Beauty411

Beauty411 Favorite Beauty Products of 2009

Is it really the end of 2009?  To a beauty blogger, that just means "on to bigger and better" in terms of beauty products. After testing hundreds of products this year, I've done the work for you to find the best of the best. 

Looking back, it's been a great year in beauty.  Innovative products, creative packaging and exciting technology, particularly in skincare.  Expect those trends to continue in the upcoming year as brands try to edge each other out for the consumer's attention (and dollars!).

Here are some of my favorite beauty products of 2009:

Giorgio Armani Crystal Collection - Holiday 2009

The Giorgio Armani Crystal Collection is a vision of festive glamour.  This limited-edition holiday makeup collection, which incorporates exclusive and luxurious crystal embellishments, draws its art-deco inspiration from the use of the exquisite stones featured in Giorgio Armani’s luxurious accessories. 

The limited edition jeweled Crystal Palette is the perfect accessory this holiday season. The Crystal Palette is a bi-level black lacquered case that features an iridescent body powder in a versatile neutral shade on the top.  The bottom holds an eye shadow palette consisting of four metallic shades: shimmery jet black, sparkling bronze metal, shimmery silver, and a sparkling jade.  $98

Get the look: Kherington Payne at the Fame Premiere!

Kherington Payne sparkled at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie, Fame, on Thursday night.  Celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali worked her magic on Kherington, with a graphic, smokey eye, pretty golden skin and shimmery nude mouth.

To start, Vanessa prepped the skin with Lancôme's Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate.  This was followed by Lancôme's Effacernes in Light Bisque, Vanessa’s favorite formula, which was dabbed underneath the eyes.  Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick was applied on select areas with a small brush and blended with the fingers.  Lancôme's Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose delivered a glowy look and was accented with Giorgio Armani Beauty's Fluid Sheer #2 on the cheek and brow bones. A dusting of Lancôme's Photôgenic Sheer Loose Powder, just on the T-zone.

For Kherington’s dramatic eyes, Vanessa layered Shu Uemura's Pressed Eye Shadow in ME Black #990 and ME Olive #471.

Lancôme's Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony defined and elongated the lash line, and was paired with Shu Uemura's Painting Liner in Black just at the lash line (on the top lid only) and on the inner rim of the eye. The finishing touch: a few generous coats of Lancôme's Ôscillation Mascara in Black. Finally, Lancôme's La Laque Fever Lipshine in Iridescent tied the entire look together.

I think it's a fantastic look that can be recreated at home.  I definitely plan to try it!

Photo credit:  Getty Images

Makeup 101 with Tim Quinn: How to choose the right shade of red lipstick

One of the big trends for Fall makeup is red lipstick.  Always a classic and sexy look.  But how do you choose the correct shade of red?  I recently had the opportunity to check in with Tim Quinn, Giorgio Armani Beauty's Celebrity Makeup Artist and National Artistic Director, for his tips on how to choose the right shade of lipstick, as well as address other makeup challenges.

Beauty411:  Many women would love to wear red lipstick, but selecting the right shade can be intimidating (I know it is for me!).  In general, what are your tips for choosing the right shade of red lipstick? Is there a certain way to apply it for maximum coverage or stay power?

TQ: If you are a novice, try a sheer red for a less dramatic look. For the fall trend, try a velvety red for fuller coverage. The most universal red is one with a bluer tone. The red with more orange in it is more suitable for someone with a golden complexion; it is not good for fair skin. The berry red is fairly universal – it’s a great Autumn alternative to red. I recommend applying a bit of gloss over it. For maximum cover and staying power, I advise applying a lip pencil similar to the natural color of the lip with the lipstick applied on top. Finish off the look by applying a bit of concealer, like our High Precision Retouch, around the lip to help prevent bleeding.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009: "Greige" Collection

 

At Giorgio Armani Beauty, the new fall dress code is “Greige.”  Subtle but distinct tones accentuate a deep smoky eye contrasted with a fresh, luminous complexion and a muted, but intense lip color.  My suggestion would be not to wait long to pick up this collection.  It's going to fly off the shelves!

Manta Ray Eye Shadow Palettes:  The star product of the season is the eye duo palette, which is dressed with an exotic Manta Ray pattern.  Inspired by the precious and luxurious materials used in Giorgio Armani fashion accessories, these eye shadow palettes offer a beautiful selection of color harmonies inspired by nature.  The collection features subtle hues that offer a new take on the timeless color “Greige,” created by Giorgio Armani.    $38
        no. 1 – charcoal and Greige, the ultimate eye shadow combination for this season’s smoky eye
        no. 2 – deep ocean blue and intense ocean green
        no. 3 – pale lilac grey and luminous fuchsia
        no. 4 – light blue stone and sandy beige
        no. 5 – shimmering lilac pearl and pale green pearl

I've been using the Manta Ray eye shadow duo no. 1 and I think it's fair to say I'm obsessed.  If I never bought another eye shadow duo again, this one would do it for me.  From the textured pebbling on the top of the tablet to the smokey perfection of these colors, I love this duo.  

The way I've been wearing this duo is to apply the Greige color on eyelid.  Next, sweep the charcoal color lightly in the crease to contour.  Then use an eyeliner brush to smudge the charcoal color across the eyelid above lashes, to create a smoky eye look.  Smudge.  Add 2-3 coats of Eyes to Kill Mascara.  Get ready for the compliments!

 

Armani Liquid Silk Eye Liners in matte charcoal grey (No.1) or midnight metallic blue (No.2) contrast the softer Greige tones with a smooth high precision stroke.  The formula, which contains microdispersed waxes and micro-fil polymers, boosts the deep intense color and ensures a long-lasting, quick-drying application. The brush on this is super-fine and the colors are rich and pigmented. $30

Armani Silk Lipstick in this season’s must-have shade No.92, accentuates the natural lip color, keeping the focus on the eyes.  The grey-blue tones in this soft plum lipstick add intensity to the lip without giving a dark contract, the new alternative to beige.  The Armani Silk lipstick formula dresses the lips with a hydrating and silky veil.  Specific oils allow the shade to reveal intense and radiant color, resulting in a luminous blush on the lips.  $25

Eyes to Kill Mascara - Dress the eye with powerful, plush, voluminous lashes. Fine, fluid Microfil technology creates intensely captivating lash texture. Micro-waxes combined with a fineness agent allow for smooth and easy application, revealing weightless volume and length.  Right now, this is my must-have mascara.  $28

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection is available for a limited time online and at selected fine department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.