Archive for the ‘Red Carpet/Celebrities’ Category

E! Entertainment’s “Beauty Police” Round-Up: May 13th – 17th

It’s been a fun week of breaking down celebrity beauty looks. Luckily the celebs never fail in giving me plenty of material!

5/13: Beauty Police: Eva Longoria’s Makeup Pays Homage to the Real Housewives of New Jersey

5/14: Beauty Police: Sarah Jessica Parker, Bring Back Your Sex and the City Hair!

5/15: Beauty Police: Mindy Kaling Gets Caught in a Wind Tunnel…And We Like It!

5/16: Beauty Police: Avril Lavigne is a Punk Rock Corpse Bride in Terrifying Makeup

5/17: Beauty Police: Nicole Kidman Has a Hair and Makeup Identity Crisis at Cannes

Have a great weekend my lovelies!

E! Entertainment’s “Beauty Police” Round-Up: May 6th – 10th

Ladies, please forgive me for being so late with last week’s roundup of my Beauty Police columns. I was rockin’ it out at the Bottlerock Festival in Napa, CA, and by “rockin’ it out” I mean waddling around the festival with a big pregnant belly, huffing and puffing, feeling jolts of back spasms and sore feet.  Who knew being pregnant would make my body feel 80-years-old?? We still had a great time but I’m feeling overwhelming waves of guilt for neglecting you, my lovelies! So without further ado, here are all the headlines from last week’s columns:

5/6: Beauty Police: Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke Goes for Drama, Ends Up With a Makeup Tragedy

5/7: Beauty Police: The 2013 Met Ball Goes Punk! Behold All the Good, the Bad and the Halloween-Ready Looks (Make sure you click the “Check out our best and worst looks…” link at the bottom of the post to see my slideshow!)

5/8: Beauty Police: Julianna Margulies Shines in the Spotlight…But Not in the Good Way

5/9: Beauty Police: Anne Hathaway Channels ‘60s Star TrekStyle—Beam Us Up, Annie!

5/10: Beauty Police: Heidi Klum Gets a Mermaid-Inspired Makeover With Ocean Blue Eye Makeup

Have a wonderful week!

E! Entertainment’s “Beauty Police” Round-Up: April 29th – May 3rd

I had so much fun writing for E! Entertainment’s Fashion Police this week in my new daily column “Beauty Police.” Now, keep in mind E! has asked me to bitchy so don’t strangle me if I’m too tough on your favorite celebrities.  But come on… JLo does look like a drag queen in the photo and Rita Ora shouldn’t have left the house looking like that. For copyright reasons I can’t show you the photos on Beauty Binge so I guess you’ll just have to click on the links below to see what I’m talking about!  Be sure to check out the last post “Luxe for Less” to see some of my recommendations for best beauty bargains.

4/29: Beauty Police: Jennifer Lopez Auditions for RuPaul’s Drag Race in Makeup Fit for a Drag Queen

4/30: Beauty Police: Sophia Bush Raids Her Grandmother’s Makeup Bag for This Bland Make-under

5/1: Beauty Police: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Take Makeup Lessons From Zombies

5/2: Beauty Police: Winona Ryder’s Vintage Hollywood Glam Look Has Us Shouting, “Winona Forever!”

5/3: Beauty Police: Rita Ora Goes Full on ’80s With Big Bouffant Hair and Caked-On Makeup

5/3: PHOTOS: Beauty Police: Luxe for Less

Celebrity Beauty Blind Item: Which Starlet Showed Up to the Red Carpet with Bad Mall Hair?

This celebrity, famous for her cat-shaped eyes, past marriage to royalty, and contract with an international cosmetics powerhouse showed up to premiere of her new comedy that stars two of the biggest comedians in the business in a stunning dress, sultry smoked eyes and really bad ombre mall hair.  I’m sorry but if you can get the ombre look in a box at your local drug store, the look is officially over, at the least for celebrities.  Aside from the awful color, her hair looked dull and lifeless, as though she had been using hotel shampoo conditioner and nothing else for the past month. And she had this strange part down the middle which seemed to accentuate the thinness of her hair and made the style ever more offensive. Her hairstylist needs to be shot or at least demoted to reality TV starlets.

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Podcast: How to Get the Wearable Trends from the Runways & Red Carpet

Tune into the My Beauty Binge podcast this week to find out the hottest makeup trends that rocked the runways and the red carpets these past few weeks.  You will also learn how to recreate the most wearable, flattering trends at home.

Jason Wu NYFW 2013

Download the podcast from iTunes or listen to it streaming on your computer here (it’s the 1st podcast) and it’s free! If you hit the “SUBSCRIBE” button in iTunes you will automatically get all my podcasts!

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Staging Intervention for: Jennifer Aniston

I know, I know… I said I wouldn’t even show Jennifer Aniston’s photos in my Oscars post  because I was so disgusted with her “let me just run a brush through my hair and throw on a ball gown” look.  But her hairstylist Chris McMillan recently did an interview for People Magazine  explaining why he sent her down the red carpet looking so boring, “She wanted to keep the makeup natural and the hair natural. I think it’s about, at this point, being really comfortable on the red carpet.” This was my last straw. It’s intervention time…

Jennifer, please remember I’m staging this intervention because I care. I feel like I’m speaking on behalf of a lot of your fans who are just dying to see you show up on the red carpet again actually looking like you give a shit.  You’re obviously a stunning movie star, no one is doubting that. But there was a day not long ago  when you would rock an updo and a sultry smoky eye for a red carpet rather than the same hair and  makeup as a night out at the local taqueria.

Let’s take a look at you at the Oscars this year:

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Oscars 2013 Red Carpet Reflux (I Mean Recap)

Oh my lovelies, for those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know last night’s red carpet was simply traumatizing for this beauty addict.  Where was the glitz? Where was the glamour? Since when did messy matronly updos become an acceptable trend?  And where the hell was the red carpet makeup? Based on the majority of looks last night I’m pretty sure the LA makeup artists are on silent strike. That’s the only conclusion I can come to after seeing several starlets whose faces and dresses were both devoid of color.  Luckily, a select few of the celebrities rebelled against the boring plague last night by actually showing up in black tie beauty (imagine wearing black tie makeup and hair to the most formal event of the year? How novel) and so yes, I do actually have  a fewpositive things to say, but don’t expect too much sunshine and roses. Oh and by the way, in protest I refuse to show you Jennifer Aniston because you could honestly be looking at any photo of her from the past couple years. I just can’t condone it.

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Jessica Chastain:  She went from being my worst in beauty at the Golden Globes with that “I want you to think I'm balding” hair to being one of the standouts for best in beauty at the Oscars last night. She personifed classic beauty with her Old Hollywood Glam structured waves and statement red lip.  This is what a movie star looks like.

Anne Hathaway was boring with a capital B (except for those glaring headlights she showed off in high beam all night). I know she’s growing her hair out but it looked more Dorothy Hamill than a pixie last night.  She could have had a stylist give it a little more of a modern shape or perhaps a teased crown with a skinny headband? I think slicked back hair would have looked better than that soccer mom coif.  And let's face it her makeup could have used some serious punch. A matte rose lip like Lipstick Queen Sinner 90 Percent Pigment  ($20) would have been perfect.

 Jennifer Lawrence may have missed a step on her way to claim her Oscar, but she certainly didn't miss a step when it came to her red carpet beauty (I had to make a reference to the trip; I simply couldn't resist). She was pure perfection in her classic yet intricate updo and her smoky grey eyes and pale pink lip. And this should go without saying, but the only excuse for having a light lip at the Oscars is if you’re rocking a smoky eye.  Jennifer is the only starlet who followed this golden red carpet rule.

Amanda Seyfried looked like a walking cadaver in her pale dress, pale lip, and eyes done in a pale lavender. I mean come on. It's makeup artistry 101. Go to any makeup artist for a big event and she or he will ask you what you're wearing. I assure you if you describe the dress Amanda wore, most makeup artists would insist on either a dramatic eye or statement lip.  And why does she look like she's about to cry? Is it because she knows her hair looks like a bad 90s prom updo that her date just ruined by insisting on keeping the convertible top down?  Frizz city!

All hail the queen!! Queen Latifah certainly gets a nod for one of the best looks of the night – showing off Spring's biggest trend – a bright fuchsia lip – paired with metallic eyes and long luscious lashes (which are either extensions or falsies, but looked amaze balls either way). The hair was slicked back and sophisticated in order to bring the eye back to her face. When the cast of Chicago went onstage my eye immediately went to her because of that stunning lip. Want to get that lip at home?  Try NARS ‘Andy Warhol’ Lip Gloss Penny Arcade ($26) which gives the same glossy bright fuchsia shine.

Charlize Theron is the only celebrity who gets a pass for her miminal makeup because her cropped hair was so dramatic, and let’s face it, she’s Charlize Theron. Her face is perfection. Her hair and dress brought the drama and her makeup just complemented her otherworldly beauty.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum: Could she be any more adorable with that baby  bump?  I did like that being pregnant didn’t prevent her from going sultry with her makeup. Celebrity Makeup Artist Kayleen McAdams created Jenna's look with all Tarte products, mixing a lot of shimmery shades to give Jenna an "inspired look of  iridescence."  Pro Tip: Kayleen applied Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil  ($46) wherever the sun would hit Jenna's skin to give it a natural sheen.  Jenna was also one of the only ones who successfully pulled off the piecy updo because it actually looked polished.

Reese Witherspoon: I’m in love with those thick sculpted waves but what the hell happened with the makeup? I mean is she even wearing lipstick? If she's going to go Old Hollywood Glam with the hair then she should complete the look with at least a matte red lip like Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color Red Carpet ($24). And did her makeup artist run out of concealer? There is no excuse for sending Reese down the red carpet with those dark circles.  She desperately needed some contouring around the forehead too.  It almost looks like she got hit in the forehead (do you see the bump? It could have easily been contoured away). Amateur hour.

Amy Adams: Watch out! We have another walking cadaver! The hair screams homely mother-of-the-bride and there really is no makeup to critique.  Where’s the concealer and highlighter under her eyes? She looks exhausted!  And are you kidding me that we have yet another pale dress paired with a face void of color?  I’d like to bitch slap her makeup artist.  Honestly, if I would have been on the carpet I would have stolen Jessica Chastain's lipstick and begged Amy to put it on.  (I would have probably smeared a little on the apples of  her cheeks as well to give her the illusion of life)

Kerry Washington: What the hell happened? You were a beauty superstar at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. I thought for sure I could count on you to bring it. Au Contraire. Where is your sophisticated updo showing off those glorious cheekbones?  Did you just drag a brush through your hair and head off to the red carpet? What the hell happened to your makeup? To call it ‘minimal’ would be generous . What is that on your lips, chapstick? Heads need to roll on Ms. Washington’s beauty team.

What did you think of the Oscars last night? Who were some of your favorites?

Oscars Special: Ten Most Beautiful and Iconic Hair & Makeup Looks of All Time

Since obviously all these looks are timeless, I thought I would bring this post back to life in homage of the Oscars tomorrow. Enjoy!

In honor of the Oscars tomorrow, as a huge movie buff, I thought I would count down the ten most beautiful and iconic hair and makeup looks of all time. My original thinking was I would include at least one trendsetting movie star from each decade  – Madonna from Desperately Seeking Susan(1985), Julie Roberts from Pretty Woman (1990), Rooney Mara from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), etc. But when I started making my list I realized I just couldn’t spare  a spot for these women.  I had to make my decisions based solely on beauty and influence, and find the movies that made the actresses into style icons.

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1. Grace Kelly in Rear Window (1954): You have no idea how hard it was for me to choose the order of the Top 5. Each actress is just so breathtaking and has had such an influence on trends throughout the years. But come on, I had to give the number one spot to Grace Kelly in Rear Window. She is the dictionary definition of classic beauty. You can tell how much Hitchcock was in love with her by her first scene in the movie. The camera has a love affair with her classic features, slowly focusing in as she leans in towards Jimmy Stewart, her perfectly coiffed blond hair and eyebrows, and that bold red lip we see all over the runways and celebrities today.

2. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961): Let's face it -- Audrey was beautiful in every movie, but her look in Breakfast in Tiffany's made her forever a style icon. I remember the scene when she's getting ready for Sing Sing... Watching her put on her makeup and style her hair was a milestone for me becoming the beauty addict I am today.

3. Faye Dunaway in Chinatown (1974) and Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Since this is my blog, I don't have to chose! You can't make me! She was so stunning in both. Chinatown: it's tough to make those skinny eyebrows work,but she rocked this period look in the dark Roman Polanski Film Noir.

Bonnie & Clyde: Faye Dunaway is probably most famous for this role as Bonnie alongside Warren Beatty's Clyde. Celebrities and fashionistas are still trying to copy her perfect bob. They just don't make beauties like her anymore.

4. Sophia Loren in... EVERYTHING! There's no way to pick one specific movie that defined Ms. Loren's status as a style goddess. She's had such enormous influence over what we consider sexy. Just look at Guess and Dolce & Gabbana ads or our modern day versions of Ms. Loren, Sofia Vergera and Eva Mendes. Quoting Ms. Loren, "Where youthful beauty is unconscious, mature beauty is knowing and sophisticated." Yep, she's still got it.

5. Brigitte Bardot in A Very Private Affair (1962): Brigitte Bardot started the sexy bed hair trend. I love the teased crown with the whispy bangs. I wanted to make sure I showed a nice color close-up also so you can take full advantage of her kitten-lined eyes and coral-painted lascivious lips.

6. Pam Grier in Foxy Brown (1974). It's tough to get sexier than Pam Grier. Love the big afro (which is obviously still a huge trend today) with the flawless skin and rosy cheeks. Just gorgeous!

7. Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2007): Okay, I know it's not the best movie, but Angie's sex kitten look launched millions of lip injections and hair extensions. Who doesn't want to look like a seductress?

8. Julie Christie in Shampoo (1975): For those of you beauty addicts who have not seen this movie, you need to immediately get it on Netflix. Warren Beatty gives Julie Christie's character a game-changing haircut, making her the envy of all of Beverly Hills. To give you an idea of the impact her haircut still has today, famed Hair Stylist Chris McMillan said that Julie Christie's hair in Shampoo was one of his inspirations for cutting Jennifer Aniston's bob.

9. Kim Basinger in L.A.Confidential (1997): Her character Lynn Bracken was supposed to look like famous stunner Veronica Lake. And just like Bud White says to Lynn in the movie, "You look better than Veronica Lake."

10. Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Sage: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 (2011): Call me ugly names, I don't care. I love the Twilight series. Stewart's Bella Swan, walking down the aisle in her romantic updo and subtle makeup using a soft palette, inspired hundreds of "How To's" in magazines, blogs, and TV shows.

Makeup Tutorial: How To Steal Jennifer Lawrence’s Red Carpet Look

We all know Oscar Nominee Jennifer Lawrence knows how to rock a red carpet since she transformed every red carpet into a runway  during her Hunger Games media tour.  She has not disappointed this award season especially considering that for most of the season Jennifer (yes, we’re obviously on a first name basis) should have been in bed or in the hospital rather than strutting her stuff on the red carpet since she was plagued with illness for most of the award shows.  You would never know she even had a sniffle based on her photos — every look was classic and flawless.  Obviously the only way to pay true homage to The Girl on Fire leading up to her big night is to recreate one of her best red carpet looks.  I chose her SAG Awards look:

First I want to introduce and thank our lovely model, Maghan McDowell, a vey talented writer who currently covers Style and Living for the San Francisco Chronicle. She was very patient with my non-makeup artist methods and didn’t bat an eyelash when I had to clean up the side of her face because I had managed to drag coral makeup (don’t ask; I was experimenting) all over her cheek and chin.

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Red Carpet Beauty Regurgitation (I mean Recap) from the SAG Awards

I’m not going to spend too much on the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet because, um, it’s the Screen Actors Guild Awards.  Enough said. BUT since the glitterati bothered getting all dolled up (thank GOD that frightful “no makeup” trend didn’t poison the SAG awards red carpet) I  want to share a few of my favorite looks to both love and hate on.  (And yes, for those of you who were wondering… Despite my past red carpet hate fests, I am capable of recognizing beauty when I see it.  I mean it’s not my fault if the starlets show up to the red carpet looking like a nightmare. What do you want me to do? Lie? I think not.)

Freida Pinto: Obviously I’m going to start with perfection. Her makeup artist was smart enough to just let Freida’s gorgeous skin be the star.  I see warm tones on her eyelids and navy eyeliner on her lower lash line — something I wouldn’t have necessarily put together but it really works.  I love the bold natural brow but I probably would have added just a little more sheer color to her lip. And how adorable is her faux tucked-under bob? Totally changes her look and works with dress.

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