Chanel Beauty | Les Contrastes de Chanel Collection for Fall 2010

M.A.C | In the Groove Makeup Collection for Summer 2010

“Every once in a while don’t you just want to let go, feel the flow, and get in the groove??

Start with a little ’70s Batik, add some ’80s Neo-Mod Tie-Dye fun, some Marrakech mystique, and you’re feeling groovy!  A modern, flowing and fabulous way with bold, kaleidoscopic colour combined with boho charm and up-to-the minute catwalk style.

Nine new Mineralize Eye Shadows, six Cremesheen Lipsticks, six Cremesheen Glass, four Mineralize Skinfinish Powders, and five new Mineralize Blush Duos. Shadows are matte, sans glitter and in the trio format. Creamy lips play perfectly off Mineralize satin-smooth eyes. Turn on and groove out!“

Pop Beauty | Friends & Family Sale!

Use promo code 'POPSummer' during checkout to receive 30% off of your entire order.

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Backstage Dior by Roxanne Lowit

I had a thought today, and it was this: "Why haven't I purchased this book already?" 

The book is called Backstage Dior, and it captures 10 years of photography by renown photographer Roxanne Lewit.  This AMAZING book gives us a real insight as to what occurs backstage before a show, and the brilliance, craftmanship and creativity of John Galliano. 

Pat McGrath never ceases to amaze me. I'm always anxious to see what makeup look she creates for Dior.

Here is a sneak peek into the book:

Runway VS Reality | Toni Garrn

The photos you see above come from two different runway shows that Toni Garrn appeared in, and doesn't she look beautiful? The first look is more glamorous, with a bolder eye color and lip.  The second look is more natural and soft, using fleshier, pink tones.

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Below, you see an agency photo of Toni, no make-up.  She still looks beautiful, but if you didn't know that she was a model, you may mistake her for any other "pretty" girl.

Moral of the story: Natural beauty is ALWAYS a plus, but NEVER discredit the wonders of make-up!

Chanel Beauty | Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss | Fall 2010

Covergirl Cosmetics | Mini-Makeover Event

A few weekends ago, I was hired by Covergirl Cosmetics to introduce their newest products and give mini makeovers in various CVS pharmacies. Everything was complimentary for the shoppers, and each lady also received a free Shine Blast Lip Gloss of their choice and Covergirl compact.

The products I used:

Clean Foundation  & Powder

Creamy Foundation w/ Olay Regenerist

Smoke Shadow Blast Eye Shadow

Lash Blast Mascara

Shine Blast Lip Gloss

Covergirl also had a surprise: A special appearance by Covergirl/Actress Dania Ramirez.  Dania came by for a few hours to take pictures and sign autographs, and she was very sweet, and very pretty.

I hadn't tried any of these products prior to the events, so I was anxious to see what they could do.  I was most curious about the finishes of each product, and if the product would last throughout the day.  I remember using Covergirl as a teen, but haven't really used the brand consistently since then. 

The ladies came, as well as a few men, and the makeovers began:

To my surprise, everything lasted, except for the Shine Blast Lip Gloss, which is very sheer and shiny. It is a true gloss, so if you want more pigment, wear a lipstick underneath it. 

I really enjoyed the Clean Foundation.  The product is sheer, not heavy, and the finish is really natural and pretty.  The foundation gives you enough coverage to feel comfortable wearing less make-up and it also allows your skin to breathe through the make-up.

'Before and After' pictures:

In her before picture, it's obvious that she has great skin, but she appears a bit washed out in her complexion.  I decided that she only needed the Covergirl Clean Foundation, a little bit of blush and the Shine Blast Lip Gloss, and she looks flawless.

This young lady also had great skin, but she didn't really wear make-up because she doesn't know how to apply it.  I decided to use the Covergirl Clean Powder to eliminate any shininess and provide her with a little bit of coverage. I used the Smoky Shadow Blast in 'Citrus Flair', some blush and Shine Blast Lip Gloss to finish her look. Isn't she a beauty?

She was special because she was also a make-up artist, specializing in Special Efx make-up! She told me that she wears make-up sometimes, and loves playing with color.  She also had great skin, so I used a small dabble of the Clean Foundation, the Tropical Eye Enhancers [Blue], blush and the Shine Blast Lip Gloss.

This young lady loves make-up, but dislikes a lot of make-up because she has enormous skin sensitivity which causes her to break out.  With that said, I had no choice but to use the Clean Foundation, which is oil free and light in coverage.  The foundation, a sweep of Clean Powder over her face and a little blush really gave her complexion a glow.

Here are more post-makeover photos:

I really enjoyed this experience as a whole.  I really love being able to help women when it comes to learning about beauty and how to apply make-up to oneself.  You'd be amazed to know that most of these women told me that they don't wear make-up not because they dislike it, but because they have NO clue how to apply it.