Wednesday, May 30, 2012

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!

Friday, May 25, 2012

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 While I found some of the material to be outdated or bizarre (do any of you see a manicurist who rubs your hand with mink oil?), there were some quality gems from Catherine Deneuve's makeup artist and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.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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!

Monday, May 21, 2012

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!

Friday, May 18, 2012

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:

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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

Tuesday, May 15, 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!

Monday, May 14, 2012

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.

Friday, May 11, 2012

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!


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Petal Power: Amala Renew Rose Concentrate Rollerball

While the scent of rose is spiritually grounding, it also is very seductive. If you're in a flirtatious mood, a few dabs of Amala Renew Rose Concentrate ($20, ABC Carpet & Home or AmalaBeauty.com) may help stimulate conversation between you and a crush.

And this isn't any ordinary bottle of rose perfume. Essential oils from bergamot, balsam, rosewood and oranges are blended into this centering, uplifting potion. When you feel happy, others around you will too. 


XOXO!

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

NARS Andy Warhol Collection Teaser Video

NARS Cosmetics just posted a shiny, happy video to promote the brand's Andy Warhol collection. Perhaps some of the lipsticks will be named after Brigid and Edie? Well, I will find out when the collection launches in October. Factory girl for Halloween or just staying out late? Just do it. I can't wait.

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Met Gala: Scarlett Johansson's Beauty Look

 At the Met Gala last night, Scarlett Johansson played the part of Hollywood royalty in a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown. Her ideal complexion was complemented by lightly tousled hair, adding a carefree vibe to her sultry style. 

FACE: Scarlett Johansson's doll-like skin appeared fantastic in Dolce&Gabbana Creamy foundation in Bisque.

CHEEKS AND LIPS: For a touch of color, she wore Dolce&Gabbana The Blush Luminous Cheek Color in Delight and Dolce&Gabbana Passion Duo Glow Fusion lipstick in Darling.

EYES: The actress wore Dolce&Gabbana Lengthening Mascara. Her eyes were lined with Intense Eye Crayon in Black and Coffee to accentuate her hazel peepers.

After a colossal record-breaking weekend for The Avengers, the starlet had many reasons to look so pleased and lovely.

Monday, May 07, 2012

Met Gala: Amy Adams Rocks Tarte's Glamazon™ Lipstick in Wild

At the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala,  Amy Adams looked heavenly in a cream Giambattista Valli gown and a standout beauty look. If anything gets my heart thumping, it's a red lip.

Celebrity makeup artist Stephen Sollitto used Tarte's Glamazon™ Pure Performance lipstick in Wild on Adams. The lipstick will be sold exclusively at Sephora starting in July, so mark your calendars. Sollitto said, "I was inspired to transform her into a classic, 'Old Hollywood' movie star." Mission accomplished!

Met Gala: Kate Bosworth and Kirsten Dunst Pose in Vivid Looks

At the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala, Kirsten Dunst looked peachy keen in an elongated silhouette. Meanwhile, Kate Bosworth turned up the heat in a spicy feathered number. Both wore NARS cosmetics to the affair.

Celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who I interviewed last week on Eyeshadow Government, gave Kate Bosworth an edgy look. "We created really glowing skin with a strong matte brow, and matte lip,” said Dubroff. “It's all about the lip!”

Dubroff applied NARS Pure Matte lipstick in Volga to give Kate Bosworth's lips their deep color. For the face, Dubroff used NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30, Penny Lane Cream Blush and Douceur Blush. NARS Douceur blush is a wonderful, flexible shade. It's exciting to see Kate Bosworth taking risks on the red carpet.


Meanwhile, Kirsten Dunst's look was achieved with the help of top makeup artist James Kaliardos. He said, "The look is a nod to the glamour of the 1940s and 1970s. It's pretty, modern, and healthy.” To flatter her lips, Kaliardos used NARS Papua Lip Liner Pencil and Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil. Dunst attended the gala with her designing women friends Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.

Related Link: Celeb Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff Shares Her Beauty Tips

Olivia Wilde Hairdo - Sleek and Sporty

Olivia Wilde's hair surely swept away admirers at the 15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in New York City.  Celebrity hairstylist David Babaii made Wilde's hair looked enviable for this excellent charitable event, which supports breast cancer and ovarian cancer research.
Pure Water Drops with UV protection.

Behind every great woman is a great hairdresser. David Babaii first washed Olivia Wilde's hair using eco-friendly Pure Shampoo and Conditioner from It&ly Hairfashion.

Then, David Babaii applied It&ly Hairfashion's Pure Water Drops with UV protection to protect her lovely tresses from damage by the sun.

After this, he dried her hair using a Revlon Tourmaline Ionic Hair Dryer and a medium-sized round brush to create volume. Then, he played with Olivia Wilde's hair at the front using bobby pins to create a little bump for a fun, retro touch.

Here are a few of tips from David Babaii for maintaining your hair while exercising:
  • Use products that contain UV protection. Your hair also needs this shield. Like your skin, the sun's harmful rays can dry and rob hair of its luster. Not to mention protecting and maintaining your hair color.
  • If hair is short or long, slick back with a small amount of Pure Conditioner massaged into dry hair. 
  • Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is the essential beauty-must for your skin and hair.

Nail Look: Kimono-Inspired Floral


Opposites attract. This true red and turquoise blue nail polish combo is sure to energize your look and draw cool people to you.

My nails now remind me of the pattern on a silk kimono. And it only took 5 minutes to add blue floral details.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Begin with a basic coat of your favorite ruby-hued lacquer. I'm wearing Essie nail polish in A List. Allow to dry. Then, using a Sally Hansen nail art pen in bright blue, start drawing daisy petals in the bottom right and top left corner of your nails. Soon, you will be tapping that keyboard with super-divine style.


Saturday, May 05, 2012

The Bumbys Score Eyeshadow Government + What I Wore

Yesterday, the eccentric duo The Bumbys turned up at Sephora in SoHo to help ring in the store's lovely new look. But who are they? The Bumbys are two renegade fashion critics who wear masks over their faces and write little stories about what you might be wearing that day as well as...a score. They are invariably a hit at various fashion parties in New York. Here's my assessment:


The Bumbys are tough critics, so my 9.4 is very decent. I was wearing a light pink Barneys shift dress, a Jil Sander for Uniqlo blazer, black leggings and ballet flats. For makeup, I wore Laura Mercier tinted foundation and NARS blush in Liberté.  

After the assessment, I celebrated my excellent fashion sensibility by picking up my favorite fancy cheese at Dean & Deluca and a new pair of leggings.

Scroll down to read more beauty tips from the Sephora party in SoHo!