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/.