I took a Cricket to Mexico a few weeks ago.  No, not the insect  – a mini flat iron!  The Cricket mini is the perfect travel companion, especially when you’re going to a humid climate, and you have hair that likes to frizz–and a lot of it!

What I like so much about the Cricket is that it smooths out hair and gives it lasting shine, but the high-tech,  low friction,  tourmaline ceramic plates means it will work magic with less damage. The proprietary coating on the plates reduces the friction (or “pulling and tugging”) on your hair, which means less damaged. Although I’d never suggest flat ironing hair that wasn’t combed through, the Cricket also has a unique, ribbed,  comb-guide housing that helps to keep your hair detangled and straighter, while you are running the flat iron through it.

There are a few additional details on the Cricket that I really like. For starters, it has two rubber accents on either side of the flat iron, that help you grip the iron more securely, and that also help you keep fingers away from the hot metal. The temperature of the Cricket Mini is up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, but there is no temperature setting. It does heat up fast. I always recommend that you use a heat protectant before you use any flat iron, including this one.

One thing I really like is that the “on/off” switch is on the side, making it safer and easier to access. Many other minis put the power button in the middle between the hot plates, which, especially on a smaller sized flat iron, is a surefire way to burn your fingers. There’s also an indicator light which isn’t always present on minis, but that is necessary to know if your iron is on (and hot), or off.  The plates are smooth and hair glides through easily.  Finally, although it really doesn’t matter all that much, I like the fact that this mini is champagne-colored with a slight pearle finish.  It looks clean and ladylike, and it is nicer than boring black!

Although  the Cricket Friction Free Mini Flat Iron is just 6″ long and the plates are only 1/2″, you can do a lot of good, reasonably fast,  even if you have a lot of thick, long hair.  You can get cheaper flat irons, but they may not be as user-friendly as this one. For a suggested retail price of just $39.99, it’s a good investment that you’ll take wherever you need a touch up, or for traveling around the country, or the world!

Speaking of travel, I like the Cricket Friction Free Pocket Brus (srp. $7.95), too.  The cute, round brush comes in an all-in-one compact with brush head and mirror that is the size of a regular powder compact, but much lighter. To use it, simply open the top of the silvery compact,  and push up on the side with the bristles, watching them “bloom” into a full, round head of bristles  just like a hair-loving flower!  And even if your hair is thick and long, it will tackle it, terrifically. My Cricket brush smoothed my hair almost as though I’d put silicone product in it, but I hadn’t!  The 2.25″ round interior mirror is nice for makeup touch-ups, too — very handy

There’s an entire line of Cricket Friction-Free brushes that help banish unwanted fly-aways.  For those who love tech-speak,  the friction free brushes are made with a proprietary blend of polymers to reduce friction caused by brushing, combing and styling hair – reducing damage and creating a smooth finish and shine. The  Bristles are ion infused with tourmaline to impart moisture into the hair, reducing static electricity and creating incredible smooth shine.  You can’t beat it.

Visit the Cricket Web Site or other online retailers, salons and beauty supply stores to get your BHTC (best hair travel companions).

Are you ready to hear Cobra Starship? asked Tommy Hilfiger at the opening of the Tommy Hilfiger American Express Cardmember-Only  Runway Show with music by Cobra Starship. In response, the audience at the Lincoln Center Theater tent began cheering wildly.   American Express has made a tradition of offering card members a special runway show featuring a prominent designer as the very last show of the season in the tents at Lincoln Center, a few hours after the last official shows of Fashion Week have ended.  But the atmosphere at this exclusive, card members only show, is quite different than during the week, with high energy and excitement instead of the long lines and fatigue that often accompany fashion week show-goers. The audience for American Express fashion week offerings run the gamut from dedicated fashionistas who may have previously attended one or more sessions in the American Express Skybox during Fashion Week, to locals and visitors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime glamour experience at this one-night only show.

This season, the Tommy Hilfiger runway show also featured the fashion week debut of the popular band,  Cobra Starship,  It was hardly the first time around for Tommy Hilfiger, however, who has been in business since 1985. He  showcased his Fall 2012 collection earlier in the week for buyer, editors and other fashion-related people, but for this consumer oriented show, the focus was his Spring 2012 collection. He mentioned in his introduction that everything seen on the runway was already available in the stores.  With the generous, $100 gift card given to every guest, they could board special shuttle buses immediately after the show that would take them directly to the Tommy Hilfiger flagship store on 5th avenue so they could party and shop!

While during Fashion Week, “outrageous” fashion reigns,  at the Tommy Hilfiger show, guests were mostly dressed in their “cocktail best, ” obviously very eager to see Tommy Hilfiger’s unique runway show featuring the fictitious Hilfiger family, complete with hound dog and Jr.. Many of the guests were probably past the age where they would have been instantly familiar with the chart-topping band, Cobra Starship, but American Express tapped this fun, electro-pop band to perform live during the show. According to Tommy Hilfiger: “Having the Hilfigers walk while Cobra Starship performs live will be a once-in-a-lifetime show...Our brand has always been inspired by music so I’m thrilled that when introducing the Hilfigers in person to our customers for the first time, it will be to the backdrop of great music.”

Cobra Starship’s most recent album, Night Shades, includes a now double-platinum hit single called: “You Make Me Feel…” featuring Sabi (formerly part of the Hip Hop Girl Group The Bangz).

At rehearsal, the models seemed to really enjoy walking to the lively music including You Make Me Feel,” along to riffs such as  “Beat It” and “Freeze Frame” and other former pop hits. Normally, the runway music is recorded, so the electricity generated by live artists seemed to make the models even more animated.

Backstage, I asked Cobra Starship’s front man Gabe Saporta what the connection was for the band, to fashion week.  After jokingly saying: “We just wanted to see pretty girls walk up and down the runway” he seriously added: “Fashion has influenced us, and Our audience is into fashion. Kids like clothes and can connect with both music and fashion. Music and fashion are totally connected.” Saporta also credits social media with a large part of Cobra Starship’s success, helping them sell their first single.

Interviewing Tommy Hilfiger before the show, he also told me that social media was very important for his business.  “It’s the way I connect with the customer.” he said, emphatically.  “Social media is a tremendous benefit because it puts us directly in touch with the consumer and for my sake, being in touch with the consumer is very important. “  When asked if he blogged or personally used social media he smiled and said: “We blog all the time — of course I’m on Twitter and Facebook. How else would I stay in touch with the customer!?  And, as I began to walk away he grinned and said: “Follow us on Twitter!” (for the record,  Tommy’s Twitter handle is @TommyHilfiger).

Just a few minutes later, sitting in a director’s chair right on the runway, introducing the show (with host Mary Alice Stephenson), Hilfiger seemed really eager to connect in a more personal way, with the packed theater audience. He once again explained that while he gave his Fall 2012 runway show for the fashion press a few days earlier, the clothes that he was going to showcase now were from Spring 2012 and available in stores right now. He hoped these fashions would inspire people to be excited about the Spring line. He also noted the Tommy Hilfiger logo box on each seat containing a $100 credit voucher for purchases at select Tommy Hilfiger stores.   He also talked a bit about the “Meet the Hilfigers”advertising campaign, calling it “brilliant.” He explained that the fictitious Hilfigers go “glamping” (a mix of camping and glamour).

This American Express card members-only runway show takes the best elements of the authentic, Fashion Week experience and makes it fun, easy, accessible and actually affordable to the average person.  Cocktails are served in the tent lobby before the show, along with little nibbles. The Daily and other fashion publications that editors pick up during the week, are also available to pick up as mementos.  While the American Express Skybox didn’t seem to be available for this particular show (perhaps due to logistics), the theater is the largest venue of the four in the tents,  holding hundreds of guests. As with every runway show during the week, it was filled to capacity.  But the main difference between this show and others during fashion week is the vibe. It’s one of  pure excitement and energy, not exhaustion. Guests look well groomed, not wilted. There was more spontaneity and a lot more cheering (and some outright hoots when a sexy male model walked shirtless down the runway).

But in the end, all good things come to an end.  The guests retrieved their coats and walked out of the tents into the rainy night, satisfied that they’d experienced something amazing.  More than a few boarded the buses to the Tommy Hilfiger Flagship store on 5th Avenue, so they could purchase some of what they liked off the runway, and bring home even more than just fabulous memories.

For many, the Tommy Hilfiger American Express Cardmembers only runway show was priceless, but with ticket prices of  $95- $150 and a generous $100 voucher to use in-store at select Tommy Hilfiger locations (good for a couple of weeks) it might also be a bargain! To learn more about American Express’ special access to the world of fashion and other exciting entertainment offers, follow @AmericanExpress on Twitter or become a fan of American Express on Facebook. While all of the fashion week events that American Express offers sell out nearly instantly, American Express card members can visit americanexpress.com/entertainment to purchase tickets when another Fashion week season rolls around again in September.

Fashion Week for Fall 2012  is over, but while we now know what’s in store for Fall, 2012, Spring 2012 is about to happen and blossom with the looks we saw on the runways back in September 2011.

Guido is Redken's creative consultant

So what’s in store?  Guido, Redken’s creative consultant, told editors what to expect.  While some runway looks are bizarre enough to scare you, most of the looks for Spring 2012 are something the average woman could adapt.  Don’t try to slavishly copy and exact look, just take the idea and make it your own. And, as Guido told me and the other beauty editors eagerly awaiting his counsel, you shouldn’t try to totally change your look as much as show that you’ve made an effort.  Guido suggests adding a pretty clip or a headband (it needn’t be expensive, even a drugstore “hair jewelry” item makes a statement, and plenty of plain hair clips found their way onto chic runways). Interesting looks, and even long loose styles that seemingly are effortless, aren’t. Use styling products to add texture and your look is instantly, new!

Look for sleek, roughed-up or bunched up ponytails (seen on the runways of  designers like Bottega Veneta, Ports 1961, Diesel and Alberta Ferretti);

Savor sculptured shapes from modern beehives to braids and chignons (seen on the runways of designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Rag & Bone, and Louis Vuitton); loose hair with texture and a bit of an edge (seen on the runways of designers like Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, and Lanvin).

Love the young, long, loose styles (seen on the runways of designers like Loewe, D&G, Versace, and Celine).

To get these looks, Guido suggests you have the following in your hair styling tool kit: a vented brush, round or paddle brush, flat iron, blow dryer with nozzle, 1 inch curling iron, ponytail elastics and hairpins.  And when it comes to styling products, Guido suggests you add the following:

For volume get Redken’s Full Frame o7 (for all over volumizing in mousse form); Aerate 08 (for all over bodifying in a cream-mousse); and/or the backstage favorite Guts 10 (for root targeted volume in a spray foam).

For Texture and to enhance curl: Try Tousle Whip 04 (soft texturizing cream-wax);  and Hardwear 16 (super-strong sculpting gel). Add the just launched Redken Powder Grip 03 Mattifying Hair Powder ($14/50 .245 oz.) . This powder in a small, shaker jar won’t make your hair shine, but it will make it fashionable matte, with texture that adds life to updos, allowing for more height without a hassle. I expect we’ll be seeing a lot of these magical shaker jars on dressing tables everywhere, very soon. Also launching in March (much to my personal excitement) is Redken’s Powder Refresh 01 Aerosol Hair Powder/dry shampoo $18.00 3.4 oz or $7.50 1.2 oz. It is also good for all hair types, and absorbs odors and oil, with what is billed as a “revitalizing fragrance” (I haven’t tried it yet so I can’t attest to this, but I am guessing it is a clean, fresh scent). Dry shampoos are light years away from what they used to be, and the 1.2 oz can will be perfect for travel.

To enhance a blow dry try Satinwear 02 (blow dry lotion) and Velvet Gelatine 07 (cushioning blow-dry gel)

To add shine (for everyone’s style) use All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner; All Soft Argan-6 (multi-use oil) and Shine Flash 02 (a glistening mist).

To finish any style try:  new Redken Fashion Work 12 (a working spray that’s versatile); Pure Force 16 (another backstage fixing spray favorite): Quick Dry 18 (instant finishing spray) and Forceful 23 (with a super-strength hold).

Remember, authentic Redken products are sold only in authorized salons. For more information and to find a salon near you visit www.redken.com

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West Coast Eccentrics Meets East Coast Eclectics.  New York is commonly known as “the City that never sleeps,” and that’s  especially true during Fashion Week. The founders of Juicy Couture, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, tripped the lights fantastic in the underground parking garage at Lincoln Center. The “raw” space that encompassed the debut of their “Because the Sky Is Blue” collection was brilliantly conceived by Patrick Kinmonth and Antonio Monfreda. Strategically placed white cubes and screens projected images of California redwood trees and a “Runway Runaway.”

The show featured some “rock royalty” in model Theodora Richards (Patti Hensen and Keith Richard”s daughter), who also modeled a black see-thru dress. Gela’s husband John Taylor, (bass-god  guitarist and co-founder of the 80’s band Duran Duran), arranged the music, that consisted of tracks performed by  Allison Iraheta.

There was definitely a mix of influences in the clothing, from New York disco to West Coast Boho, and  lots of other influences from both coasts in between.

In keeping with the West Coast flair, many of the dresses and skirts were made of what appeared to be a sheer chiffon material with a dove-tail style trailing behind them (for added glam). Fur vests and coats added warmth to the chic but vintage styled brand.  Sheer and/or shiny fabrics were in homage perhaps, to Studio 54. Stiletto boots and an enhanced version of the classic Juicy track suit spoke for itself.  Bohemian and hippie influences were apparent though-out this eye-popping presentation.

Skaist-Taylor’s line of ready-to-wear apparel is about to take this planet to an entirely new dimension of fashionably sexy but also, comfortable.

thanks to Sharmila Tredger for this fashion week report

Anna Sui’s collection is always one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of every fashion week season. She’s best known for a boho and rock ‘n roll flair and a cheerful, high energy show full of fun clothes to covet.  This season at Mercedes Benz Fashion week was also a nod to rock ‘n roll, even though she had a deejay playing a lot of tunes from the 30′s and 40′s to go with the 46 looks she presented in The Theater at Lincoln Center.  The legendary designer had more than 100 photographers in the pit at the end of the walkway, perhaps the most of all the shows during Fashion Week. She also characteristically offers the entire audience, not just the front row,  a little thank-you gift at each seat.

Anna Sui puts together prints, plaids and intense textures better than anyone–and this time, she went for a retro 60′s look that was a little bit Jackie O and a little bit hippie. One could imagine the fashions walking down the runway on the wives of the Beatles on their legendary trip to India to meet the Maharishi. Sui’s intense color palette included tribal prints in turquoise, and dark orange the color of a rich, baked yam. In her characteristically clashing of styles, over-the-ear caps (some “spirit hood-like” with owl eyes, or ears), were worn with clashing colors. Anything crocheted or knitted appeared to be hand crafted.

Sui also paid homage to glamorous ball gowns of past days by including chiffon dresses in her fall collection. She probably used more types of fabrics than any single designer in Fashion Week, Models walked the runway in leather, chiffon, crocheted wool, silk jacquard, laser cut wool, laser cut viscose and/or rayon, and a multitude of laces! There was also a lot of playful faux fur trim and chain belts used along the way. Some of the furry vests and jacket s looked like they could have been plucked from Sonny & Cher’s closet back in the day, while much of the headwear looked like it came from Cirque Du Soleil or Joan Crawford’s closet in the 40′s and 50′s.

Walking into Anna Sui’s Soho store is like walking into a collage, as are her runway shows. But while there appears to be a lot of mixed media, color and confusing styles, the clothing, worn as separates, are very user-friendly, Wear a bold, bright Anna Sui design with a pair of black pants or a black silk shirt and you make a lovely, cheerful statement without being over the top.  Adding just one of her great looking coats or fringe-y sweaters or vests would make Fall 2012 your season to show off a little.  Anna Sui is about perpetual youth, which always includes a heavy nod to rock and roll, but her fans come from all walks of life. For example, one of her biggest fans is Russell Simmons, who was in the audience.

Anna Sui’s show is one not to be missed during any Fashion Week. When you’re tired from running around to a zillion shows, Anna Sui’s is the one that picks your spirit and energy level back up.

Thanks to guest writer Anne Raso for this report. Photographers and Russell Simmons photos by Anne Raso

On February 18th, The Advice Sisters presented the first in three exciting Spring 2012 makeup previews for Maybelline New York. Part I was all about the face. As Promised, this is Maybelline’s Spring 2012 Products- Part II–products for the eyes.  Be sure to check here on February 24th for the final Maybelline New York Spring 2012 preview- all new and awesome (and I really mean, amazing) products for your lips.

For The Eyes: One of the easiest ways to modernize your look for a new season, is with eye makeup.  For Spring 2012, Maybelline New York is offering some true treats.  Four things you might want to add to your makeup collection, from Maybelline New York’s best-selling EYE STUDIO collection. are a rainbow’s worth of Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow, Master Precise Liquid Ink Pen Eye Liner and Master Shape Brow Pencil, plus a new mascara: Illegal Lengths Fiber Extensions.

Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow is a pot of transformation for just $6.99.  The colors range from 5 neutral shades, to 5 statement colors that you can try without fear. The shimmery shades are intense, like tattoo ink (I’m guessing), but Maybelline New York has combined their intense pigment technology with flexible film formers to create a shadow that won’t fade (they say it will stay for 24 hours although I didn’t test that), and packs a punch if you wish.  You can apply it with a fingertip and smooth it into a semi-sheer, or layer on the color to make a statement. The statement shades are: Statement: Fierce & Tangy Pomegranate Punk Painted Purple Tenacious Teal Edgy Emerald
and the Neutrals are:  Bold Gold Tough as Taupe Bad to the Bronze Too Cool Audacious Asphalt. All the shades are wearable and pretty, and that’s a challenge when there are 10 colors.  Although I like the nudes, especially Bold Gold, which adds an evening shimmer of golden glitz to lids,  I’m going to suggest you try at least one of the statement shades. They’re just fun and edgy and fashion-forward, but they’re still pretty. My favorite is “Edgy Emerald” a shimmery green that is more emerald than teal, providing beautiful, clear color that just seems right for Spring. Runner up is “Tenacious Teal” which is more teal than green. The two are peacock-colored delights. Pick the ones you like–at under $7.00 these are nearly risk-free!

Next step, line eyes with Maybelline’s Master Precise Liquid Ink Pen Eye Liner ($7.99).  This fine-line, marker-type eye liner features a hyper-sharp 0.4mm tip, that lets even the most liquid liner-averse ladies get a smooth line. The ultra-thin tip supplies a continuous flow of color that won’t glop, and the one shade of intense black can be as dramatic as you wish. The color supposedly lasts for 12 hours (I didn’t test it that long) but I can say it stayed put without smudging or running into my eyes, even after I got caught in the rain. That gets my vote!

For those who love significant, defined brows (seen on nearly every runway), Maybelline offers assistance in the form of their Master Shape Brow Pencil ($7.99) is four natural shades: blonde, soft brown, deep brown, and auburn.  The wax pencil is smooth, and helps you color and define your brows with subtle color pigments to create fine, hair-like lines for natural definition. Then use the soft grooming brush to finish brows (even if you don’t add color, the brow brush smooths out errant hairs and makes brows look better). What’s particularly nice about this brow pencil is that it comes in Auburn, because not everyone has dark or light brown or blonde brows. The auburn was the perfect shade for my red-ish hair. Normally, I have to use light brown, and end up with brows that look too much like Henry Kissinger’s because they are so dark. However, if your brows are light or dark brown, or blonde, the other three shades will flatter and give you the look you want.

Finally, the finishing touch on any eye look is mascara.  I personally love Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara, which is still the #1 most popular mascara.  And there are lots of other Maybelline Mascaras that I truly like and use.  This new, Maybelline New York Illegal Lengths Fiber Extensions Mascara (srp. $8.95)  features fiber-extension technology for longer-looking lashes (Maybelline claims 4mm visibly longer looking lashes to be exact).  The secret (well, it isn’t a secret, really) is the 4mm black fibers included in the formula.  Maybelline’s exclusive Fiber Fix formula actually seals the fibers to each lash while the Fiber Fix Brush catches even tiny lashes to make sure they are coated.  The formula really did extend my lashes to an incredible length (they actually hit my glasses) but, alas, they didn’t thicken them, so I felt a bit like a cartoon character with long, skinny, lashes.  There are three washable shades: Blackest Black, Very Black, and Brownish Black, plus two waterproof shades: Blackest Black and Very Black. If your lashes are naturally thick, this is going to wow you. If not, wear it over a lash-thickening mascara.

These products launched at mass retailers nationwide last month.  You can learn more on the Official Maybelline Web Site www.maybelline.com

Maybelline New York is available in over 129 countries worldwide. The company is also the official makeup sponsor of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I’ll be reporting on what I see!

Lancome has come out with Rosaraie Des Delices (La Roseraie means “Bed of Roses”), a luscious, luxurious, new Spring 2012 makeup collection that is as beautiful to look at as it is to use.  The collection has something for everyone, and reminds me of a Spring garden in candyland — and I mean that in a very good way!   It’s pretty, sophisticated, and if you can call makeup “cheerful,” it’s that, as well.

For example, there’s Le French Touch Absolu Nu lipstick in #316 Cotton Candy. The case looks a bit like a genuine, striped hard candy good enough to eat, in a special, limited edition case. The shiny and brushed silver tube has a pretty, green enameled stripe, inspired by Lancome’s heritage lipsticks – fourth edition. The lipstick itself is a bubblegum pink as bold as a brand new pencil eraser, but the pink is sheer, shiny and translucent, actually inspired by the look of cotton candy (without the calories).  It’s fun to wear, but it’s also got some serious skincare in it. It is the first Ultra caring lipstick with Pro-Xylane™ in a new infinitely light texture, and enriched with enhancing pigments to reveal the radiance of beautifully replenished lips. Pro-Xylane™ restores moisture to the lips for up to 8 hours. This lipstick feels immediately hydrating and silky, even on chapped lips.  For those who love tech-speak, Pro-Xylane is an ingredient originally developed by Lancome in 2006. It is a sugar-protein hybrid made from xylose, a sugar found abundantly in beech trees and known to stimulate the production of glycoaminoglycans (GAGs), molecules responsible for defending the skin against water loss. Theoretically, as skin ages, it loses elasticity and worse, the cells can’t as effectively produce youth-boosting proteins, such as collagen. Pro-Xylane helps to tell aging cells what to do, transmitting information to younger cells and re-stimulating older cells , simultaneously. All this sounds great. But even if it didn’t  make lips look younger, it does beautify,  with a flattering wash of pink color—and who doesn’t want that?!

If you think the lipstick above is stunning, take a look at the The illuminating Smooth Powder ($45.00). This gorgeous blush/highlighter is not just universally flattering, it’s gorgeous!  For starters, the compact is the iconic,
black, square Lancome variety, gussied up on the cover with an oval ring of
little roses (the Lancome rose. Of course). Inside the mirrored compact is a
pressed powder so pretty it literally made me gasp when I first saw it.  There’s a silky rose in medium pink with tons of Perle,  and above the rose, a sunbeam’s worth of  translucent highlighter. This beautiful, multi-dimensional powder is perfect to transition to Spring, giving even Winter weary skin a  shimmery, all-in-one boost as a fresh blush, or subtle, all over color.  I only wish that Lancome had inclueed a puff, sponge or mini brush in or with the compact. No matter how you apply it, this product will be your newest and nicest, Springtime beautifier.  It’s a little splurge well worth the cost.

The collection also has two Color Design Limited Edition Spring 2012 Collection Eye Palettes – a sea green palette called Vert Tendresse – shades of mint and forest greens)  and a pink-centric one called Rose Romance  - shades of soft pinks, peach and burgundy.. These Eye Brightening All-In-One 5-Shadow & Liner palettes are  $48.00.

Other parts of the collection especially worth of note are three Le French Touch Lipsticks: 314 Rose Candy; 316 Soft marshmallow; and 318 Sweet Marmalade. Plus three really fun, Le Vernis, Color Fever Lip Glosses in green, peach and rose: 386 Green: Petal; 387  Tangerine Petal; and 388 Rose Petal. Petal. I didn’t try these, but I am told that they are shiny, sheer and while the pink and rose add just a hint of tint, the green adds a hint of frost to lips.   There are three Nail Polishes to go with the Lip Glosses: 29 Green Almond, 30 Rose Tangerine and 31 Rose Macaron.  The green is a creamy, opaque mint with a bit of khaki in it to make it modern.  It might not suit everyone, but I think it would look amazing on olive skin.

Greet Spring!  Get this collection, and lots of great beautiful Lancome items at your favorite Lancome makeup counter, and check out the lancome official web site: http://www.lancome-usa.com

One of the exciting things I look forward to every season is the unveiling of Maybelline’s newest products and colors.  We have a lot to look forward to for Spring 2012!

There is so much to love, I’m doing this review in three parts. Today The Advice Sisters are focusing on Maybelline’s Spring 2012 Products- Part I For the Face

On February 20th, The Advice Sisters will preview Maybelline’s Spring 2012 Products- Part II For Eyes

Finally, last but not least, on February 24th,  The Advice Sisters will  feature Maybelline’s Spring 2012 Products- Part III For Your Lips.

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THESE! BOOKMARK THIS WEBSITE OR BETTER YET, SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVICE SISTERS FEED (THE ICON FOR THE FEED IS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE)

For the face, Maybelline has just introduced the Dream Mousse Collection for Spring 2012. This collection includes the new Dream Bouncy Blushes, Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation, and Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer.  The idea of these products is sheer coverage that feels incredibly light on the skin, as if you were wearing nothing (or almost nothing) at all. But anyone can use these and get amazing results.

The first product that excited me is the Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation.  This is unlike most foundations you’ve ever tried as it’s in a pump can, and comes out as a frothy-creamy, lighter-than air, foam. It puffs up (a bit alarmingly at first–all you need is a walnut-sized amount) but then it melts into your skin without being heavy, greasy, or overly “dewy.”  The formula has a modest amount of sun protection in SPF 16, and it is available in a doen shades — just $10.99. I didn’t think I’d really like a foundation in a can, but after the novelty wears off, it’s still a very nice, easy to use, foundation that lasts and looks good.

The Maybelline Dream LumiTM Touch Highlighting Concealer (srp. $7.99) is also nice.  This click-it pen in 6 shades (great, because then you don’t have raccoon eyes or enhance dark circles with the wrong color) is, by Maybelline’s claim, their first product to combine the camouflaging benefits of a concealer with the luminosity of a brightener – all in one simple step. Once you find your best shade, the exclusive gel-based formula works not just to cover “bad things” on your face, but it also diffuses light to illuminate your skin and make it look brighter and “more alive.”  he The click-it pen with brush tip lets you be precise when getting into tiny areas. The formula really does cover well, but without being cake-y or chalk-y.  I rarely wax poetic about something as mundane as a concealer, but they’re not all created equal. I was so excited to find a concealer that’s travel-friendly, easy to use, affordable, and this good. I  really love it!

Also new for the face is Maybelline Dream Bouncy BlushTM (srp. $7.99). These look like ordinary blush pots in a round case with clear top, but the moment you put your finger on the blush, you know it’s different. The blush is solid but “squishy” almost as though you’re putting your hands on a soft, spongy, deflated ball.  At first it’s a bit shocking, but once you dab this gel blush (formulated with Silicone elastomers) onto your face, you realize that it offers a perfect, sheer wash of color that you can build upon, easily and smoothly. It feels (and wears) like a powder blush, but looks radiant and natural, like a cream.  So clever! Although I’m not a fan of makeup I have to stick my fingers onto or into, I do love this blush! It’s oil free and available in 10 shades.  Even the brightest ones are so sheer you can enjoy something different, fresh and new in deep pinks, berries, browns, nudes and peach.

Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation, DreamLumiTM Touch Highlighting Concealer and Dream Bouncy BlushTM just launched last month at mass retailers nationwide. You can get more information on the Official Maybelline Web Site: www.maybelline.com

Youngblood Tangelo lipstick, the "it" color for Spring 2012

The latest collection for Spring 2012 includes a striking Tangerine-tinted lipstick ($19.00) called “Tangelo.”  The color is somewhat alarmingly orange in the tube, but on the lips, it is a creamy, sheer, coral with just a bit more orange than pink. Orange lips and eyes were “the thing” on many runways during Spring 2012 Fashion Week, so Tangelo tracks on that trend, but the great thing about Tangelo is that it satisfies without going orange overload into old lady or creepy. The lanolin-free lipstick is velvety and non-drying, moisturizing with botanical blend of sunflower oil and candelilla wax. Vitamin E also provides antioxidant benefits. However, if your lips are chapped. cracked or less than perfect, get them into shape before applying an eye-catching color like orange or coral. And, every crack and imperfection shows when you’re wearing creamy lipsticks like this one. To make Tangelo tempting, exfoliate lips first, use a lip liner pencil for longer wear, and add a bit of balm before applying the color.  Tangelo is going to be available on March 1, 2012 on the Youngblood Web Site www.ybskin.com or call 800-216-6133

Also new on March 1st is a quartet of Luminous Cream Blushes (srp. $27.00) that add a sheer, believable, and beautiful glow to cheeks. Cream blush can be tricky, sometimes application can be blotchy or leave an oily residue that is less “glow” and more simply greasy shine. But these Youngblood beauties are layerable, and oil-free. A bit of shimmer adds a luminous (not high wattage glow) and the color can be boosted with powder or extra highlighter if desired. But by themselves, the blushes really flatter fair to medium complexions.  “Champagne Life” is the lightest, adding a soft, golden shimmery wherever you want to put it.  “Tropical Glow” is billed as peachy-pink with golden shimmer, but on my skin it looked like a gorgeous copper. It’s bright on fair skin, and adds a softer and more natural glow to deeper complexions.”Rose Quartz” is  pink with a hint of silvery shimmer.  A bit, blended in, really perks up a Winter weary light to medium complexion. Finally, there’s “Taffeta,” a bright pink that is described as “bubblegum” but is really more of a medium pink, and it adds a lovely pink blush to all skin tones. The moisturizing botanical Allantoin, plus anti-oxidant Vitamins C and E, plus emollient jojoba esters, make these high end blushes, worth the splurge. If your skin is pale from Winter, let one of these beautiful blush wonders work it’s magic for you.  They’re available at Fred Segal in Santa Monica California, Henri Bendel and the Plaza Beauty in NYC, and by calling 800-216-6133

The last new product from Youngblood to debut on March first, is Youngblood’s Eye-Illuminating Duo ($22.00).  The dual-ended pncil has two neutral flesh tones.  One end features Matte, a pink-nude, the other has Shimmer,  an iridescent champagne-beige). I am not a personal fan of  eye highlighters, because if you use them imcorrectly you end up doing more harm than good (we’ve all seen women with overly glowy brow bones and eye lids that literally scream “tacky!”  But this creamy pencil blends well,  and has emollient mango seed  and macadamia nut oils that hydrate, plus microcrystalline wax for a tug-free application. You can use the matte or shimmer sides as an eye shadow base, and a little bit applied in the inner corner of the eye, perks them up, automatically. You can also use a bit underneath the brow bone.  If you’ve been up all night, suffered through a long flight, had too much “fun” and your eyes show it, this handy, travel friendly pencil, can make you appear more perky, and that, my friends, might be priceless! You can get this pencil after March first at  www.ybskin.com, Fred Segal in Santa Monica California, Henri Bendel and the Plaza Beauty in NYC, and by calling 800-216-6133

The Eventi Hotel played host to Project Runway’s Season 6 winner, Irina Shabayeva. Her fall collection of gowns have a Renaissance flair. This evening collection consisted of evening wear and cocktail dresses that are for the woman who really wants to make a statement on those very special occasions.

The body-conscious dresses in  red, white and black satin are well suited to a woman who wants something different and luxurious, but isn’t afraid to show off her body.

Shabayeva lavishly adorned her satin and chiffon designs with embellishments of black lace, and sequins, plus plenty of  frills and ruffles.  The designer’s love of feathers was present in her black satin corset feather dress, and a white feather gown.

Irina’s dramatic flair seemed at home in Eventi’s Grand Ballroom, taking visitors back in time. If the walls could talk, they would say “Thou beauty is most gracious and divine and draped with the beauty of Venus”.

My thanks to By Sharmila Tredger of IQuoteYouNot for this report