Natasha Bedingfield Shares Her Beauty Must-Haves

the fabulous Natasha Bedingfield visited the west hollywood Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon for an US Magazine shoot (featured in the current issue-- get it, quick!). post-shoot, beauty director Gwen Flamberg met up with the singer to find out about products Natasha can't live without.




for her blonde tresses, John Frieda Sheer Blonde products are her faves. the Color Renew Tone Restoring Shampoo and Go Blonder Shampoo keep her tone just the way she likes it, bright and more on the ash-beige side.

when it comes to makeup, Cle de Peau Beaute Foundation and Concealer are her picks for giving her skin an even finish. Natasha says, "it's just so good, and it's a little more expensive, but if you're going to splurge on something, i would say...if you're skin looks good, you don't have to wear anything else."

Guerlain My Insolence Eau de Toilette Spray is her pick for keeping herself smelling fabulous!


great products, wouldn't you say? i have never smelled My Insolence, but now i am intrigued. :)


xo
source: US Magazine; image source: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

CoverGirl Beauty Lounge with Molly R. Stern

last weekend (june 6, 2010, to be exact) i was privileged enough to attend a pre-MTV Movie Awards fete sponsored by CoverGirl at the Byron and Tracey Salon in Beverly Hills. unlike last year's event, this was much more intimate and we were able to watch the fabulous Molly R. Stern create a gorgeous look for Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones.

i also got to catch up with blogger pals i haven't seen in awhile-- Amber, Nadine, Charli and Kristen and Sarah-- as well as meet new ones i "know" via the web-- Sydne, Jamie and Tara.



shortly after arriving, we all sat down to watch as Molly effortlessly applied product after product, creating a flawless look for Rashida. the key to the look was building it rather than just applying it heavy all on at once. i loved being able to sit and observe the playful banter between Molly and Rashida, longtime friends.



here's how to get Rashida's look:

since Rashida's dress was simple and black, Molly wanted to play up her makeup with a bit of color.

she began prepping Rashida's skin with a light moisturizer followed by the soon-to-be-released Simply Ageless Primer to prep her skin for foundation. after a touch of Simply Ageless Corrector under the eyes to conceal darkness, Molly used Simply Ageless Foundation in Classic Tan and Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Lush Berry to the apples of her cheeks, creating a most gorgeous look on an already gorgeous face.




so, at this point Rashida looked beyond amazing, but then came the eye makeup...

to create a colorful smoky eye, Smoky ShadowBlast in Citrus Flair was applied first followed by Exact Eyelights Eyeshadow palette for brown eyes to add more dramatic definition. new LiquiLine Blast in Violet Voltage to line the eyes was followed by the same liner in Green Glow (just added to the inner corners of the eyes). the shocking green added a fabulous and unexpected pop of color. a few coats of LashBlast Fusion in Black on the top lashes and Brown on the bottom lashes gave the eyes the finishing touch.

a shiny pout with a hint of color completed the look as Molly used Outlast Lipstain in Flirty Nude followed by ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Smolder on Rashida's lips.



once Rashida's look was complete, we blogging babes were treated to hair, makeup and yummy food. i myself tried the Green Glow LiquiLine Blast and must tell you, it is my new summer liner fave (stay tuned for review and pics)! the color is shocking to look at as is, but when it's on looks amazing.

btw, Rashida's fabulous braided updo was created by Byron Williams-- love it!

xo
images featuring Rashida Jones and Molly R Stern: S. Keenen/WireImage; all other images are my own.

Beauty Must-Have: L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base

if you're looking for a new makeup primer that won't break the bank, i suggest you try L'Oreal's new Magic Perfecting Base, part of the new Studio Secrets Professionalline. it gives skin a beautiful finish and smooths out any rough appearance your skin may have.

while a little bit on the pricey side for a drugstore product (yes, i bought this myself), i think Magic Perfecting Base is completely worth it. it can be worn alone to give skin a better-than-bare look, and of course, under makeup. i love how the mousse-like consistency makes my foundation look so much better and last longer. i also notice that it controls shine with its matte finish-- such a fab thing if you have oily skin!



the only thing i'm not really a fan of is the fact that it's in a jar. it would be great if they would switch it over to have a tube instead (so much more sanitary, and if you're a germ-a-phobe, you probably agree).

other than that, based on results, i think it's a beauty must-have. next time you're at your favorite drug or mass retailer, grab it. i've noticed it's been sold out more than a handful of times, and for good reason! :)

visit lorealparisusa.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

Coming Soon: Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian is a soon-to-be-released makeup book that i have recently learned about, and i have to say i am excited for it's release. it's a book that will help give women the knowledge and inspiration to create beautiful eyes (and brows) with step-by-step instructions. you'll also be happy to know that it isn't just for one type of woman-- it focuses on eye make-up for women of all ages and ethnicities.



Taylor Babaian

in the book Taylor will teach women how to:

*identify and use common eye makeup products and tools

*create the perfect frame for eyes by grooming eyebrows appropriately

*identify the best techniques and shades for certain eye shapes and colors

*create the perfect look for day, evening, work, or play

*learn the best looks for every age and situation, from wearing glasses to achieving an eyelift and erasing lines without surgery.

sounds like an interesting and fun read, right? and if you're anything like me, you're all about the eye makeup. :) i'll be getting an advanced copy next month, so i'll be filling you in on my thoughts about the book around the time of its release in august.

until then, tell me: what is your favorite beauty/makeup how-to book?

xo

Beauty on a Budget: Rimmel London Max Volume Flash Mascara and Royal Gloss

two products from Rimmel London that i have been enjoying a lot lately are their new The Max Volume Flash Mascara and one of their Royal Gloss shades, Berry Crush.

first The Max Volume Flash...



this is touted as a volume-building mascara, but i found it did give a decent amount of length. the brush is huge (which seems to be the trend with most volumizing mascaras these days), but the handle is a manageable size, so it's not difficult to maneuver through your lashes. the formula is good, not too thin of thick, and, as you can see in the pics (below), gives great volume (i think i was in a hurry, as i seem to missed the inner lashes on my right eye, LOL) with minimal clumping. ps- no flakes to be found as the day wears on! :)






Royal Gloss...





this lipgloss is silky smooth and so moisturizing on lips! enriched with vitamins A, C and E as well as royal jelly, it leaves a shiny finish without being sticky. Royal Gloss comes in 10 fabulous pearly shades, each enhanced with the sweet scents of bubble gum, chocolate and peach (Berry Crush has a bubble gum scent).

you can find Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara and Royal Gloss in drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

xo
all pics taken by me :)

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 :)

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

Spring Beauty 2010: Stila Cosmetics

while i'm thrilled that the fall runway shows are giving me a glimpse into the fabulous season that will be fall 2010, i'm looking forward to spring (no, not the heat, just all of the style and beauty treats that go with it, ha!).

Stila's Spring 2010 Collection features some fabulous little goodies that are already creating buzz-- can you feel the sunshine yet? take a look...




One Step Makeup

this product could quite possibly be a dream come true! it's a primer, foundation, concealer and powder all in one easy step! using 100% mineral pigments to deliver a high performance, high definition and long-wearing makeup, this formula offers medium coverage but is buildable and blendable. for some reviews, check out my blogger gal pals over at Beauty Junkies Unite and Beauty 411 who each recently featured One Step Makeup!





Jewel Luxe Lip Gloss Trio

Stila's glosses are amazing, and this set is something to take notice of. while the formula in these glosses contain mango seed, goa seed, and shea butters to offer moisturizing benefits, they also contain the brand's exclusive Gem Complex, composed of diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal-- talk about luxurious!





Jewel Eye Shadow Palette

i'm looking forward to trying this one out! each shadow shimmers and glistens with a perfect blend of pigment and pearl. these buildable shadows glide evenly onto the lids. transparent talc delivers excellent color release and all day wear.




Black Diamond Mascara

diamonds are now a lashes best friend! swirled with genuine diamond powder, this innovative mascara promises to lengthens and adhere perfectly to every lash, leaving them not only feeling soft and plush all day long, but glistening, bringing out the color of your eyes. paraben free. shades include: Black Shimmer, black with silver shimmer and Blue Shimmer, black with blue shimmer.





Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

this marker-like liner was created to give even novice makeup artists the ability to apply a precise line of color like a pro. the formula is waterproof and goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling, lasting all day.




Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

the newest member to the crush family, Yumberry Crush is a light midtone pink containing a new superfruit called yumberry. these little fruits boast the highest amount of the most potent antioxidants, is 50 times stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C (can you say wow!). use this multitasker to give yourself the most natural-looking flush.


tell me: are you excited about this new collection? discover more for yourself at stilacosmetics.com.

xo
info and images courtesy of Stila

Shiseido Backstage at NY Fashion Week Fall 2010

Shiseido creative director Dick Page created numerous looks for the runways of fashion week, including looks for Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Zero + Maria Cornejo and United Bamboo fall 2010 collections; each look was distinct to it's respected collection, but equally beautiful.




the beauty look at Narciso Rodriguez put emphasis on clean, fresh skin and bold eyebrows which were the "most important detail of the look". to create the bold look, Page mixed Accentuating Cream Eyeliner in Black with a prototype of a white cream color from the Shiseido labs to create a dark-grey shade. he sketched the dark-grey cream into the eyebrows with a sharp edged makeup brush and used a mascara wand to groom the brows.





taking inspiration from the collection itself, the Michael Kors beauty look was made to be very classic and all american. skin was kept "warm with a flush of bright color" with eyes that were luxurious looking, "but not too heavy" according to Page.





at United Bamboo, the look was fresh, clean and transparent, with glamorous eyes and "structured" lips. "the lip and cheek color from this palette (to be released in november 2010) was inspired by the geiko in japan. their traditional lip color was made from ground safflower and water; this color is similar, but we added more specks of gold."






the look was "transparent and easy" for the Zero + Maria Cornejo runway show. skin was fresh with rosy cheeks and defined eyes. each model's face was lightly spritzed with water for a "glowy" finish.



xo

Valentine's Day Beauty: Soft Lips

whether or not to plan to kiss someone on valentine's day, having soft lips is always a must-have in my book. check out three of my personal faves for getting and keeping lips kiss-ready...




Motives by Loren Ridinger Lip Pumice-- to get rid of those dry, chapped lips, start with exfoliation. this little goodie contains pumice pebbles to gently exfoliate lips and comes in the form of a lipstick, so it's not super messy.




Pur~lisse Pur~Lip Comfort Daily Lip Nourisher-- once lips are properly exfoliated, moisturizing them is key. perfect for applying anytime of day, this fabulous lip conditioner contains mango and shea butters as well as vitamin E to hydrate and pamper lips.




CG Continuous Color Lipsticks in Golden Apricot and Rose Quartz

to add a bit of color without sacrificing a newly smooth pout, i love CoverGirl's Continuous Color Lipsticks. not only does the range have a really good selection of colors to choose from, but the lipstick themselves are uber-moisturizing.


tell me: what are your favorite lips products for keeping your lips feeling and looking smooth?

xo
products featured sent to me by their respected brands for consideration of review.

2010 Grammy Awards Beauty: Katy Perry

newly engaged Katy Perry was an eclectic mix of old-school glam a la Bettie Page and indian elegance when she attended the 2010 Grammy awards last night.

as a compliment to an amazing makeup job (i loved her lush lashes and pink lips), celeb stylist Danilo created the the look for the Waking Up in Vegas singer. it was his desire to create a "hipper" retro pin-up girl style by keeping the hair from looking too perfect.

here's how the style was achieved:

Danilo first combed through the Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Split End Prevention Leave-in Cream to condition and ready hair for styling. while blow-drying individual sections of hair, he sprayed the Pantene Pro-V Volume Root Lifter Gel for extra lift and definition.

he then spiral set her curls with a medium curling iron for contemporary waves, tousling Katy's hair with the Pantene Pro-V Texture Hairspray to finish the look.

Danilo described her bangs as "bumper perfection" after using the Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Frizz Control Extra Strength Serum on damp hair before drying straight and creating a smooth curvature across the brow.


tell me: what did you think of Katy's look?

xo
pics: Getty Images

Get Gorgeous: ELLE's 'Make Better' Challenge

ELLE magazine has given the traditional "makeover" a makeover and recently launched it's 'Make Better' program, a multiplatform initiative surrounding fitness, fashion and beauty. the Make Better program is a fabulous new outlook on how to approach fashion, beauty and fitness.

through small, simple, yet strategic adjustments to everyday life, big changes can be made. no more spending unnecessary time, money and energy on a new wardrobe, overhauling your closet or engaging in expensive beauty and fitness regimes.



you'll find info throughout the magazine this year and 3 exercise dvds have also been produced, starring model Brooklyn Decker. they can be purchased separately-- Elle Beauty Sculpt (interval-based, full-body workout), Cardio Body (improve your fitness level and tone up), and Workout Yoga (features two dynamic, progressive yoga routines)-- or in a set of three.

sounds fashionably healthy, don't you think? visit elle.com to start your 21 day Make Better challenge-- trust me, it's fun! through it you'll get organized and learn tips from the pros in all areas of fashion, beauty and fitness.


tell me: will you participating in the ELLE Make Better challenge?

xo
info and images courtesy of ELLE

Spring Beauty 2010: NARS

happy tuesday beauties! i made a trip to Sephora today to check out the new Nars spring 2010 collection, then discovered that they didn't have it (oh, the heartbreak!). it is online though, so i figure it won't be too long before i see it in my local store.

i will admit i already am loving the colors featured in this collection-- can you say gorgeous?? we are in for a beautiful spring season, i would say. the nail color, Purple Rain-- love! i hear it calling my name (ok, a bit dramatic, i know, but you beauty die-hards know what i'm talking about!), and of course, the glosses and shadows look amazing.

let's take a look at the NARS 2010 spring collection, shall we?




Cruising Lipstick described as a subtle, sexy pink lipstick; this shade is sheer and natural-looking. the hydrating formula can be worn alone, or over a NARS Lip Pencil for variations in color and depth; neutral enough to pair perfectly with dramatic eyes, yet alluring enough to attract attention when used on its own.




Easy Lover Lip Gloss amazing luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss. an eyecatching and refreshing springtime hue, perfectly suited to deliver super shiny, sensual lips. add an extra dab of it in the center of the bottom lip to accentuate sheen and fullness.

Ophelia Lip Gloss high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive. wear it alone, or over NARS lip products for a more intense effect and color variation. the glossy formula will capture both the light and the attention of admirers.





Purple Rain Nail Polish is, as the brand describes it, destined to become a modern classic and as intensely gothic as it is a bright and audacious shade of purple. the long-wearing formula vacillates between opposites: rocker or royalty, rebellious or refined. i know i already said this, but i love this shade already.




D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow described as a gorgeous, dusty lilac powder eyeshadow that yields a subtle hint of flirtiness; long-wearing, crease-resistant matte formula is translucent texture and can be applied sheer, or layered with other NARS products for a bolder result.





Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow is a pairing of golden moss and sienna, named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the french river delta. with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula. wear it alone or layered beneath NARS powder eyeshadows to create more color, depth and intensity.




Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow is influenced by contrasts of rich and subtle, traditional yet modern. this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing can be worn separately or together, sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. try swiping one shade over the entire eyelid and applying the other just beneath the brow bone to highlight.





Bains Douches Glitter Pencil is a silver glitter-infused sky blue hue that delivers powerful, vibrant color. slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending. can be used layered or alone to line, accent, highlight or illuminate the eyes. no matter how it's used, the look will be as ultra-chic as the legendary parisian nightclub for which it was named.

the NARS 2010 Spring Collection is available now at NARS beauty counters and online at narscosmetics.com.

xo