Halloween is tomorrow and no matter what’s on your agenda – party or parade – the killer style and flawless faces seen on AMC’s ‘Mad Men’ would be the perfect costume (simple, feminine and beautiful!)

To get the look, try snagging a vintage dress from your closet or the closet of your mom or grandmother. Accessorize it conservatively with classic pearls, diamond studs, matching mid-height heels and a chic clutch.
For the makeup, start with a powder foundation (I like the one from Michael Marcus Cosmetics ($40) as it creates a close – to – flawless complexion.)
Next, apply a thin line of …read more

It’s really getting down to the wire for Halloween costumes and makeup, dear readers. If you’re still looking for a little inspiration, I have to direct you to  M·A·C’s fantastical Halloween facecharts featured exclusively on the brand’s Facebook Page.
This year, M·A·C artists have really outdone themselves, there are some AMAZING looks.  My absolute favorite is the Exotic Zebra below, but there are 20 others to choose from. Each facechart also includes full product listings, in case you feel inspired to try one of these looks at home.

For more tips from M·A·C artists and a closer look at some of the most amazing Halloween faces, check out the …read more

My favorite eyeshadow for fall is undoubtedly MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Young Punk, from the recent Style Black collection.  It’s a stunning smokey, sparkly purple but for some reason, even with a primer, I experienced some major glitter fall out while wearing it.
That’s why I’m excited to see Sephora’s new Glitter Eye Shadow Brush ($13), a silicone tipped applicator that helps sparkly shadows stay put. To apply your favorite loose or pressed glitter shadow, press the powder into your lid with the flat side of the applicator to maximize the staying power.

Remember, when it comes to flawless makeup application, you …read more

There are black mascaras and there are BLACK MASCARAS. MAC’s new Zoom Fast Black Lash falls firmly into the latter category.
This carbon-black formula deposits an intense amount of pigment on lashes, adding length and even a bit of volume.  While I’ve got long lashes to begin with, I’ve received more than a few “What mascara are you wearing?” questions while wearing Zoom Fast Black Lash. For the record, that’s DEFINITELY a good thing.

While I love the formula and the results, I will just warn that it requires a little extra care for complete removal. I usually use a makeup cleansing …read more

Designer Rachel Roy is as well known for her flawless appearance as she is her great style and design sense, so when she offered up some beauty tips, I knew Makeup Minute readers would want the scoop!
Check out Rachel’s tidbits below and if you have any questions or comments, please share!

Rachel says:

I feel a great mascara can open the eye and instantly make you look as though you’ve have a good night’s sleep, even when that is not the case.  I use 2-3 coats of Lancome Fatale on the top, bottom, and also on the back of the top lashes.
Because …read more

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is trucking along here in New York, though I’m back to desk duty at my day job!  The weekend was a flurry of backstage and show appointments, though, so never fear, I still have several New York Fashion Week posts to share.  Next up: Erin Fetherston, who’s always a fave of mine!

Image via Coutorture.com
The face of Erin Fetherston for Spring 2010 focused clearly on the eyes and was created by makeup artist Lucia Pica for MAC. I was lucky enough to be backstage at Milk Studios during the test (which is when the first model’s look is …read more

This week is a VERY special week in the world of fashion and beauty as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off in New York’s Bryant Park.
I’ll be attending the Spring 2010 shows (it’s my 5th season covering backstage beauty and runway style!), as will countless other beauty journalists and bloggers, so stay tuned for daily updates here on Makeup Minute.
I have to say that undoubtedly my fave part of New York Fashion Week is the inspiration that it provides me for months to come.  Exhibit A?  The Twinkle by Wenlan look below, created by Gregory Arlt for MAC Cosmetics at the …read more

Steamy summer days call for a lot of SPF and a light hand with makeup. MAC’s new SunTints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balms have you covered on both ends.

Released with the Baby Bloom collection late last month, these balms comes in five shades:

Just a Smidge: Soft Pastel Yellow with Multi Colored Pearl
Lilt of Lily: Soft Creamy Pale Pink
Pink Tinge: Clean Bright Yellow Pink with Gold Pearl
Full of Grace: Soft Sheer Rose
Moist Plum: Light Lilac with Very Fine Pearl (my personal favorite!)

The color payoff here is slight but the real benefit is in the emollient rich texture, which  moisturizes lips beautifully …read more

Bobbi Brown’s new Ivy League Collection for Fall 2009 includes a fresh, new spin on fall’s strong eye: Forest Shimmer Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.
If you’ve never tested Bobbi’s gel liners, you’re in for a treat. If you use the right brush (I dig MAC’s 210), they’re super simple to apply and leave the perfect swipe of long lasting color.
The Forest hue in particular is stunning, in my opinion –  it’s a deep green and golden pearl that really makes hazel and brown eyes pop!
You can pair this with one of the two new pearlized eye shadows for fall –  Autumn …read more

Last weekend, I took a quick weekend jaunt to Nashville for a pre-birthday celebration with a girlfriend. (Yes, my birthday. Let’s not talk about which # it was.) 
As I packed my bag that morning (at the very last minute, of course), I found myself being very selective about the makeup I was taking – I wanted to bring only the bare essentials.  I also thought long and hard about makeup that could be applied with my fingers, as opposed to tools (hence the cream blush!)
Here’s what I was able to pare down to for three days away:

Packed into my Paul …read more