Halloween Makeup & Makeup Removal

Inspired?  I hope so!  Halloween is just around the corner and whether you have the makeup skills to pull off this look seen at last week's Makeup Forever event or not, using makeup to transform yourself into something creepy or cute (like these animal inspired makeup looks I posted earlier) is almost imperative on dress up night – at least for ladies like us.  However when your night of trick or treating is over, don't forget about your skin when it comes to halloween makeup removal.

Halloween is not the night to skip washing your face!  To prevent any unwanted creatures from popping up on your skin in the morning, make sure to use a cleanser that's known for removing makeup like Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser.  To really get into your pores rub it around in a circular motion and take it off with a warm washcloth to fully remove any goop.  Repeat if necessary and splash with cold water to seal your pores shut.  And not only does the Pond's cleanser dissolve all traces of makeup, but it also moisturizes for soft, radiant skin.

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

7 Q-tip Beauty Hacks

The Q-tip is actually a surprisingly overlooked essential when it comes to your beauty regimen. There are so many little hacks involving Q-tips from perfume touch ups throughout the day, to perfectly smudging out eyeliner, to cleaning up makeup mistakes. We have seven creative, life-changing ways to use a Q-tip in your beauty routine. After this, you'll never want to be without a Q-Tip in your beauty bag.

1. Prevent bleeding lipstick: A bold lip can be completely ruined by bleeding over the lip line. While typically a lip liner can prevent this, liner isn’t for everyone. A more subtle way to create a barrier is to dip a Q-tip in translucent powder and run it along the outside of your lips.

2. Clean up manis: If you just dip a Q-tip into some nail polish remover, rub it along the outside of your nail to clean up any excess polish. A god technique to keep lines clean and polish from spreading along the skin is to turn the Q-tip inward.

3. Smudge out a smoky eye: If you’re a little unsure on how to create a gorgeous smoky eye, Q-tips can actually make it a lot easier. After placing the primer, take the color you want to smoke out with onto the Q-tip and smudge out. The cotton texture makes for a great smoky effect.

4. Touch up Perfume:  It’s such a shame when your favorite fragrance doesn’t last necessarily as long throughout the day as you’d like. You can touch up the scent without luging around the entire perfume bottle now. Just spray your perfume on the Q-tips’ end and seal them in a Ziplock bag. When you feel you need a touch up, just rub them along your wrists and behind your ears.

5. Clean up eye makeup mistakes: It’s one of the most upsetting feelings when you see those black mascara or eyeliner smudges on your perfectly blended eye shadow. You don’t want to start over, but you need to rid of these black spots. A Q-tip allows for a more focused, precise removal with just a dab of water or concealer.

6. Plump up eyelashes: If your mascara isn’t giving you the fullness on each lash you desire, after applying the first layer of mascara, take a bit of baby powder on a Q-tip and rub along the underside of your lashes before applying the second layer. It will thicken each lash for more volumized eyelashes.

7. Place highlighter: Highlighting underneath your brow takes precision to emphasize a gorgeous arch. Sometimes your fingers just can’t get the arch your craving. A Q-tip will allow you to push up under the brow for a precise highlight and thus gorgeous arch to your brow.

Wedding Day Makeup

I guess you can say I'm lucky, because my brows never looked better.  It took a year, but thanks to my wedding day makeup artist, Maribeth Madron, they went through an extreme makeover just in time.  Seeking a hybrid of a natural yet glamourous look, we kept the focus on my eyes and skin very clean with minimal makeup.  With a little help from friends like Tom Ford and Laura Mercier, Maribeth made me look like the best version of myself.  She's truly an artist.

Maribeth is an extraordinary makeup artist, especially for wedding makeup, who really pays attention to detail – no short cuts here.  I've been seeing her at the Sally Hershberger Uptown Salon for about a year and a half now as she's the only one I ever let touch my brows.  Remember, pics of my final look will be shown at the end of the week!  What about my bridesmaids you ask? They started their morning at Rouge, a makeup salon, similar to a blowout bar, in Soho.  And yes, you'll see their final looks a the end of the week, too.

Lucy Hale: Get the Look with Mark Cosmetics

I've been seeing Lucy Hale everywhere lately and every time the first thing I think is – she's a mark. girl!  Therefore, when news landed in my inbox about her cover makeup look, I was compelled to cover it.  Plus, it's perfect for the holiday season.  Here, her makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, spills how you can replicate the look with mark cosmetics.

Eyes:

Sweep mark. Eye Dream Of Glam Eye Shadow Palette in light pink shade (left column, second shade from bottom) across the eye lids. Next, apply the blue shade (top right column) starting at the center of the lid and extending outwards into a defined V shape. Line the upper and lower lash lines with mark. What A Line Max Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Cobalt and finish with two coats of mascara.

Face:

Sweep mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards along the cheekbones.

Lips:

Complete the look by applying mark. On The Dot Lip Gloss Compact’s light pink gloss (top right shade) across the lips.

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

Behind the Scenes in A Cosmetic Lab

Last week, I had the honor of touring Nu World Beauty’s factory, a cosmetic lab in New Jersey.  I felt like I was Charlie and I had won the golden ticket to the chocolate factory, except instead of chocolate, it was makeup; so way better. It was such a unique, eye opening experience and I just couldn’t wait to share my insider access with you BeautySweetSpot readers.

We were invited to the factory through the cosmetic company Hard Candy to celebrate their new fall launch. But we not only got to see the creation of Hard Candy products, but also other Nu World Beauty brands such as MAC, Victoria Secret, Benefit, and many more they manufacturer.

We were guided through different rooms on the floor, each room with a different task focus. The first place we explored was a small room where they were pressing powders into blush pallets. Through a window, we watched the machine go up and down as the pallets moved through on the conveyor belt.

Next, we went into the largest room we saw on the tour. It was filled with multiple assembly lines, conveyor belts and persons manning the machines. From lipsticks to primers to eyeliners, handfuls of different products and brands were being shifted along the lines. It was perfectly organized mayhem and beauty junkie would fawn over.

At one station in the cosmetic lab, workers were filling up moldings for lipsticks and then shaving off the tops before being placed in to their tubes. Once they were in the tubes, women were hand placing the bullet tops onto the lipsticks before capping them off and sending them to the end for packaging.The next room we went to held a very potent smell due to the flavored lipgloss being stirred in a giant container you needed a ladder to even to the top of it. Next to the giant chamber was a machine that was pressing the wax for lipstick. This was the part of the process where the wax was pressed to create the perfect color pigment before being heated and mixed.

We then moved through the storage area where ingredients were packaged in giant plastic bags with the perfect measurements for products ready to follow a recipe to its creation. It was a very Walter White moment for many of us. Then, we moved through the flammable section of storage into the nail polish creation area. With skinny long belts along the room, one special nail polish brand specifically had a curtain between their line and the rest of them for more privacy.

Our last stop on the tour was the chemistry lab where the colors and fragrances are researched to find the perfect combinations for the perfect products. Men and women in lab coats were measuring out glitters, and powders in all types of beakers and test tubes. You forget how scientific makeup and beauty products really are until you take a deeper look in to its creation.

A whole new level of respect is earned for the beauty industry when you step behind the scenes into a cosmetic lab and see the products that make up the industry created from scratch.

Get the Look: Jessica Alba's Cat Eye

This weekend Jessica Alba was spotted at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park looking fierce with a flair – a Lauren Conrad-esque cat eye.  Her makeup artist, Quinn Murphy, gave me the breakdown on the exact makeup she used to get the look.

“To complement Jessica's black dress, I focused her look around black eyeliner while keeping the rest of the makeup bronze and warm.  It was 80 degrees in Central Park so a sun-kissed coral look was unseasonably appropriate," commented Murphy.

To the center of her eyelids, Murphy applied NARS Multiple in Vientaine and blended it up and outward before lining Jessica's top lash line with Estee Lauder Black Gel Eyeliner.  She made the line thicker on the outer edges and gave it a flick for a cat eye effect.  To finish, she applied Armani Eyes to Kill Black Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Get Kirsten Dunst's Makeup Look

Kirsten Dunst stepped onto the red carpet last week for “The Two Faces of January” premier in refreshingly elegant makeup – luminous skin, beautiful pink makeup hues and wide, feathered lashes.  We got scoop on how to create this look straight from her makeup artist, Pati Dubroff.  The inspiration behind Dunst’s look came straight from her Chanel Couture dress, with the color palette coming from the beadwork.

Skin

Dubroff started by creating fresh even-toned skin. She prepped with Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and L’Oreal Miracle Blur applied to the t-zone.  After a light finish of foundation, she evened out the skin with Cle de Peau Concealer.

Eyes

It’s the eyes along with the cheeks that really showcase the beadwork-inspired coloring that stands out against the dewy skin. “I used a Dior matte cream color shadow on the lid and then a Dior matte putty color shadow within the crease to even the lid and give definition.  I then applied a matte bone color on the lid and a matte taupe in the crease that are part of the Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette,” she explained.

Next, using Chanel Long Lasting Eyeliner in silver metallic, she drew a line from the center lash line beyond the outer corner, finishing with a little flick off the end. To accomplish these wide eyes, Dubroff focused on applying the mascara on the outer lashes, to keep the inner eye light and bright.

Cheeks

To mimic the beadwork, Dubroff used Flower Cream Blush in Petunia. She swirled them onto the apples of Dunst’s cheeks for the perfect pop.

Lips

The look is completed with a pale opal pink lip created by Chanel Rouge Allure in 217 Radieuse.

Avon's New Lipstick Has Serious Bite for Under $10

I can’t resist a bold lip. It’s one of my favorite beauty looks to rock for any and all occasions— to the office, on dates and girl’s night. The only issue I have with choosing a bold lip is the maintenance. Constantly having to check in a mirror and reapplying is annoying. While it is worth it, thanks to Avon’s new Ultra Color Bold Lipstick I’m not awkwardly looking into the camera on my phone to check my lipstick anymore.

Avon came out with eight new shades for their Ultra Color Bold Lipstick and they’re amazing. From Magenta Peach, to Ruby Shock and my favorite, Fearless Fuchsia, there’s a color for everyone. Whatever color you choose, the lipstick’s pigment is intense. But if you don’t want such an intense color, a little blot of a paper towel removes the shock factor of the bright color and evenly blends the lipstick into a more subtle color.

Not only does it look amazing, but the way it feels on is not what you think when you think lipstick. It almost feels like a chapstick when you apply it because of how smooth and creamy it is. The moisturizing texture dries to a satin-like finish. This smooth texture also keeps the lines in your lips from showing unlike some other matte-finish products.

With such moisture you would assume that the colors spreads and wears really easily. But it doesn’t. I wore a different color almost every day to shows during NYFW and I every night I came home and had to take a makeup wipe and wash it off. The staying power is really a pleasant surprise.

And the cherry on top... it only costs $8.

MUA Approved: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

What's your favorite mascara?  I have my go-to from Urban Decay, Lancome and Dior  but I also test new ones out all of the time. Lately, I've been on a few shoots for different campaigns and found it incredible that three different makeup artists I worked with all used the same mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara.  That has to mean something, right?  Here's why it's a makeup artist favorite and now, my drugstore go-to as well.

"L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black is a thick and goopy mascara that never flakes and is as black as black will ever come," commented makeup artist, Allison Pynn, who always uses the waterproof formula for shoots.

The product isn't too wet, she explains, "so it stays put on the lashes and doesn't get all over the lids after you apply it."  Describing the formula as a "creamy lipstick for the lashes," it's not shiny or matte, but a really solid mascara.  She uses disposable wands on her clients, but on herself, she uses the applicator that comes with the mascara and likes that it's controllable.

Next time you're searching the drugstore for a new mascara, know that L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara is makeup artist approved.

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.

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.

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.

Neon Eye Shadow: Tips from A Makeup Artist

I'm not sure if you noticed, but neon eye shadow is having a moment.  I first noticed backstage during Spring 2014 fashion shows.  Don't shy away, because everyone can pull it off, it's all about how you wear it.  To avoid looking like a clown, I spoke with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jamie Greenberg, to find out the do's and don'ts of wearing neon on your lids.

According to Greenberg, the most cautious way to embrace the trend is to use the neon shadows as an accent.  "Try applying them as a liner, creating a pop of color around the eye."  This is one look even I can get behind.  Of course while there are no rules, there are guidelines.  Choose your look and stick with it.  Whether it be a tight line or slightly blurred out, keep it clean.

When it comes to choosing a neon shadow shade that suits you, Greenberg says that neon blue is the most universally flattering.  It goes with all skin tones, hair and eye colors. My favorite is the mark Neon Gaze Eye Shadow in Neon Gaze.  I don't believe on spending a lot on trendy items, but this solo shadow is only $10.

However, if you just can't wait to embrace your inner 80's self and feel bold enough to experiment with multiple shades, try Urban Decay's Electric Pressed Pigment Palette, $49 for the whole thing and embrace the intensity of the pink, orange and yellow.

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!

Kat Von D Talks Her New Fall Sephora Collection

“I wanted to create something that was as if Tim Burton designed candy,” Kat Von D tells us about the new look for her fall Sephora collection.

Since launching the collection back in 2008, Kat Von D has become a refreshing inspiration in the beauty industry. Rocking her signature cat eye, angular eyebrows and bold lip, we got to talk to her about the inspiration behind her fall collection, her first lipstick, and her stance on no makeup selfies.

The Fall Collection

"To be honest I was quite happy with the original formula, but I think just because something isn’t broken doesn’t mean it can’t get better," she began telling us about her lipsticks.

Working with what were already high pigment shades, they were now long wear (ten hours!) and this collection is full of fragrance.  "You can’t wear my sh*t if you don’t like crème brulee."

Her First (and Favorite) Lipstick

Home Girl in my ever lasting liquid lip line was inspired by the first lipstick I ever got. I was really really really poor. Like really poor. I had saved up 99 cents to go to Rite Aid or whatever. 508 was the lipstick. I was Goth girl my sister was like a Chola, so that was the only makeup we could share. It was so waxy my sister used to take a lighter to it to melt it and get more pigment out of it. So when I finally got this lipstick line I was like how do I make 508 but really actually good. So that’s how Home Girl came to be. And that’s one of my favorite lipsticks now to this day. I have to not wear it everyday because of the way I dress I think. It’s like oh your being a typical Goth girl. And I’m like no it’s not that, I’m not wearing my feelings right now, it just matches what I’m wearing.

No-Makeup Selfies

When people ask me what my favorite look is, my answer is always the same, which is I like myself without makeup. I think putting on makeup is just fun to me and that’s why I do it. I think that’s what feminism is all about, to be able to do what ever you want whenever you want.

I also think people are hungry to connect and relate again. So I think when a celebrity posts a picture without makeup, it’s like oh cool how refreshing. It doesn’t always have to be this photoshopped unrealistic version of what I’ll never be. I don’t think people want to be that. I don’t want to be that. I hate it when they over photoshop me. I know how crooked my face is, but I like it that way.

Tattoo Artist to Makeup Artist

I’m not supposed to talk about it, but right now I’m working on this contouring pallet. I love Caravaggio, he’s my favorite painter from back in the day. Caravaggio is the one who brought the usage of light and shadow approach to painting. [Contouring] is just the usage of highlights and shades. That’s what I know how to do, I can draw that sh*t. I guess I just approach my makeup in that form. I can use the optical illusion of makeup to my benefit. I wouldn’t lie to you and tell you I’m a pro. I’m sure there are better ways for me to approach my blush that I haven’t learned yet.

The Kat Von D fall Sephora collection will include lightning liner ($20), a click-pen liquid liner. And updated Studded Kiss Lipsticks ($21) with 10-hour long wear and crème brulee scent will be available at Sephora in late July 2014.

Makeup Counter Fears We All Face

We spend an unhealthy amount of time wondering around Sephora, easily losing hours at a time amongst our friends Dior and Kat Von D.  When it comes to shopping for cosmetics, there's one place we always have awkward experiences and avoid at all costs... the department store makeup counter. You know exactly what we're talking about. These are the 8 makeup counter fears at department stores.

1. When the first saleswoman to accost you looks like she applied her makeup in the dark

2. and the first words out of her mouth are, "Can I give you a makeover?"

3. Then, when you make the mistake of actually stopping to look at the new products and she becomes your new best friend you're all,

4. And when she attacks you with every single new perfume in reach, you're stuck with people thinking you were in an accident in a perfume factory

5. And she cons you into buying a blue lipstick because they're "out of" the red one you originally wanted

6. While her upselling skills have you walking in looking for an eyeshadow and walking out with an eyeshadow, three palettes, two eyeliners, and eyelash curler, and a nail polish

7. Or, even worse, walking out with a bag full of crap except for the one thing you really wanted and you're all

8. and your face when you look at your bank account the next day

Check out this 'Makeup Counter Secrets' article from Total Beauty to help you really navigate the department store and face your makeup counter fears! After all, the artists know what they're talking about.

Blake Lively in Cannes: Makeup Looks

Despite the fact that Blake Lively doesn't have a film in the Cannes Film Festival this year, she's been absolutely killing it on the red carpet.  Whether on Ryan Reynolds's arm or not (who's actually there promoting his film, The Captive), she has been making an effort and breaking necks thanks to the glam squad with L'Oreal Paris doing her makeup looks and her couture gowns.  Here are her beauty breakdowns – her lips, a constant rose story. Guccie Première

L'Oreal Paris products used:

• Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Black
• Colour Riche Eye Shadow
• Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Lilac Ever After

Chanel Couture

L'Oreal Paris Products Used: 

• Colour Riche Eyeliner by Pencil Perfect in Black Brown
• Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe
• Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Rose On And On
• True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Soft Sun

Gucci Première

L'Oreal Paris products used:

• Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Black
• Colour Riche Eye Shadow in Black Pump
• Colour Riche Lip Colour in Fresh as a Rose

As far as I'm concerned, she can do no wrong.  Her beauty looks have been just as impressive as her gowns.  Which is your favorite?