Well, That's Rich: Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm

Anyone who knows me knows that I have an intense lip balm obsession. I carry at least three around with me at all times, just so reaching into my purse to find one doesn't have to be such a chore. But, while I do have a major arsenal of balms at the ready, it takes a lot to make it into the cherished few I call my favorites. Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm has most definitely made the cut.

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The Perfect Nude Lipstick: M.A.C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again

I've found the perfect nude lipstick, and its name is M.A.C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Bare Again. Seriously, I've never come across a lipstick that's not only the ideal shade of nude, but is also so creamy and moisturizing, it feels like a balm. Until now.

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Interview with Sucker Punch Makeup Artist Rosalina Da Silva

If you're like me, you see a lot of movies based on the makeup looks alone. And Sucker Punch, out in theaters March 25, is no exception. Luckily, my gal Rosalina Da Silva was the makeup artist on this movie, and she granted me with an exclusive look at how she created all of the various looks!

Each of the main characters has such a unique, different look. How did you come up with the concepts for each of the girls?
Every girl had a very different and individual personality in the story. Through weeks of prep we defined and created their character, that best suited the illusion created by Zack Snyder. Wardrobe was a big part of it as well -- then we changed hair color and lengths, the makeup just developed to bring the look together.

I love the look you created for Babydoll. What products did you use to get the look?
Babydoll was a lot of fun, inspired by Brigitte Bardot with a splash of Anime characters. A sweet, innocent look but at the same time very fearless. [I used] a 60's eyeliner, long full lashes, nude lips.

There's so much black eye makeup in this movie! What were your go-to products for characters like Amber and Blondie?
My old favorite eyeliner, M.A.C Fluidline in Blacktrack -- tried and true. We airbrushed the foundations on -- we used various brands, Armani, Kevin Aucoin, Kett, Kryolan.

On long-running shows I often change the foundations, as the skin changes due to the long days on set. Sometimes lack of sleep, dehydration, you need to adjust to achieve the best and smoothest results.

What was the experience like on this movie, with all the special effects?
Most of the special effects were in post production, so there was a lot of green screen and staring into empty space. In general the experience of working on this movie was exhilarating ... and exhausting!

How was it working with a bunch of girls for this movie? Were they all really into makeup?
The girls loved makeup! Who doesn't? They were totally into experimenting, pushing the envelope to find their character through their makeup look. We really went to extremes on this movie due to Zack Snyder's incredible vision and the fantasy world that he created. There were no limits, never too much in the world of glamour, color, lashes, glitter and crystals.

A Peek Inside My Travel Beauty Regimen

I'm traveling for work this week -- I'm in the glamorous city of Pittsburgh, PA -- and, as usual, half my carryon bag was filled with beauty products! Curious about what I decided to bring with me? Check out my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

Help Remedies I Can't Sleep and I've Cut Myself ($4 each at helpineedhelp.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Intense Hydra Mask ($62 at mdskincare.com)
Maybelline Volum'Express One By One Mascara
Korres Lip Butter Glaze ($14 at sephora.com)
Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Lip Balm ($12 at pangeaorganics.com)
YSL Gloss Volupte in Iced Lychee ($30 at yslbeautyus.com)
M.A.C Wonder Woman Eyeshadow x4: Defiance ($40 at maccosmetics.com)
Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Set ($25 at sephora.com)
Tweezerman Folding I-Lash Comb
Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink
Lierac Creme Mesolift ($54 at drugstore.com)
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Lip Balm
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Yes to Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes ($5.99 at drugstore.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel ($80 at mdskincare.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Firming Serum ($95 at mdskincare.com)
Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment ($9.99 at avon.com)
La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($165 at cremedelamer.com)
GO SMiLE AM “Energy” and PM “Tranquility” Luxury Toothpaste Duo ($30 at gosmile.com)

Mani of the Week: Dior Nirvana

My favorite color launching this spring? Dior Nirvana. This creamy turquoise-green has got my pulse racing -- it's unlike any other in my collection! One coat is fairly opaque, but two turn it into absolute perfection.

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

Dior Nirvana retails for $24 at sephora.com.

Makeup Artist Gregory Arlt's Tips for Creating Michelle Trachtenberg's "Take Me Home Tonight" Premiere Look

If you thought Michelle Trachtenberg looked gorgeous at the premiere of Take Me Home Tonight last week, you're not alone. And the master behind her gorgeousness? None other than Gregory Arlt (for M.A.C. Cosmetics/Exclusive Artists Management)! Read on to find out how he created the look -- and how you can do it at home!

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First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Naja Rickette

Want to meet the woman behind Lady Gaga's nails for Poker Face, behind Fergie's amazing Minx, and the one responsible for all of Mary J. Blige's amazing nail looks? Well, look no further than celebrity manicurist Naja Rickette. As you can see, she's glitzed up the nails of some of the biggest names in the business! Read on to discover how she got her start in the manicure industry, her favorite top coat and so much more.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Bliss Spa's No "Zit" Sherlock Facial

Let's get something straight. Blemishes are my least favorite thing in the entire world. So when I had the chance to check out the No "Zit" Sherlock Facial at Bliss, I most certainly took advantage. My skin has been freaking out as of late, with more pimples and red spots popping up than ever before, so this facial couldn't have come at a better time.

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Flower Power: Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Bath & Shower Gel

While I'm a fan of most floral scents, some capture my attention much more powerfully than others. The lily is one of my favorites ever -- so it comes as no surprise that Crabtree & Evelyn Lily Shower Gel immediately captivated me.

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Mani of the Week: Dior Gris Montaigne with Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe

I went for something a little different with my manicure this week! After over two weeks, I finally removed my Shellac -- and immediately tried something crazy. I painted nine of my nails with two coats of Dior Gris Montaigne, a gorgeously creamy charcoal ... and then jazzed things up with my index finger painted in three coats of Deborah Lippmann Across The Universe.

Across the Universe is a teal-turquoise hybrid liberally packed with various sizes of glitter and shimmer that fall willy nilly across the nail. It's a color I'd been dying to get my hands on (pun intended) for a YEAR -- ever since I saw it backstage at Lela Rose last February -- so I'm super happy to finally be using it!

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