Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

For those of you dying for more New Year's Eve beauty tips, here is a quick, stripped down take on the smoky eye.

I tried this out last night on a whim, and was extremely pleased with the results. This look is as easy as fingerpainting in the bathtub, but the results are very Taylor Momsen-esque.

1. Smudge a black eyeshadow across your eyelids with your fingers. One sweep for each eye should do. It should look grey-ish on your skin.

2. Smudge a dark, grey metallic eyeshadow across your eyelids again with your fingers.

3. Choose a light silver eyeshadow, and with a finger that hasn't touched the darker shades, apply it in an arc across the area right above your eyelids. Blend so that it looks shimmery instead of, er, a streak. Ya know?

4. Apply a bit of shimmery, very light taupe eyeshadow to the area under your eyebrow that is closest to your temples. It should be barely visible, but leave a natural sheen.

There's no need to rush, but if you have all the eyeshadows in front of you, this can be accomplished in one minute flat.

The finishing touches....

5. Finish with a reddish-pink lipstick and pink blush.

The smoky eye seems fresher and younger without mascara or eyeliner.

Product Talk: Try it with the eyeshadows in Too Faced's Smoky Eye Palette or the Sephora Collection Color Play palette (both available at Sephora).


Don't do anything we wouldn't do, unless it's with David Johansen. Have a Happy, Safe and Aware New Year's Eve.

Eager for Ellery: Emerging Fashion Brand's Site Crashes

Garance Doré posted a picture of her designer friend Kym in one of her own creations today and a link to Kym's website, Elleryland.com. I can't even see the site. Maybe Kym will be 2010's last breakout fashion star? Time will tell.

New Year's Eve Makeup Tips: Do's and Don'ts

BEAUTY DO'S

1. Do wear makeup that you feel comfortable in...but don't be afraid to branch out and wear a daring combination of shades.

2. For a polished and easy look, focus on just one area: lips, eyes or cheeks.

3. If you always wear the latest trends, try either dark wine or fire engine red lipstick shades. These colors are hot.

4. Many gals apply basic mascara in a single sweep, but you can actually wear three or even six layers of mascara for heightened drama. We like Stila Glamoureyes Mascara ($22, Sephora). You can take the wand and brush it on at a slightly diagonal angle instead of just horizontally to get extra volume. Also, don't be afraid to apply a bit extra on the lashes on the outer corners of your eyes.

5. A metallic eyeliner in silver or white, some Bobbi Brown concealer under the eyes, and pink blush will always make you look more awake.

6. If your dress is very sparkly, keep the tone of your makeup neutral, bold or slightly shimmery for a tasteful head-to-toe look. (Don't shellac your lips and cheeks with tons of glitter. The makeup police will arrest you!)

7. Do top of off your outfit with a feather-embellished hair clip or a jaunty hat. You might even want to pin an unusual flower to a chignon for a showstopping look.

BEAUTY DON'TS

1. Don't forget to pack tissue, a small mirror and a cosmetics bag with makeup for touch-ups. If you opt for a vibrant shade of lipstick, you may want to check to make sure it isn't on your teeth.

2. Let dry skin stay that way. Use your favorite moisturizer (mine lately is Lily.B 24/7 Daily Moisturizer) before applying any makeup.

3. Wear liquid foundation that is old. If you have had it 6 months or longer, toss it out!

4. If you wear loose mineral foundation, apply it first and then put on your dress. This will prevent powder from landing on your fabulous outfit.

5. Forget to enjoy the compliments you are sure to receive! You are beautiful.

MORE: HAIR ADVICE ACROSS THE WEB

InStyle UK shares celebrity hair how-to's. Check out #30, Olivia Palermo's look.

Tutorial: Blogging sensation Keiko Lynn demonstrates how she makes her hair so wavy and pretty. Click here to see the video.

ALSO: A CRAZY TIP WE WILL PROBABLY USE...

The Beauty Snob tells us how to make our legs look skinnier in photographs.

Color Play 5-in-1 Fashion Edition Makeup Palette Review

Shopbop and Sephora have teamed up to release a new limited edition Color Play 5-in-1 makeup palette ($30). The best part of this elephant-sized product is that it contains five unique sub-palettes, which can be removed individually and snap into a purse-sized case. It's quite brilliant!

At a fete last night in the Times Square Sephora, a gaggle of beauty bloggers testdrove the Color Play 5-in-1 palette and left with glorious results.

The shades work on absolutely everyone, and each sub-palette has a runway-inspired theme. In turn, Shopbop.com is selling fashion-forward apparel to match each of the palette's five themes.

The Nod to Mod sub-palette contains white, grassy green and juicy orange eyeshadow shades. These shades can be used to create a pretty Courreges-esque look, or applied every which way for a wild Harajuku-style makeover. For the full head-to-toe look, Shopbop is selling a sinfully hot red leather mini dress by Jenni Kayne to match this palette - and many other covetable items.


The only thing that could have been disastrous was leaving behind my sexier-than-fire new gloves, but when I returned to the party, no one had taken them. Next time, do...not...serve...me...champagne when I have fancy accessories to forget. Wink!

I am normally too modest to emblazon my picture all over the website, but this is me after the makeover:


P.S. Air kisses to fellow blogger-ettes Katy Atlas of Sugarlaws, Glasgow Skinner of My Life on and Off the Guest List, Kim of Fashionably Petite and Lisa of Beauty By Benz.

Written by Annie Wilner aka Charlotte

Beauty Inspiration: Marcel Proust

With his heavy eyelids, becoming moustache and fantastique mind, Marcel Proust is our "beauty inspiration" of the week.

Lily.B 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer Review

If you are dodging slushy puddles and mounds of ice Indiana Jones-style, this moisturizer will be your ally.

Lily.B daily moisturizer is a great solution for preventing dryness and curing problems if you have been zapped by icy winds.

I have noticed a marked improvement in my skintone since I began using this product. Sea algae harvested from coastal France and jojoba oil help soothe and moisturize. I wear it alone or with a few drops of lavender oil.


Grade: A, excellent for those with very sensitive and all other skin types

Eyeshadow Government Photo Booth: Zineb

Last night, Eyeshadow Government visited Times Square, and met a gaggle of lipstick-ed, luscious-ed, and generally dazzling ladies at Sephora (details later!).

On the outskirts of the posse, I espied Zineb, 22, who hails from Casablanca, Morocco. With her transfixing almond eyes and easy-going demeanor, she embodies elegance, kindness and grace. Perhaps it was only natural to meet such a gorgeous person at the crossroads of the world.


This is her post-makeover, but I don't think that she needs a lick of makeup.

Orlando Bloom for Boss Orange: Don't Change a Thing About Yourself

Sometimes Eyeshadow Government's boy-checking-out skills are lacking. We like boys. But historically, we have gone out on dates with boys who were major "eye candy," and didn't even know it. (Maybe we are kind of a mix between Chrissy on Three's Company and Penny on Inspector Gadget?) Anyhoo....

Finally, nowww we get what all the fuss is over Orlando Bloom.... Here is his new fragrance ad for Boss Orange. Sigh. Wistfulness. Sigh.

Cold Comfort: Snowflake-Worthy Makeup + Hot Chocolate

Today is absolutely the day to wear shiny white eyeshadow and drink chocolate in liquid form.

I am putting up a pan of milk on the stove, and then adding Trader Joe's unsweetened cocoa powder and honey.

For makeup, try Stila Eye Shadow pan in Moonlight to make the color of your eyes really pop, and then add red lipstick.




You can really take your look over the top with a matching silver lurex scarf, like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs.


Buy it: Stila Eyeshadow ($18), Sephora.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs scarf ($250), MyTheresa.com.

Stay amazing!

XO,
Charlotte

Beauty Deals

Laura Mercier sale starts tomorrow on GILT.com, 12/29 at noon ET. Count me in.

Ongoing

At Lush, buy one holiday item or soap, and get one free. Also, year-round gift-wrapped items are buy one, get one free too.

Sale items are an extra 20 percent off at Sephora.com with the code EXTRA at checkout.

Tapdance Tuesday

Shu Uemura's Spring Makeup Collection: A Sneak Peek

This is a first look at the latest collection. Are you brave enough to wear technicolor eyeshadows?

[Source: Shu Uemura USA / Facebook]

More Recent Posts

Charlotte's Thoughts on Budget New Year's Eve Party Shoes

Missed Your Flight Home? Eyeshadow Government Has Tips for Chilling Out

Beauty Inspiration: Inge Grognard

I Laughed Tonight...

...when I noticed that the Cherry Blossom Girl has posted a picture of herself in floral embellished shoes, similar to the ones I just snapped photos of at Forever 21 a few hours ago.

For women on a tight budget, I thought these high heels would work for a New Year's Eve party. The price tag: $22.81.

Hers are Valentino, and so obviously of better construction. But you could "make do" with this pair for an evening.

Missed Your Flight Home?

If you are a snowy plover or draped in mink and situated somewhere along the East Coast of the United States, it is highly possible that your flight has been canceled.

Disaster! Delays though are the spice of life, and if you are simply stuck, Eyeshadow Government has many tips for luxuriating, because that is how we spend most of our days....

1. Put on a pearl necklace
2. Make yourself a cup of tea
3. Eat cookies
4. Engage in idle chatter
4.5 If you dislike your company, read a book
5. Repeat

After you have ten pearl necklaces on, consider taking a bath. (Pearls dislike contact with water, so make sure to take them off.) Try Molton Brown Unwind Atoll Crystal Bath Soak ($35) with violet leaf, patchouli and bergamot essential oils.


Stay delicious!

XO,
Charlotte

Eyebrow Shadow: How to Choose the "Right" Shade?

If you tweeze frequently or simply like to apply powder on your eyebrows, always pick a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your natural hair color. If not, it will look too heavy and Dracula-ish.



Scroll down to to see videos, photos and read more makeup tips, including how to wear darker lip colors or look like Kate Moss.

Cheerio XO,
Charlotte

Vanity, Thy Name Is...

Pleased as punch with my new vanity area.... There's Chanel lipsticks for every day, vintage Bergdorf Goodman deadstock earrings, an antique vase, inlaid mother-of-pearl beads, an enamel locket and a jade charm for good luck. Take a look!

I also am breathlessly awaiting the arrival of a sample of Mandy Aftel's Wildflowers solid perfume. I expect it will be more than wonderful.

Beauty Look: Blackberry Jam

During the holidays, it's your time to shine. This is an easy "two-way" makeup tip.

Whether you're visiting your boyfriend's house for Christmas or spending time with more conservative relatives, you might consider wearing a toned-down makeup look to their homes. After spending time with family, you might attend a dressier party with friends closer to your age.

Here's how to go from a pretty, lady-like look to glamour girl in seconds.

***

1. Apply Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blackberry, or another deep berry shade that works with your skintone, and remove most of the lipstick with a tissue. This will create a universally flattering lip stain.

2. Next, trace brown eyeliner from the middle of your lash line to the outer corner of your eye. Smudge.

3. Sweep Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Blush in Rose across the cheeks.

Turn The Beat Around

1. If you go out later in the evening to a party with friends, take the same blackberry lipstick and re-apply it. This time, don't smudge it off.

2. Add a sweep of mascara, or several sweeps to amplify your lashes.



Knock 'em dead!

Kisses,
Charlotte

My Favorite Holiday Card

Gossip: How a Real Housewife of New Jersey Decorates Her Xmas Tree

A Happy Holiday, Jersey-Style: Caroline Manzo trying to figure out, in her own words, "how the F" she's going to get the bow on top. Click the link to see the picture.

Birth: Famous plus-size model Kate Dillon is now a mom. She gave birth to a baby boy, Lucas Dillon Levin, on Tuesday, Dec. 21. [Source: People]

Beauty Inspiration: Inge Grognard

Inge Grognard is one of the most incredible makeup artists working today, and I am dying to talk to her.

I recently stopped short after seeing an image of her work in the book "Belgian Fashion Design" (Ludion Ghent-Amsterdam, 1999), edited by Luc Derycke and Sandra van de Veire. Grognard had created a deconstructed eyelash look by...I believe...snipping off the model's natural lashes, and then arranging bits and pieces of fake eyelashes along her eyes. The lashes curved and arced in every direction, like a Kandinsky painting.

This is a simpler look she did for i-D magazine with Kate Moss. Although this issue is from 2001, there is nothing dated about it.

Try it out: Apply Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick in Bronze Flush ($33, Sephora) along the cheekbones and blend. Wet an eyeshadow brush, dip it into a pot of Make Up For Ever Metal Powder in Honey Gold 3 ($22, Sephora), and carefully apply the gold color to each eyelid. Allow to dry. Leave the area above the eyelid and below the eyebrow bare.

Then, add liquid black eyeliner and black mascara. Keep lips toned down and subtle with a neutral shade, such as Tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss in Donutella ($15, Sephora).


Beauty Inspiration is a new weekly feature on Eyeshadow Government.

***

Fashion Rewind

If you haven't seen Nick Knight's tribute to Lee Alexander McQueen, which was released a few weeks ago, here it is again. Grognard was the makeup artist for this project:

Eric Daman: Master Trendsetter in Interview

Gossip Girl's costume designer Eric Daman gives Gilt.com a tour of the "Magic Room." This is what he calls the TV show's wardrobe closet. Cute! See shots from his inspiration wall and an intimidating necklace of walls we wouldn't mind being tangled up in.... He says he "wants to help women build confidence through clothing."

Also, Daman may be the master of the uptown frou-frou look, but he isn't too fancy. In interview, he has paired an elegant blazer with a denim button-down shirt. Lookin' great, Daman! Is it okay to catcall boys on the internet? Yes. You are hot!



Enjoy!

XOXO,
Charlotte

Fresh From the Farm

Goat Milk?

Alcea Rosea Farm produces fresh batches of soap from goat milk and essential oils. This mega-moisturizing soap has a rich golden color and a homespun texture. It's made by hand in Templeton, California and carried at the Southern California cult beauty store Beautyhabit.com, a haven for celebrities and hip L.A. ladies. You can also order it straight from the makers. The lemongrass scent is our fave.


***

Kansas Dreaming: While we're on the topic of things from the countryside, footwear from that ultimate "farm girl," Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz," is having a moment. Glitter shoes in every shape and size = oodles of fun. Check out this sparkly pair by Betsey Johnson.

A Plea for Tolerance

This past year, many of us read reports about hate crimes towards gay people and young gay teenagers who have killed themselves. At the same time, many politicians in the news thought they would get a "pass" for making intolerant comments about those in the LGBT community.

Often intolerant speech is confined to snippets overheard on the street. But this year, homophobic comments flew out of the mouths of too many high-profile figures and sometimes their kin. Rappers did it. Teenage girls did it. Old white men did it. Some apologized. Others did not.

The gay community in America has struggled for acceptance for decades and while they have made great strides, there are still problems. Therefore, it is wrong and immoral for public figures and celebrities to make prejudiced comments about a community that is too often a target of violence and discrimination.

Public figures should be setting a better example. And at the same time, teachers and school administrators must be more vigilant about monitoring for signs of anti-gay bullying, as well as protecting LGBT youth who are in danger or emotionally vulnerable.

If you're a teenager or a grown adult, and you hear a friend use a homophobic slur, let them know that it's not okay with you. We all have the power to help others and create a more tolerant atmosphere.

Related links:

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
http://www.glaad.org/
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/

"Problem Solved" Emergency Kit

Need a band-aid for your brain? In the middle of the holidays, stress levels can rise, but one thing that you can do to make your life is easier is create an emergency beauty kit with solutions for any problem that might arise.

For maximum impact, your kit should include:

• Your favorite lipstick
• Mineral foundation
• Foundation brush or cotton balls
  
• Concealer
• Mascara
• Moisturizer
• Tweezers
  
• Small hair brush
• Nail polish remover pads
  
• Lint roller
• Anti-frizz hair product
  
• Spot Cream
• Commodynes makeup remover towels
• Tissue packet
  
• Luna bar
  

Once you have all 15 items assembled, place them in an extra-large cosmetics bag. Voila! You can use everything in this kit inside your home, and then toss the bag inside your purse when you're on the run.

Why is the list so long, you ask? Because you won't regret it.

Lint roller will save you from stray cats and your gal pal's mohair sweater.

If you notice you have a breakout a day or two before a party, apply a spot cream to the problem area at night before you go to sleep. We like First Aid Beauty Fab Blemish Eraser, which uses benzoyl peroxide and witch hazel to dry out spots.

If your mascara slips, any moisturizer and a bit of tissue will fix it.

Hats messin' with your hairdo? Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream smooths hair while adding tons of shine.

And sometimes people invite you to parties with microscopic hors d'oeuvres. Frustrating, right? Nosh on your Luna bar when no one is looking.

Need advice? Have your own holiday tips? Feel free to e-mail or leave a comment! Toodaloo, girlies!

Video! Here! Soon!

Expect to see hot and glam original videos on Eyeshadow Government within the next few weeks. Wildly exciting!



XOXOX,
Charlotte

Concealer to Kick Boys With + Carine Roitfeld Exits French Vogue

I just read that the head makeup artist for the TV show Nikita goes wild for Koh Gen Do concealer. "The concealers are a life saver," Chris Pizzarelli says. "They’re great when I want to do a quick touch-up on set." He uses 'em on Maggie Q aka Nikita. Nikita is the coolest fictional TV character--ever.

Maggie Q, Peta Wilson and Anne Parillaud should visit moi in my neighborhood. There are plenty of dark bars that look like secret lairs where we could drink cocktails and talk about protecting the world from evil forces.

Buy it: Koh Gen Do Moisture Concealer for Professionals ($48), Barneys.

***

WWD reports Carine Roitfeld is leaving French Vogue.

Hot Links: Beauty and Fashion Blog Roundup

I was about to order some perfume samples from Aftelier Perfumes, and BellaSugar is just one step ahead. Sneaky ladies>>

Bois de Jasmine kvetches>>

Jason Wu tells you where to order the dress Natalie Portman wore to the Toronto Film Fest premiere of Black Swan>>

Elle.com's horoscope sections says that my lucky day is the 18th>>

More on Eyeshadow Government: Makeup Tutorials

Beauty Look: Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Ad Campaign

Earth Angel: Natural Makeup Beauty Look

Three Great Holiday Gifts

1. Ren's beautiful gift sets come in boxes with de Gournay wallpaper designs. The Grapefruit set ($45) includes Ren Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash and Body Cream. Available on: http://www.renskincare.com.



2. Lipstick Queen lipstick in Jean Queen ($18) is such a treat. Leave this in my stocking! This shade is also one of the hottest sellers at Woodley & Bunny Salon & Apothecary. Non-locals can order it from www.lipstickqueen.com or Barneys.



3. Wrap this boyish and sweet sleep shirtdress by J. Crew (currently $35) in a matching white bow. If you're nice, give it to a friend. If you're naughty, save it for yourself.

X,
Charlotte

Giveaway: Tell Eyeshadow Government what you like about the holidays, and you might win a secret present. Write to eyeshadowgovernment [at] gmail.com.

John Galliano's Upbeat Chic

John Galliano is god. He says, "I never like to say what I dislike. I don't really have hates in fashion. I'm quite a positive person."

Watch the interview with Derek Blasberg, fashion journalist and editor at large for Harper's Bazaar:



Some of you may have caught this video yesterday, but it really is not to be missed.

Source: Harper's Bazaar

Beauty Look: Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Ad Campaign

Fashionologie posted images from the new Marc Jacobs spring 2011 ad campaign, shot backstage at the designer's spring show, and so I know you will all want to know how to get the look. The image above is cropped to focus on the makeup aspect.

The photos by Juergen Teller have a strange wash of color, but I have a general idea what the colors look like in normal light.

So obviously. No. Blush. At. All. Or if you must use some and will feel naked without it, you should only use a few dabs of blush in Nars Orgasm.

The most striking part is that the lips are not completely made up with lipstick. You will probably not want to go out looking like this, but it is interesting how the bare or un-lipsticked areas highlight the contours of her mouth. The effect is very seductive and kind of Man Ray too.

You can apply a deep lip color only in the inner parts of the lip to copy the effect entirely. Or you can apply lipstick with a lip brush across the whole mouth, carefully tracing the "v" in the upper lip. I used L'Oreal Endless Platinum Lipstick #240 in Glistening Berry, but another alternative is Nars lipstick in Fire Down Below, which is redder and less purple. (Some gals like to draw lipstick beyond the natural lines of the lips, but I think that would ruin the effect.)

Next, apply a strong gloss such as Dior Addict Lip Polish or, for higher shine, any shade of Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss. With the L'Oreal lipstick and Clinique gloss in Black Honey, my lips look almost exactly like the photo. Good work, Charlotte!

The last part is not for the faint of heart. Eyes like that take work. Apply a basic concealer to your eyelids. Bobbi Brown's concealers are never too matte, so I recommend them.

Line the eyes with Clinique's Quickliner For Eyes in the black/brown shade. Then, use Stila's Smudge Pot in the sparkly Black Cat shade, and with a thicker eyeliner brush, trace the eyes once again, with an emphasis on the lower lash line. Trace the lower lash line several times.

Then, dip your brush in water and carefully blend this area underneath the eye with the brush and lightly with your fingertips to get that sexy raccoon effect. Allow the makeup to dry. You really need a creaseless eye area to wear this much eye makeup, but young women who are around 16 or in college can absolutely get away with it.

Then, you can apply several sweeps of DiorShow mascara and toss on, well, a really hot Marc Jacobs dress, of course. Or a vintage glitter tube top!

To Note....

• Click to read the full item on Fashionologie: First Look at the Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Campaign
  
• Hunky Usher was kicked in the face.
• My December post on another proponent of smudged makeup: Lady Gaga.

Holiday Discount Code Roundup

A few to keep in mind:

Benefit Cosmetics: Free Shipping on $50 or more with code PRETTY50

Bliss World: Get a free bliss sample bag ($200 value) with purchase of $150 or more with code HOLIDAY (expires 12/31/2010)

Bobbi Brown: Free Standard Shipping on Any Order +a Mini Best-Seller: Hydrating Gel Cream (7ml) when you enter the code LUX88 at checkout* (Offer valid through 12.16.10 (midnight ET or while supplies last).

Lancome.com: Receive free shipping plus 2 samples with code LANGIFT

Mintbox: Various deals.

Ulta: Receive $10 off $50 or more with code HOLIDAY50 (expires 12/25/10)

Tarte: Use Code GGD for 15% off and free shipping on all orders over $40.

Trish McEvoy: Free shipping and gifts with every order (valid through 12/17, only on website).

Budget Beauty Trick: A Treat for Hands

If you have been slathering moisturizer on your face, but neglecting your hands this winter, here's an easy way to treat them right and restore their natural moisture. I did this yesterday at home, and it left my skin glowing.

1. Apply a generous layer of lotion to your hands. In my case, I used Kiss My Face Honey & Calendula Moisturizer. 2. Then, pour about two tablespoons of apricot kernel oil and spread this across your hands too, so that your skin appears very shiny. Massage the lotion and oil combination into your skin for several minutes. 3. Then, taking a dry washcloth, wipe off the excess oil and lotion.

4. Then, apply a second layer of lotion and oil, and towel dry your skin again with a dry washcloth. You can repeat this step one or two more times.

Massaging with your fingers and rubbing your skin with the washcloth helps promote circulation, while the oil removes dirt and toxins below the surface.

Miley Cyrus: Stay Strong!

Eyeshadow Government sends love to Miley Cyrus. I am worried for her. The much talked-about video of her smoking either salvia or marijuana from a bong is disconcerting. Dr. Drew discussed the dangers of salvia on TV today, and advised her family to seek help for their daughter. I don't agree with everything the other commentators in this segment say, but I do agree with Dr. Drew. Her behavior does seem extreme in the video, so hopefully, it was just a one-time event. Drew said that while he "can't say that this is a burgeoning addiction," he has seen cases of people who go into "multi-day encephalopathy" after using the legal drug salvia.

Inez Is So Punk + Mingling Among the Commoners

The famous fashion photographer Inez van Lamsweerde gave an interesting interview to the magazine The Gentlewoman. I prefer the company of women, unlike Inez, but it was inspiring to see how tough she is in a world where women are often expected to be demure and subservient.

Here's an excerpt from The Gentlewoman editor-in-chief Penny Martin's interview with Inez:


The idea of women lowering themselves is repugnant to Inez in general. So much so that she admits sotto voce that she actually prefers the company of men.

Isn't that the ultimate betrayal, a women-hating woman?

"It isn't that at all," she says. "I like women who have opinions who aren't" — she bows her head and mimics someone holding out a trembling plate, like a nervous servant — "'Would you like more of this, Inez, is this OK for you?' I'm allergic. It's mortifying. No woman should be like that."

And men should?

"Guys handle it better, with humor, men are usually less..."

Reverential?

"Exactly. I'm never like that to anyone. Not even Sophia Loren."

****

What else happened today? I went to the Midtown Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library today, and checked out some very inspiring books.

But it's still awful there. The building smells weird and there are crazy people who might kill you. To be clear, the library I am talking about is across the street from the main historic one with the lions in Ghostbusters. I've been going to this building more often, but it is no place for young women.

Maybe NYPL should have a delivery service like Fresh Direct? It really is sad that there are so many derelicts there.

The books gave me some good ideas for articles though, and I hope to keep you posted. Also, other happy things are in the works....stay tuned for details. And for goodness sake, please scroll down to see how to enter my holiday giveaway.

XOXOX,
Charlotte

The Skinny on Layering + (UPDATE) Kate Middleton's Engagement Photo Dress

I laughed out loud when I read a recent post on Lucky's blog titled, "5 Quick Layering Tips to Keep You Warm Without Adding Bulk." This article reminded me of the year I wore boxy, thick wool sweaters all winter long. When the season melted to spring, a friend commented on how much weight I had lost. Ridiculous!

Lucky's best recommendation: Wear thin cashmere sweaters. A little cashmere goes a long way.

Feelin' it: Also, Susie Bubble is guest-blogging and generally being adorable all week long on Lucky's website.

Afternoon News Update: Kate Middleton wore a white Reiss Nanette dress in her official engagement photo. This is setting off a global selling frenzy. Earlier this week, Eyeshadow Government posted a beauty tip on how to get her "royal flush." Our new question is: when will she make more daring choices, and go for a Reiss leopard print batwing coat?

Lovely Things, I Want Them All

While some of my friends are becoming more "grown-up," I am moving in the opposite direction.

I, for one, need to spend more time covered in glittery powder, fancy perfume and heaps of mascara. I also would like to eat dessert for lunch on a Tiffany's plate, and have a fresh shipment of fancy potions. And a toy poodle. I die every time I see one of those puppies.

Here is a long list of the luxury beauty products I am craving today, in no particular order:

1. Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil Eau de Toilette
2. Chanel No. 5 Bath Soap
3. Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara
4. Christian Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Protective Fluid
5. By Terry Intensive Hydra-Plump Lipstick
6. A table at Dalloyau in the Bastille. (Dalloyau is not a beauty product, but it is the most amazing-est place in Paris. A temple of chocolate and chic.)

Well, winks! Air kisses! And beautiful days ahead!


Sweet Deal of the Day: Scoutmob.com is offering a 50% discount at Cocoa Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Yum! See you there!

A Love Supreme: Prince William and Kate Middleton Engagement Photos

Awwwww. These two lovebirds are glued together.

Beauty tip: For a glow as sweet as Kate's, try Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful.

Nicole Richie's Wedding Guest: An Elephant!

Guilty pleasure: Turned on my computer just now and a video clip popped up of the preparations for Nicole Richie's wedding yesterday. Nothing says boho chic quite like an elephant. I love watching them brush the elephant's hair!





Off to brush my own hair now!

Buy it: Mason Pearson Boar Bristle pocket hair brush ($90), Drugstore.com.

Earth Angel: Natural Makeup Beauty Look

Hello darlings!

The grocery store is really not the most "fab" or "easy" place to buy beauty products, but I gave it a whirl in the basement of Whole Foods today. While other people were picking up gluten-free pizza and worrying about how to align their chakras, I was on a major quest to devise a holiday-ready natural beauty look!

I blithely ignored the more practical consumers surrounding me, and dived into all the great makeup and beauty products. Here is the result.

Ingredients:

Jurlique's heaven-sent Rosewater Balancing Mist
Mineral Fusion Sheer Tint Base in Neutral
Mineral Fusion Pressed Base in Neutral 2
Dr. Hauschka Rouge Powder Accento 02
Mineral Fusion Eyeshadow Trio in Espresso Gold

My how-to:

1. First, prime your face with Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist. If your skin is a touch dry, I also recommend a solid moisturizer, such as Suki Balancing Day Lotion.

2. Next, apply Mineral Fusion Sheer Tint Base in a shade that matches your skin. I used the Neutral shade. Spread evenly and carefully across the face with your foundation brush, or fingers. Allow to set. Voila!

3. At this point, the coverage may seem minimal. I applied a few sweeps of the Mineral Fusion base powder with a cotton ball for good measure. This is up to you, ladies. (Maybe you don't wear as much foundation as Elizabeth Taylor, but lately, I do!)

4. Then, using a blush brush, sweep Dr. Hauschka's blush in Accento 02 across the cheekbone and on the apples of the cheek. The effect is just rosy!

5. Next, apply the light pink color in the Mineral Fusion Espresso Gold eyeshadow trio across the eyelids.

6. Now, smudge a bit of the smoky brown color in this trio on the outer corners of the eyelids for definition. So cute!

7. With an eyeliner brush, line the inner bottom eyelid with the gold shadow in the Mineral Fusion Espresso Gold trio. Also, you can add this shimmery gold shadow to the area right below your eyebrows too. Don't hold back!

8. Dip an eyeshadow brush in the smoky brown shade, and trace the top crease of the eyelids for extra drama.

End Result: A pretty, sparkly and lovely party-ready beauty look.

Do Tell: The best part is that it doesn't feel like you are wearing any makeup at all.

CONTEST:
Tell Charlotte about your holiday plans, and she might just ask Santa to send you a present! Write to eyeshadowgovernment [at] gmail.com to enter this giveaway.

Mane Attraction

I think landing the right hairdresser is harder than finding a boyfriend in this city. Certainly, there are many talented folks who know how to chop and snip in New York, but it's so hard to tell if the stylist is, in fact, "the one."

Russell at Tommy Guns fixed my hair in a quite glorious fashion a few months ago, and I will be returning soon. To review, these are the marks of a good haircut:

• Handsome young men, unbidden, wave hello to you on the street
• Evenness and nice proportions
• A good 'do should not say "hello, I am a haircut" but allow your natural features to shine
• General public fawning on you for no apparent reason

All this occurred in short order after Russell applied his expert touch to my formerly disastrous hair, aka "The Situation." Not only was the cut brilliant, but he salvaged my hair after my own impetuous DIY meddling (note to self: do not cut your own hair, repeat 50 times a day).

Prices at Tommy Guns are also surprisingly reasonable for the city.

Hop to it, girlfriend:

Tommy Guns
38 Ludlow Street
New York, NY 10002-2240
(212) 477-1151

Lady Gaga: Loose Locks, Smoky Eye and Rhinestone Saw

Anderson Cooper posted this photo of Lady Gaga today on Twitter. The dark eyeliner and light lip work well with what appears to be oh, errrr, but of course: a rhinestone saw. I think it's a saw. At least, AC said so.

Go for Gaga's look with Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner and this hip sweatshirt with oversized grommets.

Buy it: Eye Spy Jumper, $70 at Dearfieldbinder.com.

Lust List: Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Talisman

I have taken to wearing Chanel lipstick every single day. Today, I added Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick in Talisman to my grocery shopping list. I do believe it is better than lunch. Also, I am looking forward to my haircut on Friday downtown. Been too long.


This Sonia by Sonia Rykiel purse is darling and funny too. I noticed it on Asos.

Government Alert: George Bush Is On Facebook

George Bush signed up for Facebook, and the world responded.

Deteriorate Palomine says: "Miss ya, like a bad rash."





Earlier in the day, someone wrote on his wall: "Welcome Mr. President. If the secret service can figure out how to set the security settings on your Face Book account correctly please pass it on to the rest of us." [Source: Swampland/Time.com]