Smack Dab in the World of Kaleidoscope Color

CEW just came out with the finalists for their prestigious beauty award ceremony. The best of the best, voted by the leaders in the beauty industry, la creme De la crop in the cosmetic industry. I glanced through the products and spotted a few of my favorites, and some intriguing new lines, too. 

CEW has launched a new group of finalists, the ever popular and growing Eco lines, including Amala, Alterna Haircare, Aveda, Jurlique, Pomega5, Sophyto, Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, The Body Shop, Vapour Organic Beauty, and Yves Rocher. 

A big fan of all things au natural, and good for the environment products. I can't wait to test drive these eco friendly brands. Amala intrigues me, one because I love the name and second because of its 'straight from the root' philosophy.

"Amala skincare enhances natural beauty by embracing the individual and benefiting the world. Amala. In Sanskrit, “most pure.”  "The ancient word Amala has many unique meanings, but it is the harmony of all of them that resonates most with us. We believe that if we love and respect the earth as we would our own mother, nature will give us everything we need to look and feel beautiful."

http://www.amalabeauty.com/

A big hooray to my friends at Cover Girl. Their Liquiline Blast Eye Liner Pencils made the CEW finalists list. They may not be liquid, but are smooth enough to create a fabulous liquid look, application made easy. The sponge tip makes blending a snap, Liquiline Blast is waterproof, so it stays where you put it. I love all the CG products and use lots of them in my kit. They are already winners hands down, in my book.    

http://www.covergirl.com                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                           

And last but hardly least, ANTHELIOS gets my vote. By La Roche-Posay their sunscreens are beyond amazing.

Anyone who has been to France, is in the biz, or reads the beauty rags knows there is no better, superior sunscreen out there. I was first interested to this cream by my brother, a model and the face of CK ONE for many years. He was  a longtime resident of Paris, and something of a cream junky. I had to chuckle when my 'fancy beauty editor' friends started bringing it back to the states in multiples, the newest discovery. I 'm glad its available stateside, everyone deserves to be protected and pampered. ANTHELIOS, thank you for saving my skin and doing it so delicately. 

ANTHELIOS- CEW has picked the latest Ultra Light Sunscreen 45 for the body. I pick them all.  "Revolutionary ultra-light sunscreen with SPF 45 and Cell-Ox Shield™ for protection down to the cellular level."

http://www.anthelios.com/
                                                                                                                                                                                 

http://www.cew.org/eweb/

Quack Quack

I woke up this morning to two ducks waddling across the front yard. Seriously, just walking around minding their own business. While I come from a small town, it's far from the country. It got me thinking, Easter is almost here, and I've got egg decorating on the brain. For some twenty odd years, there has been a long standing tradition among friends, to create the most fabulous, outlandish, wicked Easter egg ever done. This is a creative group, a take no prisoners contest. Anything and everything goes, from ornate to jeweled to real life looking egg people to TV's aliens. It's competitive and hilarious fun. We all used to be in the same city sitting around a table laughing, but sadly that is no longer true. Facebook allows us to carry on the wacky tradition. When I came across Eos, the fabulous, all natural skincare line, I had to chuckle. The cute sphere packaging reminded me of an egg! Packed with shea butter, anti-oxidants, and vitamins C and E, the lotion feels smooth and silky, not sticky. It's hypoallergenic and doesn't irritate the skin. The lip balm is to die for! I've even spotted pics of Rachel Evan Wood posing with her Eos Lip Balm and a couple of Backstreet Boys, too. Hey, guys need to stay hydrated.
"Eos lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, EOS keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth." It comes in fruity flavors like summer fruit, lemon drop SPF 15, honeysuckle honeydew and sweet mint. Best of all you can get it at your local drugstore. It won't cost you an arm and a leg, or an egg.

http://www.evolutionofsmooth.com/

Frangipani, Magnolia, Orchids and Tropical Eden

Soleil Tan de Chanel in Bronze Rose, a limited edition piece, is part of Chanel's Summer 2011 Collection, " Le Fleurs D' Ete de Chanel. " The palette is stunning in three different golden bronze hues, with a gorgeous pop of soft pink. The bronzers are the perfect flat shades of natural beige, with the slightest hint of shimmer. "Le Fleurs D'Ete" can be your summer go to product, use it all over the face. The lighter shades swept through the eye crease, create a delicate, bronzey St. Tropez beach feel. A pop of pink, Rose on the apples, brings sunny paradise alive on the face.

Add Chanel's Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Pink Peony to the lip, for a luscious burst of pink with specks of gold sunshine, or Aurore, in soft, coral shimmer. You'll look tres jolie, modern and summer fresh. Glossimer is the perfect compliment to your Soleil Tan de Chanel palette. The gloss is not sticky or gooey, and the texture is divine, delivering gorgeous bursts of color. Chanel delivers every time. The Summer 2011 Collection Glossimer shades are limited editions, so why pick just one when you can have two? A girl's gotta have options. Mais oui.
























http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Summer-2011-Collection-123037

Sticks & Stones & Birds of Paradise

I just received some fabulous Shu Uemura product in anteprima for the big contest. These fantastic pieces are part of the Shu kits the lucky "top twenty artists" will receive to compete in the Mystic Nature contest. The Eyelash Curler is a must for every artist. I have raved about this curler before, but truly can't say enough. It is the best Eyelash Curler on the market, end of story. Shu's Stage Performer Instant-Glow, Immediate Radiance Skin Perfecting Cream works like a multi-functional product, meant to be worn under makeup. The cream is rich and luxurious, with tiny specks of glow delivering a pretty, polished finish. It goes on smooth, translucent and delivers 24 hour moisture. Perfect for your Mystic Nature inspired look's base. Shu's Rouge Unlimited Creme Matte in RD 165 M is a blue-tone, cool, sexy red. It reminds me of a sophisticated woman from the forties and a decadent, lost elegance. The piece de resistance is Shu's Painting Liner eye liner in gold. It goes on smooth, stays put, is smudge proof and waterproof. I can imagine painting some delicate golden branches and twigs down the face, with this highly pigmented liner. Perhaps adding some real leaves, and a bit of dew creating your very own Mystic Nature goddess. The possibilities are endless. The contest only has a few days left to enter, so what are you waiting for? To make it into the top twenty would be a dream come true. One filled with rockin', Shu Uemura products in abundance.

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

TO ENTER:

http://www.facebook.com/ShuUemuraUsa

About the contest:

"MONTREAL, March 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Mr. Shu Uemura, the legendary make-up artist and beauty pioneer, made history by introducing the first make-up competition in 1972. Today, the international competition continues to exhilarate, motivate and inspire participants to go beyond common techniques. We are proud to announce the 1st North American shu uemura Beauty Art Make-up Competition under the theme of Mystic Nature.

Starting March 8th, 2011, upcoming industry talent and aspiring make-up artists can register for a chance to participate in the competition. Amongst all applications received, a panel of judges will select 20 outstanding artists. They will take part in the 1st shu uemura North American Beauty Art Make-up Competition by completing 5 make-up challenges with videos posted on the shu uemura Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/shuuemurausa

The 20 candidates will have to create unique looks that will demonstrate their artistic talents and showcase their potential to be an exceptionally creative make-up artist. By voting for their favorite looks, Facebook fans will ultimately select their 5 favorite contestants.

On June 14th, 2011, the 5 selected finalists will have the chance to attend Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, where they will complete the final make-up challenge during a live event in Toronto, Ontario. Only one lucky winner will be selected by a jury of industry professionals during the live event. The winner will become a member of the shu uemura make-up Artist team and will represent the brand in North America.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/shuuemurausa for contest registration, rules and regulations"

Shu Uemura Get In Tune With Your Nature Side

Shu Uemura is one of the most exclusive, designer brands on the market. They have been around for decades, offering only the best, top quality products.
They are having a contest on Facebook to, "join the team." All you have to do is submit a few of your best makeup pics and you're in the running.
The top twenty artists will be provided with kits (who wouldn't jump at the chance for some fabulous Shu product?) to compete in the Mystic Nature challenge.  
This is an amazing opportunity for any freelance artist looking to step up their game. Shu's Nobara sticks, their amazing ray of color lipsticks, the eye palettes, and omg, the quality. Dreamy. The black diamond false lashes, I saved mine for some fabulous over the top event. Shu has lashes that will make your head spin. Their eyelash curlers are the best on the market, used by all the top Celebrity Makeup Artists in biz. I say get your nymph fairies going and creative juices flowing. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity.
I am known for my simple, classic beauty and even I entered the contest. I simply couldn't resist, I truly heart the line. 
Good Luck and may the best Mystic Nature god or goddess win.


I will update on the progress of the contest and the fantastic product kits the top twenty artists win.

















http://www.facebook.com/ShuUemuraUsa#!/ShuUemuraUsa?sk=app_209140305766776
http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

Sparkle Plenty

While I am an avid devotee of a certain foundation, I will take the occasional new face product for a test drive. Every so often a new product is pleasantly surprising. Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, oil-free with SPF 20, kicks up the Tinted Moisturizer category a notch. I always test a new product on myself, before using it on a shoot or important event. More often than not, a girl friend will be around, and more than happy to get a free makeover. Especially if they are off to a concert, a date or girls night out.
Stila's  Iluminating Tinted Moisturizer has an added moisturizer that feels weightless on the skin, the shimmer is ever so slight. Yet, the skin glows, looking like you stepped right out of the steam room. When I swatched the base color on the back of my hand, I was a bit worried. As soon as I applied the Tinted Moisturizer to my face, I relaxed. I was amazed by the sheer coverage and luminosity. This is a sweet alternative to full face foundation and the plastic packaging makes sticking it in your purse a breeze. Summer's right around the corner, let your skin breathe and shine, while looking sexy and pretty. Oh yeah, the hyaluronic acid to increase elasticity and increase hydration is a nice bonus, and it's packed with ingredients like ginseng root extract, gingko biloba leaf extract and chamomile for antioxidant protection. More bang for your buck, it's worth a spin.

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product_detail.asp?PMID=904&dept=6&cat=69#back
http://www.ericguillemain.com/index.php?album=portraits%2Fmusic

Image of Clinical Trials Courtesy Eric Guillemain

Make Up Jackie Cioffa for CieloBluePro.com

Rays of Sun in an Easy Breezy Pencil

Evercolor Shadow Sticks by Mally Beauty, are creamy, textured eyeshadow sticks, perfect for creating a smokey, shimmer look that won't smudge, and stays put. No, really. I know, we artists all say that, but these have awesome staying power. Evercolor sticks are among my new favorite Mally Beauty products. The ten shades are fantastic. I especially love Plum, Gunmetal, Saddle Shimmer, Bronze and Champagne. The sticks are yummy, and really easy to use. They blend and smudge well to create a shimmery, sultry look. I like to use the Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner pencils along with the Shadow Sticks to add a bit more drama to the eye. In an array of colors, don't be afraid to mix it up. Rimming the inside upper and lower lid, and in between the lashes with a shade slightly deeper than the shadow stick kicks up the sexy a notch. When doing a purple eye, the ultra chic alternative to the classic, smokey gray-black, I love Evercolor Shadow Stick in Plum and Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Royal Plum or Gunmetal.

Image courtesy of Stylecaster.com for Mally Beauty

courtesy of Mally Beauty for Tracy Reese Fall Winter 2011

courtesy of Mally Beauty for Tracy Reese Fall Winter 2011

For an ethereal goddess look, Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Lucky Penny paired with Shadow Stick's Saddle Shimmer is a guaranteed, mesmerizing, head turner. 
The pencils are smooth and creamy, making application a snap. The colors are rich and saturated. Golden applied to the inner and upper corner of the eye is an instant eye opener and camera magnet.




http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=class%7CF809
http://www.mallybeauty.com/
http://www.cielobluepro.com/jackiecioffa/

Squeaky Clean

I'm grumpy. It's been months since I've left the east coast, freezing for days and days. Dealing with sub zero degree temperatures, snow shovels and itchy, bumpy, scratchy, unhappy skin. It matters not how much exfoliating, moisturizing or hot abby oils I've been doing, my skin is still cracking under the extreme temperatures. Skin is the most important organ on your body, not only releasing toxins from the body, but also absorbing substances that are placed on it. If I could click my ruby heels and be in Los Angeles, I would run, not walk to Natura Day Spa. Since the women walk around buck naked, leave your inhibitions at the door and embrace your beautiful, naked self. Natura Day Spa respects time honored Korean bathing customs. It's divided into separate parts for women, and men. Natura Day Spa is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, an oasis for cleansing the skin, and scrubbing away worry, along with mounds and mounds of dead tissue and toxins. There are dry saunas, steam rooms, Mugwort whirlpools, cold plunges, a yellow clay room made of clay imported from Korea, and a jade room, everything your mind, body and soul desires. The Korean masseuses wear only bra and panties, prepared to get wet while scrubbing vigorously at every inch of your skin. The cold marble table might seem less like pampering and more like torture, and the buckets of hot water thrown on you a bit harsh. Trust me after one visit you'll be begging for more, hardly remembering sauntering around in the buff. Your glowing skin stays silky smooth for weeks on end. Oh, and let's not forget the tea tree hair wash, head massage and optional hour plus massage. The prices are so reasonable, I hesitate to share my secret. But, I just can't help it, it's too amazing to keep to myself. There are some Korean Day Spas in New York, one that stands out is Yipak.  I have had countless celebrity clients rave about this little gem, but have yet to check it out. http://www.yipakspa.com/women.html

I've been to Olympic Spa in Los Angeles in Koreatown, which was super nice and clean, a bit pricier and smaller than Natura.  http://www.olympicspala.com/

What can I say the heart want what the heart wants?  

So, I'm clicking my heels and magically transporting myself to Natura for an afternoon in heaven. I love a good pampering and a bargain.

http://natura-spa.com/

Time After Time

Armani Beauty has launched a new line of skincare, Regenessence. I'm a huge fan of Crema Nera, so I can't wait to use the new line. Regenessence 3. R claims you can 'gain up to 6 years of youth.' Going back six years on the face? Heck, yeah I'm buying. Who wouldn't want to look younger, but keep the wisdom of 'age'? It's a win, win. I'll try anything once, as long as it doesn't require needles or cutting. Regenessence 3. R 's formula is lightweight and provides eight hours of hydration. Regenessence Youth Regenerator, moisturizing up to 24 hours, creates a glowing, pretty canvas. I have learned over the years by the masters, start with flawless, glowing skin, and the rest of your makeup application will be seamless. That goes for the boys, too. Beauty may only be skin deep, but radiant skin makes anyone look flawless. If it's good enough for Megan Fox, the face of Regenessence, it's good enough for me.

REGENESSENCE:
"Inspired by advanced regenerative medicine research pioneered by Dr. Peter Lorenz at the Stanford School of Medicine, Regenessence 3.R technology targets the 3 levels of the skin with 3 powerful ingredients: ProXylan, Linseed Extract and Vitamin CP. The results: In 1 hour, wrinkles reduced  71%. In 6 days, skin is rebounced and radiant 88%. In 1 month, gain up to 6 years of youth."

                              




























Jackie Cioffa Makeup for CieloBluePro.com
MyrnaSuarezPhotography.com  for Just Ask the Locals
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-armani_us-Site/default/Home-Show