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Red Carpet Beauty: Jennifer Lopez at the 84th Academy Awards…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:05:35 +0000

When you think of Jennifer Lopez and the red carpet you look for that WOW factor. Wearing a drop dead gorgeous Zuhair Murad dress, she definitely brought the movie star glam this season!! Lopez’s elegant up-do and glowing skin and makeup were inspired by the late 1960’s. Celebrity Hairstylist Lorenzo Martin kept her hairstyle simple and chic by creating a chignon bun placed high on the head. Jennifer’s makeup was also kept simple and chic – dewy skin with a dramatic winged cat eye – by Celebrity Makeup Artist Mary Phillips. A gorgeous gold and burgundy-tipped reverse french mani was the final touch in Jennifer’s “Faye Dunaway” inspired head-to-toe Oscars look.

The Rundown:

Celebrity Hair Stylist: Lorenzo Martin

“The look I created for Jennifer was inspired by the 60′s. I wanted a gorgeous hairstyle that defined the graceful refined sophistication of that time to complement Jennifer’s beautiful dress.” – Lorenzo Martin

The Rundown:

First, Lorenzo sprayed L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Volume Root Lifting Spray at the roots of Jennifer’s clean, damp hair to add extra volume before blow-drying it with a round medium-sized boar bristle brush.
After Jennifer’s hair was completely dry, Lorenzo distributed a dime-sized amount of L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Strong Hold Defining Gel evenly throughout her hair.
Next, he pulled her hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a metal-free elastic rubber band.
From there, Lorenzo split the ponytail into four different sections and teased each one. Once all four pieces were teased, he sprayed her hair with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Unscented Hairspray.
Next, Lorenzo took one of the four sections and looped the piece into the ponytail, securing it into place with bobby pins. He followed this step with the three other sections of hair – pinning each one in different directions (front, back and side to side) to create a complete bun.
To ensure there were no loose hairs or flyways and to maintain a sleek look, he added a bit of L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Smooth & Shine Serum.
Lastly, to finish off this effortless yet elegant style, he used L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Unscented Hairspray lightly around all the hair.

Products Used:

L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Volume Root Lifting Spray ($6.99)
L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Strong Hold Defining Gel ($6.99)
L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Smooth & Shine Serum ($6.99)
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Unscented Hairspray ($14.99)

MAKEUP

Celebrity Makeup Artist: Mary Phillips

The Rundown:

FACE – First, Mary highlighted Jennifer’s natural glow by mixing L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Sun Beige ($10.95) with LaMer The Reparative Body Lotion ($180) to create a dewy but even and smooth canvas
CHEEKS – Mary dabbed L’Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Cherubic on her cheeks for a subtle flush of color ($12.95)
EYESHADOW – Mary used two shadows to achieve Jennifer’s sultry eye: L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Eye Shadow in Eternal Black and Iced Latte ($7.95 each)
EYELINER – Mary created a winged cat eye with L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Brown ($8.95)
MASCARA – Mary completed the high drama effect of the eye with two coats of L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Carbon Black ($8.95)
LIPS – Jennifer’s lip color was the final glamorous touch; L’Oreal Paris Infallible 8HR Le Gloss in Coral sands ($9.99)

NAILS

Celebrity Manicurist: Tom Bachik

“Jennifer Lopez’s Oscar’s look was all about 60’s glamour with a modern interpretation … so it was important her nail look matched this overall feel and aesthetic. Jennifer loved the delicate shade of ‘Because You’re Worth It’ – we were excited to try something a bit more modern for the red carpet and create a nail look that could transition throughout the night, as she has a couple of wardrobe changes. We drew inspiration for Jennifer’s nail look from not only her red carpet gown, but also her makeup.” – Tom Bachik

Step by Step How-To:

First, Tom shaped her nails into a classic almond shape, but gave them a slight unexpected point at the tip for a modern take.
He then painted a sheer coat of L’Oreal Paris’ Colour Riche Nail Polish in “Because You’re Worth It” (a gorgeous warm, champagne gold shade – #580) before gilding the tips of her nails (in a V shape) in Colour Riche Nail Polish in Haute Couture Red (#470) – a vampy, burgundy wine hue.

Products Used:

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polish in “Because You’re Worth It” – #580 in the “Iconic Muse” collection ($5.99)
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polish in “Haute Couture Red” – #470 in the “Femme Fatale collection ($5.99)

All products by L’Oreal Paris and available at drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide.

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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GIVEAWAY: Red Carpet Beauty – Win The Look – Dianna Agron at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:57:38 +0000

One of my favorite looks of the night was Glee actress Dianna Agron – her laser cut fire engine red Giles dress was a total stunner and her makeup was done by none other than Monika Blunder who has done some really interesting and BEAUTIFUL work over the years. Monika spills the deets on what her inspiration was and a gave us a step by step how to on recreating this classic Hollywood look at home with L’Oreal Paris products.

Inspiration: For Dianna’s makeup, Monika was inspired by the spring 2012 fashion shows where the makeup was fresh but still very glamorous. Since Dianna’s red Giles dress was so “va va voom,” Monika focused on the lips to be the stand out feature.

Step by Step How-To:

Monika kept Dianna’s skin simple and fresh with a bit of L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Light Ivory to give skin a light glow
Since the focus was kept on her lips, only a small amount of L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Celestial (Pink) was applied to the apples of cheeks
The bold red lip stole the show; Monika applied L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Bold Bordeaux for lasting shine and pigment
The eyes were highlighted with a hint of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte with Vaseline applied over it to create added shine
The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black was lightly applied around the rim of the eye and Monika applied several coats of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara in Black to complete the look

Products Used:

L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Light Ivory ($10.95)
L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Celestial ($12.95)
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte (Price: $7.95)
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black ($8.95)
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara in Black ($9.95)
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Bold Bordeaux ($9.95)

AND!! How would you like to win this look for YOURSELF!!?? Just leave me a little comment below and I will randomly pick a winner next week. Make sure you either login with Twitter, Facebook or leave your email so that I know how to reach you if you are the winner. I will be picking TWO lucky winners.

I will be picking my winners at random on Wednesday January 25th at 6pm EST. If the winner(s) are notified and do not respond within 24 hours, prize is forfeited and an alternate(s) will be chosen. Contest is open to USA and Canada only. Good luck!!!

Stay Pretty!!

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Beauty News: Julianna Margulies Joins L’Oreal Paris as Spokesperson for ReVitalift Skincare…

Lianne Farbes — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:37:08 +0000

WWD reported today that the gawgus and talented Julianna Margulies has become the latest face of the L’Oreal Paris brand RevitaLift. The $100 million-plus anti-aging brand is one that Margulies, 44, has a long history with and seemed to be a natural fit as she grew up reciting the tag lines to her mother. Margulies stated “I remember the first time I heard [“Because You’re Worth It”]. I was young, and I said to myself, ‘When I have money, I will buy beautiful products and feel I’m worth it.’”

Margulies joins actress Andie MacDowell, 52, as a face of RevitaLift. It is hoped that Margulies can help lift sagging sales for the brand, which WWD reports are down. from last year More importantly, if not a little surprisingly, Margulies said the partnership, just a few weeks old, has been enlightening in that L’Oréal seems genuinely interested in more than just having landed a pretty face. “From what I gather, they seem truly more excited about my feelings about being a woman and what that means to me and how I take care of myself, which is telling about a beauty company. They are not just worried about how women look but how they feel. [The ‘You’re Worth It’ tag line] really is true.”

The Manhattan resident, who is a wife, a mom and often works up to 13 hours a day, said she’s like many women who just don’t have the time to browse the cosmetics area of a department store. The drug store, she said, plays a role in meeting her beauty needs “as long as I can get excellent quality and affordable prices.” Her favorite L’Oréal items include Kérastase and EverStrong hair care, Revitalift Complete SPF 30 Day Lotion and Preference hair color, which she said she has been using since 1996. When she has the time to indulge, Margulies said she treats herself to Tracie Martyn facials (which average $400 a pop) and massages at Soho Sanctuary. “They are my two biggest indulgences. It’s like putting money back into the product,” she said.

Stay Pretty!!

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Must Have: Sulfate Free Haircare…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:15:33 +0000

Since I got the keratin treatment, I have been on the hunt for shampoos/conditioners that are sulfate free. Once you decide to go the keratin route, it is essential that you use a sulfate free cleanser. The longevity of the treatment depends on it. Sulfates in a word are detergents, some are harsher than others. They are used to remove buildup in your hair, but what if you don’t use a lot of products? I was told after my treatment that I should NOT use products, which is very foriegn to me as I have ALWAYS used product in one form or another, whether it was to control frizz or get it straight. Now I have neither of those problems, as the keratin has solved both of those issues for me. Now my main objective is to make the treatment last. I have discovered that I need to wash my hair more often now that the keratin is in place. Another thing I am not accustomed to, but will put up with because the trade off is that I get to blow dry my hair in 15 minutes.

In my research, I discovered a site called Hair Rules. It’s creator and the product line are the brainchild of Anthony Dickey who counts First Lady Michelle Obama as one of his clients. Anthony says, “Traditional shampoos are usually made with harsh detergents (sulfates) that strip away natural oils. This makes hair dry and frizzy and can cause oil glands to overproduce and make hair oily and flat with dry ends“. Who knew?? My biggest tip as of late has been to pay attention to how my hair feels right after shampooing and before conditioning (Dickey agrees with me). If my hair feels squeaky clean, the shampoo is too harsh. This is the exact opposite of what I was trained to do. I grew up in the 70′s and 80′s in the era of the “Breck Girl” so we were conditioned to believe that if our hair didn’t squeak, then it was still dirty. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you feel that squeak then your hair has surely been stripped of any natural oils thus making hair too clean. Is there such a thing? Absolutely…your hair will dry out faster than a broom in a brush fire if you keep that up. And putting heat on top of that….forget it. The solution is the gentler, hair friendly sulfate free shampoos and conditioners.

Here are 5 sulfate free shampoos that I love…

Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisture-Rich No-Suds Shampoo. This is thick, rich cream that doesn’t foam at all (not one bit) but still cleans my hair really well and leaves it soft and shiny. It dissolves dirt and oil, leaving hair soft and manageable. Especially formulated for dry, coarse, over-processed and heat-styled hair (hellloooo….me!). It also maintains vibrancy in color-treated hair. It’s made with natural cleansers, nourishers, and shine enhancers. Available for $22 at Ricky’s in NYC, hairrules.com, and amazon.com.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo. This shampoo saved my life in Vegas over the summer. The fizz fighting power alone is enough to sway any poor frizz prone gal. The fact that this is sulfate free is a huge plus, no heavy oils, butters, and silicones. This is also one of the only shmpoos I have used that keeps my hair cleaner longer. The MIT developed weightless shield ensures that frizz-causing humidity is blocked out and strands are coated to reduce friction. Available for $24 at Sephora, livingproof.com, and QVC.com.

Organix Aside from the fact that this line comes in a bunch of yummy scents, it’s organic, inexpensive and sulfate free. The formula is pretty rich feeling which is nice. The bottles are also bottles are eco-friendly, manufactured from materials containing recycled post-consumer resin. All labels are printed utilizing environmental inks and compostable label film made from annually renewable resource corn, not from petrochemicals. Available for about $7.00 at drugstores nationwide.

Ojon Tunu Elastik I used this last spring with great results. Now that I have the keratin the results are even better. Tunu is a gentle smoothing shampoo that leaves hair unbelievably clean soft and bouncy! Tunu is a rare elastic fiber extracted from the bark of the Tunu rubber tree, which explains the flexible bouncy feeling your hair has. Available for $25 from Sephora and QVC.

L’Oreal Everpure Another drugstore alternative that I tried earlier in the year. This line is great for color treated hair and is is 100% vegan, free of harsh sulfates, surfactants and salts that can strip and dull your hair. Going beyond UV filters and conditioning ingredients to give color-treated hair the special care it needs. Available for $7.00 at drugstores nationwide.

Now, as with all products do your research before trying, look at the ingredients! Anything with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are sufactants and the easiest way you can tell if a product is sulfate free on the ingredient listing.

Stay Pretty!!

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Drugstore Diva: NEW! L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:19 +0000

I must admit, I never tried Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara. Remember last year, the mascara with the revolutionary “ball wand”?? Well , I tried to get it….but every time I went to Sephora, they were sold out etc. etc. etc., so I stopped trying to get it! LOL. Well, looks like I needn’t have to worry because L’Oreal has beat everyone to the punch with their lower priced version. The Givenchy version retails for $28 (ouch!) while L’Oreal’s Telescopic Explosion Mascara retails for less than $10.

“The first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every lash. Creamy formula works with the unique patented brush to build quickly, leaving a flexible deposit of color.“

There is no disputing that the wand is a great idea, you can get all the little lashes in the corner…but be careful with your application as it can get clumpy on the second coat (I would wipe the wand off a bit before you apply). The mascara is great for lengthening and defining lashes..I actually tried this two ways. First, I used it all over (again, wipe the brush off before the second coat to avoid clumps) and just in the corners to get the hard to reach lashes. Both ways were effective…so it basically boils down to patience. If you a re going ot use this all over then you have to be patient. The wand is easy to use BUT has a tendency to pick up too much product (hence the clumping). For under $10, it’s definitely worth a try….as I LOVE the little brush and L’Oreal’s mascaras are fantastic anyway.

Lash Pretty!!

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Beauty News: L’Oreal Celebrates 100 Years…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:33:43 +0000

I have been using L’Oreal products as far back as I can remember. I remember when Sea Fleur lipstick and nail polish came out in the 80′s…the BEST bright fuchsia pink with blue reflect EVER. There are so many L’Oreal products (Hello Lash Out!!) that have been a part of my beauty arsenal over the years, and for a cosmetic company to celebrate this kind of milestone is huge.

In honor or this auspicious occasion, L’Oreal is having some great specials at your local drugstores:

True Match Super-Blendable makeup collection $5.99
EverPure haircare collection $5.99
Revitalift skincare collection $9.99
Voluminous Volume Building Mascara $4.99
Colour Riche Lipcolour $4.99
Excellence Haircolor $5.99

In addition, they are hosting a giveaway that will take place over the course of 100 days. 100 winners will be chosen to win an exclusive 100th Anniversary gift bag filled with $100 of L’Oreal Paris products. One grand prize winner will win a 5 day/4 night trip for two to Paris complete with luxe hotel accommodations, a $3,000 shopping spree complete with a fashion makeover. How’s that for a celebration??!! CLICK HERE to enter.

Stay Pretty!!

Get This: L’Oreal Everpure Shampoos & Conditioners…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:24:35 +0000

Looking for a sulfate free alternative in your haircare? L’Oreal just came out with EverPure, a complete sulfate-free color care system that frees your hair from harsh sulfates, surfactants and salts that can strip and dull your hair. Going beyond UV filters and conditioning ingredients to give color-treated hair the special care it needs. Plus for all you vegans out there, it is 100% vegan. Three formulas are available, moisturizing, volume and smoothing. I used the moisturizing line and love how SOFT it made my hair feel….they protect your color without stripping it causing fading and dryness.

The Rundown:

Rich lather and creamy formulas envelop hair and create an indulgent cleansing experience.
Rosemary, juniper and mint extracts energize and invigorate the senses.
100% vegan – formulas not tested on animals, no animal by-products.No harsh sulfates, surfactants or salts.
Shampoos feature a blend of five naturally-derived surfactants that give the formula a high density, creamy foam unlike some other sulfate-free formulas on the market, currently limited to a small number of professional and “natural” lines that may not have a rich foam or dense lather.
Also feature silicones for additional color protection and nourishment and cationic polymers for more conditioning.
Extra nourishing with deep moisturizers and Vitamin E.
No dulling build-up.
Milder on hair’s surface.

The Everpure lines are available now at drugstores nationwide and retails for $6.99.

Stay Pretty!!

Drugstore Diva: L’Oreal Vive Pro…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:53:55 +0000

Have you noticed that all of a sudden L’Oreal Vive Pro has a whole mess of shampoos and conditioners out now?? Well I have, and I have managed to try just about all of them. I love a good bargain just as much as the next girl, especially when they really do the job like a pricey one. Five different lines to choose from (even one for men!) you are bound to find one that will work for you.

The Rundown:

Hydra Gloss – Dry hair is infused with Omega-Moisture Complex containing Omega 3 & 6, Royal Jelly and
Olive Oil, adds advanced moisturizers and essential nutrients to
condition hair. (My new fave….)

Nutri Gloss
- Mirror shine, cashmere touch. New
Pearl Protein Complex captures and reflects light and softens every strand.

Color Vive – New and improved formulation of Color VIVE uses UV filters and breakthrough
anti-oxidant technology to lock in color and keep damage out. Said to protect
your color-treated hair longer and protect it from fading. The
specially designed formula deeply moisturizes every strand and gently
cleanses without stripping, fading or dulling color.

Glossy Volume -
Fine, limp hair is transformed into lush and voluminous. Gives you body and glossy shine
without weighing down hair. Glossy Volume with Weightless Plumping
Complex adds airy volume and glossy shine.

Smooth Intense – Dual action technology keeps moisture in and locks humidity out. Smooth Intense is for Dry, Frizzy Hair with Medium
Texture, it smooths the hair shaft for silky, sleek hair that is nourished
and easier to manage.

If you are curious, get out there and try one at under $4.00 for each you can afford to try a few. I am alternating between Hydra Gloss and Smooth Intense at the moment and my hair is shiny and soft. After I color my hair I will switch to the Color Vive to test that out.

Stay Pretty (and shiny!)

Get This: L’Oreal Bare Naturale Mascara…

Lianne Farbes — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

I must admit, L’Oreal is KILLING IT right now, from their product development to the spokespeople….right down to the commercials. They are NOT playing. That being said, when I saw that they were introducing a mineral mascara I was like, “Whaaaaatttt??!!?? Why on earth would anyone make a mineral mascara???” But of course I bought it anyway because you know that’s just how I am. Well Bare Naturale Mascara works and let me tell you why.

I am all about high drama lashes but there is a time and a place for it. I certainly don’t wear Dior Show all the time and at $30 a tube who really can afford to? This mascara gets the job done at a reasonable price point PLUS the biggest thing for me was that my lashes felt FLEXIBLE and NATURAL which I never get with ANY mascara. The package design is pretty and looks like tortoise shell (always nice to have something pretty…)

The formula contains 86% natural-origin
ingredients, including aloe, jojoba oil, Vitamin E and minerals. The formula is
hypoallergenic. The bristle brush is extra soft, naturally based and
promises no clumps (which is very true, not one clump here).Best of all though, it’s paraben and fiber-free and still manages to give you length and separation.

The mascara is an extension of L’Oreal’s Bare Naturale mineral
cosmetics collection, which already Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral
Powder, Gentle Lip Conditioner, and Gentle Mineral Eyeliner. With all
the horrifying stories about everything from parabens to lead in our
makeup, it’s nice to see one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world jumping on the natural bandwagon.

Stay Pretty!!

Get This: L’Oreal Infallible 6 Hour Lipgloss…

Lianne Farbes — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:44:58 +0000

I know I am a lipgloss junkie, I can’t help it…but that is beside the point! I saw this little beauty in CVS yesterday and grabbed a few shades to test out. Why should you bother with another gloss you say? Well for one, this one is affordable so you can buy more than one shade, it stays put for 4-6 hours (no joke) and it is scented but flavorless. L’Oreal Infallible 6 Hour Lipgloss is a true one-step long-lasting lip gloss that feels comfortable, not sticky or tacky. I loved Dulce de Leche, Truffle and Sangria.

Now for the pros…it comes in 16 shades, it is not sticky or tacky, it is moisturizing without being too “glossy”, it has a little keyhole type applicator that is very nice feeling on the lips as opposed to the standard “doe foot” applicator that seems to absorb so much product. The only thing missing here really is SPF but I will forgive them because I use a lip balm that has SPF built in.

Now this is not a “no-transfer” gloss, BUT it will last through a meal. You will still end up with gloss on your glass but for the money definite thumbs up.

Priced at $9.99 at Drugstore.com and all drugstores nationwide.

Gloss Pretty!!