PIAFFE: Beauty Secrets of an Irish Lass

Marie Regan, founder of Piaffe, a line of beauty which celebrates the graceful and elegant strength of dressage - likened to an equine ballet, is herself an Irish lass. Marie shares a bit of her fond childhood memories of her Gaelic mother's stories about the lush beauty of Ireland and her fabulous beauty secrets at the Piaffe site. With an impressive 15+ years in the fashion industry as an exec for Donna Karan, Marie appreciates quality and insists on effectiveness in her products.

Taking her cue from her Irish mother's ageless beauty, Marie chose Horse Chestnut Extract as the cornerstone ingredient of her new line. "Horse Chestnut comes from a flowering tree," she says. "It has been used for centuries in Ireland as an herbal remedy where my mother grew up." Other beneficial ingredients she has selected include aloe, mango and honey. In addition, Piaffe Beauty products are infused with replenishing minerals and vitamins A, C and E for superior antioxidant protection. "The key to all this is that I am filling a niche that women have been demanding for years: high-end beauty products that can be depended on to nurture the skin and body."

One of the line's top sellers, Piaffe Velvet Body Creme, quickly became a cult favorite. Celebrities couldn't wait to get their hands on this lush, decadent cream for its firming properties, and the word spread quickly.

Piaffe Velvet Body Creme became one of my favorites with the very first use. It's a staple on my dresser and I even carry some in a little jar to travel with. Here, a little more information to share on this divine product:

• A lightweight intensive nourishing creme that enables skin to look young, fresh and firm.
• Leaves skin velvety by smoothing fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite.
• Rich in natural horse chestnut, shea and mango butter, aloe and honey for hydration and calming.
• Contains custom extract blend of marigold (anti-inflammatory), chamomile (soothing) and green tea (antioxidant).
• Available in the following fragrances: Lemon Verbena, Horse Chestnut and White Lilac (all three fragrances are superb; I've tried them all)

Marie has expanded beyond a full line of skincare to now offering cosmetic products, brushes and accessories. High end, but worth every penny. I'd encourage you to check them out!

Available at Piaffe.com and Bliss Spas

BACKSTAGE: MAC & Tommy Hilfiger

"Young, chic, clean and well-mannered. The neatness of Lily Allen." Lisa Butler – Key MU Artist



FACE
M∙A∙C Face and Body Foundation was applied with a 190 Brush and Mineralized Skinfinish in Natural was dusted over from center out to create a sheer finish. Cheeks were coloured lightly with Fleur Power Blush.


EYES
M∙A∙C Blue Storm Eye Shadow was applied with Brush 209 to the top lash line for a soft, bright blue line. Lashes were curled and M∙A∙C PRO Lash Mascara was applied to lashes to create dark, separated lashes. Lingering Brow Pencil was softly applied to brows with Brush 311.

LIPS
M∙A∙C Vegas Volt Lipstick was brushed on the lips with Brush 194 for a sheer, bright coral stain.

source: WWD.com

BACKSTAGE: MAC & Chado Ralph Rucci

FACE

M∙A∙C Face and Body Foundation was applied to the skin. M∙A∙C Sheertone Blush in Tenderling was applied to the cheeks.

EYES
M∙A∙C PRO Paintstick in Deep Brown was applied to the lids as a base. M∙A∙C Eye Kohl in Smolder was applied to the top and bottom lash lines, as well as the crease of the lid, and then smudged. M∙A∙C PRO Glitter in Copper was applied to the inner half of the lid and M∙A∙C PRO Glitter in Silver was applied to the outer half of the lid. Top and bottom lashes were coated with M∙A∙C PRO Lash in Coal Black.


LIPS
Using M∙A∙C Brush 201, M∙A∙C Blushcreme in Uncommon was brushed onto the lips.

Chrisanne Davis, key makeup artist backstage for the Fall 2008 Paris Chado Ralph Rucci show, used MAC products to achieve the desired beauty effect for the collection. Says Chrisanne, “I wanted to achieve a structure to the eye, but with an organic feeling - to make it look like hammered metal, give it an earthiness, but still very chic.”

source: wwd.com

Jelly Pong Pong Presents Dainty Doll Collection

also see update posted 4/13

Girls Aloud songstress Nicola Roberts has created a makeup collection for the fairest of the fair. In collaboration with Jelly Pong Pong, the UK popstar wanted colors and products that flattered her own skin tone, rather than having to blend in with shades darker than her own because that's all that was available. Result - Dainty Doll Collection. The collection is set to launch April 18, 2008, so be on the look out!

The collection consists of:

• Foundation - this is the prize of the collection for Nicola with its featured fair shades; super smooth skin souffle, so delicately soft and creamy as they adhere perfectly onto the skin. Formulated according to Nicola's combination skin, it is a matte perfection without being dry; Porcelain, Ivory and White
• Concealer - thick, heavily pigmented concealer covers imperfections and hides dark circles. It conceals and moisturizes the skin at the same time, making the final effect everything you've ever wanted from a concealer; infused with grapeseed oil; Fair and Natural
• Blush & Contour - add additional warmth to your skin with a touch of Nicola's dual blush that comes in a soft blusher shade & shadow enhancer, all in one large compact with mirror; Blossom (apricot) and Bloom (pink)
• Shadow & Base - Keep eyes sweet with Nicola's ultra-finely textured shades that glide on your eyes smoothly. Colours stay on all day without daring to flake or smudge, with the help of her added suede-textured, gold superior eye-base; Desert Rose, Honey Bronze and Apricot
• Plumping Gloss - A lip plumping, wildly shiny gloss that's formulated with a chilli extract, making it hotter than anything else. Available in colours of ripe pink and nutmeg, simply palm it on before you rump-shake the night away with amazing smell and subtle shimmer; Rosebud and Hibiscus

For more info on the collection: jellypongpong.com

BACKSTAGE: MAC & Fall 2008 Fashion - Part 1

Here, a peek backstage with the fabulously creative artists of MAC Cosmetics during the showings of Fall 2008 Fashion Collections.

Costume National - Paris


“The look is super graphic - a powerful woman, but feminine at the same time.” Karim Raman - Key Artist

FACE

M∙A∙C Face and Body Foundation was applied to the skin. A straight contour was added to the cheekbones and down the nose using M∙A∙C Powder Blush in Taupe, mixed with M∙A∙C Sculpting Powder in Shadester.
EYE

M∙A∙C Fluidline in Blacktrack was applied in a precise line to the top and bottom lash lines without closing it at the corners, with M∙A∙C Eyeliner Brush 209. The Fluidline was then brushed into a square shape in the inner corners of the eyes. M∙A∙C Eye Kohl in Smolder was applied to the upper and lower water lines.
LIPS
M∙A∙C PRO Lip Erase applied to lips, following by M∙A∙C Lipglass in Clear, patted on top.

Collette Dinnigan - Paris

“The look is quite 80s, a Helmut Newton woman.” – Christine Corbel

FACE

M∙A∙C Face and Body Foundation was applied to the skin.

EYE

M∙A∙C Eye Pencil in Ebony was applied to the bottom lash line and winged up and out, then smudged. M∙A∙C Tempting Eye Shadow was then blended on top of the liner and brushed out towards the temples and hairline. M∙A∙C PRO Metal Pigment in Rose Gold was applied to the lids. Lashes were curled with Full Lash Curler and coated with M∙A∙C PRO Lash in Coal Black.

LIPS

Lip Gloss in Lust was used to create shiny lips.

LIPSTICK JUNGLE FEVER CONTINUES

Still lovin' it! Although I hope they bring Lorraine Bracco back for some more juicy drama that only she can conjure. This little show still has me wanting for more, more, more. I'm so glad the network is bringing it back next season. Contrary to some public opinion, I really like this show much better than Sex & the City, Candace Bushnell's first foray into television, and particularly the fact that these ladies are much more substantial in content. I'd much rather share a cocktail or jet to Scotland (lol) with Wendy, Nico or Victory sans Carrie, Samantha and group. Know what I mean?

There are a couple of pieces that don't work for me though; for instance, I'm still not "feeling" the whole Victory Ford - Joe Bennett relationship, although I think he may be a fascinating character to develop on his own. And what's with the character Julian Sands plays; Julian Sands, really? Just having a hard time grasping him in that role.

Victory, Wendy, Nico

Still tallying the fave, so give us your vote for favorite LJ lady at this point:

more at twiigs.com...

photos: nbc.com

REVIEW: Lancome Absolue Bx Makeup

I wondered if I'd like this new foundation being such a huge fan of Lancome's Teint Idole foundation. I could hold out no longer hearing and seeing ads that talked about how wonderful it was; I purchased a bottle.

Now, I should start out by stating I'm near 40 (but holding on to 39 as long as I can), have combination skin type (normal/oily) prone to reddish, uneven skin tone. By definition, Lancome Teint Idole is really better formulated for my skin type, but I just had to have this new one too with its anti-aging properties.

WHAT I LIKE:

• It has sunscreen of SPF 18 built in - yea!
• The pump dispenser, frosted glass bottle packaging
• It comes in a wide range of shades (12 to choose from)
• This is an extremely creamy, rich textured foundation, very soothing
• Although lush, it is a silicon-free formula that keeps it from settling in lines and pores
• The coverage (med - full) is fantastic, better than I'd even expected
• This is a superbly blendable foundation, appearing almost flawless post-application
• It does, in fact, even out my skin tone
• True to its marketing, the foundation does restore hydration and suppleness to the face
• Stays in place all day (10-14 hours) without having to re-apply or touch-up

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:

• It's $57 USD - yikes! That's expensive for a bottle of foundation; even my holy grail foundation Giorgio Armani LSF is less expensive
• It may be a little heavy (rich) for summertime use down here in the South for a combo-skinned gal, but won't know for a month or so

SHADES:

for more info or purchasing: lancome-usa.com, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and at other Lancome counters.

BLISS: Win by a Nose 'Eau-Lection'

Bliss is asking you to "do your beauty duty" and vote for a new scent for their new body butter, scrub and shower gel to debut in April. It looks like they've started the contest a little earlier than first promoted, so you can go over right now and send them your vote, click here.

click image to enlarge

Here's the scoop on scent choices:

No. 1 Fresh - Ginger + Dewy Green Notes

No. 2 Spicy - Citrus + Nutmeg Notes

No. 3 Vibrant - Blood Orange + White Pepper Notes

Vote now as the contest is over on March 16th. The scent winner will be announced in April.