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!

TERRI APANASEWICZ

SUMMER MAKEUP PICKS

photo: Lesley Bohm, Makeup/Hair/Styling: Tamara Gold,Model: Kate Keegan-Cook

LIPTINI LIP STAIN

Long-lasting color in 15 shades, some with shimmer, for all your summer moods. Apply a little for a natural wash of color or use lots of layers for a more dramatic look. Liptini stains don’t come off so your lips remain true to color even while sipping poolside cocktails. Available at www.beautybridge.com

AMAZING CONCEALER
This is a must-have all year round, but it’s especially great in the summer because it is waterproof. A little goes a long way and blends evenly into your skin, erasing imperfections. Amazing Concealer comes in seven shades; use just one or mix a couple to perfectly match your skin tone. www.amazingcosmetics.com

RCK BODY GLOW BODY BRONZER
Available in three colors light, medium, and dark to add a beautiful glow to legs, arms, and décolletage. It’s easy to apply and does not rub off on clothing. Body Glow is fragrance free and contains vitamins A, C, and K for luxurious moisturizing. www.redcarpetkolour.com

L’OREAL VOLUMINIOUS WATERPROOF MASCARA
I don’t usually recommend waterproof mascara, but because this is summer and there’s always a chance of falling into the pool, L’Oréal’s Voluminous Waterproof Mascara in Carbon Black is my choice. Available at your local drugstore.

CLARISONIC PLUS
Summer means less makeup and less clothing, so it’s a good time to kick up skin care a notch. The Clarisonic Plus gently cleanses and exfoliates,  giving you softer, more supple skin.  And the Plus comes with a body brush, which is great prep before applying self tanner. www.clarisonic.com

Located at 357 1/2 S. Robertson Blvd, EVOLUE is a treasure trove of organic and natural beauty products for the stylish, savvy, eco-conscious shopper. Some of the most luxurious and coveted lines available at EVOLUE include Arcona, Tracie Martyn, RMS, W#LL People, Hamadi, Rare Elements, Red Flower, Nuxe and many more.

EcoBrow threading by Marco Ochoa, a totaly eyebrow genius with a long list of famous Hollywood brows, is also available at EVOLUE.  Please call for appointments in advance.

Contact: 310 -289-1560  info@evoluebeauty.com   www.evoluebeauty.com

OPEN DOOR POLICY

By Tamara Gold

So, here’s a reason to love the artist known as Jenny from the Block. I’m talking about working mother of two-year-old twins, Jennifer Lopez, who hit home for me when she talked about her beauty routine — or lack of one on many days.

“I’m taking a bath and my son Max climbs in the bath or the shower,” J Lo told my Red Lipstick Report Hollywood correspondent. “Literally, I don’t have a minute for myself. Even if I’m going to the bathroom, my daughter will wander in and stand at my knee. I’ll be busy and she will say, ‘Go outside?’ Play, Mommy, play!”

“You can’t spend tons of time on the hair and makeup. You have to go with the flow,” J Lo says.

This made me smile because even Mrs. Mark Anthony, I-Look-Skinny-in-Beaded-Catsuits struggles with trying to look gorgeous, do everything and take care of the kids.

I felt for her. But let’s face the truth pretty mommies: The bathroom is our one last sanctuary.

I remember when my kids were little. I used to go into the bathroom, lock the door and then put on my mascara just praying I wouldn’t hear a big crash from the outside. Yes, I was selfish and stayed in there a whole four or five minutes….six or seven, if I had to pee and put on lip-liner during the same trip.

I’ll never forget the day when I was the makeup artist for a major national TV commercial for Heinz gravy.  A Thanksgiving table  was beautifully set and the chairs were filled with the most ideal TV family including adorable children. Well, the director thought that one of the kids had huge ears, so he told me, “Pin that kid’s ears back.”

I did everything I could to ease this little kids nerves, not to mention mine and then ran to the trailer bathroom. Not one of the more glamorous locations on set. I stayed in that tiny, icky room with the cracked sink and dirty mirror. Are you kidding me? It was a bathroom and I was the mother of young children. How could I not lose myself in the peace and quiet?

But our kids are wise to us, ladies, when it comes to our hideout. Maybe they overheard Kate Hudson tell my Hollywood reporter that she used to sneak into the john for her Kate Only Time when Ryder was a toddler. Or maybe they heard my own son explain bathrooms. When my son was little, he would see me come out of the bathroom dressed up for work with nice make-up on. He would say, “When my mother goes to work, she be Tamara Gold, the makeup artist. When she come home, she be Tammy Rosenberg, my mudder.”

That just about killed me.

And this brings me back to J Lo who is gorgeous to me in every single way now. It’s not just that perfect glowing skin or the hair she wears slicked back in a pony-tail. It’s not just that she wore a little bit of beautiful spring lilac and grey eye-shadow and tons of mascara during her press junket in Beverly Hills last week for “The Back-Up Plan.”

She’s even more beautiful because of why that hair was up in a ponytail and not long, fussed and perfect.  “I was in my bathroom trying to leave for this event when my kids both started crying and saying, ‘Mommy, no, no! Don’t go, Mommy!’ So I spent time making sure they were okay and that they knew Mommy would be home while the sun was still shining.”

Oh, there was no time left for the flat iron.

Guess what?

It doesn’t matter.

Check out this inspiring Momma in her new flick; The Back Up Plan.

Dear Red Lipstick Report,

My friend and I have been buying the same great lipstick from a boutique for years even though she’s a blond and I’m a brunette. It’s one of those fab colors that looks great with neutrals and I wear a lot of black and white. Now they say it’s discontinued. We did research and found out it’s from No Name Cosmetics. Possible it’s under a different # or name? How do I find someone to match it for me? We order 5 at a time of #42 also known as champagne.

A Desperate Color Matcher

Dear Desperate Color Matcher,

I’m sorry to hear your plight, but you should know it happens to the best of us!  Your in luck – I’ve got some good news for you. I once met a woman who was fascinated by the process of mixing lipsticks, foundations and more. She was a true blue artist and makeup happened to be where she played.  She prided herself on her magical touch, and uncanny ability to find her customers the perfect shade and texture lipstick. One day, she decided that she would open her own Cosmetic lab. Hence, Colorlab, was born! Mixology Magic.

In 1996, the talented makeup artist, Mary Swaab, created a process to replicate discontinued lipsticks and more. An immediate hit among beauty insiders, Colorlab, gained recognition from the press, including Vogue, InStyle, Mademoiselle and Seventeen magazine.

You can find Colorlab Custom Cosmetics at high end salons and spas and selected department stores. You can send a sample directly to the lab and have it matched into your own perfect shade. Instructions below.

CUSTOM LIPSTICK MATCHING
Colorlab Cosmetics can match the shade of an existing lipstick. Send the lipstick tube to:
Colorlab Cosmetics/Custom Matching
1112 Fifth Avenue
Rockford, Il 61104
Include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and credit card number with expiration date and CVV number. The price is $35.00 for one tube plus $7.95 shipping or $60.00 for two tubes of the same shade plus $9.95 shipping.

CUSTOM REORDERS
To reorder a custom product previously made for you at a Colorlab counter, please contact us by email at shop@colorlabcosmetics.com.

A DOZEN DIRTY LITTLE BEAUTY TRICKS
By Tamara Gold

Shhhhh, we need to keep this strictly on the QT. Look over your shoulder pads and make sure no one is watching.

I’m about to violate the Secret Stylist Code of Ethics by telling you the little Hollywood tricks we do to make our clients look extra fabulous including treatments stars regularly do before they sit down with us.

Remember that you didn’t hear it from me.

1. No Panty Hose.

Take a little bit of your favorite luminizer and mix it with an amazing moisturizer. Gently apply it on your legs and it looks like you’re wearing beautiful hose, but instead you have soft, natural, glowing legs. Amazing! My favorite for this…Laura Mercier. It rocks for your legs.

2. Shine on? Forget it!

If you’re shiny because of too much running around just hit the ladies room and grab the toilet seat paper cover. ( A new one of course.)  Tear off a piece and blot your face. It’s a great way to get rid of the oil without taking off your makeup. But, those of you have worked with me personally, know I love those tiny little blue oil-blotters from Clean & Clear.  Keeps you from looking shiny and helps you steer clear of that cakey look you get when you powder over your face to keep your shine at bay.

3. Spanx under it all.

Okay, Okay! I know….It’s not always comfortable, ladies, but hike ‘em up. If you have waist, hip, tummy or thigh issues – or all of the above, damn it all to hell – then get out the Spanx because they will suck in it for you. And, if you were wishing you could wear Spanx to the beach, your in luck!  This just in… Spanx Swimwear

4. Botox

A lot of the stars are  doing it. It’s true.  Same with plastic surgery.  I’m sure you knew that, right? You either think it’s okay or you don’t.  If you decide to give Botox a try…make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing! Yikes.  And, remember…Just don’t go too far. A little bit at a time will avoid those horrid cat eyes. Who wants that look.

5. Hair extensions

No one over 40 has the same thick, long to your butt locks that they did when they were younger. Ask your stylist about extensions if you want that look. Discuss the ones that are the least harmful to your regular hair. There are so many different techniques. Try clip in extensions before you invest the big bucks. Again, go to the pros that do this kind of thing all the time. Extensions need to match your color and blend into the cut of your hair. There is nothing worse than being able to see where the extensions start and that the hair looks fake.

6. Visit your dentist and get your teeth bleached.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous smile without the old lady yellowish I-drank too-much-Starbucks teeth. No time today? Try baking soda on your toothbrush and Crest White Strips are another favorite of mine.

7. Get out of your lawn chair.

For those ladies who are still tanning (and I know you’re out there), just know that stars never expose their faces. It’s horribly aging. If you’re out always use sunblock, but also wash it off the minute you get in the house. If you want that tan look then just use an amazing self-tanner on your face. And, go easy. I’ve been a little too “tan” ( read- orange!) in the past from a little more self-tanner than necessary. There are new organic self-tanner’s out there today. Stars do opt for the tan look because less makeup is needed to give them that glow and well, the lights on some sets can really wash you out.

8. Pad it, Baby.

If you’ve got a little tush envy..You don’t need to toss down more carbs to get Kim Kardashian’s curves….because you might also develop a gut at the same time. You can buy butt pads and add them into your jeans the way certain stars do. It’s also fine to pad your bra a bit with those chicken cutlet type pads that look natural. Can you believe we actually add padding to give the right curves? But, it’s available if you need it. Make sure their are securely in place! Nothing worse than a little bra pad playing peek-a-boo when you’re feeling oh-so-sexy…only for your admiring friend to point and say, “What’s that?” Hmmm. Been there. Done that. Laugh it off. That’s the only way out of this one.

9. Wear nude shoes to make your legs look longer.

Check out the pictures on the Web of the “Sex and the City” gals at the recent Showest event in Vegas to hype the movie. They were in gorgeous slinky dresses with nude heels. Even shorter girls will look like tall models. It works! You don’t get the break in the line that you get when you slip on a dark shoe.

10. Buy fabric tape.

You can take a hem when your pants don’t fit perfectly or you wear flats. It’s also a way to change up  a skirt- make it longer or a mini without alterations.You need to do this one while not wearing your clothing. Taping while in the clothing leads to wrinkles, rumples, and uneven hemlines. Still in doubt; Get a second opinion,and make sure you’ve taped it all up evenly. www.hollywoodfashiontape.com

11. Splurge on false individual lashes at your salon if you have a big event.

It’s about $40 to $50 to have a professional makeup artist put them in and they will only last a few days. But if you’re going to a reunion or on a big date or a wedding then they’re absolutely worth it. Your eyes will pop. You’ll feel like a movie star and won’t even need to wear as much eyeshadow. Individual lashes look more natural if applied in between your real lashes. Applied on top of your lashes, a little more glam. Strip lashes really pop the look and take it way up to the max.

12. Smile!

So many of us are so serious (worried, frantic, busy, etc.) Your smile is your best beauty secret of all.

Thou shalt not cheat on your husband. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not wear the wrong color foundation!

Okay, that last one might not be Biblical, but it should be known to all women because a bad coat of face is one of the 5 Deadly Makeup Sins. I’m using a word as strong as SIN because these mistakes take all the fabulousness right out of your day.

Below are a collection of several beauty sins. Please repent now!

First Sin – Wearing the Wrong Color Foundation.

You’ve seen the woman at the mall or in a restaurant who is wearing someone’s else foundation color. It looks SO fake or as though she’s starring in a revival of “Cats.” Stop the insanity!  Instead, throw out that bottle and find what’s right for you. How do you know if your foundation color is wrong?

The Golden Rule: You will see that your neck and cheeks don’t match . This is called the line of demarcation. When you try on foundation at a makeup counter, don’t buy it right away. Walk around and go out in natural light so you can see if the color really matches. You won’t test it on your arm or hand, but on your jaw line. The right color dries clean and the line between the makeup and your skin disappears completely.

Remember that foundation that’s too heavy or opaque will make you look older because, it won’t blend into your skin, but sit on top of it. Your foundation should also feel like silk on your skin while it hides all your flaws.

Second Sin- Wearing Concealer That’s Too Light Under Your Eyes — Or Too Much.

Hello, raccoon eyes! Concealer that’s too light for your skin tone will look like you’re on your way to your own heavyweight boxing match or your child took a yellow crayon and colored under your eyes.  Instead of hiding your fine lines or wrinkles, you will be shining a spotlight in that direction.

The Golden Rule: Make sure that your concealer blends perfectly with your natural skin tone. Before buying from a makeup counter, ask for a sample, bring it home and try it out for a day or two in different lights. Test it under your foundation to make sure everything blends. Buy a concealer that’s creamy with a nice neutral tone. You can also add a drop of your foundation to your concealer before you put it on to make it appear unnoticeable. Make sure the foundation is not too white for your skin. My favorite comes from Kevyn Aucoin called The Senusal Skin Enhancer $31.50 (www.kevynaucoindirect.com)

Third Sin – Clumpy Mascara.

You need three coats of a mascara for that perfect look, but make sure you don’t create clumps because you put it on the wrong way. Clumps are often created when you “take a little break” to let each coat of mascara dry.

The Golden Rule: Put on your three coats of mascara quickly and one after each other, so it doesn’t dry sticky and create clumps. If it clumps do happen, use a tiny little eyelash comb to separate the lashes. Remember that my rule is to put on the mascara before your shadow, so you can easily do a quick fix if the mascara ends up in the wrong place.

Fourth Sin – Lipliner on the loose!

You know what I’m talking about here…the solid line that somehow sneaks outside your lipstick.

The Golden Rule: Find a good nude liner like my favorite from Chanel (www.Chanel.com). The next step is to color the entire inside of your lip, blot with a Kleenex to take off any excess and then apply lipstick or lip-gloss on top.  The nude liner is key because it will give you definition even if you use a red lipstick. If you’re doing on-camera work, be careful with the gloss. In this high-definition age, a little lipgloss can look like an oil slick on film and it’s distracting. Try a nice nude liner on your lips with  cream lipstick instead.

Fifth Sin - Too Much Bronzer.

Ooompa loompa, doopity don’t, indeed! Been there! Done that! Go easy on the color. And, make sure you blend.

The Golden Rule: First, don’t put bronzer everywhere. It’s not necessary. Use it to add a little sun-kissed look just where the sun would naturally tan your face.  Second, make sure to find a great blush brush and lightly dust your bronzer on your cheeks. You can use a bit of it to go down both sides of your neck and use a little swirl on your chest. If you’re going sleeveless then hit the top of your shoulders with a bit of bronzer.  For my ladies on camera, skip the  sparkling bronzer, which is distracting when filmed. Use a matte powder bronzer if you need a little more color.

Once upon a time — a long, long time ago in the ‘90s — we had a dream. It began at the top of our noggins with an ice-straight blowout and then we worked our way down to the D&G dress, Gucci purse and the fabulous jewelry that we couldn’t afford, but our benefactor Visa seemed to support.

No matter what the cost, we wanted one thing: To be glamorous. Even if we worked at the local mall stocking Haines tighty whities, we wanted to look like a movie star.

A funny thing happened after the economy collapsed. My clients are saying words that could have sent you to style penitentiary a few years ago.

“Tamara,” they lean in and confide. “I want to look good, but I don’t want to be too glamorous.”

This is an interesting phenomenon because while women want to be pretty – or even very pretty – they don’t want to be too much.

This leads me to ask you: When it comes to looks and style, what do you want? Do you want to be pretty or glamorous? A head turner or a heart breaker? Or are you still humming that U2 song when it comes to style -“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for?”

I think I can give you some resolve on this issue even if your own style has been in flux since you turned five. You do want to be pretty, but more importantly, you really need to step into who you are as a woman. Then the rest will fall into place.

Style isn’t an exercise in looking like Demi, Michelle or any number of these Jennifers or Jessicas floating around out there. Style is about finding the best shapes for you along with the best colors, best hair style, best clothes, best shoes… the best everything for just you. It’s not about what Reese is doing. Again, it’s about how you are as a woman.

Just a little side note: you might just get a little glamorous along the way when you figure this one out. Sorry, it’s the fallout of finally finding your unique style. Glamour is that little pouch of makeup samples they offer you with the big purchase. You could turn it down, but why would you?

When you finally figure out the real you,  how to pull it all together and polish up what you have..you just can’t stop it. The glamorous, gorgeous, glowing version of  YOU will be on display for all to see.

You will become that woman.

You know that women.

She’s the one who shows up at the PTA meeting in the black pants, simple white shirt, the great layered haircut and looks absolutely stunning.

Everything she’s done seems right. Her skin glows; her eyes shine and that damn hair swings in the right direction even when she sits by the air-conditioning vent. She isn’t worried about buying 10 pairs of black pants (because they all fit differently). One really is enough.

She is confident in her body. Even if it’s not perfect.

This blog is dedicated to you finding your best self. It’s not about vanity because there is a vast difference between vanity and beauty. Vanity is standing in front of a mirror and getting so lost that you can’t come up for air. The type of beauty we’ll find here is the type where you say, “This is what I have to work with in life. I’ll do my best with it. I’ll own it.”

Look at Jackie O. She was never the most gorgeous, but with those trademark sunglasses, classic cardigans, slim Capri’s and that perfect dark bob, she was stunning and classic.

Look at Michelle Obama who looks so much different since she has moved to Pennsylvania Avenue. During the campaign, she was beautiful, but now she has a new rock-solid confidence and has transformed into gorgeous. What could possibly be different other than she sent out change of address cards?

Answer: She owns her beauty.  She wears clothes from J. Crew and looks like she just stepped off a runway.

She’s not a perfect beauty, but most of us would be happy to feel that good about ourselves.

By the way, she looks quite glamorous to me now.  It’s just part of the deal.