Maybelline Dream Fresh Beauty Balm Skin Perfector Review

Although many types of makeup claim to look like skin, Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector with SPF 30 is one of the few products I have tried that matches my skintone just exactly, feels weightless and best of all, looks like my own skin but better.

When a brand lives up to its motto, I have to give it a round of applause. "Maybe she's born with it" has always been the rallying cry for Maybelline, and this balm is just so spot on.  I think this product is their best by far.

Once I smooth the Maybelline Beauty Balm Skin Perfector on my face, my skin appears much more even and gleams. It appears totally invisible to me and I believe the average person would think my skin is bare. I love it when makeup just gets better and better.

I really am quite pleased with my look with this amazing, amazing product that even has sunscreen to boot. Call me Venus de Milo and pour me a stiff drink!

Grade: A+++

Chanel 2011-2012 Paris-Bombay Accessories

I have never seen Chanel accessories shown this way before, so I couldn't resist sharing. Olivia da Costa took these beautiful, delicate photographs featured on Chanel News. XOX

Note how lovely the bold necklace looks against a simple, short-sleeved ensemble.

Diving for pearls.

A luxurious view.

Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls W Covers: How to Get the Look at Home

Joan Smalls and Karlie Kloss W Magazine Covers.

Legendary hairstylist Oribe worked his magic on supermodels Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls for the latest issue of W magazine. Just looking at the covers makes you want to paw their hair (or scalp them!).

"The shoot was all about exaggeration and luxurious volume," said Oribe.

To reproduce their look, just follow these easy steps:

1. Bust out Oribe Volumista Mist for Volume and spray.
2. Put hair in a velcro set.
3. Spray Oribe Dry Texturing Spray at the roots and Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray to give hair more texture and separation.
4. Choose a few curls that frame your face and apply either Oribe Smooth Style Serum or Curl by Definition to the curls. This will draw attention to your face and your fabulous waves.
5. If your hair gets too big, use Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray for a smoother finish.

In the comments section, tell Eyeshadow Government your summer hairstyling secrets!Would love to know more about you!

Joss Stone Performs "The High Road" on VH1

Joss Stone - Joss Stone Performs "The High Road"

Bottom's Up

I am going on a drinking binge this afternoon, but only with the good stuff - H2O straight up and no ice.

In the middle of a heat wave, it is tempting to drink sugary drinks to lift your energy but if you
can't resist that Snapple peach tea or root beer soda, try to offset this with at least three cups of water.

Simply drinking water is one of the best way to improve your complexion, plump skin cells, increase evenness of skin tone and reduce breakouts.

Outside my apartment in Brooklyn, where it is immensely hot, there is finally some rain (as of a few minutes ago) and huge claps of thunder. I can't wait for the city to cool down because lordy, I was really melting. The only downside to rain is I can't wear cute sandals. Stepping in New York gutter water in my new pedicure is not very moi! My toes and fingertips are freshly painted with Essie polish in Lollipop, a Coney Island-flavored red.

Must-Have Beauty: Aveda Star Coral Lipstick

Limited edition Aveda lipstick in Star Coral is a jazzy, happy hue that will complement many skintones. I am totally in love with it.

You can dab this fab lipstick on your lips and toss on a fringe suede jacket for a Laurel Canyon vibe. If your style is preppy, just add a neat, white dress, a matching coral necklace, and bejeweled sandals. 

Dazzle everyone and everywhere!

Always,
Anne Charlotte

P.S. I will add a picture of myself to show you what the color looks like soon. XOX.

Sweet Dreams

Hey gals,

I wanted to post this Sunday because I am in a terrific mood for many reasons, and not just because I had a solid night's sleep. I am working on a new beauty and fashion site, which I will tell you more about soon. I also can't wait to see my friends from L.A. this afternoon. Yesterday, I did the makeup and styling for a fashion shoot at South Street Seaport in New York, and so I was out quite late.  It was so much fun! When I arrived home, I played with a lot of new products by Neal's Yard Remedies, an amazing British organic natural beauty and health company. I just joined them as an independent consultant and I am excited about trying all of their products.

Last night, I used the Neal's Yard Remedies to Roll aromatherapy rollerball in the Relaxation blend ($12) before going to sleep, and I woke up feeling so well-rested.  I put it on my wrists and dabbed it on my temples as well. The Relaxation blend contains organic bergamot oil, organic lavender oil, organic geranium oil and organic orange oil. Sometimes I feel like I am just running and running in New York, and it can be hard to reach a moment of stillness.  I am glad to have this beautiful aromatherapy solution with me. Maybe it's just because so many aspects of my life are falling into place but I feel very calm and happy.

XOXO!

Buy It: Neal's Yard Relaxation Relaxation Remedies to Roll ($12), available online in the U.S. and at many Neal's Yard Remedies stores in England.

**If you purchase this Neal's Yard product through the links in my blog post, you will be supporting my general livelihood. I will receive a modest commission. This is new for me and only true for reviews of Neal's Yard Remedies products. I have a deep, personal connection to Neal's Yard, which I will tell you about soon as well.  All articles will continue to reflect my personal, extremely honest opinion. Thanks!**

Nylon + Puma Street Style Contest - Fashionista Heads Up!

The Perfect Nude Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Boy

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy.

Chanel always creates some of my favorite lipsticks, and I think every girl should own something from Chanel. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Boy is a classic, nude color that glides on for glimmering lips.

If you are shy about wearing a full lipstick, this is a beautiful option to start because Boy is so sheer, natural, and universal.  I think it makes my lips look fuller and shinier. The texture is fantastic, very silky and moisturizing.

If you have owned this lipstick for some time, I am curious to hear your thoughts! I just started wearing it and absolutely adore it.

You Are What You Eat

I am shifting gears lately and pressing myself to be more conscious of what I eat and my general lifestyle. I really don't want to consume food that is overly processed or just empty calories. I have never been a huge soda drinker, but I have been drinking it more often in recent months. The only bubbly drinks I want to have are kombucha, sparkling water, sparkling juice and, well, champagne.

As for food, I ate whole wheat pasta and a delicious spelt salad today, but what happened to my veggies? I will be making sure to eat vegetables and fruit much more often. I have this weird quirk that I enjoy eating kale for breakfast because it gives me a boost of energy, but I don't do it often enough. Today, I ate sweet Canadian frozen blueberries instead of drinking caffeinated tea and I think it gave me a similar jolt. Skipping black tea also meant that I didn't need to pour any type of sugar into a liquid-filled mug because I was high on fruit sugars. The only dangerous part of eating frozen blueberries is it can stain your lips and make it look like you been drinking wine for breakfast (not ideal for that 9:00 AM meeting or if you're in school, math class!). As hobo chic is not my thing, I brushed my teeth and my lips thoroughly after devouring the berries.

Also, in terms of my fitness goals, I will be jogging, swimming and/or dancing every day. I wrote it down so it's got to be true! (Wish me luck!)

Eye Candy: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows

Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows in Topaz, Rose Quartz and Citrine.

Kevin Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows in Lapis and Jade.

The new Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows light up eyes with a subtle, alluring dash of sparkle. These easy to blend, buildable shadows are simple to use with the product's rollerball applicator. You could apply the Citrine shadow on the crease and then roll the Lapis shadow, which is a blueish-violet shade, fully across your eyelids for a high contrast look. Worn alone, they are fabulous for soirees or any occasion that calls for flirtation.

Buy It: Kevin Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadow ($28), available at Barneys and the Space NK counter inside Bloomingdale's at 59th Street and Lexington.

Lady Gaga Born This Way - Unseen Footage

All aboard and hop into Lady Gaga's kaleidoscope. Watch her lips float inside weird shapes in this previously unseen footage for "Born This Way."



Source: SHOWstudio/YouTube.

Super Crush: Alice + Olivia Platform Wedge

These Alice + Olivia patent leather floral wedge shoes ($295, Shopbop.com) are, like, glued to my brain. Does shoe desire have a certain intensity for you or do I have problems? Of course, I would like my feet to be lifted up and away in a bouquet of flowers. Also,  I have a tendency to tilt, stumble and crash in stilettos, so I am more of a wedge gal.

XOX!

Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo Review -

I'm on the run today and blogging from my iPhone. This afternoon, I popped into a Lush store and bought this amazing Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo. My hair was totally clean but a little limp at the roots from walking outside. A small sprinkling of this dry shampoo delivered instant volume and made it look like I had just washed and dried my hair. I am way sold! The light orange blossom scent is unobtrusive as well, which I really appreciate.

Earn Your Stripes

This Thakoon Addition shift dress would look just as natural on a trend-setting girl in Thailand as a young socialite in New York. The high-low hemline is a flirty touch, and I love the multi-colored stripes and peekaboo detail as well. Such verve!

Buy it: Thakoon Striped High-Low Shift Dress ($790), Bergdorf Goodman.

Monday Makeup Lesson: Two Lipsticks Are Sometimes Better Than One

Here's a quick snapshot of me. If you can't tell, lately I'm trying to be less camera-shy. I love this lip color, but it's not a shade you can buy off the shelf. First, I put on Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick in #7 Chalys, a coral shade. Then, I apply Clinique #10 Red-y To Wear lipstick, a pinkish berry color, over the coral shade. This creates my favorite pink lipstick with orange undertones. I really press a lot of the Chanel Chalys lipstick onto my lips and then apply the Clinique lipstick with a gentler hand. You can experiment with what works best for you too.

XOX!

I can't live without these Chanel and Clinique lipsticks.

5 Reasons to Love the Humidity and Your Hair

This year, I decided the humidity is no longer a problem for my hair...my look...or my attitude. Well, it still is some days for my attitude. It's okay if hot weather makes you a little grumpy too. Humidity can affect your hairdo, but what's wrong with a touch of frizz?

1. Humidity makes naturally wavy hair even curlier. I love having ringlets without using a curling iron.  Don't you?

2. The moisture from the air helps your hair appear shinier. Glory in it.

3. If your hair gets super-frizzy, think about all the artistic magazine shoots and runway looks with ethereal, frizzy hair. If some of the top stylists make hair look that way intentionally (!), maybe you shouldn't sweat it.

4. Being yourself means stick straight hair, just like a stick straight body, isn't all that necessary or even desirable. If it takes a lot of work to make your hair look flat, remember your curls are gorgeous and what make you fab.

5. Whenever anyone tells me the humidity is making their hair look frizzy or just messed up, I often can't even see what they are talking about, yo. You notice it. But does anyone else? Prolly not, friend, so if it normally bothers you, try your best not to worry.

Hot, humid weather is just a lesson in self-acceptance from Mother Nature. I was going to write about products that will "tame" the effects of humidity, but let the lion out, my kittenish friends. Untamed, loose, curly, kinky, frizzy hair is where it's at!

XOXO!

Window Hopping: J Brand Capri Jeans

I saw these J Brand jeans through a glass window clearly in Brooklyn and needed to show them to you. The boutique Diane T is selling these mid-rise, capri jeans for $200. Couldn't you just lick the window? A profusion of flowers in cool blue tones adds a sweet twist to any ensemble. You could wear these denim capris with a simple black crop top for a daytime outing and then, if the weather cools, toss on a light beige sweater to appear very stylish (and not too match-matchy). 

Buy it: J Brand Jeans ($200) at Diane T, 174 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY (718) 932-5777.

Have a terrific weekend and stay tuned for more posts today and tomorrow!

Beach Daze

My St. Tropez?  Rockaway Beach. You do what you gotta do in this city.

On Monday, I went to the beach with my cousin Katherine and her boyfriend. We didn't hang out in the sun too long. I wore Vichy Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 60 for sensitive skin on my face and Coppertone sunscreen on the rest of my body. Both types were broad spectrum sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection. I am kind of like a porcelain doll who sits in a box in an attic all day long typing, so I'm really glad I didn't burn!

I should go to the beach every day.

Other beachgoers.

My cousin Katherine in her Carrera sunglasses.

I tote my sunscreen, books & a light cotton shirt to cover up in a shopping bag from Uniqlo. I'm low maintenance.

If you're like me and always pulling your locks back, let your hair down by the sea.

I really like this sunscreen for sensitive skin. You can purchase this Vichy sunscreen for $30 at Drugstore.com.

Remember that you should apply sunblock to dry skin at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, and if you forget, make sure to put it on as soon as you hit the sand. Don't be afraid to get started on the subway if you're a city girl like me. No one cared when I put on sunscreen on the A train! Also, you absolutely must reapply waterproof sunblock after a dip in the ocean. These lotions are not magic superglue, even if you swim as gracefully as Esther Williams.

XOXO!

Take a Page From the French

The other day in the Strand bookstore, I found a title called "The French Way of Beauty" by Linda Dannenberg. This book from the Seventies is packed with little secrets, makeup tips and hair ideas from French spas and salons. While I found some of the material to be outdated or bizarre (do any of you see a manicurist who rubs your hand with mink oil?), there were some quality gems from Catherine Deneuve's makeup artist and hairdressers who worked with Yves Saint Laurent and princesses and such. (Stay tuned for weekly tips and ideas from this book.)

This hair look from page 108 is so "you" for spring. Note the French called anything that involved twisting the hair a "chignon," but I would call this a front bun.  If you want to be very edgy, you can pin brown or cream dyed silk ribbons at the nape of your neck, and incorporate the ribbon into your hair and the bun as well. 

Legs That Turn Heads

If you are wearing skirts and shorts this time of year, give your legs a treat. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to your normal body lotion by mixing both in your hands. Rub the mixture on your gams and check out your Hollywood red carpet shine.

Totally Obsessed: Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil

As your summer vacation is probably still many weeks away, try this potion on for size.  I am in love with the new limited edition Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil ($34, BobbiBrown.com). Scented with Bobbi Brown's signature fragrance Beach, this oil smells like sand and ocean all the while hydrating your skin. A little goes on a long way too. Spritz a little to make your skin glitter like the sea at sunset.

XOXO!

Lianne La Havas | Is Your Love Big Enough? Official Video

Just in: Darling London singer Lianne La Havas has released a video for the title track of her forthcoming album, "Is Your Love Big Enough?," due out August 7th on Nonesuch. A cheerful, clap-along tune, this song starts out wonderful and gets even better as it progresses.

For another side of La Havas, I also recommend listening to her song "Tease Me" on YouTube. XOXO!

You Put That Where?! Or How I Use Eye Gel to Get A Glowy, Luminous Makeup Look

Ages ago, I posted a trick about how I like to pop in the shower with my foundation on to give my skin a steamy, healthy glow. But water, as you know, can make makeup streak and so this way is even better.

Currently, I am really obsessed with my Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation in #4 because the texture is so creamy and lovely. On spring days when I want to wear a little less makeup, I mix my foundation with a huge dollop of Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Revitalizing Eye Gel. You probably have read about mixing foundation with moisturizer, but I believe this eye gel is an even better way to go, particularly if your skin is sensitive or breakout prone like mine.  Believe me! You will look like a model in a beauty ad.

I originally had this idea because I noticed this product made the skin around my eyes gleam. Who wouldn't want their whole face to look the same way?

To look foxy for a night out, I recommend using a mix of Armani foundation + Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Revitalizing Eye Gel, blending carefully with your fingers. Then, apply other makeup, such as blush, mascara and lipstick. After that, if you have the time, walk outside for about 30 minutes to activate the ingredients in the lavender eye gel for a "power glow."  Makeup always looks better after it is has settled into your skin a little. Some say hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient inside the gel, draws moisture from the air. The gel also contains grape seeds, green tea and lavender extracts to feed the skin as well. I love it!

My own skin is extra-sensitive, so the other solid benefit is that the gel doesn't irritate my skin and prevents breakouts. If your skin is very dry, you might need a thicker moisturizer instead. And if you have trouble justifying using a $20 eye gel as a face moisturizer, think of it as giving your skin a little spa time. You might not use this trick every day, but keep it in your makeup samurai arsenal.

Look divine! Stay amazing! XOXO!

Quick Gossip - You Love Clueless, Right? Alicia Silverstone Needs a Writer

Alicia Silverstone's Facebook page posted this update today:

What would you pay to have Alicia Silverstone as your blogger BFF? Imagine grabbing smoothies and getting organic manicures together. Crazy, right?

Sephora Launches 15 Days of Beauty Thrills Contest

Sephora is launching 15 Days of Beauty Thrills, offering fans a chance to win a trip to Paris with Make Up For Ever, a vacation in Greece with Korres, a walk on the red carpet with Kat Von D, two nights in New York with Bumble & bumble, a trip to Belgium with Pantone, 77 shades of Urban Decay products, a signed guitar by Taylor Swift, and more.

The contest begins on Monday, May 21st, and beauty shoppers can visit Sephora.com each day to enter. Sparkle and type, girls.

This is such an extravagant online contest, befitting a company that serves women and men around the world. The giveaway coincides with the fresh overhaul of Sephora.com, offering shoppers a new, personalized digital experience. Also, the revamped Sephora.com website is integrated with Pinterest.

With a little luck this spring, you don't have to be a top model or a celebrity to travel the globe. Cool, right? Here is Sephora's sneak peek video about the giveaways:

Eyeshadow Government Music Box: Amalie Bruun

I first met the singer Amalie Bruun in an Italian pastry shop, quite by accident. If you liked my earlier post about LaLiberte, you definitely will enjoy this other femme fatale and her catchy, sexy dream pop song "Siren." This totally crush-worthy beauty's new EP is titled, haha, Crush. Enjoy the music!

Amalie Bruun - Siren
Video shot and directed by Cille Hannibal
CRUSH EP
2012

Camera Ready

Expecting attention this spring? You should be, darling. Let a wave of your hand ignite a flurry of admirers.

Essie nail polish in Camera is the brightest of corals and once on, appears to glow if you are outside at sunset. This polish is ideal for a beachside rendez-vous or a rooftop cocktail party in the city. And if you like to match your polish with your outfit, this flirty Nanette Lepore dress will hit the spot.

Buy It: Essie Nail Polish in Camera ($8, Essie.com or Duane Reade); Nanette Lepore Floral Print Dress ($154, NeimanMarcus.com).

Ellis Eye-Land

Beautiful girls, start your engines. The Creamy Eyes liquid shadows from the cult makeup brand Ellis Faas are a must-have for spring. Ellis Faas has expanded the range to include a robin's egg blue eyeshadow (E118), perfect for all you Dick Page fans, as well as an eggplant purple (E115) that would look explosive with a hot pink lip. Other new colors are Navy Blue (E113), Bordeaux Red (E114),  Lilac (E116), Mint Green (E117), and Yellow Ochre (E119).

I typically write about pretty, go-anywhere beauty looks, but sometimes you have to shake your look up. Ellis Faas sent me a picture of a model wearing the new shadows:

What do you think? In my opinion, this beauty look is better for a high fashion magazine than a stroll down the block, but you can take a part of this idea and integrate the inspiration into your style. For example, wear a solid, opaque pastel color on your eyelids alone, instead of sweeping it up and around the eye. This will look very jolie and modern. Also, I love the model's red lip with a touch of mouth-watering orange. This reminds me of how the colors of a flower petal might change at the edges. It's just amazing to see, even if it's a bit impractical.

Beauty is an adventure. Blaze a trail!

Accessory for Marvelous

The weather was fine this weekend, so I wandered across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Here are a few accessories that caught my eye at the flea markets, boutiques and bookstores.

I Am the Walrus: Flea market pins on 7th Avenue in Park Slope

I like this 1920s-style ring.

Department of Cute: Betsey Johnson earrings.

Emerald City: Pawing Cartier necklace at the Strand. The book is "Cartier 1899-1949: The Journey of a Style."

 Beach Prep: Trying on hats for future trips to sandy shores.

Flower pots on Lafayette.

 Peep Show: Vintage peep-toed high heels, strappy sandals and flats at Eva Gentry on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.

Agnès b. Fall/Winter 2012 Presentation

Eyeshadow Government visits agnès b. to check out the fall/winter collection in a presentation. After the clothes appear on the Paris runways, it is lovely to see and feel them first-hand in the city.

The agnès b. fall/winter 2012 presentation last week in New York was a blast — an inspired display of chic style for girls who crave French clothing and love beautifully made separates with a dash of rock ‘n roll. I am so glad I went.

Here is a model wearing the designer's leather jacket and beret:

Whether reinventing the summer cotton eyelet skirt in a midnight black velvet or pairing tic tac-sized shorts with cozy shearling jackets, the designer agnès b.’s imagination is still running wild and free. As always, there were many fab staples that can easily be integrated into your fall wardrobe to look your very best. And your cutest! (Wink.)

The agnès b. boutique on 50 Howard Street is a bit of Paris cool in downtown New York, where oohs and ahs and murmurs are purred in French accents. Yes, it is heaven. I loved the plush cashmere jackets, soft as clouds, and short-sleeved mohair sweaters. The designer painted a romantic story with delicate knee-length skirts and blouses in exquisite silk. But  if you’re a young woman who plans on taking the world by storm, the photoprint items are for you.

One slinky, above-the-knee dress was printed with a photo the designer shot at the Standard Hotel. Another skirt looked like it was about to spontaneously combust. I wanted everything. 

Many of the accessories, such as sweet flat shoes and hats, are so Anna Karina. (In France, women do not wear high heels as often and it’s seen as more scandalous, haha.) I also pawed a sequined bow necklace that would look so darling with a white blouse.

Here are my snapshots! Enjoy! XOXO!

Too hot to handle! Agnes shoots all the photographs for her photoprint clothes.

Warm Up: This shearling jacket is timeless.

Street Style,  Literally: In the runway photos, I noticed the stones followed the curve of the model's legs. Neat, right?

Mr. Apple, her publicist, tells me this is a "Boom Boom Room" dress. The designer shot this photo inside The Standard.

Nightly Hues: I love the pulsing red and green colors.

 Great photos by the Malian photographer Malick Sidibé are on exhibit at the SoHo store.

Got ya collared.

Urban shoes for urbane creatures.

Schoolgirl Style: A winsome, Wes Anderson-esque satchel.

Snack time at the boutique. If you must must eat something, it might as well be dessert!