Double the Fun! "This palette is all about that power of transformation.”—Davis Factor, Smashbox Founder and Photographer

As a product junkie, I have a ton of makeup and cosmetics products and countless shadows in my kit. One eye shadow palette by SmashBox really caught my interest. It is the Double Exposure eye shadow palette $52. It contains 14 beautiful colors full of rich color pigment. What is so special about this? These shadows have a coated pigment technology that creates different effects when water is added (which by the way won't disturb the texture of the shadow after it dries). When wet the shadow transforms color and or finishes; it can go from sheen to metallic or a soft beige to an awesome darker beige! When used with their 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer $20, the color becomes even more vibrant! I am really excited to do some of my clients makeup looks with this! The picture above demonstrates the shadow dry and wet and for what I see that navy will be a popular smokey for me.

Salon Insta-Gel Strips Starter Kit by Sally Hansen

I am part of the mailing list for Allure Beauty Enthusiasts! It is great because you get daily emails about beauty products. They mailed me a Salon Insta-Gel Strips Starter Kit by Sally Hansen. I was super excited when I found out I was going to get it. I waited and waited but it never arrived at my house. When I applied to be a member with Allure I was living in Brooklyn with my parents. So the packaged was sent to their house. I was to suppose to give a quick review on it after 2 weeks (March), but things happen. My little sister ended up trying it out and told me it was horrible. I went over to try it. There were directions with it that scared me. Anyone who knows me knows that I detest reading directions. I ended up logging on and watching a video (http://prod2.sallyhansen.com/beauty-tips/how-videos/salon-insta-gel-strips-application). The video was super informative and the girl made it look easy. I tried and it and was amazed on how easy it was. I had tried things like this before from Sephora where you do not paint your nail, you simply use a sticker and voila your nails are done. The Sally Hansen was way easier and looked better then Sephora, but two days later it was chipping. On the third day I had nothing on my nails. Another disadvantage is that the stickers were either too big or small for my nails. After you place the nail sticker on, a clear gel nail polished is placed and then you would stick your finger under their little UV light contraption for 30 seconds. That was really cool and I felt like a nail technician. Unfortunately, the look did not last long and that was disappointing. Another bad part was the drying time. After nearly a half hour, my nails were not dry and things around the house like lent was sticking on it. I love love Sally Hansen products, but this is not one of them!

SHE USA Hair Extensions

With over 500 exhibitors, SHE USA extensions definitely made an impression to me at the International Beauty Show. Their selection seems to be so extensive-from having one of the longest extensions at 29 inches and 4 different tones of gray hair to choose from (from what I hear is hard to find). SHE also offers a complete line of wild hair color options and hair ornamentation which can consist of strands of crystals and/or feathers. This is very cutting edge and innovative! The latest addition to the line is the Ombre (shatush) hair extensions (lighter at the ends with darker tones closer to the root) with over 10 new shades in clip-ins, ponytails, wefts, or strand-by-strand. SHE is the market leader in the production of natural hair. They maintain that they have the largest selection of hair types and hair color- more than 90 shades of hair color available in three textures straight, wavy, and curly. The extensions are all developed in Italy by a team of experts- chemist, engineers, and hair extensionists. It is 100% European type human hair that is pre-bonded with 100% keratin tips. Nicholas French, the Creative Director for SHE USA believes this product is special because you can add volume, length, hair color/highlights all without adding any chemicals to the hair! SHE USA extensions also fights against Breast Cancer with Pink Hair for Hope. For the consecutive 7th year SHE continues to support The American Cancer Society by donating a pink hair extension when a client donates $10 or more. The client can choose from different shades of pink hair from fuchsia to light pink and whether they would like a clip in or a professionally bonded hair extension. At The International Beauty Show a fuchsia pink hair extension was bonded in my hair as a demo. It was great to see women lined up to get this done and donate for the cause. SHE has been able to raise over $2.5 million dollars for many non-profit organizations. This movement has helped raised money and awareness for breast cancer research and gives back to women who has undergone chemo and are now in remission. “Throughout the past seven years, the campaign has grown significantly and we are thrilled to be able to help fight this disease, while making women feel beautiful,” said Ron Cardillo, Sr., President of SHE USA. Visit www.socapusa.com to learn more! SHE USA extensions are also available in 10,000 salons across the US. For participating salons call 877-855-4247. To also find a participating Pink Hair for Hope salon near you, visit www.PinkHairForHope.org.

What Happens in October Accessory Line

I met JaTawny M. Chatmon at the International Beauty Show and I instantly fell in love-with her accessories that is. Her hand pieces were very creative and unique. I purchased the star fish earrings for my daughter, Brianna’s, little mermaid birthday party. I was looking for something for the occasion, but no one had these earrings I had envisioned until this day. “People love our Knobby Starfish rings,” said Chatmon. This their best seller! The name of the line is What Happens in October. Chatmon will launch her site May 18th (same day as my baby’s bday), www.whathappensinoctober.com. Currently she is on etsy, www.whathappensinoctober.etsy.com. Her target audience she said are Gypsies, Unicorns & Mermaids. Chatmon gets her inspiration from life, Earth, nature, and God. “I have always loved to create things,” said Chatmon. “I am a collector of beautiful, gypsy, vintage things. One day I decided to fuse everything together. The line is pretty awesome,” said Chatmon with a smile on her face.

The International Beauty Show New York & The International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference New York

The International Beauty Show New York (IBS New York) (the longest running beauty show in the nation) & The International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference New York (IECSC) 2013 trade show was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center April 14th- 16th. The show is for beauty professionals only and is not open to the general public. The IBS show’s main objective is to educate and that was quite evident. Everywhere you turned there was someone mic’d up and demonstrating either a haircut, highlighting, or putting on extensions. This show featured hair, skin, nails, and some makeup. There were rooms for free seminars set up. Yahayra Dejesus, who attends the show every year, liked the show very much! “I go every year to get educated with new hair styles, cuts, color, hair extensions, and hair products. I also learned new ways to make my business grow. I like to keep myself up to date with hair/ nails/ makeup, said Dejesus. However not everyone shared in Dejesus’s enthusiasm. Mary Kay Thomas, owner of Mary Kay Thomas Beauty Salon, felt disappointed with the seminars. “There was so much noise no one can hear the class. All we heard was the class next to us. Although, the main stage seminars were great,” said Thomas. The show was also comprised of the best classes and workshops. Makeup Forever Academy New York offers full time intensive courses for the serious artist, but first there is a competitive application process where they decide if you are a perfect fit for the school. The Makeup Forever Academy is located at 853 Broadway, 10th floor New York, NY 10003 Academy@makeupforeverusa.com. If you are interested in learning about Beauty &Fashion makeup, TV & Film Makeup, and Stage makeup this school is perfect for you. Another educational workshop created by Enrique Martinez, founder of Projectedge.me and CreativeEggProject.com, offers beauty workshops. It is a makeup 101 for artists looking to bring their artistry to another level. This “hands on” work shop has a maximum of 12 attendees. It is taught by Adrienne Vasquez, a makeup guru, who perfected all the makeup looks for the IBS Shows. Vasquez has taught students throughout the United States and abroad. These classes are meant to elevate artists and prepare them for a professional career. Martinez’s workshops also help makeup artists develop a presentable portfolio with photographer Bryan Taylor Johnson. Johnson has shot numerous editorials, magazine publications and covers including: Italian Vogue, Fashinisto, Bleu, Bread, Exalta, Obvious, Ammo, and OhLaLa Magazine and etc... Martinez says that his company is one of a kind. “We package makeup artists as professionals.” On April 28th Sunday & April 29th Monday, Project Edge presents Makeup 101, “designed for novices and professionals alike to be equipped with the essential knowledge and proven components of the beauty industry.” These classes are $325, but if you went to the show it is reduced to $75 (please comment below if you want this $75 offer, I have coupons to give to my subscribers). Attending these shows keep us beauty professionals abreast of the latest trends in the industry, it is a great way to network, and it is a great way to stay two steps ahead of the game by taking advantage of the free seminars! So see you guys there next year: New York 2014: March 9-11!

Sephora Times Square Grand Reveal: Beauty Transformed!

After 8 months of renovation, Sephora Times Square has been transformed! The store is all about digital beauty and technology. The newly renovated beauty playground for adults now has the skin care IQ, that tells you your best skin care routine through your skin type and concern, fragrance sensorium often referred to as the flight bar, where clients can discover their signature scent through scent impressions (chic, playful, addictive, or casual scents), the beauty studio has Ipads where you can choose the look you want the artists to recreate, a beautiful nail studio with tutorial screens all around that shows you how to get a nail design, and lots more. All of these are going to be staples in the Sephora realm here in Times Square, the flagship store in North America. This latest transformation affects all aspects of the Sephora retail experience, from updated store designs, mobile registers to make shopping easier, broader product selection, to in-store event space and innovative services.

Today, December 5th 2012 marked the first day (activities will take place until the 8th) of the Grand Reveal of the revamped Sephora Store. Rose Byrne (of Bridesmaids fame) kicked off the festivities by making an appearance and cutting the ribbon. Next, the very energetic Sephora cast performed a choreographed flash mob dance to a “We Will Rock You Remix.” This grand reveal was nothing short of spectacular, from a juggler to the woman on stilts in front of the store, the excitement did not stopped. A professional team of dancers also graced the Times Square sidewalks as the DJ blasted the tunes from inside the store.

As if all this was not exciting enough, the first 100 clients got a mystery gift card ranging from $5-$100! Beauty Junkies lined up from 5am in hopes of getting that 100 dollar card. #81 on the line was one of the many who hit that jack pot with the highest ranging gift card! She said, “I will come in every morning to win more gift cards.” For the remainder of the week, the first 100 clients will continue to win a gift card. How bad do you want that makeup money?

Exciting events took place in every corner of the store. Celebrity photographer, Steven Khan, was in the house giving mini photo shoots to clients who spend $75 in Smashbox products. Bumble and Bumbled gave free hair styles with one product purchase. Philosophy skin care reps took technology to another level with their skin imaging analysis, which can tell you where you have sun damage/age spots under the skin where it is not yet visible. Finally, Atelier Colognes were engraving with a purchased—talk about a beautiful personalized gift! The fun doesn’t end today. I call all beauty gurus, makeup messiahs, makeup junkies—go and get your fix for the remainder of the grand unveiling. Check out this link for the activities for the rest of the week: http://www.sephora.com/manhattan?om_mmc=ret-us%2Bnews1%2B20121204%2Btimesquare%2Bnyc-he-tsreveal&emtc=us%2Bnews1%2B20121204%2Btimesquare%2Bnyc&ematg=93143359&dcid=511786:23145121446:35863838

Correcting two eye shapes

1. Brush your light shade first from the inner corner to middle of upper lid, from lashes to browline.

2. Use darker eyeshadow shade from lashes to browbone. Stroke this deep shade from the outer third of the lid to extend just beyond the eye's edge. BLEND WELL!

3.Brush a little highlighter on the browbone.

4.Line both the top and bottom of your lids with a dark eye liner keeping the thickest portions of the line on the outer corners and creating a thinning line as it gets closer to the center.

5.Stop the liner about a quarter to a third of the way from the inner corner of your eye lid. You do not want to add any darkness towards the center of your face, since this causes the area between your close set eyes to look smaller.

6. Apply more mascara at the outer corner of the eye.

You have to create an illusion that the eyes are look further apart.

Bonus eye Info:

Correcting Protruding or Bulging eyes

The goal here is to recess the eyelid, from seemingly to protrude. Use a dark toned eye shadow and blend this over the eyelid, fading color away near eye socket. Apply eyeliner along top lid, and lightly smudge. On lower lid, draw eyeliner at outer corner only and smudge softly. Apply matte highlighter on brow line. Don’t use light or frosted colors on eyelid, as this will make eyes pop out further. With this eye shape, finish off with some navy or deep gray pencil on inner rims to help make the eyeballs appear smaller.
You can also just use a matte base and a combination of two eyeliners to define the eyes. In the picture above, black and purple are being used define Nicole Richie's eyes.