SPRING COLOR BURST: Get This Season's Brightest Runway Looks With a Little Help From Your Friends at Cosmetique!

Color!  Color!  Color!  The spring runways across the globe were all a-glow with this season's hottest hues.  From Marc Jacobs to Gianfranco Ferre, the world is ready for spring and is letting loose with everything from prim pastels to beguiling bronzes.  Need a little inspiration (and maybe some instruction...  Hello!?!?)  Never fear:  Here are my favorite makeup looks straight off the hottest runways in Paris, London, Milan and New York... AND what you need to get them!


The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Cool-Toned Eyes in Pink, Plum and Navy
As Seen At:  Chris Benz, Giorgio Armani and Gianfranco Ferre

Photos Courtesy of Blog.beautylish.com

Pair It With:  Barely-There Blush and Pale Pink Lips


Get the Look:  Our Jean-Michelle Springtime in Paris Collection (Jean-Michelle 6-piece Color Collection in Pink)  includes a palette of 4 of the silkiest, icy-cool shadows in the most beautiful shades imaginable!  Use the lighter shades for soft, pastel-y daytime looks or go for all-out evening drama by layering the rich plum and navy.  Don't forget to define and enhance lashes with our never-needs-to-be-sharpened eye liner and luxe black mascara.  This specially-priced collection also includes a soft pink lipstick to drench your lips in moisturizing color and a coordinating nail polish for the complete runway look!

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Sun-Drenched Eyes and Skin with Warm Russet-Red Lips
As Seen At:  Marc Jacobs

Photo Courtesy of Blog.beautylish.com

Pair It With:  Black Mascara and Matching Russet-Red Nails


Get the Look:  Begin by warming eye lids, cheekbones and temples with our easy-to-blend, skin-perfecting Sistina Tuscan Sun Contour Wand.  Coat lashes thoroughly with an ultra-black, lengthening formula like Sistina Mascara Maxima in Mezzanotte Black.  Accent lips and nails with this season's high-impact orange-y hues.  For luscious, look-at-me lips and an attention-grabbing manicure, try Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Russet Red and Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Enamel in Bronzino.  Bellisima!

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Blood-Red Nails

As Seen At:  Christian Dior

Photo Courtesy of Ilovemanicures.info

Pair It With:  Understated Neutrals

Get the Look:  If you're the type to "make an entrance," let your hands do the talking with this season's hottest hue!  Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Enamel in Red Glorioso has all the warmth and sparkle to make a splash this spring.  If you like the idea of red nails, but want a subtler statement, try one of the more muted, blue-based reds like Madeleine Mono Nail Enamel in Raven Red or Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel in Red Glace.  No matter what shade of red you choose, be sure to keep nails short and oval to avoid looking like a character from Dynasty. 

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Coral Lips
As Seen At: Fendi

Photo Courtesy of Allure.com

Pair It With:  Soft, Undone Hair 


Get the Look:  One of this season's easiest-to-execute statements, the strong coral lip is all you need to get a finished spring look.  For the most polished take on this season's trend, begin by defining lips with a warm, neutral lip liner.  Follow with an opaque coral lipstick applied directly from the tube.  For added shine, apply a lip gloss in a coordinating shade to center of lips only.  Our Jean-Michelle Moisture-Riche Lip Set in Coral includes all 3 products in 1 specially-priced collection for the perfect "runway" effect.

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Soft Smoky Eyes in Rich Bronze, Copper and Gold
As Seen At:  Blumarine

Photo Courtesy of Makeupforlife.net

Pair It With: Subtle Bronze-y Lips


Get the Look:  Sky's the limit with this one!  Use any combination of shadows from our Diandra Urban Chic Multi Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Sensations and you will have nailed this look right on the head.  From soft, disco-inspired golds and coppers to sultry bronzes and dark browns, this season's smoky eye allows you the utmost freedom of expression.  Take it from day to night with the addition of the black shadow along upper and lower lash lines and at outer corners of eyes.  Accent lips and nails with perfectly coordinated shades of soft bronze.  Try Diandra Nail Color in Mocha Frost and Diandra Color Shine Slimline Lipstick in Maple Sugar to complete the look.

There you have it ladies, the 5 hottest color trends, brought to you directly from the most glamorous runways in the world.  Now, you have all the knowledge you need to experience this spring in TECHNICOLOR... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!  

Spring Color Explosion: Shake up your Makeup with Oscar 2011's Hottest Hues



Photo Courtesy of Chosun.com

Los Angeles was all aglow last Sunday, February 27th as today's hottest movie stars filed down the red carpet and into The Kodak Theater in Hollywood for The 83rd Annual Academy Awards.  In my opinion, the show has become a bit on the slow (and long) side as of late, however, nothing (seriously, NOTHING) gets in the way of my fashion critique and rapid-fire questions as the stars walk the infamous red carpet: 

"What are they wearing?"

"Who are they wearing?"

"How are they wearing it?" 

"Do I like it?" 

"...AND, WHERE CAN I GET SOME?"

While the haute couture of movie stars may be out of my reach for now, this does not stop me from using Oscar fashion to inspire everything from my wardrobe and makeup, to my home decorating and accessories.  To help inspire you, I've put together some of the HOTTEST HUES seen at the awards show along with tips on how you can use them to SHAKE UP YOUR MAKEUP for spring!  

The HOT Hue:  Sizzling Scarlet

The Designer:  Valentino

As seen on: Anne Hathaway 

Photo Courtesy of Gossipcop.com

Shake up your Makeup:  Try this scintillating shade on lips and nails for the ultimate accent to a neutral palette.  

To get red-hot hands, apply 2 coats of a high-shine nail lacquer like Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel in Red Glace to short, oval-shaped nails.  Follow with a clear top coat for longer wear and added shine.

  

Achieve a super-sexy coordinating lip look by applying a rich scarlet lip color like Diandra Super Moist Hydrating Lipstick in Red Frost, straight from the tube.  Blot and finish by dabbing a bit more color onto the center of lips using your ring finger.

The HOT Hue:  Shimmering Silver

The Designer:  Calvin Klein 

As seen on:  Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo Courtesy of Hollywoodlife.com

Shake up your Makeup:  Lighten and brighten those peepers this spring with a healthy dose of eye-opening silver.  

Make eyes positively gleam by applying a light, shimmering silver shadow to center of lids and inner corners of eyes.  Accent outer corners and lower lash lines with a deep charcoal powder shadow for the ultimate drama.  Too Faced Duo Shadow in Ooh & Aah has just the shades you need for easy execution.  Finish with 2 coats of black mascara applied to upper lashes only. 

The HOT Hue: Smoldering Sapphire

The Designer:  L'Wren Scott

As seen on: Amy Adams

Photo Courtesy of Hollywoodreporter.com

Shake up your Makeup:  Accent eyes with this sophisticated, universally-flattering shade of  midnight blue.

Create eyes that smolder by using an eye liner in this hot hue to define upper and lower lash lines.  For all-out glamour, apply liner to water line (area just inside lashes) on top and bottom as well.  Try Pur Minerals Mineral Eye-Defining Pencil with Smudger in Midnight Sapphire for an easy-to-apply, long-wearing look.  Use the smudger if you want a smoky, dramatic evening eye.  For daytime, keep liner clean and well-defined.  Make sapphire liner pop by doing the rest of your makeup in warm, neutral shades like gold, peach and soft brown. 

The HOT Hue:  Pale Lavender

The Designer:  Elie Saab

As seen on:  Mila Kunis

Photo Courtesy of Hollywoodlife.com

Shake up your Makeup:  Modernize your look and add interest to tired eyes with a sweep of cool lavender.

Perk up those peepers with a wash of pale lavender shadow applied to eyelids only, stopping at the crease.  Try Cinema Beaute Sparkle Eyes in Vampy Violet for brilliant shimmer and shine.  This is an ultra-flattering shade for just the perfect pop of eye-brightening color!  If you're feelin' frisky, wet shadow and apply just underneath bottom lashes, too.  For extra impact and staying power, prep lids with a silicone-based primer like Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  

The HOT Hue:  Vibrant Plum

The Designer:  Rodarte

The Actress:  Natalie Portman

Photo Courtesy of Stylebistro.com

Shake up your Makeup:  Give your tried and true smoky eyes an update with this amped-up shade of plum.

Create a softer, more modern smoky eye by using this vibrant shade of plum for depth and definition, rather than black or gray.  Achieve the look in moments by sweeping a deep, glistening plum shadow across lids, beginning at the lash line and blending upward into the crease of the eye.  Next, use a small brush like Japonesque's Small Eye Detailer Brush to apply the plum shade under your lower lashes, as well.  Try a palette like our Jean-Michelle Collage Eyeshadow Trio in Rose Fresque which comes with 3 coordinating shades.  Use the pale pink to highlight brow bones and inner corners of eyes.  Keep lips and cheeks ultra-soft using pale pink, plum or lavender.  

Alright ladies, ready to get gorgeous?  Take a tip from this year's biggest movie stars, and incorporate some color into your beauty routine this season.  From shocking brights to feminine pastels, brilliant color is ALL THE RAGE for spring!  I said it once and I'll say it again:  It's time to SHAKE UP YOUR MAKEUP...  With some celebrity inspiration...  And a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

5 HOT Spa Treatments You Can Do At Home

The most popular spa treatments can rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit and make you look and feel like a whole new you.  "BUT, what if regular spa visits don't fit into my schedule and budget?" you ask.  To that I say: "NO PROBLEM!"   We're running down 5 of the HOTTEST spa treatments, and showing you how to achieve spa-quality results in your very own home.  ARE YOU WITH ME?

The Treatment:  Spa Manicure/Pedicure

Photo Courtesy of Freespiritskincare.com

The Basics: A spa mani/pedi is the cornerstone to any good beauty routine.  Research has shown that one of the first things people notice about you is your hands!  The professional treatment includes a warm soapy soak for hands and feet, exfoliation, nail and cuticle grooming, skin conditioning and polish, of course!


Do it at home:  If you're a penny-saving gal on the go (like the rest of us) you can get salon results at home!  Simply soak feet and hands in a warm soapy bath and use an exfoliating foot scrub (very gently on hands, more vigorously on feet) to remove dull, dry skin.  While hands and feet are still damp, gently push back cuticles (don't clip them!) and apply a rich conditioning cream like Madeleine Mono Hand and Cuticle Repair Cream to both feet and hands.  File nails to your desired shape with a nail file.  Before polishing, be sure to use either rubbing alcohol or polish remover with a cotton pad to clean nails (if you don't, polish will peel sooner).  Follow with the nail polish of your choice.  I like Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel because it dries to a brilliant shine and comes in so many awesome colors! 

The Treatment:  Anti-Aging Facial

Photo Courtesy of Godonyc.com

The Basics: A professional anti-aging facial typically includes a mild exfoliation, deep hydration and a firming treatment for face and eyes.

Get it at home:  Murad Resurgence Renewal Home Facial Kit includes everything you need to begin your journey towards younger-looking skin!  Advanced collagen building technology boosts elasticity and resilience to reduce the appearance of medium to deep wrinkles while gentle exfoliators clear skin of dullness and stimulate cellular turnover.  Luxurious, lasting hydration helps to restore suppleness, texture and tone.  This do-it-yourself miracle-in-a-box also comes with Murad's Firming and Hydrating Eye Gel Mask to lift and plump your delicate eye area while reducing signs of under-eye damage.  Begin with well-cleansed skin.  Click here to view our fabulous selection of cleansers!  I also like to follow this restorative treatment with a rich moisturizer to help lock in all that fabulous hydration!  

The Treatment:  Hydrating Body Wrap

Photo Courtesy of Hawaiianexperiencespa.com

The Basics:  This ultra-relaxing spa treat typically includes a nice, warm shower followed by an ultra-hydrating cream or oil applied to the body.  Once applied, the spa technician/esthetician will wrap the client in a cellophane or plastic wrap to lock in the hydrating effects.  Once "wrapped," you will lay down and relax in a warm steamy room while the moisture penetrates skin with the help of the wrap and steam.  Afterwards, they have you take a quick rinse in a cool shower and send you on your way!


Get it at home:  Before you begin... Grab an extra large garbage bag (the lawn and garden ones are best because they're HUGE), and cut the seam off of the bottom. Next, cut up one side so you are left with a large, flat plastic sheet.  Bring this into the bathroom with you along with a large cushy blanket or comforter.  Now, jump into a warm shower for about 5 minutes.  Be sure to keep your bathroom door closed to create a spa-like "steam room."  While skin is still damp, liberally apply a rich, hydrating body cream like Garden Botanika Pomegranate Wine Body Butter, to your entire body - don't forget hands and feet, ladies!  After laying your blanket or comforter on the floor for warmth and comfort, center your pre-cut plastic sheet over the blanket.  Now, lay down in the middle and wrap the plastic sheet over your body AVOIDING YOUR FACE AND NECK!  Pull the blanket up around you, too, over the plastic sheet.  Relax in your little "cocoon" for 20 minutes.  When done, gently unwrap yourself and take a quick rinse in a cool shower, patting - not rubbing yourself dry.  Et Voila!  You are a beautiful, glowing butterfly!

The Treatment:  Exfoliating Body Glow

Photo Courtesy of Evaspa.com

The Basics:  A quick warm shower is followed by an exfoliating body scrub applied to your entire body.  The spa professional will then massage the scrub over your entire body to remove dull skin.  This treatment is usually followed by a quick, cool shower.  You will see fresher, newer skin exposed immediately!  Even better results can be achieved by getting this done regularly.


Get it at home:  Hop into a warm shower and wet your entire body.  Turn off the shower, but stay in there!  Apply a generous amount of an exfoliating body scrub like Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Whipped Body Buffer to every inch of skin - avoiding face and neck.  I especially like this scrub because of it's natural exfoliants (Colloidal Oatmeal and Walnut Shell Powder), and its invigorating, minty scent.  Bonus?  This stuff DOES NOT leave an oily film on your skin OR in your shower!  Massage your entire body using light to medium pressure and circular motions.  You should do this for 5-10 minutes.  If you have sensitive skin, use very gentle pressure and shorten the duration of your massage.  Now that you're a big, scrubby mess, turn the shower on (use lukewarm to cool water as it's better for your skin), and rinse the scrub thoroughly.  Follow your exfoliation by gently patting yourself dry with a towel.  Finish by applying your favorite body lotion! 

The Treatment:  Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Photo Courtesy of Wellsphere.com

The Basics:  A salon professional will wet hair and apply a deep conditioning treatment root to tip.  They then wrap the hair with cellophane and apply light heat to help the conditioning treatment penetrate the hair shaft.  Now, you sit for 10-15 minutes.  When done, the professional will thoroughly rinse the hair and send you packing!


Get it at home:  Wet hair throughly in your shower or sink.  GENTLY, wring any excess moisture from the hair and blot with a bath towel.  Now, apply a rich conditioner like H20 Plus Marine Collagen Conditioner which contains marine botanicals and amino acids to increase volume, luster and manageability, from roots to tips.  Gather hair on top of your head and cover with cellophane, avoiding your face, then wrap with a towel.  Use your blow dryer on low to warm the whole thing up a bit.  Relax for 15, then rinse completely and enjoy your shiny, lustrous locks!

There they are folks - with fool-proof, DIY instructions.  Get relaxed and glowing just in time for spring with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique.  Enjoy!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Madeleine Mono Ultimate Beauty Try-Me Kit

Gifts!  Gifts!  And more gifts!  Last-minute shopping, here I come!  I promised I would keep giving you gift ideas, and I am a true to my word.  The Madeleine Mono Ultimate Beauty Try-Me Kit is the ULTIMATE collection of Madeleine Mono cosmetics.  It makes the perfect gift for all your favorite makeup junkies!

The Big Picture:

This collection contains all the Madeleine Mono favorites, sure to delight any makeup lover!  Beautify eyes, skin, lips and nails with this specially-priced collection.

The Details:

This amazing set contains the following items:

Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Eyeshadow Collection - What fun! This gorgeous collection has nine fabulous colors designed to complement every eye color, every skin tone, everything in your wardrobe. Viva, Diva!

Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder - Add a lit-from-within glow with this multi-dimensional compact. This unique luminizing finishing powder helps to diminish the look of imperfections and add a subtle, wearable, sunlit radiance to your skin. Swirl all of the shades together with the included brush, or enhance your skin one shade at a time. They all work with every skin tone, and will have you glowing in no time!

Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Duo Lipliner - With both a cool and warm shade, simply flip the crayon over to match any lipcolor. For perfectly defined, full and beautiful lips, draw along the lip line and gently blend just before applying your favorite lipcolor.

Madeleine Mono Color Plus Lipstick & Frost - Let this innovative trio (one bullet in the shade of your choice, and one split bullet with two frosts) indulge your lips with a coat of rich, conditioning, bold and beautiful color. Add a lighthearted pearlescent finish with the silver side or double the drama with a gleam of gold. Create your own custom colors every day.

Madeleine Mono Hand & Cuticle Repair Cream - With a fresh citrus scent, this amazing cream provides refreshing, soothing moisture to your hands. Massaged gently into your cuticles, its quick-penetrating moisture provides a protective layer to help guard against dryness while it leaves your cuticles soft and supple and your hands silky smooth.

Madeleine Mono Nail Strengthener - Apply Madeleine Mono Nail Strengthener alone or under your favorite nail color. This super-hard nail strengthener can be worn as a base coat or a top coat and it protects your beautiful manicure with a brilliant, lasting shine.

And, there you have it...  For only $29.50, you can give your favorite makeup-lover their dream gift - a little bit of everything they need to get gorgeous this season!











Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream

As it gets colder outside, you will notice that your skin feels and appears more dry than it did over the steamier summer months.  Frequent hand washing, cold air and decreased humidity can wreak havoc on delicate hands and nails.  Since your hands are the first thing to show your age, it is imperative that you pay them a little extra attention as the weather gets colder.  September is all about the onset of fall here at Cosmetique, so I've decided to spotlight a favorite product of mine that is perfect for the rapidly dropping temperatures.

This brings us to my favorite, award-winning hand (and nail) cream.  H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream improves the condition of hands, nails and cuticles each time you use it.  I like to keep it by the sink so I can apply it after every time I wash my hands...

Winner!  Allure Editors' Choice Award for Best Hand Cream! This lightweight, non-greasy treatment helps relieve cracking, dryness and redness. Silk protein and vitamin E help nourish nails and cuticles while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect hands from environmental exposure.  Hydrating seaweed extracts moisturize and soften hands.   

So if you're in the market for a hand cream that does it all, give this multi-tasking superstar a try!

Fall's Hottest Nail Polish Trends

Photo Courtesy of Fashionista101.com

Fall is in the air once again!  Soon, temperatures will start dropping and the leaves will begin to change.  Who doesn't love autumn?  With it's gorgeous colors, invigorating weather and all the football you can handle, it is definitely one of my favorite times of year. 

The other fun thing about fall is the fashion.  Colors deepen, fabrics grow heavier, and makeup becomes more dramatic...

One thing I love to experiment with is my nails.  It's such a small committment with such great payoff!  Having trendy well-manicured nails makes me feel better through and through.  Call me shallow, but it's the truth.  The nail colors for this fall really appeal to me, from the deep burgundies to the soft neutrals, there is something special for everyone this season.  And the top 2010 nail polish trends are... drum roll please...

METALLICS

These are fantastic because you can choose just how metallic you're willing to go.  From gunmetal to glistening nudes, this a trend everyone should try!  Some great metallics:

Madeleine Mono Nail Enamel in Bronzed Goddess... this beautiful, earthy shade packs a pretty, shimmery punch. 

 Or, if you're more of nude-girl, try Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Polish in Gisella.  It is an absolutely brilliant, glittering nude.  

WARM AUTUMNAL SHADES

These are great because they are reminiscent of warm fires, changing leaves, and hot cider.  These shades are appropriate for everyone and are a great accent piece for all your fall fashions.  Try Cadette Ready, Set, Go Nail Color in Maritime Mocha for a rich, warm bronze...

Or Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Polish in Michelangelo Red for a fiery, burnt crimson, sure to make a statement.

JEWEL TONES

These fantastic shades are always popular when the cold weather comes around because they are just so beautiful, and timeless.  They look great on women of every age and lend an air of elegant sophistication to any look.  Good ones to try?  Diandra Nail Color in Ruby Kiss is everything a jewel-toned nail polish should be.  It is a deep, multi-faceted red with long-lasting shine. 

If you prefer cooler shades, try Sara St. James Easy Color Nail Enamel in Classic Plum. 

NEUTRALS

Always en vogue, these understated, go-anywhere, do-anything shades are the epitome of subtle chic.  They go with whatever you happen to be wearing and are essentially seasonless.  Looking for a good one?  Try Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel in Pearl...

Or Arabella Stuart Nail Silk in Pearl Luster.  Both are lovely, light neutrals that pair well with whatever you've got in your closet!

Now remember, in order to show off these hot new shades to their best advantage, you need soft, well-moisturized hands and cuticles.  May I suggest H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream?  This is a highly moisturizing formula sure to bring out the very best in whatever nail color you choose!