Facial Fuel Eye Depuffer

I am always being asked what product to use

to get rid of under eye bags.

More specifically, tired, puffy eyes.

This is what I use both in my makeup kit, 

especially when I have some jet lagged super-celeb getting ready at 5 am for a breakfast TV appearance,

and also for my personal use 

(especially when I'm getting ready at 4 am 

for a breakfast TV appearance...)

Its the Kiehls Facial Fuel Eye De Puffer.

Now although this product was originally designed for men, and in fact I originally bought it to use on men, it is perfect for women too.

An instantly cooling and non greasy formula, this one actually comes in a stick, so you can gently glide it over the under eye area, with no pulling or tugging, and feel instant relief.

It has energy enhancing ingredients, which get the blood circulating and make your eyes look awake and alert, it minimizes puffiness, hydrates, rejuvenates, cools and soothes.

Its compact enough that you can keep it in your handbag for instant relief from tired eyes as you sit in front of the computer all day, allergy irritated eyes when the pollen count gets bothersome, and is super sensational for use when you're on long flights.

I just showed this product on a SheKnows Daily Dish segment all about lightening and brightening the eye area,

so you'll be hearing more about the Eye De Puffer from me soon!

 

High Speed Beauty For The Girl On The Go!

Are you the girl on the go

who needs a high speed, super efficient 

(yet chic!) makeup regimen? 

Perpetually running out of minutes between the dreaded clanging of the morning alarm and the slamming of the front door as you race to your car each day?

Well you will LOVE this fun item from Cargo cosmetics.

Its called 7 in 7.

And basically its the 7 products you need to create

a fabulous face in 7 minutes.

Here's what you get in this fun little kit:

* One Base (concealer and foundation in one)

* The Essential eye palette

* Eye pencil in brown

* Lash Activator mascara

* Beach blush in Sunset Beach

* Reverse lipliner

* Classic Lipgloss (with Timestrip Technology) in Tobago

Whats also cool about the 7 in 7 kit is that it comes in a slimline box that fits both sleekly and discreetly into your handbag for touch ups or for that after work dinner and drinks conversion.

The colors are gorgeous neutrals that work in any situation,

and inside the kit there's a guide that walks you through application techniques.

The kit comes in light, medium and dark.

I Just Love A Multi-tasker!!

So here's an exciting new product for you!

I'm actually taping a TV show about it today,

but I'm giving you the sneak preview...

Meet Sun Shadz.

Sun Shadz is the first sun protection blend

the is patented specifically for the scalp.

While we generally remember to put SPF on our face and body,

not too many of us remember to take care of our scalp.

Consequently not only can we get sunburnt scalp,

but we can also get melanoma in the scalp.

And that one typically goes undetected.

Sun Shadz is a fabulous little multitasker,doing 3 jobs in 1.

It comes in 8 shades to be used for blending roots in between color treatments.

It works as a dry shampoo, absorbing oils, creating texture, adding volume and boosting color.(and we all know how much I love dry shampoos!)

image pilfered from fashionphoenix.com

And then there's the biggie - SPF 15 protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Sun Shadz is made of ultra lightweight minerals, is easy to use, irritant free and Dermatologist tested.

You get buy Sun Shadz online at www.beautyatskindeep.com

Travel Packing 102: Essential Skin Care Items For The Girl On The Go!

In Travel Packing 101 we sorted out the perfect glam getaway beauty bags,

now we need to figure out what essential skin care items have to go with us, and how to pack them.

First up: pack everything down to travel size! No full size heavy bottle of lotions and potions.

Streamline what you're bringing, and put it into plastic travel sized bottles and jars.

Some companies make travel sizes of their key products.

travel pack skin care from Hylunia and Rhonda Allison products from 

The Southwest Institute Of Natural Aesthetics in Tempe AZ

Image by Lilet & Glenn Hamp ofLightRain Images

Essential Skin Care Items For The Girl On The Go

* Cleanser.

Choose a gentle cleanser that both cleans the skin and dissolves makeup.

* Eye Makeup Remover pads if you're planning on wearing waterproof mascara

* Eye Cream

You'll never keep looking youthful without it!

* Daytime Moisturizer

Specific to the climate you're going to. Dry climates require different products to humid climates

* Daily Facial SPF product

This is not the SPF you use at the beach. This is everyday, walking around, Facial SPF

*Night time Moisturizer

Don't even think about going without it! Night time is when your skin does all its youthful repair work.

* Booster product

Extra hydration if you're getting dried out, such as a serum.

Extra deep cleansing help if you're in humidity to avoid or clear breakouts

* Rescue Product

When things go awry, as in unexpected sunburn, windburn, or irritation

Hylunia's Colloidal Silver Spray gives instant relief.

You can get it in travel size too!

Look for products that multitask.

Face Atelier created Melt for the savvy traveler.

It cleanses, dissolves makeup, and gives your skin some extra treatment love in one simple yet lovely step!

Other great ideas for the traveling girl are single serve skin care capsules.

Dermalogica's amazing Multivitamin Power Firm capsules give your face some intense night time love.

Just pack one capsule for each night you're away.

Philosophy's Booster Caps can be added to your night cream to, well, boost it!

If your skin is looking gorgeous, you will too!

all images courtesy of LightRain Images

For A Little Lift And Volume...

My good friend Nashville Makeup Artist Lisa Johnson

wrote a fabulous blog post about using dry shampoos.

I was going to re-post it, but it wouldn't work,

so now I have to write my own...

Anyway,

Dry Shampoos.

They get you an extra day out of your blow out, 

but dry shampoos are not only a quick fix for dirty hair,

they are actually amongst the best volumizers and texturizers around.

Most use rice and oat starches to absorb oils,

but the more modern ones also contain styling products.

Typically they come in either a spray form or a powder form.

Sprays cover a bigger area, so are great for all over the head,

whereas powders can be used on smaller more specific areas

such as the bangs or the crown.

Both will create a really workable texture.

For updos, spray dry shampoo all through the hair, and work it through the mid lengths and ends.

Hair will be easier to get up, and to keep up.

Its easier to keep bobby pins in place when they have that extra texture to grab onto.

Similarly with a deconstructed ponytail, where you want the crown teased

and the bangs long and messy, spraying dry shampoo before styling gives hold and a way more modern look.

If you're battling flat or greasy bangs,

powdered dry shampoo worked into the roots

helps create lift and volume.

*You should never see powder in the hair - that means you've used too much product.

* It takes a good five minutes for the oil in your hair/scalp to absorb dry shampoo. 

So sit back, chill out, then gently comb through your hair.Brushing can cause flyaways.

* If you've OD'd on the dry shampoo, first try massaging it into the scalp. If you can still see it,

try misting a little water into the hair. Just a little.

SheKnows.com Drop Dead Diva Segment

So yesterday the first beauty segment we shot for SheKnows.com 's Daily Dish show aired.

This segment was sponsored by Lifetime show Drop Dead Diva.
Unfortunately they couldn't post the make up credits
as it was a sponsored segment.

So here's the lowdown on what I used:

All products were by Face Atelier
www.FaceAtelier.com
The base is Ultra Foundation in shade 4
Blush, Rosewood
Eyeshadow Plum Palette
Eyeliner Velours
Lip Liner Deep Plum
Lipgloss Dianthus
all products and a list of store locations available at FaceAtelier.com

If you didn't see the segment yet
CLICK HERE
and go to the Beauty From The Outside In Episode

Something Fun Popped Up At Chanel!

Nothing squeals summer quite as delightedly as
a little high octane, vibrant loving from Chanel!

Say bonjour to Les Pop Ups
Peter Philips' free spirited, bold and fun collection
inspired by idyllic seaside vistas.


Neon pink, sunny coral and turquoise are offset by
gorgeous bronzed skin.

Nails:
Mistral - soft pink (named after the wind that drives you crazy)
Nouvelle Vague - bold yet light turquoise
Riviera - intense pink

Lips:
Super - rose
Genial - coral (to. die. for.)

Lip Gloss:
Bikini Peach - soft pink

Aqualumiere:
Bondi - light copper
Bondi Beach - rose gold


This one is a limited edition, so get in there quickly!

Tracie Martyn Super Skin Care

One of my absolute all time favorite skin care systems is the combination of
Tracie Martyn's amazing
Enzyme Exfoliant and Firming Serum
In fact, I'm re-ordering them today, which is what made me think of telling you about them.

So, first up is the Enzyme Exfoliant

Powerful enzymes, botanical skin lighteners and balanced fruit acids
gently resurface the skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles, minimize large pores
and safely lighten the complexion.
This product also calms the skin and reduces redness and sensitivity.
It contains a natural antibiotic action that prevents breakouts,
it oxygenates the skin, which really revitalizes it.
Cell renewal is stimulated and vital nutrients restore a youthful skin.
All in one magic little jar.

After the Enzyme Exfoliant is done, you applythe Firming Serum.



This one lifts and firms, strengthens the collagen network which improves elasticity,
does all kinds of repair work (you see instant results),
it hydrates the skin by minimizing water loss,
it contains a powerful antioxidant
It transforms and brightens the skin,
and improves the texture of the skin.

It actually does a bunch of other things too, but you get the picture.

And don't just take my word for it.
Here is a list of celebs who use and swear by these products too:
Madonna
Sandra Bullock
Kate Winslet
Renee Zellweger
Susan Sarandon
Liv Tyler
Rachel Weisz
Kelly Ripa
Sharon Osbourne
Julieanne Moore

not just for the ladies, Brad Pitt also loves them.
And things seem to have worked out quite well for him...

Apparently Sandie B likes to give the set as a gift.
My introduction to these fabu-products was as a gift too.
And I've never looked back.

www.traciemartyn.com


Enjoy

XO

C

More Nars Fabulosity

Here are two new products from one of my favorite lines, Nars.
Both of these items are on the "Must Have" list for spring/summer
you just need to choose your color.

First up, the new season's shades of The Multiple.



You've heard me talk about The Multiple a lot over the past year.
This product is a make up artist favorite
as it is so incredible versatile.
Cheeks, lips, eyes - wherever you want to use it.

Although these new shades look fierce, they are in fact very translucent.
Sheer buildable color that you can use to enhance other products,
like building a stain under a lipgloss,
or adding some dewy power to an existing blush.
And really quite lovely worn just on their own.

Perfect for hot summer days when you're not wearing a full makeup,
but need a little extra love in your cheeks,
or an extra something special on your lips.

The colors are:
Beverly Hills - red
Cadaques - fuschia
Turks & Caicos - orange

Completely brilliant.

The second product I want you to meet today is Nars new super sheer SPF lip treatment.




Now, there are tons of pretty lip glosses out there for a girl to choose from.
This one is a little different, because it really is a lip treatment, with color.
It is extremely sheer, with a very soft balm-like texture to it.
The most color is in the shades Angelique and Paloma.
My personal fave? Aurore.
Bianca, Greta and Lara are super pale, super sheer.

These lip treatments have fabulous ingredients such as wild mango butter, acai oil, cloudberries, and vitamin E, all hard at work
keep your lips soft and supple,
while the SPF 15 gives your kisser some relief from the sun's burning rays.

The new shades of The Multiple are available for a limited time only,
so jump on this one while you can.

Hope the sun's shining where you are,

XO

C

Its The Mighty Aphrodite!

So we're in that interesting spacewhere the cold weather is mostly over,

we're wearing lighter, more fun clothes,
but we don't yet have that lovely summer color to our skin.


In other words, time to bring out the bronzer.

Bronzer is one of the most divine, yet hideously misused makeup products ever invented.
So bad it makes you cringe.

So here are some tips for truly gorgeous bronzer.




1. Bronzer is for a quick summer overhaul. Its all about a lighter, fresher, sun-kissed look,
not a dark, "colored in" look.

2. Always be very light handed when applying bronzer. Its easy to add more, but trickly to take away if you've put on too much.

3. Bronzer should be lightly applied to the areas that the sun would naturally hit if you were outside all day. Your forehead, across the upper cheekbones and bridge of the nose,
and over the flat part of your chin.

4. Use a densely packed brush, like a kabuki brush, and after tapping the excess product off, use a swirling motion to apply, working from the outside of the face in toward the middle.

5. Your choice of product is as crucial as your application technique. The heavy yellows and browns that make up the average bronzer can really make the skin look dull, lifeless and aged. (especially if over-applied).


I just HAD to put in a pic of the beautiful Kim Kardashian!

My personal faves??


I have used Guerlain's Terracotta Powder in my kit since the beginning of time.
And for the past few months I've been loving all over the amazing Aphrodite by Julie Hewett.



This one is particularly fabulous because of the way it wears (beautifully, evenly and long lasting) the color, which is exquisite - not too heavy, not too brown, and also because of the faint shimmer it has. It's like a bronze shimmer of glamor and gold.
The shimmer is extra fab as it stops the skin from looking dulled, and instead makes it look fresh and alive.
And skin that looks alive, also looks youthful.

So bronze up beautifully ladies!

XO

C

A Little Spring Love For Your Fingers & Toes!

Oooooh yeah!!!

How fun and bright and flirty and perfect for spring!

Nars Nail Polish in Schiap.

Looove it!

Moroccan Wonder

I've been saving this one for spring.
The humidity is starting to rise,
hair is starting to get a little on the frizzy side.

We're heading high speed into summer
and with that comes the trashing of our hair.
Chlorine, beach days and sun
all beating down on our tresses.
So I wanted to show you my favorite hair product
just so you can beat the frizz
and get prepped for the sizzling hot months.

This is Moroccan Oil.
I love it.

The Original Moroccan Oil product comes in a glass bottle,
and is a styling, finishing and conditioning product.

Its magic.

It revives, restores, hydrates, detangles and controls frizz
all the while giving a very silky finish
and a brilliant shine.

Its super concentrated.
Only use a very small amount.

It has tons of silicones
and an ingredient only found in Morocco,
Argan Oil.



I use the Glimmer Shine spray too.
Its super lightweight
but super concentrated.

Hair magic.

Gotta love that.

Bonjour Chanel! Je t'aime!

I never tire of the CC's

Never.

To me the word CHANEL is infused with a feeling that is about quality
fashion and beauty.
Love it.
And today I am loving all over some of their new spring colors.
So I thought you might like to see
whats making me so happy.

Lets start with 3 little bottles of love for your fingers.
Aren't they beautiful?

Peter Philips, Global Creative Director for CHANEL Make Up
decided to honor Coco's legacy
with a collection of clean, classic neutrals.

He wanted them infinitely wearable, and effortlessly chic.
Beautiful on every woman.

So he gave us a collection that has quintessential shades
ranging from pink and beige
to warm brown,that enhance the complexion,
illuminate the face
and highlight natural beauty.




There are lots of products in the collection.

I only felt like looking at lips and nails today.
Because its Monday.


Impertinente - Brown
Incognito - Rosewood
Insouciante - Mauve
Delicieuse - Apricot

How delicieuse is your day today?

XO

C

Its All About The Bling

I thought you might find this interesting.

This week I'm shooting some catalogue.
And I need my models to have a gorgeous,
warm tan, healthy glow.
And we're barely into spring,so they're still a little on the pasty side.

So I use Scott Barnes Body Bling to warm them up.

It comes in 2 shades, original and platinum.
Its gives the skin an exquisite glow.
So beautiful.
Think JLo.

That's who Scott created it for.
He's her fave makeup artist.

He's the one who gave her that gorgeous
monochromatic tanned with pale lip look
that she has made so iconic.

You can look iconic too.
Just avoid the tanning beds.
Like the plague.

And work the bling.

www.scottbarnes.com

Are You Addicted To Dior?

Are you addicted to Dior???
I'm not sure if I am or not.
But probably.
Hell - I'm addicted to anything sparkly.

So I'm looking forward to the April 21st launch of
Addicted To Dior.

There are some lovely eyeshadows
a complexion enhancer
some other stuff
and these:kissable, smoochable, flirtable
crystal glosses.
To be honest with you, I haven't actually played with these yet.
So I don't know if they're gooey or sleek,
if they bubble or stay smooth,
or how color pigmented they are.

But I do love the pictures!
Aren't they cool?

XO

C

5 Steps To Getting Glam For Spring

So today I thought it might be fun
to start working on our new, fresh looks for spring.

Five quick steps to fabulous.

Here we go...

Numero Uno: The Enzyme Mask.

I swear by Rhonda Allison's Cherry Jubilee Enzyme mask.
The cold and windy winter the country is (finally) peeking out from behind
has left many a gal's complexion looking a tad beat up, weathered and dull.
I'm not a fan of scrubs.
I prefer enzyme masks to exfoliate.
This gem exfoliates and soothes, firms, tones
and hydrates.Leaves you with beautiful glowing skin.

Check the website for a location near you
www.RhondaAllison.com

Next up: Perfectly lovely foundation

Time for a new foundation.
One that will enhance the natural fresh radiance of your skin.
Or if you're not looking so fresh & radiant,
will create that illusion for you.
I told you last week about FACE Atelier's amazing Ultra Foundation.
It is youth in a bottle.
It is glorious beautiful skin in a bottle.
Its magic.
Use a small amount of this highly pigmented, silicone based love potion
and your skin will look the best it ever has,
all day long.

Number Three: Fun, fresh, spring eyes


from the ever brilliant, ever innovative Julie Hewett
we have a fabulous new spring palette.
And it is very cleverly called
Spring Palette.

And here's how you use it.
From the top right use Silk to highlight above the crease and through to the brow.
Bottom left, Malachite cream along the lash-line and up over the lower lid,
then sweep Zen shadow (top left) over the lid, blending inwards.
For more definition, or for a slightly deeper look, apply more Malachite
through the crease and outer corner.
Line with Julie Hewett Patina liner.


Step Four: Soft, beautiful cheek

The bottom right corner of the Julie Hewett Spring Palette is
a delicious coral blush.
Its sweet, fresh and very very flattering.




FinallyFive: Peachy Kisses

Finish your spring look with a fresh peachy gloss.
I'm loving Armani Lip Shimmer Lip Gloss
in Peach.

and the perfect accessory for getting glam for spring?
A new Kate Spade handbag in delicious quilted patent lemon.
Love.
Want.
Need.

XO

C

Lets FACE it - I'm In Looove!!

So let's just FACE it here,
I am in love.
Not just a sweet mellow little love,
but a full blown wild & crazy kinda love!!

And its with a product line that just keeps on packing the punches,
and delivering the goods
over and over.

Its FACE Atelier.
And you need these products,
just like I do.
Because I don't only use them in my pro kit,
I wear them everyday.

I first heard about this line because some of the biggest makeup artists in the world
were crawling through broken glass to get their hands on their products.
Endorsement enough for me!

FACE Atelier was the officialmakeup sponsor for Madonna's "Confessions" Tour.
And you know Madge,
she never settles for anything less than the best.
And frankly,
neither should you and I.

Anyway
my whole love thing began with the Ultra Foundation.

It comes in sets for pro makeup artists


...or regular folk can buy it in individual bottles.


This divine silicone based foundation is literally like liquid silk on the skin.
Loaded with color pigment, the color stays true all day (and all night)
It doesn't crease or flake,
and it minimizes all the not so glorious things like fine lines & wrinkles and pores.
It stands up to the weather, whether its hot or cold, wet or dry out.
And frankly, leaves your skin looking healthy, alive and glowing.

No wonder makeup artists swear by it.
I love it.

Another product with a cult like following is their lip glaze.
It comes in 10 fabulous shades,
and is really highly pigmented,
which means beautiful, even color,
and long lasting wear.


I wear it myself (in Cameo and Dianthus this week)
and have used it on every shoot and commercial for the past few weeks.
You have to check them out!

To find a FACE Atelier retailer near you go to their web site
www.faceatelier.com
or you can order online.

As Face Atelier would say: Because Looking Good Is The Best Revenge!

Love it!

xo

C

Lilac Spring Fever

My favorite color is purple.
I love it in all its many shades, hues and nuances.
Love.

So I am super thrilled that this spring is going to show us lots of violets and lilacs,
both in clothes
and in makeup.

Hermes, showed it in separates

Cynthia Rowley fresh violet with soft movement.



oooh! Alberta Ferretti sweet lilac dress


and I die.
Over Burberry Porsum's gorgeous lilac dress and killer fab shoe!

We actually have a makeup tutorial video coming up in the next couple of weeks
that is all about how to do a violet eye.

One of my favorite products at the moment to compliment this gorgeous lilac fashion moment
is Julie Hewett Shimmie in Pixie.


You can use your fingers to pat it along the cheekbone for a slightly
hued highlight.
Or wear it alone on the eye, or over an eyeshadow
to bring violet eyes to life.

Simply gorgeous!


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