Celebrity Makeup Artist

If you are one of the millions of women who look for the inside scoop on the upcoming season's "must have" products, get ready to fall in love with a big, fat mascara in a little orange tube! The award-winning CoverGirl LashBlast mascara has become an instant hit with celebrities, makeup artists and consumers.

CoverGirl Celebrity Makeup Artist Molly Stern, who works with Hollywood lovelies like Amy Adams and Selma Blair has experienced first-hand the reasons why this mascara should be every woman's must-have beauty staple this summer. In her career of working with Hollywood celebrities, Stern has accumulated an enviable arsenal of beauty tips and tricks; with the Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, Stern has some timely advice for all women looking to add star power to their summer look with her simple guidelines.

First, as skin complexions get naturally sun-kissed with the warmer weather, it's extra-important to choose a lightweight foundation that blends easily with a woman's unique tones. "I love CoverGirl's TruBlend Liquid Makeup because it takes the guess work out of shade selection. Finding the perfect shade of foundation can be so difficult and it is the number one complaint that I receive from my clients," explains Stern. "To minimize the confusion, CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup has a technology that is actually able to detect the pigments and shading of your natural skin and then imitate them -- creating a flawless complexion in an instant."

"After using foundation only where you need it, take your palms and press them all over your face," advises Stern. "This is one of my favorite beauty secrets -- this simple step gets the blood circulating, and 'sets' your makeup into your skin, giving it an illuminating summer glow."

Eyes are the next areas of focus for Stern. "In summertime, a simple coat of volumizing mascara is the season's best bet. CoverGirl LashBlast's lightweight formula creates a soft, full fan of lashes with tons of volume. I particularly like using a brown shade in sunnier weather, for a look that balances amplified fullness with softly natural color. As an added bonus, if your holiday plans involve hitting a beach or a pool, there's a waterproof version too!"

Lastly, Stern recommends finishing off the look with a sheer gloss such as CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers. Available in 12 fruity flavors, this yummy gloss provides a hint of color to perfectly polish your pout.

Molly's final tip, "Less is more when applying makeup! For summer, a natural, glowing complexion accessorized with a volumizing mascara and lip gloss is all you need to look perfectly ready for this easy breezy season."

Beauty Care Products

HBA Global Expo has enhanced its New Products Innovation Showcase to provide attendees with more information and inspiration for future product development plans and to revitalize existing brands. Taking place September 15-17, at the Javits Center in New York, HBA Global Expo is the largest product development event in the cosmetics, fragrance, skin care and personal care industries.

Once again, Mintel has teamed up with HBA and Happi magazine to sponsor the New Product Innovations Showcase featuring HBA exhibitor's new products as well as the latest innovative finished beauty goods selected by Mintel's analysts. These products will be featured in daily Innovation Zone Tours at 12 Noon in Booth:1463 and 1476 during HBA Global Expo.

"In the New Products Innovation Showcase at HBA, attendees will be able to see first-hand some of the new products, ingredients, and technologies that are shaping the industry today," said Nica Lewis, head consultant for Mintel Beauty Innovation. "We look forward to providing industry insight and global trend analysis of what's hot and what's next in this dynamic industry."

Mintel will also host daily food and beverage tastings featuring Beauty Up Bitoroa Drink, Tea Tonic Complexion Tea, Gymrind Body Active and Shiseido Collagen Enriched beauty drinks. The beauty foods will include Beauty Style Banana Choco Bar, Kracie Foods Collagen Fruit, Magic Fruits Beauty Snack, Fuwarinka Soft Candies and Gimme Probiotics (Dark Chocolate Candies).

On display in the New Products Innovation Showcase will be skin care formulations, active ingredients, primary and secondary packaging materials, private label offerings, sustainable options, and many more innovations from leading international suppliers including 3C inc., Alpha Packaging, American Chemical, Anisa International, Banana Packaging,
Catalent Cosmetics, Clariant, IDC Integral Dermo Correction, Joon Skincare, Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Lady Burd, O.Berk, P.L. Thomas, Qosmedix, San-Mar Laboratories, Silab, Tecnocosmesi Spa, World Wide Packaging, and Yupo.

Mintel will also have finished goods products in their Global Trends in the Innovation Zone featuring: Austerity Chic, Turbo Beauty, Extreme Ethical and Innovative Packaging.

HBA Global Expo will open with a Keynote Address by Horst Rechelbacher, CEO/Founder of Intelligent Nutrients and Aveda, followed by a special presentation of the "Positively Beautiful" award by Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter to nine-time Grammy Award winner and co-creator of FFAWN, Mary J. Blige.

In addition to the Keynote and presentation, HBA will also have educational conferences on Trends, Private Label and CoPack, X-Ceuticals, Green Business, and the HBA Marketing and Technical Conference. There will also be three workshops on Medical Sourcing; Anti-Aging & Stem Cells; and BioActives Influence on Skin Function & Appearance.

Complementing the educational agenda is an exhibit floor showcasing a full spectrum of products and services, including: private label, contract manufacturing, prestige and mass market packaging components, delivery systems, design houses, raw material and ingredient suppliers.

The Beauty Innovations Theater on the show floor will offer a full program of concise, ready-to-implement solutions and networking tables will allow for attendees to discuss like-minded topics. HBA attendees will also be able to visit the Spa & Resort/Medical Aesthetics Expo taking place upstairs in the Galleria on September 15th & 16th. To register for the HBA Global Expo & Conference go to http://www.hbaexpo.com or call 212-600-3085.

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering unique data that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, London, Belfast, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit http://www.mintel.com.

Big Girl Cosmetics

Chicago Based Cosmetic Line Started with a Gift from Oprah

Five years ago Big Girl Cosmetics' Creative Director Kiley Russell sat in the audience of a taping of legendary television production mogul Oprah Winfrey. Russell, a makeup artist and assistant principal at the time, attended the momentous taping of Oprah the year she gifted her audience a Pontiac G6. The absorbent gift took the nation by storm, but Russell had a larger plan for her blessed gift. Not needing a car at the time, Russell sold the car and used the profit to start the beauty empire, Big Girl Cosmetics.

On February 18, 2010, Big Girl Cosmetics will celebrate their 5 year anniversary and gifted beginnings. The celebratory event will take place at the Shrine Lounge in downtown Chicago. Invited guests and BG Cosmetics supporters will enjoy an evening of ambience, beauty and fashion. Big Girl Cosmetics has partnered with Soft Sheen Carson, Her Energy, 71Jules and Trois Chemise Couture for a special fashion show installation in true big fashion. The event will be complete with makeup demonstrations, models and gift bags.

"Our five year anniversary is a milestone for the brand. We look forward to the next five and the five after that. I'm so glad I was able to turn a special gift into something of valor, beauty and empowerment," says owner and creative director Kiley Russell.

Big Girl Cosmetics is based in Chicago, IL with brand consultants nationwide. Big Girl Cosmetics is operated by Kiley Russell and is available for purchase on the brand website. Big Girl Cosmetics is a complete cosmetic line including skincare, eye shadows, lip wear and foundations. Products are 100% mineral powder and not tested on animals.

America's Beauty Show

Saturday, Sunday, Monday - March 27, 28, 29 (2010) - McCormick Place Showcasing hot, new beauty products coming to 'A Salon Near You!'
For licensed salon professionals only

60,000 salon professionals will come to Chicago for America's Beauty Show ... to be held at McCormick Place (West) Saturday, Sunday and Monday - - March 27, 28, 29. Show opens at 11am on the 27th; 9am on the 28th and 29th; closes at 5pm.

What is America's Beauty Show? It's the place where salon professionals from all over the Midwest come to view 400 exhibits and to learn what's new and hot in beauty trends and new techniques in hairdressing, hair extensions, hair color. What's new in hair dryers, flat irons, curlers ... what are 'green' products in beauty biz ... what are new services in skincare? Beautiful models, glitz, glamour ... sexy stage circuses! Matrix, Wella, L'Oreal, Essie, Redken, Joico, Sebastian ... all with on-going high-energy runway presentations; special Beauty Guests include:

-- Tabatha Coffey ... from "Tabatha's Salon Makeover" on Bravo-TV
-- Kim Vo ... from "Shear Genius" and "Extreme Makeover" and ETV's "Daily 10"
-- Nick Arrojo (formerly of "What Not to Wear")
-- Anthony Mascolo (founder of TIGI ... voted "Best Hairdresser in the World")
-- George Papanikolas (clients: Britney Spears, Hayden Panettiere, Megan Fox, Nicole Richie)
-- Scott Cole (former "Hair Colorist of the Year" and "Master Stylist of the Year")
-- Queen of Seaweed Lydia Sarfati (Repechage Skin Care)
-- The Mizani Team (specializing in multi-ethnic hair) America's Beauty Show: where salon professionals go to find out what's new ... what's hot ... and what will be presented to consumers for Summer, Fall 2010

Spring 2010

It seems unfair that the word "beautiful" can be used in so many ways. Certainly there is only one meaning and I believe Nina Ricci has found it.

Claire pettibone 2010

This year I was lucky enough to be invited to see some of my favorite bridal designers send their newest collections down the runway. Surrounded by press, buyers and my fellow bloggers, I pinched myself no less than once a minute. With each new collection, my heart raced as I imagined the moment when each of these dresses would make their way into the hands of a real bride.

Claire Pettibone named her 2010 collection Cherry Blossom and designed every little detail with the Japanese flowering cherry in mind. The runway presentation took place at Buddakan, a cavernous downtown space where diners are treated to sophisticated decor and delicious food on a nightly basis.

spoke to the designer directly about her inspiration. "The collection is inspired by the Cherry Blossom Festival—pure, fresh and light, with fanciful details. Clean white with and pale touches of color that evolve into more intense vivid accents like red, gold, sparkle mimic pure joy and happiness!"

Pink and purple tassels embelished some of the gowns like this one below. I love the whimsical addition of color. It adds a bit of playfulness to the collection and is an updated version of the sash trends that dominated the runway last year. Models wore their hair piled high atop their heads in intricate braids.

I love this shot of the model fixing her shoe. Perfection is always less interesting than real life.

Bridal Trend

This year celebrates the 1oth Anniversary of Romona Keveza's Couture Collection. When Romona took the stage to greet her guests, she was visibly giddy at the idea of reaching such a landmark year. As the gowns came down the runway, the audience grew giddy too. The 2010 collection uses fabrics that have texture and depth with three dimensional quality such as chiffon ruffles and hand applique organza flowers and petals.

Bridal Fashion Styles

Yesterday I got to spend a little time looking at the newest Nicole Miller Bridal collection. I am a huge fan of the Ready to Wear collection. The line is always so chic yet totally accessible. The treatment of fabric is so sensitive that even a simple twist (as seen in the dress at right bottom) can say so much. The gowns are perfect for destination brides who need to pack up their dress and hit the road but still want to wear something that is show-stopping.

Laddies Fashion Styles

I could stare at the Ines Di Santo collection for hours without repeating a single blink! Every inch of her gowns are covered in detail and depth. Born in Italy and raised in Argentina, Ines Di Santos is the embodiment of romance. Her style strongly reflects her Italian and Spanish heritage. All of her gowns are created in the French tradition of Haute Couture, with each gown made with only the finest European embellishments and silks. An Ines Di Santo brides is sophisticated, romantic and can stop traffic in any country. I wasn't able to see this collection in person but am grateful that the Weddingbee crew was there to capture all the action. Listen closely and you can hear the collective gasp that I'm sure spread through the crowd the moment the models took to the runway.

Wedding Dresses

Tissue-taffeta strapless gown with ruched bodice and hand-cut blossom embroidered Watteau train.

Ivory silk faille gown with portrait collar and hip bustle.

Champagne silk ottoman gown with pleated skirt and portrait-wrap collar.

Silk radzimir halter gown with draped bodice and hand-frayed sash.

Oyster crepe-back satin V-neck siren sheath with gathered bodice, pin-tucked back and one-sleeve wrap.

Sizzle Wedding Dress

The lady is a vamp in a slinky stretch of silk-charmeuse. A crystal-accented sash wraps the waist of this draped halter gown that features a modified A-line skirt with a sweep train.

Style comes full circle in a silk-crepe design that's a V-neck, floor-sweeping column in front and a voyeuristic pleasure from behind. Cowl draping and a brilliant bauble are bewitching back accents.

An outsize duchess-satin bloom gives this silk-charmeuse column a shot of floral fabulosity. Bold draping creates extreme texture on the asymmetrical neckline; a silk-faille sash cinches the slim floor-length skirt.

For a look that's as seductive as a chanteuse's song, slip on a silk-satin chiffon gown with a pleated bodice, a wide sash and a fit-and-flare, floor-length skirt.

The silk-organza style showcases a sequined tulle bodice that explodes into a ribbon skirt.

Pink Wedding Gown

With its intricately draped bustier top and slim rows of pink crystals on the straps and belt, Reem Acra’s ballerina-inspired confection defines pink perfection

Check out how shimmer, beading and acres of romantic tulle are combined in a full-skirted dress that will make a classically inclined bride stand up and cheer.

This figure-friendly frock would be elegant in ivory, but Amalia Carrara made it a winner of a whimsical gown, awash in cotton-candy pink.

A strapless silhouette soars to stylish new heights thanks to precision pleats and a draped bodice done in blush matte taffeta.

A scrumptious scoop of pink silk satin is crafted into a princess gown that showcases a grand pick-up skirt.

Coast Wedding Dresses

Lovely lace and romantic details create a sweet silhouette. Ivory Chantilly lace sheath with detachable chapel train.

An off-the-shoulder style with floral embellishments is at once sensual and demure. Ivory silk duchesse satin, organza and tulle mermaid gown with silk roses and chapel train.

With myriad folds of organza, this dress deserves a stage. Ivory organza strapless gown with crisscross grosgrain ribbon.

A knockout dress with uncommon accessories creates a truly polished look. Pearl silk faille couture corset, silk taffeta shrug with silk faille couture ruffles and fluted taffeta skirt with ruched train.

A simple jacket perfectly offsets an undeniably glamorous skirt. White silk organza scoop-neck mermaid gown with tiered skirt.

Metallic Wedding Dresses

Get a jump on the new classics. A taupe silk-satin gown glammed up with an outrageous pleated Watteau back and a draped bodice signals the move from old guard to vanguard.

Soft yet sculptural, this sheath's taffeta-and-tulle fan pleating reflects the trend toward op art designs.

Equestrian looks are back with a decided edginess. A fitted duchess- satin and taffeta vest is an über-chic counterpoint to an ethereal silk-jacquard skirt featuring an abstract floral motif.

The luxe life plays out in a fantastically unfettered cashmere and silk-satin gown.

The visual impact of a sedate silk silhouette? Add an oversize razmir bow, folded to create an obi effect.

Ball Gown Dress

Taffeta beaded v-neck with straps and asymmetrical pick up ball gown wedding dresses.

Taffeta strapless ball gown bridal wedding dresses.

Sweetheart neckline with one-shoulder ball gown wedding dresses.

Organza sexy v-neck with ball gown skirt wedding dresses.

Organza spaghetti straps with asymmetrical pick up ball gown skirt fashion bridal 2010 new wedding dresses.