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!

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.

New York Fashion Week Beauty: Natural Pleasures

These two models at NYFW Fall 2012 collections have very simple, alluring makeup looks. At Ralph Lauren, Redken consultant Guido Paolo pulled hair back into stylish ponytails. Makeup artist Tom Pecheux gave the Ralph models a very natural face that allowed their distinctive features to shine.

A smudge of grey eyeshadow make this model's blue eyes pop.

Model at Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 Collection

Also, a bit of Eyeshadow Government advice: To get skin that looks fresh and young in the wintertime, apply moisturizer before washing your face. Avène Cleanance soapless gel cleanser is great for all skin types. Then, after washing your face, apply more moisturizer and pure rose hip seed oil for brighter, luminous skin.

Model at Jill Stuart Fall 2012 runway show.

At Jill Stuart, the girls had folk singer hair with their high fashion looks.  Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? Stuart cited Nick Cave's lovers as an influence for the show, although I respectfully decline to name them. (Because I worship them.) Beautiful, wavy tresses with a slightly rough edge by French hairstylist Odile Gilbert complimented the designer's ensembles. Also, off topic, I suppose it is a bit funny that at New York Fashion Week, models are groomed to appear messy, but I think there truly is an art to this work.

Most of the models rocked purple eyelids, but this model's eye makeup appears more grey. To recreate this smoky eye look, simply brush Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Slate across your lids and with a thin brush, line the shadow all along your lower lid as well. Skip lipstick and just dab on Carmex to make your lips appear plump.

Air kisses to all my readers! Take a lesson from these beauty looks and remember, you look amazing just the way you are.

Gosh, You're Gorgeous: 6-Step Classic Beauty Look

Hello dearies,

If your taste is classic and maybe even a bit old-fashioned, this makeup tutorial is for you. It's romantic and reminds me of springtime in Paris.

LIPS
Get lips to long for with YSL Rouge Couture lipstick in Beige Etrusque ($30). This classic, beige-pink shade is very sophisticated and pretty.  (Expert Tip: Start with the lips because if you put on lipstick first, you usually will find that you end up using a touch less foundation and blush overall.)

PRIME THE SKIN
 Next, squeeze a few drops of Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time foundation primer ($21, Sephora) into the palm of your hands, and spread it across your face with your fingertips.

FOUNDATION
Apply a layer of YSL Teint Radiance SPF 20 foundation in Opal. (MAC and Nars both offer excellent options for gals with darker skintones.) This foundation has a beautiful, porcelain-like texture, and effectively covers uneven areas and redness.  You can use a foundation brush to distribute a thin layer evenly across your face.

BRIGHTEN AND TREAT 
Dab Ole Henriksen Truth Serum ($48, Sephora) on your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Allow the serum to set in for a minute. I know most people wear serums underneath makeup, but live it up! Serums can take your makeup look from a basic matte to a "Hollywood glow" in seconds.

BLUSH
Rub a pinch of Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in powder pink ($22, Sephora) on your cheeks for stunning results.

MASCARA
Finish with your go-to mascara. Mine is Armani "Eyes to Kill" lately (scroll down to read my post). What's yours?

MORE ON EYESHADOW GOVERNMENT

Maria Cornejo Talks Fashion and Beauty at Japan Fundraiser

On My Shopping List: Bobbi Brown Rose Berry Lipstick

Richard Chai Opens Up

Beauty Trend: Happy Water Color Nails

Reading Rainbow: Tavi, Apple + Mac Sitting in a Tree, Hexa by Kuho

Stay updated on Facebook and Twitter, XOX.

Hodgepodge: San Francisco, Montreal, and London

Vanity Fair interviewed Bobbi Brown, who advises "Sometimes when you are stressed, a glass of red wine and some chocolate can be the best beauty regime." Click here to read the full interview.

For all those who are chilling in my hometown San Francisco, hipster clothing label Built by Wendy is having a spring sample sale with items up to 75% off. The sale begins tomorrow. The details: 3520 20th Street between Mission/Valencia, Friday and Saturday (both days, 11 am - 6pm), Sunday (12 pm - 8 pm), store # 415 824-1582.

Kate Moss has a new Starlight charity t-shirt she's selling through her line for Topshop. And I found these Topshop shoes by Paco Gil (see below) toooo irresistible.

The Gazette talks beauty with YSL makeup adviser Val Garland, who also does Kate Moss' makeup, backstage in Montreal.



New Yorkers have been a little resistant to this season's trend for red and pink lips, but not so in London. At the Jean Paul Gaultier party on June 4th and other London clubs, all types of party girls had brighter-than-thou lips.








(Photo source: www.dirtydancing.com, Alistair Alan)

Bobbi Brown Almost Bare Perfume and Dresses in Every Color

It takes a lot to get me to trill over a perfume, but I've really been appreciating my sample of Bobbi Brown's fragrance, Almost Bare. The perfume is a feminine, light bouquet. The blend of bergamot and jasmine notes are relaxing in mood, and never too girlish. This perfume is just right for a weekend, a June bridal shower, or even a nice lunch.
While we're at it, here are a few, cute lightweight numbers to hop around town in....

Dresses (from top left, clockwise): Oscar de la Renta Taffeta Embroidered Dress ($5,990, Net-a-porter), Vanessa Bruno Knot-Front Dress ($449, Net-a-porter), Lela Rose Taffeta Tank Dress ($625, Net-a-porter), Marni 'Fleur' print short sleeve dress ($975, www.marni.com) , Tiffany's Charm bracelet ($425 charm, $1,500 link clasp bracelet in 18K gold, Tiffany)

Air kisses,
Charlotte