Recently in Cosmetics: Cheeks Category

We're perpetually on the hunt for the perfect highlighter and never seem to find it-- this little highlighter is too glittery, this little highlighter is too greasy, and this little highlighter has us streaking all the way home. What's a girl to do?

Enter Vapour Organic Beauty-- their new Halo Body Spotlight imparts a luminous, lit-from-within glow that looks natural, and more importantly, doesn't leave glitter bomb fallout on our cheeks. It's the perfect shimmer to counteract dull, lifeless winter skin, and can be used on the face, shoulders, arms, décolletage.. the possibilities are endless.
 
Halo also delivers potent anti-oxidants into the skin to heal and protect it against environmental elements and pollutants.  It's made with the anti-inflammatory Frankincense, moisturizing Lotus Flower and Tulsi, an ancient healing herb, and is 70% organic.

Added bonus? The packaging is so pretty: a steel blue-gray shimmer... and it smells awesome too! Sort of a light, fruity smell that makes us want to bite it...but we won't. ;)

Halo comes in one universal shade, Moonlight, suitable for all ages and skin tones.
$34, VapourBeauty.com

 

Trends can be intimidating, especially during Fashion Week- not only are the models 16 year old goddesses, but they have the best in makeup, hair, and design backstage dressing them up like dolls. How can we compete?

Thankfully, as we jet from backstage to backstage this season, we keep hearing the same phrases used over and over again: clean, fresh, organic, and "like they did it themselves". Good news for us, who don't have the beauty team following us around all day ( a girl can dream!)

Backstage at the Charlotte Ronson show, we noticed some really chic looks, which thankfully are super easy to re-create at home. Here's how to get the look:

For the face, Sephora PRO artist Gilbert Soliz told us that Charlotte wanted the girls to look as if  they'd done their own faces. The skin was kept dewy using Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Makeup, and then sculpted with taupe powder to lift the face. The eyes were then given a monochromatic brown smokey look using Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes in Pearly Brown. The shadow was applied to the lid and then winged out with a brush, followed by DiorShow mascara enhance lashes. The eyebrows were kept natural and only lightly groomed, and lips were left nude, touched only by clear balm to enhance (Sephora FACE Very Sexy Nourishing Lip Balm SPF 15).

For the hair,  TRESemmÉ Celebrity Stylist Jeanie Syfu said that Ronson wanted "decadence". The hair was prepped with a lightweight mousse (Tresemme 24hr Body), and then dried with a round brush for volume before being sectioned off and wrapped lightly around a barrel iron. The curls were then finger combed to loosen the wave, and spritzed with a dry shampoo (Tresemme Fresh Start) to absorb leftover styling products.

Viola! So simple....turban optional.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCA), and while we know support efforts, fundraisers and research are done throughout the entire year, we can't help but love all of the fabulous pink products that are created and released each October. There are so many, in fact, we have to break it down into categories and only share our absolute faves. Check out these products to keep your eyes bright and your cheeks blushing.

While everything from metallics to bright neon colors were seen on the runways for Fall 2009, it was the rosy-gold, post-summer looks that peaked our interest, as it looks like a more natural way to transition into the season. Pink and peach tones create a romantic and soft look when used with bronzes and coppers, and is an easy way to give the face a radiant glow. Take a look at our picks for incorporating this look into your beauty routine.

 

 

Laura Mercier Mosaic Shimmer Bloc

Each of the four colors in this compact can be used individually or together to add a boost of color and radiance anywhere on the face (we love to use it to highlight cheeks and brow bones) thanks to light-reflecting particles that give the skin a healthy glow. $38, sephora.com

 

Estee Lauder Eye Shadow Quad in Sensuous Gold

Make your eyes shine with gorgeous quartet of bronzes. As with all Estee Lauder eye shadows, these offer high color payoff and long-lasting results. Limited Edition. $35, nordstrom.com

 

 

NARS Eye Shadow Duo in Silk Road

This icy pink and rose gold duo will light up any eye look. The gold flecks in the rose gold shadow adds a touch of sassy, fall-doesn't-have-to-be-dull flavor. $32, beauty.com

 

 

 

 

Maybelline Line Stylist Eyeliner in Bronze Gleam  

To add a simple hint of bronze to your eyes that will also add subtle definition, this eyeliner is our favorite. It makes any novice feel like a pro with its precision of application. The long-lasting formula keeps eyes looking fresh and polished all day and easily washes away at the end of the day. $5.79, drugstore.com

 

 

Jane Iredale PurePress Blush in Whisper

A perfect blend of warm peachy-pink, this blush is made pure, nourishing minerals that reduces inflammation and conditions skin while providing a natural-looking wash of just-blushed color. Can also be used on eyes and lips. $26, beauty.com

 

 

Wet 'n' Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Rose Gold

With just the right amount of stickiness (not super tacky, but not sliding off our lips instantly), we love this gloss for it's pretty shimmer and glossy finish. We have to add the fact that the price tag is definitely very apealing, too. $1.99, drugstore.com

 

 

MAC Dazzleglass in Get Rich Quick

For creating the ultimate high-impact neutral pout, Dazzleglass in Get Rich Quick is our go-to lippie. With a silky texture and brilliant finish, this is one gloss that keep us coming back for more. $18, maccosmetics.com

When it comes to retro-glamour and classic makeup looks, Dita Von Teese has made her mark in the beauty and fashion world. With her distinct style, the celeb has many wondering how she does it. We are here to share a few of her beauty secrets (which really aren't a secret since she did post these on her Twitter page).

 

When it comes to foundation, Dita isn't a snob. She loves using L'Oréal True Match in N1 ($10.95, drugstore.com).

 

 

 

 

To give her fair cheeks a flush of color, Dame and The Perfect Cheek both by MAC ($18.50, maccosmetics.com) are the ones she wears most.

 

 

 

 

We all know Dita loves to rock a red pout, so what is her favorite shade? "...I like MAC Ruby Woo" ($14, maccosmetics.com).

 

 

In addition to her lips, red is her go-to shade for her nails. Essie's Fishnet Stockings ($8, nordstrom.com and MAC Rougemarie ($12, maccosmetics.com) are her top picks.

 

Keeping your youthful glow is easy thanks to CoverGirl's new Simply Ageles Sculpting Blush. This soft, creamy formula contains Olay Regenerist Serum to help give skin a boost of anti-aging benefits (it's clinically proven to provide significant improvement in just 4 weeks), and because it's a cream, it looks more natural on the skin. Use it to give yourself the perfect, blushing glow. $10.99, covergirl.com

 

 

Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color Pot is a new blush duo that combines a creamy cheek color with a soft-focus loose cheek powder. The effect is natural and understated, yet gives skin a luminous and glowing look. We are coveting this travel-friendly pot for the mere fact that it will save space in our makeup bags while offering quick touch-ups on-the-go. Available in two shades. Limited edition. $34, nordstrom.com

Question: I love your website, and so thought you might be able to help me with this beauty dilema. I use Stila's Blush Pans ($18, sephora.com) and love them. But I am down to the end of a pan and the circle of powder cracked. So my question is, how can I save and use these last bits? It is too much to want to throw out, but it is now in tiny pieces so very awkward to use.

Answer: It can be frustrating when your compact or pans of makeup break. Thankfully, there is a way to salvage the last of any pressed makeup, icluding blush. Purchase a container for loose powder, like the one pictured (Powder Jar with Sifter, $4, sephora.com) at your local beauty supply. Remove the sifter lid and put the broken bits of blush into the jar. Crush any larger particles so it all becomes a loose powder. Replace the sifter lid, and now you can use your blush in a loose form-- that will still travel well-- until it runs out. Hope this helps!

 

Laura Geller Bronze-n-Brighten is our must-have bronzer for the coming spring/summer season. The baked powder gives skin a gorgeous sun-kissed glow without the fake orange tint. It even comes in a fair version that complements even the palest skin tones. We love to dust a little over lids to add a hint of color and definition, or use it in place of our foundation for a radiant, healthy glow. $29.50, sephora.com

We asked our friend and celebrity makeup artist, Melissa Walsh, to put together a fabulous and time-friendly routine to help you put together a look on Valentine's Day that would be sure to make you feel and look your best. Whether you plan a romantic night out with the one you love, or a night out with the girls, don't hesitate to try these tips (along with product suggestions), and have a great Love Day!

 

Melissa says:

 

"Start with a light serum that smooths the skin and sinks in immediately without leaving an oily residue - Janson Beckett Vitamin C&C Facial Serum ($44.50, spalook.com) is perfect for this."

 

 

 

 

 

"Then, dust a powder foundation all over, being careful to blend well - Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder ($59, beauty.com) gives a really natural glow with great coverage."

 

 

 

 

"Using a fluffy brush, swirl a sheen powder blush onto the apples of your cheeks - I love Cargo's Catalina blush ($24, sephora.com) as it is a perfect pinky-coral shade."

 

 

"As you don't have much time, use one shade of eyeshadow all over the lid and into the crease; think soft sheeny, muted shades like taupe, heather and moss, and take it under the lower lashline too. Line the top lashes with a soft matte pencil and soften the edges with a cotton bud. A few coats of thickening mascara (try Lash Venom by DuWop, $24, sephora.com) finish the eyes."

 

 

"For your lips use a stain or a cream tint like the ones by Jouer ($20, jouercosmetics.com ), which can also be used as a blush - Amaryllis is especially pretty - and smooth into the lips for a barely there flush."

 

 

**Melissa's tips if you only have 5 minutes:

"Spray your face with a refreshing mist like Caudalie Beauty Elixir (from $15, sephora.com), which I always use to smooth my skin and freshen my makeup after a long day. Let it dry for a few seconds and then, using a cream tint in a versatile shade like a soft gold or bronze, smooth onto eyelids, cheeks and lips. Lots of mascara for definition and a light colored eyeliner in the lower lashline will open up your eyes. You should be finished in less than 5 minutes but still will sweep your man off of his feet!"

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