Fall’s Hottest Nail Polish

Summer has come and gone, as have all those neon nail lacquers. Now we’re switching up our manis with these fall nail trends — some obvious, like deep reds, and others not so much, like pearly white. (We’ve always thought wearing white after Labor Day was a fashion faux-pas that just had to be broken.)

Rich jewel tones were all over the fall runways, such as at Karen Walker’s show where models nails were polished with CND Midnight Sapphire ($9, Cnd.com). Other jewel tones we’re loving: Estée Lauder Black Turquoise ($20, Saksfifthavenue.com), MAC Gadabout Girl ($16, Maccosmetics.com), and Essie Stylenomics ($8, Essie.com).

Although light lacquers are typically associated with spring, pale nudes and even white are getting some play this fall. Use these simple, chic colors to accompany fall’s bolder trends, such as a dark lip or cat-eye. Shades we recommend: OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls ($7.25, opi.com), Chanel Frenzy ($26, Chanel.com) and Nails Inc. Jermyn Street ($9.50, Sephora.com).

Gold and silver were two of the hottest colors this summer, thanks to the Olympics, and they aren’t going anywhere. If you’re into a bold mani, but like us, you don’t have the ambidexterity to tackle nail art, metallics are a smart option. Add these to your collection: Tom Ford Dominatrix ($30, Neimanmarcus.com), Butter London Shag ($14, Butterlondon.com), and Sonia Kashuk Dime A Dozen ($4.99, Target.com)

The French manicure has gone through so many transformations in recent years. This season, try a neutral base and dark tip, like the mani models wore at Donna Karan’s fall runway show. More combinations we’re dying to try: Julep Otte ($14, Trinaturk.com) with CND Bloodline ($9, Cnd.com) and Deborah Lippmann Modern Love ($16, Lippmanncollection.com) with Zoya Diva Collection Song ($8, Zoya.com). And since gray is a huge color this season (not just because of Fifty Shades of Grey), you have to try gray on gray. We love China Glaze on Safari Elephant Walk ($5.99, Enailsupply.com) as the base and Nars Storm Bird ($18, Sephora.com) as the tips. Understated and classy.

Which trend is your favorite?

NYFW Spring 2013 Makeup Trends

Fashion week’s bevy of beautiful models had their natural beauty highlighted for Spring 2013. Eyes, lids, brows, and lips were the focus: soft, feature-enhancing makeup and bold, modern looks both reigned on the runways. From iconic images of the past to scenes in nature, makeup artists drew inspiration from a variety of muses and really mixed the old with the new. We can’t wait to try out these fresh trends next spring!

5 Sexy Makeup Looks for Labor Day

If you’re like us and are looking to savor every last bit of summer this Labor Day weekend, replay the most coveted looks before summer is gone for good. Break out your bright lipsticks, even brighter nail colors and dewy, radiant skin, and say a fitting farewell to summer in the hottest hot weather beauty looks of the season.

GOLDEN GIRL GAZERS

Want that twinkle in your eye to last long after the dog days of summer are through? Apply a drop of water to an eyeshadow brush and dip into Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Bronx-Copper Shimmer ($20 on sephora.com). The high pigmentation of the shadow mixed with the water will make for unforgettable eyes that are guaranteed to make that cutie at your weekend barbeque stop dead in his tracks!

Image credit: yourbeautyspot.ninemsn.com.au

Fab Beauty Products and Accessories That Give Back

Shopping is one of our favorite things to do especially when it’s guilt free. We found some fabulous beauty products and accessories that teamed up with various charities and outreach programs to give back. When purchasing these products, you will not only look good, but feel good too!

Mac Viva Glam Nicki, $14.50
M∙A∙C and Nicki Minaj teamed up to create this limited edition VIVA GLAM Nicki lipstick. This creamy lipstick’s bold color is amazing if you are looking for that perfect pop of color. What’s even better…every cent from the sale will aid women, men, and children who are living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Cornelia Guest on Eco Style & Her New Vegan Accessories Line

Cornelia Guest, the daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest is a well-known philanthropist and entrepreneur. Cornelia’s passion for animals and nature are the sources of inspiration for her business ventures. Her most recent project is the launch of an amazing line of eco-conscious handbags. She also has a vegan catering business called Cornelia Guest Events with delicious and healthy dishes, many of which are made from produce selected at her own garden located in Old Westbury, NY. Named by Donna Karan as “One of the Women Who Inspire”, I am excited to share what Cornelia has been up to lately and of course get some of her green tips and product picks.

MM: Tell us a little about your new handbag and accessories line.
CG: I wanted to create an intelligent alternative; a line of accessories that used no animals, was luxurious, and very wearable, that you can take all day to all night.

MM: Where is it available for purchase and what is the price range?
CG: It’s available at Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdales.com, Target, Tootsies, C.Orrico and boutiques around the country. A list of stores is available on CorneliaGuest.com. All under $350.00.

MM: Three words to describe the collection?
CG: Humane, affordable, beautiful.

MM: Most of the vegan handbags on the market are lacking in style- how did you do it, and so well- I love them!
CG: Thank you. It’s a compilation of all the things I love and I asked lots of my friends for help!

MM: A lot of people hear the words “cruelty-free” tossed around, what exactly does that mean to you?
CG: “Cruelty-free” means “humane.” No animals are ever hurt while making my products. My cookies are also cruelty-free. My book, which is coming out June 12, 2012, “Simple Pleasures,” is a humane, cruelty-free lifestyle book.

MM: What are some of your favorite vegan finds?
CG: Clothing: Stella McCartney
Restaurants: NYC Angelika Kitchen, Organic Avenue
Shoes: I’m working on my own. That’s my next task.

MM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
CG: Badgley Mischka, St. John, J.Crew, Levi’s, American Apparel

MM: How would you describe your personal style?
CG: My style is humane and classic with a twist.

MM: Name three of your eco-conscious staples?
CG: Fine & Raw Chocolate, Juice Press, CleanWell sanitizing wipes, and Dr. Frank Lipman’s Sustain Protein Supplement powder for smoothies.

MM: What’s in your make-up bag?
CG: Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara, MAC VivaGlam because it goes to AIDS charity, lypo-spheric vitamin C.

MM: What type of skincare do you use?
CG: Joanna Vargas — all her products, and I swear by her facials!

MM: What about hair care? Yours always looks so good!
CG: Wen. I LOVE their shampoo and Nikki Ray at AKS Salon cuts it.

MM: What do you do to de-stress?
CG: Pilates, dance, play with my dogs. I love the water. The ocean is the best de-stresser ever!

MM: What tips do you have for someone who would like to transition to a vegan lifestyle?
CG: Find what humane, cruelty-free products you like and slowly start to incorporate them into your daily life. Bit by bit, baby steps grow into big steps.

Cornelia Guest has been passionate about animals and nature since she was a child. Her passion is reflected in every aspect of her life including her philanthropy, animal activism, and business enterprises.In 2009 she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering high-end charity and entertainment events with healthy, vegan dishes. Her mission is to encourage and inspire people to be conscious of the diet choices they make in their daily lives.Cornelia is currently designing her own line of jewelry, as well as a collection of animal-friendly handbags, wallets and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather; both lines are scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011.Daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia has been able to use her media attention and professional contacts to support Humane Society of New York, and was named by Donna Karan as one of the Women Who Inspire. Cornelia is also an advocate for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality and hosted their fall 2010 event with Mayor Bloomberg.

Hot Lipsticks We Love

“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”
― Elizabeth Taylor

The drink part is of course optional, but Liz got it right in saying that lipstick is an important step in pulling yourself, or your look, together!  It takes a confident woman to rock a bright lip color, but these super flattering and wearable shades make it easy.  Try a colorful lip this spring, it’s an easy way to complete your outfit and you can keep the rest of your face clean and simple.

Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Dahlia or Scarlett color, BUY NOW, $30
Scarlett Johannson is the face of Dolce & Gabbana makeup and a notorious fan of red lipstick, calling it “glamour in a tube.” If you want to capture the sexy star’s red lip look, try this D & G’s Scarlett or Dahlia shades.

Jill Martin: Her Style Tips and Fave Product Picks

TV personality and fashion expert Jill Martin is the go-to girl for all things style. She is a regular contributor for NBC’s Today Show and is known for her popular “Ambush Makeovers” and “Steals and Deals” segments, and sports interviews for the NY Knicks. She is also the NY correspondent for Access Hollywood landing all big celeb interviews. I love that Jill always shares her insights on the latest trends and how best to shop on a budget. She also offers great advice through her fashion self-help books, “Fashion for Dummies” and New York Times best seller “I Have Nothing to Wear.”  I caught up with the style maven to get some fashion and beauty tips, tricks and product picks!

MM: How do you best describe your look or style?
JM: Classic. I am most comfortable in jeans, a white t-shirt and ballet flats. The second I am done covering a red carpet, the heels come off and the Uggs go on!

MM: What are some recent purchases you are loving right now?
JM: My ALC Leather Dress (from 25Park.com), Alexander Wang long sleeve white t-shirt, fab turquoise earrings from Jennifer Miller Jewelry and hot pink Jimmy Choo sandals that I got at Bergdorf’s for 70% off!

MM: What is one timeless piece all women need in their wardrobe?
JM: A great pair of jeans!

MM: Who are some of your favorite designers in different price points and why?
JM: I love designers at all different price points: Dior, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, Robert Rodriguez…and if you want a real deal, Zara has great pieces!

MM: What should every women splurge on?
JM: A great “schlep” bag!

MM: What are some things we can all do to de-clutter our closet?
JM: Go into your closet and take out your favorite things: blouse, jeans, sweater, slacks etc., and lay them on the bed. Then take out every other piece from your closet and if they don’t match up to the way you feel in your favorite items, then it’s time for them to go! I would rather you have 30 amazing pieces than 300 that are just “eh.”

MM: What are some tips for shopping smart?
JM: One-in, One-out (or for my mother, one-in, five-out). You shop smarter when you know you have to let something go.

Rosanna Scotto: Her Lifestyle Tips, Product Picks and Family Recipes

Rosanna Scotto is one of my favorite New York broadcast icons. As one of the lead news anchors for FOX’s Good Day New York, she always looks great on camera and certainly is one to watch for all things lifestyle. Rosanna has a passion for travel and cooking (her family owns the Italian restaurant Fresco by Scotto in NYC), so I am thrilled that she shared some of her delicious family recipes! I caught up with the three-time Emmy winner to find out some of her go-to places, favorite things, and finds.

MM: Do you have a signature look or item you always wear?
RS: I prefer a tailored look when I’m working, so I wear Luca Luca’s suits, and Magaschoni’s sweaters and blouses. Then I fill in when I see something I like.

MM: What skincare products do you like best?
RS: It depends on my mood, but I have everything from Créme de la Mer, to Trish McEvoy to Almay in my medicine cabinet.
Créme de la Mer, BUY NOW, $250

MM: What is in your make-up bag?
RS: About 15 lip glosses from Mac, Trish McEvoy and Estee Lauder. My nieces love going through my bag to play with the glosses.
Mac Mini Gloss Kit, Dazzleshere Neutral Ornament, BUY NOW, $33
Trish McEvoy Irressistible Pink Lip Gloss Duo, BUY NOW, $32
Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss to go, BUY NOW, $33

MM: Your hair always looks perfect, what is the secret?
RS: It takes a village to do my hair! Oscar Blandi cuts and his talented staff… Alexis does color and Ingrid blow dries, but depending on my location and time; Geoffrey Firth from John Frieda, Savita from DS Studio and Nate from Warren-Tricomi do fantastic blow outs. I told you, it takes a village!

MM: How do you stay in shape? Favorite workouts?
RS: I am part of the Soul Cycle cult!

MM: What are some of your favorite travel destinations (and why)? Secret vacation spots?
RS: My family and I love to go to the Ocean Club in the Bahamas. Its about 3 hours by plane from New York City. It has a beautiful garden, an awesome beach and a lovely staff. In the summer we travel to Italy. I am always happy to visit Capri, Sardinia and Venice; the food, the clothes, the history – it’s heaven!

MM: What snacks do you recommend when on the go?
RS: Right now I’m into Kind bars because they have flax and antioxidants, but they are a splurge. I think I should go back to almonds.

MM: What restaurants do you frequent most?
RS: I am at my family’s restaurant, Fresco by Scotto in midtown several times a week. But I also love Catch in the meatpacking district and Crown on the UES.

MM: Biggest guilty pleasure?
RS: Jeffrey Rackover jewelry.

Carmindy Shares Her Best Blush Tips

Super chic fashion make-up artist, Carmindy, from the hit show What Not to Wear and author of Crazy Busy Beautiful, Get Positively Beautiful, and The 5-Minute Face, shares her tips and tricks for making the most out of your blush this fall.

It’s time to put away the bronzers and self-tanners because fall is here. Though don’t think you have to be basking in the sun to get a gorgeous glow. Blush creates a fresh and youthful look, and while it’s universally flattering on everybody, you may find yourself spending hours trying to find the perfect shade for your complexion.

Choosing the correct shade of blush for your skin tone is key to achieving that perfect flushed look. Carmindy recommends pink for fair skin, coral for olive skin, and terra-cotta-ish for dark skin. We love NARS Super Orgasm Blush, (Sephora, $27.00), the perfect mixture of shimmering pinky/peach, not to mention flattering on all skin tones.

Achieving a natural-look with blush is all about the application. “Use a big fluffy powder brush to swirl on powder blush and use upwards sweeps starting at the apples and working back to hairline,” she says. Carmindy recommends using a big powder brush for powder blush (a regular size blush brush picks up too much color often resulting in inconsistencies in coverage). Carmindy also recommends using a synthetic dome brush like MAC 197 Duo Fibre Brush (MAC, $42.00) or even your fingers.

For applying cream blush, the tools are very simple-“For cream blush use your fingers and apply in circular motions the same way,” she says. We love the Blushwear Cream Stick (Clinique, $19.00), an easy-to-apply blush in flirty colors Rosy,Peachy, Glow and Shy.

When it comes to her favorite brands of blushes, Carmindy has no problem naming her top picks- “My Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Sheerest Cream Blush is the best there is,” she says. Another favorite: “I love the powder blushes by MAC for their color range,” she says.

With all the various types of blushes (powder, creme, and cheek stains) out on the market, it can be tricky to pin-point which is the best for your skin-type. “Powder blush is great for more intensity and for oily skin,” she says. “For drier skin and mature skin cream blush looks a but more natural and dewy.”  Athletic women should turn to stains to achieve the best look- “stains are best for really active sporty women who need a waterproof or sweat-proof color,” she says.

For more fabulous tips on blush or makeup,visit Carmindy’s website.

Exclusive Interview With Dita Von Teese

PageDaily caught up with Dita Von Teese, burlesque star, actress, model, make-up enthusiast, spokesperson for Cointreau liqueur and now, perfumière. Read on to see what’s new in the world of Dita.

Caitlin Osborne: Your skin always looks so flawless; do you have a favorite sunscreen?
Dita Von Teese: Lets see, I like the Dior, like Dior has one that I can’t remember the name of it; but it’s a make-up based product Dior makes.

Buy Now, Dior Hydra Life Skin Tint SPF 20, $39
Buy Now, UV Shield SPF 50, $56
Buy Now, Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25, $46
Buy Now, Hydra Life Protective Fluid SPF 15, $52.55
Buy Now, Hydra Life Protective Crème SPF 15, $56

CO: How do you get the perfect red lips?
DVT: Oh, you have to have patience. You have to have a lip-liner; I prefer MAC Beet, it’s my favorite, and you have to have a really good lipstick. My favorite is DIOR Roulette Red or Dolce Vita Red.

Buy Now, MAC lip liner in Beet, $16.25
Buy Now, DIOR Rouge Dior Lip Color in Dolce Vita Red, $30

CO: Do you have a favorite liquid eyeliner?
DVT: I love the Guerlain Divinora liquid liner and I also use MAC Blacktrack with a brush.

Buy Now, Guerlain Divinora liquid eyeliner, $35
Buy Now, MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, $18.99

CO: So this is your second cocktail launch with Cointreau?
DVT: Yes

CO: What’s been fun about being the face of Cointreau?
DVT: Well, I guess I’m going on like almost 5 years. I think what I love most is that when they approached me they really had a great understanding of what I do; and there would be a controversial tagline obviously about what I do and how I live my life. And, it’s like a classic French brand; Cointreau is like I don’t know, 200 years old or something, and I like the history of it. I also love that working with Cointreau opened up my eyes to how wonderful it is to be able to mix your own cocktails and how we’re so conditioned to think we can’t do it and we have to be a bartender to do it, but it’s so simple really.

CO: Do you like to entertain?
DVT: I do.

CO: Do you make up your own cocktails?
DVT: I do. It’s mostly margaritas, so I asked them, do you want to do a margarita and call it a “MargaDita”?

(Cointreau MargaDita: 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz Silver Tequila, 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice, Bar spoon (0.5 oz) of Monin Rose Syrup, 1 pinch Chipotle Spice)

Buy Now, 1 oz Cointreau, $31.99
Buy Now, 1 oz Silver Tequila, $85
Buy Now, Bar Spoon of Monin Rose Syrup, $9.99

CO: I wanted to ask you too, do you have a secret to staying in shape?
DVT: I do Pilates and take ballet classes, and don’t eat too much bread. My rule is, I only eat carbs, well, I only eat bread when I’m in Paris.

CO: That’s a good rule. What’s your next big project coming up?
DVT: Well, I’m in the process of creating a perfume.

CO: I was going to ask you what scent you were wearing actually.
DVT: I’ve been working a lot in Paris, involving noses, and I guess apparently when you do celebrity fragrances, they just say, “these are the most popular fragrances, sign here”; well I didn’t want to do that. I wanted something I’d really like and would want to wear myself, so I’ve been a real pain in the ass for them in trying to find the right fragrance, so I’m in the process of testing things they’ve made for me based on what I’ve asked them to do.

CO: Well without ruining the surprise, what kind of scents do you like?
DVT: I really want something that evokes glamour, and is about big, beautiful, luscious, sexy flowers but with a little bit of a dangerous twist. I don’t want something too sweet or that smells like candy or fruit because a lot of fragrances do, but I want it to be about the glitz and glamour, something that sets you apart from everyone else.

During the month of July you can see Dita perform her variety show “Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray!” at the House of Blues in New Orleans, Dallas and Houston. For more info visit www.dita.net.

 

Image © Sheryl Nields