Spring Looks: Day to Night

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

the looks, left to right:

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

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

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

xo

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

Spring Beauty 2010: Dolce&Gabbana Intimate Sensuality Collection

though i love this time of year, i know many of you are battling the incredibly cold weather. let's think warmer, more cheery thoughts for the time being, shall we? the spring season will be here soon and Dolce & Gabbana have a gorgeous makeup collection called the Intimate Sensuality Collection that will help compliment those fabulous warmer-weather ensembles you can't wait to wear. take a look...


for the eyes:



Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Petal




Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Mystery




Crayon Intense in Nude



for cheeks:



Luminous Cheek Colour in Apricot



for the lips:



Classic Cream Lipstick in Petal




Classic Cream Lipstick in Glam




Shine Lipstick in Precious




Precision Lipliner in Ultra




Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Innocence





for the nails:



Intense Nail Lacquer in Petal (left) and Drama (right)



such a gorgeous collection, right? this luxe line is pretty, feminine, and will add major glam to your spring should you choose to splurge on them. what do you think? anything catch your eye?

Dolce&Gabbana The Makeup Intimate Sensuality Collection will launch in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at saks.com in march 2010.

xo

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

Zoya Spring 2010 Reverie Collection

Zoya's Spring 2010 collection, Reverie, is one full of gorgeous metallics sure to keep the season feeling dreamy. here's a rundown of the colors:




Laney-- moonlit silver metallic
Gwin-- sunny melon metallic
Lana-- rich red metallic
Adina-- duochrome violet metallic
Reece-- gilded rose metallic
Happi-- pink blush metallic


from the swatches i've seen over on Michelle's blog, All Lacquered Up, i'm already sure that Reece and Adina will be coming to live at my house. :) head over to view the swatches, and i guarantee you'll want at least three of these new shades!

Reverie is now available at zoya.com

xo

NY Fashion Week: Cle de Peau at Vera Wang Spring 2010

Vera Wang found inspiration for her spring 2010 collection through Paul Poiret, the french designer some say was the first to "drape" his designs-- a new approach that signaled a departure from rigid tailoring. it was with this in mind that Lucia Pieroni, color creator for Clé de Peau Beauté, created her own new approach, developing a boy-like, simple face for each model, that worked perfectly with the clothing and bold jewelry.

"i wanted the models to appear cool and very natural, so i created a super sheer base on the face with eye accents only, of taupe and silver." Lucia says. "i wanted them to look healthy, but a bit supernatural."

beginning with the new Luminizing Enhancer Base, Lucia created a luminous complexion and evened out skin tone, prior to applying the Refining Fluid Foundation to provide an even, flawless and radiant finish on skin.



next, Lucia accented and extended the brows utilizing Eyebrow Pencil in #104/Grey to give a fuller, still polished effect.

to brighten eyes, she used new Satin Eye Color in #11/silver with a touch of shade #111/Taupe to add definition at the outer corners.

Lucia decided to forego the mascara and eyeliner, but chose instead to utilize Satin Eye Color #104/Golden to highlight the browbone and the top of the cheek, adding an ethereal glow.



finally, lips were colored to understated perfection, complementing the face without drawing attention. Lucia used new Extra Rich Lipstick in T40, a nude shade inspired by tea roses.


the new Clé de Peau Beauté spring 2010 collection will premier in march 2010 at Bergdorf Goodman and select Barney's, Neiman Marcus and Saks locations nationwide.

xo

NY Fashion Week: Bobbi Brown at Yigal Azrouel Spring 2010

Yigal Azrouel's spring line featured pieces that were feminine, yet deconstructed. to play off of the collection, Bobbi Brown created a natural look featuring a strong "smudged" smoky eye.




here's how to get the look:




on the skin: Hydrating Face Cream (pictured), Hydrating Eye Cream, Foundation Stick (pictured), Creamy Concealer, Corrector




on the eyes: Charcoal Eye Shadow, smudged out and applied to lower lash line; Extreme Party Mascara (new for winter 2009), applied to top and bottom lashes


on the cheeks: natural




on the lips: Touch of Lip Balm SPF 15




on the brows: Clear Natural Brow Shaper

xo
first image: style.com; model images via elle.com

NY Fashion Week: Kevin Mancuso at Vivienne Tam Spring 2010

for Vivienne Tam's spring 2010 runway show, the focus was on nature with warm pastel colors, flowing dresses and delicate fabrics. lead hairstylist and Nexxus Salon Hair Care creative director, Kevin Mancuso, created the mane look, which was inspired by the glamour of the 70's and free-spirited "Woodstock generation": free-formed waves and a voluminous silhouette.

want to know how to create this look yourself? Kevin has some easy-to-follow steps below...




prep:

**distribute a lightweight, curl enhancing foam (like Nexxus Gorgeous Curls) throughout hair to add body, enhance natural curls and waves, and help to support the structure of the style.

** flip hair upside down and blow dry, while running fingers through hair to create texture.


style:

**once the hair is dry, flip it back and create a center part.

** use fingers to smooth and flatten the crown of the hair. hair should be smooth 1-2 inches from the root, then billow out with volume from the forehead down.

** next, take 1-inch sections of the hair and, using a large barrel curling iron, create big, loose waves throughout the bottom half and underneath the hair. to curl the top half, use a small barrel curling iron.




finish:

** brush out the curls using a wide tooth comb or brush. lift the hair up and away from the root as you're brushing to maximize the volume.

**finish the look with a spray of Nexxus Comb Thru to keep style looking runway-ready all day long.



actual products used for the show:

Nexxus Gorgeous Curls Curl Enhancing Styling Foam

Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam Styler

Nexxus Comb Thru Natural Hold Design & Finishing Mist


to see the entire Vivienne Tam spring"10 collection, click here. Nexxus haircare is available in your hair care aisle at a grocery, drug, mass, and club retailers across the u.s.

xo
first image: style.com
other images courtesy of DailyMakeover.com

NY Fashion Week: NARS at Thakoon Spring 2010

at the Thakoon show Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics led a team of artists, creating a luminous, contoured look for spring 2010.

the inspiration behind the collection itself came from the idea of "samurai-meets-surfer". with so many sharp edges and aqua-blues in the collection, designer Thakoon wanted the models to look like warriors so that they could really wear and carry the strong clothing. to compliment the bright colors, the face was kept a bit more monotone overall but still imparted strength around the eyes and cheekbones.



on the face:

**apply NARS Sheer Matte Foundation to conceal imperfections.

**to achieve luminosity, apply NARS Orgasm Illuminator (new for spring 2010) to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.

**to contour the cheeks, apply NARS Malaysia Multiple Bronzer and blend into the cheek bones.

**highlight the cheekbones and nose with the white side of NARS Hungry Heart Blush Duo.



photo: Greg Kessler via style.com


on the eyes:

**apply the brown side of NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow on the entire eyelid up to the brows.

**blend both NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow (new for spring 2010) as well as the light pink side of NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow (new for spring 2010) into the crease, outer eye and up towards the brow bone.

**apply NARS Bali Single Eyeshadow to the upper and lower lash lines as well as to the crease in the eyelid, blending with the other shadows to create definition.

**dust NARS Night Snow Single Eyeshadow in the corners of the eyes.



on the lips:
**mute lips by using NARS Concealer.

**with your finger, apply NARS Ophelia Lipgloss (new for spring 2010) to the lips.

i am loving this look! of course all of the products that are new for spring 2010 actually make me excited for the season to start-- patience... :)

visit style.com to see the entire Thakoon collection and nars.com to purchase items available now.

xo
first image: Marcio Madeira via style.com
other images, unless otherwise specified, courtesy of NARS

NY Fashion Week: All Dolled Up at Whitney Eve

Whitney Port's NY Fashion Week debut took place last week and had a somewhat positive response. for her spring 2010 collection Alice in Wonderland was the inspiration behind the makeup look.

big lashes were to be the main focal point-- i have no problem with that!-- so makeup artist Tina Turnbow used Nyx Professional Makeup's Doll Eye Mascara in Volume to create, big open eyes. for a bit more definition, each model's eyes were lined with Nyx Professional Makeup's Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black, with a sexy cat-eye swoop.



also for the eyes, Tina created a colorful, fresh look using Nyx Professional Makeup's Single Eyeshadows in three steps:

**on the eyelid-- sweep the White Pearl shadow up to the crease to make eyes pop
**in the crease-- use the Golden shade to highlight and add shimmer
**as a contour-- add definition above the crease to the brow bone with shadow in Burgundy Pearl

cheeks were youthful and flushed in pink. Tina mixed Nyx Professional Makeup's Rouge Cream Blush in Glow and Hot Pink to apples and contours of the cheek.

to set off this playful look, Tina selected Nyx Professional Makeup's Black Label Lipstick in Volcano, a bright, sunny coral shade to add to the lips.

the makeup look is pretty and perfect for the spring season. to purchase these products online, be sure to visit nyxcosmetics.com. want to see the collection? click here

xo

NY Fashion Week: Charlotte Ronson Spring 2010

i was fortunate enough to go backstage at Charlotte Ronson to get the scoop on the makeup, hair and nail color details for the spring 2010 season. the look, as described by Charlotte herself, is "classical meets street".


model, Selina Khan, having her hair done

as you can imagine, it was a bit chaotic backstage, but i totally expected it. as people came in and out, i just tried to snap good pics and stay out of the way, LOL!



as it rained outside, models were dolled up to look like ballerinas who were on their way home after a dance class: hair (created by Alan Ruiz for Avon) was in a twitted and tousled bun, while Charlotte Willer for Maybelline New York created a look that made the skin look look "fresh and glowy".



image courtesy of DailyMakeover.com

the nails were polished using Milani nail lacquer in Creme Brulee

i'm not going to say i was thrilled with the hairstyling choice, but as an overall concept when put together with the makeup and clothes, i got it.

check out makeup artist Charlotte Willer explain how she created the natural, glowy look for the show:



xo
all pics, unless specified, taken by me :)