SPECIAL EDITION/GLAMOUR Women of the Year 2009

Prepping NYC's best beauty bloggers with makeup and hair prior to this red carpet event was the perfect introduction to an annual celebration of dedication. Check out the before & after pix of Amber Katz, Senior Beauty Editor at http://www.dailymakeover.com/. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being a part of GLAMOUR's Women of the Year Awards at the infamous Carnegie Hall. The event celebrates the accomplishments, dreams, and passions of a diverse group of women. This year's winners included First Lady Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Dr. Maya Angelou, Stella McCartney and Rihanna to name a few. My pro-team partner, Christy and I camped out at GLAMOUR's posh pink suite armed with beauty essentials from L'oreal Paris. We were ready (and excited) to play our part. After I refreshed Dr. Angelou's makeup, Kerry Washington and Tyra Banks came in for one last peek before presenting to the honorees. Unfortunately for me, these flawless beauties did not need my assistance! We sampled L'oreal's Telescopic Explosion Mascara...the new one with the tiniest wand to coat every single lash perfectly. True Match Concealer, Voluminious Mascara, and HiP Jelly Balms were all the rage along with Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss Gloss...Fave shade of the evening was #815 Barely Nude with promises of six (6) hours of wear, a great hue for just about any complexion! My take on it? A full dose of color with a hint of gloss that stamps color onto your lips...I'm up for putting it to the test personally.

SAY WHAT? The presenters and winners all shared experiences and words of wisdom throughout the event. However, two in particular stuck with me. Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations said "Talent, courage, and confidence are the best forms of beauty and young girls are that beauty -- the next generation." And Dr. Maya Angelou ended her acceptance speech by saying "Glamour is being beautiful to myself first...and then to anyone else who cares to see it." Profound truths all of us can take to heart.

For more great product from L'oreal, visit their site: http://www.lorealparisusa.com/.

Falls Femininity

Leafing through any September magazine can be quite the task. You'll find they are usually thick with advice on how to pepper in the latest trends without creating a fashion faux pas. Current fall looks pair ruffled chiffon blouses with pencil skirts, the boyfriend blazer and leggings with suede platform stilettos, and sexy sheath dresses with all season gladiators. Sound confusing? It's easy...remember what you wear should reflect your own personal style I.D.

The Girl Next Door: Simply put, basics abound! A clean silhouette with crisp fabrics are your focus combined with clean everyday makeup. The good-girl image is classic but style need not equate a uniform. Add an unexpected pop of color or a bold piece of jewelry for an easy update. Take a glance at http://www.clubmonaco.com/ or www.bananarepublic.com for trendsetting staples. Makeup Tip: If your routine lipcolor is a neutral tone, opt for a rich bordeaux for a fresh face.

The Office Vixen: Staples combine stilletos, form fitting ensembles and a pouty mouth! We all love to show off our inner kitten, just ensure the look is not overly done. Wearing your favorite sleeveless black dress with 4" heels? Soften the effect with a belted boyfriend sweater or an ultrasoft 3/4 sleeve cardigan. Play up your eyes with a deep bronze shadow (think: MAC Mulch $14 @ http://www.maccosmetics.com/ or for $19, try MAKE UP FOR EVER's Copper 54, a SEPHORA exclusive) a sweep of black eyeliner, and two coats of mascara.

The Edgy Angel: Skinny jeans, leather jacket, and a studded bag are essentials for you. But ruffles? Experiment with a pencil skirt with a sexy side ruffle or ruffled booties. Check out this pair...Camden Ruffled Bootie by L.A.M.B. @ http://www.endless.com/. You can also pair brights with black OR motorcycle boots with an opaque sweater dress for a sweet balance of naughty and nice! Fill in your lips with a vibrant color: MAC's Magenta Lip Pencil for $13 will compliment the look! Be sure to use a bit of balm beforehand.

The Fall Forecast: The cosmetic palette for this season should include:
* an inky mascara in navy or eggplant like Dior DiorShow Mascara in Plum.
* matte grey eyeshadow like Elizabeth Arden's Color Intrigue Eyeshadow in Smoke.
* full on/non-drying color like Revlon's Cherries in the Snow.
* luxe nail color from Essie's Fall Collection...my faves are Mink Muffs and Chinchilly.

For a private consultation, email me direct at tcrny@yahoo.com !

Swimsuit FX 09

It's officially bathing suit season. Finding just the right one is quite the task with so many options. Earth tones and neutrals are simply sexy, exotic patterns and bold neons will get you noticed, and there's nothing sweeter than floral prints on bronzed skin. As with all your wardrobe choices, you want something that reflects your personal style and fits properly. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for swimsuits.

• bold graphics and prints work best on slim beach beauties while subtle florals and petite patterns compliment buxom figures.
• a tankini with spandex in the waist flattens your tummy while a built in bra increases support, lifts and flatters an ample bosom.
• opt for string ties that allow you to make adjustments as needed to avoid the dreaded muffin top.
• a strategically placed ruffle on a bikini top enhances a small bust and adds curves at the hips on the bottom half.

SWIMSUIT SURVIVAL: A mild soap gently removes salt and chlorine without stripping fabric, weakening elasticity or fading color. At www.thelaundress.com/ you'll find a non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen free detergent designed especially for swimwear. Air dry your swimsuit instead of drying it...heat breaks down fabric and fades color over time.

FACE & BODY: Stay fully protected with sunblock and a sleek pair of shades with UV protection! Beach bag essentials include a tube of CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER OIL-FREE DAILY FACE PROTECTOR with SPF 25 --only $17 at the brand's site. Be sure to apply every two hours at minimum. Tame beach hair with SUMMER HAIR ZERO HUMIDITY FRIZZ CONTROL by FREDERIC FEKKAI. This alcohol free mist seals the hair cuticle to keep it sleek and shiny for $22 at select salons and department stores. Other options: a wide rimmed hat (think J.Lo) or a colorful scarf (bohemian babe). My favorite thing is to fully wet hair and slick it back w/ conditioner and gel! Très chic (and easy!!!) For those of us who can't bear to bare it all even at the beach, keep it simple. Sweep dark waterproof mascara on lashes, stroke a sheer shimmery pinky/bronze blush on the apples of your cheeks, and apply a hydrating salve to lips. ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM VINTAGE 1960's LIP PROTECTANT with SPF15 @ www.elizabetharden.com/. Grab your water bottle and a towel and you're all set to soak up some rays!!!

NOTE: Always open to recommendations! If there is a topic you want to know more about, please post your suggestions or questions on the blog OR email me direct @ catwalk226@gmail.com!

SPECIAL EDITION: Daddy Dearest

Who says we have to wait around til mid-month to celebrate the men in our life? Any day that we choose is ideal to show how much we care for them!

TIME AFTER TIME: They make wonderful gifts...fashionable and useful. In leather or stainless steel, a luxe or conventional brand, you can't go wrong with a good timepiece. Kenneth Cole New York Men's Strap Watch for $150 @ http://www.macys.com/ is simple and classic for days at the office. For a sporty option, the striped Lacoste Mainsail Men's Round Watch is water resistant and comes in three vibrant colors which compliment a stainless steel logo dial. Smart price: $235! http://www.lacoste.com/

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN: This cliche is so true...to an extent. A man in a tailored suit is a lovely sight indeed. But it only works for a man who conveys the proper attitude. Yes! Confidence...Swagger... Savoire faire! Coupled with good posture, it's a sure sign of self assurance since he won't be taken seriously if he slouches. For more grooming and etiquette tips, pick up a copy of MANIFEST X.O @ http://www.amazon.com/ for him.

BE THE BOSS: Make an executive decision with these traditional gifts. Check out http://www.thomaspink.com/ for shirts, cuff links, pocket squares and ties. Or http://www.theartofshaving.com/com/ for aromatherapy-based products, handcrafted accessories and expert shaving techniques to prevent ingrown hairs, razor burn and treat sensitive skin...a true value @ $100. Encourage a daily skin care regime as well. Kiehls' Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub sloughs away dead skin and minimizes skin irritations. Zirh Shave Cream landed the Men's Health Grooming Award 2009 in the best shave category -- known to reduce razor drag and burn! And yes, men need to moisturize too! L'Oreal's Men's Expert Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Moisturizer does the job and protects with SPF 15!

USE A BIT OF COMMON SCENTS: Gift sets are plentiful at our favorite department stores...Take advantage! Colognes paired with free duffel bags, shower gels or travel toiletries are a steal! Try Black by Kenneth Cole, Chrome by Azzaro or Sean John's I AM KING. These fragrances will surely make you want to linger a bit longer when he comes in the room!

WHAT EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE: Still floored for presents to present to the special man in your life??? These items are essentials for the modern man and make great gifts all year round!

* A monogrammed pen set
* A leather wallet or passport holder
* Brief case or laptop case
* A good cookbook

Hot Fun in the Summer Shine

EASY BREEZY SUMMER! Summer is all about fun and simplicity! Your summer makeup routine should be the same! Quick beauty buzzes: CoverGirl's New Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Mascara has light reflecting metallics to enhance your eye color in four shades of black. Try Black Gold for hazel eyes, Black Sapphire for baby blues, Black Pearl for brown eyes and if your eyes are green, Black Ruby works best for you. Go to www.covergirl.com/exact for more details. Pair with a subtle shadow for a polished look.

For lips, The Balm Shelter Tinted Gloss SPF 17 comes in a dozen shades. Each contains jojoba oil to smooth, moisturize, and protect your pout from damaging sun rays. Check the nearest Sephora. Also try L'Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Jelly Balms: six shades of sheer shine with a soft smooth texture! One of my personal faves! Liquid sun in a jar is what you'll find with NARS Body Glow -- rich chocolate shimmer in a lightweight absorbent oil...instant healthy glow! I like to apply it all over after a shower.

TIP: Before heading outdoors, we know sunscreen is a must! Without it, the sun strips away moisture and creates dull dehydrated skin. Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 15 with hemp seed oil has a non-whitening formula that dries down quickly. For easy travel and application, try Desert Essence Sunscreen Towelettes with SPF 30, infused with jojoba oil and Vitamin E. For $7.79 at http://www.drugstore.com/, the convenient container holds 25 wipes...a true triple threat as it prevents sunburn, is water resistant and perspiration resistant.

VARIOUS STAGES OF UNDRESS: "From the catwalk to the sidewalk..." The infamous quote familiar to fashionistas abroad. HOWEVER, not everything from a magazine or runway works in the real world! What does work for everyone? CONFIDENCE! I was in the West Village today and saw a medley of styles, trends, and a few eclectic ensembles. The folks downtown know that confidence is a necessory accessory. It is essential to your style mode!

FEMME FATALE 411:

1. Real style comes from your personality. Your style ID should shine through, not the model in an ad or your best friend's!
2. A proper fit is key to your body type, silhouette, and lifestyle.
3. Play with trends sparingly. Accessories and patterned ensembles add fun and sophistication, not overwhelm!
4. A full skirt or flared leg perfectly balances a fitted top and vice versa.
5. Flowy dresses read flirty and feminine. Off the shoulder tops and tunics are always sexy and gladiator sandals add an edge to any ensemble. (Sergio Rossi Momo Bis Painted Python Gladitor Sandal @ http://www.shopbop.com/w.shopbop.com/ -- sale $696.50) or Steve Madden Motif @ http://www.stevemadden.com/ -- sale $39.99).

Spring Flings -- Color Comes to Life

SPRING IS HERE! As we stroll through our neighborhood, we see blooms and blossoms in every hue imaginable. And of course, the color kaleidoscope is also playing out in cosmetics and fashion.

For face and body, adding radiance is simple! Bronzers and shimmer creams are a subtle approach to touchable sun-kissed skin. Sample CARGO's Limited Edition Water Resistant Bronzer at Sephora which has a unique silicone-coated talc that holds up to perspiration...good to know as the season heats up. Revitalize skin tone with Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder with SPF 10 for added protection. The delicate light reflectors found in Jergen's Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance Moisturizer gives you a healthy vibrancy as well as quenches dry skin. Slather it on after you shower for a silky finish.

Color blasts are showing up elsewhere too. Prescriptives U-Pick Refillable Compact puts YOU in control at the color wheel. Customize your own eye and cheek palette from an extensive shade range. With over 40 eye shadows and 20 cheek colors to choose from, you can switch them around to suit your mood. For the eco-friendly vixen, try Nvey Eco 5 Eyeshadow Palette. There's one palette to compliment just about every eye color. Check it out at http://www.natureofbeauty.com/ Sephora seemingly has THE best deal in town. For the low price of$22, you get their Limited Edition Color Play Palette...shadows, glosses, and bronzer in a sleek travel case AND all products are paraban free! Truly everything you need for fun, flirty spring looks.

TIP: To ensure eye makeup stays put, apply a cream shadow base to eyelids first. Try MAC Eye Paint, Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour or L'Oreal HiP Cream Shadow Paint in a neutral shade.

CHANGE CLOTHES & GO: Now's the time to color code your wardrobe. As we peel away bulky layers and show more skin, our color choices blossom into full effect. Sunny marigolds, bright blues, aqua greens and eye-popping oranges are the focus of collections from Allen B. Schwartz and Diane VonFurstenburg. Trendy and high-end retailers alike (from Club Monaco and H&M to Bloomies and Nordstrom) are go to shop stops for flirty ensembles and eye-catching accessories... Bangles by Kate Spade.

With all this talk about the explosion of color, let's not forget about the intensity of a crisp white ensemble. Pair with cool metallic jewelry or wooden inspired accessories and you're set to heat things up on your own!!!

http://www.essence.com /fashion_beauty/fashion/articles/cheap_chic_the_white_thing/

Photo courtesy of Essence.com

2009 BEAUTY & STYLE COMMITMENTS MARCH ON!!!!

Here we are in the middle of April. Many new year's resolutions have been lonnng forgotten. Still, we are committed to looking (and feeling) our best every day! So here's a friendly introduction to a beauty and style tutorial. Welcome to BEYOND BEAUTY...a go-to guide for recommendations and reminders for a simple approach to maximize your personal style!

CONFIDENCE! The best accessory to wear everyday...pair it with a fresh face and a hot outfit!

PAMPER YOURSELF! Simply put massages reduce stress, eliminate puffiness, and stimulate blood flow....For the full body indulgence, try hot stone, aromatherapy or a Swedish massage once or twice a month. Or melt stress away with a soothing hand or foot massage or have your honey give you a relaxing 15-minute back rub. Aaaaah!

USE COMMON SCENTS! Florals are the most popular with a soft and sweet approach. Orientals, my favorite, are lingering and sensual. Citrus scents are light and fresh. Those with aromatic notes combine citrus, lavender, sweet spices and patchouli for a sultry blend. Explore your options to find a fragrance that I.D.'s you.

MINIMIZE YOUR MORNING ROUTINE WITH MAXIMUM COLOR! Play up your best feature with a healthy dose of color. Add pout to your pucker with bold hues like rich berries, plush plums and ruby reds. Put a twinkle in your eye with shimmery eye liners. Let go of traditional colors like black and brown liners...experiment with purples, deep blues or forest greens. Simply rim the upper eyelid with your favorite shade, add mascara and go.

BLUSH IT UP! Blush can define cheek bones for a dramatic edgy look or brighten your face with a healthy glow. Powders are the easiest to apply. Use a fluffy brush with a full head for a radiant youthful flush. Or dab on a sheer creamy formula for a dewy finish and staying power. Minerals provide a beautiful natural healthy tone that works for all skin types including sensitive and problem-prone skin.

EXFOLIATE! Removing dry flaky skin is essential in maintaining your glow. A good facial regime should include daily cleansing and using an exfoliating product every three days. Products with enzymes gently remove dead skin cells. Products with Vitamin K and shea butter encourage cell repair, are anti-inflammatory and fade scars. Keep body parts soft and supple with scrubs that contain micro beads to stimulate cell reproduction. To combat itchy skin, always hydrate face and body with a good moisturizer.

KEEP NAILS NEAT! Whether it's a few days past a salon visit or it's a DIY mani/pedi in the comfort of our home, nail maintenance is a must! Prevent splits and chips by keeping your nails moisturized. Massage cuticles with rich creams containing Vitamin E and jojoba oils. Soak your fingertips (and tootsies) in warm water and olive oil for a few minutes to allow moisture to seep into nail bed. Square with rounded edges is the best shape for nails. Make manicures last by using neutral shades that don't show much wear. Wear gloves if you're washing dishes. And remember, dark colors take longer to dry so make sure you have a moment to linger.

THE NECESSARY ACCESSORY! Bejeweled bracelets, hammered cuffs, ethnic earrings...the jewelry options seem endless. Frame your face with a patterened scarf or one in a soft solid. Better yet, belt it out! Cinched at the waist or slouched at the hips...thick or thin, they funk up any outfit. Protect your peepers against harmful UV rays with a good pair of sunglasses for a little shady business. Flower power is THE intro to spring...find subtle approaches with watches, strappy sandals and or simply pin one on! A slouchy carryall, chain strap purse, sturdy tote or a bright bowler satchel is an essential way to bag it all. Simply piece together combos from your accessories collection to create your style code.

SLEEP! Finally, do NOT underestimate the power of a good night's rest to replenish and rejuvenate your skin and persona. Six to eight hours of shut eye is good for most of us...Pleasant dreams!!!