A Place of my Own

I think that doing something that truly scares the crap out of you, makes you uncomfortable in your skin, is what beauty is all about. I left home in spite of my fear with two cents in my pocket, a backpack and a dream to discover new lands. Worlds that were completely foreign to me. I was fortunate to have the height and face for the world of beauty, if not  the iron stomach for the superficiality. I had twenty years of strutting around in high fashion clothes, and immediate access to the prestige world of beauty. I got old, it happens. I like to say I outgrew fashion, before it outgrew it's taste for me. I was bored, unfulfilled and desperate for change. I reinvented myself, Celebrity Makeup Artist. I loved that life for a time, the travel, the amazing talent, the creativity. I still find myself in love with beauty. I get excited when I discover new products, or an out of the box approach to makeup. I can't say I miss painting Mariah, or Anne Hathaway's porcelain skin, no matter how lovely the person or the experience. The superficial world of fashion and Reality TV, is exhausting. It's the pretend, play dress up life, we are bombarded with daily. It's the life I no longer see in my future.
Wanderlust always gets the best of me. With two cents in my pocket yet again, I have come full circle. It's time to push the limits, find something real, that nourishes and enriches the soul. I'm not afraid of change, however uncomfortable. I'm more afraid of regret, the nagging what ifs? The skeptic, searcher, gambler and dreamer welcomes the challenge and opportunity.
When I visited the Chopra Center in the fall, they worked lovingly towards giving me back good health, confidence and the tools to believe. To rediscover and follow my own unique dharma. 
I am most happy when writing, communicating through the beauty of the blank slate, the most simple, natural and effortless thing. Writing is not new to me. I've been taking pen to paper since my earliest memories. It's home. Maybe I went around the globe, to find the way back to the purest parts of me. The gypsy and her backpack filled with beauty. 
My father always told me I was perfect and beautiful in his eyes. I could do anything. I believed him, I was seven. I didn't know any different.


My wish for you all, is that you have the courage to let go of what is not working. That you find your own perfect, balanced life filled with purpose and childlike wonder. Don't let anyone ever put doubts in your minds and bodies. Do the work, find your dharma, and live the dream. 


Don't worry, I'll still be blogging about beauty, and doing makeup gigs. Life is more fun with sequins and shadows, makeovers and dress up days.




The Chopra Center is doing a 21 day meditation challenge. It's not too late to sign up. It helps quiet the noise in your mind, and peel back the layers. Giving you a clear, quiet glimpse of all the amazing possibilities that you possess inside.

Join us for the Winter 21-Day Meditation Challenge!

Do you believe it is possible to transform your life in 21 days? What would your life look like if you could?
If you joined us in our previous Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge™, you already understand the incredible power of this journey and you’re ready for more.  If this will be your first time in the challenge, get ready to discover the untapped potential that rests within you, opening your gateway to true freedom, extraordinary bliss, and the life of your dreams!
Studies have shown that it takes 21 days of consistent behavior to change a habit or create a new one, such as establishing a regular exercise routine, eating a healthier diet, or taking time each day for self-care. In just 21 days, you can also establish a fulfilling meditation practice that will give you a lifetime of rewards. You may have dipped your toe in the water with limited success, but this time, you will have daily support and guidance that will enable you to move beyond any past obstacles and experience the many gifts and benefits of meditation.
Join us over the coming days for a powerful journey that will change your life. Guided by master meditation teacher and dean of Chopra Center University – davidji and other master teachers – you will learn practical techniques for becoming more calm, centered, and happy – even in the midst of life's inevitable pressures and stress.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, if you want to harness the transformative energy of meditation to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve focus or connect to your inner wisdom, this is an exceptional opportunity to learn with masters in the comfort of your surroundings.  We welcome our past and new meditators to be part of this amazing journey in setting the foundation for an amazing 2011.
Your devoted participation during this all new Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge™ will result in a healing ritual you can carry forward to not only expand your own consciousness, but also contribute to the world community at this pivotal time in human history.

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The Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge™ Details:

• All new meditations, featuring the Chopra Center’s lead educator – davidji – and other master teachers
• Enroll here by completing the information in the form above.
• The Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge™ will begin on January 24, 2011. Further details about the program will be emailed to you prior to the start date. You will then begin receiving daily email notifications from us with links to the guided meditations.
• Your participation makes you eligible to win A Weekend Within workshop.  One lucky winner will be chosen from a random drawing to win free entry to A Weekend Within workshop.  Click here for official contest rules.  Click here for official contest rules.

We at the Chopra Center are so excited to be your guide
on this life-changing journey and look forward to hearing from you
with your inspiring results!

Easy Rider Rock and Roll Lives On

"You know, this used to be a helluva good country. I can’t understand what’s gone wrong with it." The quote from the 1969 movie Easy Rider sums it up in two sentences, sadly ringing true 4o years later.
I could watch this film 100 times, never growing tired of the fringe coats, the cool rides, the studs, the simplistic life, and the underlying, deep message. At least today, some cool remains. Make Up For Ever's studded rock and roll palettes, a sweet reminder. Make Up For Ever's limited edition from Holiday, Rock For Ever Eye Shadow Palette is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. Like hardcore, bad ass thank you Elvis, cool. The over sized compact has four funky shades, beige and black shimmer, silver iridescent and white shimmer. It comes adorned with gold and silver grommets, and black studs. Rock For Ever Eye Shadow Palette has the instant swagger factor, the popular kid with the cool shades. Make Up For Ever never skimps on pigment or quality, and gets an A+ for the smokey, rock and roll vibe. The black shadow has some serious flecks of diamonds and the white is a bright, blinding opalescent shade.

Rock For Ever Aqua Eyes are waterproof, mini eye liner pencils that come in black, charcoal gray, brown, gold, and silver. The colors are gorgeous, packed with pigment and the gold is 24K all the way. The liners are creamy, and glide on nice and easy. Perfectly portable in a studded, grommet, Rock For Ever tin. I'll take these anywhere. Pack 'em in a messenger bag, hop on a bike and go, where ever the road leads. 










http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P272601http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P272600&om_mmc=GoogleBase&_requestid=42976&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1292291

Pour Some Sugar on Me

Lipstick Swatches Rouge d'Armani
http://karlasugar.net/ 
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/




I wanted to link KarlaSugar.net to my blog, but for some unknown reason to this unsavvy techie, I was unable to do so! Bummer.

I figured since she was kind enough to link Make Up to Model Citi Zen, I'd devote a post. Her beauty website is smart, fun and well done. Seriously, folks if you haven't passed by http://karlasugar.net/ please do. Karla got her start by actually going into the department stores and swatching product, then posting the pics to her blog. Genius! To see the actual shades in real time and natural light, what a great concept. She has expanded and grown her blog ten fold since then, with contests, hot topics, giveaways and a slew of product and trend information. She's the go to source for what's in, and an inspiration to keep on blogging.

She's a mutual fan and friend of TIM QUINN'S. Celebrity Makeup Artist and super guru Tim, is the front man for Armani Beauty, nationally and internationally. A man on the "go go go" as Tim would say, he's beyond busy. Yet, he always manages to find time to chat beauty with a smile.

Images Courtesy http://karlasugar.net/

Shopstyle.com

Deepak and I on the same page. I am in excellent company! My Chopra Center "Hangin' With Deepak" blog post was featured in the December Agni Newsletter. For the full Agni Newsletter page visit: http://www.chopra.com/agni/dec10

The Gift of Perfect Health

Perfect health is a gift we all seek. Yet deadlines, meetings, kids' schedules, cell phones, conference calls, Blackberries, commuting, carpooling, running a household, and other demands seem to knock us off balance. How often do you eat your lunch at your desk? How often do you find yourself overwhelmed? How often do you find yourself racing around?

After a few years of running at such a hectic pace, the stress builds up, anxieties overtake us, and – in some cases – this imbalance manifests itself as imperfect health. Our digestion, nightly sleep patterns, close relationships, career paths, weight, and emotional wellbeing all seem to suffer as we get further from our natural state of perfect health.

This holiday season, one of the best gifts you can give to yourself or a loved one is making it a priority to care for the body that allows you to experience all the richness of life . . . the ability to touch and be touched, to laugh and feel sorrow, to walk on the earth or float down a river, to look into your children’s eyes, to play with a puppy, inhale the scent of magnolias, cook a special meal, or create music.

Whatever its limitations, your body is the vehicle through which you experience the gifts of a human incarnation, so taking good care of your health is clearly a valuable use of your time and attention. If you want to make your health a priority in the New Year, we invite you to join us for the Perfect Health Panchakarma program – a 6- or 10-day wellness program where you will experience daily healing treatments and empower yourself with knowledge and practical tools that you can use every day to continue on your path to wellness when you return home.

One of our recent Perfect Health guests, Jackie Cioffa, described her experience on her blog:

"When I was given the awesome gift and mind blowing opportunity by my best friend to do Perfect Health Panchakarma at the Chopra Center, I jumped on a plane. Panchakarma is a week of total immersion, a detox of body, mind and spirit . . . The days are packed with yoga, meditation, classes, Ayurvedic meals, doctor consults, and herbs . . . Everyone, from the staff to the teachers and massage therapists could not have been more accommodating . . .  as the days went on, I noticed the smallest changes. I awoke in the morning happy on the inside, for the first time in ages. The muscles on my face softened, and I gave up the internal fight . . . What a lucky life experience, what a lovely, unforgettable week. I'm home again, dreaming of the beach. I'm eating Ayurvedic meals, with the occasional Saturday cheat, drinking ginger tea, doing yoga, writing and working on my meditation." Read the full blog post here >>

We invite you to join us at Perfect Health Panchakarma and take the time to balance, heal, and transform your life!

888.736.6895 | chopra.com | learn@chopra.com About Us | Programs | Deepak Central | Community | Shop | Teacher's Path Kyla Stinnett, Editor |  Charlotte McCleary & Gloria Lam, Design and Technology © Copyright 2010 The Chopra Center at La Costa Resort and Spa

Mermaid Dreams

The holidays are over, but the parties are in full swing. Sundance, Award Season, Fashion week, all the hustle and bustle of the beauty scene. For makeup and hair peeps, this is a very busy bee season. When Nars sent me the new eyeshadow palette, Melusine I did a little jig. I love a smokey purple eye, sometimes even more than all black. It looks good on everyone, from fair skinned blonds to hot reds, to the olive tone brunettes, adding a hint of mermaid quality. The bright purple shade is matte, and packs the right amount of punch. It blends and builds effortlessly. I love to apply it to the crease, on a bare eye with a hint of the pale, silver lilac shimmer added to the center of the lid. A touch of the silver lilac dusted to the inner corners, opens the eyes instantly. It's a nice compliment to the sultry purple.

Paired with the limited edition, sheer lipstick, Little Darling, it's one of my favorite looks. The sheer lip is a true nude, with a beige undertone that's sexy and alluring. Celebrity artist Fabiola used Little Darling on Lea Michele's lips at the Billboard awards. Beautiful, prepped and ready for some song and dance.                                                     

                                                                                  

                                                                                   










Picture Courtesy of http://www.theshadesofu.com 
http://www.narscosmetics.com/Holiday-2010-C671_collection.aspx

                                                                               

If I Were A Carpenter

Some days I am just plain fed up with fashion and beauty. Maybe that's why I chose to take some time off, a sabbatical to do nothing, take long walks in the park, write scripts, novels and poetry. Don't get me wrong, I am a visual person and love all things beauty. The models, actors, and fantasy world escapisms. I've been a master at keeping one foot in Jimmy Choo's while the other firmly rooted in spirituality.
I still get weak in the knees when I watch Jeremy Renner or Charlize on film, memorized by their jaw dropping talent and beauty. Life is hard, it's fun to check out, dreaming about living some other person's fabulous life.

When I heard the news that French model Isabelle Caro passed at 28, losing her long, painful battle with anorexia nervosa I felt sick to my stomach. She was a beautiful girl, who succumbed to the dark and overwhelming pressures to be thin in a cut throat industry. Every young model, and actress at some point in her career has heard the words, you look a little fat. Really, are you kidding??? I'm a size 2, for God's sake. There's nowhere left to lose it!!! 
It's DISGUSTING. 

I know first hand, I lived the fashion world's pressures to stay slim, losing jobs by packing on a few pounds. Today, I am older and wiser and a bit rounder. So what, I say? Who cares? I'm alive, healthy and the same person. I refuse to starve myself, it's not worth it. So f..k you to all the agents, directors and designers out there selling young, impressionable girls the lie. If only they lost a few pounds, they could be famous. Fame is shite, superficial, and empty if there is no soul dwelling inside. Pardon my French, but this post is for Isabelle, and the young women everywhere who are being told they're not enough. It's simply not true, you are perfect exactly as you are. I hope Isabelle is at peace, serene and happy, floating in heaven weightless and free from her body. Not a care in the world. 

As for the rest of us, I think we should work harder to avoid the judgements, obliterating the words FAT and UGLY from the dictionary. 




Portia De Rossi's book, Unbearable Lightness is a must read for anyone struggling with anorexia. 
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Unbearable-Lightness/Portia-de-Rossi/9781439177785

It's Showtime

Award season is almost here and I love it. The guilty pleasure of getting together with friends and watching what the celebs will wear. Paying close attention to hair and makeup, of course. Even doing a Joan Rivers bit, and dissing the misfires in good fun. I know, I know shame on me that's bad karma, but I can't help it. It's the best form of escapism. I have been immersed in award seasons for many years, working beauty suites for prestige cosmetic brands. Painting the faces of countless A and B listers, my favorite clients have always been the directors' wives, the moms and the non-celebs who "can't believe they look so beautiful." It's a special night for them. I make sure they look radiant, glamorous and glowing. There are scores of individuals trying to get their films from paper to reality, working diligently on a project for years. Writing, producing and praying it makes it to the big screen. An evening to be recognized for their fearless, smart, persistent end product, the inspiring achievement. They deserve the applause and star treatment. 
Stila's Live From the Red Carpet Palettes are the winning ticket. Available in 3 Palette combos. they are hot, hot, hot and just in time for award season. Breathtaking Beauty Palette no. 1 has 6 eye shades and is my favorite. It's pretty and wearable, with just enough depth of eye color to add some drama. The shadows are appropriately named Cinema, Best Picture, Film, Academy, Theater, and Drama. There is a shimmery pink and flat beige base, which compliments the brown, sexy eggplant and dark gray. With the prettiest pink convertible color and Kitten, an all over gold shimmer powder you can't go wrong. Dusted on the shoulders, decollete and high cheeks, it looks warm and pretty on film, under the paparazzis' flash bulb blitz. Guava gloss is a nice bonus, it's a soft, flesh tone pink. Created by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sarah Lucero and in collaboration with the E Entertainment team.  Live from The Red Carpet Palettes have step by step instructions inside, how to achieve your very own Red Carpet glamour look.






http://www.stilacosmetics.com/e/shop.asp

Jackie Cioffa Makeup for http://www.cielobluepro.com/jackiecioffa/

Blue Sky Nothing but Blue Sky

There are countless people who work tirelessly in beauty and fashion, from behind the scenes without the glitz or glamour. There are the production people who put together shoots, dealing with the minutia, who arrives where, when, how, which studio, location or hotel to book, scheduling the talent, photographers, hair and make up, setting up catering and the list goes on. Then are the agents, who I give mad props to, the countless people who saw something in me, gave me a chance, an amazing opportunity and patiently developed my career. It's not the best time perhaps to be in the fashion business, especially in this sketchy economy. Only the smart and savvy will be around for the long haul. They quietly tend to business, developing amazing artists,  who are in demand and repeat clients. Great artists are a dime a dozen, but picking the individual is key. Please and thank you go a long way in a sometimes forgotten, thankless industry. 
So thanks to my agent for twenty years together, in this crazy industry. She is the true, rock star celebrity, developing a kick ass roster of talent, and building an  A + talent agency.
She called to chat about bookings, and was excited that one of her artists booked the cover of Rolling Stone. Her sweet success deserves the recognition. Cielo Blue. It means Blue Sky. How appropriate to face life with a smile and positive attitude, where the sky is always blue. 

http://www.cielobluepro.com

Stila Irresistible

So cute, so functional and so fun. I just received the Stila Limited Edition Travel Palettes to take for a test drive. I find them simple, easy and fun. The Travel Palettes are adorable and affordable. They represent Stila chicks from around the globe, launching a new girl every month for five months. All the girls are out and available on Stila.com. (although I see a few hot combos are sold out) Each palette has 4 shimmery eye shadows, that blend nicely and one convertible color. I like Make an Impression in Moscow, the eye shades are a bronze brown, dusty orange, soft pink, and a warm burst of medium blue. Have some fun with color, at ten bucks a pop it's a no brainer.
Stila's Long Wear Lip Color is a Lipstick and Gloss all in one. Adorable creme is a flattering peach, that's not too orange or too pink and screams I can't wait for spring and summer. If neutrals aren't your thing, Long Wear Lip Color is available in 8 shades, like Lover a bold red and Daring, a sexy burgundy wine. I'm already thinking ahead to the Globes, Independent Film and Sag awards, envisioning all the pretty Stila Girl looks to create.





http://www.stilacosmetics.com/?gclid=CI_Hw-nEgKYCFQJN4Aod302ong
Jackie Cioffa Make Up at CieloBluePro.com

Sparkle Plenty

Nars just came out with the awesome Holiday Gift Set, Sweet Disposition. A set of three mini Multiples in Orgasm, Luxor and Malibu. Creamy tubes of deliciousness for the eyes, lips and cheeks that shade, highlight and sculpt effortlessly. Orgasm blush has been a cult favorite with makeup artists, celebrities and trendy, cosmetics girls. It's the perfect peachy- pink shade with hints of golden shimmer. The texture is light and airy, and the blush suits all skin tones. Orgasm blush has such a huge following, Nars even created her twin sister in a gloss. I can't wait to play with the mini Multiples, mix and match the shades and colors. Don't be afraid to use your fingers, it's like finger painting only 3D better! Luxor is a sparkly, opalescent pink highlighter, apply it to the high cheek bones, under the eye brow bone, and dabbed down the center of the nose for a bit of shimmer. Malibu is a rosy brown, warm color for everyone. Sweet Disposition is the smart holiday gift for your besties, or even for you. Go ahead treat yourself, you deserve a bit of glamour. Pop it in your purse and off you go, polished and ready for whatever festivities the season has in store.





http://www.narscosmetics.com/Gifts-Under-50-C503_holiday_nars_gifts_8R.aspx

Chrome Nails are the perfect Holiday Gift

From Mariah to Rihanna to Lindsay Lohan, chrome nails have always been a hit with A list celebrities. 
They're back, just in time to spruce up your holiday season. 
I love silver and gold nails, and find them pretty all year round. With the Holiday season upon us, what better way to add a little pizazz to your beauty routine? A friend turned me on to Sally Hansen's Color Quick Chrome Pens in 8 funky shades. Just click and paint, your nails will be dry in an instant. There is a bit of  chipping, but the handy pen makes color changes and touch ups a snap. An added bonus, the polish is Toluene, DBP, and Formaldehyde free. Color Quick Crome Pens make awesome, stocking stuffers for the tweenie boppers, nieces, aunts and girlfriends on your shopping list. Sally Hansen Nails are available at Walmart, Target and most major drugstores, and won't break your piggy bank.
If you really want to get daring, check out Calgel nails first spotted on the super trendy and uber talented, Heather Park. Mac Cosmetic's beauty publicist, founder of SeoulDiva.com, singer, songwriter and diva extraordinaire. Watch out for her powerful voice, sultry vocals and soulful lyrics on her recently released album, STAY. I will always think of Heather as an innovative queen of nails and beauty, but she is so much more. She is the soul stress of all things funky.


http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=397
http://seouldiva.com/2010/04/22/nail-art-prn-nail-art-creations-by-marie-nails-nyc/
http://www.hearthepark.com/

It's A Green Thing

CoverGirl has done it again, launching their new, upscale sister line NatureLuxe in January 2011. The line consists of liquid foundation and a Gloss Balm. The Silk Foundation feels weightless on the skin, opting for a bit of cucumber water, it's the lighter alternative to heavy emollients. The new Gloss Balm is break out in song, genius. Available in the prettiest of shades and hints of color, it's filled with natural mango, shea and other butter ingredients. The Gloss Balm feels creamy and light on the lips. I'm digging Clove, a yummy, chocolate shade that's a perfect pick me up for those blase, winter days. Your chapped, dry lips will love it and say thank you. A line that's natural and clean, CoverGirl is putting their best face forward towards the green movement. With carefully chosen ingredients like jojoba and rosehip extract, they can't go wrong. Taylor Swift is a lovely choice for representing the NatureLuxe line. She's young, fresh and widespread appealing, in the most symbiotic, natural way.

http://www.covergirl.com/