The Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Right Now

Not only are these the best new drugstore beauty buys, but they're also game changers, proving you don't have spend your whole paycheck for sophisticated, effective products. Out of all of the products I receive to test out, only few are really innovative.

Dove DermaSeries, This new skincare collection was formulated by a dermatologist and the line is clinically proven to moisturize and relieve dry skin better than a prescription.  Boom!  Personally, I'm obsessed with the Intense Repairing Body Cream.

John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss, One of my favorite celebrity stylists, Harry Josh helped to formulate this is a salon-quality weekly color gloss that not only matches your hair color, but also the tone.  I use it once a week to keep my deep brunette hair in check.

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor, This long lasting lip color is intense in pigment and rich in shine.  The two-step lip lacquer has serious staying power (they say 24 hours, but I confess, I've never worn it that long) and the second step keeps lips moisturized.  My fave shade is Red Infallible.

Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water, There was a point in my life where I hoarded cleansing waters.  All very expensive and so luxorious!  This one is a drugstore beauty buy that removes makeup and cleanses your skin.  Just put some on a cotton ball and you'll immediately feel refreshed.

Maybelline Brow Drama, $7.99, This brow mascara has an interestingly shaped brush.  Nervous to use it at first, I then found it gripped every single hair, and the color tint is nice.  To use: Run the wand through your brows from the outside in and then inside out to make sure you coat every hair.

MUA Approved: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

What's your favorite mascara?  I have my go-to from Urban Decay, Lancome and Dior  but I also test new ones out all of the time. Lately, I've been on a few shoots for different campaigns and found it incredible that three different makeup artists I worked with all used the same mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara.  That has to mean something, right?  Here's why it's a makeup artist favorite and now, my drugstore go-to as well.

"L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black is a thick and goopy mascara that never flakes and is as black as black will ever come," commented makeup artist, Allison Pynn, who always uses the waterproof formula for shoots.

The product isn't too wet, she explains, "so it stays put on the lashes and doesn't get all over the lids after you apply it."  Describing the formula as a "creamy lipstick for the lashes," it's not shiny or matte, but a really solid mascara.  She uses disposable wands on her clients, but on herself, she uses the applicator that comes with the mascara and likes that it's controllable.

Next time you're searching the drugstore for a new mascara, know that L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara is makeup artist approved.

L'Oreal Balm Pop: Chic Lips for Under $10

As you might have seen on my Instagram a few weeks ago, L'Oreal sent over their latest launches, which have kept me beyond busy.  After swiping, blending and dusting on repeat, I can't wait to tell you about my favorites from the new line: L'Oreal Balm Pop and Glossy Balm.  Each under $10, will change your daily lip game justas they've changed mine.

See?  I wasn't kidding when I told you I had a ton to test!  As someone who normally likes to wear makeup just to accentuate my  features, I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to 'putting on my face.' As long as my lips have some sort of balm on them to keep them moisturized make them appear healthy I'm normally good to go.  Naturally tinted lip balms are a fave.

As a fan of the L'Oreal Color Riche Balm for their moisturizing properties and hints of sheer color I was wowed when I tried out the new Balm Pop.  With the same smooth texture and hydration properties of shea and jojoba butter, Balm Pop turns it up with intense pigment.  It feels like a balm, but looks like a lipstick.  I've been wearing them during the daytime to complete my look. Even the Fiery Red (my favorite) is supper flattering and less intimidating to wear than red lipstick.

The new Glossy Balm offers the same intense pigment (in different shades) as Balm Pop, but is shaped like a crayon and offers more shine than anything else. My favorite?  Pink Me Up.

L'Oreal Balm Pop is available in four colors and L'Oreal Glossy Balm is available in eight colors, both for $7.99.

New Beauty Innovations: 5 Favorites

Since there are so many new beauty launches in month, it's very rare that I want to write about all of them.  Typically a few stand out amongst the rest as true beauty innovations. Lately, it seems every press event I attend and package I open showcases new beauty technology that excites me enough to write a post.  That's why this '5 Favorites' post is dedicated to the newest beauty innovations that are changing everything.  From reusable at-home hair dye to fragrance that promises to last all day, check them out.

L'Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue

If you color your hair at home (and who hasn't) you're used to mixing the chemicals and then tossing them after your dye job.  Well, L'Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue is a real innovation in hair color as there's no mixing involved and whatever color is left over, you can reuse.  Because the product is held in two separate chambers, it mixes together when pumped out and doesn't go bad.  Depending on your hair length, you may be able to get a full two uses out of one bottle, but I'd keep the extra to occasionally tint my brows.  Available in 16 multi-tonal shades, you can snatch this beauty innovation at drugstores for $14.99.

LACOSTE Noir L.12.12

Now, this is for your man, but I'm hoping the technology makes it's way into our fragrances as well. Typically, fragrance fades over time.  This fragrance by Lacoste, Noir L.12.12, has time release technology to prevent that from happening.  Yes, imagine your scent lasting all day long.  How?  The fragrance notes are encapsulated in a complex called, cyclodextrin, which reactivates them when it comes into contact with moisture on skin.  It's a very light, woody scent available at Sephora for $69.

Dove DermaSeries

As a huge fan of Dove, I was excited to receive a mailing of the new Dove DermaSeries Collection.  Consider it Dove breaking into a prestige drugstore category.  Woo hoo!  Developed with dermatologists, the five piece collection targets dry skin and gentle enough for those with eczema.  They're actually drugstore products that are comparable to prescription creams.  The complex combines 12-Hydroxysteric Acid (12-HSA), a fatty acid that works twice as well as stearic acid and glycerin (potent humectant) and natural emulsifiers to activate PPARs, proteins found in the skin to boost skin’s natural cell renewal creating a better quality hydration barrier than even prescription creams.  Available at drugstores this month.

Nars Dual Intensity Shadow

When doing your eye makeup, eyeshadow is a key player and if you're a makeup junkie, you know you can use any eyeshadow and apply it wet or dry to get two different effects from the same powder.  However, not all eyeshadows are created equal.  NARS Dual Intensity Shadows were formulated to be worn wet or dry.  It didn't come as a second thought that... oh yea, you can wear them wet... too.  The formula is a first of it's kind and delivers unlike anything else. I've tried them.  NOTE:  These will be available later this year, but trust me, they're worth the wait!

Skindinavia Makeup Spray Primer

Known for their makeup setting sprays, Skindinavia just launched the first on the market, makeup spray primer.  I've always been a fan of the makeup setting sprays, especially when I know I'll be in heat or sweating thanks to dancing my butt off, but this new spray primer is intriguing.  Meant to be worn under makeup or alone, I like it because it's free of silicones (unlike most primers), but still creates a smooth canvas for makeup application.  The real benefit, it makes makeup last longer.  NOTE: This will launch on Skindinavia.com on May 1st.

Sunless Tanning Tips from Yours Truly with AOL Stylist

You know me, a true self tanning addict.  That's why when AOL Stylist reached out about the opportunity to film a self tanning how-to with the gorgeous Teni of MissMaven, I jumped at the chance.  Plus, the product is a must-have. Watch the video to learn more.

Oscar Beauty Must-Haves: What the Pros Used

After being glued to red carpet coverage and speaking with publicists, makeup artists and hairstylists all day yesterday, I am beyond over the Oscars!  Truth.  However, there's so much to talk about.  Here's a round up of some of the beauty loot the pros used on celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Hudson, Adele and more before they hit the carpet.  Believe it or not, a lot of it is from the drugstore!

For an added shine boost, Jennifer Hudson's stylist, Kiyah Wright used Clairol Professional Jazzing in Coffee Bean, let it sit for five minutes and washed it out before shampooing.

To enhance her spray tan (which she got the day before the Oscars) Salma Hayek's makeup artist, Jo Strettell, applied St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Firming Body Lotion to her body before she hit the red carpet.

To mimic her soft pink dress, Anne Hathaway's manicurist, Tom Bachik, first used L'Oréal Paris’ new limited-editionVersailles Romance Colour Riche Nail Collection (coming out in March) called "The Palace Life."  Then added a personal touch by painting her grandmother's initials on her ring fingers.

To get just the right amount of smolder, Stacy Keibler's makeup artist, Matthew VanLeeuwen glided and smudged Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Color Smoky Eyes Pencil in Smoky across her lids.

To straighten her hair without it falling flat, Kerry Washington's stylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew used Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse on her damp strands before blowdrying.

To leave a little bit of sheen on her skin, Jenna Dewan-Tatum's makeup artist, Kayleen McAdams, used Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil on her body.

To ensure bounciness in Adele's bouffant, her stylist Michael Ashton finished her look John Frieda Luxurious Volume All-Day Hold Hairspray.

For a lasting style with texture, Jennifer Aniston's stylist, Chris McMillan, used Living Proof's Prime Style Extender, which also allowed for touchable hair.

To protect her hair and extensions from the heat of the curling iron, Jessica Chastain's stylist, Renato Campora, spritzed it with Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Heat Protectant & Shine Spray.

On her lashes, Charlize Theron's makeup artist, Pati Dubroff, used Diorshow Mascara in #090 Catwalk Black.

Fall Nail Trend Predictions: Metallics, Shimmer & Texture... Oh My!

Last spring I covered backstage during New York Fashion Week as I do every season and of course, the nails blew my mind.  Designers Rebecca Minkoff, Pamela Love, Alice & Olivia and Nicole Miller all had their models sporting nail art to compliment their collections.  While nail art is here to stay, there's a lot more to look out for.  L'Oreal's Celebrity Manicurist, Tom Bachik, filled me in on the top four trends for fall and they're all easy enough to do at home! Trend 1: Mixing Texture & Dimension

“I think mixing texture and dimension is important. If you're going with a chunky metallic on toes, go with a rich deep ‘creamy’ color on your fingers – and vice versa. If you're wearing a full-coverage nude on toes, then pair with a rich deep shimmer shade with dimension to the fingers.”

Trend 2: Antique Metallics & Full-Coverage Nudes on Toes

“I love antique metallics and full-coverage nudes on toes, so there’s no competition with all the great shoe colors for fall. Keep color on the fingers to play off lips and eyes.”

Trend 3: Classic Looks in Deep Rich Tones like Burgundy & Eggplant

He recommends L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche nail in Haute Couture Red (Burgundy) and Breaking Curfew (Eggplant).

Trend 4: Sheer Shimmery Lace

“Sheer shimmery lace is a big fall trend. A great look I've started to do as summer wraps up is to use a single coat of a shimmery metallic on nails, so the color stays sheer but sparkly. It’s a great modern take on nudes that stays sophisticate and chic.” 

The Best Summer Beauty Buys, Aruba Approved

Packing for Aruba was intense.  Literally, I had a carry on sized suitcase just for my toiletries and I wouldn't even consider myself high maintenance.  I was (naturally) elected by my family to bring as much sunscreen as I had for the 13 of us on the trip and of course packed different forms of UV hair protection, cream based cosmetics and you know, hair removing essentials.  Here's a peek at the products that proved their worth from my packing list...  

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream - I tried a variety of sunscreens while I was in Aruba with SPF's of 30 to SPF's of 60.  This was one I used often on my face.  It has an SPF of 35, protects from UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant.  I liked that it was light weight and didn't clog my pores.

L'Oreal Sublime Sun SPF 50 - I found myself liking the spray version of this SPF.  I started out using the 50 since I'm so pale and the sun was so strong.  As the week went on I switched to 30.

Philosophy Here Comes The Sun Age Defense SPF 30 - This is the spray I used once I switched to SPF 30.  The mist is more targeted than the L'Oreal one, but no matter which one I used, I made sure to rub them in as well.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor & Skintimate Shave Gel Pack – I really like this razor because it has five blades and dispenses a smoothing serum when it gets wet, but this pack came with a travel sized shaving cream so it was convenient and a great bang for my buck.

Bumble & Bumble Color Minded UV Protective Polish – After drying my hair at night I smoothed a dime sized amount of this lightweight serum through my strands and it gave my hair a great sheen while protecting my color.  Since I didn't wash it again when I woke up to go to the beach, it continued to protect it from the sun all day long.

Avon Glow Eyeliner in Copper Paradise – This is my fave summer liner.  The creamy consistency glides on smoothly and the shade makes my hazel eyes pop especially when I'm by the ocean.  It's a nice change from a sharp black or brown.  Perfect for a beachy locale.

Brunettes Have More Fun and I Partnered with L'Oreal Paris to Prove It

Born a brunette, I'll always be a brunette (let's just say I learned my lesson in high school when I made the mistake of dabbling with extreme blonde highlights), but I love my haircolor and wouldn't change it for the world.  That's why I'm proud to partner with L'Oreal Paris for their "Turn It Up" campaign as their dark haired vixen!  I recently used their Healthy Look Crème Gloss to deepen my color a bit and bring it to life.  I'm also working with the brand to explore haircolor on my social media channels and their Facebook page in fun, unique ways. As you know, I don't normally do at-home hair color, but I do color my hair because my natural shade of brown is a bit on the mousy side.  Bland!  Since I normally do a single process, it was nice to save a few hundred dollars this month and DIY it!  The Healthy Look Crème Gloss only took ten minutes and lasts through 28 shampoos.  I used "Iced Chocolate" or 4AR, which was recommended to me after I took the Haircolor Census and used the "Find My Shade Tool" on the L'Oreal Paris FB page, which is a questionairre that helps you find the perfect shade.  It gave me a cooler, chestnut brown shade, but nothing drastic, which was just what I was seeking.  I felt comfortable using it because it had no ammonia and the after-color conditioner is worth coveting.  If you color your hair at home you know what I mean.

Rich, brown hair makes my facial features pop and my hazel eyes look greener.  You can get a shade recommendation from the app too and upload before and after photos like I did.  One more thing, make sure you don't miss the coupons.  I discuss the Haircolor Census in the video below.  Yea, I tell you how I really feel about haircolor stereo-types!

*This is a sponsored post, but my thoughts and actions are honest.

Behind the Scenes at L'Oreal's Research & Development Center

When my college roommate, Melanie, would tell me about her microbiology experiments dealing with Botchalism I used to make fun of her as I sat at my desk and wrote trend pieces for my journalism classes.  Today, if I could switch jobs with anyone I know it would be her as she's now the brains behind many of the products that I test and write about daily.  I really got to see what she does yesterday when I visited the L'Oreal Research and Innovations Center in Clark, NJ on an editor trip.  Exploring the labs where many L'Oreal and L'Oreal owned brands products are developed, I got to play Mel for the day!

This trip was the first time L'Oreal ever opened it's doors to outsiders and I was beyond excited to be there.  After six years of writing beauty, I've never gotten a sneak peak into the research and development before.  With 400 employees, this is their number one research center outside of France.  Besides L'Oreal the brand, Matrix, Maybelline, Skinceuticals and many other brands are formulated there and in just one year, they launch about 2,500 new products.  Yes ladies, this is where the magic happens.

Labs are broken down into cosmetic, skincare, hair color, styling and fragrance specialties and the evaluation processes were strict.  While skincare is a passion of mine, I was really impressed by what I saw and learned in cosmetics.

Blackout shades are on the windows for lighting control and specialized lights hang above makeup chairs that switch from day to night and even florescent lighting so the cosmetologists can evaluate shades under all circumstances.  What really blew me away though was learning that there are about 17 ingredients into Maybelline's latest mascara, Illegal Length Fiber Extension Mascara.  A soft wax is used for volumizing, harder wax for curl, and these little 4mm fibers are spread through out the formula that adhere to the tips of your lashes for length. To reinvent black, the chemists used a combination of the standard colorant, iron oxide and mixed it with carbon black to make the lashes really pop.  After seeing the breakdown of ingredients and manufacturing of the formula, I knew this mascara was the real deal and when I tested it after I got home, I was right.

It's one thing to receive a product to test out and a press release about its ingredients, but to go behind the scenes into the lab and watch them in the making is magical.

J. Lo's Makeup Artist Gave Me the Scoop On Oscar Day and How To Apply Winged Liner

"I just left Jennifer's house," said J. Lo's makeup artist, Mary Phillips said as I answered up the phone.  Just two days after the Oscars she was following Miss Lopez to American Idol.  Along the way, I was thankful she had time to call me and give the Oscar scoop I was after.   J. Lo's glam squad arrived at her house at noon to begin prepping her for the red carpet. "When we got there she had a breakfast buffet laid out for us and we ate as she tried on a few dress options," Phillips explained.  The songstresses team consisted of Phillips, her hairstlyist, manicurist and two stylists.  "We collaboratively work together all the time and put together one look as a unit," Phillips said.  "In the end, Jennifer makes the decision."  It only to them an hour to get her ready and she left her house around 2:30 to hit the red carpet.

The result? Stunning.  J. Lo at her best.  The look was 60's inspired, but after working with J. Lo for six years, Phillips knew better than to make her skin matte.  What caught my attention was her winged eyeliner.  I spotted this look on the Fall 2012 runways just a few weeks ago and at the Oscars, other leading ladies like  Emma Stone, Angelina Jolie and Zoe Saldana also embraced the trend.

Here's Phillips' winged liner how to:

1.  Draw a line with from the inner corner of your upper lid to the outer making it thicker as you near the middle and extend.  She used L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Brown on J. Lo.

2. "You want the eye to have a lifting effect," she states.  Create an illusion of lift by drawing upwards by placing your pencil at the outer corner of your eye where your bottom rim ends and using that as a guide to draw upward.  The key is to keep it delicate and light.

3. If you're doing heavy shadow along with the winged liner then just do a nude lip like J. Lo. However, you can also wear winged liner and mascara with a bright, bold lip like Angelina Jolie or Zoe Saldana did.

Win L'Oreal Products from CVS Beauty and Yours Truly

I normally don't write about a ton of giveaways and contests, but since this is being done by CVS Beauty and they're giving away a ton of L'Oreal products I had to share!  It's kind of redic.  They're also letting me giveaway the Grand Prize to my readers! From now until Jan. 31st head over to the CVS Beauty Club Facebook page for a chance to win a L'Oreal "Product of the Day" (listed below).   Each day 100 fans will win and you can enter daily.  You'll also automatically be entered to win the Grand Prize gift basket filled with all 14 new L’Oreal products!

I'm giving away the Grand Prize to BeautySweetSpot readers too!  Comment below with your #1 beauty tip.  A winner will be chosen at random on 2/1/12 and be announced on BeautySweetSpot's Facebook page.

The Beauty Club & L’Oreal Grand Prize Gift Basket includes one each of the daily prizes:

• 1/18 – Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara – provides eye-catching lashes from any angle
• 1/19 – Youth Code Foaming Gel Cleanser – removes impurities and gently exfoliates for smooth skin
• 1/20 – EverCrème Cleansing Conditioner – an ultra-gentle, low lathering face wash that cleanses and conditions in one step
• 1/21 – Colour Riche Lip Balm – SPF 15 balm with a subtle hint of color
• 1/22 – Colour Riche Nail Color – provides intense color with a high shine that lasts for up to 10 days
• 1/23 – Youth Code Dark Spot Serum Corrector – clinically proven serum fades dark spots to reveal luminous skin
• 1/24 – EverCrème Intense Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner – deeply restores lost moisture to make hair soft and shiny
• 1/25 – Colour Riche Nail Color – provides intense color with a high shine that lasts for up to 10 days
• 1/26– EverStyle Strong Hold Styling Spray – high-performance, alcohol-free spray that locks in and holds any style all day
• 1/27 – Age Perfect Serum – repairs signs of past damage, reducing the visible signs of aging
• 1/28 – Youth Code Dark Spot SPF 30 Day Cream – clinically proven cream that fades dark spots and helps prevent future discolorations
• 1/29 – Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner – provides smoldering definition for a high-drama look
• 1/30 – Infallible Eye Shadow – waterproof, crease and fade-resistance for 24-hour wear
• 1/31 – EverStyle Volume Root Lifting Spray – an alcohol-free, root lifting spray that builds thickness and lift at roots for 24-hour volume

L'Oreal & Project Runway Launch Makeup Collection

Being a huge fan of L'Oreal and of course, Project Runway, I was so excited to find out about the launch of Colors Take Flight, a L'Oreal Paris and Project Runway limited edition makeup collection!Project Runway's Makeup Artist, also a L'Oreal Paris Consulting Makeup Artist, Collier Strong, helped create the collection which is launching this October.  Made up of eyeshadow quads, lipsticks, blushes and nail polishes, the inspiration for the colors was exotic birds.

Check out this video by L'Oreal on how to create a Sultry Raven look using the above products.

Man of the Moment: Salvador

Meet Salvador, a stylist from LA who lists happy hour as one of his main hobbies.  I think if I lived in LA, we'd be good friends.  Check out his site, FashionSalvation.com and read on to find out more about his grooming habits and guiltiest pleasures. What’s in your medicine cabinet?

I can’t live without L’Oreal’s men expert Hydra-Energetic eye roller; it’s like a miracle stick for your eyes! I love love love it!  I also utilize L’Oreal’s go 360 clean, it’s perfect for the gym and keeps you fresh faced.  I have to confess I am a repeat offender when it comes to washing my face I also use Kiehl’s facial fuel and it’s the perfect boost I need every morning.  The secret to this product is that it’s made with coffee beans or at least that’s was the sales rep told me.

My latest grooming obsessions’ include “is Clinical’s” SPF 25 Sunscreen and Hydra-cool serum these products protect me from the sun while giving me the feeling of an instant moisturizing face-lift.

To top it off I use Dove’s ultimate beauty care anti-perspirant, Nick Chavez’s hair product “soft flocker” and Bliss spa’s body moisturizer.

What product can’t you live without and why?

My signature fragrance is Marc Jacobs Bang.  It makes me feel masuliane, sexy, and confident!  I<3 Marc!

How would you describe your grooming habits?

Intensive, good and well worth the results!

Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?

She would probably like them but think… it’s a lot.

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?

Ross Mathews (Chelsea Lately/The Tonight Show) he’s funny, sweet, and genuine.  Oh, wait I spend every night with him because he’s my better half.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?

Her sense of style, if she has a fully evolved sense of style then I feel she has a fully evolve sense of who she is as an indiviual.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Seriously, beauty products!  No lie, I just love them!  But I guess I made that obvious.

Also I’m addicted to tweeting and I LOVE Twitter!  I LOVE tweeting, I Love re-tweeting, and I love reading people’s tweets.  I just can’t get enough of that little blue twitter bird!  You can follow me on twitter @FSALVATION!

My Latest TV Segment "Winter Beauty Pick-Me-Ups"

Check out my latest segment on "Winter Beauty Pick-Me-Ups" done on Studio 6, KOIN TV in Portland, Oregon!

Sundance: Swag Suites, Celebs, Cocktails & Of Course, Movies

I just got home from my weekend at Sundance with L'Oreal and have to tell you about Sunday's festivities.  After gallivanting around Main St. (which is the quaintest little snow covered street) with Amber hitting up a swag suites and a few boutiques, we spent some time in the L'Oreal Paris & Entertainment Weekly Celebrity Suite.

Celebs like James Franco, Anne Heche, Terrence Howard and L'Oreal Spokesperson, Elizabeth Banks all stopped by throughout the weekend including some serious A-Listers that we weren't aware of (exclusive info to EW).  They were all getting glammed up and then having their pics taken for EW's next issue specializing on Sundance.

Amber and I of course hit up the L'Oreal glam squad ourselves because we were attending the "Women of Vision Awards," which honored women in film later that night.  At the awards cocktail party, we met Andrea Gomez, a really cool chick from Miami, who's participating in L'Oreal's Academy campaign.

After the cocktail party we took full advantage of the night by seeing perhaps the funniest movie at Sundance, Cedar Rapids starring Ed Helms.  It felt great to laugh at the stupid humor after experiencing night terrors from seeing Ticket to Paradise the night before. I'm telling you, when this launches nationally, it's going to be a huge hit.

I'm so happy and honored I got to attend the film festival and hang out with L'Oreal!  Now, back to reality...

Video: Experiencing Sundance in Style

Hey!  I'm at Sundance and had a fabulous first day!  Yes, it's cold and it's snowing, but Utah is gorgeous!  Amber and I are staying at the Escala Lodge At The Canyons, which is a Hyatt hotel in the middle of the mountain and skiers are actually skiing right outside of our windows.  Penn Badgley was on our flight (in first class of course) and as soon as we landed we spotted Adrian Grenier in an adorable snow hat.  Two hotties in one day, not bad.  Tonight we went to see Ticket to Paradise, which was perhaps the most disturbing movie I've ever seen, but well crafted.  Check out my video on how I'm staying warm and stylish live from the mountains!

Get Kate Middleton's Hair Color

OK so everyone's had their eye on this leading lady for quite some time now, but all the rave's been about the ring and her wardrobe.  Allow me to fill you in on something that caught my eye – her lusturous locks. The soon-to-be princess' hair is the perfect shade of brunette with hints of auburn that compliment her skin tone – and I swear the girl always has a blow out!  I know you envy that rock, but you don't have to envy that hair color.  Try L'Oreal Paris Healthy Looks Cream Gloss Color in 4AR/Cool Chestnut Brown.

I'm a huge fan of L'Oreal color because it's quick and easy (only takes 10 minutes) and my hair is always super shiny after use.  This one is ammonia-free and available in 18 shades.

L'Oreal Honors Women of Worth

Last week I had the pleasure of eating dinner on the 44th floor at the Hearst Tower overlooking NYC with Hoda Kotb, Kerry Washington, Giada De Laurentiis, Viola Davis and Trisha Yearwood in honor of L'Oreal's 5th annual Women of Worth awards. I have to admit I was most excited to see Hoda because her and Kathie Lee are drunk in my living room every morning and I adore their talk show.  Once again, it was an honor to be invited by L'Oreal and as I looked around the room around the other outstanding women and beauty editors, I was proud and appreciative to be there to support the initiative.

L'Oreal awarded $5,000 to each of the ten nominees' charities and matched the $5,000 award in the nominees name as a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.  This years National Honoree, Taryn Davis, was awarded a bonus of $25,000 towards her charity, The American Widow Project, which when explained, brought me to tears.  Each of the nominees were definitely 'women of worth,' but this project really touched me.  The woman was 21 when she found out her husband who was serving in Iraq was killed.  She then founded an organization to connect with other war widows as a support organization.

Tons of Makeup at Costello Tagliapietra, But You'd Never Know

Back at Milk Studios today the scene was surprisingly calm and well organized for the Costello Tagliapietra show.  With 23 models coming from prior shows who needed to be molded into the Costello girl, stylists and artists were busy at work, but seemed anything but frantic. All of the girls wore high side buns directly above their left ears.  "It's a throwback," commented Nelson Vercher, the lead stylist from the Rita Hazan Salon.  "Back in the day ladies used to wear their hair like this when they wore hats."  He used Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray to create texture, but then just a piece of elastic to secure the ponytail that he wrapped and tied, wrapped and tied about three times and cut the ends.  It's definitely not practical for the every day girl, but a sweet backstage trick.  After looping the hair around itself he secured with bobby pins and sprayed with L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray.

The coolest thing about the look was the makeup.  The models fresh faces looked like they were barely wearing any at all, but of course they had tons on.  I learned a great trick from MAC makeup artist, Lisa Butler, about how to wear makeup while keeping your skin looking fresh and dewy.... When applying foundation place a blob on the top of your hand along with a blob of your daily moisturizer right next to it.  Use a big brush and begin applying your foundation.  Use light layers and when certain areas don't need as much coverage (maybe your forehead) mix in some moisturizer with your foundation to dilute it and keep your skin dewy.  On other areas (like your chin) that may need heavier coverage, go heavier with the foundation and don't mix in the moisturizer.  The key is to layer lightly.

The nails were all buffed clean by Lancome.