Black is the New Black

Trends come and go. The same goes for all the different colors have been referred to as "the new black." But honestly, nothing will ever become the new black. So to honor our love (obsession?) with black here at BeautySweetSpot, we're showing you the best new beauty products that come in none other than our staple color, black.

Maybelline Color Show Back to Black, $3.99 There's nothing like a nice clean black nail to get you through a tough, glamorous work week. And now with Maybelline's new Back to Black collection, there's more than one option for that perfect black shade. Varying textures like Black Matte and Patent Black to the different effects of Black Dust and Smokey Black, you're sure to find your new favorite black nail.

Smashbox + Donald Robertson: Photo Angle Pure Pigment Gel Liner, $24 When you think of a rich pigment product, you typically think a bright color pigment like red or blue. Just imagine what a rich pigmented black looks like. We know, it's exciting. This flexible felt tip pen will provide with a deep dark clean black line in any shape or size your true heart desires.

Marc Jacobs Blacquer is Better Eye Defining Essentials, $32 This exclusive limited edition set of cult classics are a must. If the name isn't enough to convince you, maybe the price tag will. Containing a full size Magic Marc'er Precision Pen and smaller sized Highlighter Eye Crayon and O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara, you're set to create a gorgeous dark smoky eye.

Ciaté Double Lines eyeliner, $20 This ultra-black double sided liner gives you options in just one product. You can get a refined graphic liquid line with the Perfect Precision Tip, or you can go for a creamy smoky look with the soft Khol liner. Either choice you make, they're both bold, black and beautiful.

BareMinerals Lash Domination in Intense Black, $18 Of course a black product line up wouldn't be complete without an intense black mascara. So we chose BareMinerals new mascara in none other than Intense Black. You know how you're always told to twirl the wand as you go up the lashes to evenly coat them all? Well this twisted wand does that for you. Giving each and every angle of all your lashes a solid deep black coding.

Backstage DKNY: A Conceptual Look

We’re back in the NYFW swing of things. Backstage at DKNY we talked to some of our favorite beauty veterans and got the scoop on the conceptual beauty look they created. From the cobweby hat-hair created by Eugene Soueliman to Yadim's quirky graphic eye. See how they created these memorable runway looks.

Textured Cobweby Hat Hair

“We’re doing a hairstyle that’s as if a hat has been on it and it’s squished down," explains lead Wella hairstylist, Souleiman. And the key to getting this sans hat? Tension, which he created by French braiding two sections of hair beginning behind the ear and bring it down the back of the hairline. Then, using the small end of the back of a comb, he pulled out a thin layer on both sides along the center part, brushed them until full of static, giving the cobweb texture. After spraying them with dry spray, the static hair hung as a veil over the sleeked down flat hair. To keep it pressed down while backstage, the girls wore bandanas while finishing up backstage.

Quirky DIY-Looking Graphic Eye 

“When I talked to the team they said they wanted something quirky and eccentric,” Maybelline lead make artist Yadim explains. Well, he nailed it with the imperfect non-straight line around the eye replicating a shape found on the fabric on a piece in the collection. “It was a bit of a flower print but you wouldn’t really know it because it’s so abstract,” he explained.

Interested in how he created this squiggly graphic eye? He drew the lines using Maybelline Master Precise and Master Graphic, meeting the top and bottom on the outside corner. "You can't make a mistake because it's done purposefully." To get the lines this perfectly imperfect, smear them out with a makeup wipe and then go around and cleaned it up with a dry Q-tip. It still will leave the squiggly effect without initially creating it on purpose.

"The Fast Pass" Mani 

Keeping with the conceptual, DIY theme, lead Essie manicurist Michel Saunders gave each model what she called "The Fast Pass," manicure. It's simply one swipe of nude-colored polish called "All Eyes On Nudes" down the center of the nail. Also looking as if the model quickyldid it herself. "Leaving a little bit of the sides out to show that it's ok to be imperfect," explains Saunders.

Maybelline The Nudes: Your New Shadow Staple

Recently, a shadow palette landed on my desk and quickly ended up as a staple in my makeup bag.  And you know 'staple' is a strong word.  Have you seen Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette yet?  It might just be one of the most impressive drugstore makeup launches of the year.

Boasting 12 shades of nude eye shadow in a variety of textures – satin, matte and frost – Maybelline The Nudes is comparable to Urban Decay's Naked Palette ($54) and even the Smashbox Full Exposure Palette, ($49) both of which I use frequently. (Why choose one when you can have them all?  Perks of being a beauty blogger.) This is the largest shadow palette available at a drugstore and the best part? It's under $10.  The texture of the shadows are smooth, with the satin and frosted shades being the most pigmented.  It's an absolute must-have.  I've been bringing it with me on my travels this summer, because it's super light and has everything I need to go from daytime to nighttime.

In case you're wondering, other neutral shadows I'm loving right now include the Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Eye Shadow in Showered in Lace and L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Eye Shadow in Perpetual Nude, Rose Nude and Treasured Bronze.

Backstage Beauty Report: Elle Fashion Next

You're going to love this look.  The first backstage I covered this season was a bit off-beat, but the makeup look was far from it thanks to Maybelline New York.  A dramatic winged cat eye, soft, matte skin and sheer nude lips.  Wearable and easy to achieve.   The show, Elle Fashion Next, where emerging talent from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago are given a chance to showcase their work, was a great success.  Here, of course, is my backstage beauty report.

Being that there were many students showcasing their unique styles, it was important for the lead Maybelline New York Makeup Artist, Gabriel Almodovar to add consistency to the show through makeup.  Since the winged cat eye was the main focus, he instructed his team to use whatever it took to make sure it was done right.  His secret?  Using Maybelline 's EyeStudio Master Drama Cream Pencil Eyeliner in Midnight Master, since it glides on so easily, with an angled brush to create the preciseness and draw it out to a crisp point.

Everyone, even the models, were buzzing about the new lipcolor that Maybelline is launching this November called Color Elixir.  This is one I for sure, have to get my hands on!  It's a perfect hybrid between a lipstick, gloss and balm. The models were all wearing a sheer nude called Glistening Amber.

Spring Beauty Trend: Pastel Manis

While the runways declared nude and shiny, metallic manicures must-haves for Spring, celebrities like Jessica Alba, Beyonce and Ginnifer Goodwin prove that pastel polishes are still all the rage.  The spring staple has been spotted on the A-listers on red carpets throughout awards season and they all chose ones that compliment their skin tones. Despite popular belief, all pastels aren’t created equal.  The shades to covet this season are creamy pastels, which look as if the pigment’s been mixed with a white base.  Think shades like creamsicle, mint, lavender and eggshell blue that pop (yes, even on fair complexions).  If you have an alabaster-like complexion like Ginnifer Goodwin, chose a cool shade like Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Green with Envy.  A peachy shade will compliment medium skin tones like Jessica Alba’s, opt for a polish like Butter London Kerfuffle Nail Lacquer in Opaque Pink Coral Crème.  Consider yourself lucky if you have a darker skin tone, as all pastel shades will look flattering.  One of our favorites: CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Lav-endure.

Backstage Beauty Report: Rachel Zoe Infuses Boho with Glamour

If there's one beauty look Rachel Zoe's known for, it's rocking a deep burgundy lip.  Backstage at her show yesterday it was no surprise that she was inspired by Kate Moss (duh) and kept the focus on a wine stained lip.  Staying true to herself, I wasn't mad at her, because I found myself once again loving the look her backstage glam squad created, especially the glam lip!   "Rachel wanted the girls to be like young Kate Mosses running around a field with a golden glow as if they can be frolicking around in the hay, but to juxtapose that, she wanted what she called a 'bad ass' lip," explained Charlotte Tilbury the lead makeup artist for Maybelline.

To achieve the look that's pretty much Rachel's inspiration for everything, Tilbury used Dream Fresh BB Cream on the models, a shade or two darker on the paler skinned girls for an added glow and added a bit of Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Cocoa wherever the sun would naturally hit.  The cheeks had a hint of pink.  "The lip is an oxblood stain in the center of the lip, but it's matte and smoked out," Tilbury said as she demonstrated by painting it on a model using her finger.  The color: SuperStay 14Hr Lipstick in Wine and Forever.  To clean up around the edges, she used a q-tip to ensure the lines weren't too perfect.  Clear brow gel and mascara finished the look.

Kerastase Lead Stylist, Odile Gilbert, was excited to explain the look as I feel like it's something she wears on the regular.  "It's basically what you do in the winter when you have long hair and put a coat on," she explained.  "You tuck it into the coat."  To achieve the look, she prepped the models hair with Kerastase Resistance Volumactive Mousse, created a center part and secured a loose, low ponytail pulling out pieces in the front.

Maybelline manicurist, Honey created a custom blend for Rachel out of three colors to create a neutral that wasn't too pink or too cappuccinoish.  It took Honey a few hours of mixing and stirring and she came up with the perfect blend, which she calls the 'flush blush.'  No word on whether or not it will go into production.

One more thing to note is that RZ was one of the only designers who cared about skincare and making sure her models had the proper base before throwing them into makeup.  Dr. Jart was on hand with makeup artist, Joy Fennell to ensure they were prepped so their skin was properly hydrated and plumped.  Their key product: Water Fuse Sure Gel.

Life Outside the Tents as A NYFW VIP: Lounges, Swag Suites & Dinner Parties

When you think of Fashion Week you may think of the backstage scene that I've been tweeting about all week, or the runway shows themselves, but truth is, there's so much more when you're a NYFW VIP.  Since all editors, bloggers and influencers end up in NYC for the shows with the same goals, brands take full advantage and host dinner parties, pampering lounges and after parties all for a little face time.  Here's some of my fashion week extracurriculars... I know, it looks like a lot of work (wink).

Birchbox Lounge

Set up conveniently across from Milk Studios where a variety of shows took place this season, I popped in before attending Christian Siriano near by on Saturday.  First things first, I got down to business by creating my own Birchbox.  Next, I indulged in a little pampering with a mani (shade: Color Club in Status Update), grabbed a snack from WichCraft and caught up with some friends.

Style Coalition Lounge

I popped in the Style Coalition Lounge at the Empire Hotel before going backstage to Zac Posen on Sunday night to catch up with my friend Yuli, who runs the organization. They partnered with Microsoft and my fave stylist, Ted Gibson.  The best part?  It was exclusive so there weren't a thousand people running around and it really was a break from the hustle and bustle.  While there, I had my hair touched up by Ted Gibson's stylists and left looking glam!

Dinner with NARS

Each season NARS rents out parts of restaurants in the West Village and throws a dinner party.  This is what I was most excited for this season.  Between all the running around and waving hello to friends backstage I got to catch up with my media friends over wine, cheese plates and chocolate covered strawberries in the garden of Palma.

Allure Beauty Lounge

After going backstage to interview Reem Acra before her show (see post here), I headed to the Empire Hotel to stop by a few suites.  Allure had SkinMedica preforming facials, Maybelline giving makeup touch ups and manis and a whole fragrance bar set up with samples from different brands along with Sephora pulled up on iPads for easy purchasing.  Smart.  I would have loved a SkinMedica facial, but my makeup was set for the day and I didn't have the time.

Clarins Lounge

The brand just launched their Beauty Flash Blog so I was eager to see my PR friends and learn more about it.  The Courtin-Clarins girls were there (the granddaughters of the founder of Clarins) so I filmed a video interview with them, which will be live soon!  I'm so glad they're getting involved with the brand.  They're super chic and approchable.  Other editors were getting makeup touch ups and mini massages in the suite as well.

Dear Jeannine... How do I find a good drugstore mascara?

Hi Jeannine, I was wondering if you could suggest a good mascara that I could buy from a drugstore. I just finished my Rimmel Lash Accelerator, which I like, but I'm looking for something else. Mind you my lashes are very short and straight. Thanks so much! -T Hi T,

Thanks for your message!  It's great that you were using the Rimmel Lash Accelerator since your lashes are short and you want length.  I would recommend continuing to use a lash growth serum (that mascara has one in it that works over time).  Try Talika Lipocils Expert. I've used it and it works as long as you're compliant.

My number one tip is to take the extra two seconds and use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara.  Not only will it give you the desired curl you wish for, but it will also help to separate your lashes before you coat them.  My favorite is Lancome Le Curler, because it's designed really well.

Now onto the mascara!  To conquer the length right away, you want a mascara that has micro-fibers in it that attach onto the ends of each individual lash.  Sounds crazy right? Try Maybelline Illegal Lengths.  It will give you a false lash effect!  Let me know how you make out!

xo,

Jeannine

Spotted at Rachel Zoe: My Favorite NYFW Beauty Look So Far

All weekend I've been checking out the scenes backstage and tweeting the details from @BeautySweetSpot, but I had to share this look with you here as well, because I'm completely and utterly obsessed.  Not surprisingly it comes from the glam squads and brains of Rachel Zoe.  I went backstage to her show yesterday at the top of the Empire Hotel to find a surprisingly calm scene, but the look was all about rock and roll.  Think Kate Moss leaving a speak easy night club on a Thursday night.  I want to look like this every night! Maybelline Makeup Artist, Charlotte Tilbury created what she called a very classic feline eye complimented by fresh skin and a nude lip.  "Any woman will look fabulous in this look no matter what age or race," she commented.  The eyeliner was everything!  Tilbury used Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel EyeLiner to thickly line the models upper lids. Then, she smudged it out a little and took a brush to line the crease of the eyes for extra intensity.  Two sets of false lashes were applied and then tons of mascara.

I love it when I go backstage and see looks I would actually be excited to recreate that night. The hair was something I would also replicate any night out.  Kerastase Lead Stylist, Odile Gilbert center parted the models hair and blew out it out using Kerastase Mousse Volumactiv to create texture.  Her rock and roll twist was to add what she called "a little girl braid" on the side of the girls "sexy" hair that was about an inch thick.  Simple, but I loved it.

Maybelline's 2012 Calendar is Very Gaga-esque

I have to get my hands on this! Maybelline created a calendar for 2012 featuring top super models Erin Wasson, Julia Stegner, Kemp Muhl, Zhang Ziyi, Jessica White and Emily DiDonato whose daring glittery and neon looks were created by the one and only, Makeup Artist, Charlotte Willer.  The wardrobe was styled by Sex and the City stylist, Patricia Field. Check out the behind the scenes video of the shoot after the jump!

Latest Obsessions: Maybelline Expands Dream Collection

When Maybelline comes out with a new collection I always find something to obsess over and this one's no different.  As someone who loves the light-weight dewey, glow of their Dream Mousse Bronzer I was estatic to find that Dream Nude Airfoam and Dream Bouncy Blush were two of their latest additions and so was my skin! The Dream Nude Airfoam is a super light-weight foundation that's predominantly made up of air, but still offers great coverage.  I pump it out onto the back of my hand (one pump is enough for my whole face) and use the fingertips on my other hand to apply.  Because it's foam, it absorbs super quickly and doesn't offer a lot of blending time, so I recommend you work in small sections.  Bonus: It has SPF 16.

I'm just as obsessed with the consistency of the Dream Bouncy Blush.  Bouncy is everything.  Delicate to touch, I apply to the apples of my cheeks with my finger tips for a nice wash of color.  It's a powder formulation that blends and sinks into your skin like a cream, only lighter.

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam will be available in 12 shades for $10.99 and Dream Bouncy Blush will be available in 10 shades for $7.99 each. Both products will be available at drugstores in January.

Walking Mannequins at Custo Barcelona

Models are sort of like live mannequins and Custo Barcelona took that literally!  As he had models in minimal makeup and über glossy side ponytails for his Spring 2012 show.  Maybelline Makeup Artist Gato wanted to create a modernistic appeal with a full eyebrows, porcelain skin and juicy coral lips.  Quick tip from the pro himself, use an eyebrow pencil to fill in the gaps between hair following the shape of the brow and comb with brush in an upward direction for perfect brows.

Neil Moodie for Bumble and Bumble wanted to create a ponytail with an edge.  By flat ironing the hair pin straight and tying it at the nape to create a tom-boyish appeal when looking at the models straight on.  Literally, painting on the high gloss to almost look like plastic off the reflection of the lights.  However, the ponytail remained dry forming two different textures.   To take this runway look to the streets just use a shine spray like Bumble and Bumble's Shine on and on Finishing Spray.  Don't forget, start at the ends and work your way up to the roots or else it will just make hair look oily instead of glossy.

Vivienne Tam Creates A Japanese Garden with Retro Twist

Clean, natural hair and make up complemented the Japanese garden inspiration backstage at Vivienne Tam.  Lead Maybelline Makeup Artist, Andy Koh, incorporated a modern twist to 70's retro style by using metallic tones.  Koh shared how foundation was key for a fresh face using two different shades - a lighter shade for the t-zone and darker shade around the face for a structured look.  For the eyes instead of using a harsh line with an eyeliner like you would see on Twiggy in the 70's, Koh used a copper tone for that line on top of the gold base.  Another modern twist was to have natural looking lashes, although he used Maybelline's Falsies mascara, which builds thick lashes, he wiped the brush to remove the excess mascara and lightly applied to the eyelashes for a more natural effect.

Simple, organic and undone were the words used to describe the hair by Lead Stylist, Leon Gorman for Redken.  A deep side part and low ponytail twisted into a quick messy bun, held up by a combination of bobby and french pins, topped off by a light spritz of Redken Fashion Work 12 was all it took.  Gorman also shared for those with greasy hair to use dry shampoo to build that texture.

For a quick manicure, Incoco provided grey nail strips that were applied to the nails with no drying time needed.  It probably took as long as reading this sentence to apply them to the nails.

Calling out teens from the 90's - remember 7th Heaven?  Well, talk about an awesome flashback Beverly Mitchell, currently starring on The Secret Life of  the American Teenager, dropped by backstage and I had to ask her what was the essential beauty item in her kit.  Her answer: blotting papers!  A total lifesaver.  Trust, I had to use a couple today with this humidity.

Maybelline Great Lash Celebrates 40 Years in Style

You know it – the legendary pink and green mascara tube that's been selling out on store shelves since 1971.  That's Maybelline Great Lash.  Now, 40 years later, it's America's best selling mascara with a tube being sold every 1.7 seconds.  No lie. To celebrate it's anniversary, the brand partnered with top designers – Max Azria, Tracy Reese and Vivienne Tam to design a limited edition collection.  Since Maybelline sponsors New York Fashion Week, it was a natural fit.  Each designer created a black graphic print unique to their brand on the pink tube and sealed it with their signatures.  My favorite – Max Azria's (obvi) it's a sexier black lace pattern.

*Available in September.

Betsey Johnson's Backstage Party

Betsey Johnson is always one of my favorite shows to cover.  Backstage is like a party. There's a DJ, candy, little champagne bottles to drink with straws, balloons everywhere and signs that Betsey created to get the glam squad, models and her stylists pumped for the show.  Of course they're all signed "xo Betsey." The designer was debuting her "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" collection on Valentine's Day. Peter Gray was the lead for Redken who worked with angled, blunt black bob wigs inspired by the Sassoon movie.  Of course just a simple wig for a Betsey Johnson show wasn't enough, so the team spray painted a dust of gold around a lace pattern to add a fresh fun feel.  To keep the wig looking shiny as the models walked the runway, Gray used Redken Shine Flash 02.

Butter London's Nonie took charge of the nails customizing a shade with the working title, Wallis inspired by Wallis Simpson, which is definitely going to go in production in the fall.  It's a tarnished greenish gold.

Charlotte Miller was the lead for Maybelline who used the Studio Eye Quad in Midnight Excitement to create the eye look, which is coming out in September.  Of course she used Falsies Mascara. Below is a video of Miller creating the whole look on a model with step-by-step instructions.  It's awesome!

NYFW Beauty Award: Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara

I have to admit, I get sent a lot of products to test and being one person, there's only so much I can try at one time.  That being said, I have not tried Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara until now.  I'm kind of a mascara snob and no matter what I try, I've always reverted back to my MAC Zoom Lash – until now. Maybelline sponsored New York Fashion Week and therefore Maybelline makeup artists were backstage creating the looks for multiple shows.  This is where I was really introduced to The Falsies Mascara for the first time.  I was practical drooling over every swipe on the models eyes backstage and knew I just had to try it.  The results seemed unreal.  The Maybelline PR rep gave me a tube right then and there backstage and I used it that very night.

The results – incredibly impressive.  The formula is smooth and seems moisturizing.  It adds volume and makes my lashes very noticable, but what I really liked about it is how healthy my lashes look.  My MAC Zoom Lash definitely adds length and fullness, which is why I like it so much, but it also tends to flake and make my lashes look a bit dry.  Like healthy, dewey skin, healthy lashes are everything!

Chinese Opera Beauties, Backstage Vivienne Tam

Vivienne Tam seemed like a theater production.  The theme was Chinese Oprah with a modern, edgy twist.

Leon Gorman, the lead stylist with Cutler and Redken created edgy updos that paired nicely with this seasons collection.  To create the look, he started by blow drying the hair straight with a round brush. Once dry, each girls hair was put into a pony tail and scrunched up into a bun by using a hair net (yes the ones you see women wearing in a cafeteria). Gorman used a hair dryer as he sprayed each girl’s hair to keep all the stray fly aways down. “The more we think about it the messier it gets,” he commented. The looked finished by having a Vivienne Tam hair piece sewn into under the updo.

Makeup was led by Maybelline's Andy Koh who commented, the idea behind the look is to “not have too much or too little anywhere,” but it was all about the eyes. He started the eyes with Maybelline Eye Studio in Pink Persuasion, a beige color all over the eyelid. Then, he added a thick layer of Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black across the top of the lid with an eyeliner brush. Individual false eyelashes were added just to the outer corner of the eye to add a touch of drama in a modern way. For checks he used Maybelline Blush in FIT Deep Rose and Coral depending on the model’s skin tone where he applied it under the eyes and on the check bone to temple where he blended upwards. For lips, Maybelline Lipcolor in Born With It was his go-to.

Katherine Kim of Imcoo & Coco applied stick on nail color to just the tips of each nail to give the nails a luxury, glittery look. They looked like an old school French manicure with a twist.  The color was Imcoo & Coco Dry Nail Applique in Ruby Shoes.

Sexy Eyes and Second Day Hair, Backstage at Cynthia Rowley

Backstage at Cynthia Rowley I taped a video for the Style Coalition interviewing the lead hairstylist with Redken, Rita Marmor. As soon as it's posted I'll put it up so you can all see it. I absolutely love doing on camera work!

For now, I'll tell you about the look. It was great second day hair. A texturized tucked under pony tail with the front piece sectioned into a triangle and pulled straight back.

The makeup was hot.  It was perfect for going out late night in the city.  I got the scoop from Charlotte Willer, the lead makeup artist with Maybelline on the inspiration and how-to get the look.  The perfect skin is compromised of 50% powder and 50% foundation.  The main focal point were the eyes.  The key to achieving the sexiness a was outlining the eye on the top and bottom on the outside and inside of the eye and blending it with the finger.  Spiky lashes were a must and they were created with layers of Maybelline Falsies Mascara.

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