Tuesday, March 30, 2010

My latest TV

Here is the segment yesterday in Las Vegas on KTNV:



The products are:

Timeless Eye Contour by http://www.pevonia.com/

Instantly Ageless by http://www.instantlyageless.com/

Alpha Derma CE by http://www.janson-beckett.com/

NuFace by http://www.mynuface.com/

Clarisonic Opal by http://www.clarisonic.com/

Monday, March 22, 2010

Makeup Bag Essentials

There are a few items everyone should have in their makeup bag. With these you can create almost any look from natural daytime to a full on evening makeup.

Here is a list of my recommendations:

Benefit Cosmetics "Hello Flawless!" SPF 15 "I'm Cute As A Bunny" HoneyPowder foundation: I use one every day, it evens out your skin in a flash and sometimes you don't even need a concealer. My pick is Hello Flawless by http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ which also has an SPF in it so you can top up your sun protection all day!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ZeroBlack eyeliner pencil: This you can use to give subtle definition or go for an all out smoky eye. Useful to keep in your bag for touch ups too. My favorite is 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero by http://www.urbandecay.com/ it stays on all day and is waterproof, I also like Oil Slick which is black with a tiny silver glitter in it - perfect for night.

Black powder eyeshadow: I always use black powder shadow over eyeliner to set it and you can use this to add drama too by smoking it outwards and lining under the eyes too. My choice is Black 4 by Makeup Forever available at http://www.sephora.com/

A palette of neutral shadows that you can create different looks with, going from extremely natural with light sheeny shades to dramatic evening with the more shimmery shades combined with the previous black pencils and shadows. I love 5 Coleurs in Earth Reflection by http://www.dior.com/ 5 Color Iridescent Eyeshadow - No. 609 Earth Reflection - 6g/0.21oz

Eyebrow pencil: Your face isn't finished until you have defined your brows. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Choose a pencil in your shade from http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ their Instant Brow Pencil comes with a spooly brush on the other end making it wasy to achieve perfect brows, even on the go.

Black mascara: I know everyone says you should wear brown mascara if you're blonde but I like the added definition and depth that black mascara gives to every coloring. My favorite is Deep Color Mascara in Black 01 by http://www.korres.com/   for US readers go to http://www.korresusa.com/ also available at http://www.sephora.com/ and http://www.studiobeautymix.com/

Powder blusher: This is the easiest to apply, especially for touch ups. I prefer a pinky peachy shade which suits most coloring, if you have very dark skin opt for a plummy shade. The one I use all the time is http://www.cargoscosmetics.com/ powder blush in Catalina.

Powder Bronzer: Great for any skin to add warmth and cheekbones if shaded underneath the apple! It's best to choose a matte formula that isn't too orange so it looks natural during the day and add shimmer with a highlighter at night. The best I've come across is http://www.jouercosmetics.com/ matte bronzer in Suntan.

Lipliner: A neutral shade can be used to define lips and add a base for gloss. I don't like just lining the outside of the lips, I always fill in too so that you don't end up with a ring around the edges when your gloss wears off! A great choice is Lipliner in Natural or Blush (for pinkier lips) by http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/

Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss - PrimalLipgloss: This is entirely your choice of texture and color. You can go for ultra glossy, plumping or a sheeny balm depending on your preference. Good picks are: Ultra glossy - Extreme Sheen by http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ , Plumping - Instant Plump Volumizing Lip Shine by http://www.get247beauty.com/ (also available at CVS), Balm: Sugar Lip Treatment in original (no color) or Rose by http://www.fresh.com/ which has an SPF 15, great for the summer months to stop lips drying out in the sun.

Naphcon-A Allergy Relief Eye Drops .5 fl oz (15 ml)Eyedrops: After a long day my eyes get red and no matter how great your makeup is, this can definitely spoil a look! I keep a bottle of Naphcon A eyedrops http://www.alcon.com/ (available at all good drugstores)  with me all the time, they not only relieve redness totally but also stop itching and irritation from allergies.

Last but not least I like to keep a makeup finishing spray in my bag to set my makeup but also refresh during the day. I cannot do with 10 Years Younger by http://www.skindinavia.com/ - it has come to my rescue many a time!
Skindinavia 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish 2 oz.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sensa Weight-Loss System

I have just started on the Sensa Weight-Loss System and I actually can't believe it, but it works! It's developed by Dr Alan Hirsch and you just sprinkle it on top of your normal food. They are called tastants and they make you feel full by speeding up the satiety process through your sense of smell. They don't taste of anything and you can eat what you want. I sprinkled them on my morning toast on the first day and I struggled to finish the second piece. I was full for ages and I'm now not snacking and definitely eating less. I also sprinkled it on my friend's meal and she felt the same (I wanted to make sure I wasn't imagining it)! I've only been using it for 2 days, so I'll let you know my weight loss progress as I go on.

As a bonus to my readers if you enter SEN15 at the checkout at http://www.trysensa.com/  you will get 15% off any purchase.






(Sensa has been provided to me)

Monday, March 15, 2010

My latest finds....

I am constantly on the lookout for new beauty products, be it skin care, makeup, haircare or beauty appliances and recently I have been to trade shows and events as well as researching online and in stores and these are what I've come across that I think are great! Some are new on the market and some are just new to me but read on for some amazing discoveries:

Pevonia: http://www.pevonia.com/ This is a botanical range of skin and body care and I particularly love their Youthful Lip Retinol Serum - an overnight treatment that smooths lips and the fine lines around them.Pevonia Retinol Serum Youthful Lip (0.5 oz)

Instantly Ageless: http://www.instantlyageless.com/  A 'facelift in a bottle' this serum tightens and smooths and really is a miracle in a bottle. It lasts for hours and is perfect before a big night out to give you a confidence boost!

Talika: http://www.talika.com/ I love their heated eyelash curlers. They heat up without burning your lashes and really do curl them (I've used others that don't do anything). Tip - use a waterproof mascara straight after using to keep the curl in place all day.

InviCible Scars: http://www.inviciblescars.com/ A creme gel that minimizes scars - from acnes scars to surgery scars. You can feel it working and I've seen a difference in a few weeks from some minor scars I had on my face.

Latisse: http://www.latisse.com/ I've been using this for a little over a month now and my lashes are really starting to grow! When I have mascara on they now look false!

Bring it Up: http://www.bringitup.com/ A range of instant brow, breast and neck lifts. These are incredible and give you help when you need it! I love the breast lifts, you can wear any backless dress with these!Fashion Forms Bring It Up Breast Lift 3-Pack Accessory (One Size Clear)

Crystalift: http://www.crystalift.com/ An at home microdermabrasion machine. At last a way to get salon results at home. The smoothness it imparts to skin has to be seen to be believed.Crystalift Skin Resurfacing Microdermabrasion System for Smoohter Softer Skin

Tanda: http://www.tanda.com/ Light regeneration is big right now. This is a little handheld device that you can attach two different heads to - one for blemishes (it does shrink them overnight!) and one to prevent aging and diminish fine lines. I'm addicted!

Youngblood Mineral Makeup:  http://www.ybskin.com/ I have just discovered this line, it has been around for a while and I can't believe I hadn't tried it. The Hi Definition Loose Powder is now a staple in my kit. It combats shine without looking heavy and blurs imperfections too. Youngblood Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Powder (Natural)

Votre Vu: http://www.votrevu.com/ Golden Love Multi Vitamin Oil for face, hair and body is now my essential item to take on my travels. It gives the skin a gleam and moisturizes it deeply. The fact it has multi uses makes it perfect to put in your overnight bag.

Herban Essentials Assorted TowelettesHerban Essentials: http://www.herbanessentials.com/ Talking of travel, these towlettes come in a range of scents (all from natural oils) and have many uses. I keep these in my makeup kit and travel bag to disinfect my hands, combat travel sickness and refresh my skin.

Rohto: http://www.cool4eyes.com/ I always carry eyedrops, for my kit and myself. They are an instant way to look awake and these eyedrops also have a cooling factor, which is so refreshing after a long day at work or if you're shooting on the beach!

O2rifik: http://www.o2rifik.com/ Another multi use product that is great for traveling as well as to keep at home on the bathroom shelf. It calms sunburn, heals pimples and razor burn and is a generally soothing spray for any type of skin irritation.

Covergirl: http://www.covergirl.com/ One of the latest products from Covergirl is the Smoky Eyesticks. These are double-ended cream sticks that making a smoky eye one of the easiest eye makeups you'll ever do! You blend one end all over the lid and line with the other, I like to define the crease with this end too. It's so easy it's making me worried!

the grapeseed company - grapeseed organic starter setThe Grapeseed Company: http://www.thegrapeseedcompany.com/ This is a local Santa Barbara company that hand makes all sorts of lotions and potions that contain grapeseed oil a natural byproduct of winemaking. This means that the products are rich in antioxidnants, vitamins and reservatrol which fight free radicals. I love the Lavender and Rose toner, it makes your skin feel fresh and tightens the pores. I sometimes use this over my makeup to refresh.

Mor Cosmetics: http://www.morcosmetics.com/ If you're looking for a luxurious gift for somebody, look no further than here. A range of body care, scents and candles that are beautifully packaged and smell delicious! The hand and body wash is in the most amazing wooden bottle that would make any bathroom look like a 5 star hotels!

Scott Barnes: http://www.scottbarnes.com/ The original body glow, this shimmering lotion makes you look like you just returned from a tropical vacation. Created by Jennifer Lopez's makeup artist, one of the reasons she always looks radiant.

Sweet Spot Labs: http://www.sweetspotlabs.com/ A range of products to make your 'sweet spot' feel fresh as a daisy! There are wipes, washes and sprays and are perfect to keep in your purse or gym bag for a quick waterless shower!

24.7 Skincare: http://www.get247beauty.com/ I particularly love the firming eye serum from this brand. You can see the difference immediately, great in the morning when you're tired or before a night out. I also carry the Skin Perfector with me at all times to quickly smooth out lines under my eyes and brighten my face.

Mineral Essence: http://www.mineralessence.com/ The Cover Me Duo Magic concealer is sooo good. A double ended pencil with two shades of concealer to get your perfect match. Another great purse product.

Milani Cosmetics: http://www.milanicosmetics.com/ Often referred to as the Mac of drugstores, if you like to experiment with color this is the range for you. It is affordable and the colors and textures are exceptional. I am currently obsessed with the Black Magic Liner and Eye Glimmer Pencils.

SamPar - Lift Me Up Bust Cream - 1.7 fl. oz.Sampar: http://www.sampar.com/  Lift Me Up Bust Cream is magical! It gives measurable lift after 3 weeks and makes your skin so soft too.

JRL: http://www.robarofoceandrive.com/  The best hairdryer ever in my opinion! It is extremely powerful but very quiet, no wonder it's name is Hush!

Carita Paris: http://www.carita.com/ This French company do a great range of skincare but at the moment I'm loving their Haute Beaute haircare products. Rich creamy shampoos that leave your hair soft and shiny and full of body.

Orly Matte Couture (Display of 12)Orly: http://www.orlybeauty.com/ Have I ever mentioned I love unusual nail polish colors?? Orly have just brought out a Matte Metallic range - genius! I've been wearing Glam Rock a scene stealing gold out at night, it dries quickly too, bonus!

Spa Ritual: http://www.sparitual.com/ Talking of matte nail polishes Spa Ritual's matte polish in Mind is the most understated but glamorous polish I've come across in years. It is a shimmery matte champagne and goes with any outfit making you look modern effortlessly.

Vincent Longo: http://www.vincentlongo.com/ The latest product from this independent makeup artist label is a beautiful tinted moisturizer called Light Canvas. The name says it all, it feel weightless but creates a flawless canvas and gives you a 'I've just come back from running on the beach' glow.

Dayna Decker Candle - ZELIA 6 ozDayna Decker: http://www.daynadecker.com/ Beautiful perfumes, body lotions and candles from a luxury brand. I am now wearing Ella perfume daily, a light flowery fragrance that you can use on your linens and to scent your room too. The candles are exquisite too, with a natural wood wick that gives the sound of a log fire burning!




(Some of the above brands were provided to me and some I bought)

Monday, March 8, 2010

How to recreate the makeup from the latest Hourglass Cosmetics campaign

The step by step way to achieve the look I created for the latest Hourglass Cosmetics campaign:


Base: Hourglass Fluid Veil - I mixed shades 0 and 1 for the alabaster of the models complexion. I concealed where necessary with Hidden Concealer in Pearl.
Blush: Use the bronze cream from the Illume Cream to Powder Bronze/Highlighter duo under the cheekbones to sculpt and add definition and then highlight with the champagne shimmer in a C shape from the top of the cheekbones to the browbones.
Powder: Using a light touch powder just down the T zone with Veil Invisble Powder in Transparent, to allow the glow from the cheeks to come through.
Eyes: Start by applying the light shade from the Visionaire duo in Suede all over the lid up to the crease. Using the darker shade from the same compact, shade from the inner corners of the crease all the way out to the edge of the browbone and blend thoroughly. Add more depth in the creaseline with the taupe shimmer shade from the Cashmere compact and use the matte bone shade on the browbones to feather all the colors together. Define the eyes with Calligraphy Liner in Ebony by tracing it along the upper and lower lashlines. Darken and soften the edges with the matte black from the Cashmere compact. Add two coats of Superficial Mascara in Carbon for long feathery lashes. Define the brows with the matte bone shade from the Cashmere compact and then brush through with a brow brush (if you have dark hair use the black shadow sparingly).
Lips: Define and fill in the lips with Trace Lipliner in Bare to give a lasting base and depth of color and then add a gorgeous sheen with new Prodigy Lipgloss in Eden.

All products available at http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ or at Sephora or Barneys.

(All products were provided to me on the shoot)



Sunday, March 7, 2010

Terri Seymour's makeup for Elton John's Oscar party

This is how I did Terri Seymour's makeup this afternoon for Elton John's annual Oscar party for his his Aids Foundation - if you aren't going to the actual Academy Awards ceremony this is the place to be!

Here is the how to:

Base: Smooth Hourglass Cosmetics Fluid Veil  http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ evenly over the whole face blending out from the middle and downwards.
Under eyes: Dot a little Smashbox Cosm.etics Photo-Op Eye Brightener http://www.smashbox.com/  under the eyes to brighten.
Powder: Dust Youngblood Hi Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder http://www.ybskin.com/  lightly all over for an airbrushed look.
Blush: Swirl Cargo Blusher in Catalina  http://www.cargocosmetics.com/ on the apples of the cheeks and highlight at the top of the cheekbones with One Hot Minute by Benefit http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/  to give a fresh faced glow.
Eyes: Start with Mineral Essence Northern Lights eyeshadow in Starlite Express http://www.mineralessence.com/ all over the lid up to the crease, define the crease with Mineral Essence in Mocha. Line the eyes with the black cream liner from the L'Heure de Nuit compact by Guerlain http://www.guerlain/ and then add sparkle by using the shimmery black from the same compact on top of the liner and at the outer edges. Line under the lower lashes with Laura Mercier's eyeliner pencil in Black Gold  http://www.lauramercier.com/ and add a highlight in the inner corner of the eyes with the light gold shadow from the Dior 5 Couleurs Designer palette in Amber Design http://www.dior.com/ . A couple of coats of The Ultimate Mascara by Becca in black http://www.beccacosmetics.com/ completes the eyes.
Lips: Highlight the cupids bow with Guerlain Cupidon lipliner http://www.guerlain.com/ and then line with the nude liner by Hourglass in Bare http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/  and fill in with Youngblood Lipgloss in Devotion http://www.ybskin.com/

Terri's dress is by Marchesa.


(Some of the above products I bought and some were provided to me)


Monday, March 1, 2010

My TV Debuts!

I made my first live morning show TV debuts recently and after getting over my nerves I actually enjoyed it! The hosts were great and put me at my ease. It was fun! See my Fox 10 segment at the top of the page on the right hand side and the link to the ABC one below:

http://www.ktnv.com/global/Category.asp?c=164911&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4571111&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

I'd like to say a big thank you to all those who helped me get ready: Dr Behroozan of http://www.dermsurgery.net/ who really helped my skin. Laura Hebert of http://www.laurahebert.com/ who made me work out despite my moaning (the camera adds 10lbs you know!) and last but not least Amanda George of http://www.neilgeorgesalon.com/ who colored my hair to perfection. Thanks guys you really helped me feel confident!