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Backstage at Alice + Olivia F/W 2012 Collection + Chignon Hair How-To

Going backstage for the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is always a treat. Getting a peak at her Fall/Winter 2012 collection before it’s being released and watching all the action backstage as the models are transformed into works of art. Playing off this diverse Lolita-inspired collection which puts a fresh, mix-and-match twist on dressing up for a dinner party, Bendet collaborated with Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole to create a swept-back, loosely constructed chignons. Coupled with a dark, bold lip and black smokey-eye from Stila, the look balanced this combination of feminine and edginess we saw throughout the collection.

Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole touching up the models backstage at A+O

HAIR LEAD STYLIST: Anthony Cole for Sebastian Professional

HOW-TO:

1. On damp hair, apply a palmful of Sebastian Professional Whipped Crème throughout.  Then, layer in a palmful of Mousse Forte.  This combination will give the hair long-lasting, defrizzed body.

2. Blow-dry smooth using a large round brush.  Once dry, divide hair in half horizontally, from recession to the back of the crown.  Pin aside the top section and pull the bottom into a tight ponytail at the occipital bone.

3. Twist the ponytail around the base and pin to secure.  Spray with Sebastian Professional Shaper hairspray for shape and hold.

4. Take down the top section and create a middle part.  Taking one side at a time, smooth back each section to twist and pin around the chignon in the back.  Be sure to keep the hair loose in the front so the hairline does not show.

5. Detail random pieces of the chignon with Sebastian Professional Craft Clay for matte hold.  Pull pieces from under each top section loose to frame the face.

6. Once in shape, lightly spray Sebastian Professional Trilliant over the finished look for a touch of shimmer and shine.


SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS USED:

  • Whipped Crème – Ultra-light styler that nourishes and liftscurls and waves for a silky, shiny finish ($18.95)
  • Mousse Forte – Strong hold mousse that creates strong-lasting de-frizzed curls and waves ($13.95)
  • Shaper – Brushable working hairspray to create direction, lift and control with a medium hold ($15.95)
  • Craft Clay – Re-sculpting clay that redefines matte-hold styles to separate and re-style texture (15.95)
  • Trilliant – Thermal Protection and Shimmer Complex for ultra-light body and a glamorous shiny finish ($19.95)

{DJ Mia Moretti getting her hair done backstage before performing at the presentation}

Makeovers with Illamasqua

Since making a splash state side with an exclusive partnership with Sephora; the UK beauty line Illamasqua, known for it’s dramatic looks and subversive inspiration, offers a wide variety of unique shades, professional finishes, and versatile application options.  After posting about the nail varnish, and loving it last month– I was excited to play with the rest of the color line.  Lucky for me the team was invited to meet with product development head David Horne and learn about the line, complete with make-up application.

Makeup artist, Kim Anderson took the lead and gave me a natural,  daytime shimmery look, focusing on my eyes for extra emphasis.

Me, Illamasqua Make-Up Artist Kim Anderson, and Lara

After using Satin Primer on my face and applying Rich Liquid Foundation, Kim went to work on my eyes using a mix of Powder Eye Shadow in Fatal and Cream Pigment Eye Shadow in Mould to create a look that was intense in color but muted in tone and finish. After succeeding in making my eyes intensely green by using a shadow with purple in it, she highlighted my cheeks with Cream Blusher in Rude (the brands top seller).

Sharing a few tricks of the trade (that I will be using from now on) she rubbed the heel of her hand in the cream blush and applied it to my cheeks, she then blended it with the opposite side of her hand creating a perfectly symmetrical look. I really like the Rude blush shade as it’s so versatile and works on so many different skin

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Spreading the GOODNESS! Win The Daily/GOODNESS Gift Bag ($225 value)

Elettra with the gift bag. Photo credit: Abe Shaw

Recently, I posted about the exciting GOODNESS pop-up restaurant I was apart of during New York Fashion Week.  Founded by Supermodel/environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann and presented by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, GOODNESS is a full service pop-up restaurant that provides fresh, healthy and delicious food to the fashion community, while showcasing regionally sourced seasonal cuisine created by local culinary talent. This season the chef line-up included Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Leo Forneas and Julian Medina and GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.

In addition to launching the pop-up restuarant, GOODNESS also hosted the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels, offering guests a comfortable “living room” atmosphere for reporters, models and editors to relax and recharge. And for guests in attendance there was a an amazing gift bag which we’re giving away to some lucky readers!

Now for the fun part… WIN THE GOODNESS GIFT BAG ($225+ value)! 

GOODNESS Gift Bag! Photo Credit: Abe Shaw

Here’s what’s in the bag:

HOW TO ENTER:

We’re giving away three GOODNESS gift bags, one on this blog and two others on twitter! There are two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment under this post and tell me what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness”. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

2. To enter on twitter, follow @GOODNESSpopup and @DailyFrontRow and tell us what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness” using the hashtag #WinGoodness. Or tweet the following message to be automatically entered, “Fill in the blank: @GOODNESSpopup @DailyFrontRow when I think of Goodness I think of ____  http://ow.ly/9mwh2 #WinGoodness“.

Two lucky winners that entered on twitter will be chosen at random when @GOODNESSpopup reaches 800 followers.

GOOD LUCK!

Official Rules:

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Oscar Beauty Trends: From Bold Lips to Beautiful Buns

Besides watching the Academy Awards every year to take note of every movie I need to add to my queue, I get equally excited (if not more so) for the red carpet coverage.  Then of course the next morning it’s fun to read all of the buzz and reactions to show’s fashion and beauty looks. Earlier, I posted some of my favorite looks, now hear from celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Gocha Hawkins,  and owner of Gocha Salon on some of the big beauty and hair trends we saw from last night and how you can get the look.

Good Side

Stars like Busy Philipps, Maya Rudolph, and Stacy Keibler rocked the side-swept look. Gocha explains, how you can too: “The side-swept style was a big winner on the red carpet last night. With celebrities like Maya Rudolph stepping out with big, voluminous curls, many women will be coveting this look for prom and wedding season. This style works best for women with side parts, which provides a natural separation for hair. Create big, impactful waves with large hot rollers, and pull back the side with less thickness. Spritz with hairspray for hold. If you want to go with a more whimsical version of the look, you can secure with a hair pin that provides a little bit of a bling factor, and gives more of a guarantee that hair will stay in place.”

Head Bangers

rose-byrne-oscar-2012-red-carpet-bob-hair-vivienne-westwood

There was no shortage of bold bangs on last night’s red carpet,as we saw from such celebrities as Rooney Mara, Rose Byrne, and Anna Faris. However, for some women, bangs are not as wearable, says Gocha. “The bob with straight bangs is really making a comeback as a look for the spring. Rose Byrne and Anna Faris really nail the look with sleek, smooth hair turned inward to define the bob cut. For women with long, oval faces, or heart shaped faces, blunt, straight bangs are a very flattering look. For others, different variations of a bang are more flattering, such as side-swept or soft, featured looks. It’s important to know the shape of your face when getting this cut, and consult your hairstylist before making the request. The biggest thing to remember with this look is that you’ll need to schedule regular trims. Every four to six weeks is the general rule of thumb to keep bangs looking their absolute best.”

Beautiful Buns

Tina Fey, Jennifer Lopez,and Sandra Bullock led the pack in stunning, upswept styles. Gocha explains, “I really love the look of the top knot that Jennifer Lopez wore on the red carpet. Overall, her look for me was a winner. The hair style really allowed the dress to shine, which is what you want when you are going with such a high impact frock. To get the look at home, start by pulling your hair into a high, slicked back ponytail, using a product such as a hair wax or pomade to create a smooth finish. If your hair is super fine, you may need to do some teasing at the base of the ponytail for a little volume, which I always appreciate with a top knot. Next, section hair into two parts and loop and twist around the base, wrapping everything with a small, sleek hair elastic.” To create a messier look similar to Tina Fey’s, tease hair at the crown for volume and pull into a lower bun that starts at the top of the back of your head.

Bold Lip

angelina-jolie-oscars-2012.jpg

There was certainly a winner in the makeup department last night, and that was the bold red lip. Stars embraced this look with confidence, and proved that the bold lip trend isn’t going anywhere. From Angelina Jolie, to Michelle Williams both worked the bold lip with very different gowns. “Angelina Jolie went the simple yet stunning direction with her dress, and she adopted the same mentality when it came to her makeup and hair. Paired with an uncomplicated, messy hairstyle, Angelina’s soft makeup with a bold lip highlighted one of her best assets. Keeping the other makeup minimal really lets the red lip shine and become the focus of the face. Michelle Williams used a

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Oscar Favorites: Get the Look! Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, and Gwyneth Paltrow

Last night, we celebrated the 84th annual Academy Awards. With a lot of awards being passed out, I’m giving the best red-carpets looks to to Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, Rooney Mara and Gwyneth Paltrow! Although Octavia Spencer also deserves a shout out for glowing head-to-toe in Tadashi Shoji.  Here’s the inside scoop on the beauty looks and how-tos for some of my favorite leading ladies:

EMMA STONE (wearing Giambattista Valli):

HAIR: Emma had a fresh and modern bun with an elegant twist created by Mara Roszak for Couture Colour. 

“I wanted to keep Emma’s hair structured without feeling too stiff and the bun allowed for her look to be simple and elegant yet fresh,” said Roszak.

She began by using Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment on Emma’s wet hair working the product in from the ends and working up to keep her locks looking healthy and shiny. Roszak then blow-dried it straight keeping it sleek and simple in front. To create the bun, Mara pulled hair into a mid-height ponytail and began wrapping pieces of hair keeping it loose and wide and securing each piece with bobbypin. She then finished the look with Couture Colour’s Pequi Oil Finishing Polish to complete the look.

BODY GLOW: Emma basked in a pastel tan thanks to Rachel Goodwin for St. Tropez, who used their Rose Skin Illuminator on Emma’s arms, shoulders and collar bones to add a pink undertone to compliment her dress.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS (wearing Louis Vuitton):

HAIR: Michelle Williams was fashionably glamorous with her blonde pixie by Chris McMillan for Couture Colour and Wella Professionals.

Chris began by using Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment on Michelle’s short hair to keep it fresh and vibrant without weighing it down. Then applied Sebastian Professional Mousse Forte to wet hair, and let it to air dry. With a small round brush, he finished off with a blow dry to give the hair more height. Then used his hands to set the part and bangs and finish with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray to set in place.

Chris says, “The reason I love the Wella products is that they are light and don’t weigh the hair down as the night wears on.  Some stylers can actually make the hair look darker if they’re too heavy, but with the Wella hairspray hair is shiny and touchable.”

GWYNETH PALTROW (wearing Tom Ford):

TAN: Gwyneth Paltrow complemented her white gown (complete with cape) with a  flawless tan created by Leslie Lopez for St. Tropez; using their Gold Skin Illuminator on her cheek bones, brow bone, and collarbone.

MAKEUP: Gwyneth Paltrow then worked with celebrity makeup artist, Leslie Lopez using NARS Cosmetics to enhance her sun-kissed glow.

“It’s elegantly bronzed,” said celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics. “The dress makes such a statement, but it also has no color, so we needed to create a makeup look that complemented the dress and was still sophisticated enough for the red carpet. I really loved the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer because it gives a sun-kissed look to her skin, and perfect against a white dress!”

Here are the products Leslie used so you can recreate the look:

FACE – NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 PA +++, with Super Orgasm Illuminator patted onto the apples of the cheeks.

EYES – The champagne side of NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow was applied on the eyelid for a pop of gold, followed by a Maybelline brown liquid eyeliner along the lashline. The look was then finished with NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.

LIPS – NARS Odalisque Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

As for my other favorite look (and new girl crush), Rooney Mara, she wowed the crowd with her edgy bangs and bold lips; which perfectly contrasted her stunning Givenchy gown. I wish I had more details to offer as it’s now time for me to scour the internet in search of that red lipstick!

Who sported your red carpet look? Leave a comment below or tweet me @PrettyConnected

Backstage at Naeem Khan Fall/Winter RTW Collection

Backstage with Naeem Khan

If you haven’t checked out the pictures from the Naeem Khan Fall/Winter RTW Collection, you should! Inspired by Italian actress Monica Vitti, the designer wanted to do a collection that referenced Italy in the 1960s and capture the beauty of the era. Draped in floor-length dresses, with exotic prints and sparkles; the designs are based on a black, white, cream, and gold color scheme. (the collection can be viewed on style.com).

Minutes before sending his collection down the runway, I was backstage with the designer while the models got primped and primed. And unlike many of the over-the-top looks we’ve seen this fashion week, this is a very achievable hair, makeup and nail look for all of you at home looking to create the look.

HAIR: Bumble and Bumble

LEAD Stylist: Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble

LOOK: Effortless French Twist. Made to look as if it were done in one try.

PRODUCTS USED: Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Hairspray, Hair Powder, Spray De Mode, and Styling Wax

HOW-TO: Part the hair down the center and spray hair with B&B’s Thickening Hairspray. Blowdry, combing down the sides and spraying B&B’s Hair Powder at the roots. Section the back of the head and blowdry it very smooth in sections. Backcomb just the roots at the crown and mist with Spray De Mode. Pull B&B’s Styling Wax through the hair then mist their Hair Powder all over. Twist up into a French twist pulling at the front hairline to create softness.

MAKEUP: NARS Cosmetics

LEAD STYLIST: James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry

LOOK: “The look is all about the precision, sharpness, and blackness of the line,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “Everything else has that ‘barely there’ feeling. The eye line has to be really sharp and pointed up towards the temple – it’s not a cat eye, and it’s not a wide eye. It draws the eyes up.”

PRODUCTS USED:

FACE

·         Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++

·         Concealer

·         Loose Powder

·         Sex Appeal Blush

EYES

·         Carpates Eyeliner Stylo (new for Fall 2012!)

·         Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

LIPS

·         More Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (new for Fall 2012!)

·         Triple X Lip Gloss

NAILS: Creative Nail Design (CND)

LEAD STYLIST: Angi Wingle for CND

LOOK: A seductive blood-red manicure to pop against the black, white, cream, and gold color scheme of the collection.

PRODUCTS USED: CND Colour in Bloodline

More images from backstage

Chloe’s NEW Fragrance: L’Eau de Chloe

In all my fashion week excitement (and posting), I had to take a break to post about the new Chloe Fragrance that is coming out this month! I’m a fanatic when it comes to Chloe fragrances, so I was very excited to receive the lasted edition to their collection: L’Eau de Chloe. Look at how pretty print campaign is! It features 21-yr old French model  and actress Camille Rowe-Pourcheresse, as the face of the fragrance.

I find the other Chloe fragrances, while all unique still resemble each other in smell; L’Eau de Chloe is the most different from it’s collection counterparts. Bottled in the iconic Chloe bottle, L’Eau de Chloe is a very airy, crisp, summery floral that carries a green outdoorsy scent with undertones of rose and citrus. The fragrance opens with refreshing notes of grapefruit, cedrat and sweet peach, blended with natural rose water, and ends with warn notes of cedarwood, patchouli essence and amber.

Enjoy the behind-the-scenes footage from shooting the ad campaign, directed by Mario Sorrenti. In case you’re wondering the song, it’s Ready for the Floor by Lissy Trullie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awKDRZAXJTw

DISCLAIMER: A complimentary sample of L’Eau de Chloe was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Happy 10yr Anniversary Oasis Day Spa + V-Day Specials

For the past 10yrs Oasis Day Spa has been a hidden gem, nestled in the basement of it’s Park Avenue location. Quiet, tranquil and private (adjectives you rarely associate with NYC), it’s like my dream bat cave, and a perfect afternoon retreat to shut out the world and bask in some much needed pampering. I celebrated their 10th birthday with a facial! Oasis Day Spa is one of the few locations that I have found that uses CosMedix; which is a highly efficacious, advanced cosmeceutical line, that just so happens to be my mother’s favorite skincare line (and she’s a very picky woman). If you’re in need of a facial and looking for someone to tell it like it is and give you the best advice for YOUR skin, ask for Evelyn! She’s lovely and so knowledgeable. If you’re looking for

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Mark your calendar: Elettra Wiedemann’s GOODNESS pop-up restaurant returns for NYFW

Mark your calendars and start making your reservations! From February 11th – 14th, Elettra Wiedemann’s GOODNESS pop-up restaurant returns to New York Fashion Week.

As some of you may remember from last fashion week, I worked with the glamorous and wonderful supermodel Elettra Wiedemann on her full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant, GOODNESS. Well I’m excited to report that for this New York Fashion Week season, GOODNESS returns with an all new line up of prominent chefs including Mario Batali, Leo Forneas, Alain Allegretti and Julian Medina.

Open for lunch only from 11am-3pm on February 11th through the 14th, this years GOODNESS will be held at the Robert, located on the top of the Museum of Art and Design. And if you’ve never been to the Robert for dinner or drinks, you need to! Besides having a very stylish interior, the view is to die for! Set on the 9th floor of the Museum, it has ceiling tall windows that overlooks Columbus Circle and Central Park.

Do I have you convinced yet? Sponsored by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, we’re pleased to announce that this years GOODNESS has earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval. Here’s the line-up:

  • Saturday, Feb 11th – Mario Batali of Babbo
  • Sunday, Feb 12th – Leo Forneas of ROBERT
  • Monday, Feb 13th – Alain Allegretti of La Promenade des Anglais
  • Tuesday, Feb 14th – Julian Medina of Toloache

Menu: A la carte or Prix fixe menu ($35)

Reservations are now being accepted at goodnesspopup.com

Also for the first time, Goodness is proud to present the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels on the 7th floor of the Museum of Arts and Design (two floors below the pop-up restaurant). Designed as a comfortable “living room” and wi-fi lounge for editors and fashion week goers to relax and recharge, the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels will feature a touch-up station from beauty sponsor Lancôme. CIRCA, the world’s leading global buyer of fine jewelry, will also showcase their collection of recycled, sustainable luxury jewelry in the lounge, offering attendees access to their collection of antique and contemporary collectible gems. GOODNESS also partnered with Talenthouse and DJ Zen Freeman to choose a resident DJ, and are pleased to announce the winner of our DJ competition, DJ Travisty, who will provide a soothing soundtrack of lounge music and modern remixes for the lounge.

Tria Introduces Blue Light Acne System

Acne sufferers take note; Tria has recently introduced their latest at-home innovation, the Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light. Created to target and eliminate the very source of acne bacteria, it is clinically proven to deliver clear skin with fewer, milder acne breakouts in less then 2 weeks.

Considering there have been minimal medical advancements in the world of acne since the 70’s, there was much excitement in the early 2000 with the advancements of laser and blue light technology used in dermatologist offices. And now, more affordable at-home systems to mimic similar results are available in the comfort of your home.

I don’t suffer from breakouts; sure, I have the occasional pimple here and there but nothing that warrants serious action. However, I’m no stranger to the emotional and physical trauma for those who do. My sister suffered from terrible acne in High School and regular breakouts as an adult. Accutane, Retin-A, Proactive and a variety of over-the-counter products later, she’s had moderate success over the years, but the trouble with many of these products the prescription based products are side-effects, excessive skin dryness, flaking/pealing and harsh reactions. Not to mention many of them are not preventative or feasible for sensitive skin. That said, blue light is one area she hasn’t explored and a treatment form

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