Beauty Maverick

Valentine's Day Giveaway

   

Simply post a comment on this entry, anytime before Valentine's Day, with your name, city/state of residence, and the correct answer to the trivia question (below), and you could win a gift basket full of luxury beauty products.

Included in the prize:

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Pop Collector's Edition Powder Compact
In celebration of YSL's 30th anniversary, this highlighting powder has been designed to resemble a drawing done by Yves himself.

L' Artisan Parfumeur Piment Brulant EdT & Rose des Indes Candle
A sultry, complex eau de toilette that's both spicy and sweet, paired with a travel-sized candle that's scented with a romantic bouquet of peony, rose, and light amber.

Fresh Are You a Sugar Lover? Set
This glamorous set for the eyes and lips includes a Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Shag and a Supernova Mascara in Black.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt
A luxurious, coconut-scented oil that hydrates your body, hair, and cuticles.

Annick Goutal Petite Cherie Shower Oil
This new addition to the Annick Goutal body care collection is sure to keep your skin wonderfully soft during the winter months.

Gianna Rose Atelier Coterie de Rose French-Milled Soap
An assortment of rose-scented soaps, housed in an elegant porcelian dish.

Trivia Question:
Cupid was/is actually...
A) Female   
B) A creation of greeting card companies
C) The God of love and sex

The winner of this glorious gift basket (valued at over $375), will be drawn at random from the eligible entries on Thursday, February 14th. The draw will be recorded and posted online, so be sure to check-in to see if you've won!

Best of luck xo

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---
Some restrictions may apply. Contest closes at 9am EST on 2/14/08.

Beauty News Update

Sephora's in talks with Marks & Sparks to possibly open stores-in-store.

L'Oreal may soon add YSL Beaute to their ever-expanding portfolio...

Large pores? Botox can help.

How far would you go to reverse the signs of aging? A new treatment in Russia is causing controversy.

The S.A.G Awards

So many lust-worthy gowns walked the red carpet last night, it's hard to pick a favorite. Michelle Pfeiffer in Versace, Marion Cotillard in Nina Ricci, and Ellen Pompeo (also in Nina Ricci), definitely top my list as they each looked impeccable.

I also thought Vanessa Williams looked radiant in a bright Escada frock, but I'm sure that'll be a hit/miss with some.

My only question: Who styled Angelina Jolie and Sandra Oh? Wow.

A M.A.C Moment

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Luc Bouchard, a senior makeup artist at M.A.C, who (at the request of a room full of beauty addicts/editors) was kind enough to divulge a few of his methods for achieving a perfect, 'Photoshopped' complexion. Of course, I scribbled down as much as I possibly could, then ran home to try every last suggestion. As you'd expect, he's spot on.

To 'Photoshop' my skin, I'm now using:

M.A.C Face and Body Foundation and Duo Fiber Brush #187 and/or #188
The brush works to diffuse this (brilliant) foundation, creating a veil that instantly evens out my skin tone and gives me a fresh, dewy glow. If you invest in anything, invest in either of these brushes. You can use them for foundation, powder, rouge- they're fantastic.

M.A.C Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer
Applied with an angled sponge under my eyes and tapped (not rubbed) onto spots.

M.A.C Sculpt and Shape Powder with Brush #138
I've always been a bit nervous about contouring. It just seemed like something that's best left to the pros (until now). Luc gave us a stellar suggestion that takes the guess work out of shading: Stand under a light source and use it as a guide. Then, just shade the areas that are dark and highlight those that are light (aside from your forehead).

With the shadows as my guide, I use M.A.C's #138 brush to gently apply the darker shade of their Sculpt and Shape Powder duo under my cheekbones and on the sides of my nose, and then use the lighter powder on the bridge of my nose (avoiding the tip) and on the top of my cheeks. 

M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural
I dust this sheer, mineral-based powder (very lightly) over my forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, to give my skin a natural-looking radiance that further camouflages any minor imperfections.

M.A.C Blushcreme
When applied to the apples of the cheeks, it gives a sexy, yet subtle, flush.

These products (and techniques) are now my secret weapon against those dreadful off days. We all need a little help every now and again, so why not fake it flawlessly?

The Perfect Facial

I generally find facials a bit grueling, especially the ones that keep you on the table for longer than need be. I don't need ten different masques, facial waxing, and a set of highlights whilst receiving a facial. Just a really relaxing, cleansing treatment that leaves me wanting more. Is that too much to ask? Thankfully, Cornelia doesn't think so.

I went into their 5th Avenue spa this afternoon and experienced a facial unlike any I'd ever had before. It was, by all accounts, divine.

Upon entering my dimly-lit treatment room, I was offered a taste of honey to begin my service (a Cornelia signature). With that sweet, soothing taste in my mouth, I laid down and was asked to place my feet in a warm bath (built into the bed). Then, whilst the primary esthetician began my facial, a second esthetician paid special attention to my body. And by special attention, I mean a paraffin treatment for both my hands and feet as well as a glorious hot stone massage. I was in heaven. It was actually the first time I hadn't squirmed through my extractions (which, by the way, were impeccably done and not a mark was left).

The cost of a Cornelia Signature Facial is $195 to $315 for 60 minutes, depending on how many enhancements are added (if any). My facial included their Balancing Peel (amazing!), but of course your esthetician will recommend what's best for your individual skincare needs.

Cornelia Day Resort
663 Fifth Avenue
(B/w 52nd and 53rd St.)
212-871-3050

Bendel's Beauty Breakfast

I've just come from the semi-annual Beauty Breakfast at Bendel's and, as you'd expect, we'll be seeing a choice selection of niche brands in-store this season. Some that you probably already know and love, and others that are likely to become future obsessions (as I've learned, below).

Amongst the most exciting new additions to the Bendel's beauty floor is Le Metier de Beaute, a gorgeous color line that's launching this Spring. I'm so excited to see/hear more from them in the coming months.

Now, to my list of lemmings (of which there are many...) :

Mally Get Cheeky Dewy Blush in every shade
Giella Organic Body Wash, custom-blended with lavender and tea tree essential oils
Laura Mercier Brilliant Eye Liner in Onyx (a dark, shimmery grey-green) and Nail Lacquer in Daring (a rich burgundy)
Organic Apoteke Hydrating Body Oil in Sicilian Orange & Mandarin, an extremely uplifting and lightweight body mist
Etat Libre d'Orange EdT in Jasmin et Cigarette, a perfect floral for those of us who prefer more masculine scents
Ted Gibson Beautiful Hold Hairspray, it does everything without appearing as though you've used anything...

I highly recommend trying these products at counter, but do note that a trip to HB may result in numerous addictions. You've been warned ;)

Henri Bendel New York
712 5th Avenue
(at 56th Street)
212-247-1100

Serge Normant Downtown

After years of trying every ‘it’ salon in the city, I’ve finally found a stylist I can trust.

Meet Sebastian. Approachable, charismatic, and (perhaps more importantly...) extremely talented, he's one very good reason to visit Serge Normant Downtown.

What impressed me most about Sebastian was his ability to give my hair a dose of (much-needed) volume by simply working with its natural texture. No product necessary. Thanks to him, I've now got a style that's as effortless to maintain as it is beautiful. I'm in love.

If you'd like to check out the salon before committing to a cut/color, book a blow-out with Chris, a charming stylist who's quickly becoming one-to-watch. If he doesn't put you at ease, I don't know who will.

UPDATE: I've been back since, and sent a few girlfriends too, and it's just confirmed my initial reaction- Sebastian is definitely en route to becoming the next SuperStylist. I have yet to hear about, or see, anything less than perfection from him. He's genius.

Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon
825 Washington Street
(nr. Little W.12th St.)
212- 675-0001

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It's currently -10°C in NYC, so there shouldn't be a soul on the streets (that doesn't absolutely have to be), right? Well, that may be the mentality where I'm from, but the cold doesn't seem to faze New Yorkers one bit. They're a brave breed.

For those of you who feel my pain, check out Style.com for a fab listing of beauty/health/home services that'll come right to your door. From pilates classes and manicurists, to organic cuisine and 'musical stylists'- you can have almost anything brought to you in the comfort of your own home.

Thanks to Style.com, this week's high of 5°C is looking a little more tolerable...

NARS Sparkling Loose Powder

I've never been one for loads of glitter or sparkle, but a good shimmer always excites me.

I think that's why I'm so drawn to this Sparking Loose Powder from NARS- it's surprisingly discreet. Their lightweight, oil-absorbing formula holds a ton of super fine, gold-toned flecks that work to illuminate your skin (without looking kitsch).

I've been using this powder solely on my body, but it's intended for use from head to toe, so feel free to have fun with it.

Retailer: NARSCosmetics.com
Cost: $35.00

A Pinch of the '80s, A Dash of Now

I'm loving the cover of i-D this month. Gemma Ward and Lily Donaldson look as though they've just stepped out of a Robert Palmer video to let their hair down (as well as their dresses...).

The smoky copper eyes, crimson lips, and piecey hair extensions are a flawless fusion of then and now. It's genius.

Makeup by Mathias van Hooff using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Hair by Danilo for Pantene.