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!

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!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Pur Minerals Universal Marble Mineral Powder in Pink

That's right, ladies! Valentine's Day is upon us once more. Whether you're single or spoken-for, I think we can all agree: it's a great day to look and feel your best. Look like you're lit-from-within, and be seen through rose-colored glasses with this one-step, skin-perfecting powder!

Pur Minerals Universal Marble Mineral Powder in Pink is a mineral blush pressed powder that gives skin a rosy glow. This mineral powder illuminates and brightens the skin and evens out skin tone while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It's also fantastic for eye brightening, blushing and lip enhancing! A wealth of vitamins and minerals combine with Shea Butter and Vitamin E for light and lovely coverage while conditioning your skin.

Use this soft-focus powder anywhere you want the look of perfect, rosy skin. Try it on cheekbones, temples and even decolletage!


For the most flawless application, use our Japonesque Blush Brush to highlight, transform and blush your way to a brighter you! Simply swirl the brush through this magical mineral powder and tap off the excess before applying. The natural fibers of this must-have brush apply the perfect soft wash of color with ease!

If it's eye brightening you seek, try it with our Japonesque Medium Eyeshadow Fluff Brush. Apply to lids and inner corners of eyes for a wide-eyed, well-rested appearance.

So, what better way to get "the look of love" this Valentine's Day? Fake it till you make it with Pur Minerals Universal Marble Mineral Powder in Pink!

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.