnbow, Beauty.com's celebrity makeup artist, created the soft look for Abaete's Fall/Winter 2009 collection. The theme was 18th century France and the face was gorgeous skin and an almost no makeup look. They used Caudalie Beauty Elixir which I have written about being an amazing face spray and I never get on an airplane without it.
Nicole Miller: It’s a Blue Eye By Felicia C. Sullivan
Day one of fashion week and it’s becoming exceedingly apparent that make-up artists are not only nostalgic in channeling generations past – Charlotte Ronson’s affection for 1940s glamour and Nicole Miller’s homage to the blue that reigned supreme in the 1980s – yet they’re also fixated on a singular statement (bold lip, smoky eye) and building the rest of the look around the drama. At Nicole Miller, it was all about the blue eye. Senior Artist Gina Bettelli revealed how the Mac team achieved the Fall 09 face.
Using MAC’s Marine Ultra Paint Stick (think: large crayon), the artists’ saturated the eyelid and crease with this vivid blue, and then pressed Freshwater eyeshadow inside the eyelid. Atlantic Blue eyeshadow followed at the crease and corner. Lashes were curled and mascara lightly applied to create the smokey eye with the volume turned up.
The rest of the look was decidedly subdued. Blush cream Lilicent was applied to the lip, starting at the center and moving outward to create a diffused, soft mouth. You won’t find any liner and defined lines here, rather a natural pout. Completing the look, the artists’ used Tahitian Sand Powder, a finely-milled powder creamy to the touch on the cheeks.
Backstage at the Charlotte Ronson show, MAC Senior Artist Luc Bouchard revealed the key inspiration for the season – a return to 30s and 40s glamour coupled with a modern, minimalist look. For Fall 09, the Charlotte Ronson girl dons boyfriend jackets, not obsessing too much about her appearance because she wears what's in her boyfriend's closet or recycles her wardrobe in an effort to make it new. This season, she’s keeping it clean and fresh but always with a touch of glamour and Bouchard’s face reflects the meeting of a striking lip against a pallet of soft skin. Mineralized powder and finish were dusted on the cheeks two shades darker than the model’s skin color, rendering a blush affect. The 1930s comes into play at the emphasis was on a “C” shape shine at the temples and the cheek. The eye was a dull grey/green, almost matted against the skin to allow fort he bold lip, which was created using two pencils: MAC’s Nightmoth & Chestnut. Blended with a lip conditioner, the finished look was smooth, daring, and wonderfully fresh.
"Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all."
W. Somerset Maugham
"A woman who does not perfume herself has no future."
French Poet Paul Valery
"To begin with, let us take the following motto...Literature is Love. Now we can continue."
Vladimir Nabokov
"I can be changed by what happens to me. But, I refuse to be reduced by it."
Maya Angelou
"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."
Gore Vidal
"Perfume is like love, you can never get enough of it"
Estee Lauder
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift."
Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
Eleanor Roosevelt
"Small minds discuss other people while great minds discuss ideas."
