Georgia May Jagger's Rules on Wearing A Red Lip

I've never seen a better pair of lips.  Ever.  Georgia May Jagger is just as charming as she is beautiful in real life.  As the Spokeswoman for Rimmel London, I attended lunch with the British model to learn about the brand's new launches.  Of course, I grabbed her for a few to find out her tricks behind wearing her iconic red lip. "I love red.  Everyone has a red, you just have to find the right shade for you," Jagger explained.  "My favorite is the Kate Moss Lipstick for Rimmel, because it's super matte,  but doesn't feel dry or chalky.  My mom wears more of a fire engine red and sister wears a deeper one."

In order to pull of red lipstick day or night, Jagger exfoliates her lips and recommends making a scrub out of brown sugar and lip balm.  Instead of just rinsing the scrub off, she removes it gently with a hot towel.  To make the color last all day, her number one tip is to layer "a little bit of lip liner underneath" the lipstick.

Beauty Through the Decades

Imagine living in a simpler time where beauty was so streamlined that using a bar of soap was considered an effective skincare regimen.  I just received a mailing from the CVS Beauty Club highlighting beauty then and now that made me truly appreciate how far technology has come! You won't believe what woman used to do compared to what we do today.  Read on and appreciate! Skincare

Then: An effective skincare regimen used to include cleansing with a bar soap and smoothing on moisturizer.  Can you imagine?  Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid was one of the first products to be introduced that offered a non-greasy, more luxe texture.

Now: New technology not only allows us to choose the type of formula we want to meet our lifestyles and skincare needs, but also the application method.  Creams, serums, oils and cleansers, do everything from erasing fine lines, plumping the skin, evening out it's tone and protecting it from environmental factors.

Makeup

Then: Foundations came in heavy, very limited shade ranges and women had to wear falsies daily in the 60's as their lashes were their main accessory.  Talk about high maintanence!  Lip color was always in, but the popular shades shifted from screen siren reds to nudes and eventually burgundy.

Now: Skincare ingredients are now incorporated into cosmetics making almost all of them "good for your skin." Foundation isn't the only option now (thank God!) as face makeup comes in a variety of forms depending on the coverage you're looking for (i.e.: tinted moisturizer, BB Cream, CC Cream…).  Most brands have a decent amount of shade ranges, too.  Mascara formulations and intricate wands are now also designed to create specific looks so daily falsies aren't necessary.  Lip care goes way beyond pigment as we now also have texture options ranging from matte to sheer.

Hair Styling

Then: Women used to have to sit for hours at the salon with rollers in their hair to create curls or use an actual clothing iron to straighten their hair.

Now: Where do we begin?  Achieving a salon worthy style at home is easier than ever thanks to all of the styling tools that are available to us. There are even different types of curling irons for different types of curls! Talk about specifics!

Nails

Then: The polish decision was solely about color.

Now: We're all nail artists.  The demand for effects is in full effect and a simple manicure just doesn't cut it anymore.  Ombre, 3D and crackle meet polka dots, chevron and color blocking.

Fragrance

Then: To fit the mood of the times, scent trends changed with the decades.

Now: You probably have at least three fragrances to rotate with your ever changing moods.   Your scent is another element of your personal style and rules don't exist anymore.  Unisex fragrances are more popular and let's face it, if it has Lady Gaga's name on it, it's selling out.

Wedding Day Makeup Tutorial As Seen on Brides

Brides asked me to shoot a wedding day makeup tutorial to give to my makeup artist as inspiration for my big day.  I actually think I did a pretty decent job!  With a wedding in eight months, of course I started thinking about who's going to be my glam squad!  It's a blessing and a curse that I work in an industry where I've gotten close to so many talented artists.  Like my look?  Check out the gallery on Brides.

Beauty & The Bride: Jenny Packham

I'm obsessing over the hair and makeup pics from bridal fashion week that just took place in NYC!  I avoided it like the plague, because I love my dress and didn't want to watch Marchesa gowns glide down the runway.  Obvi.  However, I am working on finding inspiration for my makeup look.  This one from Jenny Packham is perfect – flawless, dewey skin with a flush.  It's really the no-makeup-makeup look.  Lead Makeup Artist for Laura Mercier, Talia Shobrook, gave me the step-by-step, which every woman should be able to conquer.  Bride-to-be or not. Flawless Face: Flawless skin with a natural flush of colour

·         Shobrook first prepped skin with Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Hydrating ($32).  

·         Next, she applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Oil Free Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($43) to create a healthy, even tone.  She then covered any imperfections with Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($32).

·         To give the skin a romantic, dreamy look, Shobrook flushed the cheeks with Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Barely Pink ($24) and Rose Petal ($24).

·         Then, she dusted Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Peach Whisper ($24) onto the apples of the cheeks. She dabbed Laura Mercier Secret Finish ($27) onto the cheekbones, adding freshness to the skin.

·         To add the final touch, Shobrook applied Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder ($35) to the nose and forehead.

Simple Eyes: Soft washes of colour

·         Shobrook applied a wash of colour to the eyelids using Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Ginger ($23) and Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Guava ($23). Next, she applied a layer of Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour ($23) in Primrose.

·         She then highlighted the brow bones with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Morning Dew ($23).

·         She used Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour  in Baroque and Cognac ($23 each) on the inner creases of the eyes to give a rounded look.

·         To finish the lids, Shobrook applied  Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour  in Baroque and Burnished ($23 each) to the lower lash lines. She then added Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Cognac to the middle of the lower lash lines.

·         She applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Seashell ($26) to the inner corners of the eyes and added a coat of Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara ($24) to the top and bottom lashes.

·         To pull the look together and frame the face, she lightly defined the eyebrows using Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil ($22).

Soft Lips:  Mauve and beige lip

·         To create a subtle, elegant look, Shobrook applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush and Peche (each $26) to the lips.

Body: Illuminated skin

·         To complete the look, Talia dusted Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Power in Candelight ($34) to the neck and décolletage.

Charlotte Tilbury Brings Her "Penelope Look" to Life on Penelope Cruz

Spotted on Instagram: Charlotte Tilbury dishing on working with Penelope Cruz, who was recently named Lancome's newest Spokeswoman for their latest fragrance, Trésor Lumineuse.  Tilbury's been on a mission of her own lately, introducing a cosmetic line, which she used to create Penelope's recent look, otherwise known as "Dolce Vita." Described as having "come to bed eyes," created with smoldering copper & bronze shades, complimented by a pink seductive lip (actually called Penelope Pink), the look was inspired by Penelope. Seeing it come to life on Penelope, of course, took it to another level.

Being she's one of the world's most coveted makeup artists, her new collection is also one to covet.  You can shop different looks (here's Penelope's) or products on a per need basis.

Here's a video of Charlotte describing exactly to get the super seductive look:

The One Palette You Need to Get Samantha Barks' November Cover Look

In honor of their 10th birthday, one of my favorite brands, Mark Cosmetics, enlisted Les Miserables actress, Samantha Barks to be their magazine's cover girl.  I got a peek at what it was like working with Samantha behind the scenes.  Her cover look?  Really fresh and right on trend.  Check it out along with tips on how to get it from her makeup artist, Jamie Greenberg.  PS: She pretty much used one palette!

Face & Cheeks:

“I prepped Samantha’s skin using a tinted moisturizer. Then, I dusted the pink shade from mark’s Super Color Box Total Face Palette ($24.99) onto the apples of her cheeks.”

Eyes: 

“I applied the darkest purple shade, found on the right side of the Super Color Box Total Face Palette, onto her eyelids. Next, I applied the dark green shade to her upper lash line. This contrast complemented her skintone beautifully.  I applied two coats of mascara to her lashes to finish her eyes.”

Lips: 

“To complete the look, I applied the pink gloss shade from the Super Color Box Total Face Palette to Samantha’s lips, which tied the entire look together.”

Get the Look: Kerry Washington's Day to Night Scandal Premiere Makeup

Most of you are probably just as obsessed with Scandal as I am with Kerry Washington's NYC premiere makeup.   Truth is, I've never seen an episode, but can spot a flawless face when I see one.  NARS makeup artist, Brigitte Reiss-Andersen, took the actress from day to night building upon one foundation.  Here's how:

“I am always inspired by the clothing. When I saw Kerry’s white dress, it was easy to see what I needed to do: sheer, fresh and light. The new Radiant Cream Compact Foundations worked perfectly for this look.”

Other products included: Mambo Eyeliner Pencil, Kalahari Duo Eyeshadow, Suriname Brow Perfector & Falbala Lipstick

“This was the perfect transition for nighttime. Kerry wanted a matte lip and we balanced it by building on her look from earlier, creating a wide-eyed, true, smokey brown eye.”

Products used were: Dark Rite Eyeshadow Pencil, Mambo Eyeliner Pencil, Coconut Grove Eyeshadow & Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

5 Favorites

I don't know where to start.  My whole regimen has taken a turn for the better lately and with each new launch and product mailing I'm falling in love all over again with the latest lotions and potions.  Allow me to present my five favorites of the moment.  You can thank me later!

Rodial Glam Balm Multi, $59, has been a staple in my bag.  I've been traveling a ton lately and this non-greasy balm is loaded with stem cells so it has plumping benefits and is super moisturizing.  You can use it as a day or night cream on your face for extra hydration, on your hands, cuticles, lips, elbows.  The options are endless.

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment, $75, has my favorite anti-aging key word, retinol, as it's main ingredient.  My biggest paranoia lately has been fine lines on the sides of and underneath my eyes.  They make me look old and tired!  I trust StriVectin and the combination of Retinol and Niacin is a perfect blend to help diminish them quickly.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, $45, offers lightweight coverage in a variety of shades.  I'm not one to wear foundation daily, but when I go on TV, it becomes my best friend.  Hello HD!  This powder blends seamlessly into my skin without feeling caky.  Plus, it's easy to carry around for last minute touch ups.

Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Mousse, $14.99, puts an end to the search.  The search for volume that is.  The famed UK brand just landed state side and after trying a variety of their products, I couldn't be happier.  Since my strands live for mousse, this is by far my favorite product in the line.  It's lightweight and not only offers volume, but it also gives bounce.  That's the difference.  Who doesn't want bounce?

 Gelish Mini Soak Off Gel Polish, $10 ea., come in a variety of fashion forward shades for fall.  My favorite being 'A Touch of Sass' and soak off easily without ruining your own nails.  Hey, a girl needs a gel mani every once in a while!

Emmy Beauty Predictions from the Best in the Biz

Sunday is Emmy Day, one of my favorite awards shows!  Not only is Homeland nominated for 'Best Drama Series', but so are Claire Danes and Damian Lewis for 'Best Actress & Best Actor in a Drama.'  Imagining a sweep.  You with me?  Either way, I know one things for sure, your eyes will be glued to the red carpet!  Here are some beauty predictions for TV's biggest night from yours truly and some of my friends, the best on the web. I think we'll see a combination of wine stained matte and nude glossy lips complimenting  "undone, done hair."  Nail art will still be in play for some of the younger actresses, but for the most part, nude nails will take center stage.

I predict we'll see toned-down glamour: fewer big barrel curls and more undone waves. And I'll be shocked if there's nail art — or much nail color at all, actually.  - Annie Tomlin, Beauty Director of Refinery 29

I'm predicting a lot of half-up 'dos. I think the long, side-parted waved look is finally played out (since it's been officially A Thing since 2003) and updos are typically more common at the Oscars for a more formal feel. I think we'll see some straight half-up looks with height. Of which, I'm a fan. - Amber Katz, Founder of Beauty Blogging Junkie

If the runways at NYFW were any indication, we'll see lots of off-white and nude nails - although I wouldn't write off nail art just yet, just expect it to be toned down (like rhinestones and appliqués on nude nails!). I also expect at least one celeb to debut a new "lob" (aka long bob!) and at least some plum lips! - Alexis Wolfer, Founder of The Beauty Bean

I'm predicting a lot of jewel tone dresses (royal blue, deep purple, etc) and I agree with Alexis, there will definitely be a few "lobs"! - Jamie Stone, Founder of Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis

I think we'll be seeing more relaxed, soft waves than usual—the world of hair is all about what's touchable right now. - Beth Shapouri, Blogger for Glamour's Girls in the Beauty Department

I'm predicting we'll see some gorgeous red and berry lips in both matte and glossy textures, as well as more subdued nail art. I think we're past the stages of crazy nails, so we'll see things like nude with a small gold stone or an inverted French. And of course, fingers are crossed for someone to debut a fabulous new haircut, but you can hardly predict that one... - Rachel Adler, Beauty Director of Beauty High

I'm predicting a move away from all the romantic curls we saw in the past and a lot more sleek straight looks.  I love the Emmys, beause I feel like they are a little less HUGE in the glamour.  The stars look more like "people" -- while the mermaid curls may come out for the oscars!  Also, I'm assuming there'll be a chance in the nail art we see - nail art was SO big last year, but now post-runways, we seem to be seeing more subtle (classic, actually) looks.  Also there was a lot of pretty bold lips on the NYFW runways this year. I hope it stays! - Aly Walansky, Founder of A Little Aly Tude

I'm expecting that the Emmy celebs will take a cue from the New York runways, and we'll see a few bold orange lips, hair down and in messy waves (glam post-grunge), and nude nails in tones of peach, beige and cream. - Nadine Jolie - Founder of Nadine Jolie

Avon Makeup Backstage Elizabeth & James

Here's a peek behind the scene's of Mary Kate and Ashley Olson's fashion show for their line, Elizabeth and James through the eyes of Irina Shayk, Avon's Global Ambasador and (I had to say it...) Sports Illustrated Super Model.  Loved the video. Had to share!

A Heart to Heart with Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier is one of my absolute favorite cosmetic brands and the "Laura Mercier look" is what I'll be requesting for my upcoming wedding.  However, besides being known for her successful makeup brand, Miss Mercier has been up to something else that makes you fall in love with her just a little bit more.  With September being Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I was honored to chat with her about the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund and find out how we can help spread awareness of the disease and raise funds for research. Why is raising awareness around ovarian cancer is important to you?

Claudia Poccia, the President & CEO of Gurwitch Products, and I have both been touched by ovarian cancer through the experiences of loved ones. For years, I’ve witnessed my dear friend, Ranee Flynn, battle ovarian cancer, and I am incredibly inspired by her strength and determination. When Claudia joined Gurwitch more than two years ago, she was in the midst of one of the most devastating times of her life – the illness and passing of her younger sister, Laura Lia Murray, from ovarian cancer.

As we discussed our personal experiences with the disease, we quickly realized that we had been brought together in business for a greater reason and a higher purpose, and we made it our shared mission to leverage the success of the business to make a difference in the lives of women. Last September, during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we launched the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund.

What's the mission of the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund and how can we help? 

The mission of the Fund is to raise awareness and fund research and educational efforts that will help diagnose, treat and support women with ovarian cancer. We raised funds from the sale of fundraising products and direct donations, and in our first year, we issued grants totaling approximately $450,000.  This year, we are donating 100 percent of the profits from the sale of three products to the fund.

Which three products?

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheek Crème Colour Palette,  which is a permanent product available year round, as well as the Matte Radiance Healthy Glow Baked Powder & Mini Face Brush, and Kiss of Hope Lip Glace, which are limited-edition and available while supplies last. (Shop all of the products here).

Why did you choose these three products?

Bonne Mine translates to “healthy glow.” The palette holds special meaning for Claudia because her sister used it when undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. We decided to make it a permanent fundraising product in her honor.

The other two products also support this philosophy. I love how all of the products, used together or alone, complement every skin tone and truly provide a natural “bonne mine.”

***If you'd like to make a direct donation to the Fund, you can do so here. 

the best eyeshadow palettes for your eye color

We’ve read it a million times before, "The best shadow colors to make your eye color pop!"  Green eyes brighten by purple and brown look best when wearing gold tones. Well, instead of just telling you the colors to look for, I’ve found the best eye shadow pallets to match your color scheme.  Happy shopping!

Brown Eyes:

The best colors for your brown-eyed girls out there are gold, copper and navy to add the extra pop. Bobbi Brown carries a great limited edition Navy & Nude Eye Palette ($60, Sephora.com) to match the color needs of brown eyes. It includes plain colors as well as a few shimmery options for a fun night out.

Blue Eyes:

Colors that work best for blue eyes are pale oranges and pinks or silver if you really want them to pop. Chanel’s Les 4 Ombres 79 Species ($59, Chanel.com) color palette has the pale pinks and oranges. Although there is no silver in the palette, the shimmer to each of the colors adds the same effect.

Hazel Eyes:

Warm neutral colors add to the richness of the hazel color. A good palette to match the criteria is Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 3 Plush Shadow in The Glam 108 ($42, Sephora.com). These metallic gold and brown shades will make your eyes really stand out.

Green Eyes:

The rarest color on the list follows very specific color picks of purple and greys.  Dior’s 5-Colour Designer All-In-One Artistry Palette ($60, Sephora.com) has gorgeous purple/blue colors that enhance one another beautifully.

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.

5 Favorites

This week some of my favorite new beauty product launches include a must-have compact (pictured above), my new staple fall nail polish color from NARS, the softest and most affordable makeup brushes ever and more.  Check them out!

Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lip Color in Bordeaux

This whole line of lip colors are nice and creamy so they don't settle into fine lines, are richly pigmented and have staying power like no other.  Bordeaux is my favorite because it's very New York and right on trend for fall.

Mark Great Finish Pressed Perfecting Powder

This pressed powder gets the job done without making my face look caky.  I use it on my T-zone to help mattify my skin and as a bonus, it also makes my pores look smaller.

NARS Nail Polish in Fury

As someone who exclusively wears  dark polish, I swear NARS created this deep purple with me in mind.  It has a nice punch to it, which makes it special.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye & Lip Perfection a Porter

This came in a mailing labeled "NYFW survival kit," amongst other necessities and will surely be used throughout the week!  The eye cream and lip balm duo come in a luxe, lightweight compact with nice sized mirrors, making it perfect for on-the-go.  Two essentials I now can't be without.

Makeup Forever Professional Brushes

Professional makeup artists brushes in every style (76 to be exact).  Made of synthetic fibers so they're affordable, you'd never know they weren't real.

5 Favorites

When Yes To Carrots expands their line, yet again, you know I'm writing about it. The new Yes To Body Washes, ($7.99 at drugstores) are rocking my shower experience.  Check out the other products that made the cut for my five favorites of the moment. 

Sephora + Pantone Universe Elemental Energy Eye Shadow Palette, $38 at Sephora 

This palette includes 16 shades in many different textures: creamy, semi-matte, glitter, and shimmer. The pigments are vivid and feel like velvet as you swipe them across your lids.

Chapstick Mixsticks, $2.99 at drugstores.

Two flavors, one stick.  Pretty awesome.

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $5.99 at Ulta & Almay Soothing & De-Puffing Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $5.99 at Ulta

Almay's eye makeup removers have always been a favorite of mine, and these two products recently replenished my stash.  Gentle and effective.

Goody QuickStyle Half Round Brush, $11.99 at Target

The microfibers in between the nylon bristles soak up water to help your hair dry quicker.

Jason Wu Teams Up with Lancome & Talks Details

While Beyonce might have been taking over most of the headlines with her ever changing hairstyles, there is another person making quite the beauty buzz lately – Jason Wu.  Last week, I attended the launch party to celebrate his new collection for Lancome and had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with the designer.  His friendly nature and charismatic energy made it all the easier to get the scoop for you guys.

January Jones and even the First Lady, Michelle Obama have all donned Mr. Wu's apparel.  Although we may not all be able to afford his previous collections, we can afford this new collection!

What was it like working with Lancome?

It's been a wonderful experience. I've been a huge fan for their product for so long. It's a beautiful beautiful product and no one can deny that. To be able to collaborate with them was a dream come true because I love beauty. In every sense of that word. I love makeup. I love beautiful things. I love beautiful women. So this felt really natural and a really appropriate collaboration for me.

What was your favorite part of the collaboration?

Picking the colors of course! I'm like a kid in a candy store. Who doesn't want to pick the colors and dig into the archives. The collection is not only wearable but also glamorous. That's a great thing about the collection, it not only worked really well for my runway show but in different ways it could work in everyones everyday lives.

What was the overall inspiration of the collection?

The first collection was really about doing my favorite things. Violet is one of my favorite colors so I've gravitated towards it throughout my entire life and career. So that was one of key colors of the collection. I love a red lip, so we offer three different kinds of red lip in the collection. As well as three different kinds of red nail polish. It would be such a gorgeous essential to any woman's beauty arsenal or beauty regime. I really designed into what women really want and would embrace.

What is your favorite product?

The navy mascara. I think it is so cool.  I can imagine all the girls I know wanting to wear that. Along with the rest of the pallet. This is something you want like all the time. It's so subtle and works on everyone and so chic. I mean who wouldn't want that?

What can we expect from you for this years NYFW? 

Well you can definitely see my makeup collection on each of the models. I think you'll see me take a real step forward again. Every season is a step forward and this season is no different.

The collection will be on sale for a limited time in Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman during New York Fashion Week.

Get Jennifer Aniston's Look from the NYC We're The Millers Premiere

Jennifer Aniston rocked a "summer in the city" inspired look for the We're the Miller's premiere courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin.  As soon as I saw the inspiration I wanted to know more.  The only real difference I noticed from Jennifer's previous red carpet looks was her eye makeup.  Always stunning, we've never covered her breakdown.  So for all of her fans, here you go:

As a foundation, Levin applied FACE Picture Perfect Foundation in "O" and "J" ($48, facestockholm.com) and blended with a Chanel Foundation Brush ($45, shop.nordstrom.com) motioning in circular motions.

To give her a sun kissed look, Levin used Chanel Le Blush Creme in Revelation ($38, shop.nordstrom.com) and Chanel Le Beiges Health Glow Sheer Colour PF 15 No. 40 ($57.50, chanel.com) on the forehead, cheeks and chin.

For natural looking eyes, Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow Spicea pallet ($59, chanel.com). To make the eyes pop she applied the lightest color underneath the brow and the gold color on the lid under the lower lashes. The dark shade was used in the crease of the lid to open they eyes. She finished with Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Ebloui ($36, chanel.com) to frame the eye.

To finish it off, Levin applied Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in InSouciance ($32, chanel.com).

Charlotte Tilbury Talks Rock N' Kohl

For the first time in history, Selfridges in London held a beauty festival allowing world renowned makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury, to take over their concept store. She kicked off a week of events called, “Charlotte Tilbury’s House of Rock ‘N Kohl,” featuring a guest appearance by Kate Moss, makeovers and more.  Since I've known Charlotte for years, I got the chance to chat with her to find out what the lucky ladies of London got to experience.  Read on for details and a cool behind the scenes video. Congratulations on wrapping up your “House of Rock ‘N Kohl” at Selfridges in London!  What was your inspiration behind the concept?

I am so honored and excited that I was able to create my House of Rock ‘n’ Kohl at Selfridges. I love the retail theatre, drama and history of Selfridges as it really was the first place to celebrate and put beauty on the map. I wanted to share all of my tricks and tips from backstage and throughout my career and create the first event where we could celebrate the world of beauty, fashion and make-up in the world’s best department store.

What was the highlight of the event for you and why?

There were so many from Cara Delevingne’s incredible drumming debut, unveiling Kate Moss’s portrait, being on the sofa with some of the most influential, inspiring and interesting people in the world of fashion and beauty, the amazing Tilbury Transformations and sharing my backstage tricks, tips and magic cream with some of the most passionate beauty fans.

When helping people clean out their makeup bags, what advice to you typically give?

Always make sure you clean your brushes. Brushes get dirty so quickly and easily and they are a real harbor for blemish causing germs. I use Isopropyl Alchohol but Mac has a great brush cleaner that really works to clean and maintain your brushes.

Out of all of the items in your makeup kit, which five are absolute must haves and why?

It’s so hard to only choose 5! I feel naked without mascara and eyeliner as they really open up my eyes and make me look more awake. A bronzer is a must have for getting that healthy glow, under eye brightener is essential after long nights and a nude lipstick for that perfect pout.

Colorescience Mineral Makeup, Celebrity Makeup Artist Approved

Normally, when I take a peek behind the scenes into the lives of some of your favorite celebs, their makeup artists are one of my primary sources.  Always intrigued to find out how to get the red carpet look and what products they can't live without – to me, it's the glam squads that are the real stars.  Last week I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive makeup artist event for Colorescience, a luxury mineral makeup line as the only member of the media.  Getting the scoop from the brand along with some of world's best makeup artists was a priceless experience. "When we're introduced to new products we check out the texture and colors first," remarked Makeup Artist, Mari Shten, who works with Mariah Carey, Cynthia Nixon and Christy Turlington.  "Then, most of us like to make sure the product can be used in multiple ways and at the end of the day, we just want something that works."

As we went through the entire Colorescience collection of foundations, primers and color cosmetics, Dr. Doris Day was also on hand to explain the science behind the formulations. Personally, since I try out everything, what I put on my face changes almost daily, so I haven't been committed to using mineral makeup even though I know it's "good for my skin."  Like Shten, I use what works.  However, a demonstration during the event blew my mind and made me rethink my ways.

We know not all makeup is created equal.  Turns out, not all mineral makeup is created equal either.  Colorescience products are sheared in all different sizes, which creates a breathable mesh that sits on top of your skin.  Not only does this allow your skin to breathe, but the different sized minerals help to smooth out wrinkles and pores, creating a flawless appearance.  Other mineral makeup brands shear their minerals all the same size, which allows them to sink into your skin, lines and pores and clog them.

The demonstration that was done was a water test that showed the Colorescience minerals sitting on top of the water and another mineral makeup brand sinking in. Amazing.  Three products I began to use immediately were highly endorsed by Dr. Day: Skin Brightening Face Primer SPF 20, Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 20 and the Hydrating Setting Mist.  Used together, they create a smooth, bright canvas.

Spending the evening talking makeup with some of the people I respect most in the industry was what I call a perfect NYC night.  Listening to the questions they asked and watching they way they interacted with the products helped me write this post. I've interviewed some of them in the past, Nick Barose and Ricky Wilson, and it was so nice to meet them in person! Check out Colorescience on Facebook to learn more.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

3 summer beauty trends not to miss

If you’re a glass half empty person, I'm sorry that you’re summer is half way over. If you a glass half full person, enjoy the rest of July and August! Either way, the summer 2013 beauty trends have made their presence known. So let's celebrate the top three summer beauty trends you still have time rock.

Healthy Glow

Sub your bronzer for blush.  Honestly who needs to add more red to your complexion when dealing with heat and sunburn? I know I sure don’t. However, blush always extenuates my weak bone structure therefore, I can’t just forgo that important part of my makeup routine. Thanks to one of this summer’s top trends you don’t have to. Instead of blush, try using bronzer to do the job. It works just as well to show off your cheekbones but instead of giving you an even more flushed look, you just get a bronze glow.

Sleek Strands

We’re used to seeing women embrace their wildly wavy summer hair, giving it a messy chic look. But this summer it’s all about fighting the frizz. Sleek is chic. Although not always easy, it's possible. To get the look, start by using Oribe’s Shampoo and Conditioner for Moisture and Control ($38, oribe.com). After washing, use hair oils. My personal favorite is Moroccanoil Treatment Light ($43, Moroccanoil.com).  The light weight formula tames my frizzies without weighing down my hair or making it look greasy.

Bright Pink Puckers

It’s playful, fun and light— all the qualities you look for in a summer look. With the gross summer heat, go for a matte lip instead of sticky, runny gloss.  My favorite pink lipstick of the moment is Hourglass Liquid Lipstick ($28, Sephora.com) in Ballet. It goes on liquid, but dries matte. Genius.