Show 'Em Some Class

It's the most wonderful time of the year...but it would be nice if I didn't have to wear an enormous coat every day.  Just keeping it real. Happy holidays!

Anyhoo, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all my readers and rock on. Many of you are celebrating the holidays and I hope none of you are stressing out about it. I realize though that the age old question arises, what shall I wear that will be appropriate for the holidays? Lately, my blog has been touting bright pink lipstick and I encourage you to continue your journey of self-expression through makeup, fashion, reading and having fun with friends.

Still, I was thinking that if you are dating someone and meeting the parents for the first time at a holiday event, it might be appropriate to retire makeup shades that can be seen from a mile away (electric pink lipstick! neon blue eyeshadow!) and opt for classier shades.

My "appropriate" makeup solution: Wear Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in La Raffine. It's so Park Avenue, it makes me forget I live in Brooklyn.  There's never a second chance for a first impression.

BONUS POINTS: Click here to view a full Chanel makeup look on Chanel.com.

SKINCARE REMINDER: Also, don't forget to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and wear sunblock. This weather does horrors to the skin and I see dry, dead-looking faces all over the subway trains. Don't join the zombie crew. My model friend is in love with the Kiehl's Rose Arctica Cream and I might pick up a pot of this too.

Eyeshadow Government Photo Booth

Sometimes I go shopping for pleasure, but there are other times I go shopping because it's an emergency. I bought this top in a shop in Queens because I was wearing a silk dress (having just attended an event at the Plaza) and thought it was going to rain. I had convinced myself the blouse was long enough to double as a dress (a case of wishful thinking), but the heavens were kind and it didn't drizzle. The next day, I put this top on and just loved it. It's covered in intricate, henna-like patterns and has an interesting trim. 

The devil is in the details: folkloric patterns thrill me.

Another detail from the blouse.

Funkytown: The bottom is edged with 1960s-style lace.

Got Me Collared

Some necklaces belong on the necks of cool girls, and this is one of them. This Marc by Marc Jacobs collar necklace screams "take me!" (just like that, you got it).  If you're an Angeleno, you could wear this puppy with a ripped black t-shirt and denim jeans. As for New Yorkers, what about donning this kitschy, wild bauble with your best little black dress and red plastic (or vintage mother of pearl) eyeglasses? Finish the look with a dab of lip gloss.

Buy it: Marc by Marc Jacobs Claude Collar necklace, on sale for $162 on Ssense.com.

Twitter Recap: Star Trek References in Campy Dior Video + Prabal Gurung Designs Sephora Uniforms

If you missed it, I have been maniacally tweeting today. Here's a recap from my talkative Twitter account...

Marion Cotillard in the new "L.A.dy Dior The Film" video

THE COTILLARD GOES WILD: In a new video for Dior, Marion Cotillard appears in a campy spoof of life in LA. Cotillard plays an actress named Margaux who says she wants to get out of showbiz. In the short video, a wardrobe lady assures her a hat is "the very latest in fallen palm fronds, cruelty-free, everyone's doing it" and another character gripes, "Do I have to speak klingon to get something done around here?" This may be the first Star Trek mention in a Dior marketing tactic, ever...and possibly the last.  By the way, love the lipstick. Love the eye makeup. Love the accessories. Love everything. Watch the full video on The Cut.

**
POSITIVELY PRABAL: Also, Prabal Gurung is designing uniforms for Sephora. Yes! My home away from home just got better. Read about the looks on Styleite.

**
WILL RAF TAKE OVER DIOR?: Fashionistas may be weary of all the Raf Simons-Dior buzz, which has generated hundreds of tweets today. Inside the Twitter fashion gossip "hive," this is today's major topic du jour. Anyway, what an excellent idea and I hope it happens! Click here to read WWD's coverage if you haven't already.

XOXO!

Shopaholic Alert: December Gift Ideas

'Tis the season for internet shopping. Here's a few quick hits!

Zooka Zub Zoo Rasberry Watch

Tick tock! This watch is a fun, modern option for anyone's accessories wardrobe. What a great gift! Eyeshadow Government loves the color most of all. Although it might be "overkill" to wear this watch with very edgy clothing, you could pair this with a vintage floral blouse with touches of lilac and pink for a splashy feminine-futuristic mash-up.

Price: $56 on Fab.com (46% off typical $100 retail price)





De Gournay Demi Diffuser

We espied this diffuser on Gilt.com and it was love at first sight. Italian mandarin orange perfume commingles with harmonious notes of fir, petitgrain, and lemon leaves. The packaging is so becoming. Price: $45, sold on Gilt.com.

Tinsel Birdcage Ornament

 

Chirp, chirp! These fanciful ornaments in neutral silver can adorn Christmas trees and Hannukah bushes alike. Price: $35, sold on Gilt.com.

Mad About Maybelline: Dream Bouncy Cheeks and Superstay 14 Hour Lipstick Reviews

A Maybelline event I attended this week in Manhattan was a feast for the eyes, lips and face.  The brand showcased dozens of new, everyday products in easy-to-wear shades, as well as many bold and trendy beauty items that will appeal to fashion-forward gals. 

As someone who frequently purchases high-end beauty products, I was impressed by the range and exceptional quality of Maybelline's latest makeup items. (The items discussed in this post will be sold to the public in January. So sit tight!) This article reviews two new Maybelline makeup products I am majorly obsessed with and can't live without, and I'll talk about a few more next week. 

DREAM BOUNCY CHEEKS

For girls who like makeup that looks very natural, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Cheeks blush is a must-have. The blush offers a sheer wash of beautiful color. To apply, just dab the color along your cheeks for a healthy, just-went-on-a-walk glow. The effect is colorful and radiant.

My Dream Bouncy Cheeks in Peach Satin is now a fixture in my purse. I actually never need to re-apply it, but I love the blush so much I won't leave home without it. Extra Credit: When you press your where the color is, it's bouncy like silly putty. Fun!

My skin is fair so Peach Satin is perfect for me, but women with darker skintones should try out #70 Hot Tamale. If you're a bronzer gal,  snag #60 Coffee Cake. Yummy!  Retail Price: $7.99 (available in January 2012).

MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY 14 HOUR LIPSTICK

Maybelline 14 Hour Lipstick

Maybelline's new Superstay 14 Hour Lipstick is another beauty product you kind of totally need.

The formulation lasts and lasts and lasts, and the colors are so exciting.   In my opinion, the two Maybelline lipstick shades you should invest in this January are the Eternal Rose (a vibrant pink) and Please Stay Plum (a shimmering, come-hither purple).  I am dazzled by these colors and you will be too. The Eternal Rose lipstick is featured in the photo (see left). Retail Price: $8.99 (available in January 2012).

Talk soon! XOXO!

Project Runway All Stars Austin Scarlett and Elisa Jimenez = Hearts!

Austin Scarlett and Elisa Jimenez of Project Runway All Stars turned out this afternoon at Neiman Marcus in White Plains. They were so wonderful to talk to and very gracious to fans who lined up to meet them as well. Here's a peek at some photos from today....

View of cocktail dress by Austin Scarlett.

Gown by Austin Scarlett.

Holiday Shopping This Weekend in the Bay Area? Stop By Mandy Aftel's Studio

For those who love perfume, the scents by Mandy Aftel deserve special attention. The famed natural perfumer is hosting an open studio and holiday sale today through Sunday, Dec. 9 - 11, 10am - 6pm at 1518 Walnut Street, Berkeley, California. Stop by to experience her wondrous wares. Perfume under the Christmukkah tree? Yes, please.

Image courtesy of Aftelier Perfumes

Paint by Numbers: Holiday Smoky Eye Makeup Look + Video

Today, I am going to talk about a smoky eye makeup look you can achieve in ten minutes using the Bobbi Brown Cool Party Eye Palette (sold at Sephora and BobbiBrown.com). The texture of these shadows is silky and luxurious like a good mink coat. Get purr-fect eyes today!

First, apply the Iced Blue Metallic shadow across the eyelids (see #1 in the photo). This shade is also very pretty and you can wear it alone during the daytime. Believe me, you won't be alone for long.


Then, use Gunmetal Shimmer Wash shadow(#2 in the photo) to softly line the top part of your eyelids along the lash line, but not the bottom. You can use the shadow brush that comes with the palette because the line can be blurry. Smudge the colors a touch with your fingers. Sweep the Gunmetal Shimmer shade inside the crease of your lid for extra depth.

Next, apply the darkest shade in the palette, Onyx Sparkle (#3), as a liner for the top outer corner of your eyes. Add a smidgeon to the bottom outer corner of your lash line too.

Finally, using a brush, gently line your inner bottom lash line with the White shadow (#4). This will make you look rested and gorgeous.

Top off your party-ready smoky eye look with sparkling hair accessories and a neutral lipstick. You are beautiful!

Here's a quick video of me discussing Bobbi Brown products outside the Sephora in Columbia Circle:



For more beauty coverage, follow E.G. on Twitter today!

Messy Hair Photo Session Fun + Panda!

I took some photos of myself today for kicks. Bear with me or just adore me! I have a lot of stories and articles to share this week.

Also, I added a picture of a giant panda I met at the zoo to this post....internet cute animal time can happen on Eyeshadow Government too.

Holiday Small Gift Ideas From Lucky Magazine on The Nate Berkus Show (A Sneak Peek!)

Hello my darlings,

Air kisses! I wanted to give y'all a heads up about tomorrow's episode of The Nate Berkus show with Lucky magazine.  Tis the season for hunting down small gifts and stocking stuffers like dutiful lepidopterists waving nets in the mall, and so of course, Lucky magazine has lots of mega-fab ideas to share. Here's two to start!

Lucky Gift Idea #1: Lucky is digging the Yes To Cucumbers line. The shower gel ($8.99, Drugstore.com),  body lotion ($7.99), and lip butter ($2.99) are great to give as a set of three or individually. These products with cucumber extract soothe gentle and dry skin. Also, the scent is yummy and, oh yes, unisex. For quality and low cost, Eyeshadow Government agrees this line is tough to top.

Lucky Gift Idea #2: An Ame & Lulu pencil brush case ($18) is a perfect gift for makeup junkie moms and friends. This little case helps keep makeup brushes clean and neatly organized. Cheerful, preppy patterns banish the winter blahs. Like kaboom for cute!

Definitely tune into the Nate Berkus show tomorrow to find out out 2 more great, happy Lucky holiday must-haves. Check your local listings or click here to find out when to watch.

Love ya,
Charlotte

Fabulous Friday Night

Looking for a hot look to warm up your weekend? As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been mixing more luxurious beauty products with drugstore finds to create "high-low" looks. Here is round two. Rev her up!

All Eyes On You

1. Dab Bobbi Brown creamy concealer ($22) under the eye and on eyelids to create a fresh palette for your makeup.

2. Then, quickly and generously dab on Jouer Liquid Shimmer Eyeliner in Sable ($22, Jouercosmetics.com). This look-at-me eyeliner is a shimmering, golden aubergine that compliments every skintone. If you are new to liquid eyeliner, apply this in little strokes and just smudge the liner if it strays too far.

Glowing Cheekbones
 
3. With a blush brush, dust Milani Cosmetics Baked Bronzer in Golden ($8.99, Duane Reade) across your cheekbones. This will give you a healthy, movie star glow in an instant.

4. Then, blend a dab of pink cheek color, such as Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Dusty Rose, over the Milani bronzer to make the look even better. Be fearless!

Luscious Lips

5. Finish with L'Oreal Project Runway lipstick (um, yay!) in Audacious Amazon's Pout. Press this fuchsia beauty hard into your lips and then wipe most of the product off with a tissue for a gorgeous lip stain. The result will be stunning.

XOXO!

Terax Delicato Shampoo and Crema Conditioner Reviews

I tested my Terax Delicato Classic shampoo and Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing conditioner for the first time today, and perhaps you should too. The Terax shampoo has a gentle, fresh scent that isn't overpowering. After leaving the Terax conditioner on for about 7 minutes, my tangled up mane felt as smooth as a hair commercial. The conditioner is my favorite.

These natural, sulfate-free products totally cleaned up my hair and gave it a "chill" look. My hair is often frizzy, not that there's anything wrong with this, but I think the conditioner really helped minimize frizz.  After a spree of cleaning and decorating at my new apartment (moved just 6 blocks!), a great hair day is icing on the cake.

GRADE: A

BUY IT: The Terax line is sold at Ricky's stores and Beauty.com.

Pink Confections: Beauty Tutorial

Is foxy your middle name? Don't be afraid to answer this question because the only response I will accept is "yes"!

This week, I have been mixing upscale, luxury products and drugstore finds to create new beauty looks.  This beauty look "Pink Confections" is great for a night out with your girlfriends or a funky, daytime look.

FACE

While I am on the hunt for a new "favorite" liquid foundation, I have been using drugstore concealer mixed with moisturizer as a replacement. Weird, right? Well, it's a lot like buying orange juice in the freezer aisle and adding water. As long as I first prime my skin with moisturizer and apply concealer sparingly and evenly with my fingertips, it looks like normal foundation.

My affordable Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes (roughly $7!) works great layered over a healthy dose of moisturizer. Before applying concealer though, I have been pampering my face with high-end oxygenating skin creams or basic Body Shop Aloe Soothing Day Cream ($16). I love how the concealer is very lightweight but offers a lot of coverage in "problem" areas. (Other recommended drugstore concealers are Revlon Photoready Concealer, $9, and Iman Second to None Cover Cream, $13.)

So once your face is prepped, we'll talk about lips.

LIPS

No smile is complete without fabulous lip color. If you are in the market for an upscale lipstick, I recommend Dior Addict lipstick in Model ($28, Sephora). Maybe the name Model appeals to my vanity (ack! blush!) or fashion nerdiness (deep passions!), but the sheer wash of pink is angelic and suits me quite well. A makeup artist working for the Dior team recommended this shade to moi. Other Dior lip shades you might like are Granville, Couture and Stiletto.

EYES

Next, apply Revlon Expressionists Starry Pink eye shadow, designed by Gucci Westman. Always apply eye primer on eyelids first to keep glittery shadow, and then dab the shadow evenly across eyelids with the applicator. Add more for a night out, and less for daytime. I am in love with this shade, which reminds me of glittery druzy stones and happy birthday parties.

Pretty in Pink: Revlon Eye Shadow

You can find this eyeshadow in drugstores in special Revlon displays labeled "Expressionists."

Enjoy and talk soon!

 P.S. If you're feeling gorgeous, send me photos of your makeovers using this tutorial. Just e-mail eyeshadowgovernment [at] gmail.com.

VIDEO: Caithlin De Marrais - "Birds" From Her New Album Red Coats

Caithlin De Marrais releases her new album Red Coats on November 8.

Petite Treats: The Odd Slipper Heels + BareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0

The Odd Slipper Eva high heels, $64

Starry nights require sexy heels. But why should "big" girls have all the fun? Women with smaller feet often have to work hard to discover trendy, affordable shoes that fit. The e-commerce site The Odd Slipper solves this dilemma by designing fashionable options in sizes 4 through 5 /12. Eyeshadow Government adores this pair of dreamy high heels (see left).

 Also, fans of Bare Escentuals bareMinerals makeup can try the company's new solid eyeshadow duos. If you are a regular, you know their foundation is one of my go-to beauty products.  The eyeshadow duos are all "like wow." Consider investing in bareMinerals READY^TM Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Nick of Time.  How to use: You can sweep the lighter creamy pink shade across the lid, and then use the purplish brown shade as a liner. For extra definition, smudge some of the brown shadow into the crease of your eyelids. 

BareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Nick of Time ($20), Sephora

 Stay lovely! XOXO!

On Display at the Soirée: Maybelline / Patrick McMullan Party

Do you love me more? Are you jealous of my existence?

Last week, I hoofed it to a Maybelline / Patrick McMullan party. The party, held at the Dream Hotel downtown, celebrated the 40th anniversary of Great Lash mascara and McMullan's PMc magazine launch. Rain threatened to destroy my vaguely decently assembled hairdo, but I arrived in sparkling condition to the event where many of the people you see in fashion magazines and the social pages (and want to know) were assembled. Patrick's crowd was quite amusant. Champagne swirled! I had a fabulous time and piled on my best clothing (Jil Sander, etc.) for the occasion.

Cameron Silver, owner of Decades, and I had a little tête à tête, and he invited me to his extraordinary vintage shopping event the next day at the Lisa Perry boutique across from the Carlyle. We also chatted about his YSL couture collection...e-n-v-y...and the difference between LA and SF. He is so debonair and charming. Adore!

Also, the designer Rod Keenan showed off his sumptuous hat. I asked him for one of his $1,100 hats, but no dice! Instead, he gave me a pencil with his name on it. Maybe next time, Rod?

XOXO!

My Gossip Delayed by The Sounds of Widowspeak

I mentioned I had some gossip, but before we go talk about me...it's time to listen to Widowspeak. I'm in love.

The Beautiful People + Amala Purify Blue Lotus Gel Cleanser Review

Hey girlfriends,

I will post a full update on my party-going, mingling and shopping first thing tomorrow morning. I have had such a glamorous week and you WILL BE JEALOUS.

Let's just say I was having so much fun that when I saw an advertisement on the subway with the words "Prohibition Is Coming" (for the PBS series), I worried for a moment. No more champagne?

As for some beauty tidbits.... if you are looking to switch up your skincare routine, I highly recommend Amala Purify Blue Lotus Gel Cleanser ($30, sold at ABC Carpet and Home and Amalabeauty.com). This natural cleanser is excellent for all skin types, including sensitive or breakout-prone skin.  Ingredients like blue lotus and green tea extract help nourish the skin, while white clay draws out impurities. You will look like a knockout.

What else? Yes! I was reading that L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray is the best. They say the more you use, the better you look.

Chanel Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear Finale + Hair Tutorial

Karl steps out with Florence Welch and models. Image Source: Twitter handle @FashionBeautyEd  http://twitpic.com/6uyyv2

Too fantastic at Chanel! Here's a few quick tips on how to recreate those fab, romantic Chanel coiffures in Paris today.

1. Apply mousse to dry, straightened hair and comb meticulously from the top of the head to the ends. I used lots of Arrojo Styling Whip on dry hair and can attest this works. This decadent beauty product is packed with argan oil for added shine and moisture.

2. Allow the Arrojo Styling Whip to set in for a few minutes. For extra texture, rub a dollop of Wella Professional Pearl Styler in Dry into the hair too. (The Pearl Styler typically creates a matte finish, but the argan oil in the Arrojo Styling Whip negates this effect.) Comb once more and allow the products to set into the hair and dry thoroughly.

3.  If your hair is short, skip step three. If you hair is long, pull hair into a pony tail, secure with an elastic band and twist together two sections of the hair to create a fancy, mussed bun. (There is no right or wrong way to do it!)  Use bobby pins to secure the bun.

4. Next, add Bumble and bumble Brilliantine cream for glistening, camera-ready sparkle.

5. To finish the look, models in Chanel wore pearls in their hair. Apply simple pearl hair pins to look like you just walked off the runway.

Arrojo Styling Whip ($17), Arrojo.

Wella Professional Pearl Styler Dry, sold at Wella salons.

Bumble and bumble Brilliantine ($21), Bb website.

Beauty Look: Christian Dior Spring / Summer 2012

Dior Spring / Summer 2012. Photo: Sophie Carre. Source: Dior FB Page.

Makeup and hair at Christian Dior was blissfully jolie. Romantic, elegant and refined, the models looked like they could have stepped out of a Sargent painting.

1. To recreate this look, just wash hair and blow dry using a round brush. Apply a touch of Bumble and bumble Grooming Cream while hair is still damp to reduce flyaways.

2. Then, gently fold hair on the left and right sides, securing with bobby pins if necessary. (Girls with layered hair may need a few extra bobby pins. If your hair is very long in the front and back, you may be able to skip the pins.)

3. Roll and fold hair in the back of the head, pushing the hair forward and down. Secure with bobby pins.

4. Finish the look with a strong red lip, such as Dior Addict lipstick in Red Carpet, and black mascara.

Dior Spring / Summer 2012. Photo: Sophie Carre. Source: Dior FB Page.

Beauty News: NARS Releases New Video

Celebrities share why they adore NARS. Keep your eye out for Tinsley Mortimer, Alexa Chung and Simon Doonan!

Chanel Invitation

Spring-Summer 2012 Ready-to-Wear Show Invitation
Grand Palais, Paris, October 4th on the Avenue Winston Churchill

Pierre Balmain Spring / Summer 2012 Video Directed by Inez and Vinoodh

This Pierre Balmain Spring / Summer 2012 video is too fabulous. A final cut of the video will premiere at the Pierre Balmain presentation on Sunday in Paris.

Model Abbey Lee Kershaw and her band Our Mountain take a trip through Brooklyn. They dangle on the stairway at the Hewes Street subway station, run down gritty streets, and take in a view of Manhattan at the waterfront.  With mussed hair and pale lips, Abbey Lee appears effortlessly sexy in various fashions.

All the models are wearing pieces from the Pierre Balmain line, a new affordably priced collection which is designed, produced and distributed by Ittierre. For example, Pierre Balmain jeans start at 250 euros ($340), whereas jeans from the main line can cost more than a grand.

P.S. That fellow in the video is Abbey Lee's real boyfriend (and Our Mountain frontman) Matt. XOX!

Video by Inez and Vinoodh
Song: "Devils Banquet" by Our Mountain
Hair: Christiaan
Art Direction: Atelier Franck Durand
Styling: Melanie Ward
Makeup: Jeannine Lobell

Pat McGrath Gives Scarlett Johansson Hot Lips

Top makeup artist Pat McGrath blended two Dolce & Gabbana lip shades to achieve the perfect color for actress Scarlett Johansson, who sat front row at the Spring 2012 Dolce & Gabbana runway in Milan.

Johansson is the official face of Dolce & Gabbana Make Up and one look at her tells you why.

McGrath mixed the Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo lipsticks in Infatuation and Incognito. (Of course, it's impossible to go incognito when the world is infatuated with you.)

On her eyes, Scarlett is wearing shades from the Dolce & Gabbana Eyeshadow Quad in Femme Fatale, as well as the fashion brand's eyeliners in Black and Coffee.

To define her cheeks, McGrath applied blush in Rosebud and a pinch of illuminator in Eva.

Pat McGrath said: “This look completely reflects Scarlett’s beauty and true sensuality.  I was inspired by the classic sophistication of the Hollywood starlet but with a fun and modern edge. This is such a feminine and wearable look and I loved creating this on Scarlett.”

Buy It: All products for the look are by Dolce & Gabbana Make Up.