Isn't She Lovely...

In celebrating "The Women In Hollywood" issue, ELLE Magazine released five different covers featuring different actresses, one of which was Zoe Saldana. Covers such as hers, are few and far in between and I'm actually searching for hers as I write this (I received the cover with Julianne Moore in the mail). Anyway, for all of you beauty lovers, here's the team of beauty superstars who created her cover look:

Makeup: Rose-Marie Swift at Streeters (all makeup by L'Oreal Paris)
Hair: Ted Gibson at Jed Root Inc.
Photographer: Alexei Hay
Stylist: Christopher Niquet

All makeup used was by L'Oreal Paris and included:
Double Extend Lash Fortifier & Extender Mascara in Carbon Black
Bare Naturale All-Over Mineral Glow in Honey Glow
H.I.P. Bright Shadow Duos in Dynamic

So who was your favorite cover model?

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Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101

I'm passionate about haircolor and I'm writing about this topic, yet again! My apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon required me to search high and low for models wanting root touch-ups, highlights, gray coverage, bleach & tones, highlift blondes, and single & double haircolor processes. Believe it or not, I was always able to find a model that needed one of these services and the results always left me amazed and excited about the next challenge.

With that said, let's discuss haircolor. It falls into four categories: temporary, semipermanent, demipermanent, and permanent.

1. Temporary haircolor coats the hair shaft and is easily removed by shampooing. Examples include: color rinses or color-enhancing shampoos.

2. Semipermanent haircolor partially penetrates the hair shaft and slowly fades with shampooing. It doesn't lighten the hair and is usually used to enhance fading haircolor.

3. Demipermanent haircolor doesn't lighten hair and, like semipermanent haircolor, it is used to enhance fading haircolor. It penetrates the hair shaft and lasts longer than semipermanent haircolor.

4. Permanent haircolor is used to lighten hair and cover grey. It remains in the hair shaft until the growth of new hair.

Any questions? Love your hair.

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Sam Fine

Today's "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity makeup artist, Sam Fine. As most of you already know, I've had the opportunity to see him at a celebrity makeup symposium a few years ago in Washington, DC and was completely blown away! Watching him perform his magic, up close and in person, was priceless! I loved that he was so gracious with sharing his story, answering questions and giving advice.

So in an effort to not overwhelm you (I've already mentioned him here, here, here, here, and here! LOL) check out his website for more information on his blog, book, makeup video and tour dates (he'll be back in DC this month!). Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Sponge Skincare's Wild Herb Cleansing Gel

Since I'm always on the hunt for a more natural alternative when it comes to skincare, I decided to present to you Sponge skincare's Wild Herb Cleansing Gel, which is part of the line's 100% chemical-free range of products. Now in continuing to follow my best beauty advice of "buying for your skin type, needs, issues"- you should know that this gel cleanser is great for those of you with oily/combination skin. It's free of oils/emollients found in cleansing creams and lotions (which work better for dry/mature skin)!

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Mischo Beauty: Avon's Smooth Minerals

I'll be honest and admit that I haven't used Avon makeup in years- actually probably not since my sister and I used to sneak and take the lipstick samples (my Mom used to get from co-workers selling Avon) with us to elementary school. Well Avon sent me a few items from their new Smooth Mineral collection and I have to tell you that I'm particularly found of the lipsticks (I found them to be very moisturizing) and the eye liners (easy on- easy off!). The complete collection is available here.

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Sophy Robson

This post marks the beginning of the "Mischo Beauty Superstar" series which I'm starting to simply bring to your attention and show love to the many beauty professionals not only working hard to accomplish their dreams, but who are sources of inspiration to me personally (you all know beauty is my passion)! I promise to keep the posts short and sweet because they're meant to be an introduction. My hope is that you'll visit their websites, view their portfolios and tell the world about them!

The first "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity manicurist, Sophy Robson. I first learned about her from following the London, Milan and Paris fashion week updates on Vogue UK's beauty blog. Sophy was creative director for nails for such shows as Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. Her work has appeared in all of the top fashion magazines and you've probably seen her work in such ad campaigns as Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford White Patchouli and Bulgari to name a few.

She also has a nail salon called The Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic at Fortnum & Mason in London, where she's available for appointments. Be sure to visit her website, check out her blog and view her AMAZING portfolio! And, if you're in London, get booked with her! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Review: Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face

I was sad to learn that Lancome recently discontinued it's Flash Bronzer Face Gel, remember me mentioning it here and here? So I recently stopped in Sephora to find a replacement and picked up Dior's Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face and unfortunately it's not what I'd expected. First, it's very heavily scented- almost, feels like I'm applying perfume to my face. And secondly, I have yet to see the color payoff. My expectation is for a natural, fresh-looking glow and it just doesn't deliver for me. So, my hunt continues...

If you have a recommendation for me, please let me know! Thanks.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Desert Essence Organics

After learning more about the benefits of jojoba oil in cosmetology school and trying to take steps toward using more natural products, I started using Desert Essence's Jojoba Oil. So when they offered to send me their Green Apple & Ginger Body Wash (smells good enough to eat!), Almond Hand and Body Lotion and Lip Rescue in an effort to help me winterize my skin I was eager to try what they'd offered.

I'm loving all three products, and using the body wash as my current morning "pick-me-up". You should know that all of their products are 100% vegan and contain no parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol or petroleum-based ingredients. You may view the entire range here.

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Mischo Beauty School: Eye Creams 101

I receive emails pretty frequently with regards to the use of eye creams and they're usually concerning the following:

- Anti-aging
- Dark Circles
- Wrinkles
- Puffiness

Now in addressing the concerns above, I have to tell you that I'm a believer in taking care of oneself internally first, therefore reaping the benefits externally. So don't ever count out the invaluable benefits of adequate sleep, a diet rich in leafy greens, a multivitamin, and water- all of which I've discussed before.

If you're searching for a targeted treatment to address any of the concerns above- I'll share with you my best advice I've been giving out since starting this blog- and it is:

"Buy products formulated for your specific skin type/need/issue."

We all know that every brand makes an eye cream, so what I will suggest is that you start using the eye cream you choose consistently in order to really see/know if it works! Finding what works for you involves trial and error and consistent use for a minimum of 30 days (in my opinion).

Remember, for best results, eye creams should be applied to cleansed skin both morning and night, using your ring finger (the skin under the eye area is the thinnest skin on the body, which means you should use your weakest finger to apply product to that delicate area) before applying other products.

Now if there is an eye cream you're in love with, then share with us what it is and why!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Givenchy Les Poetiques 2009 Fall Makeup Collection

Based on the items I was sent to try from Givenchy's new Les Poetiques makeup collection for fall 2009, I will tell you that you won't be disappointed! The collection includes soft, neutral, sheer/shimmery shades and honestly, at first glance, I thought this was a spring or summer collection. Givenchy's Artistic Director for Makeup, Nicolas Degennes, states:

"From wintry winds to the winds of time, echoing melancholy's mire, beauty emerges so sublime, painting a landscape of desire.... Poetically, it borrows from the natural and enhances it with mystery. The dream emerges... a bed of roses... a stormy night... a first kiss... in a watercolour of emotions. Each woman has her mood, and each day, its surprise. Like feelings that "flood" the face, "Les Poetiques" naturally reveals the high-romance femininity of the Givenchy Woman. Each passion, and each woman, is unique."

The star product of the collection (which I've said before) for me was definitely the Phenomen'Eyes mascara, which is now available in No.4- Poetique Grey Lavender. This mascara in general, regardless of the shade you choose, is definitely the best luxury brand mascara, because it works! Anyway, I'd love to hear what you all think about this collection or Givenchy makeup in general. Please share!

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