Introducing: Eshu

Inspired by the need for simple yet effective grooming products, this new men’s skincare line does more than just make you look good. Eshu products are design and made in Australia, packaged in recyclable bottles that are shaped to ensure to minimal product wastage, and helps men endure any climate, mild or harsh, without skin damage.

Eshu doesn’t want grooming to be a chore for any man. That's why they promote easy-to-use products and shun excessive routines. Instead, their product assortment keeps things simple: a wash, a scrub, moisturizers, shaving cream, and soap-on-a-rope. Inside these formulas, you'll find ingredients that are completely unique to Australia, like  Kakadu plum, an indigenous plant high in vitamin C. And they often turn to eucalyptus and tea tree oil for their cooling and refreshing effects.

It's good stuff, mate.

Look We Love: Erin, SF Blogger Event

Last Wednesday, we attended a sneak preview of Benefit's new radiant skincare line, b.right. (A proper introduction and reviews to come!)

While mingling with a room full of excited bloggers, we spied the event organizer, Benefit's one and only Erin Simpson aka BUZZarella. There are many reasons we love Erin. Besides keeping us in the know on all things Benefit, she has the most adorable cat, she can tell you the best bar within any 2 block radius, and she does pop star impressions and even takes your requests.

With all her accomplishments, we almost left out why we're spotlighting Erin. She is a natural beauty. Every time we see her whether it's an 8 a.m. breakfast, en route to yoga, or at after-work events, she is always fresh-faced and sporting a flawless, uber-natural complexion. How does she do it? We got her to spill her all-day beauty secrets here:

"My day-to-night beauty tip is to skip the smoky eye and heavy makeup, because after a long day, makeup can look cakey and dark eye makeup can smear. Instead, focus on a fresh-faced pop of pink on cheeks and lips! And, load on BADgal Lash on eyes (you really can't overdo it!)."

Want to steal her look?
Cheeks: Benefit's Bella Bamba
Lips: Benefit's Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Dancing Queen
Lashes: Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara
Face: Benefit's Some Kind-A Gorgeous

Thanks Erin! You definitely put the rad in Benefit's new radiant skincare.

Beauty Gallery: Spring Florals

We’re slowly, but surely, heading into spring. What better way to welcome the new season and cheerful, springtime vibes than with floral-topped fragrances and flower-printed beauty products? Here are a few of our favorites. Click on the images below to learn more about each product.

Can Makeup Improve Your Career?

In the past few months, I’ve started wearing makeup every day. It isn’t a lot, just a smooth over dark circles here and a lessening of redness there. While I’m at it, I also apply a swipe of mascara and, of course, a bit of my trusty lip gloss. The move was mostly due to the fact that since I’m a bit north of 30 my skin has become less than glowing on its own. And according to a new report by Business Insider, I may be helping my bank account. The report, which talked about the relationship between all manner of physical appearances and salaries, quoted a positive when it comes to women wearing makeup in the office. Some folks mentioned that fresh-faced in the business place seems more lazy than natural and 64% of those polled said makeup wearers look more professional. What do you think about these statements? And would you wear makeup to get ahead? Talk amongst yourself while I go ask for a raise. Swak –Jenna Mahoney

Ingredient Spotlight: Pequi Oil

When a new hair product arrives with an exotic ingredient, I’m compelled to look into it. Do I really need this in my hair? Is it good for me? Will it work for my fine, color-treated hair? In this case, after learning about pequi oil, the newest ingredient at Sephora, the answers are yes, yes, and definitely yes. 

Pequi is a Brazilian fruit, harvested (sustainably, of course) for its oil in the Amazon Rainforest. It’s an edible fruit and often used in food, cosmetics, and medicinal recipes. The leaf extracts of the pequi fruit are sometimes used in paints, too. Pequi oil is rich in vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids. When used in cosmetics and hair formulas, the oil works as a sort of reparative ingredient. When used in moisturizers, it works to heal dry skin, treat eczema, and soothes and smoothes skin.

One of the newest lines at Sephora, COUTURE COLOUR, knows very well the effectiveness in haircare products. Their Pequi Oil Treatment feeds hair with antioxidants, vitamins, and proteins. It revives hair, making it softer and reducing frizz. Those with color-treated strands will also reap brilliant benefits, as it protects color from fading and adds noticeable shine.

Bonus: You can try it out for free here.

FASHION WEEK: Shiseido for Marc by Marc Jacobs

SHOW: Marc by Marc Jacobs

MAKEUP: Dick Page for Shiseido

MODELS: Suzie Bird for Supreme (tan coat); Alana Zimmer, Ford (brown coat)

HIGHLIGHTS: Fresh skin, rosy cheeks, bare eyes and lips

IN THEIR WORDS: Shiseido's lead artist Dick Page created this rosy look, and as he put it backstage, it's as fresh and simple as it gets. Skin was clean and deeply hydrated — to Shiseido's regenerating moisturize cream that immediately replenishes moisture levels — and cheekbones were dusted with bright pink blush. Lips and eyes? Bare, nada, nothing. "It's all about bright rosy blush, and then just leave the rest alone," Page said. "Simple is back!"

GET IT: Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream and Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color in Carnation.

FASHION WEEK: Bobbi Brown for Halston

SHOW: Halston

MAKEUP: Bobbi Brown

MODELS: Austria for IMG, Kelsey for NEXT, Ataui for Trump

HIGHLIGHTS: Downtown edgy with a dewy face and strong eye

IN THEIR WORDS: It wouldn't be fashion week if there weren't changes being made down to the last minute. The original makeup look that was approved for Halston ended up not working out under the lighting, so it got changed! "We did a very simple, more organic, raw look, which was as if the girl put on a beautiful dress and had to get out the door in two minutes. I took a black pencil inside her eye on both top and bottom, two coats of black mascara and a really strong brow finished with face oil," Bobbi described of the new and final look for the show.

While Bobbi doesn't recommend using a pencil on the inner rims of your eyes on a daily basis, she said, "If you want that exotic look on occasion, it's great."

At this show, the face oil was used as a highlighter instead of Bobbi's cult-favorite Shimmer Brick. "Face oil is amazing when you are flying or tired—when you just need something. It gives more of a natural highlight."

GET IT: Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil

FASHION WEEK: TEMPTU for Jenny Packham

SHOW: Jenny Packham

MAKEUP: Talia Shobrook for TEMPTU

MODELS: Alex for Silent, Jiang for Silent, Tatyana for Marilyn

HIGHLIGHTS: Three levels of highlights on the skin

IN THEIR WORDS: Leave it to Talia Shobrook, TEMPTU's lead artist, to take the designer's inspiration—the iridescence of a moth's wings—and translate it to a gorgeous makeup look. "A moth's wings are different colors in different lights. I achieved this by using a combination of highlighters and brighteners."

GET IT: TEMPTU Under Eye Concealer to conceal blemishes and to rid under-eye dark circles. TEMPTU Correcting Brightener used beneath and around the nose, blended out to open up and brighten the face. TEMPTU AIR pod Highlighter in Pink Pearl used as a shadow on eyelid from lash line to brow. TEMPTU AIR pod Eyeshadow in Sable (NEW for fall 2011) in the tear ducts and TEMPTU AIR pod Highlighter in Champagne on the cheekbones. TEMPTU AIR pod Highlighter in Sunset Glow on apples, blended out toward the hairline. TEMPTU AIR pod Blush in Nude Pink on the apples for a hint of color. TEMPTU Correcting Brightener in #507 Vibrant Sienna on the lips for the perfect fleshy nude tone.

FASHION WEEK: Bobbi Brown for Rachel Roy

SHOW: Rachel Roy
MAKEUP: Bobbi Brown
MODELS: Kel for Supreme, So Young for Supreme, Anna for Muse
HIGHLIGHTS: Desert-y outdoor colors on the eyes, defined by a contoured cheek

IN THEIR WORDS: "The inspiration was a return to Africa. Very desert-y, outdoor colors—a woman who travels, a little adventurous and a touch of 70s," said Bobbi Brown. "This season, Rachel's collection embraced a new kind of glamour for the woman on the go. She is a world traveler, a modern nomad." Bobbi's makeup flattered the deep rustic colors of Rachel's designs with dramatic earthy shades, like gold, bronze, brown and green.

"We have a lot of lashes. We're using an awesome new mascara called Extreme Lash Glamour that has a really cool brush, and it can be layered. It's one of the few mascaras that you can keep putting on top of each other, and it doesn't clump.

GET IT: Bobbi Brown Twig Rich Lip Color (NEW launching in July), Olive Sparkle Eye Shadow (NEW launching in July), Bobbi Brown Extreme Lash Glamour Lengthening Mascara (NEW launching in July), Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

FASHION WEEK: NARS for Honor

SHOW: Honor
MAKEUP: James Boehmer for NARS
MODELS: Xiao Wen for IMG, Anabela for IMG
HIGHLIGHTS: Graphic eyes in reddish-orange

IN THEIR WORDS: "The look is very punky, sort of like a London 'club kid,' but there's a romantic sensibility about it. It's beautiful and glamorous, but at the same time, there's a roughness," said lead artist James Boehmer.

I got to listen in while James was giving direction to his team of makeup artists backstage. "You don't want the color to blend into the brow, so leave a tiny bit of skin just under the brow bone," he recommended. He achieved the bold color by defining lids with a lip pencil and then topping with blush. The eyes were finished by curling lashes and applying multiple coats of mascara. A little Sex Appeal Blush was applied on the cheekbones and a pink sheen pencil was used on the lips.

GET IT: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, NARS Sex Appeal Blush, NARS Exhibit A Blush, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, NARS Triple X Lip Gloss, NARS Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner (NEW for fall 2011), NARS Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara, NARS Roman Holiday Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Our Favorite Four Letter Word: SALE!

From top left to right: SEPHORA by OPI Access 24/7, Shopping Frenzy, Caribbean Cocktail, Club Queen Scene, Rumba Romance, Don't Go There, Hi Def, Cab Fare, IM Beauty, Special Request, Brunette on the Internet, Fancy Schmancy, Lost Without my GPS, How Many Carats, Run With It!, and Note to Self

Sephora.com's spring sale is well underway, and there are lots of have-to-haves with many finds under $10. I develop a split personality when it comes to deals: either super pragmatic or wildly impulsive. The fiscally responsible side of me will stock up on basics like KORRES' nourishing Showergel ($6.50) in heavenly Jasmine Blossoms, and other daily-use products like SEPHORA COLLECTION's top-rated Body Butter in Guava Passion ($8).

The juicy story is what my adventurous side will do when money is no object. At these amazing deals, it's the best time to indulge on experimental colors, outrageous trends, and things that are for lack of a better description really fun. My eyes lit up when I saw the spectacular assortment of SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colours marked down to $5 (see above). I'm dying to try Fancy Schmancy, a sheer metallic silver, and Special Request, an opaque modern tangerine coral. At an irresistible $5 a pop, we might let ourselves go crazy and Run With It! in an opaque metallic dove gray.

FASHION WEEK: SHISEIDO for Narciso Rodriguez

SHOW: Narciso Rodriguez

MAKEUP: SHISEIDO

MODELS: Marique Schimmel for Supreme, Bette Franke for DNA, Julja Step for IMG, Saskia DeBrauw for DNA

HIGHLIGHTS: A deep purple, smudgy, "scruffy" eye and barely there makeup

IN THEIR WORDS: This look was all about a "scruffy and easy urban dirty." Lead Makeup Artist Dick Page said, "I've worked with Narciso for so long and he is all about detail, by detail, by detail, and naturally I hope to present him the same. A little purple with a little black on the eyes. It's a very easy look because the rest of the face is quite bare. The look is not 'all about the eyes' because you can't just send a head out there by itself. It's about the body, but the detail is in the eyes."

GET IT: For flawless coverage, Page used Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation (New for Fall 2011! For now try, Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation) For "scruffy" eyes, apply Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color (New for Fall 2011! For now try, Shiseido The Makeup Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow) in Purple Dawn along upper and lower lashline, blending and diffusing. Page then used Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Caviar over the top and bottom lashline, fusing the two colors together. No Mascara was used, but to achieve that glossy, wet look, Page used a little Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment to blend out the edges of the upper and lower lash lines. The lips were kept soft and muted, using his fingers, Page dabbed Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Alabaster.

Introducing: MAKE UP FOR EVER Très Vichy

Inspired by the spring 2011 couture runways and French fashion icons, MAKE UP FOR EVER brings us their latest collection, Très Vichy. Consisting of fresh, feminine makeup accented with pink gingham patterns, it’s a refreshing assortment of new colors, and a welcome contrast to the dramatics of fall.

“Vichy” is French for “gingham,” and the girlish print is seen throughout the collection. The two eye shadow palettes, Blossom and Trendy, are each is outfitted with white and pink shimmering shades. The Très Vichy faux lashes are adorned with actual handmade pink gingham bows. There are also four new shades of Star Powder, including diamond white, pink with purple highlights, pink with golden accents, and green with golden highlights. These multi-use, loose powders are great for eye color or all-over radiance, worn alone or layered on top of each other for a look that’s très chic.

It's Here: StriVectin For Sensitive Skin Types

Today's most powerful antiaging formulas are packed with potent ingredients, many of which seemingly erase imperfections with their high-powered ways. But what happens if you have sensitive skin? Many  industrial-strength formulas are too harsh on skin types that are easily aggravated.

StriVectin, one of our most effective and innovative brands, has answered the call for successful antiaging solutions for sensitive skin. Their new StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles for Sensitive Skin delivers 100-percent of the legendary collagen-building and wrinkle-reducing StriVectinSD—without oils, fragrances, or other ingredients that can irritate those prone to redness, dryness, flare-ups, burning, or stinging.

One reviewer, sonnie2, gave the product five stars and said, "Seeing results on fine lines and creases around lips within two weeks of usage with no skin redness or sensitivity. Also, it's a nice moisturizer as well." 


Impressive results with zero skin side effects? Now that's powerful.

FASHION WEEK: MAKE UP FOR EVER for Bebe

SHOW: Bebe
MAKEUP: James Vincent for MAKE UP FOR EVER
MODELS: Erica for Next, Natalia for Marilyn, Rebeka with Major
HIGHLIGHTS: Candy-apple red lips and full lashes





IN THEIR WORDS:
"We're thinking about the New York girl on the go," said lead artist James Vincent. "She knows fashion but has her own personal style." To complement the image of this trendy busy New Yorker, James emphasized lashes and created a bold red matte lip. "The New York woman can throw on mascara, throw on her lip, and she's ready for a daytime meeting or a nighttime out with friends."

Describing the attention-grabbing red on lips, James said, "The thing that I love about the red is it's a very easy color for women to wear. The blue-based red lipstick is great because it whitens the teeth, it lifts up the skin. It's just a beautiful choice for women, definitely for fall."






GET IT:
James prepped skin with MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Elixir. "It rehydrates the skin. If you have tired skin, it gives you a lift and glow." He then applied MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation for a flawless look. On cheeks, he used two blushes: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Blush in 5 Nip Slip on the apples and MAKE UP FOR EVER Flash Color in 2 Coral on the top of cheekbones. "If you're working with pink tones, you want to keep it close to the apple because that's where you would flush. If you're working with peaches or corals, you want to wear those colors on the higher point of the cheekbones, like you've just been in the sun."

James kept the eyes sheer and natural, blending with MAKE UP FOR EVER Eye Shadows in #15, #35 and #76. He then added MAKE UP FOR EVER Eyelashes in #132 Julie, layering MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara on top.

For the candy-red lips, James used a lip brush to apply MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in #43 Moulin Rouge. "Using a lip brush, you get so much more pigmentation but you also get more control. Sometimes when you're wearing those reds, it can be difficult to get that perfect line." James avoided using a red lip liner because he wanted a softer look. "I think it feels more modern. It doesn't have that hard heavy line that a lot of us remember when the red lip was popular."

FASHION WEEK: TEMPTU for Odilon

SHOW: Odilon
MAKEUP: William Lemon III for TEMPTU
MODELS: Mariana for MC2
HIGHLIGHTS: Dark teardrop-inspired shape around the eyes





IN THEIR WORDS:
The designer's collection was inspired by the myth of Persephone, the Greek goddess who was forced to become queen of the underworld six months of the year. Lead artist William Lemon said, "I wanted to do something fairly dramatic. The collection has some really standout reds that I thought I would bring to the look." William created dark eyes with a hint of red peeking through, and to capture the poignancy of Persephone's plight, he said, "This teardropped shape came to mind for the eye. It comes right below the brow bone and then drops right underneath. Everything else on the face then just pulls forward."

William also used TEMPTU's innovative airbrushing system to create painted hands in black, red, and a tarnished bronze. "The painted hands represent [Persephone's] imprisonment," he said. "Also, they didn't have any gloves in the collection, and with these coats and this look, it seemed interesting and dramatic."






GET IT:
TEMPTU Undereye Concealer
TEMPTU AIR pod Foundation
TEMPTU AIR pod Bronzer on cheeks
TEMPTU AIR pod Eyeshadows in Amber, Camo and Graphite (NEW in fall)

Beauty in the News: Painted Lips

The internet is buzzing with news and images from artist Paige Thompson. She is a painter based in Texas who started experimenting with Halloween makeup on her lips to create different animals. What started as an art project with a bumblebee has blossomed into a portfolio of various animals ranging from a fox, a jaguar and a black cat to my personal favorite a panda. Her work is hosted on the art site deviantART, but by the looks of it, she may be getting even more press soon. –Jenna Mahoney
*image by Paige Thompson

FASHION WEEK: Sephora PRO Team for Dennis Basso

THE SHOW: Dennis Basso

MAKEUP: Sephora PRO Beauty Team with Kabuki

HIGHLIGHTS: Warm, rust-colored eyes

IN THEIR WORDS: "We wanted to coordinate with the clothing, which includes a lot of opulent furs," explains Sephora PRO Team lead Gilbert Soliz. "So we went with a traditional smoky eye with lots of shading and highlighted the skin with soft sculpting. There's not a lot of shimmer; more of a gleam."

GET IT: Apply Dior DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25 over the skin for a luminous complexion. Shade lids with Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow in Golden Retriever, concentrating the color in the crease like a traditional smoky eye. Define cheeks and contours with MAKE UP FOREVER Sculpting Kit #2. Add a hint of color to lips using the always-appropriate Stila Long Wear Lip Color in In The Nude.

FASHION WEEK: Shiseido for Michael Kors

 


THE SHOW: Michael Kors

MAKEUP: Dick Page for Shiseido

MODELS: Sigrid for Ford; Caroline and Anais for Elite

HIGHLIGHTS: Bare cheeks, defined brows, and minimal eyes

IN THEIR WORDS: "It's a simple, soft, easy, and elegant look," says Dick Page. "It's Michael's 30th anniversary show, so I'm trying not to get in the way of the clothes. It also has to work across the board."

GET IT: Start with Perfect Refining Foundation SPF 16 to even out the complexion. To create the neutral eyes, blend the Shimmering Cream Shadow in Sable (coming Fall 2011) to the top and bottom lashes, followed by the Accentuating Cream Liner in Dark Brown blended up into the top lash line only. Give lashes a good curl.  Define brows using the Eyebrow and Eyeliner Compact. Lastly, wrap lips in a coat of Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Dune.

Innovation and Technology Take the Runway for Stila at Sephora

Many makeup artists dream of working at Fashion Week: the bright lights, the media exposure, and the ability to work with some of the most gorgeous models in the world! After putting in a hard day’s work at the Rebecca Minkoff show, Stila’s master artists stopped by Sephora Columbus Circle to transform everyday women into even more glamorous versions of themselves.

“Stila, Samsung, and Sephora are a perfect marriage,” said Jason Araujo, Sr. Sales and Artistry Executive for Stila, about the event held in the Samsung Experience. “All three companies embrace modern technology. Our products are more modern and innovative; it’s the opposite of old-school makeup. It’s more fresh and current.”

Dominick Briguglio, Director of North American Sales and Pro Relations for Stila agreed. “Technology and modern gadgets inspire people to want to be more innovative,” he said. “Innovative products in an innovative environment…it creates an interesting vibe. Very fashion-forward. I love it!”

So did more than 75 women who received consultations by Stila’s master artists at the main event, along with many more who were helped at the store by three additional artists. All in all, it was a huge success with women practically dancing out of the store. “Our clients really enjoyed themselves,” said Keith Peruzzi, Event Coordinator and Skincare Consultant. “They looked like supermodels, and they left with such an air of confidence. What more could you ask for during Fashion Week?”
 
—Jenni Mennella

New: Illamasqua Spring 2011

Always one to embrace and produce color in each of their makeup collections, Illamasqua has done it again. Their latest collection, aptly named Colour Collision, features a number of bold, clashing looks. They’ve paired pale pink lips with sky blue lids and vibrant orange nails with rich lilac. The combinations of pastel colors with rich hues are mesmerizing and unexpected—and totally work. This collection also includes the worldwide debut of the Gamma Nail Varnish, a vibrant neon orange.

“I love the drama that is created by pairing warm tones with cool,” says Daniel Busuttil, International Makeup Artist for Illamasqua. “Deep red lips with soft peach cheeks, or neon orange nails with cool lilac eyes are modern and striking. It’s so brazen—a mismatch of colors that makes this look so arresting.”

GET THE LOOK
EYES
1. Using a small blending brush, apply Eye Shadow in Shiver (shimmery white) from lash line up to the brow bone.
2. With a small crease brush, blend Eye Shadow in Heroine (subtle toffee) above the natural crease of the eye, starting from the inner corner and extending outwards toward the brows.
3. Load an eye shadow brush with Eye Shadows in Anja or Creep (matte sky blue and pastel lilac) and apply from lash line up to the natural crease of the eye in a stippling motion, while blending it into Heroine.
4. Apply a small amount of the Shiver shade onto the central part of the lid.
5. Next, apply Precision Ink in Abyss starting from the inner corners and extending beyond the outer corners. Extend the eyeliner by starting on the outer end, lining back towards the middle part of the natural crease line of the eye.
6. Finish the eyes by applying False Lashes No. 13.

CHEEKS
Using a foundation brush, apply a small amount of Cream Blusher in Laid (deep pink) in a stippling motion starting on the apple of the cheek, blending outwards and upwards towards the hairline in a circular buffing motion. Reapply for a bolder look.

LIPS
1. Using a lip brush, apply Lipstick in Liv (milky, pale pink) all over lips.
2. Apply Intense Lipgloss in Fierce (glossy purple) over the lipstick for a bolder look.
Note: Liv Lipstick and Fierce Intense Lipgloss can also be used on their own, depending on preference of matte or glossy.