Beauty Maverick

Art or Insult?

As a longtime admirer of both Daphne Guinness and Barneys, I'm simply going to pretend that this outdated marketing stunt never happened.

La Nuit de L’Homme

Darren Aronosfky's brilliant new short for Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L'Homme, featuring a rather indecisive (yet seductive) Vincent Cassel.

Spring '11: Lip Service

The season's top color trends, simplified:

Orange
Think: cantaloupe, mandarin, blood orange.
Finish: matte.
Lip liner: color-matched or slightly lighter; used to define.
Pairs perfectly with: shimmer-free bronzer, caramel-nude nail, brown mascara.

Berry
Think: black plum, mulberry, bordeaux. 
Finish: glossy, creamy.
Lip liner: as desired; darker at outer corners, color-matched or none.
Pairs perfectly with: bold brow (defined or bleached), tawny eye, semi-matte skin.

Pink
Think: honeysuckle, fuchsia, hot.
Finish: matte.
Lip liner: color-matched; used as base.
Pairs perfectly with: little/no mascara, contoured cheek and slicked-back hair.

Nude
Think: beige, flesh, blush. 
Finish: creamy, matte.
Lip liner: none.
Pairs perfectly with: spring's lavender/moss eye, textured waves.

'11 Oscars

Browse expert how-tos, hair hits/misses & more on my Lifetime TV beauty blog.

Wang, The Next Generation

Alexander Wang's niece is sure to give the Olsen twins a run for their empire. (Once she's fully mobile, that is.)

'11 Grammy Awards

Browse expert how-tos, hair hits/misses & more on my Lifetime TV beauty blog.

Watch Yourself

A new study claims that looking at the source of pain can actually increase one's tolerance to it.

Rose Rebellion

In honor of the French origin of Valentine's Day, I propose we break away from all the faux-felt expressions of love, empty calories and useless gifts.

Instead, let's indulge whole-heartedly for the mere fact that it's fashion week — a time when even attempting to read tweets, browse collections or keep-up on backstage/front row gossip can be as exhausting as covering the shows themselves.

My mid-NYFW lust list:

M/MINK by Byredo
A hypnotic, unisex composition that opens with adoxal, reveals a heart of incense then dries to a base of patchouli leaf, clover honey and dark amber.

CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine in Boy
The brand is offering an exclusive sneak preview of this much-anticipated spring launch — a sheer, natural rose — from 02/10 through 02/14.  

EviDenS de Beaute Foam Masque
This delicate, do-it-all treatment boasts anti-aging, moisturizing, clarifying, restorative, protective and anti-stress properties.

Decleor Rose d'Orient Soothing Night Balm
Works overnight to smooth, calm and heal skin. (Makes a briliant lip/hand/hair aid as well.)

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner
An all-natural, sulfate-free cleansing and conditioning duo that works together to smooth, protect and illuminate rebellious, winter-worn hair.

Modern Alchemy Ex Libris Candle
Antiquated leather-bound volumes of handmade papers and parchment permeate seduce the senses in this D.L. & Co. creation.

Get Nailed for Less

Seeking the skills of an uptown esthetician, with the speed and cost of a downtown nail salon? Meet two of the city's best kept secrets:

Sandy, Think Pink Nails II
6th Avenue at 10th Street, NYC

Often called on to work exclusive events by brands like CHANEL. Specializes in nail care as well as reflexology.

Nina, Beauty Jewel Spa
146 West 4th Street, NYC

Splits time between Beauty Jewel and La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton. Efficient, experienced and professional.

Kate Moss is an Addict

Check out the new Dior Addict commercial, ft. Kate Moss.