Redken's Tracy Cunningham and David Stanko Talk About Color Trends

Redken doesn't just make great products, they have a roster of experts that offer advice to other color pros. Redken Hollywood colorist Tracy Cunningham along with Haircolor Consultant David Stanko were recently at NYC’s Morgans Hotel to discuss summer hair color trends and new Redken haircare and color launches.


Tracy Cunningham, whose clients include the likes of Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Richie, Molly Sims, and Lindsay Lohan, says that "blonde and blonder" is the most popular color request she gets from her A-list clientele. However, she says that it's not wise for everyone to go blonde. When a client demands a color Cunningham really thinks won't work well, she will try to convince the client to do something more flattering. Luckily, rich brunette and auburn tones (think Isla Fisher) are also very popular, and Tracy's calm demeanor and loads of experience would be hard to resist, even for a celebrity client.


Tracy says that the trend is moving away from highlights and focusing more on rich, overall color (this can be emphasized with Redken's Shades EQ), for example. The three models here offer a visual example of what's hot in hair color. Tracy said the trend is now for the blonde to frame the face instead of highlights. It used to be that East Coasters and West Coasters had different color preferences, but now, says Tracy, they're pretty much the same.


Even though these are challenging economic times, Tracy asserts that women are not scrimping on their hair or hair color -- there are just some things you can't do without. But if you don't buy your color from a box, you'll want to protect your investment by using at-home products that have UV filters, moisturizers, and other ingredients that pamper your hair and help you keep the color looking fresh, longer. The re-packaged Color Extend collection from Redken, with cranberry oil and uva/uvb protectants, for example, helps maintain color, with a shampoo and conditioner, two treatment products, and a finishing shine serum. She also suggests that you bring photos of the color and style you imagine yourself in when you go to the salon. A picture is worth a thousand words!

Charismatic David Stanko followed Tracy's presentation with tips about fixing faded color (or color that needs to be "tweaked" such as faded reds, off-tone blonde shades, or warming up a brunette tone). David talked about Redken's Shades EQ a color depositing conditioner, to adjust or re-energize color, without making drastic changes in it.

David also talked about the new, Redken Blonde Glam collection, featuring products that protect and correct blonde colors with in-salon treatments and at-home maintenance. David is holding a jar of a salon treatment called "Blonde Icing," an in-salon, Conditioning Cream Lightener that luminizes and lifts hair to the palest shades of blonde. He told us that Blonde hair has specific needs, can be fragile, and is more sensitive to light that can change and fade the color. Blonde hair also tends to be dry, and can look a bit dull since it's less reflective. The new blonde glam products contain good-for-your-(blond)-hair ingredients that moisturize, protect, and boost shine!

The Redken Web Site has tons of information for consumers about their products (plus where you can find authorized salons to purchase), and a section where you can ask the experts your hair care and color questions, download videos from Fashion Week, and also the Redken Desktop Widget that brings information and ideas right to your computer. Redken also has a Professional Site for stylists and colorists.

Event Photos by Alison Blackman

Elnett's More Environmentally Friendly Packaging Brings It Back to Stylists and Fashionistas

Every runway hair stylist has a coveted, "illicit" secret weapon in their bag.... Elnett Hairspray by L’Oreal Paris. The original is responsible for the great hair of starlets and socialites, but it was banned in United States for more than two decades. The original version had a powerful spray that got the "oomph" from ozone-damaging fluorocarbon propellants. Although some say it's better not to widen the hole in the Earth's ozone layer, others can't live without Elnett. It has been smuggled into the country by those coming back from Europe like a precious jewel. But now, But now, thanks to a re-engineering of the spray, Elnett is availalbe again in the United States! The new formula, for the American market, is not exactly the same. It contains more water and other ingredients that don't weigh quite as lightly on one's hair. But a can costs a whole lot less than a trip to Europe, not to mention it eliminates the risks involved with harboring aerosol cans in your suitcase!

Allure Magazine recently did an article on the mystique surrounding Elnett. Perhaps the fact that it's "forbidden fruit" makes this spray the object of curiosity and one to be coveted, but it's also a great product. It has a sound (like "pffsht!!") from the powerful spray that sounds like no other and it performs like a great hairspray should, what keeping even height-challenged beehives and big, Jersey Girl hair from flopping. The great thing about even the new Elnett is that you can still move the hair around it will bounce back, without feeling like shellac. The smell is a bit strong, but it is a small price to pay. Elnett is a must-have for stylists, and a gazillion actresses, dancers and models and fashionistas for whom there simply isn't a substitute. It’s a must-have for anyone with limp or difficult hair that wont behave on its own.

The new Elnett Satin is not just good for great looking hair, it is safer for the environment as it doesn't contain CFC's (that deplete the ozone layer), and it is compliant with the most stringent VOC standards. The Micro-diffuser sprays an ultra-fine mist that seems to magically dissipate at the stroke of a brush, so your hair stays clean and shiny. You can re-style without adding more (just use a brush and a blow-dryer) and your style just seems to come back to life! Amazingly, Elnett does all this without being crunchy. Some of the Elnett versions not only add volume, but feature UV protectants to preserve color and shine.


L'Oreal has released Elnett Satin exclusively through Target Stores and http://www.target.com/
*Strong Hold, 11 ounces, $14.99
*Extra Strong Hold, 11 ounces, $14.99
*Extra Strong Hold, 2.2 ounces, $6.99
*Extra Strong Hold UV Filter, 11 ounces, $14.99

Advice Sisters News, Fall 2009 Fashion Week and the What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column for Spring 2009

Spring is here (this weekend we start daylight saving time again)

To celebrate, The Advice Sisters SPRING 2009 "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column has just been published!

You'll find dozens of products, colors and fashion trends that help you transition from Winter to Spring. Page Two features The Advice Sisters® Exclusive What Works" Buyer's Guide - find access to products and purchasing information. Shop from home, save money and time, and reduce your carbon footprint!

AND:

SPECIAL FALL 2009 FASHION WEEK FEATURES--DON'T MISS THEM! So far The Advice Sisters have published five complete sets of backstage and runway Features including exclusive videos for Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Diesel Black Gold, and Tadashi Shoji. Please check them out and let me know what you think of them!!

-Alison-

Backstage at the TORY BURCH FALL 2009 PRESENTATION

Tory Burch Fall 2009 Presentation

Backstage at the Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 Runway Show *exclusive Advice Sisters Video included
Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 Runway Show

Backstage at the Diesel Fall 2009 Runway Show *exclusive Advice Sisters Video included

Diesel Black Gold Fall 2009 Runway Show

Backstage at the Tadashi Shoji Fall 2009 Runway show *exclusive Advice Sisters Video included

Tadashi Shoji Fall 2009 Runway Show

Backstage at the Barbie Show, and Barbie on the Fashion Week Runway

The Barbie Show: The Advice Sisters enlisted the help of Cognac's Corner television show hostess Cognac Wellerlane, to interview Wanda Ruiz from Creative Nail Design backstage at the Barbie Show. The Advice Sisters also have exclusive runway footage of the Barbie Show video...take a look! (Alison)

You can also be a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world with these amazing, upbeat, fashions. Celebrating 50 years of little-girl dreams, 50 of America's top designers made dresses for the Barbie Runway Show in Bryant Park during Fall 2009 Fashion Week. Real "Barbies" (flesh and blood models) brought Barbie fashion to life, in looks that you didn't necessarily have to take seriously, inspired by Barbies of the past, present and future. Designers such as: Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Diane Von Furstenberg, Marchesa, Vera Wang, Patricia Field and The Blonds were among the designers in this lighthearted show that made everything else later in the week, almost look somber. Here are a few of my favorites:

Barbie, for day and for play.....

Barbie, a chic woman-on-the-go

Barbie is already ready for glamourous fun

...and Barbie knows what the wear for a very special occasion!!!

all Barbie runway photos courtesy "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, video, copyright 2009, Alison Blackman/the Advice Sisters

updated-SPECIAL FALL 2009 FASHION WEEK FEATURES--DON'T MISS THEM!

SPECIAL FALL 2009 FASHION WEEK FEATURES--DON'T MISS THEM!

This season, I am publishing some of my up-close-and-personal Backstage and Runway Features from Fall 2009 Fashion Week on the Advice Sisters Web Site as well as the Advice Sisters Blog. Watch for backstage interviews, videos, how-to, photos and more!

Here Are the latest on the Advice Sisters Web Site as of Wednesday, March 4, 2009:


Backstage at the TORY BURCH FALL 2009 PRESENTATION
Tory Burch Fall 2009 Presentation
Backstage at the Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 Runway Show
Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 Runway Show
Backstage at the Diesel Fall 2009 Runway Show
Diesel Black Gold Fall 2009 Runway Show

Two Advice Sisters Features: Tory Burch Fall 2009 Fashion Week Presentation

This season, I am publishing some of my up-close-and-personal Backstage and Runway Features from Fall 2009 Fashion Week on the Advice Sisters Web Site. Check out the hair and makeup (with a product preview, and "how-to") at:
The first two Features are of the Tory Burch Fall 2009 Fashion Week Presentation.

Get a view of Backstage Hair and Makeup for the TORY BURCH FALL 2009 PRESENTATION at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/toryburchbackstage.html


See the models, the clothes, and guests (yes, this is rap legend LL Cool J, posing for the Advice Sisters) at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/FWtoryburchpresentation.html


*more features, more backstage, more shows, more videos, to follow!

Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 Two Exclusive Advice Sisters Features Now Available!

This season's Carolina Hererra Fall 2009 Runway Show is being featured on the Advice Sisters Web Site as on the Advice Sisters blog:

The Advice Sisters Backstage Feature coverage with official face chart from M.A.C. Cosmetics and exclusive backstage video can be found at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/carolinabackstage.html

The Advice Sisters Feature coverage of the Carolina Herrera Runway show featuring video and exclusive Advice Sisters photos can be found at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/carolinarunwayshow.html

*please come back and let me know what you think! --Alison

Avon's Accessories Make Statment Pieces, Perfectly Affordable

Statement jewelry is a "must-have" for Spring 2009, but it needn't be expensive to make your entire outfit come alive. Avon, known and loved for it's great skincare and trendy but affordable color cosmetics, also has accessories and clothes that help you look stylish, for a lot less.

For example, this Chain Link Statement Cuff Bracelet $19.99 is a timeless piece that costs less than a modest dinner, but with it, you'll "dine out" on your shopping savvy for years to come. The gracefully tapered burnished silver tone cuff with six chunky chain links set mid-cuff, looks tough and elegant at the same time. The back is open so it's easy to wear and is one-size fits all. The cuff itself looks substantial and important, but it's not so bulky it'll drag your arm down all day. I love the expensive, effortless look, mixed with just a hint of toughness. This will work with everything you own except, perhaps, evening dresses.

Pair the silver Statement Cuff with a Bold Smoky Topaz Colored Statement Ring $19.99. This piece features a large, faceted, oval stone that looks like a real smoky topaz. The stone is set in a shiny, silver tone setting with chain link detail holding the stone in place and adorning the sides of the ring. There's an an adjustable "guard" inside the ring that helps the stone stay in place without slipping, and it also helps the ring to adjust to fit most fingers. The look is bold, but also a bit delicate. It looks like you spent tons of money at an exclusive boutique...no one will believe you got it through Avon! The photo really doesn't do it justice. I can't believe it's under $20.00! The ring is a modest investment that you can wear throughout the year.

Do you wish you could add more color to your wardrobe? Avon has answered your prayers, with the Avon Brilliant Brights Collection. It features a Beaded Necklace $14.99 and Chandelier Earrings $14.99. These colorful baubles will color your world and beef up even a bland outfit, with opaque and clear "stones" of lime, fuchsia or turquoise. The 17" long necklace has a 3" extender chain with lobster clap clasp so you can wear it as a true choker, or as long as a 20" necklace. The beads are organized in light, medium and dark tones, delicately held together with gold links, giving a classic style a modern touch.

The 3 1/2" long Chandelier earrings from Avon's Brilliant Brights collection feature a sexy, diamond-shaped drop of lacy gold filigree from which drip 16 light, medium and dark shades of lime, fuchsia or turquoise in opaque and clear faceted teardrops. They’re amazingly pretty and very lightweight so they won't hurt your ears after an hour or so. The duet of necklace and earrings are better than the first crocuses in bloom to lift your spirits and add a modern take on Spring to your wardrobe.

All of these pieces, and lots more, are available online now at http://www.avon.com/

Shop Smart, Save More and a bunch of other books to Inspire You

NEW BOOKS TO READ THIS SPRING!




I remember my mother and grandmother clipping coupons every week and organizing them in a little, plastic holder with dividers. I think they did it more for the challenge than because they really needed to save pennies. As an unemployed graduate student, however, I picked up the habit of clipping coupons to save money. Those days are over now, but for many, couponing is (almost) a way of life. For Teri Gault, author of Shop Smart, Save More (Avon A) couponing and playing the grocery game is her life. Teri and her husband were successful Hollywood types living a luxe life, when their work just dried up, along with their money. On the verge of being bankrupt, Terri began using skills she’d learned as a child, to survive. She had been part of a very frugal family (her father gave her just $20.00 per week to buy groceries for the week for the entire family), and she figured out clever ways to stretch those dollars. Teri discovered "patterns" in the way markets advertise products weekly and seasonally. Armed with lists and lots of coupons, she found that she could stretch a few dollars into more than she ever thought possible. Eventually, Teri wrote a book about it! She does share some of the secrets she has learned, and the book is worth the money just for these tips. But to succeed, you need to stay very focused and organized, and plan to spend a chunk of time each week working the plan. Terry's book costs $12.95, and for significant results, you will have to spend more on her TheGroceryGame.com web site. When you sign up for her service (there's a fee), the service researches the best deals of the week so you can go to those stores and shop the sales. Alas, when I entered my zip code I got a list of stores I’d never heard of and that weren't really close by. Also, I thought the book had too much “filler” with nothing really new in the padded sections. One part I really did like was the simple, often one-pot recipes, that look relatively healthy, easy to do, and delicious. You may never look at the Sunday paper the same way again after reading Shop Smart Save More ....and that’s a good thing!



Just Do It: How One Couple Turned Off the TV and Turned On Their Sex Lives for 101 Days (No Excuses!) by Douglas Brown (Three Rivers Press, January 2009) is a surprisingly interesting and personal book about Mr. Brown and his wife's sex-pedition. Mr, Brown, a feature writer at the Denver Post, and his wife Annie, had 101 days of consistent sex. I believe the idea of this intimate sex journey was to demonstrate that any "Joe and Jane Average" can boost their quotient of sex, despite kids, bills, social life, exhaustion and jobs. Alas, halfway through the book I really got a bit fatigued hearing about their lingerie, lube, positions, toys, and potions. The message is clear: plan and make a commitment to more sex, and the sex will be less of a bore and a chore, and just get better. The deeper message however, is that two people who love each other can conquer just about anything...even 101 straight days of sex!

Here are some new, fiction books you might like:

Shelter me by Juliette Fay (Avon A) Janie's husband dies tragically in a motorcycle accident, and the newly widowed 38-year old deals with her despair and anger, while still trying to be functional for her young children. When Janie discovers that her husband had planned to surprise her with a new porch as an addition to her home, "Tug " (the contractor) enters her life, adding his own male issues to the plot. Using the construction of the porch as the vehicle to move the story and it's main characters forward, Janie discovers how to appreciate the blessings she still has, and to look forwad to a happier future. This is a well written book, true "chick-lit" that will particularly appeal to "moms" in the 30-40-something age group.

One True Theory Of Love by Laura Fitzgerald (Penguin) is another "mom-centric" tale of loss, growth and love. "Meg Clark" is a single mom who has sworn off men since her nasty divorce. She is fiercely protective of her son to the point that one wonders how anyone could touch either of their hearts. But the love of her life and the only man in it is "Henry," her young son -- and he has other plans. The precocious Henry wants his mother to get married (to Ahmed Bourani, a handsome man they met by accident in a coffee shop). Naturally, Meg resists, her heart so hardened, but finally heals those old wounds, and opens her heart again. I honestly didn't relate to the main characters, but it was a good tale from start to finish, and one worth your attention if you love "chick-lit."

The Scent of Sake by Joyce Lebra (Avon A) just hit the bookstore shelves. I really liked the story, set in 19th century Japan amidst the world of sake brewing. I didn't know that women weren't allowed in the (kura) sake brewery (having a woman there would sour the sake --what nonsense!) but I did like the fast and easy read about how Rie, a young woman in a loveless marriage, turns her life around in a completely male-dominated world. She figures out how to get what she wants and succeed in her life and career all the while still acting out the role of a dutiful daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. The story demonstrates that even when the odds are totally stacked against you, a woman's innate power can make her strong and beautiful. Some of the dialogue is awkward, but overall, the story wins out!

Family relationships are often challenging, but even more so when three generations of creative people are trying to find themselves along with their art, in The Only True Genius in the Family by Jennie Nash (Berkeley Books February 2009) Claire, the daughter of a legendary landscape photographer is mourning the recent loss of her father, who just couldn't show his love in the way Claire wanted. He photographed beautiful landscapes, but she photographs food for a living. When her father dies and leaves care of his precious negatives to Claire's daughter (not to Claire) for a retrospective of his work, Claire falls to pieces. She can't function at work, and loses confidence in all the things she was once so sure about. She finds herself on a quest to validate her father's love, and even becomes jealous of her daughter, whose career as a painter is about to take off. As Claire helps to prepare the retrospective, however, she discovers some truths about how her father’s art was created, and how about his love for her. These revelations change everything. Having lost my own father not that long ago, the book was a powerful reminder about how even in death, a father's love endures. The ending actually made me cry. A powerful book and a worthy read.

Social Climbers by Beth Dunn (Author House 2009) is one of those quirky books that you know isn't exactly "War & Peace," but it is still fun to read. The story, in a very conversational, quasi-diary form, has as it's voice a social climber who lives at the Shore in New Jersey. Up to her neck in Philadelphia-based society and hoping to move quickly up the social ladder, she dishes dirt on everything, from ladies who lunch, to the workings of charitable committees, to shopping and status symbols. This books may or may not be fiction, but it seems very real, following the dailyl activities of an ambitious woman and other in her orbit, from family, to friends, to her detractors, and of course "the husband" who makes it all possible. The book is in the same fascinating poor taste of the "Real Housewives" reality television shows. I did live in Philadelphia for a while, and had a small glimpse of the Philadelphia social climbers-- committees and all. For this reason, the book for me was a very satisfying, raw and rare view of what some women will do to "get ahead." This may be a fiction book but there’s a whole lot of "real" in it. Read it to revel in how unpleasant and banal socialites are. If you are a social climber, however, this book gives you a mirror–gaze deeply!

I have to be honest: Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Avon Fiction) really isn't the type of fiction book I personally like, but it has some interesting twists and turns in the plot. The main character is Fleur Savagar, a beautiful woman who doesn't really think she's all that pretty, and whose father was the famed Errol Flynn (really)??But if you can believe that improbable premise, you can believe that Fleur, nicknamed "The Glitter Baby," has a stellar career first managed by her meddling mother, and then sabotaged by her malicious, perverted father. The story continues as Fleur "finds herself" and possibly, lasting love. I found the plot just too implausible, and in this economy, the excesses of the wealthy were a bit much, but for women who love glamorous chick-lit, this will be a thrilling read.

Alison Blackman Video - Fall 2009 Fashion Week

I promised you videos from Fashion Week....well, here's the first one! My videos are mostly still being edited, but in this video from Fall 2009 Fashion Week, I was interviewed at the Bryant Park Tents, by TV personality and celebrity interviewer, Cognac Wellerlane. She caught up with me to hear what I thought of the Ports 1961, Terexov, and Christian Siriano runway shows. You'll also get a preview of the collections on the runway for Ports 1961 and Terexov. Click the "PLAY" arrow on the video...don't miss it!



Please leave your comments...what do you think of these looks for Fall 2009?

Sipping & Savoring wine at the 2nd Annual New York Wine Expo at the Javits Center

Whether the economy is good or bad, the stock market is up or down, people always like to drink wine. There is no greater proof than the large and enthusiastic crowd that attended the 2nd Annual New York Wine Expo at the Javits Center on February 27 and 28th.



The event was an opportunity to try a wide variety of mostly international wines and some beers, in traditional bottles, and even some innovative single-serve jugs with spigots that can last up to five weeks!

Represented were approximately 170 wineries, allowing attendees to meet and talk to the winemakers and other winery principals. Two I particularly enjoyed were Brooklyn Oneology wines featuring local artists on the labels, and Michael-david Vineyards Earthquake wines.

For those who needed a break from sipping and sampling wine, there was also an opportunity to try a small variety of cheese, chocolate and tea, and a chance to pose with the Long Island Wine Tours huge champagne bottle. He had bubbles coming out of the top of his head, gave out magenets, and attracted a large group of shutterbugs. Several magazines, Jet Blue, and a few wine acessories were represented.

My favorite was Soiree, an attractive, in-the-bottle aerator that enhances the taste and quality of the wine, instantly. I hope to bring you a review in the not-too-distant future.

I missed the wine seminar by expert Kevin Zraly on Friday Night, but there were a number of other free seminars about wine, and food, such as the one I attended with Ian Knauer about creating an episode of Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie. His favorite restaurant wine list in NYC? Daniel.

But back to the wines....most were inexpensive (under $20.00) although you get what you pay for, such as the excellent California Pyramid Vineyard Wines. The most popular table was the one for Chateauneuf de Pape, but the majority of wines being samples were not French, and were from smaller vineyards in California, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, and Germany. Being able to sample interesting wines that can be direct-shipped was a nice way to try new things.

If you want to go next year, keep in mind that earlybirds can save $10 per ticket (that's a bottle of wine inexpensive wine you're saving, right there!) With all the wine you can taste, it's a good deal and a truly enjoyable experience. This year, Friday admission was $75 in advance, Saturday admission: $85 in advance! Visit : http://www.wine-expos.com/Wine/NY/

Chanel's Spring Collection Channels Gypsy Queens!

Chanel is always a leader in trendy, sophisticated, and wearable fashion. Their Spring 2009 Makeup collection features a lovely, "boho" vibe inspired by gypsy dresses, featuring bold contrasts: nudes and earth tones with bold reds and deeper tones.



Of course the packaging features the iconic, shiny black Chanel cases with the crossed C's logo in white--that's already a plus, but the makeup is the main reason you'd covet this collection. I got a chance to try some of the pieces. Here are the highlights:


Aqualumiere Sheer Colour Lipshine $29.50 with SPF 15 arrives in two nudes: a soft, shimmery copper called: "Malta" that looks more sun-kissed than deep, and "Positano," a perfect, fleshy-beige that provides a totally nude lip look without any shimmer and lots of moist shine. Normally, I'd find a light nude too "eggy" for my taste, especially if your lips aren't perfectly smooth, but this one glides on with ease with just enough color to be classy, not creepy. And the lip sheers are silky and luxurious--what else would you expect from Chanel? And the SPF is super-important, as your lips are always exposed to the sun's damaging rays, even when you're just rushing to the bus! I didn't try them, but the contrast to these dreamy nudes are the Rouges Hydrabase Creme Lipstick featuring several shades of bright red, pink, apricot, and rose: Rose Rebelle (pink), Euphoria (intense pink), Fiesta (apricot), Fuego (coral red), Beige Desire (beige) and Gipsy Scarlett (red). Two other Chanel lipstick choices are Levres Scintillantes Glossimer $27.00 in Wild Rose (rosewood) and Beige Guitare (taupe). For a super-long lastiing lipstick, Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lip Colour $34.00 features a bright red called "Alexandrite, and a bold rose pink called "Opal Rose."

Every Boho goddess needs a chic lip compact. The Levres Signees Satin Lip Color Compact $60.00 features five dreamy, satin lip creme shades, from pale pink to deep plum in Chanel's signature, mirrored, square, black compact. A nice touch is that the lip cremes are packaged so that they form Chanel's iconic crossed "C" logo.

In this collection, deep, expressive eyes are important. I also got a chance to try two of the new, Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadows $28.50. They have a metallic finish, and can be blended out so they're less shimmery for daytime. I tried "Magic Night", a glamorous, deep plum with gold shimmer, and for a fabulous highlight, there's "Liberty," a sheer, light beige shimmer. There's also an eye-catching, eye shadow quad: Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow $56.00 in new "Mystic Eyes" featuring plum, pink, beige and bronze. Add definition with the Ombre D'Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in $32.00 In a gold-tone called "Delta." The Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer $28.00 and Imnmitable Waterproof Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel $30.00, both in brown, add a softer touch than basic black.

Faces are fortunate this season to have some wonderful new products from Chanel to help them look their best. I adore the Poudre Universelle Compacte Natural Finish Pressed Powder $44.00 that adds a sheer, matte finish to your complexion. This transparent face powder will suit nearly every skin tone. Apply it with the included thin, square, fabric "puff" and watch shine and imperfections simply disappear!

Contouring faces is back in a big way. I'm not really a fan unless you really know what you're doing, but Chanel's Joues Contraste Powder Blush will help you define cheekbones and décollete without looking like you're "striped." Applied sparingly, this is a warmed bronzer-toned brown that helps contour bone structure. You can also just use it as a bronzer or (dusted lightly) as a golden blush if your complexion is light.

For Nails from Le Vernis Nail Colour $23.00 There's trendy "Vendetta," a seriously dark violet, and on the opposite side of the spectrum, "Django," a beige/pink that covers in one coat and looks like a pearly seashell, with two. Very pretty and a must-have for brides, proms and special events.

Get the Look: Visit Chanel boutiques or your favorite Chanel makeup counter, or http://www.chanel.com/