TheMakeupGirl

Glam Beauty Awards...

Hi ladies!  I know you are all dying to know how it went in NYC yesterday!  I had a very informative meeting and I will post all of that info shortly. 

Now onto another priority, the Glam Beauty Awards!  Remember back in April when I went to NYC and sat around a table of beauty editors picking through products?  Well these are the results so log on and vote for your favorites!  I am flying to Atlanta today for a little R & R, so I may or may not post more this weekend (although I may try microblogging from my trusty iPhone!)

Vote Pretty!!

Save the Bees...w/Burt Bee's Lipbalm!!!

Did ya'll ever see that Bee movie? About what would happen to the earth if the bees quit? Scary...do your part and go buy a BB lip balm next time you are in the natural beauty section of your drug or grocery store.  I keep one of these in my purse, by my bed, by the kitchen sink...anywhere there may be a dry-lip emergency.

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is the sudden and mysterious die-off of honeybee colonies that has been occurring across the U.S. for the past couple of years. The bee disappearance is so widespread that it was blamed for losses of up to 70% of the managed bee colonies in U.S. beekeeping operations in 2007 and continues to be a problem moving into high pollinating season this year. (my neighbor used to keep them in his backyard and they LOVED my flowers....and then suddenly they were gone...way less blooms this year..so sad).

You might not have given much thought to the role honeybees play in our ecosystem, but the fact is that 30% of the fruit- and vegetable-producing plants we rely on to feed our families need honeybee pollination to thrive, everything from watermelons, cranberries, peppers, almonds and pumpkins. Without honeybees, these crops – our food – is at risk.

June 22 - 28 is National Pollinator Week.. and this year you can personally help save the honeybees just by buying a tube of your favorite lip balm. Burt’s Bees is donating 5% of the proceeds from every purchase of this special edition Beeswax Lip Balm to The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) and its Honeybee Health Improvement Project.  In addition, you can take action today to help make the planet a healthy place for bees. Simply sign up on www.burtsbees.com for a free packet of bee-friendly wildflower seeds that you can plant to give bees a healthy place to live in your neighborhood.

Bee Beautiful...

Beauty News: Yves Saint Laurent Dies in Paris at 71...

The man who brought us the Mondrian dress, and was instrumental to briniging couture into mainstream has passed away in Paris at the age of 71.  Laurent was definitely considered the last of a generation that included Christian Dior and Coco Chanel and made Paris the fashion capital of the world, with the Rive Gauche, or Left Bank, as its elegant headquarters.

He was most definitely a ground breaker having gotten his first big break taking over the house of Dior when Christian Dior died suddenly in 1957, he was only 21.  He went on to design his first solo collection which was centered around the trapeze dress, he was a superstar almost overnight.  His pantsuits and tuxedos for women were on the backs of ever hot model and actress in the Studio 54 heyday, but were considered very "different" for that time and were met with some resistance.

Saint Laurent was also a shrewd businessman having sold In 1999, the rights of his label to Gucci Group NV, ceding control of his Rive Gauche collection, fragrances, cosmetics and accessories for $70 million cash and royalties.  He was said to have been ill for quite some time and was surrounded by friends at the time of his passing.

He certainly leaves an indelible mark on the fashion and beauty industry and will be sorely missed.

Pretty Amazing: Manolos & Mimosas...

Can't Get Enough of SATC???  I am going to see the film tonight and i can't wait!!!  Nothing like spending time with girlfriends, especially when beauty and cocktails are involved!  Do you travel with your girlfriends??  You should it's so much fun!!!!  Rachel and I went to NYC this past spring and had a blast.  But oh what I wouldn't give to be able to take this Sex In The City inspired trip to Naples with a girlfriend.  Just look at the property!!

You and your girlfriends can live like supastahs and pamper yourselves with this one of a kind destination vacation.

• Welcome mimosas upon arrival
• Two nights/three days luxury accommodations in a Two-bedroom Gulfview Suite
• One 1-hour beauty consultation (professional analysis for cut, style, hair color and make-up) per person
• One (1) manicure, pedicure and Anastasia eyebrows service per person
• One (1) 50-minute Ritz-Carlton, Naples Massage per person
• $200 shopping spree at The Signature Shop per person
• Four (4) tickets to see Sex and the City at Regal Hollywood 20 in trendy Naples
• Pre-show dinner for four (4) at The Grill ($500 dining credit)
• Limo transportation (complete with cosmos!) to and from the screening
• In-room DVD collection of the final season of Sex and the City
• Special Sex and the City-themed turndown

** Rates starting from $4,999 for two nights/three days
**Package is based on double occupancy and is valid May 30 – July 31, 2008 subject to availability For reservations and more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call 1-800-241-3333.

Wouldn't that be pretty???  If you go - you MUST take photos for me..

Stay Pretty!!

Don't Forget: The Makeup Show 2008...

Hey chicas...don't forget about The Makeup Show this Sunday and Monday (May 18-19) in New York City.  If you remember, Michael DeVellis (the Director of the Powder Group) - has guaranteed that TMG readers can attend with no issues whatsoever.

Click here to see the post you can print out and take with you for admittance with your entrance fee.  Josi and I will be in the house, so If you are planning to attend - email me so we can meet up with you!!

Stay Pretty!

Beauty News: CEW Announces Winners of the 2008 Beauty Awards...

Last Friday at the glamorous Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City, the winners of the CEW Beauty Awards were announced.  This event is like the Oscars of the Beauty World and it was a star studded event not to be missed.

• Nearly 600 products nominated
• 280 brands represented
• 27 categories including Lip Treatment, Anti-Aging, Hair Care & Color, Women’s Scent and      Men’s Grooming

In addition to recognizing the best products of the year, the CEW Beauty Awards announced the winner of the “Indie Beauty Award,” the brightest new start-up in the world of beauty.  This year’s contest resulted in a tie, with bettybeauty, inc. and Clark’s Botanicals taking home top Indie honors.

Want to get your hands on the winning products? CEW offers immediate access through “Buy Now” buttons on their website with live links to CEW’s retail partners: CVS/pharmacy, Macy’s, Sephora, and Ulta.  By visiting the site, beauty lovers can read about the winning products, do some online shopping, or download a ready-to-use product Shopping List.

To view and purchase winning products, log on to www.cew.org/events/beauty

A list of the winners is after the jump...

Read Pretty!!
 

NYC Makeup Show Update...

Okay ladies....for those of you that have emailed me about The Makeup Show on May 17-18th I have done a little sleuthing and here is what I have managed to work out.  If you would like to attend, please pre-purchase your tickets online here.  The Director of the Powder Group Michael DeVellis has given me his personal guarantee that The Makeup Girl readers will have absolutely no issue at the door.  To ensure that, you can print this post out and bring it with you!

"I give you my personal assurance that anyone who pre-buys their tickets online will have NO PROBLEM getting in. Your readers can simply print out your blog with the reply about my personal guarantee...and bring that with them if they have concerns...Michael"

How great is that????

Stay Pretty!!

Beauty News: The Makeup Show 2008...

Hola chicas....so here is the deal.  Are you an aspiring makeup artist??  Then I have some news for you! The Makeup Show is a HUGE industry event and if you are an aspiring makeup artist (You can build your kit for HALF THE PRICE by purchasing things here instead of buying retail) or just a makeup junkie in general I would plan on going.  If you are on the east coast the dates are MAY 18 and 19th, 2008 in New York City.  Try and make it if you can...here is a list of exhibitors.   

The basic purpose of this amazing show is to educate and inspire.  Ther will be TONS to do and see AND so will Josi and I will be there too!  We are going to the Sunday portion of the event, I would like to set up a meet and greet if possible for our New York area readers.  More to come on that later...

As I said before, you can get cosmetics, tools, cases etc at wholesale prices.  Billy B. had his brushes for sale there last year at $150 (half price as the set retails for $250)

You can purchase advance tickets here (a one day ticket is $40 if you purchase in advance and $55 plus tax at the door - no gurantee for at door tickets either so better to purchase in advance).  Send me an email if you plan on coming!  Hope to see you there!!

Stay Pretty!!

Beauty News: Fergie is MAC's Latest Viva Glam Spokesperson...

Happy Valentine's Day!  Just look at all this red!!  There is a new Viva Glam Girl in town...and her name is Fergie.  "The Glamorous Life" singer has been named the newest spokesperson for MAC's AIDS awareness lip colors called Viva Glam.  She will appear in a series of ads for the campaign, which will break in May 2008 issues of North American Fashion and beauty magazines.

Ms. Fergie is even trying on her designer hat as part of the Viva Glam campaign.  She helped to design the special edition Viva Glam VI Lipglass — a soft pink-tinged rose mauve. The new shade of Lipglass will go on sale in March at all MAC locations.  Fergie says, “I went through about 10 shades before deciding on this one,” she continues,  “It is a pink-tinged mauve that’s very soft and will look good on a lot of different skin tones — it’s the universal easy color to wear.”

She continues, “I think it’s important to realize that half of all new HIV infections each year are in men and women 25 and younger,  I have been a fan of Viva Glam for a long time — I have been following the campaign for years and I think it’s a great outreach,” the Black Eyed Peas star says of her partnership with the cosmetic giant. "I want to educate people. MAC picks people like RuPaul, Mary J. Blige — people that are a little controversial and aren’t afraid to speak their minds,” she said. “I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

She has also remixed her song ‘Glamorous’ as Viva Glamorous. It will be a new house dance re-mix that will be played in the stores to coincide with the launch.

To date, The Viva Glam initiative has raised over $100 million dollars for HIV/AIDS research since 1994.

Go Head Girl....

Stay Pretty!!

Beauty News: Beauty and The Superbowl?? You Bet!!

Are you a football fan like my friends Dawn and Julia?  If so then you will join the more than 92 million viewers gathered around television screens across the country watching the Giants versus the New England Patriots battle it out for the XLII Super Bowl in Arizona this coming Sunday. BUT...if your idea of a touchdown is scoring the latest lip gloss in Sephora then you may be one of the many women who might not really be interested in football. 

Fear not...Now there is something fun for non-football fans to do during the Super Bowl….play Fantasy Fashion League brought to you by mark cosmetics.Honey, this is the “beauty girl’s” answer to fantasy football and now the answer to Super Bowl Sunday. By logging on to the website here , it’s easy to join this internet-based game for free.  All you need to do is draft a team of celebrities and beauty trends from the list provided, sit back and watch your points accumulate as those celebs you have “drafted” walk the red carpet during the pre-game show hosted by Ryan Seacrest.  The beauty trends they “sport” will earn you points as well.  Additionally, you need to pay close attention to the half-time show and Super Bowl commercials, the celebs appearing on those can earn you points too. A blog on the FFL beauty site will help you “bench,” trade or add/drop celebs/beauty trends prior to 12PM midnight EST on Saturday, February 2, 2008 when your roster will be locked in place.Enter to win fabulous prizes from mark. and answer beauty trivia questions as the game progresses.

Play Pretty!!

Beauty News: Beauty Blogs Mentioned In WWD!!

What a way to start the weekend!!  I was just informed that some my beauty buddies have been mentioned in todays Women's Wear Daily!!  This is HUGE ladies...I know you have heard me talk about how the landscape of traditional journalism is changing and this is proof.

Congratulations to:  All About the Pretty, Beauty Addict, Beauty Blogging Junkie, Beauty Snob, BellaSugar, Blogdorf Goodman, Makeup and Beauty Blog, Makeup Bag, Shake Your Beauty, and Temptalia for being included on this groundbreaking list.

Some excerpts:

A new breed of beauty writers is building the sort of influence that's gaining the attention of major brands: bloggers.

Scores of blogs largely dedicated to opinions and reviews of beauty products have proliferated in the past several years. And as the quality and quantity of blogs increases, beauty companies' traditional marketing strategies are having to adapt.

Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure, said she believes beauty brands have started to take blogs seriously over the past few years because blogs are “starting to have an effect on product sales. Companies are more excited about being mentioned [on blogs], so we’re seeing more of the industry reaching out to bloggers,” she said.

To read the article in full - click on the image...

Read Pretty!!!

Beauty News: Good Byes (And Buys) Jan 2008...

As we all know, consumerism and the cosmetics industry don't always get on all that well.  Inevitably some of our favorite things end up to be total duds on the counters of department stores and Sephora's everywhere.  In addition, cosmetics companies always have to make room for new items by paring down existing lines. Here are some goodbyes you may want to get your hands on before it's too late...

MAC Cosmetics Gentle Fume shadow quad, Smoke Signal and Cocomotion pigments are MUST haves...there are also a few lippies that are worth getting as well.

Bobbi Brown Get your hands on a Midnight Metallics shadow trio, or some lip tints.

Lancome Color & Skincare I loved the Color Design Eye Shadow Mosaique & Primordiale Optimum Eye has always been one of my favorite eye creams (dang it!!!)

Prescriptives Super Line Preventer is leaving...what the!!

Smashbox Electric Eye Shadow Quad, Split Screen Lipstick/Liner duo and that cute little Kabuki Brush with it's own little case.  (PS these items one the website are on sale at the moment...doesn't mean they are leaving just yet but they probably are eventually)

Shop Pretty!!

Beauty News: Lancome Names Juliette Binoche New Brand Ambassador...

Lancôme is pleased to name Juliette Binoche as its newest brand ambassador.  She was first cast as the face of Lancôme’s Poême fragrance in 1995, Binoche embodies the essence of French femininity.

“It is an immense pleasure for us to welcome Juliette Binoche back to Lancôme. Her career choices, her natural and moving beauty, her independent spirit and generosity epitomize the values essential to our brand,” says Lancôme International President Odile Roujol.

Authenticity, sophistication and a luminous face make Binoche the perfect spokesperson for the Lancôme Rénergie franchise, a complete skincare line that addresses the signs of aging. She will be featured later this year in an advertising campaign created by photographer Nick Knight.

Binoche belongs to a select group of A-list actresses whose performances have become legendary. Since 1985, she has worked with some of the industry’s most celebrated directors, including Anthony Minghella, Jean-Luc Godard, Louis Malle, Lasse Hallström, Krzysztof Kieslowski, Michael Haneke and John Boorman. She has been leading lady to the world’s finest actors, including Johnny Depp, Daniel Day-Lewis, Richard Gere, Jude Law, Jean Réno, Jeremy Irons and Ralph Fiennes.

I have always admired the style of French women and Juliette is no exception.  She looks amazing (she is 48 people!!) her skin is flawless and  she will bring a sophisticated charm to the line.  Congrats to Juliette....

Stay Pretty!!

Beauty News: Legendary Makeup Creator/Arist Shu Uemura Dies...

Legendary makeup artist and cosmetics line creator Shu Uemura has passed away from acute pneumonia on December 29th.  He was 79 years old.  Uemura was born in Tokyo in 1928 and graduated from a beauty school before moving to Hollywood to become a makeup artist in the 1950's.  He rose to fame after providing the makeup for leading celebrities of the day including actress Shirley MacLaine as well as Frank Sinatra. 

His cosmetics line is known the world over for it's innovative use of color and design.  This is one of my all time favorite lines and was one of the first makeup stores I ever visited when I first moved to NYC.  Uemura was visionary artist, he will be missed.

Winter Beauty Tips From Nadine Haobsh aka Jolie in NYC...

I just finished reading Nadine Haobsh's (aka Jolie in NYC) hilarious and useful book Beauty Confidential.  This book is actually a guide I can honestly say you will use. 

This is a guide with nothing phoney, totally hassle free advice you can actually use.  With tips like,  "How to create the perfect (not too Tara Reid) smokey eye.." and "On your lips not your glass.."  Nadine does not disappoint with the witty humor, real life scenarios and includes a handy product price guide at the end of each chapter.  Not only that, but she includes products that can be found in drugstores as well as high end department stores.  This book is a steal as it will be your "go to" beauty bible for many years to come.

Nadine was kind enough to write a blog for TheMakeupGirl today on winter beauty tips.  So enjoy and..

Read Pretty!! 

 

Winter Beauty Tips

By Nadine Haobsh

Author of Beauty Confidential

If you're like me, every year as the weather turns nippy, you go like clockwork through the same routine: throw the tank tops in a drawer to get all musty until spring, pull out the winter sweaters you bought last October and which now all have holes in the armpits, and dig out from the back of the hall closet coats which now seem depressingly out-of-date.  (Holidays around the corner?  Coat shopping time!  Nevermind you already have five in storage.)  Changing your skincare routine is similarly necessary; harsh elements like cold, wind and snow are going to wreck havoc on even the sturdiest complexions, and will age you more than you realize.  Here are a few simple tips to make sure your peaches-and-cream cheeks (hey, a girl can dream, can't she?) stay that way until April.

- Just because it's winter and there's less sun in the sky doesn't mean you can forgo the sunscreen!  Use a product with at least SPF15 everyday.

- Make sure your day or night cream has antioxidants in it; this will help protect your skin against damage from the wind and cold.  One of my favorite sunscreen/antioxidant combos is Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse Day Lotion SPF20

- If your skin is particularly dry, switch to an emollient cleanser, such as Cetaphil, or an oil-based cleanser, such as Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (The Shu cleansing oil is, paradoxically, great for acne-prone skin, as it won't strip skin of moisture, which can cause oil glands to go into overdrive and get clogged.)

- Consider a heavier cream or serum for night, to keep skin extra hydrated while you sleep.  I like Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream

- I know it's cold in your bathroom, especially when you wake up, but don't shower in boiling hot water; this will strip your skin of moisture!  The same holds for washing your face; wash in lukewarm water, and then gently pat dry.

- Buy a great lip balm!  I love Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15 (which also comes in tinted shades), since it's the right balance of moisturizing, shiny and glossy-but-not-too-sticky.

- Run a humidifier in your room at night; the clankity heater in the corner will suck moisture from your skin and leave you parched.

Good luck, and stay toasty!

Beauty News: Good Byes (and Buys)...

As we all know, consumerism and the cosmetics industry don't always get on all that well.  Inevitably some of our favorite things end up to be total duds on the counters of department stores and Sephora's everywhere.  In addition, cosmetics companies always have to make room for new items by paring down existing lines.

Here are some goodbyes you may want to get your hands on before it's too late.

Becca at Sephora This one caught me totally off guard, in fact I heard about it from Kristen.  Sephora has decided to discontinue carrying Becca, everything is 75% off.  I was crushed.  I  love Becca to death but apparently everyone else didn't feel that way.  Sephora is phasing it out hence the deep discount.  At least you can get some good deals,  getting high end cosmetics for drugstore prices is a dream.  Online is pretty picked over BUT I did find out that if you are lucky enough to have a Sephora near you that carries it, the sale extends to the retail stores as well.  Kristen posted stores and web retailers where you will still be able to find the line in the North America.

MAC GoodByes a few of my faves like Taupe Notch lipglass are in here...so I am stocking up.

Lancome Beauty Bye Bye's Wow..PLENTY of things in here that fall under the don't miss category.  A lot of the limited edition palettes from spring, juicy tubes, Hypnose mascara in a gorgeous plum and so much more.

Estee Lauder Farewell Favorites Lots of limited edition bronzers, and powder blushes, and a few shades of my favorite pure color gloss.  They also have a few things in the skincare and fragrance categories that are going bye bye.

Bobbi Brown's Closet Here you will find the coveted Sexy Glamour palette, along with many other limited edition items. 

So if any of these are your go to brands, I would high tail it on over as they won't last.  Once they have sold out online they will be gone for good.

Shop Pretty!!

TheMakeupGirl Interview: Napoleon Perdis...

Recently, I was lucky enough to interview Australian makeup artist Napoleon Perdis.  Napoleon has emerged from down under as a force to be reckoned with.  He says he was drawn to makeup and beauty artistically because he watched his mother applying it as a child.  Fast forward to 1993, he had  won a competition at an International Beauty Expo in 1993.  By 1995, with the contacts he had made and with his father's financial backing, he opened his first store in Paddington, a suburb of Sydney.  Today, he has more than 30 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand.  His products are also showcased in salons around the country as well.  Napoleon is poised to take over in the United States, as his line is now carried in select Sephora stores and online as well.  In addition - he has just been named Official Makeup Sponsor for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.  Whew!

 

Lianne:  It was recently announced that you partnered with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences - are you excited??

NP:  I’m the Official Makeup Sponsor for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, featured at the 50th Primetime Emmy Awards. This is truly a dream come true for me, because one of my brand values is all about bringing red carpet to reality!

New Spring Look From Lancome...

Lancôme's Artistic Director Gucci Westman has created one of my favorite looks for spring at one of the last shows of Fashion Week - Proenza Schouler.  The look is very feminine and nude.  Not the nude you are used to seeing though, this nude is wearable and fresh looking thanks to one of my newest favorites, Color Fever Gloss in Engaging.  This gloss is so so pretty and shiny!  The color is nude but NOT CHALKY and that has to be my favorite thing hands down.  Than means that darker girls can wear it too!

Gucci says, "The makeup was a continuation of the military inspired clothes from Proenza Schouler, not a trace of black anywhere on the face.  I used neutral shadows one after the other all the way around the eye for a "floating" effect."  The brows were dark, defined and elongated.  This look was monochromatic but not "boring".  A subtle pink was added to give the face a little "lift". Overall, one of my favorite runway looks, because it is so wearable.

The rundown:

• Lancôme Artliner in Brown
• Lancôme Color fever Gloss in Engaging 
• Lancôme Color Design Blush in Petticoat Pink 
• Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow in Couture & Click
• Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Sable
• Lancôme Hypnose Mascara in Brown

I got my Lancome fix in New York!!

Shop Pretty!!

A Few More Photos From Backstage With MAC...

I have a few more photos to share with you...
This is the backstage booth - where they provided espresso in case you needed a caffeine jolt!

The mood was very upbeat - but it was hot as I don't know what!  The lights were strong, Poor Bianca is six months pregnant so she was having to perch herself on a stool while she talked about trends.  The area was swarming with paparazzi and people trying to get their hands on SWAG.  Just sheer craziness...but I have to be honest with you...I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!  Yes it was insane..but that's what fashion week is all about.

I was able to hear first hand what the trends for spring were and pass them all on to you!  How great is that?  I will be registering next time so I can get backstage and take some photos - so count on that for the shows in February showcasing all of the fall looks for 2008.

Kristen from Beauty Addict and Lianne

All in all, I am so so glad I went.  It was an honor to have been invited to these events...and count on me being there from now on!

Stay Pretty!!

The Neiman Marcus Fall Beauty Event Is Here!!

Okay...you know the drill.  The Fall Neiman Marcus Beauty Event is an Institution!  The rundown is:  If you make a purchase of $100 or more you will get this tote filled with deluxe size goodies.  In addition...depending on which line you purchase from, you will be entitled to an additional deluxe offer from them.

Bobbi Brown has a deluxe gift that looks gorgeous.  This is with a $150 Bobbi Brown purchase.

Lancome has this yummy leopard bag filled with goodies with a $100 purchase.

You get the drift.  You either spend $100 total on whatever you want and get the bag pictured at left OR spend the designated amount from your favorite line and get their gift OR BOTH...heh heh heh.  Here is a listing of all the beauty event offers available this fall.

The event is running online from September 4-17 and in stores September 7-16.

Shop Pretty!!

Beauty News: Oprah's Makeup Artsist Comes Out With Seminar...

Oprah's beloved makeup artist, Reggie Wells is coming out with his own business venture.  He unveils his own makeup seminars this Saturday in Chicago called "A Day Of Beauty with Reggie Wells".

If you have ever seen this man in action then you know that he gives hope to people that have uneven skin coloring everywhere.  Oprah is brave because I don't know if I would let people see me looking less than perfect...but she does.  In fact, she did an entire show about how he "transforms her" and what he does to achieve it. 

The seminar fee is $300 - but you will leave with $700 worth of makeup...and his tips.  So if you are in Chicago...I would highly recommend checking it out if you are in need of application tips.

More info, including the website is below...

Stay Pretty!!

20 Questions With Billy B....

I will admit it, I am a stalker...LOL!  So imagine my surprise when one of my favorite makeup artists, Billy B. agreed to an interview with me.

I was over the moon excited and it is appearing in the lovely Deanna Sutton's Clutch Magazine's August issue which went live today.  Please check it out.

Read Pretty!!

You're A Fake - Baby....

Just like purses, shoes and the like.  There are counterfeit cosmetics, skincare and fragrances out there (hard to believe, I know...).  Cosmetic manufacturers report that in the Middle East, the market is upwards $210 Million. Over a four year period, approximately $50 million worth of counterfeit cosmetics were seized in that region alone.  They included top brands like L'Oreal and Christian Dior ... yikes!

So if you are in doubt, know that legitimate products are only available in stores.  When shopping online just be careful and follow guides that are available to you.  When in doubt, make certain that you buy everything from a reputable retail establishment like a drugstore or department store. 

Bella Sugar has a great article on how to spot the imposters and eBay UK also has some information that is extremely valuable for shopping online.

Shop Pretty!!
 

Billy B. Paintbrushes...

Remember when I stalked him??  Well Mr. B. has a new addition to his ever growing empire.  He has come out with a collection of excellent makeup brushes called billybbeauty PAINTBRUSHES.   I was so excited when I found out about them from Julia, she told me that he was selling them at The Makeup Show. Well as of yesterday - I am the proud owner of a full set, when I opened the package I just laid them all out on my bed...it was a sight....LOL!

Billy developed these brushes and they are a natural and synthetic blend so they will be durable.  The handles are short - which I love because I find they are easier to work with and they are so so so soft!!

The set contains 13 brushes that he "cannot live without..." once you try them you won't want to live without  them either.  So whether you decide to buy the whole set (worth it - excellent quality) or a few to start out, you will indeed enjoy using them.  If you are going the a la carte route, I would suggest picking up 1, 3, 6 and 8.

Stay Pretty!!

Beauty News: Billy B. On TV!!

Oh I am so excited!  Billy B. has to be one of my most favorite makeup artists.  His work is amazing, so if you haven't heard of him you betta recognize!

Bravo just announced a development deal for a potential docudrama following Mr. Billy B around.  Everything is still in the early stages, so we will just have to wait and see what shakes out.

Makeup Artist Love: Pink U + Ur Hand Video...

If you haven't seen Pink's video for U + Ur Hand you must check it out if nothing but to see the handiwork of the extremely talented makeup artist.  I don't know who did all of these looks for her, but um...damn.

She looks amazing...

UPDATE:  I have confirmed that the makeup artist is none other than the amazingly talented Billy B!  By the way, Billy knows that I stalked him and he emailed me telling me he loved it....gotta love that!

Watch Pretty!!

Beauty News: Drew Barrymore Signs With CoverGirl...

I feel like saying that famous saying from the 70's for Virginia Slims, "You've Come A Long Way Baby...."
Ms. Barrymore certainly has come a long way.  This former wild child has grown up.  She has become one of todays hottest and sought after film producers in Hollywood.  Her production company. Flower Films,  has produced the blockbusters Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels Full Throttle, 50 First Dates and most recently, Music and Lyrics.

Yesterday, it was announced that she has signed a deal with CoverGirl cosmetics that will not only have her starring in the ads and commercials but having a creative hand in the commercials as well.  The press release is below...

This afternoon Drew Barrymore was ceremoniously unveiled as the newest face of CoverGirl Cosmetics.  The star and filmmaker will not only find herself in front of the camera launching new products for the company, but also behind the camera as a co-creative director of her first TV commercial for the Brand. "I am honored to be associated with a brand that has been at the forefront of its industry for almost fifty years,” Barrymore said “CoverGirl has managed to change with the times, yet stay in touch with women of all ages and backgrounds.  To be chosen not only as the newest face of CoverGirl, but to be given the opportunity to be a co-creative director of my first TV commercial is truly amazing.”

A beloved actress and gifted filmmaker, Drew emulates the iconic image of the CoverGirl brand with her fresh, natural beauty, and energetic yet authentic spirit. Her carefree, upbeat personality shines through in all that she does. Drew is a wonderful addition to the CoverGirl family and her role – both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as co-creative director – is new and different for the cosmetics industry,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, Vice President and General Manager, CoverGirl Cosmetics in North America.  “We wanted to honor Drew’s passions as a filmmaker and are thrilled she is not only lending her beautiful face to CoverGirl but also lending her artistic talents as the co-creative director of the ad campaign.” Barrymore represents the CoverGirl ideals of both inner and outer beauty. She has been recognized for her sense of style, appearing on top magazine covers and is also an avid volunteer with the United Nations World Food Program.

Stay Pretty!!

MAC Plush Glass Adds New Shades...

Oh my...oh my!  MAC has come out with 8 spanking new shades of PlushGlass!  It's no secret around here that I love PlushGlass, it is a perfect everyday gloss. I have already gone through 2 tubes each of Oversexed and Wet Wild and Wonderful since this came out last year....just craziness.  But I love it!

The gloss is sheer and has a high gloss finish for super shine.  It contains vitamin E to keep your lips extra smooth.  The new colors are:

Bingo - Sheer, medium pink with opalescent pearl

Posh It Up - Pinky gold