The Grass Is Greener

CoverGirl has teamed up with the legendary, makeup artist Pat McGrath. NatureLuxe was a hit on the Fall/Winter 2011 runway. It's available in stores near you. The NEW CoverGirl NatureLuxe line rocks. Pat & CG together. Hello, are you kidding? I received the products, and couldn't wait to get my hands on the natural, good for you, innovative line. Available at drugstores nationwide, it's luxe, premium cosmetics at their best. The price is right, too.

NatureLuxe Silk Foundation, the original product, is your first step towards natural, glowing skin. Filled with jojoba, rosehip extract, cucumber & water, it's a facial in a foundation. The texture is light and airy, and the shades are spot on. The foundation comes with an SPF 15, so you can save your money & stop worrying about your skin. Silk Foundation created by Pat McGrath for CoverGirl? Try it, you won't regret it. She's known for her talent extraordinaire, color expertise and skin- shading super ability.




CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast Eye Color, available in 6 intense shades. With a built in primer, it applies like a liquid, but dries to a long-lasting, powder finish. It's water resistant and crease proof. From lush, gold green, rich brown and grey blue, there's a shade for everyone. 


CoverGirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara gives your lashes a lift, while leaving them feeling light. It's great for sensitive eyes. The mousse formula contains beeswax, carnuba wax and tapioca polymers, for a soft, smooth feel on the lash. It's great for day, while running errands you'll looking like a million bucks. It's the touch of mascara that lasts into the night & won't break the bank.

                                                          





http://www.covergirl.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McGrath
www.Target.com
www.Walmart.com

"I Love Being Me, Don't You?" Sandra Bernhard

I had the pleasure of working with Sandra Bernhard in NY for years on many projects. From Press Junkets, to the talk show circuit, to "Queer Edge with Jack E. Jett" in LA. The Everything Bad & Beautiful Tour in NYC, the Posters, Press & Opening, and the short film by David Brind, featuring Sandra and Cady Huffman "Twenty Dollar Drinks." 
Sandra was one of my first big-time celebrity clients, and one of my favorites. Her off-screen persona is wickedly smart, well read, versatile, an activist, humanitarian and kind, fun lady. 
She gave me the confidence for whoever came next. Thank God, for that. 'MC' would be on the list. I was ready.


After countless times painting her face, I could show up with a small kit and be done with it. Mac's Viva Glam IV on the lips, Mac Blush in Dolly, Black Kohl liner and a deep eggplant on the lid. Mac's half lash # 20 and Armani's LSF in # 4 with a dollop of #6 depending on the desired bronze effect. We had it down to a science.




I learned a lot about life, and not just about makeup. I enjoyed our time working together. We moved on to different projects and working with different people. That's the nature of life and the biz. Karmically, she remains a cosmic friend. 
She's the kind of person who still calls and remembers your birthday. If you get the chance to see her perform, don't miss the opportunity. She will invigorate, move, enlighten and revive your spirit, touching your soul.

http://www.sandrabernhard.com/
http://www.twentydollardrinks.com/
http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/

"I'm very much an optimist. I don't think I could do my work if I didn't believe there was some kind of hope for humanity."
Sandra Bernhard 

10,000 Steps, 1 Pedometer & 90 Days To A Bangin' Killer Body

Paris, My Modeling Pic from 1995




Want a Bangin', Killer Body? Hec, yeah. 
I say BRING it. I admit it, I've gained some weight, lost muscle mass, packed on a good twenty, (probably thirty pounds.) and got lazy. I'm 5"10', so I get away with it. I've tried all the diets, fads, proteins, veggies, smoothies, Atkins, almonds. I know them all. So when my friend called up and said, "look, we're forty years old not eighty, we've got to do something now, are you up for the challenge?" Oh, NO she did not. Anyone who knows me, and she knows me far too well, knows those are the exact words to push my buttons. 10,000 steps? Bring it. I'll do 20,000. First day out I only got in 5,000, but I still have the rest of the day to keep on steppin'. Gradually, adding some weight training, cardio, yoga, swimming, and basic activity. With a little blood, sweat and tears, anyone can do it. 

We were both super models see, we know the exercise drill, but got busy living, jobs, kids, the life stuff got in the way. In Hamburg, we pushed 6-7 mile walks everyday, 45 minutes of cardio on the bike, lifted weights, ate lots and lots of lean protein. I HATE lentils to this day. We were ripped. It was hard, but we were committed. It's not a 90 day challenge, it's a lifestyle change and clean, healthy, eating routine. Want to get steppin' with us? Come on, get out and just do it. First week's the hardest. Please God, where oh where, is Chris Powell? I'm only doing 7 girlie push ups and barely get through sit-ups. But, I'm determined. I have a solid, buddy system. I know  there's still a skinny girl living in me. 






Me, Modeling Twenty Years Ago


http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html
http://dukandietdr.com/tag/pierre-duncan-diet/
http://www.chrispowell.com/

It's Just One of Those Days

Lately, life has been all about getting back to good health. I'm not apologizing for it. I was once bold, brave, mouthy, loud, and brazen. Where did she go?
No one, absolutely no one should ever make you feel less, whatever the circumstances. Don't let them fool you, when they say you have to 'change your thinking'. I say that's B.S. or just plain old, bad stickin' luck. We all have dark and light days, shit happens. People get sick, finances go bad, relationships end. That's life. 
What I am learning, is how to face it. The bad, bad, really bad, ugly times. With humility, grace, and tons of patience?
Nah. Today, I say fugg it. I got a better idea. Make this one day yours, and yours alone. Do all the things you love and forgot, stay up late, watch the sunrise, go to the beach, swim with the dolphins, eat mounds and mounds of chocolate. Have crazy, orgasmic, protected sex (of course) with a hot, scruffy young man, and check it off the list. TURN UP THE VOLUME. Get your killer heels down from the closet, paint your toes an OPI in Red My Fortune Cookie, put on some Ardell false lashes, apply Hardy Candy's Meteor- eyes Glitter Eyeshadow in Black Hole, a metallic black with flecks of silver, heavy on the top & bottom eyelids. A bit of CoverGirl's Lash Perfection and Shu Uemura's Rouge Unlimited, in RD165M, and make no mistakes. You are STUNNING, sunshine beautiful. No one can take your spirit away. Get a little crazy, "I'm still here, beeeyatchs". 

Turn up the music, LOUD, real LOUD and take your unique, gorgeous, feminine, female fatale self out on the town. You deserve it. Those will be moments to relish in. Not the sick, hard, scary ones, the anger or regret.

Make NO apologies. Tomorrow your girls, friends and family will be there to pick you up and dust you off, right back to reality.








http://www.opi.com/

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com

http://www.hardcandy.com

http://www.ardelllashes.com/

Shaking in My Boots

I have never been the most technical or creative makeup artist, but what I have been is on the other side in the chair. A gawky, insecure kid thrown into a world of high pressure, grown-up fashion who was expected to know what to do. How to pose, behave, have confidence, stay skinny, make the million dollar clothes look perfect. Yeah right, I faked it most of the time. I burnt out, grew to dislike fashion and the superficiality it left behind. Yuk, puke, gross, leave me alone to be free to find and express myself as an artist. Find the uniqueness we all have inside. Makeup was no different, silly, sometimes petty and jealous, leaving me empty. I took a long, overdue break, walked away, moved to the country. I simplified my life, began to write and take myself seriously. It took twenty years to let go of the past and find true beauty within.
Looking back there was way too much pressure. After a time, I realized the world I left behind would always be a part of me. I missed it. The makeup, the fun stuff, the friendships, joy and the little things.
I love making women up, empowering and transforming them into their most beautiful selves. They are always grateful and overwhelmed by their beauty. The transformation is simple for me, I can empathize once being in their place. It feels good to give back. It's bridal season, the shaky, scared out of her mind brides sit uncomfortably in my chair. I know exactly what to do to calm her nerves. Starting with a little lavender massage, and simple, glowing, clean skin, she relaxes in an instant. I highlight the eyes, brow and high cheekbones with MAC's Pigment shimmer powder in silver (Vanilla) or gold (Naked or Golden Lemon). Adding Ardell lashes in black for the right amount of dramatic flair, and a touch of black liner close to the lash line. I sweep Chanel's Tan de Soleil bronzer over the forehead, down the nose and the jawline, and MAC's blush in Pink Swoon for the perfect blushing bride.


CoverGirl's Mascara in EXACT EYELIGHTS EYE-BRIGHTENING WATERPROOF MASCARA, is the perfect mascara with hints of shimmer that adjusts to your specific eye color, resists water, smudging and 100 degree heat. She's calm and ready to take that leap of faith. And I'm happy. Really, really happy I could help.

http://www.covergirl.com
http://www.maccosmetics.com
http://www.chanel.com
http://www.ardelllashes.com/Lashes/?filter=5&value=2&sm=event
Bridal Image Courtesy of Jackie Cioffa at CieloBluePro.com

Squeaky Clean

Sometimes I love to apply just concealer to the face. I adore a super clean look, with no color, and pretty, polished finish. Hard Candy's Nobody's Perfect Concealer Palette is so darn cute and compact, don't let that fool you. It's the ultimate makeup kit, smoothing out even the most difficult skin. Armed with 6 shades, it comes in 2 color palettes, one for fair skin and one medium tone. E voila, you're ready for your close-up. The texture is light, creamy and blends effortlessly. It comes with an attached brush to make application and travel a snap. Normally, I arrive at a job with my sturdy, over-sized Jeep backpack, filled with every product under the sun. How cool would it be to show up on set just once, with one product? Nobody's Perfect Concealer Palette. 

It's perfection, pure and simple.

Jackie Cioffa Makeup for CieloBluePro.com 

A touch of Hard Candy's Moon Glow Shimmering Translucent Powder infused with illuminating gold powder dusted lightly over the face, leaves the skin looking soft & supple, the perfect "moonlight glow result." I hear vampires are hot this season.

http://www.hardcandy.com/
http://www.walmart.com

24 K Bombshell Baby

As promised I'm sticking with my Hard Candy theme, and the festival of posts all week. The products are too cool for school. I'm feeling & rocking out the glitter and GOLD. First up, Hard candy's GLOW all the way tropical tan bronze & gradual self tanner. I love the beautiful color it distributes. I could see J LO using it on her VENUS shaved million dollar legs, infused and shimmering with GLOW, in 24 carat gold. GLOW deepens over time, and will not rub off or stain your clothes. Who loves ya, baby? Hard Candy does, that's who.

Hard Candy's Eye Def Glitter Eyeshadow coats the eye with a fine layer of glitter in a pretty shadow base, staying put all day. Ditch is a gorgeous coppery bronze, that delivers the perfect amount of sparkle. In eight shades, ranging from metallic silver, to algae green to electric blue, there's a perfect color for everyone. The over sized tubing is funky and the applicator is extra long, amazing. 

I can't wait to work this look on the next photo shoot. 

To complete the look, use Hard Candy's Take Me Out Liner and rim the inner and upper inside eyes heavily, so that liner melts right into the Eye Def glitter shadow. Apply liner in Abyss, a sparkly black, sticking with the sexy glistening, theme. Creating that perfect dirty, mysterious, sexy, cowboy boot wearing hottie, stuck in the desert melting sun look. 

http://www.hardcandy.com/products.php?cat=5                                                                                    

http://www.walmart.com/

Image of Carre Otis Courtesy People Perfect.com

Dirty, Delectable, Decadent & Delicious

Lady Gaga. Madonna. Mother Teresa. Trailblazers. 

New York, London, Paris, Hollywood, glamour cities where ladies are out making their mark, and not apologizing for it. Make no mistake, Hard Candy might be thought of as a junior line, but it's all woman. Dramatic sparkle and sheen, packing some serious punch. It's high quality, brazen makeup that makes me want to live a brighter, bolder life. I'm having way too much fun experimenting with the product. The tattoo lipsticks, I'm keeping for them for myself. Painted Lady, Manic Shine seems an appropriate name for the times. A summer romance, a road trip, route 66, a killer red dress, 10 inch spiked heels and smoldering red lips. What are you waiting for? Sometimes, all it takes is a lipstick, positive reinforcement and a nudge, to rediscover one's sexy, empowered self. I'm digging the Hard Candy decadence, self confidence and power in a tube. A little Manic Shine, On The Prowl, a creamy red, long lasting lipstick is all you need. Perfect for a delectable night on the town, where anything goes. And you're in charge. 

http://www.hardcandy.com

Rocking the Killer Cases

My friends over at the DNA Public Relations Agency (recently featured in WWDBEAUTYBIZ' s PR It List) sent over the coolest, professional artist train case by Soho Beauty, CHUCK full of Hard Candy makeup. I'm going to dedicate a bunch of posts to Hard Candy and the eclectic, tempting pieces. First, let's talk about the wicked beauty case. Normally, I'm not a fan of adding big, heavy, extra bulk to my kit. It gets way too heavy to cart around. Soho Beauty cases are ultra light, keeping your product neat, clean and organized. It's great for travel and has tons of space for easy access. I retired my ancient, three ton, beauty case and use it to store my Burton diamonds :) and fabulous jewels. Available at Walmart, Target, and other major drugstores, Soho Beauty cases are genius marketing. How smart. Professional quality at drugstore prices? It's a win- win all the way. 
http://www.dnapublicity.com



Images Courtesy of Soho Beauty.com 




"SOHO Beauty Cases are a trendsetter's tackle box, offering women the most fashionable choices to hold their most coveted beauty items. New shapes, new function and a fresh attitude: SOHO Beauty Cases are organization at its most stylish. Mission accomplished."
http://www.sohobeauty.com/index.php

Working at The Car Wash

I was asked by a friend to assist her with a bridal party this week-end. It's summer, there are tons of boys and girls taking the plunge. The only snag, the bride has requested airbrushing. I am unfamiliar with the technique. I was trained by the tactile masters, who use their fingers as brushes. The Temptu Airbrush System could not be farther away from my makeup application. I live for Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation. So, I borrowed a colleague's machine, grabbed a victim and began playing with foundation colors and the gun. It felt foreign, like you're painting a car instead of a face. I have to say, after a few tries and mists on the face, it left a flawless, layer of foundation. (however heavy it seemed to me). Once I got the shade right, I asked my friend how it felt? Her only comment was, "cold." Will I be running out to purchase my own Temptu Kit? Probably not. I love the look of translucent, breathable, flawless skin, using the sheerest possible foundation and minimal concealer. My 'client' came back later that day. I have to admit the foundation stayed put and looked pretty. Bride's all over the country have been requesting airbrushing and paying top dollar. Temptu's been used for High Definition TV, to cover scars & tattoos, and concerts for some time. Carrie Underwood is a fan of Temptu's Air Pod Body Glow and recently wore it on American Idol. Rest assured, brides and maidens, you can now have your special day, worry free. Temptu makeup holds up, for pictures, the reception, well into the night and even the after party. Temptu has come out with personalized kits available at Sephora. Is airbrushing the wave of the future, only time will tell.

“TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup helped Carrie survive the 100 degree Atlanta heat and humidity during her wedding, her makeup was flawless from beginning to end.  I love TEMPTU airbrush makeup because not only does it look beautiful in person but also in pictures, and no need for touch-ups on the photos. And now, airbrushing is not just for the pros like myself, but now anyone can go to Sephora and start airbrushing.”






http://temptu.com/
http://shop.temptupro.com/c-189-best-of-bridal.aspx
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5960
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/Foundation/foundation,default,sc.html
                                                                            Images Courtesy of Temptu.com