Monday, April 30, 2012

Two-Toned Nail Look: Make Popsicle Nails Using L'Oreal Violet Vixen and Essie Lollipop Polishes

I just painted my nails and now they look like popsicles! This fun two-toned look is silly, mod and majorly fun.
When I woke up this morning, I slipped into my vintage Lacroix jeans, which always puts me in a creative mood. My jeans splash and froth like the ocean in a Japanese woodcut print. 

Some of my nails are grape at the top and cherry at the bottom, and others are cherry up top and grape at the bottom.

Get the look with L'Oreal in Violet Vixen ($6) and Essie in Lollipop ($8).


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Isabel Toledo Quote

"There is tremendous power in untamed self-expression, because it opens you up to finding your own path and true calling in life. I learned this by trusting myself and realizing that it was important not to be afraid of the unknown."

Source: Roots of Style: Weaving Together Life, Love and Fashion by Isabel Toledo.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Accessory du Jour

I adore this necklace and I suspect it will only get better with age. This golden bronze Lily of the Valley necklace by Babette Jewelry evokes dreams of champagne cocktails and languid, lengthy sequined dresses.



Underground Look - Electric Outfit


In a city where many dress as if they are heading to a funeral every day, a colorful dress paired with a psychedelic swirling bag is a lovely antidote to the sea of grey-black-brown-military-green garb.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Professional Pointer From Celebrity Makeup Artist Joey Maalouf

If your eyes look tired, makeup artist Joey Maalouf, who works with many A-listers, recommends Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Under Eye Recovery. He says, "Keep a tube in your refrigerator. When you apply, you’ll feel the relief of a cold cream to instantly relieve tired eyes and puffiness.”

Mr. Maalouf is totally tight with Rachel Zoe. Here's more Maalouf:


On T Magazine: Chanel Magic Fingers Video

T, the New York Times Style magazine has posted an exclusive video showcasing Chanel's luxe nail lacquers in a fresh way.  Dutch model Saskia De Brauw communicates quotes by Coco Chanel using sign language! Peter Philips, Chanel’s creative director for makeup, tapped London filmmaker Ruth Hogben to direct this film which will be inspiring to makeup lovers and perhaps, many women with hearing disabilities as well.

Watch the video here>>>

My favorite quote: "Elegance is being equally beautiful inside and outside."


Prada and Vahram Shake It + Smashbox Summer 2012 Shades of Fame + DVF Sale on Gilt Today

Some Fancy Footwork: Prada enlisted the artist Vahram Muratyam of the fashionable blog Paris vs. New York to design digital animations for a new project. The initiative is called "Parallel Universes" and the animations showcase the brand's fab summer 2012 accessories. I want those Prada heels and an orange Rolls Royce.

Parallel Universes: Work from Vahram Muratyam's collaboration with Prada.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Drenched in Style


Alice + Olivia and Sebastian Professional have teamed up for a special gift set to pick up your look. The set includes Sebastian Professional Drench Conditioner, Drench Shampoo and a cute scarf designed by Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia (retail price: $25). The set comes with step-by-step styling instructions to show you how to look extra-hot. Eyeshadow Government hearts Alice + Olivia, like, extremely. Buy one box for mom and one for yourself.

The set launches on May 1st at salons across the country. (If you want a box, visit http://www.sebastianprofessional.com to locate a salon near you.)

Shopping Spy: Art of Shaving Event on April 28th at Bloomie's

If you've ever had a boyfriend with a prickly face, you know it's no fun kissing Mr. Cactus.  

The Art of Shaving is thinking of YOU girls and giving shaving cream away on April 28th at Bloomingdale's with a special "Upgrade Your Shave" event. The men's grooming brand is offering their luxurious, glycerine-based shaving cream for free (retail value, $14)** when you trade in his regular shaving cream (au revoir, Barbasol). Spend $100 on Art of Shaving products to receive a free $20 Bloomingdale's gift card.

A better product that provides a smoother shave might inspire your guy to shave more often.

Nudge him in the right direction by heading to out together, let's say, to pick up a gift for his mom "because Mother's Day is around the corner." One turn here, another there, and you're perusing Art of Shaving products in Bloomingdale's.  For the record, there is nothing wrong with telling a white lie to your guy in the name of metrosexualizing him up. You feel me? He will so thank you later.

 XOXO!

**One per customer, while supplied last.

Free Spirit: Maybelline's New Face

If you didn't read this yest-a-day or haven't seen the hilarious YouTube video announcing the news, here's a look at Charlotte Free, the new face of Maybelline New York.

Maybelline global brand president Damien Bertrand said, “Charlotte is the new generation of beauty. Her great energy and her unconventional style make her unique. Spontaneous, confident and daring, Charlotte is the perfect representative of the Maybelline New York woman."

Charlotte said, “I am so excited to be the new face of Maybelline New York. It’s an honor to
represent this truly iconic brand and a dream come true for me.”

The young model was discovered playing video games at an arcade. Who says goofing off can't pay off? Take it easy today, my friends.
Charlotte Free. Image by: Kenneth Willardt.
Pretty Charlotte again. Image by: Kenneth Willardt.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Video Clips From Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom

Good Day, Soleil: Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder

If I was stranded on a desert island, I pray I would have this limited edition Soleil Tan de Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder to dust across my cheeks while I relaxed happily in a shady grove or read a book by the ocean in a very, very large hat. After all, sunbathing is so 1950s + quite dangereux.

You can sweep the brush across all the multi-colored stripes for a naturally gorgeous, tanned glow.  Or for a special night, you can dip into the gold powder stripe alone and press the powder on your eyes and even a touch your lips. This is a splendid limited edition compact from the Chanel Summer 2012 Collection.


Buy it: Soleil Tan de Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder ($60, Chanel).

Monday, April 23, 2012

Katey Denno in Vogue + Delvaux Envy


Celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno recently shared a list of natural and organic products she loves with Vogue. You can read the article here. I was delighted to see many of her favorite brands have been covered in Eyeshadow Government. You can check out all the stories on my site:

Brand:  Tata Harper, July 2011
 http://eyeshadowgovernment.blogspot.com/2011/07/great-escape-streamline-your-beauty.html

Brand: Amala, October 2011
http://eyeshadowgovernment.blogspot.com/2011/10/beautiful-people.html

Brand: Intelligent Nutrients, February 2011
http://eyeshadowgovernment.blogspot.com/2011/02/just-act-naturally.html

Brand: Josie Maran, January 2011
http://eyeshadowgovernment.blogspot.com/2011/01/teen-beauty-new-day.html

***
Accessories Talk

Craving color? This cool purse from the iconic accessories brand Delvaux will feed your lust for bright, shiny things. The Delvaux Brilliant MM bag is spot on in Chaperon Rouge.


 Buy It:  Delvaux MM bag ($750, Barneys).

Image Sources: B-HaffyTaffy/Tumblr and Barneys.com.

Shopping Spy: I Heart This Marni Tote

Skip town with this tropical printed Marni canvas and leather tote. Stash a light sweater, sunscreen and your favorite lipstick in this blithe designer bag.

It's on sale today at The Outnet for $148 (originally $595).


Monday Inspiration: Valentine Penrose's Lips

I was reading this book "The Ox on the Roof" about life in Paris in the 1920s and the preceding decade. The author James Harding describes the surrealist Jean Cocteau wearing silk pajamas and taking a telephone call from the poet/artist Valentine Penrose. What a fantastic life!  I once saw a beautiful piece attributed to Valentine Penrose at a show at the Tate Modern in England. Along with composing poems and making collages, Valentine sat for photographs by Man Ray, studied Sanskrit, appeared in Bunuel's "L'Age d'Or" and wrote a book about a psychopathic 17th century countess.

I believe this is an image of her by Man Ray:


 For vampy, Man Ray-style lips, try MAC lipstick in Cyber ($14.50, Maccosmetics.com), an inky, deep purple.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Beauty Secrets: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Want to look perfect without trying? Here are secret beauty shortcuts for looking hot faster than Clark Kent changes outfits.

Foundation: If you love to sleep late, a few spritzes of Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray foundation ($62, Sephora) provides even, flawless coverage in seconds. 

When you use liquid foundation, you might need to prime your face and spend a lot time blending the makeup to achieve an even look. DiorSkin AirFlash spray foundation features special micro-diffusion technology that quickly covers up uneven areas and blemishes pronto with the click of a button. Spray, blend just a little and you're done.


Wink and Go: For an easy daytime eye look, try Sue Devitt Silky Matte Eyeshadow in Cuba ($18, Dermstore.com). This neutral-pinkish shade is so flattering and will make the natural color of your eyes pop.  The product is also crease-resistant. For extra staying power, apply concealer or an eyeshadow primer underneath the shadow. The estimated time for both steps is about 40 seconds.


The Prettiest Lips and Cheeks: To get to class or work on time, spend just a minute dabbing on Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for lips and cheeks ($24, BobbiBrown.com). I have recommended this product before on Eyeshadow Government because it's one of my all-time favorites. Available in a variety of rich, flattering colors, this rouge provides a lovely, dewy finish and can be applied with your fingertips. Dab it on the apples of your cheeks to look more awake and cheerful. Press the rouge onto your lips for a spectacular, sophisticated smile.



BONUS FASHION TIPS: 
  • If you can't decide what to wear, mix boyish and feminine pieces for a dash of instant style. 
  • Use accessories sparingly. One or two is plenty.
  • Nix all that thick, spiked gold jewelry. After all, you're a lady, not a pitbull.

Trending Now in Beauty: Betsey Johnson Nail Polish

Just when you thought Betsey Johnson could not be any cooler or more fun, the designer has collaborated with Sephora by OPI for a beautiful line of perfumed nail polishes.

In the review section on Sephora.com, tons of beauty junkies are talking all about how the new lacquers are infused with Betsey Johnson's signature Too Too Perfume and even their boyfriends love the way their nails smell.

The colors include hot pink, fuchsia, red,  nude, sea green, silver and, last but not least, black grape for girls with attitude. You know who you are!

Scratch and Sniff: Betsey Johnson Too Too Scented Lacquer Sephora by Opi
Buy it: Betsey Johnson nail color ($9.50 each), Sephora.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Trending Now in Beauty: ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioners

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner in Shell Shock
ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioners are perfect for girls who like using natural beauty products but haven't found the right organic lipstick...yet. In comes ILIA, a cool brand with a range of lip conditioners and lipsticks in swoon-worthy colors. Made from 85% organic ingredients, these moisturizing lip conditioners provide a wash of color that will pick up any pout.

Many of the shades are selling out fast. As of yesterday, Brooklyn boutiques have the lip conditioner in Shell Shock, a sweet pinkish-orange shade, that would look so cute while sipping pink lemonade in a new summer bob. Love! Catch this trend!


Buy it: Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner ($24), at Woodley & Bunny (196 North 10th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 718.218.6588),  Catbird (219 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 718.599.3457) or click here for a full list of stockists.

You Are What You Eat

Eating healthy definitely can boost your complexion. For radiant, luminous skin, a well-balanced diet is a must.


Today, I cooked up a healthy breakfast. Before I tasted this hot cereal, I thought I wouldn't enjoy it one bit. Sometimes I eat, errr, "things" just because I am just supposed to, but it turned out, this was not the case. The cereal was totally yummy and reminded me of the Thai sticky rice dessert that I sometimes like to order at restaurants.

Cook Organic 7 Grain Cereal from Whole Foods, or a natural food store. (Cost: $1.12 for a little bag from the bulk section at Whole Foods. This cereal contains organic wheat, cracked rye and flax seeds.) While the cereal is cooking, stir occasionally. Meanwhile, chop up bits of red chard leaves and delicious stalks. Then, add the chard leaves and the stalks. Pour about a few tablespoons of coconut milk into the cereal. This sweetens the cereal and the chard.  Finally, add a few pinches of turmeric and cinnamon.

Bon appetit!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Scoop on Selena Gomez's New Hairstyle



Hairstylists Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri of Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood gave Selena Gomez her new 'do. To get hair this long, Nikki says, "Great Lengths Extensions are the way to go!" As soon as the extensions are in, she says "starting at the bottom, blow-dry your hair by section spraying UNITE Shina-Mist as a heat protectant."

 “Then use a 1″ flat iron and begin smoothing the hair section by section,” says Riawna. “Polish off hair by using the UNITE Shine Liquid Drops to complete the perfect smooth look!”

Nikki and Riawna's scissors have touched a lot of celebrities' hairdos. Their client list includes Miley Cyrus, Kimberly Stewart, Fergie, Britney Spears and Heidi Klum.

 What's your favorite part about changing your look?

Aha, The Allah-Las - Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)

The Allah-Las are a new band with vintage flair. With a fresh new single out "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)" produced by Nick Waterhouse, expect to hear more. Waterhouse says this band sounds like "like bungalows in canyons" and "hidden deco stairsteps peeking from leafy hillsides." Hugs, right? I would add "Tell Me" also sounds like cruising down Sunset Boulevard and sunset at the beach in Malibu.

Waterhouse is a young, up-and-coming musician-producer who has gigged with Booker T. Jones. He also featured saxophonist Ira Raibon on his first mega-awesome release "Some Place" (click away). Ira Raibon was part of the original lineup of Earth, Wind and Fire. Both the Allah-Las and Waterhouse rock and roll on the label Innovative Leisure.

 
Everyone is so terrif' today. Can't wait for the video shoot this weekend!

XOXO!

The Perfect Powder for Model Hunting

Today, I am looking for models for a special video shoot and taking a quick, late lunch break. It amazes me that modeling agencies look all across the world for beautiful women when there are so many charming gals right here in New York.

Whilst hunting for models, I am wearing my most powerful eyeglasses (the better to see you!) and packing Koh Gen Do Maifanshi face powder in Snowy Pink ($42, KohGenDo.com). This powder helps even out my skin tone and absorbs excess oil. Unlike other similar products, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi face powder never makes my skin look dull or dry. I give this an A+ grade.  Redbook magazine loves this powder too!

XOXOX and off to continue my hunt!



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

To His Koi Mistress


Today's post is inspired by a beautiful koi pond I stumbled upon in a public garden in the Lower East Side. The young children who gathered around the little pond were very excited about all the underwater creatures and two turtle statues. (At first, some of them thought the statues were alive...too cute.)

Be Koi: If you love vibrant orange as much as I do, try Sephora's new Pantone Universe blush duo ($26, Sephora.com). Sweep this tangerine hue across your cheeks with a blush brush and go jump in a lake. I mean that in the best sense. XOXOX! Hope your day is going along swimmingly.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Blush Duo set.

Monday, April 16, 2012

What's Hot at the Shiseido Counter at Bloomingdale's

I popped by Bloomingdale's in New York yesterday and at the Shiseido counter, spring is in full bloom.

Eyeshadows in Techno Gold, Purple Dawn and Moss.
Shimmering green cream eyeshadow in Moss will make you look as cute as a cricket chirping. This item is selling fast. Use just a little dab and blend the cream across your eyelids for an instantly pretty, youthful look.

Another must-have is Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eyeshadow in Techno Gold. Be Cleopatra-esque! You can apply this shadow on your eyes to dress up a simple outfit, like a white t-shirt and jeans, or a feminine pastel dress.

Meanwhile, Shimmering Cream Eyeshadow in Purple Dawn would be great with a dark navy or yellow dress. Don't be afraid to try contrasting colors for a high fashion look!

For the lips, Shiseido Shimmering Rouge lipstick in Iced Rose (RS 312) is delicious. This beautiful sorbet-colored lipstick is flying out the door.


Friday, April 13, 2012

Shopping Spy: Marc by Marc Jacobs Necklace

Found it! Collect your thoughts with this eclectic midnight purple Marc by Marc Jacobs collier ($180, 30% off on Shopbop.com). When this popped up up, I had to show and tell.

Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace.


Wear It Two Ways...

You could style this necklace with a sweet lace Dolce & Gabbana dress ($1,195, Net-A-Porter) or pair it with J. Crew's luxe navy tulle swimsuit ($125, J. Crew) for ultra-glam poolside lounging.
Dolce & Gabbana dress.
J. Crew tulle underwire tank swimsuit.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

I Miss Alexys

So I am posting a picture of her from her blog. She is my wonderful friend in L.A. and she turned her hair pink.

Love.

Miss. Her. Too. Her hair is like lightning just like her.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Teen Makeup Look: Easy on the Eyes


Step 1. Impulse and Glance.

Step 2. Darker shadows in this palette.

Step 3. The top shade is Instinct.

If you are looking to try out a new palette, Stila In the Moment  eye shadow palette is really stunning. You can create eye looks in 60 seconds flat and to prove the point, I am going to describe an easy eye look by typing for less than 5 minutes.

Step 1: Eyelids. Apply the lavender shade Impulse across your eyelids. Then, apply the purple shadow Glance to the edges of each eyelid, so a purple smudge goes on the right side on your right eyelid and on the left side of your left eyelid.

Step 2: Crease. Choose one of the darker shadows, such as Whim, a deep copper, or Improve, an inky purple, into the crease above your eyelids for added definition. You also can line the outer corners of your eyes with Whim for a more intense, nighttime look.

Step 3: Highlight. Apply Instinct, a pinkish-platinum shadow, below your eyebrow to make your eyes look larger and open up the look.

Finish with eyeliner for a rock 'n roll edge. Last but not least, follow the words printed on this beautiful makeup palette: "Cherish the beauty of the moment."

***

More Gorgeous Chatter and News

Joshua Schulman is set to begin work as president of Bergdorf Goodman in May. See full story on WWD.com>>

Glee Scoop on E! Online. See full story>>

Smash: Uma Thurman as Marilyn video. See full story on EW.com>>

Afrobella's Favorite Beauty Products>>

Fino File fashion magazine drops today. See full story on NYmag.com>>

Birchbox enters men's grooming. See full story on WWD.com>>

Poster Child

I noticed this sign in the subway the other day for North Shore Animal League America's adoption event at 11 Penn Plaza on Thursday, April 26th. In this poster, Cindi Lauper is dressed to the nines. Observe the perfect red lip. That amazingly coiffed, lightning blonde hair. Those eyebrows. The bombshell double-breasted outfit action. And punk-tough tribal earrings. And adorable animals. Seriously! Live and learn from Cindi.



Thought bubble: "If you don't adopt an animal, you are going to have a problem with ME."

Healthy Eating: Try These Sweet and Awesome Snacks


Many of you have made New Year's resolutions to eat healthier or lose weight, so here are a few ideas for staying on track from my own fridge. I recently picked up groceries at Trader Joe's and have been enjoying eating lighter.

Instead of a custard fruit tart: You can enjoy all the flavors of a fruit tart without the fat by mixing a half a cup of Trader Joe's Triple Berry-O's with roughly four tablespoons of Trader Joe's Low Fat vanilla and banana yoghurt. Triple Berry-O's cereal is chock full of yummy dried strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. This snack will satisfy any sweet tooth, without packing on the pounds.

Instead of a milkshake or a cookie with jam: Try Trader Joe's probiotic Mango Lassi drink. This delectable, creamy mango yogurt drink is very filling and a perfect low fat snack. Also, probiotic yogurt may help prevent breakouts. One bottle contains about 4 portions.

Pears! Crackers! Tea!
Put down the doughnut: Shake off the extra weight by trading in heavy, fried desserts for fruit. Not to be too high on myself, but to quote Ned Flanders, Bartlett pears (see the bag I picked up) are scrum-diddly-umptious. You really will feel very virtuous for eating a pear, an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Skip soda: Trade the fizzy stuff in the can for Trader Joe's pomegranate white tea if you need a little midday pick-me-up beverage. This tea is packed with heart-healthy antioxidants and naturally sweet. You won't need to add sugar.

Avoid white bread: Do not eat Wonder Bread unless you are a robot. Your stomach and body are not built for bleached white food. Pick out multigrain staples, like yummy Trader Joe's multigrain and flax seed crackers. These crackers are yum yum with a dollop of goat cheese. I also like the TJ's spelt bread. As general advice, if a loaf of bread is more processed than Debbie Harry's hair, you can save it for the bomb shelter. It really does not belong inside of you.

Good luck to all my readers who are trying to eat better in 2012! You can do it!

Fashion Don't: Google Augmented Reality Glasses

Maybe in the future, everyone will wear augmented reality glasses. But I am going to wait for the Iris Apfel-style glasses, version 3.0, or perhaps a Google collaboration with Tom Ford before donning any spectacles so decidedly unsexy.

Google shot images of models as part of a design study for augmented reality glasses. These images just go to show you should be a cross between Reese Witherspoon and Rebecca Gayheart in a Noxzema ad to appear even halfway okay in these specs, should they ever reach a manufacturing line. How unfair to mere mortals!

Model for Google's Project Glass. Source: Google.

Rebecca Gayheart in a Noxzema ad.

Reese Witherspoon

Rebecca Gayheart Noxzema Ad video:



In a demo video for Project Glass, the wearer uses his augmented reality glasses to travel roughly six blocks in New York. Might I note the city is on a grid? Haha. Go technology!

Well, if these do catch on like wildfire, you could schmance 'em up with a vintage Courreges dress or bangs down to your nose.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Shopping Spy: Lanvin Dresses

Lanvin dress. Sale price: $1,506 (Original price, $3.765).
This heart-stopping Lanvin satin gown is 60% off in a size 4 on the Outnet.com today. Holy fashion cow and if I could buy it, I would. Also, if you are a size 6, 10 or 12, there's this Lanvin olive-gold camisole dress that is so chic and versatile.
Lanvin camisole dress. Sale price: $805 (Original price, $1,790).
Click here to see the full selection of new Lanvin items on sale at TheOutnet>>

Sea and Be Seen

Need to zap a zit before a hot date?

If you find that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide spot treatments actually don't work for your skin type, you can use some mud like this H&B Dead Sea Purifying mask to dry out a spot instead. I find this particular mask to be too harsh for covering the entire face, especially if your skin is sensitive like mine, but it is excellent for reducing the size of a bump.

Drinking lots and lots of water a few days in advance, as well as licorice tea, can help your skin a ton if you have special plans.

P.S. Today, the mud from my H&B Dead Sea Purifying mask wouldn't come out of the bottle, so I squeezed the tube very hard. My mint green walls were plastered in dark green goo! If this ever happens to you, use a bobby pin instead. Only I could get myself into such a pickle. Ridiculous!

Buy it: Health & Beauty Purifying Mud Mask (retails for $24.99), HBDeadSea.com.

Monday, April 09, 2012

Ring, Ring, Ring: Dr. Brandt FB Chat This Thursday

Will this be you on Thursday when you tune in for Dr. Brandt's Facebook chat?
If you use Dr. Brandt products, you can interact with the skincare guru directly (yes, his real name is Dr. Brandt) on Thursday night for his very first public Facebook chat. This fellow typically commands top dollar for his personal recommendations, so I recommend tuning in for advice.

The chat begins on Thursday, April 13th at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST. You don't even need a phone or a bobbed haircut to connect with him. Don't cha love 2012?

Click here to connect to the Dr. Brandt Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Brandt/115649937827

Taste the Rainbow: Thakoon for NARS Nail Polish Colors

Creative director Francois Nars has partnered with fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul to create six limited edition nail polishes. The Thakoon for NARS polishes ($18 each) are set to launch on May 1. Panichgul, whose dresses are coveted by celebrities and the social set, was inspired by the vivid colors in Indian spice markets.

The polish names are Anardana, a fab azalea pink; Ratin Jot, orchid purple; Amchoor, yellow as bright as a traffic light; Kutki, a sweet powder blue; Koliary, cyan blue; and Lal Mirchi, a steamy Mandarin red. The Lal Mirchi shade will be sold exclusively at the NARS 413 Bleecker Street boutique (um, shopping spree?).

With polishes like these, your nails will look good enough to eat. Just remember not to bite them!

P.S. Plan ahead.  You can bookmark this article and click here on May 1st to purchase a polish or three>>

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Ravishing Rossum

Makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor gave Emmy Rossum a polished, demure look for the Metropolitan Opera premiere of Jules Massenet's "Manon." Sotomayor finds inspiration in classic Hollywood women, such as Audrey Hepburn, and stands out for his ability to allow a woman's real beauty to shine. He also has done makeup for flocks of stunning ladies including Elettra Wiedemann and Juliette Binoche

Emmy Rossum wowed from head to toe.

Her jewel-toned dress was designed by Yves Saint Laurent, which also sponsored the musical evening.

Here are the makeup products he used to create the look.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Teint Radiance N° 4 Sand.  This foundation gives the entire face a luminous quality and perfectly even skin tone.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat N° 3 Light Peach. Touche Eclat is a favorite among beauty experts who adore this concealer's ability to conceal, brighten and highlight with a flick of the hand.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush N° 3 Silky Praline. A marvelous, flexible shade that is just right.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain N° 5 Rouge Vintage. Love those lips!
  • Yves Saint Laurent Ombres Duolumieres N° 35 Soft Brown Duo. Brown shadow helps accentuate the eye's natural color.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking N° 1 Deep Black. Rossum's long, thick eyelashes, with a boost from this mascara, make a sweeping statement.
  • Yves Saint Laurent Effet Faux Cils Longwear Cream Eyeliner N° 1 Deep Black. Black eyeliner adds an extra ounce of glamour for perfect red carpet moments like this one.

Street Style: Go Over the Top

The other night, I spotted this girl with Marni-meets-cyberpunk street style. Slung across her tweedy red and white coat was a boho chic ethnic purse. While she could have paired this with black jeans and looked like anyone else in New York, she raised the bar with electric purple stockings and silver sneakers. And she didn't seem the least bit self-conscious. This was like "obvee" normal for her.

Here's how to get this look in 4 easy steps:

 1. Bust out your red and white vintage coat. This is a darling Marni-esque linen version, perfect for sunny days, available on Etsy for $50.  (Etsy shop owner Katie Acompora knows a good jacket when she sees one.)



2. Drench your legs in a contrasting color. These stockings are $14.99 at ModCloth.


3. Toss on a bag inspired by ethnic bazaars. Blithe & Buoyant tote ($518), sold at Anthropologie.



4. Add Jetsons-esque Nine West silver sneakers ($68 on sale). Or if your style is uber-feminine, you can slip into posh Delman flats ($250) in silver nappa leather. Both shoes are sold on Zappos.com.


I was trying to figure out why her style resonated with me. Now I remember I used to wear a mod jacket from the Champs-Élysées with pink metallic shoes from Canal Street when I studied at UC Berkeley. I guess this stranger and I are like style soulmates. Fashion jinx personal! XOXO!