For the 2012 MVP Awards, REDBOOK assembled a crack team of industry pros—all busy moms—to select the year’s best new beauty products, from blushes to blow-dryers. Actress and author Ali Wentworth joined the magazine’s editors and 22 judges, including makeup artist Sonia Kashuk; Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare spas; Lisa Price, founder and president of Carol’s Daughter; Dr. Amy Wechsler and other top dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists and hairstylists, to pick the winners, which are featured in the May issue and online at http://www.redbookmag.com/mvpawards.   Today, Wentworth and REDBOOK editor in chief Jill Herzig celebrated the winners at a breakfast in New York City.

“Once again, we’ve wrangled the industry’s leading experts to help seek out our MVP award winners,” said Jill Herzig. “This year’s panel included renowned hair, beauty and skincare pros; a group of super-busy moms who are always on the lookout for products that work as hard as they do.  After putting hundreds of products to the test, we can’t wait to share their verdict.”

And the MVPs go to. . . .

MAKEUP: The champion makeup and nail colors:

Best Eye Shadow: Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Longwear Luminous Cream Eyeshadow, $36

Best Eyeliner: Physicans Formula Shimmer Strips Eyeliner Trio, $10.95

Best Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara, $30

Best Lipstick: Shiseido Shimmer Rouge Lipstick, $25

Best Lip Gloss: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Lipglass. $19.50

Best Lip Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy (regular), $25, and Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter (tinted), $7.49

Best Blush: Maybelline New York Dream Bouncy Cream Blush, $7.99

Best Primer: La Roche-Posay Anthelios daily anti-aging primer with SPF 50, $39.50

Best Concealer: Almay Clear Complexion Concealer + Treatment Gel, $9.99

Best Powder: Koh Gen Do Snowy Pink Powder, $42

Best Foundation: Clinque Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup, $32.50

Best Bronzer: Josie Maran Argan Brightening Bronzer, $30

Best Tinted Moisturizer: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++, $42

Best Highlighter: Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow, $32

Best Bright Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No-Chip Nail Color in Heart to Heart, $4.95

Best Neutral Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in Brooch the Subject, $8

SKIN, BODY, AND FRAGRANCE: The top-ranked products in skin care, body care, and fragrance:

Best Face Wash: Yes to Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser, $8.99

Best Day Moisturizer: Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30, $15.99

Best Eye Cream: Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator, $14.99

Best Exfoliator: Simple Smoothing Face Scrub, $7.99

Best Anti-aging Serum: PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment, $106

Best Acne Treatment System: Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol, $42

Best Anti-aging Cream: Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Wrinkle Revolution Complex, $24.99

Best Sunscreen for Face: Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion Sunblock SPF 30, $10.49

Best Body Lotion: güd by Burt’s Bees Natural Body Lotion, $7

Best Body Wash: güd by Burt’s Bees Natural Body Wash in Orange Petalooza, $7

Best Body Scrub: H2O+ Sea Moss Black Sand Body Scrub, $18.50

Best Sunscreen for Body: Alba Botanica Natural Sunscreen Sport Spray SPF 40, $10.99

Best Hand Cream: The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream, $18.50

Best Scent for Day: Chloé L’Eau de Chloé eau de toilette, $85

Best Scent for Night: Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial eau de parfum, $85

HAIR: The gold-medal cleansers, treatments, and stylers:

Best Shampoo & Conditioner: Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, $7.99 each

Best Leave-in Conditioner: For fine hair: Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Weightless Conditioning Shake, $5.99; for normal or thick hair: L’Oréal Paris EverCrème Nourishing Leave-in Spray, $8.99

Best Deep Treatment: Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Rehab Deep Hydration Masque, $24

Best Hairspray: Garnier Fructis Style UV Color Shield Anti-Humidity Hairspray, $4.29

Best Volumizer: Oribe Hair Care Maximista Thickening Spray, $26

Best De-frizzer: Joico Smooth Cure Leave-in Rescue Treatment, $19.95

Best Curl Definer: For fine or normal hair: L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Curl Defining Gel, $6.99; for coarse or ethnic hair: Mizani True Textures Curl Soft Moisturizing Leave-in Crème, $18.99

Best Shine Booster: Dove Style+Care Frizz-Free Shine Cream-Serum, $3.76

Best Heat-protecting Spray: John Frieda Full Repair Style Revival spray, $8.99

Best Curling Iron: Sultra Bombshell 3/4-inch Rod Curling Iron, $130

Best Blow Dryer: Solano 3300 Xtralite Dryer, $159

Best Flat Iron: Corioliss Straight 2 Curl Professional Titanium Styling Iron, $195

What’s the verdict? Do you see your favorite here?

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images North America

Tanya Rae for Patrick Melville Salon Created a Fresh look for Megan Hilty for Rachel Roy Presentation

Face:
She first prepped her face using Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer followed by Pink Papaya Mineral Liquid Foundation in
“Tender Beige”.

Then she blended NARS Bronzing Powder in “Laguna“ over her cheeks, forehead and chin. On her cheeks she added a
peachy glow with Lancome Blush Subtil Shimmer in ”Mandarin Sky”

Eyes:
She applied the Pink Papaya Shadow Magnet Eye Base in ”Natural“. She then swept Pink Papaya Mineral Eye
Shadow in “Sandstone” on the lid. Rae blended Pink Papaya Mineral Eye Shadows in “Sun Quartz & Cat’s
Eye Quartz” over the crease and outer corners.

Next, she lined upper lashes with Pink Papaya Luxe Creme Liner in ”Onyx“. Then she blended “Cocoa Quartz” over the top and bottom lash line to soften the line. Very lightly, she swept NARS “Laguna” Bronzing Powder over the crease of her
eye to add a hint of warmth.

She then generously applied a coat of Pink Papaya Lush Mascara in “Lush Black” followed by a coat of Pink Papaya
HD Mascara in “Carbon Black” and lightly filled in her brows with Lancome Le Crayon Poudre Brow Pencil in ”Natural Blonde”.

Lips:
To achieve the lips, she applied CHANEL Le Crayon Levres Lip Liner in “Coralline” and Rouge Coco Shine in ”Liberte”.

All Pink Papaya Products are available at www.pinkpapayaparties.com

What did celebrities Kristen Wiig and Kate Beckinsale have in common at Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards? Each of the stars was wearing luxury performance makeup by Hourglass Cosmetics. The LA brand’s Veil Mineral Primer, already a red-carpet favorite among leading artists, was used on the women to create a flawless canvas and ensure the longevity of their makeup. Both Wiig and Beckinsale carried Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Imagine in their clutches for touch-ups during the evening.

On Contraband star Kate Beckinsale, a presenter at the Golden Globes, makeup artist Molly Stern focused on radiant skin, bold eyes and high-gloss lips. “Kate’s Roberto Cavalli dress was so ethereal and magical, I wanted to keep the skin looking completely luminous and create a bit of edge with the eyes. The combination of Hourglass’ Veil Mineral Primer and Illusion Tinted Moisturizer is utterly gorgeous. The foundation is sheer, blendable and buildable but still leaves skin looking translucent. I used Film Noir Lash Lacquer to give Kate’s lashes drama, depth and dimension. It’s everything you want in a red-carpet look.”

Kate Beckinsale: Get The Look

Skin: Molly began by moisturizing Kate’s skin with Natura Bisse’s The Cure Cream. She then primed with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer which creates a flawless canvas for makeup, followed by a light application of Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer in Sand. Molly loved the sheer finish of the foundation which allowed the British beauty’s gorgeous skin to shine through.

Cheeks: She used the bronze tone in Hourglass Illume Crème-to Powder Bronzer Duo in Sunset to add warmth to her skin, and followed with the blush tone applied on the apples of her cheeks. She then dusted Nars Miss Liberty high on her cheekbone to add an extra glow.

Eyes: Molly used the bronze shade of Hourglass Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Gypsy as a base, and set it with Nars Galapagos Eye Shadow, smudged deep into the lid. For an extra pop of light, she dabbed Chanel’s Blazing Gold Ombré Essential over the inner lid. Her lashes are deep and jet-black due to Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara, followed by Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer which was painted over them for an extra kick of drama.

Lips: Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème lipstick in Fresco was used as a base on Kate’s lips, followed by Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Imagine for a glistening sheen.

For Kristen Wiig’s gorgeous red-carpet look, makeup artist Heba Thorisdottir balanced the star’s nude Bill Blass gown with a symphony of neutral shades. “It was all about fresh, glowing skin and luscious lashes,” says Thorisdottir, who also headed up the makeup on Bridesmaids, the movie Wiig was nominated for as a best actress. “I used Hourglass’ new Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation since it has excellent coverage and staying power. On the cheeks I used Illume Crème to Powder Bronze Duo to create illumination. And to make Kristen’s eyes really pop, I applied Film Noir Mascara with Film Noir Lash Lacquer as a finishing step. It was exactly what was needed.”

Kristen Wiig: Get The Look

Skin: Heba prepped the skin with SKII Signature Moisturizing Cream, followed by Sensai Silk Brightening Cream for a surge of moisture. She then applied Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, a must-have for red carpet events because it ensures that makeup lasts all night. It also neutralizes the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores and renders makeup water resistant.

Foundation: She used Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation (new for spring) for a matte, full coverage, mixing together two shades, light beige and sand. She also applied Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer in Fair.

Cheeks: To give Kristen’s skin a gorgeous glow, she used Hourglass Illume Crème-to-Powder Bronzer Duo in Bronze Light—she used the bronze shade to lightly contour and the highlighter on the cheekbones. She also dabbed MAC Powder Blush in Peaches on the apples of her cheeks.

Eyes: Heba used Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner to fill in the lash line, followed by Face Atelier’s Eyeliner in Bronze. On the eyes is D&G Eye Color Quad in Golds. Kristen has naturally long and thick eyelashes, so all she needed was a couple of swipes of Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara to enhance, followed by a coat of Film Noir Lash Lacquer for impact. The top coat gave her lashes extra volume, length and high-gloss shine.

Lips: Heba filled in the lips with D&G Precision Lipliner in Nude. She then used Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème lipstick in Fable. The final note? Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Imagine, a peach champagne shade, for memorably pretty lips.

Stiletto is a very romantic and feminine scent. The warm vanilla bean and sandalwood notes make it the perfect choice for date night. The bottle is so cute and the fragrance definitely lives up to the fun and sexy packaging.

Olivia Wilde, Sofia Vergara, and Emma Roberts are just a few of the celeb fans of Stiletto By Nicole Amy.

While in school for business and interning at Nars Cosmetics and John Varvatos Fragrances, Nicole Amy created an enticing, sensual new perfume in a fashionable ‘high-heeled’ bottle.

Fashion and perfume have been powerful passions for Nicole Amy her entire life. With the creation of her new scent STILETTO BY NICOLE AMY, Nicole’s childhood dreams have been realized. Marrying a distinctive fragrance and powerful fashion concept for packaging has been part of the creation of this alluring perfume. Stiletto by Nicole Amy features notes of musk with hints of vanilla bean and sandalwood.

An experience that is as beautiful to use as it is to display on your dressing table. The ultimate “scentsation” for any woman who seeks a gorgeous scent and a bottle in the shape of an iconic object adored by so many, a fabulous, stylish high-heeled shoe!

Available at www.nicoleamyfragrances.com and at a limited selection of boutiques. $42.

Disclosure: MHU was sent a sample vial to review the above mentioned scent.

Disclosure: MHU was sent a sample vial to review the above mentioned scent.

Bella Swan Wedding Makeup Tutorial – “Breaking Dawn Part 1″ The Twilight Saga
by Kevin James Bennett

Makeup artist Kevin James Bennet shares how to get the Bella Swan Wedding makeup look:

“Breaking Dawn – Part 1″ of The Twilight Saga hits theaters on Friday. This movie is probably going to have the largest opening day in movie history (the number of pre-sold tickets is mind boggling). I have to admit, I’m a bit of a Twi-Hard. I’ve read all the books and watched all the films. I also teach Bridal and Special Event makeup, so what could be a better tribute to the franchise than a step by step guide to recreating the heroine’s signature bridal look

Do you want to look like Bella Swan on your wedding day (or anytime?)

Well, here ya go …

The first thing to do is neutralize any discoloration on the eyelid. I normally use a little foundation, concealer or a flesh-toned eye pencil (Three Custom Color Clarifier Pencil) all over the eye area up to the brow, then set with translucent powder. This eliminates the need to use a flesh-toned eyeshadow as a “base” color and creates a more stable/long-lasting canvas for the eye makeup application.

Bella’s eyelid is washed with shimmering eyeshadow that reflects light without sparkling (let’s leave that effect to Edward’s skin in the sun). Start with a shimmering Champagne color like OCC’s Loose Color in Clove. Apply to the very inner corner of the eye (by the tear-duct) and blend this color outward towards the center of the eyelid. Next, we need a honey brown color and Inglot Pearl Eyeshadow #421 has a beautiful warm tone and subtle glow. Apply the eyeshadow starting at the outside corner of the eyelid, blending inward and also up into the crease. If applied correctly, these two colors should create a soft gradient effect of light to dark on the lid (check the image above if you’re unsure of placement).

Bella’s eye is then softly defined and smudged. I suggest a powder kohl pencil for this and the MAC Eye Kohl Liner in Phone Number is the right texture and charcoal color. Holding the pencil tip parallel to the lash line (not point in), begin drawing the line from where the inner lashes start and graduate from thin to a thicker line as you reach the outer corner of the eyelid. This gives the eye a slight upward tilt and keeps it looking fresh and open. Take a small eyeshadow brush and diffuse the line by blending and smudging the liner into the lashes and blurring the hard edge. Now set the liner (using the same brush) with a matte taupe eyeshadow. Nars Matte Eyeshadow in Bali is a good choice. Use the same eyeshadow to line the lower lashes 3/4 of the way in from the outside corner. Don’t go all the way to the inside corner, we want to keep the eye open.

Brows must be groomed and filled in softly. I usually use an eyeshadow that matches the hair color and mix it with a little hard hair wax so I can color and groom eyebrows in one step. If you don’t feel like being a home chemist, try Benefit Brow Zings or Smashbox Brow Tech.

Apply two coats of black mascara to the upper lashes, combing through to remove clumps and separate lashes between coats. I don’t suggest mascara on the lower lashes unless you have light or blond lashes. If that’s the case, wipe the mascara wand off with a tissue and use what’s left on the bristles to “dye” your light lashes without adding volume.

Bella’s skin looks beautifully smooth and even toned. This begins with the correct complexion products. Always start with well moisturized and primed skin. I’m a creature of habit and won’t begin a makeup until I’ve prepped with Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate (normal/dry) or Emulsion Hydra-Mat (combo/oily). I can’t stress how important moisturizer is to a finished makeup …even on oily skin. I feel the same way about primers. Foundation needs a correctly primed surface (like a painter’s canvas) to apply evenly and stay put. CoverFX Skin Prep (normal/dry) or DermaDoctor Tease Zone (combo/oily) are two of my faves, but there are many other amazing primers out there. So experiment and see which formulas work best with the foundation you use. I prefer to use silicone based foundations because they don’t sink into or clog pores. They’re also naturally water resistant …so tears, perspiration, etc. have no effect on them. I understand that foundation is a personal thing, so I’d rather show options and let you make your own decisions (these are some of the brands my fellow makeup artists use). The only thing I’m absolutely adament about is color matching. When you swatch a foundation on the jawline, it MUST match the skin on the neck directly below it. If it doesn’t – you got the wrong color and need to keep looking. I carry full coverage foundations in my kit so I can control how much coverage I use (sheer, moderate, full). Having full coverage products also eliminates the need to carry separate concealers. But if you insist on having both, these are concealers I guarantee will work brilliantly.

Cheeks MUST look naturally flushed. The only way to get this effect is with a mauve/rose toned blush. It has to look like blood (which is a deep violet colored before exposed to oxygen) has flooded the area and is seen through flesh tone. I like using a cream/gel blush and then blending it into the skin with a foundation brush that still has a slight residue of foundation on it. It tempers the color and makes it look very realistic. One of my all time bridal blush faves is Tarte Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride (the name says it all, right?).

Finally lips …which in this case are very natural looking but with a lovely innocent shimmer. One of three lip liners that are always in my makeup kit is Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip #3L. It’s the perfect rosey nude and WATERPROOF! Define and fill in the lips entirely with this pencil, let it set for few minutes and then top it off with Armour Beauty Shimmering Gloss in Gypsy (a soft peach with gold shimmer).

There it is, beautiful Bella’s perfect bridal makeup – now go enjoy the wedding!

With over 2 decades of experience in professional makeup artistry, multiple Emmy Award winner Kevin James (KJ) Bennett has secured his place as a leading industry expert. His diverse skills have garnered him accolades from boardroom to backstage and have impressed the viewers of his work across all media formats.

As a beauty expert, KJ has appeared on national entertainment shows including Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, “E” Entertainment Network and HSN (Home Shopping Network). His advise has also been featured in the pages of Vogue, Glamour, Elle, InStyle, Town & Country and Self as well as trade publications WWD, Makeup Artist Magazine and American Salon.

To read more about Kevin James Bennett, click here.

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs - and makeup genius François Nars have teamed up in a beautiful way! In a friendship that has lasted several years, the two are collaborating in an amazing way!

First Marc called upon François to helm the makeup backstage at his fall 2009 show (and he has been doing so ever since); then François persuaded Marc to sit in front of his lens, and pose (fully made-up) for his book, 15X15. Now the twosome is getting together once again for a new collaboration: cool—and clever—boxed sets of fingerless cashmere Marc Jacobs gloves and NARS nail lacquers.

Available in black cashmere with black-gold polish or purple cashmere with smoky lavender polish, the sets marry a major accessories trend—fingerless gloves not only make texting easier but they carry the same cool factor as a pair of open-toed boots—with one of the season’s best beauty looks. Of the polishes, which Nars mixed exclusively for this project, he says, “they don’t match the gloves, but complement them.” Everyone can appreciate that.

Marc Jacobs Fingerless Glove and NARS nail polish sets, $52; available exclusively at Nars 413 Bleecker Street, New York, 646.459.2323.

I love it!

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