The Duchess and Her Strong Brow

I just saw the movie "The Duchess", based on the Duchess of Devonshire Georgiana Spencer (AKA "G").  She was strong-willed, sophisticated, funny, smart and a true trendsetter.   Not only am I obsessed with G's story, I am once again obsessed with Keira Knightley.  She is wonderful to watch on-screen, those brows are amazing and her skin is luminous.  I love her in period films!  

To get gorgeous brows like Keira's, don't overpluck.  I repeat - don't OVERPLUCK!!  If you have already done this, try to let the brows grow in and then get them shaped by a professional.  To add a bit of color to sparse brows, fill in with powder shadow and a stiff-bristled brow brush.  Groom brows with a bit of clear brow gel so they stay all day.  Groomed brows really open up the eye and give you a more polished look, even when you're not wearing any makeup.  

XO

Em

Check it out...Washington, DC has fashionable people too!

Since I'm a former NYer, I COMPLETELY miss the urban fashion bubble that I lived in.  (I now live in the Washington, DC area). And for those of you that know, DC is nice enough and all....but it isn't exactly known for making fabulous fashion statements.  Case in point:  If I wear fuschia lipstick, people will think I just escaped the loony bin rather than thinking I'm just so fab.  But I digress.  My point is, I discovered a fantastic makeup artist in the DC area.  Her photographs are gorgeous and her website awesome.  Check her out....www.kathyaragon.com.

"N-n-n-New York Girls!  Attitude." 

XO

Em

Decrease Depression in this Recession with Cheap and Easy Beauty Tricks

Now that our nation is in full-blown economic crisis mode, I've been reading and thinking alot about recession-proof beauty regimens.  Even before these rough times, I was always closer to poor than rich, so I managed to find cheap ways to be chic.  So, in this new era of "more bang for your buck", I present to you the cheapest of the cheap beauty tips and tricks...

• Nice 'n Easy haircolor.  Yep, it's about $7 at your local drugstore and they have pretty much every natural shade you can imagine.  I've been coloring my hair with #118 for years, and I've never received so many compliments. Plus it comes with the creamiest, best conditioner ever (which you can also by separately if you want to stock up!!)

• Mud Masks.  You can give yourself a mini facial once per week.  Look for masks with purifying ingredients, like kaolin clay.  This stuff is great for deep cleaning the pores and really makes your skin look shiny and new even if you stayed up way past your bedtime.  

• Face Oil.  That's right, OIL.  Don't be scared!  My colleague recommended that I use oil on my face during the winter.  I was kinda afraid - until I actually TRIED it.  I put Grapeseed Oil mostly on my cheeks and a dab everywhere else. This stuff is fantastic layered under your daily moisturizer. It gives skin that fresh, glowy look that we all want when it's cold outside.  A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.

• At home mani/pedis.  Okay, so I always thought I was bad at giving myself manicures until I finally purchased "Bottom Coat" and "Top Coat" polishes.  The Bottom Coat really helps the nail color glide on and the Top Coat seals in the color and adds shine.  Voila -Salon perfect nails!

• Red Lipstick.  Yes.  The kind your grandmother wore in the '40s.   I know some of you HATE the idea of bold lips, but if you don't have the money to update your entire makeup wardrobe, buy a new lipstick.  It doesn't have to be a true red.  You can go for another fun color like rose, bright pink, or coral.  Lipstick can instantly lift your mood and brighten your face.  
  

So there it is - a few tips to get you started.  I hope this helps a little (or ALOT).  If any of you have other great cheap and chic beauty tips, please post them for everyone to read.

XO

Em

Nice n' Easy haircolor, Kiss My Face Deep Cleansing Mask and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick from www.drugstore.com.

"Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future", but Inara George is

Okay, so The Bird and the Bee released their new album a few days ago - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future, which I'm very excited about since I'm a big fan.  This also gives me an excuse to discuss the singer, Inara George.  I LOVE her style.  She's a modern-day Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow all rolled into one.  I found this picture of her from the Coachella music festival last April, and it just makes me think aaaaahhhh, Spring.  The yellow top, cute polka dotted skirt (my personal fave) and her super pretty pixie hair and soft makeup are just lovely.  

This makeup look is all about fresh skin and rosy cheeks.  To get it, put concealer like Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer, under the eye. Concentrate most of the concealer near the inner corner and along the lash line.  Blend thoroughly.  Put a sheer tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF 15 over the rest of the face.  Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 

20 will even out your skin without looking all makeup-y.  Use an eye base like Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen.  Smooth on the lid with your finger. This will hide any darkness and not look like you have on ANY eye makeup.  (If you want a bit of color, swipe on a shimmery sheer shadow).  As a final touch, dot the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks and Lips in Pale Pink on the apples of your cheeks and slick over lips.  Voila!  A fresh, pretty look for spring.

XO

Em

Inara George photo from www.daylife.com/photo/0at652ubgXdAi

Laura Mercier cosmetics from www.lauramercier.com

Bobbi Brown cosmetics from www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Women Warriors

I'm currently reading "War Paint" by Lindy Woodhead.  It is a fascinating historical account of two of the grande dames of cosmetics - Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden.  More than 100 years ago, both women emigrated to America to grow their beauty empires.  They built their businesses from scratch, developing advertising and marketing techniques that are still present in today's $150 billion dollar beauty industry.  They changed the way the world and women viewed makeup.  This thoroughly researched book is chock-full of juicy stories and is a must-read for any beauty enthusiast!  Also, be on the look out for the documentary "The Powder and the Glory", a 90-minute documentary based on the book.  It premieres Monday, March 23rd, 2009 on PBS.  Check out the trailer: www.pbs.org/thepowderandtheglory/. Happy reading and viewing:)

XO

Em

Super makeup from a super-songstress

I read an article in today's edition of The Washington Post about the extremely talented British singer Adele.  Not only does she have a gorgeous voice, but a gorgeous complexion to match!  This lady loves to play up her pretty peepers with lots o' lashes and black eyeliner.  She's no Amy Winehouse though.  She's a more together kinda gal - in life AND looks. Get her pretty spring makeup look with Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Pink Coral, Benefit Sheer Cream Blusher in Hush!, Cover Girl Eye Enhancers eye quad in Coffee Shop, Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes in Mat Black (bottom lashes), Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink (top lashes only), Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, and Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara (for out-to-there lashes).

XO

Em

Dolce and Gabbana's New Makeup Line

Big news for you pretty dollfaces: Dolce and Gabbana is launching a makeup line!! Now, I'm not the biggest fan of their clothing - I call it "trashtastic clothes for the wealthy".  However, their cosmetics line is a whole 'notha dress up game!  This is makeup reminiscent of what your grandmother or even great-grandmother wore, during a time when makeup was the ultimate accessory and just as important as a hat or a handbag. So pretty!  Much of the credit goes to makeup maestro Pat McGrath, who played a large part in developing the collection. The pigments are rich and the colors true.  There will be 27 classic cream lipstick shades, 12 semi-sheer shine lipsticks, and 12 glosses.  Also included are 14 eye palettes, blushes, bronzers, foundations, nail polish and mascara. The packaging is even super-special, with every item encased in shiny gold.  And the ad campaign stars one of my favorite screen actresses, Scarlett Johansson. The line is set to launch in early Feb '09....just in time for Valentine's Day.

XO

Em