City parks have always intrigued the powers that be at Bond No. 9. These oases of serene greenery give New Yorkers a gathering place, an escape-hatch, and a time-out from the steel and concrete that surround and enclose them. What’s more, parks are filled with botanicals, so they smell AMAZING—and smelling good with a New York accent is what Bond No. 9 is all about. So it’s no wonder that thus far, they have designed a total of 6 New York park eaux de parfum, starting with Central Park and Gramercy Park, followed by Bryant Park, the High Line, Washington Square, and Madison Square Park. Now, just in time for spring 2012, comes a 7th—Central Park West—inspired by the fabled thoroughfare that runs the entire two-and-a-half mile length of one of the greatest urban grasslands, situated smack in the middle of one the greatest cities in the world.

Central Park West, the fragrance, has been designed to have the grandeur and largesse of the street itself. It starts off with a springtime wakeup call: Narcissus mingled with tangy ylang ylang and a pinch of piquant pepper. Then comes a beckoning white-petal mélange—orris, jasmine, and linden—surrounding their centerpiece, majestic gardenia. Sustaining and enriching this bouquet is an enduring base of white oak and vetiver, combined with the animal whiff of musk.

The Central Park West bottle captures the essence both of the neighborhood and the season. Against a pistachio background is a classic but oversize houndstooth check pattern (as pedigreed as the local architecture), updated here in purple—adding pizzazz. And wound around the neck is a gift—a detachable, double-row bracelet of pink beads with a big pink floral blossom (designed in-house, we are proud to say), which, like the coveted flower on last spring’s Madison Square Park, can be worn on its own as a brooch.

The packaging in this collection is just amazing and definitely collector worthy!!  Central Park West arrives on-counter March 15, 2012 and will be sold at Bond No. 9’s six New York stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, and bondno9.com. Price: 100ml, $250; 50ml, $180; body silk, $130; candle, $110; shower gel, $75.

Smell Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

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From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

Oooh how I ADORE MAC Viva Glam….when the original red shade first came out I was beside myself and I wore it everywhere!  Then Viva Glam softened and we got to see her nude, beigy pink and now PINK PINK thanks to international hiphop/pop stars Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin.

The fearless Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj introduce Nicki’s lipstick in a scene-stealing pink and Ricky’s colourless Lip Conditioner in a Tube that goes from day to dance floor! With every cent of the selling price supporting the MAC AIDS Fund, it doesn’t get any hotter. They’ve teamed up to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among young people around the globe. Nicki and Ricky dare you to be bold. Be beautiful. Be safe.

The Rundown:

Lipstick ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• Viva Glam Nicki Bright yellow pink (Satin)

Lip Conditioner (Tube) ($15.00 U.S. / $18.00 CDN)

• Lip Conditioner Clear

Availability: February 15th, 2012 through February 2013 (North America), March 2012 (International), at all MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com

Stay Safe and Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

If you are like me, and you like a natural look when it comes to your makeup…listen up!  One of my favorite brands NARS has something new for you!!  NARS founder and creative director François Nars is famous for his no-rules approach to makeup application. But when it comes to what lies beneath, his philosophy is clear: Skin should shine through makeup. I am in agreement with this statement 100%.  The older I get, the less I want things looking matte or cakey.  This isn’t to say that I don’t get rid of shine with blotting papers, I just like my skin to look like skin instead of makeup!

To that end, NARS Cosmetics went about creating a tinted moisturizer unlike any other — a complexion-perfecting fluid with anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits.  Introducing Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++, which is available in nine shades to complement all skin tones exclusively at Nordstrom. Woooooo!!!

The key to its effectiveness lies in ingredients derived from the waters of François’ beloved French Polynesia, where he spends much of his time on his island in the region. These ingredients include Kopara, natural polysaccharides that hydrate, condition and help encourage natural cell renewal; Oceana Saffron, a plant known for its antioxidant and soothing properties; and Galaxaura, a red deep-sea algae found in the islands’ lagoons that is known to be rich in calcium, vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene. Also included in the formula: sea water and Ascorbyl Glucoside, a vitamin-C derivative that brightens and protects the skin against free-radical damage, to revitalize and re-mineralize the skin.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ boasts a 100% naturally derived fragrance of Peony, Violet and Rose Water. And because sun protection is essential to maintaining the health and youthful appearance of the skin, it includes SPF 30 to protect against UVB rays, and PA+++, the highest index level of protection against UVA damage. After four weeks of regular use, 84% of testers felt that their skin was more radiant and luminous. 81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin, and 90% felt the product gave them a healthy glow.*

* Based on a clinical test

The Rundown:

• 1 Finland – Lightest with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
• 2 Alaska – Light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
• 3 St. Moritz  – Medium with a neutral yellow undertone
• 4 Annapurna – Medium with a neutral peachy undertone
• 5 Cuba – Medium with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones
• 6 Malaga – Medium dark with warm caramel undertones
• 7 Seychelles – Medium dark with golden olive undertones
• 8 Martinique – Medium dark with warm red undertones
• 9 Polynesia – Dark with warm chocolate undertones

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ [$42] Available:February 1, 2012 at nordstrom.com and launches February 15th on narscosmetics.com

BUT….you can get it NOW with the new sampling program on the NARS Facebook page!  For the first time they will be giving away free samples – just like them on Facebook and pick your shade!

Stay Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

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From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

It girl Tina Fey who was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy.  She sparkled on the red carpet and Gita Bass for Votre Vu created her classic look at the 2012 SAG Awards tonight, using Votre Vu Skincare and Makeup. This brand is an absolute favorite of mine (LOVE the dry spray oil!!) and Tina looks amazing!

“We were inspired by Tina’s black strapless Versace gown. We wanted her look to be equally classic and sexy,” says Gita.

The Rundown:

• Gita started by spritzing the face with Votre Vu Amour D’Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair. “It adds long-lasting hydration, primes for makeup and gives the complexion a gorgeous glow,” she says. Next, she applied Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Creme to soothe and eliminate any redness.

• To create the appearance of a smooth and bright eye area, Gita patted on Votre Vu Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee and layered Votre Vu SpecialEyes Intensive Eye Treatment on top. She then brushed on Votre Vu WonderBrows in Eva to add definition to Tina’s natural arch.

• Next, she used Votre Vu Sensational Eyes Eye Primer in Medium on the lids as a budge-proof eye makeup base. To prep her lips for color, Gita dabbed on the moisturizing Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Volume Enhancing Lip Balm.

• Since Tina’s look shows a bit of skin, Gita generously applied the nourishing Votre Vu Snapdragon Antioxidant-Rich Citrus Body Drench all over. She followed up by spritizing Votre Vu Amour D’Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair on her decolletage and shoulders for an added sheen.

• Finally, to set the look and create a radiant finish, Gita dusted on Votre Vu Mineral Powder in Light. “I also made Tina put the powder in her clutch so she can do touch-ups throughout the night” said Gita

Votre Vu products can be found at VotreVu.com.

Stay Pretty!!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

Sofia Vergara’s a bombshell for sure and her SAG Awards Red Carpet makeup look sizzled!  Makeup artist Kayleen McAdams worked with Vergara to create a look that complimented her jewel toned bracelet & earrings.

“You’ll see that Sofia’s jewelry had purple tones, in both the bracelet and earrings so I wanted to subtly bring that out in the eye with a plum shadow.  To bring the whole look together, I used a mauve lipstick as it complemented the eye and also accented the jewelry.” said McAdams

 The Rundown:

How face products were applied:

• I applied COVERGIRL TRUconceal Concealer #4 under the eyes and around the nose first, and then applied COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg #360 using a sponge starting at the center of the face and then blending outwards. To set these creamy products, I used a good, fluffy brush and COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder in Soft Honey. To brighten the face, I applied COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink along the cheekbones.

How eye products were applied:

• I started with COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Brown Blaze at the outer corner of the upper lash line and all the way along the bottom.  I applied COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Forever Fig over the entire lid starting at the outer corners and blending towards the center.  I then used COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Brown Smolder at the outer corners and along the bottom lash line. I finished the eyes with two coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara in Very Black on both the top and bottom lashes.

How lip products were applied:

• I started with COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Eternal to fill in Sofia’s entire lip. To add dimension to the lip, I used new COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick Lipcolor in Vixen in the center to give it a little shimmer.

Additional beauty prep:

-At the last minute, I decided to add a little more brown liner to the upper lash line to give it further depth.  Other than that the look was all set!

-I gave Sofia the lip products I used as well as a pressed powder to combat any potential shine throughout the night

-When I applied COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick Lipcolor, I started with a lighter pink but eventually decided to switch to a mauve shade. The COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Eternal is one of our absolute favorites so I knew we wanted to use that one

CoverGirl products are available at mass market retailers nationwide.

Stay Pretty!!

---------------------

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

The gorgeous and always fashionable Zoe Saldana never disappoints on the red carpet!  tonight at the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, her hair was styled by Mara Roszak for Wella Professionals.

“Zoe’s dress was so inspiring. I wanted to create a “not too perfect” up-do by adding texture and movement to the hair, while keeping it modern and fresh.” – Says Mara Roszak

The Rundown:

• Apply Wella Professionals Extra Volume Mousse to wet hair and rough dry
• Then, using a 3/4″ barrel curling iron, add waves to the hair by rotating the direction of the curl
• Once the whole head was waved, spray Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz on the hair to break up the wave and add texture
• Loosely pull the hair back into a low pony  and secured it with an elastic
• Then split the pony into two sections and braid them both, then wrap the braids into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
• Once the hair is up, apply a dab of  Wella Professionals Bold Move styling paste to fingertips and define a few pieces around the face
• Spray all over with Wella Professionals Stay Firm finishing spray

You can find Well products in salons only Visit Wella.com for more information.

Stay Pretty!!

---------------------

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

Kristen Wiig who was, nominated for ‘Bridesmaids’ for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at tonight’s Screen Actor’s Guild awards looks amazing on the red carpet! Dove Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend shares his tips for achieving these red carpet looks, on and off the red carpet. Mark used products from the NEW Dove Style+Care collection. The products are slowly rolling out on store shelves now, but will be available nationwide March 1^st.  Mark shared with TMG how to get Kristen’s hair look at home in a snap.

The Rundown:

“I really wanted Kristen’s hair to be up in order to show off her amazing Fred Leighton choker and Balenciaga gown. I gave her a deep side part and pulled her hair into a low chignon, creating a silhouette that has a hint of 20s, but the texture keeps it completely modern.

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

What are you doing today at 3pm EST?  If you are sitting at your desk and want to learn a little something then tune in to a live video chat with one of my favorite skincare lines, Kiehl’s!!  They are hosting a live video chat with Kiehl’s President Chris Salgardo and dermatologist Dr. Adam Geyer. Together, they will answer YOUR questions about daytime and nighttime skincare regimens and targeted treatments for skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles. Whatever you want to know in order to get healthier skin in 2012, ask and they will answer, LIVE!

Also you can expect to hear about Kiehl’s latest creation, the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, which features a brand-new Vitamin C derivative that works to minimize dark spots – keeping them from forming and boost skin’s clarity. I have JUST received a sample and I cannot WAIT to share my findings with you!

You can click here at 3 p.m. EST to access the chat, or you can stay right here in this post and view the chat in the player below. If you miss it live, it will be playing on the Kiehl’s Facebook page continuously so you can watch anytime! Hope to see you there!!  I have already submitted some questions for them to answer!

Watch Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

More beautiful spring color coming in from Bobbi Brown – this time she is inspired by her rose gold wedding band. I am all over these shimmer bricks for some much needed warmth on my skin this winter! Also Rich color lipstick and gloss are my absolute favorites and these colors are nice and warm pinks for spring!

Inspired by her treasured rose-gold wedding band, Bobbi’s spring collection instantly enhances with an alluring combination of rosy, gold-flecked accents and dramatic definition.

Shimmer Brick Compact ($39.00) (Limited Edition)

• Rose Gold Soft, golden pink glow
• Wild Rose Soft pink glow

Rich Color Gloss ($23.00) (Limited Edition)

• Pink Sorbet Pink
• Angel Pink Soft pink
• Pink Cocoa Dirty pink
• Pink Gold Golden pink

Rich Lip Color SPF 12 ($23.00) (Limited Edition)

• Lilac Lilac
• Wild Rose Pink
• Nude Rose Pink nude
• Pink Peony Peony pink
• Beige Gold Golden nude
• Miami Coral Coral
  

  

  

availability: February 2012 at all Bobbi Brown counters, bobbibrown.com but Nordstrom has it up already!

Stay Pretty!!

---------------------

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".

Finding a great cleanser that doesn’t overly dry or overly moisturize combination skin can be somewhat of a challenge.  I was hanging with my friend Nadine Jolie last year when she let me use a bit of what she called, “The best thing ever.” she broke off a small piece and I lathered it onto my trusty Clarisonic brush.  If you are not familiar with the Los Angeles based brand Arcona (which has been around since 1989) they have a little history here.  The cleanser Nadine gave me was Arcona’s Toner Tea Bar and I love it for several reasons.

1. Portable – it comes in it’s own case so you can travel with it.
2. Slightly clarifying with antibacterial properties – great if you have trouble or hormonal skin (mine is crazy and hormonal as I am breaking out nearly once a month.  Menopause maybe?? Who knows but this is helping).
3. Slightly moisturizing – so you don’t dry out, Arcona has added manuka honey, vitamin E.
4. Slightly soothing – to calm those crazy acne areas, they added Lecithin, yucca and aloe.

All of these things rolled together and  you have a pretty crazy kick butt facial cleanser.  Also, I must mention that it seems to be hard milled like those european soaps because this lasts FOREVER and for $38 if that bar lasts you even 6 months (mine has lasted longer) that breaks down to $6.33 per month.  Cost effective AND skin effective!! A must have for combo skin.

You can pick yours up at Dermstore, Beauty.com or Arcona.com.

Stay Pretty!!

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Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the navigation bar at the top labeled "Disclosure".