Behind the Scenes

Just For Fun

 

Lapis Luxury

What a fabulous time I had at The Fontainebleau in Miami.
Poolside mojitos,  cooly,  serene accommodations and the luxurious Lapis Spa.
Upon entering the Spa, guests must pass through their signature boutique which houses many amenities and products that are used during their treatments.
After making my purchase of Kai Body Oil, (ooh lala…the creamy scent of fresh white flowers), I headed to the front desk to sign in for my treatment. I was then escorted upstairs of the Spa’s two-story sanctuary that features 30 private treatment rooms.
After changing into one of their signature robes I relaxed in the waiting room, sipping refreshing orange water and flipping through magazines.

The sublime beauty of the contemporary spa helps you to appreciate the “here & now”.
This was time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Massage therapist Ruth Anne worked out the kinks and relaxed my overly tense shoulder muscles.
The power of touch is so healing.
I left the Spa feeling as though I was floating on a cloud.
Lapis offers a range of services that combine ancient modalities with cutting edge technologies.
So much to choose from with so little time…this only means I will have to revisit Lapis The Spa at Fontainebleau.

-MC

Bad Hair Week Transformations

During “Bad Hair Week” the show featured top hairstylists revamping and reinventing five women in desperate need of the *Hair Fairy* and I had the pleasure of working my own magic!

Michelle Pebole

 

Michelle’s  new style is modern and bold so I really wanted to play up her eyes, yet keep it simple and clean.

• I evened out her skin tone with Bobbi Brown oil free foundation in Sand.
• After a dusting of Three Custom Color translucent loose powder, I swept Nars Orgasm Blush onto the apple of her cheeks and swept up to her temple.
• I then framed her eyes by giving her a stronger brow.
• I chose Laura Mercier Deep Blonde Brow Duo Powder.
• I stayed with Laura Mercier  and  highlighted her whole eye with Gilt, then contoured the crease with Kir Royal and finished the eyes with a dusting of Lilac on the lids blending up to the crease to soften the whole look.
• The final touch was MAC Lipgellee in Jellybabe…I applied this with my finger for a soft pout.

Amanda Klish

 

Amanda was like a blank slate. Her sweet smile and soft voice needed  to be seen and heard.
I wanted to bring out her features that seemed to previously disappear in all that hair.

• First thing was some spot concealing.
•  I used my Touche Eclat by YSL # 2.
• Next, I brightened her face with Scott Barnes Crème Color in Native.
•  I blended this cream blusher into the apple of her cheeks with my fingertips.
• I softened the surrounding area with MAC cream colour base in Luna.
• I then brushed her brows with MAC Brow Gel.
• Her eyes were enhanced by lining the bottom lashline with MAC Shadestick in Cement.
• I then used MAC Cult of Cherry Shadowy Lady Eyeshadow Quad to really pop her eyes.
• I plumped up her lashed with Loreal Volumnious Mascara.
• I finished her look with YSL Pur Lipgloss and a touch of MAC lipliner in Spice.

Loren Chrisman

 

WOW! So much hair on such a tiny woman. Diane tamed that hair so it would compliment Loren’s pretty face. Now all I had to do was to turn her into a Babe. Sexy hair needs some sexy makeup.

• After cleaning up her brows I brushed them with some clear mascara.
• Then I spot concealed with Clinique Airbrush Concealer.
•  I used this under the eyes, around the nose and edges of the mouth..
• I applied Bare Minerals powder all over her face with a Kabuki Brush.
• Then I gave her a sunkissed look by sweeping  NARS multiple stick in Sunset Beach onto her cheeks.
• For her lips I used MAC Honeylove lipstick with MAC Glosscoat…SHINY.
• I added MAC false lashes and used Laura Mercier Black Violet Eyeliner into her lash line for a smoky sexy look.
• I brushed Bare Minerals Tiger Lilly Eyeshadow onto her eyelids for added sultriness.
• Shiny Hair,Sexy Smile and Sultry Eyes = BABE

Paradise Tackett

 
A sleek hairstyle needs polished makeup.

• After evening out her skintone with Laura Mercier camouflage cream I then applied Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation.
• Paradise was the perfect candidate for “Smokey Eyes”.
• I filled in her brows with some taupe eyeshadow.
• Then I pulled out my POP Beauty Smokey Eye Class Palette.
• I liner her eyes with black liner right at the base of her lashes.
• Then I applied a medium gray tone from the base of the lashes up to the mid-crease of the eye.
• I then softened this area and the surrounding edges with a mauve.
• For added oomph, I applied POP Smokey Lash Kapow!
• For blusher I used the POP Beauty Cheeky Cake Duo Bronzer in Beach Babe.
• I finished off her mouth with Kevin Aucoin Fleshtone Lipliner and Galaxine Cyberlip Gloss.

Rebecca Aragon

 

I wanted Rebecca’s makeup to be a reflection of her personality. Sunny, flirtatious, and confident.

• I applied Benefit’s Coralista on the apples of her cheeks…this really opened her face.
• To bring out her eyes I used Clinique’s Color Surge Eyeshadow Quad in Spicy.
• I then applied MAC false eyelashes to really pop the eyes.
• For the final touch I applied MAC Lipglass in Pink Grapefruit….perfect for Rebecca’s sunny disposition.

*MC

Q & A by Michelle Champagne

Hi Michelle- great post! thanks!quick question if you have a q/a post in the future....i use a blush with mineral oil as one of the main ingredients and someone said it was bad for the skin. I'm assuming it shouldn't be (the blush was a little pricey) but was wondering your thoughts? thanks!

Hi Sharon,

Mineral Oil used in makeup is the highly refined cosmetic grade oil that should cause you no harm.

Check out the books "Don't Go To The Cosmetic Counter Without Me"  &  " The Beauty Bible" by Paula Begoun

Good Luck

*MC

Hi MC,

Now that Spring is almost here have you moved on to a different color palette?

If so, what are some of your faves...details please.

Cia Bella,  Heidi

Hello Heidi,

Spring is so near and I am changing up my color palette.

I am going softer and more feminine.

Touches of green or lavender around the eyes with peachy pastels for the cheeks.

Think fresh so keep the lips shiny and nude or add a tinge of pinky peach.

Some of my "Pastel Picks" are:

Yves Saint Laurent Eyeshadow Quartet in " Lavender"

Chantecaille  Shine Eyeshadow in  "Pale Green"

Revlon Beyond Natural Blush and Bronzer in "Peach"

Benefit Cosmetics "Coralista"  All Over Face Powder

Nars "Orgasm"  Blush and Lipgloss...I also love Nars "Giza"  Lipgloss

MAC " Honeylove"  Lipstick

Also check out MAC  "Hello Kitty"  Collection

Have fun! MC

Hi Michelle-
Love the blog! And love Freeze 24-7 Hope you and Kelly enjoy the Global Goddess Beauty products!

Jen

Hi Jen,

Global Goddess is Gorgeous!

Beautiful packaging, and stunning colors!!

The bronzer has the perfect amount of shimmer and the coconut hair oil smells so divine...

A transporting experience!!

*MC

Hi Michelle,
Do you remember the lipstick color and gloss you used on Kelly on the March 2, 2009 show?  Is that the "pink grapefruit" color you like from Mac?
Thanks,
Carol

Hey Carol,

Yes I do remember...

MAC Spice Lipliner / Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink Lipstick / NARS Giza Lip Gloss

Enjoy,

*MC

What eyeliner do you use on Kelly (brand and colors)?
Thank you! Jen

Hi Jen,

I use Laura Mercier Black Violet Kohl Eyeliner and Copper Eyeliner, Susan Posnik Saphire Eyeliner, POP beauty pencils and the MAC Paint Pots.

Have fun,

*MC

Hi Michelle,
All this talk about the makeup is fun, but what i'm wondering is how do you take it all off? What products do you use, or can recommend?
Thanks.

Hello Darweena,

My favorite makeup remover wipe is the Alcone Cosmetic Removers.

One sweep and they get the job done. I use this on everybody, including myself.

They are gentle and soothing and leave absolutely no residue.

Alcone has two shops in NYC, or you can go to their website.

For post-laser or extremely dry skin a great solution is cosmetic grade olive oil, just wet the skin with warm water and gently remove makeup with the oilive oil and a soft face towel.

Try the website www.fromnaturewithlove.com.

I also like Kinerase Cleanser, Yonka Cleansing Gel, Ramy Beauty Cleansing Foam and Dove Soap.

*MC

LASER MAGIC by Michelle Champagne

While visiting my family over the holidays I decided to treat myself to a bit of self indulgent “Me Time”.

It had been way too long since I had a dose of healthy narcissistic behavior.

So I hightailed it to Belle Chasse Medical Center to meet laser specialist Michele Jones.

After a brief, yet thorough discussion about laser facials, Michele got busy.

She wielded the “Laser Genesis” wand to and fro across my face for 45 minutes.

With a mild heating and cooling sensation, my collagen was being regenerated into a healthier younger looking complexion.

The results were bye- bye broken capillaries, hello smoother, toner and younger looking skin!

There was no down time so I was fine for the Christmas Eve party the following night.

The painless procedure was effective, but now I am overdue for my next treatment.

This is a great way to improve skin texture as long as you can commit to more than one session.

You see best results after 4-5 treatments.

I know because I have witnessed my sister’s acne scars disappear at the hands of Michelle Jones and her magical laser.

*MC

Exfoliation Nation

Exfoliation Nation

In the 80s I was physically & emotionally dependant on my BufPuf.

Every night I would scrub away the fear of teenage acne.

Blackheads Beware!!!!!

Me & the B.P. combating out of control sebaceous glands!

A new decade shifted my approach to skin care.

By the 90s I became friendlier to my face.

My nightly ritual was a gentle exfoliation with Body Shop Japanese Washing Grains.

The grain was ground up adzuki beans formed into a paste with a few drops of water. With small circular motions I would gingerly slough away dead skin cells.

Fast forward to the 21^st century and our exfoliation options are endless.

Far from the honey almond scrub of yesteryear, skin care has leapt into a more eclectic range of abrasives.

Here are some of my favorite skin polishers:

Freeze 24-7 Ice Crystals Prep & Polish – I love this stuff! It is made up of magnesium oxide crystals, jojoba massage beads and basil oil. Together these ingredients glide effortlessly over the skin, gently removing dead skin cells.  Powerful yet gentle, it decongests acne prone skin and unveils a smooth and even appearance.

The basil oil provides a cooling and toning sensation that makes you feel happy.

Yonka Foam Scrub – Although this product is from their Men’s line, I use it on both genders. Bamboo silica and jojoba beads are combined with copper and iris in a mild foaming gel that eliminates dead cells responsible for a dull complexion.

This deep cleaning pore refiner is gentle enough to use a few times a week.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion – This high performance product polishes away dead cells with micro crystals, green tea and chamomile. It smells divine and has been called a miracle scrub in a jar!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – This product reminds me of the Body Shop’s Washing Grains.  This rice based enzyme powder is formulated with licorice, grapefruit, bearberry and aspergillus to brighten and balance uneven skin pigmentation. Gentle enough to use everyday.

Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It – I have not tried this product yet ….but I will.

Anything that Marcia Kilgore, (founder of Bliss empire and now Soap & Glory), has to be exceptional. The Soap & Glory line is sold at Target and the reviews of this product are very good…check it out yourself…I will.

MC

Holiday Goodies from Kelly's Style Team

We asked Faith, Michelle & Diane to share some of their holiday wishes and share a bit about how they prepare and partake in the festivities.

My dream gift this Christmas is…

Faith: I need a Spa Day! usually go to Bliss in NYC

Michelle: Gold bangle bracelets, flip video phone, a gift certificate to L’Artisan perfumeur

Diane: Weekend getaway with the family

A great store/boutique/online for holiday shopping I love is…

Faith: Barney’s

Michelle:
- Well, First of all, I want to own the great store, boutique!
- Space NK is one of my favorite Beauty Boutiques for an eclectic mix of self indulgent goodies.
- I find that Club Monaco has great savings during the holidays on cool pieces of jewelry…at a great price.

Diane: There is a show in Hoboken called Big Fun that I like & so many great boutiques in So Ho

A Great Gift idea is…

Faith:
- Cashmere scarves from Club Monaco- there are some great prints, good for everyone

Michelle:
- Slatkin candles smell divine and are moderately priced. Great for gift giving….try Pamplemouse….grapefruit heaven!
- Freeze 24-7 Lip Plumper is my new favorite lip enhancer. This is a great stocking stuffer…cool packaging.
- Keihl’s musk is one of my old time favorites. It smells clean yet sensual. Can be worn by men and women. Love it!

Diane:
- Heated throw (small electric blanket)

Something fun I wear to glam up for holiday festivities is…

Faith:
- Really love oversized, embellished necklaces- Burberry, Marni, Lanvin, Prada. They feel special and festive.
- There are some great Elizabeth & James party dresses (Intermix) that Kelly loves
- I love this green and black marbleized Micheal Kors dress (Bendels)

Michelle:
- I love Nanete Lapor tops- they are whimsical and festive

Diane:
- For New Years eve at my house we wear pajama bottoms with fancy beaded tops for the girls and t-shirt and tux jacket for the boys, then we eat lots of hourderves and dance around the family room:)

Happy Holidays from Kelly’s Style Team!

Spooky Beauty

Check out this year's preparations for our Annual Halloween Fashion Show... Diane and myself live for Halloween. The costumes, wigs, special effect makeup are all too much fun!

MC*

BEAUTY QUEST

Backstage at "Live", the makeup room becomes a beauty roundtable.

Fellow hair and makeup artists, publicists, agents and celebrity guests pop by to see what products I have splayed across my table.

The thrill of finding the next makeup artist "must-have", is no less thrilling than King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail.

Here are some legendary and revolutionary beauty treasures:

1.YSL Touche Eclat Under Eye Highlighter

2. Weleda Skin Food

3. Nars  "Orgasm"  Blush and Gloss

4. Philosophy "Hope in a Jar"

5. Yonka Body Oil

6. Keihls " Creme De Corps"

7. Anastacia Brow Kit & Mini Brow Kit

8. Model Co "More Brows"

9. Cle De Peau Eyebrow Pencil....perfection

10. Cellex C Hydra B5 Complex

11. Tweezerman Slant tip tweezers

12. Christian Dior "Dior Show" Mascara

13. Aquaphor Healing Skin Ointment

14. Embryolisse 24 hour Miracle Cream

15. Smiths Rosebud Salve

16. Lucy B Lip Balm

17. This Works Skin Deep "Dry Leg Oil"

18. Biologique Lotion P50

19. Chamomile teabags

20. Guerlain Bronzer

21. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer

22. Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

23. Dr. Bronners Lavender or Teatree soap to wash brushes

24. Vincent Longo Dolce Vita Lashes

25. LaFemme Shadows and Blushes

26. Three Custom Color Translucent Loose Face Powder

27. T. LeClerc Banana Face Powder

28. SKII Skin Tightening Mask

29. Yonka Phyto Contour Eyecream

30. Jurlique Lavender Oil

*MC

No Apologies

Early July I stepped away from the computer and dove into summer.

I offer no apologies for my absence...what can I tell you...I'm a New Orleans girl.

Hot and humid equates with "Glorious"!

I celebrate the sun and it's radiant heat that blankets my body with it's sultry rays.

After a healthy slathering of 50 plus sunscreen I frolicked in my backyard, playing hostess to out of towners, neighbors, and soon to be second graders.

But now it is time for me to answer your patient calls.

Beauty Q & A

Hi...Michelle, i love kelly's cheek's color on the 20th anniversary show, is there any chance you still remember what cheeks color and lip color you use on her.can you please tell me the brand and the color.thanks so much and love your blog.   Mai

Hello Mai,

I think I used,  Nars "Orgasm" blush color on Kelly's cheeks for the anniversary special.

It is a warm pinky/coral with a slight shimmer creating a dewy effect.

*MC

Hi Michelle!! I am so excited about this blog! I have always admired Kelly's flawless makeup and can't wait to learn how to apply your skills on my own face! I was wondering what bronzer and blush Kelly typically wears and how it is applied. Do you normally blend a bronzer over her cheeks first and then apply a bronzer? Or do you mix them both together and then apply? Please include the color and the brand of the two! I can't wait to hear from you, and thanks again for giving us the inside scoop to flawless beauty! Kym

Hey Kym

I usually apply blusher on the apple of the ckeeks and softly sweep back and up toward the top of the ear  area.

Try Mac "Spaced Out" or "Sweetness", and then wisp over the Mac Bronzing Powder in "Refined Golden"

You will be sunkissed and gorgeous!

*MC

Hi Michelle, Thank you so much for this blog! Do you use a base on Kelly's eyes before her eyeshadow? If so what kind/brand.and what highlighter do you use? Thanks Eva

Hi Eva,

Eve Pearl has a line of cosmetics and they carry a concealer called "Salmon Concealer & Treatment".

I use this as a prebase on the lid and under the eye. It hilights and treats the tender eye skin area with cosmenutrients.

Eve is opening a store in Manhattan sometime in September, you can purchase her cosmetics from her website at www.evepearl.com.

*MC

I just found your blog and find it extremely helpful. I love how Kelly always looks. I have a skin problem that I would appreciate if you could help me with. I have various brown spots all over my face. What can I use to hide them? Most products tend to disappear with in an hour or two.

Eileen

Hi Eileen,

You should try Tigi Bed Head "Wipe Out Fixx-It Sticks"

It gives you great spot coverage ...I carry one in my bag at all times.

*MC

Love the beauty advice! I am a sun-lover like Kelly-- Although I always wear at least spf 15 on my face I am noticing a ridiculous number of sun spots on my face- nothing scary, I checked with the derm. I am not a foundation wearer so I need some suggestions for a cream or something to soothe the freckle-look. Thanks!  DeeDee

Hi DeeDee,

I would suggest one of the tinted foundations that carry an SPF.

I listed some of my faves in an earlier Beauty Q & A. This would give you the slighest bit of coverage to blurr the freckles without trying to mask them.

Good Luck, *MC

Hi, Do you apply foundation with a sponge, brush, or fingertips

Christine

Hi Christine,

I use all three. The sponge is fast and easy application. The foundation brush gives a nice flawless finish and the heat from the fingertips really help to set the makeup in areas around the eyes.

*MC

What spray toner do you use...I find these work great...any advice?

beautyfan

Hiya Beautyfan

I love Yonka spray toner. It contains rosemary which is an excellent way to relieve a headache and give you a sense of well being. It is also loaded with botanicals that are rejuvinating to the skin.

I keep mine in the fridge...the cool mist feels like heaven.

*MC

what happened are you on vacation sure miss this info!!!!!!!!! please advise thank you!!!! ali

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack

*MC