Black is the New Black

Trends come and go. The same goes for all the different colors have been referred to as "the new black." But honestly, nothing will ever become the new black. So to honor our love (obsession?) with black here at BeautySweetSpot, we're showing you the best new beauty products that come in none other than our staple color, black.

Maybelline Color Show Back to Black, $3.99 There's nothing like a nice clean black nail to get you through a tough, glamorous work week. And now with Maybelline's new Back to Black collection, there's more than one option for that perfect black shade. Varying textures like Black Matte and Patent Black to the different effects of Black Dust and Smokey Black, you're sure to find your new favorite black nail.

Smashbox + Donald Robertson: Photo Angle Pure Pigment Gel Liner, $24 When you think of a rich pigment product, you typically think a bright color pigment like red or blue. Just imagine what a rich pigmented black looks like. We know, it's exciting. This flexible felt tip pen will provide with a deep dark clean black line in any shape or size your true heart desires.

Marc Jacobs Blacquer is Better Eye Defining Essentials, $32 This exclusive limited edition set of cult classics are a must. If the name isn't enough to convince you, maybe the price tag will. Containing a full size Magic Marc'er Precision Pen and smaller sized Highlighter Eye Crayon and O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara, you're set to create a gorgeous dark smoky eye.

Ciaté Double Lines eyeliner, $20 This ultra-black double sided liner gives you options in just one product. You can get a refined graphic liquid line with the Perfect Precision Tip, or you can go for a creamy smoky look with the soft Khol liner. Either choice you make, they're both bold, black and beautiful.

BareMinerals Lash Domination in Intense Black, $18 Of course a black product line up wouldn't be complete without an intense black mascara. So we chose BareMinerals new mascara in none other than Intense Black. You know how you're always told to twirl the wand as you go up the lashes to evenly coat them all? Well this twisted wand does that for you. Giving each and every angle of all your lashes a solid deep black coding.

Classic Red Carpet Beauty Trends: Red Lips and Smoky Eyes

Obviously you can tell that I'm just a little excited about the Oscars tomorrow and am getting the most out of awards season.  After chatting with some of my beauty blogger friends about predictions for the red carpet, I thought it was only appropriate to discuss two of the hottest makeup trends that are appropriate for any evening event: red lips and smoky eyes.

Rihanna, Emily Blunt and Rita Ora were all spotted rocking a vivid red lip this season.  A swipe of red lipstick adds instant elegance to any look on or off the red carpet.  To get the look make sure you prep your lips by exfoliating them and dabbing on a bit of lip balm to the center.  Take your favorite red, (blue based for cool skin tones and orange based for warm), and apply it by pressing it into your lips with your fingers for a natural, not matronly effect. Add a layer of powder and reapply so no touch-ups are needed.  For extra staying power try using Touch In Sol I'll Get You Lip Stain #1 in Real Red.

Katharine McPhee, Kerry Washington and Marion Cotillard are just three of the many celebs who donned a sultry smoky eye so far this awards season.  It's no secret that the key to creating the look without fail is all in blending the colors so there's no harsh lines.  One thing that I always admire is the way eyeliner is used on top to fill in the lash line and then smudged into the shadow and on the bottom to define the eye shape.  Make sure your smokey eye isn't just about shadow and try using a small liner with a precise tip that allows time for smudging before it sets like Touch In Sol Dramatic Pencil Eyeliner in #1 Glam Black.

*This post is sponsored by Touch In Sol, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.