The Best Polish Hues for Fair Skin

Recently, I interviewed manicurist to the stars, Jenna Hipp, and we got into chatting about      which polish shades really complimented different skin tones and which really popped.  Allow me to introduce you to the first in a series, the best hues for fair skin.  Of course, selfishly being that I'm the fairest around!  Now, you'll never have to face the endless wall of polish again.  Stay tuned for more! "Light nudes & pinks look best on fair skin, but bright colors like hot pinks, fuchsias, reds & berries all look great, because the really pop," comments Hipp. Her top picks:

Dior "Plaza"  a bright, poppy pink with blue undertones.

Chanel "Ballerina"a soft pretty sheer pink

Nars "Amchoor" gives even the palest skin the illusion of a slight tan

Backstage Beauty Report: Rachel Zoe Infuses Boho with Glamour

If there's one beauty look Rachel Zoe's known for, it's rocking a deep burgundy lip.  Backstage at her show yesterday it was no surprise that she was inspired by Kate Moss (duh) and kept the focus on a wine stained lip.  Staying true to herself, I wasn't mad at her, because I found myself once again loving the look her backstage glam squad created, especially the glam lip!   "Rachel wanted the girls to be like young Kate Mosses running around a field with a golden glow as if they can be frolicking around in the hay, but to juxtapose that, she wanted what she called a 'bad ass' lip," explained Charlotte Tilbury the lead makeup artist for Maybelline.

To achieve the look that's pretty much Rachel's inspiration for everything, Tilbury used Dream Fresh BB Cream on the models, a shade or two darker on the paler skinned girls for an added glow and added a bit of Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Cocoa wherever the sun would naturally hit.  The cheeks had a hint of pink.  "The lip is an oxblood stain in the center of the lip, but it's matte and smoked out," Tilbury said as she demonstrated by painting it on a model using her finger.  The color: SuperStay 14Hr Lipstick in Wine and Forever.  To clean up around the edges, she used a q-tip to ensure the lines weren't too perfect.  Clear brow gel and mascara finished the look.

Kerastase Lead Stylist, Odile Gilbert, was excited to explain the look as I feel like it's something she wears on the regular.  "It's basically what you do in the winter when you have long hair and put a coat on," she explained.  "You tuck it into the coat."  To achieve the look, she prepped the models hair with Kerastase Resistance Volumactive Mousse, created a center part and secured a loose, low ponytail pulling out pieces in the front.

Maybelline manicurist, Honey created a custom blend for Rachel out of three colors to create a neutral that wasn't too pink or too cappuccinoish.  It took Honey a few hours of mixing and stirring and she came up with the perfect blend, which she calls the 'flush blush.'  No word on whether or not it will go into production.

One more thing to note is that RZ was one of the only designers who cared about skincare and making sure her models had the proper base before throwing them into makeup.  Dr. Jart was on hand with makeup artist, Joy Fennell to ensure they were prepped so their skin was properly hydrated and plumped.  Their key product: Water Fuse Sure Gel.

6 Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List from Celeb Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann

Normally when I see Deborah Lippmann, she's busy supervising her team of manicurists backstage during New York Fashion Week.  I always find her somewhere amongst the chaos to chat with her about the nail look for the show, trends for the upcoming season and pick her brain about what's next.  The celebrity manicurist and founder of her own nail and hand care line talks about not five, but six things you should add to your holiday wish list including jewels, affordable, yet chic clothing that I'm obsessed with and of course, a little pampering.

1. My new holiday shade Cleopatra In New York

I love the contrast of the black base with a pop of gold glitter.  I think that it’s very festive and modern, without being a traditional holiday shade.  Tip: One of the tendencies when using glitter polish is expecting the first coat to look the way that it looks in the bottle.  When seeing it in the bottle, the glitter may appear to be full-coverage, but the formula may go on sparse because it is meant to be layered.  Always apply thin coats because applying too much polish at once will cause it to chip easily.

 

2. Briolette Small Cluster Drop Earrings from Ten Thousand Things

These earrings are sweet and simple, which makes them an easy accessory to go from day to night.  They’re very delicate and feminine, and I love jewelry that’s versatile and can be worn for any occasion because they’re appropriate during the day and at night.  I always have jewelry on my list, and have to tell my husband that I’ll never be disappointed with jewelry because I can never have enough.

3. Trip to Cal-a-Vie Spa

This spa has is fairly easy to get to in the US, and the weather is gorgeous because it is located outside of San Diego, California.  You can work out all morning and have incredible spa treatments all afternoon, which to me is the best of both worlds.  I enjoy the intimate atmosphere – there aren’t too many people, and the last time that I went I came home thinner, relaxed and with a few more friends.  They have couples week, so you can go with the girls or you can also do something special as a couple and go with your significant other.

4. iPhone 5

I always want new gadgets.  As soon as something new comes out I want it, so this is definitely on my list!

5. Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Collection

This collection is so hip, cool and affordable.  I was out of the country when it launched, so I definitely have some pieces from the collection on my wish list.  There is a really cute, big puffy coat that I really want.  Everything in the collection is very trendy as Margiela is, with unexpected shapes.  It’s an affordable way to be super hip.

6. La Prairie Caviar Crystal Limited Edition Set

Sometimes we feel like we can’t spend the money on ourselves to get beautiful skincare products, so getting them as a gift is really great.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  The La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream feels incredible, and I love what it does for my skin.  It also looks beautiful in my medicine which is another bonus!