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Confidence is a characteristic we could all have more of. Witness Tom Pecheux, Estée Lauder's new creative makeup director, who is so confident his new Pure Color Night collection will be a success that he's said he'll go and see French fries. First seen on Derek Lam's Fall 2010 show--which Pecheux did the makeup for and marked Estée Lauder's first-ever fashion show beauty sponsorship--the look incorporated vibrant navy blue and sparkling copper to create cowgirl-inspired eyes (see pic of Pecheux applying the colors on new Estée Lauder face Constance Jablonski backstage). Among other developments, the line boasts 48 new Pure Color Eyeshadows (which will launch in August) in four different finishes--matte, satin, luminous and metallic--described as long-lasting, fade-resistant and buildable. "Makeup is such a fashion accessory," said Pecheux. "I'd like to highlight that part of the brand, and also bring a playful touch to the franchise."

The Pure Color Night capsule collection, which features Jablonski in the ad shot by Craig McDean, was originally proposed to be an exclusive to Paris department stores (the beauty giant is promoting the line in Paris this week). After some rethinking, however, Lauder execs have decided to launch a very limited edition capsule of 40 pieces each of the shimmery ebony eye shadow, rosy beige lip gloss and nude power blush at Bergdorf Goodman on June 1. Did you pre-order yours yet? I most certainly did!

Available at Bergdorf Goodman, 212-872-2777

I participated in the Junior League of Dallas' Inaugural Rock the Runway charity benefit recently as one of the celeb models (sorry, I'm hardly a celeb but that's what they called us) and got a taste of what it's like for runway models. First of all, it's not glamorous AT ALL. Besides getting stabbed in my scalp and feeling like half my hair was ripped out from the roots, I was shoved and fell backstage RIGHT before I was to go on the runway (thank god it was BACKstage and not ON the stage!). I fell wearing a dress made of 25 pounds of paper and my knee is still black and blue and swollen. But back to the hair torture; the designer, the talented Oscar Fierro, insisted on wrapping a magazine cover on the top of my head so I'd resemble a high rise building (the inspiration of his dress). This proved to be a difficult feat even for the very capable hair team from Osgood O'Neil salon. The team (it took 4 hair stylists to do my hair) had to brush my hair into a long braid on top of my head, yes that part was easy. Then they had to make sure it stood straight up-- so they stuck a chopstick (a very pointy one) straight down the center and it was supported by nothing but my tender scalp. After screaming in pain for 5 minutes, they put four bobby pins under the chopstick to provide a barrier for me. When they were able to wrap the magazine cover around my braid, they added long extensions to the end of my hair. Thank god I did my own make up at home because by the time they were finished there was only time for a quick dusting of powder and touch of bright red lipstick. I have to say, the end result was SO worth the pain! I looked like something out of an avant garde magazine and I still can't believe that is me up there. Jump to see how they achieved the above look! By the end of my turn on the runway, my hair started falling from all the whipping around. Look at this dress! The back of it is as incredible as the front. Let me tell you, it was 25 pounds of paper alone, probably another 25 pounds in fabric and FOUR petticoats I had to wear wrapped around my waist as poufs.

Runway photos courtesy of Ninistyle

One of the easiest hair trends to emulate off the runway is the side swept ponytail that we saw at DKNY Fall 2010 show.  A refined side-swept ponytail projects a sexy equestrian vibe with a subtly strong, yet not too masculine look. The ponytail's length falls over the shoulder on the side where hair is parted, while just a few face framing layers are left to brush along on the opposite side of the face. The effortless elegance of this asymmetric look complements the proportions of any face because it offsets any imbalance of the facial structure.  It's a look you can do right now for spring/summer and we got the instructions from Creative Director of Wella Professional hair team, Eugene Souleima.

Step-by-Step Styling:
1. Prepare damp hair with Wella SP Volumagic (6.8 oz) and blow dry with a large round brush, creating a soft wave and giving direction for the side part.
2. Rake hands through hair to loosen the waves, pulling to the side of the part and fasten the low side ponytail.
3. Leave hair on the opposite side of the ponytail loose around the face to balance the asymmetry of the look.
4. Lightly smooth Wella SP Hyper Curl (6.8 oz) on the length of the ponytail for separation and added texture.

I am the first to admit I cringed when I first heard the Olsen twins were designing a line called "The Row".  The inaugural collection greatly surprised me, and I am now a proud owner of many The Row pieces.  Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen had their Fashion Week debut this week on New York's west side-- the line has earned a following for its simple yet sophisticated structured pieces and the new collection continued beautifully on that theme.

The Look: Strong Brows-Glowing Complexion-Nude Lips
Lancôme's creative director for makeup Aaron De Mey sought an exaggerated yet natural makeup look that focused on strong, defined brows and a dewy complexion. The neutral color palette meant that skincare played an important role. To prep, Aaron used Lancôme Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water and followed it with Lancôme Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate massaged generously into the skin; this duo gave each model a luminous complexion. Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre filled and defined the brows--a focal point of this look. To finish, Aaron dabbed Lancôme Effeacernes Concealer on the lips, a trick that removed the natural lip color and kept the focus squarely on the brows.

Everyone backstage and front of house was obsessed with the braided black Louboutin sandals made exclusively for the show. (And the models were clearly happy to get a break from all the skyscraper heels!) Mary-Kate and Ashley chose a deep wine colored polish -Lancôme Le Vernis in Untamed Plum - for the toes, but kept the fingernails clean and shiny with a coat of clear nail polish.

I love the nude face but will probably add a bit more color on the cheeks when I attempt this.  What about you?

Ah, the genius that is Peter Philips. Chanel's global creative director for makeup continues to amaze, creating these whimsical trompe l'oeil "skin art" tattoos that the models sported on the Chanel spring runway. Now they're coming to a Chanel boutique near you! "For the show, I wanted to play with the Chanel symbols; pearls, chains and wheat, as well as blossoms and small swallows that announce the arrival of spring," said Philips of Karl Lagerfeld's country chic-themed show. "I focused on a natural makeup look with chic beige tones and a slight touch of rebellion: the tattoos!" These are not your ordinary mom-and-pop shop press-ons, mind you. You can create an entire Chanel necklace on your skin or a "quilted" leather bracelet to accessorize your gown or cocktail dress for a special look that's guaranteed to dazzle. The skin art, which is temporary and easily removed, arrives in stores in late February and comes in a package of five sheets, for a total of 55 designs. The number of designs on the sheet depends on the individual sheet.

$75.00 at Chanel boutiques nationwide 800-550-0005

Images from Style.com

There were some craaaazy lip colors this season on the runway. Henry Holland was the most over-the-top. Among the colors he showed were deep purple lips! I'm not sure what's worse -- purple lips coordinated with a purple outfit or purple lips clashing with a beige one!? All I can say for sure if this is one trend I hope stays on the runway and off the streets!

Would you sport purple lips?  

One of my favorites, Vera Wang, did not disappoint for Spring 2010.  Vera found inspiration in Paul Poiret, the French designer some say was the first to "drape" his designs, a new approach that signaled a departure from rigid tailoring. With this in mind, Lucia Pieroni, Color Creator for Clé de Peau Beauté, created her own new approach, developing a boy-like, simple face for each model, that worked perfectly with the clothing and bold jewelry.

"I wanted the models to appear cool and very natural, so I created a super sheer base on the face with eye accents only, of taupe and silver." Lucia says. "I wanted them to look healthy, but a bit supernatural." Beginning with the new Luminizing Enhancer Base ($42,) Lucia created a luminous complexion and evened out skin tone, prior to applying the Refining Fluid Foundation ($118) to provide an even, flawless and radiant finish on skin. Next, Lucia accented, and extended, the brows utilizing Eyebrow Pencil in #104/Grey ($55) to give a fuller, still polished effect. To brighten eyes, she used new Satin Eye Color in #11/silver ($45,) with a touch of shade #111/taupe to add definition at the outer corners. Additionally, Lucia decided to forego the mascara and eyeliner, but utilize Satin Eye Color #104/golden to highlight the browbone and the top of the cheek to add an ethereal glow. Lastly, lips were colored to understated perfection, complementing the face without drawing attention. Lucia used new Extra Rich Lipstick in T4 ($65,) a nude shade inspired by tea roses.  Buy Cle De Peau here.

HAIR: Bumble and bumble hairstylist Jimmy Paul created three different looks that had one thing in common -- texture and lots of volume. Soft, fuzzy locks were either up in messy French twists, half up and half down or pulled back tight into chignons. The Sixties-inspired dos also had a lot of height. To finish the retro look, Paul used Bumble and bumble Surf Spray as well as the brand's Thickening Spray.

I guess I should toss my bronzers and head for my Japanese rice powder make up if Marc Jacobs is any indication of Spring 2010 make up trends. The theatrical and ghost white faces were fascinating if not a bit frightening. Makeup artist François Nars gave models' faces a pale, almost ghostlike appearance using Nars' sheer matte foundation in Siberia, over which a loose powder (Snow) was applied. Eyes were insanely intense and lined with Black Moon. As if that were not enough, the make up artists drew more black lines across the outer corners of the eyes with a liquid liner pen (Souxie and the Banshees anyone?). It was all topped off with Pandora, a white shimmer-and-black eye shadow duo (Pandora) and blood red lips. "It's very powdery, white, pale -- nothing that looks like makeup," said Nars. "The idea was Gothic, romantic, like ballet dancers coming off stage."  Crazy as it looks, I am kinda digging the return of 80's Goth make up.  If you saw me in 10th grade you'd understand.  All products at Nars Cosmetics. 

 

I have known Bobbi Brown for over a year now but this was my first opportunity to watch her at work.  A dedicated pro like no other make up artist I've watched backstage, Bobbi approves of each face before allowing them on the runway!  I caught a shot of her taking one model out to the actual stage so she can see how the light will look on the finished face-- I've never seen anyone do that, either.  It makes perfect sense though, what you see backstage may not be the case on the runway.  For Spring 2010, Bobbi tells me it's all about the individual woman and not a cookie cutter beauty (yay for self esteem!).  At Rachel Roy, she followed that mantra by enhancing each mode's natural beauty with soft dewy make up.  Try the Honey Glaze long wear eye palette to achieve the look yourself.  It's a duo of long wear cream shadows in shimmering pearl beige and dove grey, complimented with two ink gel eyeliners-- chocolate for day and black topaz for nights (makes it easy to travel with!).  It's $55 and comes with a complimentary travel size Perfectly defined mascara (my friend Melinda and I use this for the gym and it doesn't flake, ever!)  At Bobbibrowncosmetics.com