Carmindy's Easy Day-to-Night Makeup Tips

Carmindy, beauty expert and makeup artist on the fabulous show What Not to Wear, not to mention the co-creator of Sally Hansen Natural Beauty range, paid a visit to the StyleCaster studios recently to demonstrate how to quickly you can convert your makeup from day to evening.

watch the video below (roll your cursor over the image to play) and learn how to apply just a few Sally Hansen Natural Beauty products to achieve that perfect night out look.



read the original post here

xo
source

Spring Trend Alert: Clogs

clogs, if you haven't already heard, have become the season's 'it' shoe. yes, you read that right. thanks (mostly) to Chanel, clogs are the hottest style in footwear.

seriously?

i'm more of a heel-wearing gal myself, so hopefully you can understand my i-don't-think-clogs-are-cute attitude. i mean, most of the one's i've found online are just hideous. plus the fact that crocs somehow kept showing up when i was looking for them made me feel a bit queasy. yuck.

funny enough-- just in time for this post-- i found a pair of clogs that i would actually wear:



these Steve Madden Daynty clogs have a heel, a platform and are available in three colors (also, notice the peep toe-- *love*). the clog pictured is in a very spring appropriate color and would look great with jeans or a playful, floral dress.

tell me: will you be hopping on the clog trend bandwagon?

xo

Cute and Pretty Girl

stephanie-reese Cute and Pretty Philippine Girl.

Sweet Smile and Cute Girl

Nadine Samonte Sweet Smile and Cute Philippine Girl.

Beautiful Smile Girl

Ehra Madrigal Beautiful Smile Philippine Girl.

Cute and Pretty Girl

Cute and Pretty Philippine Girl.

Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub

Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub is a gentle exfoliating scrub that i was given the opportunity to try last year (better late than never for a review, right?) and have found it to be one of the most gentle "scrub" products i've ever used.

i enjoy using this one because, unlike other scrubs, it works perfectly for everyday use or those mornings when your skin looks like it still needs to be woken up. when i was using Smoothing Cleansing Scrub, i noticed the rice granuales helped to perk my skin right up without leaving it looking red and blotchy, as some scrubs tend to do (for products like those, i recommend using them only at night).

the only negative thing i have to say about this scrub is that it's not the exfoliation that is going to dramatically change your skin. if you have dry patches or acne, this won't do much for clearing those conditions up. other than that, it's a very pleasant product to use.

find Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub in the uk, boots.com, Duane Reade locations in nyc and online at shoplondons.com

xo
product sample provided by the brand

Spring Looks: Day to Night

spring to me means wearing dresses and lots of color! i always find that wearing bold colors keeps me in a better mood. here are some fun ideas i put together that incorporates a dress-- and some color-- for a happy spring lifestyle.

the looks, left to right:

for running errands, i would pair a lightweight sweater over a simple tunic dress. i like to keep a sweater on hand-- it can get chilly in some stores! neutral wedge sandals keep the look casual and a mustard yellow bag adds a fabulous pop of color.

for a lunch date with friends (which basically never happens, but if it did, i'd wear something like this), a gradual floral print dress with a statement necklace and pearls is very light and feminine. strappy sandals and an over-sized bag in purple makes for a great finish.

for a night out, i'd go with a simple dress that had a fun detail, like the pink one pictured. add some sparkle, and up the glam factor, by wearing some fabulous crystal earrings and sequins peep-toe heels-- i chose these blue ones because they look so fabulous, but a black pair like this would work too, of course. :)

xo

Bioelements Giveaway!!

happy monday beauties! spring is in full swing, and that means just like we change what we wear to suit the warmer weather, it's time to change your skincare products, too. time to swap out those heavy winter cremes and take on a new skincare routine that delivers exactly what your skin will need.

it just so happens that Bioelements, one of my absolute favorite skincare lines, is going to give one of you lucky readers a whole new range of products for free!

Bioelements creates skincare products that are made with natural and organic botanical extracts, pure essential oils and advanced cosmeceutical ingredients. since being introduced to the line almost 2 years ago, i know these are amazing products. read my Bioelements product reviews here.

so let's get to the prize, shall we?

the winner will receive a total package that includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, exfoliator and night-time product. all products will be selected based on the individual's skin type. in total, this is a $250 value!

but wait, there's more!

the winner will also be given the opportunity too discuss their own skin type and concerns on a private phone consultation with a Bioelements esthetician!

wow, right?! i'm so excited for whoever wins this-- i wish it could be me!

to enter just send me an email at bgmcontests@gmail.com. include your full name and contact info (phone number and mailing address). U.S. residents only, please. contest ends midnight on thursday april 8, 2010, pacific time. one entry per email address, please.**

visit bioelements.com to discover more about the line yourself.

good luck!

xo
**read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name, email, phone number and mailing address to representatives of Bioelements for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include all information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Bioelements. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents. entries will be accepted through 12am (midmight) pacific time on thursday, april 8, 2010. winner will be announced friday april 9, 2010. thank you. :)

Create Runway-Inspired Looks with EcoTools

when it comes to makeup, there are certain key looks that we always see re-created and reinterpreted on runways around the world. these same looks are also often seen on our favorite celebrities at red carpet events. the smoky eye, the cat-eye and flawless skin are looks that every woman wants to master on her own...right?

EcoTools has created some amazing runway-inspired looks using their new line of brushes to help you (and me) face the new season with a fresh, new look. to add a cherry-on-top, they have also created how-to videos!


the smoky eye:



celebrity makeup artist, Meredith Baraf, knows that with the right tools and a lot of blending and smudging, anyone can get the smoky eye. taking inspiration from the makeup look at the Marni runway show, and using the new EcoTools 6-Piece Eye Brush Set (pictured, above, each brush is labeled with their proper function), she proves that you achieve the sultry yet sophisticated smoky eye. see how Meredith creates a smoky eye look here.


the cat eye:



at the Dsaquared runway show a graphic cat eye was created for a bold and extreme look, but we real world ladies need something a bit more wearable, don't you think? i love that Meredith's tips for creating a cat eye are so simple and easy to follow. to achieve this timeless look it only takes two brushes-– the Angled Eyeliner Brush and the Blending Brush (from the EcoTools 6-Piece Eye Brush Set). find out how to get an ultra glam look in a more subtle way by following the tutorial here.


the flawless face:



we all want flawless looking skin, even if we don't really have it. not only does a flawless complexion make us look younger, but it's also a beautiful foundation for any makeup look. for this look, Meredith used four brushes from EcoTools-- Concealer Brush, Foundation Brush, the Blush Brush and the Bronzer Brush. i love how she creates a glow to the skin using blush and bronzer-- check out the video here.

EcoTools are available in your local drugstore and online at drugstore.com

xo

Style Find: Chinese Laundry 'Hide and Seek' Bootie

with spring approaching, i have shoes (among other things) on my mind. thanks to the april issue of People Style Watch, i spotted these fabulous booties from Chinese Laundry. i'd love to add them to my collection!

called Hide and Seek, these chiffon peep-toe booties are feminine with a bit of an edge. though they are black, the sheerness keeps them light, making them perfect to wear with both delicate and structured pieces. i'm also loving the 5" heel and platform toe-- fabulous for my short, heel-loving self, ha! :)

find these Hide and Seek booties at chineselaundry.com

xo

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush

when i attended this year's The Makeup Show in los angeles i bought this gem-- HD Microfinish Blush from Make Up For Ever. i had heard a bit about it before going, and since i am such a fan of the HD Foundation, it was on my radar of must-try items. once i did, well... :)

first, i have to say a little goes a long way. and i don't mean just a pump. i mean like 1/4 of a pump. i mean a don't-even-press-down-for-a-full-pump-or-you'll-have-to-share-with-your-neighbors long way. it's very pigmented but still manages to look sheer and natural when applied.

take a look...




typically, i use this much for both cheeks. really.




i dot, dot (on each cheek), then blend. if more is needed, then i apply a little more to work with. so far, this amount has been sufficient for me.

the texture of HD Microfinish Blush is light, blends beautifully and stays put. it washes off easily and i'm thrilled that it will last me forever (not really, but you know what i mean). p.s., the color i have is #9 In the Spotlight.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush is now available at sephora.com

xo
pics taken by me :)

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50

one thing i never go without is sun protection (and neither should you!). MAC offers a fabulous spf product in their Prep + Prime range called Face Protect SPF 50. though i do everything i can to stay out of the sun (i'll pass on premature aging and sun damage, thankyouverymuch), when you're out and about, its rays are still there.

a couple of months ago, after perusing the MAC website for something new, i decided to purchase this sun protector. after reading that it's formulated with oil absorbing powders-- yes, please!-- you know i had to try it.

though a bit smaller than i would like it to be (just 1 ounce), i have found Face Protect SPF 50 to be simply fabulous. i use about a quarter size dollop for my face and neck (i use another spf for my decolletage and body) and it absorbs nicely into my skin. it's not greasy nor does it feel heavy-- perfect when it comes to sun protection for the face-- and it doesn't affect the look of my makeup in the slightest. according to MAC this is suitable for all skin types and i think that's pretty accurate considering my skin a mostly oily with some dry areas.

find Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 at your local MAC location and online at maccosmetics.com

xo
pic taken by me :)

Style Find: Crystal Encased Cluster Necklace

when it comes to jewelry, i love statement pieces, and this one recently caught my eye. for less than $80 this beauty would add the perfect finishing touch to an evening look and give a simple daytime ensemble a definite wow factor.

find this Crystal Encased Cluster Necklace at WhiteHouseBlackeMarket.com

xo

Amanda Seyfried at the NYC Premiere of 'Chloe'

Amanda Seyfried was a beauty in turquoise as she attended the nyc premiere of her new film Chloe. Frederic Fekkai celeb stylist Renato Campora took inspiration from old hollywood, but gave Seyfried a fresh and modern look that was nothing short of glamorous.

to create the look, Renato started by creating a part on the hair while it was still wet. before blowing it dry, he sprayed on Fekkai Coiff Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Crème throughout the hair. using a 1 inch curling iron, he created soft waves. separating the hair into two sections, he pulled one section into a chignon.

with the other section of the hair, he blended it into the chignon, leaving a few pieces loose. to secure the look for the night Campora sprayed Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray and applied the Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum to give the hair shine.

find all Frederic Fekkai products at Sephora and Fekkai.com


xo
image source: Getty Images

MAC Viva Glam Gaga & Viva Glam Cyndi

have you purchased the latest MAC Viva Glam lipsticks, Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi yet? i did about a month ago and since 100% of the purchase price goes to the MAC Aids Fund, i had no problem buying both-- it's for a good cause!

here are pics of me wearing the new shades...

Viva Glam Gaga



i definitely think this cool pink shade looks better on me in this pic than the way i see it through my own eyes, lol!



Viva Glam Cyndi


this bold shade is better suited for me, but i wouldn't wear it often.



both shades blended together:



so much better, don't you think? :)


find MAC Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi at your local MAC location and online at maccosmetics.com.

xo
pics taken by me :)

nail color of the week: Sephora By OPI Leaf Him at the Altar

the name might imply something a bit harsh, but the color, Leaf Him at the Altar, is so gorgeous and also perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

described as a metallic vine green by the brand, this shimmery green polish caught my eye the moment i saw it at Sephora. i didn't hesitate to put it in my basket and buy it-- um, can you blame me? not only is my polish collection in need of more greens, but it's also very on trend for spring!

xo
pic taken by me :)

Hair Therapy: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment

let me tell you straight out of the gate that i would pay more than the $5 and change i spent on Garnier's new Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment if i had to.
seriously. that's how much i love it.

this has become my absolute favorite drugstore deep conditioner, and for good reason-- it works so well! with a combination of shea butter and olive and avocado oils (along with other ingredients, of course), Triple Nutrition is deeply moisturizing and leaves my hair feeling so incredibly soft.

my typical routine with this is to wash and condition with Living Proof's No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, then apply Triple Nutrition, leaving it in for 3-5 minutes. the result is amazing. if you need or are looking for a deep conditioning treatment, you need to get this.

like now.

find Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment at drug and mass retailers and online at drugstore.com

xo
pic taken my me :)

Beautiful and Sweet Smile Girl

Beautiful and Sweet Smile Korean Girl.

Cute and Beautiful Girl

Cute and Beautiful Korean Girl.

Pretty Girl

Pretty and Sweet Girl.

Balinese Girls

Cute and Beautiful Balinese Girls.

Jessica Simpson's 'The Price Of Beauty' Airs Tonight

"there's always a new diet to follow, a new beauty product to use, but is that really what defines beauty?" -- Jessica Simpson

in our society most belive that to be thin and tan is the most beautiful, but what about the rest of the world? Jessica Simpson's new show, The Price of Beauty, finally makes its debut tonight and will explore this question and much more-- i cannot wait to watch!

along with her two bffs, Ken Paves and Cacee Cobb, Jessica travels the globe seeking to find out what women around the world perceive as beautiful and what they will do (and spend) in the effort to make themselves become so. from saving for butt implants to elongating necks to gorging in efforts to become "fat as a cow", i'm sure we''ll be very surprised.

The Price of Beauty airs tonight on VH1. check your local listings for time and channel.

will you be watching??

xo
image via nydailynews.com

Get Glowing with NARS Orgasm Illuminator

NARS Orgasm Illuminator is the latest in the family of Orgasm-colored products and probably my most favorite.

if you don't already know, in the world of beauty NARS Orgasm Blush is a "must-have", "perfect for all skintones" blush. sadly, this isn't quite true. i myself am not a fan of the blush on its own, but find it to be a much better highlighting shade on my darker complexion.


stars like Molly Sims, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Zoe Saldana have been wearing NARS Illuminator to various events this year.

the Illuminator, thankfully, is much more flattering. as described by the brand, it's a sheer wash of gold, peach and pink fluid. i like to refer to the finish as being more of a pretty sheen than a shimmer. it's uber-wearable and perfect for the upcoming season. it's versatile enough to be worn on bare skin or with makeup. as a highlighter over blush, it creates a gorgeous finish-- it makes cheekbones really pop!-- and can also be blended with foundation to give skin a little extra something. it's also great applied on your decolletage or shoulders.



me wearing NARS Illuminator :)

a word of caution when you use this-- begin with a tiny bit and build to get the effect you need. and note that the finish is sheer and will not reflect the same indoors as it does out. :)

find NARS Orgasm Illuminator at your local NARS beauty counter, at Sephora and online at narscosmetics.com

xo

CoverGirl Introduces LashBlast Fusion Mascara

happy friday my lovely readers! as you can tell from the title, CoverGirl has a new mascara. the newest sister in the LashBlast mascara family is called LashBlast Fusion.

now your lashes can have it all thanks to CoverGirl's first ever volume and length mascara. CG's global creative design director Pat McGrath (and all-around fab makeup artist extraordinaire) previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during fall/winter 2010 new york fashion week, including Anna Sui's runway show.


model Mirte Maas backstage at Anna Sui. image via style.com

LashBlast Fusion will be available at your favorite store nationwide come april, but good news is that you can get it before anyone else starting today, march 12th during the exclusive online pre-sale. pre-sale customers can take advantage of free shipping from today through april 5th. but hurry! only a limited amount is available while supplies last.

visit facebook.com/covergirl for a list of participating e-retailers.

tell me: are you excited to try this new mascara?

xo

Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer

primers are a must-have and are especially so when you want to achieve a long-lasting finish for your foundation. Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer does this and also has the added benefit of being and anti-aging product (gotta love that!). i've been using it for a little less than 2 months and have become a huge fan.



anti-aging ingredients like co-enzymeQ10, peptides, pomegranate and green and white tea extracts work to fight off free-radicals (they leave skin looking dull, tired and older-- they are not our friends) while hyaluronic acid keeps moisture in the skin, making it appear more plump (this is good since our faces lose volume as we age). the effect upon first application was that of a more "soft-focus" finish to my skin.

the primer itself feels super smooth and dries to a powdery consistency after application. i've noticed that over the past few weeks it has helped in improve the texture of my skin. it looks smoother and more polished before and after i put on my foundation. i'm so thankful to have been given the opportunity to try this new product-- my skin is thankful too! :)

for more information about Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer visit janmarini.com

xo
product sent to me by the brand for review
pics taken by me :)

Flora by Gucci Eau de Parfum

Flora by Gucci Eau de Parfum, a follow-up to Flora by Gucci Eau de Toilette, is the newest scent from the brand. this new scent still "captures the freshness of Flora" as the foundation, but "with more sensuality", according to Gucci creative director, Frida Giannini.

she goes on to say that "the Eau de Parfum feels a bit more grown up. i think it will still appeal to our Flora customer but now she has the choice of whether she wants to keep her scent light and easy or a bit more rich and dramatic for evening. it is for a different moment in the same woman's life."

Giannini relied upon the same base of rose and osmanthus flower balanced by sandalwood and patchouli for the scent's structure, but made the notes stronger and more sultry in the Eau de Parfum. the effect is more intense and luxurious, but will also last longer on the skin.

included in the range will be a special collection of luxury gifts that will launch in exclusive locations including a white scented candle decorated with the black Flora pattern, a luxury purse spray, and a solid fragrance packaged in a sophisticated gold metal compact.

find the new Flora by Gucci EDP at florabygucci.com as well as at Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide.

xo

Blemish Fighter: SAMPAR Prodigal Pen

i was first introduced to SAMPAR at a skincare industry trade show a few years ago. the pink and black display booth instantly caught my eye (i love pink!). the rep showed my a few things, and i was quickly taken with a little product called Prodigal Pen. i bought two. i mean, honestly, who doesn't want to keep pesky blemishes at bay? i certainly did.

the rollerball "pen" is easy to apply and you can concentrate on the areas you need to have treated, anywhere and anytime. essential oils, including lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme work to treat blemishes on contact. the formula disinfects and soothes skin, making blemishes clear up fast.

when those Prodigal Pens ran out, i had no way of knowing how to re-order them (they weren't as easy to find as they are now). then a fabulous thing happened-- a PR rep, who i have come to know via Twitter, sent another to me about 6 months ago and now i know where to buy them. :)

this is a must-have if you experience any breakouts and need to heal them up fast. it even works on bug bites, rashes and razor burn. i love, love, love the Prodigal Pen so much, i'm even a fan on Facebook.

visit samparusa.com for more info on the Prodigal Pen and beauty360.com to purchase.

xo
pic taken by me :)

My Favorite Looks from the 2010 Academy Awards

the Academy Awards (aka, the Oscars) were on sunday night-- did you watch? i had the privilege of only having to sit through watching the last hour thanks to the fact that it was my son's 7th birthday-- we threw him a birthday bash. :)

it was so much fun! many of his classmates and close friends came, and he was beyond thrilled. but really, i can't believe the boy is already 7-- i swear he was just born...

oh, wait. i'm supposed to be talking about the Oscars, right? oops...

getting back on topic-- the Oscars! hollywood's biggest night. the award show that ends "award season" and names the best of the best as voted on by the academy. the actresses wear fabulous gowns, gorgeous hair and makeup and actors look dapper in their tuxedos. it's truly a magnificent night!

here are my favorite looks:



Sandra Bullock, best actress winner (woo-hoo!!!), wore her hair in a sleek and smooth style, very complimentary to her dazzling and body-concious Marchesa gown. i love that she went with a bold, red lip-- so glam!




Rachel McAdams went with a slightly messy, volumized updo. i can't help but want the amazing earrings she was wearing-- love. taking inspiration from her gown (by Elie Saab), her makeup is fresh and pretty. on her lips: CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Rose Comete, a beautiful light pink shade.





Anna Kendrick looked so elegant, don't you think? i think her blush-colored Elie Saab gown really stood out on the red carpet. stylist Craig Gangi used Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray and Glimmer Shine Spray to create her beautiful, loose updo.




Queen Latifah was one look i will not soon forget. she was nothing short of stunning! with plum smoky eyes, soft pink lip and glowing skin, the singer/actress couldn't have looked better.




Zoe Saldana was flawless as always. while i wasn't a huge fan of her dress (Givenchy), i appreciate that she took a risk-- the Oscars are perfect for the dramatic gowns, after all. her makeup, though simple, was definitely on-point. NARS Enchanted Cream Blush (coming spring 2010) was used on her cheeks and Ophelia lipgloss gave her pout the perfect hue.




Kate Winslet looked glamorous and beautiful-- have we come to expect anything less? her old hollywood glamour and Veronica Lake-inspired waves complimented the more modern Yves Saint Laurent gown she gracefully wore on Oscar night.


tell me: who's look(s) did you love from the Academy Awards?

xo
images via Celebutiopia

Learn the Secrets Behind Contouring with NARS Cosmetics

NARS Cosmetics has teamed up with StyleCaster to create some fabulous how-to videos to help you and me achieve gorgeous looks for the upcoming spring season. in the first episode, international lead stylist with NARS, James Boehmer, gives step-by-step instructions for creating a luminescent, contoured look using the NARS Orgasm Illuminator and NARS Multiple Bronzer.

enjoy!



stay tuned...next week i'll be bringing you my official review of the NARS Orgasm Illuminator!

xo

Dermalogica Event in Santa Monica

if you're in the los angeles area, Dermalogica will be hosting a "Skin Clean-Up" event next week. there you will receive a complimentary 20-minute MicroZone skin treatment, Face Mapping skin analysis and Skin Bar skin lessons (sounds so fun-- wish i could be there!). great prizes will be given out, including a free baby Daily Microfoliant and a Clarisonic Brush Head (a $30 value).

fyi-- Daily Microfoliant is incredible. it's a gentle rice powder exfoliator that leaves skin feeling and looking amazing!

the event will be held at the Dermalogica facility on Montana Ave in Santa Monica from 5-8pm. please rsvp to skincleanup@dermalogica.com if you plan to attend.

xo

What I'm Loving Now: Keel's Simple Diary

if you're like me, you want to take time to keep a record of your days and thoughts. you want to rememeber a funny event that happened or something new you learned that day. of course, sometimes days aren't very eventful and you don't have too much to say, or it's so busy you may not want to take a long period of time to journal what happened.

with all of that said, i recently purchased a litte gem of a diary called Keel's Simple Diary that makes journal-keeping so easy.


click on the images to enlarge

on each page you'll find short statements and questions to answer. fill-in-the-blanks make it fun and almost effortless; filling in a page takes less than five minutes. you can even have friends fill out a page at a party or get-together-- there are no rules for it!




it's such a fun little book and comes in different colors. i chose brown first because it's practical, something i'm working harder on being. :)

vist simplediary.com for more info and to order.

xo
pics taken by me :)