Interview: Alicia Quarles' Makeup Artist

Alicia Quarles' makeup artist is a force to be reckoned with!  Keesh Winkler-Smith, makeup artist and groomer for E! News, has the confidence, creativity and talent to create looks suitable for the fierce personalities behind the network.  I had the pleasure of watching her create the radiant yet edgy masterpieces on Alicia's lids throughout filming the Dove commercials and working the Emmys red carpet.  Here, she fills me in on her inspirations, craft, and makeup bag must-haves.

I was so impressed by the looks you created for Alicia for the Dove commercials and Emmy red carpet. What inspired you? 

I am inspired by everything in life around me. Magazines, blogs, other artists…. When I see my clients I like to feel out their personality and I also take in account their choice in wardrobe and accessories for the event. I always get a instant idea of what I am going to do for the occasion. For both Dove commercials I kept Alicia very Fresh & Radiant to capture her natural glow & beauty. I used a purple eyeshadow shade as a bottom eyeliner with a angle brush for application to pick up the natural hues in her beautiful purple dress making what I call  "Pop Of Color"  to intensify the complete look.

For Red Carpet Emmy's Alicia's wore a beautiful deep royal blue gown with beautiful Green & Blue accessories for the. I decided to apply a Golden yellow shimmer eyeshadow, a soft brown shade in the crease and a neutral tone on her brow bone. I kept her lips a very soft nectar shade and I used bronzer instead of blush.

Regardless, if I am doing television, Red Carpet affair, Photo Shoots, Bridal or Editorial work I always stick to my "makeup mission" of course depending on my clients needs. I believe in always keeping a clean and simple face with "A Splash of Color".

Do you and Alicia collaborate on her looks or do you just work your magic?

I actually just work from my natural instincts that I was lucky enough to be Blessed with. It's also great because Alicia trusts my vision and gives me full control to be creative. This helps a lot because I am able to just do my thing without over thinking.

You seem to always play up her eyes, how come?

I believe the eyes are the window to your soul... Eyes have always been my favorite and most exciting part of application to the face! I get to be creative using color while applying my own signature style and concept depending on the look.

Your use of color is abundant, yet strategic.  Can you give us a tip on how to incorporate color into a look without over doing it? 

I like to use a technique I call "POP OF COLOR" using either a color liner on bottom or using a bright shade on the lid with a very natural crease and highlighter. Knowledge of the color wheel and what colors are complimentary is essential when I decide to apply color.  My mantra is "COLOR IS YOUR FRIEND", with that in mind and paired with a few pairs of lashes yes, I said a few pairs!  Have fun with it because it all washes down the drain at the end of the day.

What are some of the staples in your kit and why?

I absolutely love these products and I have also listed reasons why I keep them in my kit:

• Ardell eyelashes : they add fullness with a slight glam look. I love to cut them up and create my own personal touch.
• Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Powder : provides a very flawless finish without looking too heavy on skin.
• Makeup Forever Eyeshadows : They have a great pay off - the pigmentation is rich and very easy to blend. Also they come in FUN COLORS!
• Murad skin care: because makeup looks even better with healthy skin underneath. I encourage all my clients to stick to a regiment. (Clarifying Cleanser, Renewing Eye Cream, Oil Control Mattifier w/SPF 15 | PA++)

Murad also has a wonderful skin specific treatments and anti-aging products. Pretty much I am in love with the entire line as their products are so good. You can use alone or under makeup.

Emmys Day Excitement

Grateful.  Grateful.  Grateful!  I felt like I was living a dream yesterday on the E! red carpet with Dove at the Emmys!  Did you watch?  Here are some pics.  I seriously couldn't stop smiling.  Alicia Quarles and I gave two women a huge surprise and it felt awesome to be able to do that for someone.  In case you missed it, check out the video!

Celebrating 5 Years Freelance: Tips from My Mentors

I'm writing this post with gratitude as I look out the window onto the Emmys red carpet from a suite at the Ritz Carlton in LA and reflect on the past five years.  It's been five years to the week that I decided to quit my job and go full time freelance.  Not knowing exactly where that would take me, I created a vision board filled with dreams and ambitious goals.  That year, I did my first national TV segment live from the Emmys red carpet for E!. Today, I came full circle and am back on the Emmys red carpet with E!, but this time as a spokesperson for Dove coined E!'s beauty insider. What happened in between I credit to drive, networking, mentors, strategic partnerships, tunnel vision and gratitude.  

People ask, Did you always love beauty?  The answer... of course, but I never imagined writing beauty.  My goal was to write for a magazine, much like Kate Hudson in "How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days." When a beauty editorial internship opened up at Cosmopolitan, I went for it and the rest was history.  After working at Cosmo as their beauty assistant, I learned the ins and outs of beauty editorial, and beauty PR was calling my name, which is where I began writing BeautySweetSpot.com.  It was only a hobby.  For deets on the rest, check out this article on Forbes.

Since being on my own for five years, my goals have shifted from writing to TV hosting and spokesperson work, but of course, I still have a passion for writing.  I had no idea my freelance career could and would take me this way, but as a journalist, it's an incredible feeling to be able to story tell and report on camera, too.

I've found that one of the most important elements to building a successful career is to have mentors.  Here are some of my most important mentors in the past five years and some of their advice.

I've been lucky enough to have mentors all of my life.  Career wise though, I met my first mentor at Cosmopolitan.  Today, she's the Beauty and Style Director of People, but then, Andrea Lavinthal, was my everything.  She not only believed in me enough to give me a chance, but also took the time to show me the ropes. I still look up to her.  Tip: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

I met another mentor, Karen Robinovitz, when I first stared my blog while working in PR.  Currently the CEO of my management company, she pushed me off the edge, encouraging me to quit my job and now, hand in hand with my manager (another mentor), Reesa Lake, guide me to make sure my brand is continuously growing.  Tip: If you're not completely impressed by it, don't post it.

My father has always been a mentor in my life, but I owe him all of the credit for making me a business woman.  Tip: When it comes to business, at the end of the day, most people don't care about you – so make sure you do.  This, we tend to learn the hard way.

Gabby Bernstein is the most recent person to come into my life who I consider a mentor.  A world renowned life coach, I met her over breakfast and the rest was history.  Tip: In order to live life in a state of joy, you must forgive and be grateful. I couldn't agree more and living this way has as she would say, 'made miracles happen.'

You'll learn that mentors come in and out of your life for different reasons.  They teach you, encourage you, enable you, believe in you and have your back. Without my mentors, I'm not sure what these past five years would have looked like.  Don't be afraid to reach out to someone you look up to for advice.  They could end up being your next mentor.  And pay it forward.

So, five years from now?  Well, it's time to make another vision board.

My 2nd E! Commercial for Dove

And here it is, the second commercial I shot this summer in LA for Dove that's currently airing on E!.  This time red carpet stylist, Micaela Erlanger (who's responsible for everything Lupita Nyong'o wears), joined Alicia Quarles and I.  As you can see, it was a really fun shoot day and great pleasure to work with these talented women.  Make sure you tune into the E! red carpet on Emmys night to see what Dove and I have in store!

At-Home Peel: Kinara Spa Red Carpet Facial Kit

The VMA's and Emmys are coming up, which means we'll have tons to talk about in the world of celebrity beauty very shortly.  I can hardly believe that in just one week, I'll be on the Emmys red carpet with E! on behalf of Dove and you better believe I've been prepping.  I got word that celebs like Lizzy Capalan from "Masters of Sex" have been visiting Kinara Spa's coveted facialist, Olga Lorencin, for her Red Carpet Facial. Me?  They hooked me up with their latest, the Red Carpet Facial Kit and to put it simply, it works.

Since I've been traveling and working so much lately with no down time, I didn't have time to get into the spa itself for what my skin really needed to get that red carpet glow, but I promise you, this three-step peel is result driven.  I've been using a few times a week for about two weeks now and it's safe to say I'm somewhat addicted.  Thankfully, it's safe to use daily.

The Red Carpet Facial Kit comes with three solutions, each being a step, along with a small bowl and brush.  From the website:

1. Peel: Turn over skin cells to reveal refined, brighter and hydrated skin with Lactic and Malic Acids.
2. Neutralize: Revitalize dull, tired skin with a deep cleansing effervescent sensation via Argeninge and Sodium Bicarbonate.
3. Mask: Hydrate, sooth, plump and oxygenate with Lysate extract, Pikea Robusta and Mineral Complex.

On my skin, the first step, the peel, doesn't even tingle, but when I brush on the neutralizer, it begins to just a bit.  Depending on your skin type and how dry it is, the first two steps may be a bit irritating, but only until you rinse it off.  It's worth every second.  The mask is nothing but soothing.  My pores appear tighter and smaller immediately and skin is left plump and glowing.

The Kinara Spa Red Carpet Facial Kit can be found at shop.kinaraspa.com for $145.

How to Wear A High Ponytail

What do A-listers like Iggy Azelia, Katy Perry, J. Lo and Rihanna have in common?  They've all been spotted rocking a fashion forward high ponytail this summer like it's no one's business.  The edgy look is a perfect way to keep long hair off of your neck in the summertime. NYC Stylist, Jan-Marie Arteca, gave me tips on how to pull it off.

"This look is perfect for anyone who has long hair and likes wearing it off of their face," explained Arteca.  Of course, personally, I could never get away with wearing my hair up that high, but kudos to you if you can.  I do love it!  "This ponytail is all about smoothness and placement."

Starting with damp hair, use a mousse like Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse for added volume and blow dry with a round brush.  This type of ponytail can be worn pin straight or curled, but prep is essential in order for it to look done.

If you'd like to keep it straight, lock in shine with a flat iron before pulling it up. Otherwise, use a 1 1/2" curling iron and curl your hair.  Finally, pull it up and secure it over the oxibidal bone.  In order to hide your elastic, take a piece of hair from underneath and wrap it around securing it with a bobby pin.  As a finishing touch, add a light-weight shine serum to the top keep frizz at bay.

Wearing a high pony tail is a fashion statement.  Wear it well.

Big News! My Dove & E! Emmy Partnership

Happy Monday!  I couldn't wait to share this news with you!  You might have seen me tweet, "It's all happening," or noticed I've been working in LA pretty much since my honeymoon.  Now, I can finally share what I've been working on.  Yes, it's a dream come true – I've partnered with Dove and have been working with the E! channel on a surprise project.

If you tune into E! starting today you'll start to see a very familiar face in commercials leading up to the Emmys... and that's not all.  I've been blessed with the opportunity to partner with Dove, who is sponsoring the Emmys and E! red carpet! Working with E!'s Alicia Quarles, two commercials will air pre-Emmys showing you what I'll be doing on Emmy day.  Then...

... on Emmy day, make sure to tune into E! Live from the Red Carpet, because Dove and I have a surprise in store.  I'll also be covering the carpet, attending the Emmys and Govenors Ball.  Make sure to follow my Twitter (I'll be tweeting along with the E! hosts) & Instagram for live updates.

The Emmys are on Monday, August 25th, so tune in and watch the red carpet live stream on E! online.  If I were your boss, I wouldn't care.

Here's a behind the scenes video from one of my shoots featuring the new Dove Body Wash:

And you know me, there's nothing in the world I'd rather do than work with a brand I've been using since I was a child (from beauty bars to body wash) and with an entertainment network providing insider access – straight from the red carpet!  It truly is the most perfect partnership and I couldn't be more grateful.

Charlotte Tilbury Launches Makeup Collection

NY Fashion Week doesn't feel complete unless I interview Charlotte Tilbury. Each season, I always look forward to seeing her and sharing in her enthusiasm for whatever look she's creating at the time.  For the past few months, I've been covering her new makeup collection that's only been available in London, but starting in September, it'll be available in the states and I couldn't be more excited (and you should be, too)!  BeautySweetSpot's Emily Rekstis attended the launch event and got the scoop!

Tilbury tuned into the NYC editor launch event via Skype from her home in London to talk about her latest venture.  Explaining that she created a "wardrobe of makeup looks" based on her past and modern day icons like Mia Farrow, Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz, you can shop each look making it easy to purchase products online.  As you can see from this post, I was overjoyed when she actually created her Penelope look on Penelope Cruz.

Here are some of Tilbury's absolute favorites from her new line:

Magic Cream: Tilbury cannot do a shoot without this special formula.  She's been using it for years and finally bottled it for everyone to use.

Wonderglow: “I like to call it my Giselle in a jar.” Now you can have that beautiful, Brazilian skin. This, is an instant pick-me-up.

Supermodel Body: This will make you look slimmer by creating the illusion of a Victoria's Secret angel's body through contouring and sculpting.  It's confidence in a tube.

Feline Flick: The easiest way to apply Tilbury's signature eye. “My sister can do it using this. I knew if she could, I succeeded.”

Luxury Palette: The order of application is all in the palette making it easy to apply.  Top left to right: prime then enhance. Bottom left to right: enhance then smoke.

Charlotte Tilbury's products will be available in September at CharlotteTilbury.com, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.

L'Oreal Balm Pop: Chic Lips for Under $10

As you might have seen on my Instagram a few weeks ago, L'Oreal sent over their latest launches, which have kept me beyond busy.  After swiping, blending and dusting on repeat, I can't wait to tell you about my favorites from the new line: L'Oreal Balm Pop and Glossy Balm.  Each under $10, will change your daily lip game justas they've changed mine.

See?  I wasn't kidding when I told you I had a ton to test!  As someone who normally likes to wear makeup just to accentuate my  features, I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to 'putting on my face.' As long as my lips have some sort of balm on them to keep them moisturized make them appear healthy I'm normally good to go.  Naturally tinted lip balms are a fave.

As a fan of the L'Oreal Color Riche Balm for their moisturizing properties and hints of sheer color I was wowed when I tried out the new Balm Pop.  With the same smooth texture and hydration properties of shea and jojoba butter, Balm Pop turns it up with intense pigment.  It feels like a balm, but looks like a lipstick.  I've been wearing them during the daytime to complete my look. Even the Fiery Red (my favorite) is supper flattering and less intimidating to wear than red lipstick.

The new Glossy Balm offers the same intense pigment (in different shades) as Balm Pop, but is shaped like a crayon and offers more shine than anything else. My favorite?  Pink Me Up.

L'Oreal Balm Pop is available in four colors and L'Oreal Glossy Balm is available in eight colors, both for $7.99.

DNA Facial: Cow's Placenta Tightens

Facial enthusiasts, pay attention, you're going to want to get on board.  Last week I paid a visit to the White Tea Med Spa in NYC, well known for contouring the bodies of Victoria Secret models, to test out their latest facial, the DNA Facial. Greeted by the brains behind the facial, Lead Esthetician, Maria Rianna, she was eager to smear cow's placenta all over my face. Anything for the sake of beauty, right?

"These cows are located in the French alps.  They're pesticide and horomone free and listen to Mozart to calm them,"  Rianna explains.  "Just like a pregnant woman, stress would negatively affect the placenta and these stem cells are the best."

Within five days of a cows becoming pregnant, scientists extract stem cells from their placenta with a needle and prepare them for the DNA Facial.  They're then frozen, and delivered to spas on dry ice.

Rianna customized my facial before gently tapping the stem cells, (yes, from a cow's placenta) onto my skin.  "You can't rub them on, because they're so sensitive and delicate, you'll destroy them."  While thinking about what she was doing I felt a bit skeeved, but I began to feel an immediate tightening, which proved their worth.

I was told the tightening effect could last up to a week, but day six will be my prime.  She was right, and just in time for a shoot.  I had smaller pores and my skin looked a bit lifted. Combined with miro-current to work the facial muscles and the total works of the facial, the DNA Facial is the creme de la creme of facials.

So how do they work?  Turns out, the stem cells work cosmetically to help rebuild weaker cells.  This can include anything from skin with hyperpigmentation (me), fine lines and wrinkles (me), acne and the list goes on.  It's a one-size-fits all fix.  In Europe and South America, stem cells from cows placentas are used as medical injectables for healing purposes.

The DNY CyroStem Cell Facial costs $225 at White Tea Med Spa, which is located at 104 W. 14th St., NYC.

SLT, The Best 50 Minutes of Exercise, Ever

"This is hard as sh*t," my best friend Adrienne grunted to me as we attempted to pull our knees to our chest in the most twisted plank position while on a reformer. Moving it in and out with our hands up on handle bars, the resistance wasn't all that I loved to hate. Her seventh class, my first.  She did it.  But I on the other hand, realized that while I may appear toned, I'm beyond weak.  Having never been on a reformer machine before, leave it to my BFF to encourage me not only to try it, but to test it out during an SLT class.

SLT = strengthen, lengthen, tone (until you die) is a megaformer workout studio.  Being that I take barre classes about five times a week, the workout seemed right up my alley and I was excited to challenge myself again with something different. Our instructor, Kaitlin, showed me the ropes of the reformer and through cardio, a bit of weight training and body sculpting through Pilates, every single muscle of my body was worked.  I was sweating.  Actually sweating and you know I only like to 'glisten.'

There were only six people in our class, but the studio can hold ten.  It's small, but spacious with mirror lined walls and windows looking over the city streets.  The class lasts 50 minutes and costs $40 if you pay individually.  However, they of course have packages that are more cost effective.  Despite the fact that I wasn't able to do everything, there were women in there who could, including my BFF. This is a fitness class that I now need in my lifestyle.

To view a schedule, visit sltnyc.com.

SLT Midtown is located at 41 W. 57th St., NYC and SLT Soho is at 132 Crosby St., NYC

How to Create A Blake Lively-esque Bubble Ponytail

Never mind diamonds. Ponytails are really a girl’s best friend. Long, short, messy, clean, high, low – the list goes on – but how about creating a bubble effect in your pony? The "it" bubble ponytail was be seen on Blake Lively at the Met Gala as well as on the runway during this year’s Valentino show.  With a little help from Redken Celebrity Hairstylist, Jenny Balding, we got the scoop on how to get the look.  From runway to red carpet and now, to real way... because who doesn't want to look like Blake Lively?

1. Smooth hair into a ponytail and secure tightly with a hairband
2. Brush the ponytail to make sure there is a sleek smooth surface
3. Start at the base, brush backwards underneath the pony, and tease it out to create a puffy texture
4. Use a small hairband and starting at the bottom of the tail, tie all the way up to create desired amount of “bubbles”

Depending on what you're wearing or how you do your makeup, this bubble ponytails can be edgy or sophisticated.  If you're blonde like me, try using black hair ties for an edgy look and clear for a more polished style.  A brunette like Jeannine, or any other hair color, using clear elastics or ones that match your hair color are best.

Score Megan Fox's Makeup

#TBT to last Thursday where Megan Fox's makeup took center stage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards.  Her makeup artist, Monika Blunder, gave me the 411 on the exact products she used to enhance those perfect arches, sex up her eyes and give her the peachy bronzed glow we all crave.

"This is a great summer look and I was really adamant about using just the right shade of coral on the lips," commented Blunder.  The coral on the lips complimented the hint of peach on the cheeks, which is what made this look scream summertime.

While most makeup artists paint lip products on carefully with a brush or layer textures, Blunder applied Fox's lipstick – Chanel Rouge Allure in Rimpante #90 – straight from the bullet, proving it's not that hard to recreate.

Her summer glow was created by strategically dusting on three products by makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury:

1. Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer in Film Star Bronze and Glow to define her cheekbones
2. Charlotte Tilbury Blusher in Ecstasy on the apples of her cheeks
3. Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter in Film Star Bronze and Glow on the upper cheekbone, bridge of the nose and under the eyebrow

Then, to create a "soft, natural eye look," Blunder used Anastasia Brow Wiz to add more color to the outside of her arches.  Then, Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Impulsion all over the eyelid and Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst on the upper and lower lash line, followed by Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari in the crease to add some definition.  A few coats of Lancome Definicils in black completed Fox's sultry, yet soft stare.

Another Reason to Love Philosophy

Over coffee and a fruit parfait I inspected the little polished stones that bared the words “hope” and “grace," which decorated the table at the Philosophy event last week. Actress Glenn Close stood in front of me chatting with media inspiration, Arianna Huffington, both dressed crisply in white awaiting their presentation – a presentation that made an impact on all of the media in attendance.

Typically at these events, we learn about new product launches from a brand and rush back home to put them to the test, but at this one, I learned something different and disturbing.  One in four adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in any given year.

Philosophy teamed up with mental health organization Bring Change 2 Mind to put an end to the stigma that surrounds mental illness through their hope & grace initiative. Philosophy will donate 1% of all products sales from their website to community-based mental health organizations through their hope & grace fund. And starting in 2015, this will be integrated into all retail, online and television product sales. The hope & grace fund will award grants to multiple independent nonprofit community-based mental health organizations.  Like we even needed more of a reason to buy Philosophy products.

During breakfast, Close, Co-Founder of Bring Change 2 Mind, delivered an inspirational speech on how mental illness has affected her life as her sister, Jessie, suffers from bipolar disorder. It’s time to put an end to the stigma that surrounds disorders such as bipolar, depression, post-traumatic stress, and so many more.

It’s no secret that we here at BeautySweetSpot love Philosophy. And during this breakfast, we fell even more in love.  Check out more information on the Philosophy Hope & Grace initiative here.

Maybelline The Nudes: Your New Shadow Staple

Recently, a shadow palette landed on my desk and quickly ended up as a staple in my makeup bag.  And you know 'staple' is a strong word.  Have you seen Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette yet?  It might just be one of the most impressive drugstore makeup launches of the year.

Boasting 12 shades of nude eye shadow in a variety of textures – satin, matte and frost – Maybelline The Nudes is comparable to Urban Decay's Naked Palette ($54) and even the Smashbox Full Exposure Palette, ($49) both of which I use frequently. (Why choose one when you can have them all?  Perks of being a beauty blogger.) This is the largest shadow palette available at a drugstore and the best part? It's under $10.  The texture of the shadows are smooth, with the satin and frosted shades being the most pigmented.  It's an absolute must-have.  I've been bringing it with me on my travels this summer, because it's super light and has everything I need to go from daytime to nighttime.

In case you're wondering, other neutral shadows I'm loving right now include the Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Eye Shadow in Showered in Lace and L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Eye Shadow in Perpetual Nude, Rose Nude and Treasured Bronze.

Kate Bosworth's Braided Updo How To

How stunning is Kate Bosworth's braided updo? I love the way she looks with her hair pulled off of her face. Good news is, her chic, braided style is super simple to achieve as it only takes three braids and a few bobby pins. Her stylist, Bridget Brager, gave me the step-by-step to creating her "intricate and romantic" updo.

Spray a volumizing spray like Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray from roots to ends, then blow dry your hair using your hands concentrating on lifting it away from the scalp to create texture.

Create a "disheveled deep part" and starting at the crown, along the part, braid forward so the braid falls toward your forehead concealing your hair line.

Start your second and third braids at your temples, braiding back on each side.

Use Kevin Murphy Easy Ride or a light weight pomade to tame fly aways and add a bit of shine, then loosen the braids with your fingers to make them appear more romantic.

Weave the braids together in the back and pin them low to give a halo effect and there you have yourself Kate Bosworth's braided updo.

How to Fill in Your Brows Like A Pro

You might have noticed on my Instagram that last week I was in LA working on a top secret project (I can't wait to tell you about it), and as you can imagine, I spent quite a bit of time in the makeup chair.  One of my makeup artists, Gabbi Pascua, did something groundbreaking when she was filling in my brows.  Do you normally fill in your brows? Well, here's a little trick.  Trust me, after you try it, you'll be in awe.

Typically I fill my brows in with either shadow or liner.  Pascua used two different formulas on my sparse brows to, "make them look natural, refined and shaped," a liquid and a pencil.  Here's the how to:

Use a liquid formula (which is a consistency I've never used on my brows before), like Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color 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."

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.

Get the Armani Prive Makeup Look with One Product

Paris is the place to be right now, but I'm happily writing from LA. Fall 2014 couture shows are taking place in the romantic city and the makeup color palette alone from Armani Prive show is enough to impress. Makeup Artist Linda Cantello created "a monochromatic effect using only black and white" and predominately with one product.  Yes, even in that lip.  Here's the breakdown and info on the product to look out for.

Lids

Launching in September, Cantello, applied Eye & Brow Maestro in shade #1 (Jet Black) close to the lashes to draw a thick line and extended it on the outer corner of the eye.  Then, blended slightly for a smudged effect.

Brows

Using the same product, Eye & Brow Maestro, in a matching tone of the models natural hair color, Cantello applied it softly create the look of straight, thick, elongated brows.

Lips

This was the most surprising part.  Cantello mixed thin layer of Rouge Ecstasy shade #201 mixed with a hint of Eye & Brow Maestro in shade #1 (Jet Black), and dabbed it onto the models lips.

With many uses for one product backstage, you know it's going to be a good one! Look out for it in stores and on giorgioarmanibeauty.com in September and here are images from the Armani Prive Fall 2014 Couture.  Of course you're interested!

Liquid Bronzer: The Only Makeup You Need

Have you ever thought about putting your bronzer on without using your oversized kabuki brush?  Believe it or not, it's no so out-of-the box to use your fingers (think cream based bronzers – blend!).  This summer however, a new crop of the must-have makeup has shown up to impress – liquid bronzer.  It's lighter than cream and seamlessly seeps into your skin like serum leaving you with the most healthy looking, natural glow – ever.  The trick is all in how you apply it.  Here are my tips, plus a recommendation.

Just like with regular bronzer, you want to apply it only where the sun would naturally hit your face.  My favorite, Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer, $35, comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper.  I place two small drops in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and then rub them  over my cheekbones from the inner corners of my eyes up to my temples.  To customize the color, you can add more drops or blend to your liking.  I then dip my pointer finger in the excess and go around my hairline on my forehead and dab a bit on my chin.

Liquid bronzer not only gives the most natural sun kissed look, but it's also foolproof to work with.  Many other brands like Revlon, Stila and Armani have versions at different price points, but remember, application is key!

Repetto Eau de Toilette

Whether you're a former ballerina, still practice or just love following those en pointe on Instagram, you'll appreciate for the new Repetto Eau de Toilette. So much so, that yes, you'll want to own it.  As I was reading through the press materials for the pointe shoe company's first fragrance, I realized how carefully crafted it actually was and fell in love before I even smelled it.  I blame it on my former days with the satin ribbon tied around my ankles.  Yes, I once wore Repetto's famous pointe shoes and tutus myself – back in the day.

Even though rose and orange are the strength of the fragrance, what stood out to me most was powder, which is the base.  It dries down with vanilla pod, and amber wood, creating an interesting feminine combination.  Refreshing and light, it's something a sophisticated, graceful woman would wear.  "A musky powdered rose, real quintessence of feminity," perfumer Olivier Polge explains. The way he captured rose makes it wearable for everyone but your grandmother, which is unique.

I don't normally review the packaging on of beauty products, because it's what's inside that really counts, but let's just say I have a weakness for this fragrance. Blame it on my former ballerina days, but I get it's careful construction and again, appreciate it.  If you dance or danced, you will too.  The edging of the bottle is powder pink, the same shade of a Repetto pointe shoe and has a satin ribbon around it's neck, which needs no explanation.  What's really interesting though, is the way the bottle is carved, "as if it's in perpetual motion like a choreographed body."  Beautiful.

You can find Repetto Eau de Toilette at Sephora for $55.