EARLY WARNING: May 8th is Just Around the Corner... Shop Our Mother's Day Gift Guide Now!

Ah, Mother’s Day…a time to celebrate the woman who gave you life, raised and nurtured you from birth and helped to shape you into the person you are today. It’s typically a low-stress holiday once it arrives, but every year, panic begins to set in before the holiday as I frantically try to figure out what to get for the most important woman in my life. If you’re anything like me, you wait until the last minute and end up harried and disappointed with your gift selection.

In an attempt to alleviate some of this pre-Mother’s Day stress, I've started early and put together a list of my top Mother’s Day gift ideas, so we can all relax this year and know that we’ve gotten Mom something she’ll truly love. I’ve categorized my selections by Makeup, Skin Care, Bath & Body, and Fragrance, so no matter what your Mom is in to, you’re sure to find just the perfect thing!

Makeup

If Mom’s a makeup maven, she’ll love one of these specially packaged sets!

Cosmetique Beauty Boutique Blockbuster – For the Mother who appreciates choices, this palette has every color imaginable for a glamorous, customized makeup look she’ll love!

Sistina Italian Riviera Collection - Mother-Daughter trip to the Mediterranean not in your spring budget?  Give Mom the glamour and sophistication of the Italian Riviera with our sleek, sunny new collection - perfect for summer!

Pur Minerals Heavenly Delights - Delight your mother with this heavenly collection of complexion-flattering, feature-enhancing shades - brush included!

Skin Care

Give your Mom the gift of beautiful skin with one of these elegant skin care collections.

Energie Vitale Spa Skin Care Collection – This is the ultimate gift for the skin-obsessed! It is a complete skin care system designed to cleanse, purify, and fight the signs of aging with a potent cocktail of active ingredients.

Murad Evening Renewal Regimen – This kit from Murad includes everything your Mom needs to cleanse, tone, hydrate, and firm her way to perfect skin. How could she not love this?!?!

Princess Livia Royal Treats Skin Care Collection - Give Mom's skin (and nails!) the royal treatment with this collection of our best-loved products featuring the wonder-ingredient, bee pollen!  Plus, as an added bonus, she'll get her very own Princess Livia Miracle Grow Nail Treatment. 

Bath and Body

Help Mom to relax and unwind with these aromatic gifts for bath and body.

Arabella Stuart Belle Fleur Bath and Body Set – This includes everything your Mom needs to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize her skin. The bath gel and moisturizer are delicately scented with Bergamot, Gardenia, Sandalwood and Musk, so Mom will enjoy her gift all day long.

Sara St. James Country Classics Set – Give your Mom a little hint of the relaxing countryside with this classic set. It includes a foaming shower gel, an exfoliating puff, and a light, natural fragrance.

Zents "SUN" Solid Perfume Balm - Soothing and enlivening like the warmth of a mother's love, this solid perfume balm is a blend of aromatherapeutic essential oils in a shea butter and beeswax base.  This heavenly fragrance balm can be used at pulse points, to condition dry areas like cuticles, elbows and knees, and as a shine-enhancing, conditioning pomade for hair.

Fragrance

If your mother's a fragrance fashionista, delight her olfactory sense with the gift of perfume! 

A Woman’s Touch Perfume Collection – The perfect woman’s touch! Give your Mom a lift with this trio of delightful fragrances.

Couture Creations – Let your Mother be the head-turner she was meant to be with this three-piece collection of dramatic scents.

Missoni Eau de Parfum - This sun-drenched fragrance combines notes of Bergamot, Mandarin, Chocolate, Amber, Peony, Rose and Persimmon. The sublime blend captures the luxe sensuality of an Italian resort getaway...  Send Mom on vacation this May!

Those are my top picks for a Mother’s Day gift sure to bring a smile to any Mother’s face.  Do you have an idea for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  Share it by leaving a comment.  Also, be sure to check our website http://www.cosmetique.com/ for even more great gift ideas for Mom!

Don't forget to also check Facebook, and Twitter for details on our super-exciting, super-secret April Fool's Day Deal (hint: you get something for FREE!) - the perfect motivation to get that gift shopping done early!  Make this your best Mother's Day ever...  With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

STOP THE (MARCH) MADNESS: 5 Beauty Blunders to Banish This Spring PLUS Quick Fixes and Expert Picks!

Spring is a time of awakening... rebirth... and BANISHING THOSE BAD BEAUTY HABITS!  Make this the month you stop the (MARCH) madness and start avoiding these classic blunders.  Read on for our list of the 5 biggest makeup mistakes a girl can make, and our expert advice and product recommendations for changing those habits for good.  Get a jump on gorgeous this spring... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!


BEAUTY BLUNDER #1 :  Applying your makeup with dirty brushes...

Photo Courtesy of Japonesque.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Using dirty brushes to apply makeup means you're transferring bacteria, dirt and pore-clogging oils onto your skin every time you use them!  This can cause acne, dullness and premature aging of the skin.  It's also bad for your brushes!

QUICK FIX:  Use a gentle hair shampoo to lather up brushes once a week.  Be sure to massage bristles from base to tip, and rinse thoroughly.  Reshape brushes and allow to dry flat on a clean paper towel.  Don't you just feel better?

EXPERT PICK:  Try Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Shampoo for a refreshing scent and luxe lather that conditions as it cleanses.

BEAUTY BLUNDER #2:  Poorly-blended foundation...

Photo Courtesy of Isabellagucci.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Poorly-blended foundation sets the stage for poorly-applied makeup!  Just as an artist begins with a perfectly primed canvas, applying your foundation like a pro will ensure an even, smooth surface on which to perform your magic.  


QUICK FIX:  For expertly-blended foundation with no streaks, caking or mask-like lines at the jaw, ear and forehead, choose a natural-looking, semi-sheer foundation with a brush applicator.  The lightweight formula and brush application allow for perfectly-natural, perfectly-YOU coverage, with no tell-tale lines or streaking.  Tap a damp sponge over foundation after application to blend and remove any excess product.  Step back and take a look in the mirror... OMG!  It's Complexion Perfection!!!


EXPERT PICK :  Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation has a built-in brush and delivers light-diffusing, skin-perfecting coverage for perfectly natural-looking skin!

BEAUTY BLUNDER #3:  Skipping the eyelash curler...

Photo Courtesy of Health-beauty-tips.org

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Uncurled lashes appear shorter and make your eyes look smaller and less awake.  Curled lashes look longer and fuller, and give eyes a well-rested, alert appearance.  Because curled lashes allow more light into the eye area, eyes appear brighter and sparklier!  What girl can say no to that?!?!


QUICK FIX:  Use a high-quality, stainless steel eyelash curler with a no-stick silicone pad to curl lashes at the base, mid-way point,  and tips for eye-opening lashes that look ultra-long and flirty!  Be sure to follow with mascara for maximum impact.

EXPERT PICK:  Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler creates dramatic, uniform curl with no sticking, clumping or pinching.  

BEAUTY BLUNDER #4:  Too-Nude Lips...

Photo Courtesy of Prettyobsessed.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  While rich, warm nudes can lend subtle sophistication to an otherwise edgy, smoky eye;  too-nude, too-light lips can sap skin of vital color and make the complexion look sallow and ashy.

QUICK FIX:  Banish lackluster lips and embrace this season's hottest trend!  A shade which flatters many women AND is appropriate for all ages, coral is THE color for lips this spring.  A moisturizing, color-rich lipstick formula ensures high-impact, lip-loving pigments that last and last.  Be sure to choose a shade appropriate for your skin tone.  Fairer-skinned gals should stick with pinkish hues while those with deeper skin tones can experiment with bolder, warmer shades.

EXPERT PICK:  For a stay-true, stay-put lip color in a universally-flattering shade of this season's hottest hue, try Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Mandarino Coral. 

BEAUTY BLUNDER #5:  Heading to bed without washing your face...

Photo Courtesy of Collegecures.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Leaving makeup, dirt and oil on your face while you sleep clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can exacerbate acne conditions, cause eye infections, and leave skin looking dull.  What's more, by not cleansing skin properly before bed, you allow the free radicals from the day to sit on skin overnight, potentially contributing to cell damage and premature aging.

QUICK FIX:  First remove eye makeup and lip products using a makeup remover designed especially for those delicate areas.  Now, using circular motions, massage a gentle cleansing gel onto wet skin for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities without drying your complexion.  Be sure to rinse cleanser off thoroughly with water and pat dry.

EXPERT PICK(S):  Beat hard-to-remove eye and lip colors with Arabella Stuart Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips.  Follow with Princess Livia Gentle Cleansing Gel with Bee Pollen to unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities.  

   

There you have it ladies, our expert tips and recommendations to help you banish beauty blunders for good.  Don't forget to check out the rest of our blog @ http://www.cosmetiqueblog.com/, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter(@CosmetiqueUS) for all sorts of tips, tricks, trends and more! 

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Jean-Michelle Lip Couleur Liquide

By now, you've probably heard that the word this spring is COLOR.  Runway fashion is characterized by wild color combinations and daring color-block prints.  Makeup is vibrant and incorporates the same bright hues.  The color trends we've discussed on Facebook, Twitter and the blog include: sophisticated, blood-red nails, striking coral lips, cool pastel eyes and burnished bronzes for eyes, lips and cheeks.  But, what if color is just not your thing?  Perhaps, like the rest of us, you feel silly stealing looks directly from the runway and are looking for a more subtle interpretation of the season's trends... 

Enter Jean-Michelle Lip Couleur Liquide!!!  This lip-loving, high-shine liquid lip color comes in all the season's hottest shades, but has a sheer, pearlized quality that makes it perfect for translating the bold color statements from the spring runways into wearable, everyday looks - for every gal!

Jean-Michelle Lip Couleur Liquide comes in 6 gorgeous shades - Perfect for Spring!  Pick your favorite and wear it like it's goin' out of style, OR try 'em all for a complete lip wardrobe.  In addition to being available to purchase separately, they are also available in specially-priced trios which makes them an absolute steal. 

Try Jean-Michelle Lip Gloss Trio in Sunshine (pictured, top left), for a healthy dose of shimmering summer heat, or Moonlights (top right) for a cool, mysterious glow.

Need a little more definition?  Try Jean-Michelle Le Stylo Pour Levres Duo - double ended lip liner with any of these lip-enhancing glosses.  This 2-sided lip pencil includes a warm, neutral shade on one end, and a soft, cool shade on the other - so this is, LITERALLY, the only pencil you'll ever need!

Get in on this season's burst of refreshing color - without ever leaving your comfort zone (makeup-wise, that is... ).  These glosses give you a complexion-flattering wash of ultra-shiny, lip-conditioning pigment for the most wearable version of spring's runway trends.  Brighten up your lips, AND your mood... with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

The 5 Sexiest Hairstyles for Spring... PLUS, Expert Styling Tips!

By now, you've probably heard that spring fashion and makeup are all about bold, vibrant color.  Assuming you're up-to-speed on the color situation (if you're not, be sure to check out the following posts for the low-down on how to wear this season's brilliant shades: Spring Color Explosion: Shake Up Your Makeup With Oscar 2011's Hottest Hues and  Spring Color Burst: Get This Season's Brightest Runway Looks With a Little Help From Your Friends at Cosmetique!) the question becomes... what to do with your hair.  Well, there's no need to worry your pretty little head about such things because we're running down the 5 sexiest hairstyles for spring - PLUS, expert styling instructions so you can keep those heads a-turnin' all season long!

Sexy Hairstyle #1: Super-Sleek Strands

Who's Wearing It: 
Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo Courtesy of Blog.thelasttangle.com

Jennifer Connelly

Photo Courtesy of Dailymakeover.com

Supermodel Bar Rafaeli

Photo Courtesy of Prohaircut.com

Get the Look: 

To get truly sleek strands a la Gwyneth Paltrow, prep hair with a smoothing conditioner in the shower.  Before blow-drying, be sure to use a frizz serum to minimize fly-aways and add shine to tired tresses.  Once hair is completely dry, finish with a flat-iron for the ultimate super-sleek look.  Remember, flat-irons actually smooth and flatten the hair cuticle as they straighten for high-shine, manageable locks. 

For a more voluminous, low-maintenance look, blow-dry hair straight using a round brush and skip the flat iron.  Finish with a conditioning shine spray.

Sexy Hairstyle #2:  Bodacious Bedhead
Who's Wearing It:
Models on the Derek Lam Runway

Photo Courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Models on the Peter Som Runway

Photo Courtesy of Marieclaire.com

Models on the Cynthia Steffe Runway

Photo Courtesy of Marieclaire.com

Get the Look: 

The easiest way to get this sexy, undone look is to wash and dry hair before bed.  Apply a texturizing spray or pomade to damp hair before blow-drying with a diffuser for a tousled, wavy finish.  Go to bed, get a good night's sleep... and wake up to one of this season's sexiest hairstyles!  If your hair goes truly haywire while you're getting your zzz's, wake up and shake hair out by flipping your head over and finger combing.  When you're right-side-up again, loosely position strands for a perfectly bodacious bedhead! 

If your hair is ultra-straight and/or fine, use a large barrel curling iron after applying texturizer and blow-drying with your diffuser.  To add volume and achieve the ultimate in undone chic, only curl random 1 inch sections of the hair before finger combing.  Et Voila!  The Bodacious Bedhead! 

Sexy Hairstyle #3:  The Sophisticated Chignon
Who's Wearing It:
Amy Adams

Photo Courtesy of Onsugar.com

Zooey Deschanel

Photo Courtesy of celebhairstyle.com

Carrie Underwood

Photo Courtesy of Fancypromhairstyles.com

Get the Look:  

To get this season's most sophisticated hairstyle, wash and condition hair with volumizing shampoo and conditioner.  These products will add volume (shocker, right?) and give the hair a bit more texture for a long-lasting look.  Add volumizing mousse to damp hair before blow-drying upside down.  For the sleekest chignon, flat-iron only face-framing strands and those at the crown of your head.  These will be smoothed over the top for a polished result.  Do not flat-iron the rest of your hair, as this will rob tresses of the volume and texture required to secure this hairstyle.  Tease hair at the crown for added drama before smoothing flat-ironed pieces over the top and gathering hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.  Use a large-barrel curling iron to add soft waves to hair - this will go a long way towards making the look last.  Using the curl of the hair, loosely wind 1 inch sections and secure near the base of the ponytail using bobby pins.  Be sure to position strands all the way around the base of the ponytail to cover your elastic band and create a rounded shape.  Finish the look with a medium-to-firm hold hairspray. 

Make this look even hotter by adding a jeweled barrette in an unexpected spot... You've never looked so sophisticated! 

Sexy Hairstyle #4:  Braided Beauty
Who's Wearing It:
Blake Lively

Photo Courtesy of Allhairstyles.info

Ashley Greene

Photo Courtesy of Shortlonghairstyles.com

Jessica Alba

Photo Courtesy of Shortlonghairstyles.com

Get the Look: 

For a bohemian-chic style like Blake Lively's, begin by applying a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-drying upside down for a minute or so (aiming the dryer at roots only).  This will give hair a slightly mussed look and add volume at the roots, where you need it most!  Braid random sections of hair (2-3 1/2 inch sections are all you need) and secure at the ends with an elastic band.  Either leave braids loose or, for a more subtle style, use bobby pins to secure braids behind your ear.  Arrange loose hair over the braids to hide pins.  This way you're left with just a peak of bohemian-chic!

To add interest to an updo like Jessica Alba, style as usual and then braid (french is best, if you can manage it) right at the hairline.  To keep this style from looking too little-girly, braid one side only.  Gather hair as desired - a low bun or chignon makes this look polished and sophisticated, while a teased ponytail just below the crown is super-fun and very of-the moment! 

For Ashley Greene's low-key look, simply gather hair near the nape of your neck, slightly to one side and loosely braid the hair, securing with an elastic band.  Leave a couple inches of hair loose at the end and pull out a few face-framing strands - That's how all the cool kids are wearing it these days!


Sexy Hairstyle #5:  The Undone Side Bun
Who's Wearing It:
Taylor Swift

Photo Courtesy of Onsugar.com

Kerry Russell

Photo Courtesy of Hairstylezine.com

Eva Longoria

Photo Courtesy of Stylebakeryteen.com

Get the Look:

To achieve this oh-so-pretty, ultra-feminine updo, begin by applying a texturizing spray to damp hair, from roots to tips.  Blow-dry hair upside down for added volume at the roots.  Separate hair into 1 inch sections and curl with a medium-barrel curling iron, starting 1-3 inches below roots.  After misting hair with a shine-enhancing, light-hold hairspray and letting it dry completely, shake curls out with your fingers.  Now, pull hair into an ultra loose side ponytail near the nape of your neck.  Create a super-loose bun and secure with bobby pins.  Pull a few pieces out for that perfectly imperfect finish.  If desired, you can also pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look a bit more.

For added panache, attach a soft flower or ribbon to the side of the bun with bobby pins.

Accent spring's vibrant, colorful makeup looks with these super-sexy, easy-to-achieve hairstyles as seen on runways and celebrities alike.  Keep your admirers guessing by trying them all... OR, if you're a creature of habit, choose your favorite and perfect it for a signature style that's all your own.  Either way, you're sure to be right on trend this season... 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!