You Rocked Red Right!

Red is a color that's impossible to ignore. Some BSBB readers do not own anything red... at all. For others, the crimson hue is a favorite. It's not a color for the timid. It's a daring shade that brings drama and gets you noticed.

And obviously, it stirs mixed emotions. Descriptions that came in:

Confident.

Fierce.

Sexy.

Loud.

See how red is revamped by these ladies.

(One of the first ladies to submit a photo): KB felt like tropical Barbie, sassy & rockalicious.

Supreme T felt "oh so sexy!" lounging in these DONALD J. PLINER shoes. As her avatar, she's fearless. And while enjoying a cocktail, she's fabulous.

YW feels bold and knotty (read: naughty) with this carryall while Lola feels "invigorating" on her morning commute.

Still, love comes to mind for most of us. Like it did for this group at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection/Fashion Week Fall 2010. Here's to the love of all things beauty...

(photo credits/EXPOSEY.com)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Event

Don't miss this exclusive event at SEPHORA Soho for pro products and services from the cult fav makeup artists love -- MAKE UP FOR EVER .

MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutique & Studio Event

WHEN: Fri October 1st

WHERE: 555 Broadway btwn Prince & Spring Streets/NYC 10012

PHONE: 212/625-1309

PROMO: First 100 clients receive Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick /#43 and complimentary makeover (as shown).

Savings on Shoes & More -- Limited Time Only

Shop NINEWEST Shoes (in store and online) for 30% off regular priced items/20% on sale items. Sales ends Monday Oct 4th.

Don't miss the VINCE CAMUTO Fall Collection on HSN Oct 1st at 9:00 pm EST -- haute shoes, accessories and more.

And finally, BLOOMINGDALES Friends & Family Event has something for everyone. Savings on almost everything online and in store. Save 20% on home purchases too until Sunday Oct 3rd. Use promo code FALLFRIEND at checkout plus free shipping on orders $300 or more.

Enjoy!

The Tools

Want to know the secret to flawless makeup application? It's the brushes! Some recommend applying foundation or shadow with your fingertips. Brushes give you a professional touch for seamless blending and a natural finish plus you don't have to worry about the natural oils in your fingertips foiling the look.

DILLARDS celebrates Beauty Week until October 2nd. Select from top brands like Dior, Clinique, and Estee Lauder. These brushes are made of natural quality hairs to pick up just the right amount of product with minimal (if any) shedding.


INVEST IN:

• The Clinique Foundation Brush -- A flat tapered brush with natural bristles ensures even application. And it's antibacterial for maximum hygiene/$30.
• The Dior Backstage Powder Brush -- For face, eyes, and cheeks it's the perfect blending brush/$52.
• The Lancome Dual End Liner & Shadow Brush #18 -- Performs double duty as a liner and shadow brush for maximum definition/$31.50.
• The Pur Minerals Utility Brush -- Applies pressed or loose mineral makeup to hard-to reach areas in need of superior coverage (think under-eye)/$16.00.

Click here for additional choices. Brushing up on beauty was never easier.

(photo from Dillards.com)

GOGO Argan

Argan is the ultimate conditioner and seemingly, all purpose beauty ingredient. What's new with the magic base? Josie Maran introduces us to GOGO INSTANT NATURAL VOLUME ARGAN MASCARA. The protein rich Argan oil conditions and supports lash growth. Its special patented Triple V Brush builds thickness for a full fringe of plush carbon lashes. Won't smear, smudge, flake or clump.

GOGO Campaign "Get One, Give One" -- Teaming up with City of Hope, cancer research treatment and education institution, Josie Maran Cosmetics donates one tube of mascara to a City of Hope cancer patient/survivor with each purchase (up to 5,000 units). Afterwards,until Aug 2012, $1 will be donated to the City of Hope research, treatment, and education of women's cancers (minimum donation/$25,000).

Go Go Green: The mascara is never tested on animals and free of many ingredients like parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances and dyes, sulfates, and other unfriendly agents.

Each purchase can boost self esteem, make someone look beautiful and feel a little more confident. Beauty for a cause is a wonderful thing/$22 @ Sephora.

Let the Rain Come Down

The Empire State forecast includes lots of rain this week. Make a splash in stylish rain boots that stamp your style.

The WELLINGTON Original Tall Woman Collection is a standard for rain boots/$125. Able to accessorize with the Welly Sock -- a fold over micro-fleece insert that keeps your feet warm and the boot fitted for comfort. Personalize and update your Wellies every season! Check out the Huntress boot for a wide calve version of the classic and also selections for men. Avail at www.usa.hunter-boot.com.

FESSURA Rain Boots are likened to a work of art -- they're clear! This lightweight boot comes with a pair of striped stockings AND a matching tote . Roomy enough to store the boots and a small umbrella/$114.90. Avail here.

Other designers to consider include KAMIK lined with breathable fleece for added warmth; COLE HAAN with Nike Air Technology, and the always iconic BURBERRY & VALENTINO selections. Prices range from $80 to 295.

(Pictures courtesy of Glamour, Nordstrom and Valentino sites.)

The One Gentleman

Dolce & Gabbana's latest potion celebrates twenty years of menswear. I admit to being a fan of most of their colognes. They're so provocative and sensual. Most recently, I'm taken by THE ONE. (I am infamous for sneaking a spritz or two at home.) But will I be able to handle another?

THE ONE GENTLEMAN is the new fragrance from D&G. It gives homage to a real gentleman: simply elegant and iconic. Expect notes of grapefruit, fennel, pepper, lavender and cardamom while the base is vanilla and patchouli. Perfect for the one with traditional masculinity and modern swagger.

A perfumed body collection will accompany the line. Purchase 1 oz and 1.6 oz now at ulta.com/$42 to $57.

Fall Forecast -- Part Deux

ALTERNATIVES TO BASIC BLACK

A fresh update to black is: BLUE. This season, fashionable shades range from a vibrant blue to a rich navy. Play up the color in shiny patent leather, ultra smooth suede or warm wool.

COBALT: Stash the classic black pumps in the closet for a while. Colin Stuart for Victoria Secret's Catalogue/$49 @ victoriassecret.com.

MIDNIGHT: Convertible drawstring hobo bag in blue suede. Zippered top with interior, wall and cell phone pockets. Sorial "Tanya" Suede Drawstring Hobo/$188 @ nordstrom.com.

INDIGO: Military inspired navy button-up coat is an easy-to-wear fall cover up. See By Chloe Wool Blend Coat/$995 @ net-a-porter.com. Whether you wrap it up or belt it out, you should try this "cool" color.

DIOR Rouge for Color Explosion

Playing it safe with sheer lip color is so last season. Amp things up this fall with bold colors. Enter DIOR Rouge Dior Lip Color.

Luxurious signature DIOR packaging houses moisturizing, long wearing lipstick in 32 shades. The creamy formula is packed with pigment to ensure color stays in place. Eye-catching colors can stand alone...so keep other makeup minimal. Shop Sephora or department stores/$30.

Shown left to right: Mysterious Mauve, Rouge Blossom, Rouge Favori and Ara Red.

Ginger + Liz Nail It!

My first glance at GINGER + LIZ was in Ebony Magazine. The article featured the pair as NY based entrepreneurs (my soft spot). Shortly afterwards, swatches from their collection and pictures of "polished" celebs were showcased in my favorite magazines...InStyle, People, Jones, Essence, and....well, you get the picture.

The brand is a collection of vegan friendly/toxin-free lacquers in a variety of shades and textures. The luxe colours are sold exclusively at specialty spas and salons. Hmm...that means I must make my way down to The Back Room Hand & Foot Spa in Harlem to pick up Royal Flush. For a location near you, click here.

GINGER + LIZ is for every woman: eclectic and edgy or refined and feminine...there's a hue that reflects the woman in us all.

(photo from www.gingerandliz.com)

A Neutral Stand

Care to tone things down a bit for fall? STILA Natural Beauty Eye Shadow Palette does just that. It's thirteen shades -- some shimmers, some mattes -- all with a hint of color. To define the eye, you also have the option of deeper tones to kick up the look a notch for a very soft smoky eye.

QUICK HOW TO:

1. Prep the lid with with an eye primer to ensure lid is oil free (diminishes creasing).
2. Line eyes with dark brown/soft black liner at upper and lower lash lines. Smudge it a bit to soften the line or forgo the liner altogether.
3. Apply the lightest shade all over lid to brow bone.
4. Gently brush on mid-tone color at lower and upper lash line.
5. Apply darker shade to outer corners toward the crease.
6. Blend well inward (try MAC's #222 Tapered Blending Brush).
7. Dab the lightest shade at the inner corner of eye for "light."
8. Stroke on mascara to define lashes.

The shadow palette is available exclusively at www.ulta.com for $22.

Men -- Think PINK!

THOMAS PINK, that is.

It is the place for classic shirting and accessories. A shirt purchase is a guarantee for quality craftsmanship for your every need: business, casual, formal and slim fit. Comparing PINK shirts to other brands, you can see the difference in patterns, textures, and tailoring. Their shirts could be the closest thing to custom made.

And know that THOMAS PINK is more than shirts...sweaters, cuff links, boxers, jackets and ties. You even get an online tutorial for a full Windsor - click here. Investing in key pieces here is so worth it. Pricing begins at approximately $105.

The Style Checklist

Fashion authority, LLOYD BOSTON, hosts Closet Cases, writes for ESSENCE Magazine What To Wear Now and contributes to PEOPLE Style Watch Magazine. This month, the style guru released a guide that we can live by -- The Style Checklist: The Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials for You.

Page after page, he encourages women to invest in items that are truly timeless for style that is individual and iconic. According to LLOYD, every women should:

• have a polished wallet...it's the mark of a women who means business.
• own a ladylike evening coat...wearing your daytime coat over a cocktail dress is a "DON'T."
• invest in a crisp white shirt...accents just about anything.
• add knee boots to wardrobe...they're a key statement piece (and are trending right now so enough said!)

"Building a closet with staying power" is easier than you think. Avail at Barnes & Noble/$22.99 or on their site for $16.55.
(partial credits Uptown Magazine)

Rock Red Right!

Red is love. Passion. Heat. Fire. And it's the hot color on radar for fall style guides this season.


MICHAEL KORS showcases a vibrant red patent leather python Oversized ID Chain Shoulder Bag for $398 at http://www.nordstrom.com/. The slouchy carryall holds just about everything with interior zip, cell phone pockets and gold/brassy hardware...a must have.

You may flip for the JOAN & DAVID Flipp pump in Red Techno ...a classic revamped in patent leather with a rounded toe and platform. At Bloomingdales online for $200.

Shades of red are aplenty in beauty too. Port, crimson, berry, burgundy...we could go on and on. I've grown to love full rich color just as much as I adore a nude lip. BSBB reader Jonelle J. had another great recommendation -- KAT VON D created Painted Love Lipsticks -- reds to try include Hellbent (a blood red) and Adora (shimmery candy apple red) for $18 at Sephora. Also look into MAYBELLINE ColorSensational Lipcolor. The brand has the #1 red in America -- Red Revival # 645 along with 8 others (find your perfect shade here). Approx $8 at drugstores everywhere.

Let's go ladies...if you're rocking your red, share a picture with us. Send it to me at blackswan226@gmail.com for posting!

Test Drive NARS Runway Looks

Rev up your fall look with new colors and textures from NARS Cosmetics. NARS pro makeup artists are leaving the tents and heading to Sephora for demos and consultations from their exclusive runway look book this week!


WHERE: SEPHORA 5th Avenue/NYC
WHEN: September 16th
TIME: 12 noon to 7 pm

Space is limited and walk-ins are welcome....

For more info, call 212/980.6534 or go to Sephora's website for details.
(Courtesy of Sephora.com)

Shopping Smart

A trip to our favorite store can be time consuming. Travelling, browsing, selecting and trying on stuff...It's an all day event. So if you're looking to add essential pieces to your wardrobe, take this tips into consideration:

• Make A List: Be focused on what you want to buy. The list should include details like color and quantity. It will reduce impulse buys!
• What to Wear: Comfy clothes that are easy to remove and put back on over and over! This includes shoes too. No fuss wrinkle free garments, light jacket and slips ons are fuss free.
• Three's the Key: Take at least 3 different sizes into the fitting room with you since each designer cuts garments differently. I did that today at Banana Republic with a black shirt literally...size 8, 10 & 12! Don't worry about the number...the fit is what matters.
• Allow for Some Alone Time: It's fun to go shopping with the girls but to maintain focus (and stay within your budget) InStyle experts recommend shopping solo! It's also a huge time saver.
• The Shape You're In: That means buy for the body you have now...Buying a smaller size won't necessarily give you the incentive to lose a few inches/pounds. Our goal is to look good now! If you shed a few pounds down the road, visit your tailor.

For more shopping and styling tips, check out Inside Fashion at InStyle! Hoping your shopping trips are fruitful and fun! Let me know what you bought.

Keeping Time...From a Man's P.O.V.

Yet another post on timepieces. Of course, this one is for our male counterparts. Take lessons on upgrading the necessary accessory with:

The Everyday Watch: Whether leather or metal, pair with a three button suit, polished shoes and a pocket square. For a very professional look, try Tag Heuer.

The Alternate Watch: Will be well-crafted and handsome. Going for a "wow" effect. A distinct piece with mechanical movements and sophisticated metals. Can be worn with anything from t-shirts to tuxedos if you have the swagger. Think Breitling or Movado.

The Weekender Watch: Should be durable, rugged and water resistant. Check it out for shock resistance and stamina against extreme conditions. Best with jeans, hiking gear or loafers! Try the Fossil Silicone Three Hand Black Dial Watch (shown here) for $75.

A Natural Beauty

Face it, we L-O-V-E makeup! Ruby red lipstick. Smokey eye shadows. Volume packed mascara. But some of us are a little curious about the contents...even a bit concerned. Reports of toxic ingredients have many women tossing top brands to avoid side effects. What's a gal to do? Eco-friendly/organic/natural products to the rescue. Free of (most) parabens , synthetics, sulfates and artificial ingredients.

Here's a list of goodies to use from your nose to your toes:

ALL OVER BEAUTY: REVOLUTION ORGANICS All Over Body Balm -- the ultimate multi-tasker. Can be used as a makeup primer, hair conditioner, and even relieves chapped lips with organic cocoa butter, Shea butter and apricot oil.

HAIR: BURT'S BEES Very Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner with Pomegranate & Soy -- sulfate-free shampoo is gentle on hair with white soy amino acids to create extra lift. 97.2% natural.

LIPS: TARTE NATURAL Lip Stain -- infused with peppermint to glide over lips and increase moisture by 6000%.

FACE: ORIGINS Nourishing Face Lotion -- restores moisture and softness with weightless butters and organic sunflower oil. A blend of clove, rose, lavender, patchouli and red thyme essential oils protect the purity of the product.

EYES: URBAN DECAY Vegan Palette -- six top selling shadows that just happen to be "all natural."

NAIL: ZOYA Nail Polish -- vegan friendly lacquers in an abundance of creamy, shimmery or metallic colors.

(Thanks to BSBB reader Joey N. for the inquiry...hope this helps!)

The La Mer Collections

This is not about the luxury skin care line. This collection is about keeping time. Watches are an essential part of our wardrobes. The multi-functional accessory compliments any outfit and helps us stay on schedule.

Wrap your wrists with a chic (hand-made) leather bracelet from the LA MER COLLECTION or customize your own. The options seem endless..reptile print or studded bands, round or square faces, chains, charms, and even black diamonds. Featured in Essence and Instyle, it's the classic wardrobe staple. Beyond Beauty was introduced to these timepieces by BSBB reader Jonelle J. long before they became popular with the press. How they've grown in popularity!

For your own" private piece of art," click here for stores and online retailers. For a sneak peak at the Fall 2010 collection, click here. Prices start at approx $80.

LAB Series Skincare

It seems the one topic that keeps coming up is men. And their needs. While most of the BSBB readers are women, the guys are letting me know something is amiss -- tips for the gentleman. With that in mind, Beyond Beauty will devote Friday to the fellas!

While shopping in Stamford, I came across a dual-sided display for LAB SERIES Skincare for men. The display had everything: scrubs, towelettes, body wash and hair products. The LAB SERIES Daily Essentials Set is a nice introduction for newbies to a thorough skin care regime. Comes complete with a cleanser, moisturizer, and shave cream all to protect and improve your complexion. (To find out what your skin type is, click here.)

• The Multi-Action Face Wash exfoliates, cleanses and conditions the skin.
• The Maximum Comfort Shave Cream contains aloe and caffeine to soften hairs prior to shaving.
• The Daily Moisture Defense Lotion hydrates the skin, smooths lines, and protects with sunscreen.

This travel-friendly trio retails for $29.50 at department stores.

The Sexys Collection

BATH & BODY WORKS has been a staple for many of us when it comes to getting squeaky clean in a grown up sort of way.

They always have some sort of promotion...buy 2 get one/buy 3 get 2...10% here. You get the idea. And paired with the fact that it's inexpensive and offers just about any fragrance imaginable, it's a total "DO!"

BATH & BODY WORKS added another sexy scent to their line...DARK KISS. It's a combination of black raspberry, plum, dark vanilla bean, amber and balsam. To me, it's a sensual blend that's truly irresistible. I'm a fan of the body cream and the shower cream -- feels so luxe! It's part of the Sexy Collection -- Midnight Pomegranate, Black Amethyst, Japanese Cherry Blossom and Sensual Amber. All infused with exotic sandalwood, succulent plum and patchouli...it's sensuality in a bottle.

If you've tried any products from the alluring Sexy Collection or have a B&BW fav, share your thoughts in the comments section.