Recently in Cosmetics: Face 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.

We've all been there: alarm blaring WAY before we've completely slept off last night's cocktails with the girls. A shower and coffee may help wake us up, but wait a minute - what's going to help wake this tired skin?! 

We say: if you can't beat it, fake it. You may not feel anywhere near a million bucks, but follow these tips and you'll look it in no time...five minutes to be exact.

1. Give skin a double boost by smoothing on a  primer that hydrates and brightens, Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow primer.
The primer hydrates and smooths skin while light reflective crushed pearl pigments brighten skin and diffuse light to fake a radiance. Time: 1 minute.

2. Apply a sheer to medium coverage tinted moisturizer to mask imperfections and even out skin tone. Depending on the amount of coverage you'd like, use fingers for more control and coverage, or a dampened sponge for a more sheer finish.
Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer has just enough pigment while still being lightweight and invisible. Added bonus? SPF to protect skin from harmful rays. Time: 1 minute.

3. Any problem areas are easily covered with a creamy concealer like Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage.
Use a small concealer brush to dot onto problem areas with precision, then use your ring finger to tap into skin and diffuse, for the most natural coverage. Time: 1 minute.

4. We've been trained to be afraid of powders to set our makeup, for fear of looking unnaturally matte or cakey. The new HD powders are foolproof, and give skin a soft-focus look. Makeup For Ever Microfinish contains silica powder, which helps to soften the appearance of imperfections.
Sprinkle a small amount into cap, swirl powder brush, tap off excess, and lightly dust over contours of the face. A little goes a long way. Time: 1 minute.

5. Lastly, here's an insider tip to a fresh, no makeup look: Spritz skin with a light facial spray to take down the powder, set, and give an added dose of hydration. Shu Uemura Depsea Facial Water Mist contains over 60 minerals to enhance moisture.
Holding bottle 1-15 inches from skin, mist lightly and let dry. It may sound counter-productive after applying the other four products, but trust us: One time, and you'll wonder how you ever lived without this step! Time: 1 minute.

Total time elapsed: 5 minutes, which leaves you time to stop for that double latte!

A lit-from-within glow is always beautiful and we can't help but notice our favorite stars looking this way at every red carpet event. So, it's only natural we would desire that same glow. While the original NARS Orgasm powder blush isn't really the perfect shade for all skin tones (in our opinion), the new Orgasm Illuminator is definitely more versatile. This sheer, weightless fluid can be worn alone or mixed with your foundation to give skin a gorgeous, radiant glow-- no special red carpet event required. $29, sephora.com

 

 

 

We've all been there: home with a new drugstore foundation, and it isn't looking on the skin the way it appears in the bottle. Thankfully, Revlon created Custom Creations, an amazing medium-coverage foundation that can be layered for a full coverage effect. The best part about it (in addtion to the SPF 15) is that it comes with two shades, so you'll always get your perfect tone, no matter the time of year. Comes in six color combinations. $13.99, drugstore.com 

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.

 

When we think of face primer ingredients, silicone is typically the one that comes to mind first. Such is not the case with Korres Vitamin E Face Primer. This silicone-free primer is 99% natural and acts more like a moisturizer rather than the typical pre-foundation product. We love it's fresh, citrus scent and the way it makes our skin so soft and smooth. It also fills in fine lines, all while keeping makeup in place all day. $28, korresusa.com

 

 

Use promo code STYLEBAKERY to receive 30% off your entire purchase through September 15, 2009

Foundations are the best product for creating a more even, flawless complexion. With so many formulations on the market these days, we care most about finding the ones that feel lightweight but give us the coverage we desire. Now that we're moving into the warm-weather months, these requirements also need to be teamed up with long-lasting finishes that won't melt away. The following picks are some of our favorites, and for you recessionistas, all cost less than $40.

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 provides a natural-looking, semi-matte finish on normal/combination to oily skin and stays fresh-looking for up to 15 hours. While it hides every flaw, it feels amazingly light and doesn't smudge or rub off on our clothes. Oil-free, fragrance-free. $33.50, nordstrom.com

 

 

 

 

 

CoverGirl Smoothers AquaSmooth Cream Foundation is a truly affordable foundation perfect for those with a more dry skintype. We love that this goes on smooth, is easy to apply and gives flawless coverage without a heavy makeup feeling. Special light-reflecting pigments help minimize the appearance of fine lines and imperfections so you can feel confidant in your own skin. $10.11, drugstore.com

 

 

 

 

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is great to apply especially when we're on-the go. This foundation is designed to be used dry, and the fine-milled powders and pigments create a matte, velvety texture that leaves skin looking smooth and fresh. Apply with a brush, powder or sponge. $26, macys.com

 

 

 

Revlon Age Defying Makeup SPF 15 W/Botafirm for Dry Skin works well for mature skin types and provides excellent coverage without looking fake. This foundation is specially designed to help remove fine lines and moisturize the skin all day long while visibly softening facial features for a glowing, youthful look. Also available in a normal/combination skin formula. $13.99, drugstore.com

  

 

 

Shiseido The Makeup Fluid Foundation provides skin with a light, refreshing texture and a translucent matte finish. Fabulous for all skintypes, The Makeup moisturizes skin and minimizes flaws, but still offers varied coverage, from light to full, without heaviness. $37.50, macys.com