Simply Delicious

MoroccanOil Treatment was voted by InStyle magazine as one of 2010's best beauty picks. It peeked my interest. Made with Aragan oil, powerful antioxidants and rich in nutrients, MoroccanOil Treatment is a hair stylist's dream. It's beautified the tresses of J Lo, Sienna Miller, Charlize Theron and Pink, and countless supermodels. Applied to damp hair, it hydrates, repairs, and nourishes, leaving the hair silky smooth without a greasy residue. It's great for the boys, too. I am not always convinced by a celebrity product endorsement, and tend to listen to what the experts are saying, for both hair and beauty products. Seeing the bright blue and orange logos popping up everywhere, in studios, and hotel rooms prepping celebs for premieres and award shows, I was hooked. I love the way it feels, the smell and the gorgeous, sleek hair after effects.


















http://www.moroccanoil.com/en/our-products.html

Goldilocks and Makeup Dreams

Jillian Demspey may be know as the wife of a certain Hollywood heartthrob, but she is much more than a trophy wife. In the 90's, Jillian became a formidable makeup artist, known for her shimmery, pretty red carpet faces, and an impressive roster of film and editorial credits. Her sincere, down to earth nature garnered the respect of a loyal Hollywood clientele, including Kirsten Dunst, Kate Winslet, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Kristen Stewart. In 2000, she launched the prestige line, Delux Beauty, sadly now defunct. I still covet the line, and use my Delux Beauty's Crush Cherry Lip and Cheek Stain (found on Amazon) sparingly for special occasions. A vibrant, hot pink cream blush, it's the perfect pop of color for blushing brides or red carpet rides. In 2006, Jillian became Global Creative Color Director for Avon. Jillian has recreated and updated the line with awesome, new pieces. I love a multi-functional product, and the three-fer, Avon's Professional Multi-Pencil is portable and pretty. With one side for eyes, the other for lips and cheeks, it's a no brainer addition to your cosmetic bag. The creamy color goes on smooth and stays put. Available in three color- combos, it's the perfect bait and switch, modern update to an outdated, artistry favorite. Here's to cool chicks doing their thing, and easy, affordable, colorful fun.

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=301&pdept_id=609&dept_id=0&pf_id=38682
http://jilliandempsey.com/

Jackie Cioffa Makeup

Michael Waring Photography

Le Palace Royal

CoverGirl Global Creative Designer extraordinaire Pat McGrath has been cranking out awesome, innovative new products. First there was LashBlast mascara and then Shadowblast eye cream duo sticks. I can't wait to see what's next. CG's new Lip Perfection Lipstick launching in January 2011,  is a collision of color and moisture in 44 gorgeous, luxe shades. In just 7 days, your lips will feel magically transformed. Lip Perfection Lipstick is packed with emollients, white tea, shea, avocado and silk protein.
Pat McGrath, who is known for her high, pigmented color does not disappoint yet again. The iconic bullet lipstick feels instantly hydrating on the lips. I love Rush, a pretty, nude pink perfect for all day. Everlasting, a vibrant, ooh la la red, oozes sex appeal and makes me wish I was in Paris at the ball. All the color statement you need, you'll want to dig out your holiday party dress and head out to the dance. 




Check it out http://www.facebook.com/covergirl before the launch.
covergirl.com

I am Une.

When I heard that Bourjois just launched the affordable, all natural, high street brand Une Beauty in the UK, I was estatic.
As one of the oldest French cosmetics companies in operation, Bourjois is an expert in beauty. 'The brand is all about colour, quality and joie de vivre' - and their infamous little round pots (shadows and cheek colors come in cute, color-coded packaging). I helped launched Bourjois in the states and learned invaluable lessons about makeup, beauty writing and PR. It was a fun, exciting, innovative time to be launching such a prestigious makeup brand. I met many of my best girlfriends at Bourjois and still call on these formidable Pr  mavens, for expert, beauty advice.
UNE's formulas are all 98% to 100% from natural origin, most of the products are certified by Ecocert, and the packaging is eco-friendly to minimise environmental impact. I love that Une is taking a simple approach to beauty. The shades are subtle, natural and blend effortlessly. I'm digging the super cute Breezy Cheeks cream blush in a convenient, slide out case. The pink rose shade leaves the skin looking fresh, with a healthy glow. Une is making us pretty, while not breaking the bank.  And saving the planet, one natural shade at a time. 
I'll be waiting, stateside.








http://www.unebeauty.com/
http://www.boots.com

Lucky Like That

I learned about beauty and makeup at a very naive, young age. At 19, I boldly went off to Milan and Paris, to work as a model in the fashion industry. I was lucky enough to have my face painted by the masters. Pat McGrath, Fulvia Farofli and Diego della Palma, to name a few. And then there were the gentile artists of photography, Giovanni Gastel,  Ferri Fabrizio, Toni Thorimbert, and Aldo Fallai were among the favorites. I sat up straight and paid attention to detail. I said please and thank you, and just like that 17 years were gone in a flash. I never picked makeup as a career, it picked me. When Fulvia took one Shu Uemura cool, berry tone lipstick, and used it on my eyes and cheek, I was hooked. It looked sexy, and exotic and deliciously wet. When I started assisting the divine Stephane Marais and watched him create three dimensional eyes with one pencil, I was amazed. I started developing my own style. I love all things creamy on the face, lips, eyes, and cheeks. Nars Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Cayenne, is a deep brown, spicy, cream shadow that is hot, and mysterious. In all those years, I learned something important, and vital to whom I am. Makeup is best worn with confidence, and that comes with time, patience and practice.



http://www.narscosmetics.com
http://www.shuuemura-usa.com
http://www.karlsimone.com/   photography

MJ Herbals

I have been dabbling in aromatherapy with makeup applications for years. I never leaving home without a few tried and true essential oils. A few drops of lavender on the temples, soothes even the most stressed out client, and says bye bye anxiety, hello peace and serenity. Even when I have the occasional, "high maintenance" celeb in the chair, they melt instantly, relaxing and softening the face. It's a great way to start an application, and makes the process more pleasant. A few drops of spearmint under the nose works wonders in sticky, smelly situations. Need an instant pick me up? Spearmint does the trick.
I stumbled upon MJ Herbals Salves in NYC at a vitamin shop in the West Village. They are all-natural, organic and beyond heavenly. The First Aid Salve cures minor bumps and cuts, leaving the skin velvety smooth. The Lavender E Salve with Vitamin E, (oh joy!) relieves burns, headaches, stress and anxiety. It's great for rashes and bumps on the body. I like to apply a tiny dab to the face before moisturizer, leaving the skin soft, radiant and dewy.










/http://www.mjsherbals.com/
Jackie Cioffa Makeup

PHOTOCREW.com is Da Bomb

If you haven't checked out Photocrew.com, you don't know what you're missing.
An online community for photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists and more. It's a great site to stay informed and get noticed. Upload your work (it's free!), and find out what's happening in the photography biz. With events, videos, news, blogs, classifieds and Resource Magazine, Photocrew.com is on the cutting edge of fashion.
Go ahead, upload your pictures, you never know who might be watching.

A big thank you to Photocrew.com for adding me, my artistry and Make Up to Model Citi Zen blog excerpts to their community.

photocrew.com




http://photocrew.com/blog/author/jackiecioffa/

Hootan Vahidi Photography
Jackie Cioffa Makeup

All in a Day's Work

I admit it. I assist, but only if I like the artist I'll be schlepping for. Twenty years in fashion has granted me this wee bit of freedom. When I got the call to assist a famous makeup artist with Peter Lindbergh, I did not walk, but ran to the studio. Peter is one of my all time favorites. A master of black and white, and a gentleman and a scholar, he was nice to all. That is the true test of a seasoned pro, they make the whole the team feel important. There must have been 20 people on set and everyone was treated with respect. A lot of 'top photographers of the moment' speak through their handlers, never acknowledging the lowly assistants. That's just bad manners and low self-esteem in my book. Imagine my delight, when Robin Wright walked in. Trying to stay focused, I kept pinching myself. I am a fan and from time to time still get star struck. Robin is stunning, and a unique, brave, ballsy actress. Her skin is flawless, without a stitch of makeup. Even sick, (she had a flu) she was courteous and ready to get down to business. The makeup was kept to a minimum, the skin was left bare without a hint of foundation. A soft, brown eye pencil (similar to Helena Rubinstein's #o2 Soft Brown) was applied to the crease and blended in.The subtlest hint of liner was dabbed directly between the top lash line. That was it. Every so often, the rare individual comes along who doesn't need a lot of primping. Their radiant, star quality shines bright from within. Robin has that in spades, lighting up the room, the camera and the stage.

http://www.buy.com/prod/helena-rubinstein-silky-eyes-smooth-glide-eye-pencil-02-soft-brown/q/loc/67984/216002918.html
Peter Lindbergh Photography

Ice Ice Baby

I love David Lynch and his hauntingly, beautiful women. His rich colors and textures on film are dark, decadent and exciting. It got me thinking, Blue Velvet shades can be worn and brought back from the 80's.  Armani's Smooth Silk Eyeliner pencil # 3 in a blackened, cobalt blue lined across the top and bottom lid and smudged outwards is a sultry, cool alternative to black. Keep the skin bare, adding the slightest hint of sheen  moisturizer will compliment the blue icing.
For a softer pastel touch, try Cover Girl's Smoky ShadowBlast in Tempest Blue as a pretty wash of color all over the lid. It's got that Pretty in Pink wish I was sixteen again, fresh feeling. I use CG's ShadowBlast dual sticks in every shade. They go on soft and easy, and light up the eye with dewy, gorgeous shimmers of color. A while back, the lovely Zoe Schaeffer asked for makeup tips for a blue story on Glo.msn. If you have not seen Glo yet, check it out. It's a sleek site for women, covering the best in style, beauty, living and relationships. It's smart, fun and elegant.




http://glo.msn.com/beauty/true-blue-3155.gallery#stackState=0__%2Fbeauty%2Ftrue-blue-3155.gallery%3FphotoId%3D4080

http://www.covergirl.com/beauty_products/eye_shadow/

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/_us/_en/makeup/eye/eye-liner/smooth-silk-eye-pencil.htm

Beauty Gone MIA

It's about time for a bit of frivolous fun and eye candy. While I have been busy in the land of screenplays and books, the beauty world has soldiered on without me. Or so I thought. Thanks to RM for the email regarding the mention on SpaBeautySchools.com as "One of the top 50 Makeup blogs." SWEET!!! I think it's time I get my pretty back in high gear.

Mac's Eye Pigments in varying shades of gold and Nars Velvet Lip Pencils have seen me through the Oscars, Fashion Week, various bridal weddings and an upcoming hush, hush celeb wedding. A dab of Mac's Blonde Gold, Old Gold, Golden Lemon, or White Gold on a bare eye with a few coats of mascara and smudged, black liner is ultra sexy, modern and appropriate for any occasion. Use a thin brush to apply the pigment or dab a bit on the back of the hand for better control, patting on the lid. Add some false lashes and presto, camera ready. Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Red Square is not for the timid. The tangy, red color is beautifully bold and the pencil is smooth and creamy. Thank you RM and SpaBeautySchools.com for noticing, and reminding me that there is always time for a polished face.

http://www.spabeautyschools.com/article/v/10043/top-50-makeup-blogs/

http://www.maccosmetics.com/

http://www.narscosmetics.com/

Let's not Forget the Face

I am no longer a young girl. I am a lady of a certain age and need a bit of help. While I am not a fan of the knife, or injecting poison into my face, I have been known to try a few dozen potions from time to time. Right now, I 'm digging SkinCeuticals. Their moisturizers, serums, gels and correction creams rock. The C E FERULIC Serum contains a knockout combination of powerful antioxidants. Allure magazine liked it enough to award it the Allure Best of Beauty Editors' Choice Award 3 times!!! Trust me, those editors know their stuff, they test drive every beauty product on the market.

I have also been known to bake in the sun, for hours. I love a sandy beach, the salt water on your skin, the way the sun makes you feel. Yes, I have done damage. I am using SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 to reduce some of the age spots and wrinkles on my face. I love it, it's ultra light, silky smooth and leaves me looking and feeling like a teenager. I'm smiling a lot more. I always say confidence and a smile are a women's best defense.

http://www.skinceuticals.com

I Can't Take It Anymore

I've got the winter blues &

could really use a beauty fix today!

I don't know about you, but I can't take it anymore. This freezing north east weather has made me crazy. There is not one part of my skin that isn't cracked, peeling or itchy! All the scrubbing and moisturizing just isn't cutting it. My sister in law is an all natural EVERYTHING guru, she has made me more aware of what I put on and into my body. I still enjoy a burger and a beer now & then, I confess. Here are a couple natural healing products that are great for the skin and won't break the bank.

ASAP Ultimate Skin & Body Care Gel helps promote natural healing. This product contains patented ASAP SilverSol Technology™ at a powerful level of 24 ppm of silver. That's right silver. It's a super potent, extremely powerful gel, creating an instant soothing feeling on the skin, healing wounds, rashes and itching. It's s

afe, non-toxic and patent approved.

If you are in need of a full immersion skin soak, pick up a bag of Dr. Teal's Therapeutic Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with healing Magensium and Sulfate. I like the Lavender essential oil formula. It soothes your fried senses, relaxes your frozen muscles and softens the skin. It smells good too. I got a huge 3 lbs. bag for $4.50 at Walmart. Sweet.

Now come on, aren't you and your skin worth it????

http://www.americanbiotechlabs.com/ultimate-skin-body-care.html

http://www.drteals.us/our-products.htm

Jackpot

When I heard Shu Uemura was reintroducing Nobara, the cult classic in a convenient cover stick, I was over the moon. The Nobara Cream Cover Stick foundation is easy to use, hygienic and comes in 13 gorgeous shades. Application is smooth, silky and light. You'll get high coverage without feeling weighted down. Mix a bit of moisturizer together with the cream concealer and voila, instant foundation. Makeup artists far and wide will be dancing tonight under the full moon. Their lives just got a whole lot easier and better looking too. These super sleek sticks are perfect for your next plane ride.

www.shu-uemura.com

Round and Round We Go

Purple. It's everywhere. Whether on a mannequin in a high-end store, in discount knock-off boutique store windows, on the streets or even faces, purple is the new (again) black. We're talking rich, deep shades of purple, even eggplant & burgundy. Chanel's Rouge Allure Lipstick in Hysteria is a wicked shade. If you dare to don a deep lip, keep the eyes bare with just a hint of mascara. For a smokey, sexy Purple Haze eye Mac's Cream Color Base in Bat Black is a deep hue of purple with black undertows. Blame it on the Twilight & True Blood revolution, purple & goth have taken on the fashion & beauty industry. It's cool, we were rocking the dark shades in Milan in the 80's. It was decadent, groovy & raw. Even caught it on the original purple knight himself. There was Prince, decked out in purple long ago. Out on a wintry, haze-filled Italian disco night in the dark. Purple, full circle.

www.maccosmetics.com

www.uma.chanel.com

Who Says Young'ins Have All the FUN?

I worked the More Magazine's Reinvention Event (women over forty) with Giorgio Armani Cosmetics and got to meet hundreds of fabulous women. With guest speakers such as Laura Bush, Nora Eprhon, Tim Quinn and many, many more illustrious women, one couldn't help but feel inspired. Armani's ten minute mini-makeovers were a huge success. We had an endless line of clients that turned into hours of fun, intelligent conversation and beautifully painted faces. Tim Quinn, genius Artistic Director for Armani Beauty was on hand with helpful hints and gorge color suggestions. Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 goes on smooth & matte, and looks clean with full twelve hour coverage. The best part, it's weightless and feels like air on your skin. I recommended Crema Nera face and eye cream to all the fearless 40+ ladies that sat in my chair. Crema Nera is enriched with minerals and stimulates cell metabolism, resulting in plumper and firmer looking skin. The light weight formula leaves the skin looking radiant and ready for the perfect make up application. I admit I can't wait to get my hands on it.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

www.more.com

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Mac Cosmetic's Pink Swoon blush creates the perfect flush on the cheek.

The cool pink shade looks a little cold & scary in the pot. When applied to the apples it gives the face a lively, pretty glow. A little trick I learned from the ultimate diva? Apply the blush high on the apples close to the eye for an added burst of luminosity. Oooh, I can't tell you her hush hush name, but she is a goddess and a real class act. Pink Swoon is her go to blush. Now, it seems to be mine. So, thanks for the tip. Perfectly precious.

www.maccosmetics.com