Chic Shopper Chick: Superbowl Stunner

Check out my latest post on the Chic Shopper Chic site:  A ‘how-to’ for Jennifer Hudson’s makeup at the Superbowl earlier this month!

The post can be found here.

Tags: Jennifer Hudson, Superbowl

100th Post!: My Make-up @ the Bijules Fall 2009 Presentation

This picture is from the Bijules Fall 2009 presentation last week. I wanted to share the makeup I was wearing, but this image of me hanging a sequin lamae heart on the wall isn’t exactly the clearest.  This picture, taken after I cut the heart out of a giant gold tent, is one of the only photos I have from the night.

I know you can’t really see, but I’m going to tell you what I’m wearing anyway:  Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer, with a dusting of Bare Minerals Foundation to set.  Bare Minerals Blush in Giddy Pink on cheeks, Benefit Posie Tint on Lips with Chanel Glossimer in Lollipop.  And, of course – Multiple layers of Benefit Badgal mascara on my lashes.

Now that we’ve gotten the make-up out of the way…

Check out the new Bijules Rock Collection – It’s fierce.

Then take a moment to view the new Leona Lewis video (Bonus: Chace Crawford makes an appearance.) Her makeup is PHENOMENAL (as always) plus she’s rocking a Bijules bar ring just like mine

Tags: Bare Minerals, Benefit, Bijules, Chanel, Josie Maran, Leona Lewis

Fun Times at Sephora!

Yesterday I spent almost 2 hours inside a Sephora with my friend Jen.  I’m a makeup artist, she’s a beauty addict and together we’re TROUBLE when surrounded by so many options.  I’m pretty sure the sales people were overwhelmed by our presence as they watched us flutter around the store from one display to the other.  Now, I know what you’re thinking:  Why would I need to go to a Sephora when I get products sent to me all the time?  Well, despite the fact that I get sent tons of cosmetics and products almost daily, I do make the occasional trip to the store to actually make personal purchases.  I’m a real girl too, and sometimes I just need to get my shop on.  Naturally, my favorite place to shop is Sephora, and every time I set foot in one it’s serious, and I never leave empty handed.

This trip resulted in 3 purchases:

Sephora Brand FACE Foaming Cleanser: Tried this last night, and was very good although it did not really foam.  Was more like gentle sudsing gel.  Some of the reviews on Sephora’s site are a little bit ‘angry’ with customers writing all sorts of things about being annoyed by the misleading use of ‘foaming.’  Personally, the lack of foam didn’t bother me much since it still got the job done.

Sephora Brand Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15: Haven’t tried this yet – Still have some of my favorite leftover, so will have to review at a later time.

Sephora by OPI nail Polish in IM Beauty:  A super cute lemon yellow nail polish.  Color is very soft, and not at all offensive like some of the other yellow polish options I have come across. (You need this, it’s adorbs).

I had more in my basket.  Trust.  I just tried to be sensible and remind myself that I have more products in my apartment than most people , and that thought helped me to put several items back on the shelf that I didn’t think were must haves.

What I did not get was the Dior Airflash BRONZER.  That was a tough one to put back.  I mean, the stuff was made for me.  Seriously.  But at $60 a can, I just couldn’t justify the purchase especially when I have THREE airbrush machine’s in my possession which I can use at any time to create the exact same look.

I won’t lie…I’m still considering going back to get it.  I had completely forgotten that I had tested and LOVED it, until my roommate asked me what was on my face because she NEEDED to have it.  *Sigh*  I should have snapped a photo to post here, so you could see how fabulous it looked.  Oh well, next time.

Eventually, I will find a way to justify the purchase, but until then I’ll just break out my trusty airbrush compressor to replicate the look.

I am also considering going back to get this glitter eye gel from Sephora Brand. In the store it didn’t look like anything any more special than the dozens of other glitter type products I have in my arsenal.  Then I got in the car, and I did a quick check in the mirror (couldn’t help it, yo), and it was really subtle and sparkly and feminine and PERFECT FOR SUMMER.  Eh.  Will add it to my wish list and cop it in May just in time for the sunshine.  It was only $10 bucks so it isn’t like it’s terribly expensive, and since I wear glitter all the damn time, I know it will be a useful item.

My friend Jen got a bunch of other stuff – Maybe she will kindly grace the comment section with her product reviews.  Jen, are you out there?  I know you read this site…

Tags: Dior, Glitter Gel, OPI, Sephora

Recessionista’s Know How to Stay Fab On the Cheap

These are difficult economic times, and I’m sure the last thing anyone has money for is a pricey spa treatment.  But, I’m a recessionista – And that means that I’m savvy enough to know how to get the benefits of a pricey spa treatment at home for a fraction of the price.  This recession is no excuse for bad skin, nor is it a justified reason to neglect it – There are plenty of ways to stay looking good without having to break bank.

With the change of seasons comes tired skin – Especially post winter.  The cold can leave you with skin that is wind burned and battered, and there’s no better time (except end of summer) to indulge in a more intense treatment to repair skin.

I like chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion but both of these procedures can be costly.  At home I like to use  Avon’s ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Retexturizing Peel.  I’ve been using this every other day (as recommended), and after a month I have clear skin that is super smooth and soft.

This amazing product is a simple one step system, that is gentle and effective (It does take a few uses to see results though so you have to stick with it!).  I’ve had such success with it that I’ve started using it every day because my skin isn’t super sensitive and I want to get faster results.  But, even using this product every other day for 4 weeks has made a difference in my skin.  There is a smooth and even tone to my skin that wasn’t previously there, and best of all it hasn’t dried out my skin like a lot of other home treatments can sometimes do.

While the results from this product are not as instant as a real deal chemical peel, with a little patience and commitment, this is a great alternative to an expensive treatment. At $25.00 for a jar of 30 pads, this is a real bargain.

Just remember to load up on sunblock while using this product, or any product containing glycolic acid as they have a tendency to make your skin extra sensitive to the sun.

Tags: Avon, Chemical Peel

Get the Look: Queen Latifah at the 2009 Academy Awards

I love Queen Latifah.  Her office is down the street from my apartment, and everytime I see a car parked out front with tinted windows I swear it must be her.  I even think I saw her once:  She was driving, it was kind of dark out and the windows were tinted so it was difficult to positively I.D. her.  But I’m 99.9% positive it was her.  Supposedly she has amazing skin.  One of these days I will get a peak at her to confirm this, but until then I’ll just say that allegedly she has great skin.  Allegedly.  The result (so she said in an article I read) of never using soap on her face, and never wearing make-up unless she’s going to be seen.

Well she was certainly visible on Sunday – with a face full of make-up that was gorge.

Make-up Artist Sam Fine is responsible for the subtle look that ‘complimented her gown, instead of overpowering it.’

TO GET THE LOOK:

Tags: Academy Awards, Cover Girl, Queen Latifah, Sam Fine

Academy Awards 2009: A Roundup AND Tutorial!

Bella Sugar gets better with every award show.  Not only are they offering the best beauty roundup for this Sunday’s Academy Awards – But it’s complete with a tutorial!

Go here to find out how to recreate some of the must have looks of the evening.

My favorites:  Angelina Jolie, Alicia Keys, Natalie Portman, Kate Winslet…And my absolute favorite of the night, Freida Pinto – She looked stunning and her makeup on Sunday was flawless and completely appropriate for the event.

Favorites not included in the Bella Sugar Roundup:  Amanda Seyfried, Zooey and Emily Deschanel, and Gwen Stefani.

Tags: Academy Awards, Alicia Keys, Amanda Seyfried, Angelina Jolie, Bella Sugar, Deschanel, Frieida Pinto, Gwen Stefani, Kate Winslet, Natalie Portman, Roundup

THIS IS SO REAL, I CAN’T EVEN COME UP WITH AN APROPOS TITLE

Yesterday I met my make-up hero, Kabuki. It was surreal.

I know there are many great artists out there – But to me, Kabuki is top of the tops.  I’ve loved his work since his days on Sex and The City in the late 90s, before I had any idea who he was or that I would even want to be a makeup artist someday.  What I did know back then, was that at 17 I was growing up in New York and hitting the clubs, and my makeup was one of the things that helped me look old enough to pass through the velvet rope at some of the most legendary nightlife spots in The City.  During that time, I was always trying to emulate Carrie Bradshaw’s makeup, and I never stepped out on the scene without my clear MAC Lipglass (a staple of Ms. Bradshaw’s in the early days of SaTC).

Eventually I would discover my passion for lashes and lips and all things beauty, and would also discover the artist responsible for those Sex and the City looks – The looks that I tried so hard to copy circa 1998-1999.  Back then my friends were drag queens, I never dared to hit the dance floor without a feather boa, and my make-up always had to be fresh.  Glitter was (and still is) my favorite product to rock, only now that I’m 27 I’ve graduated to big girl micro glitter (a la Make-up Forever), and shimmer and shine – But all the while, never forgetting those nights and how they’ve played a part in my slightly ostentatious obsession with anything that sparkles.

With all of this being said, you can imagine the thrill it was to actually meet Kabuki.  THE Kabuki who is responsible for establishing those looks on SaTC that would inspire the way I wore my make-up during my adolescence.  The Kabuki, who constantly amazes me with his ability to get everything so exacting. His work is always just enough – Or just perfectly not enough.  His fantasy work leaves me speechless, and I can’t think of anyone else in this industry who is creating on his level.  Kabuki is a true innovator.

I met him.  It was a dream come true.  A moment that means more to me than anything you can imagine.  I was so nervous that I could barely speak, and when he asked if I had a card I nearly died – and proceeded to very awkwardly fumble through my bag while hoping he didn’t think I was some kind of nervous wacked out weirdo. The real kicker?  When it was all over, and I was left sitting on the bench waiting for the Macqua show to start, I got all sorts of teary eyed and was hoping no one noticed.  TOTAL GEEK OUT.  FULL FORCE.

I would say I’m mortified by myself, but I’m actually ok with my emotional overload.  I got to meet someone I genuinely believe is aces in this biz.  Someone who produces work I have nothing but solid respect for – Someone who is the kind of professional I dare to dream to be.

Staci, you made my day/week/month/year/ life with that introduction.  I am so grateful for that moment, and will never ever forget it.  Seriously.

It was rad.

Here is a little video I took at the Macqua show yesterday afternoon.  Make-up magic by Kabuki, and hair by the incomparable Staci Child.

Tags: Fashion Week, Kabuki, Macqua, Staci

Chic Shopper Chick x Me = Even More Beauty Tips For You!

As of yesterday I am the newest contributor to the fabulous website: Chic Shopper Chick.

I’ll be sharing tips and tricks weekly, and if you like the how-to’s and must have’s that you read here then you will LOVE what I’m dishing on that site!

Go here to read my first post!

If you’re a new visitor who has found your way here through the link on CSC – Welcome!  My own blog is a little different from CSC  in that it is 100% about beauty.  My posts tend to focus on a mix of personal and professional, product reviews, and updates regarding recent work.  But, no matter what I’m writing about, the common thread is always beauty.

Please take a look around, peruse the archives, and get acquainted with what I do!  I look forward to having you as a regular visitor and encourage you comment!

Tags: Blogging, Chic Shopper Chick

Manhattan Portage Hearts Me!

No unrequited love here.  I love them, and they love me.  It’s totally mutual and a really nice and healthy relationship (so rare in these modern times!)…

Here’s a link to their blog where they show some love to their favorite shortvixen

Shouts to our favorite short vixen

P.S:  The word on the street is that the Lookbooks are moving fast and furiously at POOL in Las Vegas.  Since I worked on their lookbook this makes me very, very happy

Tags: Lookbook, Love, Manhattan Portage, POOL

Peep This: My Monday Night Make-up

As most of you know, it’s Fashion Week in NYC. Sure the shows are exciting, but the really fun part are all the parties around town all week!  I kicked off the party hopping on Monday night with a stop at the Street Peeper Party at the Tribeca Grand.

Here I am with my friend Linda – She’s the one very politely giving the finger.

Note:  I am wearing the following make-up products:  Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer mixed with a drop of Avon Anew Foundation for a bit more coverage (It WAS evening, so more coverage is a must). Stila Convertible Color in Poppy applied to cheeks and set with a light dusting of Benefit Thrrrob Powder.  Benetint applied to lips with a light pink gloss on top (gloss color unknown as the label came off but it was mos’ def’ from Benefit).  Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Sapphire (a fabulous navy blue), with a trillion coats of Benefit BADgal Mascara on my lashes to finish it all off.

Linda is wearing some Dior ish, which she very cleverly applied on the low at a Sephora somewhere downtown after work before steppin’ out.  No judgement though because I think we’ve all done that once – and by everyone I mean EVERYONE.  Including yours truly. And don’t try and front like you’ve never gone into Sephora and pulled that move before because I KNOW that you probably have.

P.S:  Linda’s wearing blue eyeliner too and we did not intend to be all matchy matchy – We are not those kinds of girls.  It was completely random, and can only mean that blue liner is where it’s at right now.  That means you should skip on over to your nearest make-up counter or drugstore and pick some up!

Tags: Avon, Benefit, Fashion Week, Josie Maran Cosmetics, Stila, Street Peeper