Tried + Tested: Tarte’s Shining Stars Collection

Tarte’s signature look of natural awake beauty is office- and cocktail-appropriate, and one of the reasons we find this clutch-friendly kit of four bestsellers in our constant makeup rotation. - Emily Teele

1.) The mini Natural Cheek Stain in FLUSH with its super-moisturizing texture blends easily, even on top of existing makeup. One sheer wash is all it takes to brighten a 5 p.m. complexion.

2.) Like the cheek stain, emphasEYES in classic black can be worn alone or layered. For a cool ombre effect, use an eyeliner brush to apply the darkest color near the lash line then gradually blend out toward the crease.

3.) Tarte’s 4-in-1 Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara promises a 424% increase in lash volume. Its glossy formula (thanks to the Skinvigorating ingredients) builds and revives previous coats.

4.) LipSurgence in Enchanted is a natural lip tint is a universally flattering neutral rose. It’s hard to decide the best feature: the slight peppermint tingle, the long-lasting color, or silky, never sticky texture.

Sephora Opens in NYC Meatpacking District

Just two weeks ago, Sephora moved into one of NYC's hottest neighborhoods—and we celebrated with a grand opening where top celebrities and industry elites got a sneak peek. Co-hosted by Charlotte Ronson and featuring musical guest Samantha Ronson and the Undertakers the night was a smashing hit. What makes this location different from the others? Here are a few of our favorite callouts:


Watch the store transform before your eyes...

A Unique Footprint—With updated fixtures and an open, flowing layout, it's easy to navigate your way around the store and quickly find what you're looking for.

Exclusive Access to Must-Have Beauty—Koh Gen Do, Ellis Faas and Giorgio Armani are all exclusive brands to this location. Plus, there's a also a fixture featuring hand-selected beauty from around the world—Tatcha Blotting Papers from Japan, Paperself Paper Eyelashes from UK and Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm from Hungary to name a few.

Where Beauty and Art Collide—With the influence of the neighborhood, Sephora will incorporate original artwork from a series of contemporary artists into a designated gallery space within the store. The first features "Flamenco Tornado," a custom work by NY-based installation artist and sculptor E.V. Day. The artist used her signature suspension technique with a distorted flamenco dress to capture the raw energy of a tornado, suggesting a woman's transformative movement and power.

21st Century Technology—This location is the first in the nation to feature a completely Mobile Checkout experience. In-store iPads also give you access to product information, Ratings & Reviews and QR codes for any item in the store.

So next time you're in the neighborhood, swing by and explore the new and innovative Sephora.


See who walked the red carpet at the exclusive grand opening event.

Braid Brigade: Day 3 (cont.)

Our beauty writer, Heather D., works on copy for the next big Fan Friday special on Facebook.

Name: Heather D.
Title: Social Media Writer/Producer
Product Pick: "I use Sultra's The Bombshell curling iron to create loose waves in my hair. It's so easy to wrap pieces around the barrel and the curls last for hours."

Braid Brigade (Day 3)

Sarah Z. shows her ode to pleats with a small braid that adds a little style to her straight look.


Name: Sarah Z.

Title: Executive Assistant

Product Picks: "I use Bumble and bumble Defrizz when I wear my hair straight to tame any flyaways. But if I'm going for a wavy look, I love Charlotte Ronson's A Perfect Mess Beach Hair to create tousled texture.

Braid Brigade: Day 2 (cont.)

We caught a shot of our Director of Marketing Kim B.'s gorgeous woven updo as she slid into a taxi in NYC. What ties her braided look together? A low romantic chignon at the nape of her neck.


Name: Kim B.

Title: Director, Marketing

Product Pick: "Bumble and bumble Sumotech helps keep strands in place when styling and Couture Color Pequi Oil Treatment is the best for smoothing any flyaways."

Braid Brigade: Day 2

Day two of "braid-spotting" continues with Cathy C.'s high-fashion fishtail. We caught her in-between meetings and asked her what her product secret was.

Name: Cathy C.

Title: Director, Social Media

Product Pick: "I use ALTERNA Bamboo Silk-Sleek Brilliance Cream to smooth before I create the style, and then a few spritzes of ALTERNA Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist add extra shine to the look."

Braid Brigade: Day 1

Braids, from the frizzy fishtail at Michael Kors and woven updo at Mara Hoffman, have been making their way from the Spring/Summer 2012 runways to our office. We spotted the style on our trend-trailblazing staff, and we'll be posting pictures the next few days and revealing our go-to product picks for keeping those pleats in place.

Name: Erin F.

Position: Marketing Manager, Social Media

Product Pick: I rub a little Bumble and bumble Grooming Creme in my palms and smooth over the style to tame any flyaways.