Get the Funk Out

I worked on a music documentary with Gary Cherone & Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme (More Than Words fame) about the lost art of music videos from the 80's & 90's. The hardcore rock and roll boys in their cool clothes and touch of swagger, both sat down in my chair and said, " just a little powder please. I'm cool. " I love it. A little ragged edge on a man's face is sexy. A face that's been lived in always tells a story. I've never met a music man I didn't like. I dug the 80's, the long hair, the skin tight jeans, the leather, the creativity. Chanel's Natural Finish Pressed Powder Translucent 3 and great lighting with of touch of blue & red hues set the perfect mood. The band is touring and back on the road. I'm going to pull out my skinny jeans and fringe boots and check 'em out.

www.uma.chanel.com

www.extreme-band.com

Keep It Simple

It's hot & humid, your make up is melting off. Skip the foundation & spot treat with concealer. I love Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage & Shu Uemura's Pro Concealers. Secret Camouflage's two-shade system works on even the toughest dark circles. The creamy texture goes on smooth & easy and bags go bye-bye. Shu's Pro Concealers are an absolute must for spot treating & under the eyes. The coverage is just thick enough, but looks completely natural leaving the skin flawless & pretty. The click on system is genius for carrying a few shades to mix things up.

www.shuuemura-usa.com

www.lauramercier.com

Makeup Jackie Cioffa for Priano.com

CEW Beauty Winners on QVC

QVC and beauty? It's a winning combo that draws billions of dollars for the Cosmetic Industry. I'm spoiled, I live in NY and can walk out my door and pick up, play with, check out any new product my heart and face desires. It's great that women all over the country can see on tv what's new and exciting. Last night QVC teamed up with CEW bringing in the CEW Beauty Award winners. I tevo'd the show and quickly scanned the products. DARAC, CEW Beauty 2009's Indie winner looks interesting, congrats to Mally Roncal and her Volumizing Mascara Duo (Mally is the Mascara queen on her celeb clients) & YSL Lipstick works for me anytime. I really tuned in to see the big winner of the night & my gorgeous artist friend, Tim Quinn from Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. Congrats to Armani for winning CEW 2009 Beauty Award's Prestige Face Product with Face Fabric Nude Makeup. Genius, stellar. I am already a huge fan of Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation. I would die without it in my kit. Face Fabric, as Tim put is "silky, layering, and buildable yet translucent & luminous on the skin." It's semi-matte texture is "silky like second skin, leaving a beautiful glow." It's tres-so-chic portable, yay!

www.mallyroncal.com

www.qvc.com

www.cew.org

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Coat of Many Colors

I got to work with the uber-talented Stephen Dimmick, makeup artist extraordinaire. Stephen is one of the industry's best kept secrets and the next big thing. His finger approach to painting the face is old school modern and his mix of creamy texture and powder shadow on the skin is genius. I love watching great artists at work, it's inspiring. I asked if he paints? His response, "the face is my canvas." As he magically transformed the skin, the eyes, the lips it was true. It was as if the face had become a painting, only multi-dimensional and alive with color. Even Stephen's non-color approach is filled with color. He paints the face rich, exotic, and with many coats.

www.lateliernyc.com

'Da Boys

I like working with the boys. They're chill, fun and uncomplicated. They tell you stories that are never about beauty, but about life in the Bronx or hopping a train to Philly with a backpack just because. This crop of young guys are a new kind of James Dean. I admire their Cool Hand Luke swagger. I shot Grey Boys for D La Repubblica della Donne magazine with photographer Taghi Naderzad. Taghi gets the odd moment, the inn-between cool captured on film. I love how he works, the off putting poses and the freedom of unbalanced movement. I kept the skin clean with a hint of bronzer (Giorgio Armani's Bronze Mania), much like a boxer's sheen.

Grey does matter, it's the mystery between black and white.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

www.dweb.repubblica.it.com

www.taghinaderzad.com

Jackie Cioffa Makeup at Priano.com

Tuan Ahn Tran Hair at L'Atelier NYC

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Sheer, natural see-through coverage makeup that is actually good for your skin? How refreshing! Philosophy is out with a fresh, new makeup line. I can't wait, who doesn't love their scrumptious moisturizers, bathe & body products? Their makeup motto: Glorify your skin with healthy makeup options, full of minerals, plant and fruit extracts, vitamins and antioxidants. (all the products are mineral oil free.) I applied the products today at the NY press launch. The colors are natural, pretty, wearable and the application was smooth and flawless. The Supernatural Coloring Book is the neatest color palette with tawny browns and subtle pinks, and a pop of sheer burgundy. The Mini Glosses are the perfect size for your clutch, even your jeans pocket. I love Bare & Dreams, pink and coral mattes. Lit from Within, a healthy cream mineral blush in Look on the Bright Side is sheer bubble gum pink & gorge on the red carpet. It's even picture ready & pretty at the supermarket, unbearably light & uncomplicated.

www.qvc.com

Neda lovely Neda

There is nothing beautiful about being gunned down while standing in the street. The shocking and heartbreaking video of Neda Agha-Soltan dying, blood pouring from her nose and mouth has quickly become a global symbol of pro-democracy in these troubled times. Neda, the Iranian martyr was a pretty young woman in her prime. She was a student of music and a lover of travel. Neda had the courage to stand up for what she believed in, to be a voice regardless of the risk and the horrific outcome. I say thank you Neda, for showing me courage and grace and shining your beacon of light. There is enormous beauty in that. May your death bring us all one step closer to peace in this one life.

www.neda.com

THIRTYSEVEN

Need to recharge? My friend's boutique hotel on the island of Gozo is the perfect pampering getaway, without the pretention. It's luxe, it's mystical, it's tranquil beauty immersion. The mosaics, the colors of the rooms, the floral bonanza, the chef at your disposal, the pool at your feet. The organic fruits and vegtables, the fresh fish, the holistic services from yoga to holistic massage to Ayurveda. The healing power of the sea. Tempted? I'm booking my flight. I can't wait to be surrounded by jasmine and gardenia and the simple elegance of this mystical island. Treat yourself. Your body, soul and mind deserve it.

www.thirtysevengozo.com

Gimme A Break

Seriously sun, if I wanted this grey weather I'd move to London. Although a friend pointed out it's probably sunny there. So, how about we break out some bronzing tools and get a tan? If I can't see the sun in my sky at least I can wear it on my face. Bronze Universal de Chanel Sun Illuminator is just the ticket. The cream to powder texture is so luxurious you'll want to bathe in it. A little goes a long way and the color is perfect. It's warm without being orange or muddy, leaving your skin radiant and pretty. I say skip the foundation, add a touch of Bronze Universal to your moisturizer, put on some tunes and have your day at the beach.

www.uma.chanel.com

Makeup Jackie Cioffa

Open Air Magazine

It's All Good

I admit it. I love all things rock. The music, the fringe and leather, the bleach blond hair, the bad boys. Frye boots. Here's my struggle, I want a tattoo. A real bad ass tatt- the biker chick on a Harley kind-(my friend and I promised we'd cruise across country on Fat Boys.) That was twenty years ago, life seems to have gotten in the way. Not to mention sciatica...I have a tattoo already, a round lady Buddha on my back. She's the goddess of good and keeps me in check. I think two are too many for a lady of a certain age... Much to my delight a friend turned me on to temptu tattoos. 3 - 5 days permanent and they look real. Best part you can move them around on your body and switch up the decals as the mood suits. Cool. Maybe I'll use them on the next photo shoot. I'm still gonna bleach one strand of my hair and rock out. It's beautiful and it's temporary.

www.shop.temptu.com

Viva la French

I have two words for you, grand dame. I recently worked with Marion Cotillard and Stephane Marais on a Vogue cover shoot. Marion showed up by herself, no entourage in tow. She is a tiny little thing with a soft voice, a lovely combination of femininity and power. The woman is smart, her skin flawless and her eyes the color of the sea. In Stephane's stunning makeup, she looked ethereal, a gorgeous creature from another time. Marion had recently returned from a 3 day energy healing trip. Even though her life has exploded since winning the Oscar, she has maintained composure and a secure sense of self. She is a brilliant actress and beautiful soul, straight from the inside out.

www.stephanemarais.com

www.lateliernyc.com

Rain Rain Go Away

It's official. NYC has gotten off to a rocky summer start. The clouds and rain have been hovering far too long. I've decided to prep my summer makeup kit in hopes of sunshine. I came across a great skincare line, Skin Ceuticals.  The line's philosophy is about providing skin health, through science. No gimmicks, just good clean skincare. Their Physical UV Defense SPF 30 provides optimal coverage for sensitive skin, it's even safe for kids! It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, but won't leave your skin looking white through innovative dispersion technology. Which means I can use it under a makeup application. Sweet. Their cleansers (People's hottest bachelor Chace Crawford is a fan of the face wash), toners and moisturizers kind of rock too.

www.skinceuticals.com

Oooh la la Chanel

Last week, I travelled to Cleveland, Ohio for a beauty event with Chanel.

The ladies who came to get beautified were lovely, as was the Chanel team at Saks. Stellar artists and great fun! The event was a success with lots of Sublimage Cream and Serum being scooped up. Sublimage is made with Vanilla Planifolia and packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants. Your skin instantly hydrates and says thank you. A few of my top color picks from the week-end...Powder Blush in Narcisse, gives a pretty pink glow. Rouge Allure Naive lipstick from the Les Naturels Collection is sizzling for summer and the perfect subtle nude pink. Glossimer in Sirop is reintroduced and OMG spot on for summer...get it before it's gone! I plan on buying ten! lol

www.uma.chanel.com

Their Moment is Now

I worked on the W June feature Model of the Moment assisting Stephane Marais. The girls are the ' it girls ', the working modelista creme of the crop. 13 models came and went over 3 days. For me, one stood out -Karlie Kloss (on the far left). She's young, smart, polite, beautiful, sweet and humble. She knows how to say please and thank you. Such fantastic model qualities! In a business that is fast and dangerous, it's nice to see some humanity.

Model as Muse

The Met's 'Model as Muse Gala' was last night. The celebs were out in full force, although the models presence lacked the heavy hitters. Christy,  Naomi and Stephanie Seymour were all decidedly absent.  

The Model as Muse, " examines a timeline of fashion from 1947-1997, through the idealized aesthetic of the model." The exhibit features 80 haute couture and ready to wear pieces, along with countless images and projections. As I reconcile my twenty year modeling past with my much improved present, I'll probably go for the nostalgia. And the beautiful designs and sexy images from another time. For me, fashion today has become boring, uninteresting, and digitalized, along with the robotic models and young celebs whose faces are plastered on the tabloids, tv and internet.  I admit it, I'm old school. Give me Charlotte Rampling, Issabella Rosselini, mysterious, brooding, even off-putting beauty any day. I like to think beauty is imperfect, and looks more authentic when likened to a David Lynch film.

www.metmuseum.org

Design Team Dream

I had the pleasure of doing make up for Magareta van den Bosch.

Ms. van den Bosch is the head designer for H & M. She has been with the company for twenty years, talk about staying power!!! There are 150 designers truth be told. "It's a big team." I'd say so. She was in town doing press for the launch of the Matthew Williamson summer collection for H & M.

During the day, I kept the make up clean with a pink lip.

For the Matthew Williamson party on a boat that night, with Grace Jones in tow- I added a half lash strip, some liquid liner and an even brighter pink lip. Easy, breazy make up & bold, colorful clothes.

www.hm.com/us/#/wm/

I Think I'm in Love

Beauty comes in the smallest packages and funniest faces. Lately, I'm finding people a little disconcerting. I find beauty wherever I can. Ten years with a pooch, yup that's been my longest and most rewarding relationship. She always makes me feel beautiful. She doesn't care if I've put on a few pounds or have new lines on my face. She doesn't see that. They say dogs only see in black and white. I don't believe it. Her life has added so much color to mine. A walk in the park, a swim in the pool, shared toast in the morning, simply lying in the grass looking up at the sky. Beautifully unconditional. She makes me feel pretty, special and well-loved. Cool.

Adopt a pet, it'll beautify your life.

www.petfinder.com

Make Me a Cover Girl

This week in New York, I got to sit down with 15 other esteemed makeup artists, along with the super sweet, and uber talented Molly Stern and chat about makeup at a Cover Girl event. As soon as the first question was asked, "what's your favorite product and why?" the ideas & questions flowed. It was like being a kid in a candy store, we couldn't get enough information. Cover Girl may be my new favorite brand. The Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara with it's super wand and 360 bristles is the # 1 top selling mascara, and after wearing it all day yesterday I get why. Easy application, and a magic wand that coats every lash without missing a beat. Simply Ageless Foundation with Olay Regenrist Serum and SPF22, in a convenient pot (great for travel!) with it's own sponge is creamy and weightless. It actually stays suspended above the skin and won't settle in wrinkles. It's available in 15 fabulous shades. Hey, if it's good enough for Ellen, it's great for me. Go ahead, become your own best CoverGirl!

www.covergirl.com

One Black Eye Pencil is All You Need

Stephane Marais is a genius in the art of make-up. His talent is unmatched and his understanding of light and depth and color unprecedented. I was fortunate enough to assist him on a shoot for W magazine. He arrived with four suitcases filled with product, ranging from lace to sequins to shimmers. In the end, all he really needed was one black pencil. With two strokes strategically placed on the eye, he blends and creates shadows I didn't think possible. When Stephane finds a product that works, he'll buy twenty of them. He likes Prescriptives Softlining Pencil. It's the perfect black, smooth creamy texture. E voila and merci Stephane, tres jolie.

www.prescriptives.com

www.stephanemarais.com

Enough is Enough

How young is too young? I just wrapped a shoot assisting Stephane Marais for W magazine. 13 "it girls of the moment", four make-up & hair assistants and endless rows of product and racks of couture clothes and accessories. 16 year old girls dressed in $30,000 couture gowns posing as grown ups? How can a woman over 30 relate to babies playing dress up? After all, she's the one buying the clothes. I get it. It's pure fantasy, braids, heat, curls, modern death make-up, under-eye bags that become mysterious, fashion forward & cool. But, in these uncertain times, when is it time to say enough is enough?