Monday, August 10, 2009

Beauty Look of the Week

Hi ladies!! Well, in case you have the Monday blues here's a little poll to distract you - you've seen some of the best beauty looks from last week - now vote on your favorite!!

Vanessa Hudgens' Makeup at the Bandslam Premiere

Vanessa Hudgens pulls off the smoky eye-sultry look just as well as she does the girl next door look at the premiere of her new film, Bandslam.


Vanessa's smokey eye look is courtesy of a shimmery charcoal shadow - I like MAC Eye Shadow in Knight Divine. She skipped the blush in favor of a little bronzer and then went for a pale pink lip gloss - try Chanel Glossimer in Brilliance.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Milla Jovovich at The Getaway Premiere

I haven't seen Milla Jovovich in a film in a while (The Fifth Element might be the last one) but there's no doubt about it, she hasn't aged at all in the last decade. Here she is, out displaying a gorgeous beauty look at The Getaway premiere.

Milla wore a shimmery taupe shade all over the upper lids (note the round shape below) and to line the lower lashline. But what's really making her face glow is her stunning coral lip color - try NARS Lipstick in Niagara for a similar lippie.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Michelle Trachtenberg at the NBC/Universal All-Start Party

I get so into Gossip Girl that somedays, I forget actress Michelle Trachtenberg's real name and just think of her as Georgina. Anyone else here a big GG fan?? I can't wait until the new season!!

Anyways, on to Michelle T's makeup at this particular event. To put it simply, she looked amazing. But really, its no surprise. If you take a look at an archive of her photos from the last year or so, her makeup is always, always flawless.

In this particular instance, Michelle coated her upper eyelids with a light gold shadow, lined her lower lashline with a golden bronze shade and then did a thick line of black liquid liner on her upper lashline, stopping just outside the outer corners of her eyes. A light dusting of pink blush and a juicy watermelon colored lip color finish her look. I really love that watermelon shade - it really brightens her whole face. Try Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Watermelon for a similar shade.*

I wonder also how she keeps her face so porcelain...she must wear some major SPF and a hat at all times. I practically tan whenever I even think of the sun.

*edited

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pooja Kumar at the Bollywood Hero Premiere

For those of you not familiar with her, Pooja Kumar is an American actress who stars in the Bollywood Hero miniseries along with Neha Dhupia. And like Neha, Pooja wore an inspiring beauty look at the premiere of the miniseries this week.

Pooja stuck to cool colors to complement her pink and silver one shoulder dress - a smokey blue-gray eye with inner corners highlighted, a rose pink blush and a subtle rose pink lipstick. Try NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Underworld for a similar smokey eye. Use the dark blue shade all over the lids and to line the lower lashline and use the silvery shade in the inner corners.

Neha Dhupia at the Bollywood Hero Premiere

There is a new Bollywood themed miniseries that will be airing on the Independent Film Channel in the U.S. this weekend - Bollywood Hero. It is about an American comedian (Chris Kattan from SNL and Night at the Roxbury fame) who goes to Bollywood to become a leading male actor. Anyone have IFC?? I don't, but I want to see this!


Neha Dhupia, who stars in the film, attended the premiere of Bollywood Hero this week. This is one of Neha Dhupia's best beauty looks that I have seen in a long time...gone are the overprocessed locks and layered foundation.

Instead, Neha went for defined eyes that aren't too heavy, luminous skin, peachy bronze cheeks and a nude lip. Try a peachy bronze blush like NARS Blush in Amour for a similar look. I like her hair as well - the middle part gives a more casual air and the tousled waves are premiere perfect.


The Times UK Best of Beauty List

The Times Online UK began its annual 100 best of beauty list last week. I just love best of beauty lists to see if there is anything I am missing out on!!

So far, here are its 25 Best Cosmetics and 25 Best Skincare Products with the Times Online commentary for each product. Some of these I agree with while some I am baffled with!! I don't understand how Maybelline Great Lash consistently makes these lists - I just don't love it. On the other hand, I love the NARS Multiple, Benefit's Benetint and Shu Uemura Pressed Eyeshadows. And now I can't wait to try the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer and the Ila Face Oil - I have heard great things about both!

25 Best Cosmetics

Soap & Glory Arch de Triumph shaping and highlighting crayon A two-in-one pencil with one end of brow colour, and the other a highlighter to use under the brow. There are also handy eyebrow-shaping templates on the back of the pack.

Ruby & Millie i-writer These pens deliver metallic liquid colour with precision, so can be used as an eyeliner or for a more dramatic flash of eye colour.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15 Invisible and weightless, meaning that once applied, it looks like your skin, not like foundation.

Maybelline Great Lash mascara Maybelline does many great mascaras, but this is the best. It never clumps, lasts ages and is also available in waterproof.

Givenchy Mister Eyebrow fixing pencil A new discovery for the Times team, this pencil controls unruly eyebrows with wax that won’t leave stickiness or a visible sheen.

Essie nail polish Nothing beats Essie for long-lasting polish — up to three weeks on toes! Available in more than 280 shades, from subtle nudes to bright neons.

NARS The Multiple Can be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and body to provide colour, shimmer or highlighting. Available in 12 shades.

Clinque Quick Blush A must-have for anyone who applies make-up on the go. The nifty design of the twist-out brush makes application simple and mess-free.

YSL Everlong waterproof mascara A high–performance, hi-tech mascara that is able to stand up to humid weather, swimming and (of course) crying.

Guerlain Météorites Powder for the face These coloured balls all play a different role: pink for a warm glow; green to diminish redness; gold and silver for highlights and mauve to attract light. Creates a soft, fresh radiance.

Chanel Mat Lumière long-lasting luminous matte fluid make-up A wonderfully lightweight foundation that gives brilliant coverage without a “caked-on” look and lasts for hours.

By Terry Light Expert This nifty foundation brush not only delivers a flawless complexion but plumps out hollow areas and smoothes wrinkles, leaving a brilliant texture to the skin.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick This lipstick comes in 16 great shades and cares for your lips with three super-moisturisers, vitamins and an SPF20 sunscreen.

Benefit bene tint rose-tinted lip & cheek stain Give cheeks and lips a rosy sheer glow with this cult liquid product from Benefit. Smudge-proof and waterproof.

Body Shop Flawless Skin Protective Concealer The zinc oxide contained in this concealer battles impurities, while baobab oil encourages the regeneration of skin cells.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Start your routine with this hero product. Tightens skin for a more youthful appearance and keeps make-up fresh all day.

Prescriptives Custom Blend Lip Gloss Create a bespoke lipgloss from a vast array of base shades, pearls, finishes and flavours. Vitamin E and skin conditioners leave lips silky smooth.

Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti- Oxidant Moisturiser SPF15 This light moisturiser is a perfect summer alternative to foundation, with a sheer, “one shade suits all” illuminating tint and the fresh smell of cucumber.

Shu uemura Pressed Eyeshadow These singles come in four textures (matte, pearl, iridescent and metallic) and a whopping 110 different shades. All are moisturising and long lasting.

MAC make-up brushes With more than 40 types of soft-yet-firm brushes, MAC is constantly updating its range to accommodate suggestions from make-up artists around the world.

Barry M kohl pencil Soft, smudgable pencils for dense colour. There are 20 different shades, from white (apply to the lower lid for wide eyes) and classic black to the pastels pictured here.

Giorgio Armani fluid sheer The ten available shades can be used for various effects. Gold tones give a fabulous glow under make-up, lighter shades highlight and pinks add radiance.

Laura Mercier Bronzing Duo A long-wearing two-tone bronzer for a golden sheen and radiance in one. Formulated with French “cashmere” talc for a silky soft, sheer application.

Chantecaille Lip Definer A water-resistant lip pencil that gives soft, smudge-free matte colour. Designed to avoid a ring-around-the-lips effect.

25 Best Skincare Products

Liz Earle Sunshade Face Protector This non-greasy SPF protects the face all day after just one application.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve A no-nonsense product that helps to protect hands.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Lotion A light but hydrating body lotion that leaves skin supple, toned and smooth.

Boots Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum Apply under moisturiser. Skin feels noticeably tighter after application.

Ila Face Oil for Glowing Radiance A deeply moisturising face oil made from biodynamic ingredients.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Idiot-proof face bronzer that quickly develops an even, natural, sunkissed glow.

Dr Frances Prenna Jones Formula 2006 This multi-tasker smoothes lines, evens out the complexion and increases collagen production.

Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Capsules This easily portable, nourishing skin treat is great for parched skin or during cold weather.

Darphin Gentle Eye Make-up Remover This lotion removes all traces of eye make-up without leaving an oily residue.

Barielle Total Foot Care Cream A super-conditioning formula that softens calluses while moisturising chapped areas of the feet.

Alexandra Soveral Midsummer Dew Body Oil A blend of essential oils that leaves skin feeling nourished and doubles up as a body scent.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Face Cream Skin is stronger, healthier and looks more youthful after using this cream with its patented technology.

The Organic Pharmacy Self-Tan This chemical-free formula gives a very natural colour. Smells fresh, not cloying.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser SPF 15 An easily absorbed moisturiser with antioxidants and an in-built SPF.

Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil An oil-based cleanser that rinses off with water, effectively removing all make-up and impurities.

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess SPF 30 This cream is light, glides on easily and has an exotic, beachy scent.

Green & Spring Revitalising Light Bath Oil This invigorating bath oil smells divine and hydrates skin beautifully.

Crème de la Mer Eye Concentrate Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Skin feels quenched.

Guinot Fresh Radiance Exfoliating Peel-off Mask Draws out impurities without fuss.

YSL Rinse-off Instant Foam Radiance Revealer Foaming cleanser that rinses off easily to leave skin fresher and brighter.

Jurlique Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion A lightweight, easily absorbed lotion that helps to even out skin tone.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel This clear gel zaps spots without drying out the area around the infection.

Spiezia Lemongrass and Marigold Body Scrub An invigorating body scrub with essential oils, so there’s no need to moisturise after use.

Natura Bisse Soothing Balm With Organic Aloe This cooling balm is great for sunburn and is deeply moisturising.

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser An organic cleanser that also exfoliates your face without being abrasive.

Redken Real Control Overnight Treat Night Recovery Treatment

Although most hair stylists recommend a deep conditioning treatment for hair if you use heat tools or color hair, I never ever seem to have enough time to take the time to apply a hair mask, wait the requisite 10-20 minutes and then get back in the shower to wash it out. That's why I love overnight treatment products for hair where you can just slap it on, go to bed and maybe or maybe not wash it out the next morning.


And that's why I love this new overnight treatment I found - Redken Real Control Overnight Treat Night Recovery Treatment. The treatment is formulated to renew and repair dense, dry and sensitized hair while you sleep.
I actually don't wash it out the next morning and instead treat it as a leave-in conditioner. The great part about it is that it doesn't leave my hair greasy like some leave-ins do. Instead, this product provides my hair with the moisture it needs and makes it feel way softer and more manageable in the morning when I wake up. An added plus this summer is that it has doubled as a great frizz-fighter.
Pros:
  • Leaves hair moisturized, soft and less frizzy
  • Help define waves and curls
  • Doubles as a leave-in conditioner
  • Doesn't leave hair greasy
Cons:
  • Paid $17 for only 3.4 oz - wish it came in a bigger bottle for that price

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Vote on Your Favorite Beauty Looks of the Week!

A little known fact about me is that I love taking polls and voting on ridiculous things...and then comparing my vote against others opinions. I know, I'm a dork!

I noticed that there are plenty of fashion blogs that have look of the week polls so I thought, why not do a Beauty Look of the Week poll here at Roop Cafe? So I'll be posting select beauty looks during week and at the end of the week I will put up a poll so Roop readers can vote on their favorite looks. So indulge my love and vote!!

So far today I've posted the gorgeous makeup and hair looks of Freida Pinto, Sienna Miller and Miranda Kerr. If there are any other looks you love this week that I miss, be sure to let me know! With my job, I don't always get a chance to sort through all the photos out there.

Can't wait to see which looks you guys love!

Celina Jaitley Goes for A New Bob??!

A lot of hair postings today!! I admit it, I spend a lot of time thinking (and obsessing) over own hair.

Maybe I am totally out of it, but I was totally surprised to see this pic of Celina Jaitley sporting a bob!! Its definitely a departure from her sexy, sultry, long-haired mane. On closer inspection, though, it looks like her long hair might just be tucked under - its hard to tell. In any case, I'm not sure I like it on her as it kind of makes her look like she's 10 years old. Perhaps if it was styled differently it would look better.

I'm also not a huge fan of her makeup - the peachy tan eyeshadow which matches the peachy tan blush which matches the peachy tan lip color kind of just makes her face look muddy instead of monochromatic.

Miranda Kerr's Makeup at the David Jones Fashion Show

Miranda Kerr probably doesn't need any help in the makeup department to help her look gorgeous. A little black eye liner rimming her waterline and baby pink blush and lip gloss go along away to make her look stunning but sweet.


The black eye liner and baby pink blush/lip gloss combo is one of my favorites when I'm in a rush because the contrasts look so great together.

Sienna Miller's Simple Winged Eye

Sienna Miller is on a roll lately with pretty but simple looks during her promotion of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra film. At this particular event, Sienna wears liquid eyeliner on the top lashline that has been smudged slightly and with a small flick at the outer edges of the eyes. Her bare face and pulled back hair really display her eyes and natural beauty.

Even Models and Actresses Have Really Bad Hair Days

Even supermodels have bad hair days as Elle MacPherson showcases at a recent event. I realize she (or her hair stylist) was probably going for a beachy, carefree look but it ended up just looking stringy and dry on the ends. Even my hair looked better than this today. In "real life," Elle has much more beautiful hair than this!

Then there's Preeya Kalidas, star of the musical Bombay Dreams. Sure she's not a supermodel, but that is no excuse for this combed over, pinned on the side (I don't even know what to call it) do. When my hair isn't cooperating, I just put it up. Preeya would have looked beautiful in a sleek chignon, IMO.

Freida Pinto's New "Lob"

I have missed seeing Freida Pinto's inspiring beauty and fashion looks since the end of the 2008-2009 awards season. So it was a treat to see photos of her again from a Slumdog Millionaire screening event at the Somerset House in London this past weekend - and even more of a treat to see her debut a flirty new "lob" (long bob for anyone not familiar with this new hair style).

I love this new hair style on Freida. The curled in shape of the lob frames her face beautifully and it still manages to look fresh and young. I can't wait to see what else she does with this new style!!


As for makeup, Freida went for a rose-toned lip color, curled lashes and a slightly glossy bronze shadow. A slight gloss over the eyeshadow adds a little nuance to a regular bronze eye look - try a little Vaseline or clear lip gloss over regularly applied powder shadow or create an eye gloss by mixing the Vaseline or clear lip gloss with crushed eyeshadow first. Or try Paul & Joe's Eye Gloss in Murmur, a smoky brown.