SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Grinning Cheek To Cheek With New BUXOM True Hue Blushes

 

 

Bare Escentuals' BUXOM line emphamizes flamboyance, voluptuousness, succulence, sensuality, and a lustworthy bodaciousness. Up until now, these qualities have been channeled via lip plumping glosses and creamy lip pencils, vibrant and shimmering cream eye shadows, volumizing mascaras, richly pigmented smoky eye pencils, and lash-enhancing gel liners. Come February, however, BUXOM will set sail into uncharted territories (in the brand's history, that is), releasing its first-ever complexion offering: the BUXOM True Hue Blush. 

Available in eight vivid shades, these paraben-free powder blushes are formulated with rhodiola, a plant that grows in arctic climates and is commonly found in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Siberia, and China. The antioxidant-rich botanical boosts collagen and elastin production, thereby rejuvenating the skin, while the rosavins found in the plant help oxygen-deprived skin, making it appear more refreshed and giving he complexion a healthier appearance.

Packaged in square black compacts with flip tops and built-in mirrors, these blushes feel silky against the skin without being too most to properly smooth and blend. Though richly pigmented, the True Hue Blushes can be customized to create the desired intensity. The Rendezvous shade, for example, a bright plum-tinged pink color reminiscent of coleus plant leaves and magenta-ish Alpinia purpurata flowers, can give cheeks a subtle rosy tint or it can be layered to create a truly robust shade (check out the swatch above). The shade features a sprinkle of pale pink micropearls for a subtle shimmer, but otherwise boasts a satiny finish.

I had the chance to test out four of the True Hue Blush shades: Rendezvous, Luvitate, Swept Away, and Euphoria. The Rendevous and Euphoria shades both fall on the brighter end of the spectrum — particularly the Euphoria color, an intense orange peach hue that actually resembles the darker patches of color on the exterior of fuzzy Texas peaches but infuses a dose technicolor salmon orange. The Swept Away shade, in contrast, is a darling creamy light peach with a rather matte texture — it's the type of feathery soft color you'd expect to find on a spring begonia flower or on a seashell that washed up on a beach shore. Last, Luvitate is a luminous, bronze-y golden pink saturated with fine pink and gold micropearls, therby giving the skin a sunkissed effect while also giving it a subtle, rosy, afterglow-like effect. 

Above, you'll find swatches of the Rendezvous, Luvitate, Swept Away, and Euphoria shades. I actually love all four colors, but I've been using Swept Away the most often to balance out dark smoky eye looks. As summer approaches, I'll likely gravitate to Euphoria and Rendezvous for an '80s-worthy dose of color along my cheekbones and the apples of my cheeks, a look that would make Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, and Boy George nod in approval.

All four shades, along with the other four colors, will be available for $24 at Sephora and Sephora.com in February.

Here's a photo of me wearing the Swept Away True Hue Blush. Neat, right?

 

 

 

The Makings Of A Cover-Up -- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

 

 

In the beauty arena, Amazonian Clay is buzzing harder than an overzealous "Press Your Luck" contestant — and no one has quite explored the benefits of this skin refining ingredient as thoroughly as eco-friendly makeup line Tarte Cosmetics, releasing such "best in show" products as their Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum, Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (I swear by the Amused, Exposed, and Dollface shades), and emphasEYES Waterproof Amazonian Clay Cream Eyeshadow. The latest addition to their ever-expanding Amazonian Clay family: the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation ($38 at QVC.com).

Until now, Tarte only offered one liquid foundation option: the ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation with Wrinkle Rewind Technology, containing micronized mineral pigments to provide the necessary coverage, along with moisturizing peat extract, wheat extract (a natural humectant), and antioxidant-rich goji berry — all of which worked together to moisturize the skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I loved the ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation, but I did hope for a formula that was even lighter and less discernible.

Enter the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation, which delivers such a natural finish that your skin practically looks airbrushed. Packaged in a brown tube that resembles the one used for the Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer, this creamy foundation is formulated with mineral pigments that soothe the skin while providing the necessary color to give your face appear like a smooth, unblemished, virginal canvas. The vitamin E in the formula protects skin from free radicals, while also acting as an anti-inflammatory, calming any redness and irritation, and a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide yield an SPF 15 factor, shielding your complexion from the sun's rays. 

But, of course, the key ingredient here is Amazonian clay. What in the world is that, you ask? Well, this white clay is typically found in Marajó, an island at the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil. The clay consists of mineral deposits and rocks that once lined the banks of the Amazon River and were crushed and micronized into tiny particles due to the constant movement of the river waters over their surface. These minerals were then carried along the Amazon River, finally depositing at its mouth, absorbing the oils of the botanicals nearby and drying out under the sun's rays to become a rich clay.

Researchers have found that this clay contains such nutrients as: calcium, which stimulates cell renewal and fortifies the lipid layer, thereby creating a protective barrier along the epidermis that ensures no excess loss of moisture; iron, which helps skin that looks pale and dull regain its luminosity; potassium, which hydrates skin and stimulates cellular generation, thereby helping you attain younger-looking skin; and sulphur, which is commonly used in anti-acne treatments.

Thanks to these remarkable minerals and nutrients, Amazonian Clay helps to reduce the appearance of pores, tighten the skin, minimize discoloration and, most notably, strike the perfect balance of moisture. This last quality (I casually refer to it as skin ESP) is perhaps its most astounding benefit:  whether you have normal, oily, dry, or combination skin, Amazonian Clay adapts to the needs of your skin type, delivering moisture as needed, tackling bacteria that could lead to breakouts, controlling oil production, soothing inflammations and essentially tailoring its workload to address your skin's concerns.

What I adore about this foundation, then, is that it soothes and nourishes my skin while also delivering the perfect amount of coverage. Waterproof and oil-free, this foundation will help you conceal dark spots, redness, minor blemishes or rashes, birthmarks an freckles, dark circles, and shadowy areas without looking too thick or cake-like. In fact, when you have it on, most people won't even notice that you're wearing foundation!

The foundation won't crease, run, smear, clump, flake or clog pores and lead to breakouts (all common gripes when it comes to liquid foundations) and it does deliver natural-looking coverage while smoothing out the surface of the skin. That being said, if you have major skin problems (cystic acne, psoriasis, etc.), you may want to use this as your base and then apply a slightly heavier foundation atop it since it doesn't offer strong enough coverage for such severe conditions (in other words, "full coverage" might be a bit of a misnomer in that regard). But, if you've got fairly normal skin (be it dry or oily), this should more than suffice.

To apply, you should use the Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush (which comes with purchase), using circular movements and essentially buffing the skin. If you're having a breakout or there's a particular area that requires a bit more attention, you can stipple some of the color onto that area for greater coverage and then diffuse the foundation by again using circular, buffing movements. The hefty brush features extra soft bristles that feel so soothing against the skin that you'll actually look forward to applying your foundation every day. I actually think the brush alone could be a best-seller for Tarte!

The foundation is available in eight shades: Fair, Ivory, Light, Light-Medium, Medium, Tan, Tan-Deep, and Deep. To purchase, visit QVC.com

For more details, make sure to check out the video above!

Hair By Tippi Shorter -- Food For Tresses (And For Thought)

 

With an illustrious career spanning 15 years, Long Beach, California native Tippi Shorter has become one of the most esteemed and recognizable hairstylists in the beauty industry — she was the first female African-American hairstylist to be a spokesperson for major brands like Pantene, Avon, and Clairol; she has created the looks seen in the runway shows of designers like Richard Chai, Cynthia Steffe, and Adrienne Vittadini; and she has tended to the locks of celebrities like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna. Her latest undertaking: an eponymous hair care line that encapsulates the motto by which Shorter has always functioned: "big, sexy, healthy hair."

The Hair by Tippi Shorter line, then, incorporates sulfate- and sodium chloride-free cleansers, moisturizers, styling aids, and treatments that seek to nourish strands, repair damaged and chemically-treated strands, smooth frizz, and restore elasticity and shine via formulas that rely on vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidant-rich botanical extracts, keratin and wheat proteins, and fatty acid-rich ingredients.

The buiding blocks of the Hair by Tippi Shorter collection are the Hair By Tippi Shorter Smoothing Shampoo ($14 at HairByTippiShorter.com) and Hair By Tippi Shorter Smoothing Conditioner ($16 at HairByTippiShorter.com), which smell like a scoop of orange sherbet and have a pale creamsicle-esque tangerine shade. The cleanser lathers nicely, gently removing dirt and debris without drying out strands — thanks to the argan oil in the formula, which moisturizes, softens, and smooths hair thanks to its extraordinarily high concentration of fatty acids (over 80% of its composition) and vitamin E content. Once you rinse off the shampoo, your locks will feel clean but they won't feel stringy or brittle. The conditioner, meanwhile, will amplify this feeling. Boasting a lightweight but indulgently creamy texture, the conditioner helps to hydrate strands, practically inflating them from within so that hair has more volume and movement, while still being completely manageable. 

If, when you step out of the shower, you can still detect some knotted sections, spritz on the TK Hair By Tippi Shorter DTangle Conditioning Leave-In Spray ($10 at HairByTippiShorter.com), a light mist that smells a bit like coconut and instantly cools the scalp with a mixture of soothing aloe leaf juice and chamomile extract. The wheat amino acids in the formula, meanwhile, function as humectants and lock this moisture into strands.This moisturizing agent, however, won't weigh hair down in the least — mainly thanks to the delicate balance struck by the mixture of ingredients in the formula. Oak bark extract, for instance, works as a powerful astringent that cleanses and clarifies strands, removing excess build-up, while palma rosa oil balances oil production, keeping your mane at its optimal moisture level. In terms of results, though I was ecstatic that Shorter had incorporated a leave-in conditioner and detangler into the line, I was a bit disappointed by this product. It did, in fact, soften my tresses and cool my scalp, but it fell short of my expectations as a detangler — in fact, I still had to struggle a bit when combing my hair even after spritzing a considerable amount of the DTangle spray.

Luckily, the Hair By Tippi Shorter Glaze Conditioning Leave-In and Smoothing Balm ($13 at HairByTippiShorter.com) proved to be everything that the DTangle wasn't — in fact, this might just be my favorite product in the entire collection. The bright orange, serum-like liquid looks like it will be sticky and gel-like in its tube, but it actually has a delicious consistency, akin to that of hair gel but minus the viscous, gummy quality.  Ideally, you want to apply the Glaze to damp hair, squeezing a quarter-sized amount into palms and smoothing it all over your head. Once you do, your hair will not only benefit from a dose of moisture but, as it dries, you'll notice that it looks shinier, feels softer, and has volume without being unruly (meaning it has movement and size but frizz and flyaways are controlled).

What's in this magic potion, you ask? Well, the Glaze features a potent mix of botanical ingredients like: chamomile extract, which softens hair, soothes the scalp, adds sheen, and helps to accentuate highlights on blond and light brown hair; balm mint extract, which calms the scalp and alleviates itchiness and irritation; lemongrass extract, which is believed to prevent hair loss and strengthen hair fibers; yarrow extract, which increases the hair's luster; sage leaf extract, which can stimulate hair growth at the scalp; aloe leaf juice, which calms and softens strands; dog rose fruit extract, a rich source of trans-retinoic acids that, when bound to cell receptors, stimulate the production of proteins and prompt cellular regeneration, thereby making this botanical extract an excellent treatment for damaged hair; geranium extract, a natural antiseptic that balances the production of sebum at the scalp; and panthenol or pro-vitamin B5, which conditions and softens strands.

Now, whenever I need an instant moisture pick-me-up, I'll reach for the Hair By Tippi Shorter Sleek Argan Oil ($16 at HairByTippiShorter.com), a very concentrated styling aid and conditioner that can be applied to wet, damp, or dry hair. I actually love using the Sleek product before blow drying my hair to protect it from the heat exposure and then adding a hint right after I've completed my look so as to smooth down any rebellious strands and make ends appear healthier. Throughout the day, if my ends start looking a bit frayed, I'll apply a few drops and, in a matter of moments, they'll look healthier.

Last, there's the Hair By Tippi Shorter Flex Argan Oil Infused Styling Cream  ($14 at HairByTippiShorter.com), a slightly thicker styling product meant to yield greater control when creating sleek, polished looks. If you want a high ponytail or an intricate chignon, for example, you'll want to apply this paste-like cream to the top of your heads and to the sides, applying a bit of pressure as you run your palms over these areas so as to flatten them a bit. Similarly, if you want to create luscious waves, you can apply the cream to hair as you twirl the strands around your fingers or pin them up to create those big bouncy coils. 

After trying the Hair by Tippi Shorter collection, I have yet another reason to tip my hat to Miss Tippi. 

Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Collection -- An Olive Branch For Sensitive Skin

 

As if grappling with easily inflamed, allergy-prone, irritable skin weren't enough of an ordeal in one's young adulthood, once wrinkles become a concern, the tribulations multiply. Such common anti-aging ingredients as retinol can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, limiting the number of options available to those with temperamental skin. Fortunately, leading skincare brand Perricone MD has faced the challenge of developing a line for this niche group.

The Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Collection, then, aims to deliver dermatological-grade results to women with sensitive skin and who are becoming increasingly concerned with visible aging signs. Consisting of four products, the collection taps into the benefits of olive fruit and olive leaf extracts. Though many skincare experts know that olives are rife in polyphenols, naturally-occurring chemicals with antioxidant benefits. Over 4,000 types of polyphenols have been identified to date, most grouped into the two major categories of flavonoids and nonflavonoids. But, in researching the chemical composition of olive fruit and olive leaf extracts, Dr. Nicholas Perricone identified and isolated the two most powerful and rarest types of polyphenols therein: hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. 

Oleuropein, derived from the olive leaf, and hydroxytyrosol, extracted from the olive fruit, are infused into all of the products in the collection, thereby helping to firm, tone, and smooth skin, as well as protect it from free radical damage.  

The collection's shining star is the Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Peptide Complex ($98 at PerriconeMD.com), a concentrated anti-aging treatment boasting the soothing, hydrating and protective benefits of oleuropein and hyroxytyrosol, along with two proprietary neuropeptides that work in tandem to smooth fine lines on the upper surface of skin as well as deeper-set wrinkles; tocotrienols, superior forms of vitamin E that condition and protect skin; and vitamin C ester, a milder, non-abrasive form of vitamin C that works to brighten the complexion, even skin tone, and boost radiance.

The Hypoallergenic Peptide Complex has a light, serum-like consistency so that it's quickly absorbed by the skin. Because of the vitamin C ester in the formula, you'll quickly notice your skin appears more luminous, as if a light had been turned inside of you. Similarly, you'll feel an immediate relief thanks to the hydrating properties of the olive extracts. The anti-aging benefits, meanwhile, take longer to become evident since results are cumulative with use but, within about three weeks, you should notice a vast improvement in skin firmness.

The Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Soothing Moisturizer ($75 at PerriconeMD.com), meanwhile, incorporates the aforementioned olive polyphenols, along with ceramides to restructure and fortify the skin's natural barrier. Ceramides are lipid molecules naturally found in skin that deplete in quantity as we age, thereby leaving our skin more vulnerable to moisture loss and more likely to become rough, saggy, and wrinkly. By adding ceramides that mimic those naturally found in the epidermis to the moisturizer's formula, then, Dr. Perricone seeks to combat the declining ceramide levels that tend to result from aging. The moisturizers also includes squalane derived from olives, which promotes cellular growth, protects the skin from UV damage, and penetrates the skin quickly, hydrating it from deep within. Because squalane mimics the skin's natural oils, it is easily absorbed, leaving skin soft and smooth. And, as with the Peptide Complex, the Soothing Moisturizer incorporates tocotrienols to nourish, soothe, and soften skin, along with a neuropeptide that stimulates collagen production.

Though it looks really rich and creamy in its jar, when you smooth the moisturizer onto the skin, it glides on as smoothly as a stick of butter on a piping hot stack of pancakes, practically melting onto your complexion. Even if your skin is parched and flaky, once you apply this moisturizer, it will feel surprisingly comfortable and replenished. It will also feel remarkably soft — we're talking rose petal soft, here! That being said, it will take a few minutes for the moisturizer to fully seep into the skin, so it might feel a bit greasy around your T-zone until it does so (it eventually will, we promise!). Once it does, the skin's surface will appear so smooth, that you'll almost feel like you applied a primer.

The other two products in the collection are the Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser ($39 at PerriconeMD.com), which pairs olive polyphenols with soothing green tea extract, and  Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream ($65 at PerriconeMD.com), which includes the collection's two key olive polyphenols, along with toctorienols; moisture-binding hyaluronic acid; and four neuropeptides meant to simultaneously tackle crow's feet, fine lines, dark circles, and sagging skin.

I haven't had the opportunity to try these last two products, but the cleanser is definitely on my must-get list. 

Also worth noting: no artificial fragrances, parabens, phtalates, sulfates, mineral oils, or synthetic dyes were used when formulating these products, making them all the more well-suited for sensitive skin in need of some TLC.

 

Best Hair & Makeup Looks At The 2012 Golden Globe Awards

We've picked out the best-dressed ladies of the 2012 Golden Globes but, gowns aside, who was giving face on the red carpet? Below, you'll find the most sickening (and we mean that in the best way, of course) hair and makeup looks of the evening!

 

1. Nicole Richie's Retro Ponytail

Reality TV star and fashion designer Nicole Richie managed to outshine all the nominees in the hair department, stealing the show with a retro-flavored ponytail styled by Andy LeCompte. Her bangs were perfectly trimmed so that they seemed to open and curve to the sides like curtains, extending past her brows along the outer edges of the face. The high ponytail itself, meanwhile, included a bit of a Bardot-esque bump at the crown, but it was for from your standard pony, with strands of hair along the sides curving seductively, tucked underneath the base of the long, bust-grazing ponytail, and no visible elastics or pins.  

 

 

2. Emma Stone's Gunmetal Smokey Eyes And Pink Lips

 

Revlon spokesperson Emma Stone looked smoldering last night at the 2012 Golden Globes, complementing her luxurious Lanvin gown with rosy cheeks, petal pink lips, and smoldering smokey eyes. Celebrity makeup artist Rachel Goodwin created Stone's look for the show, using a mix of Revlon and Chanel products.

To give Stone a youthful, radiant complexion, Goodwin applied the Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer and then smoothed the Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup in Nude to her visage. To give her cheeks a light flush, Goodwin swept the Chanel Powder Blush in Orchid Rose, a soft peachy pink hue, along the apples of the cheeks.

On Stone's eyes, meanwhile, Goodwin used the gunmetal and rich plum shades in the Revlon ColorStay Precocious Eyeshadow Quad, diffusing these darker shades with the light silver hue in the quad. She then lined the upper and lower lash lines with the Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in Noir and coated lashes with the Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir. 

To balance the look and soften the strong eye look, Goodwin opted for a soft pink creamy lip color, applying the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter, a hydrating balm with a touch of sheer color, in the Lollipop shade to Stone's pout.

 

3. Sofia Vergara's Hot Pink Lips

Sofia Vergara was a vision from head to toe, her brown strands straightened to balance the heaviness and the voluptuousness of her mermaid tale Vera Wang dress, and her makeup kept simple and modern, with an emphasis on playing up her bronzed skin and her killer smile.

Makeup artist Kayleen McAdams created Vergara's look for the awards show, using a number of CoverGirl products.

On Vergara's face, McAdams applied the CoverGirl TRUconceal Concealer in No. 4 under the eyes and around the nose, camouflaging dark circles and contouring the features. Next, she applied the CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg using a sponge, setting it with the CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder in the Soft Honey shade. To give Vergara's cheeks a hint of color, she applied the CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Plumberry Glow along the cheekbones and the apples of cheeks. 

For the eyes, McAdams relied on the CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 3-kit Shadows in Golden Sunset, applying the light bronze shade along the lids and working it into the crease. And, for bodacious lashes, she brushed three coats of CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara to the top lashes and a single coat to bottom lashes.

Last, she applied CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Everlasting, a creamy fig-like brown, to Vergara's pout, followed by CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipliner in Beloved, a deep purple-tinged pink, to mattify lips and keep color from feathering or bleeding. The result was an azalea pink lip that made the Colombian bombshell all the more alluring. 

 

 

4. Reese Witherspoon's Sexy Loose Waves

Frederik Fekkai hairstylist Adir Abergel created the beachy, tousled waves Reese Withespoon donned on the red carpet, greatly increasing her look's sexpot factor. To give the hair a slightly mussy texture, Adir starte by applying Fekkai Coiff Océanique Tousled Wave Spray to Witherspoon's dry tresses. Next, he smoothed a small amount of the Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream to the ends in order to lock in moisture.

Using a medium round brush, he blow-dried the hair and, once finished, wrapped curled each section of hair using a 1"-barrel curling iron, applying only a small amount of pressure so that the curls would appear softer rather than tight and coiled. After brushing the curls softly to give them a more understated, haphazard, Bohemian quality, Adir pulled the hair at the crown back and gave it a bit of a Bardot-style bump, adding volume along the back. Last, he spritzed Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray to give the look longevity, along with Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist for a lustrous finish.

 

 

 

 

 

Who Made Our Golden Globes 2012 Best Dressed List? Find Out!

Color abounded on the red carpet at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards, with many actresses leaving behind the standard black, white, nude, pink, and metallic fare and instead opting for joyful gowns in shades of forest green, sapphire blue, plum purple, scarlet red, sunflower yellow, emerald green, deep magenta, and aquatic teal.

Mermaid tail dresses were plentiful, plunging necklines abounded, waists were often cinched with belts and ribbons, and quite a few headbands were propped atop these Hollywood starlets' manes, but as we explored the sea of organza, tulle, lace, satin, sequins, velvet, feathers, studs, and ruffles, we easily selected ten looks that swept us away into the dreamy fashion fairy tale staged at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Below, our picks for the top ten looks of the evening!

 

1. ANGELINA JOLIE

 

Pulling off a body-hugging satin dress in an ivory color with a pearly, almost metallic finish is quite the feat — and yet Angelina Jolie, who was nominated in the Best Foreign Film category for her directorial debut Land of Blood and Honey, did so gloriously with this Atelier Versace gown. The show stopper hugged Jolie's body in all the right places, sloping down her bust line, accentuating her hips with delicate pintucks, and revealing her slender legs with a sky-high slit. A foldover accent in a deep red along the neckline adds the right amount of vamp to the ensemble, while its geometric cut harmonizes with the angles and curves of the seams, pin tucks, and slits that form the gown's silhouette. Most remarkably, Jolie paired the dress with a luscious red pout and a satin red clutch without the look winding up being so matchy-matchy that it became a fashion faux-pas. 

Her hair swept into a sleek updo, and her earlobes adorned by simple but glamorous 0.25 carat Lorraine Schwartz platinum diamond earrings, Jolie channeled a true ice queen — think the Evil Queen in Snow White — and yet she melted out hearts. 

 

2. EVAN RACHEL WOOD

Nominated for her work in Mildred Pierce, Evan Rachel Wood looked like a cross between Ariel (aka The Little Mermaid) and an Indian peacock in a glistening Gucci dress featuring a semi-sheer, black tulle bodice with a plunging V-neckline and a halter construction, covered with forest green, emerald, and chartreuse sequins and paillettes that led to a gorgeous skirt with layers and layers of iridescent green feathers.

 

3. EMMA STONE

 

Fresh-faced Emma Stone looked divine in a custom-made, purple tulle Lanvin gown with fuchsia tulle panels along the sides, dainty cap sleeves featuring embroidered hemlines, a plunging neckline, and a black leather belt with a silver eagle motif. The Grecian-inspired gown made the Easy A star more than easy on the eyes.

 

4. SOFIA VERGARA

The Modern Family star had viewers roaring with laughter when she declared that she loved Vera Wang's gowns because they "zipped all the way up and closed." But this sapphire blue confection did more than accommodate the Colombian actress's curvaceous figure — it hugged every inch of her Mrs. Buttersworth-esque body, with a corset-like bodice featuring criss-crossing seams that streamlined her silhouette and accentuated her waistline and bosom, a slim fit along the thighs, and a voluminous mermaid-style skirt at the bottom, replete with layers of fabric that seemed to ripple like the waves of an ocean.

 

5. CHARLIZE THERON

 

Though the glistening headband adorning her head felt like overkill (we were reminded of Coco Chanel's famous quote about taking off the last thing you put on before leaving the house), the rest of Charlize Theron's look was glorious. Her blush pink Dior gown proved to be one of the most distinctive dresses of the evening, standing out among a plethora of mermaid-style gowns and simple column-style dresses. Though she showed quite a bit of skin in this piece, she managed to do so tastefully, revealing her sun-kissed stems with a dramatic thigh-high split and showing off her decolletage with a plunging neckline that extended down to her waist, which was adorned with a baned sash featuring a jeweled brooch above an oversize bow at the hip. The flowing train magnified the fluidity of the design, making Theron look all the more ethereal and goddess-like.

 

6. MORENA BACCARIN

 

Brazilian actress Morena Baccarin, who plays Damian Lewis' wife on Showtime's Homeland, channeled Sophia Loren in a black George Chakras gown with a rounded neckline, a banded vertical strip along the center of the bodice, and two triangular cut-outs on either side of the center strip revealing just a tad of cleavage. The column-like skirt, meanwhile, was adorned by shimmering black sequined panels along the sides for an understated but glamorous effect.

 

7. ROONEY MARA

 

The star of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo perfected the art of minimalism on the red carpet, wearing her raven strands in a simple ponytail with a severe side part, donning no earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, and opting for a simple Nina Ricci gown with a plunging neckline and tiny cut-outs demarcated by twisted fabric bits. A simple tulle overlay along the bodice softened the otherwise stark, almost gothic look, without sacrificing its edgy quality.

 

8. ZOOEY DESCHANEL

 

 

The New Girl star's custom Prada gown was a divisive point among viewers, but we think the retro-flavored sleeveless gown perfectly captured her quirky, nostalgia-driven aesthetic, with its slinky, fluid, figure-hugging black skirt, modest train, and intricately embellished bodice, adorned with emerald and lime green glass beads along the center and black glass beads along the sides for a slimming effect and an upscale, Mod-influenced, geometric flavor. 

 

9. NICOLE KIDMAN 

 Presenter Nicole Kidman flaunted her great figure in an off-white, near taupe, Versace dress embellished with gold studs throughout its entirety, with a diamond-like pattern created inside a horizontal strip at the center of the skirt and diagonal bands and stripes along the hips and down the sides of the skirt, streamlining the silhouette of the body-conscious gown.  

 

10. NICOLE RICHIE

 

 

Richie's high ponytail was among the most modern, chic 'dos of the evening, but the look worked particularly well given her choice of apparel: a silver Julien McDonald dress with a prismatic-like quality that looked like rays of light being reflected and refracted paired with Jimmy Choo heels and a vintage-looking House of Harlow minaudiere.

 

 

 

Lady Cremo Shave Cream -- The Creme de la Shaving Cremes?

 

As most of you know by now, by this summer, I'm aiming to have smooth, hair-free legs that seem as endless as Naomi Campbell's (okay, perhaps that last part is a lofty goal, but stay with me) — which is why I'm diligently treating my stems with the TRIA Hair Removal Laser and documenting the progress I make with each session. But, in between these bi-weekly hair removal treatments, I still have to shave my legs, lest I start looking like the Sasquatch's kinfolk. So, until my hair follicles have been fully deactivated, I'll have to graze away any stubble with a sharp blade (I swear by Quattro razors) and a rich shave cream. Up until now, I've been as hopelessly devoted to the EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream as Sandy Olsen was to Danny Zuko — so much so that, when I was testing out the Lady Cremo Shave Cream ($8 at Drugstore.com and Soap.com), I felt guilt about steppin' out on my EOS cream. 

Once I overcame my unfounded, illogical, and yet powerful sense of guilt about creepin' on EOS, I discovered that the Lady Cremo Shave Cream was just as superb as the EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shaving Cream in terms of gripping stubborn hairs and stubble and preventing any irritations from surfacing (one of my biggest gripes and the main reason why I'm so persnickety about my choice of shave creams).

The key to its success: the Lady Cremo Shave Cream stands in stark opposition to traditional shave creams and gels in that it doesn't utilize air to create a foaming effect — in fact, there's no air to speak of in the formula. When you squeeze the lotion-like tube, then, you won't find the mousse-like, frothy, meringue-like blob you typically see when you press the button atop an aerosol shave gel but, instead, you'll discover this rich and slippery substance in a near-clear shade. When you apply a small amount to wet skin and smooth it all along the desired surface, the cream's color becomes markedly whiter and, when you run razor atop this rich coat, you'll notice that it seems to glide along effortlessly, so that a single stroke can remove quite a bit of hair, without the razor's blade stumbling or sputtering. In the end, you'll have a close shave that will make legs as silky smooth as those of a pre-pubescent girl.

Enriched with a vaguely tropical scent consisting of pineapple, coconut, and lemon, the Lady Cremo Shave Cream features slippery coconut oil-derived sodium cocoyl isethionate molecules to keep topical irritations and nicks at bay and stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid that increases surface tension so that your tender skin is safeguarded from the razor blade. These molecules, then, help to create a more pleasant shaving experience while protecting even the most sensitive of skin.

Aside from these slippery molecules, the formula contains a number of natural botanical extracts that condition, soothe, and comfort the skin — from healing aloe leaf juice and anti-inflammatory calendula flower extract to Hawaii papaya extract, rich in AHAs that exfoliate the skin and promote collagen and elastin synthesis; moisturizing and conditioning olive leaf extract; guar extract to yield softer, smoother skin; and macadamia oil to rejuvenate, hydrate, and strengthen the skin.

Just make sure to use a sharp blade and to use the proper water-to-cream ratio, and you'll be beyond amazed at the cleanness of your shave.

Thierry Mugler Womanity Taste of Fragrance EDP -- A Mouth-Watering Aroma?

 

Olfaction and gustation are inextricably linked. What we colloquially dub "taste" is, in fact, "flavor," a combination of smell, taste, texture, and physical factors like temperature . Flavor, then, is informed by smell, so that the odors released by the foods we consume allow us to identify the ingredients they contain and enhance our overall experience.

Playing with the relationship between these two senses, Thierry Mugler released a new limited-edition Taste of Fragrance collection, slightly altering the compositions of his four key fragrance offerings — Angel, Alien, Womanity and A*Men — by incorporating unique taste enhancers to each that accentuate some of the key notes in the original elixirs.

The limited-edition Thierry Mugler Womanity Taste of Fragrance EDP ($90 at MuglerStoreUSA.com and Bloomingdales.com), then, toys with the original fragrance's "sweet and savory" balance, which was achieved via a genial mixture of pulpy, tangy, milky fig fruit and salty caviar notes. To create the Womanity Taste of Fragrance EDP, perfumers relied on the same cutting-edge molecular distillation technique that they employed when developing Womanity, a process that allows perfumers to liquefy any source material, extract the resulting gas emissions, and reconstitute the molecular structure of a substance in its gaseous state, thereby perfectly recreating its scent. In the case of the original Womanity, this technique was employed to develop the fig note, a breakthrough in perfumery as most fragrances that claimed to incorporate fig notes actually included fig leaves as opposed to the actual fruit. Now, for the Womanity Taste of Fragrance EDP, they took on a greater challenge, this time reconstituting a culinary confection: fig chutney.

So how does this fig chutney smell flavorant (or "taste enhancer," if you will) affect or alter the fragrance overall? Well, it makes it substantially sweeter. Think of preparing a fig chutney in your kitchen — regardless of the recipe you follow, you'll need a hefty dose of brown sugar, fresh figs, vinegar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger, all cooked down to a reduction until the sauce develops a thick, syrupy consistency.

This same syrupy sweet quality is evident in the Womanity Taste of Fragrance perfume, which shifts the "sweet and savory" balance of the original so that the sweetness overpowers any saltiness. And, while the fig chutney taste enhancer does incorporate a hint of spice, it's not potent enough to cut through the sugary, caramel-like, syrupy quality of the scent. 

Overall, I was more impressed by the concept behind the fragrance than I was compelled by its actual aroma. This is not to suggest that the fragrance doesn't have its allure — after all, it's quite similar to the original Womanity, which is phenomenal. But, if you have both fragrances side by side, you'll likely gravitate toward the original. In fact, I conducted an experiment where I spritzed Womanity on one wrist and Womanity Taste of Fragrance on the other and had five different people sniff both and select which they preferred. The result: all five preferred the original. 

The Womanity Taste of Fragrance EDP's main shortcoming then is simply this: the original elixir had already struck such a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and woody notes, that it was nearly impossible to surpass such a level of excellence. 

NYX Cosmetics Nails It With The New Advanced Salon Formula Nail Polish

Most beauty insiders know NYX Cosmetics is like the H&M of the makeup universe, with on-trend products priced at a fraction of what their luxury counterparts cost. Unlike H&M, however, NYX doesn't sacrifice or compromise the quality of its products in order to attain some overly ambitious profit margin. What you get, then, is great quality for a lower price. Also admirable: NYX always seeks to rectify any product flaws or shortcomings reported by their customers. For example, the standard NYX Nail Polishes  came in 30 flashy and fun colors, but they didn't look as refined as other lacquers nor were the colors as richly pigmented. Luckily, NYX has now appealed to more persnickety, manicure-loving hounds with its new, fashion-forward range of NYX Advanced Salon Formula Nail Polishes ($4 each at NYXcosmetics.com).

Available in 144 colors, the NYX Advanced Salon Formula Nail Polish dries quickly and goes on smooth so that no lumps, granules, or streaks are left behind on the nail plate. The colors are so intense that a single coat immediately yields an effect — though, as with any nail lacquer, you'll likely need two to three coats to fully cover the nail. Plus, the formula is designed for long-time wear so that your at-home manicure will last as long as a professional one.

The NYX Advanced Salon Formula Nail Polish comes in a variety of shades ranging from electrifying neons to gleaming metallics, understated neutrals, classic reds and pinks, shimmering jewel tones, tropical aquatic hues, and carnival-ready glittery lacquers.

Pictured above, you'll find some of my favorite NYX Advanced Salon Formula Nail Polish hues: Tokyo Express, a meteorite-worthy iron-nickel color with a smooth metallic finish and tiny rose gold glitter particles; Moonwalk, a near-sheer black lacquer saturated with silver micro pearls and chunky, mirrored, hexagonal-shaped pieces of silver holographic glitter; Wild Orchid, a creamy violet-tinged fuchsia shade that will instantly remind you of Chinese hibiscus, azalea, and orchid blossoms; Royal Blue, a midnight indigo shade with a creamy finish; and Abyss, a blackened purple hue reminiscent of raw açai berries.

After the jump, you'll find photos detailing how these shades look like when applied to nails. Check 'em out!

 

Straight Talk on Bumble and Bumble's Bb Straight Collection

 

If you've been following all the recent hair care product releases and discerning any corresponding trends, then you've probably noticed two main themes: straightening and damage-reversing. One of the latest releases from haircare brand Bumble and Bumble speaks to the former trend, promising to help women get sleek, smooth, frizz-free, straight hair. Formulated with Bumble and Bumble's proprietary gemstone blend, all the products in the Bb. Straight collection loosen the hair's natural waves and curls —particularly when heat is applied — hence purportedly yielding straighter tresses. 

The collection jump starts with the Bb. Straight Shampoo ($29 at BumbleandBumble.com), a sulfate-free cleanser that produces a rather rich lather so that you can thoroughly massage the hair and scalp, working the formula into every inch of your mane. The next step is the Bb. Straight Conditioner ($32 at BumbleandBumble.com), a lightweight cream that smooths hair so that, when you rinse off hair completely, your mane will feel silkier. When you work it into your damp hair, you'll notice that it does detangle and soften tresses, but it doesn't have that volume-boosting effect that other conditioners boast, which is perhaps one of its biggest drawbacks for me. If you have dry and brittle hair, then, this conditioner won't leave strands feeling plumper or more voluminous. But, if your main goal is simply to achieve straight hair, then the Bb. Straight Shampoo and Conditioner will help you get on the right path. 

Now, if you air dry your hair after shampooing and conditioning, the effects will seem minimal. Your curls might soften a bit, transitioning from tight coils to looser S-shaped waves, or your wavy hair might seem straighter, with just a slight visible bump, but don't expect pin-straight strands from the cleansing and conditioning alone. If you're seeking strands that slink down vertically like perfect directional arrows, then you need to blow dry the hair and apply the Bb. Straight Blow Dry ($28 at BumbleandBumble.com) balm section by section, from root to ends, applying heat as you work your way through the entire head. 

I personally love the consistency of the BB. Straight Blow Dry — when you squeeze the tube, a silly string-like stream of the creamy, lotion-like balm is dispensed via the hole in the twistable cap. You can then rub the blow dry lotion in between your palms and apply it to each section of your mane, using a flat boar bristle brush as you blow dry so as to get straight-as-can-be hair. And, of course, if you want to maximize the effect, I'd suggest following up with a flat ironing session.

So how does the Bumble and Bumble Straight collection fare overall? Well, it doesn't shorten or simplify the hair-straightening process as effectively as Living Proof Straight, which relies on an aerosolized version of the humidity-blocking molecule PolyfluoroEster. In other words, you'll still have to go through all the same steps you would have followed when ordinarily straightening your hair. But the good news is that the products are potent enough to allow women with even the curliest of manes achieve straight-as-can-be looks, and they'll protect your mane from fly-aways and frizz. And, unlike other straightening products, they don't damage strands, leaving behind scattered bits of broken hair — that is, of course, assuming you're still vigilant with the heating tools and don't blowtorch your mane. Plus, your hair will still look shiny, giving you that I-just-came-from-the-salon effect. 

The results last several days so that you can maintain that straight 'do for about 4-5 days (assuming, of course, you don't wet any sections or sweat profusely). 

If you can only buy one product from the collection, I'd suggest the Straight Blow Dry cream since it really does help to smooth hair without weighing it down or leaving any greasy residue behind. 

Is it my favorite straightening product? Well, I still prefer Living Proof Straight, but this is a pretty close second!