Beauty Maverick

Rachel Getting Married

I recently had the chance to attend a private screening and soirée for Anne Hathaway's latest picture, Rachel Getting Married. The cast and crew were all present to celebrate the occasion, as were members of the Lancôme family (which included the likes of Daria Werbowy, former Harper's Bazaar Beauty Director/Author/VP of Public Relations Kerry Diamond, and Marc Benhamou, the VP of Creative for L'Oréal's Luxury Products Division... To name a few). It was a beauty reporter's dream.

As you'd expect (and despite the stormy weather), every actress and socialite arrived to the event perfectly polished and ready for a photo op. So what I found to be truly inspiring, was how lovely the ladies of Lancôme looked at the end of (what appeared to be) a crazy busy day. Impeccably dressed in up & coming designers like Thakoon and Peter Som, each complimented their look with a luminous complexion and just the right amount of color on their eyes, cheeks, and lips. Of course, Anne was noticeably radiant as well and looked Magnifique in a classic combination of smoky eyes and pale pink lips*.

Ms.Hathaway also lit up the screen as 'the other sister' in the film, which was quite the departure from her lighter, more comedic roles. Bravo to her for taking a risk, and for all she's (so elegantly) endured these past few months.

*Anne's Look:

The base- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #2 was used, along with Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #2. And then, to give Anne's complexion a rosy glow, Giorgio Armani Sheer Cream Blush in #2 was applied to the apples of her cheeks. To finish the look, a cream highlighter was used on the brow bone and cheek bone areas. 

On the eyes- Lancôme Modele Sourcils Brow Groomer in Natural was used to define Anne's eyebrows. Next, Lancôme Artliner in Black was smudged inside and around the eye close to her lashes, and then a bronze eyeshadow was blended into the crease with a soft brush, individual lashes were placed throughout her lash line (with a focus on the outer corners of the eye), and the eyes were finished a quick curl and Lancôme Hypnose Mascara in Black (applied to both the upper and lower lashes).

On the lips- Lancôme Color Design Lipstick in Pale Lip.

If You'll Splurge on Azzedine Alaia for Your Feet...

Shouldn't you treat your skin to the same level of luxury?

If your answer is a passionate 'Yes!', La Prairie may just have that special something. Their latest, and most advanced, moisturizer to date- the Cellular Cream Platinum Rare- uses Platinum (yes, the precious metal) to fights the signs of aging by maintaining the electrical balance in the epidermis, which is said to be a necessity for optimal skin functionality. 

Also included in the formulation is a blend of 'Smart Crystals', peptides, vitamins and antioxidants, to help significantly reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and lines on the skin whilst increasing resilience and hydration.

Personally, I have a weakness for anything/everything La Prairie and the handcrafted packaging of the Cellular Cream Platinum Rare is rather striking. But will I pay the equally unbelievable price? That remains to be seen.

Retailer: LaPrairie.com
Cost: $1,000.00

On the Radar: Cocoa-Colored Nail Polish

I know that everyone's currently buzzing about blackcurrant and burgundy hues, but the must-have nail color for holiday 2009 appears to be bittersweet chocolate. And, of course, most brands are only offering their version in limited-editions (with the most successful shades sure to sell-out before they've even made it onto the pages of your favorite fashion mags).

Whether matte or metallic, this hue stays within the vamp trends of fall/winter, but adds an unexpected richness and warmth to any look.

My personal picks for the season:

Chanel Le Vernis in Haute Chocolate
Available in October, this cocoa-colored nail polish shimmers with flecks of gold.

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque in Rich Coffee
This dramatic, coffee-colored nail lacquer provides ample shine and resists chipping.

Excited to embrace this delicious new trend? Stock-up and set aside your favorite formulations, before they've sold out.

Giles Spring 2009 RWT

You can always count on the collections shown at London Fashion Week to provide us with a little more edge than those in NYC, and Giles was no exception.

To balance his bold prints and brightly colored frocks, the girls were given a dramatic 'winged' eye, contoured cheeks, and barely-there lips.

As for the hair, it was all about texture. Gone are the Mad Men days of perfectly coiffed tresses to match our lady-like dresses. Giles proves that the modern woman can be as rebellious as she is refined.

Tuleh Spring 2009 RTW

Celebration was the theme at Tuleh's recent RTW show in New York, with this collection marking their 10th anniversary in the business.

The quirky sense of glamour that originally put Tuleh on the map (or runway) is ever-apparent in the flirty fabrics and feminine cuts showcased for next season, as well as in their choice of hair and makeup.

Guilded eyes, minimal mascara, and mulberry lips provide a youthful glow, whilst brushed-out waves add a touch of refinement (sans seriousness).

All in all, a fabulous- and totally wearable- look for Spring.

Saks 'Polished Skin' Set

I’m generally not one to blog about all-inclusive/special offers, but it’s not because I believe the products included aren’t worth it. It’s just that my makeup bag is rarely (if ever) composed of one brand, so why would I assume that yours is?

Well, I’ve finally come across a (fabulous) kit that addresses this dilemma. Saks' new 'Polished Skin' set comes with a selection of seasonal staples from YSL, Dior, Guerlain, NARS, Armani and Chanel– All housed in a limited-edition leather clutch designed by Marc Jacobs. And, as if it could get any better, the entire lot costs only $198 (a fraction of the total value).

Included in the Set:
Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow compact in Tender Chic
NARS The Multiple in Copacabana
Yves Saint Laurent Touch Blush in #2
Giorgio Armani Gloss in #16
Guerlain Le 2 Two-Brush Mascara in Black
A deluxe sample of Chanel Sublimage

Happy shopping!

Retailer: Saks.com
Cost: $198.00

Q5 with Charlotte Tilbury

There are few people in the industry that can command the level of respect and admiration that comes so naturally to Charlotte Tilbury. She simply transcends titles and limitations.

And whilst Charlotte has become as recognizable as her celebrity clientele, she remains one of the most charming and accessible women you could hope to meet. She's quick to share her insider tips/tricks, and admit that she'd rather be caught nude than head out the door without a proper coat of mascara and a little color on her cheeks.

I recently had the chance to interview this globetrotting superartist, for her expert advice on everything from beauty tools and the ultimate concealer, to the secret behind her flawless complexion...

Q1. Did you always long to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance?

I always knew I wanted to do something involving the arts. My father is a painter and I knew I had his talents but I also felt drawn to the fashion industry, with a huge interest in clothes, shoes and trends. I was always styling my friends and doing their hair. 

At the age of 13, I met makeup artist Mary Greenwell and she definitely inspired me in my choice of career. But it was when I was about 16 and met a different makeup artist, with whom I had a long conversation about what his job in the fashion industry involved. I instantly knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life. There was no turning back, I had made my mind up and I told my mum that same day that I was going to be a makeup artist!

Q2. What beauty trend is most exciting to you at the moment? Why?

One makeup look I am really into at the moment is a berry stain on the lips. It’s the most modern way to wear a lipstick, patted onto your lips with a finger. Don’t worry about the lip-line not being perfect it’s part of the look to leave it soft.

Q3. If a girl is going to invest in 5 makeup brushes, which do you feel are the most important to own?

I swear by the brushes by Paula Dorf. Try her concealer brush Total Camouflage, it blends the product perfectly into the skin. 

For blending eyeshadow whether it’s cream or powder, Paula Dorf’s Smoke Lid is the perfect size for blending under the lower and along the top lashes. It’s amazingly soft and also works perfectly to smudge eye-pencil.

To blend on the eye-lid and/or in the socket Sheer Crease by Paula Dorf is ideal. You will have great control of the movement of the pigment.

Trish McEvoy also does a wonderful range of brushes. The Sheer Blush brush is so soft, feels amazing on the skin and blends products amazingly. You can use it to apply your blusher and/or bronzer.

The slightly smaller version, the Highlighter brush, is the perfect tool not only to apply highlighter but also to apply powder!

Q4. What brand/type of concealer is your favorite for camouflaging the effects of a late night out (under-eye circles, blemishes)?

I love Estee Lauder’s Maximum Cover and I use them religiously! Mix with a tiny bit of moisturizer for a texture that covers any blemishes and makes your complexion look dewy and glowing!

For an under eye “lift” try Bobbi Brown’s Eye Brightener. It will get rid of any dull shadows!

Q5. You’ve got a gorgeous complexion, who/what do you rely on to keep your skin so luminous?

I do look after my skin. I cleanse it morning and night plus I have regular facials.

But I also rely on amazing products!  I love all the products by Ila. Their skincare range is natural, organic and made of the best quality ingredients that are the purest available, sourced from around the world.

Their Face Oil for Glowing Radiance does exactly what it says in the name. Your skin will look rejuvenated and radiant and you will notice the difference instantly!

Ila also does a Body Oil For Vital Energy. It will help you restore your natural energy and help your body deal with everyday stress.

Rag & Bone Spring 2009 RTW

I've always found it rather peculiar that, in the midst of extreme humidity and heat, the boutiques in NYC are stocked with wool and flannels for Fall, whilst the runway shows tease us with lust-worthy items (and beauty looks) that we could wear now- but must wait a full season to enjoy. Case in point: Rag & Bone's Spring '09 collection.

Muted tones, leather accents, and beautifully tailored silhouettes were all abundant, with a definite rock/punk influence woven through each ensemble.

In terms of beauty, the choice of defined eyes and matte, white-pink lips complimented the collection perfectly, and managed to look gorgeous on brunette and blonde models alike. My only critique would have to be the attempt at texturized, slept-in/rocker chic hair. Perhaps I'm just not getting it, but the majority of girls looked as though they'd taken a bit too much shine serum/pomade to their tresses. The overall effect was just a bit too stringy for my taste. 

What did you think of the Rag & Bone Spring 2009 RTW looks?