Front Row Face

WHAT: 3LAB Perfect Mask

WHY: It's officially Daily-tested, Daily-approved. Not only did we try it out on ourselves but we shared the chic six-pack with other beauty junkies--including a manly type--to see if it worked on all skin types. And it was the male tester who raved the most! Granted it is a super-saturated non-woven sheet (watch out for drips!) but you'll want to get as much of the concentrated formula onto your skin as possible. It uses the company's Nano-Claire GY^TM bioengineered growth hormone and a slew of other highly scientific ingredients to boost collagen, fight wrinkles and brighten your overall complexion while combining them with more natural green tea and ginko biloba extracts for an antioxidant shot. Our faces have never felt so smooth. So, stock up on these once you return from the European shows!

PRICE: $120 (six sachets)

AVAILABLE: http://www.barneys.com

Today’s Beauty Look:Rich Red Lips, Emmys Inspried

The Look: Getting red lipstick on your teeth is the beauty equivalent of trailing toilet paper from your shoe. You can’t always feel it, but inevitably it leads to HUGE humiliation. So thats why women invented the blot on paper and a mirror…Always check the mirror ladies.

The Trick: Red lipstick is high maintenance!, so make sure you color within the lines, of your lips of course. To get a super-precise line around your lips like Rosario Dawson, don’t apply straight from the tube. Instead, swipe a stiff lip brush acorss the top of your lipstick bullet and carefully paint your lips. After applying, rim the outside border of your mouth with foundation to create a neat, and crisp line for a kissable pout.

Source: Instyle

Today’s Beauty Look: Smooth Flawless Skin

The Look: When it comes to beauty, it’s important to pick your poisons wisely. So instead of turning to Botox needles to get a smooth, perfect face like Cate Blanchett, try a new cream made with synthetic snake-venom, which helps relax wrinkles just as effectively as injectable solutions. Also for you young girls take care of your skin now! Use facial washes and lotion. Also don’t let your face get too much sun exposure, use some SPF!

The Trick: Celebrity facialist Sonya Dakar tells her celebrity clients to limit alcohol before a big event.–That means don’t boose it up!–No matter how much celebrating you’re ready to do, champagne and cosmos “will cause a dull complexion, bloating, and dark circles,” warns Dakar.

Source: Instyle

Emporio Armani - Milan Spring 2009

Emporio Armani Spring 2009. © FirstView

(MILAN) At Mr. Armani's megaplex on via Bergognone, the Giorgio himself offered up a selection of nautical-via-boardroom looks that were signature Emporio Armani. Navy separates provided the collection's building blocks, while the paper-bag waist governed trousers, minis, and everything in between. White, slouchy ankle-length pants topped with a rumpled pale blue jacket proved just how wearable this collection is. Several military touches, most memorably in double-breasted navy jackets, offered a more serious touch--which nicely offset the transparent silk jumpsuits, rendered decent by a mere pair of minishorts. A flank of six pastel halter gowns decorated with bias-cut sequins underscored Emporio Armani's admirable versatility.

Roll Up in Style

Michael Kors' lip (and scent) service

WHAT: Michael Kor Rollerball/Lip Gloss Duo

WHY: He's a designing guru of jet-set fashion and knows how to pack for the ultimate chic globe-trotter. So all you Europe bound chicettes should throw this new limited-edition MK shade and scent duo into your carry-on. It's easy to apply the signature eau de parfum (think dewy freesia, tamarind and incense) between shows but the Bare Vinyl gloss is a go-to shade that will match any ensemble. It's natural. It's neutral. And it keeps the shimmer at a minimum. Now that's lip service you can use!

PRICE: $22

AVAILABLE: http://www.sephora.com

Runway Reviews

Temperley London Spring 2009. © FirstView

London Spring 2009: Emma Cook, Nicole Farhi, Temperley London, Todd Lynn

(LONDON) Emma Cook

Cook's Spring 2009 collection, "Susie Soleil," featured graphic-print dresses and chiffon tees in a palette of mostly grey, black, white, khaki and coral before turning pink, purple and iridescent for night. A pencil skirt was sexed up with a zipper that unfurled all the way down the back, while ruffled hems and fringe accessorized dresses. In an apparent anticipation of London's frequent showers, Cook also showed variations on the clear plastic raincoat: It came as a jacket and a poncho, embellished with black piping or rhinestones.

Nicole Farhi

For Spring 2009, Nicole Farhi stuck to what she does best: comfortable, classic pieces. Cocktail and sundresses abounded--some in painterly prints, with or without embroidered embellishment, others in sateen stripes or fern appliques. Farhi also sent basic separates down the runway, like simple cardigans, striped long-sleeved tees, pleated trousers and chiffon blouses. Raffia hats, bow headwraps, belts in various prints and wedges were the main accessories, although Farhi's final look sported an additional touch: an Obama '08 pin.

Temperley London

For Spring 2009, Alice Temperley decided to take a "Romantic Odyssey," an appropriate title for a show she has moved back to London after several seasons in New York. The collection was inspired by the age of Enchantment in post-Victorian Britain, a time characterized by a reaction against restraint and a movement towards color and light, inspired by characters of the time such as Beardsley and Chaplin. This translated itself into fashion with uber-feminine dresses-the Dana dress, which emerged in varying lengths and colors, boasted an extravagant bow on one shoulder; the Glade dress had a goddess-y feel to it and the final looks were completely in bloom. Colors ranged from blacks and creams to vibrant pomegranate and sapphire shades; blouses and trousers had a fluid ethereal sentiment. Accessories included studded star-shaped belts and large floral headpieces, while the latter part of the collection included toughened-up add-ons like a medival leather waist-coat and chainmail tunic.

Todd Lynn

Todd Lynn's Spring 2009 collection, "Devour the Divine," took its inspiration from the thirties and forties, particularly the film The Day of the Locust, which tells the tale of a group of Hollywood wannabes in 1938. Progressive fabric choices--glazed bamboo, lacquered cotton, vintage paper leather and silk net give the collection a futuristic slant. Same with the variations on the basic tuxedo jacket, which was reworked as a biker style, a feather-embossed double-breasted spencer and a tailcoat in the season's palette of smoke, antler and raspberry. The final dress was entirely made of plumage in shades of grey, with an exaggerated feather bustle. Suzy Menkes and Plum Sykes sat front row.

MAC’s Backstage Star

Keri Hilson hung out at the M.A.C backstage lounge during Fashion Week, so Chic Report caught up with the songwriter and for album dish–as well as what she’s loving this season.

What have you liked so far?
I really loved the colors from Zac Posen–some of the leopard pattern pieces were amazing. I’ve always loved the thin line between staying strong and bold yet nonconformist. That’s how I feel fashion can always empower women.

Would you ever consider getting into fashion design? What would your collection look like?
I would love to get into fashion some day. It would have a funky retro look, but still elegant. Right now, I am concentrating on having everyone see me as an amazing artist and singer.

What are some of your favorite pieces by M.A.C?
My favorite products are usually the Mineralize Skinfinish. I also love Plushlash which makes my lashes really pop!

What crazy stuff have you seen in the M.A.C lounge?
Well, backstage at any fashion show is always crazy but it was crazy seeing Zac Posen whiz by before his show started. I had such a tight schedule of great of interviews that as soon as I was done, I was off to the front row.

On-The-Go Beauty

Beauty Junkie - Fashion Week Daily -

It’s almost all over, and we’re tired. How did we get through it? Borba Aqua-less Crystallines mixed in water for two whole servings of antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals. It comes in Pomegranate for oily skin and pore cleansing, Açaí to reduce the look of aging skin, fine lines and wrinkes, Guanabana to improve skin’s smoothness, elasticity and nourishment, and Lychee to diminish skin’s dryness, sensitivity and roughness.

Enhance your Cheekbones...

Enhance your Cheekbones...

Continuing on our series, by ace makeup artist, Cory Walia…who suggests the right make up tips to enhance our features….

BLUSH SPLASH

Prominent Cheekbones:
High cheekbones make a face look good in photographs. So highlight them more, use a shimmery blush on the apple of the cheekbones.

Rounded Cheeks:
A darker shade of blush under the cheekbones and light, shimmering shades will give definition to an otherwise plump face.

TIPS:
Experiment with blushers in different colours and highlight areas that you want to bring out.
Be careful with highlighters and shimmers though – you don’t want to end up looking too shiny!
For a good complexion but dry skin, use cream-based blushers and products.
While selecting the right shade of blush, keep in mind your skin tone and the tints that go well with your complexion.

Runway Reviews

(NEW YORK) Doo.Ri

Neon was the buzzword at Doo.Ri's Spring 2009 show; her signature jersey pieces were injected with vivid colors or piping. The designer got her inspiration this season from artist Bruce Nauman: "I was inspired by his work and his use of neon art. I wanted to inject that through the colors, the fluorescents, on a background of gray." This combination of organic, natural elements mixed with intense, tech-inspired colors made for a gorgeous, fresh collection. Standouts: a neon pink minidress with ruched details, and an aqua tank/skirt combination.

Anna Sui

Anna Sui immersed herself in Mexico: full flirty skirts, rich earthy tones, embroidery, fringing, beading, and Spanish lace. The folksy fashions were accessorized south of the border style with cowboy boots, straw hats and bags, and Erickson Beamon artsy jewelry piled on high. Sasha and Agyness closed the show in matador-inspired looks. Costume-y, yes, but it put us in the mood for the Mayan Riviera. Besos.

Vera Wang

"I wanted to play. There was toughness, but also magic kingdom pale neon colors. It was like being an artist; it's girly with a tough act. That's who I am. I'm girly but not goth," Vera explained. Sheer over and underlayers played well with leather pants; shifts were adorned with fantastic bejeweled accessories. Wang dabbled in menswear with blazers and jackets but didn't stray far from her frothy chic. "She's hit her stride. It's going to be a huge success," declared Robert Burke.

Review: Clinique Modern Matte Fall 2008

Clinique's come up with a new line of gorgeous Lip Colours and Glosswears so wide in variety that just about anyone can wear them.

Their New High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 are not only smooth and comfortable on the lips, but they're great in that they both moisturize and protect from UVA and UVB rays. A great thing about the lipsticks is that when applied, the color stays vivid for hours. In other words, the Lip Colour's pretty much long-lasting, and you won't have to spend every other hour touching up. The colours Clinique advertise fall into four categories: Nudes, Tawnies, Pinks, and Violets.







Me, I've always been a "pink" person, as far as lip shades go. So it's no surprise that I'm going to talk about my favorite shade in the Pinks category, Honey Blush. Honey Blush is somewhat of a rose color with sort of golden honey attributes (hence the name, Honey Blush). It's truly a gorgeous shade when applied to the lips - in a way, it almost has a "pinky-coral" tint to it (but this may depend upon the lighting and whatnot). Whatever color it may be, it's a pleasant shade on the lips and is so comfortable, you'll forget you're even wearing it.

Along with this particular Lip Colour, there's a certain shade of Glosswear that I like using as a top coat. Like the High Impact Lip Colours, Clinique's Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 are categorized into the four categories of Nudes, Tawnies, Pinks, and Violets.



Although Honey Blush was classified officially as a "Pink," I found that one of the Nudes in the Glosswear added a nice flair to the look - Guavagold. This is a sheer, peachy-pink gloss with golden undertones. This, of course, is also a long lasting gloss so you won't have to reapply coats all that often.

Since this is a gloss, you can also apply it onto bare lips, rather than coating it over a lipshick shade. In my opinion, it's the type of shade that enhances your lips - it's still slightly tinted, but it's still your lips, only better. Be sure to snatch up your perfect shade before it's sold out!


Another great product from Clinique I tried, is the New Defining Liner for Lips in Cider. This shades falls under the "Tawnies" category. It's a lovely soft warm bronzey brownish shade that would look great on olive or tanned skin. It offers a creamy smooth application due to a high level of cushiony feeling oils.
This long-wearing formula (up to 8 hours) pairs perfectly with Clinique's new High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15.


What I love about this liner is that it comes with a convenient built-in sharpener. Is that cool or what? I love this innovative concept. I hope Clinique does this with their eye liners too!

Check back later this week for reviews on Cliniques Blushwear Cream Stick in the limited Very Blush shade, and Quick Eyes Cream Shadows in Truffle and Lucky Penny!

The Makeup Divas

Fekkai in a Boite

We all want hair by Frédéric Fekkai and now, it’s ours. Thank heavens for Fekkai Salon Color! The kit allows women to customize their color with an at-home salon in a box. On Wednesday, September 10, Fekkai and his team will be on hand at Bloomingdale’s on 59th street from 4-7 for the first ever Fekkai Salon Color Clinic to promote the new product, even giving personal consultations to guests.

Runway Reviews: New York Spring 2009: Sari Gueron, William Rast, Y-3, Tibi

Sari Gueron Spring 2009. © FirstView

(NEW YORK) Sari Gueron

Focus Studios hosted Sari Gueron's show this season, a perfect plain backdrop for the heavily girly collection she showed. While her pieces began in muted floral colors, it flowed into see-through lacy dresses paired with black underlay. "I think the inspirations came from watching the Olympics while I was designing, so we added the racer back," said Gueron. "Swimming and diving sort of got in our head." Sleeves were loose, while shorts were low and baggy. Sparkles, the perfect accompaniment to many collections, paired well with ruffles and the slight menswear looks, keeping it girly and chic. Models had a bit of trouble with their shoes as more than one pair came undone while walking the runway!

William Rast

What a way to introduce William Rast to New York: bring a bunch of city-dwellers into Roseland Ballroom and turn it into a literal Southern party, complete with wooden seats, a stage that opened from a wood porch, as well as leaves covering the ground so thickly that a model almost fell on them. "I'm a little overwhelmed," said Timberlake of his first showing in New York. "I'm pheklempt. We're excited. I feel like we're absolutely ready for it and just want to introduce ourselves. I think for New York Fashion Week for your first show it's enough for me to fit in. We're not trying to do something crazy, we just want to show who we are." Buckets of beers greeted guests at their benches for the show that was (unsurprisingly) full of denim. More surprising was the fact that Anna and Bee took their seats early and stayed, waiting for the masses to arrive as the show started almost an hour late. It began with the William Rast movie, which featured Timberlake and Erin Wasson as fugitives on the run, looking chic in -what else?- William Rast. "It was a whole new way of working," said Wasson of her experience. While post-show there were rumors of a Justin performance, the William Rast face didn't even show up to his private VIP bench to party with best friend Trace (who rocked a shirt that said Music is my Life) and their bottle of Dom Perignon. Guests nibbled on delicacies from Southern Hospitality while chilling with their bottles of beer or Bourbon on the runway porch, waiting for a little JT crooning.

Y-3

It's an unusual concept, the collaboration between an avant-garde Japanese designer and a mainstream athleticwear company; the outcome usually comes out along the lines of fashion-y sweats, neither very practical nor aesthetically pleasing. This season, Yohji Yamamoto walked the line between Y-3's athletic roots and a more sophisticated style, opening with tailored pieces like vests and jackets. Those pieces were successful; it was in the attempts at formalwear that Yamamoto started running into problems. If anyone could pull it off, it would be Yamamoto, but maybe chiffon just doesn't belong in the same look as a hooded sweatshirt. His two closing looks, wedding dresses in black and white, were topped by long white veils attached to baseball caps. Judging by the slew of celebs like Ellen Pompeo, Sean Paul, Peaches Geldof, and Vincent Gallo in the front row, Y-3 puts on a good show, but as far as fashion goes, it doesn't quite fit.

Tibi

Tibi's cute, printed-dress loving girl has grown up - and moved to designer Amy Smilovic's 1980s Asia. Sunday night in the tents, Smilovic showed this new girl to a packed house and got the crowds buzzing. Obi belts and mandarin collars were perfect touches to full-sleeve blouses and pegged satin pants; just enough to give the collection a clear direction but not enough to make it costumey. Though drapes of fabric around the hips on skirts and said pegged pants might not be the most flattering option for the non-mannequins, the collection as presented was striking and sophisticated, a real evolution for the Tibi girl. "I know that when she sees this, she's going to love it," Smilovic said. "I think it won't scare her. She's going to be like, 'I want to look like that girl.'"

Pout Confidently!

A beautiful smile turns more heads than the perfect accessories or the perfect hair style…And a perfect pout can be more sensuous than the most daring outfit… Read on to learn more about beautiful lips and dressing them up well.

• If you want your lipstick to last the whole day, use a soft lip pencil over the lips, then apply your lipstick over this. Do not forget to blot this with a tissue.
• If you want the certain pout, then put a dash of lip gloss at the centre of the upper lip.
• Not fond of a lip liner but want your lips to look clearly defined? Apply foundation around the lips, before using your lipstick.
• If you have full lips then don’t wear shades that are too shiny or glossy. In the same lines, women with very thin lips should avoid using dark colours.
• No need to be embarrassed by lip colour on the teeth. After applying the lip colour, close your lips over a finger, in the form of an ‘O,’ then slowly twist your finger out. This with your remove all excess colour from your lips.

Lastly, some easy home beauty care for you lips:

• Massage coriander leaf juice on the lips, for a soft and rosy look.
• You can make your own fruity lip balm, by mixing one tbsp of cranberry juice with two tbsps of Vaseline.

Make-up colours for the Dusky Damsel

Choose colours according to your complexion. Vinodini Rao decodes the make-up meter… This week we look at Dusky complexion… Make up maestro Subhash Vagal suggests the colours that flatter a dusky skin tone…

Choose a warm palette of orange, peach and pink

Base: If you have clear skin, you have little to worry about. But if you have spots to cover, use concealer. In foundation, use colours that have yellow undertones, to give a healthy glow.

Cheeks: Use shades of orange/peach for the cheeks.

Lips: Use coloured lip glosses. Pinkish lips compliment dark skin well. Pink lips outlined with a brown lip liner looks smashing.

Eyes: Dark skin needn’t have smoky eyes. You can use mascara to enhance your eyes, kaajal or coloured pencils and eyeshadow, depending on how bold you want them and what you are wearing.

Fruits of Marc Jacobs

PRICE: $68

AVAILABLE: http://www.sephora.com

A splash of fig for fall

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

(NEW YORK) WHAT: Marc Jacobs' Fig fragrance

WHY: Marc Jacobs' limited edition splash in fig is a sweet and juicy fragrance. The refreshing blend of yuzu zest, Tuscan cypress and rich fig creates an alluring blend. The clean scent is the perfect thing to wear when leaving a pheromone trail at the Marc Jacobs after party.

A Perfect Package

We’re suckers for adorable packaging. Here’s Sephora’s Professionnel Ergonomic Brush Set with five brushes–a powder brush, a blush brush, a crease brush, an eyeshadow brush, and a brow comb in a tubular case with a magnetic flap closure.
THE DETAILS: $54, sephora.com

Beauty Junkie

Spring 2009 New York Fashion Week sketches

Next Friday is the first day of New York's Fashion Week when designers unveil looks from their Spring 2009 collections. But why should the Fashion Today audience have to wait until next week to see everything? Fashionistas don't like to be kept waiting...so here's a peek at some of the looks you'll see coming down the runways. Included are sketches from Marc Bouwer, Rubin Singer and Maticevski. And there'll be more to come as I get them from other designers over the next few days leading up to the big event.

Marc Bouwer's collection is called, "Goddesses by a Pool," with the inspiration for the pieces coming from the powerful femininity of a 1970s sex symbol. His will be an elegant retro/futuristic procession in bright, poppy colors.

It's "Anchors Awei" for Rubin Singer. Exotic destinations, carefree luxury cruising, the 1940s, and the rugged, angular forms of marine vessels served as inspiration for his spring looks.

"My main inspiration for the collection came from a book called, Inventive Paris Clothes 1909-1939' with photos by Irving Penn and Text by Diana Vreeland...," explains Maticevski. "Restrained opulence - rich, luxurious, exotic and intoxicating."

Posted by Lisa Irizarry/The Star-Ledger