There’s a chill in the air and evenings are getting darker earlier but regardless, it’s the season for holiday parties and a few quick and easy tricks from the pros are in order. Alison Raffaele, celebrity make-up artist and creator of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, has some tips on how to get your glam for your big night out.

Alison says,
To quickly and easily get your glam on this Holiday season, try brightening or deepening your eyes and/or your lips. For example, if you normally wear a soft plum lipstick, a step deeper would be a more of aubergine color …read more

Intense lip shades are always in for Fall, but this season, the trend has taken a dramatic turn. Whether you blame it on Twilight or True Blood, gothic-inspired black lips are everywhere!
While the look may seem intimidating at first glance (and second too…let’s be honest), if you choose the right products and apply correctly (that’s always key!), it can be surprisingly wearable.

Unlike some of the opaque black shades that you can find on counter right now, our favorite Lipstick Queen – Poppy King – has made this Goth-inspired trend gorgeous with Black Tie Optional Lipstick ($18) and Shine Gloss ($22).
The …read more

I can only speak for myself but it seems that the more makeup I have, the more makeup I WANT! So, it makes sense that storage and organization becomes issues.
First and foremost, before organizing your makeup, make sure that you’re holding on to items that you really love. I know that we’re all prone to hoarding gorgeous colors or special packaging – and that’s okay. But if you don’t love it or it’s not useful to you, it’s a waste.  Try passing along what you don’t use to a friend, selling it on eBay (must be new) swapping it on …read more

By now, if you’re anything like me, you’re a total Gilt Groupe, Hautelook and Rue La La ADDICT. And while these invitation only shopping sites have dabbled in beauty, they’ve focused primarily on fashion.  But that’s all about to change with the September launch of two sites. Meet The Fairest and The Skinny.

The Fairest is a beauty private sale site launching tomorrow. Jolie Nadine blogger, Nadine Haobsh is the Editorial Director for the blog on site – Who’s the Fairest? – if you’re a beauty lover, you’ll adore it all!
Sign up for your membership now and you’ll enjoy brands like Stila, …read more

Makeup artist Sam Fine is a legend in the biz, particularly among women of color.  His celebrity clients include some of the most famous women in the world – Beyonce, Iman, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and the lovely Jennifer Hudson.
Born in Chicago, Fine learned the art of makeup while working at a cosmetics counter. After assisting Kevyn Aucoin, he dedicated himself to a career working with women of color.
I recently had a chance to meet Sam and to preview his new “The Basics of Beauty” instructional DVD ($24.99), which demonstrates application techniques and tricks on three real women in …read more

Beauty and fashion journalist Charla Krupp’s bestselling book How Not to Look Old has great tips for women of all ages on how to maximize their looks.  Here are ten of my favorites:

1) Pick pink for your pout.
2) Arch your brows upward.
3) Don’t outline your lips with a dark liner.
4) Whiten your teeth.
5) Cut some bangs.
6) Switch from powder to cream blush.
7) Soft is better than hard (makeup).
8) Illumination is better than darkness (face, hair).
9) Moist is better than dry (skin, lips, eyes).
10) Slim is better than heavy (eyeliner, clothing).
If you’d like to learn from the master (Krupp, that is) in …read more

If I had to choose one desert island beauty essential, lip balm would be IT. My reasoning is simple – a good lip product is a multi- tasker in the truest sense of the word.  I’ve listed 10 possible uses below… If you can think of more, leave a comment!

1.  A thick balm or gloss is an excellent brow tamer.
2. Apply with a clean mascara wand to add a natural gloss to lashes.
3. Moisturize dry cuticles.
4. Use a teeny bit warmed between finger tips to calm flyaways or split ends.
5. Condition dry knees or elbows.
6. Soothe pesky diaper rash on the wee ones.
7. …read more

While bright shades come in and out of style, celebrity makeup artist Elke Von Freudenberg says, “The trend is all about skin this year- and making it look as flawless as possible with the least amount of makeup.” Easier said than done, right? Not if you work from these simple steps!

“Use a tinted moisturizer to even out the skin tone. Put concealer on any areas that need extra coverage and under the eye. Sweep just a little bit of loose powder over the face, ” says Jody Cohen, makeup artist and founder of Cosmoholic Cosmetics.
Curl your lashes and apply 1-2 coats of brown or black …read more

Along with a gorgeous red lip, a classic smokey eye is a must-have in any woman’s beauty arsenal.  But working with darker hues can be intimidating, so whether it’s reserved for special occasions or you’re bold enough to rock the look by day, check out these simple how-to tips from makeup artist and brow guru Ramy Gafni :

1. For a super-fast, neutral (i.e wearable) Smokey Eye: Apply moisturizing Skin Stick concealer around entire orb of the eye – including lash line to brow bone, Set concealer with Pure Radiance Pressed Powder. The concealer and powder bring the eyes forward and act as a …read more

 
Next up in our series of Makeup Minute How To’s are tips on making foundation last.  Foundation is an essential for women who want coverage but getting your makeup to last the duration of the day can be a challenge.
Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman (who keeps stars like Reba McIntyre and Jenna Fischer looking gorgeous) gave us his top three tips for foundation with staying power:
1. My first trick to getting a foundation that holds up is to find a long wear formulation. I LOVE Revlon’s ColorStay Active Light Foundation. It’s super sheer, comes in an amazing color range and has SPF 25. …read more