BeautySweetSpot — Jeannine Morris

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The Beauty of Being Bicoastal... Conquering Dreams One Salon and Champagne Glass at A Time

Every morning when I wake up I'm truly excited about everything.  I have an excitement for life, I can't help it.  I guess you can say I've been very fortunate.  This past week when I woke up daily to sunshine, perfect weather and a week full of new potential opportunities my excitement level turned into a passionate desire to take in every moment as I was living my dream, in Hollywood.

I packed two suitcases, brought all of my beauty loot (seriously this was not a travel sized ordeal), settled into my hotel room as if it was my second apartment, all shoes in a row, jewelry laid out – the only thing that was missing was Joe.  Thinking: one day I will be bicostal.  One day, or should I say we will be?

In between and after the work I had a blast with my LA besties, Jamie Stone, Sydne Summer and Nadine Jolie.  Just as bright eyed as the first, second and third time I came out here, we caught up over cocktails poolside at my hotel, the Avalon in Beverly Hills, went shopping on Rodeo Drive, got blowouts at the DryBar, had my brows groomed at Anastasia Beverly Hills and attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

With the way things are going, looks like I'll be heading back again very soon!

 

Exclusive Video Interview: The Courtin-Clarins Daughters Spill Their Skincare Secrets

When I visited the Clarins lounge at the Empire Hotel this week I expected to hang out with my PR friends and learn more about their new blog, the Beauty Flash Blog, which showcases the world of the Courtin-Clarins girls, the four women who are the granddaughters of the founder of the brand.  To my surprise, I was able to catch the girls when they got back from lunch (at PJ Clarkes no less) inbetween shows and did a fun video interview!  Check out what these chic Parisians had to say about their NY Fashion Week experience, their grandfather's skincare secrets and how they beat cellulite.

 

My Intimate Night with Gaga... Really, I Touched Her and Watched Her Get Inked... Plus Grabbed A Video of All the Action

Thursday night I attended Lady Gaga's launch party for her new fragrance, Fame, at the Guggenheim Museum along with anyone who is anyone in NYC.  It was a true masquerade. Along with top influencers in the beauty industry, Yoko Uno, Marc Jacobs, Jessica Stam, Michael Strahan, Charlotte Ronson, Alexander Wang, and I sipped champagne in awe as we watched Gaga get a new tattoo inside a replica of her fragrance bottle.

When I arrived, I walked the red carpet and entered into the museum wearing a Zara cocktail dress with lace overlay on top and feathers on bottom.  My Walter Steiger booties weren't even my main accessory.  The invite stated, "Head piece required."  I donned a super chic black headband with tulle flowers that had a mesh, black veil.  Greeted by Gaga's harness men upon entry I found my friends, found the bar and observed.

A video began to play directed by Steven Klein for the fragrance launch and to my surprise I come to find out that Gaga was in the fragrance replica!  She was in there!  Acting like Sleeping Beauty, draped in fur, people quickly lined up to touch her.  Yes, to touch and try to wake Gaga.  Of course I pushed my way through the crowd with Dina from eye4style, Marina from makeuplovesme and Sarah from styleitonline (check out her mask gallery here) and we all touched Gaga.  Or maybe I should say we reached into the fragrance replica where she was sleeping, grabbed her hand and harassed her nails to check out the mani situation.  Worth it!

After she awoke, the song "Fame" by David Bowie blasted throughout the museum and we got a sneak peek into her life backstage.  Her glam squad rushed in, Gaga spritzed herself with her fragrance and before we knew it, we were watching her get inked.  This was the art in the middle of the Guggenheim.  Gaga was on display.  Her personal life was on display for all of us who cared.  And we did care.  

This is what we saw:

As for the fragrance, see my review here.

Bloggers Share the Craziest Things That Happened During NY Fashion Week

It's the first day of NYFW and I've been covering backstage since the spring of 2006, which makes this my 13th season attending.  Woah!  That's crazy!  Besides doing our jobs to bring you the news from backstage and front row, my friends and I have experienced some pretty crazy things through out the years.  Here are our top "OMG" moments: I'll kick it off with a story from when I worked at Cosmopolitan magazine.  I was attending the Zac Posen show for the first time.  Zac Posen, my favorite designer.  Being that he's an investor in the line, Diddy (yes, as in Sean Combs) was sitting in the front row.  I couldn't believe that 1. I was at a Zac Posen fashion show at 22 years old and 2. I was there with Diddy. I was obsessed with him.  So what did I do?  I obviously let my 22-year-old self get the best of me and followed Diddy backstage after the show.  I did not belong there!  Zac and friends were popping champagne so I decided to act like I belonged and joined in!  OMG.  I got a pic with my main man, Diddy, who at the time was there with Kim Porter (and preggers w his twins).  Post show I watched him get into his Rolls Royce and allow Kim walk in the rain pregnant to hail a cab.  I lost all respect!

The craziest thing I ever experienced during NYFW would definitely be when I saw L.A.M.B - and it was Gwen Stefani's very first show.  I've been obsessed with all things Gwen since I was 12 years old and getting to see her debut collection at Bryant Park AND having a reserved seat (with my name and all! LOL) was a top 20 highlight of my life. - Jamie Stone, QueenoftheQuaterLifeCrisis.com

The craziest thing I've experienced was the party to celebrate Kim Kardashian's spot as beauty editor at OK magazine (it was a short-lived gig). It was a major affair with a ton of beauty execs, editors and bloggers and totally over-the-top, Kim-style. Unfortunately it was at that event that we learned Patrick Swayze passed away, losing his years-long battle with cancer. But the DJ played an amazing line-up of tribute songs to the fallen star including Time Of My Life and everyone celebrated a little Johnny Castle moment in his honor. And no one was in a corner, obviously. - Amber Katz, BeautyBloggingJunkie.com

I had a pretty typical jam-packed day of 5 shows, an event and somehow decided to post an exclusive editorial during all of this as well, which meant that I had to schedule a phone interview in the midst of the chaos. So, my event obviously ran an hour late and I had missed the phone interview call. I went running down the street to hail a cab (with a coffee in one hand, mind you) jump in and interview a very well-known makeup artist with a cup of coffee between my legs during the most nauseating cab ride I've ever been in while scribbling notes on the back of press sheets from shows and partially on my bare legs. In that moment I realized that fashion week had won. - Rachel Adler, BeautyHigh.com

Even though it was only the first week of my senior year at Barnard, since I was Fashion Assistant at FHM, I somehow managed to score a 2nd row invite to my very first show: Betsey Johnson. As you can imagine, little 21-year-old me was nearly passing out from excitement. (It was one of my first celebrity sightings, too: Kimora Lee Simmons, in all her giantess glory! Seriously, in heels, she's like 7 feet tall.) The dresses were candy-colored tutu confections and the champagne was especially delicious since I'd just turned legal. The memory is bittersweet, however, because for me that show represents a New York City that no longer exists. The location? Tavern on the Green. The date? September 10, 2001. - Nadine Jolie, NadineJolie.com

I've always been a huge fan of Herve Leger. The bandage style sucks you in and creates curves you never even knew you had! So, I was beyond thrilled when I had the chance to borrow an outfit to wear to Herve Leger's Fall 2012 show. I chose a black and blue dress with neon green piping. When I walked into Lincoln Center I felt a little self-conscious. As much as I adored the dress it was certainly a statement for a daytime show. But backstage I ran into designer Max Azria. He commented on how he loved the color and gave me a kiss on the cheek. It was a major OMG moment. I took my seat smiling from ear to ear. - Sydne Summer, SydneStyle.com

All kinds of craziness has happened over the years, but the top memorable was the time I covered my first season as a beauty intern at Women's Wear Daily. I was super green around the ears and was told to do backstage beauty interviews. So exciting! I interviewed this one amazing makeup artist who have me all kinds of great quotes and tips. Unsure of her name, I asked her to spell it for verification purposes. She stopped what she was doing, asked me if I was serious, and then grabbed my notebook. In big huge letters she wrote "PAT MCGRATH." I died. Luckily she laughed it off and told me that I had a lot more learning to do if I was going to make it in the industry. Boy was she right! (And yes I still have that piece of paper w/her name on it lol.) - Andrea Arterbery, GlamazonsBlog.com

Years ago, the very first season I did *anything* remotely fashion week, during the week I went to Robert Verdi's lounge - at a time in history I didn't even know who he was! One of the brands that was sponsoring it that season had done a stupid early  breakfast (and we know how well I handle schlepping from Brooklyn for early AM things) - and I was pre-coffee and somewhat drowsy as I dazedly walked out of the elevator, saw some people I knew on the inside and started to excitedly wave - and then walked FACE FIRST into his glass doors (not realizing there were doors there at all!) - Patrick and Ashley (who at that time I didnt' even know) saw, and had looks of abstract horror on their face as their rushed to open the door (which, was after all, A DOOR0, and let me in, and I had the most unattractive bloody nose EVER - right in the middle of the lounge's kitchen area. Sexy. They were all SUPER nice about it (though I was a complete asshole). - Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude.com

 

Thankful... "Confessions of A Tanorexic" Takes Off, Here's What's Happening

This past week when my story of being a former tanorexic hit newstands in the New York Post I was shocked that it was on the front page of Pulse.  Yet, never have I ever imagined it would continue to grow and affect so many people.  Today, Yahoo published a very honest story highlighting my former tanorexic days and the role Cosmopolitan played.  Now, a new chapter unfolds... I feel I owe it to you, my readers, to express not only gratitude for being as dedicated as you have been these past couple of years, but also for showing a tremendous amount of support as the press has picked up on my "Confessions of A Tanorexic" blog post.

Since, I've been in touch with my old boss, Kate White, the Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan.  I wrote her a thank you note expressing how thankful I am to have launched my career at Cosmopolitan, because if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be where I am today, but of course, I also thanked her for changing my life as her staff looked out for my best interests.  She responded and is thankful that the messaging is on point in my post and on Yahoo.

The most inspiring thing that's come from this so far are emails I've been receiving; some from melanoma survivors who are thanking me for raising awareness.  I cannot believe my story has made this much of an impact on other people's lives and feel honored and blessed to have a platform to be able to share it on and continue educating about safe sun.  The best part, this is only the beginning...

xo,

Jeannine

Announcing A New Partnership with Qwiki, BeautySweetSpot TV is Live!

I'm really excited to share something new I've been working on!  I'm a launch partner for Qwiki, a brand new multimedia platform that's officially launched today (see ABC article) and helping to bring BeautySweetSpot TV to life!  Everyday I'll have a new qwiki up. Here's one to check out and you can go to my channel to check out more.

My CEW Beauty Awards Prep & Hysterical Presentation Thanks to Mario Cantone

Last Friday I had the honor to be a presenter at the CEW Beauty Awards at the Waldorf Astoria.  I can't even begin to explain how excited I was and how big of a deal this was for me.  Everyone who's anyone in the beauty industry is there.  CEO's of every company, their PR and marketing teams that I work with daily and everyone in edit.  Literally, the Waldorf Astoria ballroom is full of about 1,000 of beauty's best.  Let's put it this way, it's an honor to be invited every year, but to be ask to present is the biggest honor.  This is the first year they had members of the industry present.  Mario Cantone from Sex and the City hosted as he does every year and let's just say he decided to have some fun introducing me. I began my prep by hunting for the perfect dress, which wasn't hard to find.  I knew I wanted something bright and when I laid eyes on Nanette Lepore's Spring 2012 collection  I  was sold.

A spray tan the day before at Sundara followed by conquering loose waves the morning of at Dry Bar (I swear by their blow outs) I was prepping for this like it was the Oscars.  It is the Oscars for us beauty people.  To top it all off CoverGirl set up a suite for the award presenters at the Palace Hotel so we could get our makeup and hair done.  Thank God!  While I can do my makeup for everyday, I'm no makeup artist and definitely needed some help.  My makeup artists understood who I was and the natural look I was going for and I couldn't have felt more confident.

Now here's where things got a little cray... As Mario Cantone was introducing me he decided to take "BeautySweetSpot" and have some fun with it in a sexual kind of way.  Ladies, I can't even explain it all because it would sound too vulgar if it were typed, but let's just say that I was prepared to go up to the podium, say what I had to say and sit back down.  Instead, Mario decided to have a little fun with me and we ended up putting on quite a show in front of the whole industry!  I had to clear up that "BeautySweetSpot" is not sexual and he decided to pretend to "find my sweet spot" in front of everyone!  Go ahead, use your imagination... yes, that happened!

If I had a career bucket list (which thank God I don't because it would be outrageous), presenting at the CEW Beauty Awards would have been on there.  I'm so honored and glad that I had a chance to stand up in front of the whole industry and thank them.  If it weren't for everyone in that room, I wouldn't be where I am today.  Here's a complete list of the winners.

 

CEW asked me to participate as a presenter in its Beauty Awards.  In exchange, I have received a gift bag that includes samples of the nominated products.  The opinions expressed in this post are my own.…

 

Dear Jeannine... How do you find a dermatologist and self tanner?

I can't even begin to tell you how many questions I receive daily from women and men (yes, men too) about beauty and grooming.  So many that it encouraged me to start a "Dear Jeannine" column.  They come in from all angles: Facebook messages, emails, Twitter DM's and even Linked In.  I'm honored and humbled and love answering them!  If you have a question, the best way to submit is to go through BeautySweetSpot's Facebook Fan page.  From now on I'll be answering them all and occasionally publish Q&A's on the site.  Here's the first one:

Hi Jeannine!

I just read your article about tanning beds and I have to admit, I not only love them, I have one. In my house. Yeah, I know. I might as well smoke a pack of cigarettes a day! BUT, I recently had a moment where I felt the desire to embrace my fairness! I have not gone in a month and am feeling exactly as you described. Ugly, fat and unattractive. I am fighting the urge to hop back in. I wanted to try a couple of things you mentioned - a dermatologist and a self tanner. How did you find a good dermatologist? What self tanner do you recommend?

Thanks in advance for sharing. Your articles are fun reads!

-L

Dear L,

Thanks for writing and for reading my Confessions of A Former Tanning Bed Addict post.  I had a feeling people would be able to relate to my experience.  First of all, I'm so proud of you for not tanning this month.  Not only is it unhealthy, but tanned skin isn't even attractive any longer... it's the glow you seek.  Get rid of that tanning bed asap (think of the new shoes you can purchase by selling it)!  Try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse for body and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Face (he has body ones too that are equally as awesome).

To find a dermatologist in your area, check the Academy of Dermatology's website.  You can also find free skin cancer screenings in your area there.  Hope this helps!

xo,

Jeannine

 

Win A Celebrity Inspired Prom Makeover with Yours Truly & Clearasil

It's prom season and I partnered with Clearasil to help teens get red carpet ready for their big day, but one lucky fan and their BFF will win a huge makeover!  Looking back at my prom prep it typically included getting tips on, a fancy French pedi (can you imagine?), visiting the MAC counter to get my makeup done, the tanning bed daily for at least a week prior and what I liked to call a creative updo with sparkly butterfly clips that matched my Cache' beaded dress. My dates obvi had no idea how lucky they were!  Luckily for teens today, Clearasil and I are stepping in ... check out the video for deets. Red carpet season just ended so there are lots of places to pull inspiration from for hair, makeup, nails and of course, the dress.  Clearasil and I are looking to give one lucky fan and their BFF, or prom date, red carpet makeovers for prom!  Prom goers can enter on their Facebook page to win up to a $3,000 makeover and I'll fly to their hometown to help them get ready for their big day.  You can also find prom beauty, skincare and style tips from me on Clearasil's Facebook page throughout the season.

Check out the video on the contest and good luck!

Of Course, Amber and I Had Something to Say... This Time for RealBeauty.com

During NYFW, Amber Katz of BeautyBloggingJunkie and I filmed a video for RealBeauty commenting on some of the street style trends we caught outside of Lincoln Center.  You know, blunt bangs, faux fur and colored jeans, we had something to say about it all!  Check it out.

 

Man of the Moment: Alex

I'm excited to introduce the first "Man of the Moment" for 2012, Alex, a 22 year old musician from Berkeley, California.  Check out what he stashes in his medicine cabinet and which celeb he lusts after and his band Radical Something.  If you have someone you'd like to nominate to be a "Man of the Moment" this year, nominate him through the contact form above. Requirements: over 18, sexy and successful. What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Old Spice Deodorant, Floss, Lubriderm Lotion, Advil, Yves St. Laurent Cologne, and a bunch of extra floss sticks and toothbrushes!

What product can’t you live without and why?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Wash

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I shower 1-2 times a day, and I am pretty much a neat freak. I keep my hair short so not too many worries there, and while i HATE shaving, I do it every morning. Other than that i can say I am an avid tooth-brusher and face-washer.

Now be honest, how would a woman describe your grooming habits?

"I don't care if he showers all the time--He wears sweatpants and hoodies every single day. Who does that?"

When prepping to go out on a date what are the three things you make sure you do?

1. Pick out a nice little Vans-inspired outfit

2. Make sure I brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Then pop in my favorite bubblemint gum.

3. Make sure i bring my wallet, and throw a bottle of wine in the trunk just in case!

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why?  More importantly, what would you do?

I would probably grab actress Emma Watson (from Harry Potter) for a night. She took my breath away as a young buck, and she is pretty damn beautiful. I'd most likely take her out to dinner, then bar hop around and see if she's as magical in person as she is in the theaters.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman? 

If I think my mom would like her.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Leonardo DiCaprio is the man. I will watch anything that he is in--ANYTHING. Chick flick, drama, shitty movie, you name it.

Voting Ends This Week! Vote for Me to Attend the People's Choice Awards!

Hi ladies!  I wanted to thank you everyone who's been voting for my red carpet beauty look so far on the People's Choice Awards website.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can check my previous post (it's cool, I promise).  Tomorrow's the last day to vote so please keep clicking away!  If I win, I get to attend the People's Choice Awards on behalf of CVS Beauty and bring a BeautySweetSpot reader with me to walk the red carpet!

Come Backstage with BeautySweetSpot's NYFW Team

Well it's here!  New York Fashion Week has arrived quicker than summer ended.  This season I have two talented team members to help me tackle my busy show schedule.  You can expect to see backstage coverage from Rag & Bone, Cynthia Rowley, Jill Stuart, Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier, Victoria Beckham, Alice & Olivia, Betsey Johnson,  Ports 1961 and Milly (just to name a few) as well as show coverage and exclusive designer interviews. I have some really exciting projects going on throughout the week including hosting backstage videos and the after party for the Duckie Brown men's show for Conair and covering shows for other publications.  Stay tuned for exclusive coverage.

Meet my team!

Bri, a blazer obsessed fashionista with a nail polish collection to die for

Her fashion week must haves: flats, cherry chap stick, Blackberry, concealor (to hide tired eyes), cell phone charger, planner, camera, multiple pens, bobby pins, Ahava mineral hand lotion, pink notebook

Michelle, a pop culture junkie who knows how to rock a red lip from day to night

Her fashion must haves: Evian face mist, iPad, Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Hollywood Red, Almay Black Eyeliner, granola bars, Starbucks, iPhone, Flipcam

Ali Ro Launches E-Commerce Site with Top Style Bloggers Including Yours Truly

Back in June I shared some photos with you from behind the scenes of a shoot I participated in for Ali Ro's new e-commerce site.  Well, the time has come and the e-commerce site launched! Each month throughout the fall you'll be able to check out pics from the shoot on how top style bloggers, Christina, Keiko Lynn and Christine and I styled Ali Ro's fall collection and shop the looks.  I must say, I was obsessed with that little red dress!  Stay tuned to see what else I wore.  The sequin mini was to die!

 

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BeautySweetSpot News! A Makeover is About to Be Revealed!

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Hi BeautySweetSpot readers!  I'm really excited to announce that when you visit the site next week it's going to have a whole new look.  Think chicer, cleaner and easier to navigate.  This is more than just a face lift, it's a complete makeover from logo to navigation! This September will be two full years since I quit the corporate world and decided to pursue BeautySweetSpot.com and other freelance work full time so I decided to take things up a few notches.  The newly designed site will still have the same tone and feel, but will be broken down into four main categories – Beauty, Men's Grooming, Lifestyle and VIP Pass.

Here's the breakdown:

Beauty: The real scoop on the newest products before they hit store shelves, how-tos on the hottest celebrity looks, latest trends and expert tips and tricks.

Lifestyle: The latest fashion trends and style how-tos along with tips on health, fitness and everything in between!

Men’s Grooming: The scoop on the latest grooming loot and expert tips for your man.  Plus, a fan favorite, “Man of the Moment,” a peek inside the medicine cabinets and minds of real men.

VIP Pass: A peek backstage and front row to some of the hottest events from New York Fashion Week to red carpet premieres. Along with exclusive interviews with your favorite celebrities and top editors, publicists and bloggers of the coveted beauty and fashion industry.

PS: Soon, you'll also be able to check out videos on BeautySweetSpot TV!

As my readers I can't thank you enough for your support.  Without you, there is no BeautySweetSpot.com!  I hope you enjoy the new look!

xo,

Jeannine

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