Goya-Geous Is the New Gorgeous

I went to The Frick Collection today, and one of the Goya portraits gave me some new thoughts on blush. If you have been applying blush to your cheekbones, don't be afraid to dust a little more across your entire face. I have to try this out tomorrow night, but I think that if you use swirl a pale pink blush from your cheekbone down to your jawline, it's cool. Goya is down for it.  This goes against conventional wisdom, and yet this technique might look even better than leaving this area of your skin bare or covered in foundation.

Mix it up! Be Goya-geous!

Detail of Goya painting at The Frick.

New York Times Mentions Eyeshadow Government

Everyone's talking about E.G.

While I could pretend to be blasé about the New York Times writing about Eyeshadow Government, it's just too much work. I am telling everyone I know. Eyeshadow Government recently joined the Lucky Style Collective, a new super-cool initiative from the editors of Lucky magazine (hearts times three), and the NYT took note.

While London is in tailspin (Murdoch blah blah blah and terrible thing about Amy Winehouse), all is peaceful chez moi in New York. My hand is streaked from testing eyeliners (always on the hunt for you, my dear readers), and the most troubling question I have is not so upsetting at all. When the temperature rises above 88, is it still socially acceptable to wear perfume? I can't decide. Deep questions! 

Last Friday, I went to a market appointment to sniff some Serge Lutens perfumes and look at other notions, so stay tuned for more posts. Also, a recent foray to Barneys yielded a stunning makeover. Expect details about this too soon!

In the meantime, you can check me out on the Lucky Style Collective slideshow. Click here to see Eyeshadow Government featured on Lucky's site (slide #5) and discover more must-read bloggers>>

Stay beautiful!

Lost & Found: Complete Collection of FLAIR Magazines

A Balmain gown created specially for the May 1950 Rose issue of Flair.

To escape the heat yesterday, I popped into Open Air Modern on Lorimer St. and noticed two issues of Flair magazine in the middle of the shop. The owner Matt Singer, who doesn't care much for fashion himself, showed me he has a complete vintage set of the famous magazine, which was only published between 1950 to 1951. (He is selling the set for $500.)

While it's fine and dandy to see this fashion magazine reproduced in a set by Rizzoli, the experience is not the same as touching the original pages. It takes a bit of doing for a magazine to move me so, but I was bouleversée.

The legendary magazine founded by Fleur Cowles published all that was glamorous and great. But the expensive cost of producing a magazine with die-cut covers, unusual elements like invisible ink typeface, and other out-of-this-world features shortened the title's lifespan. The art direction and style was very inventive for its time, and Cowles hired René Gruau to be the magazine's illustrator. John O'Hara, Auden, Cocteau, and Tennessee Williams all contributed pieces.


As a woman who wore an uncut emerald ring the size of Niagara Falls, perhaps budget was not always  top of mind. Speaking to Time magazine in 1949, Cowles said, "I've worked hard, and I've made a fortune, and I did it in a man's world, but always, ruthlessly, and with a kind of cruel insistence, I have tried to keep feminine."

In the May 1950 Rose issue of Flair, there is a layout with a beautiful Balmain gown commissioned especially for the issue and another with elegant women wearing the latest fashions but arranged uniquely alongside photographs of long-stem roses. There are other unusual articles about how businesswoman decorate their table settings with flowers and a page advertising "the newest rose in the world," named Flair. Ingenious, no? "Its color is a rosy coral, its bloom abundant and vigorous," the copy reads.

Cowles threw birthday parties for Queen Elizabeth, appears in the letters of Paul Bowles and Noel Coward, painted surrealist animal pictures, traveled the world, married not three but four times, and maintained her sense of style during her later years. Wouldn't you have loved to be her?

A page from the College issue.

Pages from the College issue.

Cover of the May 1950 Rose issue.

Die-cut cover and second page of the Rose issue.

Page advertising the Flair rose.

Shot of Judy Holiday in Flair.

Bathing suit fashions in Flair.

Bathing suit fashions in Flair.

Cover of the Paris issue.

Page from the Men's issue of Flair.

Leila Lou Fragrance Oil: Happiness in a Bottle

Leila Lou by Rosie Jane fragrance oil is a simple slice of happiness — fuss-free, uncomplicated and delicious.  The perfume's notes of pear, fresh cut grass and tangerine will sweeten your morning routine.

Also, this fragrance is a pleasurable, warm weather option as it is very light and natural, and can be worn on the hottest days of summer without growing too overpowering. Leila Lou doesn't drift far in the air or swallow a room. After all, you should be appreciated and noticed for your brilliance, not your perfume! Some of my favorite celebrities Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller, Kate Bosworth, and Liv Tyler are fans of the scent too.

XOXO,
Charlotte

BUY IT: Leila Lou Fragrance Oil by Rosie Jane Cosmetics ($38), LeilaLou.com.

***
P.S. Here's a teaser for tomorrow's post. Can you recognize this magazine layout?

Beauty Must-Have: By Terry Pink Party Lipstick

A model in Asia wears Pink Party at a demo for the brand.

If you treasure your lips, then Eyeshadow Government knows just the lipstick you need. By Terry Rouge Terrybly Pink Party is a hot pink lipstick that is invented for coquettish and bold ladies, such as yourselves. How can this shade be both this electric-hued and yet immensely wearable? It's truly a mystery.

The important thing is to be happy when you wear it and then smile every so often, because you will leave a searing impression on whomever you meet. I also could imagine a woman like Victoire de Castellane (Dior's haute joaillerie designer) rocking this shade at a party. This color is so chic and requires an air of confidence to pull off successfully.

Keep in mind that Kate Middleton had to wear a see-through dress first to catch a prince's attention, or so the news reports go. Assume those you adore are just as absent-minded, and go with the brightest lipstick imaginable.

  
Pair This Lipstick With: A simple black eyelet dress, a patterned blouse and silk trousers, wedges or boots, a shimmery nude eyeshadow, mascara, joy.


DO NOT Wear This Lipstick With: a skimpy outfit, metallic gladiator sandals, multi-colored eye makeup, a ho-hum frame of mind.

BUY IT:  By Terry Rouge Terrybly Pink Party ($48), sold at various Barneys stores and Barneys.com.

Tip: Change Your Foundation

Hello darlings,

If you have been glorying in the sun (which you shouldn't be doing anyway) and have a fresh tan (despite wearing sunblock at all times - yes, it's like looking both ways before crossing a street), it's that special time of year to get a new foundation to match your skin's new color.

If your tan tends to fade quickly, you might want to buy two different darker shades: one for your current color, and a second foundation for the color you skin might be in a week or two.
 
Revlon ColorStay Aqua mineral makeup is a great option if you're on a budget. Other solid picks are Jane Iredale Amazing Base Mineral Foundation and Cargo Oil Free Foundation.

Product Review: MyFaceWorks Collagen Boosting Mask

Happy Friday! I received a sample pack of MyFaceWorks masks a while ago, and finally found time to unleash the powers of...the mask.

I felt like quite the caped crusader and sort of like a mummy too whilst sitting around my apartment this afternoon.

First, you cut open a rectangular packet and inside is a face-shaped silk sheet drenched in a beautifying serum. Unfold the MFW sheet, remove the plastic layer and pat it on your face just so. I didn't read the label before applying it, but the one I tried is called "I Need to Be Firm." I normally don't worry about my skin looking firm, but it was interesting to experiment.

The mask is designed to boost collagen, and I think that it does give you a touch of that Hollywood red carpet glow without going to a spa. After leaving the mask on for 20 minutes, my skin felt slightly firmer and more plump. The mask's ingredients include sodium hyaluronate (which can help skin appear smoother) and witch hazel (shrinks pores), as well as cucumber extract and algae extract.

If you are the type of gal who often runs from work to a date, you could stash these in your desk (right next to the Luna bars!).

XOXO,
Charlotte

BUY IT: MyFaceWorks sheet masks sets are $55 for a 6-pack, or $15 for a single mask. Available at New London Pharmacy, 246 Eighth Avenue in Manhattan or http://www.myfaceworks.com.

Style-O-Scope: T By Alexander Wang Linen Tank Top

Greetings darlings,

To freshen up any outfit, this black and white Alexander Wang tank top ($95, Opening Ceremony) will do the trick. Paired with shorts and boots, you will fit right in downtown. But you could also wear this top with a long black skirt to achieve a retro, flapper-inspired look.

Don't forget to complete your ensemble with great red lipstick.

MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo is a superb classic.

Makeup makes the world go round!

XOXO,
Charlotte

The Great Escape: An Easy Vacation Beauty Routine

When you are a product junkie, editing your beauty routine for traveling is sort of like a Rubik's cube. Downsizing has its appeal when you are like me though and have more lipsticks than fingers and toes!

Here are my picks for going on a trip and Zen-ing out your toiletries bag:

MAKEUP 

LIPS: One lipstick can work three ways: a lip stain, a regular lipstick and blush in a pinch. Eyeshadow Government loves Laura Mercier's new Bing Cherry lipstick ($22). For a more casual, beachy look, apply this hydrating lipstick to just your top lip and press your lips together for a pretty "lip stain." Then, blot with a tissue.

Worn as a solid lipstick, this shade is pure glamour. You can apply this sexy, red lipstick for a fancy meal by the waterfront or to dress up a lightweight, cotton dress in the afternoon. Also, it's naturally shiny, so you don't need to pack lip gloss.

FOUNDATION: BareMinerals Matte SPF 15 foundation ($28) is an easy solution for days spent sightseeing in the sunshine.  Just don't forget to pack a foundation brush or a cluster of cotton balls to apply the powder.

BLUSH: NARS multiple in Portofino ($39) gives cheeks a shimmery, coral glow. Blush with a touch of orange makes your face appear more vibrant and awake. Even if you're the tourist, that doesn't mean you can't be the main attraction.

SKINCARE

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE...: MUJI and the Container Store both sell a wide selection of travel bottles. Containers will make your toiletries bag lighter and less spill-prone. The Japanese store MUJI even sells a handy dropper and spatula kit for transferring your skincare products into little canisters. Pick one of these kits up at their SoHo location for just $1.50!

A great kit for travelers at MUJI.

MUJI canister ($1.50).

SUNBLOCK: Sun protection you can spray on makes getting ready for your day a cakewalk. Shop for a bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock in SPF 45 ($9) before you hop on a flight!

CLEANSE: Wash up after strolling the alleys of a remote village or exploring a dusty country road. If you don't have a regular facial cleanser in your bathroom, try out One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser ($29). I can attest this product improves your overall appearance, reduces breakouts and thoroughly cleanses without drying out skin.

SERUM AND MOISTURIZER: Even in humid weather, be kind to your skin and bring moisturizer! If the air conditioning is on full blast in your hotel room, slather on moisturizer before you doze off as well as in the morning. Celebrities like using Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum ($150). This serum contains a unique blend of menyanthes flower to tone, meadowsweet to lightly exfoliate, and jasmine and chamomile essential oils to moisturize and calm the skin. If your skin type is slightly oily, Nuxe Paris Creme Fraiche De Beaute Light Moisturising Emulsion ($44.50) hydrates and reduces shine.

Wishing you many fabulous adventures this hot, hot, hot summer!

XOXO,
Charlotte

Lady Gaga + Patyka

Style chameleon Lady Gaga enjoys the good things in life.

An eagle-eyed publicist alerted us that Lady Gaga posed for photos next to an array of Patyka beauty products for her new, exciting Tumblr blog, Amen + Fashion.

Patyka is a very exclusive, luxurious Parisian brand.  And the pop star Lady Gaga, decked out in a labyrinth of prints and a spiraling hat, appears to be quite keen on the line. In these photos, you will see Patyka's fabulous Precious Woods Body Wash, chic Mandarin Body Wash and sensual Neroli Body Lotion, as well as the Patyka Absolis Huile Absolue Face and Body Serum.

If you are a die-hard Gaga fan, I recommend trying the Precious Woods body wash ($45, Beautyhabit.com), which features lovely notes of vetiver and tonka bean.

Rain = Enemy of My Fashion Statements!

Golly, it's hot today! On a positive note, I managed to save my silk dress from near-destruction amid chance showers this afternoon. Phew!

If you are a city girl who likes to wear silk finery this time of year, I recommend toting along an alternative dress or a raincoat and umbrella when you do. A casual jersey frock that can fold into your purse is a good last-minute outfit and if you observe gathering rainclouds, it is most definitely time to change.

Traveling by cab isn't entirely a solution. Even standing on the sidewalk to hail a taxi was something of an ordeal this afternoon, and ultimately, I had to duck into a restaurant and wait until the sudden shower let up.

Silver Fox

Hello darlings,

Inspire a starry romance with glittering, silver eyes. This is an easy, four-step beauty look, perfect for sharing secret glances with your latest crush and causing a flutter wherever you go.

1. Grab Dior's Gris Gris 5-Colour Eyeshadow palette ($58) and dip an eyeshadow brush into the silvery-blue shade on the top left. Apply the shadow across your eyelids, stopping at the crease.

2. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder ($49) is shaping up to be one of this summer's hottest makeup picks. The shades in this range complement nearly every complexion. Although I'm quite fair, I use a pinch of the deep brown shade (#5) and it makes me look totally fab.  Just brush the color across your cheekbones for a healthy, becoming blush.

Of course, I always say I am super-picky. Rest assured these shades are a) not too orange-y and b) not a dull brown (makeup that makes you look dusty is a no-no-no-no, XOX).

3. Slide on a neutral pink lipstick, such as Laura Mercier Crème Lip Color in Rose ($22). This is an easy, go-anywhere shade.

4. Finish with your favorite mascara. Mine is currently YSL Mascara Singulier in Deep Violet ($30), which makes eyelashes appear thick and soft as velvet.

XOXO,
Charlotte

P.S. Now, don't forget to bat your eyelashes at least once a day. It's a form of exercise I strongly recommend.

Follow Eyeshadow Government on Twitter! 

Manicure Monday: Layla Graffiti Effect Top Coat Polish in Gold

My nails remind me of a beautiful Japanese lacquered box today. I was wearing a very true red nail polish and I just added Layla Graffiti Effect Top Coat polish in Gold to the tips. The result is a chic two-tone nail look.

Do you like it? The golden polish leaves a "crackled" glaze, which I personally love.

My Midas touch.

This groovy gold polish creates a crackled "look," as imitated in the bottle cap.

Excuse me while I daintily claw a photo of an Alexander McQueen dress.

BUY IT:  Layla Top Coat Graffiti Effect Polish in Gold (about $8), sold at select Urban Outfitters.  I found this polish at Urban Outfitters on 521 Fifth Avenue at 43rd Street in Manhattan.

Fourth of July: Dress the Part

This All Saints flag dress is an easy solution for attending parties this Fourth of July weekend. The delicate coloring and old-timey calico underskirt offer a hint of nostalgia. Drink a cool glass of lemonade and strike up the band!

Buy It: Flag Dress ($250), All Saints, 512 Broadway, New York, NY or 140 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA.

Beauty Tip: Hold Onto That Lipstick, Girlfriend!

Treat your lipstick collection like a painter's palette.

Any gal who has gone shopping for lipstick knows that sometimes the color you thought was so "right" is sometimes quite "wrong." But is any shade of lipstick really "wrong"?

All lipsticks are in fact just colors and textures you can play with, so be original! If you bought a lipstick recently and you don't like the color solo, just pull out some other lipsticks (perhaps, shades you use regularly) and mix them together until you reach a pleasing and flattering combination.

It can take a few tries to create a harmonious shade, but you might just be blown away by the results.

Lately, I like blending pink lipsticks with orange undertones to create gorgeous, warm lip colors. (Honestly, the shades I use I thought would never look good on me but haha, I look more "meow" than ever.)

Be bespoke! Customize your lips according to your mood, and leave the world marveling at your myriad of beauty looks!

XOXO,
Charlotte