5 Fun Facts About TARINA TARANTINO Products

Did you hear? TARINA TARANTINO is officially available on Sephora.com. The magical products--inspired by the accessory designers fantastical world--truly perform beyond your wildest dreams. That's because Tarina, a former makeup artist herself, takes the same approach with beauty as she does with her other designs. "I believe that makeup is an accessory, just like your favorite piece of jewelry," she says. "It should look good on you and look good while you are putting it on." Created with those principles in mind, each TARINA TARANTINO product is an individual beauty treasure waiting to be opened. Here, find out more about the expertise that make this collection excel.

1. The gems on the compact packaging are all placed by hand.

2. The velvety Eye Dream Hypershadows contain 20-50% more pigment than average formulas.

3. Powders like Dollskin Powder and Dollskin Cheek are created using micronized technology to create the most ultrafine particle size possible for a long-lasting, HD finish.

4. The high-shine, no-stick Gem Gloss has an incredibly delectable sorbet flavor.

5. The oval-shaped mirror in the compacts were specially designed by Tarina to make it easier to see the entire surface of your face when applying makeup on the go.

Blog tag: Super Kiddie Cuts

As you can see, my matching tendencies started at an early age. Yes, I dressed myself, thankyouverymuch. To be completely honest though, I wore that jean skirt every single day, simply switching between the pictured “Cupid’s Delight” shirt and a Chuck E. Cheese birthday tee. I'm big on staple pieces in my wardrobe.

Anyway, getting to the hair. Bowl cuts were my mother’s go-to hairstyle. This photo shows a more messy look than the usually kept ‘do I sported. If I had been smart, I would have found something to put those strands in place. But you don’t know much about pomade and styling creams when you’re three years old, now, do you?

Next up... your turn, Bo!

Hair: Is Your Style Based on Your Body?

There’s been beacoup talk over here at B&TB about hair. Add that to the fact that I’m deep—and I mean swimming with the sharks deep—into an extra special project about the best hair in Oscar history and I can’t stop thinking about dos, don’ts and all those styles. One thing that I’ve become enormously fixated upon is the pixie cut. I think it is so adorable, so flattering, but more importantly nearly impossible to look icky. And now I find myself imagining how handsome I’d look with a sweetly shorn do. But then I think: Hmm all of those pixie topped red carpet girls have something in common (well, besides being gorgeous and talented and impossibly rich) they all have a slight, almost fairy-like body shape. Me—not so much. So then that gets me into my SATC wondering moods: Does body shape indicate the best cut for you?
It seems like in the pixie example, the answer would be yes. But what about bobs? In my completely non-scientific approach the medium bob seems to be best for someone like me, a medium size girl. And long layers? Well, I’d put those in the universally flattering category. How about you? Do you girls take body shape into account when you sit in your stylist’s chair? Swak –Jenna Mahoney
Ps I can barely wait for Oscar 2010 hair recaps!!

image courtesy of ehow.com

Make Up For Ever: Pump Up the Blush

Blush is probably my favorite makeup item. Sometimes I’ll wear it and nothing else (makeup-wise that is) if I’m in a hurry. A new blush that caught my eye recently is a cream blush in a pump from MAKE UP FOR EVER called the HD Microfinish Blush. Blush in a pump is such a unique idea and this one comes in about a thousand shades! Well, more like 14, but still, that’s a lot of shades.

Although cream blushes can be a bit heavy, this one is fine in texture, blends really well, and offers high-def coverage. I know, high definition is what you look for in a TV, but now you can get HD makeup, too. Basically, that means it gives you a super refined, soft finish and long-lasting wear, not to mention, you’ll still look fabulous even with HD-camera magnification—for all those award show red carpets you walk, of course.

What I love is that there’s no need for brushes, which I often have trouble remembering to clean (read: too lazy to clean). I’ve had a long run with powder blushes, but this unique little guy seems like just the fix for my mundane grooming routine. Little pump, little dab, and go. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

FASHION WEEK: Sephora PRO Beauty Team at Pete Wentz for Clandestine

SHOW: Pete Wentz for Clandestine

MAKEUP: Jose Rivera for the Sephora PRO Beauty Team

MODELS: Liza Golden for New York Models, Alle Weil and Mattheus for Elite. Plus, I couldn't help but snag a shot of Sephora PRO Beauty Team's Erik Soto since he looked so "Clandestine" sporting guy-liner and a ski cap.

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: Downtown grunge meets South Park

THE LOOK: The makeup backstage at Pete Wentz's show was all about individualism. The rocker's direction to Jose Rivera was to make the models look like themselves, only better and to have fun with the makeup! So, Jose and the Sephora PRO Beauty Team asked each model these three requests:
1. Let me see you smile
2. Give me your "model pose"
3. Tell me your favorite color

After that, the makeup artist freely created different looks that suited each model best, focusing on the eyes while leaving the skin clean.

GET IT: SEPHORA COLLECTION Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil-Free, SEPHORA COLLECTION Cooling Cover Stick, SEPHORA COLLECTION Nano Eyeliner

SF/Bay Area Sephora Fans: STAR IN YOUR OWN SMASHBOX PHOTOSHOOT

Planning to be in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend? Join Smashbox for an afternoon of picture-perfect makeovers using their pro-quality products. Score luminous skin, flash dramatic lashes and be one of the first to model the shimmering shadows and bold, juicy hues from Heartbreaker, their fun and flirty new spring collection. When you’re done, strut your stuff at a photo shoot with famed photographer Steven Khan, who will capture your stunning new look and send you home with a photo DVD/CD to share with friends (with any Smashbox purchase of $100). Call the store to book an appointment today.


SEPHORA STANFORD
Palo Alto, CA
650.327.5180
Saturday, February 27
11-7 PM

BLOG TAG: Super Kiddie Cuts

Gee Mari, thanks a lot. I’ve been eagerly anticipating my blogging debut since joining the Sephora team last month and this is how I make my grand entrance?!

Like Mari, I rocked the boy haircut when I was a kid. I’m not sure what grade this school picture is from because—unfortunately—I sported this style (if you can call it that) for more than one year.

I am redeemed only by the fact that my mom was at the helm of this haircut. To this day, she apologizes for my super-short coif and admits she has no clue what she was thinking at the time.

Ok Sydney, you’re up!

FASHION WEEK: Sephora for Charlotte Ronson

SHOW: Charlotte Ronson

MAKEUP: Gilbert Soliz for the Sephora PRO Beauty Team

MODEL: Cordelia Kuznetsova for IQ Models and Daria Zhemkova for IQ Models

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: Natural urban chic

THE LOOK: "We wanted the girls to appear like they did the makeup themselves, so we used a sheer buildable foundation, that allowed their skin to peek through," said Gilbert Soliz. The eyes had a 70s feel to them with bushy untouched brows and lids that had a wash of brown shadow and smoked out liner.




"Instead of saturating the rim or the top lash line with the dark liner, we dotted it on for a filtered and fuzzy effect," explained Gilbert.

A taupe blush sculpted the cheeks and added dimension. And on the lips, a minty lip balm was massaged on the pout so the natural rosiness came through.

GET IT: MAKE UP FOR EVER Face & Body Liquid Makeup, SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Coffee Brown 18, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eye in Pearly Brown 2L, SEPHORA COLLECTION FACE Very Sexy Nourishing Lip Balm SPF15, SEPHORA COLLECTION Bronzer Powder SPF 15 in Bora Bora





Check out this video (below) of designer Charlotte Ronson giving props to the Sephora PRO Beauty Team!

Beauty Insiders: Free Hair Products

This week, we started a special series of blogs about hairstyles from when we were kids (complete with real-life pictures). Gutsy, we know, but that’s just how we roll. In honor of the cuts from our past, we’re sharing a brand new promotion that will perfect your present styles!

The offer is for a free hair product sample with any online order. It’s for Beauty Insiders only. What do you mean you’re not an Insider yet? Sign up now and you’ll be able to enjoy special beauty offers. Anyway, for your free sample, select the product that suits your hair best:

Choose between a collection of all five HerCut styling catalyst samples, Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss Instant Glossing Cream (deluxe size!), or a quartet of Ouidad curl enhancers. Enter promo code HAIRPICK at checkout. Need more details? Click here.

Don’t let yourself become a victim of bad cuts from the past. (Or maybe, just don’t let the evidence survive.)

BLOG TAG: Super Kiddie Cuts

"Mom, I CANNOT believe you gave me this boy-ish haircut right before my birthday. Thanks for painting my face to distract from the intense flyaways."

"Ok, so maybe homemade cupcakes and a new pink Schwinn bike makes up for the hairstyling gaffe. For now."

Behold my bleakest hair moment as a child--a style nearly all of us have to endure at some point: the boy cut! Growing up, my siblings and I got our hair cut by a stylist named Phillipe, who, if I remember correctly, was a client of my attorney dad that gave us cuts for free. One day, my mom and Phillipe got a little too Vidal and decided to hack my hair off. I was not a fan of my 80s new-wave pixie, as evidenced in the picture above. However, the boy cut is a hair rite of passage that I look back on with laughter. The pics are just too classic!

Who else had this cut? Time to confess!

Tag, Amy...

Gold Medal Beauty

I’ve been concentrating so much on all the fashion week hoopla and the awards show extravaganzas that I’ve sort of ignored that amazing international gathering that happens once every four years—the Winter Olympics. I’ve caught a few events. And there was something that totally struck me—the perfect beauty these athletes are sporting. Now, when I work out, I look like a rag-a-muffin. My hair is a mess of a bun and not in that jaunty red carpet way. It is a real mess and usually falls out. And if I’m wearing any makeup at all it is left over from the night before. But not these girls; they look absolutely and positively perfect. Hair is gorgeous and hydrated, skin is glowing and lips have just the right amount of glossy color. And have I mentioned the teeth? The teeth are straight and perfect and as white as snow!
So, they’ve got me seriously wondering. How can these outrageous specimens of perfect athleticism also be so pulled together? Is it because they have such a dedication to fitness, body and soul? And that simply extends to the exterior? I’m going to go with that. Well, and I may add in the fact that these girls are also being beamed across the globe so they want to sparkle just as much as their medals. What do you think? And what has been your favorite look these Olympic games? Swak —Jenna Mahoney

Image courtesy of technabob.com

BLOG TAG: Super Kiddie Cuts

Wow, beware the baby mullet.

Not only is there a lot of "business in the front, party in the back" happening here... I seem to have separated from the fam while they forged the river. Amazed I was even allowed into the sandbox. SOS.

You're up, M!

Techie Tuesday: Tända Regenerate™ Value Kit

Considering the amount of technologically-advanced products out there, we thought it might be interesting to highlight our newest, most innovative items each week. I mean, have you seen some of the stuff out there? Zap this, zip that. It's pretty amazing to see what such little machines are capable of doing these days.

To start things off: Tända's Regenerate™ Virtual Value Kit. Tända makes hand-held skincare systems to get rid of blemishes and treat acne by using LED light. The smart-product turns off on its own if it reaches the max temp and comes complete with goggles to protect you from bright lights. The Regenerate™ Virtual Value Kit uses blue LED light therapy to treat uneven complexion and acne, and red LED light therapy to soften and hydrate. You're probably wondering what that even means. In a nutshell, dermatologists use different light therapies for different treatments. Anyway, it comes with tons of stuff (cordless hand piece, charger, two treatment heads, serums, carrying case and goggles) and buying it as a kit saves you almost 200-bucks! I know the whole charger and "treatment head" thing might sound a little scary when it comes to what you put on your face, but it's super gentle and doesn't use any scary lasers. Just think of how cool you'll look when you whip this out while your pals are washing their face with some boring face wash!

FASHION WEEK: Shiseido for Narciso Rodriguez

SHOW: Narciso Rodriguez

MAKEUP: Dick Page, Shiseido

MODEL: Ana, Supreme

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: Pale lips and deep gray brows. Yup, gray.

THE LOOK: When Page described this look as a "sketchy cartoon brow", it raised a few eyebrows itself. But the daring albeit intimidating style (charcoal-gray powder combed onto the brows) is amazing nonetheless. It's a dramatic "editorial" look you wouldn't sport at the office, of course, but is amazing nonetheless. ("Out there" looks are definitely in this season.) Page combed brows with black mascara, then created a gray powder by mixing black cream liner with a prototype of a white cream from the Shiseido lab. He paired it with clean bare skin and a soft, muted pink lip, making sure the striking brows got the spotlight attention they deserved on the runway.

GET IT: Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Colors in Beam White and Beam Gold, Shiseido Accentuating Cream Eyeliner in Black, and Shiseido Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte Lipstick in Whisper.

Blog Tag: Super Kiddie Cuts

In this installment of blog tag, we're putting together an album of our kiddie cuts.

First stop: Sears Portrait Studio, where you'll find me in a look that presages Marc Jacobs' marching band collection.

As kiddie cuts go, this one hails from the pillar of good design.

Classic: Nothing more timeless than the blunt bang.
Functional: It's out of my eyes.
Artistic: You'll have to look closely but there is dimension; Farrah Fawcett feathering it is not but mom did work those blunt scissors.

Hair may measure how far you've come in your beauty regime and by association your maturity but, this was my best style ever. It was sweet and genuine - the half-do surpassed all others including the shellacked ballerina bun, the minimalist but nerdy French braid and it opened up an assortment of barrettes and hair tie options.

My mom is going to love seeing this photo on the blog. This was a very successful sitting for capturing that rarest of combinations: big dimples and open, unblinking eyes. At Sears, she opted for the jumbo pack. All my aunts got the coveted 5 x 7 portrait size.

Next to share a chapter from her hairography is Jess. Tag! You're it.

Skyn Iceland at Fashion Week!

Things we loved at the entrance of the tents this year: crazy crowd energy... sky-high stilettos... scoring Skyn Iceland face wash en route to shows. Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash was all the buzz at the Vevant booth, with fashionistas receiving mini versions of the detoxifying wash in their gift bags. (That's founder/skincare guru Sarah Kugelman at right.) Skyn also gave mini facials to the models backstage at Elise Overland, removing makeup with Glacial Cleansing Facial Cloths and hydrating fashion-frazzled skin with Pure Cloud Cream. Repeat: Ahhhh. Luxurious detoxing... so hot right now.

Keep Lips Hydrated: Hourglass Gloss

Brand new for spring, super sophisticated cosmetics line Hourglass introduces a collection of hydrating lip glosses called Prodigy—no relation to British electronic dance music, only to that of luxurious makeup, of course. The non-sticky formulas are enhanced with Vitamin E and water-resistant—the perfect accessory for pool parties, perhaps? Yes, they’ll be approaching shortly now that it’s nearly March. Well, maybe not in San Francisco, but rest assured, I will be testing mine out in my gym’s lap pool later.

As for design, the sleek tubes are metalized and copper in color. The flat shape makes it super easy to throw in your pocket without bulging. I love that they’re fragrance-free and can be worn with lipstick or on their own. There are six silky shades to choose from (see photo below for the options). My #1 is the sweet peachy, beige shade known as Eden.

Which is your favorite shade? The plum-tinted Opium or maybe the pale pink Surreal? Chime in with your top picks.

Is Fashion Week Really Over Already?

And so it ends...until next season anyways. It went by in a blink of an eye. A sassy, Sephora-esque beauty-full wink that is. My first fashion week backstage caught up in the hustle and bustle, the cab-catching frenzy from one show to the next, interviewing in tight backstage rooms, and rubbing elbows with stunning models, hard at work photographers, talented makeup artists, and successful designers. In one word: wow.

On my first day I was all sorts of nerves. I knew exactly what to do, but in all honesty, how could I not be intimidated? Jumping into the jungle of backstage madness, I had to gather my information as quickly as possible and get out as soon as I could before the final dust of blush, spritz of hairspray, and fast approaching showtime arrived. It might seem stressful to some, but I loved every single exciting second. I was that awestruck girl who had to pinch her arm (yes, you are awake) and tell myself to snap out of it. And then of course, I replayed every single detail in my mind afterwards.

I cannot fail to mention that the first day of NYFW was also the first day of a ridiculous snowy blizzard that a southern belle like myself from the sunny beaches of Florida had no idea how to process. (Umm...snow boots?!) I wanted to look fashionable and presentable...but after my face got pummeled with snow, quite literally, my makeup was pretty much nonexistent. I didn’t get the opportunity to change my water-logged snow boots to these fabulous nude heels I purchased specifically for the week (did I mention how they matched my outfit perfectly while my snow boots did not? Ugh) and so I sort of gave up on being all chic and put together, at least the first day anyways. But when I started to pick up on the popular tousled hair, wind kissed cheeks, less is more makeup trend, I knew the cards were clearly in my favor. I mean, how much better can it get? I didn’t even mean to pull that look off...it just, uh, sort of happened.

After I got the gist of exactly what I was there to do, capturing the creative how-to and inspiration behind the look and collection was not just fun, but really inspirational. Not only did I pick up some great makeup tricks and fabulous new looks and products to try, I had the honor of meeting people who love what they do and passionately convey that. In other words, they were a pleasure to work with and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet them. I thought I had an idea of what Fashion Week was all about backstage, but now I truly know what it’s like and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you Sephora!

Oh, and on a silly side note, when the snow finally decided to settle down a bit midweek, even if it was slushy on the ground...I got the chance, well...more so created the opportunity to wear my nude heels. It’s fashion over comfort right? Especially during fashion week. Obviously.

- Kate Murray

FASHION WEEK: NARS for 3.1 Phillip Lim – Women

SHOW: 3.1 Phillip Lim–Women

MAKEUP: Lisa Butler for NARS

MODEL: Kate for Supreme

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: Glowing pinks with dramatic sultry eyes

THE LOOK: It was girlish youthful rebellion with pretty pinks and smoldering eyes at 3.1 Phillip Lim–Women. Blondie's Debbie Harry was channeled in both the makeup and the designer’s collection.

Complexion was fresh with softly flushed cheeks (“romantic, not trying to look too grown-up,” said lead artist Lisa Butler), but a bit of rock-and-roll edge was added to the eyes. Lisa lined charcoal pencil around the eyes, then smoked it out. Shades of pink shadow were blended in next, followed by a neutral taupe that added structure while balancing out the pink. Lips were rosy and sheer.

GET IT: NARS The Multiple in Riviera and Luxor, (NEW in Fall 2010!) NARS Blush in Douceur, NARS Eye Liner Pencil in London, NARS Single Eyeshadows in Abyssinia, Nymphea and (NEW in Fall 2010!) Coconut Grove, (NEW in Fall 2010!) NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

Can't wait until Fall 2010 for the new products?
For NARS Blush in Douceur, try NARS Blush in Lovejoy or Madly
For NARS Single Eyeshadow in Coconut Grove, try NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali
For NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok, try NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine

FASHION WEEK: Sultra for Christian Cota

SHOW: Christian Cota

MAKEUP: Omar Lopez, Artistic Director for Sultra

BEAUTY BOTTOM-LINE: Hand painted wigs, structured and defined to compliment Cota's Cubist-inspired collection

MODEL: Romana for Supreme

THE LOOK: This look was all about movement, and lack thereof. The models had a very still mannequin-esque appeal to them during the presentation, the movement being dominant within the beautiful collection and the fabulous hair. For the Christian Cota show, sections throughout hand-painted wigs were flipped with Sultra The Seductress, Curl, Wave, and Straight One-Inch Iron for fun, flirty hair. Cota's collection was so gorgeously hand-painted, Lopez wanted the hair to compliment this aesthetic in the color and styling of the wigs. Each wig took about 3 hours in coloring and styling and his team completed 32 of them before the show! Cota's collection statement was to "look again". With bold prints, geometric cuts and designs, strong jewelry, and unique hair, how could you pull your eyes away? This season's look was successfully graphic, abstract, and alluring.

Omar Lopez describing the look...

...and then Lopez tries on the look, he was SO much fun!

GET IT: Sultra The Seductress: Curl, Wave, and Straight One-Inch Iron

New Kid on the (Sephora) Block

Dearest Beauty & the Blog Readers,

I’ve recently joined the lovely editorial team at Sephora and wanted to introduce myself before I get to blogging here on Beauty & the Blog.

Loves: fashion, makeup, nail polish, and animals. I’m a sucker for pretty packaging.
Dislikes: frowns and clowns.

Enough about me already, let’s get down to beauty. There are some amazing new collections coming in by the truckload—at least, that’s what it seems like—and I can’t wait to share them with you. To start, my new obsession:The Dior Lace Poudrier Dentelle Illuminating Lace-Effect Powder—it's just so pretty (shimmer = good). But more on that later.

Stay tuned for more of my posts here on Beauty & the Blog. Happy weekend!

xx,
sydney p

me + my papillon-mix pal, lulu

FASHION WEEK: Sephora PRO Team for bebe-Kardashian

SHOW: bebe-Kardashian

MAKEUP: Nathalie Bechard for Sephora PRO Team

MODEL: Shanina Shaik for New York Models

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: The Classic Kardashian look—daytime smoky eyes and nude lips.

THE LOOK: "She's a young girl who works hard during the day, but parties hard at night!," said Nathalie Bechard. The skin was perfected with a satiny texture, and then a little dimension was added with a highlighter right under the eyes. Nathalie created the smoky eye with a deep matte black gray shadow on the outer edge and then a pewter shimmer on the lid. "By mixing textures and colors, the shimmer will come forward and the matte will recede—the perfect way to create shape within the eye." Caramel lips completed the look.

GET IT: MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Liner in Star Black 1L, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow, MAKE UP FOR EVER Diamond Powder, Sephora Collection Colorful Artist Palette, MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara, MAKE UP FOR EVER Individual False Lashes, Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Mmmm..., Sephora Collection Nano Lip Liner in Candid Candy

Check out the three questions Kim answered backstage!

FASHION WEEK: Sephora PRO Team for Andy & Debb

Photo coming soon!

SHOW: Andy & Debb

MAKEUP: Sara Biria for Sephora PRO Team

BEAUTY BOTTOM-LINE: A fresh "no makeup" look, highlighting your natural features

THE LOOK: The no makeup look can often be confused with not actually wearing that much makeup, but ladies, this is entirely not the case. Sara Biria explains, “makeup lovers don’t be scared, you can still play up [this look] with tons of makeup!” I'm sure you've seen that urban, chic girl that looks effortlessly gorgeous and may have simply dubbed her as the genetically blessed type that "just doesn't need makeup". You may then find yourself thinking if only I rolled out of bed with a face like that. The key to this look is toning the makeup down and accentuating your best features for that effortless appeal. To achieve this look, hydrated skin is a must. Start with Sephora Brand Perfect Tinted Moisturizer to get dewy skin with sheer coverage. Use concealer that also works as highlighter in the center of your face like Givenchy Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen. Avoiding heavy powders and using cream or sheer blushes, like Lorac Peach Blush and Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, keeps the look fresh and light. Neutralize the eye with, Stila Eyeshadow Pan, and complete the look with bright eyes and full lashes using Sephora Brand Atomic Mascara. Take a walk on the naturally gorgeous side of beauty.

Sara Biria's fab tips about the look!

GET IT: Stila Eyeshadow Pan, Sephora Brand Atomic Mascara, Lorac Peach Blush, Givenchy Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen, Sephora Brand Perfect Tinted Moisturizer, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

FASHION WEEK: Sephora PRO Team for Malan Breton

SHOW: Style 360: Malan Breton

MAKEUP: Lead artist Jose Rivera with the Sephora PRO Team

MODEL: Alyssa

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: Shimmery brown eyes with pretty sheer lips

THE LOOK: Backstage at Malan Breton, brown smoky eyes were the main attraction, featuring NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo (“A little dance on the eyes,” quipped lead artist Jose Rivera.). He applied the liner under the crease and close to the upper and lower lash lines, smudging it out with brown shadow to intensify color and add dimension. He then blended in a coppery shimmer. “This shade has a quality of those gorgeous mineral stones with flecks of light that you see in a museum. It turns a wearable, classic look into something more chic and runway ready,” Jose said. Lashes were added for an extra dose of glamour.

To set the stage for the dramatic eyes, Jose kept skin clean and fresh with high-definition foundation, lightly patting a warm pink blush on cheeks. Lips were berry-flushed and sheer with gloss on top.

GET IT: NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo, MAKE UP FOR EVER Eyeshadows in Brown 98 and Dark Fawn 129, SEPHORA COLLECTION Lashes #43, Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara, MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation, Stila Convertible Color in Lillium, Stila Lip Glaze in Pomegranate Crush, MAKE UP FOR EVER Glossy Full Couleur in 9

FASHION WEEK: Sultra for Alexander Wang

SHOW: Alexander Wang

MAKEUP: Guido Palau for Sultra

MODEL: Ylonka for NY Models

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: A shellacked, exaggerated side part

THE LOOK: To complement the designer's edgy fashions, Guido started the look by creating a deep, exaggerated side part. The part was kept in place with tons of hairspray and then blasted with the Sultra Sophisticate Power Dryer to lock the style in place. "I needed a tool that works very quickly, and the Sultra Sophisticate Dryer has a ceramic infrared generator that really works to dry hair immediately without damaging,"Guido said. "It's perfect for working backstage at fashion week—cutting down on time and helping to protect the models' hair simultaneously."

GET IT: Sultra Sophisticate Power Dryer (available March 1 for $280)

Guido in action with the Sultra Sophisticate Power Dryer and can of spray, locking in the look.

fASHion Statement

"Let me get that for you," offered my friend, Kristen Arnett, from Dick Page's Shiseido makeup team as she reached over her model backstage at the Michael Kors show Wednesday morning, eager to clear the black smudge from my forehead. Mid-lunge, she stopped short and started laughing, "Oh! It's Ash Wednesday!!" We chalked it up to a makeup artist occupational hazard. A gentlemen walking by overheard the commotion, and smacking himself, exclaimed, "I forgot to go to mass this morning!"

This was my first time covering fashion week backstage as one of Sephora's photographers, and it struck me as hilarious that everyone was so focused on a specific "look," that the ashes on my forehead were perceived as a fashion statement they didn't quite get at first. As Sephora Beauty Writer, Nicole Grippo, and I were rushing from one show to the next, a model gesturing to her forehead said, "Um, do you know, you have something...?" Even the food cart guy we passed on the street thought he should point out my "imperfect" look.

A few minutes into prep at EMU, a model showed up with ashes, too. I asked her if people were reacting to her the same way they were to me, and she said, "Yeah, they think it's some sort of mistake!" Of course, her skin was cleansed before the show—every pristine detail on the runway is meant to convey the brand's look without flaw. Maybe that's why so many people felt the need to comment on the ashes backstage?

-Sarah Sloboda

HUGE New Advancements From Clinique

Everyone come in close...you don't want to miss this: Clinique just launched two incredible new products that have us buzzing here at the office.

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage, $25
Clinique's bestselling eye cream (All About Eyes) now has a new, innovative delivery system. The cooling rollerball tip massages, de-puffs, and comforts eyes on contact. Meanwhile, the serum inside brightens, smoothes, reduces dark circles, and holds makeup in place. Thanks to its portable design, you can revitalize your eyes with a simple swipe anytime, anywhere. Note: Right now, it's only available at Sephora--get yours quick!




Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, $55
This elevated hyperpigmentation technology targets uneven skin tone and all types of dark and age spots. Lightweight and layerable, the serum also absorbs quickly and leaves skin looking rested and refreshed. Note: I've been using it for the past week with success. It's the softest thing I've put on my skin in a long time.

America The Beautiful

I rack up the miles (in fact, this is the first month I haven’t hopped on a plane since August!) And in my travels I see a lot. I see cool cultural sites and taste cool cuisine. I also test spa treatments and try beauty products across the various lands. And all the while I admittedly take stock in the attractive meter of the local people. So when I read that a recent survey of “well-traveled” Brits found Americans to be the most attractive folks on the globe, it gave me pause. Yes, we are home to some of the planet’s most beautiful people, but many of them came here from somewhere else. And honestly, I’ve spent a ton of time in España (number) and I totally think those people muy pretty. But maybe I’m just being a bit defensive—I mean I did, after all, select a Spanish spouse, so obviously I think they are guapos. What do you think? Is it fair to say there are prettier people in general than others? Or is it more of an eye of the beholder kind of deal? –Jenna Mahoney

photo courtesy of onlineatlas.us

FASHION WEEK: Clarisonic and Lancôme for Chris Benz

SHOW: Chris Benz

MAKEUP: Daniel Martin, lead artist for Lancôme

MODEL: (photo courtesy of Lancôme)

BEAUTY BOTTOM-LINE: Brown is back! Chocolately-brown eyes, defined cheeks and a layered brown lip.

THE LOOK: At Chris Benz, the models were lucky enough to receive Clarisonic mini-facials before makeup--which was especially great since many had been running from show to show and their skin was paying the price. The Clarisonic brush was used to gently remove makeup residue (5-6 times more than normal cleansing), then the new Clarisonic Opal was used around the eyes and on the lips. This device uses gentle sonic massage to infuse Anti-Aging Sea Serum into the sensitive eye and lip layers of the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and boosting hydration.

Daniel Martin created a “gothic chic” look for Chris Benz, inspired by the brown eyes and lips of the 90's. He wanted to “revisit brown in a more contemporary way.” Skin was “warmed up” with foundation and powder, and cheeks were contoured for a “chiseled” look. Eyes and lips received the same color prominence, with cream gel shadow applied up to the brow bone and espresso-hued shadow layered on lids. Then, black liner was applied along the top and bottom water line and black mascara was coated on top and bottom lashes. To finish, lips were filled in with a sable-colored brow pencil and topped with bronzy lipstick, then gloss was dabbed on the center of the bottom lip for dimension.

GET IT: Clarisonic Skincare Brush, Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System, Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence Compact Cream Foundation, Lancôme Blush Subtil in Cappuccine, Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting EyeLiner in Noir, Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black, Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre Brow Pencil in Sable, Lancôme Juicy Tubes Smoothie Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss in Hallucination

FASHION WEEK: TEMPTU for LORICK

SHOW: LORICK

MAKEUP: Lead Makeup Artist Cory Bishop for TEMPTU

MODEL: Brandi, MAJOR

BEAUTY BOTTOM LINE: A doll-like look with a porcelain face, a pop of berry on the cheeks and smudged purple liner under the eyes.

THE LOOK: Cory Bishop used a palette of bright colors to counteract the earth tones prominent during fall fashion week. He wanted the makeup to resemble that of a “young, playful girl playing dress-up.” Bishop applied AIR pod foundation in lighter shades to give the face a “porcelain” look. A berry blush was applied high on the cheekbones, creating a striking and strong pink cheek. Purple liner was then smudged underneath the eye and up toward the outer crease. The lids were kept pigment-free and mascara was applied to the top and bottom lashes. The same berry pink pigment used on the cheeks was applied to the lips to finish off this look.

GET IT: TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup System, TEMPTU AIR pod Foundation, TEMPTU AIR pod Blush in Sheer Berry

Refreshed with Bliss at the W Lounge

Hectic schedules, back-to-back shows, heavy snow, frenetic creative energy … all in a day’s work, or more accurately, a week’s work. The W Lounge, this season its thirteenth at the tents, was a chic and luxe haven from the intensity of fashion week.

I spent this afternoon there for a much-needed “mini hangover helper,” hosted by Bliss. Providing hand and forearm massages, Bliss therapists were on-hand (pun intended) to provide relief and relaxation using Body Butter and Body Butter Lite in Lemon + Sage and Blood Orange + White Pepper. Bliss also ensured the pampering would continue beyond the tents by handing out gift bags with a full-size Baggage Handler Eye Gel, perfect for those overscheduled days (and nights!), and a sample of Triple Oxygen+C Energizing Cream, a soothing way to revive dull and tired skin, stat. Utter Bliss!