Have you ever tried a product that you thought was the absolute best thing out there -- nothing else comes even close? I thought I had, until I came across the M.A.C Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. All of a sudden, everything else pales in comparison.
I'd been wanting to try this scrub for months. Originally released back in 2008, it flew off the shelves of every M.A.C counter so quickly, this beauty chick had no hopes of getting her hands on it. Luckily, it's been rereleased as part of the limited-edition M.A.C Style Black Collection. Thank my lucky stars! I was able to snatch one up this time, and trust me, I'm going to be rationing this baby.
At first glance, the scrub looks pretty intense and, well, quite scary. And yes, that's thanks to the natural volcanic ash blending with fine sugar crystals. Even after all the rave reviews, I still thought, "I'm supposed to put this mass of rough black crystals on my FACE?" But I toughened up, squeezed out a dime-sized amount and went to work spreading it all over my visage. I'm used to scrubs tingling or even burning, but this one had a pleasing sensation -- that is, no sensation at all. It also had a nice, clean, fresh scent -- nothing too heavy. I just looked really scary with dark black goop spread from my forehead to my chin!
And the best part? You can rinse it off immediately and see results. After only a minute, I rinsed off with warm water and was left with skin softer than I've ever felt it. I swear, it was like a baby's bottom -- and every single impurity was sucked right out along with any toxins lurking on the surface!
This is a super-hot item from the Style Black Collection, so I recommend snapping it up as soon as possible. Once it's gone, it's gone!
M.A.C Volcanic Ash Exfoliator retails for $19.50.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for M.A.C.
Starlet Drew Barrymore showed up to the premiere of Whip It in Los Angeles last night sporting a cropped cut. I'm totally loving this look on her -- I think the shaggy short bob is flattering and adds a lot of dimension to her features.
Do you think this look is a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
Exciting news this morning, fellow beauty chicks! Imagine my surprise and delight when I woke up to find an email from Prescriptives in my inbox featuring a quote from yours truly! Check it out:
I'm so excited and just wanted to share with all of you! If you want to read my full story on the product, click here for a recap. Thanks to Prescriptives for this fabulous start to my day!
Each edition of Celebrities Through the Years will focus on a different celebrity, showing her hair and makeup looks throughout the years. Blonde or brunette, short or long, curly or super-straight, Sarah Jessica Parker exudes undeniable bombshell chic wherever she goes. And ever since Sex and the City, is there a gal out there who doesn't want to look like her -- or at least have her impeccable style? Check out tons of photos and take a walk down memory lane after the jump.
Big brown curls and tight-rolled bangs definitely showed SJP's 80's side at the ABC Affiliates Party in 1985 Sarah Jessica definitely got in on the big, sideswept bangs trend at the premiere for At Close Range in 1986 Blonder, bigger and curlier at the Slamdance premiere in 1987 Copping a hat a la Blossom in 1988 Her curls got a little looser -- and so did her outfit! -- at the For the Boys premiere in 1991 With ex-boyfriend Robert Downey, Jr. -- and a mountain of center-parted curls -- at the London premiere of L.A. Story in 1991 From the straightened mane to the deep red lip, total bombshell at a theater benefit in 1992 The curls we've come to know and love -- partnered with a berry-stained lip -- at the premiere for The Nightmare Before Christmas in 1993 Sexy, sassy and curly in all black at the Ed Wood industry screening in 1994 Looking a bit Elvira-esque -- but unbelievably glam -- with big barrel curls, a smoky eye and berry lip at the Academy Awards in 1995 Dark, fuzzy curls at the premiere for The First Wives Club in 1996 Bright and honey blonde curls coincide with an asymmetrical snake-print gown and subtly glossy lips at a Cartier event in 1997 Rocking grown-out curls and more asymmetrical sparkles at the Godzilla premiere in 1998 Totally boho-chic with brushed-out waves and simple makeup in 1999 Seriously blonde, seriously slicked-back tresses contrast nicely with Sarah Jessica's vibrant red frock at the 5th Annual GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2000 Starting to grow out the famed bob -- and unbelievably blonde -- at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2003 Holding her prized Golden Globe in 2004 -- and rocking highlighted brown locks with a sultry smoky eye/nude lip combo A subtly messy blowout at a screening of Flags of Our Fathers in 2006 Looking like an ethereal goddess with wavy honey blonde tresses and pale eye makeup at the Golden Globes in 2007 Sarah Jessica doesn't shy away from crazy hairstyles -- and her unbelievably huge slicked-back bun at the Valentino Haute Couture Dinner Ball in 2007 showed that to full effect The beginning of the long, swingy tresses and gorgeous smoky eyes -- seen here at the MTV Movie Awards in 2008 Looking shocked -- and for good reason, there's a huge green hat on her head! -- at the London premiere of Sex and the City in 2008 Her cups runneth over -- and her curls groweth bigger -- at the Academy Awards in 2009 Major necklace envy! Not to mention the super-sleek ponytail and perfect glossy pink lip at an event in 2009 Trying out bangs and sleek straight locks for her new movie Did You Hear About the Morgans, out this fall Back in the Sex and the City saddle -- filming the movie sequel in New York in September 2009
Exciting news, fellow beauty chicks! The Beauty of Life has been nominated for the HLMN Hot 100! Click here to vote for me -- it would be much appreciated!
Voting closes October 12. One vote per email address. Thanks so much, loyal and beautiful readers!
One of the long-awaited collections from M.A.C, the Style Black Collection, is finally here. And I've got a treat for you -- M.A.C Senior Artist Terry Barber has some answers for you about the inspiration behind the collection! Get all the fabulous info after the jump.
Is "GOTH" back? Or "NEW GOTH?" What's it all about now? Yes, but it's the way Tim Burton would treat Goth -- more dark-romantic, a bit of street-urchin Victoriana, but not ghoul, a bit Ska -- those are the elements of Goth now. Think punk-inspired but not punk -- more punk couture. In a way it's very Picasso-esque: raw, drawing lines around the eye with spontaneity and naivety, more homemade, distressed, lived-in looks.
Style Black is so iconic. What elements of the new "Style Black" make it more modern? [In the 80's], it was about stealing your sister's eyeliner and a black pencil and talc for the skin was about all you could afford. Everybody aspired to be underground, didn't they? They still do. Now it's Kate Moss coming from a party, with a glass of champagne in one hand and a cigarette in the other -- as opposed to the try hard, red-carpet going to a party scene. Style Black could turn up anywhere, but its real soul is an irreverent look of a cool, undone girl.
What beauty icon had the best "Style Black" look? The Ronettes and other 50's and 60's girl groups, old black-and-white pictures of Tallulah Bankhead and her quote, "I'm as pure as the driven slush," The Blitz Kids, Post-Punk, early New Romantics, CBGBs and Club Taboo ... in terms of beauty icons I would say the pictures of Sophia Loren in the film El Cid. She's got perfect 60's eyeliner and those unbelievable lashes. Debbie Harry, but the early years, in her schoolgirl uniform, before the peroxide. Of course, Kate Moss.
What's the fascination with Back to Black? Every generation has to have its anti-establishment heroines -- and we need an alternative to red-carpet perfection!
What are your favorite Style Black products? First and foremost, the Greasepaint Stick -- it's thick and crude but the lines are beautiful, it's crude with craft! Put it on first. That's important. I also love the new Mineralize Black Shadows, with the undertones of jewel metallics. Overall, it's about black with metallics -- emerald green on dirty gold, a little cobalt mixed in.
How do you use Style Black from day to night? Never change an eye from day to night, just charge it up! Polish the skin, buff the lip, shade the face but keep it all in perspective and never try too hard.
If the emphasis is on a dark eye, how do you approach lips and cheeks? Only a hardcore vampire would do all black everything! It's all about balance. A lot of eye always means less skin and a fleshy mouth. A strong lip looks contemporary on a nude eye. It's all about what you erase on the face. At the shows, erased eyebrows are having a big moment.
M.A.C has always been about black ... is black forever? Without a doubt. There are so many incarnations -- the biggest statement doesn't always have to be rock 'n roll or gothic. The film noir and 1930's surrealism are a huge influence ... [as are] Helmut Newton and that whole Robert Palmer 80's mannequin thing that we can't seem to escape from!
The M.A.C Style Black collection is available now at M.A.C counters nationwide.
I've gotten many a blowout in my day. Some good, some bad, some amazing. Ernie at the Riccardo Maggiore Salon is one of the best. My recent blowout with him left my tresses soft, sleek and so shiny, I got compliments for three days!
To begin with, he used Moroccanoil. I was pretty thrilled to finally have the chance to try it. Ernie told me this has become his go-to favorite product. When I asked him why, he said it's because he has never found another product that makes every single hair type look amazing. Straight, curly, thick or thin, he thinks it transforms locks into things of beauty.
And you know what? He was right. A mere 25 minutes in his chair and my hair went from huge, kinky and coarse to super-straight and sleek -- but with a bounce to it that even my timeless work with blowdryers and flat irons just can't achieve. I was, to put it mildly, impressed. Needless to say I will become a regular client of Ernie's!
Blowouts at the Riccardo Maggiore Salon range from $60-$85. Visit riccardomaggiore.com or call 212-586-6482 for more information or to make an appointment.
My roommate and I don't really have too many secrets from each other. But the one thing I keep from him is the fact that I use face masks. I always do it in the comfort of my room with the door closed -- there is nothing more embarrassing to me than having him come into the living room and see me sitting on the couch with a mask stuck on my face watching an old episode of Friends. But I think I might be willing to make an exception for my new best friend -- the SK-II Whitening Source Intensive Mask.
Now, this mask is so amazing that I've actually already lauded its strengths. (You can read about it here.) But it's worth repeating because of how unbelievable it made my skin look this week. After quite a stressful week, my skin was looking pretty darn lackluster. No brightness to be had, no beauty to be found. We're talking completely and utterly dull with no signs of life.
But 15 minutes with this mask and things were looking up. All of a sudden my skin was drenched with moisture! It was revitalized, rejuvenated and completely reinvigorated. Now I'm back to my normal glowy self -- and realizing that I'd better stock up on these masks or else I run the risk of sinking back into dullness. And maybe, just maybe, I'll let my roommate see me wearing one.
The SK-II Whitening Source Intensive Mask is $150 for a box of 10 masks.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for SK-II.
Oooh, I don't know about this one. Now, I actually love Katharine McPhee. An old crush once accused me of listening to her song "Over It" one too many times. But I just have to say this ... I am not digging her new hairstyle. The blonde not only washes her out, but it's a really bad dye job -- the roots coming through just don't look very classy. And the cut doesn't do much for her gorgeous face, especially pulled back in a messy 50's-style 'do. Katharine, you can do better.
But what do you think? Is this look a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
I feel very disturbed by this picture. I really can't put my finger on just exactly what went wrong with the lipcolor choice of Finola Hughes, as seen at the Argentinean Designer Collections during New York Fashion Week. But it's just wrong. The color isn't the best, it looks incredibly harsh and it just calls attention to her lips in a very unflattering way. I just wish she would have gone with a much softer hue or at least made it glossy.
What do you think? Is this look a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!
Jeremy Scott sent models down the runway at his Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Show this week sporting My Little Pony-esque, candy-colored crimped ponytails with a doggy bone a la Bam Bam from the Flintstones perched at the center. Something tells me this isn't a trend we'll be seeing make its way into the mainstream.
I am in love with this recent find. M.A.C Cremesheen Glass in Looks Like Sin ... how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
1) You go on creamily, evenly and without a hint of gloppy, goopy mess.
2) You leave behind a just-bitten-now-I-think-I-might-be-a-vampire glossy reddish sheen.
3) You last for hours -- no reapplication necessary.
4) You garner comments from strangers on the street and make my Twestie Gregory Arlt proud of me for trying red.
5) You make my bestie jealous and cause her to snatch it right out of my hand while I'm applying before a party to try it herself. (She also sees its greatness.)
Sadly, M.A.C Cremesheen Glass in Looks Like Sin is sold out everywhere. But if you ever happen to see a tube ... oh, what am I talking about? I'll have grabbed it out of your hands and run quickly in the other direction. What can I say? It brings out the sinner in me.
Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for M.A.C.
I have a huge treat for you! I got the inside scoop on the hair at the Timo Weiland Spring 2010 show. Leonardo Manetti (co-founder of my fave salon, ION Studio) was the key stylist. Here are all the details.
The models had high-volume hair thanks to three Davines products: Davines Defining Volume Mousse, Davines Defining Glam Power Spray and Davines For Wizards No. 5 Stucco. The inspiration was "Edwardian beauty, very romantic," Manetti said.
Leonardo Manetti working his magic backstage at Timo Weiland
Manetti pulled hair half back and applied a liberal amount of Volume to the bottom half. Next, he scrunched the hair to create volume, used a blowdryer to dry the product and brushed out the hair. After teasing the hair, he used a curling iron to add definition and then brushed out the hair for maximum volume. Finally, he raised single pieces of hair from the crown for a very messy, high volume look and lightly spritzed Glam Power Spray for finish.
When I get the opportunity to go backstage at Baby Phat, I take it. The combination of James Kaliardos for M.A.C, hairstylist Odile Gilbert and Creative Nail Design on nails is what we'd call a beauty home run! And, as usual, they knocked it right out of the park. The look was inspired by "Marisa Berenson and trips to Morocco in 1972," Kaliardos told me, so you can imagine that it was unbelievably wild. Get all the details and see many more photos after the jump.
James Kaliardos for M.A.C never fails to disappoint me with one fabulous quote after another -- and right off the bat he had quite a zinger for me. "It's really easy and natural this season at Baby Phat," he deadpanned wryly. After I laughed for about 10 minutes, he continued, "It's a summer holiday. It's kind of this Barbra Streisand kinf of eye. We really liked it when it went out and it's sexy and beautiful."
To achieve the look, Kaliardos used a multitude of colors on the eyes. He started with a deep purple base coat "to create a deepness that's even on the eye color," he told me, and then applied midnight blue sparkly eyeshadow in one sweep. He then edged the crease with black kohl eyeliner, swept lavender in the center and finished with glittery blue pencil. "It's exaggerated because it's Baby Phat and it's glamorous," he said. "It's really fun and colorful! It's nice to use all those colors on the face and see how they can still work. On the runway it won't look so showgirl!" To complete the look, he added sparkly loose lavender eyeshadow on the inner corners.
And the fascinating part? He did this all freehand! "You just get used to the lines!" he said. "This season is just being specific with where you put stuff. There's no guessing game and you just do it fast."
Odile Gilbert was working with Moroccanoil this season to create "sexy, curly, long hair, Baby Phat, you know!" she told me backstage. She wanted to create a bouncy look (shimmying her shoulders as she explained what she meant), but added a single French braid in the front "like a little crown," she said, "which is cute." She made sure I knew it was on the forehead, just in the front.
To achieve the look, Gilbert used Moroccan Oil Hairspray, "which is fabulous!" she said. (This product is launching in December.) She also used Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream. "When they walk, I want the girls' hair to be bouncy, bouncy." Every model was given extensions, and hair was curled with the Moroccanoil Hairspray. "Everybody has to look expensive!" she told me. "It's always a dream, people who have amazing, beautiful hair. Beyonce, Mariah Carey ... 'natural,'" she laughed.
And what would a Baby Phat show be without some blinged-out nails? The team at Creative Nail Design really outdid themselves this season with gold foil extensions. I had the chance to chat with both Kristina Estabrooks and Roxanne Valinotti backstage, who gave me the scoop. "Definitely inspired by Morocco and their fabrics and their earthy stones," Estabrooks told me. "Typically when you think about stones you think about the polished, finished stone. But theirs is really the rough stone ... it's so Baby Phat!" Toes were painted with a coat of Creative Nail Design Air Dry and then sheered out with a coat of Creative Nail Design Gold Chrome -- which Estabrooks recommended doing about two minutes apart -- to create a washed-out look. The nails even matched the sparkly gold runway.
Valinotti also gave me some interesting information about the nails. "We used a gold foil [on the fingers] to create a high, mirrored shine," she said. "This to me is the quintessential Baby Phat nail, it has enough shimmer and shine. It's very dramatic!" To create the foiled Minx-like effect, they put down an adhesive, pulled it up and revealed the foil. "It's unfortunately not polish because you can't get that mirror-like effect," she said.
Makeup artist Georgie Eisdell prepped Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks' beautiful skin with none other than La Mer products before the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards. "The look we went for with Christina had a little 20's influence," Eisdell said. "I wanted to keep Christina's makeup really fresh, clean and elegant."
To prepare Christina's skin, Eisdell used La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion. "It's perfect to hydrate the skin without being greasy and a perfect base for foundation," she said.
Next, she used La Mer The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15. "It's light on the skin but gives excellent coverage where needed," she said.
Under the eyes, she used La Mer Radiant Concealer SPF 25 -- "a genius product!"
To finish, she lathered Christina's lips with La Mer The Lip Balm. "I love using this on Christina," she said. "She has full lips, so keeping them hydrated is really important. When it's time to apply lipstick, it goes on beautifully."
Have you ever tried a product that you thought was the absolute best thing out there -- nothing else comes even close? I thought I had, until I came across the M.A.C Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. All of a sudden, everything else pales in comparison.
