Wednesday, February 23, 2011

NYFW FALL 2011 Trend Report

This fall, designers played up the drama with magnificent tailoring (we loved the fall collections of Michael Kors, Dianne Von Furstenburg, Jason Wu) and billowy, opulent gowns (see: Rodarte, Derek Lam). Though we were impressed by the clothes, these dramatic looks were often paired with makeup that may have been kept too simple or just too garish. Here’s a rundown of the trends we saw on the catwalks and tips on how to make these work in real life!

BERRY LIPS - Pretty, romantic and instantly polished.
As seen on the runways at: Luca Luca, Rebecca Taylor, Peter Som, Carolina Herrara, Cynthia Steffe, and Lela Rose
For bold berry red lips inspired by the models seen here at Luca Luca (Photo: Racked.Com) - Line the lips with Burgundy Lip Liner and apply Rosie the Riveter Lipstick (a rich, blue- red).
This look is probably the most wearable on it's own. However, for a softer take, try Mauve Lip Liner with Santorini Lipstick. Remember, the focus here is on the lips, so keep the eyes soft.

CAT EYES - Perhaps an homage to the makeup seen in Black Swan, these dramatic eyes are tough to pull off the runway into real life (we don’t recommend bleaching out your eyebrows either!)
As seen on the runways at: DKNY, Derek Lam, Vivienne Tam, and Jason Wu.
For the look inspired by this model at Jason Wu (Photo: Getty Images) -- Layer Cool Aubergine applied with a damp eye shadow brush on the upper and lower lash lines and along the crease, tapering out to a triangle shape. Fill in the triangle with Gold Eye Shadow. Use Wallflower Lip & Cheek Stain to softly contour the cheeks and apply Whisper Sheer Lipstick for shimmering nude lips.

For a real-life version of this look, try Cool Black and gold instead of aubergine (the combination of purple and yellow on the skin can look like a bruise!) Also, if you have deep set eyes, stay away from this look. Since dark colors recede, dark shadows will make deep set eyes seem even more sunken.


STRONG BROWS - The 90’s came back in a big way, with a strong, masculine brow.
As seen on the runways of: Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Monique Lullhier, LAMB, Naeem Khan, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
To re-create the look seen here at Proenza Schouler (Photo: GoRunway.com) -- Match your hair color with a Brow Powder (Brow Powder #5) and fill in the brows with our Brow Brush.

We love a well-groomed brow, it anchors the eye, though we’d prefer to see more polished and defined eyes rather than this heroin-chic look.
For a real-life version of this look: fill in sparse areas of the brows with a coordinating brow powder and apply Clear Brow Gel to lift and shape the eye. Define the lash line with Opaline Creme Eye Definer, and avoid this reddish-brown shade that makes the eyes look tired (try Warm Brown Sugar, instead).


NUDE LIPS - The nude lip is a staple regardless of season. Versatile nude lips were showcased in a variety of finishes; from matte, to pearly, to glossy, and some with a touch of coral. As seen on the runways at: AnnaSui, Carlos Miele, Tommy Hilfiger, Erin Fetherston, Charlotte Ronson

For the look scene here at Nicole Miller (Photo: Andrew Burton, AP) -- Apply Cool Brown Sugar Eye Shadow with a damp brush to line the lower lash line and create a precise rectangular shape on the upper eye lid. Highlight under the brow bone with Cool White Eye Shadow. Apply Light Clarifier on the lower inner rim of the eye. Use a sheer layer of our Creme Concealer/Foundation as lip color and apply Translucent Powder all over the face for a finished, doll-like complexion.

For a real-life version of this look: Blend the eye shadow for a softer contour of the eyes and avoid looking washed out with a layer of Nude Attitude on the lips, our new coral-based nude.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Sweet Up Tweet Up

Snow could not stop NYC’s top beauty mavens from coming out to attend our Sweet Up Tweet Up, an event celebrating the launch of our new Sweetest Thing Collection created by rising star designer, Miles Ehan. Three Custom Color Specialists partnered with Mario Badescu to talk spring makeup and skin care tips. The event was hosted by Felicia Walker Benson, Editor-In-Chief of This That Beauty with a menu of candy and cocktails provided by Hpnotiq at the brand new lounge, Studio XXI in New York City.

These lovely ladies from @HpnotiqNY were dishing up treats while modeling our Sweetest Thing Collection.


Our model, Deven, wore the cupcake wrapper dress designed by Miles Ehan (@MilesEhan), our guest of honor. Her makeup featured the Sweetest Thing Collection - Icing on the Cupcake Eye Shadow, Lollipop Lip & Cheek Stain, and Candy Cloud 9 Lip Gloss!



The party is on at Studio XXI. Check out www.studioxxinyc.com for more about this new venue!

Check out lovely Beauty Blogger Lesley Forrester (@lesleykat) in our makeup chair. Throughout the night, guests were touched up with products from Sweetest Thing Collection.

At the event, Bridal Blogger Lisa Barr (@bridalease) of won a one-of-a-kind clutch purse designed by Miles Ehan!


A couple of Must-Follow Beauty tweeps: Misha Palmer (@TheFabChick) enjoying a Lollipop Cosmo with Danielle Gray (@StyleNBeautyDoc).

Our host for the evening, Felicia Walker Benson (@ThisThatBeauty) with Makeup Artist Karen Duncan (@MakUpDiva) enjoying a Hpnotiq Cocktail!

A powerhouse beauty brainstorm between Celeb Makeup Artist Lauren Napier (@NapierMakeup) and Felicia Walker Benson (@ThisThatBeauty).

Many thanks to our event photographer, Gene Fischer! View more of his work at http://www.genefischer.com/

Want the inside scoop on all the goodies? Click on the links below to check out beauty blogger reviews, videos, photos, and more about The Sweetest Thing Collection:


Older Girl Beauty

Gouldylox Reviews

Product Girl

The Fab Chick

PrimeBeauty50


Karen’s World of Beauty

Beauty School


Style and Beauty Doctor


AOL StyleList


Lesley Kat


Daily Makeover

Monday, February 7, 2011

30% Off our Lip & Cheek Stains for Valentine's Day! Enter "KISS30" at checkout

This Valentine’s Day, we’re showing you some love with 30% off our Lip & Cheek Stains!

Three Custom Color Specialists is offering 30% off every one of their cult-favorite Lip & Cheek Stains with code “KISS30” at checkout!

These multi-tasking wonders are perfect for a fresh flush and kiss-proof color! The dewy, balm-like formula provides long-wearing, buildable coverage - whether you prefer sheer glow on the cheeks or applied with a lip brush for bold color on the lips.

Try one of these favorite shades:
Lollipop - Our newest addition to our collection. It’s a hot pink that’s sweet on a wide range of skin tones.

Caramel Rose - A verstile, earthy sienna shade great for contouring, blush, and a modern au natural lip color.

Ski Bunny - A beauty blogger favorite! This cherry red balm with a touch of shimmer is a classic stain for that fresh-off-the-slopes look!

Visit www.threecustom.com to view our entire selection of Lip & Cheek Stains and don’t forget to enter KISS30 at checkout! *Offer valid through Valentine’s Day!