All Grown Up

As women age, full on foundation becomes an unnecessary habit. It tends to settle in the lines and look heavy on your skin. Calling all women over 30. Swap out your foundation & switch to a tinted moisturizer. Go for a shade that is slightly darker than your skin. Your skin will look healthy and your wrinkles will be less obvious. Tinted moisturizer helps to hide age spots too, it's an instant face-lift. I like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It gives skin a pretty glow, has antioxidant vitamins and an SPF to boot. Add a smile to your face and presto, your wrinkles suddenly disappear. Laughter and happiness magically take off years, and age becomes just a number.

www.lauramericer.com

Primary Hues & Bling

Dolce & Gabbana debuted their makeup line during Milan fashion week, with Scarlett Johansson as the face of the brand. Master makeup creator, Pat McGrath worked with D & G to create a line filled with bold colors reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The packaging is gold of course, with rich hues - think deep blues and reds that can be changed depending on your mood. Much like their clothing philosophy. " Change your makeup to suit your mood," Gabbana told WWD. Feeling rich, vixen, sophisticated, and yet uncomplicated? Can't quite get to Sardegna on a yacht, but want to live like the jet-set? Dolce & Gabbana Cosmetics just might be the hot ticket for Spring. 

www.dolcegabbanamakeup.it

Heir Apparent

I've said it before & I'll say it again. " Every great makeup artist knows that makeup is only as good as the hair that frames the face." Greg Bitterman is hair royality. Fifteen years in the business, working with everyone from Sylvie Vartan to Bjork to Chloe Sevigny, he's seen hair styles come & go. Yet, he's remained a constant force. His approach? "Simplicity. Uncomplicated & never overdone hair. It's all about inner -self confidence. You know when you see someone who feels good about themselves? That is infectious. And it starts with a great hair style."  Two of his can't live without hair products?  L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray. " It seals in style and combs out without looking laquered."  Leonor Greyl Mouse, "I love all their products, but the Mousse is genius. It creates body without being sticky."

www.seemanagement.com

Scrub a dub dub

If you get the chance, take a tour of the fab new Andre Balazs Standard Hotel NY in the Meatpacking District. It rises majestically over the High Line, the old elevated railway system that's being turned into a lush green garden. The rooms are crisp & clean, with wall-to-wall-floor-to-ceiling windows that boast spectacular views of the Hudson. Exposed showers and tubs give them a modern, slightly decadent, romantic vibe. The staff was young, hip, pretty and accommodating. With the hotel still under construction the next few months, preview room rates start at $195.00. Treat yourself, or tell a visiting friend to book a room. Sometimes all it takes to feel beautiful is a scrub & a soak. Recharge & indulge while watching the sunset over the Hudson.

www.standardhotels.com

Royality Behaves

Pick up a copy of April's W magazine. Italian countess Marina Cicogna's life in photographs is profiled. She was born into a world filled with celebrities and allowed to capture them in their most intimate moments. Maybe it the was the times, but glancing at the pics, the celebs look relaxed and at ease. Cicogna says, "Today we have some glamorous people in the world, but the thing that made them different then, mainly, was the freedom celebrities had. That era is dead. Today, of course they are hounded by the press. "

As Ms. Ricardson's family begins the unimaginable & difficult grieving process, I can only pray that the press backs off. She was a gorgeous example for all women, young & old, on how to live your life. The perfect mix of artist, woman, mother & family. She was beautiful sophistication in times short on substance. 

I will light one single white candle today in silence, giving thanks for such a regal life.

Something for Everyone

Napolean Perdis, Pixi & Jemma Kidd have all jumped on the Target band wagon. My vote is for Napolean, the wiz artist from down under. He believes in empowering women and individuality. I like NP's Lip Set in Madrid Matte Bright Red or Athens Cream Rose. At $15.00, unleash your lips & lighten up your life. Napolean keeps in tune with the times, his makeup is reasonably priced. Check out Boots, Caboodles, Iman, & Bare Escentuals. Target has something for every woman's budget & beauty routine.

Hot Tip: Target has makeup application products for under $2.00 bucks.  

Studio Tools Sponge Rounds are latex-free and light, they can be used dry or slightly dampened.

www.target.com

Cheap Thrills

Yesterday the octo-mom was quoted as saying, " I wouldn't spend more then $15.00 dollars on make-up." In this crappy economy, at least she got that right. The next few posts are dedicated to all the moms and working gals out there, who still want a lift without breaking the bank. I have one word for you, "Target." I can spend hours in the cosmetics department.

Here's a killer product under fifteen bucks. 

Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral Eye Palette.

Ms. Kashuk is a celebrity makeup artist with a huge fan base.

Her Target makeup line is pretty & fresh, at affordable prices. 

Neutral Eye Palette  is your basic starter kit, filled with pretty nudes, browns & gold tones..

At $11.69, it's a no-brainer.

www.target.com

Erin Go Bragh in'

Happy Saint Patty's! When I was a little girl, I got a green carnation every St. Patrick's day to wear on my wrist. It fit perfectly with the Catholic school uniform & freckled face. How can you wear green makeup without looking like a leprechaun? Armani's Smooth Silky Eye Pencil #6 is a deep shade of forest green. Use the smudger to create a smokey look or line in between the lashes for an eye opening effect. You'll look Irish, stylish and fierce.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Joe Oppedisano Photography

Jackie Cioffa Makeup

Sometimes a little Lip is Enough

Lately I've been into Lipglass by Mac Cosmetics. It's just the right amount of gloss & color without being goopy or heavy on the lips. Chai is the 'greige effect'  for the lip. Bare Truth, Revealing & Ample Pink are subtle matte shades for a sexy neutral lip. For a pop of color try Warning! mixed with Sheer Lipglass. Blot it a bit with a sponge for the perfect flesh lip. 

Hot Tip: Sheer Lipglass can be used on the eye for a glossy effect.

It's a two-fer the price of one product!

www.maccosmetics.com

Grace Huang Photography

Jackie Cioffa Makeup

A Girl's Gotta Have It

I bet you have more than one mascara in your beauty bag.

I have lots and lots. Sometimes black is just plain and boring.

A girl's gotta have choices. Chanel's Exceptionnel Intense Volume & Curl Mascara in Smoky Violine is an eggplant color that is sexy and different without being over the top. Sophistication with just a hint of color. An added bonus? It adds volume and curls too.

www.uma.chanel.com

Monday Bloody Monday

Let's face it, everyone has a bit of the Monday blues.

I found a great pick me up product by Chanel. Poudre Douce, Soft Pressed Powder has light reflecting pigments that instantly brighten your skin. In the studio or on location, I sweep the pressed powder under the eyes and high on the cheekbones for instant luminosity on the face. Monday morning, a one- two swipe before work and you'll feel ready to face your week with a smile. Voila, instant sunshine on your skin.

www.uma.chanel.com

I'll take one for the house, the car & the pocketbook!

I asked actress Kristin Minter which products she absolutely couldn't live without, her first response was immediate, "La Mer." Creme de la Mer, the skin cream to the stars, costs an arm & a leg. But, hey if it can make you look & feel ten years younger, it's worth the investment! Over time skin becomes firmer, softer & crease less. Maybe that's why it's been dubbed the 'miracle cream?' Or as Minter would say, "look at my pics, they're not even airbrushed!"

Jane Iredale's Mineral Powder is another must. "I have one in the house, the car & my pocketbook." Did she really just say, pocketbook? Really! Jane Iredale's powder leaves the skin looking smooth, camera ready & with a gorgeous glow. Your face is flawless & pretty for whatever the day may hold.

www.janeieradle.com/index.html

www.cremedelamer.com

www.kristinminter.net

Adam Sheridan Taylor Photography

Is There A Doctor in the House?

With ER coming to a close, I don't know what I'll do on Thursday nights...

15 years have come and gone in a flash. I first met Kristin Minter, an ex-model & veteran actress (on ER as RANDI, the colorful receptionist) at 18 in Milan. We ate pizza, bonded in a foreign land, cried, & laughed. I continued modeling in Europe, & Kristin went off to LA to act. I called her to chat about her ideas on beauty & to commiserate the end of an era. She laughed & cheered me up. "Beauty, for me? You're insides better surpass your outside because beauty fades."  This coming from a woman at 43, whose beauty only grows. "Rescue a dog, they'll save your life."  That I do believe. She brought me on the set of ER and to the wrap party a few years back. Should I have taken a souvenir? Nah, I took away something better. Invaluable lessons about beauty from an old friend. She taught me about aging gracefully, conviction & following your dreams. And believing in yourself. That is beautiful enough.

Make Me A Bronze God

When I went to do Edgar Ramirez's makeup for a press junket (the Venezuelan hottie from Vantage Point & Domino), 

I asked if he had any special requests?

He said, "I'd like to be tan please," while shining his shoes. No kidding! He's smart, sexy, polite & neat. I had the perfect bronzer. Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze Suntan Powder is just the ticket. A warm muddy bronze that's non-pearly & suits all skin types. With a large face brush dust bronzer on the forehead, cheeks, nose and jawline for an instant tan. Good for both girls & boys!

www.sephora.com

www.makeupforever.com

CEW Finalists Are In!

The 2009 Beauty Awards is the hot ticket

& the Industry's highest honor. The finalists are in! 

The luncheon is May 1 at the

Waldorf Astoria, Grand Ballroom, NYC.

Cocktails : 11 AM

Luncheon & Awards Presentation: 12 PM

Congrats to all the finalists & good luck!

We'll be trying them out one by one...

Check them out &

RSVP ONLINE 

www.cew.org/eweb/startpage.aspx

Moon over Downtown Miami, Mani/Pedi please

London Colorist Nikki Mallon's Brownes & Co. on Lincoln Road in South Beach is a fabulous Old World Apothecary and trendy emporium for all your beauty needs. Her Some Like It Hot Salon is a legendary fixture on the beach. As if that weren't enough, the on-site Yoga studio & Spa take pampering & luxury up a notch. Brownes & Co. goes downtown and takes on the Design District. Ask all the artists & hipsters moving in, everybody knows the Design District is the place to be. Go ahead, get in on the action & book a mani/pedi.

book online www.brownesbeauty.com

Browne's & Co. 

ne 40th Street Design District

Miami, FL.

Picture Perfect

A friend asked me the other day, "how do you take a good picture?

Can you show me how to pose?"  

Here are a few modeling old school pointers:

First, you've got to be comfortable in your skin. 

It's just a machine, don't let the camera intimidate you.

Second, think about something funny or sexy or even a secret while you pose. Really! The camera knows the difference between a real face and a fake one. 

Third, don't be afraid to be your own beautiful goofy self! It's the odd, in-between the pose moments that the camera catches that are often the most beautiful.

Jackie Cioffa Photography

Tom Cioffa Photography

Figgin Fantastic

The first time I smelled Philosykos by Diptyque, I was a model and living in France. It was instant attraction.

The fig scent with just a hint of green notes is scrumptious all year round.

And the best part? It's available stateside in a cool travel kit,

so you'll never be without. Great for travel, the purse, & even date night.

Go ahead and spray it on your man, it's unisex!

You might just fall in love.

Neutralize It The Greige Effect

Gwenyth was wearing You Don't Know Jacques OPI nail polish a few months back. It seems grey and beige are still the rage, just taken down a notch. 

Backstage at Khai Khune fashion week 09, Roxanne Valinoti created a graduated manicure effect with grey shades. I worked with a hush- hush diva last week who was rocking a brown- beige version. Check out Moon Over Mombai & Get me to the Taj on Time by OPI and get your greige on.

www.opi.com

You're Skinny You Don't Have Any Problems

I admit it. I love carbs. Hamburgers, fries, beer...yummy.

Unfortunately, they don't love me.

We are becoming a hefty nation.

I hate the word fat, it's ugly & demeaning. This site is dedicated to beauty.

I've found some tools that help me maintain a healthy weight.

(notice I didn't say starved or skinny)

45 minutes of cardio four times a week, sleep, lots of water & Ezekiel bread.

I still get my toast in the morning, without the flour or yeast.

It's rich in fiber, flourless, organic & complete protein. 

I eat something healthy, I exercise & my body says, cool & thanks me.

Spring in Your Step

The air is warming up, Hyacinth's back in bloom. The days are finally about to get longer! Laura Mercier Gilded Garden Mosaic Bloc in shimmering rose is just the ticket for Spring. It's fresh and pretty. Your own mini-flower garden, instantly brightens your skin.

www.LauraMercierCosmetics.com

LUCKY You, LUCKY Me

Sticking to the green path & Eco theme, pick up a copy of April's Lucky. I have been a devout follower of the magazine since the beginning. I wait anxiously each month for Creative Director Andrea Linett's page, her smart fashion & quick witticisms. I have not one, but two stories inside. The green issue & I want...but I need. 

Wow, Lucky lucky me!!!

Michael Waring Photography

Jackie Cioffa Makeup

www.Luckymag.com

Green Day

I use lots of essential oils in my daily skincare routine.

Lavender & Tea Tree Oil have been staples for twenty years.

I recently added Huile D'Argan straight from Marrakesh to my repertoire. Rich in Vitamin E, a drop added once a week to the bath soothes chapped winter skin.

A fellow makeup artist posed me this question, Is there a great organic makeup line out there? It got me thinking...Josie Maran Cosmetics leans green & is environmentally conscious. And if you can't get to Morroco, she has added Argan Oil to her line.

Sweet.

www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Splish Splash I Was Taking a Bath

Mac's Mineralize Eye Shadow (Duo) was a fan favorite backstage 

during NY fashion week. Two colors all swirled into one. " I'll have a twist please."  The light silver and mid-tone dirty silver with gold veining paired with Mac's Espresso Matte Shadow created a dramatic, pretty, Jean Seberg French film noir vibe.  

www.maccosmetics.com