Makeup Guru

COLLOIDAL OATMEAL/(kuh-loid-l oht-meel)/n./ 1. Rolled oats ground into an extremely fine powder, also known by the name Avena sativa L.; / 2. Inedible and typically added to warm bath water or a variety of emollients, this all-natural substance coats, moisturizes, and relieves itchy, irritated, dry skin, e.g., “Skip the sliced bananas and brown sugar; colloidal oatmeal satiates rough, parched skin all on its own.”

Try It: Nature’s Gate Colloidal Oatmeal Moisturizing Lotion, $10, www.drugstore.com.

Ingredients: Oatmeal

There's something very sexy when a woman has just left the shower. Maybe it's the tendrils of water snaking across her skin, the way her body glows in the light, or perhaps the sexy curls of the hair across the face and shoulders. Well Armani has captured this style in his new collection, as it features women who look like they've barely dried off after slathering on the Imperial Leather. Models strutted around with wavy, snaky hair and the soft waves are easy to replicate at home. A style like this strangely works on hair which ISN'T just washed- see after the jump for how to do this look at home.

Start with hair that's a day or two old and shake upside down, Use a wide paddle brush to brush from the underneath to create a little bit of body then spray on a styling gel or surf spray liberally. Ones we like here are Bumble & Bumble's Surf spray, or you can mix some sea salt with water and spritz on for a cheaper version.

Take the hair and use your finger to twist it into ringlets and then use your fingers to break them up. You should be left with a tousled slightly wet look that will give you heaps of sex appeal. I especially like how the style looks like you're not trying at all. Team with neutral eyes and a slick of gloss to be sex personified!

Makeup Inspiration - Giogio Armani

For Christian Lacroix’s spring haute couture show, hairstylist Odile Gilbert fashioned rectangular, braided buns on top of models’ heads. Each one was colored to sync with the dresses they wore.

The clothing plus hair made makeup artist Stephane Marais think of ballerinas at dancing school. He created a look with a focus on eyes. Eyeliner was swept upward, on the top and bottom of peepers. On mouths, he used a rosy, peachy color.

Makeup Inspiration - Christian Lacroix

If you haven’t heard of Scarlett & Crimson yet, take note: The adorable little cartoon girls have gained cult status in the UK, but when designer Robert Cary-Williams created a limited-edition tank, the line reached an even wider group of chicettes. In the next week, 60 of the only 300 tanks will be sent out to a group of ladies in New York and L.A.! Will you be one of the lucky? We’ve also heard a very juicy rumor from S&C: that an American designer may be next up to create a version… mais qui?

Scarlet & Crimson

TURMERIC/(tur-mer-ik)/n./ 1. The root of the Curcuma longa plant native to Indonesia and southern India, possessing a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh; /n./ 2. Traditionally called Indian saffron, this peppery spice has served as a condiment, textile dye, and revered member of the ayurvedic pharmacopeia for 5,000 years, prized for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers that have been known to help neutralize environmental toxins, fight free radicals, and generally revitalize the skin, e.g., “A key ingredient for successful curry dishes, turmeric has also garnered praise for its ability to make skin stronger, brighter, and healthier.”

Try it: Juara Turmeric Antioxidant Facial Mask, $39, www.juaraskincare.com.

Ingredients: Tumeric...India's secret spice

For Christian Dior’s spring-summer 2009 haute couture show, makeup artist Pat McGrath gleaned inspiration from Johannes Vermeer’s painting, “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

“The idea was for the girls was to have almost a painterly quality,” said McGrath backstage, explaining she used colors like peach, pink and lavender.

Some tones were iridescent. Orlando Pita, meanwhile, crafted the crimped and bound hairstyles for the show.

Makeup Inspiration - Christian Dior

GET THE LOOK: "Using rich color is a ravishing new take on the smoky eye," says celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis. Line eyes with shimmery navy eye pencil, then fill in your lids and smudge it, advises Perdis, who suggests dabbing rich dark blue shadow over it to set the look.

INSIDER TRICK: "It is extremely important to keep the color below the crease line on your lids," Perdis warns. Dab color in the socket and clean the upper lid with a Q-tip.

BUY ONLINE NOW: Napoleon Perdis Color Disk in Periwinck, $22

Make-up Trends: Smoky Blue Eyes

Zac Posen's runway show illustrated how bold fuchsia and frosted purple can work for everyone, no matter what your skin tone. Models strutted down the runway with flawless ultraviolet lips that shimmered, and showed us that frosted lips have made a return. If you're new to this look you may want to start in small steps- read how to after the jump.

If you're nervous about full on frosted start gently and just use the colour on the middle of the lips. Not only will this make them look plumper, it's also a nice way to segue into full on fuchsia. Alternatively you can opt for a lips stain (Bourjois do a lovely selection) rather than full on colour as that helps take the focus off your lips. Or you can do it Zac Posen style with chandelier earrings so big that's what people will notice first!

Makeup Inspiration - Zac Posen

LOTUS/(loh-tuhs)/n./ 1. An aquatic plant native to southern Asia and Australia, having large leaves and fragrant pinkish flowers; /n./ 2. Extracts from lotus petals are ultra-moisturizing and also help to exfoliate dead skin cells, minimize fine lines, and soothe sensitivity, e.g., “So much more than a tropical drink garnish, lotus’ reparative properties can give your skin the fresh-faced look of a relaxing week spent in Bali (minus the after-effects of any palm brandy abuse).”

Try it: Wei East White Lotus Eye Dreams, $65, www.weieast.com

Ingredients: Lotus

Mr. Armani wanted no color on the face whatsoever,” explained makeup artist Linda Cantello backstage before the Armani Privé haute couture show for spring-summer 2009. “He wanted a black, graphic shape on the eye.”

So models’ eyelids were colored with black rectangle-like forms and tipped with long eyelashes. “It’s an odd mix of Thirties and graphism,” she said.

Hairstylist Luigi Murenu, meantime, created three different black coifs for the show. “It’s all about geometry and graphics,” he said.

There were black bobs, plus two looks involving black headbands. “The shine is almost like a vinyl,” explained Murenu of the hair’s glossiness.

Makeup Inspiration - Armani Prive

Most people were busy sizing up the structured blazers and high-waisted pants at Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture presentation on Wednesday, but we were fixated on something else entirely. Those bangs? That wispy top knot? That heavily powdered jaw line? Could it be? Has Sarah Palin put Alaskan politics behind her and headed for the fashion frontier? All right, probably not. But you’ve got to admit it—the resemblance is uncanny! Whoever cast that show has a commendable sense of humor.

Sarah Palin Uses That Passport And Heads to Paris (Sort Of)

Colonial chic seems to be the watchword on the Ralph Lauren runway as model meandered their way down in white linen slacks and khaki prints, with over sized gold jewellery adding colour to the look. Faux natural was the keyword in the beauty stakes, with artfully arranged tresses and naturally nude makeup. Models looked faintly flushed with peachy blush and appealed to be wearing zero makeup. Read on for how to achieve their lovely look.

The key to achieving this dewy look is getting a great base. Try priming the skin first (Prescriptives have just released a great new primer) and then applying your foundation carefully in long slow strokes to create and even base. Opt for one with a dewy finish to give you that lovely glow, and then dust some bronzer around the hairline and the neck to create a sunkissed illusion.

Dab the cheeks with a peachy blush and use a brown mascara on the eyes, to lengthen the lashes whilst still keeping to the 'make up free' illusion. Make sure your eyebrows are groomed, as this can make or break a look, and finally run some mousse through the hair to give it extra body and texture, and backcomb it slightly for volume.

Voila, you're good to go.

Makeup Inspiration: Ralph Lauren does Colonial Chic

He's Just Not That Into You opens this Friday, and at last night's LA premiere, the stars of the film tried to look red carpet fabulous...some succeeded and some didn't....However, we thought we would take one star and breakdown her makeup and style — Jennifer Aniston.

Jennifer Aniston keeps it classic in a black Burberry pantsuit. The former Friends star, who turns 40 next Tuesday, finished off her look with a Ferragamo clutch at the Warner Bros. event (sponsored by Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal).

Inspired by Aniston's stylish suit and loose ponytail, makeup artist Angela Levin created a fresh makeup palette for the actress. "Jen gave me the inspiration of a sexy, powerful California business woman, the kind of girl I think we all want to be," said Levin. To get the details on achieving Jennifer's glowing makeup, check out the straight-from-the-source how-to when you read more.

* Complexion: Levin prepared Jennifer's skin with Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Crème ($70) on her face and neck. Next, she applied Cle de Peau Beaute Refining Fluid Foundation in 030 ($115).

* Eyes In order to create a shiny surface on the lids, Levin applied Shu Uemura Cream Eye Shadow ($25) in the beige shade. Next, Levin used Chanel Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Le Bronze ($28.50) on the outer half of Jennifer's lids and Tina Earnshaw Eye Shadow in Bitter Sweet ($20) on the creases. To finish off, Levin used Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in Ambre ($27), a sweep of Chanel Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Platine ($28.50) under the brow bown, and Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir ($30).

* Cheeks A small amount of Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick in Fire ($28.50) was applied to the apples of her cheeks. To set the makeup, Levin used a large brush and Sephora Double Compact Mineral in D35 ($22). A touch of bronzer was applied to create a sun-kissed glow.

* Lips A sweep of Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in PK322 ($23) was applied to the lips and Chanel Glossimer in Jaipur ($27) added some extra shine.

Celeb Looks - Jennifer Anniston at LA premiere of "He's Just Not That Into You"

LIPO HYDROXY ACID (LHA)/(lip-oh hy-drok-see as-id)/n./ 1. A molecule derivative of salicylic acid; /n./ 2. Being touted as the next big thing in antiaging ingredients, LHA is six times more effective than salicylic acid, with highly exfoliating properties that reverse the signs of sun damage, the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and skin imperfections; e.g., “Bearing no real resemblance to the body-contouring procedure of similar name, LHA’s skin-regenerating effects can, in fact, make you look like you’ve gone under the knife—no post-op support hose necessary.”

Try it: La Roche-Posay Biomedic LHA Cleansing Gel, $42, www.skincarerx.com.

Ingredients: Lipo Hydoxy Acid

When designer Alexis Mabille visited Mexico, he saw a painting by Diego Rivera that served to plant the seed for what then blossomed into a braided look for models at his first haute couture show, for spring-summer 2009.

Hairstylist Odile Gilbert fastened each model’s pair of braids together at their ends and decorated them with violets.

“I think it’s a little Parisian touch,” she said.

Makeup artist James Kaliardos came up with looks meant to seem “innocent, sweet” like the hairdos, but also rather “cosmetic,” he said, explaining the show was the launch pad for the use of a new L’Oréal Paris color cosmetics line, called Studio Secrets Professional.

Kaliardos created the collection with Linda Evangelista, who served as its muse. Evangelista said she also helped give feedback on some products. The line will include lip gloss, mascara, eye shadow, foundation and lipstick, among other items.

Makeup Inspiration - Mabille

I'm not so into football, but still it is the Super Bowl and hubby wanted to watch. But seeing Jennifer Hudson sing the national anthem was phenomenal...however I could barely get past how wonderful she looked on stage before the big game. With pulled-back hair and oversize hoop earrings, I thought this overall look was just chic enough.

Since her makeup was my favorite part, I thought we should break it down:

1. Start by applying a creamy foundation (like MAC Select Moistureblend) with a sponge or synthetic brush.
2. Outline the top and bottom lash lines by picking a liquid liner that allows a very thin line, such as Vincent Longo Vibrant Eye in Nerino.
3. Choose shadows in complementary hues, both light and darker. Since I used three shades for my look, the NP Set Eye Palette in Atlanta Plum works wonderfully.
4. Start with the lightest shade and sweep from the base of the eyelid to the browbone. After that, take a darker color and blend in the crease of each eye.
5. Next, use the darkest color to make a horizontal "V" shape on the outer and inner thirds of your eyelid. (Make sure to blend the colors well.)
6. Smudge shadow into the bottom lash line, if desired. Apply your favorite lengthening mascara, like L'Oreal Lash Out.
7. Line lips with a pencil slightly darker than the lipstick you'll use. For example, the Too Faced Luster Liner in Caspian would work well before before filling in with the glossy LipFusion in Beauty, which offers a touch of color along with re-plumping formula.
8. Finally, a light touch of blush (Black Radiance in Soft Honey) can bring definition to cheekbones.
9. You can't tell here, but I noticed Jennifer also wore black nail polish as she held onto the microphone last night — I'm digging OPI's nail lacquer in Black Onyx to finish out this look.

Celeb Looks: Jennifer Hudson Superbowl 2009

The Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Symposium, featuring the work of the 2009 Oscar nominees in the makeup category, will be presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Saturday, February 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

Moderated by Academy governor Leonard Engelman, the symposium will include a discussion of the nominees’ creative process and the presentation of film clips, photographs, and models of their work.

The 2009 Academy Award makeup nominees are:

* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Greg Cannom, special makeup creator and applicator
* The Dark Knight, John Caglione, Jr., Heath Ledger’s makeup artist; Conor O’Sullivan, prosthetic supervisor
* Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Mike Elizalde, creative and makeup effects designer; Thom Floutz, Abe Sapien makeup artist

Admission to the Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Symposium is free, but advance tickets are required and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be obtained online at www.oscars.org, by mail, or at the Academy’s box office during regular business hours beginning Monday, February 2, at 9 a.m.

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. All seating is unreserved. For more information, please call the Academy at (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

The 2009 Oscar ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. In the US, the Oscarcast will be televised live by ABC.

The Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Symposium

New York, London, Paris and Milan are known as the holy quadrilogy of fashion, playing host to some of the world's biggest and most respected fashion houses and designers on their fashion week runways. However, some of the most innovative and exciting designs can be found at less prolific fashion weeks like Stockholm’s Fashion Week By Berns.

Presenting the work of local designers in a comprehensive schedule, I struggled to refine my review of the week into any kind of concise structure. Frustrated that I couldn’t rant for seven odd pages on the praises of Swedish design, I resigned myself to choosing a mere few of my favourites, and here I shall regale you with musings on the inspiring goings on of Fashion Week By Berns.












One of Sweden’s best known sartorial exports, Acne, threw me from my feet, well and truly knocking the wind out of me. I don’t know where to start; perhaps at the sky high Perspex platforms? Or the garishly ugly wallpaper magically transformed into the most desirable of dresses? Or maybe it was just the devil may care, rock’n’roll attitude that oozed from the collection, teasing me in my conventional bubble and daring me to stick it to the man.











That same attitude filtered into the designs of Whyred and Carin Wester. While Whyred opted for a nonchalant androgyny, Carin Wester took a more feminine approach to rebellion, adding ample edge with sheer blouses, leather pants and velvet everything. Carin Wester’s collection also featured the must have shade of the year-delicate nude- juxtaposed with bold colours and heavy boots for a striking and effective combination of proportion.

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair did not fail to deliver with their usual avant-garde designs, as volume played on volume to create fantastical shapes, inspiring the imagination with images of dark, malignant fairytale stepmothers. Fairy tales were also the order of the day at blog sensation Minimarket, whose quirky designs were characterized with references to popular fairy tales. Babydoll dresses in block colours became a cool little red riding hood and a deceptively delicate wolf in sheep’s clothing.

My final favourite pick was Tiger Of Sweden; a collection designed for the modern Tsarina. The Russian mood was strong as models were styled in layers of velvet and leather featuring woolen hats and leather gloves, the perfect combination for a winter of espionage in Moscow.

Group of 7 That Stole the Show at Stockholm Fashion Week

POMEGRANATE/ (pom-a-gran-it)/ n./ 1. A biblical fruit native to the Mediterranean region, with a reddish rind, sweet aromatic scent, and filled with hundreds of edible seeds; / 2. A traditional representation of fertility, pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, which can age the skin, e.g., “Modern goddesses continue to enjoy the natural, youth-enhancing properties of pomegranate, a beauty staple from the cradle of Western Civilization.”
Try it: Click here for some of our favorite pomegranate offerings that transcend the fruit’s seasonal availability.

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Ingredients: Pomegranate

Monday mornings don't get anymore glamorous than catching up with uber catwalk legend Linda Evangelista at the Paris couture shows. A fellow blogger managed to grab a quick cappuccino (skinny of course) with the supermodel after the Alexis Mabille show to grill her on her exciting new make-up range for L'Oréal Paris and how the hell she still looks so amazing at 43. 'I am a total product junkie. I love to play with products,' she told me. 'I have an extensive make-up kit lined up on a huge silver tray that I move from one side of the house to the other depending on what light I want to do my make-up in. It's all about the light!' I guess doing shoots with some of fashion's experts can't have hurt either? ‘I've learnt so many tricks from so many amazing make-up artists so I know exactly what suits me and what my face needs to look good.' But Linda also revealed that she nearly always does her own make-up on shoots. 'Nobody lines my lips or defines my brows except me!' And yes, after getting up close and personal we can report that she does in fact look fabulous and incredibly flawless. Eyes perfectly sculpted in neutral brown, gleaming golden skin and precisely applied neutral lip gloss. So who did her make-up this morning? 'Me of course!' That's us told! So can you help us out once in a while, Linda? Please?!

Linda Evangelista's Make-up tips!

TOMATO/(tuh-mey-toh)/n./ 1. A plant native to Mexico and Central and South America, bearing a mildly acid, pulpy, usually red fruit; /n./ 2. Packed with great astringent and cooling properties to help reduce pore size and brighten dull skin, tomatoes are also rich in the carotenoid lycopene, which protects against free radicals and sun damage, e.g., “A tasty solution to fighting the visible signs of aging, tomatoes should be an integral part of your secret sauce for obtaining healthy, youthful skin.”

Try it: Eminence Organic Tomato Lycopene Masque, $48, www.dermstore.com.

Ingredients: Tomato

To cater to these women who want more from their cleansers, the Neutrogena® Wave™ Power Cleanser is clinically proven to clean 10 times deeper than traditional cleansers through the use of softly textured disposable pads and a unique gentle vibrating motion – revealing softer and smoother skin after just one use. The tingly cool foam penetrates deeper as the massaging action opens pores to remove more dirt, oil and make-up.

Neutrogena® Wave™ Power Cleanser will be available in Coles, Woolworths, Priceline, selected pharmacies, Kmart, Big W, Target, IGA and other Independent Supermarkets nationwide from March 2009, with a RRP of $19.99. Refills for the Neutrogena® Wave™ Power Cleanser will also be available for a RRP of $13.99 (30 pack).

Neutrogena's Wave Power Cleanser

Like L’Oréal Paris’ Elnett and the equally French Embryolisse, Elgydium toothpaste has been haunting the dreams of Francophile beauty junkies confined to American soil for years. With limited availability stateside, these products frequently wind up as things-to-bring-back-from-Paris requests passed on to friends headed to the City of Light. Elnett took up residence at Target last fall, much to the rejoicing of those of us longing for an accessible, non-sticky, strong-hold hairspray, and apparently Elgydium is now available at select drugstore giants online. I picked one up last weekend, mostly because I’ve always been a fan of the classic apothecary-style aluminum tube (it adds a bit of old-world ambience to any bathroom sink). If you’ve never tried Elgydium before, the taste and texture will definitely jar your American senses a bit—it’s both milder and thicker than your classic Crest or Colgate. But it leaves your whole mouth (teeth and gums) feeling incredibly clean, and somehow a bit more classy.

Drugstore Discoveries: Elgydium