Be Still My Heart

Spring is almost here, no, really I'm not kidding. As I curse, hopping over the slush piles lugging my kit I count backwards the days until March 21st. Imagine my delight when I arrived home, wet, tired and pooped to find a box from MAC with my name on it. The Quite Cute Collection Spring 2011 gave me just the right morale boost. 

"The multi-culti cutie Collection, from Tokyo to Toronto to Paris with love! Pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass, and Nail Lacquer…And due to popular demand, we’re completely cute-ifying three favourite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will will complete the collection. "

I'm in love with the Mineralize Blush in Giggly, a soft shade of pink. With its own personalized, sparkle heart baked right in, it's super cute and functional. Giggly is a subtle, modern girly shade of pink. I'll use it to create a modern princess, airy dreamy kind of look.

The Eye Shadow quad CUTiE comes in 4 pastel colors. A soft yellow, subtle pink, lavender and frost violet. These shades look beautiful worn alone swept from the bottom of the eye to the top of the brow. A pop of violet through the crease adds a bit of dimension.

Mac Quite Cute Spring Collection Launches April 7, 2011 in the US and Canada.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl

Dakota Johnson Image courtesy of http://www.ericguillemain.com/

Make up Jackie Cioffa for CieloBluePro.com

Gems and Stones

Armani Beauty's Spring Collection, 'La Femme Bleue' Eye Palette has some lovely jewel tones, melting winter into spring. I love the rocking violet and shimmery, sea green worn alone, swept lightly over the eye in a subtle wash of color. When paired together, the violet and green create a crazy beautiful, turquoise blue. The luminous gray and white offer endless shadow combinations. The translucency reminds me of the beach, an exotic, gem filled location, filled with brilliant hues of bold color.

Most of you know by now I'd be lost with my Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. So I decided to start experimenting with the Fluid Sheers again. Oh my God, genius! I forgot how pretty they look on the skin, creating a shine and luminosity nothing short of magic. I asked which shade Armani Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn likes using and was sent Fluid Sheer #7. He is a makeup god. I have learned many tricks watching him work, reapplying them to my happy clients' faces. #7 is the subtlest shade of pearlized pink. A dollop mixed with LSF Foundation creates a mesmerizing glow to the skin without the glitter. It can also be applied with Armani's Blender brush, under the brow bone and along the high cheekbones, for instant glow and vibrancy. Pretty in Pink never looked better.

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Lit from Within

Not only is Mally Roncal drop dead gorgeous, but she is the whole makeup package. The stunning face, the glowing skin, the luxurious mane of cascading hair and the raw talent. Mally has been an A list makeup artist for some time, working with countless celebs, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce and Jlo on speed dial. She could have stopped there, been content with her bustling career. Mally is much more than an uber talented artist, she is creative, smart and business savvy to boot. She's the kind of super hero woman we'd love to hate, but just can't. She's just too darn nice, positive energy radiates out of her.

Mally created the very successful makeup line, Mally Beauty airing on QVC. That is no small feat, countless others have tried and fallen short. She lights up the screen selling her products with confidence and enthusiasm. Her joie de vivre and killer laugh, make her products even more enticing. Mally's enthusiasm and energy are contagious. When I asked her lovely PR ladies for a few Mally products for the blog, I was sent an over abundance of  amazing goodies. The exquisite packaging makes me happy, wanting to place it on a shelf and admire the prettiness. The thought that went into such lovely packaging, makes me feel special and beautiful, even before using the high quality makeup inside.

I first discovered Mally when an artist friend gave me the Lightwand Eye Brightener. I was hooked. A double-ended tool that brightens the face. The metallic, Vermeil pencil placed in the inner corner of the eye up to the lash line adds instant shimmer. The soft shimmer dust hidden in the cap, dabbed slightly onto the lid, and down the nose with the extra-soft dabber is the perfect pick me up, dose of subtle shine. I immediately bought two and kept one for myself. Dark circles begone, I come prepared with a magic wand of sunshine.

Then there's Mally's award winning Mascaras. "Huge Ginormous lashes is one of the things I'm known for." 

I'm not done posting Mally Beauty products. There are just too many great ones to chose from! More to come!!!

http://www.mallybeauty.com/

http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=class%7CF809&cookie=set

Condom Conscience

Watch Gaga's interview on GMA below, supporting MAC'S VIVA GLAM CAMPAIGN. Smart, socially conscience, and wearing a 'latex condom inspired outfit', Gaga cares. MAC'S VIVA GLAM continues raising awareness against AIDS and HIV. 100 % of the proceeds from VIVA GLAM go to the MAC AIDS FUND. 

"Aids is the number one killer against women. It causes more deaths than any other infectious disease."

The simple purchase of a lipstick and a gloss. What an easy way to show some support.

"No Bad Romance here. We're unveiling a hot new shade inspired by Lady Gaga and her passions, in both Lipstick and Lipglass. And by now you know every cent from the sale of M∙A∙C VIVA GLAM goes toward the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund."  

COURTESY MAC COSMETICS.COM

http://www.ladygaga.com/news/default.aspx?nid=34119

http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/4800/index.tmpl

Forever in Blue Jeans

Whether you're rocking Paper Denim, Rock and Republic, Seven, J Brand or good ole' fashion Levi's, your trusted, blue jeans will never go out of style. Are you ready for this? To accompany your boot cut, straight cut or wide leg comes The ‘Jeanius’ Spring 2011 Collection from Mac launching March 3, 2011.
Here are a few of my Jeanius favorites. Denim inspired eye shadows that come in four, rocking shades, a cobalt blue, cool black, shimmer white and washed out gray. The shadows look like stitched denim, with a pop up button to boot. 

The Biker Blue Blackpolish, sprinkled with baby blue hues and pink in a chrome finish looks sassy worn with your frayed jeans. 

Frost Lipstick in Riveting Rose, a deep maroon paired with a smokey eye and bad ass Biker Blue nails, breaks all the makeup rules. Sparking a whole new tomboy, style revolution, blue jeans, and a white tank top just got a whole lot cooler.



























http://www.maccosmetics.com

Dazzle Me with Color

Make Up For Ever's new Lab Shine comes in three unique finishes, and a rainbow of 35 colors. The Star, Diamond and Metal Collections are right in time for spring. The colors are shiny and bright, the texture is not sticky or heavy. What gal doesn't love her gloss? When stranded on a desert island, leave her a gloss and mascara, she'll be just fine. For some high voltage, sexy color, M10 is a juicy red, from the Metal Collection bumping up the chrome effect. Metal delivers rich, burlesque color. Star offers medium coverage, with a pretty pearl effect. I'm drooling over S24, a pink coral that J Lo would rock, in rare, Idol form. Then there's the Diamond Collection, ah the beauty of the bling. Natural shades that sparkle and shimmer. There is not one girl I know, from models, to celebrities and the girl about town, who doesn't carry at least one gloss in her purse. No matter how small the bag, even Angie was caught, reapplying at the Globes. Make Up For Ever always delivers the goods. Lab Shine is enriched with hyaluronic acid and Camelina oil, and a bunch of other yummy, good for you things. 
I say amen, sister. We all need a superior product, some light and exceptional, razzle, dazzle shine to brighten the mood.

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/lab-shine.html
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P278012

“Go in peace my daughter. And remember that, in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.”

Mac Cosmetics in collaboration with DC Comics is launching their megawatt Wonder Woman Collection. OOOH, how fabulously funky. The packaging, the makeup, everything is oversized, pure cheeky, glamorous FUN. Linda Carter and her magic bracelets. I so wanted to be her when I grew up; tough, feminine, able to fight off villains, looking sexy and smoking hot. Mac's collection is huge, the products are over sized and the cartoon boxes bring me back to the 70's and the series. I'm holding onto my products, I'm sure the limited editions will be collectors items one day. I received the Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power, sold out online at Mac. The funky red and blue design, and the fact that the product is three times the normal size, is genius marketing. The collection and actual makeup are 100% Mac, the highest quality. There are three shades in Skinfinish's Pink Power compact, with subtle gold undertones. There is matte bronze, and two pearly highlighters, one gold and one pink based. Are you kidding me, it's the perfect combination of shades. The pink is pretty applied to the cheeks or even swept through the eye crease, and the gold looks stunning on the high brow, and high cheek. The textures are soft and light, not weighted or heavy. Don't get me started on the bronzer, with no orange undertones in sight, it may be my new go to spring, summer bronzing solution. Swipe the bronze across the forehead, down the nose under the cheekbones, and under the jawline. Voila, the shade is light enough to build your personal ray of sunshine. Lipglass in Secret Identity is a jumbo size, limited edition gloss in a copper shade with hints of pearl. Reflects Glitter in Bronze is pure pigment, delivering a wallop of color to save the day, and says,  "Look at me, I'm hot and sassy and pulling out the supercuffs in various MAC WONDER WOMAN shades." Thanks for giving me back my feminine powers, and favorite heroine to save the day.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/4782/index.tmpl

The collection officially launches in stores in America February 10th, but is already available online at MacCosmetics.com

A Little Taste of Heaven

Before venturing out of the house, I never leave home without applying a dab of Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation. Just a dime size, applied to the whole face makes the skin glow, ready to face the day, looking pretty and polished. Whether I'm headed to the park with my pooch in sub degree temperatures, getting glammed up for fashion week, or even working the Oscar circuit, I'm confident with LSF in my kit. I use #4, #5, often and like #6 and #8 for a slightly bronzed look. I love #9 mixed with Crema Nera. I used the combo on Lake Bell's gorgeous skin. She showed me a picture, and wanted to look tan, like a Greek goddess. It worked, she was stunning, like bottled up sunshine. I have worked with Armani Beauty since the launch of the brand, and as a model in Milan long before that. We go way back, and I have never stopped loving the brand or the man. I will not waver, LSF is my number one my go to sheer foundation. LSF is a genie in a bottle, leaving the skin luminous, yet free from imperfections. Armani Beauty is offering a one day promotion today, you get to try three of my very favorite products with a purchase. This is your chance to see for yourself. What is, in my opinion, the very best. After all, who would expect less from the Maestro of perfection?

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/special-offers/special-offers,default,sc.html

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/

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