
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.

















The clothes on the runway at Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2010 show were artful and dramatic and demanded equally stand out faces. What could stand out more than Sophia Loren-esque cat eyes? Hair guru Orlando Pita wove extension braids around the girls' heads, giving them the a fresh innocent appeal. It's easy to get the look yourself, most beauty supply stores have these braids in various shades. And then all you'll need is the Shu Uemura liquid eye pen that I love-- as a pen it will give you more control over your cat eye liner. Make sure you use a natural looking foundation and a nude lipstick because you want the rest of your face to be fresh and subtle. I am not sure I'll go for the braid but am definitely all over the eyeliner! 


