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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Guess the Celebrity!
A certain celebrity -- a quite beautiful one, I may add! -- went under cover as a man this week. Any guesses as to who? Click after the jump to find out!
It's none other than Mariah Carey, on location in New York filming the music video for her song Obsessed. She makes quite a convincing man, though, doesn't she?
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Beauty News: Cupping May Prevent Carpal Tunnel!
Remember those pictures of Gwyneth from way back when ... the horrifying cupping pictures? (See below for a reminder.)
Well, horrifying as those images may have been, it turns out cupping might have some additional benefits. A recent study published in the Journal of Pain showed that cupping may actually prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel. Click here to read more about the study.
What do you think? Could this work? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Marion Cotillard is Eternally Chic.
You know those women who you long to hate, but you just can't? They're so gorgeous you just wish you could despise them, but something keeps you coming back for more. Such is my fascination with Marion Cotillard. This woman is just so eternally chic. She never makes a misstep! And of course she was looking ever so flawless at the European premiere of Public Enemies on June 29. (Side note: how much are you DYING to see Johnny Depp and Christian Bale in a movie TOGETHER?) The half-up 'do with the front bouffant is gorgeous. The pale pink lip is gorgeous. The subtly dark eyeliner is gorgeous.
So, Marion Cotillard, my hat is off to you. You look beautiful. You look chic. I want to hate you, but I love you.
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Do or Don't: Lily Allen's Purple Hair
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Beauty Launch: Bobbi Brown Nudes Collection
“Nude makeup never goes out of style -- it’s polished, sophisticated and always looks modern.” -- Bobbi Brown
Looking for the perfect nude makeup? Look no further than the new Bobbi Brown Nudes Collection. “Nude makeup doesn’t mean monochromatic, barely-there makeup. It means makeup that’s right for your skin,” Bobbi said of the collection. The collection includes the following products:
Nude Eye Palette ($60): Three eyeshadow duos in three different textures (soft matte, lightly pearlized and metallic high-shimmer) in a customizable 3 Pan Palette. The six shades are Navajo, Pebble Metallic, Chino, Beige Linen, Maple Sugar and Caviar.
Nude Shimmer Brick ($38): The iconic Shimmer Brick, now available in Nude. Features five pure pearl pigments (pink, gold, bronze, beige and caramel) that are designed to be blended together to give all skin tones a soft nude, lit from within glow.
Creamy Lip Color ($22 each): Four new must-have shades have been added to Bobbi's popular Creamy Lip Colour collection! Choose from Soft Blush, Rose Bud, Rose Garden or Twilight.
Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21): Bobbi's bestselling eyeliner, now available in a deep rich brown.
The new Bobbi Brown Nudes Collection will be available in July at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide.
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The 2009 BET Awards: The Highs and Lows
Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Jamie Foxx and more. The 2009 BET Awards were full of crazy theatrics and exciting winners, not to mention touching tributes to legendary Michael Jackson. And of course there were tons of beauty looks to discuss! Check out the highs and lows after the jump.
Shaun Robinson was gorgeous and glowing. Though I would have liked to see a bit more glitz, at least with the hair. It's a great blowout, but a bit boring for an awards show!
The adorable Keke Palmer was completely age-appropriate and so pretty. Love the coral blush on the apples of her cheeks!
Estelle always brings something fun to the beauty table, and this was no exception. Her bold blue eyeshadow brought vibrancy to her denim dress and was nicely contrasted with simple hair and lip color.
Beyonce looked a bit less severe than her normal red carpet persona. And thank goodness, because her flowing curls and light makeup left her fresh-faced and glowing. And how gorgeous is that dress?
Alicia Keys brought the drama with big curls and bold eye makeup. While it's a bit tougher than I would have liked to see in the summer, it really works on her.
I'm not sure what it is, but Zoe Saldana isn't really doing it for me here. The lipstick color seems a bit off, and the hair isn't quite finished -- too many flyaways. I do like the undone curls, though.
Remember Tempestt Bledsoe from The Cosby Show? I like the hair, but the makeup leaves a bit to be desired. The lipstick is a bit too severe, and the skin seems a bit shiny and a bit matte all at once. The purple shadow is pretty but clashes with her dress.
Tatyana Ali looked stunning -- like the updated version of a pageant queen (and that's a good thing!). Loving the curly updo, the glowy skin and the out-to-there lashes.
I'm not quite sure what to think about Taraji P. Henson here -- aside from the fact that she needs a bra. The hair seems a bit too mullet-esque, and the eye makeup is a bit too dark and severe for my taste.
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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Well, That's One Way to Go Up in Flames.
The finale of The Fashion Show on June 26 saw some very interesting moments. Like this one, where a model walked down the runway sporting a huge orange bouffant. The waves curling up the back are reminiscent of a five-alarm fire, wouldn't you agree? That's definitely one way to get attention while walking to work. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Seriously, How Cute is Betsey Johnson?
When I was growing up, I thought Betsey Johnson was just the coolest designer around. Quirky, sure. Downright out there, definitely. But I just always thought she was incredibly spunky. And at Bravo's finale of The Fashion Show in New York on June 26, she proved that in spades. Her undone side braids were messily chic. Her red lipstick was vibrantly bright and coordinated with her striped sweater in a not-too-matchy-matchy way. Her eyes were defined but not overdone. All in all, such a cute look for Betsey!
What do you think of Betsey's look? Let me know in the comments!
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Do or Don't: Mischa Barton's Heavy Eyeliner
Mischa Barton showed up to the Harrod's Summer Sale opening on June 27 wearing some of the heaviest eyeliner I've seen in weeks. Especially since it's summer, I would have expected a lighter, glowier look. But I leave it up to you, fellow beauty chicks. Is her heavy eyeliner a do or a don't? Let me know in the comments!
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Do or Don't: Lindsay Lohan's Mega-Watt Blue Contacts
Starlet Lindsay Lohan showed up to her birthday party at Wet Republic on June 27 sporting some truly bright blue contacts. We're talking so bright, they matched the pool water! The question is, were they a do or a don't? Let me know in the comments!
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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Beautiful Belles: Farrah Fawcett
A series focusing on beautiful women throughout history with important contributions to the arts and entertainment industry and charity -- and a fabulous sense of beauty, inside and out!
In the wake of the lovely Farrah Fawcett succumbing to cancer this week at the age of 62, I thought it fitting to dedicate this edition of Beautiful Belles to her.
Farrah Fawcett was a true industry icon. Known best for her role as Jill Munroe on the 1970s classic Charlie's Angels, Farrah had a career that spanned decades. Her vivacious personality and glowing smile earned major accolades. And who could forget that hair? Her signature feathered flip was famous not only during her run as an Angel but for years and years to come, even remaining so today. And of course there's her iconic swimsuit poster from 1976 (seen above), originally published in Life and since selling more than 10 million copies worldwide.
See more photos and even a few videos after the jump.
Farrah Fawcett was born Ferrah Leni Fawcett on February 2, 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas. (She later changed the "e" to an "a.") Her beauty was evident early, as she won the "Most Beautiful" award at her high school in 1965. Farrah attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and made a "Ten Most Beautiful Coeds" calendar for the university. A Hollywood publicist happened to see the photo and told her she should move to Los Angeles, which she did after her junior year. A bevy of commercials followed, including one for Ultra Brite toothpaste:
While Farrah is most remembered for her role on Charlie's Angels, she actually appeared on quite a few other shows as well. Stints on I Dream of Jeannie, Marcus Welby, M.D., Harry O and The Six Million Dollar Man followed, just to name a few.
And then in 1976, Farrah's career skyrocketed as she appeared alongside Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson on Charlie's Angels. While she only spent one season on the show, millions of girls worldwide sported "Farrah Hair" and millions of men worldwide fell in love with her. Other commercials followed as well:
Farrah Fawcett's funny 1970s Head and Shoulders commercial with Penny Marshall
Farrah Fawcett Shampoo commercial from the 70s -- "Something beautiful happens to your hair!"
Farrah's cute Lady Schick Speed Styler commercial
Farrah followed her stint as an angel with many critically acclaimed roles, from her controversial role as the would-be rape victim in the 1983 Off-Broadway play Extremities to a battered wife in The Burning Bed, the latter winning her the first of three Emmy Award nominations and even being the first TV movie to promote a nationwide 800 number for battered women. A movie version of Extremities followed in 1986, winning Farrah a Golden Globe nomination, as well as Golden Globe nominations for her roles in Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfeld Story, Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story and Small Sacrifices.
And who can forget the men in Farrah's life? After a brief marriage to actor Lee Majors, she spent over 20 years in a relationship with actor Ryan O'Neal. And don't forget the two controversial pictorials in Hugh Hefner's Playboy from the 1990s.
Farrah was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. Sadly, she passed away this past Thursday, June 25, after succumbing to the disease.
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Friday, June 26, 2009
First Look Fridays: Allure Beauty Director Amy Keller Laird
Any beauty gal worth half her salt reads Allure. It's just what you do to stay on top of the beauty trends. And I feel extremely fortunate to bring you an exclusive interview this week with Allure Beauty Director Amy Keller Laird! If you're curious about her favorite mascara, how she got started in the business and even her favorite TV show (it may surprise you!), keep on reading.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m a Midwesterner by birth -- born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, and also went to journalism school there. It was the first journalism school in the country, and it’s still one of the only ones to publish a community newspaper and magazine and have its own radio station.
How did you first become interested in beauty?
I wish I could say that I was came out of the womb playing with makeup -- it would make a better story. But the truth is, I didn’t really know beauty editors existed until I moved to New York. My first job in the city was as a copy editor at Redbook, and those skills -- especially the attention to detail that’s involved -- have always served me well. Like most beauty editors I know, I fell into the beauty department. The beauty editor at the time liked the comments I wrote on her pages when I was a copy editor, so when she had an open spot in her department, she brought me in.
What is the most fun part about being the Beauty Director at Allure?
Getting to see one of your ideas -- something that starts out as a couple of sentences on a piece of paper -- turn into gorgeous photographs, with looks created by top hair and makeup people, is always a thrill. I still love seeing new launches (especially when Allure gets them exclusively!) -- just when you think there’s no new product idea out there, a company comes up with something revolutionary.
And I’ve always been interested in the science of skincare. The beauty world can get a bad rap as being completely superficial -- and obviously there are parts of it that are -- but there is so much technology and science now behind anti-aging creams, and products that protect the health of your skin, such as sunscreen and antioxidants.
How do you come up with your ideas and decide what to write about?
We often look to the trends created on the runways for hair and makeup ideas. We’re always in contact with dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about skincare news. And of course new studies and product innovations inspire stories. But sometimes it’s just about thinking: What do women care about in beauty now? How are the economy/pop culture/the news influencing how women are thinking about beauty, and what would they want to know about at this point in time?
What have been some of the highlights in your career?
1) Appearing on national TV for the first time -- and getting random e-mails about it from old friends you haven’t talked to in years -- is always fun.
2) Meeting Patrick Dempsey for his fragrance launch wasn’t so bad, either.
3) More recently, for the past two years, Allure has won the Fifi Award for best fragrance feature -- it’s always exciting when an outside group recognizes a story you helped create and edit.
What are your top 5 beauty essentials and why?
I try out tons of different stuff all the time -- it’s part of the job -- but these are a few I always come back to:
1) L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Hairspray 2: I hadn’t used hairspray in years until this came out. You can use it to hold an updo or add texture and volume to your hair when it’s down. You can spray and spray, and it doesn’t turn your hair crunchy.
2) Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder: This translucent formula covers shine but doesn’t leave your skin looking chalky. I was a pressed powder girl until this came out -- it converted me to loose powder.
3) a plastic-bristle mascara: The plastic-bristle thing was such a great moment for mascara. You just don’t get clumps with them. There are so many good ones, but I do love Maybelline New York Define-A-Lash, which also gives lashes a glossy finish. I’m also a fan of Chanel Exceptionnel de Chanel mascara, which has a mix of traditional and plastic bristles.
4) cream blush: It gives such a pretty glow. It’s that lit-from-within effect you always hear makeup artists talking about. My favorite formula right now is from Lancôme.
5) a good conditioner: This past year I dyed my coffee-brown hair blonde and got pregnant -- and the combination wasn’t exactly kind to my waves. So I don’t mess around with conditioners; I need something that cuts through the tangles. My latest discovery is Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Nourishing Conditioner. It’s not so thick that your hair becomes lank and heavy, but it does the job really well. I also love Molton Brown Haircondition & Detangler -- it’s a spray-on formula that allows you to finger-comb through the tangles without ripping out strands along the way.
6) Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: Can I give a sixth product? [Editor's note: Of course you can, Amy!] The black shade of this pencil is perfect for lining the inner rims of your lashes, which I find one of the best ways to define your eyes when you don’t want a super-smoky or smudgy look. The name is spot-on: It has a smooth tip that really does glide over your skin without tugging, and it stays on all day without budging or flaking.
Being a Beauty Director must be amazing! But what do you do for fun when you're not testing out the latest and greatest beauty products?
Well, I’m due with my first baby on July 21, so fun right now is sitting on the couch with my feet up, the fan blowing, a (caffeine-free!) root beer in hand, and an episode of Friday Night Lights or Days of Our Lives (yes, I’ve been addicted for years) on the TV.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Pucker Up! New York Magazine's Shop-A-Matic Lips Feature
I don't know about you, but I love the New York Magazine Shop-A-Matic feature. It's so fun to find out about different brands, stores, trends and the like. And the current one is right up my alley, because it's about lip products! Click here to discover a whopping 115 lip products that could be yours. From balms to stains, glosses to sticks, they've got it covered!
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