New Beginnings...

Credit: AlxCreatives

When I started this blog, I was 26, living in a small apartment in Murray Hill with my brother and had a full time job in beauty PR.  I sat down to write my first post on Blogger about my addiction to dying my hair jet black as Garnier's 100% Color in Blue Black sunk into my strands.  Six years later, I'm grateful for my curiosity of social media, first job at Cosmopolitan and passion for writing, because they're the initial reason BeautySweetSpot has been successful thus far.  Had I known that while I was typing those words, I was beginning a new career, I would have done some things differently from the get go (the title for example), but who could have predicted that?  Since 2006, I've had remarkable career and personal growth and am ready for the next chapter...

at my launch party in 2006

People change, brands evolve and throughout the past six years so much has happened with digital journalism and in my professional and personal life.  To say that I'm not the same person I was six years ago when I launched BeautySweetSpot wouldn't be true, but just like you, my life has evolved and in this moment, I couldn't be happier and more content.  So I'm launching anew sitethat better reflects who I am today and I can't wait to share all of my passions with you!While beauty is still a focus (obvi), I'm expanding into wellness and will be writing about living a beautifully balanced life.

Throughout the past two years, I've been on a spiritual path that has allowed me to see the world with a different perspective.  As a New Yorker, this isn't an easy task as I now try see through a lens of love instead of a lens of fear and it's liberating.  I fell in love and got married, religiously practice transcendental meditation, attempt to cook, added Bikram Yoga to my workout regimen and I care now more than ever about my health and am so grateful to be able to take you along for the ride.

My new found passions led me to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and by the end of the year, I'll be a certified Health Coach.  I'm sure you noticed, that my passion for journalism has shifted from freelance writing to contributing on-air, which is a career path I'm now actively pursuing.  I feel alive in front of the camera and am grateful that I'm able to bring my content to life on TV.  No matter what medium you've been following my content on, I'm proud of the fact that I've always been ethical and will promise to remain that way in all of my work moving forward as well.

So, welcome to the next chapter!

BB Cushion: The New BB

Beauty balms are a beauty staple these days and while so many versions have developed over the past few years (CC creams, DD creams...), the perfect hybrid of makeup and skincare has definitely been perfected.  I love using BB creams simply because they streamline my morning regimen.  Here's the scoop on the latest and greatest - BB cushion.

"The average woman in Asia goes through seven different steps taking care of her skin," says Jessica Wu, MD, a Santa Monica, Calif., dermatologist.  That may sound crazy to you, but it's certainly not out-of-this-world to me.  Personally, after I wash, I like to use a toner, lightening serum, eye cream, day cream with SPF, primer and tinted moisturizer.  That's six steps in skincare alone.

Now, my morning beauty routine is cut down. Thanks to a new innovation in BB, the first of it's kind LANEIGE BB Cushion, $34, is available at Target stores and Target.com.  I like that it's lightweight and does more than just moisturize, protect (with SPF 50) and tint. It's a 5-in-1 that brightens, protects and hydrates skin, while preventing shine and perfecting long-lasting coverage.  The applicator puff it comes with delivers just the right amount of product onto my skin for a very natural look.

We could all use a simple skincare regimen that leaves our skin looking fresh and beautiful. Could you use something like the Laneige BB Cushion, too?  I'm giving one of these away!  Comment on my Facebook telling me the steps in your morning routine for a chance to win.  (Winner must be located in the USA and will be selected at random).

*This is a sponsored post by Laneige, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Post Workout Skincare

Shower.  That was the only thing I could think about as I left Barry's Bootcamp a sweaty mess with a beat red face.  Feel me?  But did you know that there's actually a skincare regimen you should follow after an intense workout?  Neither did I until I spoke with NYC Dermatologist, Dr. Dennis Gross, who gave me the scoop.

"When you exercise you sweat and lose a lot of fluids. Your first reaction after your workout is to wash it all away, but you have to make sure to take care of your skin properly when it's so stressed," he commented.

Step one: Skip harsh cleansers and toners that will strip away your natural oils.

Step two: Add moisture back into your skin.

Application is key though, as when you increase your metabolism, your oil glands naturally secrete, so you need to make sure your skin has time to equilibrate before applying products so they don't end up blocking the pores.  Therefore, you should wait a while after your workout to add moisturizer and makeup.

The Pro Secret to Better Brows

Typically, when filling in our brows, we choose a product – shadow or liner – and get the job done. However, we’re missing a huge step that makes all the difference. LA makeup artist, Gabbi Pascua, gave us a reason for using more than one formula.

In order to make your brows look natural, refined and shaped, you need to use a two products – a liquid filler and a pencil. Start by using a liquid formula, (which is a consistency I’ve never used on my brows before) like Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color in a shade lighter than your brows, to fill in the front only where it needs to be filled by “feathering” with short brush strokes.

Then, take a pencil like NARS Brow Perfector in a darker shade and fill in from your mid brow to the ends for a “fuller, defined brow that’s not too harsh.”

Who knew? Next time you fill in your brows, remember, don’t force a shape, just fill in what’s missing and blend the two formulas with your brow brush for the most natural looking brows.

Nexxus Opens 1st High-Tech Salon

nexxus-hair-salon

Earlier this week I paid a visit to the new and first ever Nexxus hair salon in Tribeca for a blowout and cocktail party with Cosmopolitan.  The salon is gorgeous.  With 12 foot ceilings, the pristine white space has seven styling stations and perhaps the most comfortable wash chairs I ever sat in (they're made by the same company as dentist office chairs – smart), Creative Director, Kevin Mancuso's vision is brought to life.  The most impressive part, however, is the touch screen interactive mirror, which offers personal hair diagnoses.

Nexxus

The interactive mirror allows you to upload your photos before you get your hair cut, colored and styled and walks you through a texture matrix based on the type and diameter of your hair.  Based on your answers, it helps you choose a color, style and product regimen.  I've seen this type of technology used online to help people shop for products, but never actually in a salon.  The best part is that it saves your photos and data so next time you come, you can get exactly what you're looking for or have a better understanding of what you want to tweak.

Nexxus

Nexxus

jeannine-morris

While the salon officially opens in June, they're doing a soft launch now so you can schedule an appointment privately by emailing nexxusnycsalon@nexxus.com or calling 212-219-8635.

The Nexxus Hair Salon is located at 39 N. Moore in NYC.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Beauty Best Sellers

I can tell you which products are my favorite, but sales determine the real best sellers. Want to know what the hottest beauty products of the moment are?  Check out these fun facts and start shopping!

H20 Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment - 1 is sold globally every 1.4 minutes.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum - 1 is sold every 9 seconds throughout the world.

Bio-Oil - a bottle is sold every 17 seconds in the US.

LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask- 1 is sold every 15 seconds.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - 1 is sold every 30 seconds globally.

Laura Geller Baked products - 1 is sold every 48 seconds.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime - 2 bottles are sold every minute worldwide.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - 1 is sold every 5 seconds.

DIY Beauty Refresh: No Salon Needed

Why spend hundreds of dollars at the salon or spa on your beauty regimen when you can do it yourself and save?  Well, DIY to a certain extent.  Here are some of our favorite beauty buys that'll keep you looking fresh this spring.

Hair: Refreshing your color at a hair salon with a gloss can run you about $80. At home, try John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for only $11.99 at drugstore.com. Available in six shades, the glosses refresh and liven up your hair color even matching the tone. Just apply it in the shower after you shampoo and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Nails: Fan of gel manicures? They can run you upwards of $40 a pop at the salon. Instead, try Sensationail at home. The starter kit is $59.99 and then you’re set. It includes the LED lamp and everything you need to get a chip free manicure for up to 2 weeks over and over again.

Smile: Professional teeth whitening can cost about $500! At home, try the new GoSmile Sonic Blue Whitening System for a professional whitening each time you brush thanks to the LED light paired with vibrations that polish your teeth.

Now, how's that for a spring beauty refresh?

Spring Break Ready Skin Tips

The weather is finally getting warmer! If you’re following me on Instagram, you’ll see that I just took my spring break trip to Jamaica. Yes, I did the whole Cancun thing in college. Don’t judge! Whether you’re taking a vacation or just in the mood to get ready to lose the tights, here are some tips on how to prep your skin for spring break.

Exfoliate Sure, you know you should exfoliate, but do you? Exfoliating gets rid of any dry, dead skin to reveal a fresh, soft layer. On your face, it helps to rid gunk like makeup and SPF. Think about that build up, people! Try exfoliating your body and face twice a week.

Rid Pimples Obviously, nobody likes to get breakouts on the beach but let’s face it, breakouts happen. Try using NEW AcneFree Drying Lotion (available for $5.99 at drugstores), and apply it directly onto your breakout. This new lotion from AcneFree starts to clear your acne overnight! All you have to do is, before bed (after cleansing, toning, and moisturizing), dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Apply a dab of this lotion directly on the whitehead and do not rub it in. AcneFree Drying Lotion treats a pimple using Salicylic Acid to unclog the pores, Calamine and Niacinamide to soothe the inflamed skin, and zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to dry excess oil in the affected area – all while you sleep. Perfect for travel, this great new product will help you look and feel your best.

Remove Unwanted Hair Of course I need to state the obvious, but here’s a tip. If you shave, wait until the end of your shower, because wet hair is easier to cut, and the warm water and steam soften the hair and open the pores which will makes shaving easier. Shaving down there? Here are more tips.

Self Tan Everyone looks better with a little bit of color. Don’t you agree? Want a flawless, long lasting self tan? Of course you do. If you’re traveling, I recommend bringing self tan towelettes along for the ride.

*This post is sponsored by the makers of AcneFree. Although my thoughts and actions are true, individual results may vary.

Behind the Look: Ted Gibson

We're excited to introduce Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, and beauty guru! Ted is known for working with celebrities such as Jessica Chastain, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Idina Menzel (or shall we say Adele Nazeem).  Honored to have him do my hair several times, I'm excited to introduce you!  Warning: You might think twice about washing your hair after you read.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

My tagline is “Beauty Is Individual” and I always say #HairChangesEverything. I believe in both of these philosophies so much that I’ve built my business around them.

What's a must-have in your kit?

I MUST have my Mason Pearson boar bristle brush, curling irons in multiple sizes, baby powder, French hair pins and extensions in different colors and lengths for my Gibson girls.

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

I’m loving Nutrify Skin Type 1-6 Universal Tonic. It makes my skin feel AMAZING!

Spill your best beauty advice.

Beauty is THE best pick-me-up. If you’re feeling a little down, you’ll be surprised at how much a new hairstyle and a little lip color can make you feel so much better!

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

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – do not wash your everyday! This season’s hair is all about texture – which is hard to achieve with freshly shampooed hair! Plus, over shampooing your hair can also cause your scalp to produce more oil. You should shampoo your hair no more than 3x per week.

Want more Ted? Be sure to follow him on Instagram for updates of his latest beauty adventures!

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.

Runway Trend to Try: Embellished Pony

Backstage during New York Fashion Week, we spotted the embellished ponytail, which proves that adding a little interest to a classic style makes it exciting.  Jeanie Syfu lead the Tresemme team at several shows this season and is the queen of the fancy pony.  Here's her advice on getting the look.

All you need is a strip of fabric.  Jeanie suggests adding a strip of leather to the base of your ponytail by wrapping it about 2" down from the base as seen at Carolina Herrera.  You can also create two small ponytails and secure with gold ribbon then tie the lengths into a knot on top of your ponytail at your nape which I created for Erin Fetherston.

Which style do you like better?

DIY Solutions to Winter Beauty Problems

Yes, we're still talking about winter... and it's March.  If you're still facing these winter beauty problems, it's time you get rid of them, because Spring is right around the corner! Here are five of the most common conundrums and easy DIY solutions.

Problem: Chapped Lips

Solution: Exfoliate then hydrate. Make your own lip scrub with brown sugar and olive oil and use it once a day before you apply your lip balm. If you use lip balm alone, you’re  protecting your lips, but not healing them.

Problem: Dry Skin

Solution: Start to embrace luke warm showers. While taking a hot, steamy shower is coveted in the wintertime, the hot water strips your skin of its natural oils and therefore, dries it out.

Problem: Itchy Scalp

Solution: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo. The oil has anti-inflamatory and moisturizing properties so it’s a great solution for soothing and ridding dandruff.

Problem: Frizzy Hair

Solution: Hair frizzes because it’s dehydrated and coconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft and deep condition.  If you have thick hair, mix 2 parts coconut oil with 1 part olive oil. For thinner hair, leave out the olive oil as it’ll be too heavy. Apply all over your hair, focus on the ends. Wrap it in a bun and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.

Problem: Peeling Cuticles & Brittle Nails

Solution: Warm Olive Oil mixed with a Vitamin E capsule in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Dip your fingers into it for about 20 seconds and massage the solution all over your nails and cuticles. Wipe the excess off with a paper towel. Heating the mixture will allow for better penetration and will help to moisturize and nourish your hands.

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!!!

The Best Organic Beauty Brands

Shopping for organic beauty buys isn't easy.  Labels are confusing and often times, we doubt the effectiveness of products sans chemicals and are left with the process of trial and error.  Here are five organic beauty brands that we can stand behind, because they promise quality and effectiveness.  Plus, they pride themselves in being ethical, honoring the environment and animals.

Suki Skincare

Made in Massachusetts, this skincare line is proves the power of nature.  We love the Concentrated Clarifying Toner and appreciate that the website and packaging include a description of the source used compared to it's counterpart, chemical ingredient.

Tata Harper

Manufactured in Vermont by Tata Harper, this organic beauty collection is thoughtfully curated.  "Beauty products should contribute to your health, not compromise it."  We love her Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint and every single mask.

Rahua

Made with ingredients from the Amazon Rainforest, this haircare line screams organic luxury.  The elixir is like liquid gold for your hair.

Ilia

Understanding that our skin absorbs everything we put onto it, this cosmetic line will make your body rejoice.  The lipsticks are creamy and full of pigment.  PS: Do you know how much lipstick we eat per year?

Priti NYC

With a mission to " support organic farmers and to decrease the amount of chemicals poisoning the Earth- and it's inhabitants- one manicure at a time," Priti NYC has a wide range of shades.

Behind the Scenes: John Frieda Beach Blonde Party

One part of my job that I love is taking you behind the scenes into the beauty industry so as a new feature, I'm brining the camera with me to some of the hottest events I attend. Want to see what it's really like to be a beauty influencer? Tune into BeautySweetSpot TV.  First up, John Frieda's Beach Blonde launch party with Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth, AnnaSophia Robb and more.

Burn Fat with Sprint Training

So I've been sprinting.  One of my new year's fitness resolutions was to begin sprinting, because it burns fat and encourages muscle growth, so it begun.  Do you sprint?  My new trainer, Jarrett Hahn, Owner of M.O.V.E Fitness & Performance in Hoboken, NJ discusses the benefits to sprint training and lays down some ground rules to ensure you're getting the most out of your workout.  After all, we don't have time to waste.

"One of the main benefits of sprinting is that it gets your nervous system fired up, releases endorphins and growth hormone, and activates muscle fibers that would otherwise be dormant," Hahn explained.

Make Sure Your Form is On Point

Form and technique is just as important in sprinting as in any other exercise or movement. Everything from the start phase, to the acceleration phase, to the maximum speed phase.  Turns out, I wasn't sprinting correctly until I was coached.  Here's a video on the proper form.

Use a Heart Rate Monitor

Wearing a heart rate monitor during sprinting, can be very beneficial if you’re looking to  shed excess body fat and widen your aerobic window.  It helps to get your body into an anaerobic state of exercise, which is short duration, high intensity exercise that lasts anywhere seconds up to around two minutes.  (For example, I've been doing a series of 15 second sprints to increase my heart rate, then allowing it to come down to 120 bpm before doing another.)

After two minutes, the body’s aerobic system kicks in. The anaerobic effect happens in the body when we exert ourselves at 84% of our max heart rate and above. The residual effects include: burning more calories at rest, developing strength, an increased VO2 max, a more lean and defined body, and a more efficient use of time.

Take it Easy

I've been doing a sprint training routine for 10-20 minutes per day three days a week. "You want to get right to the edge of that breaking point and call it a day. It is best to start on the more conservative side to avoid injury or overreaching," Hahn warns.

Best Bet: Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum

Moisturizer is my number one desert island product.  Hands down.  Curious about what yours would be, I tweeted out the question and received responses like: mascara, lip balm and yes, moisturizer!  So some of us are on the same page.  Of course, when you walk into the drugstore, you're faced with the mega moisturizer shelf of promises and luckily for you, it's my job to test them all out so you don't have to waste a single penny. My latest post-shower obsession works to moisturize and heal even the roughest skin.  Seriously.

There's nothing more disappointing than a "moisturizer" that sits on top of your skin or maybe even worse, one that smells like old-lady perfume.  Seriously?  As you can imagine, I've been putting quite a few brands to the test this winter and found one I really love and am sticking with – Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum.

Yes, a body serum.  Instead of temporarily soothing and moisturizing my skin, it actually corrects the problem by healing any cracked areas (like my feet, ew, I know) and ensuring that the rest of my skin remains hydrated and protected.  A triple threat for sure.  With a combination of ingredients that help to heal the skin by penetrating to the deepest layers to replenish lipids and Vaseline Jelly to help to prevent any moisture loss, this one's a winner.

The new Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum is available in Deep Repair, Radiance Restore and Advanced Healing at drugstores for $8.49.

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

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.

The Exact Lipstick Used on Margot Robbie

Those lips!  Oscars presenter, Margot Robbie stunned in a black Saint Laurent dress paired with fiery orange-red lips. "We were inspired by old Hollywood glamour and wanted to make a statement," says makeup artist Tyron Machhausen, who spills the exact color she's wearing.  Because, you know you want it.

Tyron Macchausen highlighted the actresses cheeks and kept her eyes clean, focusing on liner and mascara.  His secret weapon? Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Pencil in Raven topped by Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven.  The liner and lipstick combo allowed for those lips to take the spotlight.