CHANEL 2014 Cruise Dubai Show: Backstage Makeup

Gold leaf was applied to the inner corners of each of the model's eyes for the Chanel 2014 Cruise Dubai Show.  Fancy huh?  Of course it is.  It's Chanel.  To show off the 2014/2015 resort collection, Karl Lagerfeld took 1,000 guests from Dubai to The Island, which was facing Dubai.  Fitting.  Just in from their PR team, the complete list of products used backstage to complete the look including new launches and pics.  Here's the scoop:

Complexion

PERFECTION LUMIERE VELVET Smooth Effect Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 

ECLAT LUMIERE Highlighting Face Pen 

CORRECTEUR PERFECTION Long Lasting Concealer 

POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE  Natural Finish Loose Powder 

LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Broad Spectrum SPF 15

CAMELIA DE PLUMES Highlighting Powder in Platine (launching in November) 

Eyes     

LES 4 OMBRES in Rêve d'Orient (launching in July) 

ILLUSION D'OMBRE Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Mirifique & Convoitise

LE CRAYON KHOL Intense Eye Pencil in Noir

ECRITURE DE CHANEL Automatic Liquid Liner in Noir (launching in July) 

LE VOLUME DE CHANEL Mascara in Noir

CRAYON SOURCILS Scuplting Eyebrow Pencil

 Lips  

ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Indécise 

LEVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in Rose Rêvé (launching in July) 

Of course, I linked out to the products I'd buy if I were to get just one in each category: complexion, eyes and lips.  I really can't wait to get the new LES 4 OMBRES that's launching in July (shown in the first picture).  How gorgeous is that?  That's all for now from the Chanel 2014 Cruise Dubai Show.  Proving, everyone can own a small piece of Chanel, even if we weren't taken to Dubai by Karl or don't have that classic Chanel bag... yet.

Supermodel Beauty Secret: Charlotte Tilbury

Tuesday night Kate Moss took center stage as she launched her latest, 70's inspired collection for Top Shop at the London flagship.  Accompanied by her mother, along with Sienna Miller, Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse, their makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, and her team painted the five Brit babe's faces prior to the event using her own collection.  The proof is in the pictures, she's a true supermodel beauty secret. 

Kate Moss and her mother, Linda, rocked Charlotte Tilbury's look known as the Dolce Vita with different lip shades.  Tilbury actually blended a color called Nude Kate that Moss wore and is now for sale and her mother wore the lipstick in Stone Rose.

Sienna Miller's skin was glowing as Tilbury treated her to the Golden Goddess look. Her skin looks effortlessly sculpted and eyes are piercingly enticing.  And no, she didn't go tanning.  It's no wonder a makeup artist can be a supermodel's beauty secret.  This is one of my favorites.

Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse both opted for her Rock Chick look, which was actually inspired by Kate Moss's party all night attitude.  Slept in smoky eyes are the key element.

Like I said, the proof is in the pictures.  For some of the top supermodels, their best kept secret is makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury.  I'm really excited because in September, her products will be available in the states.  I have super high expectations.  Hey, if they're good enough for Kate Moss... never mindPenelope Cruz (see post)...

Spring Beauty Trend: Pastels

Spring has finally sprung and it seems one trend that's here to stay is the multitude of pastel picks from all of our favorite brands.  Ranging from makeup bags to nail polish, this season’s pastel hues are popping up everywhere, and lucky for you, I’ve rounded up the prettiest spring beauty picks that are right on trend to help to help make your hopping a breeze.

This Sonia Kashuk makeup bag is perfect for organizing your daily essentials without sacrificing space in your purse. The slim bag features individual compartments to help keep your products in place while on the go, and the eggshell blue is one of my faves.

Spring beauty trend: Pastel nails.  They scream spring, and the new Limited Edition Deborah Lippmann polishes will perfectly compliment your new spring wardrobe. Personal fav? I can’t get enough of Build Me Up Buttercup, the cheerful yellow is guaranteed to put you in the springtime state of mind.

While the entire Nars Final Cut collection is totally drool-worthy, the new Satin Lip Pencil in Torres Del Paine is a standout. The creamy orange is the perfect compliment to a multitude of skin colors while the vitamin-enriched formula provides long-lasting wear.

For a wearable pastel eye, turn to the Dior 5 Couleurs Trianon Edition palette in 234 Pastel Fontanges. A pretty, sugary pink is the perfect base while golden yellow and baby blue create a beautiful blend of complimentary springtime hues. The palette boasts all day wear and features a gunmetal gray for those who opt for a more smoky approach to the pastel trend.

5. Blue eye makeup is so in right now, embrace two tends at once with the Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Periwinkle to wake up your daily makeup routine with a subtle pop of color.

I hope you like my picks.  What's your favorite way to embrace the hottest spring beauty trend?

Olivia Munn's Risky Beauty Look

Did you guys watch the American Country Music Awards last night?  I didn't but after flipping through the film, I noticed presenter, Olivia Munn took a big risk.  Fresh faced for spring with a vibrant, and I mean vibrant lip to compliment her coral dress. What do you guys think of her beauty look?  Into it?  Here's what her makeup artist, Shane Paish used (yes, including the lip shade).

He prepped Olivia’s skin with Proactiv+ Complexion Perfecting Hydrator and Proactiv+ Eye Brightening Serum.  Then, went over it with Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Nude (which is also one of my favorite products).  Next, he brushed Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm for a vibrant glow.

Now for that risky lip move, he used Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry, which I swear is almost neon.  Do you think it would have read better if she were wearing a black dress?  Discuss.

Breaking: Lupita Nyong'o Lands Lancome

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself,” confided Lupita Nyong’o.

Earlier this week I received an email from Lancome's PR representatives about "big news" coming on Friday. In order to receive, but not spread the news early, I had to sign a non-disclousure agreement. At about 2pm yesterday, I read the press release and wrote this post.

Joining Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz and Lily Collins, Lupita Nyong’o will be seen this summer in campaigns shot by star photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

“Lupita’s authentic inner and outer beauty, her exquisite grace, and true confidence represent today’s modern woman.  Having Lupita as a Lancôme ambassadress will help support our mission in the U.S. market which is to speak to all women.  Her rising star status is like a blooming rose; she is elegant and has an undeniable brilliance," said Xavier Vey, President of Lancôme USA.

After watching Lupita in awe throughout awards season this year, it was only a matter of time before a mega beauty brand picked her up.  I can only imagine what the battle was like for this breath of fresh air.  Well done, Lancome.

5 favorites

Probably one of the best parts of my job as Jeannine’s intern is that I get to play with makeup pretty much every single day. If there’s a new launch of lipsticks, blushes, or cheek tints, I’m the lucky lady who gets to try them out to see what’s awesome (like finding the perfect shade of orange lipstick to wear this spring). This 5 Favorites features the best of what I’ve gotten to try over the past few months, like a cream blush from Make Up For Ever, that you all need to run out and buy immediately.

Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream, $46 at jurlique.com

As a skincare-obsessed intern, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing in creams and lotions in hopes that I might finally find the one product that will banish dry or flaky skin in a single use… and finally, I’ve found it.  The Jurlique Redness Rescue Moisturising cream doesn’t just hydrate your skin but it actually forms a barrier to protect you from irritating environmental changes that cause discomfort (like redness, itchiness, and general misery).  If my word isn’t enough, it turns out that Jeannine is just as obsessed with the stuff as I am when she heard me raving about the “best cream ever."

mark. Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain, $11 at meetmark.com

I’m definitely conservative when it comes to trying new trends, particularly when it involves a bold new lip color. Jeannine recently shot a segment for NBC’s New York Live on the latest spring lipstick trend, orange lips, and somehow this sleek brush-tipped lip gloss made it’s way shyly into my purse. Fast-forward a month later and I cannot stop reaching for this totally awesome and super flattering gloss! It’s moisturizing without being too sticky and leaves behind a completely wearable wash of color…perfect for people like me who balk at the sight of any lip product that isn’t pink or nude.

Make Up For Ever HD Blush, $26 at Make Up For Ever

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with blush. I love how they all look in their packaging and stuff but let’s be real, I don’t actually know how to apply the right amount without going overboard. Thankfully MUFE recently launched a line of cream blushes that are foolproof to apply and last literally all day long without requiring touchups. My go-to color is number 410, a punchy coral that looks terrifying in the pan but sheers out to be flattering on pretty much every skin tone out there (even a ghost like myself!).

Sonia Kashuk “Make a Face” Brush Set, $25 at Target

While it is no secret that Sonia Kashuk is a brush expert, this latest limited edition collection has a brush that is literally life-changing. If you’re like me and spend 95% of your time online shopping for beauty stuff you could never afford but pretend you can by adding it to your “cart," then you would have discovered the NARS 'Ita' brush a long time ago. That brush is supposed to be the key to creating the perfect contour as it’s angular shape is perfect for getting into the hollows of your cheeks. I have never been able to find an affordable alternative…until now! The Flat Top Sculpting Brush alone makes purchasing this brush set completely worthwhile, not only because the brush quality is phenomenal, but because that brush will totally change how you contour your cheeks. I’m in love.

Pixi Beauty Cheek Sheen, $16 at Target

Much like blush, highlighting is another beauty concept that I’m still learning how to master. The new Pixi Beauty Cheek Sheen in Gold Glow is literally idiot-proof in creating the perfect cheek highlight without going overboard. It blends out easily if you add a bit too much and accentuates the high points of your face with just a swipe of the stick. This could be the product that completely revamps your beauty routine for spring, giving you the perfect golden glow.

Top Beauty Innovations

Of course if you're reading BeautySweetSpot, you want the insider scoop. Thanks to Cosmetic Executive Women, I have the 411 on the top beauty innovations of the year. From your beloved CC Creams to pigmented pouts and a demand for more sophisticated skincare, check out what's hot.

• Get Masked!:  Masks and peels saw a 66% sales jump in prestige outlets in 2013 and helped meet consumers’ need for immediate results.
• Size Matters: The mass market was inundated with volume-driven mascaras in 2013, showing that thicker lashes are this years’ must-have.
• Anti-Aging Hair Care: Fighting the signs of aging moved from skin into hair care with creams, serums and even a color made with anti-aging formulas.
• Buzz Words: Gentle, Oil-Based, etc. This year exfoliation is taking a back seat to facial cleansers that treat skin gently. Oils, gentle gels and hydrating cleansers were the stars in 2013.
• Art Inspired Eyes: Beauty companies took an artistic cue by using tints, washes and pigments in their eye formulas in 2013. 
• All About CC: CC Creams upped the ante in the alphabet soup of skin care with new tints, sticks and sprays.
• Color Returns to Lipcolor: Glosses and shines were overpowered by deep lip hues with rich, buildable staying power.
• Professional Lines: Products from industry experts are on an upswing, fueled by consumers seeking credibility from their beauty formulas. “Professionals” range from brands by doctors to items by beauty veterans. 

5 things worth checking out this week

Sick of throwing away beauty products? Here are a few great tricks to making them last just a little bit longer! [Beauty High] With bikini season just around the corner, here are some awesome fitness fashions to help kick your butt into gear [College Candy]

Banish blemishes and dark spots fast with an all natural kitchen remedy [Bella Sugar]

How women really put on their makeup in the morning (disclaimer: do not watch at work, you will be fired for laughing too loud) [Elite Daily]

If you're not a fan of a traditional sweat sesh, check out the latest fitness craze: The Vixen Workout [The Luxury Spot]

Sponsored: You're Invited, Macy's Beauty Scene

Even though it feels like spring in NYC one day and then snows the next, it's still time to start embracing the season’s makeup trends and switch up your skincare regimen. Join Cosmopolitan at Macy’s for Beauty Scene events on March 22 at Roosevelt Field and on March 29 at Herald Square to learn about new product launches and spring trends.  Oh yea, they’re also giving out free samples.  Read on for more info.

If you spend $65 or over on cosmetics or fragrances, you'll receive a free cosmetic case (while supplies last).  Plus, they're having a contest where if you upload a selfie of your favorite spring makeup look using #MacysBeautyScene, you can win a $500 beauty shopping spree.

Can’t make it to Roosevelt Field or Herald Square? Macy’s is hosting Beauty Scene events nationwide from March 19 – 29. So check out the Beauty Scene at your nearest Macy’s.

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

Top 5 Spring Makeup Trends

One of my favorite spring makeup trends is orange lipstick.  Call me crazy, but yes everyone can pull it off.  Last week on NBC's New York Live, I chatted with Jacque Reid about how to take the top five spring makeup trends from runway to real way. Yes, I promise you can even begin incorporating blue eyeshadow into your look. Here are all the details and my segment.

1. White Eyeliner

White eyeliner is fresh and can give the appearance of bigger eyes, while minimizing any redness in them. You can replace your black liner and  line your upper lash line or simply your waterline, because white liner makes a statement no matter where you place it.  Not ready to go bold, try a using nude for the same brightening effect. Try Rouge Bunny Rouge Brightening Liner Duo in Eyes Wide Open, $32.67 at beautyhabit.com.

2. Orange Lipstick

When trying to pull off such a striking color you need to consider your skin tone. You can wear true orange if you're have olive skin.  Otherwise, opt for a red orange like a coral.  Pick a matte consistency to help control it from bleeding and choose the intensity that works within your comfort zone using either a bit of a stain or layering liner and lipstick.  I like mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain in Frilly, Lolli and Pop, $7 at meetmark.com, NARS Lipstick Rouge A Levres in Heat Wave, $26 and NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, $25 at narscosmetics.com.

3. Radiant Orchid Cheeks

This look is very feminine, but can be as fashion forward as you want to take it.  Here, you want to experiment with texture.  A highly pigmented powder will give you more drama, while a tinted cheek stain will have a less dramatic effect.  Two examples: Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Plum Pop, $21 at Sephora.com and Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush, $30 at tartecosmetics.com.

4. Blue Eyelids

One of the biggest spring makeup trends is using blue on the eyes.  There are two ways to wear blue eyeliner without looking crazy.  For an all over wash of pigment, use a cream based eye shadow and take your ring finger.  Dip it into the pot and slide your finger across your lids.  You can reapply to create a bolder, more intense fashion forward look.  You can also incorporate the shade into a smokey eye.  Try using cream shadows for the all over wash of color like wet n wild Idol Eyes Crème Shadow in Distress, $1.99 at drugstores or Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Inky Blue, $25 at Sephora.com. 

5. White Nail Polish

I recommend getting this professionally painted so it doesn't look sloppy.  Some white polishes are too streaky, which makes them look cheap instead of sophisticated. Experiment with the texture and use a polish with a blue or grayish tint, because it will look good on all skin tones even if you're pale.  Check out Jin Soon Nail Polish in Kookie White, $18 at Nordstrom.com.

Check out my segment on NBC's New York Live featuring all of the above:

Bridal Beauty Countdown: 3 Months

Three months from today I'll be exchanging "I Do's" so I thought it was only appropriate to post about three months in the Bridal Beauty Countdown series.  When I first got engaged, I spoke to some of my favorite artists to figure out a wedding plan. Are you there, too?  Maybe you know someone who is.  At this point, you've picked out your dress and now, it's time for hair and makeup trials.  Celeb Stylist, Ted Gibson and Makeup Artist, Mai Quynh weigh in.

If possible, book hair and makeup trials with two to three artists.  This is your day and you need to feel confident with the way you look.  Remember, they're going to be around you and your bridesmaids all day so personality matters almost as much as talent.

Hair

“Always bring a picture of yourself in your gown,” says celebrity stylist Ted Gibson.  “It will help you and your stylist have a clear picture of how you want your complete look to flow on the big day.”  I'm bringing inspirational images from the red carpet to my hair trials along with clip in extensions.  Even if you don't wear extensions regularly, nows the time to add some hair as it always photographs thinner.

Makeup

Pictures say a thousand words.  Make sure you have inspirational images of how you’d like your wedding day makeup to look.  “You should look like you, but slightly enhanced,” explains celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh.  Now's not the time to try a new look.  I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to my wedding and there are lots of hair and makeup pictures on there in case you want to use them.

Rouge New York's Makeup Must-Haves

If frequenting blow out bars is your thing, you'll love this.  Last week I paid a visit to Rouge New York, which has the same concept as a blow out bar, affordable and quick services, but for your face.  Yes, makeup services.  These types of makeup salons are beginning to pop up in NYC, which means it's only a matter of time until they expand.  I chatted with Salon Owner, Rebecca Perkins, (who's a film and TV makeup artist), on her must-have products from set to the salon.

Roxanne Rizzo Bronze Glow - I discovered this instant tanner in 2009 when I met makeup artist, Roxanne Rizzo on the set of Ugly Betty (see post).  I was so impressed by it, that I featured it in my E! Emmy Red Carpet segment that year.  I haven't seen it since, but Rouge NY uses it!  It's an instant bronzer that you can layer.  My makeup artist set my makeup with it.

Amazing Cosmetics Concealers - Since they offer 20 shades, these are Rebecca's go-to on set and naturally, they work well in the salon.  Makeup artists mix them to find the perfect shade for their clients.

L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara - Rebecca always uses waterproof mascara because as she explained, "the consistency is wetter."  Out of all waterproof mascaras, she feels her makeup artists can really build with this one.

The salon has six chairs, with a staff of twelve full time makeup artists.  Prices vary, but a 'Total Polish,' (which is a full face) is $75 and house calls (yes, they'll come to you!) are $125.  I was impressed by the way my makeup came out and love the concept, so I ended up booking my bridesmaids  there for my wedding.

Rouge New York is located at 130 Thompson St., NYC 10012.

Anne Hathaway: Oscar Makeup Breakdown

When it came to style last night, it looked as if many of the A-listers were about to walk down the aisle to exchange "I dos."  With a wedding in just three and a half months, I swooned over each and every bridal inspired gown, but Anne Hathaway's natural makeup also caught my attention as it seemed to fit within the theme.  Here's how her makeup artist, Kate Lee, made her the most beautiful version of herself.

Skin:  "You don’t need to cover your skin—just place it where you want to create a diffusion of light," Kate explain.  Using a bit of CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet Beige Rosé 22 (Available in March), she pressed it into Anne's skin with a sponge so it melted in seamlessly and didn't sit on top of the face.

Eyes: "I knew her look was going to be mainly about lashes so I kept her eyelids very nude by sweeping on CHANEL Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Safari.  A matte, pale lid helps make the lashes stand out.

Lips: She chose a color close to Anne's natural lip shade, CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in La Câline, a violet rose, to enhance them without creating a look.  "I like to apply one coat of lipstick with a lip brush, blot and feather over the lip line with loose powder for staying power, then go back for one more coat with the lip brush."

Oscar Makeup Trend: Smoky Eyes & Nude Lips

The Oscar red carpet was exciting, especially when Kate Hudson showed up and completely put most others to shame.  Well, in my book.  Piercingly defined, smoky eyes and nude lips seen first on Giuliana Rancic, then on celebs like Penelope Cruz, Sandra Bullock and Kate Hudson, was not only my favorite makeup trend, but also the most wearable seen tonight. It's sophisticated, glamorous and with the right tools, anyone can pull it off.  Here's all you need:

Smoky Eyes: The right tools are essential.

Eyeliner Sharpener  Your liner needs to be as precise as possible.  Fluff, Shadow Brush This has a rounded shape and is used to apply shadow to the lid.  Angled, Crease Brush This helps to get into that crease and contour the eye shape.  Blending Brush Blend and shade, blend and shade.

Nude Lips: Preparation is key.

 Lip scrub to remove any dead skin. Lip balm to moisturize.

The Exact Makeup Used on Lupita Nyong'o

The Oscars are like my Super Bowl, so with two days left, I'm stalking out the pre-awards show parties and of course, look who caught my eye – Lupita Nyong'o.  Honored yesterday for her performance in "12 Years A Slave" at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event at the Beverly Hills Hotel, her makeup artist, Nick Barose created a polished look with coral shades to compliment her ivory dress.  Here are the exact products he used and how to get the look.

STEP 1: Gently dab the YSL Top Secrets All-In-One BB Cream Skintone Corrector in Dark into skin to hydrate, soothe and add radiance. Then gently apply L'Oréal Paris True Match Naturale Mineral Foundation in Soft Sable over the foundation to give skin a flawless finish and even out skin tone.

STEP 2: Use the YSL Eyebrow Pencil in 005 Ebony ($30) sparingly to fill in and shape brows, and then brush with a clean spool brush to even out and distribute color.

STEP 3: To highlight eyes, first add a winged line above the upper lash line and beneath the lower lash line using the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Plum as it’s a perfect color for daytime that plays well with darker skin tones. Gently tap Lancôme Color Design Infinité Eye Shadow in 102 Timeless Taupe above the liner onto the lid to add a more bronzy color to the eyes. Apply two coats of L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in Blackest Black to the upper lashes.

STEP 4: Dab cheeks lightly with a cream blush first, such as Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in Fresh Baby Pink, to add a natural flush. On cheek bones only, dab a little bit of L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blush in Coral Lift to add a finished soft glow. STEP 5: Create a polished glossy lip using L'Oréal Paris Extraordinaire by Colour Riche in 303 Rouge Allegro ($9.99).

Spring Beauty Trend Spotting: Blue Eyeshadow

Blue eyeshadow was one of the makeup trends that dominated the spring runways. Of course as soon as you hear about it you probably think about Mimi from Drew Carey. Eek! However, the hue can be bold and beautiful as the statement lids at Marc by Marc Jacobs and light washes of color at Badgley Mischka and The Blondes proved. Here's how to rock it this season.

The trick to wearing the shade is to either wear it as a wash of color all over the eye or incorporate it into your smokey eye.  As a wash of color, use a cream shadow like Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Peacock Blue and use your ring finger to apply it (since it's the weakest and won't deposit too much color in one spot).  Just sweep it across your lid.  You can control the intensity of the color by layering it.

Here's a pic of Jamie Chung in a recent Mark Cosmetics ad taking it up a notch.

Makeup artist Jamie Greenberg gave me the exact shades she used to get her look: Sweep mark's Color Swing Mix It Up Palette in the light blue shade (middle) over the lids as well as in the creases. Next, apply the dark blue shade (right) at the outer corners of the lid. Run eyeliner along the upper lash line. Finish the eye, with two coats of mascara.

Exclusive: Backstage Beauty at Alice & Olivia

This season, the Alice & Olivia presentation was held at the McKittrick Hotel and the backstage space was so narrow that models, Stila makeup artists, Tresemme hairstyles and Essie manicurists were squished into tiny diagonal spaces around a long, rectangular table trying to get ready without getting aggravated.  Try to be the only beauty blogger who had access, trying not to get in the way.  Like a snake, I slithered in and out of their chairs and got the scoop.  The lip look alone was worth the craze.

This was the fourth season Sara Lucero for Stila took the lead on the makeup for Alice & Olivia.  Heavy liner was complimented by false lashes, the skin was left radiant skin with a youthful, pinkish glow on the cheeks and the lips were the focus.  "Depending on what the girls were wearing, they had different lip looks," Lucero stated.  One was to resemble a "forbidden poison apple," which was a layering of candy apple like colors from Stila including a mix of Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery and Merlot Vinyl, topped off by Lip Glaze in Cranberry, which acted like high shine top coat for your nails.  The other was a super glossy opaque nude that, "knocked out their natural lip tone and gave it coverage."  The shade: Banana Lip Glaze, which is a golden shimmer.

Matthew Curtis of Tresemme lead his team to create, "big, crazy brushed out curls." First he sprayed Tresemme 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray, because the heat from the curling iron works with the alcohol to contract the hair, making it hold.  Using  1" tongs, he curled all the way up to the root, but left about 1" from the root straight. The inspiration was vampish victorian, dark but feminine. Left pin curled until the models were dressed, he then teased the hair back and brushed out the curls.  To create a "fantasy-like lift," before he finished it off with hairspray, he used hair nets around the bottom of the hair to lift the curls up and sprayed.

Essie manicurist, Miss Pop applied two coats of Essie polish in Licorice and created small dots with Good as Gold.

Guy vs. Girl Date Night Beauty Tips

Date night beauty can go one of two ways: 1. date night with the girls (right) 2. date night with a guy (left). Yes, each may take the same amount of effort, but it's necessary that the looks are completely different. Women appreciate trend and experimentation, while guys on the other hand, prefer a more natural, polished look. Thanks Kate for setting the standards.  Here are some ways my beauty writer friends and I change up our looks depending on who we're going out with.  Catch some inspiration... My fiance, Joe, loves it when my hair is "swirly."  In other words, he likes it when I work my wand and strands into effortless waves.  Let me tell you, they're not so effortless.  Whereas, my girlfriends appreciate the fact that Bob, (yes, if you recall we've named my bob, Bob) has grown out and they like my straight, blunt ends.  When it comes to my makeup, mascara is my finishing touch for Joe, but for the ladies it's a fun, lip look. - yours truly

For me, it's all about a lip. I find girl sexy is all about at a matte, bold lip in either red or pink. But guys would rather die than be out with you in one of those. When I know I'm going out with dudes, I keep my lip simple, with a swipe of Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Honey, a pinky nude. - Amber Katz, Founder of Rouge18.com

When I'm seeing the girls, I guzzle an iced coffee while I get ready. But for a night out with my husband, I whiten my smile with Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit , so my teeth sparkle. I put them one while I do my hair and voila! - Polly Blitzer, Founder of BeautyBlitz.com

I'll get much fussier with it in general for my girlfriends. I mean, my friends really appreciate some really meticulous eyeliner. But Men? The amount of effort it takes lost on them, so why bother? They're simple creatures when it comes to makeup. As long as you have mascara on, I find they're pretty happy. - Beth Shapouri, freelance writer and lead blogger for the Glamour.com's Girls in the Beauty Department

I will let my hair air-dry when i am going out with the girls — it looks naturally curly and full. Gal pals love natural hair. But I will go over my spirals with a clamp-less curling wand for a date to relax my spirals and make my ‘do look more polished. The Sultra Bombshell Clipless Curling Iron is my wand of choice — it heats up fast and is a powerful tool. I always finish with beach spray like Oribe Dry Texture Spray to make it look more textured and casually cool. —Lauren Levinson, POPSUGAR Beauty Editor

At the risk of being a tad "crass" - there's sexfoliation involved in a date night with a boy vs. a girl. If i'm going to be seeing the ladies, I will maybe get a blowout, a mani, debut a new dress or pair of jeans. But if I'm seeing a boy? There'll be hours more of (deeply personal?) effort involved. You know, just in case! - Aly Walansky, ALittleAlytude.com 

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Herve Leger NYFW Beauty

The invite to cover Max Azria's Herve Leger show is always an honor as his infamous bandage dresses always catch my attention, but this season an even more special invite landed in my inbox – the opportunity to cover the hair and makeup test the day before the show. RSVP: Yes.  Here are details on my exclusive preview of what the models hair, makeup and nails will look like.  PS: The show is tomorrow afternoon.

Prior to today, the glam squad met with Lubov Azria, the Chief Creative Officer of Max Azria to give direction for look and show off the Fall 2014 collection.  According to Lead Bumble & Bumble Stylist, Laurent Philippon, words like "bold," "cyber," "high tech" and "robotic" kept coming up.  There were two models at the test and I watched as he pulled their hair into high, tight ponytails and added streaks of "avatar blue" extensions into them starting at the root.  A look that later, wasn't approved by Azria.

Tomorrow, the girls are expected to walk with the same equestrian style ponytail, but the colored pieces of blue and a reddish coral will be coming in from the bottom as if they were an extension of their necklines.  "This way the audience can only see the color when the model turns, making it a more subtle statement," explains Philippon.

The eyes were the makeup look.  "I applied everything n a diagonal so you get the feeling of digital speed and movement," comments Val Garland, the lead makeup artist for Temptu.  The whole look was really emulated through the eyeliner, which Garland used a cream liner to create the graphic shape and then set it with Temptu's paint.  Her tip:  Don't move for 15 seconds after applying eyeliner to ensure it stays crisp like "a tick."  Her look was instantly approved.

Essie's Lead Manicurist, Julie Kandalec gave Azria a variety of designs to choose from playing off of the the lines in a bandage dress.  "She wanted to go in a blush direction to pick up the bare shade in the collection," she commented.  Tomorrow, all of the models will be wearing the same shade, Lady Like, but maybe not the same nail.

5 Favorites

Have you recently fell in love with a new beauty product you tested out?  I have.  It's so hard to choose favorites, but all winter long I keep turning to some of the same items over and over again because they've proved themselves worthy.  And that says a lot for a girl who tests everything!  Here are my top five of the moment.  

Bejeweled Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips - Have you seen this yet?  It's the mini Vaseline lip therapy that comes in rose.  It's been giving my lips the protection they need throughout this horrific winter we've been having in NYC and adds a hint of natural color.  Of course, it comes without the bejeweled case too, but the way I look at it is "Be Jeweled" or go home.

Redken Full Frame 07 Volumizing Mousse - I like different mousses for different reasons, but this one gives my fine, limp hair volume and control.  The added control is what I really appreciate about it.  It sets my style and makes me feel more confident.

Yasou Body Cream - I first discovered this Greek inspired body moisturizer at Haven Spa in Soho when waiting to get a manicure and knew it was something worth writing about.  Laced with essential oils, it smells of rosemary and is thick, but not greasy.  The 99.5% natural moisturizer melts into my skin and has been keeping me hydrated all winter long.

Crest 3D White Brilliance Boost - Talk about a boost.  I'm addicted.  I guess it's easy to become addicted to teeth whitening, but this is like a toothpaste that you use as a supplement to brushing your teeth.  I brush it on nightly after brushing my teeth with toothpaste and it makes a world of a difference.  My smile is whiter and brighter instantly.  I get so excited about it that I constantly smile in my fiancé's face to show him the results. (Available in March.)

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Treatment - Pre-blow dry, I use about a dime sized amount of this styler from mid-shaft to my ends.  It leaves me with a polished look of smooth, shiny strands.  Since I've been using it people have been asking if I've gotten a blow out on the regular.