Summer 2013 Makeup is Electrifying

By Laura Medina

Forget the whimpering, whispering soft pastel of Easter.  The Summer 2013 Collections from Nars and Stila Cosmetics are pretty bold.

Some would say downright electrifying.  Thanks to advanced cosmetic technology, it's not the pasty, chalky neon gloop from the New Wave '80's.

The texture is light or sheer or light in texture and complete veneer of a shellack. 

For the behind-the-scenes, check out Stella in this sneak peek video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP7GEf5W25U&feature=youtu.be

 

The current Spring 2013 Nars has Stella Tennant rosy in pink but for the Summer 2013 Collection, approaching on April 15th, "La Vie in Rose" is going to be replaced by powdery, intense pigmented eyeshadows in electric yellow and lively lilac.

For the Summer 2013 Eyeshadow Duo, it's a similar placement of the eyeshadows duo, Spring 2013's Bouthan.  However, the pale pink and rosy pink are replaced by Dandelion Yellow Eyeshadow all-over the lid then African Violet Eyeshadow rims the outer upper and lower lids.

A new multiple will be released, it's Puerto Vallarta, bright mango for the cheeks.

Don't let the pastel Easter Egg purple fool you, it's the new Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in a pastel lilac called "Tender Night," a delicate but lively lilac for your lips.

Nail polish for your lips, Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Paris Follies enlivens with a slick veneer of bright red.

For a complete step-by-step instructions, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWhyhE2lk-k&feature=youtu.be to action the actual items in action, how to use them, and where to put them.

Nars isn't the only one cornering the market on the bold and the bright makeup.

Stila Cosmetics' After Glow Lip Color literally transformed this scribe's life or complexion after discovering it at the Makeup Show Trade Convention in downtown Los Angeles' California Mart a month ago-very thick and heavy industry convention for you mere mortals.

When at home, this scribe assumes this is a normal, average Spring-y lip balm tint, bright in the package but thin on the color on the lips.

Boy! Was this scribe wrong!

This potent, little lip balm packed a wallop of intense color...but in a right way.  Since the shade in question is Electric Pink, it imparts a healthy, glow of ripe pink on the lips-the right amount and intensity.  The "pink" appears it radiates from within.

When rubbed on the cheeks, it imparts a healthy pink flush.  The type of flush you get from jogging.  What healthy people call "jogging glow."

Imagine this scribe's surprise when this scribe discovers that Stila's After Glow Lip Balms are supposed to glow in the dark!

Through trials for evenings out, this scribe discovered no such Electric Daisy Neon.  During nighttime socializing and party-ing, this scribe was pleasantly taken aback that this scribe doesn't come off as a stark, raving mad raver.  Nope.  Nothing happened.  My After Glow on my lips and cheeks subtly shimmered in a muted shimmer, at night.  It's the more muted version of its intense daylight radiation.

In reality, with the accompany lip balms above, the richer and deeper lip swatch is the daytime texture (left) while lighter, brighter lip swatch (right) is the nighttime "glow."

Now, if you're freaking out that the color transforming components are toxic...they're not.

In all respects, Stila's After Glow Lip Balms are loaded with...nourishing and moisturizing Sunflower seed oil with soothing and calming oat kernel extract.  Algae extract helps retain moisture and contains antioxidant benefits.  Glycerin attracts water from the environment and the lower layers of the skin increasing hydration levels.  Vitamins C & E provide antioxidant benefits. Plus, they're cherry-flavored!

The natural blend of waxes deliver a creamy, easy-to-apply consistency while imparting a punch of color that feels lightweight.

Remember, these are this year's Summer makeup collections. They wouldn't stick around forever.  You better get them while you can.

How about a rare holiday that goes beyond Easter?..Happy Birthday Nestle Crunch 75th Birthday Contest!

By Laura Medina

There has been an emerging campaign to save real-life bunnies from been giving away as Easter gifts.  Parents...and kids are suffering from chocolate bunny fatigue and cheap jelly beans are being replaced by "Easter Toys," a promised do-over for those who missed Christmas.

Well, here's a bit of nostalgia that both the parent and the kid can be celebrate for almost an exact month...the Happy 75th Birthday Nestle Crunch Contest.  It's "America's Best Bakeries Face-Off," Nestle Crunch's idea of a candy throwdown.

This past Wednesday afternoon in Beverly Hills,  Sweet E’s Bake Shop hosted the birthday party/contest.  They also played host to numerous Los Angeles bakeries and an hip ice cream truck/shop, CoolHaus.  When given copious supply of Nestle Crunch, they whip up some really mouth-watering confections to compete in the contest.

Since last Wednesday until Sunday, April 21st, the participating confectionery shops will sell their Nestle Crunch confections to the general public.  From there, the public will vote at https://www.facebook.com/nestlecrunch/app_129141067268027, on their favorite Nestle Crunch treat.

This is a nationwide celebration and contest with Dallas', Chicago's, Houston's, San Francisco's, Boston's, Culver City's best bakeries competing in making their interpretation of the Nestle Crunch Dessert.

Actress Casey Reinhardt and owner of Casey’s Cupcakes went all out by topping her cupcakes with sparklers and candied Crunch Bars rolled and coated in edible blue glitter.

Due to its "melt-ability," the party guests had no choice but to "lunch" on CoolHaus' Nestle Crunch™ Brown Butter Candied Bacon Ice Cream Sandwiches. It was an healthy choice of dairy and meat protein, calicum, and chocolate flavoroids.

Crumbs Cupcakes did their own versions of the Nestle Crunch Cupcake.  The party hosts,
Sweet E’s Bake Shop, did Nestle Crunch Bits Brownies.

Easter and Passover come each and every year.  Nestle Crunch's 75th Birthday doesn't.

So, once Passover has "passed over," and Easter is nothing but a distant pastel memory, why don't you hit the best bakeries in LA, Chicago, San Fran, and Dallas, celebrate Nestle Crunch's birthday then pick which dessert is your favorite.

This decadent holiday is a very rare treat, enjoy it while you can.  

Red Bull Searching for the Next Art Star

By Laura Medina

Red Bull Curates: The Canvas Cooler Project, is a fairy godmother of street artists (what we used to call graffiti artists or "taggers").

This "Olympics of Street Art," originated in London where Red Bull invited a bunch of street artists over to this bar then all of a sudden, these artists started painting the bar's exterior.  Of course, the barkeeps got angry.  Red Bull came to the rescue, invited the artists inside and asked them to paint a mini refrigerator cooler full of Red Bull instead.  That "urban decorated" cooler was such a conservation hit at this London bar; that this gave Red Bull an idea.  Why host a chain of street art competition in particular cities where they invite the hottest and the best street artist from each city (at least two), send them over to Art Basel  Miami/SCOPE to win the United States title then send America's best street artists over to International SCOPE in Switzerland to win the world title.

Not only will these artists get worldwide recognition but a deserving mentorship from an established artist and dealers.

As for the series of "jacked-up" mini frigs or "coolers," they will not be for sale but be given to influential and the hottest bars and clubs worldwide.

Last night's coolers will be "adopted" by  The Viper Room, Rock & Reilly’s, Pink Taco Sunset Strip, Brick+Mortar, The Bungalow, Viceroy Hotel, The Craftsman, Barcopa, Akbar, La Cita, The Association, Salvage, Crocker Club, The Federal, KCRW Radio Station, Ameoba Music, The Well and Mack Sennett Studios to further promote these artists' careers.

The artists, the emerging and the established, all appeared for support and celebrating each others' efforts and work with likes of Carly Ivan Garcia, ErikOtto, Apex, Akira Beard, Studio DCL, Ian Ross, CHOR BOOGIE, Eon75, Hugh Leeman, Zio Ziegler, Kelly Allen, N8 Van Dyke, D Young V, Jet Martinez, Ryan De La Hoz, Slvstr©, Nathan Wong, Oliver Black, Tommy Noshitsky, Joshua Clements.

You seen...Hollywood does have a heart.  It isn't all about booze.

Celebrity Fragrances

By Laura Medina

In the current issue of "Allure" Magazine, they did a fair job of finding affordable celebrity fragrances that are on equal par as their way more prestigious and expensive counterparts.

This scribe did the same thing over a few months then sniff which one is appropriate for certain time, day, and night.

If you need to spritz a "girl-next-door" scent, this bright and juicy unisex fragrance, "Unbreakable Love" by Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom is the lighter, brighter, and friendlier version of an androgynous scent meant to be shared by a couple.  It is a lively  fragrance vortex for women and men. Its top notes include delicate exotic neroli and citrus freshness of bergamot, associated with floral heart and deep notes of cedar and musk.  Plus, it's a great money saver when it's made for two.  "Unbreakable Love" is meant to be "stolen" by both women and men from their partners.

It's a clean scent that is never meant to lead anyone on, just pretty and polished for a woman or polished and refreshed for a man.

Right in the middle is Halle Berry's gingerly "Closer."  The top notes of Wild Raspberry, Waterlily, and Ozonic Accord tickles the nose.  The middle notes of Fougere Accord,Violet Flowers, Mimosa, and Cedarwood leaves a warm scent.  The base notes of Vanilla Bean, Mahogony Wood, and Cashmere Musk are the building blocks of a classic, solid, warm, and deep scent.

Beyonce's "Midnight Heat," is dark and sexy, making it a great evening, party, and date fragrance. 

This smoky fruity floral gourmand's top notes send whiffs of juicy top notes of Dragonfruit, Starfruit and Armenian Plum.  Then, the heart notes explode into a vivid floral bouquet built upon the Purple Mokara Orchid, Queen of the Night Black Tulip and Purple Peony, leaving embers of Warm Amber, Patchouli and Sandalwood in its wake.

Beyonce's "Midnight Heat," is just as smoldering as the woman herself, best saved for a night out.

This is this scribe's version of celebrities giving their fans upscale fragrances at approachable prices.

Hollywood's hottest "It" Girl is an UK Fashionista, Louise Roe

By Laura Medina

Recently, this past Saturday at Bloomingdale's Westfield Mall in Century City, Louise Roe-she replaced Elle Macpherson as the current of NBC' "Fashion Star"-showed her support for luxury shoe designer Ruthie Davis whose fans are Beyonce, Emma Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz and Lady Gaga.  They celebrated the launch of Ruthie Davis Shoe Collection at Bloomingdale's in Century City.  As the co-host, Louise is modeling a cream and black Naples pump in Toast.  The shoe collection is rich in architectural construction in luxurious materials in a vivid color palette.

In fact, this journalist-turned-tv host has been setting Hollywood ablaze.  This is her in a Ted Baker Attavia Maxi Dress with festive floral print in a light weight fabric for hosting duties at the Cotton 24-Hour Runway Show in Miami.

Here she is in Robert Rodriguez for Gemfields And W Magazine celebrating the launch Of Gemfields' New Brand Ambassador at West Hollywood's SoHo House...

Then, she's in BCBG MAX AZRIA Spring 2013 Runway dress with a BCBG MAX AZRIA harness for Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection.

 

For this past Golden Globes, Louise is holding a Farbod Barsum Leela Clutch in Bronze Ostrich Leg. 

Louise attending Rebecca Taylor's Fall 2012 Collection during New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 Shows back in September of last year.

It's apparent Louise's star is rising since she's in the current issue of "Allure" Magazine where, as one of the hottest taste-makers, was given a task of making pajamas street-worthy chic, go to http://www.allure.com/shopping/street-style/2013/pajamas-as-clothes#intro to read how she does it.

Louise is also in this month's issue of "New Beauty" Magazine (which happens to own a store inside Fred Segal Santa Monica) where she doles her own beauty tips and hints...


How would you describe your anti-aging philosophy?I'm open to trying new products. I think at-home peels and facials are incredible nowadays and will hopefully completely eliminate the need for facial surgery.
What are your secrets to such great skin?I'm strict about always washing off my makeup and applying serum, eye cream and night cream before bed. I also exfoliate about three times a week.
Is there anyone you would describe as your beauty inspiration?I'm an eyebrows girl, so the late 80s images of Brooke Shields and Yasmin Le Bon were—and still are— a massive inspiration. I cannot live without my eyebrow pencil!
What are some of your must-have products?Maybelline Great Lash Mascara—I have used it forever and it just works. Maybelline FIT Me! Foundation—it's thin enough to not clog pores and has SPF in it too, which is very important. Benefit Erase Paste gets rid of my under-eye circles when I'm tired. Luzern Pure Cosmeceuticals serum is great for making the skin gleam and DNA Phyto Collagen Night Creme is like a drink of water for my skin.
What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever gotten?The face is not a Christmas tree. Decorate either the lips or eyes, not both.
What beauty advice would you offer to others?Learn how to apply false lashes; it completely opens up the face.
What are some of your favorite hair-care products?Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo is great to get bed-head second-day hair, Bumble and bumble Surf Spray (my fiancé steals it from me) and Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner leaves my hair very thick and shiny, which I love.  
How do you stay in such great shape?I am probably not as fit as I should be! I try to take a reformer Pilates class a few times a week and in the winter I love to ski as much as possible. I like to eat a lot, but I do like to eat healthily. For breakfast I love crunchy organic peanut butter on pumpernickel toast. Lunch is usually a shrimp or chicken salad and I'll make turkey burgers, a vegetable curry or fish and green ‘veg’ for dinner. 
What foods are your weaknesses?Dim-sum, frozen yogurt, gin and tonics.

If you want to know about this British beauty rising up Hollywood's style ranks, go read about her on AOL' StyleList...

 Louise Roe’s Best Red Carpet Looks: http://www.stylelist.com/view/louise-roes-best-red-carpet-looks

     Louise Roe’s Style Icons: http://www.stylelist.com/view/louise-roes-style-icons

        Louise Roe’s Beauty Secrets:  http://www.stylelist.com/view/louise-roes-beauty-secrets

         Louise Roe’s Winter Sun & Vacation Must-Haves: http://www.stylelist.com/view/louise-roes-essentials-winter-sun-vacation-must-haves

       Louise Roe’s Favorite Beauty Steals: http://www.stylelist.com/view/louise-roes-favorite-beauty-steals

April 14th, Katie Young for Target

 

 By Laura Medina

Keeping it fresh, keeping it on the cutting edge, and keeping their fellow mass retailers on their toes, Target is rolling its next Limited Edition Designer Series, Katie Young for Target.

Who's Katie Young?  Any fashionista, stylista, or glitterati ought know,  Katie Young was ranked as the #1 Stylist in Hollywood in The Hollywood Reporter's Top 25 Stylists in its first fashion edition issue a year ago.

Not for a former minion of Anna Wintour.  Working as a Vogue staffer, Katie had no choice but to work with publicists and actress.  After styling the first cover of Teen Vogue, it served as a launching pad for her present job, stylist to the stars.  She proved her mettle when she dressed the very expecting Natalie Portman in that red-rose-on-pink Viktor & Rolf gown at last year's Golden Globes for "Black Swan."  Katie became Michelle William's go-to red carpet stylist by decking her in: an orange silk-and-organza Louis Vuitton for Oscar night; a dramatic petal-pink Dior couture gown at My Week With Marilyn’s Paris premiere; a custom midnight-blue long-sleeve gown by Jason Wu at the Globes.  It was Katie realized Michelle Williams was better off as a blonde version of an Audrey Hepburn-gamine than a Va-Voom Marilyn vamp.

She even styled Jason Wu for Target a year ago (this scribe should snapped up that trench coat).

Being ranked as the Number Uno Hollywood Stylist, Katie Young quickly morphed into a demi-media darling among the fashion set, suddenly besieged by the fashionista/stylista media pack.

During an interview, she simply said on a tv show, that her dream was to bring that red carpet magic to the real woman.  By simply asking, her wish came true.  "My friends at Target called and said,“You want to do this? We didn’t know you wanted to do this!” And so we had a meeting and it all came to this."

Sticking to her New York Fashion industry roots, Katie said this Target always start with inspiration boards for each outfit or item.  No different from what she does for her celebrity clients.  "I do inspiration boards for almost everything. It’s the bones of a project for me. I’m a very visual person, so it helps me create sort of a map or a guide or a blueprint."

In fact, Katie makes this suggestion to anyone who wants or needs to become her or his own stylist,...

 "The thing that I think is most important when you’re figuring out what you’re going

to wear for evening is to find a picture of yourself that you like. And see why it was

good was the silhouette good on you? Was the color good on you? Were you just

particularly happy? Did you have lipstick on? And pin that up on your closet. And

remember what was good about that and look for that again and combine that with an image that you aspire to. You know it’s really fun to tell a story and to play with clothes in that way. And I think inspiration boards make that possible."

 

That being said, let these sneak peek inspiration pics be your inspiration boards.  Target describes the Katie Young Collection as "edgy, yet sophisticated; modern and versatile."  Katie translated the red carpet/premiere look into accessible special occasion outfits and stand-alone pieces such these super cute cocktail dresses (above) that can go "NYLA," NY to LA, just like those jet-setting starlets on a publicity movie tour.

 

The following are setting trends for Spring and Summer... 

Who says the maxi dress has been all hippy and "granola;" and eveningwear has to be stiffy and stuffy; and Spring/Summer has to be "girly, preppy, and conservative?"

Katie instilled her own cutting edge, urbane, bi-coastal style into her namesake Target collection for that A-List look.

The trend for this Spring/Summer...the elegant maxi dress in satin weave or starry prints against a midnight black backdrop or a quick, easy "tuxedo" jumpsuit, sharp enough to stretch these outfits into Fall and Winter, what a great wardrobe investment.

 

Another trend is the return of the Ninties' bodysuit in daring sheer overlays.  You can go daring by wearing these hip printed bodysuits as tops when these hip but classic blazers discreetly cover the nipples or be sensible and wear a flesh-toned camisole under them to make them really wearable.  Katie used these bodysuits as accessories to give these strapless dresses or one-shoulder dresses that extra edge.

With everything priced under $100, (thank you Katie and Target) you can either be hip as Katie or as elegant as your favorite red carpet celebrity.

Derek Lam for Kohl's DesigNation

 

 By Laura Medina

St. Patrick's Day marks the arrival of sunny, well-tempered Spring here in L.A. but drab, sleet-frosted New York, craving for some sunshine, has already jumped the gun when Derek Lam officially debut his new moderate-priced line for Kohl's, "Derek Lam for DesigNation," (Kohl's answer to Target's Limited Edition Designer Collection.) on this morning's "Good Morning America."

Derek went on a "research vacation" in contemporary Rio de Janeiro for a fresh take and inspiration for his Kohl's collection.

During the day, he walks in the park, soaking up the vibrant graffiti and street art, eating up the eye candy in modern museums and art galleries then fueling on modern Brazilian cuisine so he can dance the night away in the nightclubs.

Using all his senses, Derek distill his experiences in the rich, primary color palettes in prints reflective of the florals and the street art of Rio for Kohl's DesigNation Spring 2013. 

The key words guiding him through the design development are: color, life, city, modern, timeless, clubs, and museums.  Adding all these up, the real Rio de Janeiro for the modern woman.
 
He managed to infuse his modern and clean but feminine and refined aesthetic with ingredients of samba of a jungle beat city.

What Derek really likes is that he can give the majority of women designer quality at an affordable price. 

Here are some tips in how to incorporate his new Spring Collection into real life, which going to hit Kohl's and Kohls.com this pretty soon, April 5th...

Be Pretty

• 

Celebrate spring and feel pretty in feminine pieces, including a variety of versatile dress styles perfect for every occasion from the work week to weekend outings. With geometric stripes, jungle-inspired shirt dresses and flowing maxi dresses, the Derek Lam for DesigNation collection brings the spirit of Rio in fun, carefree dresses, great for warmer weather.

• Work Week:
  A sleek, yet relaxed silhouette is key this spring for dresses and perfect for the workplace. These pieces are appropriate for the office, but will also let your personality shine through. Try the Scarf Dress ($60), Button-Down Shirt Dress ($70) or Slant Pocket Bra Dress ($70) for easy and stylish looks, while layering a cardigan or blazer for endless options.
• Weekend Wear:
  For a more casual spring look, try the V-Neck Gathered Dress ($60), the Shawl Neck Bubble Dress ($64) or the Fitted Boat Neck Dress ($70) which are comfortable, but fashion-forward. These pieces are chic enough to be worn from day-to-night by slipping on a pair of high heeled pumps or adding statement jewelry to transform the mood of the outfit.

Sorbets & Brights

• 

Adding color to wardrobes helps to confirm that spring is here and bright and bold hues are everywhere this season. From muted sorbet colors to vivid blues and greens, the Derek Lam for DesigNation collection offers a large palette of hues for any mood.

• Muted Tones
  Light pinks, grays and creams are seen throughout the spring collection in soft, silky draped pieces, bubble hems and button-down shirts. Try the Draped Neckline Dress ($54), Tab Collared Top ($48) or Long Draw String Skirt ($54) to embrace these simply understated colors.
• Bold Beauty
  The bold and the beautiful! Feel electric and alive in vibrant colors this spring. No matter the weather, these vivid shades will brighten any day and create a confident look. Try the Asymmetrical Seam Skirt ($54), Slant Pocket Pant ($54) or Fitted Sweetheart Dress ($60).

Bold Prints & Patterns

• 

Inspired by the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, Derek Lam introduces bold prints and unique textures in his spring DesigNation collection. Rio's vibrant culture and style comes to life through the printed pieces and patterns.

• Mix & Match
  Pair prints, knits, and colors to create an effortless yet fashion-forward look. From printed Drawstring Shorts ($48) and a Knit Basic Tank Top ($40) to a Loose Boatneck Tee ($44) and a Bomber jacket ($70), fashion can come to life through texture and design.
• Pattern Play
  Make a statement this spring with bold graphic patterns. Wearing prints in the same color tones and different geometric designed pieces brings excitement to playing with patterns. A bold print is the perfect way to push your fashion limits. Try the Drawstring Waist Darted Dress ($60), the Darted Crewneck Top ($40), Tab Collared Tunic ($48), or Scarf Dress ($60).

Statement Pieces

• 

Invest in some great statement pieces that will instantly make you feel beautiful and confident for the spring season. These pieces walk the line of comfort and will push your style to feel free and poised in an outfit that looks right off the runway, but is budget-friendly.

• Statement pieces are interesting and eye-catching wardrobe items that reflect your personality. Step into the V-Neck Maxi Dress ($88), Bra Jumpsuit ($88) or Shirred Shoulder Tunic ($60) to pull off a sleek, sexy look. These pieces seemed designed with your favorite celebrity in mind, yet are available to all women for less with Derek Lam for DesigNation.