Take the Guesswork out of Eye Shadow Selection- Eyes By Design

I am a certified image and color consultant and I do strongly believe in the 4-season concept of color. The theory is that everyone can wear virtually every color in the spectrum, but it's the intensity and tone of the color that will make your skin glow, or look tired.

The same idea holds true for eyes. The same color of brown that makes blue eyes pop, isn't the same color brown that works for others. So Eyes by Design has come up with complimentary products, including quartets of "best" colors for brown, green, blue and hazel eyes. The four colors work together, or separately, to make your eyes look the best they can be!

Each black, mirrored compact contains 4 powder eye shadows from light to dark and in pearl and cream finishes. The lightest shades bring your features forward while the dark shades make them recede. These pressed powder shadows are easy to apply, and they are long-lasting and true to color. They are also Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist-tested.

There are four "regular" palettes that offer different colors for the four basic different eye colors: Blue Eyes - Peach Shimmer, Taupe, Plum Brown, Bronze; Green Eyes - Golden Lime, Olive Shimmer, Smokey Green, Purple; Brown Eyes - Vanilla Beige, Caramel, Coffee Brown, Green; Hazel Eyes - Iridescent Pink, Golden Taupe, Brown Shimmer, Pink;

NEW! EyebyDesign has a "Bronze Collection" for Summer 2009 that features just sun-kissed shades of bronze and brown shades. Shades 1 & 3 of each palette are the ones that bring warmth and depth to the eye, while the second shade adds color, and the fourth shade adds the finishing, bronze touch. I don't tend to wear four colors of shadow for daytime, especially in the warmer months, but you can pick and choose just one, two, three, or all. The palettes

just launched, so you'll want to gets yours before they are all sold out at HSN.

The most "toasty" was the palette for Blue Eyes. The lightest color in this collection was a muddled taupe, followed by a shimmery caramel, deep rusty copper, and bright copper. Perhaps a bit bright, but they did bring out the color of my eyes and blended into more subtle shades. The most subtle quartet was the one for green eyes, featuring a medium tan, golden lilac, soft antique bronze, and a much softer copper than the one for blue eyes. The palette for brown eyes is the prettiest in my opinion, with a medium caramel, a soft plum with gold shimmer, soft chocolate, and warm copper. Hazel eyes have a beautiful palette of a nude pink, gorgeous shimmery olive, shimmery dark chocolate, and rose-tinted copper.

For those who are risk-averse, or just don't have a clue what colors work, or who like someone else to take the guesswork out of the makeup routine, these color-keyed palettes are ideal. Why I like the idea, I also feel you should experiment and find your own style as well as learn "what works" from the experts. If you really want to use another palette that isn't set for your specific eye color, why not? You will still get beautiful eye shadow colors that will look pretty no matter which one you choose.

Here are some tips for applying EyesByDesign (or any) eye shadow colors:

The lightest color is normally used as a highlight on your brow bone. The main lid section is where you will place one of the most colorful shadows. To locate the crease of the eye, look in the mirror while tipping your head slightly back. Where your eye meets the socket is where the darker shadow should be applied. Another technique is to place applicator or brush in the center of the eyelid while lid is closed. Open the eye and the applicator/brush will move directly to the crease where the darker shade should be placed.
Finish eye shadow with a final blend, with a touch of the all-over base color, blending over the entire eye to fuse all colors together.

For best results, always shake excess product off brush before beginning application.

When applying the contour shadow, blend from the outside to the inside. This helps to avoid overspray. If there are any flakes of color that end up below the eye or on the cheek, use a large powder brush or a cotton ball to sweep it away and/or pick up the loose powder to help avoid smudging the makeup.

EyesbyDesign regular palettes and Bronze Collection Palettes are available at the Home Shopping Network and online at: www.hsn.com. The cost per palette is $24.95 *plus shipping and handling

What Beauty Bloggers Are Up To This Week

The stars came out for the CoverGirl/MTV Movie Awards event at Byron & Tracey Salon, Beauty Junkies Unite was there!

It's 3 Custom Color Specialist Week on The Informed Makeup Maven who writes, interviews and reviews 3CCS. Don't forget to enter IMM's MAC Pack and Diorshow giveaways, and follow IMM on Twitter.



eye4style has the scoop on Sienna Miller's totally gorgeous MTV Movie Awards hair! Get the how-to here.

A Beautified Life reviews Summer Shimmer makeup that helps withstand the summer heat!




Boutique Flair features makeup with wonderful waterproof magic.

Meilily is giving away an eyeQuatic waterproof summer makeup set from tarte!

Beauty Anonymous reviews La Mer The SPF30 UV Protecting Fluid.

Celebrate Shawn Johnson's win on Dancing with the Stars... click here to enter to win a makeup bag full of her favorite goodies over at Beauty in Real Life.


Fabulous Over Forty discusses mens skincare needs and products.

Beautè Noire discovered the perfect anti-oxidant and moisture-rich SPF body lotion for summer!


Beauty Banter gives you the EXCLUSIVE step-by-step with top celeb stylist for creating spring's hottest hair 'do: the messy ballerina bun. Includes images of each step!

Neon Bible tries out the best. moisturizer. ever. And guess what? It's cheap, too!

Addicted to Lipstick shows us How to Depot MAC Eyeshadows and Make Your Own Eyeshadow Palette using a candle.

Image and Style News Dishes on the Hottest Makeup and Hairstyles at the 2009 Mtv Movie Awards.

Maria at Beauty Is Within highlights a natural skin care company that gives back to the community.

It's almost summer.... time to wear those fun and fearless nail shades...Barielle has a unique line of colors that will last all summer long--"Driven" is my fave! Time to choose yours!!.

Enter for a chance to win one of two Men's Essential Kits by The Skin by Monica Olsen over at The Makeup Divas, but hurry contest ends soon!

Kyle at Face CandyBuff'd Cosmetics Mineral Foundation.

Alison aka. "Advice Sister Alison" of the Advice Sisterswas inspired by the ballerinas she saw at the American Ballet Theater and shows you how to make a ballet bun..

LA Pretty is giving away Redken's brand new overnight treatment to two lucky readers. Get the all the details here.


Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews Caudalie Premieres Vendages Moisturizing Cream, an antioxidant-rich moisturizer that works for all skin types!

Hot Beauty Health shows you several different hair style looks for summer and 10 Fab beauty brands for summer 2009.

Lipgloss Break has 2 great giveaways this week - Enter to win KISS Everlasting French Nail Kits and David Babaii WildAid Shampoo & Conditioner!

Butterflydiary gives you the rich, mysterious looks of YSL's Fall Palettealready!

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog reviews Prescriptives' NEW mineral makeup.

Creative Nail Design Channels the Power of Almonds in an Amazing Kit

I love almonds: the smell, the look, the taste...and the......beauty result? Yes, almonds are good for just about everything, including your nails and skin (more on that in a moment). 90% of the fats in almonds are unsaturated, and the nuts are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Almonds help prevent osteoporosis and they regulate blood pressure. They can also help to lower blood cholesterol levels. That's just for starters.

When it comes to your body, almonds can do as much good on the outside as the inside. The granular texture of finely ground almonds or almond flour is a gentle exfoliant, and almond oil has linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps soften and moisturize the skin. Some research has shown that products containing vitamin E – a key antioxidant in almonds – may help fight off the signs of aging. and help protect your skin against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays.





The Creative Nail Design Almond Starter Pack $24.95 has five, fantastic products for hands, feet and nails, all featuring the mightly almond. It is meant as a new manicure service for salons, but you can try them out for home use, too. At a salon, the 2-hour treatmnent covers four phases of cleansing, exfoliating, nourishing, and hydrating the hands which can often be the driest and hardest to deal with parts of your body. At home, this kit is a great way to pamper yourself (and it makes a thoughtful weekend host/hostess gift). It is also a great way to sample Creative Nail Design's products.





In this kit you will find:





A delightfully moisturizing, amazingly almond-scented Almond Milk Bath (2 fl oz) - essentially a pampering soak for your hands to bring them back to life. It transforms in water to a milky soak. 1-5 minutes makes hands clean and softer.





Almond Moisture Scrub (3.4 fl oz). It's a gentle exfoliator for hands (and you can use it on your feet, too) with sugar, sweet almond oil, jojoba soft beads, jojoba seed oil, Vitamin e, and shea butter. Massage for 1-2 minutes to keep the hydration, going.





Almond Illuminating Masque (3 fl oz). This conditioning hand masque looks shimmery and pearly in the jar, and will help bring back the glow to your skin, thanks to sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E. This one is just for your hands (although I tried it on my feet as well). A cosmetic-grade mineral oil adds a protective layer during the treatment, allowing the other ingredients of sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, and Vitamin E, to penetrate. Wrap your hands for 3-5 minutes in a warm towel after applying a light coat of this product. Wash off with water and a soft sponge.





Almond Hydrating Lotion (2 fl oz) This one is good for "all over" with whipped Vitamin E and a and jojoba oil in a lightweight cream. Just massage it into your skin as needed.





Solar Oil (.25 fl. oz) to condition cuticles and quickly set your manicure and pedicures/





and.... an Instructional DVD *it is one of those small-sized discs that wouldn't play in my computer, but my equipment is not the latest.

Of course, all of these products are available in full sizes -- once you try them the smaller sizes won't be enough! And, while it isn't in the starter kit, but there's also a very nice Almond Soothing Creme $14.95 2.6 oz. that super-hydrates -- perfect for parched skin, with ultra-pure, super-moisturizing shea butter, sweet almond oil,, and jojoba oil.



Get Creative Nail Design products at www.cnd.com or call 800-833-NAIL

HOT TIP: Creative Nail Design features Fashion Week coverage on their CND web site, including two comprehensive pieces from the Advice Sisters:

Advice Sisters coverage of Carolina Herrera Backstage and Runway Fall 2009 (with my photos of Paris Hilton, too): http://www.advicesisters.net/2009/02/fashion.html

Advice Sisters coverage of Abaete's Backstage and Fall 2009 Runway Show: http://www.advicesisters.net/2009/02/abaetes-incredibles-for-fashion-week.html

Jane Marvel Helps You Carry Anything, in Style

I first met Jane Marvel at the Bagtrends "Green Arm Candy" party, and I immediately fell in love with her eye-catching, super-chic, lightweight, waterproof, laminated-canvas handbags and totes in adorable designs. These vegan carry-alls comes with all the bells and whistles of a luxe line, but are surprisingly affordable. And, if this isn't enough to win your heart, each bag with an airline-approved, clear pouch for essentials or makeup, and a little something extra: a mirror ringed in the same fabric as your bag, or a cd/dvd holder, mouse pad, eye mask,or eyeglass case to match your bag's primary function.

A good tote is a must-have, but when it's virtually waterproof and eco-conscious, it's a perfect choice no matter what you're carrying. Jane Marvel bags come in a variety of sizes from clutches, to classic shoulder bags, to totes, and even some nice, rolling suitcases. The bright and cheerful, laminated canvas designs have patterns or solids to suit just about every taste.

My favorite design from the BagTrends party was the "Stars Sky" pattern featuring grey and golden stars (they look like suns to me) on a creamy eggshell background. The tote in the photo here is just one of many, but this "All Day Long" Tote (srp. approx. $79-89.00) is long and quite large (approx. 16"L X 5-1/4"W x 15-3/4"H with a 9" handle drop). It features a metal, signature nameplate, brass-toned hardware, pebble-grained man made flat straps. pebble-grained man made sides with pouch pockets, a magnetic snap closure, inner pockets for cell phone and PDA, plus a zip pocket, attached nylon signature print change purse, a clear makeup bag, and a free gift-- a large, lightweight, round mirror ringed in the same Stars Sun fabric as the bag, and nylon lining in the Jane Marvel Logo pattern. The tote is rugged and beautifully made. I don't think I can stop at owning just one!

The All Day Long Tote (among other Jane Marvel bags) is sold on the Home Shopping Network, and it was sold out last I looked. But you can still find the tote and lots of other patterns at: http://www.janemarvel.com/ Also check out Jane Marvel goodies at the www.Gap.com and on www.Piperlime.com

Redken's Great Fathers Day Gift Suggestion -update

The Advice Sisters recently blogged about a great free-gift-with-purchase from Redken -- an organizer for dad's electronic devices --- it's free with two products from Redken for Men. But we said the offer was only good through May. Turns out it's availalbe through Father's Day while supplies last..

Check out the Advice Sisters post: http://www.advicesisters.net/2009/05/redkens-free-fathers-day-gift-idea.html and visit www.Redken.com to find out what salon's are close to your area!

Heavenly Havaianas You Must Have, Paired with Essie Nail Polish You'll Love

I think I've found the perfect urban flip flop to pair with the best, Summer-worthy nail polish!

A few weeks ago I reviewed the Neon Collection from Essie and fell in love with the bright, chic, neon colors so perfect for summer sandals. Then I received an invitation to an event that coupled these neon cuties with a new flip flop style called the "FIT sandal" from Havaianas The rubber flip flop that that was featured wasn't just an ordinary plastic beach shoe. The style combined a traditional thong flip flip with a sandal to create a shoe that's inexpensive, comfortable and yes, even washable.





This Havaianas style is sold at the Gap and http://www.havaianasus.com/ for $30.00. They come in different sizes, and in great colors like gold, silver, black, white, yellow, pink and even some cute designs. This Havaianas sandal has all the color and features you expect from Havaianas, but what makes it different is that this one has a strap on the back and also a slight wedge, all in a soft, shock-absorbing, sponge-y rubber. The sandal style gives your foot support, and the wedge makes even the most uneven, hot, bumpy street a comfortable, confident place to walk. Another benefit you won't get with leather sandals is that these are washable. Simply sponge, wash or hose them off with a bit of gentle soap and water, and your sandals will look brand new, again.





I'm just in love with these! You probably couldn't get away with wearing this type of casual sandal to a corporate office, but honestly, they are cute enough to wear with sundresses to shorts, to bathing suits anywhere else. I have been wearing mine noln-stop since I got them.


Pair them with one of Essie's neon nail polishes at just $9.00 and you're ready for anything that comes your way!

Stanley Products for Dad's Day or Any Day Keep Liquids in Their Place!

When you think of a thermos, do you automatically think of the character lunch boxes you carried as a kid? Mine was red plaid, and I loved it...especially when my mom added a few chocolate kisses to my lunch. These metal or plastic carry-alls are still are immensely popular with kids. Adults, however, like more choices when it comes to carrying the things we eat and drink. Luckily, we have a staggeringly wide range of products to choose from that keep food and drinks hot or cold -- and still portable. Whether you're trying to economize by bringing your own, or you just like the convenience of portable snacks, Stanley (formerly Stanley Aladdin) has new, unique, food and beverage carrying solutions that are eco-riendly/sustainable, stylish, and functional.



I found some grat, portable products at the Holiday Gift Fair at the Marriott Marquis. Wondering what to get Dad For Father's Day? These affordable, beverage solutions will beat the tie or soap-on-a-rope gift ideas for Dad, by miles! Be a big spender and add a bottle of dad's favorite drink, or a box of his fave tea!




Not all water bottles are created equal. If you've ever had one dent or spring a leak, you know what I mean. But the Stanley nineteen13 Stainless Steel Water Bottle 24oz (star) $17.00 won't let you down. It saves you money and helps reduce disposable water bottle waste and lets you enjoy fresh (and free), water. The lightweight but rugged, 100% stainless steel bottle has a wide-mouth opening so you don't have to swallow the opening whole to get the liquid out. The top is a screw-top with a finger-loop that you can grip or add a clip to, and it's leak-proof so it won't make a mess if it falls out of the cup holder onto the floor. Take it on a hike, or on your bike, or in a car, or take it empty through security, then fill it with cold water (it'll stay cool much longer than a plastic bottle would). The rust colored container with silver star and wings is a "tat" for your tote -- making it fresh and hip.



For storing something a bit more potent, there's the rugged, Stanley Classic 8oz Flask $20.00. What I like so much about this flask is that it's lightweight and slim with a stainless steel wall, wide-mouth opening held with a one-piece plastic toggle so you won't lose the op, and it is well made, so it won't leak your libation in your pocket or purse or pouch or luggage. Backed with the same, Stanley® lifetime guarantee as all of the Stanley bottles, this one will give you years of service. The moss green exterior looks manly but attractive, and you can even engrave the bottom if you wish.



Everyone knows that a thermos will hold hot liquids, but if you're a tea drinker, that means your tea is not fresh. Now you can have truly fresh, hot tea on the go with the 12-ounce Aladdin Tea Infuser Mug $12.00. The chai green and clear travel thermos has an infuser basket that raises and lowers right into the container with a little plastic lever. Simply fill the infuser with your favorite loose tea, infuser steep to your preferred shade and then lift the basket. The multipurpose also works with tea bags and coarse ground coffee. For those worried about what kind of plastic they're drinking out of, this one is made of BPA-free plastic. It is diswasher safe and microwaveable. he double-wall insulation keeps liquid hot and safe (there's a snap-shut lid with a very tight flip-top opening to sip your drink without leaking it all over). The entire thing sits in a car cup holder without tipping nad the entire unit is rugged so it's great for camping and travel.

Find these products in lots of outdoors, hardware, and retail stores, but you can also visit http://www.stanley-pmi.com/ to find out more.

SpectraColor Lipstick by Avon is Sensational!

Sometimes I just don't love my lipstick as much as I should. The color looked great in the store, but then my tan faded, or I "fake baked" and then the color just needs a little more....or a little less, intensity. Until now, no lipstick could customize the intensity of color in one tube, but thanks to Avon, you can literally choose from 10 shades of lipstick and customize it seven ways!







No, it's not an illusion, it's the new, SpectraColor Lipstick from Avon, and it's just $9.50 and it launches this June.







The chunky, click-it pen has a slanted top with a bunch of little holes in it, and a swivel dial on the bottom that lets you literally dial up the intensity you want. Dial from one to seven with one being the least intense color, and seven, the most. Then, click the pen and watch your shade bloom out of the tiny holes in the top. It's almost, magical!







The lipstick itself pampers with Vitamins A, C and E in a silky, lightweight, high-gloss formula that feels great on your lips. It's luxury, at beer and peanuts prices.







This is such an exciting and affordable product! Choose from: The Berries, The Browns, The Caramels, The Lilacs, The Nudes, The Peaches, The Pinks, The Raisins, The Roses, and The Wines. If you purchase all ten shades you will have more than 70 different lipstick options in just those ten tubes. That's pretty amazing! Avin;s Global Director Jillian Dempsey suggest you apply a darker shade first and then click to a lighter shade to dab in the center of your lower lip, for a pouty lip look. No matter what you want to do with the SpectraColor Lipstick, you will want to have at least one: http://www.avon.com/ or contact your Avon representative

Scünci Supports the American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive Program

Last Friday Night I attended a most unusual press event. It was to highlight the American Ballet Theater's Summer Intensive Program and Scünci's continued contribution to the this wonderful program.



The Ballet Theater's Summer Intensive Program program helps young dancers ages 12-24 across the country, to hone their skills. The students work on their dancing technique, but also learn more about dance as an expressive vehicle to create art. Under the supervision of ABT's Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and Artistic Director of Summer Intensives, Melissa Allen Bowman, the program offers high quality teachers and master guest teachers in locations such as New York, Michigan, Alabama, Texas and California.



This isn't an ordinary "what I did over Summer vacation" experience. The students take a minimum of four classes per day with an emphasis on classical ballet technique and lecture courses on subjects critical to the development of a complete dancer: Ballet Technique, Pointe Partnering Variations, Men's Technique, Men's Variations, ModernNutrition, Acting for Dancers/Mime, JazzHip-Hop, Character, Dance History, Yoga, Meet the Artist, MusicInjury Prevention, and Pilates.



Scünci, known for their No-Slip-Grip Hair Accessories (reviewed in our November/December 2008 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column), does more than just provide "Beautiful Blends" hair accessories (that match your hair color ) for the dancers. Scünci has also provided a scholarship to one of the 1,100 students accepted this year.



This year's winner is the lovely Seika Paradeis, just 14 years old! While most young teens are hanging out with friends at the mall, Seika has been busy performing (at the Metropolitan Opera, The Hirahara Ballet Studio in Tokyo, ABT in their production of Coppelia, just to name a few). The photo (from left to right): Director of Public Relations for Conair, Babe Rizutto, scholarship winner Seika Paradeis, and Laurence Borrione of Scunci Public Relations.


Watching Friday night's ABT performance of Le Corsaire at NYC's famed Metropolitan Opera House, I couldn't help but admire the amount of confidence, discipline, strength, and skill these dancers have. It all seems so beautiful and effortless. However, there's nothing effortless about the long hours of practice and discipline required to create this fantasy, onstage. The road to becoming a full-fledged ballet dancer is a long and difficult one.



When I think of Scünci, I think of great hair accessories, but now I also think of them as an important part of a ballet dancer's life in more ways than one. Scünci, (a division of Conair by the way) is also helping to make the dreams of young dancers a reality and keep their hair looking ballet-bun perfect.

If you are inspired by the beauty of ballet, you don't have to be a dancer to add a little bit ballerina style to your own life. Simple make a ballet bun (with Scünci hair accessories, of course). Here's how, step-by-step from the AdviceSisters Blog Post - How to Make A Ballet Bun.