Black Sweet: May 2010

Giorgio Armani Beauty

by guest blogger, Anne Houseman, of Beauty Xpose

When we think of Giorgio Armani, many of us picture impeccably tailored suits and stunning fashion accessories. But the company’s beauty brand (aptly named Georgio Armani Beauty) is just as covet-able.

This past weekend, Kristin and I had the pleasure of getting an up close and personal look at the collection of Giorgio Armani Beauty products, which we had never encountered previously. I know. Ridiculous, isn’t it? We’re not sure how we missed out on this amazing makeup brand until now.

Thankfully, our beauty blogging friend Charleston Girl, from Best Things in Beauty, clued us in and helped set up an expert makeup application from the talented staff at the Armani cosmetics counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland. And while you all know how much we love playing with makeup itself, we were equally as thrilled to speak with the brand’s National Creative Director and Celebrity Makeup Artist, Tim Quinn.

: Kristin preparing to be Armani-fied.

After a warm welcome from the crew, we began our introduction to the brand with the application. With Kristin as our model and muse, Giorgio Armani Face Designer Giannina Davis began to transform her already-gorgeous makeup-free mug into a masterpiece.

After first prepping Kristin’s face with Fluid Master Primer ($56) to ensure a smooth “canvas,” Giannina began to gently blend in Luminous Silk Foundation ($59) in shade 2. With a sheer to medium, matte coverage, the foundation evened out Kristin’s porcelain skin, which already has a great complexion to begin with (don’t you just hate her?).

Moving on, Giannina spent some time prepping Kristin’s eyes by dabbing on Crema Nera Reviving Eye cream ($150) to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. She also swiped on Master Corrector ($36) in pink to even out some darker areas (note: orange is better for darker skin tones).

With her canvas ready for some color, Giannina moved on to add some warmth and depth to Kristin’s face. She started by sweeping on Sheer Bronzer 1 ($49), a cool-colored bronzer, along Kristin’s temples, cheeks and jawbone, forming the number “3.” Then, she added a pop of color and radiance to the apple of her cheeks with Sheer Blush 10 ($43).

: You’ll have eyes to kill for with this mascara!

Then it was time for the fun part — the eyes. To set a base for further color and to “set” the concealer she used earlier, Gianna swept on a bone color Maestro eye shadow ($29) all over the lid and up to the brow. Then, she pulled out her secret weapon — the new Bronze Mediterranean Palette ($85), which features four gorgeous shades along with a bronzer.

To play up Kristin’s blue eyes, Giannina used the palest sea-foam color on the lid itself. Then, she contoured the eye with the bronze/brown shade, blending it all along the crease to both corners using a large contour brush. To highlight the inner corner of the eye (tear duct area) with a pop of fresh color, Giannina used the golden/green color in a “v” shape, which slightly lined the bottom lid.

To create that extra oomph, she lined the entire upper lid with Maestro Eyeliner 1 ($31), an easy-to-use liquid liner that glides on like a very fine tipped magic marker. This was so fabulous that I bought one on the spot — a serious consideration for those who have trouble applying liquid liners. To keep Kristin’s look soft and smokey, she smudged on the Smooth Silk Eye Pencil ($27) in 12 (brown/black). She completed the lashes with a swipe of the new Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara in 1 ($30).

To complete the look, Giannina decided on a soft nude pink look for Kristin’s lips, which naturally have a darker pink look to them. She used Smooth Silk Lip Pencil in 10 ($26), Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in 103 ($30) and Lip Shimmer Gloss in 16 ($27). A final sweep of some Fluid Sheer in 7 ($59) for some red-carpet-ready face highlights, and Kristin was completely Armani-fied. Giorgio gorgeous!

: Kristin and Giannina Davis

: Tim Quinn works his magic

Speaking of red carpets, it was time for the two of us to chat with the man who gets some of the most famous stars ready for their big nights — Tim Quinn. While he adores working with celebrities like Michelle Trachtenberg (who he loves because she lets him do anything with her makeup, from bold to playful), Tim’s passion is working with everyday women at Georgio Armani Beauty makeup application events. He says that’s where he has the most opportunity to translate a look you might see on the runway or a celebrity into everyday wear, which is different for each person. And his clients have a very clear idea of what they are looking to achieve, so he aims to please.

Of course, just because you aren’t a celebrity doesn’t mean you can’t look like one. In fact, Tim commented that Kristin looks like Reese Witherspoon (she really does — especially in person).

So what’s hot right now? Tim says he’s loving teals for eye color, which he says can look good on everyone. He suggests Maestro Eye Shadow 14 as the perfect choice.

And with that, we were fully introduced to the gorgeous Giorgio Armani Beauty brand. We want to send a special thanks to the entire team, who were courteous and looked as though they were genuinely enjoying the experience with us and their other customers.

Check the brand out yourself, and let us know what you think!

Rihanna Rock Star 101

Beautyland Tour; Week of 5/24

As we head into a holiday weekend in the U.S. and U.K., let's relax with the best of beauty!Kari at Fabulous Over Forty compiled her favorite classic beach beauty looks. See what brands she takes along to the beach (Edward Bess, Lancome, NARS, and more). You might want to join her!It was all about Armani Beauty in the DC area last weekend when Tim Quinn spent two days at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Armani fans have Armani Beauty makeovers, news flashes, and tips to savor! You can read about Kristin's makeover, courtesy of Giannina Davis (herself an Armani beauty), at BeautyXposé. Then head over to Best Things in Beauty to see Lexi's makeover by Loyd Cassler and Tim Quinn. Both enjoyed their Armani glamour sessions! You will too.Gaia at The Non-Blonde gave us a must-read look at Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils in two very different green shades. She told us why they will become her summer staples. Will they become yours too?Kelly is letting her hair grow; she wants long hair again. She treated us to a fascinating interview with Peter Lamas, accompanied by an end-of-May progress report, at Gouldylox Reviews.Great post on summer's bright lip trends at Prime Beauty! Find out what products Cindy used to brighten up her look.What does KarlaSugar at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself use to get luscious curly hair? Fekkai’s Luscious Curls Shampoo and Conditioner for a start!Been tempted by Makeup Forever's Beauty in a Box Aqua Essentials at Sephora? Find out what Lianne thought about the set at The Makeup Girl.Carla at Product Girl tempted us all when she showed us the new Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment. If you like the Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, you will love this new one!Find out from Annieytown at Blogdorf Goodman why the lemming frenzy is in full force on the Makeupalley boards. Hint: MAC and a seahorse.We hope you have a wonderful weekend. Check back! There's always something happening at our favorite beauty blogs.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

PRESSROOM

Make Up Show - Hakuhodo

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The Summer Soiree at the Red Door Spa: Finding Your Summer Style

Last night, I was invited to an event at the Red Door Spas in Cross Keys to see what was new for summer. The spa looked amazing and offered a sample of what their talent stylists, artists, estheticians, nail technicians and masseuse can do. Of course, I made a bee-line for the make up studio to see what was hot this summer.I was happy to see celebrity makeup artist Lindsay Ebbin, who had given me a fall makeover last year, and I couldn't wait to hear what looks he would dish out for the upcoming season. "Summer is about lightening everything up. Let your skin look radiant and bright, but with a sun kissed glow. Emphasize your eyes, but in a subtle way."He took off my sadly smudged face from a day of busy, busy (read: stressful!) tv production. The first thing we discussed was how difficult it is for makeup artists to match my foundation. (I have almost gotten into many a fight at the MAC counter. They don't get it.) My neck is several shades lighter than my face. The added yellow blotches, melasma and smattering of freckles, don't make it any easier. Lindsay had the perfect solution, "Red Door has a custom blend foundation. We use a special camera to capture your perfect foundation. No two are alike. You can't get a more perfect match than this."I worked with Deidra to create the perfect blend. I chose my skin type (dry) and the finish I wanted (natural). Then we held the camera up to the area right on my jawline. In less than 2 minutes, I had a sample size jar of perfect foundation. It was amazing! The Red Door in Cross Keys is the only location (that I am aware of) in the Baltimore area to be able to blend such a custom foundation.I headed back to Lindsay to see what colors were in for summer. To create my bright, lifted complexion, Lindsay used the custom foundation and sealed it with their Pure Finish Mineral Powder. He then used their Pure Finish Bronzing Powder to create cheekbones and a sun-kissed glow in one quick step. For my eyes, he used a light golden shade and Bubbles, a beautiful blue in the crease. He lightly lined my lower lashes only and finished with a touch of mascara.On my lips, he chose a color unlike anything I own. (Where was he when I was wandering in Sephora looking for something unlike anything I own?) He picked out Bronze Berry Pearl lipstick and finished with their lip gloss in Honey Glaze. The overall look was beautiful!Next, I was on to hair. I was so curious to see if anyone new had some thoughts on what to do with my hair helmet. The stylist suggested I add a light, volumizing pomade after I flat iron my hair. She showed me how she would tousle my hair to give it a more lived in, less conservative mom vibe. The end result was messy, but really cute.Much to my surprise, the Red Door has several massage and facial rooms, to de-stress and purify your face. I knew they had rooms, but not 20 of them. Now I know where to go when I need to relax, stat! I got in a quick seated massage and was once again told that your shoulders don't belong around your ears. I am not sure that is correct. My ear lobes rest on my shoulders naturally. I can't help it.Not sure what to do to get your look summer ready? Check out the Red Door Spa for a head to toe makeover! And if you are in the DC area, check out the Red Door at the Willard. I am told they have amazing mani/pedis available on their gorgeous terrace. It's the perfect treat!Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

NY Press Behind-The-Scenes

I Grew Up With Bees as Pets. Sort of.

(The cows that came in our backyard looked like this and were just as serious.)

I grew up in the middle of the country. We didn't have livestock (the first question I am always asked) although I did wake up to my Mom chasing cows out of the backyard with a stick on more than one occasion. I also DID NOT drive a tractor to school, despite what Loxy says. (Although it is true I lettered in chorus.) I had your usual domesticated pets and a few hundred unusual ones.

(Killer and Rodan looked just like this, but Rodan had red eyes. He was the epitome of evil.)

We almost always had two dogs and for awhile, I had two evil birds, Killer and Rodan. I suppose the bird's personalities were my fault for giving them those names. But I was in third grade, how was I supposed to know a name meant so much to a bird? I am told that when they went to live with my cousins and were renamed Lovey and Doodle (or something like that) and that they were beautiful, sweet birds.When I was in middle school, my dad, out of nowhere, became a bee keeper. A full on white suit, honey-making, candle-creating bee keeper. At one point, he was even the go to guy in our county if there was a swarm in the area. He would suit up, get his smoker and come back with another hive.My father is now gone (although we still have honey and candles) and the hives in my childhood yard are empty. But the bees who were so important to my Father, continue to play a big part in all of our lives in one way or another.So it's kismet that I recently discovered a brand called Beecology. This brand, inspired by another accidental beekeeper, mixes bee byproducts like Honey and Propolis Extract with organic and natural ingredients to make honest products that work. I really dig their hand lotion and my shower hasn't been the same since I discovered their Honey and Oatmeal Peppermint Morning Soap.But the best part is that each sale comes with a code that enables you to choose a charity to receive a contribution from your sale. You can choose from a variety of charities like Life Beat, Autism Speaks, United Jewish Communities and Beyond Pesticides. What a brilliant idea!Beecology offers sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner, an array of Natural Soaps (my faves are the Lavender and Honey & Oatmeal Peppermint), Hand and Body Lotion and Lip Balm.These products are good for you, natural as they can be and give back to the community. What more can you ask for? Check them out! Start with the Honey and Oat Peppermint soap - it's the best way to start the day!These products were sent to me for the purposes of review.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Lily Lolo Waikiki Bronzer and Shimmer + 20% Off Checkout Code!

As the warmer weather hits, I have been spending a lot of time looking into what's new on the bronzer market. I'm super fair and don't really spend too much time trying to fake it, but every now and then, it's a nice change from my normal pale self.The first bronzer I found that I am currently digging comes from a Brit-based mineral makeup line, Lily Lolo. This bronzer and shimmer, aptly titled Waikiki, falls into the truly bronze (although on the light side) category. This is the kind of bronze you reach for to add a little sunny sheen, mimic that high fashion sunset gleam or emulate JLo. It's great for fair ladies like myself who want to add a glow, not a muddy streak of dark bronze.This shade is a light yellowy-bronze and has a serious sheen. It looks different in every lighting situation, so it's hard to take a photo that actually captures the color. It's $22 and is available at www.lilylolo.us.

(In natural light, by a window.)

(Outside, on an overcast day. I'm also wearing Skinny Latte gloss.)

I am known for making Loxy nuts, constantly stopping the DVR during a show and saying something like, "Hey Loxy! Doesn't that look like the lip gloss I just reviewed last week?" Loxy tries to be helpful, but usually says something like, "Yeah! It looks like the new color from Bare Tarina or Smashmouth. I don't know. I'M A BOY!" Needless to say, I spend a lot of time hunting down who wore what or something like it on a variety of TV shows.

(Gabrielle Anwar at a Marie Claire event. Photo courtesy of Marie Claire)

One of the glosses I covet is worn by the character Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) on Burn Notice. While she does need to eat a sandwich, she always looks hot. She wears a nude/bronze/natural gloss quite often on the show. It's slightly reflective, but not too much. It has a little color that makes her bronze skin stand out, but she looks natural. While I have no proof that it is the color Gabrielle wears on the show, it certainly looks like Skinny Latte, by Lily Lolo. The gloss is on the thicker side, so it fills in faint lip lines (when you aren't puckering!) and it hugs the lips. It's made with Vitamin E and Jojoba to keep your lips soft. It is more smooth than tacky, so I don't think it would be an extreme hair magnet for my long haired friends (I am getting closer to joining you every day!) This gloss, for me, wears for an extended amount of time. And by extended, I mean I am getting about an hour out of each application. Not too shabby!

(Skinny Latte Lip Gloss)

The gloss is available from Lily Lolo for $15.98. The gloss and the bronzer are both cruelty free, which I am appreciating more and more every day. Even better, save 20% on everything until 7/30/2010 by using checkout code LILIYLOLOSPRING2. Happy shopping! Let me know what you hauled or what bronzer I should check out next!P.S. - After watching the AI finale, Skinny Latte also reminded me of what Carrie Underwood was wearing in the big group number. I'm not saying Carrie was wearing Lily Lolo, but it looked like she could be!This product was provided for the purposes of review.Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

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