Mischo Beauty: More Beauty From Chanel's Makeup Creative Director, Peter Philips



I'm slowly making my way through my October issues, and to my surprise, Chanel's Creative Director, Peter Philips is covered by Marie Claire this month, as well as Elle! Inspiration for the brand's fall makeup collection was drawn from "Venice's crumbling facades and the shadowy, reflective shades of it's winding canals". The collection was then used to create the looks for Chanel's cruise show which consisted of- "exaggerated smoky eyes, satiny-matte pallor, and muted cheeks and lips". Be sure to check out:

- Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in DIABOLIC
- Chanel Eye Gloss Luminous Quadra Eye Shadow
- Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Sienna
- Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Mythic

I've added the eyeshadow and nail polish to my list of "must-haves"! The complete article can be found in the October issue of Marie Claire.

Source: Marie Claire Magazine, October 2009

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Mischo Beauty: Beauty Tips from Chanel's Makeup Creative Director, Peter Philips



I'm in transition right now- slightly reorganizing my life- and so I promise to get back to my regularly scheduled posts by end of week. But, in the meantime, I just read (in the October issue of Elle Magazine) how Chanel's Makeup Creative Director, Peter Philips, keeps it simple when prepping skin for makeup:

"I clean the face, spray it with Evian, and then apply Creme de la Mer. It's a very neutral moisturizer that works on everyone: If you have dry skin, use a bit more; if you tend to be oily, just use a small amount. It works better than a primer."

Love it!

Source: Elle Magazine, October 2009

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Mischo Beauty Loves Chanel's Noirs Obscurs Collection



So I'm paging through the first four pages of the October issue of Marie Claire, which happens to be filled with the CHANEL Collection Noirs Obscurs ad campaign featuring Malgosia Bela, and it's love at first sight! Yes, I'm loving this collection and Must. Have. It! From what little information I have, the collection includes mascara,



eye, lip and nail colors all inspired by "Mademoiselle Chanel's love of the color black". The nail color collection includes "Vendetta" which was part of the spring 2009 collection (which I have!). At any rate, the ad campaign notes that the new collection will be available at Nordstrom and Chanel.com, I'm assuming in October- due to the fact that it's the October issue.



I promise to follow-up with product images as soon as I have them! But, until then- what do you think? Love it?

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's MatteVelvet Collection



I've got to give it up to Zoya, because they never let us down! I'm still in love with the "Truth" & "Dare" fall 2009 collection and it's the reason that I'm late with telling you all about the MatteVelvet collection. This new collection includes three "shimmering mattes":

- Loredana (left)
- Dovima (center)
- Posh (right)

And what makes this collection unique is that it's not meant to be worn without a base or top coat, or a speed dryer. The finish should be "matte"! I apologize for not having swatches- I've been beyond busy lately- but trust me on this one, you'll love it!

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Mischo Beauty: LUSH Cosmetics' Grease Lightning & Dark Angels Facial Cleanser



The thing I love most about Lush Cosmetics is the fact that wherever you are, you KNOW when there's a retail store in the area before physically seeing it! The scent of the store is so distinct and enticing that you can't help but to go in and at least take a look around. Well, I'm happy to announce to those of you with oily/acneic skin types that Lush recently released Grease Lightning, an "oil zapping spot treatment" and Dark Angels Facial Cleanser.

Now I haven't tried these products- most of you know that my skin type is normal/combination (leaning more towards normal), but in an effort to present options for all skin types, I thought you all should know about these products. Oh, and after learning more about the ingredients I was convinced (both are vegan too!)!

Grease Lightning is formulated with witch hazel, thyme, calming rosemary, and antibacterial tea tree which all work together to eliminate blemishes and calm aggravated skin. Dark Angels Facial Cleanser is a combination of oil-absorbing charcoal, black sugar and anti-microbial rhassoul mud which gently exfoliates while ensuring a deep cleansing.

These products are definitely worth incorporating into a complete regimen (yes, don't forget your toner, mask, moisturizer, etc!) and I'd love to know if anyone has tried them! Please share your thoughts.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Beautisol's Dark Tanning System



If you spent any portion of the summer in the New York metro area, you know that summer lasted for about a week or two this year. And so, I'll be the first to admit that I've been slow to accept fall and have been somewhat longing for the warmth of summer. Well, what I won't have issues with, as we move into fall, is keeping up a bronzy glow- whenever I choose, since having tried Beautisol's Dark Tanning System. The system comes complete with:

- Summer Glow Dark Self-Tanning Lotion
- Go Slough Yourself Dual Action Scrub
- Two Pairs of Application Gloves
- A Detailed Set of Before/After-Use Instructions

There are a few things I loved about this self-tanning system: 1) There was no funky self-tanner scent before or after use (Yay!); 2) The instructions are very THOROUGH and EASY to follow (you should end with an evenly developed tan); 3) It comes with an exfoliant (I'm an exfoliant addict and strongly believe in the benefits!).

My resulting tan was a little too dark for my taste- I should have used the Gradual Tanning System, which allows for more control of the tan's development. Both tanning systems are free of parabens and formulated with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients, all of which are a plus!

You'll be excited to know that Beautisol has extended a 20% discount to Mischo Beauty readers. Take advantage of this promotion when you visit www.beautisol.com and enter promotion code 09BLMSC at check out.

- Questions about self-tanning vs. the sun? Find your answer here!
- Waxing before applying your self-tanner? Find out why it's NOT a good idea here.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray



L'Oreal Paris' Elnett Satin Hairspray is well known as a favorite of stylists all over the world and the good news for you is that it's now available nationwide beginning this September! I actually received mine a few days into fashion week, and it could not have come at a better time. The weather in New York was rainy and very humid, and yes, I was walking around with a lion's mane the first few days- so not cute at all!

I used the "Extra Strong Hold" formula and it definitely helped with the humidity. Now when the rain hits my hair, of course it's a wrap! The collection of Elnett Satin Hairspray formulas are available here.

- Have any idea of who my favorite L'Oreal Paris spokesmodel might be? Hint... she's a DIVA!
- Guess which L'Oreal Paris products failed for me (I'd love to help redesign/relaunch the products!).

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Mischo Beauty Loves Healthy Sexy Hair Products



I have to apologize to all of you for my late posts this week! Between recovering from fashion week, getting over a cold and transitioning- it's been somewhat challenging. But, life goes on! And so I'm happy to tell you about a few of the Healthy Sexy Hair products by Sexy Hair that I've been using. The products in this collection contain soy and wheat protein which both strengthen and nourish the hair. The regimen includes:

- Soy Milk Shampoo
- Soy Milk Conditioner
- Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner
- Soy Renewal
- Soy Paste



Most of you already know how much I love the Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner (I was first introduced to it while in cosmetology school and we use to fight over it!), and to that I must now add the Soy Milk Conditioner, which I found to be very moisturizing (it quickly softened up my hair!) and the Soy Renewal, which has many uses but worked best for me as a blow-drying serum.

The Healthy Sexy Hair collection is recommended for dry and chemically-treated hair, but can be used on all hair types. If you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave them in the comments section. I'll get right back to you! And, you may learn more at www.sexyhair.com.

- In need of a hairspray that fights humidity? Check this out now!
- Questions about your "hair type"? Oprah's stylist answers your questions here!

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Mischo Beauty: Eyelash Extensions at WINK Eyelash



During fashion week I was given the opportunity to experience a lash extension application at WINK Eyelash. Now this is the second time I've had lash extensions, so I pretty much knew what to expect. And so upon my arrival, Su (the owner) reviewed the lash extension menu with me, as well as aftercare procedures.



I was feeling a little adventurous, due to it being fashion week, and I selected the "Full BLING Set" which is up to 115 lashes. Now you're advised to set aside two hours for your appointment, but Gia, the lash expert who applied my lashes, finished the application in about an hour.



I was comfortable and relaxed during the procedure and to my surprise, I was given the most AMAZING hand, arm and foot massage towards the end of the application. The massage was so great, that I almost rolled right off the table! Seriously! I was more than pleased with the final look and have been receiving compliments since then!

I love that WINK's website is full of information about the process, before & aftercare instructions, and answers just about every question you might have. So for those of you who've never has extensions, I'd suggest you check them out.

So, what do you think? Let me know!

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Mischo Beauty Says Goodbye to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010



Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's backstage was truly the beauty lover's frontstage! I hope you all enjoyed my coverage- I know I had a ball! A very special thank you to all who worked so very hard to make it happen. I can't wait to see what's in store for the Fall 2010 collections next February!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Frederic Fekkai & Proenza Schouler Spring 2010



The goal for the hair look at Proenza Schouler was natural, sexy and sun-kissed. Lead stylist for Frederic Fekkai, Didier Malige, created beachy, tousled waves by using three key products- Fekkai Beachcomber Leave-in Conditioner, Fekkai Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray and Fekkai Coiff Magnifique Ultra-Light Finishing Creme. To view the overall look for Proenza Schouler, click here.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: CND & Diego Binetti Spring 2010



CND created the nail look for Diego Binetti's Spring 2010 runway show using the new Colour & Effects collection, which is a full spectrum palette of 50 new creme colours including sheer, semi-sheer and opaque neutrals, pinks, darks and brights from the whitest white to the blackest black. It also includes a collection of three chrome shades to round out the range.



The nail look for Diego Binetti mimicked a sunrise using CND's Studio White, Ivory Coast and Electric Orange (above photo), and Thai nights using CND's Inkwell, Ice Blue Shimmer and colorful rhinestone embellishments (top photo). The looks created are nothing less than AMAZING, and you must click here to see how they complemented the collection!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Leonardo Manetti of ION Studio for Davines & Timo Weiland Spring 2010



As most of you already know, I'm a huge fan of Davines products and I was happy to learn that they'd partnered with Leonardo Manetti of ION Studio to create the hair look for Timo Weiland's Spring 2010 presentation. The half-up hair look was inspired by blending the Edwardian Era with New Romanticism.



To achieve the look, Leonardo used three key Davines products: Defining Texturizer, Defining Volume Mousse and Glam Power spray. Leonardo discusses the look with Elle.com during a pre-fashion week hair test with designers Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Nexxus & Vivienne Tam Spring 2010



Kevin Mancuso, creative director for Nexxus Salon Hair Care, created the hair look for Vivienne Tam's Spring 2010 runway show. He created a chic look, inspired by the natural glamour of the 70's and free-spirited Woodstock generation, with free-formed waves and a voluminous silhouette. His styling products of choice were Nexxus Gorgeous Curls (a light weight curl enhancing foam) and Nexxus Comb Thru (flexible hold and shine mist).

I'm loving the shine in the model's hair- so much so I think I may need to add Nexxus Comb Thru to my list of products to try! To view the overall look for Vivienne Tam's Spring 2010 runway show, click here.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: MAC Cosmetics & ARISE Promise of Africa Collective Spring 2010



While I'm still sad that I received my invitation well after the show's date (I really wanted to see this show!), I wanted to at least let you all know that MAC Cosmetics created the makeup look. According to Essence.com, the models were given "glossy eyes and lips, with a dewy shimmery skin finish". To view the overall look for the ARISE Promise of Africa Collective, click here.

photo credit: Essence.com

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Milani Cosmetics & Cesar Galindo Spring 2010



The look for makeup and nails for Cesar Galindo's Spring 2010 collection was inspired by a futuristic point of view, combining the female cast of Aliens with the TV Show Dynasty- interesting, right?! Makeup was lead by celebrity makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff using Milani Cosmetics. And, as you can see, both eyes and lips were the focus of this look.



Ashunta used Milani's Runway Eyes Fashion Shadow Kit 07 Ready to Wear (using one of the gold eye shawdow bars) and mixed it with Milani's Buzz Worthy Lip Gloss 02 Busy Bee to create the metallic gold lip.



Celebrity manicurist Melissa Bozant created the nail look by using Milani's 3D Holographic 509 HD (launching in February 2010) and 3D Holographic 3D 510 with additional highlights using 701 Art of Gold. What I love about both makeup and nails, is that Milani Cosmetics are available at just about any drugstore nationwide, so anyone can recreate the looks. To view the overall look for Cesar Galindo's collection, click here.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Sebastian Professional & Diego Binetti Spring 2010



I loved, loved, loved the hair look created for Diego Binetti's runway show and was told that it was inspired by the "unique individualism and carefree youth" of Binetti's Spring 2010 collection. The Sebastian Professional stylist design team was led by Thomas Dunkin who created a "Grecian-inspired updo" by adding disarry to structured braids for a modern twist.



To thicken and add texture to the hair, Dunkin used Sebastian Professional's Thickefy Foam and Microweb Fiber, which both are weightless and allow the hair to remain soft for easy styling.



Sebastian Professional's Shine Define, the ultimate versatile hairspray, was used for a shiny finish and lasting, but flexible hold. To view the overall look for Diego Binetti's collection, click here.

- Need a shampoo & conditioner for dry, frizzy hair? Check out Sebastian Professional's Drench!
- I love Sebastian's Re-Shaper and here's why!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Darphin, Stila Cosmetics/Beauty.com & Lela Rose Spring 2010



The lead makeup artist for Lela Rose was Sarah Lucero for Stila/Beauty.com. She explained that the theme of the look was the beach- soft, natural and glowing. With the eyes being the focus, Sarah applied Convertible Color in Camelia, Duo Shadow in Cobalt and Major Major Mascara in Black.



Now I almost did a cartwheel when I learned that the skin had been prepped using skincare products by Darphin! You all know how much I LOVE skincare and am always encouraging you to step up your skincare regimen. Darphin offers you an assortment of products to address every skincare type/issue. I've recently become addicted to the Age-Defying Lip Balm because it's both hydrating and nourishing.



To view the overall look for Lela Rose, click here.

- Questions about an at-home skincare regimen? Check out my suggested regimen here!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: CUTLER & Toni Maticevski Spring 2010



Since I barely made it backstage for Toni Maticevski, I was only able to cover the nails by Zoya. Well lucky for me, it just so happened that I was given a front row seat for the show! Woot-woot! And of course in my excitement I couldn't decide whether to photograph the clothes, shoes or hair!



Well I fell in love with the hair and the decision was made! Rodney Cutler of CUTLER Salon was the creative director for hair, which was a modern interpretation of the classic french roll, adorned with jeweled barrettes and flowers. The look perfectly complemented the collection.



You may view the entire look for Toni Maticevski here.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Wella Professionals & Thakoon Spring 2010



Wella Professionals makes my absolute favorite conditioner in the whole wide world- Power Mask (it's currently the Mischo Beauty Hair Treatment of the Month) and so when I heard they were leading the direction for hair for Thakoon, there was no way I could not cover it! Thakoon's collection is described as "warrior-surf" and so the goal for the hair look was "sumo wrestler meets surfer".



A sleek, tight-to-the-head "seventh samurai" ponytail was sculpted on the top half, while leaving out loose, textured ends in a knot. The bottom half of the hair was left free-flowing, with added waves, down the back.



Customized colored extensions were created for 35 models to add dimension and help form the overall shape. The extensions added blocks of color and a natural color contrast which complemented each models' natural hair color. Eugene Souleiman and Eva Scrivo lead the Wella Professionals Team. You may view the complete Thakoon collection here.

- Don't miss what Wella Professionals recently shared with me regarding women and coloring their hair!
- Looking for a great leave-in conditioner? Click here to see which one I recommended for Beyonce!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Ted Gibson & Lela Rose Spring 2010



I have to admit that THE highlight of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for me was meeting THE Ted Gibson (pictured above)! You see he's been an inspiration to me since first reading about him in Suede Magazine back in 2004. Since then I've been following him and am in awe at the beauty empire he's created (two salons, beauty products, his role on "What Not To Wear", etc.).



He doesn't know it, but he had an impact on my deciding to go to cosmetology school in pursuit of my dreams! Ted was the creative lead for hair for Lela Rose and the look he created was a "textured, beachy chic ponytail" which looked soft and effortless. He used "Build It Blow Drying Agent" and "Beautiful Hold Hairspray" along with the Ted Gibson Professional Hair Dryer to create texture and body.



The final look was held secure with a ponytail holder, with hair wrapped around it and secured with bobby pins. To view the overall look for Lela Rose, click here.

- Click here to learn what Ted Gibson taught me about Mason Pearson hair brushes.
- I recommended Ted Gibson's Brazen Brown Shampoo & Conditioner for Beyonce- and this is why!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: NARS & Marc Jacobs Spring 2010



The makeup look for the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear runway show was inspired by the contemporary dancer, Martha Graham- "old-fashioned and theatrical but graceful and precise. This translated into a "left over stage makeup" look for the runway show. The models weren't meant to have perfect makeup- a "just came off-stage" look was the goal and it was achieved!



The focus of the look was the eye. According to Francois Nars, the shape of the eyeliner was most important- it was meant to open the eyes, especially underneath. NARS' Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil was used to enhance the eye.



I loved the soft, muted lip! NARS' Pop Life Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, which is new for Holiday 2009, was used on both upper and lower lips, adding an extra layer to the top lip so that it appeared darker. To view the entire look along with the complete collection, click here.

- Have you ever tried NARS' lipstick or lip gloss? Here are two of my favorites!
- Find out what stopped me dead in my tracks while out searching for NARS' Turkish Delight lip gloss.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Tarte Cosmetics & Hayden-Harnett Spring 2010



The Tarte artistry team created the look for Hayden-Harnett's Spring 2010 presentation. The collection was inspired by a nomadic journey through lava fields and desert landscapes, which translated into a makeup look of a warm complexion with a strong, geometric brow and soft lip.



Though the focus of the look was on the strong brow, I loved that the remainder of the look was kept natural-looking, with a hint of glow. The brow look was created using Tarte's emphasEYES for Brows High Definition Brow Pencil and The Toolbox Brow Know-How Eyebrow Kit.



The "hint of glow" that I absolutely loved, was created using Tarte's Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Ave Princess and Natural Cheek Stain in Green Siren.

- Have you tried Tarte's Natural Cheek Stain? If not, learn more about it here.
- Are you in need of a "hint of glow"? Check out Tarte's Sunburst Face Beaded Bronzing Facial Moisturizer.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Zoya Nail Polish & Toni Maticevski Spring 2010



The nail look for Toni Maticevski's Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear collection was created by celebrity manicurist Skyy Hadley, using Zoya Nail Polish's "Midori" layered with a thin coat of "Bekka". The combination of the cool metallic green layered with a "lemon yellow-lime" was a pleasant surprise!


The final nail look complemented the collection perfectly by giving it a tiny accent of beautiful, shimmery color. "Bekka" is described as a "multi-dimensional metallic lemon yellow-lime with a gilded sparkle finish".



Zoya's "Armor" was used as a top coat to provide a glossy, flawless finish. You may view the entire look for Toni Maticevski here.

- Did you miss Zoya Nail Polish's "Ooh-La-La" collection? If so, view it here.
- Click here to see how Zoya Nail Polish partnered with Rachel Roy for her Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: CVS/Pharmacy Reinventing Beauty Lounge at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory



CVS/Pharmacy hosted a "Reinventing Beauty Lounge" as part of Robert Verdi's Lux Laboratory during fashion week and the timing couldn't have been more perfect! If you've been following me on Twitter, then you probably know that the first couple of days of fashion week started off cold and rainy- add achy feet to that, and you know why this lounge was perfect.



We were treated to makeup touch-up, blow outs, manicures and given the opportunity to view some of the latest product offerings. While I've tried most of the brands that were presented, new for me was Essence of Beauty- which is CVS/Pharmacy's own brand. Never knew that! The next time you're in CVS, you need to check out the Jasmine Ginger hand cream by Essence of Beauty. The scent is amazing!


Most of you already know how much I loved Sally Hansen's Hi-Definition nail polish collection. Well, for my manicure I choose the limited edition, newly released "Opulent Cloud" designed by Tracy Reese to compliment her Fall 2009 Ready-To-Wear collection. It's a gray with tiny flecks of gold, and it looks so chic on! I think just about every other person who received a manicure the day I was there chose this color.



And a very HUGE thank you for car service to and from the CVS/Pharmacy "Reinventing Beauty Lounge" which was provided by Mercedes Benz- because as you can see, the rain would not go away!

- Did you miss the Sally Hansen Tracey Reese collaboration for Spring 2009? If so, check out the photos here.

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