The Many Moods of Red

Red is a beautiful, enigmatic shade.  It stands for so many things – Paint the Town Red = Fun. Seeing Red = Anger. Red Hot = Sexy. Red is passion, it’s heart, it’s emotion. For this story, Red is Beauty.

Of course, the inspiration here starts with gorgeous red hair. The images are the collective creation of photographer Chris Eckert, hairstylist Kristan Serafino, model Melinda Lennox and makeup artist, me. With a signature red, Melinda transforms into anything from a sweet gamine to a stunning, wicked vixen – and each transformation mirrors the moods of red (with a sexy edge as Melinda can’t help but smolder). Enjoy!

Be Natural Tip: For a natural look keep the bottom lash line clean – mascara and eye liner on top lash line only.

Subtle Color Tip: Use earth tones to build color that looks soft and natural.

Luscious Lip Tip: To make lips look fuller, add a touch of shimmery gloss on top of lip color.

Contour Tip: For deeper eye contour, blend a darker shade into the crease.

Intense Eye Tip: To make eyes more intense, use a black kohl eye liner on the inner and outer lash line.

Drama Tip: To create a more drama, use contrast – concentrate color on eyes, and go nude on lips.

Click here for hairstyling tips from Kristan Serafino!

Next: How to Create the Looks. 

Top 6 Things to Do About Your Dry, Chapped Lips

6. Avoid Super Long Wear. If you wear lipstick, don’t use one of those longwearing lipsticks that has a lip stain on one end and a moisturizer on the other. At least, I’ve not found one that works. Even with the moisturizing stick, lips still feel dry shortly thereafter so you have to keep using the moisturizer on top of the stain all day long. And I don’t even think the color ends up being super long wearing anyway. Or else I’d be wearing them. 5. Find a Moisturizing Lipstick. I personally hate reapplying lipstick so I wear the driest, most matte lipsticks that don’t ever come off. This causes people to constantly comment on what a great color I have on but that my lips look really dry. Which, again, if I have to trade one thing for another I’m not going to wear a lipstick I have to reapply over and over. The alternative for me is not wearing lipstick. But you, like most people, probably don’t have this hang-up. So find something really creamy and soft like Lancome’s L'Absolu Rouge.

4. Moisturize Nightly. Since I wear dry lipstick during the day, I moisturize at night. I like to use either Burt’s Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter or Nivea Lip Care Essential. For some reason I discovered Nivea years ago in Dubai. It was in my hotel room or something and I had not had it before so I bought a whole bunch while I was there, only to realize we have it here. But since then I have loved many Nivea moisturizing products.

3. Exfoliate Lips. Use a gentle face scrub on your lips from time to time. I like Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream because it has a cream base and small, perfectly round beads that are gentle and buff off dryness. Do not use a chemical/cream exfoliant on your lips unless a company says it’s OK - if it’s not specifically made for lips it can be irritating (or worse).

2. Use a Lip Balm with a Lip Pencil. If you can’t find a moisturizing lipstick that does it for you, use a moisturizing lip balm with a lip liner. First apply lip balm; then line and fill in lips so you can wear it all as your lip color. Apply the balm first or else the lip pencil will probably drag and pull on your dry lip skin.

1. Drink Lots of Water. Cure that dryness from the inside out. Eight 8oz. glasses daily are the recommended but I find that I do best with 12 (glasses a day). This makes my brother to warn me about hyponatremia (water intoxication that can be fatal) but I rarely achieve 12 glasses anyway. I know if I did my lips would be soft and supple every day – without ever having to use any lip balm.

Mwah!

Linea Pelle's Designer Andrew Cotton Tips on How to Wear a Belt

Andrew Cotton is the "all things creative" genius behind Linea Pelle. We met on set where I was able to watch him discuss his designs and demonstrate how to best wear a belt. He talked a lot about belts, which made me realize that an accessory like a belt can be an addition that adds a touch of something without having to buy a new wardrobe. I’ve never been an accessories person. I love looking at them and even having them, but I find extra stuff too fussy for me - bracelets jangling on my wrists, necklaces getting in the way of my clothes, etc. –  I usually end up taking them off. Don’t get me wrong. Feel free to gift me because I do love them but history indicates you should not be offended if I'm not often wearing any. But I’ve been rethinking accessories lately. And I because of Andrew, I went out today and bought a new braided belt!

A Wide Belt, called the Bo Classic Braided Belt, looks and wears especially well because the leather is vintage, so it’s soft and stretchy and comfortable. You can also wear it on either your hips or waist. Since my waist isn’t flat post-pregnancy (yes, still – and not even close), wearing it on the hips is perfect. But if you’re tiny you have options. I also personally like wide belts because they are flattering in general.

Andrew’s Tips:

• Your Natural Waist. A lot of women think their waist is higher than it actually is. If you’re wearing a belt at the waist, make sure it’s worn just above the hips.
• Where it Fits. The best belt fit is generally when it’s on the middle hole. But, he says, you should also be able to move, a belt should never be uncomfortable and constricting.
• Have fun! Have fun and experiment with different kinds of belts – belts help shape your curves and style.

A skinny braided belt, called the Bo Double Wrap Braid Belt, is great because of its versatility and anybody of any size can wear it. So you can expand and contract and still be able to use this belt (those braids allow for many holes). It can also be worn either on the waist or hips and styled several different ways.

Andrew’s Tips:

• Wear it as a double wrap. Loop it through both of the straps for a different look.
• Criss-cross it. Use one strap through belt and let the other hang low. Andrew is all about fashion, but in the spirit of fun and personal expression. Have fun wearing it in whatever way that works for you. He says “Don't be uptight... the extra tail [hanging low] is called attitude.” I like that!
• Strategic placement. If you’re longer waisted, sling a skinny belt a bit lower on the hips – or opt for a wider belt.
• A Little Pooch? If you have a little extra stomach “pooch” use a hip belt that creates a V in front to elongate the torso.

While Andrew has so many tips and ideas for belt wearing, he also advises that you experiment with different belts and find the ones that work best for you. Which I say, is always the best advice. You know what works for you. (Or if not...maybe I can go back and find Andrew for you!)

Linea Pelle Designer Andrew Cotton and My New Favorite Bag

I met the ever-talented Linea Pelle designer Andrew Cotton on a shoot for Real Beauty. He was demonstrating his designs and I was being sold. Well, I was working - making sure he was camera-ready - but as I watched, I started realizing how much I wanted a new belt, a new bag, a new everything he was showing. So later I went to Linea Pelle’s showroom to see Andrew and try to find a bag for myself. This was bigger-than-it-should-be undertaking – partly because there were so many to choose from and partly because I’m so picky when it comes to bags. Having had so many over the years, I’ve wasted a decent amount I’ve ended up using once, only to go back to the old comfortable stand-bys. Andrew is more than just a designer. He’s a personality and a person equally talented with people. You know this when you meet him, but it was clearly demonstrated by the time and impressive amount of energy he used to patiently get me through my bag neuroses. Though it was a Friday and he was tired from traveling overseas, he thoughtfully listened to my list of criteria to find exactly what I needed.

Here’s what Andrew had to work with - For me, the perfect bag:

Must be both lightweight and substantial. It has to be substantial enough to not look like the handle’s going to break when I put all my heavy stuff in it. But it has to be lightweight enough that when I put all that stuff in it I’m not wishing I was carrying a lighter bag. Why carry a bag that’s going to strain your back and be heavier than all the stuff you put in it? No matter how cute it is, no matter what kind of shopper’s high I get when I buy it, I know I’ll end up carrying any old ragtag lightweight bag instead. And now that I’m always pushing a stroller I hang my bag on the handle – if the bag’s too heavy it tips the stroller backward. Nobody should be worrying about a baby tipping over in a stroller.

Has a strap that sits comfortably on the shoulder so my hands are free. I can’t stand it if I’m trying to do something but can only use one hand because the bag’s in the way. I don’t mind holding in the crook of my arm if it’s not too heavy, but prefer it be on my shoulder, completely out of the way. I also can’t stand when the handle is so roll-y it won’t stay on my shoulder and I keep having to pull it back up. A flatter strap is best for me. And sometimes two straps are better than one.

Is made of soft leather that wears well with age. Whenever possible, I like things to get better as they age or I feel like I’m throwing money away. Living in NYC I see women who carry new bags each season, but I’m too practical/poor/cheap to buy a really nice bag every season. Plus, if the leather looks better with age, then every season the bag is improving! More importantly, the bag is never bulkier than it needs to be because the supple leather just wraps itself around its contents. I love this.

So what that all adds up to is:It’s a called a Jesse Speedy Small and it’s perfect. Not only does it meet every bit of my picky criteria, it also has this little detachable pouch that clips to the inside for things that need to be easily accessible (such as your keys) and you’re not hunting all over the bottom of the bag looking for them. And there are two zippers - each with a sassy fringe - on each side so you don't have to open the entire bag to slip your hand in to get something. I usually like pretty simple bags, but this bag has just enough touches to give it more style - the zippers, the braiding on the straps,  the folds on each side at the bottom.

There’s also a larger Jesse Speedy bag and it can easily carry a laptop and anything else you might need for work, so I was getting stressed worrying about which one to pick (I do realize there are more important things to be stressed about but at the time it was definitely something to stress over). I was even bothering people there - who were working - for their opinions. One said she'd go bigger because she carries a lot of things; another said he preferred the small because he just liked the way it looked. We went back and forth because we all agreed we liked both.

After much deliberation, Andrew decided that the Jesse Speedy Small made me look espeically chic and said something to the effect of “well…you want to stay chic...you don’t want to fall into that ‘mommy thing'”. Which made me laugh because I already have (fallen into that mommy thing). But he had a point. Even if I'm too tired to care about how I look, no matter what size or shape I am, what clothes I can’t fit into, or what makeup I'm not wearing, my Jesse Speedy is still there for me, making me look chic.

My Jesse Speedy Bag and Me

Photo by Andrew Cotton.

The Dos and Don’ts of Concealing Under Eye Dark Circles

Did you watch this season’s Project Runway All-Stars? As they neared the finale, the designers were taken to the Hearst Tower to meet with the editor of Marie-Claire. I wasn’t there to meet an editor, but recently did some men’s grooming for a video shoot there. I’m only mentioning it from Project Runway because I love that beautiful building and hope you have seen it too (even if only on TV).Anyway, most men don’t want makeup, so my job is usually to make sure their hair and skin look good and they are camera-ready. But like women, even non-makeup wearing men ask about what to do with under eye dark circles. It’s tricky because if you need coverage but don’t want to look like you’re wearing makeup, application has to be just right. So if dark circles and puffiness are a concern for you, here are some makeup application Dos and Don’ts: DO

Start by applying a de-puffing eye cream and let it absorb into skin. A lot eye creams contain cucumber and caffeine and both are said to reduce dark circles/puffiness. Apparently, drinking a lot of caffeine is bad for dark circles, but putting it on your skin is good for reducing them! Try Origins No Puffery. Honestly, I completely forgot about this product until just now. When I was with Origins, I remember how people would panic when they could not find their No Puffery. Panic! I've never had a problem with dark circles or puffy eyes so cannot personally attest to its wonders - but I have seen other people worship this product.

Use a good under eye concealer brush. A good brush helps you “paint” dark circles away. Using fingers is much more difficult because it’s harder to be precise and get concealer exactly how you need it so it looks smooth and natural. I have several concealer brushes, but bareMinerals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush is one of my favorites. Sometimes the bristles on concealer and foundation brushes separate and make application difficult. This one doesn't.

Apply a peachy-pink/salmon shade of concealer. Why this shade works so well I don’t know, but it does. Since you don’t want concealer to show on skin, make sure it’s the right shade. Sometimes if the peachy/salmon shade doesn’t completely “disappear” on skin I use a slightly lighter concealer to blend it in. But, if you're not a makeup artist with all different shades at your disposal, you can also just use a small bit of your foundation over the concealer to blend it in. I like Eve Pearl's Salmon Concealer. 

Finish with a tiny bit of sheer powder on top of the concealer to set it. I always use the powder from Laura Mercier Undercover Pot. It has two shades of concealer and a little bit of powder you can use on top.

DON’T

Don't use too much concealer. You don’t want to trade one concern for another – if you put too much concealer in an effort to lighten dark circles it can get cake-y and creasy. A little concealer will still lighten dark circles – even if they are not completely covered, it's still better than looking cake-y and creasey. If you are 18 or 20 or whatever age under eye skin is always perfectly smooth, you can probably use more than most people. Otherwise, too much is worse than too little.

Don’t use too much powder. Too much powder can also make the concealer look cake-y and unnatural. A very light dusting is just enough.

Don’t rub or be too rough with the eye area skin. Skin around the eyes is more fragile and more easily damaged. Be gentle to yourself, especially in the eye area.

Don’t forget about prevention. Like everything with health and beauty, taking care of yourself is essential. Most people are aware – from first hand experience – that dark circles and puffiness often are the result of stress and lack of sleep. So cut back on the partying!

Behind the Scenes: Emmelle Fall 2012

This is a photo shoot for Emmelle’s Fall 2012 collection. Designer Mi Jong Lee’s clothing is feminine and strong and I especially like her Asian inspired pieces. She is also a very nice person! To complement the styling, we started with a softer makeup look but then decided to make it more dramatic. Below is the look I started with (via iPhone pics below); the second is what you see here in the final images. For the final look I just applied deeper shades over the first. The model – Angelika – is quite fair so it didn’t take much to add drama.

Here’s what I used:

Skin. Foundation, concealers, powders should be invisible - used as sparingly as possible. Her skin was pretty even so I just used a concealer only where she needed it. But she wasn't going outside. For most people I recommend a sheer foundation with an SPF to make sure you get daily sun protection. My friend Mary swears by Jouer Illuminizing Moisture Tint. I once gave it to her and later found out how much she liked it when the product ran out and she called me, very concerned that didn't know where to get another one (I’ve only seen it in Bendels NYC and she lives in California . . . but to her relief she found it online). I've given Mary many products over the years and she is very discriminating so I am confident in passing on her recommendation.

Cheeks. I like powder blush because it’s easy to blend and if I need to adjust application, it’s also easier to blend off. In general, a good rule is to start with less - it’s always easier to add than subtract! Here I used Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posy. It’s one of my favorite shades because it’s soft and warm. And it’s kind of a happy color.

Eyes. For eye shadow, I used one of my favorite palettes from Prescriptives, which unfortunately is no longer a brand so you can’t buy it anymore. A similar shade combination of what I used is Clinique Eyeshadow Duo in Like Mink. It has a pale shimmery cream and a dark shimmery brown. I used the light shade all over lid and the darker shade from lash to crease. For more drama, I applied a MAC Eye Shadow in Carbon and smudged it on the lid and around the top and bottom lashlines. Then I added layers of Clinique High Impact Mascara.

Lips. I kept lips soft because the eyes were so strong. I have a Bobbi Brown lip palette that has something like 20 or 30 shades so I never remember the names, but I used a peachy gloss with a Clinique Lip Liner called Honeystick (Can you tell I've worked a billion years with Clinique? I first worked with Clinique in 1990, so I have a pretty good idea of what their products do and do not do. So, yes, listen to me. I know!).

Anyway, as usual we had fun! I especially like how bride of frankenstein beautiful Angelika looks here:

Photography by  Seiji Fujimori, Styling by David Yassky, Hair by Kristan Serafino, Makeup by me.

Beauty at Carnegie Hall

If you’re Asian, you were probably required by your parents to learn either violin or piano. Mine was piano. And whenever I complained I was told, “You’ll thank us someday.” Which is true, although I only lasted 4 years and probably would be thanking them more had I lasted longer. But still I am grateful I can at least play a couple songs, such as Fur Elise and Moonlight Sonata—and if I really try I can still read a note or two. Which is also why my little Lucy will carry on to play either violin or piano too. Ha! And so the stereotype continues. While I don’t know the extent of her parental pressure, Xiang Wang clearly met and exceeded any standard put before her. Of a 2008 recital she did at Carnegie Hall, a New York Times reviewer wrote: “Even for the most gifted young pianist, it takes a lot to be noticed” and described her has having “an estimable grasp of pianistic color…an ability to maintain and illuminate a strand of melody within the thickest of textures.” Exactly what all this means I am not sure but I do understand she’s a recognized talent around the world.

We spent the day doing a photo shoot for the cover of Xiang’s upcoming CD. Because she normally wears very little makeup and was wary of it, I used just enough to emphasize her features.

Here’s what I used:

Powder. Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder applied lightly to smooth and matte-ify. Xiang’s skin was not oily, but any skin type can look shiny in photographs.

Eye Shadow. The darker shade of Clinique’s Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Like Mink from lash to crease and blended up. Tip: If you have trouble applying or blending eye shadow, Clinique is a good choice because their shadows are not highly pigmented so color can be built gradually.

Eye Liner. YSL’s Waterproof Eye Pencil in Black applied right on top and bottom lash lines to emphasize her eye shape and make lashes look fuller. For her eyebrows, I used the same liner by applying a swatch on the back of my hand (to use as a palette) and an angled Eye Brow Brush to gently brush on the natural shape of her eyebrows.

Lashes. Short individual false lashes applied on top lash line to create thicker, longer lashes. While it might sound as if fake lashes could never look natural, when applied correctly individual falsies look more natural than mascara. Xiang looked quite alarmed when I said I was using false lashes but as you can see it looks very natural.

Blush. Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Blush blended to sculpt and emphasize her high cheekbones.

Lip Gloss. philosophy Raspberry Sorbet Lip Shine with a lip pencil to add just a touch of color and shine.

This shoot was with photographer Chris Lee* and hairstylist Kristan Serafino at Steinway Hall on 57^th Street. If ever you are in NYC and play piano or even just love piano, go visit. As formal and imposing and museum-like as it appears, the staff is easy-going and welcoming and you’re free to wander through the building to play the many different pianos in the various rooms. And while some of the world’s best pianists play there, no one even cares if that for you it’s just playing Fur Elise.

*Note: I think Chris would appreciate that, with the exception of the beautiful image of Xiang in blue, I let you know that none of the other images posted here are his. Most of them are taken by an amateur (me) on my iPhone.

Making Makeup Last

Have you ever come home, looked in the mirror, and wondered where the makeup went? Or maybe you just can't be bothered to reapply throughout the day. If so, and you want to change it, here are tips to make your makeup last longer. Skin. For foundation, find one that's right for your skin type and also indicates longer wear. If you use a foundation that's not for your skin type you will not get the right results - if your skin is oily and you use a foundation for dry skin, it will look shiny and definitely slip off your skin;  likewise, if your skin is dry and you use an oily skin foundation it will make your skin look and feel even drier. Use a brush to lightly dust powder and set foundation.

Cheeks. Find a good, long-wearing blush tint or cream blush. For even longer wear, pat a matching powder blush on top. I like Becca's Beach Tint for several reasons. You can use it on cheeks and lips (I am always looking for all-in-one products because I won't spend a lot of time on my own makeup). It's a small, portable tube so you can throw it in your bag too. And I just like Becca's packaging. When I looked it up, I found out that this product is also one of Allure magazine's Editor's Picks. So me and the editors recommend it. The only thing about this product is that after awhile you have to massage the tube before squeezing because the product can separate. But it still always looks good.

Eyes. Try a cream eye shadow. For more intense color, add powder eyeshadow on top. Use an eyeliner that doesn't move. For over 20 years I have loved Clinique's Water-Resistant Eyeliner. I was devastated (OK that's  exaggerated, but I was a little unhappy) when it was discontinued. And I wasn't the only one because eventually Clinique brought it back. It's not waterproof but as long as it's dry it never comes off until you take it off. For lashes, look for a waterproof formula or water-resistant mascara. My fellow makeup artist friend swears by Trish McEvoy's Lash Curling Mascara. I haven't tried it myself but I know the type of formula it is - it will only come off by intentionally using warm water (meaning, a splash of water or tears that come when you watch Beaches will not remove the mascara or make it run).

Lips. Line and fill in with lip liner first; then apply lipstick. For longest wear, use a matte lipstick over the lip liner…although if you have dry lips it may make your lips drier so you'll need to moisturize lips well at night.

I hope these help! Here's to your long wearing makeup days.

If You've Broken Your New Year's Resolution, There's Always the Year of the Dragon.

If you have already fallen off the wagon (as I have) for your New Year's Resolutions, fear not. There's still time for redemption - Chinese New Year, which starts today, January 23. That means today is your new, New Year! My husband and I made a January 1 pact that we would go to bed every night at 10p.m. This isn't even a hard one like "I will cut all sugar from my diet" or "I will exercise before work every day". It's just that we have an early morning alarm clock with no snooze button, our daughter Lucy. Every night we stay up late we curse ourselves (or each other) in the morning for not having gone to bed sooner. So starting tonight we will recalibrate and start anew. Sometimes when you write things down they seem more real, and when you write things down that other people will read,  even more so. Therefore, here is my plan: 1. Strictly enforce a 9p.m. starting to-get-to-bed routine. No matter what. I have a whole ritual around going to bed so if I start late, I am guaranteed late.

2. Turn off the TV early. It's always, "but the show's almost over" or "this one is on DVR so without commercials it's only 15 minutes." No.

3. Streamline and organize the Bedtime Ritual. This sounds a little OCD, but I've found that if a goal is broken down into small little, specific goals, it's much easier to take in. And easier to do. For example, before I go to bed I always need a clean face, clean teeth, a glass of water, a book to read, etc. So it could look like this:

1. Cleanse and moisturize.
2. Floss and brush teeth.
3. Put a glass of water and a book by the bed.
4. Plug phone in to charge overnight.
5. Etc. (not going to bore you with all the tedious but personally necessary details)

4. Have a healthy snack. A rumbling stomach will wake me up. But eating a Crumbs cupcake or leftover chicken wings is not the answer (And, yes, I eat that bad. Healthy eating could certainly be another resolution, but as I said, you have to start small to go big...or maybe I just want to keep eating cupcakes.)

5. Get something to help maintain the bedtime ritual. I used to have this minty aromatherapy product called Origins"Peace of Mind" that is meant to help relax the body and mind. For me this scent helps signal bedtime as I associate it with relaxation. Think I'm going to check if they still have it and try it again. My brother uses sleepy tea that relaxes to signal bedtime. 

6. Anticipate what throws you off track and have Plan Bs for things you know are likely to stop you from reaching your goal. I put the TV one above because my husband loves TV and it definitely is an ongoing factor in getting to bed earlier. American Idol's on! The game is in overtime!

So that's my Getting More Sleep list. From what I've learned, to make any goal achievable you have to start with something realistically do-able (Maybe not, say, "I must run 10 miles a day"- unless you're a runner and you could actually do that) and make it habitual (repeat it the same way at the same time as much as possible).

My other goal is to get a regular schedule to write this blog. This whole article is about ME. Ha! But I hope it gives you ideas for achieving your goals. And remind you that you have a reprieve start over today, New Year's Day (in China).

They say it takes about 31 days to create a sustainable routine. So here's to March 2012!

2012 is the Year of the Dragon. Let's find our determination and inner dragon!

My Favorite Products Winter 2012

Since I work with so many different brands I am lucky enough to try and evaluate products on a regular basis. And, of course, I can't help myself and buy my own as well. So my list of favorites is always evolving as I discover new things, but these are my recent discoveries.

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

I recently used this on many different skin tones and was pleasantly surprised to see it truly was invisible. Products often say they are "invisible" but then they are only invisible on certain - usually light - skin tones. I have not yet tried this on very dark skin, but so far it has worked on every other skin tone.  It also not only looks invisible, it feels incredibly silky smooth. I was so happy to find this because I have to powder people all day long and I'm always carrying around different shades for different people. And if I powder too much the makeup often gets cake-y. Now I have this one!

Up & Up Cocoa Butter Lotion Deep Conditioning

I am an equal opportunity cosmetic user. I am discriminating but do not brand discriminate when something is good. If there's a deal to be had, I will have it. This cream is a generic Target brand. I have a 31.8 fl oz bottle that you can buy online for $3.49USD. (It says 30% more, although I do not know what it's measuring against.) My skin gets so dry in the winter that usually only the really thick creams make my skin comfortable - but they also make it greasy. This lotion is creamy and makes skin instantly comfortable. I also put some extra on my feet right after I crawl in bed so my feet are extra-soft in the morning.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10

So not only do I love Chanel packaging (who doesn't?) but their products are good too. I originally thought this foundation would be shimmery and sheer because the word "lumiere" made me think it would shimmer. It is actually lightweight like a sheer foundation, only with more coverage. It gives you that "I don't have makeup on" look, except your skin is more smooth and even. For that reason, I love it. And, if you can't or don't want to afford a Chanel bag, a little Chanel makeup is a nice mini-substitute. It's not inexpensive, but you do at least get what you paid for.

It's only January, so I expect I will find more favorite makeup gems. And when I do, you'll see them here too.

Start Anew: Makeup a New Year!

It's time to throw the old out and try something new! Throw Out: Mascara longer than 3 months old. Bacteria grows in old mascara and makes it go bad. Yuck.

Try On: Individual lashes. If you've never tried this, you can get a little pack at the drugstore that has both the lashes and lash glue. Squeeze lash glue onto a tissue and use either your fingers or tweezers to dip a bit of glue on the end of lash and place wherever you'd like your lashes to be thicker and fuller. Application takes more time than mascara, but it's fun to try out sometime!

Throw Out: Your cracked blush and eye shadows. While they may be some of your favorite colors it's not worth having little pieces of makeup flying all over the sink and/or leaving streaks in your bag. If they are irreplaceable shades you must have, find one of those cosmetics stores (in NYC there's one called "Ricky's") that has empty cosmetics containers and see if you can scrape into one of those and then use a brush for application.

Try On: Colors you've never tried before. For example, if you always wear neutrals, add something bright. If you're only comfortable in certain tones, you don't have to change all your shades - just add a touch of color, like a sheer lipstick or gloss in a brighter shade.

Throw Out: Colors you've had for a long time and intend to wear but never, ever do.

Try On: Do a swap with one of your friends who has some of her own colors she never wears. Help everyone start anew!

I'm Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas Makeup Tips

In case you’re here to find makeup tips for a Holiday Look, let’s talk about that. It makes sense that most holiday looks always involve some kind of sparkle. So what kind of sparkle should you use? Anybody who knows me knows I’m not much for rules. Just do what you like and what works for you. But here are some ideas and tips: If your dress is especially sparkly, balance your look with a softer eye.

Matte. Try a matte eye shadow. Use a lighter shade for a brighter eye look or a smokier shade for more drama. Try a lash to brow lighter shade for daytime; a dark brown or black smudged shadow around the eye (like an eyeliner). With either, apply eyeliner on the top lash line and lots and lots of mascara.

Soft. Use a lipstick that’s close to your natural lip color. That way you still get some color that doesn’t compete with your dress. Or, if you’d prefer to compete with your dress, go for bright red lips. Your choice!

If you want your makeup, not clothing, to show your festive side, sparkle it up!

Shimmer. Find a lighter, shimmer-y eye shadow shade and apply from lash to brow and a darker shade in the crease. Then use a light silver or gold shade or eye pencil to brighten the inner and outer corners of eyes. And, again, apply liner on the upper lash line and lots and lots of mascara!

Sheer. For lips, use a sheer gloss for a touch of shine. If you want more color with your gloss, line and fill lips in with a lip liner and then apply gloss on top.

If it’s a nighttime cocktail party, the lights are usually softer and you’re probably going to get your picture taken at some point.

Especially now that everyone has cell phone cameras, the likelihood of having your picture taken is about 100%. Consider:

Soft Lighting. Under softer lights, you can wear deeper, darker shades without looking too made up. If you like to wear more makeup, this is the time. You won’t look overdone (unless you really do overdo it…which of course you won’t do).

Photography. Make sure everything is softly blended because the flash of light magnifies where and how you apply your makeup. If it’s blended, your features look emphasized; if it’s not, you can look garish, even if you don’t look that way under regular lights.

So go be festive. Look amazing. But most of all, have fun!

Happy Christmas, Lucy!

I’m not very festive. I am not really a party-goer. I don’t drink. I’ve never even had my own Christmas tree. (Man, I am more un-festive than I even realized.) But I do like seeing the beautiful holiday festivities. I like all that sparkles and twinkles and shines. I like seeing people’s red-cheeks in the cold as they rush around 5^th Avenue, looking in department store windows and shopping for gifts. I love the newness and excitement that children see in every story, song and everything that is Christmas. Last weekend we went to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. I maybe have seen it once before, when I first moved to NYC and walked around the city like a tourist. It was so crowded, with people spilling out of the sidewalks and police pushing them back off the street. It was cold. But when we turned the corner and there was the tree, it was magnificent.

Sometimes, when things don’t feel so shiny and bright, you may have to look for those moments when you realize how amazing it is to be alive. That’s how that moment was for me, one that reminded me of being a child feeling the magic of Christmas. So here's to many more to come, for me and for you. Happy Holidays!

This is my daughter Lucy, celebrating her second Christmas. (The first Christmas she can remember, that is.) Photo by Chris Lee.

Can You Run Your Fingers Through Matthew McConaughey's Hair?

Um, probably not. Unless he's your husband. Or his love interest in a starring role. Or if you are lucky enough to be Kristan Serafino, his personal hairstylist! Kristan has styled Matthew's hair for television, movies and magazines, as well as for the Dolce & Gabbana campaign.

And though she is an accomplished celebrity to the stars, she is also a celebrity in her own right. Kristan is the spokesperson and face of Kiss' Silicone Protexion Flat Iron, and is one of Cosmopolitan magazine's top beauty experts. The list of her accomplishments is long, so here is just a sampling of some of the things she's done.

You'll love Kristan's work if...

You watched Tony Soprano in therapy.

You loved the tough NYPD boss Anita Van Buren in Law & Order.

You grew up with Ferris Bueller.

You love tennis . . .

. . . or ballet.

To see more of Kristan's work, go to www.kristanserafino.com and  to get some of her tips and techniques (and maybe get to know her), go to www.serafinosays.com.

Electrolux Meets America's Top Chef

This video was fun because it was for Electrolux kitchen appliances, which also meant it included food. And not just any old food. Food prepared and styled by Chef Dave Martin, a finalist from the first season of America’s Top Chef. Not only is Chef Dave a talented chef, he is also a very nice person. While they were filming I'd sneak over to his table of food and he'd let me sample his delicious wares. I learned later that you don't mess with Chef Dave, who is famously known for telling off a too-aggressive  fellow TC competitor. "I'm not your b*tch, B*TCTH!" apparently became known as the most quoted line of Season 1. If you'd like to see Chef Dave in action, he just opened The Meatball Factory at 2nd Avenue and East 14th Street in NYC. Just don't mess with him!

Aside from eating, I did actually work doing makeup for the featured spokesperson, Sissy Biggers. Sissy is a lifestyle expert with particular expertise in food as she previously hosted the Food Network’s show, “Ready…Set…Cook!” Here she shares preparation tips for entertaining. She also points out how this refrigerator has 9 pre-set temperature controls so you can set it to exactly what you’re storing, which is pretty cool (unlike how I put things I want colder in the back of the fridge).

Since this clip only shows what’s in the refrigerator, I have included a picture I took of the beautiful turkey in the oven. Mmmm…

Get the J.Lo Glow!

One woman who wears makeup right is Jennifer Lopez. She is always glowing. Next time you're watching TV, look at people's makeup and compare the difference. For example, sometimes newscasters look orange or greyish or too pale (I know sometimes they have to do their own makeup so we can cut them slack, but take a look). Below are some things you can do to try on the glowy look as shown here. When J.Lo goes red-carpet-y and glamorous, she does it just right. The Look Basics

Blend well.  Makeup looks soft, with edges fading away. Here and elsewhere, her makeup is almost always well blended.

Skin looks natural. Her foundation is used to smooth and even her skin, and the shade gives her a slightly warmer look.  Again, the makeup is so blended and smooth it gives her a non-makeup-y glow.

Focus on eyes. The makeup draws attention to her eyes. Everything else is muted.

Face

Bronze. After foundation, apply bronzer at hairline, on forehead and down the sides of face. Bare Minerals Warm Radiance works on many skin tones for both men and women. It gives a touch of warmth without looking unnatural or orange-ish.

Brighten. Choose an under eye concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone; blend under eyes to the tops of your cheekbones. This is what gives her that bright-eyed look. I like YSL Touche Éclat for this because it's so lightweight it doesn't look like you added a lot of makeup.

Flush. Use a soft pink cheek color, concentrating color on the apples of cheeks and up cheekbones. Blend so it fades away.

Eyes

Start with a pink base. Use a pink eye shadow all over eyelid, blend up to (but not on) brow bone. Make sure the pink is not too bright. It’s not a garish pink, it’s soft, slightly pink shade.

Use a plum shadow in crease. Apply a dark plum eye shadow at the base of lashes, in crease and blend up, fading into the pink.

Apply black eyeliner. Use a black kohl eye pencil on the inside and on lash line. Meaning, right next to the whites on the inner part of eyeline is lined black, as well as on the lash line.

Blend brown eye shadow slightly underneath the lash line. Blend a golden brown shade under the bottom lash line. Use a thin brush to smudge and blend.

Lashes. Her top lashes are long, even and perfectly separated—if you’re why wondering they’re so perfect, it’s because they’re falsies. If you’re feeling adventuresome, try falsies on your top lash line. If not, try Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Mascara in black.

Brows. Use a brow powder, such as Clinique Brow Shaper, to lightly fill in brow shape. It's easier to use a powder than a brow pencil. I always recommend filling in your natural brow shape…unless your brow shape is all over the place. If so, pluck the stray hairs around your brows first and then fill in.

Lips

Nude. Line and fill in lips with a light pink-beige pencil. Then use a matte lipstick of a slightly lighter shade, concentrating color on the middle of the lip. Look closely and you can see that the lipstick is slightly lighter and then blends out to a slightly darker lip line. You can also use a light, nude gloss on top for extra shine.

Voila. The J.Lo glow!

Clinique Laboratories Expert Tips Videos

Check out the Expert Tips and Trends videos I did with Clinique. You can’t see me in the video, but you can see my hands! And maybe learn some makeup tips too. http://www.clinique.com/cms/expert_tips_trends/how_to/video_makeup.tmpl

Here’s what I like: Clinique is very strict about using only Clinique while filming—no false advertising. Everything you see is what a Clinique product will do. And this is HD video. No PhotoShop or alterations. What you see is what you get. I admire and am proud to be a part of that kind of integrity.

LOFT Loves Teachers Makeovers!

If you didn't already know, Ann Taylor LOFT has a teachers' perks program that includes every day discounts, special events, as well as sweepstakes and a cool 50K grant program in support of educators! If I were a teacher, I'd be heading off to LOFT to be appreciated.

We took a trek to Connecticut to do the hair, makeup and fashion makeovers currently featured  in LOFT Loves Teachers. I had not been in a high school since...a long time ago. So being in the gym, walking halls through the halls and seeing those little desks brought back memories of Spanish class (Me llamo Robyn), dreading algebra and hearing the bell ring (running to get back in the classroom on time). Memories good and bad, of course. It's high school!

If you're looking for "before" shots, we don't have any. The makeover was more about letting the teachers have fun with a new look, so it's just the "after." See some images below. Enjoy!

Photos by J. Ryan Roberts and Guggenheim Productions. Hair by Katie Ambrose, makeup by Me. 

RealAge with Dr. Amy Wechsler

As a makeup artist, I can share knowledge and give tips on skin care. But I’m no doctor. Dr. Amy Wechsler is! She's brilliant dermatologist with a degree in psychiatry—she understands your skin, but she also understands how it affects you as a person.

Dr. Wechsler is also a spokesperson for RealAge and is Marie-Claire magazine’s resident dermatologist (In other words, she's a rock star).

Here’s a RealAge video clip of her dermatological skin tips. And, you’ll see that in addition to everything else, Amy is beautiful. I merely did her makeup to accentuate that beauty.

http://www.realage.com/videos/bclid=5982078001&bctid=16659702001&click=vid_sr

How to Keep Your Skin Healthy and Young

Did you know that 90% of aging is from the environment and sun? And sun protection is not just preserving your skin, it also can protect your health, your life! It's serious. It’s pretty easy to remember how damaging the sun can be when it’s beating down on you. It’s when it’s cool and cloudy that sometimes you need to worry most—because even if you can’t see it, the sun still creeps through the clouds and damages skin.

Some options for your protection:

Get a moisturizer with SPF. It’s a simple way to protect yourself without worrying about the extra step of adding sunscreen. I recently discovered LaRoche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer. I love that it’s in a tube (easy to pack and hard to break) and it has a nice creamy texture you don’t always get from a moisturizer in a tube.

Use a tinted moisturizer with SPF. It can replace a moisturizer, sunscreen and is a lightweight alternative to foundation—an all-in-one multi-tasker! Try Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20.

For your body, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock is the best! I put this product on for a long hike and ocean swim in Hawaii. When I got home, the only place the sun got me was where I didn’t apply it! You could see fingerprints where I missed applying to the backs of my shoulder. This sun block is so light and non-greasy you don’t even feel it on your skin.

Give yourself the rule that you will never, ever go out without protection. I always assume that whenever I'm outside, I'm getting damaged. This makes me just paranoid enough to heed my own advice. Do whatever it takes to motivate you.