Couture by Badgley Mischka

What better way to celebrate your 20th Anniversary, than to launch what could be one of the best fragrances ever. This is what the fantastic duo of Badgley Mischka did and trust me, we're all reaping the benefits.

Last Thursday, a few beauty bloggers and press gathered at the über posh Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa for an unveiling of the new fragrance, Couture by Badgley Mischka. With all the craziness of fashion week, Mark Badgley and James Mischka were kind enough to share their time and lead us into their world on how this scent came to be.

"Our new fragrance, Badgley Mischka Couture, embodies our passion for making women feel beautiful."
- Mark Badgley & James Mischka

"We wanted a fragrance to make you feel like you're in a couture gown," James said, "...an overall enveloping feeling of being in couture."

The inspiration came about three years ago when the duo worked with the Olsen twins and discovered the transformative power of a couture gown. Couture is at the core of the brand, their heritage. So it's only fitting that the scent be called Couture and I must say, it lives up to the name.

Available this month, it was created with perfumer Caroline Sabas of Givaudan Fragrances, who was also present at the event. Couture is described as a floriental wood scent, the fragrance blends fruits with florals and musk. My fave.

I asked Caroline exactly how it is she picked out the scents, "What's the formula?" She replied, "There is none, it's all testing, testing, testing". Out of the thousands of notes, they finally came up with what works perfectly and truly delivers on the promise of lasting all day. It opens up with pear nectar, blackberry and dark plum. The heart of the fragrance (middle notes) is quite feminine with notes like gardenia, jasmine and violet. The base notes consist of cashmere woods and musk.

Mark, Caroline and James

You know I have a thing for beautiful presentation and this bottle is no exception. The design of the bottle is based on the iconic crystal bottle from the original Badgley Mischka fragrance which was inspired by vintage crystal barware except this one is metalized in gold. It actually coordinates with their Fall 2009 collection (above, which got rave reviews during fashion week).
The bottle has crystal "facet" slits that are representative of "a bare shoulder or a decolette in an evening gown," according to Mark.

The item that has got me swooning, however, has got to be the Parfum Elixir.

This is something quite innovative and honestly, the best. Rather than your run of the mill roll on fragrance, the duo created a gel- yes, a GEL!

"We wanted a different kind of delivery system, we didn't want to do a roller because that reminds me of deodorant," James joked. It has this sort of moisturizing effect (though it is NOT a moisturizer) and contains emollients and vitamin E. The packaging is exquisite, a gold bar- contains 0.5oz so its TSA approved!- with "MB" etched all around it. The gel isn't sticky or gooey, rather it felt silky and every time I waved my hand, I got a whiff of pure luxury.

Perfume, according to the duo, is an affordable luxury. So in the current economic state, its only fitting for them to release a perfume that will give women that red carpet moment. Then they uttered something I couldn't agree more, "It's always a red carpet moment for women."

From left to right: James Mischka, me, Mark Badgley...I die. Of course the one day my hair decides to take on a life of it's own and develop a mini 'for, is the day I meet legends.

I haven't done a really good fashion post in a long time. and for that, I'm sorry.

I've gotten so into beauty that I've forgotten/ left out my love of fashion. It may sound odd but I haven't been inspired lately. All we hear about is doom and gloom with this economy.

It's much easier buying a[nother] pink lipgloss/ lipstick (which I did) than, say, a Alexander McQueen jacket.

Not that I can afford a McQueen jacket.

And that's the problem. I can, however, afford a MAC lipstick.

Pretty by Elizabeth Arden

Last week, a few lucky Total Beauty bloggers and I went to Givaudan only to be introduced to a slice of heaven: Pretty by Elizabeth Arden.

Pretty was created by master perfumer Claude Dir of Givaudan. His vision was of something pretty, fun and flirty. It's as if he wanted to "capture a dream in a bottle" so to do this he went to his palette of ingredients (about 4,000!) and searched for the notes that would create this vision. The search was over when he was sent a molecule, exclusive to Givaudan, which he instantly named Petalia. Dir describes Petalia as a charming and unique note that has a peony effect.

Other notes in this scent include:
Top Notes (or the hook, as Dir said, what grabs you in):
-Italian Mandarin Orpur
-Orange Blossom
-Peach Nectar

Middle notes (the heart of the fragrance):
-Petalia
-Star Jasmine
-Pink Iris
-White Peony

Drydown (the "sexy/ flirty" part of the fragrance):
-Fluffy Musk
-Jacaranda Wood
-Creamy Amber

There is a continuity amongst the notes- that is, no one note is identifiable. It is not easy to pinpoint the different notes in this scent. It is truly a complex floral and with his mixture of over 100 ingredients, each of the notes blends beautifully together to create a fragrance that is wearable to work or school in morning and holds you over for dinner at night.

Dir was able to create a timeless and wearable scent that stands out from the masses. “There are so many fragrances on the market, people are confused,” he said. True to his vision, Pretty is one of those fragrances that you will remember the name, smell, and where you were when you first wore it. There

If you don't fall in love with the scent alone, then the package reels you in even more. The bottle was inspired by a bud vase and feels both sensual and substantial in your hand. Elizabeth Arden hit the nail on the had with this one...the packaging and the fragrance is nothing short of, well, Pretty.

Special bonus!

Going on 'till April 19th Elizabeth Arden is hosting the "I Feel Pretty" sweepstakes with Style.com. Visit http://www.style.com/promo/elizabetharden/pretty/ to enter for the opportunity to win a Spa Vacation for 2 plus the entire Pretty Elizabeth Arden collection!

Prize includes:
Airfare
Accommodations for 5 nights
Massage treatment
$100 credit toward additional spa services
The entire Pretty Elizabeth Arden collection, a value of over $150

Good Luck!

Tuesday Morning Poll

So rather than writing my news article for my Journalism class, I'd rather fill out this survey i found on a friend's blog.

Is that bad??

Oh well. It's time for our weekly bonding session any way...

Describe your personal style.
Super Casual- jeans are my staple. In the winter, my footwear consists of flat boots an in the summer ballet flats. I occasionally break out the heels, if I'm going to be with people who are above 5'6" (I'm 5'9")

What are the staples in your wardrobe?
Ok so I definitely answered that above haha. Jeans and ballet flats.

What’s your signature look?
bangs, braces, flats.

Who is your fashion muse?
Audrey Hepburn-muse to this blog, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, Edie Sedgwick and Michelle Obama

Favorite purchase of all time?
Hmm...my Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker perfume.

Biggest splurge?
My less than stellar digital camera.

What’s your beauty routine?
The beauty junkie that I am, my routine never stays the same for longer than two weeks. Sort of. When it comes to skincare, I stick through for 6 weeks. Makeup changes everyday. But I must always wear: foundation, lipgloss and mascara EVERYDAY!! Throughout the week I'll add blush and eyeliner. Rarely do add eyeshadow- after reading all these beauty blogs my less than stellar eyeshadow techniques gets me upset haha. I've also designated one day out of the week my "No Makeup Whatsoever" day- where I wear no makeup whatsoever...lol

What jewelry do you never take off?
My necklaces and earrings. I lose rings like crazy and for some reason the glass in all my watches always cracks.

What are you wishing for?
Money.

What are your obsessions?
Blogging. Playing with my lipgloss collection (LOL), reading all my past issues of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

Jada Pinkett-Smith at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

One of my favorite Hollywood leading ladies, Jada Pnkett-Smith (it's between her, Kerry Washington, newly added Taraji P. Henson) showed up at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, hosted by VF's own, Graydon Carter.

Jada Pinkett-Smith wore a Roberto Cavalli Resort 2009 one-sleeved gown, which had a crystal embellished detail on the waist.

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

Doesn't she look so statuesque? I love the flowy nature of the gown-classic yet the crystal embellishments on the dress add that extra wow factor.

Tell me, do you love it? Hate it?

Photo: WireImage

Beyonce at the 2009 Oscars...a NO...

Ok, so all this time I've been updating throughout the day on Oscar dresses, hair and makeup that I loved. Now, unfortunately, this post is one I truly disliked.

Beyoncé...

Now don't hate me!! I know there are tons of Bey fans out there but this look wasn't doing it for me. Her dress was House of Deréon Couture- her own line. And yes, the dress compliments her figure, I guess. It's just that I'm tired of seeing her with all this mermaid style gowns.

We get it. You're curvy and beautiful.

But I'd really like to see her switch it up more often. I'm not a major fan of hers but I'm a fan of the red carpet. I live for these moments (well, that and Fashion Week). I love the glitz and the glam.

And I don't want to see anymore fishtail gowns from her!

Her makeup is cute though. I'll giver her that. Nice, simple and I'm a sucker for a winged eyeliner.

Photo: WireImage

Kate Winslet at the 2009 Oscars

Kate Winslet looked absolutely beautiful on the red carpet last night. She wore a multi-toned, one shoulder YSL dress. She's known for wearing YSL on the red carpet but she always looks classic and elegant. Hands down one of my top fave dresses of the night.

To compliment the dress, her makeup looked classic and natural. Her makeup was done by celebrity makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey.

First, she prepped Kate’s skin with Lancôme La Base Pro primer to create a smooth canvas for a polished complexion. She lightly brushed Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel on the brows to play up their natural shape. Next Dempsey applied Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer to the eyes and the lashes were coated with Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Mascara in Black. To create a sheer, neutral colored lip, Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Old Flame was applied for a soft, matte finish.

Photo WireImage

New York Fashion Week Celebs: Talyor Momsen

Spotted: Taylor Momsen, a.k.a Jenny Humphrey of Gossip Girl, looking quite the rebel at the Marchesa and Anna Sui’s Fall 2009 shows wearing NARS Cosmetics. "Taylor wanted a smoky, strong eye - her signature look,” said NARS Makeup Artist Sharon Brown.

Looks like our little Jenny Humphrey is 100% pure cool and ready to hit the big leagues. Who better to make her look all grown up and rocker chic than NARS...


“I used Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil to rim her eyes and smudge over the entire lid.” Blue shadow was layered for a pop of color. Finally, Cyprus, a bronze shadow with shimmer, was added for a flawless transition into her next outfit. “She was wearing a beautiful dress with copper accents later that night so I wanted the look to work well into the evening.” With the eyes as the focus, the cheeks were kept soft and highlighted, and the lips were delicately glossed with a new sheer pink grapefruit shade for spring.

Below, Sharon gives us the play by play on what she used on Momsen and how we can recreate this look (for us dark skinned beauties, obviously we'll have to use shades that compliment us in terms of foundation and concealer)

Skin:
· Mix NARS Firming Foundation in Deauville and NARSskin brightening serum to create an even base with a subtle glow [“She certainly doesn’t need the firming benefits of the foundation, but I love the texture,” explained Sharon]
· Apply NARS Duo Concealer in Custard/Ginger as needed
· Blend NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane into cheeks
· Highlight cheekbones with a soft blend of NARS Blush Duo in Hungry Heart

Eyes:
· Line the top and bottom lashes with NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon
· Smudge Black Moon over entire lid [“For Taylor’s eye makeup, the darker the better,” said Sharon.]
· Apply slate blue side of NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Underworld for a pop of color
· Layer NARS Single Eyeshadow in Night Flight, using cobalt blue pearls to accentuate Underworld
· Top with a light dusting of NARS Single Eyeshadow in Cyprus
· Highlight brow bone with NARS Single Eyeshadow in Aybssinia

Lips
· Line lips with NARS Lip Liner Pencil in Tonga (new for Summer 2009)
· Apply NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge for sheer color

Visit narscosmetics.com to get the items above.

You know you love me, xoxo
MissWhoever You Are

Halle Berry at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Halle Berry looked stunning at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter last night wearing a strapless black Marchesa dress with gold accents. She looks great and I'm happy to see her out and about after having her baby- an event she said changed her life (pick up the new issue of Essence magazine if you haven't already! Ms. Berry graces the cover and gushes about motherhood).


Berry's elegant loose chignon was created by Mara Roszak, TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist.
I got the scoop on how Roszak created this look and you could too! The best part...all for under $15. Talk about recessionista!

Follow these simple steps to achieve Halle Berry's stunning style:


-Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Straightening Gel on wet hair from roots to ends. Blow-dry hair with a medium-sized round brush, creating movement and lift.

-Then, curl random sections of hair using a 1 1/4 inch curling iron, spraying each section with TRESemmé TRES TWO Ultra Fine Mist hairspray before curling. Apply a small amount of TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Weightless Crème onto hands, rub together, and brush out curls with fingertips, giving hair body and shine.

-Next, pull hair into a mid-height pony, twisting it into a loose chignon, pinning as you go. Be sure to leave out some pieces to give it an organic look.

-Finally, spray with TRESemmé TRES TWO Ultra Fine Mist hairspray to hold chignon.

Photo: WireImage

Natalie Portman at the 2009 Oscars

It seems like Natalie Portman can do no wrong when it comes to red carpets.

She wore a gown by Rodarte at last night's 81st Annual Academy Awards. Her lovely lavender-colored strapless gown was a great foundation for her overall look- her eyes and cheeks also featured a beautiful purple color.

I love this bold color and as a fan of the Mulleavy sisters, I'm glad their gowns are making their way on the red carpet.
Her hair, was another wow factor. Kevin Mancuso, Creative Director for Nexxus® Salon Hair Care, created the modern and romantic updo and Portman carried it well. Her look was elegant and non fussy.


With a sweeping side part and soft curl, pinned into a beautiful knot at the nape of her neck, the look is deceptively easy to create. And now MissWhoever You Are readers can get this beautiful look because Kevin describes how to get the look with these simple steps:

Step 1:
· Apply a volumizing styler to the roots, like Nexxus Root Exxtend, to add body into the hair.
· Distribute a medium-hold mousse, such as Nexxus Mousse Plus, throughout hair to and maintain and support the structure of the style. More modern updos employ product instead of teasing to build body, for a softer, healthier look.
· Blow dry hair with a large round brush, concentrating on the ends to smooth the hair.

Step 2:
· After drying, use a medium sized curling iron throughout the hair to create uneven waves and set the shape around the face.
· Once curled, create side part and pull hair back and away from the face.
· Then, take various sized sections of the curled hair and twist and pin back to create the updo.
· Insert an elegant, decorative pin above the updo to draw attention to the intricate details of the style.

Step 3:
· Finish look with a light-weight hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru, to help secure the style throughout the evening.

Photo WireImage

Victoria's Secret Launces New Organic Line- PINK Body

Hey dolls!

I couldn't be any more excited about this. My obsession with Victoria's Secret started at around sophomore year of high school when I entered the store after school with my friends. It was love at first sight.

Then I discovered the PINK collection, and there was no turning back. I live, eat, breathe, shop PINK. I'm pretty much who they're after. Young and college aged. When I found out Chanel Iman was modeling PINK I nearly had a coronary. I own every PINK fragrance- from the Eau de Parfum Sprays to the summer fragrances- I own them all.

And now they've got me again. I announced two years ago that I was going green and since then I've made an effort to reduce my carbon footprint. BYOB- Bring you own bag- walking more and taking mass transit all in an effort to have one less car on the streets (I'm looking into getting a Hybrid car). I've bugged my friends over and over and now one of them has come around and has stopped taking plastic bags- I like to think I've had a powerful influenced on her haha.

And now, Victoria's Secret PINK is helping my crusade get that much easier.

Victoria’s Secret traveled around the country speaking to hundreds of girls (where was I?) to figure out what was most important in their lifestyles. And the answer - to be green, and more importantly, to empower others to adopt this trend. It’s all about finding ways to look good, feel good, and do a little good, too. In response to this Victoria's Secret has launched PINK Body, a unique line of skin-loving and earth- friendly products created specifically for the pink girl.

HUZZAH!!!

Victoria’s Secret model, Behati Prinsloo, is the face of this new organic, 100% vegan, eco-friendly collection. Even the packaging is eco friendly! It's made from Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, with limited inks and dyes that go directly on the packaging and created removable labels.

Consisting of four collections- Energizing, Nourishing, Soothing and Essentials- this collection has got everybody in mind. And it's trust worthy as these products are dermatologist-tested, solution-specific collections, each designed to pamper pink girls from tip to toe.

The Energizing line is like a wake up call for your skin, packed with organic citrus and mint. When skin gets worn and weary, the Energizing line can give it the recharge it needs. It's packed with U.S.-sourced Citrus and Organic Mint to naturally exfoliate and refresh, plus a boost of caffeine from Organic Coffee Beans to energize and tone.

The Nourishing line is infused with Organic Shea and Cocoa Butters to help heal and hydrate, plus a shot of U.S.-sourced Grape Seed Oil for antioxidant protection.
This sounds like an amazing winter must have. My skin gets super dry during the winter and we all know of the moisturizing properties of Shea butter. What's best is that this line has a nourishing shave cream($10 for a 6.7 oz.) that's ultra rich and provides a moisture layer of protection against nicks, cuts and razor burn so you get a smoother, closer shave. No more stealing your boyfriend's (or in my case-my brother's) shave cream.

For any sensitive skin chicas, PINK Body is looking out for you too. The Soothing line is Hypoallergenic and infused with organic soy milk (fortifies skin) and oat extract (calms skin), so that means less irritation and prettier skin.

The Soothing Body Wash ($10 for 11.8 oz.) with Organic Oat Extract is extra gentle, without harsh soaps or dyes, and leaves skin clean and soothed. Follow up the body was with the Soothing Body Lotion ($12) with Organic Oat Extract. Ultra light and moisturizes without the heaviness, the body lotion leaves skin feeling silkier than ever. While you're at it get the Soothing Hand Cream ($8) and keep the non greasy moisturizer in you handbag throughout the day.

This is what I'm going to run to Victoria's Secret for: The Essentials.

The name says it all.


Everything Refresher Spray: Slept late? No time for a shower?

Gross but true. As a current college student, I can't tell you the amount of times you'll hear "Dude, I totally woke up late today. I didn't even shower" in your morning classes. I always wonder if I am the only college student who values sanitation.

This mist is perfect for the lazy queen in all of us. I'm notorious for pulling all nighters. I spend more time blogging than writing actual essays. So this refresher spray has my name written all over it. And for 8 bucks...heck yeah!

For the aforementioned lack of showers, I need the Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer. College kids get sicker than anyone I've ever met! All throughout my Journalism class I'm dodging coughs left and right. So for those of us with sick classmates-or co workers- and there's no soap or water in sight, this portable hand sanitizer does the trick. Hook it to your keys or bag, and spritz on palms to help banish bacteria and germs instantly. Contains moisturizers and U.S.-sourced Organic Citrus so it’s gentle, not harsh. ..again $8.

And since I'm a gloss junkie, clearly I'm going to buy the Lip Butter. Contains organic Shea and Cocoa Butters that leaves lips feeling soft and smooth. Comes in three tinted shades Fresh (light pink), Bare (nude), Ripe (berry) and one clear (called Pure)...$8

The Foot Softening Kit with Softening Foot Cream sounds like an added bonus to me. With spring on our heels it's time we show our footsies some lovin'. Packed with Organic Shea Butter and U.S.-sourced Grape Seed Oil to help heal and hydrate hardened soles and Organic
Mint to refresh and invigorate this set will have our feet sandal ready in no time. Plus it comes with a pair of PINK Organic Cotton socks. Too cute!

Taraji P. Henson at the 2009 Oscars

Oh. My. God.

Those were the words that came out of my mouth when I saw how stunning Taraji P. Henson looked on the red carpet. Gone are the days of Hustle & Flow. Taraji has entered the realm of super glam stardom. I swear if she doesn't land a magazine cover soon, I'll protest.
She arrived on the red carpet wearing a beautifully tiered cream colored Roberto Cavalli gown. Her skin tone gave the dress a fresh look. And the Fred Leighton necklace and earrings polish off the look. I love the simple dress with the statement jewelry.

New York-based celebrity hair stylist, Dante Blandshaw, created the stunning red carpet look for Henson.


“This is a clean, fresh, modern take on a layered, textured bob,” said Blandshaw. “I wanted to create a modern, asymmetrical, textured bob with natural movement and shine.”

Blandshaw shares expert tips on how he used Aveda products to achieve the look:

• “I started with Aveda Brilliant Shampoo and Aveda Brilliant Conditioner to soften Taraji’s textured hair,” said Blandshaw. “I love the Aveda Brilliant line because it provides a smooth shine to textured hair and reduces blow dry time.”

• Prep hair with Aveda Brilliant Damage Control to protect from heat styling.

• Blow dry hair straight using a paddle brush.

• After blow drying, add a dime-sized amount of Aveda Brilliant Universal Styling Creme to add additional shine without weighing hair down.

• Flat-iron hair to create the foundation for a smooth, sleek red carpet look.

• Using 1.5” and 2” barrel curling irons, curl hair throughout to give bend and movement, accenting the layers in the cut.

• Slightly curl the front to create a soft, side-swept bang for added height and fullness.

• Comb hair through with a wide-tooth comb.

• Spray with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray for a light finish. “Aveda Air Control Hair Spray is a perfect complement to this look because its lightweight formula provides lasting hold and shine without weighing hair down,” said Blandshaw.

Photo: WireImage

Freida Pinto at the 2009 Oscars

Now I must admit. I didn't watch the Oscars in its entirety. I watched the red carpet arrivals. Marveled at the stunning gowns. Lusted over lip colors. And then I went about my business. I tuned in here and there and every time I landed on the show, Slumdog Millionaires was receiving an award.
But at the Oscars, Freida Pinto looked absolutely gorgeous in her John Galliano gown. I love how the color shows against her brown skin- the look still gives a nod to her heritage yet it's still Hollywood glam.

Celebrity stylist, Jeffrey Paul, created a fresh and elegant red carpet hair look for Pinto using all Aveda products. Her hair was divided into three parts and twisted back into an architectural, couture flower shape on the right side of the head. “This look has a beautiful architecture; hair is twisted back into a youthful, feminine flower shape that complements Frieda’s face shape and stunning Galliano gown.”
Here’s how to get Pinto’s look:

• Start with Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo and Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Clay Conditioner.

• Mix a cocktail of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam and Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip. Work the product into wet hair to add texture and volume. “When creating an updo, it’s important to use products that give thickness and body,” said Paul. “Pinto’s hair already has a lot of shine. The cocktail of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam and Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip provided just the right amount of hold, body and texture without weighing hair down.”

• Blow dry hair back to add lift and height at the roots.

• Create a left side part and divide hair into three sections: three quarters of hair in one section on the right and the remaining hair into two smaller sections.

• Pull the right section of hair back into a low ponytail just behind the right ear above the nape of the neck.

• Twist the ponytail, working Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip into hair. Wrap the ponytail around the base, creating a flower shape. Secure in place with pins.

• Work Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip into each of the remaining sections and twist back and around the flower shape, creating a layered, rose-like effect. “The three twists flow together for beautiful movement,” said Paul.

• Finish the look with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

• Lastly, shake the head a bit to loosen up the look and provide a sense of natural movement.

Photo: WireImage

Fashion Week FW 09: Backstage at Jonathan Saunders

For Jonathan Saunders' Fall 2009 show, I got to speak to Amanda of CND.

Amanda used the ever popular Serenity- which is a warm, sheer nude- to contrast the darker colors of the clothing collection. The models were basically given a manicure with this color.

When I asked Amanda what she thought the trends for fall would be, she speculated that a lot dark gem like colors will remain a hit. She also suggested dark and cream grays.

Her recommendation: CND Voodoo

We then chatted about my love for dark nails (and how I was so on trend with my purple headband). I asked her how to prevent my dark nail colors from chipping. Her tip: put CND SolarOil before your dark polish. This prevents any staining on the nail and the formula actually conditions the nails. Also when removing dark polish off of nails, use a nail polish remover containing acetone. Dab a bit on a cotton ball, hold on the nail for 5 seconds and gently glide off the nail. The color should come off without a problem.

Also, on the topic of nail care, I asked the age old question: to cut or not to cut...the cuticles.

I am always conflicted because when I go get my nails done, my manicurist immediately clips them off but when reading beauty magazines, they always do not cut. So I decided to ask a pro myself.

The verdict: "Oh NO! Do not cut!!!" What happens when you cut the cuticle is that it produces scar tissue in an attempt to heal itself. Upon seeing said scar tissue, we continue cutting it off thus causing a vicious cycle, leaving us with nasty nails. She recommends using CND's Cuticle Eraser at night. Cuticle Eraser breaks down the dead skin and leaves our hands conditioned and prevents hangnails. While this process is longer than cutting the cuticle (takes about a week or two) the end result is fully worth the wait.

Unfortunately for me, whilst I was backstage all of the models were doing their run through. Which didn't turn out to be a bad thing as I got to sit in and watch it (I even recorder it)

And look who it is! My fellow Dominican beauty!!!

Sessilee Lopez. This is actually a kind of scary picture haha

Fashion Week FW 09: Backstage at Jonathan Saunders- Shoes

Check out these sky high Christian Louboutin heels at Jonathan Saunders.






Model Jessica Stam

Fashion Week FW 09: Backstage at Marchesa

Backstage at Marchesa (this is where I satisfy my ultimate obsession with Georgina Chapman...knowing I was within the same vicinity as her) I got to speak to Harry Josh, lead stylist for John Frieda. He described a look that was inspired by fantasy themes and was both whimsical and youthful.

There were three looks floating about in the creation of the looks. The first was a low ponytail. The second was a beautiful soft wave with the extreme side part. And the other was very earthy and messy- as if she fell asleep in the forest and awoke with leaves stuck in her hair. Both captured very different versions of a classic textured look and were reflective of the dress.

He used John Frieda’s Root Awakening product line including the Health Boosting Detangling Spray, the ever popular Frizz-Ease, and the Luxurious Volume All Out Hold Spray. John also used lots of powder to get the hair to look textured and loose.


To get the look, Josh did something that I'm contemplating incorporating into my routine. Rather than hold the curling iron vertically, using a one inch iron, he held it horizontally for about 5 seconds and released the hair. He created a deep side part and after about three minutes he brushed the hair after curling. This allows the waves to set- brushing immediately after is counter productive. To get this look, the models needed clean, shiny, healthy hair and he worked with the model's hair- no extensions, no clip-ons.

NARS makeup artist Talia Shobrook explained that she wanted the makeup to appear young and as if the models were aristocrats going to the woods with these crazy ball gowns. So to achieve this, skin was kept matte.

She started at the center of the face and buffed out. One thing she was careful was not to make the skin look heavy, "...'cuz matte skin can take to look heavy and I wanted that whole kind of naivety. I didn't want that heavy, matte, blocky skin." A block of white color was added from the lid to the brow with a dash of brown in the inner corners of her eye. Lashes were curled and Shobrook added volumized mascara "...just one coat and wiggled it" [don't know why but I loved that line...lol]. Eyebrows were messy and the lips had a bit of concealer in the center with NARS Chelsea Girl lip lacquer layered over it.


Wanda Ruiz for CND did nails and this was a custom blend for Marchesa that looked like a silver-y color. It was a natural nail (no press-ons) with a rounded square shape. The look was not too flare-y and was just a hint of color to go with the theme. Wanda described this color as a "new nude".

Fashion Week FW 09: Backstage at Baby Phat

Michelle Obama has really got an influence over the fashion industry. Not only is she wearing new designers (Thakoon) and supporting American designers (Jason Wu) she was the muse behind Kimora Lee Simmons' Fall 2009 show.

"The inspiration is very sexy, curly hair but the length is Michelle Obama," said Odile Gilbert, lead hairstylist.

The hair was very big, curly, and Michelle Obama length- read: shoulder length. To get the look, hair was put in rollers, teased (heavily) and lots and lots of hairspray was used.

Will big hair be a trend for fall? According to Odile, "It’s always a trend."

BRING ON THE ELNETT!


James Kaliardos, lead makeup artist for MAC, said, "We’re inspired by Michelle Obama. I mean, when else can you be inspired by a First Lady? I think she’s so inspiring and so great and so stylish. And she wears Isabella Toledo. Kimora wanted a soft, pretty, classic look. It’s like a soft, pretty peachy version. There’s a little glamour and a little glitter on the eyelid, which Michelle probably won’t do...so it’s a soft, pretty sculpted beautiful look. It’s not as over the top...last time it was Cher [last season at Baby Phat, which you can read here], and that’s like hyper glam. This is a little bit more pulled back, a little bit more sophisticated. We’re sculpting and shaping under the cheekbones and in the crease of the eyelid."

Kaliardos used MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation on the skin and added a hint of MAC Pink Swoon Blush at the top of the cheekbones. He then used a sweep of MAC Drizzle Gold Eye Shadow across the lids, and added cocoa shadow on the brow bone to give the illusion of separation of the lid from the brow bone. A hint of gold glitter was added on the inner corners of the eye and swept a very light coating of glitter across the lids. This was done so when the models went on the runway, the gold was visible and easily photographed.

Individual lashes were then added. This makes the look less drag queen-ish than a full strip. The eyes were finished with MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Black. Finally, he applied MAC Lipglass in Partial to Pink to the lips.

I must try this lipglass simply because Kaliardos made a very valid point- a nude color is amazing on women and yet most dark skin women find it difficult to find one.

I then spoke to Angi Wingle from CND and she called the nail look "All-American girl with edge."

I'm pretty sure she was describing me...haha

With talks of the theme being the Great Depression-something we're no stranger to this year..almost- the nails were a bit more pearlized metallic finish. This can be achieved by layering Gold Chrome (this is being released in Fall 2009 so the name is subject to change) over Iced Capuccino. Iced Capuccino is a bit of a taupe color with a nice sheen. This was a "shiny not tacky gold".

The nails were meant to look like jewelry..."to accent the collection, like buttons on a jacket."
Image credits: © MissWhoever You Are

Fashion Week FW 09: Backstage at Thakoon

Last Monday, I went backstage at Thakoon to get the deets on what was going on with hair, nails, and makeup. Clearly I was excited because you all know I LOVE Thakoon, so much so there was a showdown at Target.

I first made my way on over to Wanda Ruiz, nail artist for CND. She told me that the inspiration was the 1930s and the nails were very 3 dimensional and architectural. The color was a custom blend for Thakoon and can be compared to CND's Beige Kiss and Voodoo. Voodoo. Each faux nail was handmade, one by one, and the process took about 6 to 7 hours. It consisted of a mooned tip-top and bottom- and the nail was shaped like an almond- almost pointy. The overall product (pictured above) was very glossy and super shiny.

Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics created the makeup look at Thakoon. When I asked Diane about the look, she used words like "fresh", "glossy", and "Rock & Roll". The main focus seemed to be on the eyes with a very "Keira Knightley" smoky eye.

“The look is all about the eyes with soft matte lips for contrast,” said Diane Kendal.

To do this, Diane focused on creating smoky eyes and full brows, while downplaying the lips and keeping skin fresh with a light brushing of blush for a healthy glow. On the girls' face, Diane used NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Mambo to line upper lashes and crease which she blended over the entire lid and up to brows, keeping dense color by lashline.

Using Mambo, she lined lower lashes and gently blended. To fill in the brows, NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali. Draw a very thin line on upper lashes with a black pencil (NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Black this is NEW for Fall 2009). Then she curled lashes. No mascara was used in this look.

For the face, skin was moisturized using NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream. If needed, NARS Concealer was used to cover any imperfections. A minimal amount of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (NEW for Fall 2009) was used and Kendal used NARS Gilda powder blush on the apples of the cheeks.

The lips were kept really simple. When I asked what nude lipcolor was used, Diane looked at me and said "Concealer and a bit of lip balm"

CONCEALER AND LIP BALM. Genius!

Eugene Souleiman created an updo that was tight and structured in the front, yet soft and loose in the back. But unfortunately, backstage was one crowded mess and I didn't get to speak to him. I can just guess from the pictures exactly how to create this look.




Image Credits: ©MissWhoever You Are