And the crown goes to…

November 6th, 2009 by New York Socialite/Fashionista - Lauren Salerno

makeup crownMany of our fans submitted gorgeous makeup looks for our Facebook got THE LOOK contest, but only one gal can wear our makeup crown. Congrats to Heather Hensley-Ison for her winning makeup look!  In case you don’t know, Heather won a $250 gift card to glow.com! Yes, $250!!!

To help Heather spend her glow cash I thought I would devise a shopping list of beauty products I would purchase if I had $250 to spend on glow.com:

3LAB Perfect Mask, $120 – Gives your skin a big glass of water so it glows and is super hydrated. These masks are a pricey (you get 6 in a pack though) but they’re HUGE with celebrities and the makeup artist on Mad Men uses it on the cast!

Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eyeliner in Ebony, $32 – I’ve really started getting into eyeliner this fall for a sultry, sexy makeup look. This eyeliner makes glamorous eyes super easy to achieve!

Pevonia Botanica Dry Oil Body Moisturizer, $36 – I love oil moisturizers because your skin really soaks it in and you can feel the difference. This one is very light and never feels greasy!

Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask, $29 – During the winter my hair needs a weekly mask so the ends don’t get dry and dull.

Pop Beauty Goddess Clutch – Smokey Eye, $32 – These eyeshadow colors look super pretty and since there are so many I would be able to come up with lots of different makeup looks.

Halloween: LA Style

November 4th, 2009 by LA Scenester - Marissa Harrington

Leave it to us typical Angelenos to go full throttle with our costumes on Halloween. (But come on, everyday here is like putting on your best costume based on some celebrity’s latest look of the day, right?) But the real question is: is it bad that I am sitting here at work still laughing about last week’s wild ride of Halloween? It seems like a blur but those interesting characters that I met along the way really have made my workweek a little easier. From Manhattan Beach to West Hollywood Carnaval and Silver Lake, the costumes and makeup were out of this world. The best of the best accomplished their winning style with false lashes, special effects makeup, smoky eyes and True Blood lipstick. Here are some costumes that won my heart and definitely made their mark on the LA scene:

Leading Ladies:

Raggedy Ann and Andy: This pair wins for best makeup application. They used their makeup tools with precision for the perfect doll-like smiles and freckles.

Robin Hood: Who doesn’t love a bag full of gold (even if it is chocolate)? Smoky gold eyes and lovely false lashes helped steal the hearts of the rich and the poor.

Award-winning Men:

Teen Wolf: Definitely a winner, one of my buddies did this and fooled us all. Go Quiet Storm go!

Ozzy Osbourne: Seriously, I think it was Ozzy. Not only did he mumble but he seemed a little disoriented too.

Leeds Mattress Man: He can’t be beat for sure, especially dancing around in his costume.

Will Ferrell as More Cowbell: Everyone needs more cowbell at any function. This man wins for best facial hair and beer gut.

Do you have some favorites you want to share? Post them now on our facebook fan page!

Easy Halloween Makeup and Costume Ideas

October 30th, 2009 by Spa and Skin Girl - Michelle Olsen
flickr user: mellychan

flickr user: mellychan

OK, maybe these are not the most unique Halloween costumes, but if you’re in a pinch and need a last minute costume, here are a few easy ideas to execute.  All you need is a little makeup and about 15 minutes.

Vampires:  If you haven’t already jumped on the Twilight band wagon, now is a good time to go as your favorite Twilight character this Halloween.  To get the look, start by applying a foundation or powder that is lighter than your natural complexion – the cakier, the better! Next, play up those eyes with black eyeshadow and eyeliner. Finish the look with DuWop’s – Twilight Lip Venom.  Fangs will earn you extra credit!

A Baby:  Put your hair in pigtails and draw on freckles using a brown eyeliner pencil. Throw on footed pajamas or a long nightgown and you’re good to go.  Don’t forget to carry a baby doll, baby bottle or pacifier.

Housewife:  Put your hair up in curlers, slather an inexpensive mask all over your face and wear your most comfy robe and slippers. Super cute and super comfortable!

A Cat: Draw a black nose and whiskers on your face using black eyeliner. Wear a tight black long-sleeve shirt and black leggings or jeans. Most Halloween stores have inexpensive ears you can purchase. Or, you can always make some using a black head band and construction paper.  Grrrr..baby!

Check out PopSugar.com for 10 girl powered costume ideas.

If you have an easy Halloween idea, please share.

Global Goddess: Brigitte Bardot

October 28th, 2009 by New York Socialite/Fashionista - Lauren Salerno
Flickr User: P/\UL

Flickr User: P/\UL

We can’t wake up tomorrow morning and look like Brigitte Bardot,but with the right eyeliner, lipstick and hair products and a few beauty tips you can add a little French sex appeal to your look.

THE EYES: Grab your black eyeliner girls; you’ll be lost without it!
Starting at the inside corner of the eye, trace the eyeliner right along your upper lash line and when you are at the end of the eye, move the line upwards to create a classic cat eye.  It helps me when I gently pull my lid out to create a straight lash line. For a thicker line, go back and add another line next to the first one. Then, line under the eye, connecting the outer corners with the liner on the top lid. Strangely enough, it is easier for me to use gel eyeliner  with an angled brush as opposed to an eyeliner pen, but use whatever is easiest for you! I LOVE this brush because you can line your upper eye with the angled one and your lower line with the rounded one. Word from the wise: if you have smaller eyes, I suggest keeping the line thin, not thick; otherwise your eyes will appear small. Then go to town with your favorite black mascara.

THE HAIR: Bardot’s gorgeous, messy curls give new meaning to the phrase locks of love.
Use a hair volumizer to add some Bardot-worthy fullness and body to hair. Then with a curling iron (a large barrel is best) create sexy curls that scream coquette. You can use any curling iron you like, but the thicker the barrel the better the curls in my opinion because it will create bigger, fuller curls.

THE LIPS: Bardot’s lips garner as much envy as Angelina Jolie’s pout. Finish off your minx look with a pinkish nude lipstick.

Fall Hair Trends & Tips That Will Leave You With “Good Hair”.

October 21st, 2009 by Spa and Skin Girl - Michelle Olsen
flickr user: Lif…’s photostream

flickr user: Lif…’s photostream

Fall – The weather is getting colder, leaves are changing colors (everywhere except sunny southern CA) and after months of torturing your hair with sun exposure, pools and highlights, your hair is ready for a change. Good-bye highlights; hello warmer, softer colors and moisturizing hair products. Here are few fall hair trends and tips that are easy to implement and will give you “good hair” as actor Chris Rock says.  

Hair Color: Obvious streaks (think zebra stripes) of color are out and randomly placed soft color to add dimension, depth and texture are in.  Over the past year, I noticed that my hair had become really blonde. Since I have a little one on the way, I wanted a hair color that would be easier to maintain.  My hairstylist recently updated my look by giving me a darker base color, adding lowlights throughout my whole head but for old-time’s sake, keeping a few highlights around my face. The end result was awesome! Not only did the color have great depth and texture (a must this fall); but, I was able to go 8 weeks in between appointments. Woo hoo! In this economy great value is essential.

Hair Care:  Your once gorgeous mane is probably dry, frizzy and static-prone right about now due to temperature drops and wind chills.  During fall and winter months hair care is all about moisture!  A simple tip is to sleep with a humidifier on at night. The humidifier helps keep your skin and hair from drying out by adding moisture to the air. Another way to fight off frizz is to use a deep conditioning or hair treatment mask once a week. My favorite is Frederic Fekkai’s Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask.  My hair feels so soft and healthy after using it.  

Hair Accessories: Hats are the ideal fall accessory. They add instant drama to the simplest outfit; plus, they help protect your hair from the elements. 2Threads.com lists berets, head scarves and knitted hats as must have items this year.

When I think stylish hats, I can’t help but picture Gossip Girl’s Blaire Waldorf.  Who do you picture? Please share.

Beauty Products: What’s in my makeup bag?

October 20th, 2009 by New York Socialite/Fashionista - Lauren Salerno

makeup_bagYou always hear me talk about my favorite beauty products, but now you get to see the products I always keep with me, everywhere I go! Here’s what’s in my makeup bag:

Pur-lisse Lip Comfort I love this because it not only nourishes my lips with shea butter and conditioning vitamin E, but it makes them look shiny and sexy. I never have to use my fingers (eww germs!) which makes it super easy to apply.

Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
Where would I be without this stainless steel eyelash curler?  Actually, I don’t even want to know the answer to that question!  This eyelash curler leaves my lashes perfectly shaped and ready for mascara. Honestly, it is just as essential as the mascara! You have no idea how much a difference an eyelash curler (especially a good one) can make to your look until you try one yourself. I promise you will love it just as much as me.

Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara – Curling
I love, love, LOVE this mascara! It takes my lashes to their full fluttering capacity without any midday or midnight smudging and flaking! Plus, you can stop buying eye makeup remover because the mascara comes off easily with just water. I’ve even slept with this mascara on and guess what? NO SMUDGING! It is insane…you actually wake up looking slightly doe-eyed in a super sexy way.

Becca Glossy Lip Tint – Caipirinha
As you can see from my makeup bag, I’m a pretty simple gal when it comes to everyday makeup, but I really like the eyeliner when I go out so this lip gloss is perfect for me! It is semi-matte nude so it is special enough to wear on its own in the office, yet subtle enough to wear with smoky eyes when I go out. Oh, and all my friends ask to borrow it…

Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30 – All Clear
I honestly use this beauty product at least 5 times every single day and I truly feel naked if for some odd reason it isn’t with me. Truly naked! I’ve had the same one for over a year and I just refill it. It is probably the best beauty product I have ever bought or received, I LOVE IT! It is such an easy way to reapply your UV protection throughout the day. I know I’m a little nuts, but hey, I figure if all I have to do is brush this mineral powder on a few times a day it will save me a lot of time and money in the future from undoing damage that I can just prevent on my own with the proper UV protection.

Boys in the Makeup Hood

October 15th, 2009 by LA Scenester - Marissa Harrington
Men in Makeup

Men in Makeup / Flickr User: Alexis Bea

Calling all men! Are you ready to put down your typical grooming tools and trade them for makeup brushes? Believe it or not, this makeup trend (or is it?) is making headlines. According to the buzz out there, men are the next buyers of makeup. Here is the scoop and my history with this hot trend:

Not just for Actors: Foundation and Cover-up

I learned this one first hand while I was carpooling with my best guy friend in high school. On the way to class he pulled out a bottle of Cover Girl I couldn’t’ believe it! I asked him flat out. What are you doing? His reply, I don’t want people to see my breakouts! Seriously, it was a relief to learn that some men cared just as much as the rest of us about these things.

Later, when I moved to LA, it was only re-confirmed when I started working as a makeup artist that my BF wasn’t the only one. There are more than a few men out there that truly care deeply about presenting a flawless face via cover-up and foundation. Cheers to them to taking on a task we women know all about!

True Trendsetters: Artistic

While working as a makeup artist, I got to see those rarest of the rare that went beyond just the basics. Some wanted a perfect pout with clear gloss while others wanted to enhance their close-set eyes. Well, it seems that the trend is on the move again. Check out Happi’s article for in-depth report.  Ponder this too: Maybe when Carly Simon said you’re so vain she was referring to the man in question wearing makeup and not just love. Wouldn’t that stir a scene! ;)

Kinetin Makes Kinerase A Star Among Celebrities.

October 13th, 2009 by Spa and Skin Girl - Michelle Olsen
flickr user: Ryan Coleman

flickr user: Ryan Coleman

Created in 1999, Kinerase has evolved from a physician only brand to a skincare company with an A-list celebrity following.  Stars such as Courtney Cox, Brad Pit, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna and Kate Beckinsale have used Kinerase to fight signs of aging and keep their celebrity skin looking flawless. Each product contains kinetin, a plant hormone gentle enough for all skin types, yet strong enough to fight against wrinkles, photodamage and hyperpigmentation. 

Wrinkles:  You’re never too young to start fighting the signs of aging. As you grow older, your skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses elasticity.  Kinetin reduces wrinkles  by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. Intensive Eye Cream by Kinerase is great for fighting fine lines and wrinkles around your delicate eyes areas. Women of all ages- rejoice!

Photodamage: Photodamage is defined as damage to your skin or DNA from exposure to the sun, specifically ultraviolet radiation. Kinerase’s new PhotoFacial Sun Damage Reversal System (3 piece kit) is the optimum weapon for fighting years of sun damage and preventing any further photodamage.  This 3 piece kit includes a daily exfoliating cleanser, daily moisturizer with SPF50 and a nighttime moisturizer. These magical potions are easy to incorporate into any morning and nighttime routine. No excuses; try it and you’ll convert.

Beneficial Beauty: Breast Cancer Awareness

October 9th, 2009 by New York Socialite/Fashionista - Lauren Salerno

beauty benefits.True beauty is usually more than meets the eye. Underneath all the makeup and anti-aging creams you’ll find that real beauty comes from respecting yourself, your body and improving the well-being of others. Considering October is breast cancer awareness month, what better time to talk about how true beauty can fight this powerful disease?

The Facts, according to the American Cancer Society:
- Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States.
- In 2009 about 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
- In 2009 about 40,170 women will die from breast cancer.

Encourage yourself and the women around you to DETECT BREAST CANCER EARLY:
- Women over the age of 40 should have a screening mammogram every year.
- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam given by their doctor every 3 years.
- Starting in their 20s, a breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women. This will help you become aware of how your breasts generally look and feel which will help you notice any changes. Make sure to inform any changes to a doctor immediately. Here is a guide to a BSE

There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US! Let’s make that number even greater! Here are brands that use beauty to benefit finding a cure for breast cancer and you can find them all at glow:
glominerals gloMarvelous in Pink Kit
Clarisonic Skin Care Brush – Pink

Just for the month of October, Phytomer’s Décolleté Parfait and Mama Mio’s Boob Tube will donate a portion of these products’ proceeds to breast cancer research.

Francesco Clark: The miraculous story behind Clark’s Botanicals’ skin care line

October 8th, 2009 by Allie Quiter – Beauty Manager

Clark's BotanticalsWhen you go through your typical skin care routine, you never really think about why these products were created or how they get them to work so well! Touching is the story behind the creation of the skin care line,  Clark’s Botanicals. The founder, Francesco Clark, had an unfortunate accident back in 2002 where he dove into a pool and shattered his spine. After being told he would not make it through the night, he was determined to not give up.

Along with losing his ability to walk, he also suffered with a strange side-effect where his parasympathetic nervous system was not able to register temperature, so he couldn’t sweat. This led to clogged pores and chronic breakouts. No other skin care treatments were working, so along with his father who is a physician, they developed botanically-based formulas that effectively cleared up Francesco’s skin entirely.

All Clark’s Botanicals products today feature Jasmine Absolute, an oil that naturally rebalances the skin. Derived from nocturnally-blooming flowers, this extract is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and works to heal a large range of skin types.