Retro Beauty: Classic Products We Still Love

What's more essential than reliable beauty products?  Nothing.  Despite the fact that we all love trying new products, sometimes reverting back to the classics are the best thing to do. Here are some of our favorite retro beauty products that have stood the test of time.

Dove Beauty Bar

Dove has managed to keep up with changing times by creating a product that really just gets the job done. The Beauty Bar is exactly that, a moisturizing soap bar that gets the job done without irritating your skin.  It leaves your skin feeling refreshed and silky smooth.  Plus, we just love Dove campaigns!

Lip Smackers

You probably had about 20 tubes of these colorful lip balms, right? What was better than pulling out one these babies during 4th period? With favorites like Strawberry Glaze, Watermelon, and Birthday Cake, it's no wonder this product has been around since 1973 and is still going strong!

Maybelline Great Lash

While this just screams retro, it's still a makeup artist staple and we love it, too! The formula is flake-free and super black, and the wand is built to really get into each and every lash.

Noxzema Cream

There's something about the scent that brings us back to childhood.  It's always cool to use a product that your mother used when she was your age. The tingle in Noxzema's Original Cleansing Cream is irreplaceable.

Wet N' Wild nail polish

This is another one of those products every girl had to have when we were younger! The bright colors dressed up any good 90's girl look. It's always nice to see another generation take interest in a great brand! (Though it does make us feel really old...)

What retro products do you love? Let us know in the comment section below!

Behind the Look: Matthew Ray

I'm excited to introduce you to my friend and Lancome Resident Artist, Matthew Ray.  He's worked with A-Listers like Cameron Diaz and Deborah Messing and gives great makeup advice that'll guarantee you run out to buy a taupe brow pencil.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

I did makeup for friends and clients going to the Glam Awards, which is a unique awards show for NY nightlife; celebrating the best in DJs, bartenders, and drag queens. The overall theme was the more eccentric the better, and it was an amusing departure from my comfort zone. It was fun to take tangerine blush where it’s never gone before.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

As your artist, we are a team, and I need you to communicate, let down your guard, and trust me. I am a proud department store makeup artist. My client might not be prepping for the cover of Vogue, but after a session with me she will leave with the confidence that she could rock the runway; or at least Park Ave.

Confidence is my philosophy. I am most inspired by a woman’s smile. The glow that comes from happiness is the best look a woman can wear. Makeup conjures confidence. Confidence allows you to be comfortable in being yourself, and there is nothing more beautiful than being happy with who you are.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

a. If I was going to be stranded on a desert island and could only grab one thing, it’d be my bottle of Lancome Genifique! I am obsessed with how it makes my skin look and feel, and as someone that enjoys a cocktail or glass of wine, Genifique keeps me glowing, despite the dehydrating effects of such libations. It’s the first step in all my client’s daily regimen, men and women. We’ve heard it before, great makeup starts with great skin, and for me there is nothing better in the game than Genifique.

b. L’Oreal’s Revitalift Miracle Blur is FLAWLESS! It is like having an Instagram filter for real life. If you are like me, you will not let anyone post a photo of you without approval; and only after using a good filter— or two. These blur products make my crow’s feet less visible, my large pores look so tight, and my oily complexion and texture much softer and smoother.

c. It’s not one product in particular, but I am crazy for Birchbox! Getting a box of samples tailored to your personal beauty preferences once a month is like having an unexpected Christmas in your mailbox. I subscribe to the men’s box. The day my Birchbox comes I take a moment and luxuriate in trying out all these awesome new additions to my arsenal.

d. A taupe brow pencil! Ladies. You NEED this! From the fairest to the deepest tones, you can use the taupe pencil to fill in your brows, trust me it’ll work; and then taupe is also a universal shade for contouring. Most brow pencils are in the condensed powder form, which makes it easy to blend. Depending on your face shape, draw a line with the pencil underneath your cheekbone and blend downwards. This will cause the illusion of a shadow that will help to chisel those cheekbones. Great for nose contouring too! Taupe brow pencils— get into it!

e. Black liquid liner… I repeat… black liquid liner. It’s the fiercest, classiest, most feminine product you can own. When applied properly, which is so easy to do- just use your lash-line as a guide, it looks like you spent all morning on your eye makeup, probably only took you thirty seconds, and is sure to get you noticed. Master the liquid liner and you’ll own every room you enter!

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I’m a Lancome guy, and we have the mascara game locked down! We are the number one company in the world for mascara, and recently we launched Grandiose. In it’s design you can see Lancome used an artist inspired approach. They reinvented everything. The brush has different bristle lengths that find even the smallest of lashes, the wand is shorter with a swan-neck shape, and the formula is much more supple preventing those hard, dry, crispy lashes. Bad mascara can go very wrong and make the wearer look downright crazy. You owe it to yourself and your eyes to have the best quality mascara.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Fake it till you make it! Own your uniqueness and live your truth. If you have a blemish that nothing will cover, then tell yourself you have the fiercest blemish anyone has ever seen. Next thing you know your coworkers will WISH they had a blemish. Having a bad hair day? Put on some gorgeous lipgloss, smile, and have a sense of humor on things we cannot change.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

In general I see women applying their blush far too low on the face. By placing it so low, you are dragging the eye downward, and who wants a droopy looking face?? Apply your blush directly on your cheekbone, maybe even cheat it up a little, and sweep it up into your hairline. You will achieve a lifted appearance. Just make sure your blush has the same undertone as your lipstick. They should compliment each other and be from the same color family; do not match a warm lip with a cool blush. This makes me cry. But regardless of anything— what you ultimately do should make YOU happy before anyone else.

Behind the Look: Fiona Stiles

She works with some of Hollywood's leading ladies like Jennifer Garner, Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba, but in her spare time, she managed to launch a new beauty retail site, ShopReedClarke, which I find to have a well curated collection of tools, accessories and beauty needs.  Here, she fills us in on her inspirations and all time favorite beauty products.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I try to make women look like the best version of themselves without feeling like they're hiding behind a bunch of makeup. I want every woman who's makeup I do to look in the mirror and feel amazing.

What inspires you?

Art, strong women, people on the street... I love to see how people interpret makeup trends and incorporate them into their daily routine. I love art books and of course I love fashion magazines... I can't help it, the fantasy of it all gets me every time.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

a. The beautyblender. I can't work without this product, and the imposters are sub-par and a total waste of money. It's a fantastic tool to add to your beauty arsenal.

b. Charlotte Tibury Film Star Bronze & Glow highlighting and cointour palette. So perfect and easy for creating a sculpted face. I didn't know I could live without it until I tried it.

c. White Diamond Lustre perfume. I don't wear a lot of makeup when I'm at work because frankly, it's not about me, it's about my client. That said, I won't leave the house without perfume because I feel like it completes my look. I love the warm floral and citrus scent, it just makes me a bit more glamorous. I have a little extra bottle that I carry around in my kit for when I feel like I need a pick-me-up.

d. Tom Ford mascara. It's lush and inky black and you can get some serious volume and definition with that mascara. And I love, love love lashes so a great mascara is mandatory.

e. Laura Mercier brushes. The shapes and quality of these brushes are amazing. Having the right tools for the job makes all the difference in the application of your makeup and her brushes are just perfect, especially the range of brushes for the eyes.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I recently discovered a line called Rituel de Fille. They're products are 99% natural and the colors are just amazing. It's a small line, but I am crazy about everything they have. And the fact that their makeup has such great color pay off with such a short ingredient deck is really, really impressive.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Stay out of the sun. At best, it ages you. At worst, it can kill you. Invest in a great sunscreen a good hat and stay in the shade.

Fill in the blank. Fiona Stiles is  ______.

BUSY!!!

Yes, You Need Primer

Primer is like the Secretary of State for makeup. You know it exists, but you're just not sure what it actually does or if you really need it. Truth is, primer is vital in maintaining a flawless look.  Hear me out.

Not only does primer help to seal in moisture and create a smooth surface for your makeup application, but it also helps to protect your skin from harmful free radicals.

There are a ton of great primers out there but I recently discovered Maybelline's FaceStudio Mast Prime Blur and Smooth Primer, and am loving it.  Other primers we're fans of are Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (an oldie, but goodie) and MAC Prep + Prime Fix Finishing Mist, because they get the job done, while being super lightweight.

After just a couple days of using Maybelline's primer before putting on my makeup, my skin was silky smooth and glowing – Beyoncé glowing.  So yes, you need primer.

NYFW Trend Spotting: MAC's Texturized Eye Liner

Eye makeup can go one of two ways when it comes to the NYFW runways:  Natural and light ala Derek Lam SS2015, or at the opposite end of the spectrum – the eccentric and bold, such as Yadim’s neon eyeliner from Peter Som last season.  And while we love the natural beauty trend, bold makeup is just way more fun.  So what bold eye makeup trend have we spotted this season? Thanks to MAC, texturized eye liner.

Caviar Beads at Ohne Titel

Remember that caviar nail trend a few years ago? This technique was reincarnated by Kabuki for the Ohne Titel show on the models eyes. He mixed MAC’s pro Black Black and Pure White Chromacakes to create a custom grey color which he applied through the lower line of the eyebrow. Then, as an lower lid liner, he applied Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Quite Natural. Now, for the fun part. He glued on the caviar beads using none other than watered-down Elmer's glue due to it's easy removal.

Glitter at Tadashi Shoji

Another textured eyeliner look we saw was created by Pep Gay at Tadashi Shoji. He placed bright gold glitter along the top lash line using MAC Pro Gold Glitter, which he adhered using Duo Adhesive, which allowed him to repeat to gently build intensity.

Metallic at Zac Posen

Zac Posen's metallic eye was another intricate Kabuki creation. Beginning with a base, Bamboom Paint was applied all over the lid and crease. Then, each of the following were mixed with Prep + Prime Fix; MAC Pigments in either Copper Sparkle, Blue Brown, MAC Pro Silver, MAC Pro Gold and MAY Pro Heritage. This is what created the metallic cream that was applied all over the lid up to the crease.  To highlight, Copperplate eye shadow was blended through the outer corner of the eye. Finally, to define, Photogravure Technakohl liner was add to the lash line.

Jennifer Hudson's Springy Oscars Makeup

Jennifer Hudson's makeup was almost as impactful as her tribute performance last night.  One word to describe her look: Flawless.  I spoke with her makeup artist, Shannon Pezzetta, to find out the exact products she used to create that gorgeous smokey eye and customized lip shade, because you know you want them.

Skin

Of course her makeup prep began with a mini facial.  As it should!  Shannon Pezzetta massaged Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum onto her face to create radiance and followed up with the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream to hydrate the skin and create a base for makeup.  She then used Lancome foundation as a base and highlighted her cheekbones with Cargo Blush in Laguna. Then topped it off with a dusting of Bronzing Powder in Golden by MAC.

Eyes

Using a mix of eye shadows from Stila's In The Garden Palette, Pazzetta created a smokey dark in brown eye with a hint of gold on the lid.

Lips

Of course, her lip look would be customized.  I don't expect anything less for J. Hud! Pazzetta  custom created a peachy, orange color by blending Inglot #401 with Nars Audacious Lipstick in Juliette.

Anna Kendrick's Smokey Eye Secret

Anna Kendrick was one of the first to arrive on the Oscar red carpet and I thought she looked stunning.  "I wanted to create a look that had a presence, but wasn't overpowering and wouldn't compete with the dress," her makeup artist, Vanessa Scali remarked.  Her intense eye makeup was the focal point and the secret?  It took two liners to complete.  Here's exactly how to get her eye makeup.From the lash line to the crease and underneath the lower lashes, Scali blended Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Smolder it into the skin well so that the edges would be soft . Then, she used Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Glisten on the brow bone and a touch in the center of the eyelid.

She then used two eyeliners to pull off the crispness of the look.  First, she lined Kendrick's top lash line and outer corners of the lower lashes as well as the water line with Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eyeliner in Black Violet. Followed by Sunkissed Pearls Gel Eye Liner in Deep Sea Pearl smudged into the lash line. "This makes saturates the black at the base of the lashes. It isn’t a hard line­­--just rich and dark."

A few coats of black mascara on the top lashes, with one, soft coat on the bottom finished the look.

Behind the Look: Melanie Inglessis

Meet Melanie Inglessis, one of most in demand makeup artists in Hollywood. Working with A-listers like Rosamund Pike, Kate Hudson, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele and Cameron Diaz, she's been swamped during awards season.  Here' she gives us a peek into her makeup kit and dishes how to get a mini face lift.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

Working on the most exciting project right now but it's secret! Hit me back in July!

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Confidence is beauty.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

1. Talika eye patches! They're the best in the business and are re-usable up to three times! It tightens the under eye skin, helps with puffiness and dark circles.

2. Organic Pharmacy Rose Water  You can apply this all day long to rehydrate the skin.  On the plane, on a hot day!

3. A peachy blusher to add to any make up. It's freshen up the look.  Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Dolline is the best blusher for everyone.

4. A good concealer!  Cle de Peau concealer is the best!

5. Chanel Bronze Universal is a great product for a very natural sun kiss glow.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Giorgio Armani Lip lacquer are pretty amazing, because the color and intensity is very strong.  Also, Orlane Anti Aging Oxygenation System is just AMAZING!

Spill your best beauty advice. Inner beauty is as important as outer beauty!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? A little highlighter on the inner corner, the brow bones and outer corner of the eye ( in an upward movement) will make you look like you go a mini lift!!

Backstage DKNY: A Conceptual Look

We’re back in the NYFW swing of things. Backstage at DKNY we talked to some of our favorite beauty veterans and got the scoop on the conceptual beauty look they created. From the cobweby hat-hair created by Eugene Soueliman to Yadim's quirky graphic eye. See how they created these memorable runway looks.

Textured Cobweby Hat Hair

“We’re doing a hairstyle that’s as if a hat has been on it and it’s squished down," explains lead Wella hairstylist, Souleiman. And the key to getting this sans hat? Tension, which he created by French braiding two sections of hair beginning behind the ear and bring it down the back of the hairline. Then, using the small end of the back of a comb, he pulled out a thin layer on both sides along the center part, brushed them until full of static, giving the cobweb texture. After spraying them with dry spray, the static hair hung as a veil over the sleeked down flat hair. To keep it pressed down while backstage, the girls wore bandanas while finishing up backstage.

Quirky DIY-Looking Graphic Eye 

“When I talked to the team they said they wanted something quirky and eccentric,” Maybelline lead make artist Yadim explains. Well, he nailed it with the imperfect non-straight line around the eye replicating a shape found on the fabric on a piece in the collection. “It was a bit of a flower print but you wouldn’t really know it because it’s so abstract,” he explained.

Interested in how he created this squiggly graphic eye? He drew the lines using Maybelline Master Precise and Master Graphic, meeting the top and bottom on the outside corner. "You can't make a mistake because it's done purposefully." To get the lines this perfectly imperfect, smear them out with a makeup wipe and then go around and cleaned it up with a dry Q-tip. It still will leave the squiggly effect without initially creating it on purpose.

"The Fast Pass" Mani 

Keeping with the conceptual, DIY theme, lead Essie manicurist Michel Saunders gave each model what she called "The Fast Pass," manicure. It's simply one swipe of nude-colored polish called "All Eyes On Nudes" down the center of the nail. Also looking as if the model quickyldid it herself. "Leaving a little bit of the sides out to show that it's ok to be imperfect," explains Saunders.

5 Favorites

Confession: I've been indulging lately in beauty products that cost a pretty penny. Of course, I typically mix up my vanity with highs and lows, but this "5 Favorites" post doesn't include any drugstore buys.  I almost feel guilty, but I couldn't help but rave about these new products.  Yes, even the $29 hand cream.  Hey, if you're going to spend your paycheck at Sephora, you might as well know what works!

Jane Iredale Hand Drink, $29 at janeiredale.com

I'm completely obsessed with applying cream to my hands as I skeeve dry skin.  That being said, whenever a new hand cream comes across my desk, I use it... all of it.  This time, I fell in love with Jane Iredale's new hand cream, not only does it it sink into my skin quickly and have SPF, but also because it and leave a greasy residue.  When I saw that it was $29, I was shocked.  A bit pricey for a hand cream, but if you're searching for the one, this is it.

Armani Eye Tint, $38 at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

When I apply these eye tints, I feel fancy.  Armani Beauty just launched 12 shades of this creamy shadow.  To apply, I use the sponge applicator it comes with and then a shadow brush to blend.  They stay put for hours and the give off the most beautiful luminescent color, (which is what I like the most), that can be layered for a more intense look.

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, $63 at bobbibrown.com

After doing my makeup, I press this moisture balm onto my cheekbones, the top of my nose, forehead and chin to enhance the appearance of my healthy skin.  When it comes to makeup, you should use it to enhance, not cover up and this illuminating balm brings out the best of your skin.  You can also wear it alone to reap the benefits.

YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil, $32 at sephora.com

Now this... is special.  The first of it's kind, YSL created a tinted lip oil that adapts to your natural lip color, making sure it's the most flattering shade for you.  It works the same way as perfume where the same scent smells differently on different women. Available in eight shades, you can layer the color to increase the intensity of the pigment.

Indie Lee Patchouli Sandalwood Moisturizing Oil, $36 at indielee.com

Do you use oil on your skin?  Sometimes I apply this alone right after I get out of the shower and sometimes I mix it with my moisturizer.  My skin drinks it up!  Made with jojoba and apricot oils and sandalwood, this oil is super moisturizing and great to use throughout the winter.  Indie Lee makes several different types of oil, but the scent of this one is to die.

3 Lipstick Shades Every Woman Should Own

While you may have a ton of options for dressing your lips, there are only three lipsticks every woman should own.  Consider these three the main staples in your lipstick wardrobe and the rest, well, why not right?  Makeup Artist, Michael Shepherd of GlamSquad, gave me the rundown.

Your Best Red - Whether it's an orange or blue based red, pick your hue and own it.  Because they're less maintenence, choose a matte red lipstick.  They last longer and won't bleed.  I'm a huge fan of NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below and Heat Wave.  A great drugstore option is Maybelline Color Sensational The Mattes Lip Color in Siren in Scarlet.

Your Everyday Nude - To find a nude lipstick that's right for you, match the shade to the center of your bare lip.  Opt for a glossy formula, since matte nudes aren't the most flattering.  Check out the Dior Rouge Dior range.  There are several nudes with a sheen.  Also, L'Oreal has a Perfect Nudes Collection.

Your Pop Color - Think pink or berry.  Your pop color should be your fun, lipstick shade of choice, but keep it matte for the same reasons as using a matte red.  You could always put a gloss over it.  Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lipcolor Stick has serious staying power and Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick offers fun moisturizing shades.

Get Her Look: Reese Witherspoon

How stunning did Reese Witherspoon look at the Critics Choice Movie Awards? While most were caught up with the fact that Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie were at the same event (God forbid!), I was obviously paying attention to Reese's clean makeup and soft bombshell waves.  Here, her makeup artist, Molly Stern and hairstylist, Adir Abergel, gave me the step-by-step so you can recreate it.

Makeup

1. Even out your skin tone with foundation (Molly used a bit of Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation on Reese.)
2. Contoured the hollows of your cheeks blending upward and add a pop of color with an apricot blush like NARS in Orgasm.
3. Give your eyes a natural smoke by applying Christian Dior Fusion Mono Matte Baked Eyeshadow in 761 Mirage into the crease of your eyelids and then NARS Eyeshadow in Blondie.
4. Line and smudge your upper and lower lash line using a black liner like Jillian Dempsey Khol Eyeliner in Jet Black.
5. Add two coats of jet black mascara.
6. Apply a lip balm with a hint of color.  Reese is wearing Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands.

Hair

1. Spritz John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray on damp hair from mid-shaft to ends to create a foundation for optimum volume and hold.
2. Part your bangs in the middle and blow-dry your hair smooth with a medium round brush for a full, sexy blowout.
3. Take  a 1” inch curling iron and loosely curl your hair, leaving the ends out.
4. Use John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray to break down the waves and give them separation.
5. Tease the crown area.
6. Finish with a light weight styling cream like John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-up Crème on the ends for perfect detailed texture.

Join Me at Bloomingdales

Calling all makeup fanatics, save the date!  You're invited to join me and some of my favorite makeup artists at Bloomingdales on 59th Street in NYC next Thursday, January 22nd to learn about the hottest new products.  Think exclusive makeup artist tips, champagne, giveaways from your favorite brands and more.  Sounds like a fun girls night out to!  It starts at 6:30pm and costs $25 to reserve your space, which will go towards the purchase of your choice.  Hope to see you there! RSVP to 212-705-3248 or [email protected].  Space is limited. 

Behind the Look: Sabrina Bedrani

Recently responsible for Felicity Jones's makeup look at the Golden Globes, Celebrity Makeup Arits, Sabrina Bedrani, is known for creating clean, beautiful looks.  With a roster of clients like Sandra Bullock, Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Lizzy Caplan, and Elizabeth Moss, I'm sure you've seen her work before. Here, she dishes on her go-to beauty products and advice to live by (for all of you lovers of a red lip)! 

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. I recently worked on an editorial shoot with Peter Lindbergh and Amber Valletta. Even though I worked with Peter quite often now, having Amber there made it such an iconic Peter Lindbergh shoot, like the ones I used to look at in magazine when I dreamed of being a makeup artist.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I always try to have a fresh, youthful approach to my makeup. I believe you should enhance one’s beauty with makeup, not hide them behind it.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

1- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, nothing opens up the eye more than nicely curled lashes, and the Shu Uemura is just the best one on the market, it fits any kind of eye shape.

2- Dior Crayon Eyeliner Waterproof in Trinidad Black, because I can create so many looks just with that one pencil, you can just put it inside of the eye on the waterline, or line the eye all around, use it to line just the top along the lash line for a cat eye, or use it all over the lid and smudge it ( with fingers or the little sponge at the end) for a smokey eye, and it won’t budge.

3- Orlane Super Moisturizer Light Cream, because it really moisturizes without leaving a greasy film, it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin supple and ready for your makeup application.

4- Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, because it’s the perfect for under the eye, it seals the concealer, brightens the eye, but it’s super light so it won’t stay in the lines. Most powder are too heavy for the delicate under eye skin.

5- Dior Eyeshadow 5 CouleursCuir Canage, It has the perfect fall colors for day and night. You can use the colors separately, the lightest one is perfect for day time alone or along with the 2 other Medium tone ones ( one more brown the other more plum). The darkest color can also be used on its own or added to the other ones for a more dramatic look. Perfect for going from a daytime to nighttime look. And it is flattering on everyone.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Talika Eye Therapy Patch, Charlotte Tilbury foundations, Dior Fushion Mono Eyehadow.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Don’t over pluck your eyebrows. let them grow, it’s more youthful to have full eyebrows, and if you don’t know how to do it, don’t touch them, go see a professional.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

If you wearing red (dark) lipstick, the best way to make it last is to apply a lip liner all over your lips before putting on your lipstick. It will make it long lasting and it won’t bleed.

Katie Holmes Turns It Up at the Golden Globes

Draped in an eggplant Marchesa gown, Katie Holmes looked stunning on last night's Golden Globes red carpet.  Her dramatic deep side parted pony paired with intensely lined eyes stood out from all of the other hair and makeup.  Overall, she was a picture of perfection.  Agree? Her makeup artist, Genevieve Herr, and hair stylist, DJ Quinterno, filled me in on how to get her look along with the exact products they used to create it.

Skin

“The most important step to looking amazing on the red carpet is to take care of your skin, and Katie has great skin,” said Genevieve. “Makeup artists cannot work wonders without a great foundation.”  That being said, Genevieve prepped Katie's skin with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.

Eyes

Because it's soft and smudges easily, Genevieve always uses kohl pencil.  On Katie, she used Laura Mercier in Black Violet.  Then, using the Lancome Violet Sweetheart set, she applied a dark amethyst color on the lids, and blended in a smokey black eye shadow.

Pony

With the words, "clean" and "modern" in mind, DJ started her dramatic side ponytail by applying Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Pure Kendi Treatment Oil and letting it soak for 10 minutes before shampooing.  Then, on damp hair, DJ mixed a small amount of the Alterna Haircare Caviar Seasilk Oil Gel with the Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Omega (+) Nourishing Oil and brushed it through with a Mason Pearson brush.

After side parting and blowdrying with a round brush, DJ used a thin Sedu Revolution Diamond flatiron, from root to tip, to create a super smooth look.  Securing her hair at the nape of her neck with a bungee, he also wrapped several small pieces of hair around the bungee to hide it, and secured those strands with bobby pins.  DJ finished by spraying a supple amount of finishing spray to the top of Katie’s head, and applied a dime-size amount of Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Micromist to her ends.

4 Ways to Step Up Your Beauty Game This Year

Yea, yea... new year new you.  Right?  Right!  Well of course I posted about fitness goals for 2015, but here are some easy ways to take your beauty regimen up a notch, too – without even really trying.

1. Remove Your Makeup Before Bed, Really

Whether you do this via a Ponds face wipe or actually take the time to properly wash your face at night, you’re already a step ahead of the game. Ready for the challenge?  Take cleansing to the next level and try using a brush like the new Clarisonic Smart Profile.  I'm obsessed with my Clarisonic and use it nightly.  This brush cleans your skin 11 times better than washing just with your hands.

2. Step Out of Your Makeup Comfort Zone

Always wear the same shades? It’s time to take risks! Try a new colored eyeliner or texture of blush. Believe me, you’ll be amazed by the trial and error process.  It's my job to try and test everything, whether it's in my comfort zone or not, and I always end up surprising myself as I apply new finds.  Purple eyeliner is now my new go-to.

3. Work Out Topically, Too

Because the stair master doesn’t help fight cellulite.  We all have it and even though there's no way to rid it for good, we have the power to try to minimize it!  Once a week before showering, stand in your tub and use a body brush like this one from The Body Shop.  Yes, it gets rid of dry skin, but also helps with cellulite.  Then of course, lather on that cream!  I like Nivea Skin Firming Cellulite Gel Cream and Bliss Fat Girl Sleep.

4. Master At-Home Hair Color

This can literally save you hundreds of dollars per year.  Now with modern technology, doing your hair color at home is really easier than ever.  For some fun colors like blue and purple, try Rita Hazan Pop Color, which washes out.  You can even ombre your own hair with this kit from L'Oreal.  But for your everyday, single process, Clairol Nice N' Easy makes it just that – easy.

5 Lip Plumping Tricks

Who doesn't want full, plump lips?  Since Kylie Jenner may have a perfect pout, rumors sparked about lip injections, however the truth lies in makeup tricks. It's all about creating the illusion of bigger lips. With just a little makeup and use of lines and textures, you can make your lips look as full and voluptuous as the starlette.  Here are five tips:

Avoid dark colors

We love a plum lip color as much as the next person, but dark hue lipsticks make your lips look thinner and flatter. If you’re already self-conscious about having thin lips, you’ll want to avoid these deep hues.

Use A Dab of Gloss

Add just a little dab of high-shine gloss in the middle of your top and bottom lip. This draws attention to the plumpest part of your lip, making it the main focus. Using a color slightly darker than the color you’re wearing will deliver the best plumping effect.

Highlight the Cupid’s Bow

Using a nude or white pencil, draw a light “M” in the cupids bow and lightly blend. The light will reflect off this, making it seem deeper and more accentuated. This simple and easy trick makes a surprising difference on how full your lips look.

Create A Shadow

You can either take light brown eyeliner or a little bit of brown eye shadow onto an angle brush, and apply to the underside on the bottom of your bottom lip. This effect will make it actually look like you’re lips are creating a shadow underneath your lip.

Try the Right Products

You don’t need to have serious surgery, but it can go a little bit past illusions. Try using a lip plumper, which penetrates skin to support the natural collagen production while also providing a glossy finish to the lips. We particularly love this one by Laura Mercier, which comes in four gorgeous shades.

The Exact Makeup Used on Dianna Agron

Dianna Agron was spotted rocking a gorgeous dramatic smoky eye at last week’s UNICEF Masquerade Ball. Makeup artist Georgie Eisdell smoked them up so they would pierce through her mask she wore later in the night. He called it, “a little Halloween magic and a cool sexy vibe.”  Loving this look as much as we are? You’re in luck because we got the in on how Eisdell created it so you can bring on the drama when it comes to your eye makeup next weekend.

In order to make the eyes pop, you want to even out skin tone for a solid canvas to work with. Eisdell used Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick to do so. Then, to set the base and give the perfect skin finish, she powdered with La Mer The Powder and used Chanel Poudre Illuminating Powder on her cheek bones for an added glow.

On the apples of Agron’s cheeks, she used Laura Mercier Cheek Color in Spiced Cider and Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Medium for an all over bronze.

Next, the focal point, her piercing eyes. He started by using MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Cinderfella on the lid up to the crease of the eye, dampening his brush to intensify the color. Then, she went over top of that with MAC Illusion d'ombre in Mirifique to add the sparkle effect. Next, she lined the eye and inner rim with black Bobbi Brown Gel Liner. Then, on the bottom inner corner of the eye, she popped a little of Chanel Illusion d'ombre in Fantasme to really open the eyes up and make them shine.  To top it off, she applied two layers of Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara in Black and individual lashes for added length and depth.

To finish off the whole look, Eisdell used one of her favorite nudes, Laura Mercier Lip Pot in Shy Pink.

How to Embrace the Neon Beauty Trend

Neon makeup is still happening and we’re seriously loving it. Neon pink cat eyes were seen on Chanel's Fall 2014 runway and for the Spring 2015 season, we saw bottom orange liner at Peter Som and neon blue eye shadow at Honor. While the neon beauty trend may not be the most practical choice, there are ways to pull it off. Try some of these products to rock it in the most gorgeous way possible.

Deborah Lippmann 80’s Rewind Nail Polish Collection 

Nails are a great place to wear neon colors. As huge fans of Deborah Lippmann, there are three key colors from her limited edition 80’s Rewind Collection that are the perfect way to embrace the neon beauty trend. Manic, a glossy bright purple; Don’t Stop Believing, a bold spin on a classic red; and She Drives Me Crazy, a high pigmented teal with an opaque finish.

Mark Neon Kisses Sheer Lip Glosses

Lips are another great place to wear bright colors. While these lip gloss colors may seem a bit intimidating, they apply just the right amount of coloring – sheer like jelly shoes. Not only do they add the perfect tint of color, they’re soft unlike those sticky glosses you’re used to wearing.

Urban Decay 27/7 Glide-On Pencil 

These pencil eyeliner actually have a creamy finish that allows the liner to deliver high-pigmented color. Some of the neon colors in the collection are Chaos, a matte vibrant cobalt blue; Woodstock, a sparkling hot pink; and Freak, a bright bold green with a hint of shimmer.

Eye Makeup Must Haves

As you may see on my Instagram, tons of new fall makeup has been hitting my desk and making into my makeup bag, but these three pieces of eye makeup are for sure worth highlighting. Thanks to them, my brow, lash and shadow game has been upgraded. Looking to update your makeup bag for fall?  Check out my video.