Saturday, February 28, 2015

NARS on both Oscar's Red Carpet & New York Fashion Week, covers both the West Coast & the East Coast.

By Laura Medina

NARS, like Tom Ford, is getting steep in Hollywood.
He currently has Oscar-winner, Tilda Swinton as the marble-sque face for his new foundation and nude-based but contoured Spring 2015 Collection.
 
All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
 The Spring 2015 Color Collection features Tilda Swinton in the second of four
‘Portraits by The Artist’, a seasonal series of acts created by NARS Founder and
Creative Director François Nars. Act 2, is a nude scene daring, baring, anything but neutral.
Disrobed tones in spectral effects expose a new natural state. The look begins with a provocative pink shimmer on cheeks. The barely-there effect extends to eyes, where a bold beige base sets the stage for burnished neutrals with lucid depth. Lips are undone in tan pigments topped with a whisper of opalescent gloss. 

While NARS is known for daring color, this collection shows a different side of the brand’s ethos. As François explains, “I think a woman can look very beautiful not wearing any color at all but just neutral shades of beiges, browns, and ivories. You can really sculpt the face in a very beautiful way without always having to use bold shades. That’s what this collection is all about. I thought it was very fresh and surprising, which is what I always love to do: surprise people.”

Disrobed tones in spectral effects expose a new natural state. The fresh Spring look begins with a provocative pink shimmer on cheeks. The barely-there effect extends to eyes, where a bold beige base sets the stage for burnished neutrals with lucid depth. Lips are undone in tan pigments topped with a whisper of opalescent gloss.
Shades Include: Porto Venere Eye Paint$25 Soft pale pink Reckless Blush$30 Sheer pink shimmer Valhalla Single Eyeshadow$25 Soft shimmering pink peach Liguria Lipstick, $26 Nude caramel
St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow$35 (L) Shimmering nectarine (R) Chestnut Guyane Lip Gloss$26 Seashell pink Vent Salé Lip Gloss $26 Silver highlight 


If wet/dry eyeshadows are the hottest thing on the shelves, NARS' Dual-Intensity Blush is the next step up.

Instead of two different powdered blushes where one compact is light and the other compact is the deeper shade, in one NARS Dual-Intensity Blush, you can wet one blush for a deeper, more opaque shade and texture while keeping the same shade of blush dry for the a lighter color impact and airier texture.


While you watched Lady Gaga belting out "Sounds of Music" showtunes...and owning them, she was wearing NARS for an elegant, ladylike look that the Oscars demand.

NARS worked with celebrity makeup artist Sarah Tanno to create the red carpet makeup look for Lady Gaga at the 87TH Academy Awards. Please see below for more details and the products used to achieve this look. 
Beauty Inspiration: “For the red carpet we decided on a classic red lip and clean, radiant skin. I used NARS Jungle Red Lip Liner and Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil for this polished look."
Key NARS products used:
 NARS worked with celebrity makeup artist Maki Ryoke to create the red carpet makeup look for Nicole Kidman at the 87TH Academy Awards. Please see below for more details and the products used to achieve this look. 
Beauty Inspiration: “We took inspiration from the gown Nicole is wearing to create a beautiful, clean and modern look. We decided to focus on her eyes and add a little more intensity than usual with a rich, luxurious, shimmery smoky eye to keep it natural and cool and really play off her statement dress.”
Key NARS products used:
  All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation | Craving Dual-Intensity Blush (NEW for Spring 2015, for now try Copacabana Multiple for left side and South Beach Multiple for right side)


NARS International Lead Makeup Stylist, Uzo created the red carpet makeup look for Ava Duvernay at the 87TH Academy Awards. Please see below for more details and the products used to achieve this look. 
 
Beauty Inspiration: "Miuccia Prada custom designed the stunning azzurro-blue gown especially for Ava for the Academy Awards. The entire look including hair and make-up was based on Ava's personal style -elegant and distinguished with a hint of 60's influence. A bold, dark smoky eye and a plum lip completed the look."
 
 

SHOW: Rag & Bone AW ‘15
LEAD ARTIST: Gucci Westman for NARS Cosmetics
LOOK: “She’s a bit Jean Seberg and Milla Jovovich in The Fifth Element. Sporty. Cool. Luxe.”
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
SKIN
COMPLEXION
BROWS
Flibuste Velvet Shadow Stick (available Fall 2015, for now try Black Valley Eye Paint) 
CHEEKS  
EYES
Audacious Mascara (New for Fall 2015, for now try Larger than Life® Volumizing Mascara)
LIPS
 SHOW: Rodarte AW ‘15
LEAD ARTIST: James Kaliardos for NARS Cosmetics
LOOK: “The Fall/Winter 2015 makeup is inspired by the idea of a delicate, refined beauty. The Swarovski crystal effect on the eye adds depth and shine to the lower lash and the glossy lip reflects the light.”
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
SKIN
COMPLEXION
BROWS
CHEEKS  
Tribulation Blush (New for Fall 2015, for now try Nico Blush)
Left side of Fervor Blush (New for Spring 2015, for now try Deep Throat Blush)
EYES
Audacious Mascara (New for Fall 2015, for now try Larger than Life® Volumizing Mascara)
Right side of Craving Blush (New for Spring 2015, for now try South Beach Multiple)
LIPS
Chelsea Girls Lip Gloss (New for Fall 2015, for now try Chihuahua Lip Gloss)
 SHOW: Thakoon AW ‘15
LEAD ARTIST: Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics
LOOK: “Inspired by the northern lights, Thakoon wanted the girls to look beautiful, keeping the ideal of lights and reflection.”
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
COMPLEXION
CHEEKS
Tribulation Blush (new for Fall 2015, for now try Nico Blush)
Left side of Craving Dual-Intensity Blush (New for Spring 2015; for now try Copacabana Multiple)
EYES
Right side of Craving Dual-Intensity Blush (New for Spring 2015; for now try South Beach Multiple)
Left side of Fervor Dual-Intensity Blush (New for Spring 2015, for now try the right side of Hula Hula Duo Eyeshadow layered over Seduction Blush )
LIPS
VIP Red Lipstick (New for Fall 2015, for now try Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil)
SHOW: Naeem Khan AW ‘15
LEAD ARTIST: James Boehmer for NARS Cosmetics
LOOK: “Naeem is celebrating his 10th anniversary this season. He wanted the makeup to be dark, sensual and incredibly glamorous. I thought about the artwork of Tamara de Lempicka. The women depicted in her paintings still seem so modern, and I borrowed colors from her signature palette. The eye is architectural yet soft- a smoky eye without any hard edges or strong definition- and without mascara or brows. The lip is a deep matte chocolate red that is classic Naeem. Skin is glossed and shiny on the cheekbones to add dimension without color or depth."
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
                                   
SKIN    
COMPLEXION
BROWS
EYES   
LIPS    
 SHOW: Christopher Kane AW ‘15
LEAD ARTIST: Lucia Pieroni using NARS Cosmetics
LOOK: “It's beautiful, radiant, nude skin with a strong handsome eyebrow. It gives the feel of a still-life drawing.”
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
COMPLEXION
CHEEKS  
BROWS
(depending on model’s brow color)
EYES  
LIPS
NAIL
Ithaque Nail Polish

 BACKSTAGE AT TANYA TAYLOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2015

SHOW: TANYA TAYLOR AW’15
 
LEAD ARTIST: Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Stylist
 
LOOK: "A subtle, but modern palette comprised of luminous skin, muted eyes and rose pink lips was all that was needed to be the perfect backdrop to this season's marine-inspired array of holographic prints, spinal embroidery and graphic stripes."
 
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
 
SKIN    
 
COMPLEXION
 
CHEEKS
Lighter Skintones:
 
Darker Skintones:
 
BROWS
 
EYES   
Tribulation Blush (New for Fall 2015, for now try Nico Blush)
Audacious Mascara (New for Fall 2015, for now try Larger Than Life® Volumizing Mascara)
 
LIPS    


 ERDEM AUTUMN/WINTER 2015

 SHOW: Erdem AW ‘15
 
LEAD ARTIST: Val Garland for NARS Cosmetics
 
LOOK: “Think of Visconti - it's '60s, it's odd, it’s Hitchcockian. She's an Italian oligarch who's landed on hard times and has come undone. Her look is all about a brow and a well-defined eye.”
 
Below please find the key products used to create the exclusive look:
 
SKIN
 
COMPLEXION
 
CHEEKS  
 
BROWS
(depending on model’s brow color)
 
EYES  
Minorque Kohliner (New for Fall 2015, for now try Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil) 
 
LIPS
 




Thursday, February 26, 2015

Neutrogena Debuts their new Hyaluronic Acid-based line, Hydra Boost during the Oscars.

By Laura Medina

http://www.neutrogena.com/category/moisturizers/hydro+boost.do

Neutrogena used the timing of the Oscar Awards to officially launch their brand new and already a cult classic, their "Hyaluronic Acid for the Masses, " Hydro Boost Line, moisturizing yet oil-free eye and face cream and face gel.
Naturally found in the skin, hydrating hyaluronic acid acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, moisturizing with up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in more supple and smooth skin. - See more at: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/hydro+boost+gel-cream+extra-dry+skin.do?sortby=ourPicks#sthash.JLnaNHct.dpuf
Naturally found in the skin, hydrating hyaluronic acid acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, moisturizing with up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in more supple and smooth skin. - See more at: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/hydro+boost+gel-cream+extra-dry+skin.do?sortby=ourPicks#sthash.JLnaNHct.dpuf

After a mere few days, drugstores are running low on the eye gel and the gel-cream for extra dry skin.

In honor of the Oscars and the official launch of their Hydro Boost Line, Neutrogena invited...


Amy Paffrath, Louise Roe, and Jai Rodriguez to Neutrongena's/OK!TV/MyHabit Oscar Viewing Party.

https://www.tastemade.com/places/w-hollywood-6250-hollywood-blvd-hollywood-ca/61uVEWdFQ5W7ay_fxf_5MA

The former Drai's at the W Hollywood has been transformed into the Neutrogena Lounge in Neutrogena Blue.  Guests sitting back in white plush couches, watching the arrivals at the Oscar Awards then sipping champagne during the awards show itself.

They cheered when ABC finally aired the official debut of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost TV commercial during the Oscars.

https://www.tastemade.com/places/w-hollywood-6250-hollywood-blvd-hollywood-ca/61uVEWdFQ5W7ay_fxf_5MA

At the Hydro Boost Lounge, guest dabbled, smeared, and soaked in samples of the Hydro Boost Eye Gel and Face Gel.  Aahhhh, what a relief.

Sampling new Neutrogena products and watching the Oscars alongside other celebrities, dressed to the nines,  This is how you celebrate the Oscars.


Gel-Cream Extra-Dry
Gel-Cream Extra-Dry

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Make Up For Ever on Oscar's Red Carpet.

By Laura Medina


Melanie Inglessis, for MAKE UP FOR EVER for Rosamund Pike.

“To prep Rosamund’s fair skin I applied SISLEY Sisleya Essential Skincare Lotion all over the face, followed by the refreshing SISLEY Floral Spray Mist. While the skin is still damp I applied SISLEY Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration to keep Rosamund’s skin nourished all night long. To reduce under eye puffiness I applied a thick layer of SISLEY Eye Contour Mask and left it on for 10 minutes. I finished with SISLEY Nutritive Lip Balm and left on until I was ready to apply lipstick. I wanted Rosamund’s skin to have a flawless matte finish and MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer, which comes out in March, locks in moisture while giving a beautiful matte canvas for makeup. It’s the perfect primer and creates the perfect base. Using a Beauty Blender I worked CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua onto the skin, followed by SISLEY Phyto-Cernes Eclat Concealer for under the eyes. To recreate depth in the face I blended CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base with MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Medium Powder Brush #126 and worked the product below the cheek bone, then gently swiped it across the top of the forehead and bridge of the nose for a sun-kissed glow. Next, I dusted MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Pressed Powder all over, which is a great talc-free and translucent powder to keep the look fresh. To define and sharpen the brows I used MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Seal Transparent Eyebrow Gel. To enhance Rosamund’s beautiful eye shape I wanted to use earthy tones and dusted MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Artist Shadow in #M-530 Eggshell all over the lid. I then used MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liner in #M-50, Matte Bright Brown along the lash line and smudged it with CHANEL Illusion D’ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Mirage to create a softer look. I then added MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow in #M-536, Milk Tea, to the crease to open the eye and used MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Large Blender Brush #242 in a back and forth motion to blend the shade and also added it along the lower lash line. I used CHANEL Inimitable Mascara in Brun on the bottom lashes and then applied MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara Rich Black to the top lashes to create more volume and lengthen the lashes. For the perfect nude pout, I defined the lips with CHANEL Precision Lip Definer in Beige Innocent and then filled in with CHANEL Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Mademoiselle.

PRODUCTS: MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer ($36) Available in March; MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush Medium Powder Brush #126 ($55); MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Pressed Powder ($36); MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Seal Transparent Eyebrow Gel ($18); MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Artist Shadow in #M-530, Eggshell ($21); MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liner in #M-50, Matte Bright Brown ($19); MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow in #M-536, Milk Tea ($21); MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush Large Blender Brush #242 ($30); MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara, Rich Black ($23); SISLEY Gentle Buffing Facial Cream ($95); SISLEY Floral Spray Mist($100); SISLEY Black Rose Cream Mask ($162); SISLEY Sisleya Essential Skincare Lotion ($185); SISLEY Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration ($255); SISLEY Eye Contour Mask ($145); SISLEY Phyto-Cernes Eclat Concealer Shade 2 ($107); SISLEY Nutritive Lip Balm ($74); CHANEL Vitalumière Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15; CHANEL Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base; CHANEL Illusion D’ombre  Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Mirage; CHANEL Inimitable Intense Mascara in Brun; CHANEL Precision Lip Definer in Beige Innocent; CHANEL Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Mademoiselle

DRESS: Givenchy

RETAILER: Sephora, Sephora.com and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques
 

Soft, Sleek Hair Do's by ghd Hair Care on Oscar Awards' Red Carpet...on a Moisturizing, Refreshing Rainy Night.

By Laura Medina


Good, professional hair stylists know how to deal with the weather and the elements...and that the show must go on...

You can tell that Los Angeles is thirsty because we cheer for much-needed rain.

But, we're also wise to know that it comes when you least need it...as in on Oscar Night.

Have no fear.  ghd Hair Care professional hairstylists know what to do on a rainy, keep it sleek and soft that it'll look great in the rain.

David Babaii, Brand Ambassador for ghd, North America for Kate Hudson...

To create this look, I first dried Kate’s hair using the ghd airhairdryer and a round brush. I then parted the hair down the center and divided into three sections: two in the front and one in the back. Starting with the section in the back, I took one inch pieces and wrapped the hair around the ghd curve™ creative curl wand. I held each piece around the barrel for 10 seconds, then released the curl and stretched it out for 2-3 seconds until it cooled. I continued all the way to the top alternating the size and direction of each curl. The tapered barrel creates perfect, beachy waves and with ghd’s patented tri-zone™ technology, I was able to quickly create long-lasting curls without much need for product. To finish, I ran fingers through the hair to loosen the waves and lightly misted hair with a light hold hairspray. 

PRODUCTS: ghd air™ hairdryer ($225); curve™ creative curl wand ($245)
 
RETAILER: Sephora, Sephora.com, ghdhair.com/us


Keira Knightley's soft, wavy tresses for this scribe...

Ben Skervin for ghd, North America,..

“Relaxed and romantic. I wanted to keep Keira’s cool edge so it was important that the hair not appear professionally done, and more like she could have done her hair herself.”
TIPS/TECHNIQUE: “I first sprayed Keira’s hair with a blowout primer, then used the ghd air™ hairdryer which with its ionic technology gives a smooth, frizz-free finish. When drying, I took sections of hair and twisted them to give loose texture. Once each twisted section dried, I used my fingers to comb through which helps to deconstruct the look so it’s not perfect. I then wrapped 2 inch sections of hair around the ghd curve™ classic wave wand and with ghd’s patented tri-zone™ technology, the whole barrel had the same temperature ensuring no hair was left un-waved. The unique oval shaped barrel also created perfect, large and loose waves. Once I had the right texture, I brushed out the hair and sprayed a beach spray all over. To finish, I used the ghd air™ hairdryer once more over the top layer to set the style before adding the Chanel headband. 

PRODUCTS: ghd air™ hairdryer ($225), ghd curve™ classic wave wand ($245)

RETAILER: Sephora, Sephora.com, ghdhair.com/us



Robert Vetica for ghd, North America for Marion Cotillard.

 “Marion is the perfect muse and she inspired me. I wanted to keep the hair simple and chic, with a 20’s vibe.”

TIPS/TECHNIQUE: “To begin, I dried Marion’s damp hair using the ghd air™ hairdryer in the direction of the style, focusing on a low side part. I then used the ghd eclipse™ styler to bend and shape the hair. ghd’s patented tri-zone™ technology, allows for perfect heat distribution and superior fast styling. I then pulled the hair into a low side ponytail over her right ear, and simply rolled the hair behind her ear, pinning as I went along. To finish the look, I sprayed hairspray all over and used the diffuser attachment to set the style. 

PRODUCTS: ghd air™ hairdryer ($225), ghd eclipse™ styler ($245)

RETAILER: Sephora, Sephora.com, ghdhair.com/us

Forevermark Diamonds on the Red Carpet at the Oscar Awards.

By Laura Medina


Since it's socially-conscious and it's DeBeers' newest diamond wing, Forevermark spent the entire Oscar Week helping Young Hollywood's hottest starlets in styling them in their newest and latest diamonds, "Forevermark Diamonds Making a Mark at the Oscars and Beyond." http://luxurist.blogspot.com/2015/02/forevermark-diamonds-making-mark-at.html.

After a week of styling them, those jewels finally made their official debut on Sunday night's red carpet.

50 Shades of Grey Actress Dakota Johnson in White Gold Forevermark Diamond bracelets, earrings, and ring.


American Sniper Actress Sienna Miller in White Gold Forevermark Diamond earrings and bracelet.


If I Stay Actress Chloe Grace Moretz in Rose Gold Forevermark Diamond ear cuff and White Gold bracelets.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

NeriumAD Skincare Wouldn't Interfere with Your Spray Tan.

By Laura Medina

http://www.nerium.com/www/Customers

After all this effort, hunting down then hiring an stylist, picking then selecting a gown or a dress or a elegant jumpsuit, then spray tanning your face and body from head to toe, for a week, the last thing you need (other than a bad spray tan) is a cell-rejuvenating face cream or lotion that eats away at your top layer of skin to reveal fresh but pale skin.

But, you need to keep your routine skin hygiene to keep you sane through-out High Society Season, Awards Season in Hollywood and the Summer White Parties back East or in the South.

What to do?

NeriumAD can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, refine enlarged pores, smooth out uneven skin texture, fade away discoloration, and firm up aging or loose skin.

Base on personal experience during this publicity-intense season, Nerium AD is the Retina-A alternative.

As a Retina-A veteran...with way too many oil glands...it performs like Retina-A without the harsh side effects of exfoliating peeling or the cell-turnover redness that most sensitive-skinned or dry-skinned people complain about the classic anti-aging and anti-acne medication cream.

In other words, you can have the benefits of Retina-A without your spray tan peeling off or your skin peeling off like a snake.

With NAE-8 extract, tripeptide blend, vitamin C complex, and green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid, the NeriumAD Age-Defying Day Cream, works during the day, keeping skin moisturized and radiant and helping the skin appear youthful and tight. 

Of course, during the day, this scribe either layer Coola Sunscreen or Miracle Skin Transformer or brush on  Mineral Fusion Powdered Sunscreen over the NeriumAD Age-Defying Day Cream for UV/UVA sun rays protection while rushing all over Hollywood.

NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment, the night cream, is the Retina-A alternative because it contains higher concentration of the NeriumAD Age-Defying Day Cream.  This night cream has higher concentrations of the NAE-8 extract and our proprietary protein blend than any product in the NeriumAD line.

http://www.nerium.com/www/Customers

The décolletage a.k.a. "the chest," "the cleavage," "the bust,"...okay, "the boobs," are out in full-display when women pretend they're Cinderalla or Marie-Antoniette in low-cut dresses and tuxedo jackets as shirts with plunging necklines or strap-less ballgowns and jumpsuits.

Again, Nerium Firm Body Contouring Cream wouldn't ruin your hard-won spray tan.

NeriumFirm is a skin-tightening cream developed from the patented NAE-8 extract of the Nerium oleander plant. Its powerful antioxidant formulation has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite and dimpling and to help smooth, tighten and firm the appearance of loose skin. NeriumFirm also helps restore the appearance of youthful contour, tone and texture.

Nerium Firm Body Contouring Cream formula of: Peptide matrix, Caffeine,White willow bark extract, Green tea leaf extract, and Forskohlii root extract, is great for pampering the decolletage from sun damage before you go to bed.

If you faithfully this regiment, day (with sunscreen of course) and night for a month and a half (starting Christmas), you'll be ready for Oscar's red carpet today or the upcoming White Parties in the Summer.