There is a ton of BODYCARE that is organic and natural and most of those products are very effective, but we’re talking about the foundation of your beauty: the foundations, brushes, concealers, primers.

Ever since I got my hands on a perfectly movie-star worthy concealer from Alison Raffaele Cosmetics at The Makeup Show New York, I’ve been hooked to the brand like cat to catnip.

Check out our Q&A with the founder, Alison Raffaele, below:

What is the primary difference between organic and green makeup? As I understand it, organic has to be 100%, while green makeup can have synthetic ingredients in them as well?

AR: Precisely. “Green” makeup is more about not containing harmful chemicals, like parabens, talc, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, aluminum, etc., whereas “Organic” makeup must be made with only certified organic ingredients. It is very difficult to create makeup that is “organic” that still performs, however, many “Green” brands are beginning to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Are you planning an organic line soon? Why or why not?

I am looking to use organic ingredients in my formulas, but not to go 100% organic. One thing people must remember is that just because an ingredient is “organic” or “natural” doesn’t mean that it is good for you. In fact many naturally occurring substances - take lead for example - can be very harmful to one’s health. The guideline I generally follow is for an ingredient not to be ranked more than a 3 or a 4 on the Enviormental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” database.

Tell us a bit about why you created your line. Was there a niche or need you wanted to fulfill?

Alison Raffaele

I am proud to say that Alison Raffaele Cosmetics was the first makeup artist developed line to go “Green”. The need I saw that wasn’t being addressed was profession quality makeup that was free of harmful chemicals. As a result, we have a great following among makeup artists!

Any new products on the horizon?

Right now I am working on a propylene-glycol free version of my Inner Glow gel blush and a Pressed Mineral Powder - I’m hoping to launch them in the summer or early fall.

Thank you Alison! Now, it’s your turn. ASK Alison anything and enter your comments below. You’ll be entered to win some great cosmetics from her line. FIVE WINNERS will be picked in two weeks.

Just do it and be pretty.

It is COVERGIRL’S first ever volume and length mascara, and was previewed by the great Pat McGrath during the Fall/Winter 201 Fashion Week shows (Anna Sui). Check it out here.

LashBlast Fusion will hit stores in April, but you can get it exclusively through an online pre-sale starting March 12th (this presale will also offer FREE SHIPPING for the $8.99 priced mascara - c’mon how can you resist?). Visit www.Facebook.com/COVERGIRL beginning March 12th to find an e-retailer.

White Caviar Illuminating Cream drenches the skin with moisture as it provides lifting and firming benefits. Pearlescent powders in the cream give immediate illumination, while a complex of brightening ingredients works to control age spots and discoloration on the skin’s surface. Continued use promotes brighter, younger-looking skin as dark spots are prevented, and the skin is firmed and protected from environmental damage.

White Caviar Illuminating Serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins. As existing spots fade, firmness, hydration and anti-oxidant protection are increased. This lightweight fluid may be added under any moisturizer to help prevent future discoloration and keep the skin looking its best.
White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum is a high-performing antidote to under-eye darkness. It causes the skin in this area to appear lighter and brighter for a more wide-awake and energized look. In addition, puffiness is reduced and the skin is lifted, firmed and smoothed with wrinkle-reducers. This formula adds power to any eye cream worn over it, increasing hydration and protection benefits.

Typical of products from La Prairie, this system combines premium ingredients with serious science, so expect serious price tags to match. White Caviar Illuminating Cream retails at $450/ 1.7 oz.; White Caviar Illuminating Serum at $450/ 1.0 oz.; and White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum at $250/0.5 oz. As a luxurious touch, the White Caviar Illuminating Système is housed in substantial white pearlescent jars with silver caviar beads around the cap.

On-counters now, La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Système is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and www.laprairie.com.

Check out the eye-popping, richer than sorbet colors here:

The 13 shades are grouped into three sets called “Street Chic,” “Dress Up Chic,” and “Show Time Chic.” Some of the lipsticks have pretty groovy names too, like Have Fun, Pink Fame, Red Fever and I Want You.

I’ll make sure I post swatches as soon as these beauties hit the U.S. stores.

Source

The tres chic event showcased the different selection of products that Votre Vu has to offer, including its accomplished Face, Body, Men’s Line and Sweet Treats line. Since the skincare philosophy is primarily based on natural ingredients and the culling of skin treats from bountiful French harvests, I was eager to learn more (you all know how hooked I am to natural skincare by now, come on!).

The French do everything so sexily, and I was not surprised to see a fully naked, discreetly clad French model at the event, showing off her flawless body and skin (and a painter capturing her elegance on canvas):

There are so many products in this line, but I wanted to start with some of my favorites: the Shampoo Riche and the Conditioner Light.

The Shampoo Riche is a cleanser par excellence. It really does what it promises: eliminate buildup without leaving a residue or greasiness. There is no sodium laurel sulfates in this product, and my hair felt really squeaky clean (at some point I swear it almost squeaked like a violin) and smelt fresh.$28.

The Conditioner Light is perfect for hair that needs only a lightweight conditioning. It’s pretty rich in texture and weight, but it untangles hair and leaves it silky and glossy. It contains a good amount of hibiscus flower extract and wheat protein to give your locks luster and strength. It also contains a natural UV-inhibiting antioxidant complex. I am completely in love with this conditioner because I had little need for styling products once I used this. $29.

Get both products online at VotreVu. I will give you a review of the skincare products in a separate post.

by Charu Suri

Natural plant extracts and Dead Sea minerals all make their appearance in this little green, almost cubist bottle. But there’s hardly any nauseating fragrance, and the skin is left moisturized as well as clean, which is a lot more than we can say for our drugstore soap we tried the other day.

Another product that wowed us from Kathy Ireland Skincare is the Mineral Scrub Mask ($19.99). It aims to shrink pores and all you have to do is to commit for 15 minutes per week (do you think you can handle that, commit-ment phobes?). They’ve even gone and milled Organic Peach Kernel to a fine powder to provide smooth as silk exfoliation. Okay, while the particles are not as fine as sand (you WILL feel them churn against your skin), the results are impressive.

Just go buy some, okay? You’ll thank me later.

The stylists at Fekkai gave her a sleek look with a slight wave at the end. The way you get this look? Condition the hair thoroughly. Stylist Adir Abergel of Fekkai used the Advanced Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner ($23 each), and left the conditioner on for a full 15 minutes.

He used a deep side part, and took a large round brush ($65) to blow dry hair, ensuring the roots were flat. After the blow drying process, he set the hair with spray, then used a flat iron for that pin straight effect. He curled the ends for a slight wavy effect and added Fekkai’s Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum ($23) for that shine we saw last night.

- Charu Suri

She prepped Kendrick’s skin with Arcona Skincare (a light all natural moisturizer called Magic White Ice)and used tarte cosmetics’ makeup for the cheeks (Cheekstain in Coral). As for the lips, Glick wanted a soft, healthy pink lip with a bit of shine and she used tarte’s LipSurgency natural lipstain in Charmed as a base, and topped the look with a double ended lipgloss in Samantha.

Kendrick’s face was finished with a touch of lavender spritz mist that also served as a calm aromatherapy.

For the eyes, Glick used Dior eyeshadow to create a “very soft, neutral look with bronze undertones.” She used the Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Sunset Cafe and Incognito and DiorShow Unlimited Mascara.

Her dress was inspired by a photograph of Marilyn Monroe who was all “covered with roses”. But it was my least favorite number of the evening, with its bustier rosette details and bride-like train that seemed to evoke Bridezillas gone awry. But I cannot argue that her makeup was gorgeous.So, we’ll work with that…

The makeup was done by Dior’s International Makeup Advisor, Shane Paish, who said that the “inspiration for the beauty look was English Rose who vacations in Paris.”

He used Rouge Dior Lipsticks in Celebrity Red, and Creme de Rose; applied DiorShow Unlimited Mascara on her lashes; and used the Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Incognito for her lids. He capped off the look by using DiorBlush in A Touch of Blush.

And naturally, which Dior fan doens’t know about DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation and the Dior L’Or de Vie La Creme?

Her hair was done in a super chic updo, created by TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist Mara Roszak. Roszak wanted ”an editorial look because she was wearing Givenchy. We also didn’t want the hair and make up to compete with the dress so we created an elegant but effortless look.”

Here’s how you can recreate Saldana’s Oscars 2010 red carpet ‘do:

1. It’s all about prepping the hair with mousse! I am a huge fan of the TRESemme Naturals line, and was pleased to find that Roszak had prepped damp hair with TRESemmé Naturals Lightweight Mousse. Then she blow dryed her hair upside down.

2. Roszak separated the crown from the rest of the hair and pulled back the sides into a tight pony. Then she pulled the hair almost all the way through but left the ends tucked into a ponytail holder. Note that it wasn’t a PERFECT ponytail, with a few pieces left outside the bun for a slightly messy look.

3. Then she teased the top part of the hair and criss crossed bobby pins to hold the hair in place securely. She also sprayed Saldana’s updo with TRESemmé TRES TWO Extra Hold Hair Spray.
4. Here’s a stylist secret! Spray hairspray on finger tips and gently pull the hair around the face with your fingers to loosen the hair, giving it an organic effortless look.