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  • Beauty Trends for 2012

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    January
    3
    2012

     
     
    To ring in the New Year I wanted to examine some of the top trends from the Spring Runway shows. Although these are relatively classic looks, I love that they are being shown on the runway because it gives us all an idea of attainable beauty and celebrates the features of a woman's face rather than creating a theatrical or over-the-top look. Lets examine the best of the Spring 2012 Runway shows along with some products that can help you achieve the look.
     
     
     
    Giorgio Armani featured a beautiful version of a cat-eye with silver highlights and a swoop of smokey grey shadow. This is a really beautiful interpretation of a classic cat-eye and I just love the intensity without it being too over the top. 
     
    To achieve this look, a palette with multiple shades of sparkling silvers, greys and blacks will be perfect. I love Bobbi Brown's Cool Party Eye Palette, shown below. To get a perfect cat eye, use an angled brush and a gel eyeliner. Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is a great choice. It is easy to control with a good brush and stays on for hours!
     
      
     
     

     
     
    Flawless, flawless, flawless! There is no decade when this look is not drop-dead-gorgeous. Dewy skin, soft smoky eyes and red lips, this is just classic beauty at its best. Christian Dior knocked it out of the park with the beauty for his Spring 2012 collection. The great thing about a bold lip is while red is the classic, you can go with something a little different too. As long as you keep you makeup simple, a fuscia or an amazing orange-red will give a more modern pop of color. A statement lip, if you will!  
     
    YSL makes an amazing lipstick, Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre in Fuchsia. A bright fuchsia lip is always daring and bold and can look flattering on many skin tones. Another favorite of mine is MAC lipstick in Morange. This bright orange-red is the perfect tone for a fiery lip! I always get tons  of compliments on it and I recommend it to everyone as a fun color with more of a pop than traditional reds.
     
     
                                                  Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre in Fuchsia                            MAC Morange
     
     
     
     
     
    Bold pop of color has been a theme throughout most beauty reports and has been seen on many runways. Above we have Richard Chai and Miu Miu, respectively. With neutral makeup and flawless skin as the base for this look, a pop of color is introduced at the eye. This is a really fun way to create an evening look. You don't always have to use dark colors for a smokey eye such as black, grey or silver. Feel free to use different colors to create a sultry and smokey night time look. I love the idea of a bold orange eye with a really natural face. Here are some suggestions to achieve a similar look:
    Above we have Makeup Forever eyeshadow in Rust Orange and Nars eyeshadow in Outremer. Both of these shades can be used in bold application for a daring look that is totally on trend for 2012. 
     
    **************************************************************************************************
     
    I am so excited for a new year of fabulous fashion and beauty trends!
    What makeup will you be trying out in the new year? 
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  • Trend to Try (or Trash): Temporary Lip Tattoos

    Posted by: Annie Roos

    January
    2
    2012

     
    Be honest: was your first reaction "get me some of those!" or "get her to a doctor!"? It's the new trend that's on the lips of celebrities from the Kardashian-iverse and beyond. Pioneered by a music manager and his teenage daughters, Violent Lips takes the science of temporary tattoos straight to your kisser.
     

     
     
    Just check out all of the stars who've been spotted (or, dare I say, checkered, sparkled, and flagged) sporting this funky lipwear.
     




     
    The facts: Said to last 4-8 hours, they go on with water, just like the temporary tattoos from childhood, and come off with baby oil or any standard makeup remover. Animal-lovers will also be happy to know that all designs have been FDA-approved, certified vegan, and "tested on supermodels, not animals".
     
     
    Now, I'm all for taking risks in the style/beauty department, but if we're being candid here, I'm having a hard time not hating these. The reviews are mixed, (I've read some less-than-stellar ones), but my main reservation is perfectly exemplified above by Snooki and Keyshia Cole. Get the picture just a little out of focus and... it easily looks like you either kissed the barroom floor with fresh lip gloss (oh, Snooks), or you have some hideously chapped and inflamed infection (coral giraffe, above, is not my pattern of choice).
     
     
    I think the key here is to stick to patterns that look completely unnatural and crazy-loud, and keep them safely stashed in your drawer until Halloween, theme parties, and out-of-the-ordinary functions. By all means, ladies, please prove me wrong.
     
     
    (Images courtesy of toofab, the Daily Mail, BitRebels, & Necole Bitchie)

  • Current Beauty Obsessions

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    December
    30
    2011

     
    Who doesn't love great beauty products? I will pretty much try any brand from drugstore to high end. I have found that often times quality comes with a price tag and those products will last longer due to their higher quality. I, for one, will gladly shell out a bit more money to get a quality product with great results. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite beauty products that make my routine that much brighter!
     
     
     
    Dermalogica Multi-Vitamin Thermafoliant
    Starting off with a clean face is a no-brainer but having polished and exfoliated skin will make your skin that much brighter and healthier. Dermalogica is a truly great skin care brand and this is one of their best products! The Multi-Vitamin Thermafoliant is an amzing exfoliant that warms when you apply it to your face. It polishes away dead skin and leaves your skin super soft and healthy.
     
     
     
    Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
    Toners are amazing. You can use a little spray whenever your skin feels dry, even over your makeup! The Multi-Active Toner, also from Dermalogica, not only makes you feel refreshed and hydrated, it actually balances your skins PH, preparing it for any treatment products or moisturizers that are to follow. This means your moisturizer will go the extra mile and you may even have to use less! Need a new moisturizer? Read on!
     
     
     
    Estee Lauder Day Wear
    Estee Lauder has been a long time favorite of mine when it comes to skin care. Day Wear is my favorite moisturizer right now and, believe me,  I have tried several of their other day time moisturizers.  This is really smooth and oil-free and offers up a hefty SPF 25 as well as anti-oxidants! My skin feels so soft after putting it on and it creates some kind of barrier where it stays that way all day. It even has anti-aging properties if you are interested in looking as beautiful as you do now forever!
     
     
    Benefit High Beam
    An absolute go-to of mine is Benfit's High Beam. This face highlighter can be blended all over the face to give a dewy glow, but I prefer to use it as a spot highlight. Applied down the bridge of the nose, along the very top of your cheekbone, a small spot on the chin and a few spots on the forehead and your skin will have a really healthy glow! This is by far the best thing to help you look more awake and refreshed in the morning and also to look totally picture perfect. It is the ideal pinky-shimmer that compliments all skin tones!
     
     
    Urban Decay Naked 2
    In pretty much the most anticipated followup product ever, Urban Decay recently released Naked 2 a sequel to their extrememly famous Naked palette. These palettes focus on neutrals but trust me, they are anything but boring! Naked 2 is packed with 12 rich shades of gold, browns and coppers some matte as well as several shimmers. I can't wait to get my hands on this new palette. I know I will be obsessed!
     
     
    Miss Dior Cherie
    This is my favorite scent of all time! Girlie yet fresh with a sweet undertone. Everyone needs a signature scent to be remembered by and this is definitely not one you can easily forget! A little goes a long way so make sure to use sparingly. Again, when you pay more you often get more in the long run!
    What are some of your favorite beauty products!?
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  • Blogger Spotlight: Marla Verdugo

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    December
    27
    2011

     
     
    This week I wanted to spotlight a very talented young artist, Marla Verdugo! Marla, a stylist/makeup artist/hair stylist/photographer extraordinaire is basically a one-woman show! Creating beautiful images is like second nature to her. There is so much mood and emotion behind her photos, and I couldn't wait to share her work with you!
     
    Recently, Marla photographed an event we attended in Los Angeles, and I was able to catch up with her to give you guys some background, fun FAQs, and even some tips on styling and photography! Take a look below for some of her beautiful work and an exclusive interview.
     
    I love the pose and editing in this photo!
     
     
    The heavy metal jewelry plays perfect off of her blunt bangs and dark eyes.
     
     
    Interview with Marla Verdugo
    Intro to yourself: 
    I'm a California girl who can't sit still. I've lived up and down the coast. Currently I live in Hollywood but miss the San Francisco life. Been doing makeup and pinup-vintage inspired photography for a few years. But I like to try things that intrigue me...like styling and fashion photography. You can also find me doing other things like; obsessing over Lindsay Lohan, thrifting, finding odd treasures on the street, stalking my friends, driving getaway cars, blogging, watching The Simpsons and making messes in the kitchen...and cracking jokes that only crickets respond to. ;)
     
    How did you get into fashion photography?:
    I first started with vintage/pinup-inspired photography...(my main love)...but after years of doing makeup on several fashion shoots, I decided to to test out my skills in shooting fashion. So I've been dabbling in it ever since--I love it! And I learn things everyday.
     
    Tips for the photographer just starting out:
    Seize the day. Go for your dream! Don't let anyone discourage you. Take a class at a community college. Ask friends to model for you.Find what genre appeals to you, research different photographers...but develop your own style. ;)
     
    Favorite beauty products:
    Lipbalm: love Kiehl's and Cherry Chapstick
    Primers!!! They do wonders for your makeup.
    Sunscreen: everyone should use it.
    Kevin Murphy and Sunsilk: they're on totally different ends of the spectrum, but I find they are both carry amazing hair products.
     
    What are your "go-to's" when styling?:
    Honestly...I am very random. 
    1. I love textures...in dresses, pants...
    2. But generally, I would have to say vintage. No matter if I'm styling for a different era or present day looks---I love to thrown in vintage. It keeps the world going and it keeps me going. Makes me happy.
     
    Why is fashion important to you?:
    Fashion is another way to express yourself, fashion is beautiful. We all have different styles...and we may not like them all and some may not like our style, but what it comes down to...is what makes us feel good. Fashion is like we are...changing, evolving, reinventing, and also going back to our roots.
     
     
    *********************************************************************************************************************************
     
    Make sure to keep up with Marla on her blog and her own personal website! Happy New Years! xoxo
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  • 10 Drug Store Cosmetics That Kick Butt!

    Posted by: Allie Paxton

    August
    2
    2011

     

    Don't you love the makeup counters at the mall, but hate the prices? Just because something doesn't come from a department store does not mean that it is bad quality. Large companies such as Maybelline, CoverGirl, and Revlon can command better prices from their manufacturers because there is always such a high demand for their products. Don't be misled that all cheaper products are better than the name brands, this is simply not the case. I did a little research at the drug store to help save you a little cash this summer and found the best makeup with the best prices.
     
     
    Primer
    L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base ($12)
    This great product smooths lines, hides pores and banishes many imperfections. It's silky, lightweight, and ideal to start your makeup routine with. 
    Concealer
    L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Line-Minimizing & Tone-Enhancing Concealer SPF 20 ($12)
    This is a lightweight concealer that gives maximum coverage. Also, the built-in brush makes for easy application.
     
     

     
    Foundation
    L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($11)
    It is so hard to find a perfect color to match your skintone, but this product alleviates this concern. This liquid foundation has an unbelievably extensive selection of colors and every one will be able to find their match. 
     Powder
    Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil Loose Powder ($8)
    I love this powder for the sleek finish it gives to any look. This powder is so light that it completely blends all my makeup to look effortlessly flawless. 

    Bronzer
    Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Bronzers ($15)
    This bronzer is used by celebrities all over the country and I can see why. It is not too orange and contains SPF, antioxidants, and brightening ingredients. Anna Kournikova swears by this product and refuses to wear anything else!

    Blush
    L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush ($11)
    This blush is extremely true to a natural flush and gives you a glowing effect that simply cannot be beat.

    Eye Color
    Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow ($6.50)
    These colors effortlessly slide right on and last all day. I also like the selection of the colors and how you can choose a shade for any outfit.
     
    Eyeliner
    Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($10)
    This eyeliner is the best. It is super long-lasting and requires no touch-ups. The perfect element to that super-sexy smokey eye look.

    Mascara
    Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara ($6)
    Kim Kardashian swears by this mascara and swears it completes the look of her famous smokey eyes. Kate Beckinsale and Ciara are also in-love with this fabulous product. Try this product with the big brush to make your lashes as defined as possible.
    Lips
    Smith’s Rosebud Salve ($7)
    This product is totally portable and instantly makes your lips silky smooth and soft. The little metal pot is adorable and is a favorite of Katherine Heigl and Eva Longoria.

    Now go get your glam on, ladies!

     

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  • Urban Decay's New Roller Girl Palette

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    May
    30
    2011

    Urban Decay is one of my favorite brands and has been for years! When you are looking for top quality shadows that are pigmented in beautiful shades, Urban Decay is one of the best options! Always coming out with the perfect new palettes and gift sets, they really got my attention with the new set Roller Girl! Always the fan of 70's nostalgia, I found Roller Girl to be perfectly packaged and filled with the best selection of goodies! Take a look below for some pics and more info!

    Packed with four sultry and sweet shades, this palette will be able to take you from day to night easily. "Suspect" is a great shade to use all over the eyelid. Use "Darkhorse" in the crease and "Verve" on the brow bone to give some shimmer and highlight. "Woodstock" is your wild card in this group! Use it in the outer corner of the eye to create a pop of color! You can use a small amount or really layer it on for impact!

    Complete with a perfect brown 24/7 Eye Pencil in "Whiskey" and a shimmering pink Lip Junkie Lipgloss! This is the perfect palette to toss in your purse or beachbag for quick touch ups before a night on the town or after a day of fun in the sun! Make sure to head over to Urban Decay for this palette and more!

    What is your favorite Urban Decay product?

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  • Get Gorgeous with Michelle Phan

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    April
    18
    2011

     
    If you are interested in beauty and makeup and you haven't heard of Michelle Phan, well, you can thank me later. This YouTube beauty guru has been long been considered the authority on internet makeup tutorials. With a fantastic range that includes both conceptual and everyday makeup, her videos are respected and referred to regularly in the beauty community. Michelle is the first female YouTuber to reach over a million subscribers, and her video views exceed 361 million! Michelle recently joined the Lancome team and is currently making videos using their fantastic products. 
     
     Being on YouTube almost more than Facebook and being obsessed with all things beauty and makeup, I have following Ms. Phan for quite some time. Let me walk you through a few of my favorite videos, shown below.
     
     
     Ahh, the Purple Disco Tutorial! Not only is this video fantastically edited and easy to follow, Michelle is one of those super talented artists who manages to make purple eyeshadow look somehow subtle and glam. This tutorial gives you step by step instructions on how to achieve a perfectly sparkly and sultry evening eye look. The main reason I love her syle is that Michelle always manages to make her makeup look effortless, regardless of the intensity of the colors. The look is never overdone and always celebrates her features.  
     
     
     Fast and fresh makeup in the morning is an instant confidence booster. Growing up pale and awkward, I quickly discovered that blush and mascara were my friend, and from that a love of cosmetics was born. It is all about enhancing your natural beauty and feeling great! Enjoy this tutorial shown above, which gives you fast tips on how to enhance your look in just 5 minutes! I love that Michelle always mentions the importance of defining your brows. Giving you an instant frame around your face, your eyebrows are one of the most important parts of your face. 
     
     
     Michelle definitely knows how to have some fun with makeup, as shown in the video above. Based on a look from Lady Gaga's video, Bad Romance, Michelle shows us how to achieve the wide eyed look made famous by the pop sensation. One of several Lady Gaga inspired videos, this tutorial is my favorite for the fun computer generated effects at the end. Receiving over 20 million views, this video is a web classic and has been referenced many times.
     
     Make sure to check out Michelle's channel. Her sweet demeanor and expert skills will make you an instant fan, trust me!
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  • Lady Gaga In i-D Magazine April 2011

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    April
    6
    2011

     

    Lady Gaga never ceases to create a buzz. Love her or hate her, you better get used to her because she isn't going anywhere. Featured in so many magazines, online articles, and more, Gaga seems to be everywhere we look. Take, for example, the new spread in i-D magazine for April 2011. Gaga is the cover girl with a small but totally memorable feature within. Inside "The Exhibitionist" issue, Gaga shows off her now famous facial and shoulder prostheses, multicolor hair, and dark, dramatic lips and eyes. 

    I love these images. To me, Gaga seems to be redefining the idea of beauty. With an extraterrestrial aesthetic and bizarre yet beautiful makeup and hair, these photographs draw you in, making you wonder what exactly you are looking at. For additional pictures check out the full spread at i-D Magazine's site.

        What are your thoughts on Lady Gaga? Do you love it, or is it all too much for you?

    Top 2 images from styleite.com                                                                    

    Last image littleredbook-thatshaute.blogspot.com

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  • Before and After: The Makeup Magic of Vadim Andreev

    Posted by: Laurie Hartt

    February
    21
    2011

     
    The next time you're feeling in the need for a little change, don't run for the scissors or hair dye. Instead, just give Vadim Andreev a call and see if he can squeeze you in for a little last-minute makeover. A day in the shoes of a glamor goddess will have you cheered up in no time!

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Vadim Andreev is a leading makeup artist in Russia who works with models for commercials, photoshoots, and magazines. He's also a pretty amazing wedding photographer -- check out his portfolio.
     
    Here he is at work on some models for a swim photoshoot:
     

    Wanna see more before and afters? (Yeah, I'm obsessed with them, too.) Pics taken from here and here.

    While I don't recommend wearing this much makeup to work or school, it's definitely fun to play around with on a rainy day weekend or when dressing up for your next big fashion show.
     
    Which look is your fav?
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  • Sephora by OPI: Glee Collection

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    February
    9
    2011

     

    Calling all Gleeks! Get ready for some exciting news! If you are even half as obsessed with Glee as the staff here at LuLu*s, then you will be extra jazzed to hear that Sephora and OPI have teamed up to create a collection of nail polish based around all things Glee! Let's take a closer look at the array of beautiful shades.

    With names inspired by events and premises of the show, you will be fully entertained from the very moment you read the bottle. Names like, "Slushied,  "Diva-in-Training" and "Mashup" conjure some of my favorite moments from Glee.

    This fabulous collection is available in individual sizes or the mini collection, shown above.  Make sure to snap these up if they strike your fancy, Sephora special collections always sell out! Pick up this must-have collection at your local Sephora store or online at Sephora.com!

     

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