I couldn't help myself. We weren't supposed to take photos or film, but the event was so grand, so incredible, I had to share it – especially with you. I started recording towards the end of Katy Perry's super remixed performance that began with Teenage Dream as models were walking out in VS Pink clothing and caught this:
All I have to say is O.M.G! Wait until it airs on Nov. 30th so you can get the full effect.
Exclusive Interview with VS Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio
Backstage I had the chance to ask Miss Alessandra Ambrosio a few questions while she was getting the finishing fluff done to her to-die-for waves. She filled me on what it takes to be a Victoria's Secret bombshell, what sexy means to her and of course, her guiltiest pleasure. Take a look:
Exclusive Photos: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Here's a sneak peek at the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
I'll be covering tips and tricks on how to get bombshell hair, backstage makeup secrets, the truth about self tanning to sculpt perfect bodies and more – including an exclusive interview with Alessandra Ambrosio!
And keep reading... there's plenty more pics after the jump!
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Backstage Body Sculpting Secrets
This was perhaps me at my A-game as an "investigative reporter." What I do for my BeautySweetSpot readers, let me tell you. Picture this – me in a 5' x 8' area, enclosed by a curtain backstage surrounded by three buck naked Victoria's Secret models and two women hand painting them with self tanner.
Yes, I was the reporter who had to see for myself exactly how the ladies were being self tanned and how they took the extra step to perfect their already perfect bodies. So allow me to fill you in:
First of all, all three models back there were concavely skinny with A cup boobs. I was not surrounded by bombshell bodies. It's amazing what VS lingerie can do to a stick figure! I have to say though, none of the girls I was back there with were the core VS models. They were cast just for the show. The core models were all shapely and very toned.
I had to get that out. Their beachy glowing bodies started two days ago when the models met with spray tanner, Jimmy Coco at the Giraffe Hotel in NYC to begin the process. Then, at the show the girls whole bodies were rubbed down by one artist under makeup artist, Tom Pecheux's lead with a combination of moisturizer and Victoria's Secret Sunkissed Bronze Instant Self Tan Lotion with Tint.
Once their whole bodies were covered, they went to a second woman who used the Victoria's Secret Flawless Airbrush Body Tan to sculpt their bodies, a paint brush with foundation to cover flaws and bruises and finished by using a light shimmer product coming out this holiday season.
The girls said they didn't feel sticky and that the formulas dried quickly. None of them looked tanned, just sun-kissed.
BeautySweetSpot Reader Donates 12" of Hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths
Everyday I receive products in the mail from different companies that want me to try them for possible review on BeautySweetSpot. But in October I received a mailing from Pantene that really caught my attention. It wasn't the shampoos and conditioners from their Beautiful Lengths collection that made me stop and think, it was an 8" ruler included in the bag.
That was my first introduction to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Pantene's partnership with the American Cancer Society in which they make free wigs for adult women with cancer. I knew right away I wanted to partner with them. One of my best friends Melanie has been growing out her hair to donate it. After a bit of back and forth she agreed she was ready to break up with her long locks and go under the scissors for Pantene.
This weekend we visited the Mark Garrison Salon in NYC and where Mark Garrison himself was ready to chop away. Previously a Locks of Love cutter, he partnered with Pantene years ago to offer free cuts for his customers who donate their hair on Wednesdays at his salon and half off any other day because he believes in their work.
"I like working with Pantene over Locks of Love because their messaging is clear," Garrison said. "You know exactly who your hair is being donated to and the partnership with The American Cancer Society solidifies that."
Garrison didn't just pull Melanie's hair back into a ponytail, make one big chop and send her on her way. Instead, he took time with her to talk to her about styling her hair after the cut to ensure her that she was going to look fabulous walking out of the salon.
He started by sectioning her hair into several ponytails all around her head and cutting them one at a time. This way he got the most length at all points and roughly shaped her new style. Twelve inches later he shaped up her cut and she looked like a new person.
"I was ready to part ways with my hair," Melanie stated. "It was so long it would just hang and I couldn't even style it anymore."
Things did get emotional at times, but more exciting that anything. Check out the video footage of the first snip and Melanie's reaction below.
The requirements to donate hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths were that you had to have at least 8" to cut and your hair had to be virgin. I haven't had virgin hair since I was about 13! Melanie was the perfect candidate. If you know someone who's thinking about donating their hair check out the website.
Mel's Reaction While Cutting: The After Effect:
Countdown to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
The Holiday Season is starting and you know what that means! Adriana, Candace, Alessandra, Erin, Chanel, all become household names as they strut down the runway for the most anticipated show of the year – the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Each week unitl the show on November 30th, BeautySweetSpot.com will be giving you the beauty and fitness secrets of the angels so you too can be a bombshell!
Let the countdown begin! 29 days!
Check out footage from last years show after the jump:
How to Perfect A Flawless Face
I've admitted it before and I'll say it again, I'm not a fan of wearing makeup. A little mascara and gloss and I'll call it a day in a second. However, I've had to learn how to do my own face for TV because believe it or not they don't even put as little as a blush brush to your face before you go on air . That being said, I can proudly say I've learned how to fake flawless skin.
You need three things: a liquid concealor for under your eyes, a heavier, stickier concealor for blemishes and light foundation. Many women make the mistake of using the same concealor for everything, however different textures and pigments work better in different areas.
Rid dark circles under your eyes with a liquid concealor that has light reflecting properties. Dab a few dots underneath each eye with your ring finger and use a brush or your ring finger to blend. My favorite is Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealor for Eyes, $10.99. It doesn't get cakey in the creases under your eyes when you smile, contains aloe and green tea to help reduce puffiness and SPF 20.
To cover blemishes, I use MAC Studio Sculpt Concealor, $15.50. Just a small dab of this rich formula does the job and since it's has a creamy consistency it stays put.
After perfecting problem areas use a light foundation so everything is evenly blended. My top pick: Purple Lab Silk Sheets Foundation, $34.50. It's very light, offers coverage without feeling like a mask and is made with good for your skin ingredients such as silk and hyaluronic filling spheres which plumps your skin so you don't even need to wear a primer underneath it.
Sneak Peek: MAC's Holiday Collection
What girl doesn't want something from MAC's holiday collection in their stocking? I don't even know where to begin! This years holiday collection is titled A Tartan Tale and will be available October 28th. To say the least it includes bright lip colors, striped eye shadows and must-have brush sets and kits... I'll let the pictures do the talking...
Spray Yourself Tan This Fall
Summer may be over, but your tan doesn’t have to leave with it. I got a few easy tips from Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Salons, on how to get a great DIY spray tan.
First of all, the Completely Bare spray tan is no joke. Not only have they mastered the spray tan, but you can even get a "sculpted tan," which can hide any imperfection you may have, or “sculpt” thinner thighs or abs. What girl wouldn’t want that? For at-home, I recommend trying to get an even, all around glow. Leave the sculpting to the pros!
Rule Number One: Preperation
Before you even open the self-tanner bottle, make sure that you shave your legs, and exfoliate your entire body and don't moisturize. Cindy also recommends using Earth Therapeutic Hydro Gloves in Jade to prevent the tanner from getting on your hands.
Rule Number Two: Spray Away, Carefully
Next, use a self tan like Completely Bare Model Tan on your body, (not your face) and spray it in a circular motion. The circular motion will give your tan a more natural look.
Rule Number Three: Take Time on Delicate Areas
Save your knees and elbows for last. To make those areas look natural add a tiny drop of moisturizer to your self-tanner and make sure your knees and elbows are bent when applying. This will bring down the level of intensity for the tan and give an overall natural look. On your face Cindy recommends using Jergens Natural Glow for Face. Make sure to apply up to your hair line and down to your neck.
Rule Number Four: Post Spray Care
Use a hair dryer on cold to avoid humanity which makes you sweat and your tan fade, and to make sure you're completely dry. Avoid wearing tight clothing and don't shower for about 12 hours.
Budget Friendly Fall Beauty & Style Tips
Everyone knows you don't need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Well, good news is after reporting on all of the backstage beauty trends and styles of New York Fashion Week's Fall 2010 runways last spring I found several ways to take the hottest looks from runway to real way and will be talking about them for my next couple TV segments. Here's the scoop...
No matter what look you're going for a they all start with a clear complexion. I always recommend using a cleanser that's effective yet affordable. Noxzema's Original Deep Clean collection is great because the formula gets down into your pores to rid impurities and moisturizes your skin. The brand also came out with an acne controlling line for adults that prevents and helps treat breakouts called Clean Blemish Control. It's secret ingredient: salicylic acid. For those of you who need something a little stronger (more frequent breakouts), they have a line called Triple Clean. Unlike some acne control products, these don't strip your skin of moisture, which is key. The scent of Noxzema alone does it for me! All products are available for under $5.
Backstage at fashion week colorful liner was in. You can make your peepers pop with Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Liners, $11. Each set comes with three shades and are packaged to compliment different eye colors. You can... wear each shade alone or together to create different looks. The best part, the liner lasts up to 24 hours, but after you apply it you have a few minutes of wiggle room until it sets in case you want to smudge it out or do it over. Audrina Patridge wore the set for green eyes to the MTV Movie Awards.
One of the biggest trends in accessories this fall is going geek chic! Whether you wear prescription glasses or not every one's sporting frames! From classic aviators to the sexy cat eye and chunky bookworm styles, frames are an absolute must-have. Check out eyecessorize.com for styles from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Zoom, Juicy Couture, Todd Rogers and more. The site also helps you chose frames for your face shape, which is super helpful!
As a fashionista and someone who practically lives online, I'm going to share a big secret – hautelook.com. Almost every designer dress and bag I have came from this site because they sell them for 50-75% off! The site is free to join and unlike others doesn't require and invite and retails different designer items every day. I got an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming sales calendar and can share it with you! Keep an eye out for Gypsy 05, C&C California, decadestwo (I'm obsessed) and Carla Mancini handbags.
Just a few tweaks to your look can help upgrade your fall style and won't break the bank. Clear skin, colorful eyes, hot frames and a few new hot items in your wardrobe and you have a new look!
Exclusive Interview: Cindy Crawford Talks Beauty & Style
Last week I attended an event at the London Hotel with other bloggers and met the one and only Cindy Crawford. I don't normally write about beauty events I attend on a daily basis, but this one was like no other. Cindy spoke about her skincare line Meaningful Beauty, which is launching in Sephora this October and dished her beauty secrets.
The most exciting part – I scored an exclusive interview with the super model (and I mean super model) on camera! I have to say, she was the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen in my entire life. And that says a lot because throughout my career I've met the all of Victoria's Secret models like Giselle and Alessandra Ambrosio and tons of celebs, but Cindy was beyond stunning – in an all American kind of way.
Flawless at 44, promoting her skincare line, I had to ask a question that may have crossed the line at this type of beauty event. I felt it was only proper for a journalist... So I shot... "Have you ever gotten Botox?" I admired the way Cindy handled it and she responded, "I can't lie. Yes, I've gotten Botox." And went on to explain that as you age it's all about maintenance and you need to take care of the surface layers of your skin with good products as well as muscle maintenance.
Check out my video interview with her below to find out about her fave beauty products, personal style and advice for aspiring models:
Behind the Scenes of My Flirt! Cosmetics Video Shoot
Yesterday I had the opportunity to be part of a Flirt! cosmetics video campaign and let me tell you, I couldn't be more excited as 'flirt' is my middle name.
We shot at the Kohls in the Jersey City mall (where Flirt! is sold) and Holly of the Flirt! PR team was my host, which made it so much fun. Holly and I talked about flirting tips and of course, which features to play up while trying to lure over your object of affection.
My answer: your eyes. Your eyes can do all the flirting! If you're a frequent BeautySweetSpot reader you know how often I use the term "eye sex." Obviously I didn't say eye sex during the Flirt! video, but hey, it works! My secret weapon: Flirt! It Curl Mascara. The wand is curved so it curls your lashes as you apply, opening your eyes allowing for better eye contact, which is key to getting your flirt on.
The online video series will be live later in the fall and I'll post it on BeautySweetSpot for you all to see!
Exclusive Interview: Bethenny Frankel Talks Fashion & Beauty Post Baby
This year during New York Fashion Week I stopped by the Robert Verdi Luxe Laboratory on the last day. I normally always go earlier in the week, but I was so swamped this year, I had to wait and I'm glad I did. As I was finishing getting my hair styled by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas in his suite, none other than Bethenny Frankel walked in to have her makeup touched up by Stila.
First of all I have to say, I've always been a Bethenny fan, but after meeting her I'm team Bethenny even more now. Much prettier in person, I can't believe the woman had a baby in May. Wearing a sophisticated navy structured dress and grey pumps she came in with her hair blown out (like every day) and no makeup on. After leaving the Robert Verdi Suite she was going directly to do a taping for Rachel Ray.
Since becoming a mom has anything about your style changed?
I think twice about wearing promiscuous clothing. If I think it may be too short, it is. When in doubt, I don't wear it anymore. I keep things simple, dress in color and wear good accessories.
What's your go-to accessory?
My wedding ring. When I'm not sure what to wear I always stick with my solitaire diamond necklace.
Has your beauty regimen changed since you had Bryn?
Not really. With me, it's all or nothing.
Read more after the jump....
Did you learn a lot about pregnancy and parenting from your friends?
I really didn't take any unsolicited advice. People freak you out. Chances are none of those crazy things will happen to you. I learned as I went and things are great.
What's do you carry in your purse at all times?
Lotion. My skin is very dry and baby wipes.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
I don't believe in guilt.
Skin Is In at Herve Leger by Max Azria
I have to admit, I was more excited to check out the bandage dresses that I'll never be able to afford than the hair and make up at the Herve Leger show. Inspired by Marie Antoinette I found myself swooning (as expected) over the Spring/Summer 2011 collection.
So yes, hair and makeup for me was thrown out the window, but I was curious about something else. How can one make their bod look as hot as possible in one of these body hugging minis? The answer was not far behind thanks to Temptu makeup artist Lisa. I noticed she was airbrushing the models skin, arms, declote and legs with foundation to cover up any marks on the skin and a highlighter to give an overall glow for the cameras. Don't have an airbrush? She suggests using coconut oil to add a sheen to your bod.
Here are Lisa's tips on how you can do this at home the right way:
Betsey Johnson Stays True to Herself for “Le deTour Betsey”
There’s nothing in the world that compares to a Betsey Johnson show. It is a true spectacle, and I was lucky to have the chance to attend her latest runway presentation. The vivacious designer always goes over the top, and her Spring/Summer 2011 collection consisted of her signature crazy neons and clashing patterns.
The inspiration behind the collection was simply taking a bike ride through New York City. Sarah Lucero, the lead makeup artist for Stila said, “The look is optimistic, happy, and colorful.” Lucero wanted a “bright, bold green eye” and accomplished it by wetting Fiji Palette no. 5 eyeshadow and painting it on like a thick paint splotch. To complete the face she used a hot pink hue on the cheek and Caprice Long Wear Liquid Lip Color (another bold pink) on the pout.
Check out my pick of Betsey...
Nonie Creme, the Founder and Creative Director for Butter London of Beauty.com, created a fun, rainbow sherbet inspired color for the models nails. She applied a Pepto Bismol-like pink color, then Royal Navy, followed by a mustard yellow shade on the tip. “The idea was to create a very pop-art, retro kind of fingernail,” she said. (They did use press-on nails for obvious reasons).
Peter Gray for Redken was the lead on hair, and he was going for an athletic/punk and get this – a road kill vibe. The models sported a mix of dreadlocks, teased waves, and spiky hair. Even though there were a variety of looks, they all sported visible hair bands in bright hues throughout the hair that were made of the same light and loose material as hosiery.
Lead manicurist, Creme told me, “Betsey isn’t driven by global trends--you have to love her commitment to her customer,” and I have to agree. Betsey proves that whimsical, girly clothes don’t have an age, and most importantly, that fashion should be fun!
NYFW's Rising Stars Are Under 10 Years Old
Backstage at The Academy of the Art University I was surprised to see that two of the shows stars were under the age of ten! As they were getting primped their parents weren't far behind and they looked like they've been doing this all their lives – funny thing is, they have.
The modeling scene was familiar to Nico, 9 and Jacqueline, 9. Both who appeared in Target ads and have walked the runway for NYFW before. "I have a picture of myself pointing to the big Target billboard that I'm in, in Times Square," said Jacqueline. "It's pretty cool."
Nico is home schooled all year round and loves modeling, but has aspirations beyond the modeling world. "When I grow up, I want to be a marine biologist," she says. "I think sea lions are really cool."
Jacqueline, who has appeared in Rebound with Catherine Zeta-Jones aspires to be an actress and see herself on the big screen one day. Looks like she's on the right path.
What were you doing when you were 10 years old?
Endless Eye Candy at the Tim Hamilton Redux, You're Welcome
After a covering backstage for Costello Tagliapietra at Milk Studios, I wondered up to the 8th floor and found myself pleasantly surprised by what I found (to say the least). The sounds of music flooded the halls and I entered a room full of gorgeous men – yes, eye sex worthy. Let's just say my job of reporting on beauty trends was long forgotten.
The room was full of about 30 male models rocking the latest by Tim Hamilton drinks in hand, laughing and talking with each other. I felt like I was at a cocktail party, some even made me feel like I was at a fraternity formal. The DJ spun club music and took a break to allow a solo guitarist 
perform. Photographers were walking in between the models to capture the moment and I, well I just decided to mingle, Belevedere and cranberry in hand. What girl wouldn't?
Of course, I interviewed one of the finest gentlemen about the collection, drinking while modeling and what he finds sexy about a woman. His name? Who cares.
Check it out:
Tons of Makeup at Costello Tagliapietra, But You'd Never Know
Back at Milk Studios today the scene was surprisingly calm and well organized for the Costello Tagliapietra show. With 23 models coming from prior shows who needed to be molded into the Costello girl, stylists and artists were busy at work, but seemed anything but frantic.
All of the girls wore high side buns directly above their left ears. "It's a throwback," commented Nelson Vercher, the lead stylist from the Rita Hazan Salon. "Back in the day ladies used to wear their hair like this when they wore hats." He used Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray to create texture, but then just a piece of elastic to secure the ponytail that he wrapped and tied, wrapped 
and tied about three times and cut the ends. It's definitely not practical for the every day girl, but a sweet backstage trick. After looping the hair around itself he secured with bobby pins and sprayed with L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray.
The coolest thing about the look was the makeup. The models fresh faces looked like they were barely wearing any at all, but of course they had tons on. I learned a great trick from MAC makeup artist, Lisa Butler, about how to wear makeup while keeping your skin looking fresh and dewy.... When applying foundation place a blob on the top of your hand along with a blob of your daily moisturizer right next to it. Use a big brush and begin applying your foundation. Use light layers and when certain areas don't need as much coverage (maybe your forehead) mix in some moisturizer with your foundation to dilute it 
and keep your skin dewy. On other areas (like your chin) that may need heavier coverage, go heavier with the foundation and don't mix in the moisturizer. The key is to layer lightly.
The nails were all buffed clean by Lancome.
Models Sport Heavy Makeup & Texturized Buns at Vena Cava
This morning I headed over to Milk Studios to take a peek backstage before the Vena Cava show. Ted Gibson was on hair, MAC on makeup and Butter London on nails. It was show one of day one and all of the talent, models and journalists looked refreshed and ready to take fashion week for all it's worth!
"These girls aren't afraid of a strong look, they're walking for Vena Cava," remarked Lloyd Simomonds of MAC cosmetics. The makeup was heavy to say the least. Inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface, a full face of metallic navy blue shadows complimented by coral lips and cheeks gave off an ultra glam effect.
To my surprise, Butter London of Beauty.com was doing nails backstage and word has it, they're doing tons of shows this year. To make sure all of the manis were perfectly uniform, they used press on nails that were self adhesive. "We created a new twist on the 1/2 moon manicure by making it more graphic and less vintage," commented Creative Director Nonie Creme. With two coats of grey and one of stark black, they were crisp, short and bold.
One of my fave stylists of all times, master mind, Ted Gibson of Beauty.com was working his magic on hair. I caught Mr. Gibson explaining the look backstage on video. Check it out:
The Beauty Gal's Guide to Fashion's Night Out
Fashion's Night Out is this Friday and I don't even know where to begin! Last year I ran around the Meatpacking District and visited Scoop, Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory and Tory Burch (who had an old school bar-b-que outside her store!). This year, it's time to explore something new. Here's a guide of some of New York's hottest beauty brands and what their plans are for FNO.
In case you're not located in NYC, check out the special on prime time on Tuesday, September 14th hosted by Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Justin Timberlake, and Anna Wintour.
Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.
VuBar, Votre Vu customized airstream
- Meatpacking District
- photos on a red carpet, skincare samples, pastry chef, ice luge
Co Bigelow Apothecary
- 414 6th Ave., 6-10pm
- Vinny Guadagnino of MTV's hit show The Jersey Shore will be at the store from 7pm to 8pm, touch ups by jane iredale makeup artists, manicures by Barielle, Mamma Mio mocktails
Rimmel London
- Reiss Store, 387 West Broadway
- 10% discount on Reiss merchandise, Reiss makeup bag full of Rimmel makeup, Rimmel makeup artists offering touch ups, photo booth, Face of Rimmel - Coco Rocha – making an appearance
Kiehl's
- 109 3rd Ave @ 13th St., 6:30-11pm
- karaoke, performances by Jordan Sparks, Adrienne Bailon and Caridee English, prizes, cotton candy and cocktails
The Plaza Beauty
- The Plaza Hotel
- complimentary mini-facials, hand treatments and makeup touch ups
Maria Bonita Salon & Spa
- 12 Prince St., 7-11pm
- complimentary mini facials, updo's, aromatherapy, DJ
Rita Hazan
- Intermix at 210 Columbus Ave., 5 - 8pm
- complimentary blow outs and champagne
Lancome
- Bloomingdales on 59th St.
- meet Spokesmodels, watch tango dancers, check out the fall color collection - French Coquettes
Natori Fragrance
- Saks Fifth Ave, 6-10pm
- receive a free Natori candle (worth $75) with a purchase of $130 or more, lingerie raffles
Phyto Universe
- 715 Lexington @ 58th St., 6-8pm
- free hair and scalp analyses, 20% off haircare, skincare and services, enter to win complimentary treatments, champaign
Laura Geller
- Lulu Guinness 394 Bleecker St., 7-10pm
- Laura Geller makeup artists on hand for free lip painting, free product samples
Caudalie
- Vera Wang Bridal Salon 991 Madison Ave, 6-7:30pm
- brides will be greeted and pampered by Vera herself, music, mini spa services and giveaways
Sue Devitt
- Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., 6-10pm
- meet Sue Devitt, receive freebies, makeup touchups
Maybelline
- Meatpacking District, 9th and 13th St.
- free mini-makeovers, Spokesmodels, freebies, DJ, strut your stuff contest
Sally Hershberger Downtown & Teen Vogue
- 425 W. 14th St.
- blockparty for the ASOS fashion show, performance by VV Brown
Redken
- 565 Fifth Ave btw. 46th and 47th Sts, 6-10pm
- first 100 shoppers receive a free tote with hair products, 20% off all items
- Betsey Johnson 138 Wooster St.
- free hair touch ups by Redken fashion week stylists, first 100 shoppers receive freebies
