Get Kristen Stewart’s Twilight Premiere Look, Minus the Tennies

December 5, 2011

Kristen Stewart may never have looked more beautiful than she did for the premiere of the smash hit “Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” which continues to top the box office.

 

If you haven’t seen the film yet, we won’t issue any spoilers, but let’s just say that after the big wedding scene with her vampire Prince Charming, the actress playing Bella does not look her best in this edition of the Twilight saga.

 

So it was especially refreshing to see Stewart looking glam at the Los Angeles premiere with costars Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

 

Celebrity hair and makeup artist Sherri Jessee shared some secrets on how to get Kristen’s red carpet look. Minus, of course the tennis shoes she wore with her ensemble due to an injured foot.

 

Stewart wore her hair swept back in a modern updo which put the focus on her green eyes, which were done up in rich purples and plums and looked stunning – and sultry.

 

Jessee says there are just a few steps necessary to get the look. First, create a long-lasting base with a product like MAC Fluidline gel eyeliner in Ash Violet and apply from the lash line to the crease, softly blending with your fingertips. You can also use the liner on your lower lash line.

 

Next, pat a frosty rose burgundy, like the one in MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Pretty & Prim on top of the liner on the upper lid and under the lashes. Then dust a pink shade in the crease of the eyelid.

 

For brows, Jessee recommends creating the perfect shape with MAC self-sharpening eye brow liner and on the eyelashes, a generous coat of the cosmetic line’s Dazzle Lash to add even more va-va-voom to the look.

 

For foundation, the makeup artist likes MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural for good coverage with a matte finish, and because of the strong eye, she recommends a sheer light color for lips to keep the focus on the peepers.

 

On her fingernails, Stewart wore a deep purple polish that was nearly black and perfectly complemented the rest of her look, except, as we said, the sneakers.

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Body Beautiful: Treat Yourself to a Slimmer You

December 4, 2011

Sometimes it seems that diet and exercise can fall short when it comes to a tightly toned body, that no matter how little your carb intake or how far you run, the instrument could use a jumpstart.

 

We are not talking liposuction or any other kind of surgery, but rather a luxurious new body treatment. It’s called Flawless Body, available at one of LA’s top spas, a treatment that will satisfy those into immediate gratification. Yes, you will see immediate, visible results.

 

LeSpa at Sofitel LA recently introduced its most effective body sculpting treatment to date. It combines classic French techniques and modern beauty technologies to refine the skin’s overall texture through release of retained fluids, enhancement of micro-circulation and improvement of elasticity. 

 

The treatment incorporates products from luxe skincare line, Carita Paris, including the company’s standout product, the Refining Veil.

 

So get ready to relax, be pampered and come out tightened and sculpted. As soon as you enter the serene reception area at the hotel spa (conveniently located across the street from the Beverly Center), and are escorted to the well-appointed locker room, which includes a sauna and steam, you’ll know you’re in for something special.

 

It gets even better once you’re inside the treatment room with your highly trained aesthetician who will first exfoliate your entire body using Carita’s famed elixir Le Rénovateur, which removes rough surface cells and prepares the skin to absorb the many active, slimming ingredients that follow. 

 

Next, a cream mask with purifying and draining ingredients is vigorously massaged into the areas that you think need the most help, say, the thighs.

 

Then, the key technique in the treatment is the application of Concentré Affinant using Carita’s Idéal Pro-Lift technology to deeply penetrate. The potent serum is massaged into targeted areas using specific sculpting maneuvers to lift, firm, and tone buttocks, thighs, and abdomen for immediate results you can see and feel.

 

As the final step, you will receive a massage using the Refining Veil to decongest tissues and improve skin’s appearance. The firming complex features active ingredients Lys’lastine, Trylagen, and Cashmere extract.

 

The Flawless Body ($305, 90 minutes) was created after the debut of the Flawless Facial in 2010, which quickly became one of LeSpa’s most requested skincare services.  A natural addition to LeSpa’s unique and varied service menu, Flawless Body is sure to become a new body beauty standard.

 

 

LeSpa at Sofitel LA, 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 228-6777, www.lespala.com

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A Day of Beauty Benefiting Breast Cancer Research

October 17, 2011

What could be more satisfying than a day of beauty to raise awareness for breast cancer? Some breast cancer survivors, television personalities and other guests took part in a special day at Gavert Atelier Salon inBeverly Hills for Joico’s Beauty For a Cure Campaign sponsored by Voli Light Vodka.

 

The salon was done up in pink decorations and guests could have their fill of the candy bar—and a spirits bar with specialty pink cocktails made with Voli Light, including the Pink Beauty.

 

Among those getting pampered with hair styling, nail services and makeup applications were Karina Smirnoff (DWTS), Kyle Richards (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Lisa Vanderpump ( Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and Ziah Colon (Footloose).

 

Smirnoff and Richards both lost their grandmothers to breast cancer.

 

From October 2010 through July 2011, Joico has raised $1.2 million for the Beauty for a Cure campaign for City ofHope Breast Cancer Research. Beauty for a Cure is a way to help fund significant cancer research that could save millions of lives. City ofHopeis a bio-medical research treatment and education center dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer as well as other life threatening diseases.

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It Makes Scents for David Beckham

October 3, 2011

Soccer star. Sex symbol. Father and husband. Friend of Prince William. And now, fragrance maestro. David Beckham just released Homme, a woody, gently spiced new fragrance for men that encapsulates his spirit.

 

At its launch inLos Angelesat an exclusive bash atop the Thompson Hotel, one of the world’s handsomest men mingled with guests and talked about what inspired him.

 

“I wanted to create a modern, masculine fragrance that reflects my personal style,” he said. “The set has both citrus and woody tones. It’s clean, yet classic – and I hope is a fragrance man will enjoy to wear.”

 

In bright sunlight and as the winds picked up around the poolside party, women’s hair blew all about, while Beckham’s remained stylishly in place. And it should be noted that most of the guests were women– and that many of them tried the fragrance on and pronounced it eminently wearable.

 

The scent opens with an aromatic freshness of citrus, ginger, pine and fiery pepper. At its heart is a signature fusion of cashmere wood, leather and rosemary, creating a rich masculine appeal. The fragrance then finishes with a base of mahogany wood, patchouli and musk, giving it a depth that its makers hope will intoxicate the senses.

 

The print ad for Homme features a photo of Beckham looking cool, collected and confident–with an air of calm determination.

 

In addition to the signature eau de toilette in four sizes, the fragrance line– distributed by Coty Inc.–also includes aftershave lotion, hair and body wash, body spray and a deodorant stick and is available at major retailers.

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Fringe Benefits For Beautiful Lashes

August 21, 2011
EnvyDerm is as easy to apply as eyeliner

If you haven’t yet tried one of the over-the-counter lash-lengthening products, you would never know how easy it is to grow longer, thicker lashes– if you stick with the program. Meaning, you have to use the stuff every night, even if it seems like it’s not working.

 

One of the good ones out there is called EnvyDerm, which is formulated with vitamins, minerals and amino acids to moisturize and nourish lashes.

 

The formula contains only safe, ophthalmologist-tested ingredients. “Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and understanding of the customer’s well-being, EnvyDerm is changing the world of beauty,” says Nadia Smith, president and founder of the company

 

The application is just like using a liquid eyeliner. You swipe the clear fluid across your lash line once a day before bedtime. It takes a total of about 4 seconds, so there’s no excuse for not adding this to your nighttime beauty routine.

 

It took us about 4 to 6 weeks to notice anything, and then, va-voom! Lashes went into hyperdrive, and with some of our favorite Dior blackout mascara applied, were unbelievably long and thick.

 

After you get your lashes were you want them– and you may get faster results, as the company says you may see them in as little as two weeks– you don’t need to apply the product every night anymore, but rather, once or twice a week for maintenance.

 

Prescription product Latisse works well for this purpose, but has had documented side effects like making eyelid skin or even iris color darker as well as growing hair on the face where the product might drip.

 

So if you don’t want to risk any of those, or take the trouble of getting a prescription from a doctor, EnvyDerm can provide you with some great eyelash enhancement. And who could turn a blind eye to that?

 

The product, which should last for at least six months, is available for $99.95 at the company’s website, www.envyderm.com, www.amazon.com or www.drugstore.com

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Wanna Lookie Like Sookie? Apply the New True Blood Cosmetics to Vamp Up Your Look

July 19, 2011
The limited edition Tarte True Blood Collection

Tarte cosmetics is known as one of  the most cutting-edge makeup companies around, and now it has a suite of products based upon some of the line’s tried and true favorites that are flying off store shelves.

 

Remember when MAC Cosmetics had a limited edition line of products based on the Barbie doll—all pink and girly? This is the antithesis to that. Tarte just released a limited edition set of True Blood. items inspired by the popular series starring Anna Paquin and real-life hubby/vampire Stephen Moyer on HBO.

There’s a gorgeous eyeshadow palette with 17 shadows, a primer, an eyeliner and mascara, for $52–if you can find it anywhere. There’s the Lipsurgence lip color in shimmering red ($24) and the cheek stain–a product for which Tarte is famous–in shimmering red as well, for $30.

The limited edition products can be found at Sephora, Sephora.com, store.hbo.com,  tarte.com, Ulta and Ulta.com, but you better get there before the vampires bite. They’re going fast.

 

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Mass Vs. Class: Why Should You Spend Big Bucks at Barneys When Walgreens Will Do

June 30, 2011

We will admit right off the top that we are brand name biased. No knockoffs, no generics or cheaper versions of the products we know and love. But when it comes to cosmetics, all bets are off– and it’s thrilling to find great products at literally a fraction of the price that are just as good as their costly counterparts.

Our new favorite is from Physicians Formula, a quality drugstore brand that boasts a great line of color cosmetics. It’s a liquid eyeliner with eyelash serum built in, in a sleek silver tube that is eminently portable. And you will want to make this a daily habit.

The fine tipped brush makes application a breeze, allowing you to go for an ultra-thin line or amp it up with a thicker one. Smudgeproof and water-resistant, It stays on like a dream, and as importantly, it comes off really easily as well.

We first tried the regular black color, which was beautiful, and then tried the ultra black. Wowza! It was almost too intense, which could be a good thing, depending on your style. For us, this meant it’s going to be used mostly for nighttime.

While we also use a separate lash boosting serum at night, and therefore can’t vouch for that aspect of this product, we are absolutely hooked on everything else about it.

And here’s the greatest thing: it will set you back about $11 at your favorite drugstore. So go to town.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum, hypoallergenic, fragrance and paraben-free, $10.95

 

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A One Stop Shop for Beautiful Skin–Next to a Nightclub

June 2, 2011

Everyone wants gorgeous, glowing skin – but sometimes you have to put yourself in the hands of an expert to get it.

Pamela Bunte is one of those experts, having worked on skin and perfected her technique for the past 20 years for top beauty companies including Chanel, Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden. Her cozy salon, Pamela’s Exclusive Skin Spa, is nestled between Hyde nightclub and Greenblatt’s deli on Sunset Boulevard, and has long been a secret hideaway for the many celebrities she counts as clients.

Once ensconced in her treatment room and under a skincare microscope, she’ll evaluate your skin and get right to work– with a multi-step cleansing, toning and masque treatment with concoctions that she’s tailored just for you. It’s a seriously results -driven facial, among the best we’ve ever had. It feels like a great workout for your face, and Pamela stays with you the entire session.

Pamela told us what we were doing wrong with our skin: putting too much stuff on it it night and therefore clogging it up– a common problem for people who feel that more is better. Her philosophy is that simpler and cleaner is better, and she will evaluate what you use and tell you how to do so more effectively.

Pamela also has her own skincare line, which she can guide you through and recommend what to get, but will not pressure you like so many places do to buy the products. We’ve already tried some of the serums and cleansers and have been very pleased with the results. (You can get her product line at the shop or online.)

With summer upon us, Pamela has some tips for healthy skin. “As the weather changes and becomes warmer, you want to use a higher SPF,” she says. “There are many good ones on the market. I like to use sunscreens that are made for babies and are a 70 SPF or higher. I always think the higher the better when you’re in the sun. I know there is a lot of controversy about this, but I always say: Why take that chance?”

She says summer is also a good time to clean out your old makeup, brushes and sponges. “Mascara should be thrown out and replaced. I do this four times a year to make sure I am always using clean make-up and product. You don’t want to chance the spreading of bacteria,” she says, noting also that when you check your makeup on a plane, it goes through temperature changes that may shorten its shelf life. Ideally, cosmetics should be kept at about 72.°

Pamela also advises that summer is not the time to get broken capillaries zapped, laser treatments, peels or photo facials, because skin does not recover as well after these treatments under the hot, beating sun.

She advocates treating any pesky, unwanted blemishes with a warm washcloth and a combination of alcohol and then hydrogen peroxide on the breakout.

She’s happy to share other tips and techniques to keep skin at its finest and healthiest. It’s her passion– and it will be your benefit.

Pamela’s Exclusive Skin Spa, 8027 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 650-3567 (by appointment only) http://www.pamelasexclusiveskin.com/

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That Hair. Those Eyes. Great Nails. All Part of the Dialogue @ Siren Studios

May 10, 2011

Christina Milian, one of the many lovelies getting beautified

‘Twas the day before Mother’s Day in what could be more appropriate than getting the pretty on at the third annual On the Go Beauty presented by Joico event held at Hollywood’s Siren Studios.

Several hundred guests turned out to have their hair and nails done, brows shaped and makeup and false eyelashes applied. All the services came courtesy of vendors including Bellacures nail salon, and top manicurists including Melissa Bozant, who applied the season’s hottest colors by China Glaze. Gavert Atelier of Beverly Hills brought a cadre of top stylists including Matthew, Mika and Yuki to do trims and blowouts and Youngblood cosmetics furnished its makeup artists to put on the finishing touches with the spectrum of mineral cosmetics the company is known for.

Joico was there with K-Pak hair repair, shampoo, conditioner and styling oil, and Tei Spa took part with its ultrasonic eye roller and gel and other facial “utensils” like cleansing brushes. Upstairs, a lucky few got into the Velashape room which offered anti-cellulite treatments.

All the while, it was a party atmosphere with Pama drinks, and a performance by Samantha Mollen.

Organizers  of the event, Live Loyal and LJAM PR, say On The Go Beauty was designed to introduce new trends in style, hair, health, technology and beauty just in time for summer. And guests walked out in Dearfoams slippers, a little lighter of step after a glowing afternoon.

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Easy Breezy Beautiful Brows in a Box

April 22, 2011

Permit me to rave about a newly discovered product that is now an everyday essential. It’s the Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes — a pretty little palette that includes five brow stencils, a brush, brow wax, two shades of brow powder and two shades of under brow highlighter/eyeshadow.

Anastasia Soare is the brow queen of Hollywood who counts a number of celebrities and VIPs as her clients, and if you can’t make it to one of her salons in Beverly Hills or Brentwood, this is the next best thing.

You can use the stencils to get a perfect shape for your brows, then dip the brush in the wax and use either one of the shades to fill them in and finish off your new look with one of the under brow highlighters.

It’s fast, simple and easy, and gives you a great result that is completely natural looking. The palette comes in two color themes, brunette and blonde. There’s also a mirror in the lid of the palette, which snaps shut magnetically and looks like a cute little address book. Yes, it’s the go-to beauty must-have for brows.

$39.50 at Sephora, www.sephora.com

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