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In between the moments where I am blissfully applying my makeup in the morning (yes, blissfully...it's like art to me!) and the time I hop in my car to unwind from a long workday, something happens. I can't explain it really. I leave the house feeling ready to face the day with a faceful (tastefully applied, mind you) of makeup and I return looking like Grendel's mother, makeup disintegrated, smudged, non-existent. Maybe it's because I jokingly refer to myself as a "Greasy Italian," but it all starts with the canvas. My foundation fails and the rest of my makeup is doomed. So I started experimenting with face primers until I found the diamond in the rough.

Enter, Too Faced Primed and Poreless Face Primer.

So now, I apply my makeup in the morning and 8+ hours later, my foundation, she's a-staying!

If you're looking for a fantastic primer--and really, we all should be--I highly recommended this one from Too Face!

ULTA, $30

Looking like the perfect portrait of glam, Christina Aguilera took to the Red Carpet at the 2010 Golden Globes wearing NARS makeup. And boy, was she stunning!

Below is Kristofer’s method for snagging Christina’s look:

• Complexion: Use the Balancing Moisture Lotion and apply the Makeup Primer as a base. Apply Firming Foundation and set with Pressed Powder.
• Eyes: Apply the vanilla side of India Song Duo Eyeshadow as a base, over the entire lid and up to eyebrow. Next, use the shimmering walnut shade of India Song Duo Eyeshadow and apply to the outer corner and under the bottom lash line. Then, use the warm rich brown side of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow just under eye rubbing into the lower lash line to create smokey eye. Curl the eyelashes and apply a coat of Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara to top and bottom lashes, following with 2 coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara for full lashes. Take Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo and dot in between individual lashes [Kristofer’s tip: “I used the Push Eyeliner Brush to blend the eyeliner in between the lashes, which helped to apply just enough without looking to heavy.”]
• Lips: Use the Fantasia Lipliner Pencil and Niagara Lipstick. Next, apply Easy Lover Lip Gloss (NEW for Spring 2010) over [Kristofer’s tip:“Applying a sheer pink gloss on top of a nude colored lip provides a nice modern pop of color.”]
• Cheeks: Generously apply Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) to cheekbones, décolletage, and shoulders for an all over glow. Use Malaysia Multiple Bronzer to contour cheeks by blending under cheekbones. Apply the Mata Hari Blush to the apple of cheeks and lightly tap on browbone [Kristoper’s tip: “Lightly dusting a blush on the browbone gives life to the eye and melds the whole look together.”] Next, with short, back and forth quick strokes use Nico Blush to highlight cheekbones.

Orgasm Illuminator will be available at Sephora on February 1 and all other NARS Cosmetics are available at NARSCosmetics.com.

Looking gorgeous, as per usual, Julianna Margulies wore NARS makeup on the red carpet at the 67th Golden Globe Awards.

NARS expert, Kristofer Buckle offers his step-by-step tips for achieving her look:

• Complexion: Using fingers apply Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) down the center of the nose, across cheekbones, and on the apples of the cheeks. Apply Firming Foundation all over face, mixing in with the Orgasm Illuminator. Re-apply Orgasm Illuminator over the entire complexion to encourage shine [Kristofer’s tip: “I used the Flat Concealer Brush to apply the Orgasm Illuminator on top of the foundation creating high gleam.”]
• Eyes: Apply both sides of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow into the crease and all over the eyelid. Dab the sooty dark brown side of Cordura Duo Eyeshadow on the outer part of the eye [Kristofer’s tip: “I love the shimmering iridescent in this eyeshadow. A metallic iridescence softens the smokiness of an eye allowing it to look like it is part of the skin rather than looking gothic.”] Next, use the sable shade from Brousse Duo Eyeshadow and lightly dust under lower lash line. Then, lightly tap Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) on the inside corner of the eye. Curl the eyelashes and apply Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara.
• Lips: Apply Cruising Lipstick (NEW Spring 2010) Next, layer Ophelia Lip Gloss (NEW Spring 2010) over the lipstick. [Kristofer’s tip: “I love this soft pink, it adds just the right amount of color.”]
• Cheeks: Dust Super Orgasm Blush onto the apples of cheeks.
• Body: Blend Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) all over neck and décolletage.

Orgasm Illuminator will be available at Sephora on February 1 and all other NARS Cosmetics are available at NARSCosmetics.com.

I fell in love with Marion Cotillard's flawless look after I saw her in Nine. Her appearance at this year's Golden Globe's is no exception. To add some subtlety to her pompadour hairstyle, she opted for soft, pretty makeup. And her look is totally achievable.

Check out how to snag her Red Carpet look in a few easy steps with Smashbox:

• Line eyes with a blue liner. I like Smashbox's Cream Eye Liner in Picasso
• Apply nude or muted shadow. Check out Smashbox's Eye Shadow Trio in Multi-Flash
• Add a touch of softness with a cheek highlighter like Smashbox's Soft Lights in Shimmer.
• Top off the look with a pinkish-nude lip. The best for the job? Smashobox's Photo Finish Lipstick in Captivating.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to pamper myself--treat myself like a queen, if you will. (And you'll probably see me mention my queendom a lot in the future.) Quite frankly, this girl woke up one day and realized she can't let herself fall by the wayside any longer.

As the saying goes, "When you look good, you feel good." Well, then one of the best ways to feel like a queen is to look like one. All day! That's why, I'm making sure my makeup bag is stocked with these essential, long-lasting, won't-melt-off-even-if-my-day-at-work-did-suck cosmetics:

Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer, $24.50

Why I love it? The felt tip marker makes for a simple and klutz-proof application, and it ensures that my pout is perfectly pink for hours! Plus, and maybe this is a bit of hyperbole here, but I felt like I was having a total out of body experience, catching myself in the mirror to see that it was still ever-present several hours later.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray, $24

Why I love it? It's a light-weight primer spray that makes your makeup--eye makeup, concealer, foundation--stay in place! And, it's jam-packed with vitamins! Vitamins on my face is definitely more fun, then big, horse-pill sized vitamins any day of the week.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $20

Why I love it? OK, I was afraid of the concept of waterproof liquid eye liner, too. My hands have a classic case of the shakes, but I found that the tip of this little beauty makes for such a flawless application, and the promise of non-meltdown, was well worth the risk of a little trial and error. Definitely a must-have!

MAKEUP FOREVER HD Microfinish Powder To Go, $15

Why I love it? This talc-free powder makes the perfect topping to the masterpiece that is your face. It's not heavy or drying. Don't be fooled, though...this makeup really can pack a punch by holding up to its name. You know, because it's called...oh, you get it!

At the end of an exhausting day, there's nothing that helps me to unwind better than tying back my hair and changing into something, say, a tad more comfortable. And the icing on the cake? Removing my day-long makeup ASAP with Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes.

What makes these little beauties my new must-have?

• They are more effective at removing make-up than any other leading towelette
• They contain Triple Tea Antioxidant Complex, Vitamin E and Chamomile
• They have luxuriously quilted cloths with a unique diamond texture allow for a deep clean without leaving any residue behind

Plus, Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes. portable enough to stow in your gym bag or stash in your desk at work!

Do your face a favor and swipe a pack of these towelettes ASAP--They'll make your life sooo much easier!

Dashing Diva was everywhere this season, prepping models backstage at several shows. There was Jillian Lewis, Mikhael Kale, Lorick, Caroline Seikaly, L.A.M.B., Tahari, Rosa Cha, and Georges Chakra to name a few.

This season seemed to be about largely about the neutrals.

One of my favorite nail hues was Dashing Diva's Trust Fund as seen at Erin Fetherston:

As you prepare to stow away your summer polishes, head to Dashing Diva and stock up on neutrals for spring.

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Hey, New Yorkers!

Looking for a great way to spend your Thursday evening? Just take a visit to the NARS counter at Saks Fifth Avenue from 6 p.m. onward to receive a rockstar makeover Marc Jacobs runway style!

Sure to be a great way to spend Fashion's Night Out and the kickoff to New York Fashion Week!

One would think that with the advanced technology and research, it would be easier for beauty companies to develop products that are not only cruelty free, but that are also created without the need for animal derivatives.

Fortunately, White Sands introduces a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner duo that is Color Intelligent. And the best part? They're 100% vegan.

White Sands Hydrating Shampoo with Color Intelligence is sulfate free and contains a clear micro shield, ensuring that it will delicately cleanse your hair, without stripping your tresses of much-needed moisture.

The Hydrating Conditioner with Color Intelligence is a light weight formula that protects against damaging free radicals.

Hydration, color protection, and cruelty free--what more could you want in hair products?

Every birthday that passes (I just celebrated my 26th in July) is a constant reminder of the importance of taking care of my skin.

And, in my humble opinion, one of the best ways to care for your skin is with proper night time makeup removal. Looking for a great, new cleanser? Look no further!

NARS introduces Makeup Cleansing Oil, a weightless and silky formula that thoroughly removes any traces of makeup, while preparing the skin for a good cleansing and leaving no residue behind!

NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil will be available for $40 in September 2009 on narscosmetics.com.