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!  

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Diandra Urban Chic Multi Eyeshadow Palette

 

Create beautifully captivating eyes with Diandra Urban Chic Multi Eyeshadow Palette, which comes in 2 fabulous color combinations:

 Warm Sensations...



...and Cool Sensations. 

With eight easy-to-blend shades, you can go from daytime chic to all-out evening glamour with just one comprehensive palette.  In all of this season's hottest hues, these fabulous eyeshadows are silky smooth and easy to apply.  Each palette also features a large mirror and dual eye shadow applicators for a picture-perfect application every time.

Still not sure how to wear 'em? 

Try some of these user-friendly EYE-deas:

-Highlight brow bones and inner corners of eyes with one of the pale shimmering shades. 

-Create lust-worthy lids by choosing an eye-popping shade, like the brilliant royal purple or sun-drenched, shimmering bronze, and sweeping it from lash line to crease. 

-Smoke out eyes for evening by using one of the deepest shades to define upper and lower lash lines, in lieu of pencil or liquid eye liner.


-Use only the lightest shades to highlight and define for the perfect, no-makeup makeup look.


-Highlight bone structure by applying one of the light neutral shades to the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.


-Get a subtle moonlit effect by patting one of the lightest shades onto the center of lids only.


-Create dramatic contours by pairing the lightest (for lids, browbones and inner corners) and darkest shades (crease and liner) and skipping mid-tones.

The list goes on and on...  Whether you like it warm or cool (I like to combine them for even more fabulous looks!) this palette truly offers a multitude of eye-enhancing EYE-deas for the makeup artist in all of us.  Channel your inner siren and get your glam on this spring... With a little help from your Diandra Urban Chic Eyeshadow Palette and of course, 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!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Diandra Luminous Lip Color Collection

Dry, cracked, winter lips got you feelin' icky?  Add gorgeous, hydrating color with our Diandra Luminous Lip Color Collection.  These beeswax-infused, sheer tints are the perfect mid-winter pick-me-up.  Choose from two, user-friendly palettes which include: Plum Fantasy (right), a trio of wearable lip colors with cool, plum undertones, and Golden Fantasy (left), a warm palette featuring 3 sunny shades with warm undertones. 

In addition to the lip enhancing shades and conditioning formula, this travel-friendly palette also includes a lip brush and a large mirror, all in one sleek, elegant compact. Your lips will look fabulous in these soft, sensual tones with subtle pearlescence. Each one includes pure Beeswax to protect your lips and keep them smooth and beautiful.

For an easy-to-execute, on-the-go lip look, pair the shade of your choice with Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Duo Lipliner.  This long-wearing lip pencil features two neutral shades - one warm, one cool.  So, it's literally the only lip liner you'll ever need!  For extra longevity, shade your entire lip with the pencil before applying lip color.  Use the enclosed brush for a flawless, professional-looking application every time. 

Say buh-bye to dull, winter lips and hello to a happy, healthy pout with Diandra Luminous Lip Color Collection.  Find this and more at Cosmetique.com!

Valentine's Day How-To: "The Look of Love" Inspired by Natalie Portman

Photo Courtesy of Examiner.com

With a wedding and a baby on the way, plus a slew of awards and nominations to her credit, Natalie Portman is the perfect face for our "Valentine's Day Look of Love How-To."  Last week, I ran down 3 of the hottest, most current makeup looks to inspire your adventurous spirit and creativity as Valentine's Day approaches.  But, if being SO "right now" is SO not you, try this ethereal, romantic makeup look for Valentine's Day and highlight your innate femininity. 

Here goes...

Skin: 

Mimic Natalie's flawless, glowing complexion by beginning with a pore minimizing serum or primer.  Smooth a thin layer over your entire face following your moisturizer, and wait a few minutes for it to sink in before moving on to the next step.  Pur Minerals See No More will not only visibly reduce the look of medium to large pores, but will smooth and prime your skin to provide a perfect finish for your makeup. This silky serum also helps to control shine and smooth texture to give you the healthy-looking complexion you've always wanted! 

Get that romantic glow and increase your radiance by applying Sistina Radiante Face Tint lightly to your entire face.  The sheer, light-reflective coverage obscures imperfections and creates the glow of a woman in love.

Cover up any remaining imperfections with an easy-to-blend concealer.  Even if there are no visible blemishes, I always use concealer under the eyes (pay special attention to the inner corners where the nose typically casts a shadow) and around the nose to create the look of a well-rested, healthy visage.  The only exception I make is for very young girls (very young... like, under 16.)  I highly recommend Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo for all your cover-up needs.  Each one comes with a split bullet containing two shades which makes it super-simple to get the perfect match for you!

If shine is an issue, dust a soft-focus powder onto your t-zone.  Leave cheekbones bare for a more radiant finish.  Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight sets foundation and minimizes shine while giving a romantic glow to the skin.

Eyes:

Start by prepping lids with a silicone-based eyeshadow primer designed for extended wear and maximum impact.  Using your ring finger, spread a thin layer of primer over lids extending from your lash line to your brow.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance is your ticket to crease-free, smudge-free, shine-free shadow that stays put until YOU decide to take it off.

Using Japonesque Small Eye Detailer Brush and Jean-Michelle Quartette Lumineux Eyeshadow in Plum Fantaisie, blend the bottom two shades in the palette and apply to upper and lower lash lines.  This color combination will yield near-identical results to Natalie Portman's soft look.  Bonus?  Soft, shimmering lavender is a  universally-flattering shade that helps eyes look clearer and more awake.  

Highlight brow bones using the same brush and the lovely, dove grey from the palette.  Just a touch right under the arch of your brow is all you need.

Now, make eyes pop by defining your inner lash line top and bottom with your favorite black pencil liner.  Diandra Eye Crayon in Barely Black works well here as it goes on smoothly and never needs sharpening.

Finish eyes with two coats of Diandra Mascara in Black.

Cheeks:

Try Jean-Michelle Couleur Classique Powder Blush in Mon Cheri for an angelic glow and just the right amount of enlivening color.  Apply product sparingly to the apples of cheeks blending towards your temples.

Lips:

Lips don't get any easier than this, my friends.  No liner required!  A sheer, shimmering plum/lavender gloss is all you need for the perfect pout and Diandra Luminous Lipcolor Collection in Plum Fantasy contains 3 high-shine, lip-conditioning shades.  The most appropriate one for this look (all will work), is the lavender shade on top.  Use the lip brush (included!) to apply this soft wash of beeswax-infused color... your lips (and your date) will thank you!  

So, whether you're planning a festive girls' night out or a romantic dinner for two, if "of the moment" isn't your thing, try this easy, feminine look and be the belle of the ball this Valentine's Day... with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

3 Smokin' Hot Red Carpet Looks for a Swoon-Worthy Valentine's Day!

Make your sweetheart swoon this Valentine's Day with one of 3 Glamorous, Red Carpet-Inspired Looks!  

STARRING....

Who:  January Jones

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Glossy Red Lips and Peachy Cheeks with Super Sleek Hair

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Get a peachy glow like January Jones by applying Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach to the apples of your cheeks, blending color towards your hairline.  

Mimic her luscious red lips by first applying a fully pigmented lip color to the lips as a stain.  Use Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Roma Red to create a stain by dabbing the color onto lips and blending out with your ring finger.  

Follow with a high-shine, plumping gloss in a similar shade.  Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Color Shine in Sexy is perfect for creating this glossy, red pout. 

Then get super-sleek tresses by working a quarter-sized dollop of styling gel through damp strands.  Blow-dry hair with a round brush, aiming the air from the blow dryer down the shaft of your hair for sleekness and shine.  Flip ends under with a 1" barrel curling iron to complete the look. 

Who:  Mila Kunis

Where:  The 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards

What:  Well-Defined Smoky Eyes with Nude Lips and Soft Waves

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Create some Mila-esque V-Day drama by first sweeping a smoky shadow onto eyelids, blending from lash line to crease.  Try the smoky, dark shadow on the right-hand side of Sistina Tre Bella Colori Eyeshadow Collection for just the right effect.  

Bonus?  The other two shades in this palette are perfect for creating subtle daytime looks!

Define upper and lower lash lines with a deep, black pencil.  Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx creates maximum drama and can be easily "smoked-out" by using the handy smudger on the end!  Finish off those sexy eyes with 2 coats of your favorite mascara!

Lips should be neutral so eyes can take center stage.  Try Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Sugar Berry for just the right amount of universally-flattering color.

Then get tousled waves like these by first working a volumizing mousse through towel-dried hair.  Blow-dry hair upside down for maximum volume.  Next, use a 1.5" barrel curling iron to create loose, sexy waves.  Spritz with a medium-hold hairspray for staying power.  After hairspray has dried completely, rough up the look a bit by running your hands through it a few times.

Who:  Olivia Wilde

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Warm, Glowing Skin and Straight, Minimally-Styled Tresses

Photo Courtesy of Socialitelife.com

Copy Her Look:

Get a gorgeous, glowing complexion a la Olivia Wilde by first prepping the skin with a high-quality, color correcting primer.  Peach undertones lend a warm, healthy look to the skin while skin-loving ingredients create the perfect canvas for makeup.  Try Pur Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach.

Conceal dark circles and blemishes with a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone.  Each Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo comes with 2 shades in a silky, split bullet so you can customize the perfect color for you!

Glow forth and prosper by finishing your skin with a complexion-perfecting shimmer powder.  Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder adds a gorgeous warmth and luminescence to the skin.

"Low-key" is the name of the hair game!  Begin by smoothing a lightweight styling cream through damp hair to minimize frizz and give soft hold.  Blow-dry hair using a paddle brush to create a straight, shiny look.  "Touch-up" by running a flat iron over any areas that need a little extra straightening.  Skip all-over flat ironing for a loose, "un-done" look like Olivia's.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to borrow a little sparkle from the red carpet, and take your cues from today's hottest stars!  

Expert Tip:  Experiment with the looks AHEAD OF TIME to determine which suits you best.  Try executing your look a time or two before your big date to work out any kinks.   

Once you're satisfied with your hair and makeup, all you have to do is relax and SMILE!