First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Lina Hanson

Naomi Watts. Emma Stone. Natalie Portman. Portia de Rossi. Mandy Moore. These gorgeous women all have one thing in common -- they've all had their makeup done by the fabulous makeup artist Lina Hanson. In addition to working on some of the biggest names in the business, Lina created Global Face Serum and wrote the book Eco-Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness. Read on to learn about Lina's trick for waking up tired eyes, the mascara she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up with my family in a smaller town in Sweden just outside Stockholm. After school I moved to London, and a couple years after that I relocated to NYC to pursue a makeup career.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I've always been really captured by fashion and beauty. I used to copy makeup I saw in fashion magazines as a young girl, but it wasn't until I met makeup artist Jeanine Lobell that I started pursuing it as a career. Jeanine trained me to become a makeup artist, I started assisting her and that's how it all started.

What are your top 5 favorite products?
I only use natural and organic beauty products in my makeup kit. I love:
1) Tarte Cheek Stain

2) Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara

3) ZuZu Luxe Lip Glosses

4) Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers

5) Global Face Serum: My own product that I'm just about to launch! [It's] a 100 percent natural serum with exotic and unique ingredients from all around the world that help diminish lines and wrinkles and give your skin an amazing glow. I use it on my clients before any makeup application and it helps their skin look and feel beautiful.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) I like to use creme or gel blush rather than powder blush as it goes into the skin and looks more natural.

2) A great trick for tired eyes is to apply a nude eye pencil to the inside rim of your eye. It will instantly open up your eye and make you look more awake.

3) A great way to freshen up your makeup is to spritz some cold rosewater on your face. It hydrates the skin and gives your skin a great boost.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
I truly enjoy what I do, and I love that I can, in a small way, contribute to a woman feeling great about the way she looks. I also love the fact that I get to travel so many interesting places and meet amazing people from all walks of life. That always keeps it interesting.

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
If I'm not working on a makeup job, I'm busy working on my line of products or I teach a makeup workshop that focuses on teaching women how to incorporate green beauty products into their routine. I do go hiking with my dog a lot, and spend time with my fiance or friends. I think it's important to keep a balanced life. That makes your work so much more enjoyable!

For more information about Lina, be sure to check out her website here!

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Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub

Now, I'm not a coffee drinker. I just don't like the taste. But I do really love the smell -- and the fact that caffeine makes skin look amazing. So is it any wonder that I've fallen in love with Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub?

The oversized tub is filled to the brim with deliciously scented scrub that softens, smooths and nourishes the skin. I'm thoroughly impressed with how incredible my skin looks and feels every time I rub this scrub into it! Even my ashy knees and elbows have become smooth and supple.

Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub retails for $28 at sephora.com.

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Mani of the Week: Nails Inc. Bruton Street

This week I went for a color that I think straddles summer and fall. Not to mention I'm super excited about Nails Inc. arriving stateside! I first heard of the brand a few years ago on a trip to London, when I got a pedicure in their salon at Heathrow -- and I've been obsessed ever since! So now that I can get colors like Bruton Street, a gorgeous combination of beige and lilac, at my local Sephora, I'm pretty darn thrilled.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

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Take a Peek at the Beauty Products In My Purse Today!

I decided to give you a little peek into the beauty products jumbled up in my purse today! Check out what I'm currently trying and loving.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Firming Serum: One of my all-time favorite products! This serum makes my skin look AMAZING -- glowy, refreshed and baby-soft.
M.A.C False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara -- If you want false lashes without the annoying application and weird feeling they leave behind (seriously, when I wear them I can't stop blinking), this is the mascara for you. It lengthens, it thickens, it curls ... it makes lashes hit glasses. Guaranteed.
Fresh Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment: Much like its predecessors, this lip balm imparts subtle color (in this case, a gorgeous pinkish red) and makes lips feel absolutely kissable.
Paul Frank LipSmackers in Mika's Sweet Cream and Worry Bear's Honey Sweet: Lip balm that softens and smooths for hours ... and tastes fantastic? It's these adorable little tubes.
Bliss Fabulips Softening Lip Balm: Sensing a lip balm obsession here? This one is great for all-day wear, not to mention all-night wear -- slick it on before bed and your lips are still soft in the morning!
Smashbox O-Gloss: Want a customized pink pout? This is the gloss you NEED to try. It slicks on clear, then turns a totally gorgeous (and totally unique) shade of pink that I swear garners tons of compliments!

What beauty products are in your purse today? Let me know in the comments!

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New from M.A.C: False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara

If you're like me, you love all things M.A.C. So I'm super excited to tell you about the newest mascara to hit M.A.C's arsenal -- M.A.C False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara. This "intensely inky, lightweight, innovative mousse-like formula saturates lashes in a carbon-black pigment that promises the deepest, darkest, richest look imaginable," according to M.A.C's latest press release.

False Lashes is formulated with long-wearing polymers that coat lashes from root to tip, keeping them supple and flexible.

M.A.C False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara retails for $19 and will be available at all M.A.C locations on October 6.

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Bring on the Rain: Wellies Perfect for a Rainy Day

While I'm actually not really a fan of the rain, I'll make an exception if I've got any of these Wellies in my arsenal.

Loeffler Randall LR Rain Boot with Back Zip
Army green, semi gloss, a cool back zip ... it just doesn't get any chicer than this rain boot.
$195 at loefflerrandall.com

Hunter Watling Lace-Up Rain Boot
Perfect for the days when I want to bring a little military inspiration to my look.
$175 at jildorshoes.com

Givenchy Lace-Up Rain Boots
A menswear oxford in a tall rain boot? So dapper and ladylike at the same time.
$295 at saks.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Wertmuller Rainboot
While it takes a lot for me to wear a wedge, these patent boots with a heel close to 5 inches would make me do it in a heartbeat.
$330 at endless.com

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Double Trouble: The Body Shop Macadamia Body Butter Duo

I'd say, "Peanut. Hazelnut. Cashew nut. Macadamia nut." That was the one that would send her into going crazy. She'd say, "Harlan Pepper, would you stop namin' nuts!" -- Best in Show

What's better than one lotion? Two, of course! So I'm totally thrilled and delighted by The Body Shop Macadamia Body Butter Duo, which has two absolutely delightful body butters in the same oversized tub.

Now, here's the thing. I usually don't go for scented lotions -- I find that they're too heavy, too cloying, and last WAY too long on the skin. (Not to mention they render perfume completely unnecessary, which I think is sacrilege.) Well, the good news with this duo is that they sink into skin and don't retain the smell for hours upon hours upon hours upon ... well, you get the picture. Plus, the slightly nutty macadamia scent doesn't smell fake or synthetic, which tends to give me a headache.

But the best part, of course, is that each body butter here makes skin feel AMAZING. We're talking soft, silky, smooth ... like a baby's bottom. The light cream is perfect for areas that need less hydration while the richer cream works wonders on ashy, dry areas (like elbows, knees and the bottoms of your feet).

I've been using this duo at night before bed and my skin has never been softer! I'm absolutely loving the baby softness.

The Body Shop Macadamia Body Butter Duo retails for $18 at thebodyshop.com.

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Embrace Your Inner Child: Philosophy Frosted Animal Cracker Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

I have absolutely no problem feeling like a kid again. (Hence why I went to Disney World for my 30th birthday.) So when I discovered Philosophy Frosted Animal Cracker Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, I was simply in heaven!

As with all Philosophy 3-in-1s, the scent is absolutely perfect -- it smells exactly like animal crackers. And, as to be expected, I'm finding it incredibly difficult not to drink the deliciously scented liquid down in one gulp.

I've mainly been using Animal Cracker as a body wash, but I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend with a nice animal cracker-scented bubble bath.

Philosophy Frosted Animal Cracker Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath retails for $16 at sephora.com.

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Mani of the Week: Essie Glamour Purse and Deborah Lippmann Stormy Weather

Another two-tone manicure from me this week! I just have so many colors in my arsenal that are begging to be worn together. This week I went for Essie Glamour Purse (a creamy almond taupe from the new Brand New Bag Collection) and Deborah Lippmann Stormy Weather (an uber-chic creamy granite that Deborah created with Narciso Rodriguez for his Fall 2011 fashion show).

I love the way these two colors look together -- they're severe, sophisticated, chic, refined ... it's a manicure I might just have to do again!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

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Your Way to Fabulous Lips: Bliss Fabulips Treatment Kit

I'm guilty of reapplying lip balm multiple times throughout the day. We're talking at least 20 times in a 24-hour period (sometimes even halfway through the night if I wake up and feel like they're too dry!). So I was super excited to come across the Bliss Fabulips Treatment Kit.

This four-step kit takes my pout from dry to pillowy soft in just seconds. Here's how easy it is to use:

Step 1: Rub the Foaming Lip Cleanser across your lips and wait about 20 seconds for it to foam (much like the other Bliss product I'm totally in love with, the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask). Then wipe it off with a damp washcloth.

Step 2: Rub the Sugar Lip Scrub into your lips and wipe off with a tissue.

Step 3: Slick the Instant Lip Plumper onto your pout for an instant pout pick-me-up.

Step 4: Apply the Softening Lip Balm as needed throughout the day to moisturize and condition the lips.

Here's the best part: your lips will look and feel AMAZING immediately! I can't get enough of this kit -- my lips just couldn't be more kissable!

The Bliss Fabulips Treatment Kit retails for $45 at beauty.com.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Drybar New York

Remember when I visited Drybar during my trip to Los Angeles earlier this year? Well, I'm completely tickled pink, because Drybar has FINALLY opened a New York City location! I was invited in for a blowout yesterday and I'm here to tell you, the NYC version is just as amazing as the LA one!

A white space with bright and cheery yellow accents greets you as you walk through the door -- that and super friendly receptionists and stylists, that is! Once you meet your stylist, you're handed their Lookbook, which includes everything from the Mai Tai (messy and beachy) to the Southern Comfort (big hair with volume).

I went for the Manhattan (sleek and smooth), since I'm still growing out some very awkward layers. My stylist, Adam, was uber-fabulous and so sweet -- and he made my hair look AMAZING. Straight, shiny, sleek, smooth ... not a bend or twist in sight, and not a flyaway to speak of! (Plus he gives the BEST head massage in town.)

And here's the best part. Blowouts at Drybar are only $40! That's the cheapest salon blowout I've found in New York, so you'd better believe I'm going to be a regular here. You should be, too.

For more information about Drybar and the various locations, visit thedrybar.com. The New York location opens on Friday, September 16.

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Direct from the Runway: Betsey Johnson Spring 2012

One of the most fun shows to cover every season? Obviously it's Betsey Johnson. And this season was no exception! The theme for Betsey's show this season was "Tits and Ass," and you'd better believe hairstylist Peter Gray and manicurist Nonie Creme were up to the task. "It's kind of old school, extensions and glamour and fun," Peter said backstage. Find out how they accomplished the look and see even more pictures after the jump.

"Tits and ass! How's that for keeping it real?" Peter Gray joked with me backstage as he worked on none other than Betsey's daughter Lulu (who opened the show). "It was all glamour, lots of 70s references. I started talking about Jerry Hall, the old days of Cindy Crawford." To achieve this glamorous look, Peter decided to set the hair in old-school curling iron roller sets, though he said you can do it at home with either a curling iron or hot rollers. Peter was extremely excited about doing this, saying, "I predict the real return for setting hair!"

Peter drew a very low diagonal side part, swept all the hair to the right side, and set it in curling iron rolls with a base of Redken Full Frame 07 Protective Volumizing Mousse -- "A little bit of mousse, not a lot," he cautioned me, "It gives you a fantastic set." Peter then went over the curls with Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray before brushing them out. Of the finished look, Peter said, "I started in the 80s, so for me this is a real return home. I think as mad as Betsey is always perceived, there's this classical beauty, an underlying fun in fashion, a real woman who can wear the clothes and get away with it."

Nonie Creme for butter LONDON created an unbelievably dramatic look for the nails this season. She created a reverse half moon manicure with a base of butter LONDON Union Jack Black and a stairstep false nail in a custom-designed holographic silver glitter -- a teardrop-shaped false nail that was perched on the edge of the fingertip "for extra pop from the catwalk." But that wasn't the end of it! Nonie said, "Because it's Betsey, we added a diamante and a nail piercing!" Each model had a jet black baby safety pin pierced into the pinky nail (don't worry, the nails were fake!). "She's rock and roll, she's Debbie Harry, she's a little bit punk, a little bit F-U world, she really doesn't care!" Nonie said. "It's all about rock and roll, and glamour, and sex -- all those Betsey Johnson traits that we love!"


A poster drawn for Nonie by Betsey!


With the uber-fabulous Nonie Creme backstage before the show!

And here's just a little more fun for you -- models were given painted-on pantyhose lines that were done by Betsey herself!


Runway photo courtesy of New York Magazine.

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Eye Spy: Visine Soothing Eye Wipes

So as you might remember, I'm a recent contact lens wearer. Well, this is great for a lot of reasons -- but one thing that's not so great is removing my eye makeup. Luckily, I've started using Visine Soothing Eye Wipes.

These wipes get rid of every single stitch of eye makeup, no matter how much eyeliner and mascara you're wearing. Seriously, I wear at least three coats of mascara and have been doing a lot more dark eye makeup as of late, and one wipe is enough to remove the makeup from both eyes!

Plus, they're incredibly soothing, so they don't cause irritation or redness.

I honestly don't know what I would do without these eye wipes. My life is forever changed!

Visine Soothing Eye Wipes are $5.99 for a pack of 30 at drugstore.com.

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Direct from the Runway: Erickson Beamon Spring 2012

"The story is super duper theatrical," Nonie Creme of butter LONDON told me backstage at Erickson Beamon today. "We wanted the nails to almost look like little flickering lights while the dancers were moving." Learn all about the look from both Nonie and Chantel Miller of M.A.C -- and see even more photos -- after the jump!

Nonie chose four "super duper bright colors" by butter LONDON for the models' nails -- acid green, neon orange, tropical pink glitter and turquoise. Each nail was a different color, and no two models were the same. "As long as no two nails were the same next to one another, it was a free for all!" Both the green and orange were custom mixes for the show that Nonie isn't sure she'll be introducing into the line yet, but this beauty chick is definitely hoping she will!

"It's makeup. It's not about trend -- it's about birds!" Chantel Miller of M.A.C said backstage. She made full use of the M.A.C PRO collection, laughingly telling me, "It's a M.A.C PRO showcase -- practically every single thing we make plus the kitchen sink!"

Chantel created a transformational Garden of Eden where the girls' fathers were birds and the mothers were humans -- as you can imagine, a truly theatrical look! Paintsticks in Orange, Pink and Cyan made up the base of the eyes for each of the looks, while an acid yellow glitter was in the brow highlighted under the eye. Every look was given a darker crease based on its matching Paintstick -- copper for Orange, Turquoise Pigment for Cyan, and bright fuchsia for acid green and pink. Platinum Metal Pigment on the eyelid, neon Pigments as blush and contour, and Lipmix set with glitter on the lips made Chantel say, "I'm not quite sure we left anything out -- I think you're seeing the whole M.A.C counter on the face!"

Amazing false lashes were created out of paper for a dramatic finish, with Chantel saying, "For those of you girls on the go who feel like you need a lash but don't have one, feel free to cut up a business card!"

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Direct from the Runway: Jen Kao Spring 2012

"Lethal love" was on the docket today at Jen Kao. Wanda Ruiz for CND created four bold manicures for the show with a base of CND Inkwell, each with a different shade of diffused gradation. Each of the manicures was topped with CND Air Dry Top Coat while wet to create an ombre finish.

"They're very cloudy like sunset and airbrushed," Wanda told me of the nails. And of the girl, Wanda said, "You wanna get close but you're not sure, 'cause she might be dangerous!"

Check out the four combinations below!


CND Rouge Red


CND Midnight Sapphire


CND Green Scene


CND Anchor Blue

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Mani of the Week: butter LONDON Toff

Who's changed her nails three times this week? This girl! That's a little more often than normal for me, but when I had the opportunity to check out the butter LONDON Pop Up at Fashion Week today, I just had to jump at the chance to get my nails done with one of the fabulous colors from the line. I went with butter LONDON Toff, a gorgeous dusty purplish rose from the new Autumn-Winter 2011 collection. I'm loving the deep, creamy hue -- perfect as fall is on its way to us!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

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Mani for Fashion Week: M.A.C Immortal Gold from the Posh Paradise Collection

Well, another Fashion Week is here! And luckily, I just received my bottle of M.A.C Immortal Gold from the upcoming Posh Paradise Collection (launching on September 15). This gleaming metallic goldish green grabs the eye instantly and catches the light in so many different ways. Sometimes it looks green, sometimes it looks gold, sometimes it looks brown, sometimes it's a combination of all three! I'm super excited to wear this on-trend hue backstage at the Tents over the weekend.

I will say I had some application issues with this polish, especially on the index finger. The consistency is pretty similar to all M.A.C polishes -- a little goopy and thick, a little streaky, and one nail in particular had to be redone three times. But I am totally in love with the color, so I'll let that go.

What's on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

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Quench That Thirsty Skin: Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench

Even though summer is on its way out, I've decided to keep its easy, breezy feeling around as long as possible. That's where Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench comes in handy.

This refreshing mist hydrates thirsty skin in seconds. A few simple spritzes and your skin will feel refreshed, rejuvenated and revived! This is due to the powerful superfood coconut water, which contains proteins, amino acids, potassium and other vitamins. Your parched skin will feel better instantly!

And here's the best part. It smells fantastic. The scent of coconut is so authentic, you'll feel like you're sitting on a beach in the Caribbean!

Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench retails for $38 at sephora.com.

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Debuting a New Haircolor Just in Time for Fall!

Would you believe that before this past weekend, I hadn't dyed my hair in FIVE MONTHS? I know, I know, it's sacrilege. But now that fall is upon us, I figured it was time to change it up a bit! I still have red tresses -- because, let's face it, I'm just not ready to give them up! -- but I went a little darker this time, choosing a shade in between Jessica Chastain and Christina Hendricks.

What I love about this color (done by the fabulous Jan-Marie Arteca of Ted Gibson Salon, as always), is its versatility. As you can see in the photo above, it looks almost brunette in some lights. But in the photo below (taken at Yankee Stadium this past weekend with my brother), it's still super bright red in the sunlight!

I'm totally loving my refreshed color and am so happy with the results. I say being a redhead is the way to have the most fun!

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Mani of the Week: Sephora by OPI Under My Trench Coat

This week, I decided to welcome fall with a bang! (Though, for all I know, I'll be back to bright pinks and oranges in a week or two.) In any case, I decided to polish my nails with Sephora by OPI Under My Trench Coat this week. This color was originally created for the Fall 2009 Film Noir Collection, and luckily it's stuck around as a part of Sephora by OPI's permanent collection, because it's absolutely gorgeous!

I love the creamy khaki hue with undercurrents of micro gold glitter. (Khaki, like a trench coat. Get it?) In some lights, it looks almost greige or green without any shimmer or sparkle at all ... then, in others, it's deep brown with tons of shimmer and sparkle!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

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Feel Like a Kid Again: Maison Francis Kurkdijan Les Bulles d'Agathe Cold Mint Bubbles

Want to feel like a kid again? Then be sure to pick up a bottle of Maison Francis Kurkdijan Les Bulles d'Agathe Cold Mint Bubbles. I am seriously in love with these bubbles for the following reasons:

1) I love blowing bubbles. Like, a lot.

2) They smell like mint!

3) To have the scent waft over you, you have to pop the bubbles with your nose!

Seriously, aside from these bubbles smelling absolutely fantastic, they are just so much fun. I urge you to reclaim your childhood and try them out immediately!

Maison Francis Kurkdijan Les Bulles d'Agathe Cold Mint Bubbles retail for $20 at bergdorfgoodman.com.

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