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NYFW: Get The Look – NARS Creatures of the Wind A/W 2012…

Lianne Farbes — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:45:47 +0000

Skin…beautiful skin. That’s the trend backstage at Creatures of the Wind, a Chicago based label that debuted in fall of 2008 and has gained steady ground ever since. Chris Peters, one half of the design duo says, “We were inspired by a book from the 17th century called, The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns and Faires,” said designer Chris Peters. “The clothes all have an element of parallel existences – the real world versus the fairy world – manifesting itself in the combinations of fabrics and the idea of transformation and transition.”

The trend here is gorgeous, ethereal, radiant skin. NARS lead artist James Boehmer said of the look, “The look is about ethereal, forest-wet skin,” said James Boehmer, who is also the Director of Global Artistry. “You can’t use enough moisturizer – it’s dewy and really radiant. The eye should be defined in its shape but worn-in with its effect. As if you can see the eyelid through it, which we get from the gloss.” LOVING IT! It’s about time we saw looks that pay attention to skin and that new NARS tinted moisturizer is amazing.

The Rundown:

FACE

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++

EYES

Cayenne Single Eyeshadow
Mambo Eyeliner Pencil
Bengali Single Eyeshadow
Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow
Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow

LIPS

Rouge Tribal Larger Than Life® Lip Gloss (new for Spring 2012)
Triple X Lip Gloss

All products, except where noted, are available at narscosmetics.com.

Stay Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

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TMG Project: Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week A/W 2012…

Lianne Farbes — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:22:51 +0000

Hello my lovelies!! I am here in my beloved NYC with laptop and camera in hand to report on some of what I think are the key makeup looks/trends for A/W Fall 2012!! Fall fashion is my favorite because of all the textures and colors for the clothes and I love seeing what they come up with as far as trends go! We are seeing a lot of importance placed upon skin this season…more so than previous years so yahooooo go skin!!

I am also hosting my Cocktails & Couture event for online editors this Saturday. We have some great sponsors including Lierac, Tarte, DDF, BaByliss Pro, Caboodles, Ulta, Aveeno, Proactiv Solution, Oasis Day Spa and more! The event is being held at the AMAZING Caravan Stylist Studio right in the heart of the fashion district in NYC. Stay tuned for more pictures and fun from the event!

Stay Pretty!!

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Drugstore Diva: Aveeno Positively Nourishing 24 Hour Body Moisturizer…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:00:46 +0000

Do you have dry skin? I do, my skin is like an alligator in the winter, dry flakies everywhere! I try to exfoliate once a week but the key is a good moisturizer to go with that. Aveeno is AMAZING at coming up with great products that get the job done at a reasonable price.

If you remember, I went to Los Angeles last February for the Independent Spirit awards with Aveeno where I got to try new products and meet with the people behind the line. One of the products was Aveeno Positively Nourishing 24 Hour Body Moisturizer [$8.49]. We got to have massages using the Positively Nourishing Body Moisturizer, and we had our choice of Aveeno Postively Nourishing in Soothing, with vanilla and chamomile; or Invigorating, with grapefruit and rosemary and Refreshing, with blueberry and goji berry. I did the Refreshing and I had the best masseuse that I nearly fell asleep on the table!

The lotions all have their own subtle scent so it definitely doesn’t overpower. They are super moisturizing and they do a great job of keep your skin hydrated. Aveeno also uses their signature nourishing oatmeal which helps sooth dry skin too. All in all a win/win, plus the drugstore price and the size of he bottle makes this a Drugstore Diva approved buy.

Stay Pretty!!

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Drugstore Diva: Bethenny Frankel Introduces Skinnygirl Skincare for Face & Body!

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:36:26 +0000

How can you miss reality star turned supermogul Bethenny Frankel? First she was an author making her mark in the publishing industry with several popular self help books. Then when she started making her self described skinnygirl margarita on the BRAVO TV reality series The Real Housewives of New York City…EVERYONE wanted one (the recipe is still my margarita of choice). Then the unthinkable…she quit the show. Just as everyone counted Ms. Frankel out, she launched the Skinnygirl brand of pre-mixed margaritas for a mere $14.95 per bottle (I mean, come on…a cocktail in NYC is $14) and got her own deal with BRAVO to do a show. The bottles of Skinnygirl margarita were so popular that there were distribution problems at one point. She developed more versions (a white cranberry cosmo and sangria) all with the same natural low calorie approach. Then she eventually sold the brand to Fortune Brands Inc.’s Beam Global for an estimated $120 million making her one of the most profitable reality stars in TV history. Thats a lot to do in a few years right???

Well, Bethenny is now setting her sites on personal care. With a growing empire of videos, supplements and even a cleanse it only makes sense that she would foray into the world of beauty. Skinnygirl Face & Body is a line with natural ingredients like shea butter and cranberry and fresh scents that mimic her Skinnygirl cocktails. The good news? The pricetag that is very easy on the wallet without sacrificing quality (all items are under a mere $15!). With this combination, she is poised to have another hit on her hand. I tried to find more of it in Walmart (where it is exclusively sold) and it was GONE. The collection is organized into four groups: lip treatments, face solutions, body solutions and gift sets. There’s also a Skinnygirl Mommy collection which could be a godsend for stay at home mommies that want to save money, feel pretty and keep those stretch marks in check!

“I wanted to develop a line that accomplishes what every woman wants for every day and night – smooth, moisturized skin with a healthy glow and lips that are kissable and soft. Affordability, convenience, effectiveness and consistency is what’s most important and what Skinnygirl Face & Body is all about.”

- Bethenny Frankel

Frankel’s “this is what real life is all about” philosophy has served her well, as the american public connects with her vibe of being honest and up front about what the average american woman struggles with.

The Rundown:

Bath Collection in Margarita – Price: $15.00

Margarita Shower Gel- 6 oz. – Cleanse your skin thoroughly with this cocktail-inspired shower gel. Formulated with soothing skin conditioners, this Margarita Shower Gel leaves skin refreshed and relaxed.
Margarita Body Lotion- 5.75 oz. – Hydrate skin with moisture that lasts all day. This non-greasy formula absorbs completely to leave skin feeling soft, silky and nourished.
Margarita Body Scrub- 4 oz. – Wash away dull, tired skin with this margarita-inspired, invigorating face scrub that instantly makes skin feel refreshed and smooth. Cleanse away dead skin to unveil a brighter, naturally radiant you.

Key Ingredients:
Citric acid – Anti-oxidant that promotes the rejuvenation of skin
Honeysuckle – Helps stimulate the removal of toxins to promote vibrant, healthy skin
Mineral Oil – Conditions and hydrates parched skin

Bath Collection in Sangria – Price: $15.00

Sangria Shower Gel- 6 oz. – Cleanse your skin thoroughly with this cocktail-inspired shower gel. Formulated with soothing skin conditioners, this Margarita Shower Gel leaves skin refreshed and relaxed.
Sangria Body Lotion- 5.75 oz. – Hydrate skin with moisture that lasts all day. This non-greasy formula absorbs completely to leave skin feeling soft, silky and nourished.
Sangria Body Scrub- 4 oz. – Wash away dull, tired skin with this margarita-inspired, invigorating face scrub that instantly makes skin feel refreshed and smooth. Cleanse away dead skin to unveil a brighter, naturally radiant you.

Key Ingredients:
Citric acid – Anti-oxidant that promotes the rejuvenation of skin
Honeysuckle – Helps stimulate the removal of toxins to promote vibrant, healthy skin
Mineral Oil – Conditions and hydrates parched skin

Face Solution Kit – Price: $14.97

Vitamin C Face Scrub- 1 oz. with Shea Butter & Cranberry – Wash away dull, tired skin with this invigorating face scrub that instantly makes skin feel refreshed and smooth. The combination of shea butter and cranberry cleanses away dead skin to unveil a brighter, naturally radiant you.

Key Ingredients:
Shea Butter – A deeply hydrating, natural moisturizer
Cranberry Extract – Anti-irritant and is a natural Vitamin C source which helps to improve circulation

Detox Face Mask- 1.3 oz. with Cucumber & Sweet Almond Oil Get a deep clean with this cleansing “detox” regimen that is quick and easy and leaves skin feeling like new. Bentonite removes toxins, while white clay smoothes out skin tone and absorbs excess oil for a purely glowing complexion.

Key Ingredients:
Sweet Almond Oil – Moisturizes and softens skin
Kaolin – White clay absorbs oils from skin, mattifies and smoothes for a perfect complexion
Cucumber Extract – Cools, soothes, and softens skin

Energizing Lip Shine with Caffeine & Peppermint Perk up your pucker with this sensational lip shine that revitalizes, awakens and invigorates your lips. Natural extracts work with cooling peppermint to give your breath an added burst of freshness.

Key Ingredients:
Caffeine – Helps to stimulate, energize and awaken
Peppermint – Used for its aromatherapy energizing properties and breath freshening benefits

Body Solution Kit – Price: $15.97

Smoothing & Firming Body Lotion- 2.6 oz. – with Cranberry Extract & Coconut Oil Tighten and tone the Skinnygirl way! Smooth on this decadent body salve for covetable silky and firm skin. This antioxidant-rich formula uses shea butter to tone and moisturize while caffeine and cranberry extract work to promote firmness and circulation.

Key Ingredients:
Cucumber Extract – An anti-irritant that cools, soothes and softens skin
Cranberry Extract – Helps to improve circulation for overall skin firming
Caffeine – Helps to stimulate skin and helps to improve circulation and overall feel
Coconut Oil – Conditions and hydrates skin

Smoothing & Firming Body Wash- 2.6 oz. with Cranberry Extract & Witch Hazel Lather up for smoother, firmer skin. This nourishing formula includes caffeine to improve circulation and cucumber extract to smooth out skin. For best results, combine with Skinnygirl Smoothing and Firming Body Lotion.

Key Ingredients:
Cucumber Extract – An anti-irritant that cools, soothes and softens skin
Cranberry Extract – Helps to improve circulation for overall skin firming
Caffeine – Helps to stimulate skin and helps to improve circulation and overall feel
Witch Hazel – An anti-oxidant that cleanses and soothes the skin

Body Shimmer- 1.8 oz. – with Jojoba Oil & Olive Oil Get a golden glow with subtle shimmer. Skinnygirl Body Shimmer moisturizes your skin with hydrating oils while adding a hint of lustrous golden color.

Key Ingredients:
Jojoba Oil – Moisturizes and protects skin

See the full Skinnygirl Face & Body Collection line up at skinnygirlfaceandbody.com. Available online at Skinnygirlfaceandbody.com and Walmart locations nationwide and Walmart.com now.

Stay Pretty!!

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Read This: VOTE for The Makeup Girl in the Zoya + Birchbox Custom Nail Polish Contest!!

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:35:06 +0000

Hey faithful TMG readers!! I need your help!! Vote for me in the Birchbox + Zoya nail polish sweepstakes. I created a mood board with my color inspiration for spring and summer entitled A La Piscine which happens to mean “going to the pool” en francais! I wanted something cool and pretty to make me feel like getting in the water. Nothing looks prettier on fingers and toes than a sparkling blue mani/pedi in the summertime!! In addition to my board, there are also 11 other fabulous bloggers participating in this event. The top three winning mood boards will be turned into a Zoya Nail Polish that will be sold exclusively at Birchbox!!

Voting is open now, but only for one week, the good thing is that you can vote once a day! I would love it if you could show The Makeup Girl A La Piscine some love! Click here to like Birchbox and vote for TMG on the Birchbox Facebook page (please share with your friends!!). By voting, you’re also automatically entered to win the entire collection once it’s created, how cool is that??

Vote Pretty!!

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Must Have: Kate Somerville True Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:05 +0000

Oooh I love a good multi-tasker!! Eye makeup removers are tricky because if you don’t use one that has at least some measure of moisture or oil, you don’t get all the mascara off. Well, this newcomer from skin guru Kate Somerville does the trick and THEN SOME! This incredible multi-tasker not only removes makeup, it also restores and replenishes lashes with one simple swipe. True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover [$35] gently wipes away all kinds of eye makeup—even waterproof and long-lasting formulas. The incredible SymLash226™ creates more voluminous, healthy lashes too! In addition, luxurious botanicals reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines, while nourishing extracts condition the entire eye area. So it takes off all the makeup, nourishes the delicate eye area AND enhances your lashes too!!?? Gimme gimme!! I’ve been using this nightly for about 5 weeks and so far I am pleased to report my lashes are most DEFINITELY thicker – Wahooo!!

The Rundown:

Creamy not oily, so there is no oily residue left behind that may irritate sensitive eyes
Advanced SymLash226™ Complex promotes keratin production, creating visibly fuller lashes.
Powerful sodium hyaluronate hydrates and conditions the entire eye area.
Green and white tea promote microcirculation that reduces the appearance of puffiness.
Chamomile and aloe vera smooth out fine lines to create a refreshed, younger look.
Rosehip, evening primrose and avocado extracts naturally contour and firm the eye area.

This is super simple to use as well, as the tube has a pump so there is NO WASTE. This tube will last you a good long time. Nightly, apply a small amount to cotton ball and gently smooth over eye area. This soap-free formula can either be wiped away with a dry cotton ball or completely rinsed off, according to your preference.

True Lash Lash-Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover is available for $35 at Sephora.com, Nordstrom.com and at katesomerville.com.

Lash Pretty!!

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Smell This: Bond No. 9′s Latest Fragrance Central Park West…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:46:53 +0000

City parks have always intrigued the powers that be at Bond No. 9. These oases of serene greenery give New Yorkers a gathering place, an escape-hatch, and a time-out from the steel and concrete that surround and enclose them. What’s more, parks are filled with botanicals, so they smell AMAZING—and smelling good with a New York accent is what Bond No. 9 is all about. So it’s no wonder that thus far, they have designed a total of 6 New York park eaux de parfum, starting with Central Park and Gramercy Park, followed by Bryant Park, the High Line, Washington Square, and Madison Square Park. Now, just in time for spring 2012, comes a 7th—Central Park West—inspired by the fabled thoroughfare that runs the entire two-and-a-half mile length of one of the greatest urban grasslands, situated smack in the middle of one the greatest cities in the world.

Central Park West, the fragrance, has been designed to have the grandeur and largesse of the street itself. It starts off with a springtime wakeup call: Narcissus mingled with tangy ylang ylang and a pinch of piquant pepper. Then comes a beckoning white-petal mélange—orris, jasmine, and linden—surrounding their centerpiece, majestic gardenia. Sustaining and enriching this bouquet is an enduring base of white oak and vetiver, combined with the animal whiff of musk.

The Central Park West bottle captures the essence both of the neighborhood and the season. Against a pistachio background is a classic but oversize houndstooth check pattern (as pedigreed as the local architecture), updated here in purple—adding pizzazz. And wound around the neck is a gift—a detachable, double-row bracelet of pink beads with a big pink floral blossom (designed in-house, we are proud to say), which, like the coveted flower on last spring’s Madison Square Park, can be worn on its own as a brooch.

The packaging in this collection is just amazing and definitely collector worthy!! Central Park West arrives on-counter March 15, 2012 and will be sold at Bond No. 9’s six New York stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, and bondno9.com. Price: 100ml, $250; 50ml, $180; body silk, $130; candle, $110; shower gel, $75.

Smell Pretty!!

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NEW! MAC Viva Glam – Ricky Martin & Nicki Minaj for Viva Glam…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:48:59 +0000

Oooh how I ADORE MAC Viva Glam….when the original red shade first came out I was beside myself and I wore it everywhere! Then Viva Glam softened and we got to see her nude, beigy pink and now PINK PINK thanks to international hiphop/pop stars Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin.

The fearless Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj introduce Nicki’s lipstick in a scene-stealing pink and Ricky’s colourless Lip Conditioner in a Tube that goes from day to dance floor! With every cent of the selling price supporting the MAC AIDS Fund, it doesn’t get any hotter. They’ve teamed up to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among young people around the globe. Nicki and Ricky dare you to be bold. Be beautiful. Be safe.

The Rundown:

Lipstick ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

Viva Glam Nicki Bright yellow pink (Satin)

Lip Conditioner (Tube) ($15.00 U.S. / $18.00 CDN)

Lip Conditioner Clear

Availability: February 15th, 2012 through February 2013 (North America), March 2012 (International), at all MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com

Stay Safe and Pretty!!

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Must Have: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++…

Lianne Farbes — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:57 +0000

If you are like me, and you like a natural look when it comes to your makeup…listen up! One of my favorite brands NARS has something new for you!! NARS founder and creative director François Nars is famous for his no-rules approach to makeup application. But when it comes to what lies beneath, his philosophy is clear: Skin should shine through makeup. I am in agreement with this statement 100%. The older I get, the less I want things looking matte or cakey. This isn’t to say that I don’t get rid of shine with blotting papers, I just like my skin to look like skin instead of makeup!

To that end, NARS Cosmetics went about creating a tinted moisturizer unlike any other — a complexion-perfecting fluid with anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits. Introducing Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++, which is available in nine shades to complement all skin tones exclusively at Nordstrom. Woooooo!!!

The key to its effectiveness lies in ingredients derived from the waters of François’ beloved French Polynesia, where he spends much of his time on his island in the region. These ingredients include Kopara, natural polysaccharides that hydrate, condition and help encourage natural cell renewal; Oceana Saffron, a plant known for its antioxidant and soothing properties; and Galaxaura, a red deep-sea algae found in the islands’ lagoons that is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene. Also included in the formula: sea water and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a vitamin-C derivative that brightens and protects the skin against free-radical damage, to revitalize and re-mineralize the skin.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ boasts a 100% naturally derived fragrance of Peony, Violet and Rose Water. And because sun protection is essential to maintaining the health and youthful appearance of the skin, it includes SPF 30 to protect against UVB rays, and PA+++, the highest index level of protection against UVA damage. After four weeks of regular use, 84% of testers felt that their skin was more radiant and luminous. 81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin, and 90% felt the product gave them a healthy glow.*

* Based on a clinical test

The Rundown:

1 Finland – Lightest with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
2 Alaska – Light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
3 St. Moritz – Medium with a neutral yellow undertone
4 Annapurna – Medium with a neutral peachy undertone
5 Cuba – Medium with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
6 Malaga – Medium dark with warm caramel undertones
7 Seychelles – Medium dark with golden olive undertones
8 Martinique – Medium dark with warm red undertones
9 Polynesia – Dark with warm chocolate undertones

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ [$42] Available:February 1, 2012 at nordstrom.com and launches February 15th on narscosmetics.com

BUT….you can get it NOW with the new sampling program on the NARS Facebook page! For the first time they will be giving away free samples – just like them on Facebook and pick your shade!

Stay Pretty!!

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Red Carpet Beauty: Tina Fey’s Look by Votre Vu at the 2012 Sag Awards…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:29:53 +0000

It girl Tina Fey who was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy. She sparkled on the red carpet and Gita Bass for Votre Vu created her classic look at the 2012 SAG Awards tonight, using Votre Vu Skincare and Makeup. This brand is an absolute favorite of mine (LOVE the dry spray oil!!) and Tina looks amazing!

“We were inspired by Tina’s black strapless Versace gown. We wanted her look to be equally classic and sexy,” says Gita.

The Rundown:

Gita started by spritzing the face with Votre Vu Amour D’Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair. “It adds long-lasting hydration, primes for makeup and gives the complexion a gorgeous glow,” she says. Next, she applied Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Creme to soothe and eliminate any redness.

To create the appearance of a smooth and bright eye area, Gita patted on Votre Vu Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee and layered Votre Vu SpecialEyes Intensive Eye Treatment on top. She then brushed on Votre Vu WonderBrows in Eva to add definition to Tina’s natural arch.

Next, she used Votre Vu Sensational Eyes Eye Primer in Medium on the lids as a budge-proof eye makeup base. To prep her lips for color, Gita dabbed on the moisturizing Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Volume Enhancing Lip Balm.

Since Tina’s look shows a bit of skin, Gita generously applied the nourishing Votre Vu Snapdragon Antioxidant-Rich Citrus Body Drench all over. She followed up by spritizing Votre Vu Amour D’Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair on her decolletage and shoulders for an added sheen.

Finally, to set the look and create a radiant finish, Gita dusted on Votre Vu Mineral Powder in Light. “I also made Tina put the powder in her clutch so she can do touch-ups throughout the night” said Gita

Votre Vu products can be found at VotreVu.com.

Stay Pretty!!!

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