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!  

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! 

Get Up and Get Glowing! 10 Great Radiance Boosters to try in 2011

Photo Courtesy of Gawker.com

Want to look younger, fresher and heathier in 2011?  One of the easiest ways to achieve that goal is to increase your radiance!  Whether it's your hair, skin or lips, light-reflection is key.  Dull, dry and flaky is SO 2010.  With so many radiance-boosting options from skin care to cosmetics, there is no reason you can't glow your way through the winter, and have heads a turnin' while you do it! 

So here they are, my top 10 picks for getting your glow on:

1.  Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

What it is:  An exfoliating cleanser that increases brightness and clarity of the skin.

How it works:  A trio of gentle exfoliating acids, Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic,  provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin. Sodium PCA and Jojoba Seed Oil boost hydration. Licorice Extract reduces irritation and inflammation.


2.  Energie Vitale Masque Hydratant Peau Radiante

What it is:  A skin brightening moisture mask to be used whenever skin needs a hydrating boost!

How it works:  Made with the finest essential oils, including Eucalyptus, Avocado and Lavender, this heavenly mask works to penetrate pores with soothing moisture.  Superior hydration means brighter-looking, dewier skin.

Bonus: Aromatherapeutic benefits abound.  It's relaxing fragrance brings the spa to you!


3.  Madeleine Mono Act 3 Fountain of Youth Rejuvenating Moisture Cream

What it is:  A multi-faceted moisturizing cream.

How it works:  Grape seed, macadamia nut and rice bran oils nourish skin, while shea butter hydrates and softens.  Licorice root extract works to enhance brightness, and skin-loving Vitamins A and E preserve and protect.  The result?  A more radiant-looking you!


4.  Garden Botanika Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment

What it is:  A rich eye cream that has been touted as a natural alternative to injectables. 

How it works:  A patented peptide (these are ALL the rage, right now) and an amino acid called Arginine work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Red Wine Polyphenols and Green Tea Extract provide the ultimate antioxidant protection, while a combination of ceramides, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area. A host of botanical extracts naturally lighten AND brighten, so eyes have a fresher, younger appearance.

Bonus:  This wonder-cream contains no fragrance or artificial dyes!


5.  Jean-Michelle Lotion Peau Brillante - Skin Brightening Lotion

What it is:  A moisturizing lotion that works to give you more radiant-looking skin.

How it works:  Gentle exfoliants help to refine skin and create a more youthful-looking complexion while skin-nourishing ingredients hydrate and protect.


6.  Sistina Radiante Face Tint

What it is:  A lightly tinted cream that creates even-looking skin with a healthy glow!

How it works:  A touch of color adds warmth and radiance while a bevy of vitamins and antioxidants work to protect skin from the elements.


7.  Pur Minerals Hot Rocks

What it is:  A blend of micronized minerals in a multidimensional, universally-flattering shade.

How it works:  A luminous combination of pink and pearl pigments add warmth and radiance to the skin.  Brighten eyes, lips and cheeks with a quick swirl of your brush!   


8.  Sara St. James Easy Color Bronzing Powder

What it is:  A natural-looking, light-reflective bronzing powder.

How it works:  Warm bronze undertones add instant warmth and dimension to the skin while subtle shimmer creates the look of a healthy, radiant complexion.


9.  Diandra Luminous Lipcolor Collection

What it is:  Three creamy, delicious lip colors in a sleek, mirrored compact.  Brush included!

How it works:  Pure beeswax protects lips to help keep them smooth and beautiful, while gorgeous color and a soft pearlescence add depth and a healthy luminosity.


10.  Zents Sun - Concreta Solid Perfume Balm

What it is:  A highly fragrant, solid perfume balm hand-poured into a unique, solid stone cube.

How it works:  A stirring blend of Vanilla, Sandalwood, Pink Orange and Grapefruit, this sun-drenched scent helps to increase your radiance from the inside out.  What better way to improve your mood than with a warm, feel good fragrance?  Happy people are naturally more radiant! 

Bonus:  With shea butter and beeswax, this amazing product can also be used as a skin conditioner and hair pomade!

Be a ray of sunshine all winter long with these fantastic, glow-getters!  Find all of these radiance-boosting wonders and more at Cosmetique.com. 

New Year, New YOU! Update Your Look for 2011 With These Simple Tips and Tricks

Thanksgiving?  Check.  Christmas?  Check.  New Year's?  Check.  Yep, that's right!  The holidays are officially behind us.  Time to settle into our winter routines and hibernate till the thaw...

OR, avoid the post-holiday blues, and make 2011 your hottest year ever, by incorporating these simple, celebrity-inspired updates and recommendations into your personal beauty repertoire.  Be sure to try these get-gorgeous tips and tricks to get you through this winter in style!

WARM THINGS UP

Photo Courtesy of sheknows.com

Expert Tip :  Winter tends to bring out the "sallow" in all of us!  Warm up lackluster winter complexions by using a tinted primer.  These dual-tasking wonders prep the skin for makeup while adding some much-needed warmth.

Expert Pick:  Try Pur Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach for a natural-looking, healthy glow.

TRY A BOLD LIP

Photo Courtesy of Sugarscape.com

Expert Tip:  Keep eyes and cheeks soft and neutral for a clean, polished look.  If you're going for all-out glam, pair bold lips with liquid liner and false lashes.  Can you say gorgeous?

Expert Pick:  Looking for a real show-stopper?  Try Cadette Colorwave Liptint in Admiral Red.

DEFINE YOUR EYES... WITH COLOR!

Photo Courtesy of Dailymakeover.com

Expert Tip:  To keep this look clean and modern, confine brightly-colored liner and shadow to upper lash line only.  Pair with an ultra-nude lip for maximum impact.

Expert Pick:  Too Faced Liquif-Eye Set has everything you need to paint your peepers in saturated shades of blue, violet, chartreuse and more!  Use the shadows with the liner solution for a crisp, bold look, or on their own, for a subtle wash of color.

PERFECT THE "NUDE" LOOK

Photo Courtesy of Thebeautyinsider.com

Expert Tip:  A good concealer is the key to keeping this look polished.  In a pinch, you can even mix concealer with your favorite lip balm to create a nude lipgloss.

Expert Pick:  Sistina Tinta Naturale Concealer gives great coverage and has the perfect creamy texture to create flawless-looking skin.



PAIR FALSE LASHES WITH BERRY LIPS

Photo Courtesy of Instyle.com

Expert Tip:  To keep this look fresh, try pairing strip lashes (major drama) with a sheer, berry lip.  Opaque lips can compete with lashes and end up looking garish.

Expert Pick:  Madeleine Mono Double-Take Lipshine in Very Berry is a universally flattering shade with tons of shine!



FAKE A FLAWLESS COMPLEXION

Photo Courtesy of Stylelist.com

Expert Tip:  Create the illusion of complexion perfection by using a pore-minimizing serum under your favorite foundation.  You won't believe how beautiful your skin looks!

Expert Pick:  Pur Minerals See No More creates perfect-looking skin while providing a smooth, shine-free base for makeup.

ACCENTUATE YOUR UPPER LASH LINE (LASHES TOO!)

Photo Courtesy of Hubpages.com

Expert Tip:  Create sultry eyes by lining your only your upper lash line with a black eye liner pencil.  Keep it crisp (like Megan Fox) for a clean, defined eye, or smudge it for a softer look.  Follow with 2 coats of your favorite mascara.

Expert Pick:  Sistina Eye Crayon Definire in Carboncino goes on evenly and is super-black, for eyes that won't quit!

EXPERIMENT WITH BRONZED EYES

Photo Courtesy of Truehollywoodmakeup.com

Expert Tip:  You can create this look in seconds!  Simply sweep a bronze shadow from lash line to crease, blending gently upward towards your brow.  For daytime, a single coat of mascara completes the look.  Amp it up for evening by adding a second coat of mascara and black eye liner!

Expert Pick:  Try Cinema Beaute Sparkle Eyes in On the Town Brown.  This loose, mineral shadow is easy to blend and creates just the right amount of definition.  Bonus?  You can use this stuff on lips and cheeks too!

Let Cosmetique help you overcome your post-holiday blues with these easy-to-execute, celebrity-inspired looks.  Try some (or all) of them this season, and make 2011 your hottest year yet!

3 Sizzling New Year's Eve Makeup Looks and What You Need to Get Them!

Christmas has passed and New Year's Eve is upon us...  Time to get ready for the biggest party night of the year!  Typically, people like to go all out for this annual celebration - makeup included.  It gives us a chance to be the most glamorous versions of ourselves, and allows us to try clothing, makeup and accessories we might not ordinarily be comfortable wearing.  So let's break out the big guns before the ball drops!  Ready?

To help you look your glamorous-best, I've compiled the 3 most sizzling makeup looks to wear on New Year's Eve and what you need to get them!

1.  The Smoky Eye

Photo Courtesy of Taaz.com

I suppose we could be getting bored with this look by now.  I mean, it's hardly cutting edge anymore.  The thing about the smoky eye is... it works.  It truly brings the focus to your eyes and keeps it there.  It's a sultry, sexy, edgy man-magnet, and it's here to stay!  Wear it if you're in the mood to get noticed.

Get the Look:

Too Faced Smoky Eye Shadow Collection has everything you need to get started on your smoky eye journey.  Don't forget to finish up with black eye liner and two coats of black mascara.  I like Jean-Michelle Mascara Magique in Noir and Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx.  Keep the rest of your makeup subtle so your eyes can take center stage!

2.  The "Vintage" Look

Photo Courtesy of Elle.com

This classic, pin-up style makeup look has been around for ages because it's feminine, festive and is flattering on so many women.  It is characterized by crisp, black eye liner and bright lips.  This is a great one if you need a little help getting into the holiday spirit!  Always perks me right up!

Get the Look:

Apply a black eye liner like Sistina Eye Crayon Definire in Carboncino to upper lash line only, winging it out slightly at the outer corners.  Apply two coats of black mascara.  Next... lips should be bold!  Try Cadette Colorwave Liptint in Admiral Red for a magnificent, healthy pout.

3.  Girl-Next-Door Glow

Photo Courtesy of Gawker.com

If being a femme fatale in the classic sense isn't really your thing, don't worry.  This girl-next-door look will stop fellow party-goers in their tracks!  It is beautiful and sexy all at the same time, without screaming "LOOK AT ME!!!"  This look remains one of my favorites for its subtlety.

Get the Look:

Perfect-looking, glowing skin and glossy, gorgeous lips are essential to pulling this look off.  Try Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15 to perfect your skin.  Follow with Sara St. James Easy Color Bronzing Powder for warmth and glow.  Apply this shimmering bronzer to perimeter of face as well as to cheek bones, forehead and chin.  For lips, try a high-shine gloss in a sunny shade.  I like Madeleine Mono Double-Take Lipshine in Just Peachy.  And of course, mascara is a must!  If you like more drama around the eye area, you can also use eye liner to add definition.  Brown eye liner will add to the warmth of this look while black adds a bit of mystery and sex appeal...  You're the boss.

If looking hot is on your to-do list for this year, then why not start now?  Choose one of these winning, celebrity-inspired party looks, and be sure to make an entrance this New Year's Eve!   Also, don't forget to have fun and BE SAFE.

Happy New Year from your friends at Cosmetique!