The Makeup Show Day 2, Transformations

Day 2 of The Makeup Show brought the oohs and ahhs with the clever displays of face and body art

MAC Cosmetics:

Peep my gal Keri B of MAC Painting away

More with Mehron and Ginny

Make Up For Ever

Mattese Elite

Cosmix

Rouge Makeup Studio and Boy Gorgeous

Which one is your favorite?

Beautiful Inspiration- Illamasqua Body Electrics Has Launched

For those who haven't received the memo yet, Illamasqua has just launched a brand new makeup collection  for summer that is exquisitely delicious, fiercely fresh, extremely exciting. Never one to go with convention, the iconic UK brand has created a lineup for both face and body that is inspired by the fluidity and beauty of the human body in motion.

I have already told you about the product lineup, so let us take just a moment to appreciate the stunning images from this collection. Created by creative director Alex Box, these looks and images impart a sense of otherworldly beauty. A little bit alien, and a great deal

Runway Beauty- Jean Paul Gaultier

 

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Here is a bit of Monday morning inspiration for all of you. Leave it to makeup genius Tom Pecheux to create an Avatar inspired beauty look for Jean Paul Gaultier's couture show that completely blew me away. Inspired by the blockbuster movie, with a large bit of Mexican flavor, Pecheux designed a rainbow eye look that is as colorful as it is imaginative. This my friends is rainbow done right.

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And of course I think we all need to take a moment to appreciate the plaited hair and AMAZING clothing. Jean Paul, you rock.

What do you think of the look? Would you wear it?

Fashion Inspiration: Pierre Cardin- 60 Years of Innovation

Fashion and beauty go hand in hand, as one almost always influences and inspires the other. Coming forth to both pay homage to a house and to inspire the masses is a tasty new tidbit in the form Jean-Pascal Hesse's newest book. In commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Maison Cardin, Pierre Cardin- 60 Years of Innovation is a commemorative retrospective of the work of its founder, fashion designer Pierre Cardin.

Lady Gaga on the Cover of Elle Magazine

Lady Gaga

Just when I thought I couldn't fall any more in love with Lady Gaga then I already have, the January 2010 issue of Elle Magazine featuring Lady Gaga comes out and knocks me down. I am such a huge fan of the creative looks Gaga has rocked, but there is something so stunning about this minimalist makeup approach. Her wardrobe is exquisite, though slightly less avant garde than her norm. All in all, I am loving the contrast between the spread and Gaga's usual persona.

Some more images from the spread:

 

 

How do we feel about these images? Are you as in love as I am?

Image Source: Elle Magazine

Fall Foliage FOTD

I wanted to get back into the habit of posting fun makeup looks for all of you. For this particular look, I made it my mission to feature many of the products that I have been loving lately.

This look is inspired by the golds and bronzes of the late fall, but would also rock for a holiday party, I am sure. In case you were wondering, the hair is courtesy of Jessica Simpson's Hairdo. That will be featured in a post very soon.

 

Find out what I used, and see more pics after the jump!

Holiday Beauty- An FOTD for the Holidays

It has been quite a while since I posted an fotd for you all, huh? This one is actually from the archives, and features a look I did over a year ago. Using shimmering silvers and pinks, I tried to capture an essence of luminescence. This look was also the first time I played with false lashes.

Find out what I used, and see more pics after the jump!

Lady Gaga Bad Romance

Perfect makeup as done by Billy B? Check
Amazing Song? Check



Witness, Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. Pure Genius

Halloween Inspiration- A Make Up For Ever Superhero Look

Given my obsession with beauty, and my love of all things creative, it is surprising to some that I do not participate in Halloween festivities. Fact of the matter is, I grew up terrified of clowns, and of people wearing exaggerated monster makeup. I'm not kidding either, as a little girl when I refused to eat my dinner (which was quite often), my mom would threaten to call the clown car. Another fun fact, I told a clown at my 6 year birthday party not to touch me or come near me. Yeah, clowns creep me out.

Anywho, suffice it to say that I don't like the holiday. Not wanting to leave you all out in the cold though, I wanted to at least provide one piece of inspiration. Recall my Illamasqua superhero contest entry.

This look is surprisingly easy to do, with a trick.

Ingredients:

Foundation and blush of your choice

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows in 75 and 92

Nars Lipstick in Schiap

A pair of funky neon-ified lashes

Apply foundation and blush as usual, and achieve the eye look by applying hot pink to the lid and neon purple to cut the crease. Line under the eye with neon purple, and top off the eye look with the exaggerated lashes.

The stars look difficult, but are super easy to do as well. The secret is stickers. Yep, stickers.

Pick up a pack of standard issue star stickers, and separate the border, not the stars from the sheet. You are then left with rectangular, sticky templates to lay across your face in whatever shape you choose. Pack an eyeshadow brush with the eyeshadow of your choice, and dab it into the star shaped spaces. Once  you peel off the template,  you are left with a face full of stars.

.A fun hot pink lipstick like Nars Schiap gives the look a little something extra.

What will you be this Halloween?

Of Inspiration, Lady GaGa does V Magazine

It is no secret that I absolutely ADORE Lady GaGa. From makeup to music, this songstress and pop icon can do no wrong in my eyes. Now, imagine how excited I was to hear that GaGa would be doing a cover for V Magazine's Issue 61. Shot by Mario Testino, this spread is a feast for the eyes.

LADY GAGA was photographed by MARIO TESTINO in NYC and wears Marc Jacobs styled by Nicola Formichetti. The magazine is available on newsstands as of yesterday, Sept 1st. It will come in 2 different versions with GAGA “wearing” removable electrostatic blue and pink Marc Jacobs glasses.

In regards to his inspiration for the cover shot, Editor-in-chief Stephen Gan says: "When the Marc Jacobs pink hooded coat and glasses came down the runway, I knew there was only one person I wanted to see in it: Lady Gaga. Growing up as a kid obsessed with new wave, I would cut up paper sunglasses and put them on to celebs’ faces on magazine covers. These plastic peel on and peel off glasses come in pink and blue and are actually based on the Marc Jacobs ones that came down the runway! There's no other celeb that has done more for the eyewear biz than Gaga. Giving people something tactile and collectible...I feel like a kid again peeling those glasses on and off the V cover."

As if that cover isn't enough to bring your pop-happy levels up through the roof, have a look at this gem:
GAGA has me going bananas. For more photos, and to read the interview, pick up your issue of V Magazine at a local newstand near you.

Linda Evangelista Goes Glam for V Magazine

“COLOR ME LINDA” by V Magazine

You know that there is nothing I love more than being inspired by elaborate spreads in high fashion magazines. In this coming month's V Magazine, Supermodel Linda Evangelista brings the drama and class to the ever-changing world of high fashion.

No supermodel has had more looks than Linda Evangelista. Here she proves she’s still the reigning queen of chameleons.

Photographed by Sebastian Faena;

Styling by Sofia Achaval (all for V Magazine)

Linda wears Marc Jacobs, Y-3, Chloe, G-Star, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Gucci, Isabel Toledo, etc.

What is your favorite look? For me, the technicolor hair and intense cat eyes are EPIC. Linda definitely does this look right.

V Magazine's 61st Issue goes live on September 1st, so be sure to check out the spread, and the rest of this fabulous magazine, in its entirety. It is a must for fashion/beauty lover.

More Makeup in the Movies- New Photos from Alice in Wonderland!

I blogged previously about how in love I am with the looks that makeup artists on the set of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland gave the main characters.

Well, new photos have been released by Vanity Fair Magazine, and my excitement levels have shot up through the roof as I get more glimpses of costumes and characters.

Mia Wasikowska as Alice

Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter

Anne Hathaway as the White Queen

*Source: Mary Ellen Mark's website found here

Burlesque Beautiful with Purple Lab and Veronica Varlow!

* Group Pic L-R: Me, Sharon of Purple Lab, Karen Robinovitz, The Beauty Chick, Aly Walansky, Shoshi, Dee of Purple Lab, Morgan of Purple Lab

About 2 weeks ago, the gorgeous beauty superstar known as Karen Robinovitz invited me to attend a Burlesque Lesson. For those of you who don't know her, Karen is the creatrix behind Purple Labs, and founder of Huge Lips Skinny Hips (which I reviewed and LOVED). I have had the pleasure of getting to know Karen a bit, and the women is a powerhouse. Her journey to success is incredibly inspirational, and I hope to one day be as successful as she is. As it turns out, Karen is good friends with the also gorgeous and incredibly talented burlesque dancer, Veronica Varlow, who not only shared her story with us, but also shared some of her smoking hot signature moves. In between hip pops and glove dropping, Veronica taught us some amazing life lessons as well.

Burlesque is a type of dance that features a slow and exaggerated striptease performed onstage. I have always been fascinated with pin-ups and burlesque, and was super excited at the prospect of learning it for myself! Unsure of what to expect, I headed out to The Gates in the fashion district, and embarked on my journey to bring out my inner vixen.

The class itself was so much fun. Veronica taught all of us the classic burlesque walk, the feather boa drop, sexy ways to remove gloves, and hip pops. Those of us who started off shy quickly warmed up and let loose, and it was fabulous! There is truly nothing hotter than a smoldering gaze and a slow tease, and Veronica taught us how to accomplish both! It was so much fun bringing out my inner burlesque beauty, and of course sharing the experience with some of my favorite New York City beauty bunnies.

Here is a shot of all of us, complete with boas and gloves. I am third from the left

The highlight for me was hearing Veronica's story, which is truly an inspiration. Ten years ago, Veronica was working a boring 9-5 and generally hating the situation she was in. In December of 1999 she stumbled upon a burleque show at a club downtown, and was immediately drawn into and inspired by that world. From that moment, Veronica dreamed of becoming a burlesque dancer herself, but was too worried of what others would think. She went about her usual business for another 3 years, all the while continuing to hate where she was in life. It wasn't until 2003, after being attacked by a rottweiler and nearly blinded, that Veronica realized she needed to stop worrying about what others thought and needed to start chasing her dreams. 6 years later, Veronica is a world famous burlesque dancer, living her dream and inspiring others to do the same.

What I learned from Veronica:

When you walk into a room, stop at the door and scan the room slowly as if you are looking for someone. This way, you are assessing the situation and demanding all eyes on you. People are naturally drawn to look in doorways, and the longer you stand there searching, the longer people will notice you.

Sometimes getting things done and conquering your day is as simple as fully immersing yourself in your morning beauty routine. When you are putting your lipstick on, or brushing you hair in the morning; it is important to stop and really look at yourself in the mirror. Get lost in the motions, and really think about all you want to accomplish that day; you will be fabulous and get it done.

Asserting yourself and demanding attention is sometimes as simple as holding your bag in the crook of your elbow, and slowly strutting down the street. By doing this, you take up all of your personal space and demand all eyes on you.

A slow tease doesn't have to show much, the allure is in the timing, the body language, and the look in your eyes.

What I took away from the experience:

Besides learning some hot new moves, I found within myself a sense of confidence that I didn't know existed. Veronica and Karen are both so inspiring that you can't help but soak up some of that positive energy. This new energy, combined with some of the lessons I have learned, has definitely changed the way I think. Oh, and if you see someone strutting down the streets of New York City with a purple boa around her neck, its probably me. Just sayin'. ;)

Another pic for prosperity: The gorgeous Miss Varlow and me:

Beautiful Inspiration- V Magazine Beauty 2010 Preview

Beauty inspiration comes from everywhere, from media to nature. Not only that, but the face of beauty is constantly changing. With that in mind, V Magazine asked the world’s leading creative directors, makeup artists, and hairstylists to define what’s beautiful for the new decade. "2010 sounds like the future, and this is what it will look like"

Tyen, Creative Director DIOR
Makeup Photographed by Tyen
Makeup: Kim for Christian Dior
Used: On skin, Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer All Over Powder in pop diamond. On eyes and lips, Dior Mascara Diorshow Iconic in extreme black and Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolour in hollywood pink.

Peter Phillips, Global Creative Director CHANEL
Makeup Photographed by Solve Sundsbo
Makeup: Peter Phillips for Chanel

Pat McGrath, Creative Director DOLCE & GABBANA
Makeup Photographed by Rene Habermacher
Makeup: Pat McGrath

Charlotte Willer, Global makeup artist MAYBELLINE, New York
Photographed by Cedric Buchet
Makeup: Frank B

Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director GUERLAIN
Photographed by Chad Pitman
Makeup: Mariel Barrera

From glamorous smoky eyes, to strong contours, to hot fuchsia lips; 2010 has us covered with every look imaginable. All Images come from V Magazine, and the newest issue hits newstands July 7th so be sure to check it out. In the meantime, visit the website and check out all of its offerings.

With this spread, my favorite is Pat Mcgrath (who is AMAZING) for DOLCE & GABBANA. What are your favorites? Are you inspired?

Of Makeup Look Inspiration

This post is mainly a question to all of you: Where do you draw the inspiration for your makeup looks from?

My answer is pretty straightforward, most of my looks are inspired by nature. Whether it be a bird, a fish, a flower, or a nature-scene; I love to recreate the colors I see in nature and translate them into a cohesive look.

Some examples:

Peacock:

Sunset:
The Ocean

So where does your inspiration come from?