Best in Show: Bronzers

It's finally beginning to look like spring in fact will come this year. How else would we celebrate, but by taking a peak into the best bronzers of the season. Thanks J. Lo for setting the bar so high.  Here are the ones you want to get your hands on in order to achieve that gorgeous glow.

Jouer Mattifying Bronzing Powder, $30  This powder gives you a gorgeous bronzy shade while hydrating the skin with Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract and Aloe Vera. And that's not even all it does. The mattifying effect diminishes unwanted shine to give you a clean bronzy glow.

Physicians Formula City Glow, $14.95  While the gorgeous design on the surface is what first catches your attention, the formula keeps it. It protects against environmental aggressors, therefore not only giving you the superficial look of healthy skin, but actively working to maintain skin health.

Mary Kay Bronzing Powder, $18 We've all been there when with one sweep of the brush, our bronzer goes on way too dark. Making it clear poorly applied bronzer is how you achieved your "natural-looking" tan. This powder has the perfect finish allowing for gradual buildability and keeps a smooth application over the surface of the skin.

Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlight Bronzer Duo, $12.99 This two-in-one bronzer/ blush duo gives you a beautiful natural sun-kissed look. With the perfect mix between the pinky blush and the luminous bronzer, you'll look like you absorbed the perfect amount of Vitamin D.

Diorskin Nude Air Tan Powder, $54  We're fans of this Diorskin line in general, so of course their bronzer had to make the cut for this round up. It's true to its name and such a light texture that it doesn't cake, allowing your skin to breathe.

My Intern Pushes Boundaries at the Spring Sonia Kashuk Event, Her Story

Last week, I had the pleasure of going to Sonia Kashuk’s event where she unveiled her 2013 spring collection. The Sonia Kashuk team (who are the nicest ever!) led me over to a makeup chair where the makeup artist added a pop of color on my lips.  Something I'm always a little shy about, but as soon as I looked in the mirror I fell in love!  The color was perfect and I was totally impressed with how long it stayed on after the event. The shade: Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Rosie Nude.  Sonia's new collection is packed with fun colors and bold prints for spring. I can’t wait to get my hands on a cosmetic bag featured in one of the many gorgeous prints. These bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors that even match some of the new brush sets. Her A Kiss on the Cheek Lip and Cheek Palette was also one of my favorites, which includes four colors you can mix-and-match that can be used on both your lips and cheeks, leaving you with a bright and dewy finish.

Spring is officially here and color has found its way back into my wardrobe and my makeup bag.

Backstage Broadway's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with Sonia Kashuk & Umberto

In case you didn't hear yet, Breakfast at Tiffany's is premiering on Broadway this March  and Emilia Clarke of the Game of Thrones will be playing Holly Golightly, "the woman every man wants to be with and every woman wants to be."  As the exclusive beauty partner, Target brands, Sonia Kashuk and Umberto were in charge of recreating Holly's look on Emilia for the promo pieces and the show.  I got the scoop on the transformation. “I was so excited when Target approached me with this opportunity as I’ve been a fan of Broadway for years," comments Sonia Kashuk.  "I think the Target partnership with the Breakfast at Tiffany’s production is an exciting and unexpected way to reach women who may not know about Sonia Kashuk Beauty at Target or think of Target as an on-trend beauty destination.

Key products used: Perfecting Luminous Foundation and Eye on Neutral 12-pan shadow palette

“I worked closely with Sonia Kashuk and the show’s costume designer, Colleen Atwood to create the signature Holly Golightly look.  The goal for us was to create a look that is true to Truman Capote’s vision for Holly Golightly in his novella, but also one that Target guests can easily and affordably replicate at home," says Umberto.

Key products used: Umberto Beverly Hulls Roman Oil Serum and Umberto Beverly Hills Shimmer Shine Spray

My WPIX Segment: Holiday Beauty Bargain Buys

This morning I did a segment on WPIX on Holiday Beauty Bargain Buys. One of the great things about holiday shopping is that not only are we in the holiday spirit, but so are beauty brands and retailers.  They're packaging some of their best selling items into affordable giftables so you can give without breaking the bank.  It doesn't hurt to pick up some beauty loot for yourself either while the deals are going on!  Check out the segment here and shopping guide after the jump.Lorac Bejeweled Day & Night Jewelry Box, $56 at Sephora, a $415 value Philosophy Amazing Grace Fragrance Layering Collection, $49.50 at Philosophy.com, a $72 value

Smashbox Snap You’re Fab Holiday Lip Gloss Set, $30 at Smashbox.com, a $96 value

Violet Clarisonic Mia, $119 at Nordstrom.com, a $134 value

Sonia Kashuk All Out Glam Six-Piece Brush Set, $24.99 at Target, a $54 value

The Body Shop Coconut 4-Piece Gift Collection, $30 at Sephora, a $48 value

Sephora Makeup Studio Blockbuster, $49.50 at Sephora, a $440 value

5 Must Have Makeup Brushes

When it comes to putting on makeup I'm a minimalist.  A little eyeliner, few coats of mascara, dusting of bronzer plus some lip gloss and I'm out the door.  Therefore, I have to admit my brush collection was lacking until I attended an event held by Makeup Artist, Sonia Kashuk, who taught me and a bunch of editors how to use a full brush set to apply a full face of makeup.  Such a valuable lesson, but I spoke to Kashuk to narrow down the top five makeup brushes we should all have and how to use them, because let's be honest, we don't all take the time to go crazy.  Here's the breakdown: 1. Small Multipurpose Powder Brush

If you're going to purchase one shadow brush, this is it.  The dome shape is great for contouring and shading in smaller areas, but it also offers a sheer application, which allows it to be used all over the eye.

2. Dome Shaped Blush Brush

"You always want to apply blush in a circular motion to control the movement," comments Kasuk.  "A soft, domed brush makes application seamless."  Another bonus: Not only do soft brushes feel great on your skin, but they are also a great way to control color by sweeping less pigment on with the initial stroke.  You can always add more.  I use Kashuk's Blusher Brush, $17.99 at Target.

3. Brow Spoolie

Nicely groomed brows frame your entire face, but the way your brush them makes a big difference.  A spoolie brush grips each hair and allows for better control in the placement of your brow hairs than other tools.  For the most flattering look, brush your brows at a 75 degree angle so they go up and out towards your hair line.

4. Pointed Foundation Brush

"A domed-shaped brush for foundation is a must-have because it helps alleviate streaks, evenly buffs foundation and concealer into the skin, and is perfect for targeting specific hard to reach areas," states Kashuk.  For a controlled application, tap the brush onto the skin instead of swiping it back and forth.  Proper application will make your foundation will last longer too.

5. Smudge Brush

There's so much you can do with a smudge brush from blending out eye liners to softening a smokey eye and even applying eyeliners and shadows to give them a different texture.  It's like a magic wand for your eyes!

A Peak Inside My Personal Styling Kit

Lately I've been doing a few photo shoots for various beauty and fashion brands and TV segments that require models and I've complied the ultimate emergency kit for these types of situations.  It's been so essential to my career that I have to share it with you.  These products have been life saviors, never mind how perfect the makeup bag is! The Sonia Kashuk Roll Up Valet bag folds out into four sections making it super easy to organize (and believe it or not is under $20).  Inside I have a variety just-in-cases like binder clips, safety pins and Hollywood Fashion Tape for fashion emergencies.  KohGenDo Cleansing Spa Water with cotton pads, Q-tips, Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray, a nail file, Alterna hairspray, hair clips, tiny scissors, Ardell false lashes, tweezers and clear nail polish (you never know when you may get a run).

What are your emergency go-tos?