Perfect Hair Day with Living Proof

This is a shoot we did awhile ago at Guggenheim Productions. But like so many other things, life got in the way and I never got around to posting it. My daughter is in it for one second, which in her mind makes her a star. Her "mom" is model Amy Olson-Weller, one of the loveliest people to work with. And their shared traits are bright personalities and long page boy bangs. 

I've never done much to my hair but sometimes on the set I listen and learn different techniques and products and am always curious if they actually work. I can't use dry shampoo but for those who do, this is considered one of the best. 

Top Tips for a Natural Makeup Look

When it comes to makeup, most people want to look like themselves with a bit of “pop” - not as if they have on gobs of makeup. Sometimes you may want drama, but on most days, if you’re like most people, you probably want to look like natural. Here are some of my top tips for your bringing out the natural you.

Face

If your skin is normal-to-dry or dry: 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Use a sheer moisturizing tint such as Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 to smooth without looking like you put anything on. I recently did makeup for someone who doesn’t like makeup. Because I didn’t want to scare her I used this product, assuring her that she would not look like a “painted lady".  And because she actually liked it, I gave her a tube so she can use it every day for moisturizing benefits, and, more importantly, sun protection. As I keep saying, never leave the house without sunscreen. If you don’t want to use a tint, still use something that has a sunscreen. I am currently moisturizing with LaPrairie Crème Biologie Marine Avancee Jour SPF 20 under my foundation - I always make sure my moisturizer and foundation have sunscreen in case I missed applying somewhere.

Clean and Clear

If your skin is oily:

For especially oily skin, try an oil-absorbing powder in place of a foundation. And carry oil-blotting papers with you so you don’t have to keep reapplying – if you continually reapply, the powder might start to cake up and not look natural at all. On shoots I’ve been using Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets – they are affordable and great for every day too. Just press them right where you need to blot excess oil. I use these on set to keep people from looking shiny on camera.

Bare Minerals Warm Radiance

Cheeks

For the natural look (as seen here on Melinda), I used a soft reddish bronzer. If you’ve read my other articles, I don’t mean to bore you by recommending the same things over again – but I do love the tried and true and will only share the things I really like. This is bareMinerals Warm Radiance – the shade is so versatile I use it on almost all skin tones. It’s a loose powder so you have to be careful or it can make a mess - dip the brush in lightly and then tap off excess before application. bareMinerals recommends dipping the brush into the top cap to avoid getting too much product on the brush. It’s a definitely good tip. If you really prefer a pressed powder, I like Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder. (People also love Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact if you want some bronze sparkle.)

Eyes

For natural softness, use shades that blend into skin and hair tone. This is usually earthy shades, such as soft beiges, creams and browns (depending on your skin tone). Blend well.

Eye Shadow

• A soft beige eye shadow from lash to brow

• A soft rust shade in the outer corners (a rust accent complements Melinda’s hair color and pulls the makeup together.)

Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara

Eye Liner

I lightly applied brown eyeliner on top lash line. To keep it subtle, always apply right on lash line, not outside or inside of it. Staying on the lash line just makes lashes look a bit fuller.

Lashes

Try brown or black/brown mascara on top lashes only. I am still a big fan of Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara. It never clumps and always looks natural. I am also allergic to most mascaras but I can wear this one!

Brows

Clinique Brow Shaper is super-easy to use. The shades are subtle and it comes with a stiff brush that helps you shape without looking drawn on. Apply lightly and then step away from the mirror to make sure you’re using just enough product to lightly define brows.

Lips

For this shoot I used a sheer gloss with a tint. I like the non-sticky lightness of Clinique Almost Lipstick (one of their classic best-sellers and my favorite is a shade called Black Honey). I recommended it here as a Clinique Beauty Icon product.

The shades listed here work for most skin tones. If you have a deeper skin tone you can use the same shades, just with deeper pigment. For example, instead of brown use a black eye liner and mascara. In addition, use brands that have more pigment-rich colors in general, such as MAC, Stila or NARS. Viva au naturale!

MODEL IMAGE BY:

Photography, Chris Eckert

Model, Melinda Lennox

Hair, Kristan Serafino

Makeup, Robyn Tamura

Behind the Scenes with GQ & Vogue

This was a fun shoot I just did with Guggenheim Productions in New York City, working behind the scenes with GQ magazine and Uniqlo for Vogue TV. Stylists Brett Fahlgren and Cara Crowley showed us how to dress and accessorize for spring and I prettied everyone up!

Images and tips from the day: Brett is GQ's stylist who introduced the male looks from Uniqlo. This boyishly handsome model is Lorenzo Vargas (who has perfect skin). A little Laura Mercier concealer to brighten his eye area, Fashion Fair pressed powder to take down the shine and Lorac Bronzer to add some warmth and contour. 

Lorenzo

Gorgeous Marina Theiss is originally from Brazil. Here she is with hair stylist and makeup artist Amanda Beczner doing her lovely long locks. (Amanda and I are both petite so Marina towers over both of us.)

Marina Theiss

For Marina's fresh makeup look:

Chanticaille Compact cream makeup on areas as needed.

A pinky nude lip.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer to brighten under her eyes.

A soft brown eye shadow washing the lid and a touch of eyeliner in black on the top eye line.

Lots of my favorite mascara, Laura Mercier Faux Lash and lots of my favorite bronzer from Lorac.

Add a Little Drama

That would be makeup drama, I mean. Nothing stressful or upsetting. If you're already full of drama, maybe now just channel it into your eyes - your dramatic, smoky eyes. Beauty Editor Carly Cardellino of Cosmopolitan magazine asked me to share my best tips for a smoky eye. Check them out here on  Cosmopolitan.com.

Your Hair: You are the Living Proof

One day I was walking down the street with some friends when we saw a woman with messy, unkempt hair (and not in a good way). My friend Paul says, “What! How hard can it be to just put your hair in curlers while you do your makeup then let it down and go?” The rest of us looked at each other and said, “It’s pretty hard.” He just stared at us. (Of course, Paul is bald – but he is amazing makeup artist who does great hair so I will give him a little credit.) Since I generally never do anything with my hair he may as well be talking about me. I am wash and go – blow-drying my hair bores me; curling – too much trouble. At least I’m not vain, right? But even I’ll admit that putting some extra effort is sometimes nice.

Hollywood Glamour

Flex

Living Proof is a hair company that happens when a team of scientists and stylists come together to develop some hair products. One of its co-founders is Jennifer Aniston - perhaps the woman most recognized for her hair in the last couple decades. Who doesn’t know “The Rachel” from Friends?

No Frizz

I once did makeup for a celebrity who also wanted me to do her very curly hair. I told her I was not a hairstylist but she said she would "just need a touch-up.” Which never means “a touch-up” because suddenly people realize what they really want and start making all kinds of requests. I mentioned to this my hairstylist friend and she advised me to go to Sephora and pick up Living Proof’s “No Frizz”. I ended up using it and her hair looked really good. It was a humid day so when I saw her doing appearances on live TV, I was relieved to see that it held up. That was my introduction to Living Proof. The company is called Living Proof because, they say, “We are the Science. You are the Living Proof.” Indeed.

Amanda Beczner and I worked with Guggenheim Productionsto do the makeup for the models. The Living Proof hairstylists - including “The Rachel” creator Chris McMillan - demonstrated how to use the products to create different looks. Living Proof likes their models to look clean, fresh and very natural - here are some of the looks we created together:

Flex - Hollywood Glamour

Flex - Beach Waves

Satin 

Obsessed with Sun Protection: Application Mishaps

I am obsessed with sun protection. Obsessed. I will write about it until it’s boring. Probably it’s already boring. But it’s so important for both health and beauty that it must be said until it’s boring. Since it’s summer and we’re in the sun, it’s time for hats, sunglasses,  sunscreen and even protective clothing. In India one summer, I made friends with someone local who kindly offered to show me around New Delhi. It was over 100 degrees so I came out in shorts and a sleeveless shirt. He looked at me nervously and asked if was going to change. I told it was too hot but he continued to look at me, shaking his head and then insisted that I cover up. I should have known, but I rushed there for work and didn’t read the books ahead of time to know that there are specific ideas of modesty not followed the same as in our culture. He told me I had to cover my arms and legs. When I pointed out that the women in traditional dress had the sides of their stomach showing he looked at me and waited for me to change (why I was questioning him I don't know. Maybe it was the heat).

So out I came in jeans and something over my sleeveless shirt and off we went. What I learned was that my clothing protected me from the sun, and also, that people in India cover up in light cotton for actual reasons beyond modesty. Covering up in cotton clothing keeps sweat from evaporating and the skin cooler.

Since then I now cover up with that in mind. While I’m still not sure about it keeping me cooler, I do know it provides some protection.

And while I like to write posts to scare everyone about the dangers of the sun, I recently came across an interesting article that talks about the next level – not properly applying sun protection. When I read this I realized for someone so obsessed with sun protection, I fall short in the area of actually using it.

Here are the “10 Most Common Sunscreen Slip-ups” – the article feeds my obsession, but in a good way. I hope it helps you stay properly protected all summer long.

On the Red Carpet: Laura Benanti

Who gets to be gorgeous, talented and have a great personality? An old friend of mine used to say you get one or maybe two but not all three – she said the gods just don’t allow it. Which seems fair enough. But I recently had the opportunity to work with Tony Award winning Laura Benanti and I can tell you right now she is as kind as she is beautiful. And winning Tonys doesn’t happen unless you’re exceptionally talented, and guess what - she has all three.

This fall, Laura stars in the new NBC show Go On with Friends' Matthew Perry. 

When she first arrived to NYC, Laura was cast as an understudy for the Broadway role of Maria in The Sound of Music - a show she would go on to star in. From there she went on to many roles and became one of Broadway's brightest stars, picking up awards and accolades all along the way. After learning I was in the presence of Maria I couldn’t help but hum My Favorite Things (really corny I know, but I actually wasn't thinking about it) as I did her makeup - and Laura and hairstylist Kristan Serafino joined right along with me. Then off she went to the red carpet looking glowing and beautiful.

Makeup Tips for Laura's Red Carpet Look Laura wanted natural makeup so I stuck with warm nude and earth tones and added small touches of brightness to keep it fresh and glowing.

Laura Up Close

Moisturize before applying makeup. I used a light moisturizer and Origins GenZing eye cream. Moisturizing helps smooth on foundation so it looks soft and natural. Because her skin is already so smooth and even, I used foundation sparingly and only to create a "palette" for color. To make sure it lasted throughout the night, I set the makeup with a sheer face powder and the under eye concealer powder from Laura Mercier's Undercover Pot.

Highlight eyes with a touch of light shimmer. I used Matisse Elite Star Dust Powder on just the inner corners to draw attention to her eyes. If we were creating a dramatic look I would use shimmer more liberally, but using it just as an accent is perfect to keep it soft and natural.

Warm the face with a bronzer. I used a bronzer in place of a blush on cheeks, around the sides of face and on the forehead area. Again, to keep it natural, it's important to blend any bronzer well.

Add soft color to lips. Laura is wearing coral shoes - I didn't mean to match her lips to them, but now that I'm looking at the images I kind of did! Matching lips and shoes is, of course, in no way important or necessary, but keeping lip color in the warmer tones helps blend the warmer eye and cheek color together.

Look for Laura this Fall,  Tuesdays at 9pm (EST)!

Go On NBC

Hair by Kristan Serafino, Makeup by Robyn Tamura

"No, I’m Not Pregnant" Clothing Options

Empire Waist

The other day my friend called, upset that someone asked if she were pregnant (she’s not that sensitive so it wasn’t devastating but she wasn’t super excited about it either). And guess what? I knew exactly what she was wearing – an empire waist dress. Unless you are skinny or very young, this cut often makes people think you’re pregnant because it’s always what they make for pregnant women. Before I was pregnant I would see these cute elastic waist stretchy jeans that looked so comfortable. Upon closer inspection I saw they were maternity jeans. Why, I thought, do pregnant people get more comfortable jeans than the rest of us? Now I understand the need for extra comfort when pregnant - but does that mean if you’re not pregnant you can’t wear the extra comfortable clothes too? No. So when this same friend came maternity shopping with me as I grew larger, we asked the same question. And even though she in no way needs larger or fuller styles (she runs marathons), she bought a comfy but cute maternity dress with super soft fabric. It became one of her favorite dresses. And unlike with her empire cut dress, no one ever even asked her if she were pregnant.

Since then I’ve been looking for comfortable styles that can be worn if you are pregnant or not. For example, when pregnant I was always looking in the maternity section for clothes – which is very limited. Here’s what I found. If you don’t want to or can’t spend the $ on the following brands, look for designs that are similar to these:

Max Studio This brand NEVER fit me before. I would try everything because it looked so cute on the rack but nothing ever came of it. When I got pregnant everything Max Studio looked good on me. And now things also look pretty good in smaller sizes (I’m not quite as tiny as I used to be so somehow it works).

Helmut Lang

Helmut Lang I have this silk Helmut Lang top I’ve worn with over jeans a number of ways: With a wide belt at the hips, with a short skirt underneath (someone actually asked me about my “amazing dress”), and alone with leggings. It’s a brand that drapes and shapes in just the right places.

Joie

Joie I never looked at Joie until my friend said it was one of her favorite brands. I’d stand idly by as she tried on different Joie clothes I’d never pick out and then she’d try them on and they looked cute.

Alice and Olivia Full

Rebecca Taylor I got something from Rebecca Taylor when I was just beginning to have a stomach. It looked cute then and it looks cute now. So subsequently I have shopped for more of her pieces.

Alice & Olivia This designer seems to make a lot of wide band pants and shorts that look pretty good if you need your stomach held in. And a lot of the tops are blousy enough they are loose without looking pregnant.

Yummie

Yummie Tummie Finally, if you want to try shapewear, there’s Yummie Tummie. I have never been a fan of shapewear because the idea reminds me of corsets and female Victorian restrictiveness. But I gave one of the tank tops a go. It’s nice because it’s mostly soft cotton and long enough to not ride up around when you’re trying to keep things comfortably “supported.”

Max Studio

There’s a Queer Guy

Awhile back I was walking around Chelsea with my now-husband when he said, “There’s a queer guy.” If you don't know, Chelsea is generally known as a gay area in New York City; my later-to be-husband is a beer-drinking, sports-watching guy. I was horrified. Did he just call someone “queer”? And in Chelsea? It was OK when my gay friends said it. It was not OK when this guy did. I looked around to see who he was talking about and it actually was a queer guy – grooming expert Kyan Douglas, one of the guys from the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

Years later on a shoot with Guggenheim Productions I worked with the interior designer from the show, Thom Filicia. Thom was the one who transformed the beer-drinking sports guys’ homes into beautiful living spaces. This shoot was for Architectural Digest showing how he beautifully designed the Sky Deck at the Delta Sky Clubat JFK airport in New York. The space reflects Delta’s brand identity with the talented designer’s touch. It is beautiful and functional. The cushions were as soft and comfortable as if you were in someone’s home but were waterproof to withstand the elements. It is thoughtfully put together as a beautifully modern but durable outdoor space. It’s a place you’d want to hang out at all day.

So if ever you find yourself in the Delta Sky Club you must venture out to the deck and hang out as long as you can. Get a drink from the bar, settle down with something to read and enjoy yourself.

I loved working with him. In addition being talented, visionary and everything else, he’s also kind and funny.

Laura Benanti & The Sound of Music

I recently met a rabid fan of Broadway musicals (his name is Francois). I’ve never seen anything like it. His walls are papered with playbills starting from the 70s and he’s seen every Broadway show you can think of. When I told him I sometimes work with Laura Benanti he looked like he was going to faint. He then went on to name everything she’s ever been in, raved about her Tony winning performance in Gypsy and even knew exactly what she's doing now. Unlike Francois, I am not a fan of musicals. It makes me uncomfortable when someone is about to say something but instead suddenly starts to sing. And everything is so dramatic – I don’t know, maybe that kind of public display of emotion is a little too free for the Japanese in me (not to generalize about Japanese people, but it’s a culture more known for personal restraint, not wild free emotion). However, for me there is one exception – The Sound of Music. This may be because I saw it when I was so young, learned and know all the songs and still vividly remember the Von Trapp family singing and escaping into those beautiful mountains. I don’t know. If you ask me to watch a musical I will say no. But if you look in one of my cabinets right now you’ll find a boxed set of The Sound of Music.

A number of years ago Laura played the role of Maria in The Sound of Music on Broadway. When I found that out I peppered her with questions because I couldn’t help myself. She told me how she got into it and what it was like. And she told me the story about how nervous she was when Julie Andrews came to watch her. If you don’t know, Julie Andrews is the original Maria from the movie but has since lost her ability to sing. Afterward she told Laura that she never thought she’d hear herself sing again – until she heard Laura sing. Ever since, I’ve wanted to hear her sing but…well, you know, musicals.

I found out that tonight she will be Elsa Schraeder in NBC’s live performance of The Sound of Music. So I can’t wait to hear her sing. The Daily Beast has an article called, "Laura Benanti is about to be One of Your Favorite Things."

These are some photos of Laura when I did her makeup for fashion week. I’ve meant to post them but I just never got around to it. When I saw her on TV I remembered, and since she’s going to be performing tonight I’m posting them just for her. And Francois, of course.

We Love: Willa Born to Glow Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 Tinted Shimmer Body Lotion

Born to Glow Product Shot

My 3-year old daughter Lucy, the beauty aficionado, is quite discerning when it comes to cosmetics. For example, she doesn’t like too much makeup - she will point and say, “too much.” And when she loves something, she loves it. You may think, “What does a 3-year old know?” Well, between her staunch and stubborn support for things she loves and my experience, we make a pretty good team. Lucy’s latest love is willa Born to Glow Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 Tinted Shimmer Body Lotion. This is not because she is so beyond her years that she knows sun protection is necessary. It’s because Born to Glow shimmers. As her mother I love that it protects; as a girl, she loves that it shimmers.

When we’re getting ready to go out Lucy has not a bit of patience. I’m always gathering things together before we leave, stopping to do this and that – while she runs around shouting “I’m ready! I’m ready!”

One of the things I care about most is getting sunscreen on her before she goes out. I know how the sun and environment ravages skin - that 90% of aging is from the sun. And that most damage comes not from a sunburn but from incidental sun – the sun you get from just going about your every day business - getting in and out of the car, walking to the store, etc. In addition, up to 80% of sun damage happens before age 18.  So I never want Lucy to go out without sunscreen. However, as you might imagine, getting sunscreen on a squirming, yelling toddler is difficult.

So when someone showed me willa Born to Glow sunscreen and I saw the shimmer, I knew it was a winner. Instead of asking Lucy to sit still for sunscreen, I told her that she could be sparkly. I first put it on her arms and she said, “Ooooooo.” And after that, sunscreen was no longer a battle. Now every day I go out with a shimmery, protected Lucy. And we’re both happy.

Born to Glow is a natural, chemical-free sunscreen. Free of chemicals - especially for a young girl - is amazing. What isn’t amazing is how a chemical free sunscreen can look like white paste on skin. And since no one wants to look pasty, there is a slight tint in Born to Glow willa has made the product with a slight tint so it’s not pasty in the least.

In case you don’t know willa, it is a brand created for ‘tweens. Everything is designed specifically to meet the needs young girls and it’s made to address what’s important to the girl, as well as what her mom is concerned with. Each product is based in natural ingredients with a focus on helping girls care for their skin before it is damaged.

So Lucy is not a ‘tween. She doesn’t need a skin care system at age 3. But she does need sun protection. For Lucy and her every day sunscreen, it’s all about willa Born to Glow.

Willa Skin

A Product Whore's Favorite Brand

Turnaround Cream

The other day my friend – a self-proclaimed “product whore” – sent me a text that said (and this is a direct quote): “I have tried every product out there. And somehow I always come full circle back to Clinique. I just got their Turnaround Night Cream and this morning I look three years younger.” From there, we went back and forth on the laurels of Clinique. So I need to share the love.

Now – I have worked for and with Clinique for many, many years. I recommend a lot of the products because I know them better than I know a lot of things. I can give first, second and third hand advice. And I loved working there and love most of the people who still work there.

But I’m not brainwashed. I’ve worked with many other brands and products and have solid points of reference for companies other than Clinique. Here’s what I can say about Clinique:

• The 3-Step Skin Care System really does give great skin.

• Exfoliating Scrub makes skin quickly and instantly soft.

• High Impact Mascara is one of my favorites to use at shoots.

• Redness Relief Instant Relief Mineral Powder works on almost everyone (that is, of the lighter toned skins).

My latest discovery is Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. It’s a serum but it doesn’t have that watery texture which always makes me feel like I’m paying a lot to put water on my face. To be perfectly honest, I’ve not cared a lot for serums but that is partly because I’ve not needed them much. I still don’t really need them but when my friend gave me this one I decided to try it.

I found that after maybe a week my skin was in fact smoother and clearer. I don’t really have dark spots or very uneven skin but my skin is generally not as even as it used to be. Specifically, my skin gets red here and there, especially on my cheeks and nose. So I’ve taken to sometimes using foundation in those areas. After using Even Better, though, I no longer needed foundation. I asked my husband if he noticed. He is always very cautious about his feedback about a woman’s appearance so usually says things like, “I can’t tell” or “I don’t know – I’m not really the person to ask.” But this time he said, “I think so.” Which, for him, is basically an endorsement.

IMG_2005

Next I’ll ask my friend about Turnaround Cream. Even though I’ve worked in cosmetics for the better part of my life, she has used a lot more products over the years than I have. And she knows creams and serums from every brand out there. So once I get her professional opinion I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, if you have dark spots or uneven skin, check out Clinique Even Better.

Getting Reacquainted: Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer

It's not exactly a new product, but it's new-ish to me  (I think it's been around since Giorgio Armani Beauty launched). Someone gave me Fluid Sheer a couple years ago and I didn’t think much of it because I didn’t understand what it was. Was it a bronzer? A shimmer? A foundation? It stayed in my closet in its elegantly black Armani packaging.

Recently I became reacquainted with it. I still thought it might  look like your standard bronzer. Or maybe it’d look like a trendy shimmery foundation. Then someone showed me how to properly use it and I decided to give it a go. The next shoot I did was with a skin care company, and skin care companies – naturally - want everything to be healthy and glowing. It has to look good, but the makeup can’t be apparent because it’s all about skin.

Fluid Sheer Model

For this model, I lightly applied it to her hairline and blended it on her cheekbones with blush. It made her skin glow in a way that a bronzer doesn’t. As Armani Beauty is all about glowing skin, Fluid Sheer is clearly its essence. 

Maybe it won't make us look like this, but we all deserve to glow!

Fluid Sheer Glow Tip: As its name says, it is quite sheer so you can use more than you think without it looking like too much. Apply around hairline, right under or on cheekbones. Under cheekbones makes them more prominent; on cheekbones will highlight or brighten – it all depends on what you want and need. Blend with fingertips. Then watch yourself glow.

Sneak Peeking

Today my brother was – I think – trying to motivate me by telling me how delinquent I have been on updating this site. He acted horrified. He has a point. The problem is that the more I have things going on to talk about, the less time I have to tell anyone about anything. But he has sufficiently motivated me to at least say that I’m posting something soon! So "posting something soon" is today's post. Ha! Here are also some “Coming Soon” images of a couple of things I have been working on (just to give you a peek).

R2R

Ready-to-Wear

Architectural Design 

Fred & George Weasley

As the Weather Changes, So Does Your Skin

Rainy Day in NYC

The weather in NYC is hot, warm, cold, cold, hot, warm, cold. It’s hard to say on any given day if you need a jacket or tank top, snow boots or flip-flops. The other day I actually did start the day in tall leather boots and finished it in flip-flops. And no one knows what to do with the buildings. Should they be heated or cooled? So they are also too hot/freezing. It’s not just your usual seasonal changes but such rapid changes that your skin definitely can’t keep up. Here’s what I've been doing to remedy the situation:

Bliss Body Butter

Dry Body Skin. I have recently decided to use only the richest of creams. When it’s dry but not parching I use Bliss Lemon and Sage Body Butter. It is luxuriously creamy without being sticky. I got it the first time because it was on sale at a Nordstrom Rack, so apparently it goes on sale (most cosmetics don't). Now I buy it whenever I see it.

When my skin gets really dry, however, I don’t worry about sticky and just go all in with either Aquaphor or Vaseline  and slather it on. It’s pretty old school, like something a grandma would recommend, but it really works. Vaseline has other products but I am only talking about the 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly.

Aquaphor

Dry Feet. The same is true for my feet. If they get too dry my heels crack, which hurts and they don't easily heal. Before I get my shoes on I slather on some Aquaphor or Vaseline and then put my socks on so the moisture soaks in. At night, I soak my feet in the tub and scrub them with a pumice stone. If they’re still really dry, I slather more on and put socks on before hopping in bed. In the morning they are soft and supple and good as new.

Lucy in the Central Park Snow

Clinique Exfoliating Scrub

Dry Hands. I wash my hands all the time. So they get dry even when it’s not dry out. Usually I’ll carry a little tube of lotion in my purse and some moisturizing hand sanitizer too. Right now I’m carrying Burt’s Bees Hand Lotion. Honestly I got it only because it was a handy size, but I really like it. It has a nice light scent without being sickly sweet as some of these kinds of creams do. And as much as I’m loving Vaseline, it just isn’t the best choice throughout the day unless you don’t mind greasy prints all over everything.

ReVive Cream

Dry Facial Skin. There are several things you can do with a dry complexion, and one of them is exfoliating. I have loved Clinique’s Exfoliating Scrubsince the early 90s and still love it today. It leaves your skin tingly and smooth. Clinique recommends it be used on oilier skin because it does have a nice clean tingle and it’s very scrubby (maybe too scrubby if your skin is too sensitive) but I don’t have oily skin and my flaky skin feels so smooth after using it. Of course, a good moisturizer is also important, too. I am currently using ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream, which I really like except the one I have doesn’t have a sunscreen. But the cream absorbs so comfortably into your skin and leaves it comfortable without any greasiness. And in doing a little research, I also learned that it was just given the New Beauty’s 2013 award for Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer as well! So I’m not the only one who likes it. (This one is not inexpensive so if you're not up to throwing down that kind of cash try something for dry skin from Neutrogena).

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss

Dry Lips. Gently exfoliate your lips. Clinique has another exfoliator, 7-Day Scrub Cream that works well. It is cream-based with tiny round beads - perfect for soft lip skin. Use a lip balm EVERY night and, if you wear lipstick, use a lip gloss or moisturizing lip stick. One more Clinique recommendation is Superbalm Moisturizing Lip Gloss. I don’t like sticky gloss AT ALL. This one is very moisturizing and comfortable on lips.

The Sun

Looking forward to summer. Even though New York summers are sticky and smelly and humid, at least we know what to expect. I think.

Lucy Strikes Again: Laura Mercier Eye Caviar Stick

My daughter Lucy LOVES makeup, almost to the point of obsession. If she sees anything that looks like makeup, she’ll grab it and say, “It’s MINE.” She’ll notice if you have any—even the tiniest bit—of makeup on. If she sees me go into the bathroom and hears the cabinet door open, she’ll run in as fast as she can, look at me suspiciously and say, “What you doing?” She’ll carefully examine my face for any traces of makeup to see if she has any reason to demand some too.

From time to time Lucy will wander into another room and suddenly it gets very quiet. I’ll look for her and find she has silently reached into my purse and found a lipstick that’s now painted on her face. Sometimes there will be pink handprints and fingerprints decorating the wall. More recently she’s taken to using crayons and markers as lipstick. When I try to wipe the blue or green off of her face, she runs down the hall yelling, “NOoooo!” (I can even use makeup as a bribe. “If you eat the asparagus I’ll let you put lip gloss on.” And she’ll stuff it down as fast as she can and then shout, “Makeup!”)

Lucy & Laura Mercier

The other day I had some eye makeup in a bag. I put it down to get something in the bathroom and the next thing I know, I turn around and there’s a dark stripe down Lucy’s face. I knew trying to take it off would be a battle (and not one worth fighting) so I left it on. She fell asleep on the couch and I carried her to bed, resigned that I'd be washing makeup off her sheets the next day. When she got up, the sheets were untouched, without a mark - but there was that stripe still on her smiling face! Even after a long day of playgrounds and play dates, she came home looking as if she had just put it on. I wondered if it would last as long as those little press-on tattoos I can never seem to scrub off (it did not). But I was most impressed how Laura Mercier’s Eye Caviar Stick passed the 24-Hour Lucy-Wear Test. Naturally I was anxious to see if it would pass my own 8-Hour Test (not 24, as I wasn’t planning on sleeping in it).

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick

This product is a creamy eye shadow in stick form (I’ll admit it could pass as an art crayon to someone like Lucy) and it lasted all day. What I liked most is that it never creased or looked uneven in the way that almost every other shadow does on me. It also doesn’t fade and comes in rich pearly shades. The only other eye shadow that wears on me like this is a wet/dry formula from YSL (more on that later).

So that's it. If you’re looking for an easy-to-apply, longwearing eye shadow, this is one to try!

Using This Product Tip: Apply to eyelid without worrying about it being perfect; then just take your fingertip and blend the edges. That way you don’t need to worry about spending too much time and/or precise application.

Sparkles & Bangles, Pretty in Pictures

These are some of the images we created for Kelly Bruggema's Soo Ihn Kim Jewelry. Kelly is a talented jewelry designer who also photographs her beautiful designs. Or you can say she's a talented photographer who started her own jewelry line. And though it's a fairly young company, her collections have already been seen on celebrities such as Heidi Klum and Zoe Saldana – as well as featured in magazines such as Vogue, InStyle and Harper's Bazaar.

Hair is by Kyung Min Chon. I love Kyung's story because she really followed her heart to become a hairstylist. She began her university education in Korea as a German Studies major. But once there she realized her true passion was to be in beauty. Being Asian myself I know that any career implying "artist" is not one most Asian parents get that excited about. So she somewhat independently applied to the prestigious Osaka Mode Fashion College, was accepted, and moved to Japan to study hair and makeup. Kyung has since become an accomplished hairstylist and makeup artist with numerous celebrity and corporate clients. She currently works at Warren-Tricomi in NYC.

And myself...well, you already know about me. I just had so much fun working with Kelly and Kyung - and seeing those gorgeous pieces of jewelry too.

Kelly’s designs can be found in boutiques throughout the world and with online retailers ShopBop and The Gilt Groupe (where I will soon be looking for some pieces myself).

Look Good Feel Better: Helping Women With Cancer

When my cousin Linda was diagnosed with cancer, I could not believe it.Ever since I was a little girl, I looked up toher. She was the awesome cousin with a giant pink flowered bedroom and the best dolls. Later she was the beautiful, cool artist cousin who won awards for painting pictures of Jim Morrison and had all The Beatles records. Much later, she was the reason New York City didn’t seem so scary when I moved here. In NYC, Linda gave me a home, taking of care of me and always there when I needed someone. Even as a little girl, when I was afraid to let go of the side of the pool, she taught me how to swim. (Little did I know that this would someday define our relationship.) How could my strong and amazing cousin, someone who who anchored my life, have cancer? It wasn’t possible. I somehow convinced myself it wasn’t true – or if it were, it would turn out to be nothing. In the beginning it was easy. She looked as gorgeous as always and stayed cheerful and positive. As she went through treatment, however, it became increasingly hard to ignore. I saw her weaken, watched her skin get sallow and her gorgeous shiny hair fall out. Everyone had always talked about how beautiful Linda was, but she never seemed that aware of it or cared much about it either. Even without hair, Linda walked around so unselfconsciously that strangers would say, “You look amazing. I wish I could pull that off but I know I wouldn’t look like you.” She always took it as a compliment and just said thank you. They’d walk away thinking she was so fabulous, never knowing she had cancer.

Then one day she asked me to go with her to Look Good Feel Better at the American Cancer Society. Look Good Feel Better is a program that teaches makeup and hair for women undergoing cancer treatments. It took me off guard because I thought we had an unspoken agreement that she didn’t have cancer. I was so upset. I then realized she had been protecting me, as she always did. And that she, unlike myself, had accepted that she had cancer. I could see more clearly how she felt about it and that it affected how she saw herself. But I was scared to go. I felt that going to a cancer program made it too real - and I was scared to admit that she was sick and it was affecting her more than I let myself believe.

But when we got there, I saw that the program allowed her to focus just on herself and be with others who were struggling too. As little as she took her beauty seriously, Linda always loved having her makeup done. Look Good Feel Better wasn’t a cure, but it sure did make her happy. And although the program is for someone with cancer it isn’t focused on cancer - giving women time to feel once again like themselves and do something they would’ve enjoyed in any situation. Plus everyone gets a collection of skin care and makeup products to take home. You should have seen the joy on Linda's face when she got that bag!

I’ve worked with this program over the years, most recently doing makeup for their virtual workshops. These workshops are for women who’d like to learn more about Look Good Feel Better and/or cannot attend one in person.

Several weeks ago I worked with Guggenheim Productions on a Spanish language version hosted by Univison’s Lourdes Stephen of Sal y Pimenta and featured two beauty experts who have conducted LGFB workshops for many years – Hairstylist Petra Muriel and Skin Care Esthetician/Makeup Artist Lilly Rivera.

Petra joined LGFB in 2005. When I asked her what she loves most about LGFB, she said “When women come to us they often feel alone and self-conscious – their skin is parched, hair falling out, features faded, even their nails can turn black. I teach them how to care for and wear a wig, as well as how to create accessories that are comfortable and look great too. Wigs are hard for some–they find them too hot [to wear]. So I make a lot of scarves from t-shirts because they are so comfortable and soft on sensitive skin.” Petra said that while she loves sharing her expertise, the best part is helping women know they are not alone.

Petra invited Lilly, who has 35 years of beauty expertise, to join LGFB. Lilly is a character - dynamic, cheerful and funny, with a knack for making women feel relaxed and comfortable. I asked her about that and she said that although she’s never had cancer, she can still relate to a woman who feels insecure about how she looks - because growing up she struggled with these insecurities too. Lilly believes that it’s not about making a woman look like someone else, “it’s bringing back her sparkle, bringing her back to herself. It’s teaching women to see their true beauty.”

I spoke also to the women attending the workshop. Even those reluctant to speak English brought out photos to show me how they looked at the hardest points of their treatment. You could see in their eyes how excited they were to show me their “before” and “after." And I saw how they realized they did not have to look like cancer survivors. Instead they looked funky and edgy and cool – just as Linda did when she confidently sported her baldness.

Of course having amazing makeup and hair is wonderful and fun and helps people look as they once did. But more importantly, the program helps connect women and give them back their confidence. Instead of feeling like cancer survivors, they can go out in the world and simply feel fabulous.

As soon as it's on the LGFB site, I'll link it here so you can see Lourdes, Lilly and Petra in action. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, take a peek just to see the sheer joy and fun the women are having and how it demonstrates what it means to Look Good Feel Better and have this shared experience together.

If you are a cancer patient and have questions about the program or finding where you can attend a workshop, please feel free to contact me to help you get in touch with the right people. 

Note: To see a LGFB workshop in English, click here.

Beauty Is: Women Who Inspire - Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

For awhile now, I've wanted to write about the remarkable women I meet, know and work with. I know so many, and each inspires me.

These are women who show us what and how we can be in the world and how dreams are made true. They are the essence of beauty – they do and create things of beauty, they show us what it means to be ourselves and what we someday hope to be. So in tribute, I thought why not start with someone near and dear to my heart - who also happens to be one of the most influential and powerful women in the world.

Recently I worked with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor for a Today Show segment that chronicles her life story. It starts with a poor but bright little Puerto Rican girl who one day dreams of doing great things. The odds are stacked against her. She lives in the Bronx, being raised in the projects by her single working mother (who is obviously also a remarkable woman). She is Latina and, at the time, has few powerful female role models she can identify with and she has to compete with others who started life with privileges she never knew. But she is more than determined and perseveres, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. She is accepted to Princeton University and then to Yale Law School. After law school she works first as an attorney, is eventually appointed by President George H. W. Bush as a U.S. Judge for the Southern District of New York and later to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals by President William Jefferson Clinton.

Then the day comes when she is chosen by President Barack Obama as one of the nine justices in the United States Supreme Court. She is the first Hispanic and only the 3rd female Justice. When I saw her on TV standing next to the president, I was so proud. And a little jealous that she was standing next to him and told her so. She said it was like being in a dream.

Today those projects she was raised in are named The Sonia Sotomayor Houses. She has been chosen as one ofTime Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and been featured in countless books, articles and magazines. Next week her personal memoir, My Beloved World, is being published. Reviewers have said that the book is surprisingly candid and personal. "Sotomayor tells her fascinating life story with the hope of providing 'comfort, perhaps even inspiration' to others, particularly children, who face hard times" writes The Boston Globe.

I believe that among the most important things in life are honesty, integrity and kindness. For many reasons, I can tell you that Sonia Sotomayor is these things. You can feel the strength of her character and she is kind and genuine (but don’t kid yourself, she is tough, too - she is, after all, a United States Supreme Court Justice).

Sonia Memoir

Writing a book so personal takes courage and a certain level personal awareness rarely seen in a woman of her stature. How lucky are we that her life is one of obstacles overcome and the dream of making it all happen - and she wants to share it with us too?

Doing her makeup, I was trying to rush to get her out the door but she calmly told me we had time and went on ask me about my life, wanting to make sure I told Jeff to get more sleep and that I set up Lucy with a college fund. So in additional to everything else, she is, in fact, that kind of person.

For the  record, I used my trusted Lorac Eye Shadow, Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer, Laura Mercier Mascara and Clinique Blush. The Justice prefers to look natural so I kept it light but did encourage a bit more for camera. So get up and watch for her on NBC’s Today Show this Monday, January 14 at 7a.m. EST. And then tell me how fabulous she looks!

You can also see Justice Sotomayor interviewed on the following upcoming shows:

60 Minutes Sunday, January 13 on CBS at 7p.m. EST

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Monday, January 21 at 11p.m. EST

CNN with Soledad O’Brien The week of January 21 (check online for updates).

Oprah's Next Chapter in January or February (check online for updates).

Finally, if you’d like to meet her, she will be in the following cities for lectures and/or book signings over the next several months: New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Baltimore, San Francisco, Houston, Austin, Los Angeles and San Diego. If you need help finding where, let me know. And if you do see her, tell her I sent you (via this site)!

We visit the New York Historical Society Children's Museum each week. Sonia Sotomayor is featured in a section called "American Dreamers" - and here is Lucy, dreaming right alongside her.

Golf Like a Pro (Or Just Look Like One)

If you’re a golfer, you may already have the latest issue of Golf Digest. If you’re reading this, however, I am guessing you probably don’t. Either way I think we can all appreciate a group of accomplished and handsome gentlemen walking across the green, right?

The January 2013 Golf Digest cover shows celebrity golf pros Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy at the Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. Celebrity hairstylist Kristan Serafino and I had so much fun working (as we always do) making them camera-ready.

The Green Shot

Now - this job was a very big deal for those around me because I am surrounded by golfers. My father-in-law, for example, could not believe my incredible good fortune to work with Rory McIlroy. In his eyes, I now made it big.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIllroy is the #1 ranked golfer in the world. I know because whenever there is golf, it’s on our TV. Being #1 can make a guy lose his perspective, become arrogant and careless (as we’ve seen before). Rory, however, is just the opposite - more humble and kind than most people you know.

Goofing around on the Green

Before I left, my husband told me to tell Rory he had visited his hometown. I answered with something like “No.” Didn't think Rory would be very interested. But when we had some down time and nothing to talk about I, yes, mentioned that my husband had been to his hometown. As noted, I did not expect him to really care. Instead I was surprised by his genuine interest when he asked, “Really? Why was he there?” Since I didn’t have any idea, it appeared that I either made the story up or don’t know my own husband. (Have since learned he was on a college golf exchange program in Ireland.) So thank you Rory, for helping me get to know my husband better. And for showing a graciousness that a #1 golfer in the world should have.

Though men have asked me to create moles or wanted eyeliner or mascara, most are pretty straightforward. If they’re not on camera much, they are sometimes alarmed when they see a makeup artist. But these athletes are used to cameras following them around on any give day, so they were fine and we just made sure they looked polished and right for the occasion.

Of course, your average guy will say he doesn't want makeup - and maybe he doesn’t - but at the end of the day everyone still wants to look good when the pictures come out.

CAMERA-READY SKIN Some common men's skin concerns:

Pore Minimizer

Larger Pores Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector has an ultra smooth texture and minimizes the look of pores. Squeeze a bit on fingertips and smooth on skin.

Clean and Clear Sheets

Oil and Shine A lot of people have told me they like Boscia oil blotting sheets. At shoots, I use Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets throughout the day. Oil-blotting paper is especially good for men because it absorbs oil without adding anything to skin. Just press and blot on skin so it looks matte, not shiny.

Redness Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Powdertakes down both redness and shine. It now comes in a compact form (used to only be a loose powder). I use it on almost everyone, even if they don’t particularly have redness because it just evens skin so nicely.

Dark Circles and Discolorations Most guys don’t want foundation - a little concealer is usually all you need. Concealers give more coverage than foundation and you can use only where needed. Hide dark circles, blackheads, other areas that are uneven. I still love YSL Touche Eclat. Guys may want a package less shiny and glam, however. Alternatives such as Lab Series Power Brightening Eye Balm may be more acceptable.

Nivea Men's Lip

Chapped Lips A chap stick such as Niveafor Men Replenishing Lip Balm used morning and night should do the trick. If this is a consistent problem, lips can also be gently exfoliated before applying a lip moisturizer each night. Drinking more water helps too.

HAIR Kristan styled the golfers’ hair, making each looked smooth and perfectly natural. After the shoot, she cut and shaped Rory’s locks. In the days that followed, we saw Rory on TV with his new hair, looking good and winning tournament after tournament. I can’t take credit for that. But Kristan can. When we discussed his winning streak she said, “It’s all about the hair.” So far it seems to be holding up as Rory is still #1. (Watch for if/when he needs another cut!)