Drugstore Gems. L’Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé and L’Oreal Paris True Match Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup SPF 19. I was recently on a desperate search for the right foundation for my face. Sometimes it happens to the best of us when nothing works for some reason. I was looking for a gentle foundation that is easy and not too messy to apply. Not too oily and shiny and not too dry either. I found Magic Smooth Soufflé and True Match Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup. I also found the perfect shade for me Sun Beige which suites my light olive skin so it doesn’t make me look too pale.

L to R: L’Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé &  True Match Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup SPF 19

The Soufflé is one of the best foundation I’ve ever tried, it really covers imperfections into a smooth matte canvas. Some foundation leave my skin too oily so I need the powder and feel too heavy. With this one I can even skip the powder. I apply it sometimes on just the problem areas and sometimes all over. The Gentle Mineral Makeup is designed so you can use the brush it comes with. It’s not messy to apply and the coverage is great, you can travel with it, AND the price is right.

Are you looking for a fresh, glamorous look to brush off those winter days? Elizabeth Arden‘s NEW Spring/Summer 2010 Makeup Collection might be for you. Here are the highlight of their latest additions:

Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder: This new formula conditions skin with fresh-ground, micro-light minerals that give you a beautiful natural glow, perfect for any summer day. The compact also comes with a collapsible kabuki brush, a must-have for every makeup bag.

Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF15: This summer essential comes in four universally-flattering shades and is infused with micro-light minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

Ceramide Cream Blush: Elizabeth Arden’s first cream blush. Offered in three gorgeous shades, the ultra-sheer formula will give your cheeks a hint of color, while leaving your skin looking fresh and vibrant.

Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick: The line ranging from a hot pink to scarlet red, they’re the perfect touch to a hot summer’s night out.

Availability: On Counter March 2010

Wondering what all the buzz is about? Ôscillation Powerfoundation ($48), Lancôme’s latest vibrating makeup, is truly a does-it-all foundation. Good-for-your skin ingredients, SPF 21 that’s among the highest on the market, a 14-hour wear and a finish that looks like your skin, but better—all housed in a package that’s portable and mess-free. As for that ingenious applicator that delivers 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, the benefits as just as great. The subtle action helps spread the powder evenly across your skin and buffs it down to a matte finish.

Marta says: ” My new favorite foundation and it’s mineral too. I love the coverage, my skin looks immediately flawless and I don’t feel I wear foundation at all. I carry Lancôme Ôscillation Powerfoundation in my purse or makeup bag on the go at all times. Perfect also if you are the busy type who is looking for a great foundation that is very easy to use and quick to apply (no swirling your powder brush, taping, no mess)”

You can even buy an Ôscillation Powerfoundation Replacement Wand for $5.

Introducing MAC Spring 2010 Collections: MAC Mineralize Foundation SPF 15 : The world is made of precious minerals, the foundation for all living things….

Mineralize Foundation SPF 15 is the synthesis of earthly essential elements in the form of a rich, luxurious solid cream compact with a liquid mineral infusion. This uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while revitalizing the look of dull and dry areas. Medium buildable, smooth, even coverage and a feather-cloud comfortable silky feel with a natural finish. Add the essential 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush and SPF 15 for skin perfection with protection. Available Feb 4th, 2010 in the permanent collection.

MINERALIZE FOUNDATION SPF 15

NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC37, NC40, NC42, NC44
NC45, NC50, NC55, NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40
NW43, NW45, NW47, NW50, NW55
Suggested Retail Price $32.00 U.S./$38.00 CDN

BRUSH
130 Short Duo Fibre
A short, round dua l fibre brush with flat head composed of both na tural bristles and synthetic fibres ideal for application with creams, emulsions and various powder products
Suggested Retail Price $38.00 U.S./$45.50 CDN

On January 22, 2010, The Fashion Group International (FGI) will present the 13th Annual Rising Star Awards in New York City. The Rising Star Awards program was created to recognize emerging talents in the fashion and beauty industries by FGI, a global, non-profit organization with over 5,000 members in the fashion, beauty and home industries.

Dexter Phillip

This year, Dexter Phillip of DEX New York, was nominated as a Rising Star candidate for the Beauty Entrepreneur category. Find out why Dex is under consideration to follow brands as Bond No.9 New York, Paula Dorf Cosmetics and last year’s winner AromaWear, to become the winner of one of the most prestigious awards in the beauty industry and how his brand concept and products differ from what is already out there in the cluttered beauty market!

Dex Phillip Rising Star Awards Interview

Q. How did you get to where you are today?
Dex: For the past 10 years of my life, the process of creating a beautifully crafted picture and stunning imagery was an everyday inspiration for me. As a stylist for the Ford agency, runway- and fashion-shoot producer and CEO of my own image consulting company called La Mode in New York, I was able to experience the height of fashion and beauty in action on an everyday basis and had the honor of working with the best professional makeup artists, photographers, equipment and tools in the industry. I wanted to bring these inspiring and exciting elements of a runway show, a red carpet moment or a fashion shoot, into one location and have it come alive for any woman who came into the studio. DEX New York Beauty Atrium and Studios, my all-in-one makeup, hair and photography production studio that is open to professionals AND every woman, is my vision and dream enacted.

Q. What defines you as a Rising Star?
Dex: I believe that a Rising Star is someone who has been able to turn their passion and dream into a reality while addressing the needs of women everywhere. I think I have achieved this with my two favorite creations: The all-in-one Beauty Atrium & Studio where professionals and women can come together to enjoy fashion, style and beauty in a professional, yet fun-filled setting; and the innovative “natural, not neutral” Modern Minerals full color collection that’s anti-aging and natural but packed with vibrant color pigments and boasts a photogenic and flawless finish previously only possible with non-mineral makeup.

Q. What makes the Modern Minerals makeup collection different from others’?
Dex: DEX Modern Minerals is natural but NOT neutral and has anti-aging benefits for skin, even the eye area! Typical mineral makeup lines are usually boring with no vibrant colors or enough coverage that lasts, and is extremely drying on the skin due to the bismuth oxychloride that acts as the core base for the powders. They often leave an ashy, or too shimmery finish (if the base is Mica) that makeup artists and photographers find they cannot use for photography or on runways – and real woman were finding that was a daily issue with their regular mineral makeup as well!

I addressed all of these common concerns with an innovative DEX Peptide Complex which combines a matrix-fibroblast stimulant with palmitoyl hexapeptide-14 and a plant-derived extract (peat) to maximize skin’s regenerative properties, acting as a wrinkle reducing agent with collagen-production stimulating abilities. I also blended the complex with 24k colloidal gold to allow efficient penetration into the skin and aide in the products’ ability to stay on the skin without drying the skin’s surface like Bismuth Oxychloride. DEX Modern Minerals provides long-term anti-aging results with an instantly radiant and fresh, photo-ready finish.

Q. What could one expect from a visit to DEX New York Beauty Atrium and Studio?
Dex: The expert artists, stylists, and photographers who are also currently working as professionals in the fashion and beauty industry, not just at DEX, treat every visitor like the gorgeous goddess she is. Our clients receive a glamorous Hollywood-premiere / red carpet experience; anything (or everything) from hair extensions, Moroccan hair treatments, manicures and massages, to one-on-one makeup lessons and applications followed with a studio photography session with wine and champagne upon request. Women come in to access this backstage runway-style adventure before big events, a night on the town, a wedding or for no particular occasion at all than to fulfill their desire to look and feel beautiful.

Q. What advice would you give to a young rising star who hopes to be “the next Dexter Phillip”?
Dex: The most valuable lessons that I have learned throughout my career is having gratitude, patience and being persistent in making your dreams come true. For me, gratitude comes in the form of my ability to stay composed and focused on the circumstances whether good or bad. This allows me to see the situation as it really is so that I can assess its potential opportunities and take it to another level when others might have felt defeated or discouraged by the process. I also believe in the statement that “rejection is protection” and all will come in due time with hard work, persistence and with a positive attitude. Equally important is having patience. My mother always said, slow and steady wins the race. One must be patient, because good things come to those who wait.

Q. Now that you’re a rising star nominee, how do you give back? What are your initiatives?
Dex: DEX New York offers a variety of makeup workshops – from private lessons for the woman who just wants to be in the know, to workshops for makeup artists. These workshops are valuable learning experiences, and include a variety of DEX Modern Mineral makeup products. DEX New York Studios also encompasses an artistry school that caters to aspiring and accomplished makeup artists, photographers and stylists. DEX New York offers a professional backstage beauty environment and the production support necessary for fashion shows, look book shoots, makeup workshops and private beauty parties.

Q. What’s next for you and your business?
Dex: I want to expand the DEX New York Modern Minerals collection and the services available at the Studio so that it is easily accessible to all women – around the globe! Every woman should know that with DEX, you can enjoy that glamorous, red-carpet moment at home, or at the studio, without harming your hair or skin. For now, our team is always ready for a personal consultation with you via phone at 212.643.3188, or you can find tips, trends and news from the DEX studio at www.dexnewyorkstudios.blogspot.com . Products are available at www.dexnewyork.com  or at the studio on 224 west 30th street, between 7th avenue and 8th avenue at the heart of the fashion district in NYC.

Vera Farmiga was sporting red lips at the Up in the Air LA Premier on Monday, November 30th, 2009, Westwood, Los Angeles, CA. Vera was wearing a dress by Dolce & Gabbana and her makeup look was created by Tina Turnbow, a Natural Makeup Artist.

“Vera’s look was simple glamour: Her dress was ephemeral – a white, almost grecian Dolce & Gabbana, and I wanted her makeup look to shine forth her beautiful features, while keeping that simple, effortless air.”-Tina Turnbow

Face Products: “Vera has a beautiful, fair complexion, so I kept it simple – with a lightweight foundation and finished with a light, rosy blush.

Foundation: Almay Pure Blends Mineral Makeup in Fair – “l love that this foundation is 97.4% natural”

Blush: Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed – “It’s a beautiful cream stick that creates very natural-looking rosy cheeks.” Mineral Fusion Blush in
Trace “a soft, baby pink to highlight cheek bones”

Powder: Tarte Provocateur SPF 8 Pressed Mineral Powder & Compact in Fair

Eye Products: “I kept the eyes nude, with a bit of pearly shimmer smudged on the lids and beautiful lush lashes. It was also important that her brows were defined and framed her face.”

Eyeshadow: Jane Iredale Liquid Eyeliner in Silver (smudged on lids)
Lashes: Origins Full Story Lush Lash Mascara
Brows: Clarins Pro Palette Eyebrow Kit. “This all in one kit has everything I need to create the perfect brows – from highlighter to powders to even a holding wax to groom them brows.”

Lip Products:
Lip Prep: Korres Guava Lip Butter to prep lips “offers creamy hydration and is a great primer for lipcolor”
Lipstick: ZUZU Luxe Lipstick in Vino D’amour

Finish: ARCONA Lavender Hydrating Mist “A light mist to set the makeup and give a little finishing glow”

Laura Posada, attorney, former model and actress, mother of two and co-author of the newly released family fitness guidebook, “Fit Home Team” (Simon & Schuster) came by the DEX New York Beauty Atrium and Studio for an upcoming feature story on her in Athlete’s Quarterly magazine shoot which covers how she does it all as wife, mother, philanthropist and author. The busy mom and star of star of E! “True Hollywood Story: Baseball Wives,” wrapped up the shoot in three hours—and quickly rushed down to Philadelphia to cheer on her slugger hubby for the World Series.

Laura became a big fan of the friendly professional team at DEX and the 6,000 sq foot Beauty Atrium and Studio, “the DEX space is so airy and beautiful – perfect for a daylong shoot!”

The Hair: She loved the “Gwen Stefani-inspired” hair style created by DEX stylist, Scott Wasserman, that perfectly matched the body-hugging Roberto Cavalli dress she wore for the shoot. To create the look, Wasserman teased her short bangs backwards from the top center of her crown and twisted the piece around to the back to create a soft bubble, securing it with pins. Next, he pulled the hair framing her face up and back, and wrapped them over the first piece, securing it with hairspray and pins so that her style looked beautiful from the front and back. 

“Laura has very thick, gorgeous hair with an amazingly soft texture so it was easily to style and create the volume,” said Scott. “I did have to tease the bangs a lot since hers were quite short.”

Laura’s DEX Modern Minerals favorites: Posada was so smitten with the mineral makeup; she left the studio with a set of DEX Modern Minerals makeup colors that she found amazing for their unique skin care properties. “I love anything anti-aging so it’s perfect that everything here is all anti-aging!”

Her favorite was the DEX Luminescent Powder in Sun – a golden shimmer that DEX suggested she dust on top of her cheekbones, and the DEX Mineral Glow, that she can mix into her favorite moisturizer or tinted hydrator, for a year-around glow. She also took home her favorite eye shadow colors and mineral cheek blushes in the new DEX Mini-Portfolio and Beauty Portfolio.

All photos of Laura Posada at DEX New York Studios by Michele Civelli – taken during the photo shoot on October 30th, 2009.

We’ve seen vibrating a mascara, vibrating lash primer, and now a vibrating mineral makeup. How exciting! Introducing Lancôme’s Ôscillation Powerfoundation! I’m so curious to try it out. If any of you tried the new Ôscillation Powerfoundation by Lancôme please do not hesitate to leave a comment, let us know your feedback. Thank you:)

Lancôme’s Ôscillation Powerfoundation the official description on www.lancome-usa.com :

The 1st micro-vibrating mineral foundation. See a pixel-precise complexion with 14 hour wear. Never messy. Never so simple. Simply push the button and let the velvety cushion applicator glide effortlessly across skin for perfect coverage. 7000 micro-vibrations per minute break down the featherweight mineral powder for seamless blendability. Feel newborn skin: Every day, micro-massages work with gentle minerals to revitalize skin, making it smoother, softer and visibly healthier even after makeup removal.

Talc-free, oil-free, fragrance-free. Safe for all skin types, even sensitive.

Available in 12 natural shades. SRP: $48.

Alex McCord, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Jill Zarin and Ramona Singer got powdered, color-perfected and runway-ready with the DEX New York makeup team and their mineral (anti-aging!) makeup collection in preparation for their big moment down the catwalk at the Brooklyn Fashion Week(end) in New York City!

All four Housewives loved the DEX New York Spring 2010 look created specifically for their show – a smokey, black-silver shimmery eye topped off with a pearly sheen, off-set by pale Guava-colored light pink lips.

From left: Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Alex McCord

Kelly who loves natural beauty products and makeup was ecstatic about the photogenic and super-vibrant mineral makeup colors and requested that DEX’s makeup team create her top secret look for Halloween that she was coordinating with her daughter.

Ramona, who was so struck by how youthful she looked after the DEX makeover requested the photographer take a photo of her, so that she can use it as her Facebook profile image!

And Jill demanded that DEX create a special Beauty Portfolio for her so she can use the healthy-for-skin and anti-aging makeup everyday and plans on stopping by the DEX New York Studio (www.dexnewyork.com ) for her beauty day with the makeup and hair artistry team at 224 West 30th Street – at the heart of Chelsea in NYC!

Here is how to get the makeup look:

EYE: To create the updated Spring 2010 version of the smokey eye look, the makeup artists first used the DEX Modern Minerals Mineral Pressed Eye Shadow ($18) in Wall Street Onyx all around the eyes and then blended up with the silvery Empire State Platinum. As a final touch to soften the look, makeup artists applied the pearly white Mineral Loose Pigment color ($22) in The Cloisters Pearl for a subtle, yet youthful glow!

Dex Artist Portfolio

LIP: To off-set the high-impact eye, DEX New York artists softened the mouth with a flirty, guava-pink mix of two lip glosses ($16ea.) in Franklin Street Nude and Central Park West Guava. The ultra-hydrating and subtle color of the nude and pink added just enough sweetness to offset the tart, backstage talk that went on non-stop backstage!

Skin: The DEX New York makeup artists’ top secret trick to achieving flawless skin, no matter how tanned (Kelly) or how snowy white (Alex) the complexion! Called “The Blend” – the secret mix uses three Mineral foundation formulas – the Mineral Tinted Hydrator ($32), Mineral Loose Foundation Powder ($30) and Mineral Glow ($34), for a fool-proof mix that provides all the necessary coverage for fine lines, dark or red spots, while creating a flawless, youthfully radiant, natural-looking finish. For a fresh and healthy finish, contour the face by layering an orangey-tan blush with an orangey-pink blush and blend well. DEX New York’s Mineral Pressed Powder Blushes ($21) in Beekman Place Coral Pink and City Hall Terracotta were used on the Housewives during the show!

Dex New York Beauty Atrium

Celebrity Makeup Artist Amy Oresman created Neutrogena brand ambassador Hayden Panettiere’s look for the 2009 Emmy awards, where Hayden presented the award for Best Reality Host, and shares how you can achieve this glam look at home.

Amy’s Inspiration: Hayden sought a classic red lip to match her gorgeous J Mendel gown, so I looked to her Italian heritage, and her recent vacation in Italy, for inspiration and designed a look you’d find on glamorous women in Rome.

Prep: I believe in the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” so careful attention was paid to Hayden’s skincare prior to the Emmy’s. Hayden’s choice is skin iD, personalized acne system from Neutrogena Dermatologics

Eyes: To give Hayden’s lashes maximum impact I used three coats of the NEUTROGENA Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black.

Face: Giving Hayden’s look Italian drama I paired her matte red lip with bronzed, dewy skin. I began with NEUTROGENA Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup SPF 20, then bronzed her with NEUTROGENA Healthy Skin Blends in Sunkissed and finally, I dusted the apples of her cheeks with NEUTROGENA Healthy Skin Blends in Fresh.

Lips: I prepped Hayden’s lips with NEUTROGENA MoistureShine Lip Soother in Sparkle. It hydrated and protected her lips — a critical first step to ensure the bold color of Hayden’s luscious red lips would have staying power. For a beautiful red I chose NEUTROGENA MoistureShine Lip Stick in Cherry Twist.

Cleansing and Makeup Removal: After all the after parties I recommend a gentle, yet effective cleanser that will banish all traces of dirt and makeup. Hayden love the NEUTROGENA Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, a cleanser and makeup remover all in one.