“I say, ‘What’s your dress like and what are we highlighting?’ You care about how you look and you want to make an impact,” Peterson says. “I put a program together around that.”

Most celebrities stay in decent shape year-round. But when they don’t, he tells stars that they “have to be realistic. You can make an improvement and make sure your stylist works with you to show your assets.”

A star’s biggest asset is her famous face, and A-listers such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Penelope Cruz go to pricey aestheticians Sonya Dakar in Los Angeles and Fresh’s Joanna Czech in New York. Her ladies, Dakar says, want “that smooth, youthful glow,” so they see her one to four times a week.

Czech starts two weeks before showtime, telling her clients to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding cheeses, wine or anything else that goes through the aging process. “I start doing peels, but nothing very drastic. Nothing too aggressive because that can cause flaky, dehydrated skin, and makeup won’t last or look nice on that kind of skin. You can’t camouflage that,” she says.

On the big day, beauty pros such as Chanel celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin, who works with Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock and Michelle Williams, make the rounds between Hollywood’s toniest hotels. Levin often gets booked 12 months ahead of time by winners, who know they’re going to the Oscars the following year as presenters, and works on several clients the day of, spacing them out.

“They have to love what they see in the mirror. It’s a long night and the makeup has to last,” says Levin, who focuses on keeping skin hydrated. “They’ll be seen on camera for hours. On top of that, there’s the issue of the lights that pick up a lot of shine. There’s a balance of having enough on and not too much so it doesn’t get cakey. It can’t be too heavy.”

How much strategy goes into the visage? “We start talking dresses and looks when we know for sure they’re going,” Levin says. “They narrow it down to a number of (dress) options. And then usually the day before, it’s narrowed down to one or two dresses. We see the fabric and the look and discuss it with the stylist.”

She works in tandem with hairstylists such as Fekkai tress tender Adir Abergel, who coiffs Bullock and Keira Knightley, and nail guru Deborah Lippmann, who buffs and files for Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Winslet. “I have to be prepared with everything under the sun. I bring 100 colors with me. I bring nail tips, nail glue, quick-dry machines,” says Lippmann, who completes manicures and pedicures on three to four people on Oscar day. “We try to keep it light and fun and positive. We have Champagne. There’s always food around, but no one wants to eat because of nerves.”

The polish hue is based largely on the dress and the hair and makeup. “Generally, there’s some sort of neutral with a little bit of shimmer in it,” Lippmann says.

Cobblers such as Brian Atwood, a favorite of Victoria Beckham and Emma Stone, start working with stylists months ahead of time to select red-carpet-appropriate footwear. For particularly loyal women like Diane Kruger, Atwood will fashion a shoe from scratch or customize a pair about three weeks before the event. And sometimes, he can put in hours of effort, only to have the celebrity choose something else.

Says Atwood: “You never know who’s wearing what until the last moment.”

Sedona Lace, an industry-leading provider of professional quality makeup supplies, has today revealed their newest product, the Vortex Collection.

Riverview, Florida (PRWEB) February 20, 2012

Sedona Lace, one of the nation’s leading providers of professional quality makeup brushes and supplies, has today released their latest offering – the Vortex Collection of makeup brushes with an attractive, convenient zipper belt.

Sedona Lace’s newest makeup brush collection includes 13 specialized make up brushes to help achieve professional results. The jumbo fan face brush is multipurpose and is ideal for applying foundation, catching loose powder or evenly distributing blush or bronzer. The tulip contour brush features a pointed tip with tapered bristles for blending, but can be used for multiple purposes.

The make up brush set also includes a dome contour face brush, a flat top buffer, a universal blender, a flat synthetic eye brush, a synthetic blender, pointed crease eye makeup brush, brow spoolie duo brush, bent liner, detail shader, angled detail brush and a capped lip brush. Each make up brush features a high quality black handle for a secure grip, while both natural and synthetic bristles ensure the best coverage and comfort. Synthetic bristles are also impermeable, and will not stain from liquid or cream foundations.

The Vortex Collection of makeup brushes is contained in an attractive, convenient black brush belt, perfect for keeping these professional makeup brushes organized and close at hand for immediate use. Part of the belt’s innovative design is the fact that it doesn’t roll closed – the Vortex Collection comes actually features a zippered brush belt to keep your make up brushes secured at all times when not in use.

The all-new Vortex Collection offers professional results, tremendous versatility and the best security for makeup brushes.

To find out more about the Vortex Collection of makeup brushes, to see other beauty products and find out what else is available through Sedona Lace, visit the company at http://www.SedonaLace.com.

About Sedona Lace: Sedona Lace specializes in providing their customers with the highest quality cosmetics and application brushes to achieve professional results. From metals to pastels and earth tones, customers will find everything they need to create the look they desire with the professional quality selections from Sedona Lace.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/2/prweb9210232.htm

(1888PressRelease) Supermom’s Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Director of Fashion at Lincoln Center partnered with The Moms; Mom-entum, Big Fuel and Getting Gorgeous, for “Strut: The Fashionable Mom Show”.

Connecticut Celebrity Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis was very excited about being a part of the glam squad that was brought in for STRUT Mom’s 1st Annual Fashion Show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. Gomez-Duplessis laughs saying it was such a fun change of pace to do makeup on real women who are mothers versus the traditional young models who are her daughter’s age. The moms that Gomez-Duplessis got a chance to work with were professional career women, popular female bloggers, and soon to be moms. The fashion show was hosted by Supermodel and cosmetics owner Iman, who is also a mother of two. Gomez-Duplessis is also a mother of 2 teens and so she understands how hard it is to parent kids with a busy schedule as she travels a lot with her work. Gomez-Duplessis said her support system is her husband and SKYPE and writing on her blog; Inside The Life Of A Makeup Artist plays a big role when on the road with her family.

Backstage Gomez-Duplessis was one of 10 makeup artists that gave these fashionable moms each flawless individual looks. Gomez-Duplessis said her makeup area consisted of a full table of makeup goodies. Key items that all moms need for a full proof makeup look is what I packed my makeup kit with. One of my favorite items is Maya Water Facial Mist to hydrate and rejuvenate my overwhelmed moms. Gomez-Duplessis wanted her moms to not look like they look everyday, so gave them a glamxurious look to play up the moment. Gomez-Duplessis says moms need makeup items that are quick but will last all day so she selected L’OREAL Paris HIP Cream eyeliners, L’OREAL Paris Waterproof Voluminious mascara, and L’OREAL Paris Infallible 8hr leGloss. But an absolute must have that all moms need is concealer, so I selected one of my top concealers from ALCONE.

There were so many amazing highlights from STRUT: The Fashionable Mom Fashion Show but my favorite was getting to bond backstage with the gorgeous Iman who on this day wanted to not be a supermodel but a supermom.

Connecticut Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis works in New York and part time in New Orleans. This L’OREAL Paris Pro Makeup Artist has worked with celebrities like: Golden Globe Oscar winner Melissa Leo, Jennifer Aniston, Kerry Washington, Kim Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Julianne Nicholson, Jordin Sparks, Angela Bassett, Barbara Walters, Edie Falco, Ava DuVernay, Emayatzy Corinealdi, and Reshma Shetty to name a few. Brandy has worked with New York top affluent and influential New Yorkers; Donna Karan International, St. George’s Society of New York, The Royal Wedding Bash, The English Ball for Burberry, world renowned event planner Marcy Blum, NY award winning CeCi Johnson, Women Of New York, to name a few. Brandy recently worked Donna Karan, DKNY, Keva J, Mercedes Benz Fashion Show, New York Fashion Week, Sundance Film Festival, VH-1 Divas, Real Simple Magazine, GLAMOUR Magazine #WOTY, OPRAH O YOU, Project Runway, VOGUE TV, Sperry Top-Sider, Burberry Beauty, L’OREAL Paris, International Latino Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, NY Fashion Week, NBA All Star Weekend, Essence Music Festival, New York Post and more. Keep up with Brandy by reading her personal blog “Inside the Life of a Makeup Artist” or follow her glamxurious tweets.

http://www.bgdmakeupartistry.com

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Rapper Nicki Minaj has launched her own make-up range in association with Viva Glam Mac, along with singer Ricky Martin.
“When I was chosen by MAC cosmetics to be the next Viva Glam spokesperson, I wanted to hug everyone that worked at MAC for giving me this opportunity. I’ve always

wanted to be a Viva Glam girl,” contactmusic.com quoted Minaj as saying.

The make-up range aims to help HIV/AIDS-affected people of all ages.

According to their website, “Every cent of the selling price of MAC Viva Glam lipstick and lipgloss is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund.”

Martin said in a statement: “I am very honoured to be chosen as the first Latin man to be a spokesperson for this beautiful cause. We want to talk about things that really matter, and obviously HIV/AIDS is one of those — and in my case, HIV/AIDS and the cure for kids with HIV.”

The style icon Kim Kardashian glams up cover page of Allure magazine’s March 2012 issue. 31-year-old sizzling babe shows off her makeup free look on cover with sexy wet hair and a flirty smile.

Check out some excerpts from her interview with mag:

On kids: Absolutely. But I don’t know if that’s what’s meant for me. Maybe I’ll just work, work, work, and not think about it.”

On ‘the Kardashian reality series’: “People [think] because you film your life on a reality show, you live everything for the cameras. But we all have limits,” says Kardashian. “My mom has no limits. We need someone, right, to have no limits? That’s my mom.” As for Kardashian’s limits, they are evolving. There was a time when she thought she wanted an ongoing record of her marriage for posterity. “When I saw Khloe and Lamar get married-and they had their wedding on TV-I thought, Oh, my gosh, that’s so exciting! That’s what I want! If you were to ask me now, that’s not what I want.”

On her future wedding: “I would just want it to be so special, with our family and close friends, and that’s it. Somewhere on a deserted island, very private,” she says, lowering her gaze. “No cameras.”

On ‘Joking’ about surrogacy: “Khloe joked with me and said, ‘Will you be my surrogate?’ I said, ‘I think I have a couple more years when I just want my body to myself. At 35, I promise I’ll consider it.’”

Stay connected with FashionFame.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more latest
fashion magazine covers and latest fashion trends.

In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, handout photo provided by Tommy Hilfiger, the Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2012 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York. Tommy Hilfiger, Dan Corina Lecca / AP Photo

Jamie Smith started this blog so she and a few friends could have one, simple place to store all of her DIY/craft-related ideas. C.R.A.F.T.’s current goal is to share and inspire creativity in everyone, while saving the planet and our wallets! Jamie truly loves sharing thrifty, DIY ideas and inspiration with whoever will listen or read.

MIAMI (CBS4) – Whitney Houston never made it to the premiere of her new movie “Sparkle.” It was slated for release in August. Davie resident Marietta Carter-Narcisse knows how much Houston was looking forward to the accomplishment. Carter-Narcisse worked as the make-up artist on the films set in Detroit back in November.

“I was so nervous, not even star struck, per say but just nervous because I was going into doing 1960′s makeup with like Whitney Houston,” she recalled.

But Carter-Narcisse said Houston didn’t turn out to be the overly demanding diva that she expected.

“She greeted me with open arms the first day I met her,” remembered Carter-Narcisse. “Hugged and kissed me like I had known her for years.”

Houston not only starred in the movie but also served as the film’s Executive Producer. Dual roles she easily took over despite her long break from the industry.

“You don’t expect to see that caliber when there’s been such a huge break, that caliber performance and I’m telling you it was mind boggling,” she said. “She sang in the church, one of the scenes in the church, oh there was not a dry eye left in that church when we were finished filming.”

News of Houston’s death hit Carter-Narcisse hard after spending more than 80 hours a week on the set with the pop icon.

“Knowing the person from a distance is one thing,” she said. “But when you actually touch them and work with them you know and so many hours of the day its just a whole different feeling it feels like a part of you is gone too.”

Details emerging suggest Houston was found dead in the bathtub of her hotel room with prescription drugs also found in the room. Yet Carter-Narcisse said she doubts the singer would have harmed herself.

“Maybe she was just trying to relax because tonight and last night were huge pressure nights,” she said. “I mean but I i find it.. I dont sense drugs in the sense of you know recreational drugs or anything like that I don’t see that… just not from the person that I met and saw.”

Nearly 20 years before “Sparkle”, Whitney Houston was making her first movie, “The Bodyguard.” Some of the most famous scenes were filmed at the Fountainbleau in Miami Beach. At the time Lisa Cole was a publicist there.

“It was Whitney’s first film and she was a little nervous and a little tired,” remembered Cole. “But she was very nice and very gracious.”

Parts of the movie made were made in a penthouse room upstairs, but it was downstairs that she belted out the famous song I Will Always Love You in the ballroom.

“I’m standing next to Kevin Costner and David Foster and she starts singing and we all just looked at each other and went oh my God, I mean wow,” said Cole. “She was remarkable. She finishes the song we’re all with goose bumps and just with our jaws dropping.”

Cole says they made Houston do it five times just because the crew was so mesmerized.

Deforestation and climate change may sound like familiar concerns to the modern ear. But a team of French scientists is arguing that even 3,000 years ago, humans may have played a role in transforming the Central African rain forest into the savannas we see today.

As Bantu farmers expanded south and east into the rain forest in search of fertile agricultural land, they may have created savanna “corridors” that cut into the forest and helped turn that lush landscape into drier grassland, according to a study published online this week in the journal Science.

Study leader Germain Bayon, a geochemist at the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, said he and his colleagues weren’t even thinking about humans when they began studying sediment samples from the mouth of the Congo River. All they were trying to do was match rainfall rates over thousands of years with the degree of chemical weathering in minerals to see how the rocky material breaks down over time.

Soil can be broken down by a number of natural causes, a primary one being rain. As it falls to Earth, the atmospheric carbon dioxide trapped in the droplets reacts with the minerals in the exposed rock and soil. Potassium gets washed away quickly, while aluminum sticks around much longer. Thus, the more chemical weathering there is, the more abundant aluminum will be in relation to potassium.

Looking back 20,000 years, these ratios seemed in sync with the rainfall levels, with amounts of rain and evidence of chemical weathering rising or falling together.

But that tidy relationship fell apart about 3,000 years ago. Though the climate had been growing drier for some time, the ratio of aluminum to potassium in the soil sediment rose significantly — and there was no plausible natural cause for the sudden change.

“When we first took a look at the results, we were puzzled,” Bayon said.

Then members of his research team learned of the Bantu migrations that began around that time, and an explanation started to fall into place.

The Bantu people were coming into rain forested areas and using tools made with the latest iron-smelting technology to chop down trees and clear the area to plant crops such as yams and pearl millet, according to the study. Several archaeological sites and the presence of iron artifacts back up this theory. With fewer trees to prevent erosion, the soil would have been much more susceptible to chemical weathering even in the absence of heavy rains.

This human activity, Bayon and his team argue, could account for the strange increase in chemical weathering rates.

“He makes a really convincing case,” said William Ruddiman, a geologist and climate scientist at the University of Virginia who was not involved in the study. “I don’t see an alternative.”

But another outside scientist, archaeobotanist Katharina Neumann of Goethe University in Germany, said the evidence doesn’t add up. Pollen records have shown that a rain forest does not immediately segue into a savanna when it’s chopped down; rather, a secondary forest pops up — so humans may not have made as much of a dent in the forest as the authors assert.

And in any case, the area had been growing progressively drier long before Bantu farmers arrived, she added. Blaming humans for such a drastic change in the environment has an appealing “political dimension,” but it oversimplifies the matter, Neumann said.

“I was a strong defender of this theory that everything was shaped by humans and humans destroy the environment and so on” in the past, she said. “But the archaeological and paleological data from other areas — not just the rain forest — show that the impact of humans was much lower than we thought.”

amina.khan@latimes.com

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