spoiled pretty

Lashes For Days: The Lash Stash From Sephora

2008-07-25T14:22:00.007-04:00

I know you. You're what I call a mascara minx. Sure, you have a number one lash luvah...but it's hardly an exclusive relationship.

You're not alone. Many women find mascara monogmany to be challenging. It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Sephora supports your cheatin' ways.

New from Sephora: The Lash Stash, a best-selling mascara sampler set.

Brought to you exclusively by Sephora, The Last Stash allows you to test-drive a new mascara every day until you find your true lash love. It contains seven travel-size black mascaras from your favorite brands, for the longest, lushest, most-volumized lashes ever. The kit includes:

* Benefit A Little Bit BADgal Lash in Black
* Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black

* LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes in Black
* Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Black
* Stila Multi-Effect Mascara in Black,
* Sephora Brand Lash Plumper in Black
* Too Faced Lash Injection in Black

A $50 value, The Last Stash can be yours for the low, low price of $28.

Best Makeup Tips. Ever.

2008-07-25T10:27:00.004-04:00

Fancy yourself a makeup junkie? Then you won’t want to miss the August 2008 issue of Allure Magazine. Flip to page 101 for some of the best makeup tips – eva. “These 59 bits of wisdom from the top pros will take your skills to a whole new level,” promises author Danielle Pergament. Here are a few of my favorites:

Eye Openers
To create a smooth line along the upper lashes, start at the outer corner and draw a series of dashes with an eye pencil, as close to the lashes as possible. Then connect the marks. “This is the best trick I ever learned,” says makeup artist Laura Mercier.

No matter what makeup you use, always choose a remover designed to take off waterproof formulas, says makeup artist Charlie Green. “The best ones look separated, like salad dressing. The oil takes off makeup, and the water gets rid of some of the greasiness.” As with vinaigrette, mix well.

Lash Rites
If you have especially straight lashes, curl them and immediately brush on waterproof mascara, advises makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury: “It holds lashes up much better than a regular formula.”

To elongate lashes, work from the outer to the inner corners of the eyes. “You’ll deposit more on the outer corners that way,” says makeup artist Pati Dubroff. “By the time you get to the inner corners, you’ll have just the right amount of mascara left.” To increase the effect, apply another coat at the outer corners only.

Face Facts
If concealer collects into any lines, dip a cotton swab in eye cream and run it over the area.

If you run out of concealer, use whatever makeup has collected in the cap of your foundation bottle – it’s somewhat thicker and perfect for covering up flaws.

Blush Well
After foundation, apply blush before any other makeup, says makeup artist Dick Page. “Often, you’ll be surprised by how much it can brighten your face, and you won’t need anything else.”

To fake sun-kissed skin, apply bronzer, then follow with a rosy blush on the apples of the cheeks. “The cheeks naturally get a pink flush when the skin is tan,” says Page.

Mighty Mouth
To add richness and longevity to lipstick, cover the entire mouth with liner that’s the same shade as the mouth, not the lipstick. And use the side of the lip liner, not the point, to fill in lips completely.

To make lip gloss last longer than 30 seconds, makeup artist Christian McColloch says to blot the mouth with a tissue or a dry cotton swab first: “The wetter the mouth, the less likely the gloss will stick.”

High Browed
Tweeze brows in natural sunlight – it illuminates all the teeny strands a bathroom bulb will miss. And never tweeze them in a magnifying mirror – it’s too easy to overdo it.

The most natural-looking ay to fill in the brows is with cream shadow that’s the same shade as the hair. “This product glistens like hairs do, and gives the brows a healthy sheen,” says Dick Page.

Don't Sweat It: Secret Clinical Strength Sport

2008-07-24T18:48:00.003-04:00

Secret Clinical Strength, the number one selling prescription strength wetness protection anti-perspirant/deodorant, introduces Secret Clinical Strength Sport to its collection of clinical strength products. With a sport fresh scent designed for athletes, it provides powerful odor and wetness protection – even under extreme conditions, so the harder you work, the harder it works to keep you smelling noticeably clean and fresh.

Triple-action technology provides three layers of protection:

* Clinically proven, prescription strength wetness protection;
* Odor-fighting capsules that absorb odor and release scent all day to keep you smelling clean and fresh; and
* Skin soothing conditioners.

Secret Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant is available at food and drug stores and mass retailers nationwide.

Don’t Try This At Home: Nalu Waver

2008-07-24T11:28:00.006-04:00

The Nalu Waver from RsessionTools transforms straight, limp locks into Giselle-like, waves. Nalu is the Hawaiian word for wave, and - like waves - no two curls are ever alike. This iron was designed to create hair that looks naturally curly; by weaving the hair through the barrels, you can add volume and create many different curl shapes and formations.

But there’s a catch…you’ll need an extra set of hands because there’s no way in hell you can maneuver this thing on your own.

If you’ve got a friend with good hand-eye coordination, you might want to enlist her help. Tell her to slip on the Michael Jackson-esque, heat-resistant glove, start curling, and don’t stop 'til you get enough. Click here to see how it's done.

Personally, I take it to my hairstylist, Erik, when I’m in the mood for beachy waves. Otherwise, the Nalu Waver stays in hibernation.

Bottom line: The Nalu Waver is an ingenious implement – but one that’s best left to the professionals.

Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless With Help From Cargo Cosmetics

2008-07-23T15:12:00.010-04:00

Last week, Mr. Spoiled Pretty abandoned his loving wife in favor of a camping/fly-fishing excursion to Idaho. Now you know I wasn’t about to go hiking up mountains and trek through the wilderness to chill with rattlesnakes, horse flies and mosquitoes. So I stayed my ass at home and caught up on some reading, writing, and arithmetic (I took inventory of my makeup stockpile, and I’m slightly embarrassed by my excessive collection of lipglosses).

By the time the weekend came around, I had developed such a case of cabin fever that it didn’t take long for my BFF, Kristen, to lure your resident recluse out of the house. After some indecision, we opted to meet at a low-key bar and catch up over cheap, domestic beer. It’s been crazy hot in Philly lately, so I didn’t put too much thought or effort into my outfit, hair, or makeup; I threw on some jeans, quickly flat ironed my hair, and swiped on some Cargo blu_ray™ High Definition Mattifier before finishing my face off with mascara and gloss.

Around midnight, after drinking probably a little too much (pitchers are dangerous cuz I can never keep count), I took a bathroom break. I perched my handbag on the sink, rummaged for my blotting papers, and prepared to sop up the grease. But when I looked in the mirror, I was absolutely astonished. My face was flawless (well, flawless as in shine-free…not flawless as in resembling Liya Kebede).

And my face remained that way until I washed it off before bed. In fact, the only oil-related incident that night was a basket of greasy fries that Kristen and I couldn’t resist ordering just before last call.

Cargo blu_ray™ High Definition Mattifier is available at cargocosmetics.com and Sephora.

ModelCo Behavior

2008-07-22T20:07:00.003-04:00

Since it came into my possession, I have been spraying myself silly with ModelCo’s Shimmer Airbrush Illuminizer. This long-lasting, luminous mist contains light-reflecting pigments that evenly cover your face and body with a shimmery, youthful glow.

On my arms...ssshhh
On my legs…ssshhh
On my décolletage…ssshhh

Vitamin E and Chamomile moisturize and soothe, and the pink frangipani fragrance lightly scents skin with a heavenly essence. Worn on its own or layered over makeup, Shimmer Airbrush Illuminizer is so sexy. You’ll be mist-ified!

Go ahead...click on the picture above and see the shimmer for yourself.

And for sinfully-scented, shimmering locks, lightly mist over your hair. Just be prepared to have girls all in up in your grill asking you how you got that glow.

90210 No They Didn't

2008-07-22T17:20:00.005-04:00

In a brilliant and calculated move, OPI is set to debut a limited-edition nail polish collection inspired by our favorite Beverly Hills spoiled brats. Color details and names have yet to be revealed, but I predict that the Andrea and David shades will be the bombs of the bunch. The line is scheduled to launch in tandem with the 90210 spinoff's fall premiere.

Just my two cents - and kinda off topic: Why CW decided to resurrect 90210 when they already have Gossip Girl is beyond me. There's no way this re-hashed mess can top Blair and Serena's exploits. I'd love to be proved wrong, but I suspect that 90210 (version 2.0) will be little more than a springboard for original cast alums (Shannen Doherty and Jenny Garth) and other washed-up tv stars (yeah, I'm talkin' about you, Lori Loughlin and Rob Estes).

Source: Nylon Magazine

Kim Kardashian's New MAC Lashes

2008-07-22T16:26:00.005-04:00

What do you think of Kim Kardashian's new lashes?

Kim recently rocked MAC 35 Lash for her Jimmy Kimmel appearance. She says, "When I answered questions before about fake lashes, I mentioned I wore a company called Red Cherry, which I still love, but these new MAC ones I really am into!"

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here!

Source: officialkimkardashian.com

Front Row Look Palette from the Stila Backstage Beauty Collection

2008-07-22T11:43:00.003-04:00

Be both a trendsetter and a do-gooder when you are the first to snag the Front Row Look Palette from the Stila Backstage Beauty Collection. Let your inner makeup artist go to work creating the softly smoldering eye that is destined to emerge as one of Fall’s top beauty trends, and exercise your inner philanthropist at the same time.

10% of proceeds from the first 625 sold will be donated to Step Up Women’s Network to support teen programs, women’s health education and advocacy professional mentorship and social networking opportunities.

The Front Row Look Palette features the essentials to create the soft smoky eye seen all over the runways at the Fall 2008 fashion shows. Tucked inside a chic faux patent compact is a trio of eye shadows; Bouquet, a matte nude pink, Moonlight, a shimmering white, and Fog, a light grey. They are accompanied by a Smokey Quartz Kajal Eye Liner. Tying it all together is a beautiful faux leather rosette pendant - a versatile accessory that encourages you to get creative.

Stila Front Row Look Palette retails for $40 and is now available at stilacosmetics.com. Order yours today, before this limited-edition palette struts off the catwalk for good.

*Add Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain to your shopping cart when you order the Front Row Look Palette, and get free shipping. Enter code CHERRYCRUSH at checkout.

Attention Curly Girls: Ouidad Giveaway!

2008-07-22T09:17:00.008-04:00

For years, Ouidad struggled with her own head of curls, which led her to dedicate the past 30 years of her life to building a respected reputation as "THE curly hair expert."

Ouidad began her whirlwind career as a student styling hair for top designers, Broadway productions and advertising agencies in New York and abroad. Her name became synonymous with curly hair, as well as her famous trademark cutting technique "Carving and Slicing."

Today, editors at national fashion and beauty magazines consult Ouidad regularly and consider her to be “The Renowned Queen of Curl." With a “curly hair only” salon and her own exclusive line of hair care products, she is the expert on how to cut, style, and treat curly locks.

Ouidad doesn’t believe that taking care of curly hair should be a burden or take hours of your time. So, combining scientific knowledge with her unique understanding of curly hair's special needs, she created a line of protein and vitamin enriched products that work with antioxidants to make curls defined, soft, shiny and manageable.

Want to try before you buy? Then you’ve stumbled upon the right beauty blog. Because, this week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Ouidad for one of our world-famous giveaways!
One grand-prize winner will receive:

Ouidad Deep Treatment - The first product designed by Ouidad, and the one that has earned her the title "a Curls Best Friend" has been applauded by the beauty editors repeatedly through the years. It is a uniquely formulated conditioner used to "feed" and strengthen the hair. This is the single most important step you take on the road to healthy hair and the cornerstone of your hair care regimen.

Climate Control – This styling gel protects curls from humidity by absorbing moisture from air to hydrate each strand of hair and help prevent frizz. Great for all hair types in humid conditions, summer or winter. Winner of "Best Defrizzer" by Allure Magazine.

Ouidad Botanical Boost – Named "Best Conditioner" by Allure Magazine, this lightweight, leave-in conditioner seals in moisture and provides strands with nourishing vitamins and aloe vera; one of the oldest healing agents. Used anytime on wet or dry hair, this product revives and refreshes curls and calm frizzies.

Curl Talk: Everything You Need to Know to Love and Care for Your Curly, Kinky, Wavy, or Frizzy Hair - Based on Ouidad’s experience catering solely to curly-haired clients at her exclusive Manhattan salon, this book is a straight-talking guide for your daily struggle with the frizzies, offering simple, step-by-step solutions for getting a gorgeous head of curls. It will revolutionize the way you treat your hair.

Two runners-up will receive Climate Control and Botanical Boost.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Ouidad Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, July 27th. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, July 28th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Giveaway Winners

2008-07-21T19:40:00.002-04:00

Who wants shiny, silky smooth hair? Silly question, right? I mean, I don’t know anyone who wants a dull, brittle mop-top. Would you believe that soft, supple hair is as close as your local drugstore? Nice 'n Easy ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss is an intensive weekly conditioning treatment that seals the hair cuticle, helping to keep your color looking healthy, long-lasting and shiny, for up to six weeks.

As promised, seven of you have won your very own tube – courtesy of Clairol and Spoiled Pretty. And the winners are: Lenore Champagne, Jennifer Giza, Cindi Hoppes, Courtney Liggera, Kristi Price, Shelly A. Taylor, and Deirdre Uria.

Congrats, ladies...hair help is on the way!

I’d like to thank Clairol for sponsoring this contest…and all of you who continue to participate in these giveaways.

Another giveaway is on the horizon…so check back very soon!

Coming Soon From Jaqua: Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Collection

2008-07-21T10:38:00.002-04:00

Juicy, red raspberries are a special treat any time of year. And Jaqua’s tempting new Raspberry Buttercream Frosting fragrance captures the pure essence of ripe raspberries and gives them a hint of indulgent frosting.

The Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Collection includes:

Sinfully Rich Body Butter
Shower Crème
Hand Crème
Lip Whip
Lip Gloss Ring

These mouth-watering products are now available for pre-order. And if you add Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Body Butter to your shopping cart, you’ll receive a free Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Lip Gloss Ring!

To take advantage of this sweet deal, simply enter promotion code RASPBC at checkout. Promotion expires 7/31/2008.

Kim Kardashian: Back In The Lab, Perfecting Her Perfume

2008-07-19T19:43:00.005-04:00

Kim Kardashian is back in the lab...hard at work on her upcoming fragrance.

Recently, Kim spent the day in New York City at Givaudan, a renowned fragrance company, to formulate her perfect scent.

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here!

Source: officialkimkardashian.com

Balm Shelter Tinted Gloss SPF 17 in Uptown Girl

2008-07-19T19:23:00.004-04:00

Balm Shelter Tinted Gloss SPF 17 in Uptown Girl has been a member of my makeup arsenal for a few months now. But while recently cleaning out my cosmetic case, I rediscovered this oldie but goodie.

Uptown Girl is a "shimmery golden pomegranate" with a strawberry banana flavor and scent. The long-wearing, non-sticky formula moisturizes and soothes with jojoba, while protecting your pucker from damaging UV.

Balm Shelter is also available in All-American Girl (clear), Daddy's Girl (sheer berry pink), Dream Girl (sheer nude beige), Ghetto Girl (coppery pink shimmer), Girl Scout (shimmering nude beige), Girl Next Door (light pink shimmer), Girly Girl (coral shimmer), It Girl (beige mauve shimmer), Material Girl (sheer plum berry), Pin-Up Girl (sheer berry red), and Valley Girl (golden peach shimmer).

Available at Sephora and thebalm.com.

Beauty Blog Network: Best Week Ever

2008-07-19T19:13:00.002-04:00

The Makeup Divas reviews and tells you about a new lip gloss innovation by Cover Girl.

Shades Of U shares swatches and a review on mineralize blushes from the MAC Sonic Chic collection.

A Touch of Blusher takes you beauty-shopping in Tokyo.

Musings of a Muse shares the a review of Lancome Maharani Jewels Fall Collection featuring the gorgeous Elephant Bronzer.

Cybelesays introduces the new Fall 2008 Collection from Urban Decay. Check it out here.

Beauty Anonymous shares her thoughts on MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder.

MAC Electro Flash and Sonic Chic - do they take your breath away? The Daily Cookie dishes on the new collection.

Beauty Junkie in SF finds a great moisturizing shampoo from PureOlogy to cure her dry summer locks.

Beauty Banter gets an **exclusive** brow makeover and interview with brow specialist to the stars, Anastasia!!!

Rouge Deluxe takes a look at Canmake's Sunset Beauty summer collection!

StyleBell shows you how you can get the Big Hair look as seen on Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker!

Beauty411 tells you about a portable skincare system that's as on-the-go as you are. Perfect for vacay!

Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie gives you the scoop on Lauren Conrad, Blake Lively, Gabrielle Union and others at the vitaminwater Best of New York party's red carpet.

Girl Gloss loves the new Sally Hansen Volumizing Lip Shield, SPF 15 and has a review with swatches of the shades.

Jenn and Christine over at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway, this time over $145 of Skinn Cosmetics!! Click here to enter.

Pursebuzz.com gives Make Up Forever HD powder a whirl. Check out her review here and see if it's a thumbs up or down. Will it stop shine like a star? Or just go to the bottom of the drawer?

Beauty and Personal Grooming shares Bindi Mint Eye Mask, which soothes and calms the undereye area and helps drain the lymphatic fluids that causes the puffiness.

Project Runway fans, listen up! Spoiled Pretty has your glimpse behind the scenes...check out Daneen's interview with Nathan Johnson, Project Runway Makeup Artist!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has swatches from NARS Fall 2008 Collection!

Victoria's Secret PINK Hoodie Winners!

2008-07-18T14:46:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday, all! Today couldn't have come sooner - I am in serious need of some R&R. I don't know about you, but it's felt like a lifetime has lapsed since Monday. And I know I'm not the only one..those of you who entered the Victoria's Secret PINK Giveaway are probably especially anxious.

Suspense isn't my forte (I'm more adept and comedy and sarcasm), so I'll just get on with it.

Congratulations to Abby Bageant, Eileen Karla Dautruche, Amy Kresica, Lisa Le and Summer Swee-Singh. These lucky ladies have won a Zip Hoodie from the new PINK Collegiate Collection.

Thanks to Victoria's Secret for sponsoring this giveaway and thanks to all of you who entered.

And don't miss out on your chance to win silky, smooth hair - courtesy of Clairol Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss. Enter the giveaway today...contest ends 7/20.

Fancy New Fragrance From Jessica Simpson

2008-07-18T00:34:00.008-04:00

In August 2008, Jessica Simpson will add a perfume to her curriculum vitae. Fancy is the product of Jessica’s collaboration with Parlux Fragrances.

"With Fancy, I wanted to create a pretty fragrance, one that I could be just as comfortable wearing on the red carpet or every day with my favorite jeans," says Simpson. "For me, Fancy is just that: fancy. This is a unique fragrance - personal, whimsical, playful and romantic with a heart of gardenia, an essence I truly cherish."

Fancy opens with the radiance of sparkling Pear and juicy Apricot Nectar wrapped with the glow of Red Fruits. The heart of Fancy is the captivating draw of dewy Gardenia laced with the delicacy of Night Blooming Jasmine. Toasted Almonds and Caramel notes provide a playful element. Creamy Sandalwood, infused with the sensual energy of Amber Crystals, unites with the embracing warmth of Vanilla Crème as Fancy clings to the skin at dry down. The fragrance itself is the color of blush champagne, a soft pink, the ultimate color of femininity.

The bottle is a softer, more modern interpretation of Jessica’s favorite vintage perfume bottles. The rose-gold floral motif that encircles both the bottle and collar add richness and dimension to this exquisite package.

The Fancy fragrance collection consists of a 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray ($59.00) and a 1.7 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray ($49.00), and a 5.0 oz Body Lotion ($30.00). The launch gift with purchase is a vintage-inspired cosmetic case, in soft pink to match the fragrance.

Posie Tint: Your Summertime Friend, With Benefit

2008-07-17T22:22:00.007-04:00

In the summertime, makeup slides off my face like it was made of Teflon. Which is why cheek/lip stain is a makeup bag must-have for me. But have you noticed how most stains fall into the fuchsia family? Fine for autumn and winter…but I’m not trying to look like a ski bunny in July.

Luckily, there’s Posie Tint, a warm weather-appropriate version of Benefit's cult-favorite Benetint.

I’m not going to lie…at first glance, its shocking Pepto Bismol color might induce nausea, heartburn, and/or indigestion. But once you see the petal-pink perfection on your cheeks and lips, you’ll agree…Posie Tint is blooming genius!

Posie Tint is available at Sephora and benefitcosmetics.com.

Don't Forget To Enter Victoria's Secret PINK Giveaway!

2008-07-17T11:03:00.006-04:00

Today is your final chance to enter the Victoria's Secret PINK Giveaway. Five readers will win a Zip Hoodie from the new PINK Collegiate Collection!

Click here for more information and to enter. Contest closes at midnight EST. Good luck!

Philosophy Shower Gels: 3 for $33...Limited Time Only!

2008-07-17T10:10:00.003-04:00

Philosophy.com exclusive: Select 3 shower gels for $33 (and save $15)! Choose from 7 delicious summer scents, including 2 new to philosophy.com:

Vanilla Ice Cream
Strawberries & Cream
Belgian Waffles
Lemon Custard
You Deserve The Lime Light
Be A Peach
The Frango Mint Diet

Enter promo code summer33 at checkout. Valid 7/17 – 7/19.

Interview With Nathan Johnson, Project Runway Makeup Artist

2008-07-16T01:30:00.014-04:00

For months, I have been absolutely ravenous for new eppys of Project Runway. Every now and again, Bravo throws me a bone in the form of late-night or weekend marathons. But while these re-run nuggets are tasty and entertaining, I need sustenance. I require my Project Runway fix on a weekly basis or I get fussy.

So you can imagine how keyed-up I am that the Season 5 premiere of Project Runway is mere hours away. Can you even stand it? How have I survived without Tim's quirky chuckle or Michael Kors' one liners? "It looked like Comme des Garçons goes to the Amish Country!" Ah...the good old days.

My fellow PR junkies, brace yourself. Today, time is gonna move like molasses. So to tide you over until tonight, I have a little treat. Recently I had the opportunity to interview Nathan Johnson, Makeup Artist for Project Runway. Read on to learn about Nathan's favorite products, and how he makes them work - on the runway and in real life.

When did your fascination with makeup begin?

It began with Boy George. I was blown away with how he would use color to make himself stand out. I found it astounding that he could even make himself look beautiful. I suppose that's when I fell under the spell of makeup. Another biggie for me was Cyndi Lauper. She was (and still is) never afraid to go all the way. When she first came out, she would paint swatches above her lips and use eye colors no one else would ever have dreamed of. In a lot of ways, I think she was a force in creating the make up trends of the 80s.

How do you describe your makeup style?

That's a hard one. Since the majority of my work is for film, television, stage and public appearances, what I do is usually set for me (by the script or the image the celebrity already has). Still, I make sure everything I do has my flair, which is romantic glamour. When I work, I plan very little before I see the woman’s face. I use makeup to bring out all of the things that are uniquely beautiful in each woman.

What would be your dream makeup assignment?

I would be a staff makeup artist on a morning show. That would be awesome for two reasons: I love to be home at night and having normal hours. Second, the thrill of always having new people to work on and never knowing who’s going to sit in my chair is very exciting for me. I also love working with the everyday woman. I think make up should be taught to women in high school. So many ladies have no idea what to with color. They apply it wrong, or stick to the same three colors for their entire life. I get a lot of fulfillment from showing women how to bring their beauty to a new level.

What is a typical day like, for you, on the set of Project Runway?

Except for start of day and touch ups, it's always different. A half hour after call time, the models come into the L'Oreal room. From the second they sit in the chair, we have 30 minutes to hear the concept and execute the makeup. Touch ups only happen once and they happen in such a tiny window of time that we are only able to do what is necessary to the string of 10+ models. There are four makeup artists on the show and, between us, we keep track of every color used on every model. To work on Project Runway, you have to be ready for anything.

On Project Runway, is the model's makeup look a collaborative effort between the makeup artist and the designer? Or do you look to the garment for inspiration and let your imagination go wild? The show glosses over that process, so I am very curious.

It’s both. The designer comes to me with an initial idea or thought and I delve deeper by asking about the garment, the style, feel, fit, mood, colors, etc. Taking everything into mind, I tell the designer my concept and we reach a common ground. It is necessary to guide them at times. I tell them what works on TV, what works for the runway, what will read under the lights, what the judges like, how the colors compliment the look, etc. They know fashion, I know makeup...when we listen to one another, amazing things happen.

Can you share with us some on-the-set beauty tricks?

Have the powder already on your puff! Under those hot lights everyone shines and a pre-powdered puff saves so much time. Also, disposable lip brushes are a lifesaver. You can pop on lipstick or gloss, and then just throw it away. You don't have to keep track of each models brush, just get a new one every time. One thing I do on set that you can do at home is highlight and brighten. Want to make darkness disappear and features pop, use a lighter face powder. After you conceal under the eyes, press in the lighter powder with a dense brush, it will brighten the whole area and banish darkness. Want to make your structure pop, brush the lighter powder onto the top of the cheek bone an along the jaw line. I love the Three Custom Color Specialists face powders, they go on smooth as butter. Just be sure to choose a shade 1-2 lighter than your tone.

What are the trends in makeup this summer?

What I’m doing for summer evenings is a dark black red lip (try Three Custom Color Specialists 'Flapper' from a Century in Red Lip Collection) with a very shiny gloss on top. For daytime or evening, I’m brightening the lid with a champagne shadow and lining the inner upper rim of the eye with black, this gives appearance of a super lush lash line without the eye liner effect. It is fun and flirty. I am also using multiple colored liners on the bottom lash line. Apply the color below the lash line and smoke it out. Of course it depends on the woman’s coloring, but some of my favorites are Three Custom Color Specialists’ Navy Eye Liner, MAC Jade Way Technakohl Liner, and MAC Purple Dash Technakohl Liner.

Which brands or products are staples in your makeup bag/toolkit?

From Three Custom Color Specialists: Champagne, Bronze, Copper, and Silver Eye Shadows, and the Clarifier Pencils (they’re great for brightening the inner rim of the eyes, covering up stubborn spots and blemishes, and adding a nice strong highlight under the brow bone). Bellini Lip Gloss is my favorite. I use it over lip colors because it compliments everything. I also use it on its own because it is universally flattering. MAC Fluidline is a staple. I use it in lots of different colors. I also use some of their Pro eye shadows. Makeup Designory: I love this brand’s eye colors.

What is your number one beauty secret/tip?

Skin is a beautiful thing. Don’t cover it up unless you have to. In my opinion, the biggest mistake a woman makes is layering on too much foundation. Cover only what you need to cover. If you don't start with clean beautiful skin, nothing else will be beautiful. Makeup should say “Look at beautiful woman!” Not “look at that mess.”

Thank you, Nathan, for this glimpse behind the scenes! Be sure to catch the Season 5 premiere of Project Runway tonight on Bravo...it's sure to be fierce.

Carry on!

Stila Teams Up With Rock The Vote To Encourage Women To Hit The Polls

2008-07-16T01:07:00.005-04:00

To inspire women to exercise their right to vote, Stila is teaming up with Rock The Vote for a limited-edition lipstick that will bring a new breed of "lip service" to the 2008 Presidential Election.

Equally flattering on pouts of all political persuasions, Stila's Rock The Vote Red Lip Color will go on sale beginning July 17th at stilacosmetics.com and 25% of the proceeds of the first 500 tubes sold will be donated to Rock The Vote in support of their efforts to mobilize young people to get involved in the political process.

Stila will also feature a "Register to Vote" icon on their website so that those who have not yet registered can get started.

Rock on, Stila!

Freeze 24-7: Buy 2 PlumpLips, Get One Free!

2008-07-15T18:36:00.002-04:00

Splash into summer. Buy two of the same size PlumpLips and choose a third shade FREE!

Why Bother: Maggie Gyllenhaal's Nails for Marie Claire, August 2008

2008-07-15T14:43:00.005-04:00

For the August 2008 issue of Marie Claire, manicurist Tabitha mixed an arsenal of MAC nail polishes to create the perfect cement gray for cover girl Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Too bad her hands are obscured in every shot.

And the behind-the-scenes pics on the magazine’s website are too small to appreciate the hue.

Thanks, MC. Thanks for nuthin’.

Off With Her Hair: Eva Longoria's New Do

2008-07-15T13:59:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, the pint-sized actress debuted a diminutive do. Thoughts?