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On my recent trip to New York City, I had breakfast with Givenchy! Yes, Givenchy, sounds a bit like ‘breakfast at Tiffany’s’ right? Needless to say, that day changed my life. I know, I’m a bit over dramatic, but it’s true. If you had the opportunity to meet and hear Givenchy’s Le Makeup Artistic Director Nicolas Degennes I’m sure you too would  fall in love…with Givenchy, with makeup, beauty, and being a woman.

Nicolas Degennes presented us with Givenchy’s Spring 2009 Makeup Collection or the Maharani Spring 2009 Collection and walked with us through his inspiration journey when creating this beautiful collection. Which in case was India.

Nicolas’ philosophy about makeup and beauty is all about freedom. The freedom to express yourself with makeup and be what you want to be, and the freedom to play with makeup. He told us many times at the meeting to please touch the makeup, feel it, don’t be afraid to play with it and make it your own!

I’m wearing Givenchy today: Prismissime – 22 Maharani Apricots. Shade #5 from left to right on my eye lid and a bit on my crease, and shade #1 from left on my brow-bone and inner corner.

I’ve lined eye lids with one of the best eye pencils I’ve ever tried, Magic Kajal Eye Pencil! It is rich in pigment, glides on easily on skin, and lasts all day. Really, you have to try this! Nicholas Degennes told us at the meeting that in India both men and women wear an eye liner such as the Magic Kajal Eye Pencil to protect them from the sun!

Here are some of the MAC Cosmetics makeup look for London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009:

DESIGNER: Giles
ARTIST: Miranda Joyce

“The collection is quite structured so I wanted the look a bit undone-that’s why we purposely smudged the lip a little bit. It’s a true bright matt-ish red but patted on so you get this soft, sexy, mouth.”-Miranda Joyce.

Eyes: Clear brow set-combed through brows. Plushblack Plushlash mascara-applied lightly to top lashes.

Skin: Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation-blended into the skin. Prep+Prime Loose-Applied to set foundation. Luna Cream Colour Base-Blended as a sheer highlight onto the inner corners of the eyes, bridge of nose, forehead and wrapped around tops of cheek bones to accentuate the nudity of the face.

The concept for Pretty advertising and TV campaign was created by Mark Dixon, Vice President Creative Director, Elizabeth Arden.

Behind the Scenes at the Pretty Advertising Shoot.

What was the inspiration for the Pretty campaign?
“I’ve always enjoyed watching a woman apply her makeup and get ready to go out. It started with my mother and sisters. There’s is a real one-on-one connection between a woman and a mirror. The idea for the TV was to capture that sweet, personal moment between a woman and a mirror when she pleasingly sees that she’s pretty-and how being pretty affects everything around her.”

For the print portion of the shoot we wanted to capture an image that defines “pretty” in a single image-from the model and mirror to the wardrobe, furniture, props and of course that amazing wallpaper.”

The print and television advertising was co-directed by husband and wife team, photographer Coliena Rentmeester and film director Tom Dey.

How did you create the look for pretty print and TV advertising?

Coliena Rentmeester, Photographer: “We were inspired by the name Pretty. For the visual images we started with the idea of using the wallpaper, enlarging the flowers, adding more flowers in the same palette for an excessive, dramatic, warm environment. We wanted to use the colors of the floral itself, to keep it tonal. And the lightning is essential to create a mood. We want someone to look it and say. “That’s really pretty.'”

Giorgio Armani Beauty’s TIM QUINN on Oscar Beauty!

Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Celebrity Makeup Artist and National Artistic Director, Tim Quinn, had the stars dazzling throughout Oscar weekend – in particular Kerry Washington and Uma Thurman.

Tim Quinn kicked off Oscar weekend by creating a fresh and youthful look for Kerry Washington that reflected the laid-back attitude of the Independent Spirit Awards, at which she was presenting later that day.

Tim Quinn began by sweeping Luminous Silk Foundation n°9 across her face to smooth out her complexion, but allow it to remain luminous throughout the day.

Talking Makeup’s top nail polish looks for the week are: MAC Hello Kitty On The Prawl, which I’ve received so many compliments by fashionista friends during New York Fashion Week Fall 2009. You are one step ahead with fashion with this one!

Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer in On The Prawl: Light creamy grey, $11.

From OPI’s new South Beach Nail Collection Feeling Hot Hot Hot! The best bright pink nail polish I’ve seen without looking too tacky! A must-have shade for the upcoming summer months, or if you happen to stop by Miami Beach, well of course:)

OPI South Beach Nail Collection Feeling Hot Hot Hot!