BEAUTY IS BORING

STARRY NIGHT... Mariko Wordell

2013-05-16T14:46:00.004-07:00

Mariko is attending the Cannes Film Festival this week so we came up with this shimmering universe of soft black across her eyelids... perfect for a fancy fête, all night dancing or just lounging with a glass of champagne.

PRODUCTS // Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Mirifique, Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in Black Satin, Laura Mercier Brow Definer, NARS Sheer Lipstick in Barbarella (applied sparingly), Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Cream Ivory

WHAT IS REALITY ANYWAY… Krystal Simpson

2013-05-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

Writer, model, musician, occasional designer and bon vivant Krystal Simpson stopped by the studio last week for make-up and Polaroids done two ways. The first was loosely inspired by Sharon Tate (or any of those incredibly sexy 60's kittens who had an affinity for black cat eyes). The second is what we loosely named the "I ran away at 16 to join a rock band" look with make-up circa late 70's / early 80's. This image reminds me a bit of the movie Foxes.

Note: Check out the behind the scenes video from this shoot on Krystal's blog, What Is Reality Anyway.

PRODUCTS // Look 1: Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner, NARS Matte Eyeshadow in Persia (only in the crease), DiorShow New Look Mascara in Black, NARS Bronzing Powder in Casino (as contour), Tom Ford Lip Color in Nude Vanille, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

PRODUCTS // Look 2: Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Burnished Amber, DiorShow New Look Mascara in Black, Tom Ford Cheek Color in Savage, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Blushed Rose (lips), Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight (highlighter)

MODERN BARDOT... Jennifer Pugh

2013-05-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

Make like Bridgette Bardot with lots of black lashes (cheating with fakies is encouraged), a generous dose of the blackest black eyeliner and a pale lip.

Note: Jennifer Pugh has made several appearances on Beauty is Boring, check her out HERE and HERE... with more coming soon!

PRODUCTS // Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, Shu Uemura Smoky Layers False Eyelashes, Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Frivole (cheeks and eyelids), Bobbi Brown Rouge for Lips & Cheeks in Pale Pink (lips), Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector in Champagne

PUNK... Sid, Nancy & Rosie O'Laskey

2013-05-06T03:57:00.001-07:00

Punk was the soundtrack of my youth and its raw DIY sensibility continues to inform my work. For this post we wanted to reference some of the earlier punk styles and John Ruggiero (hair genius) came up with the brilliant idea of shooting Rosie as Sid and Nancy (yes, that is her in both images!). We also shot her (see below) with 80's "Suburbia" hair and 70's Soo Catwoman inspired make-up.

Note: See a behind the scenes video from this shoot HERE.

Note: A few of my favorite punk women... Poly Styrene, Ari Up, Exene Cervenka, Debbie Harry, Lydia Lunch, Patti Smith, Soo Catwoman, Vivienne Westwood, Siouxsie Sioux

Note: All make-up by MAC Cosmetics, hair products by Bumble and Bumble.

PRODUCTS // Nancy: Eye Shadow in Carbon, Eye Pencil in Ebony, Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash, Powder Blush in a mix of Frankly Scarlet and Peaches, Lip Pencil in Redd, Pro Lip Palette in 6 Editorial Reds

PRODUCTS // Sid: Sculpting Powder Pro Palette, Veluxe Brow Liner in Deep Brunette, Studio Conceal and Correct Palette

PRODUCTS // Punk Mash Up: Fluidline in Blacktrack, Pro Chromaline in Basic Red, Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash, Eye Pencil in Ebony, Lipmix in Black

THE MODEL… Kasia Struss

2013-04-24T02:32:00.001-07:00

There are models and then there are MODELS. Kasia Struss is of the second variety. Her cheekbones, widely spaced almond eyes, high brows and sculpted lips are ridiculously gorgeous.

Note: Kasia is from Poland which reminds me of a Polish designer that I met last year in Berlin. He makes garments out of a material called Tyvek which looks and feels exactly like paper. His brand is called UEG, an abbreviation of "usa e getta" which means "use and discard" in Italian. Lots of interesting stuff coming out of Poland these days… I feel a trip to Warsaw coming on.

Note: Hair by the talented Teddy Charles at Art + Commerce

PRODUCTS // Dior Mono Eyeshadow in Choc Clair (smudged into the lower lashline with just a touch blended into the crease), Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Noir, DiorShow New Look Mascara in Black, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel, Dior Automatic Lipliner in Spicy Pink (filled in entire lip to add a more neutral tone to the coral lipstick), Tom Ford Lip Color in True Coral, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity Two, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion

NY PUBLIC LIBRARY… Tian Li & Ophelie Guillermand

2013-04-16T20:53:00.004-07:00

Pre-show with Ophelie Guillermand (in her own clothes)

Pre-show with Tian Li (in her own clothes)

I recently did a private runway show at the NY Public Library (an amazing venue!) and managed to snap a few of my favorite faces behind the scenes. One of the things that I've always found fascinating about runway is using the exact same color elements on completely different looking models.

PRODUCTS // MAC Eye Shadow in Knight Divine, Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in Black Satin, Anastasia Brow Wiz , MAC Lip Pencil in Cherry (filled in entire lip), NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Funny Face, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity Two, Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Ecrin, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

THE 90's (AGAIN)... Beck Trumbo

2013-04-09T14:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Beck stopped in for a visit and surprised me with bright red hair, circa Karen Elson 1997. Of course I couldn't resist pulling out some copper shades and having a bit of fun. Beck's pentagram earrings (she gave me a matching pair!) set off the look perfectly.

So about the 90's… when trends come back around and you lived through them the first time, it reinforces the idea that regardless of what your self perception is, you are no longer a kid. The 90's have been having a revival these past few seasons with runways that look exactly like my teenage years (yes, I am referring to you Hedi). It's both nostalgic and sometimes offensive because the fashion without the cultural movement behind it is really just… well, it's just fashion (see PUNK). That's neither good or bad, it's just strange when you were part of the original moment.

One piece of the 90's that seems to have been overlooked in this current wave of trends is the riot grrrls. I wasn't really immersed in their culture (I was romantically attached to the 70's / early 80's NY punk scene) but I did sympathize with it. This week, in honor of this female centric movement, why don't you incorporate some riot grrrl attitude into your daily routine to add some authenticity to that Saint Laurent baby doll dress.

1: Get offended by sexism. Being accommodating and pretending that femininity is synonymous with weakness is so 2004.

2: Stop shying away from the word "feminism". If you are a woman and you would like to have equal legal/civil/economic rights, then you are a feminist.

3: Talk to your friends about the situation of women around the globe. Create awareness then figure out a plan of action, start a band or make the modern equivalent to a zine (a blog).

4: Learn who the two Kims are and worship them (Kim Gordon and Kim Deal). You should also make friends with records by L7, Bikini Kill and their earlier influences like Exene Cervenka, Lydia Lunch, Patti Smith and Siouxsie Sioux.

PRODUCTS // MAC Eye Shadow in Coppering and Red Brick, MAC Eye Khol in Facsinating, DiorShow New Look Mascara in Black, Dior Bronzing Powder in Spicy, NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Het Loo, Laura Mecier Silk Cream Foundation in Soft Ivory

MAGNIFIQUE… Camille Rowe

2013-04-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

Three things that make for a great editorial day: The gorgeous Camille Rowe as your model, a stunning Bel Air home (purportedly once occupied by Howard Hughes) and the talented John Ruggiero on hair.

PRODUCTS // Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Raffinement, Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in Black Satin, Laura Mercier Brow Definer in Soft, Chanel Joues Contraste Cheek Color in Frivole, Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Fantasque, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in Beige 20, La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream

HOLOGRAPHIC... Staz Lindes

2013-03-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

I was rummaging through a collection of Polaroids last night and stumbled across this image of Staz in a dreamy futuristic look. The three dimensional shimmering lips are made of tiny bits of colored metallic foil and large chunks of silver glitter applied over lip balm.

PRODUCTS // MAC Eye Khol in Fascinating, Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in Black Satin, Anastasia Brow Fix, Chanel Soleil Tan, La Mer The Lip Balm, Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector in Champagne Shimmer

SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS… Justin Tranter

2013-03-15T03:09:00.002-07:00

It is always fun to collaborate with musicians so I was excited when Justin Tranter of Semi Precious Weapons stopped by the studio. We wanted to do something totally different from his usual look. The first Polaroid is inspired by George Hurrell's 1930's photos of MGM starlets, hence the dreamy gazing off into the distance. The second Polaroid is playing with concept of traditional masculine beauty.

SemiPreciousWeapons just put out a new single called Aviation High. Click HERE to check it out.

PRODUCTS // NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Corcovado, NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Skorpios, MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Ardell Fashion Lashes in #104, Dior Show Mascara in Black, Dior Bronze in Amber Tan, Tom Ford Lip Color in Nude Vanille, Chanel Mat Lumiere Foundation in #20 Clair, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent

HELLO SPRING… Tiffany Keller

2013-03-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Why not try a bleached brow with a single splash of color? It's an interesting alternative to Spring's usual bevy of pastels and straightforward pretty looks. Leave the edges unblended for a more painterly style and anchor it with black kohl pencil along the waterline.

PRODUCTS // Make Up Forever 12 Flash Color Case (mint shade applied as the base), Make Up Forever Iridescent Eye Shadow in Turquoise Shimmer, Chanel Le Crayon Khol in Noir, Chanel Le Volume De Chanel in Noir, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity Two, Burberry Lip Mist in Nude Honey no.211, Edward Bess Ultra Dewy Complexion Perfector

ARTIST COLLABORATION… Gregory Siff & Beau Dunn

2013-03-07T05:04:00.002-08:00

Make-up by Gregory Siff

Make-up by Beauty Is Boring

This is what happens when Beau Dunn and Gregory Siff visit the studio - Polaroids, face paint (MAC Chromacake for those that are wondering), organic tacos and yes, he did sign her collarbone.

DISCOTHEQUE… Juliana Herz

2013-02-27T02:57:00.000-08:00

Spring's near epidemic of dry flaky skin (thanks to prolonged cold weather and heating systems) has me yearning for glossy cheekbones and lush nude lips. Pair with an unapologetically glamorous eye for a late night dance party or for a dramatic trip to the grocery store.

This was the first time I've used two of the product listed below - Chanel Illusion D'Ombre and Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick. While I don't usually go in for reviews, I thought I'd share a bit since these products get a lot of buzz. I tend to like moist eyeshadows (Armani's Eyes to Kill is a favorite) and the Chanel was right on point. True to the nature of these kind of products, Illusion D'Ombre can be a bit challenging to apply. I like this shadow best when swept all the way around the eye in a wash of color but you need to blend quickly before it sets. A dense brush does the job best. Once applied, the color is multidimensional and has serious staying power. As for the Edward Bess lipstick, it's a chic alternative to lip gloss. The lipstick has a satin finish with ample sheen and a luxurious texture. This particular shade of nude is ideal for a wide variety of skin tones because it is opaque enough to cover a more pigmented lip.

PRODUCTS // Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Ebloui, MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Chanel Le Volume De Chanel in Noir, YSL Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown, Tom Ford Cheek Color in Savage, Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight (highlight), Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Nude Lotus

JE NE SAIS QUOI… Rachel Ballinger

2013-02-15T02:54:00.000-08:00

Freckles & red lipstick are an irresistible combination. The look is simultaneously sexy and innocent, classic but also quite modern. Worn here by the very cool and ridiculously pretty Rachel B.

Note: This is an outtake from a shoot I did a while back for The Violet Files.

PRODUCTS // DiorShow Mono Wet & Dry Eyeshadow in Panama (used sheer and wet), Burberry Mascara in Midnight Black No. 01, Anastasia Brow Fix, ByTerry Velvet Cream Blush in Apple Glow, Diorific High Fashion Lipstick in Dolce Vita

LITHIANTHUS… Isabella Öberg

2013-02-12T04:24:00.001-08:00

This image of Isabella was taken after a recent editorial shoot. All of her make-up had been removed and John had brushed out her wild hairdo. She looked so gorgeous bare faced with that textured hair that I couldn't resist taking a few Polaroids.

Note: The tiny bit of color around her eyes is just the result of removing lots and lots of heavy black eyeliner. Stay tuned for links to the editorial.

Note: I am often asked what make-up remover I use. On location (in the desert, on a beach, in a moving vehicle, etc) or when a quick change is needed, I like the Comodynes Sensitive & Dry Skin Wipes. In the studio, I reach for Bioderma Sensibio H20 or Shu Uemura's Beauty Cleansing Oil. In a pinch or for those with really dry skin, apply a thick coat of moisturizing cream over your entire face then wipe clean.

PRODUCTS // La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream, La Mer Eye Concentrate, La Mer Lip Balm

THEATRICS... Beck Trumbo

2013-01-22T02:55:00.002-08:00

I have been sitting here for thirty minutes trying to think of a good way to describe this look aside from an exaggerated take on black winged eyeliner and oversized red geisha lips. Perhaps Bladerunner meets kabuki theatre in future Tokyo where all the performers are actually humanoid robots?

PRODUCTS // MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Serge Lutens Mascara Oeil Pour Oeil in Black (top lashes only), Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash, Dior Rouge in Zinnia Red, MAC Chromacake in White

MONOCHROMATIC… Lucy McIntosh

2013-01-04T01:34:00.001-08:00

This is an outtake from The Violet Files, check out the original

feature here including a "how to" on the hair look.

It's always a pleasure to collaborate with friends, and on this particular day Lucy and I were joined in the studio by the ridiculously talented hair stylist John Ruggiero. John whipped up this voluminous look somewhere in-between the organic tacos and a series of inappropriate jokes (mostly told by me).

Note: Lucy's lush brows, full lips and sculpted bone structure remind me of Kelly LeBrock in the 80's, remember her in Weird Science?

Note: I love matching eye shadow and lipstick... consider it this weekend's challenge! Take a photo and tag your look @beautyisboring_ on instagram.

PRODUCTS // NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Decameron, NARS Matte Eye Shadow in Coconut Grove, Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in Black Satin, Anastasia Brow Enhancing Serum, Tom Ford Cheek Color in Savage, Tom Ford Lipstick in Deep Mink

LINDA... Bruna Tenorio

2012-12-13T02:45:00.000-08:00

Bruna's look is simultaneously stunning and subtle with the most gorgeous, wide set eyes. I could Polaroid her every day of the week and not get bored - which is saying a lot because my attention span is notoriously brief.

Note: Armani has a new product out called Lip Maestro. It's a matte gloss/stain which seems contradictory but somehow works. You need to apply it with a brush for an accurate edge but the matte finish and intense, opaque color are worth the extra effort.

Note: "Linda" means "beautiful" in Portuguese.

PRODUCTS // Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Quad in Maestro, Serge Lutens Mascara Oeil Pour Oeil in Black, Laura Mercier Brow Definer in Warm, NARS Bronzing Powder in Casino (contour), Armani Lip Maestro in Shade 401

ART VS GLAMOUR… boychild

2012-12-11T03:09:00.000-08:00

Make-up by boychild

Make-up by Beauty Is Boring

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with boychild, a performance artist who creates incredible make-up looks. We decided to each do a look for this shoot, contrasting them as dramatically as possible. Since boychild's style tends toward the wildly artistic and painterly, I went with a chola inspired glamour look.

Note: Check out @boychild on instagram to see more... and while you are there, swing by @beautyisboring_

PRODUCTS BOYCHILD // Kryolan (paint stick and spray on)

PRODUCTS BEAUTY IS BORING // MAC Fluidline Gel Liner in Blacktrack, NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Jolie Poupee, Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in Black Satin, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel, Tom Ford Cheek Color in Savage, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity Two, Ellis Faas Creamy Lips in L101

NEW FACE... Miriam

2012-11-27T01:03:00.002-08:00

With that elegant arched nose, long neck and tousled bob, Miriam is one of the new faces to watch. I'd write more (most likely about my obsession with a classic arched nose and how Angelica Houston has always been a beauty icon of mine) but I am in the midst of a week long shoot and sleep deprivation doesn't improve my already spotty writing abilities.

PRODUCTS // Dior 3 Couleurs Eyes Palette in Smoky Pink, YSL Dessin Du Regard Crayon Yeux in Velvet Black, Dior Show Mascara in Black, Laura Mercier Brow Definer in Soft, Tom Ford Cheek Color in Love-Lust, Tom Ford Lip Color in Nude Vanille

1600… Charlotte Carey

2012-11-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

Among the many myths reverently told about Michele Lamy, my personal favorite is that she is approximately 1600 years old. Regardless of her actual place in the temporal timeline, her originality and joie de vivre are inspiring. This look is a tribute to her as modeled by my frequent muse, Charlotte Carey… another original spirit.

For more about Michele Lamy, check out the following:
Another Magazine video by the lovely Danielle Levitt
Diane Pernet interview on a Shaded View of Fashion
Interview Magazine

PRODUCTS // Serge Lutens Kohl, Le Metier de Beaute Lustre Cream (used over eye shadow to create glossy look), Ellis Faas Mascara in Black, Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity Two

MODERN VENUS … Alana Zimmer

2012-11-07T03:05:00.003-08:00

Alana always reminds me of Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, the classical reference for beauty. With her elegant bone structure, well proportioned brows, delicate lips and long neck, Alana could have quite easily been his muse. However for this make-up look, we went with a slightly more modern reference… mixing a bit of Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface and a touch of Studio 54 with a subtle take on Fall's matte lip.

Note: Hair by the talented Rob Talty.

Note: I recently discovered Laura Mercier's Brow Definer and I am obsessed. If you haven't experimented with them yet, I highly suggest you check them out.

PRODUCTS // Armani Eyes to Kill in Silver, Serge Lutens Mascara Oeil Pour Oeil in Black, Laura Mercier Brow Definer in Fair, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate in Intensity Two, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse (applied and then blotted off to create a stained look), Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Porcelain, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-1

ALL HALLOWS EVE… Alex Noiret

2012-10-31T01:32:00.003-07:00

It's Halloween! Tis the night for blood red lips and candy! This Polaroid is an outtake from a shoot I did for The Violet Files featuring the gorgeous Alex Noiret. The delicate lace bunny hat was created by Maison Michel Paris.

Note: A tip for working with black eye shadow (one that I've learned the hard way), use Shadow Shields to prevent fall out and smudging. In a pinch, a folded up tissue gently braced under the model's lash line will work but it's a pain to hold in place while blending.

Note: Alex's perfect freckles look the best without foundation so for this look I used just the tiniest bit of Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-1.

PRODUCTS // Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E103, Armani Eyes to Kill in Lust Red, Shu Uemura False Eyelashes Luxe Black, Dior Show in Black, Burberry Glow in Rose, Ellis Faas Creamy Lips in L101

RED FALL … Sarah Stage

2012-10-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

It was such a pleasure to see red and burgundy eye shadow back on the runways this season. Many people find these colors daunting but they can be surprisingly wearable. Here are my top five reddish burgundy eye shadows listed in no particular order:

1) Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in Bordeaux Red: The gorgeous matte cream texture and staying power of this deep purplish red color make it a must have for Fall!

2) Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Burnished Amber: Build up layers of the bright red shade to create an intense eye or tone it down with the more subtle amber and brick tones in the quad.

3) Armani Eyes to Kill in Lust Red: For an unexpected twist on the smokey eye, try this deep black loaded with red shimmer. It blends into an irridescent finish with red highlights.

4) Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Ebloui: This soft burgundy cream shadow is easy to apply and stays put for hours. It has a good amount of shimmer and can be worn quite sheer.

5) MAC On The Hunt: Eye Shadow X2: Create a dual tone effect by blending the lighter shade on the inner corners of the eyes, fading to the deeper red on the outer edges.

Honorable mention should go to Make-Up Forever for their varied selection of red hues!

PRODUCTS // Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Burnished Amber, Le Metier de Beaute Magic Lustre Creme (tapped over eye shadow), Ellis Faas Mascara in Black, Anastasia Brow Fix, NARS The Multiple in Malaysia, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 (used to create totally nude lips)

BITE YOUR TONGUE… Jodie Smith

2012-10-16T03:06:00.004-07:00

One of the things I adore about painting faces is their singularity. No two faces are ever truly alike, even identical twins age differently. And so each time it's an adventure, an exploration into unknown territory armed only with beautifully packaged pigments.

Note: Even when she is biting her tongue, Jodie has the most gorgeous smile!

PRODUCTS // Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic Eye Pencil in Noir, YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils Shocking in Deep Black, Armani Blushing Fabric in Raspberry, Dior Rouge Serum Luminous Color Lip Treatment in Soft Pink, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Mocha, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-08, La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion