colorist, the argyle salon + spa, los angeles

RLR: What inspired the outfit you’re wearing?

SM: When I need a little creative inspiration, I pop in one of The Sex in the City Shows or The Devil Wears Prada. I know I have enough clothes in my closet already, but sometimes you just need to think creatively. 

RLR:How long does it really take you to get dressed in the morning?

SM: Only about 20 minutes to get dressed. That doesn’t include taking a shower or makeup. I will try on different things before hand so I have an idea of what I do want to wear.

RLR: What is the one thing in your closet that you love?

SM: That’s easy. I have this great Black Trench Coat by Burberry. It’s totally Jacki O. I love it.

RLR: Do you have a budget for clothing?

SM: Not really. I don’t live to shop. Once a month, I’ll shop for something new. I like clothing, and I do buy new things, but I don’t go crazy. Because my career is so fashion oriented, I do try to add a little something here and there to keep it fresh. But, I will mix and match what I already own in my closet a different way each time I wear it. That helps keep me feeling current without spending  a lot of money.

RLR: Favorite store?

SM: Barneys.

RLR: When did you discover your style?

SM: It really started when I was in college. Living with 6 girls in a two bedroom apartment gave us a lot of clothing options. That’s when we would share clothes and try new things.

RLR: Thoughts on style?

SM: It makes a huge difference in how you feel when your put together. I personally feel more confident and my day is better. Don’t you agree?

RLR: Absolutely!

Suzy Morris is a Color Specialist at The Argyle Salon + Spa located at the Sunset Tower Hotel in L.A. You can book an appointment and meet her in person, at 310-623-9000.

by Jamie Pagett

Out with the old and in with the new?

Yes and no. This collection of beauty essentials features tried-and true favorites, modern twists on long-standing products, and a new appreciation for products our grandmothers enjoyed.

Primers

Makeup primer is an essential product that totally transforms the way your makeup looks and lasts. Formulas minimize fine lines, smooth pores and provide a silky-smooth complexion. Facial primers can be worn alone or under foundation. We adore Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer with SPF 15 ($42; smashbox.com or Sephora stores and online). This award-winning primer includes antioxidants and peptides that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.Another favorite for maturing skin is Eve Pearl’s Priming Moisturizer with Astaxantin ($35; evepearl.com). This multifunction product moisturizes, creates a flawless canvas, and contains anti-aging ingredients 500 times stronger than vitamin E. In addition to priming the face, applying specialized eye primer helps make eye shadow last, blend smoothly, and covers lid imperfections.Urban Decay Primer Potion ($18-23; Sephora and Ulta storesand online) is a go-to product touted by artists and beauty junkies alike. The Original color goes on nude and provides a smooth base for color.Additional favorites are Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($18; Sephora and Ulta stores and online) and LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer($20; Sephora and Ulta stores and online). For maturing or discolored skin (broken capillaries or dark lids), we love Senna Cosmetics’ Totally Transforming Eyeshadow Primer ($22; sennacosmetics.com), which provides an opaque base while delivering anti-aging ingredients. No matter which primer you choose, apply primer with a synthetic brush, sponge or clean fingers.

Neutral Palette

Nothing tops the versatility and appeal of a neutral makeup look. Neutral colors are perfect for day and can easily be amped up for evening by adding more intensity. The ideal neutral palette works for every complexion and provides simple colors for everyday wear. As a bonus, you’ll save money when you purchase makeup in a palette format.Our favorite is the Too Faced Neutral Eye Shadow Collection which features nine matte and shimmer eye shadows ($35; Sephora and Ulta stores and online). These soft shades are highly pigmented and easy to apply, creating the perfect neutral look. For more variety, try the Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Palette ($59; smashbox.com). Featuring nearly 80 colors for lips, cheeks, eyes, and face, this collection lets you create a neutral look or experiment with more bold colors.

Cream Blush

This is not your grandmother’s blush, ladies. Cream blush gives you a healthy flush that’s soft, dewy and natural. Using a synthetic brush (we like Sonya Kashuk’s Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush; $14.99 at Target or target.com), gently press the brush into the product before lightly dabbing it onto your cheeks. Blend with your fingers or another clean, synthetic brush—be careful not to rub off your foundation in the process.Cream blush should be applied after your foundation and before setting powder. Our favorite cream blushes include Julie Hewett’s Cheekie Lip and Cheek Shine ($24; juliehewett.com), Smashbox In Bloom Cream Cheek Duo ($26; Sephora and smashbox.com) and NYX Cosmetics Cream Blush ($6.50; nyxcosmetics.com).

Eye Shadow Blending Brush

Every makeup artist knows that the key to flawless eye makeup is in the blending. The ideal blending brush features soft, tapered bristles to gently smooth away sharp lines. Simply move the brush back and forth in windshield-wiper motions or in small circles to seamlessly blend colors. Our favorites are:  Senna Feather 15 ($20; sennacosmetics.com) Sigma Small Tapered Blending Brush E45, Perfect for smaller eyes ($9; sigmabeauty.com) MAC 222 Tapered Blending Brush ($29; maccosmetics.com).

Vibrant Colors

The hottest runway trend for 2011 is bright color. From Armani to Zac Posen, the catwalks have been filled with pops of bright makeup colors. While vibrant lipstick, eyes, and cheeks may not be everyday wear for most of us, they can provide a fun alternative for the warmer months. One of the easiest ways to sample this trend is with a bold lip color. Be sure to choose a color that complements your skin tone and keep the rest of your face neutral. Remember that neutral does not mean naked, so be sure to define your brows and lashes to keep from looking washed out. For those not ready to jump into a full-color lip such as the fuchsia and coral colors featured at Fendi, opt for a sheer lip gloss that offers a bright tone in a more wearable format. For bright glosses we like Make Up For Ever Lab Shine Lip Gloss ($18; Sephora stores and online) and are currently lusting after Chanel’s Lèvres Sintillantes Glossimer Lip Gloss in a gold-flecked raspberry called Nakkar ($28.50; chanel.com).

Sunscreen

We just can’t emphasize enough the importance of daily sunscreen use! Even if your makeup contains an UVA or UVB sunscreen, experts recommend that you apply sunscreen under your foundation or tinted moisturizer to protect your skin from damage. If you don’t wear foundation on a daily basis, apply sunscreen instead! And don’t forget that your lips need protection, too. Use a lip color or lip balm with an SPF of at least 20 (we like Laura Mericer Lip Balm with SPF 15).

Extend your sunscreen to your neck, ears, chest, hands, and arms if they are exposed throughout the day. We keep a tube of sunscreen in the car to reapply to hands, arms and chest during carpool or traffic delays. The only exception for using sunscreen is when you are being photographed. The zinc and titanium oxide in sunscreen work against the flash, giving you a ghostly appearance.

Eyelash Curler 

Nothing makes you look more awake than curled lashes. Even if you don’t wear mascara, curling your lashes gives you a doe-eyed, youthful look. While the Shu Eumura curler is the industry standard, we like the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler ($20; beauty.com) that features a wide opening and bright red cushion that helps you see every lash as you use it. Curl your lashes before applying mascara to prevent clumping and a messy curler.

Modern Makeup Sponge

If you haven’t already come over to the bright side, treat yourself to a beautyblender makeup sponge ($19.95; sephora.com and beautyblender.net) in 2011. These washable and reusable sponges help create a flawless face by offering smooth application even in the hard-to-reach under-eye area. Simply dampen the sponge with water and use the damp sponge to smooth on foundation and concealer. We like to hold the sponge under running water until it is wet and squeeze it out in a dry, clean washcloth. The sponge can be rinsed, washed, and reused. Just a hint…you can clean the sponge with baby shampoo so you really don’t need the special cleanser. The company even offers a recycling program, but ours is still going strong after more than a year of regular use.

Sunglasses

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and pick up a great pair of dark sunglasses. They don’t have to be expensive (we love Target and beauty-store variety), but look for wide arms that protect the sides of your face. Not only will these help protect you from damaging UV rays, but they also help prevent squinting, which can result in fine lines around the eyes. The best part? Sunglasses give you a chic, put-together look when you are feeling anything but glamorous.

Satin Pillowcase

Retro? Yes, but the satin pillowcase is making a comeback as beauty junkies everywhere discover why satin pillowcases were all the rage during the 1950s. The smooth texture of satin reduces friction between the pillow and the face, neck and hair. This means fewer facial creases for side sleepers, smoother hair, and less hair breakage. Satin pillowcases are even thought to help allergy sufferers because satin is hypoallergenic. While there is some debate as to whether sleeping on a satin pillowcase can prevent wrinkles, there is something luxurious and sexy about satin next to the skin. We’ll sleep on it and let you know what we think next month.

You’re building your business, and now it’s time to head out to meet all the people you’ve been connecting with online. You walk into your closet and don’t know what to wear to look the part. You want to look great, but you don’t want to spend a ton of cash before you’ve even got your first client. Making a great first impression is essential to your success.

Here are a few tips that can help you look great today and save you money.

1. Shop Your Closet. Is there anything that can be altered to bring it up to date? Make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Trim threads, adjust hems, make sure items are pressed and free of spots. Wear your best pieces to your next event.  Look for ways to mix and match existing items with something unexpected for a new twist. Don’t worry if you’ve worn it before. Wearing clothing only once is an old paradigm. It’s time to think like the fashionably chic Parisian’s do. Build your wardrobe with quality pieces that you can wear for years to come.

2. Wardrobe Fitting. Try on your outfits before you leave the event. It may seem time consuming, but you’ll avoid making mistakes. You won’t forget the shoes, the accessories, or even the right underwear for the outfit. You want to look and feel comfortable. Trying everything on before hand allows you to make the minor adjustments to make your existing wardrobe feel like it’s been customized especially for you.

3. Polish + Shine. If your budget doesn’t have any wiggle room for new shoes or a new purse, than make sure the shoes you choose to wear are polished, clean and ready to go.  Take them to a shoe repair and have them primed for your next event. If you have a pair of neutral shoes, it’s time to pull them out. Nude shoes are the rage. Dust them off, check the heels and see if they will work. Clean out your purse. Trim down all the junk. You’ll need your wallet, ( Get rid of all the receipts) your business cards, a small note pad, and a pen. Most of the business women I know have a special signature pen they carry with them. Check your drawers in your house. You may just have a beautiful pen that you forgot about. Make sure it has ink and your ready to go. These are the little details that finish off your look.

4. Solid Colors. Wearing solid colors to big events looks elegant, chic and classy. It’s not that prints don’t work, they’re great too. Solid colors make you look thinner,  and you’ll look powerful and dynamic in photographs. Plus packing solids will make it easier for you to mix and match items to change up the look of any outfit.

5. Your Signature Accessory. Chose something that is YOU! A great pair of earrings, a solid bracelet that doesn’t make a lot of noise, a beautiful statement necklace can make a huge impact and change any outfit into a chic ensemble. Keep it Simple. Even if you love accessories, don’t go overboard. If in doubt, take one item off before you leave the house.

6. A Great Hair Cut. Your hair is the one accessory you wear everyday. Make sure to get your hair cut and colored before your next big event. If you don’t have time to make it to the salon,  at least take the time to do a deep conditioning treatment on your hair at home.  A good blow dry makes a big difference also. Learn how to blow dry your hair like the pro’s do and you’ll always be able to look finished and polished for your events.

7. Fresh Face. Keep makeup clean and simple. Moisturize your skin, conceal only what needs help. Don’t go overboard on the foundation. It can actually make you look older than you are. Curl your lashes to open up your eyes, and add some waterproof mascara. A big event is not the time to have mascara under your eyes. Remember to carry a small powder compact or oil blotting papers with you to keep any unwanted shine under control. A lipstick for a quick touch up will make sure you look great and put together at all times.

As your business grows you can add key pieces to build your wardrobe and step up your style. For now, these seven simple tips will have you looking undeniably chic without spending a fortune.

I love getting email updates from the chic ladies of Who What Wear. If you aren’t signed up for the newsletter updates, you want to click through right now!

They are serious trend spotters. This oh-so-beautiful Chanel inspired look is great for every age.  You don’t have to wear it with shorts if you’re over 40. (Unless you’ve got a set of rockin’ legs!) Keep it modern, by mixing pieces instead of wearing a complete matching suit set.

A wonderful way to dress up jeans. Add a small clutch instead of a large purse.

Mix and match pearls in a new way to give this look a new twist. I recently met a very talented jewelry designer, May Yeung, who has a knack and the talent necessary to combine pearls, dark and light, in an entirely new way.

Her Viviana Collection was inspired by a friend and stylist who admires the Coco Chanel.

I don’t know many women who don’t enjoy having a great palette filled with beautiful makeup. Smashbox, an all time favorite offers this exclusive for the hollidays.

Wish for the perfect palette, $59 available at www.smashbox.com

Add the Holiday Brush Set, $49! The perfect gift combination.

photo:courtesy photo sephora makeup forever concept store

Make Up for Ever has always been one of my favorite brands. Beautiful textures, pigments with punch, the most amazing color collection.  A series of Make Up Forever store-in-store, at Sephora, opens to the public today in the SoHo location.

Behind the Scene feel is going to be the concept, professional makeup stations + studio lighting will make you feel like you’re back stage. You’ll get to experience makeup as though you were next in line to walk the runway. Make Up Forever’s team of talented makeup artists will make sure you feel like a star.

Can’t wait to have one of these incredible concept stores in L.A. I’m sure the line will be long.  If you get the chance to make an appointment; jump on it!

The phenomenon of professional makeup lines becoming huge mainstream superstars started in 1991, when Toronto based  MAC cosmetics hit the scene in U.S. with its first store located at Greenwich Village, New York City . Today, Make Up forever will bring their unique style + magic to Sephora. We’ve seen it before and I have a feeling, we’re about to witness another cosmetic line become an iconic part of beauty history.

Sephora, Make Up For Ever Team Up for New Retail Concept – WWD.com.

Those amazing Ladies from Who What Wear do it again! I’m a huge ponytail fan. If done right, they are elegant and sophisticated. It’s the finish that counts. Don’t leave any strays if you want to create a polished look. No old scrunchies. Not pretty.

Pull a section of your own hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the rubber band to hide it. pin into place with a small bobby pin. Bobby pins come in itsy-bitsy sizes as well. Available at any well stocked beauty supply in your neighborhood.

Sweet, sleek, sophisticated…and you’re ready to go.

P.S. Notice, the skin and make up is clean, simple and oh so beautifully natural.

Check out Who What Wear. You’ll love the site!

Can YOU wear a pony tail to a Red Carpet Event?

Sure!

Want more Red Carpet Style Secrets?

Download The Red Lipstick Report’s Red Carpet Style Guide today.

Enjoy!

what’s happening now!

I remember a time, when I was a young makeup artist, just starting out, how much I would have loved to have seen what was happening behind the scenes at the fashion shows during New York Fashion Week. My favorite show was “Style” with Elsa Klench on CNN. Klench would take you behind the scenes of fashion shows and talk to the designers about what inspired them, how the created their collections, new makeup looks, and so much more about style and beauty. It was fascinating to watch Klench! I never missed an episode.

Now, we have virtual access to what is happening in the world of beauty, fashion, and style, at the touch of our fingers. We can see what is being created, get inspired,  see the masters at work, no matter where we are in the world. Smashbox, has always been one of my favorite lines because from the beginning, they built their brand around fashion, and what went on behind the scenes. They always worked with the best makeup artists to create stunning new looks, videos, tutorials, products and more.

I had the chance to work with Davis Factor many years ago, when he was just starting his career as a photographer and I had just moved to L.A. to work as a makeup artist. It was a very, very long time ago, and not sure he’d remember me if I bumped into him but, what I do remember is how he loved what he was doing – taking pictures.  You could feel it when you watched him shoot. Now, Davis Factor takes you behind the scenes for the inside scoop on fashion week via technology. Now, you can get a front row seat, a glimpse behind the fashion curtain and experience fashion week from an entirely new perspective. f you’re not into twitter, but you’re into fashion, this might be the perfect place for you to step into the twitter world. Enjoy!  follow smashbox on twitter

Jump on to Smashbox twitter + keep up with what’s going on behind the scenes…and be ready for next fashion week!

Leave it for Later

Photo: Lesley Bohm. Makeup/Hair/Styling: Tamara Gold. Model: Kate Keegan-cook

Too Much Makeup
No one needs to wear foundation to the pool or beach and then watch it melt away. Here’s where my favorite, a tinted sunscreen comes in to play.

Run Away Mascara
Make sure to invest in a tube of waterproof mascara that will last all season, even if you’re not swimming…but just basking in the sun with friends.

Too Much in the Lash Department
Step away from your bottom lashes please. And, don’t return until late September. Mascara on the bottom, during the hot weather is not worth the mess.

Heavy Eyeliner
Skip this one until after Labor Day  as well.

Deep Dark Red or Black Nails
I love the drama, and I even have a hard time going a few shades lighter on my toes. I’m actually holding out on this one….until the day we publish the Summer Style Guide. We’ll have loads of time to wear the deep jewel tones over the Holidays. For now, keep it light, fresh and colorful. Try a clear crisp red instead. It’s time for a little fun!  And Your toes are a great place to start.

French Manicures
I’ve worn this look for years. What about you? Time for a change. I adore the clean look of a fresh coat of a simple nude or pink. Elegant. Absolutely, hip and stunning ( There’s nothing wrong with clean French Manicures…just thought you might want to try something new.)

Constant Complaining
It shows on your face. The Summer Months are here to be enjoyed. Take a break, a breath. Sit on a swing. Get a little sweaty. Dig in the garden. Run around the bases with your kids. You’ll never look more radiant, alive and beautiful.