Ask any makeup artist the most requested look from their clients and I am willing to bet my last dollar the response is “Smokey Eyes”. Everyone wants it but few feel they possess the skill to accomplish it without ending up with what resembles a black eye.

Well Three Custom Color Specialists (one of my fav brands…search ThisThatBeauty for over 20 posts featuring the brand) offers a step-by-step tutorial on achieving the ultimate smokey eye. Listen up!

Step 1:
Apply our Crème Concealer/Foundation with our Concealer brush below the eyes to eliminate any darkness and onto the eyelids to create a smooth base. Pro Tip: This step helps shadow wear longer.

Step 2:
This modern smokey eye features a gradation of color that’s deepest at the lash lines and blended out. First, use our All Over Eye Shadow Brush to apply Cool Black Eye Shadow along the upper and lower lash lines. Next, apply Cool Smoke Eye Shadow and blend the shade up towards the brow bone. Apply a small amount of Champagne Eye Shadow near the tear duct and under the brow bone and blend. Pro Tip: For the daring, two-toned look featured on some runways, layer on a brighter shade. Try Peacock Eye Shadow or Warm Lilac Eye Shadow.

Step 3:
Using our Eyeliner Brush, line the inner rims of the eyes, and the upper and lower lash lines with our smooth, water-resistant Opaline Crème Eye Definer in Aurora. Blend the crème eye liner into the lashes with a small eye shadow brush with densely packed bristles, such as our Contour Brush. Pro tip: For that intense, rock star glam look, line the eyes again!

Step 4:
Finish the eyes with a coat of mascara and groom the brows with Tinted Brow Gel. Pro tip: A groomed eyebrow is essential for a smokey eye to look polished.

Step 5:
Apply Kiss My Apricot Crème to Powder Blush to the high points of the cheeks. Use Shane Sheer Lipstick for an enhanced, but sheer lip tint.

Pro tip: The eyes should be the main focus here, so keep everything else minimal.

Fridays with Felicia: An intimate look behind the curtain as I share my favorite style/ beauty discoveries and ThisThatBeauty shenanigans from previous week.

(I visited HSN last week ======> full deets soon)

Let’s kick off “Fridays with Felicia” with you. Yes, YOU!

Hey girl! How you doin? How’s your skin? As you all know, I am absolutely positively obsessed with good skin care habits. I love pretty makeup as much as the next product hoarding Beauty Blogger but a solid skincare regiment is EVERYTHING. Six months ago, my passion and never ending holy grail quest for perfect skin prompted me to pen an epic post on my personal skincare philosophy.

While the article was a little long in the tooth (nearly 3000 words long to be exact) I think it did a lot of good. The post garnered 59 comments – a ThisThatBeauty record. In fact, your responses were so heartfelt and extensive that it lead to the creation of my current ongoing series on Hyperpigmentation which currently has nine articles.

So six months later, I am compelled to check in  with you. Yes YOU!  So many of you commented to say:

• “Thank you”
• “I’m going to take better care of my skin”
• “I’ll try committing to a solid skincare regiment”
• Etc.

It’s six months later and I am curious to hear where you are with yours! Have you stepped up your skin care game? Has you skin improved? Are you taking care of YOU?

Please do me a favor – If you commented when I originally posted the Hyperpigmentation/ skin care piece, please comment today and fill me in on how you’re doing. When I wrote that article six months ago, your comments really meant EVERYTHING to me. I want to know how you are progressing.  Also, your comments help me tailor content to meet your needs.

And because I practice what I preach….and pride myself on “don’t talk about it, be about it”…I will lead by example and provide an update since writing the post six months ago:

So to recap…here’s what my skin looked like about 8 months ago (no makeup):

Here’s what my skin looked like after about 2 months of following the regiment outlined in my ThisThatBeauty vs Hyperpigmentation post (no makeup):

And here’s what my skin looks like today…6 months after writing that epic post on skincare (no makeup…or maybe I’m pulling a Jessica Simpson — I think there’s a little stray smeared eye liner that I didn’t completely remove…but there is absolutely NO foundation in these pics).

Let me start by saying this….WOW! Those original pics are still so hard to look at. I cannot believe my skin was that bad. On top of that, I was astounded at how much my skin had improved in just 2 months on my regiment. Those products really kicked butt!!!

In looking at my skin today, its hard to believe I ever had any issues at all . As re-read  the regiment I posted back in March, while the principles remain the same, the actual products have changed since then. I currently use different cleansers, toners, serums, and masks. I still use the Evoclin foam to keep my acne at bay. I’ve rotated a few different hyperpigmentation treatment products in and out of my regiment over the last few months. Again, the products may have changed but my skin care principles remain the same…and that, in my opinion, is the most important take-away. Commit to a skin care regiment that is rooted in the fundamentals…and be consistent day to day. If your products work stick with them…naturally, as a beauty writer, I am constantly trying out new stuff. But I definitely recommend that you practice product loyalty…let ME be the guinea pig!

Please leave a comment and update me on how your skin is progressing!

PS: Look out for an equally EPIC hair story that’s in the works…

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This week I was invited to tour the soon to be completed, state of the art, new and improved beauty level at Lord & Taylor – 39th Street.  The space is still a bit raw so I had to wear a brightly colored hard hat that’s certain to protect me from falling debris

The event consisted of a guided tour of the finished and unfinished space. Beauty brands like Clinique, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Nars, Mario Badescu, Bobbi Brown, Clarins, and more presented some of the amazing new beauty innovations that we can expect from L&T once the beauty level is completely renovated. I hope I have the opportunity to get more one-on-one time with the brands but here are a few highlights:

Mario Badescu will have a counter at L&T. I am as pleased as punch to see the brand expand their retail outlets and get more exposure. A simple search of this site using the key words “Mario Badescu” will yield countless product reviews. Be on the look out for an upcoming piece from ThisThatBeauty Contributor Christene Carr. She recently visited Mario Badescu for her first facial EVER. If you’re a facial virgin, you will want to hear all about Christene’s experience.

Clinique’s skincare computer marries technology and beauty

Estee Lauder promises to help you find your perfect foundation match in two minutes in six different lights. Wondering what that crimson lip will look like in daylight vs office light vs candlelight?…Estee Lauder can help!

Lancome boasts that their new state of the art “Diagnos” machine will survey your skin’s texture, pore size, hydration level, and firmness and recommend the perfect products for your skin. I would love to give this a try and report back!

Lancome is also pleased to offer 10-day supplies of their foundation, which comes in 117 shades and 6 formulas. I’m no numbers cruncher but I like those figures!

Lastly for Lancome, the beauty counter at Lord & Taylor features a mascara bar that lets you try out various mascara wands. This is incredibly innovative…no more one size fits all disposable wands. Is the mascara performance not all about the BRUSH? Kudos Lancome!

Want more info on L&T’s new beauty department? Check the Twitter timeline for  #LTFACELIFT and see what your fav beauty bloggers are saying.

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In Fashion’s Night Out News, check out this Three Custom Color Specialists and Talbots collaboration…

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Beauty360.com is the online shopping destination for CVS/pharmacy’s prestige beauty retailer and carries coveted cosmetic brands including Vincent Longo, Paula Dorf, Laura Geller, Cargo and many more.  Through August 23^rd Beauty 360 is promoting an exclusive online makeup sale.  Save 20% on your favorite prestige makeup brands by entering the special code SIZZLE at checkout!  Click the following link for additional details and to start shopping: http://tinyurl.com/29n9rum

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“Find Your Fall Style” with Style Coach, Kim Johnson Gross of Chic Simple.

Sign up to receive daily style tips on how to revamp your wardrobes for fall. When signing up, members are entered to win $100 gift cards to Target to start fall shopping. Check out the campaign http://challenges.ivillage.com/fall-style

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If you love beauty apps as much as I do, iPhone users listen up! Give yourself a virtual makeover with Pur Minerals IPur Beauty iPhone application!

Pür Minerals now offers a commitment-free way to experiment with new looks..and who doesn’t love a good “try before you buy?”

Trying out a new look on the Pür Minerals app is simple and fun:

• TAKE: upload or use a model photo to start your makeover.
• APPLY: Click a product, select a shade and experience a Pür transformation. The customized algorithm will identify the facial co-ordinates for precise application. Don’t like your new look? You have the option of adjusting the facial co-ordinates, undo or start again.
• SHARE: Once the makeover is complete, the finished look can be shared through Facebook for a polished profile picture or send to a friend via email.
• BUY: Love your new look? iPür Beauty offers a direct link to Ulta.com to order products online or to find a location near you for an in-store purchase.

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Up and coming designer Eliza Starbuck of Bright Young Things pays tribute to Coco Chanel by offering a week long sale on her versatile take of the little black dress. You will recall that I participated in the Bright Young Things Style Challenge and modeled the dress of a thousand looks.

In honor of Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel’s Birthday, The Bright Young Things LBD will be on sale for $150 (reg $185) through Wednesday, August 25  online at www.youbrightyoungthings.com.

Of the iconic CoCo Chanel, Eliza Starbuck says this:

“Coco Chanel was the most innovative designer of the 20th Century. She dared to wear and design clothes that challenged the social standards and gender roles of the times. She broke every rule and always looked amazing doing it. She was living proof that it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it that defines style. Fabulous, determined, and outspoken, Coco Chanel made an enormous impact on society and the way people dress. Happy Birthday, Mademoiselle Chanel”

Eliza Starbuck recently experienced an opportunity that most only dream of…and by “most” I mean “me”.

Find your sacred quiet place and savor this — Eliza Starbuck’s exclusive interview with CoCo Chanel. Here is the intro:

To celebrate, I thought I’d give her a ring. She doesn’t get out much these days, and most people seem to think she’s dead, but like Tupac and Elvis, she’s virtually immortal.

Read the complete interview here: http://www.youbrightyoungthings.com/2010/08/18/eliza-starbuck-celebrates-128-years-of-style-with-coco-chanel/

I love you all for reading my lil ol blog week after week!

xo,

Felicia

PS: Happy Birthday two of my bestest friends. We partied hard. Friendship is golden and I thank God for these gals!

I am starting a new column on ThisThatBeauty, lets call her “Fridays with Felicia“.

Do you know why I started ThisThatBeauty nearly two years ago? Well the stock response has always been that I had this intense urge to purge the style/beauty ramblings and insights taking up residence in my head. This response, while still holds true, is only half of the story. In addition to the need to purge the beauty babble that lives within, I started ThisThatBeauty to share and connect on a personal level. Sharing my passion for style/beauty has always been an integral part of writing for TTB. It was core to the TTB brand when MommaTTB and I were the only ones reading…and it remains core to TTB today as the site gets over 8,000 daily pageviews.

In keeping with the core philosophy that established the TTB brand, I am introducing “Fridays with Felicia“, a regularly occurring column that features rave worthy highlights from the previous week. Its sort of like a re-cap of my week..including note-worthy beauty discoveries, style observations, events, etc.

A mention in “Fridays with Felicia” is indeed an honor…it means the brands and products that make the cut are truly worth your attention. Certainly the rest of ThisThatBeauty will remain chock full of beauty goodness, but “Fridays with Felicia” will give you a week by week peek into my world. Its my little way of toting you around with me and filling you in on the latest and greatest of the prior week.

So without further back-story, I give you the inaugural post for “Fridays with Felicia” (The inaugural post of “Fridays with Felicia” will recap the last few weeks of ThisThatBeauty happenings and favs…upcoming posts for “Fridays with Felicia” will be current and include only the prior week)

FRIDAYS WITH FELICIA

After much research, hemming, and hawing, I finally took the plunge and switched to Phytospecific Phytorelaxer – an egg and soy based formula that does not contain lye. I highly recommend the complete relaxer system for individuals with textured hair in search of a more polished look without going uber straight. Phytospecific Phytorelaxer incorporates a unique blend of ingredients designed to gently relax hair’s texture: Egg extract is used to relax and release the tension in hair’s texture. Shitake Mushroom Salt is incorporated to boost the efficacy of the egg extract. Soybean extract is used to restructure the hair shaft. Lastly wheat proteins strengthen and repair the condition of the hair.

Since converting to Phytospecific Phytorelaxer I have been a happy camper. I was initially concerned about converting from one relaxer system to another…but my worries were all in vain! If you’re considering the switch, perhaps a visit to Phyto Universe will help address your concerns. Ask for Ron…he’s the Phytospecific Phytorelaxer specialist on staff. He is extremely knowledgeable and really knows hair!

If you haven’t tried DailyMakeover‘s kick a$$ makeover application, you’re really missing out on something great. I recently attended a DailyMakeover sponsored event at DEX New York and was made over…the end result was casual-chic, fresh, modern, and embodied Spring. <===This is my makeup makeover!

What I love most about DailyMakeover’s app is that it is easy breezy to navigate. I am thoroughly impressed with the ga-zillion options to choose from to design a new look. I went from short bangs, to choppy, to blunt….it was such fun to experiment with various degrees of “bangs”. I highly recommend DailyMakeover’s online makeover application for anyone considering a new hair do. Its also great for experimenting with trendy new shades of makeup before committing to the actual purchase. Not sure orange cheeks or dark lips are for you, give DailyMakeover a whirl first!

Click here for the complete deets on my makeover…and check out the makeovers for beauty blogging bellas Eileen (MissWhoEverYouAre), Dina (Eye4Style), and Kristin (FashionStyleBeauty).

Speaking of makeovers/ makeup…I recently published an article for LVCMag.com. If you’re wondering how to make a dark lip wearable, check out my piece. I feature Three Custom Color Specialist’s latest launch, Noir — a “a seductive almost-black shade with hints of burgundy and plum”. Here’s my LVCMag.com article.

Confession time: I’m not sure if its the impact of the recession or pure laziness but I have pretty much done away with salon manicures. If it’s not a “press perk” at an event, forget about it. For some strange reason I actually prefer to spend my time at home tending to my own nails vs. dealing with the hassle of going to a nail salon, fighting for parking (I live in Jersey), waiting to get a mani, waiting for the polish to dry, and messing up my polish while fiddling around with my iPhone. I now prefer the comfort of home over the aforementioned salon experience…which is why I’m all giddy to fill you in on the latest from Sally Hansen (who, by the way, was a real person….yep, Sally Hansen [God rest her soul] began her nail empire over 50 years ago with a single product — Hard As Nails).

I recently attended a press event for the launch of Sally Hansen’s latest innovations. Savvy Frugalistas, perk up! This bud’s for you!

Color Chrome Quick Pens offer the look of MINX without the $50+ price tag. These nifty little pens come in 8 different shades. So you’ve got your classic gold and silver, but you also have your choice of trend inspired shades like Green Chrome and Fuchsia Chrome. The fast dry formula and convenient pen-like applicator delivers a perfect mani in a flash! Get acquainted!

High Definition is not just for your foundation. At Sally Hansen, high def nails are all the rage! HD High Definition Nail Color is for the customer who craves color. The line is available in eight bold shades.

Another stroke of genius from the Sally Hansen camp is this — Complete Salon Manicure! Multitaskers, prepare for impact! This little gift from the lacquer Gods combines five steps in one: Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color, Top Coat. Complete Salon Manicure totally takes your at home mani/pedi game to a whole new level!

Suddenly I’m feeling blue..no its not seasonal depression, its blue/black highlights. This bold move was inspired by Jeannie Mai of How Do I Look . After watching a recent episode I became obsessed with Jeannie’s rich black and purple locks.

While Jeannie’s highlights appear to be the result of lightening then added color, my highlights are clip in extensions. So I can alternate between purple, blue, and rich auburn as much as I like with out the commitment or maintenance of hair color.

Wella is getting in on the bold hair color trend. Colorist and beauty expert, Eva Scrivo has the recipe for the perfect match of natural color and dip-dyed tones. Eva created the bold tone palette for the Cynthia Rowley Fall ’10 runway, using Koleston Perfect Special Mix colors. They were such a hit, she has now started selling colored clip-in extensions customized at her salon.

Crazy hair color is not necessarily new. Ashley Olsen sported icy blue streaks in her blond hair last November. In Yohji Yamamoto’s autumn/winter 2010/11 show models rocked blue sprayed crowns and plaited turquoise streaks into long black locks. Katy Perry recently wore a vivid peacock blue glossy wig to the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Is this trend for you?

Are you in need of a miracle worker? philosophy, the personal care brand best known for cult favorites like hope in a jar and purity, recently launched miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads — a cutting edge retinoid based product that multi-tasks to dramatically diminish the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration. in clinical trials conducted by philosopy, after one week of using miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads, participants saw improved smoothness and clarity. After four weeks, participants saw visible improvement of discoloration and dullness. Those of you following my ongoing Hyperpigmentation Series might want to further investigate miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads. The powerful combination of high-performance retinoid and antioxidant Vitamin C help increase cell turnover and promote even skin-tone. While attending a press event for miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads I learned that philosophy will launch a companion product in June — a super charged anti-aging concentrate. Deets soon!

While recently attending the Essence Magazine/Johnson’s Beauty Luncheon, I met the lovely Tia Dantzler (Johnson’s Beauty Consultant and Celebrity Makeup Artist). Aren’t we cuteness?

Kristin Booker of FashionStyleBeauty was in the house, too.

Aly Walansky and Lianne Farbes (smile Lianne:)) also attended the luncheon:

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Need more beauty in your life? The current Bergdorf Goodman beauty book promises to stimulate uncontrollable drooling. You’ve been warned!

Until next Friday….

xo, Felicia

If you finish up your trick or treating early, join me as I curl up in my Slanket and check out Three Custom Color Specialists on QVC. Trae will be on for one hour demonstrating Three Custom’s Creme Color Foundation, a personal fav of QVC host Lisa Robertson! So if you’re like most women and have a tough time finding foundation to match perfectly, don’t miss Trae on QVC tomorrow!

And if ya still don’t find your perfect shade, give Trae a shout at Three Custom Color Specialists Studio NY. They offer custom blend foundation and can whip up your EXACT shade. Genius!

For a  special holiday weekend treat, Three Custom Color Specialists is offering one free lip liner with every purchase!

Simply enter the shade name of your requested lip liner in the CUSTOMER NOTES section at checkout (ex: “Mauve”)

Not sure which lip liner is right for you?

Here are a few recommended shades from Makeup Artist and Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists, Chad Hayduk, for this summer’s hottest lip looks:

• Better than Bare: Beige Lip Liner with Whisper Sheer Lipstick 
• Sexy and Sensational Red: Cool Red Lip Liner with our award-winning Ballet Russe Sheer Lipstick
• A Creamy Plum Pout: Violet Lip Liner topped with Violet Crème Lip Gloss
• Fresh, Youthful and Bright:  Coral Lip Liner with Rebecca’s Favorite Lip Gloss

THIS SPECIAL OFFER EXPIRES JULY 7 AT 11:59PM. HAPPY SHOPPING!

For a  special holiday weekend treat, Three Custom Color Specialists is offering one free lip liner with every purchase!

Simply enter the shade name of your requested lip liner in the CUSTOMER NOTES section at checkout (ex: “Mauve”)

Not sure which lip liner is right for you?

Here are a few recommended shades from Makeup Artist and Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists, Chad Hayduk, for this summer’s hottest lip looks:

• Better than Bare: Beige Lip Liner with Whisper Sheer Lipstick 
• Sexy and Sensational Red: Cool Red Lip Liner with our award-winning Ballet Russe Sheer Lipstick
• A Creamy Plum Pout: Violet Lip Liner topped with Violet Crème Lip Gloss
• Fresh, Youthful and Bright:  Coral Lip Liner with Rebecca’s Favorite Lip Gloss

THIS SPECIAL OFFER EXPIRES JULY 7 AT 11:59PM. HAPPY SHOPPING!

Now through June 2, enjoy 30% off at www.threecustom.com.

Hey folks – There’s still time to enter to win a tube of Whisper lipstick. Three ThisThatBeauty readers will be selected at random on Friday, March 13. So go ahead and enter to win…

Three lucky ThisThatBeauty readers will win Whisper. That’s right…you too can get your Spring 2009 trend on! Leave a comment with your email address. Three winners (US residents only) will be chosen at random. You have until 3/13 to enter the Whisper contest. Good luck mamitas!

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