Author: Lindsay

Charlize Theron at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards – Get the Look

I am having a moment of adoration for Dior makeup. Dior continues to be one of (if not the) most popular luxury makeup line, but their Spring collection has me swooning, especially Dior Beauty Three-Color Smoky Eye Shadow in Smoky Violet. Dior Beauty Waterproof Eyeliner and Diorshow Iconic Mascara will always occupy my vanity real estate.

I guess Charlize is having a moment too – she was head-to-toe in a romantic look that was 100% Dior.

Shane Paish, International Makeup Expert for Dior, created the look. “The look was all about polished, effortless glamour,” said Paish.

Skin: Dior L’Or de Vie La Creme, Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation.
Eyes: Dior 5-Couleurs Eyeshadow in Garden Roses #841, Diorshow Extase Mascara.
Lips: Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Tulip Pink #448, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss inBeige Tweed #227.
Cheeks: Diorblush in Pink in Love #889.

I would be remiss not to mention that stunning headband and hair styling. After all, it was Cartier. Okay, so maybe not completely head-to-toe Dior, but we shall make an exception for Cartier. 🙂

Claire Danes at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards – Get the Look

I had a blast last night, tweeting away commentary on the Golden Globes red carpet. I had all sorts of opinions but mostly was awed by the return of real hollywood glamour and the sheer beauty of these stars. Claire Danes accepted her Golden Globe award for best performance by an actress in a television series (“Homeland”) in a black and white J Mendel. The dress (especially the back) was pretty but the real star was her makeup.

Matin Maulawizada, Global Artistry Director and Brand Ambassador for Laura Mercier, created her Old Hollywood look. Her lips were the star – order Laura Mercier Crème Lip Colour in Seduction shade now because it is already on backorder at some stores.

Other details:

Face:

• To ensure she looked flawless throughout the evening – from her early afternoon red carpet arrival to post-show after-parties, Matin prepped Claire’s face using the iconic Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $30.

• Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Foundation in Sunny Beige, $50, evened out her skin tone.

• Matin then lightly applied Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic, $38, to Claire’s cheekbones to enhance her natural glow.

• Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC3, $28, brightened darker tones under Claire’s eyes.

• The look was set with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent, $34, a universal loose powder that creates a soft-focus effect on-camera.

Eyes:

• Matin used Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony, $22, to line Claire’s upper and lower rims, and finished the look with two coats of Laura Mercier Waterproof Mascara, $20.

NARS Bilbao Lipstick

It is no secret that I love NARS Lipsticks, especially for a pop of color. But the new Spring collection offers a peachy-nude lipstick that is remarkably pretty – feminine and demure, delicate but polished. I like it because it just has that touch of plum that gives some definition to a nude pout.

Doesn’t hurt that it is named after one of my most favorite spots, a city on the Northern coast of Spain. How could you not love a massively exotic langage (Basque), Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Basque sidra, an effervescent, only slightly sweet apple adult beverage? I need a return visit, wearing my Bilbao lipstick, naturally.

Miracle Skin Giveaway

I went about this a bit backwards. I was already hooked on the Miracle Skin™ Transformer Body SPF 20 but hadn’t yet tried Miracle Skin’s original product: Miracle Skin™ Transformer. There is certainly no method to my madness. But moving on, I was met with just as wonderful of a product as I expected. Sarah McNamara (Miracle Skin founder) has developed a core set of products that are simple, effective staples for your vanity (and mine). Plus they are made in the USA and not tested on animals, snagging my seal of approval.

The Miracle Skin™ Transformer isn’t a tinted moisturizer, but a tinted skin enhancer. The coverage is very light (but buildable). The silicone formulation improves the look of skin by minimizing fine lines, dark spots and blemishes. My complexion is evener but not covered up. At the same time, using the M3 Complex, the skin is hydrated while active antioxidants and vitamins (A, K, and E ) go to work. The formula literally calms down my perpetually red skin. And this winter, it has been my go to sun protection (SPF 20/UVA/UVB protection). I use Light. It is pretty sheer so it works, but I suggest you go a shade darker than you think you need. Next time, I’m going pick up Medium Tan.

Available in six shades:

Since I was clearly a convert, I HAD to try the Miracle Skin™ Transformer Treat & Conceal Eye & Face. This might be the all-star. It is actually a serum that conceals while it treats acne, redness, lines, bags, circles or whatever needs hiding. Salicylic acid helps treat blemishes – but it is gentle enough not to anger my sensitive skin. Vitamin K treats vascular conditions like nasty dark circles and redness around the nose. White rose and chamomile extracts calm the skin. Unlike any other concealer, it is silicone derived, creating a smooth and natural coverage. This is the least cake-y concealer I have used. I use light for the undereye, but I think next time I will pick up light/medium. Light is great for circles but a little too fair for my blemishes.

Available in three shades:

I can’t help but share this enthusiasm with you, my dear readers. So Miracle Skin and I are giving away a Miracle Skin™ Transformer AND Treat & Conceal Eye & Face to one lucky reader. Just enter using the widget below. Good luck!

Omoroivza Queen of Hungary Mist

I’ve recognized some skin care products for sticking around for decades, but this is the first time I’ve encountered something that has passed the test for centuries. The original formula of Queen of Hungary Water was formulated for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary in the 14th century. It was the original “must have” in Europe, known all over the continent for centuries. Are you paying attention yet? Because this legend certainly had mine. And I can’t say I blame the Queen for reportedly having the original formula written in letters of gold. Yes, it is that good.

And I am no stranger to sprays or sprits. I use these products year-round: for extra moisture in the winter and a refreshing cool-down in the summer. So trust me when I say this one is special. It is part fragrance, but only in the sense that it effects your mood in the most lovely way. The Orange Blossom, Rose, and Sage Waters are uplifting, refreshing and soothing all at the same time. The updated formula contains no alcohol, allowing for tremendous skin care benefits.

The whole Omorovicza line utilizes Hungarian Thermal Water, full of minerals and trace elements that work wonders on the skin. In addition, the founders developed Omorovicza Pannon Complex that works to best deliver these beneficial ingredients. So, as your mood lifts, you are toning and hydrating the skin – probably why I have decanted this into smaller containers for the airplane.

Some of my other Omorovicza favorites include: Thermal Cleansing Balm, Gold Eye Lift and Gold Shimmer Oil.

Travel Friendly Wipes

I was, almost irrationally, excited to achieve a exclusive frequent flier status this past year. Those little perks, upgrades and VIP treatment are just enough to transform a flying experience. So, needless to say, I am no stranger to airplanes. And you’ll be surprised to hear, unlike most beauty junkies, I do not check luggage if at all possible. Fretting over its safe arrival is just too much to take. And maybe a little control freak problem going on there too.

So, I like to consider myself an expert on how to pack TSA-friendly cosmetics. The champion of this endeavor is wipes. These guys don’t require any of that precious space in that plastic baggie. So, why not throw in a couple varieties? Along with Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, these are my favorites.

Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes are the value performer. At the same time, they are gentle on my sensitive skin. I like using these for workhorse eye makeup removal. Even though they are gentle, they can easily stand up to a heavily dressed up eye. The wipes are alcohol-free, colorant-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and silicone-free. The smaller packs of 10 wipes for $2.99 are great for your purse and you can find them at CVS.

Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes are also super gentle but a little more of a splurge – $12 for 25 wipes at Sephora. But these guys are performers. I get that fully cleansed feel after I use these, just as if I had used my favorite foaming cleanser. The milk proteins help soften the skin with supple, refreshed results. These milk proteins contain amino acids that actually nourish, rather than strip, the skin.

Hope these will come in handy for you on your upcoming (and hopefully beach getaway) travels! Bon Voyage.