The Classic Look is timeless, sophisticated and polished, playing on Pepper’s daytime fashion and on-the-go lifestyle as Tony’s trusty assistant. For makeup that lasts no matter what kind of drama may unfold during the day, begin by applying the long-wearing Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup for face and top with Tender Blush in Fresh Plum for softly glowing cheeks. Eyes are beautifully defined with Estée Lauder’s Artist’s Eye Pencil in SoftSmudge Black, Signature Eyeshadow Duo in Pink Dusk, and Double Wear Mascara in Black. Complete the impression with equally emphasized lips in rich shades with Estēe Lauder’s Automatic Lip Pencil Duo in Fig and Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Plum Frost. For high shine and a lustrous finish top with High Gloss in Rose.

The Romantic Look is soft, feminine and luminous and the perfect complement to Pepper’s evening style of a striking jewel-toned cocktail dress and long, flowing hair. Whether headed to a gala event or a soiree that calls for a softer focus, the look begins with Estée Lauder’s Individualist Natural Finish Makeup for face and Tender Blush in Peach Nuance for cheeks. To add a touch of soft sheen, apply Spotlight under foundation on cheek bones, at the center of face and just above the upper lip. For luminous eyes, apply Pure Color EyeShadows in Honey Drop and Ivory Box and top with Artist’s Eye Pencil in SoftSmudge Brown and Projectionist Mascara in Black. For lips that shimmer all night long, finish with long-wearing Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Duo in Constant Coral.

For the Classic Look:

  • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup $32.50
  • Tender Blush in Fresh Plum $25.00
  • Artist’s Eye Pencil in SoftSmudge Black $18.50
  • Signature Eyeshadow Duo in Pink Dusk $25.00
  • Double Wear Mascara in Black $19.50
  • Automatic Lip Pencil Duo in Fig $23.50
  • Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Plum Frost $19.50
  • High Gloss in Rose $ 16.00

For the Romantic Look:

  • Individualist Natural Finish Makeup $32.50
  • Tender Blush in Peach Nuance $25.00
  • Pure Color EyeShadow in Honey Drop and Ivory Box $17.50
  • Artist’s Eye Pencil in SoftSmudge Brown $18.50
  • Projectionist Mascara in Black $19.50
  • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Duo in Constant Coral $20.00

Visit www.esteelauder.com for more details and close-ups of Gwyneth’s look in Iron Man.

Posted in Backstage Beauty

Lancôme’s Thakoon Lipstick video is live on YouTube! The video showcases celebrated designer Thakoon Panichgul and the creation of Pixel Pink, the special lipstick created for his Spring 2008 runway presentation. The video was created by Grant Greenberg, the New York City-based filmmaker who directed last season’s charming Peter Som lipstick video for Lancôme, and features the artwork of painter and experimental filmmaker Jeff Scher.

Pixel Pink is the fourth and final lipstick in the Pout-à-Porter series of shades created exclusively by Lancôme for the runway. It has already sold out in record time on lancome-usa.com, and is currently available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus counters and the five Lancôme boutiques: Manhattan (212.362.4858), The Mall at Short Hills, NJ (973.258.0790), Northpark Mall in Dallas, TX (214.750.9364), Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, CA (408.244.8334), and Brea Mall in Brea, CA (714.671.0267)

Greenberg is a graduate of the world-renowned filmmaking program at New York University, where his thesis film “Cricket Head” won the Wasserman prize for best graduate film. “Cricket Head” has since screened at festivals around the world, winning prizes at the Palm Springs, Clermont-Ferrand, Edinburgh and Monte Carlo film festivals. His most recent film, “Sick Sex,” which he produced and shot, was an official selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Scher’s work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and the Hirshhorn Museum, and has been screened at the Guggenheim Museum, the Pompidou Center in Paris, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and at many film festivals around the world, including opening night at the New York Film Festival.

Dior Beauty was responsible for Miley Cyrus, Keri Russell, Laura Linney, and Cameron Diaz’s Red Carpet looks at Oscar night this year.

Teen phenom (and first-time presenter) Miley Cyrus wowed in a crimson gown and fresh makeup thanks to Dior International Celebrity Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff.

“I was inspired by Miley’s radiant youth. It was all about glowing, gorgeous skin with flushed cheeks and a popsicle-stained mouth. Then for the Oscar glam part-tons of black mascara first and then blue mascara to top it off! The final touch was some ‘fairy dust’ glitter-she’s a Disney princess come to life!”

  • Eyes: DiorShow Mascara in Black and Blue, 1-Colour Eyeshadow in Icy White
  • Cheeks: Benetint by Benefit, Glitter by Makeup Forever
  • Lips: Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Flamenco Red

Presenter Keri Russell (”Waitress” and “August Rush”) showed off her delicate beauty in a stunning neutral gown and makeup to match. Celebrity Makeup Artist Mai Quynh said she was inspired by Russell’s “putty-colored dress.”

“I wanted the look to be ethereal and organic, like her dress and hair.”

  • Eyes: DiorShow Mascara in Black
  • Cheeks: DiorShow Powder in Hip Peach
  • Lips: DiorKiss in Hazelnut Lychee

Laura Linney (nominated for her role in “The Savages”) was as classy and sophisticated as ever thanks to Celebrity Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle.

“It’s about simplistic, manicured beauty, very anti-trend,” said Buckle of the look. “Laura is a strong, accomplished woman so I wanted the makeup to be all about her and enhancing her natural beauty!”

  • Eyes: DiorShow Blackout Mascara
  • Lips: Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Casual Beige #222
  • Face: DiorSkin Forever Foundation

Cameron Diaz dazzled in a blush pink strapless Dior gown and natural makeup. Use the following Dior Beauty products to achieve Cameron’s understated look:

  • Eyes: 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Incognito
  • Lips: Rouge Dior Lipstick in Academy Beige
  • Cheeks: Dior Flower Blossom palette
  • Face: Dior Blotting Papers and DiorShow Powder in 004.

Posted in Backstage Beauty

What was your favorite Oscars’ look?  Who wore it best?  (Or do the Oscars not even show up on your radar?)

I can’t sit through the Oscars, but I also can’t sit through any award show unless perhaps I’m getting an award!  I do like checking out the photos after-the-fact, because it’s way faster and I can scrutinize more than I can using my television screen.  Heidi Klum’s dress was fantastic, of course, but I loved Katherine Heigl’s whole look, it was just gorgeous. 

Posted in Backstage Beauty

Helen Mirren’s striking radiance was perfected by a combination of makeup products from Kanebo as applied by makeup artist Elaine Offers of Exclusive Artists Management who states, “The transluscent powder feels unbelieveable……and the lipstick is gorgeous as well! I’ve always felt that the best beauty products come from Japan…love them!”

Mirren wore the popular Kanebo’s Concealer Brush in Light #1 and Medium #2 ($30 SRP) and Kanebo’s Translucent Powder ($55 SRP).  The Concealer Brush is unique in a number of ways. Its is a revolutionary brush-on foundation tool designed to flawlessly cover fine lines, under-eye circles, blemishes and discoloration while treating and improving the texture and condition of skin.

Kanebo Concealer is enriched with Kanzo Extract, a traditional medicinal herb taken from the root of the licorice plant and used to gently soothe blemishes and help prevent irritation. A second key component is that of Reflecting Beads, an ingredient exclusive to Kanebo, which causes light to diffuse on the skin’s surface, thus minimizing the appearance of facial imperfections. Silk Extract—to prevent moisture loss and allow for a smooth application—and Phyto Squalane, which quickly penetrates to enhance moisture retention and prevent stretching of delicate skin are also principal ingredients.

Kanebo’s Translucent Powder provides a water proof translucent loose powder base and allows the skin to reach its silky and perfect finish. As seen on Mirren who was in her makeup for six hours before she presented the award, this heavenly finish absorbs excess sebum and prolongs the flawless finish. The moisturizing ingredients provide a rich, smooth sensation that is visible on the skin. This colorless and weightless product is perfect for any skin color or type. It can be used for simple touch ups over a bare face or can be the outer layer for a more formal look.

Kanebo is available at select Barney’s stores across the country and at www.barneys.com.

Posted in Backstage Beauty

Beauty Backstage by Stila: For four seasons, Marchesa has turned to stila cosmetics to complement their Hollywood-worthy designs with just the right makeup looks. Headlining makeup artist Talia Shobrook used lush, rich hues to complete the gilded splendor of the Marchesa collection.

Inspired by the iconography of the 16th Century, Marchesa’s fall collection evokes the excess and elegance of the Golden Age. Drawing on the drama of the Spanish Armada, the designs embody the clash of lavish Spanish style and Elizabethan renaissance in an era marked by legendary monarchs. Shobrook captured the concept in a dramatic look that modernizes Elizabethan stylization, with dreamy, angelic complexions to reflect the soft, flowing quality of the collection.

stila offers you quick how-tos so that you can capture this majestic fall makeup style:

Step one: skin
The look for skin is matte and pale. Begin by applying stila sheer pressed powder. Then, apply stila perfecting concealer to areas that require more coverage.

Step two: eyes
Neutral tones contour and accentuate a smoky eye framed with dramatic lashes and brows. Apply stila eye shadow in chinois to brow bones. Next, apply stila eye shadow in bouquet and kamet to the creases of your eyelids and your bottom lash line. Line the lower outer rim kajal liner in smoky quartz. Then sweep multi-effect mascara in brown over lashes and apply multi-effect mascara in black to tips of lashes. Finally, fill in brows with brow set.

Step three: cheeks
Cheeks are natural but flushed for high contrast with pale skin. Use new cherry crush lip and cheek stain to create a bright flush against pale skin. Apply to fingertips to the high apples of the cheeks, blending out until the color diffuses into a soft stain.

Step four: lips
Lip color is shiny and saturated against matte skin and eyes. Apply cherry crush lip and cheek stain directly to lips for rosy color with a slick sheen. Next, dab SPF 20 lipstick in caicos over cherry crush with fingertips to finish the look.

Posted in Backstage Beauty

ghd shares the secrets to getting the red-carpet locks seen at this year’s Oscars!

Get the latest twist on ponytails that were being shown off by stars like Cameron Diaz and Anne Hathaway:

  • Prior to blow drying hair, spray on ghd thermal protector which helps to increase the hair elasticity during the heated styling processes and helping to control static and increase shine
  • Combine a small amount of ghd texture lotion with ghd smoothing blam to make the perfect anti-frizz cocktail to ad texture and shine to hair while combating humidity

For romantic, ringlet locks and waves, like Amy Adams, try:

  • Apply ghd thermal protector to damp hair and blow dry
  • Use the ghd IV styler to crease loose waves.  Take a small section of hair and starting a few inches below the root, hold the ghd IV styler vertically and gently clamp hair in between the plates.  Turn the styler 180 degrees so the hair is twisted around part of the styler and pull the styler through the hair.  Keep the pressure light (the plates shouldn’t be clamped down tightly on hair) and move the styler quickly through the hair to form loose waevs.
  • Shake out the hair a bit and gently brush through with your fingers.  Spray on ghd ultimate hairspray to keep waves lasting throughout the night and finish with a spritz of ghd reflection spray for glorious shine.

Fringe fun?  Imitate Jennifer Hudson’s look:

  • Apply ghd obedience cream to help reduce frizz and add gloss to hair prior to blow drying
  • Use the ghd IV mini styler to style bangs into place
  • Add a little texture to the ends of your fringe with a very small amount of ghd sculpting wax

ghd is available at www.ghdhairusa.com.

Posted in Backstage Beauty