Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101

If you watched last night's Emmy Awards, then you probably saw Christina Hendrick's signature red hair, which always looks amazing! I tweeted that everyone should go "red" this fall, but realistically speaking we all know that the best haircolor for you is the one that complements your skin tone and works for your lifestyle.

And with that said, let's review the basics of haircolor. It falls into four categories: temporary, semipermanent, demipermanent, and permanent.

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

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.

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.

Permanent Haircolor:
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 Award: 2010 Emmy Awards

The Mischo Beauty Award for the 2010 Emmy Awards goes to Christina Hendricks, supporting actress nominee for her role in "Mad Men". Wearing a lilac Zac Posen gown, with her signature red hair, Christina's makeup was inspired by Mia Farrow's iconic character from "The Great Gatsby." Celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali gave use the details on Christina's look:

Face:
Vanessa prepped the skin with Lancome's La Base Pro. To perfect Christina's already luminious skin, Vanessa used Lancome's new Teint Miracle Lit-From-Within Makeup. "It has an amazing transparent quality that leaves the skin looking flawless and luminous without being shy," said Vanessa. "I applied it with a brush and then blended with my fingers." Blending with her fingers heated up the foundation a bit, allowing for a seamless finish. Vanessa followed with Effacernes Concealer under the eyes, her "all time favorite concealer."

Cheeks:
For a fresh pop of color I used Lancome's Blush Subtil Shimmer in Pink Pool on the apples of her cheeks. Dabs of Giorgio Armani Beauty's Fluid Sheer #2 highlighted Christina's cheekbones.

Eyes:
The eye shadow was a mix of YSL's Ombre Solo Eyeshadow in Cashmere Brown and Midnight Black. "I applied there all over her lid, under the bottom lashes and blended it out past her natural lash line to softly elongate the eye," reported Vanessa.

Eye Liner:
To define and elongate the lash line, Vanessa lined the eyes with Lancome's Le Crayon Khol in Black. "I used a touch of liner under her bottom lashes but smudged it for a softer look," said Vanessa. For added depth, Vanessa used Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Noir at the very base of Christina's lashes.

Mascara:
Several generous coats of Lancome's Definicils Waterproof Mascara in Black were used on the top and bottom lashes.

Lips:
Christina's lips were a mix of Lancome lip colors for an effect that Vanessa described as "red with a little dash of pink." A sheer coat of Color Design Matte Lipstick in Corset was topped by Laque Fever Lipshine in Cyber Coral.

I loved her look! Who was your favorite and why?

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Karen Robinovitz: Founder & Creatrix, Purple Lab

I've been following the founder of Purple Lab, Karen Robinovitz, for over a year now since being introduced to her first product launch, Huge Lips Skinny Hips. And I must say, she's a woman after my own heart! We have somewhat similar paths in that we both attended college in Atlanta, were both pre-med majors, but most importantly we share a passion for beauty and beauty entrepreneurship.

Over the past year, not only have I witnessed the amazing take off of Huge Lips Skinny Hips, but Karen has also successfully launched a collection of foundations, concealers, blushes, eyeliners, mascaras and of course, a complete range of lip products. Great products, along with an amazing marketing/social media campaign have landed Purple Lab on HSN!

And with all that said, I'm sure you can see why she's a huge inspiration and an amazing role model- and that's why she is this week's "Mischo Beauty Superstar". To learn more about Karen and Purple Lab, check out the website , Facebook page, and follow her and Purple Lab on Twitter. Oh, and be sure to let me know if you've tried any Purple Lab products. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty: Thierry Mugler Womanity Perfume Collection

My interest was piqued when first learning that Thierry Mugler's newest fragrance, Womanity, was a combination of citrus, fig, caviar and wood. And after seeing the bottle design, I knew I had to try it! Of the collection, which includes the Eau de Parfum Spray, Shower Gel, Body Milk, and Body Cream, my favorite is the shower gel. If you're into sweet, woodsy, unique scents, then this collection is for you.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation

So you all probably know by now that Sam Fine is my absolute favorite makeup artist in the whole wide world, right?!!! And so when he says he loves a product, I'm running to check it out. This was definitely the case with Black Opal's True Color Stick Foundations. Luckily for me, I was able to use the entire color range of stick foundations during a makeup class I completed a week ago. And the results were flawless applications!

What I loved most about using the foundations is that the coverage is buildable. So if sheer coverage is your desired look, then use your fingers and apply sparingly. And if you need full coverage, then continue to apply until satisfied.

I learned that in most cases you'll probably need two shades to achieve the most natural look. My models' complexions varied- but most were lighter near the nose/cheek areas, and darker near the hairline/jawline areas. I'm impressed with this collection and feel it's definitely worth a try!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beautyliciousness...

I've been a fan of Tamia's for years now and I love that her look is always natural and fresh. And with that said, I'm on a quest to find out her beauty regimen, so please stay tuned! Love, love, love her dress in this photo... wouldn't you agree?!!

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Mischo Beauty Loves the Clarisonic Mia

It's been about two years since I first introduced you to the Clarisonic Skincare Brush. And since then, if you've been following me on Twitter, you know that I tweet almost weekly about my mini-facial regimen, which most definitely includes the use of this brush!

Well I think it's time you met the Clarisonic Mia, which is a smaller version of the classic brush and perfect for those of you who love to travel. This new one-speed brush fits perfectly inside a makeup bag, which means there's never a need to skimp on your skincare regimen. And you all know I swear by a consistent skincare regimen, right?! The Clarisonic Mia is a hands down must-have, period!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cleanser & Lotion

This set is great for those mornings (like today for me) where you'd rather stay in bed watching movies all day. The lemon scent is citrusy- not too strong, actually just right- making the set a great morning pick-me-up.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Karen's Body Beautiful

If you're wondering how to get gorgeous hair now (yes, that's the headline for the August issue of ELLE UK- and so appropriate for this post!), then you need to seriously consider checking out the collection of hair products by Karen's Body Beautiful. I'm using the regimenUltimate Conditioning Shampoo, Complete Hair Conditioner, Sweet Ambrosia and Butter Love- and my naturally dry, Type 4 hair loves it!

I'm proof that these products work for all hair types/issues. I'm 3 months post-texturizer, have 3 inches of new growth and the midshaft to ends of my hair are relaxed. So yes, these products work for a variety of hair types and needs. And, this specific regimen is recommended for hair prone to dryness, which definitely meets my needs.

The collection is free of parabens, sulfates and mineral oil, and is formulated with ingredients such as olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and apricot kernel oil. If that isn't a formula for gorgeous hair, then I don't know what is! Wouldn't you agree?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

After tweeting last Sunday about my mini-facial regimen, I received quite a few emails requesting recommendations of a good mask. But, before I suggest a mask, I always need to know your skin type because generally there are two types of masks I recommend: setting & non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base- harden, dry, absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks can be used for normal, dry or sensitive skin and are primarily nourishing, hydrating and soothing.

Benefits of masks include some of the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Assist in clearing of blemishes
4. Hydrate & nourish the skin
5. Calm & soothe the skin

I personally use a combination of both mask types. I use a setting mask on my oily t-zone and a non-setting mask everywhere else. So there you have it!

Please continue to email your questions! Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Karen Tappin-Saunderson: Founder, Karen’s Body Beautiful

Since you all have been following my blog for some time now, you already know that there's nothing I love more than beauty entrepreneurs. And so, I'm happy to introduce you to Karen Tappin-Saunderson, the founder of Karen’s Body Beautiful and this week's "Mischo Beauty Superstar". The Karen's Body Beautiful collection (hair and body products) was launched in 2004 and now is available via the chic boutique (located in Brooklyn, NY) and online at karensbodybeautiful.com.

Not only are these products natural and good for you (they're free of parabens, sulfates and mineral oil), but they're formulated with ingredients such as olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and apricot kernel oil which only results in needed moisture and nourishment. I've used a fabulous regimen consisting of the Ultimate Conditioning Shampoo, Complete Hair Conditioner, Sweet Ambrosia and Butter Love- and my Type 4 hair loved it (complete review coming soon)!

To learn more, check out Karen's website, join her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. And, most importantly, be sure to let me know if you've tried her products. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway Winner: Lancôme's Tropiques Minerale Smoothing Loose Mineral Bronzer

And so without further delay, I'm happy to announce that the winner is:

#1 Jamie @ Rural Glamour

A very special thank you to everyone who entered!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Lancôme's Tropiques Minerale Smoothing Loose Mineral Bronzer

Today's the last day of the makeup class I've been taking for the last 6 weeks. And so to celebrate, I'm giving away Lancome's "Tropiques Minerale" Mineral Smoothing Loose Bronzer in "Natural Golden". It's a silky smooth bronzing powder, worn with or without foundation. The color payoff is a bronzy glow and it works with all complexions. I love it on myself and have used it on many models of varying skin tones during the course of my makeup class.

So who's interested in trying this out and reporting back (by leaving a comment) your thoughts? Simply leave a comment below- no later then 11:59pm today (August 6th) and a winner will be chosen at random. If selected as a winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: MAC Senior Artist, Fatima, Creates The Perfect Red Lip

"The Perfect Red Lip" it absolutely is! Loving that the tutorial is simple and easy- anyone can achieve this look! Don't you agree? Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Beautyblender

There are so many schools of thought with regards to the best way to apply makeup- specifically foundation. I follow some of the top celebrity makeup artists and each has their own preferred method. Some prefer using their fingers, some prefer brushes and some prefer sponges. Well, the preferred method isn't really up for debate because each of these artists have portfolios that will take your breath away.

What I will say is that beauty entrepreneur and celebrity makeup artist, Rea Ann Silva loves sponges so much so, that she created a custom sponge called the Beautyblender. It works to give you a flawless finish and perfect blend- without leaving streaks or wasting makeup. I've used Beautyblender a few times and I do like my results. But I will say that because I'm currently taking a makeup class and my instructor swears by the finger application, that I do still use my fingers as well.

What's your preferred method of application? Fingers, brushes, or sponges? Have you tried Beautyblender?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Milani Neon Nail Lacquers

I LIVE for bright summer nail colors- neons included. And so I can't believe that I'm just now sharing Milani's Neon Nail Lacquer collection and it's August! The colors are beautiful and the color payoff is worth the price. What I love most about the Milani brand is that the store displays are always neat and stocked (not sure if the drugstore or a Milani representative is responsible for that?) - which makes them easy to shop!

At any rate, the neon collection includes the following (from left to right):

- Pink Hottie
- Pink Rocks!
- Techno Red
- Awesome Orange
- Totally 80's
- Fresh Teal
- Dude Blue

My favorite- Pink Hottie! The collection is available and in stores now. Don't miss out!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty School: Toners 101

I've received quite a few emails lately asking me if toners are a necessary step in a skincare regimen. And in response, I prepared this post in hopes that it will answer most, if not all, of your questions. Toners, fresheners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product. But, it is important to note that the products do have different properties and vary by strength and alcohol content.

Most often these liquids are used after cleansing, just before moisturizer is applied. If using during a mini-facial, for instance, then multiple applications are required. Toners are applied by using a cotton ball/pad or by spraying directly onto the skin. Most fall into the following categories below:

- Fresheners: Beneficial for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Often have the lowest to no alcohol content.

- Toners: Beneficial for normal and combination skin. Very low alcohol content; tones or tightens the skin.

- Astringents: Beneficial for oily and acneic skin. Higher alcohol content; helps remove excess oil on the skin, but can be too drying and may cause more harm than good.

Benefits:

- Removes residue left behind by cleansers.
- Restores the skin's natural pH after cleansing or other treatments.
- Prepares the skin for increased product absorption.
- May improve certain skin conditions (some toners contain vitamins/antioxidants, etc.).

So there you have it! Please feel free to email me with any questions. Love your skin.

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