Eva Mendes: #TheEsteeEdit #BestAngle

LIFESTYLE: MODEL CALL

3 Minutes With:
Eva Mendes

Get to know the newly named face of our groundbreaking
New Dimension skincare.

Since her breakout role in the 2001 film Training Day, Eva Mendes has reliably ranked amongst Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses. But the red carpet regular admits that getting comfortable with seeing herself on camera took time. “I can take a funky photo,” laughs the Cuban-American stunner, whose film work has earned her countless magazine covers and plenty of time on the premiere circuit. “I have an angular face and I kind of had to learn which angles were which, and how I could work that into a scene,” she continues.

It's probably what was attractive to me about becoming an actress—the art of transformation.

Part of that learning process stemmed from Mendes’ early love affair with the power of change. “I’ve always loved how I could transform myself by just highlighting a certain area and playing down another area. It's probably what was attractive to me about becoming an actress—the art of transformation.” Mendes is a pro at getting into character for a new role, and has shaved her eyebrows and even gone blonde to bring a certain level of authenticity to her projects. (“I'm an awful blonde!” she insists). It’s a skill that has served the 41-year-old well as she undergoes the personal transformation of becoming a new mom. “My baby just started sleeping through the night so I have little more time for my beauty ritual,” she reveals of her daily routine that includes our New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum and New Dimension Expert Tape, new-to-market skincare products that firm, tone and tighten the look of skin for enhanced visible definition, density—and confidence-induced perspective. “My face is changing,” admits Mendes. “And I want to be able to embrace that process.” Here, the products’ ambassador provides her own angle on the important stuff—that being deep dish pizza and the luxury of sleeping in.

EL: Flats or heels?

EM: Heels.

EL: New York or LA?

EM: Falling asleep in NY, and waking up in LA.

EL: Online shopping or retail shopping?

EM: Retail shopping.

EL: Skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans?

EM: Boyfriend jeans.

EL: City or country?

EM: Summer in the country, winter in the city.

EL: Mountains or beach?

EM: Being in the mountains overlooking the beach.

EL: Yoga or pilates?

EM: Krav Maga!

EL: What is the one wardrobe essential you can't live without?

EM: A great belt.

EL: What is your favorite movie of all time?

EM: Edward Scissorhands.

EL: Where is your favorite travel destination?

EM: Italy.

EL: What are you currently streaming?

EM: Broad City.

EL: What are you currently listening to?

EM: Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

EL: What are you currently reading?

EM: Wonder Weeks.

EL: What is your idea of happiness?

EM: Sleeping in—and a deep dish pizza. Chicago style.

EL: What is your greatest fear?

EM: Not being able to sleep in.

EL: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

EM: My obsession with sleeping in.

EL: Which talent would you most like to have?

EM: The talent of providing interesting answers.

EL: What is your greatest extravagance?

EM: Sleeping.

EL: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

EM: That I've never been to Spring Break.

More Mother's Day Gift Options

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I wanted you to have these wonderful options that I, as a Mom, love and appreciate. Below is a quick rundown on the latest fragrances from Oscar de la Renta along with a new product from Elemis that will have that special someone feeling extra pampered this year.

Gifts that Make a Fashion Statement:

Oscar de la Renta

· FLOR – Don’t just give her flowers, give her FLOR, a modern creation of a fresh, floral bouquet that carries the sophistication of Oscar signature fragrance with a touch of elegance and surprise, updated just for her.

· Extraordinary – this sparkling floral scent is for the cool mom, leaving her feeling chic, modern and above all, Extraordinary.

Gift that Pampers:

Elemis

· British Botanical Shower Cream ($38.50) – this luxurious, rich shower cream will give mom a spa like experience with every use, not to mention the packaging is gorgeous!

Spring Looks: Bright Lips, Dewy Skin and Glossy Hair

For this season and beyond into Summer, I’m thinking….BRIGHT lips, DEWY skin and GLOSSY hair.

LIPS – SMASHBOX BE LEGENDARY LIPSTICK in Legendary for a True Red (Pink tones) and Fireball Matte for an Orange-Red (Olive and darker tones) fit the bill and I love their long lasting wear!

Smashbox Lead Pro-Global artist and friend, Lori Taylor-Davis, gives a tip on picking the perfect red lip. Lori says “Choose cooler "true" red tones with a bit of blue if you have pink in your skin or are super fair-skinned. A warmer orange-red tone works best for olive-skinned women."

DEWY SKIN – SMASHBOX HALO FOUNDATION AND LUMENE BRIGHT NOW VITAMIN C BB CREAM + BB SERUM

The best thing to make skin glow is to use a dewy foundation/bb cream for lighter coverage and an illuminator, like the Lumene BB Serum! With illuminating LIGHT PIGMENTS it helps to catch light and diffuse dark circles, spots and lines!

SHINY, GLOSSY HAIR – CONAIR INFINITI PRO ARGAN OIL BRUSH with TOUCHBACK SHAMPOO and NIOS SHIELD LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

To get bouncy, shiny, healthy hair, there’s nothing better than ARGAN OIL – which moisturizes without weighing hair down. 

All of these products are meant to nourish hair from the inside out, with the added bonus of TOUCHBACK SYSTEM, a COLOR DEPOSITING shampoo and conditioner that adds sheen and gloss to hair (and happens to be available EVERYWHERE in drugstores like CVS)!

ME! Bath Products Make Wonderful Mother's Day Gifts

Here are some delightful Mother's Day Gift Options from ME! Bath Advanced Body Care.

Moisturize, exfoliate, cleanse and rejuvenate your skin all while drenching yourself in this soothing mix of Madagascar vanilla and lavender:

· Tri-Functional Sugar Scrub – this 3-in-1 scrub moisturizes, exfoliates and cleanses the skin, leaving it looking healthy and feeling fresh.

· Rejuvenating Body Lotion – a damage-and-age repair formula that absorbs fast to soothe the skin

· Pumice Stone – a powerful antibacterial stone comprised of siliglass

Price: $49.50 ($78 Value), available at Nordstrom.com

ME! Bath Advanced Body Care Gift Set in White Tea & Ginger

Moisturize, exfoliate, cleanse and rejuvenate your skin all while drenching yourself in this soothing mix of Madagascar vanilla and lavender:

· Tri-Functional Sugar Scrub – this 3-in-1 scrub moisturizes, exfoliates and cleanses the skin, leaving it looking healthy and feeling fresh.

· Rejuvenating Body Lotion – a damage-and-age repair formula that absorbs fast to soothe the skin

· Pumice Stone – a powerful antibacterial stone comprised of siliglass

Price: $49.50 ($78 Value), available at Nordstrom.com

ME! Bath Advanced Body Care MINI Effervescent Bath Soak

This therapeutic bath soak will assist your body in eliminating toxins, replenishing lost moisture as well as absorbing key minerals & nutrients, including rare 100% organicjojoba oil, & epsom salt. Alpha Glucosyl Hesperidin helps stimulate blood flow and promote a more youthful looking appearance. Available in six decadent flavors:

· Apple Blossom & Kumquat with Cedar Honey

· Balinese Papaya & Sauternes with Black Currant

· Frangipani & Mulberry Leaves with Blue Agave

· Madagascar Vanilla & Lavender with White Truffle

· Toasted Coconut & Lime with Sandalwood

· White Tea & Ginger with Rosewater

Pricing: $20, Available at ME-Bath.com

  

Get the Look: Anna Chlumsky

Sarah Potempa was behind Anna Chlumsky’s wrap up braided bun for her “Living For Love” Broadway opening on Monday night. Everywhere I look I see braids and I think this look is fabulous for a night on the town.

Raed below for how to get the look:

1) Start by creating a clean center part. Smooth all the hair from the roots to the ends with the SARAHPOTEMPA Ceramic Styling Iron.

2) Section out all of the hair from the left and right side and brush back in to a low ponytail, clipping out a circular section from the back of the crown with the SARAHPOTEMPA Darby Clip. Smooth the sides down with Aussie's Miraculously Smooth Anti-Frizz Cream.

3) Using the SARAHPOTEMPA Wrap Up, pull the ponytail through, pinch it closed, wrap it up and bend it into a perfect bun.

4) Take the remaining section out of the clip and braid down. Secure with an elastic and wrap the braid around the bun and pin in place.

New from NARS: Faux Lashes!

Yes, Nars will soon have 8 options of faux lashes with each addressing specific needs of your lash condition!

With eight different looks, including Numero 1 personally designed by François Nars, these natural faux lashes will transform your everyday look by adding drama and intensity. 

These lashes are versatile, reusable and made with natural fibers. I’m especially excited, as this is the first time NARS is introducing faux lashes to the beauty market.

· Numero 1: Designed by Francois Nars to compliment any eye shape, its effortless fringe delivers everyday style with a touch of glamour. The little black dress of lashes.

· Numero 2: A medium-length false lash set with uniform volume from corner to corner

· Numero 3: Carefully crafted with graduated lash lengths to create a full range of looks

· Numero 4: A one-step effect for longer, lifted, curled lashes.

· Numero 5: Dramatically curled with delicate, wispy lashes

· Numero 6: The most dramatic lash set in the NARS collection with provocative length and curl

· Numero 7: Densely woven for high impact and high style at the lash line

· Numero 8: Specifically tailored to pronounce lower lashes

NARS Eye Lashes are available at NARSCosmetics.com and NARS boutiques on May 1^st. This is a FIRST for NARS!

Juliette Has A Gun: GENTLEWOMAN Perfume from Romano Ricci

There is a new scent in town...Juliette Has A Gun’s newest scented episode “Gentlewoman” by French perfumer Romano Ricci.

Romano is the great grandson of the iconic fashion designer Nina Ricci. In 2006, Romano wanted to offer a new way to look at perfumery. A universe, lost between romance and desire of independence. Juliette is armed because she affirms her personality. 

Juliette stands for the romantic heroine of Shakespeare; the ’gun’ is her weapon of seduction… her perfume of course. 

For Gentlewoman, Romano was inspired by the “neo-dandy”.

 "She is the spiritual heir of Oscar Wilde, she plays with the accoutrements of masculine style. She oscillates between frivolity and arrogance or the art of pleasing by being displeasing. Just like the Gentlewoman, this eau de cologne with its feminine edge is stamped with a specific genre. A masculine fragrance dedicated to women. The note revolves around the Neroli Essence, the Orange Blossom Absolute, and a Musky woody base, while the Almond Essence remains sufficiently dressed up to be worn with elegance". 

For the ad campaign, Romano worked with photographer Sonia Sieff, whose father, Jeanloup Sieff famously photographed Yves Saint Laurent’s nude portrait, the French couturier that reinvented women’s fashion with Le Smoking tuxedo suit in 1966.

Gentlewoman launches in the US at select stockists, specialty stores, online and boutiques late April 2015.

100ml/ $145

Mother's Day: Beauty Picks

I try to make it as easy on you as possible by giving you many options for gift ideas. This Mother's Day, think about these well loved beauty buys...happy gifting!

CIRCA Color Focus Eyeshadow Palette
There’s a palette to fit every moms’ style in this new eyeshadow range from CIRCA. These six easy-to use and expertly coordinated palettes each contain three eyeshadow shades with superior blendability and outstanding color payoff for an effortlessly gorgeous eye look. The weightless, true-to-color pressed powder pigments come in a variety of finishes: shimmering, matte and satin. The buildable color is beautiful applied dry, and can also be applied wet for increased shine and intensity.

Price: $12 each, Available at Walgreens

Laura Geller Lambswool Paddle
A skin-perfecting tool unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Made of super-soft natural lambswool, this paddle works to buff your makeup to an airbrushed-smooth finish. This brush is not only a finishing tool, but it can also be used to apply powder or blush. It works to absorb excess product while smoothing in place, leaving skin looking soft, even, and beautiful. This is the ultimate at-home tool to make you look like your makeup was professionally done and in a quick, easy step for any mom on the go.

Price: $17, Available at LauraGeller.com

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude
Give Mom a palette so diverse that she can create endless eye looks. Whether the desired look is soft or bold, classic or trendy, natural or dramatic, the new all-inclusive L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude offers a gorgeous range of shadows designed to create an endless number of sophisticated eye looks. Available in La Palette Nude and La Palette Nude Smokey, both palettes includes a symphony of handpicked neutral eye shadows that complement every skin tone.

Price: $19.99, Available at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide


Nails inc Luxe Boho Collection
This collection is inspired by the 70’s vibes seen on the summer runways of Pucci, Chloe and Valentino. Three special effects polishes combine dense cut pieces of creamy peach to hot pink, giving a flower burst look on the nail. The shades can be applied straight on to a basecoat or for added impact, over the top of a pasted or white based shade. Shades include: Primrose Hill Walk – a subtle blend of traditional boho colors, white, purple, lilac and nude; Portobello Crescent – a summery take on boho with a mix of peach, hot pink and grass green; Notting Hill Lane – a combination of hot pink, deep purple and subtle nude

Price: $15, Available at Nailsinc.com 

 

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick
For the low-maintenance mom who loves a high-impact look, Sheer Revolution Lipstick offers bold pigments that are easy to apply, and wear sheer yet shiny. Like the original formula, Sheer Revolution hugs your lips and has a buttery-smooth application. Available in ten shades, the formula is laced with Maxi-Lip™, which helps define and hydrate lips while making them look plumper and fuller, along with Shea butter, jojoba, olive, and babassu oils, and Vitamin C and E.

Price: $22, Available at Sephora, Ulta, Sephora.com, Beauty.com and UrbanDecay.com

Eco Conscience Jewelry: Alkemie

Alkemie Jewelry Transforms Reclaimed Metal into Wearable Art and there are so many pieces to love. I already fell for the Ram Ring, the Octopus Cuff and the Manta Ray Ring.

Celebrate earth month with a bold statement. Alkemie Jewelry’s striking designs embody the beauty and power of the natural world and are made without harming the planet. Each piece is forged from 100% reclaimed metals that would otherwise be destined for the landfill. True to their name, Alkemie transforms the common into precious.

These signature Alkemie pieces connect the wearer to the earth while helping protect its resources for future generations. All designs are offered for both men and women.

The Sage Cuff – Inspired by the sage that grows in abundance in the coastal mountains of southern California where husband-and-wife jeweler team Dara Gerson and Ashley Lowengrub live. Dara and Ashley burn dried sage daily in their Topanga home and named their first-born daughter in honor of this cleansing plant. Available in reclaimed sterling silver and reclaimed bronze. $209

The Moon Ring – The moon is a powerful reminder of our connection to the earth, especially for women. The phases of the moon connect to the cycles of the tides, the seasons and our bodies. Available in reclaimed sterling silver and reclaimed bronze. $176

The Starfish Cuff – On a visit to the beach, Dara and Ashley’s eldest daughter discovered a starfish and was instantly captivated. They left that starfish in its natural home but immediately set to work crafting a piece that would capture the exquisite beauty of this creature. Available in reclaimed sterling silver and reclaimed bronze. $209

A portion of every sale at Alkemie Jewelry goes to support the Seva Foundation in their efforts to bring eye care to communities in need. (www.seva.org)

About Alkemie

Alkemie Jewelry is a husband and wife team - Ashley Lowengrub and Dara Gerson. Their love for one another, their two daughters and Mother Earth inspires them to create a line of jewelry bringing beauty into the world without harming the planet. Every piece is handmade in Los Angeles and forged from 100% reclaimed metal. Alkemie’s iconic designs have been featured in Vogue (American, Spanish and Italian), French Elle, WWD, The New York Times Magazine, People, and Marie Claire. Their pieces have been worn by celebrities and rockers and have appeared in television and major feature films.

New Fragrances: Issey Miyake 2015 Summer Fragrances

The Issey Miyake 2015 Summer Fragrances are simply divine! Reinvented for summer, Issey Miyake has entrusted artist Yulia Brodskaya to design the new limited editions for summer 2015.  

Composed by Alberto Morillas, the Summer fragrances are refreshing and sweet. It's a fruity floral with tangy notes of pink grapefruit and lychee. Middle notes are passion fruit and guava. To enrich these flavors with a feminine touch, subtle aquatic floral notes soften the overall fragrance before blending with the roundness of both the woods and vanilla infusion.

The 3.3 oz L' Eau d' Issey Summer Eau de Toilette will be available May 1, 2015 at fine retail stores nationwide for $76. 

There is also a L' Eau d' Issey pour Homme Summer 4.2 oz Eau de Toilette for $68 which will launch on May 1, 2015. 

The masculine version evokes the bursting freshness of kiwi along with spicy and fruity notes. Coriander and grapefruit with a slight bitterness set the tone, right from the start. Then come pineapple and nutmeg in the middle accord. As wll as these spices and fruits, Alberto Morillas has added wood. Then the trail becomes both sensual and vibrant thanks to a duo of vetiver and cypress. 

The 2015 Summer Fragrances are romantic and refreshing. Lose yourself in the magic of summer...

Rituals: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Having trouble figuring out what to get a loved one for Mother's Day? Fret no more, as RITUALS offers the perfect gift sets to show them just how much you care.

A wonderfully pampering gift to spoil mom (or a loved one) on their special day, these RITUALS gift sets include the best-selling foaming shower gels (B.I.O.A. ADDICTION), shampoo, body scrub and body cream in four different scents, aimed at calming and soothing your everyday beauty routines.

Available in Sakura Time Out (Cherry Blossom and Rice Milk), Hammam Treat (Eucalyptus and Rosemary), Laughing Buddha True Happiness (Mandarin Orange and Cedarwood) and AyurvedaAncient Beauty (Indian Rose and Almond Oil).

The RITUALS gift sets are available for $25 each at RITUALS store locations, Barneys, www.barneys.com and www.rituals.com.

Elemis: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Game of Thrones is back & Natalie Dormer (or Margaery Tyrell) looked more gorgeous than ever during Sunday’s highly anticipated premiere! This British beauty recently shared her secrets for maintaining her glowing complexion including the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. I am a fan of the brand and use their products on a daily basis.

Designed to sweep away makeup and grime, this soft, luxurious balm is fit for a queen. A fusion of fragrant oils and waxes, this product works to breakdown micro-particles of makeup leaving skin perfectly cleansed, a must after a long day of filming. The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is suitable for all skin types, even combination & oily.

Available at Time To Spa  and Nordstrom now...

Unwash: Bio Cleansing Conditioner

Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner feels so delightful on my hair! It is meant to cleanse and not strip your hair and the brand challenges what some of us have been doing for years and years. It challenges the cycle of shampoo, condition, style and repeat!

Unwash is a new method to clean hair in a more civilized way, gently removing dirt and surface build up while locking in moisture, extending the life of hair color, and upholding you hair’s natural integrity. Ideal for color-treated hair and all hair types and textures also makes it an easy buy. 

Bio-Cleansing Conditioner locks in natural oils and color, replaces shampoo and is free of both parabens and sulfates.

Apply Emulsion Co-Wash Method, this unique formula attracts and removes daily dirt and surface build-up without stripping hair of its healthy, natural oils. Essential moisture is locked in to restore balance and promote healthy, smooth hair. Combined with nourishing oils and extracts, hair is left soft more manageable, free of frizz and full of bounce, body and vibrant natural beauty.

Available for $36 at Unwash.com and salons nationwide- experience the new movement in haircare.

Get The Look: Shailene Woodley at the MTV Movie Awards

I just adore her spirit as Shailene seems like a truly lovely human being! We have a signed poster from TFIOS that we won at a school auction as she is loved within my house...

Best Female Performance winner Shailene Woodley rocked the carpet this past Sunday at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards with a French inspired, bold yet naturally radiant look, created by Celebrity Makeup Artist Roxy.

  

To achieve this look, Roxy hydrated Shailene's face by applying Laurel Whole Plants Organic Skin Facial Elixir to her face, neck and decolletage. Next, to even out her skin tone and achieve a flawless finish, Roxy applied a sheer foundation with a beauty blender sponge. She then softly played up the definition of Shailene's cheek bones with a warm cream RMS Bronzer. Following this, for extra radiance, Roxy applied RMS illuminizer down the bridge of Shailene's nose, above and around the corners of her brows, in a C shaped manner.

For her eyes, Roxy applied a chocolate brown liner along the top and bottom lash lines, diffusing it softly with a petite eye brush. To emphasize the eyes a bit more, she layered a soft black liner on her top lid with a subtle smudge.

Last but not least, Roxy focused on Shailene's lips, applying a mixture of Burt's Bees Lip Crayons in Napa Vineyard and Redwood Forest ($9, www.burtbees.com), for a rich, bold and creamy red that finished the look flawlessly.

Bond No. 9 Celebrates Earth Day and Supports Urgent Environmental Issues

Bond No. 9 New York Announces Recycling Initiative: First Beauty Company to Embark on Glass Recycling Effort Initiative to Support Urgent Environmental Issue in New York and Around the World!

Luxury niche perfumer Laurice Rahme will open her Bond No. 9 New York boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue doors to anyone wishing to recycle their empty perfume bottles. Well known by fragrance connoisseurs for her exquisitely crafted collection of artisanal neighborhood scents, Rahme will put her efforts towards recycling the glass that houses them -- as well as any of her competitors’. Recycling is just one way this quintessential New Yorker can give back to the city she loves and make a difference in the fight to save the planet.

Just bring your empty perfume bottles from April 16th - April 29th to Bond No. 9 or Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide – Bond’s or anyone else’s. Bond No. 9 will take care of the rest. And by way of an eco-friendly thank-you, Bond No. 9 will give you a refillable pocket spray Free with any purchase.

“As I become more aware of the issues facing our environment, I feel compelled on a personal and business level to participate in the green movement – and assume a leadership role" said Laurice Rahme, creator and CEO, Bond No. 9 New York.

Rahme possesses a collection of vintage furniture finds and perfume bottles, serves organic tea in the flagship boutique’s tea salon, says no to plastic bags, lights her home using compact florescent bulbs and is now recycling empty perfume bottles. She walks the walk. And since it’s the new black, being green is easy for this New Yorker.

To find out more about Bond No. 9 and their collection of fragrances, please go to Bond No. 9

New for Hair: Invisibobble The Traceless Hair Ring

It is finally here in the United States! Available at Urban Outfitters at $8 per box, this fun and fashionable hair ring leaves hair free of kinks and creases every time.

Available in 8 different colors, women and men can avoid split ends and the common hair tie headaches. These rings are perfect for sports such as swimming as well as for those who suffer from allergies.

I used one this morning and it felt great and lightweight. I used it for my pony tail. No marks were on my hair hours later and that in itself- impressed me!

Get The Look: Anna Camp at the MTV Movie Awards

Like many of you, I cannot wait to see Pitch Perfect 2 and loved watching the various cast members as presenters at last night's MTV Movie Awards. That snippet with Rebel Wilson- so funny!

I loved Anna Camp in the HBO series True Blood, so it's only natural that I wanted to share her look with all of you. I am also a huge fan of Melanie Inglessis - last night's Make Up Artist! Melanie is currently working with Britney Spears on her latest music video- among many other clients. 

WHO: Anna Camp

MAKEUP BY: Melanie Inglessis, for MAKE UP FOR EVER

INSPIRATION: “I wanted to create a makeup look that would match Anna’s vibrant and fun dress, while giving a nod to the 60's with a modern twist.”

TIPS/TECHNIQUE: “To begin Anna’s look, I started by prepping her skin with the MAKE UP FOR EVER Skin Equalizer Radiant Primer. The light and luminous texture of this primer created a great base for her makeup and its peach undertone allowed it to pair flawlessly with her fair skin tone. Continuing on her skin, I used foundation on her entire face and blended it with a wet beauty blender. 

Next, to give her more of a sun kissed look, I used the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Sculpting Duo #1 in Pink Beige. The product comes with two shades inside, one for bronzing the other for highlighting. I used the bronze color as a way to define Anna’s cheek bones and then placed the highlighter on top of the most standard highlighting placements: the cheek bones, the inner corner of the eyes and brow bones. 

To continue this fresh look, I used a small amount of a peach colored blush on the apple of her cheeks. 

For her graphic eyeliner, I decided on a purple shade to compliment the hint of lime color in Anna’s dress. The two shades look fantastic together. I first used the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liner #I-90 in Iridescent Purple to create a line on her top lid, and finished if off with a wing effect that I followed back to the crease of her eyes. Once I was happy with the shape of the liner, I went over it with the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner #8 in Iridescent Electric Purple. These two liners together created the perfect texture and color. 

To make the purple liner stand out, I used a purple mascara on Anna’s top lashes only. 

 I wanted to create a very natural lip, and to do this, I used the new MAKE UP FOR EVER Plexi Gloss in Light Beige, which comes out in May. This gloss gave the perfect texture and color to her lips."

PRODUCTS: MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer Radiant Primer ($36); MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Sculpting Duo #1 Pink Beige, ($39); MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liner #I-90, Iridescent Purple ($19); MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner #8, Iridescent Electric Purple, ($23); MAKE UP FOR EVER PlexiGloss, Light Beige ($19) Available in May


RETAILER: Sephora, Sephora.com and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques

April: National Stress Awareness Month

Even though spring brings warmer days, it also brings longer days – making the need to decompress and de-stress even more important than usual.

To herald in the first few days of National Stress Awareness Month, below you’ll find a sampling of products that will help stave off the common stress-related concerns. Everything from setting yourself up for a better night’s sleep - 44% of stressed people in the U.S. lose sleep every night - to simply taking time out every few days to relax with aromatic, luxe beauty treatments. As a reminder, National Stress Awareness Day is April 16th.

STRESS RELIEF STARTS IN THE SHOWER

Avalon Organics® Lavender Shower Gel

NSF/ANSI 305 Certified: made with at least 70% organic ingredients. Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates

This natural shower gel will transform your bath or shower routine into a fresh and soothing experience. Wheat Protein and Aloe purify and restore dry-skin, while essential Lavender Oil calms the senses with a delicious, fragrant smell.

Price: $11, Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and www.avalonorganics.com

bliss hot salt scrub

Super-softening, spa-strength skin smoothing action!
stimulates the senses with rosemary and eucalyptus
hydrates the skin with algae extract and glycerin
self heating formula gently exfoliates the skin with sea salts

This legendary all-over sea salt body scrub is oil-free, super-softening, self-heating and spiked with eucalyptus and rosemary oils. It's the ultimate do-it-yourself spa-strength skin smoother.

Price: $38, Available at bliss spas, blissworld.com, ULTA and ULTA.com

SAVE YOURSELF A TRIP TO A PRO

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment

A busy schedule means certain tasks can fall by the wayside – like regular trips to the salon for color touchups. Often, blonde can quickly become brassy, but with EverPure it has never shined this brightly. This direct-dye treatment brings hair back to first-day color in just one use. The sulfate-free formula helps to preserve the integrity of the hair fiber for improved color retention. What’s more, it doesn’t take much more time out of your busy day than your daily shower.

Price: $8.99, Available at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide

StriVectinLABS 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel

Check a trip to the dermatologist off your seemingly ever-growing “to do” list. 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel is a potent, two-step resurfacing and exfoliating treatment with the highest level of Glycolic acid and other AHA acids available for home use. The 5-minute, weekly skin renewal treatment helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and diminishes the look of pores. Instantly, it improves clarity and enhances radiance for a luminous, youthful glow – even when you’re feeling less than your best.

Price: $89, Available at StriVectin.com

SLEEP WELL, LIVE WELL

bliss fatgirlsleep

a potent PM version of fatgirlslim with slenderiZZZe complex™

Get a full night's 'booty' sleep with this supercharged sister to our famed Fatgirlslim. Formulated with bliss’ signature encapsulated slenderiZZZe complex™ that releases multi-active ingredients and soothing lavender for up to 6 hours, this ultra-rich cream helps make the most of your body's overnight restorative process.

· sacred lotus flower addresses four causes of cellulite: fat storage, fat burning, water retention, and slackened skin
· promotes a sleep-friendly environment with lavender

Price: $38, Available at bliss spas, blissworld.com and Sephora

Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask

With the new Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask, Erno Laszlo redefines the term “Beauty Sleep” by introducing an overnight product that delivers unprecedented moisture and vital nutrients while you sleep. Sourced from the mountains, desert and sea, state-of-the-art hydrating ingredients such as Prickly Pear and Brown Algae are included in the Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask formula to provide optimal moisture results.

Price: $90, Available at ErnoLaszlo.com, The Institute—Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E

Resveratrol B E is an intensive antioxidant night concentrate that protects skin from the effects of free radicals created endogenously (often by stress and aging.) This potent overnight treatment neutralizes age-accelerating internal free radicals, strengthens functionality to resist new damage, and promotes skin’s natural repair to diminish the signs of accumulated damage. Resveratrol B E combines a maximized concentration of 1% pure, stable resveratrol, the highest level on the market today, which is synergistically enhanced with 0.5% baicalin and 1% vitamin E to boost skin’s endogenous antioxidant defense against oxidative stress.

Price: $145, Available at SkinCeuticals.com

SMALL LUXURIES THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Clarisonic® Limited-Edition Indulgence Gift Set

Treat yourself with Clarisonic Limited Edition Indulgence Gift Set. This Spa-in-a-Box leads with the unmatched Clarisonic Mia 3, which uses three customizable speed settings and advanced features to provide high-performance sonic cleansing. The set also includes Clarisonic’s best brush heads for a glowing complexion and truly relaxing experience. The Radiance Brush Head helps even out tone and texture, and the Cashmere Cleanse Brush Head is a luxurious, indulgent cleansing experience.

Set Includes: Clarisonic Mia 3, USB-Enabled Charger, Luxe Cashmere Cleanse Brush Head, Radiance Brush Head, 1 oz. Gentle Hydro Cleanser

Price: $199, available at Clarisonic.com


Cover FX Custom Cover Drops

Simplify your makeup routine and turn your favorite skincare into makeup with Custom Cover Drops. These revolutionary, pure pigments allow you to customize any product in your beauty regimen and control the level of coverage. Custom Cover Drops can be mixed with anything liquid – moisturizers, serums, oils, primers, foundations, tinted moisturizers and more – to turn them into custom makeup.
These drops feature Flash Fusion™ technology, so as soon as you drop, everything but the pure pigment flashes off, weightlessly transforming your favorite beauty product in the palm of your hand. The pigments are coated with Lecithin, which is biochemically similar to skin, smoothing the pigment particles so they spread easily. It’s simple to use – just place your usual product into the palm of your hand, DROP in Custom Cover Drops, MIX with your fingertips and TRANSFORM into perfect customized coverage, from a sheer tint (1 drop) to a full coverage foundation (4 drops). Available in 24 shades.

Price: $44, Available at Sephora, Sephora.com and CoverFX.com

GO SMiLE AM/PM LUXURY TOOTHPASTE DUO

These Luxury Toothpastes combine the fluoride and oral care ingredients you need with aromatherapy-inspired flavors that you'll love. Both formulas were designed with the beauty of your smile in mind - they remove surface stains to whiten teeth, and polish your enamel for a shiny surface and a smooth, fresh-from-the-dentist feeling. Embrace National Stress Awareness month both morning and night!

· Refresh will get you going whenever you need a lift with mint flavor and energizing extracts of lime, orange and mandarin.
· Relax will give you a feeling of tranquility with calming extracts of lavender, chamomile and vanilla.

Price: $25, available at GOSMiLE.com (Includes 2 tubes, 1 3.5 oz tube of EACH Refresh and Relax Toothpaste)


Kérastase Crème Chronologiste Revitalizing Balm

Take time to relax and truly pamper yourself with one of Kérastase’s most luxurious brand offerings, Crème Chronologiste. The crème de la crème of masks, this treatment is formulated with the largest amount of active ingredients including of Abyssine, Vitamins A & E, a trio of Ceramides and cationic derivative to deeply nourish hair from scalp to ends. The mask is pre-mixed with the mimetic-caviar pearls for total scalp and hair restoration and rejuvenation.

Price: $65, Available at Kerastase-USA.com and Kérastase Salons


Meaningful Beauty® by Cindy Crawford Deep Cleansing Masque

Sit back and relax with a "facial-in-a-bottle” thanks to the Deep Cleansing Masque, designed to lift the skin and exfoliate impurities. An infusion of antioxidants and marine extracts (Ginko Biloba, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil and Cucumber) allows you to deep clean and purify skin while reviving the stressed look of your face to reveal fresh, younger, radiant looking skin after just one use.

Price: $43, sold separately by calling 1-877-383-1212 or available at MeaningfulBeauty.com as part of the 5-piece New Advanced System ($39.95 plus s/h for 30 day supply). Preferred Customer: $29.95

Enjoy the pampering and remember to treat yourself kindly! Others, too! 

More from Nonie Creme Colour Prevails

As you know, meeting Nonie was a highlight just a few weeks ago as not only does she have an incredibly luxuriously affordable new line but she is also such  a sweet soul! 

Available now at the Duane Reade 40 Wall Street location and also at Walgreens.com and Drugstore.com, this line is vast and gives you a lot of opportunities to mix and match throughout the beauty categories. 

Pictured above are the Smoky & Smudgy and Marvelous Mattes Watercolour Wer/Dry Eye Shadow Palettes ($19 each). 

I already owned the Nude & Neutral palette so was delighted to try these. Their pigments are great and the mattes are truly matte! I like that Nonie suggests a good proof color combination for a look she believes in on the top of the palette

You can use the colors wet or dry and there is a brush in the center of the palette. It helps to define the eyes as I often use my fingers!

Please take a look at this line as there are lippy's, mascaras, glosses, foundations, etc. that are colorful, long wearing and practical. 

SPANX and Clinique Collaborate: Beauty Besties

How fun! Spanx has been my go to brand for years as has Clinique, so it's only natural that I find this collaboration to be extremely FITTING! I mean Sara Blakely basically put an end to having a "panty line" as she invented the first legband free shaper short. Fifteen years later, SPANX is introducing the next generation of seamless shaping...titled "Power Series."

To celebrate Spanx’s launch of their Power Series collection, they have teamed up with Clinique to present Beauty Besties, a pairing of the best everyday essentials for girls on the go!

Starting now and continuing every Saturday in April, they’ll be hosting in-store events at Nordstrom locations nationwide where guests will be treated to a curated selection of Clinique two-in-one staples alongside a Power Series consultation from Spanx (Power Series is a line of everyday essentials from Spanx created to provide the ultimate foundation for a flawless look – something Clinique is definitely familiar with on the beauty side).

The events will include contouring tips from beauty industry insiders, raffles and a gift with the purchase of any Beauty Besties Power Pair.

SPANX and Clinique Power Pairs include:

When you like your hemlines short and your lipstick staying power long…

SPANX Higher Power Panties (SRP $38) + Clinique Pop Lip Colour & Primer (SRP $18)



When you want all-day control and don’t have time for touch ups…

SPANX Power Short (SRP $38) + Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer (SRP $27)



When you want to contour your waist…and your face…

SPANX Higher Power Short (SRP $38) + Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour (SRP $21/each)