Environmental Working Group - Skin Deep

EXCELLENT article on the Environmental Working Group website.  Check it out...

http://www.ewg.org/node/27876

A friend of mine recommended this site to check whether cosmetics I currently use have known toxins.  As a makeup artist and beauty junkie, I feel it's my personal responsibility to be more aware of these chemicals we're using to beautify ourselves!  I hope you feel the same.  Read and learn: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

XO

Em

Makeup by Emily...

Bye Bye, Mallrats

Interesting article in the New York Times Style section today....

It's all about how the teen shopping culture has declined, particularly at higher-priced stores like Abercrombie & Fitch.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/fashion/23TEENS.html?_r=1&8dpc

Love Du Jour

It's official. I've finally committed.  I'm SUBSCRIBING to a magazine.  I know, I know....those who know me understand that I have a weird 

little obsession with purchasing fashion magazines from the newsstand - particularly the newsstands on NYC street corners. ( That's right, the ones from CVS just aren't the same!)

I always get such a thrill from making a last minute purchase of Vogue or Nylon or Allure.  It's kind of like the beginning of a relationship.  You know, the butterflies in the stomach, the possibilities, the unknown.  So, when I decided that I had to find out more about this new digital magazine called Dujour, I knew it must be true love.  And my instincts were right.  This magazine has got it all:  style, substance, and a good heart.  And they leave no carbon footprint to boot! I think I've finally found my match.  

What are you waiting for?  Wish yourself a Happy Earth Day and subscribe right now:  www.dujourmag.com.

XO

Em

 Pictures from Dujour magazine website.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

So, I'm not really sure what I believe in terms of the creation of this lovely universe.  But if I'm gonna go by name alone, it would have to be the BIG BANG THEORY.  Come on, I mean it sounds just so fantastical and spontaneous.  A whole lot better than God taking 6 days and then a day of rest.  Why drag it out so long?  So, if you feel like having some instant gratification, puh-lease buy Big Bang Theory illusion gloss by Lipstick Queen!!!  It's super shiny, not sticky ( I swear!), and makes your lips look like Angelina's.  My favorite color is Energy, a happy red. Muah!

XO

Em

Picture and purchase information from:  www.lipstickqueen.com

I HEART JCPENNEY....seriously

When I think of JCPenney, I think back-to-school clothes and my grandmother's huge JCPenney catalog that I use to cut out of and make paper dolls.  Or was that the Sears catalog?!  Well, you get the idea - it doesn't conjure up images of fashion forward types of clothing by any means. So, when I heard that Charlotte Ronson had partnered with the department store to sell a lower-priced version of her downtown aesthetic, I HAD to check it out!  Lo and behold, her stuff is just as cute as ever. Don't be put off by having to go to a MALL or walk through the rows of other, less-cute brands.  Just have tunnel vision and make a beeline for the I HEART RONSON collection.  Happy shopping!

www.JCPenney.com

XO

Em 

You're a funny face!

I adore Funny Face - both the movie and the NARS lipstick.   They're adorable, fun, and a teensy bit sexy.  If you haven't watched or worn either one, please do so immediately.  They are absolute musts.  

With these as my inspiration, my stylista side kicked in and I dreamed up a fabuloso outfit. Swipe on your lipstick, and then slip on a sweet modern/vintage look:  Combine a white racerback tank with a swingy gray mini, black gladiator heels, vintage Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, and a quilted purse (not exactly Chanel, but close enough people.  Okay?).  So,  I must know...where's the par-tay?  Because I definitely feel like dancing!

XO,

Em

Nars Funny Face Lipstick - www.narscosmetics.com, racerback tank - www.forever21.com, Olivia miniskirt - www.adorevintage.com, gladiator heels - www.ninewest.com, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace - www.adorevintage.com, quilted purse - www.forever21.com

No Summer Clothes, Just Toes...

Since I've got summer on the brain, what better way to start getting ready than with a new coat of nail polish on my toes.

O.P.I. always has the best shades with the coolest names.  The Spring/Summer collection is all inspired by South Beach.  Hmmmm....I feel a much-needed vacay coming on.  

My faves are Overexposed in South Beach (a vivid purple) and Miami Beet (racy red-violet). Yummy!!!!

XO

Em

Picture and purchase information from: www.nailpolishdiva.com

I'm Feeling Like a Natural Woman...

I was wandering through Forever 21 and Loehmann's recently, thinking about how much I want summer to be here.  Right now.  And I'm sure this had much to do with the fact that all the gorgeous clothes I admired belong in a summer wardrobe.  On my "to purchase" list - floaty sundresses, ruffles, fringed handbag, florals.  And I must have makeup to match this natural flower child look....

My inspiration - Lauren Hutton, circa 1970s.  Lauren was known for her au naturale beauty.  She had bronzy, glowy skin, peachy lips and cheeks, and natural shadow colors in soft browns.  I especially loved her soft makeup in the film American Gigolo. It's a must-see to get the Lauren look down pat.  Bonus:  Richard Gere is way young and smokin' hot.  Check it out on itunes!!

XO

Em

Lauren Hutton photo from:  http://wb-inc.net/MySpace/hutton.jpg

BARBIE: Best "It Girl" of All Time

I don't know about you, but I'm super duper excited about the BARBIE RUNWAY SHOW at Fall Fashion Week (check out the full fashion week lineup at www.mbfashionweek.com).  This year is Barbie's 50th birthday, and the fashion week pros aren't the only ones celebrating...

The "Barbie Loves Stila" collection is available for a limited time only at www.sephora.com. The collection features 4 paint cans that include Barbie's looks from the past five decades - 1959 Ponytail, 1971 Malibu, 1980 Foxy, and 2000 Jewel.  Each paint can also includes a "Barbie Look Book" detailing the top selling Barbie dolls of all time. 

Damn, the girl still looks good.  Plastic really must be fantastic. 

XO

Em

"Barbie Loves Stila" pictures from www.sephora.com

Racy, Lacy, Black Tie Lipstick

OH. MY. GOD.  I'm officially smitten!!  I have really been crushing on Lipstick Queen for quite some time. This is a brand that makes only lip colors - from gloss to lipstick, in every formula you can imagine.  And  by the way, Poppy King, the beauty and the brains behind Lipstick Queen, is absolutely adorable and oh-so-nice.  I had the pleasure of meeting her when I worked for SPACE.NK in Manhattan.  (Sidebar:  she told me I looked like Mary Louise Parker. Yay me!) 

 

Anywho, I knew she had a black lip color and gloss coming out.  And I know, I know...black lipstick sounds sooooo goth.  But these lip colors are very sheer which makes them great on their own, but even prettier layered with other lip colors. They're also great gifts for VALENTINE'S DAY. Nothing like being a  super-smoldering sexpot for your honey.  Admirers, take note....this is a whole lot better than a box of Russell Stover chocolates or a generic bouquet of red roses. And her products don't break the bank. Cool. 

Black Tie Shine Gloss - $22

Lace Oval Mirror - $22

Black Tie Lipstick - $18

Lace Lipstick Holder - $18

All products can be purchased at www.lipstickqueen.com/product_frame.htm

XO

Em

Is Another Grunge Era Upon Us???

With the economy in the slumps, is it time for a new way of beauty?  Way before our current glamorization of fashion and beauty, many youngsters were rockin' out the greasy hair and lumberjack shirts.  Let's travel back to the days of yore -  the mid-nineties.  I was an angry, angsty little teen who got to listen to angry, angsty music - think Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Bush, blah, blah, blah. What a wonderful time to be a teenager! The mood fit my mood, and fashion meant rolling out of bed and putting on a wrinkled shirt and baggy jeans.

Which brings me to my fantastical idea - there has to be a "new" Marc Jacobs out there who plans on showing a grunge collection at fall fashion week!  Which also means that the makeup/hair people should get the models all grease-monkeyed and rock-and-rolled out. Think unwashed hair, glowy cheeks and super smudgey black eyeliner.  Oooooh, and another designer should totally channel Courtney Love with her baby doll dresses and smeared red lips.

Stay tuned for all the runway makeup after the shows.  I know everyone is just as excited as I am to see what is in store for fall:)

XO

Em

The Many Looks of Lily

Since her new album, "It's Not Me, It's You" came out today, let's take a look at the many hairstyles of Lily. She's been brunette, blonde and pink.  She has stuck to keeping her hair long, with some sideswept bangs, but I REALLY love her short do...esp with the dark eye makeup. Love it, love it, love it.  What do you think?

XO

Em

Photos from : www.kissandmakeup.tv/lilyallenhair.jpg

 www.aaa-fashion.com

My sister sent me this link to a brand new online magazine for Washington, DC readers - www.mavenmag.com/dc/.  Sign up now to be the first to know when it launches!!! 

XO

Em

The Duchess and Her Strong Brow

I just saw the movie "The Duchess", based on the Duchess of Devonshire Georgiana Spencer (AKA "G").  She was strong-willed, sophisticated, funny, smart and a true trendsetter.   Not only am I obsessed with G's story, I am once again obsessed with Keira Knightley.  She is wonderful to watch on-screen, those brows are amazing and her skin is luminous.  I love her in period films!  

To get gorgeous brows like Keira's, don't overpluck.  I repeat - don't OVERPLUCK!!  If you have already done this, try to let the brows grow in and then get them shaped by a professional.  To add a bit of color to sparse brows, fill in with powder shadow and a stiff-bristled brow brush.  Groom brows with a bit of clear brow gel so they stay all day.  Groomed brows really open up the eye and give you a more polished look, even when you're not wearing any makeup.  

XO

Em

Check it out...Washington, DC has fashionable people too!

Since I'm a former NYer, I COMPLETELY miss the urban fashion bubble that I lived in.  (I now live in the Washington, DC area). And for those of you that know, DC is nice enough and all....but it isn't exactly known for making fabulous fashion statements.  Case in point:  If I wear fuschia lipstick, people will think I just escaped the loony bin rather than thinking I'm just so fab.  But I digress.  My point is, I discovered a fantastic makeup artist in the DC area.  Her photographs are gorgeous and her website awesome.  Check her out....www.kathyaragon.com.

"N-n-n-New York Girls!  Attitude." 

XO

Em

Decrease Depression in this Recession with Cheap and Easy Beauty Tricks

Now that our nation is in full-blown economic crisis mode, I've been reading and thinking alot about recession-proof beauty regimens.  Even before these rough times, I was always closer to poor than rich, so I managed to find cheap ways to be chic.  So, in this new era of "more bang for your buck", I present to you the cheapest of the cheap beauty tips and tricks...

• Nice 'n Easy haircolor.  Yep, it's about $7 at your local drugstore and they have pretty much every natural shade you can imagine.  I've been coloring my hair with #118 for years, and I've never received so many compliments. Plus it comes with the creamiest, best conditioner ever (which you can also by separately if you want to stock up!!)

• Mud Masks.  You can give yourself a mini facial once per week.  Look for masks with purifying ingredients, like kaolin clay.  This stuff is great for deep cleaning the pores and really makes your skin look shiny and new even if you stayed up way past your bedtime.  

• Face Oil.  That's right, OIL.  Don't be scared!  My colleague recommended that I use oil on my face during the winter.  I was kinda afraid - until I actually TRIED it.  I put Grapeseed Oil mostly on my cheeks and a dab everywhere else. This stuff is fantastic layered under your daily moisturizer. It gives skin that fresh, glowy look that we all want when it's cold outside.  A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.

• At home mani/pedis.  Okay, so I always thought I was bad at giving myself manicures until I finally purchased "Bottom Coat" and "Top Coat" polishes.  The Bottom Coat really helps the nail color glide on and the Top Coat seals in the color and adds shine.  Voila -Salon perfect nails!

• Red Lipstick.  Yes.  The kind your grandmother wore in the '40s.   I know some of you HATE the idea of bold lips, but if you don't have the money to update your entire makeup wardrobe, buy a new lipstick.  It doesn't have to be a true red.  You can go for another fun color like rose, bright pink, or coral.  Lipstick can instantly lift your mood and brighten your face.  
  

So there it is - a few tips to get you started.  I hope this helps a little (or ALOT).  If any of you have other great cheap and chic beauty tips, please post them for everyone to read.

XO

Em

Nice n' Easy haircolor, Kiss My Face Deep Cleansing Mask and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick from www.drugstore.com.

"Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future", but Inara George is

Okay, so The Bird and the Bee released their new album a few days ago - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future, which I'm very excited about since I'm a big fan.  This also gives me an excuse to discuss the singer, Inara George.  I LOVE her style.  She's a modern-day Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow all rolled into one.  I found this picture of her from the Coachella music festival last April, and it just makes me think aaaaahhhh, Spring.  The yellow top, cute polka dotted skirt (my personal fave) and her super pretty pixie hair and soft makeup are just lovely.  

This makeup look is all about fresh skin and rosy cheeks.  To get it, put concealer like Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer, under the eye. Concentrate most of the concealer near the inner corner and along the lash line.  Blend thoroughly.  Put a sheer tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF 15 over the rest of the face.  Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 

20 will even out your skin without looking all makeup-y.  Use an eye base like Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen.  Smooth on the lid with your finger. This will hide any darkness and not look like you have on ANY eye makeup.  (If you want a bit of color, swipe on a shimmery sheer shadow).  As a final touch, dot the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks and Lips in Pale Pink on the apples of your cheeks and slick over lips.  Voila!  A fresh, pretty look for spring.

XO

Em

Inara George photo from www.daylife.com/photo/0at652ubgXdAi

Laura Mercier cosmetics from www.lauramercier.com

Bobbi Brown cosmetics from www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Women Warriors

I'm currently reading "War Paint" by Lindy Woodhead.  It is a fascinating historical account of two of the grande dames of cosmetics - Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden.  More than 100 years ago, both women emigrated to America to grow their beauty empires.  They built their businesses from scratch, developing advertising and marketing techniques that are still present in today's $150 billion dollar beauty industry.  They changed the way the world and women viewed makeup.  This thoroughly researched book is chock-full of juicy stories and is a must-read for any beauty enthusiast!  Also, be on the look out for the documentary "The Powder and the Glory", a 90-minute documentary based on the book.  It premieres Monday, March 23rd, 2009 on PBS.  Check out the trailer: www.pbs.org/thepowderandtheglory/. Happy reading and viewing:)

XO

Em

Super makeup from a super-songstress

I read an article in today's edition of The Washington Post about the extremely talented British singer Adele.  Not only does she have a gorgeous voice, but a gorgeous complexion to match!  This lady loves to play up her pretty peepers with lots o' lashes and black eyeliner.  She's no Amy Winehouse though.  She's a more together kinda gal - in life AND looks. Get her pretty spring makeup look with Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Pink Coral, Benefit Sheer Cream Blusher in Hush!, Cover Girl Eye Enhancers eye quad in Coffee Shop, Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes in Mat Black (bottom lashes), Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink (top lashes only), Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, and Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara (for out-to-there lashes).

XO

Em

Dolce and Gabbana's New Makeup Line

Big news for you pretty dollfaces: Dolce and Gabbana is launching a makeup line!! Now, I'm not the biggest fan of their clothing - I call it "trashtastic clothes for the wealthy".  However, their cosmetics line is a whole 'notha dress up game!  This is makeup reminiscent of what your grandmother or even great-grandmother wore, during a time when makeup was the ultimate accessory and just as important as a hat or a handbag. So pretty!  Much of the credit goes to makeup maestro Pat McGrath, who played a large part in developing the collection. The pigments are rich and the colors true.  There will be 27 classic cream lipstick shades, 12 semi-sheer shine lipsticks, and 12 glosses.  Also included are 14 eye palettes, blushes, bronzers, foundations, nail polish and mascara. The packaging is even super-special, with every item encased in shiny gold.  And the ad campaign stars one of my favorite screen actresses, Scarlett Johansson. The line is set to launch in early Feb '09....just in time for Valentine's Day.

XO

Em