Beauty411

MAC IN MODE: Spring/Summer 09 Makeup Trend Report

In this new video, the MAC Senior Artists provide trend direction on what's new and hot for spring/summer '09 makeup.  This behind-the-scenes video includes facecharts and if you look closely, you'll see many of the MAC artists that were Twittering during Fashion Week.  I loved this backstage pass!

Angelina Jolie at the Oscars: Get her hair and makeup look!

Angelina Jolie chose a classic look at the Academy Awards, in a black strapless Elie Saab gown paired with beautiful emerald-colored jewels which added a striking burst of color.  I've never really been a fan of Angelina's, but her hair and makeup was amazing. 

The makeup:  Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton created Angelina’s flawless look. Mary applied Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony to the upper and lower lash lines. She emphasized the shape of Angelina’s eyes by applying more liner to the outer corners of the eye. Several coats of Ôscillation Mascara were applied to the upper lashes for added volume and length. Mary put a touch of pink to the cheeks using Shu Uemura Blush in M Pink 31 and applied it to her cheekbones near the temple. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling.

Beautyblender Cosmetic Sponge Makeup Applicator

One makeup trend that continued to be strong at Fashion Week was natural looking skin.  That look was achieved with a variety of cosmetics--foundations, illuminators, powders and concealers.  Beautyblender is a makeup application tool that can help to achieve that beautiful finish. 

Beautyblender is a bright pink elliptical sponge that will replace all of the makeup sponges you're currently using.  Shaped like a teardrop, you use the large end of the Beautyblender to "stipple" on your foundation, the small end is perfect for concealer.  The shape allows you to cover hard-to-reach areas under your eyes and in the crevices near your nose.  More hygienic than your fingers, the finish when using Beautyblender is really amazing.  I was skeptical until I tried it!

Beautyblender is easy to use.  You just dampen it with water, squeeze out the excess and then dip the Beautyblender into your makeup.  Apply your makeup with a bouncing or stippling effect, then go back and re-blend around the edges for a natural look.  There is a Beautycleanser solution available to help care for and clean the Beautyblender.  Cared for properly, your Beautyblender should last up to one year. 

Check out the video for tips and techniques using Beautyblender:

Beautyblender is available at www.beautyblender.net and Beauty.com.  Additional retailers can be found on the Beautyblender website.

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Golden Globes Beauty Trends 2009

Red Carpet Reds, Coordinated Couture and Satin-Skin Showstoppers

This year for the 2009 Golden Globe Awards L’Oreal Paris Consulting Makeup Artist, Collier Strong is providing his expert tips and the latest trends on how to look red carpet ready. This year, it’s about being bold and beautiful — even if you’re on a budget!  

First Focus — On The Lips!

“It’s all about a beautiful bold lip!  Whether it’s warm or cool, a bold, opaque, red lip has a very sexy yet romantic feel. The eyes are as glamorous or neutral as your wardrobe dictates. During the day, eyes are kept simple; at night, opt for a darker look. Either way, eye makeup should be blended beautifully and brows should be perfectly groomed for an elegant look. Finish the eyes with long, beautiful lashes. Pair this look with clean, glowy makeup, achieved with foundation, concealer and powder. For cheeks, use a complementary color to the red of the lip that works with your skin tone. Apply on the apples of the check for a pop of color.” 

Get the look:  use L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipstick in Zinfandel or Crimson.  I love this lip color as it gives a bold pop of color and feels great on your lips.  For mascara--definitely try the Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: Essential Reading

Bobbi Brown has authored a new Makeup Manual that is so good, you feel like she is right next to you giving expert guidance.  In the Makeup Manual, you get the benefit of Bobbi's years of experience as a makeup artist and teacher.  She writes in a style and voice that is her hallmark: simple, direct, easy to understand--and not over your head.  This is the makeup book that Bobbi Brown fans have been waiting for: her 25-plus years of makeup styling experience translated into one complete, gorgeous book.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual includes a Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup that teaches you how to apply your makeup in ten minutes or less.  The book is comprehensive, covering everything from skincare to brushes, to how to choose the right shades and colors of makeup.  That chapter is worth the price of the book alone.  Not only that, but the business side of the beauty industry--what it takes to become a makeup artist, the tools you need and how to put together a portfolio.  The pictures are so well done; closeups of the products used and great, detailed, instructions on how to get each look.

Want to take a peek inside the book? 

As a beauty fanatic, I'm always looking to learn new tips and techniques and I honestly couldn't put the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual down when I got it.  This isn't a book that is meant to sit on a shelf; it's a book meant to be a working manual.  Keep it near your makeup, because you will want to refer to it often.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual (hardcover $32) is available now at Bobbi Brown counters, online at BobbiBrown.com and at booksellers nationwide.