With spring right around the corner, neutral is the hot new shade of the season. Get the look with neutral nails! Muted shades of gray, cream and pink will bring this chic trend of spring all the way to your fingertips. The cream tones of the light shades leave your nails looking elegant and feminine. To keep you on trend, try butter London’s Yummy Mummy and Tea With The Queen to give you the perfect neutral shade and keep your nails looking fabulous! Tips for neutral shades:
* Keep your nails short. Let your nail color make the statement, not the length of your nails.
* Layer on the Lacquer! To keep the opaque colors from becoming sheer, be sure to layer two coats of every color for a lasting look.
To complete the look, pair these muted tones with a bright outfit for the season and you are sure to be set for spring!
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It is about that time of year here in New York, when we are fed up with winter and need some warmer weather. Skin and hair are dry as dry can be so if you can’t jet off to Mexico for the weekend, why not take a little retreat in your shower? 
Based on ancient Eastern traditions of natural remedies for the betterment of the body, mind and soul, Panpuri has set forth to change the way we look at beauty and skincare. Panpuri represents a place where we awaken to the perfect balance and harmony between our inner and outer selves. Made for normal to dry skin, Panpuri's Inner Peace Body Butter provides a sophisticated blend of hydrating skin care and well being. 
There's a certain oil finding its way from Morocco and into the beauty products you are using these days. What has started out as a low hum has now erupted into a full blown chatter--everyone is talking about the amazing properties of Argan Oil. Just as Ojon nuts produce the hair's elixir in the rainforest, oil from the Argan nuts have gained momentum as "Liquid Gold" for the skin. 
To say that Billy Brasfield, known as "billy b" in the beauty industry, is simply a Makeup Artist would be an understatement. While some things in Billy's life have been black and white, such as his decision to leave Mississippi for New York, there is much more depth to billy b that goes beyond skin deep.
A world renowned Celebrity Makeup Artist painting faces from the Red Carpet to the small screen, billy b has never forgotten where he came from and is on a mission to revitalize his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi. I have been a long time fan of billy b the Makeup Artist, but now I can firmly say that without a doubt I am an absolute fan of billy b the person.
Shannon: Before venturing into the beauty industry, was there another career path you had set for yourself?
billy b: I ventured into the beauty industry by accident. For me, it was a matter of survival. I moved from a tiny Mississippi town (Aberdeen), and only knew NYC was where I wanted to be. I faked my way through the audition process for The American Academy of Dramatic Art, but had never thought of being an actor and had no experience whatsoever. It was a just “way” of getting to NYC, with my parents paying for it. I attended 1 semester and dropped out. My parents were not happy with the move and insisted I return to Mississippi.
After quitting school, I was forced to move out of housing, my parents cut me off financially, so it was sink or swim. I moved into a YMCA in Times Square and only had experience in retail, so I went to Macy’s Herald Square (because it was the only store I knew of from watching the Thanksgiving Parade on T.V. while growing up in Mississippi. They had a job in cosmetics so I lied and said I had experience, got the job and luckily discovered my talent there doing makeup on real women.
Shannon: When you began doing makeup, who were the makeup artists that you admired for their work?
billy b: To be honest, prior to my retail job selling makeup at Macy’s, I had never given any thought to who actually did makeup for magazines etc. I always liked fashion etc., but was so naive from Mississippi, I had never thought about it until I started doing makeup and then of course became aware of Kevyn Aucoin. He was already a working makeup artist then. I knew he was southern, so I was intrigued. He became my makeup hero.
Shannon: Are there any emerging makeup artists now whose talent you marvel at?
billy b: There are so many incredibly talented makeup artists out there known and unknown! I always say in my classes that every Sunday there are thousands of incredibly talented singers in church choirs that can sing circles around Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, but will never have record deals or be famous. It is the same with makeup artists. There are so many talented artists (known and unknown) who are unsung heroes.
Shannon: Which do you enjoy more: creating a story for a photo shoot, creating a story for a video or creating the look of a celebrity for the red carpet? Why?
billy b: The answer to that question depends on so many factors, but I enjoy it all. I think the best thing about our job is that it is something different everyday! The answer for a photo shoot depends on the photographer, the model, the hair, the stylist, the magazine, what type of makeup I am asked to do etc. For a video it depends on the video concept, the director, the director of photography, the singer, the song etc. For the Red Carpet, all of the same factors come into play. Making a magic image isn’t just left up to the makeup artist. As a matter of fact, making magic is a RARE thing and absolutely a "team" effort, but I LOVE the challenge every time.
Shannon: You just launched your own brush collection, billybBeauty Paint Brushes, what inspired you to create your own collection and how are they different from other brush lines on the market?
billy b: I’m glad you asked this question! I have always been very particular about my brushes. I think tools make all the difference in the world. For me, there are several factors, but the MOST important is that the brush help me do what I want to do. The shape, density, texture of the hair etc., but I also wanted to do a brush that is comfortable to use (ie. the length, weight, etc.) All of those factors are important. I designed the brushes for me; brushes that I use everyday to make my job easier. I am making tools that I love and use with the hope that others will love them, but I made them for myself. How they are different for me is that I incorporate some aspect of every great brush I found. Now I love every aspect of every brush I have designed; they are meant to be light and comfortable to use. This collection is ever evolving and what you see is not the final collection. I am in the process of designing a retractable lip brush and I'm sure I'll be inspired to design more brushes in time.
Shannon: You are a keynote speaker at The Makeup Show run by The Powder Group and now you will be doing The American Beauty Tour with them, as well. Do you find that you enjoy being out in the spotlight teaching pro's and non-pro's your techniques more so than being "behind the scenes" for your work, or is it equally rewarding?
billy b: This is a good question! I don’t know how this whole “teaching” and “speaking” thing happened, but I do enjoy giving back. I didn’t have anything like this available to me when I started out and if I had had the opportunity to learn from someone “who had been there” it would have helped me so much. When I speak/teach, I just try to be honest. I just “tell it like it is” and people seem to enjoy it. That makes me feel good, yes. I receive the most incredible letters after speaking. It always amazes me what exactly helps someone. It’s not always about watching me work or learning a tip about makeup. It’s nice to know I might validate, teach or inspire someone. It is a totally different type of satisfaction than creating makeup.]]>
Shannon: You are greatly admired and respected across the industry for your talent, but also for being so down to earth and assessable; how do you stay grounded and not let your "celebrity" go to your head?
billy b: I LOVE this question. The answer is simple. I am in a service profession. I provide a service; it is not about me. I am just a guy from Mississippi that was lucky enough to discover a talent and smart enough to develop it. I am always learning. You never stop learning, but I will tell you one thing I am sure of. The day you begin to believe the hype is the first day of the end of you. I was just in the right place at the right time when the media turned the spotlight from the what was in front of the camera to those of us behind the camera. There is so much pretentiousness and ego in our business, but I am just who I am and can’t be anything else. I would much rather someone respect my work than work with me because I go the right parties, wear PRADA and carry my makeup in Louis Vuitton (which I don’t LOL.) If they like “me” that’s great, but I can’t play “the game.” I have always been honest about where I am from, who I am and how I got here. For me, it is about the work. It is hard work and it’s so nice to hear that I am respected, but I am not “the celebrity,” my clients are. I am just me.
Shannon: You also have gotten the green light for your pilot with Bravo "The Beauty Foundation," can you tell readers the premise behind it and what we can expect to see?
billy b: Over the years, I have had so many “auditions” for television shows. It was always a humiliating experience for me. The producers were always looking for another “Carson.” The main qualification was to be “gay.” To be honest, I was not looking for a show, but it was this show came to me.
I am from Aberdeen Mississippi, which is a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It is struggling like most small towns in America. At one time in the late 1800’s it was rich with cotton etc., which produced tons of gorgeous Victorian and Antebellum houses there. There are more than 250 structures on the National Register of Historic places in this town of 4000. Now there is no industry there and farmers are struggling and these houses were being lost due to neglect and no one having the money to keep them up. There is little opportunity for young people and these houses, which had once been passed down generation after generation, were being left behind, torn down or falling down. I began buying the houses to save them and a writer (Isabel Gonzales) was on a job with me and we chatted about what I was doing there. To make a long story short, she pitched it to The New York Times and my story was featured on the cover of the Home and Garden section. The television producers started calling and I signed a development deal with World Of Wonder productions, and Bravo loved the idea.
The show is about my life juggling doing makeup within New York and Hollywood for magazines, music videos and celebrities on the Red Carpet, but contrasted with my other life of saving these houses with my down home crew helping. It is just me, my 74 year old (pistol toting mom), my ex-con, good ole boy contractor Cecil and trust me the hilarity begins. Who knows if the show will even make it to television, but I am excited about how it might help my little hometown. I am excited about the possibility!
Shannon: Rebuilding your hometown is something you are passionate about, at what point did you decide that this was something you wanted to do and were you worried about how you would get it done?
billy b: I am SO passionate about it and it began a long time ago, actually. I had been living in NYC for years and would go home and see this place where I grew up dying. It made me sad. The houses are so beautiful and so incredibly inexpensive, so I just started buying them. I didn’t have a plan and still don’t LOL! I just do what I need to do as its needed and I worry about the rest later. I have saved about 20 houses and have 17 at the moment. It is a huge struggle, but a struggle I enjoy. It is another creative outlet for me other than doing makeup. Like the name of the show, “The Beauty Foundation,” there are a lot of similarities. I love the art of transformation and making something the best it can be. Whether it is a face or a house, I live for it.
Shannon: You really have so many positive things going on right now,
another being a book deal with Insight Editions, can you tell us what your book is going to be about and when we can expect to see it in stores?
billy b: I am excited about the possibility of the show, but the book is a dream come true. I have always loved books and have always dreamed of doing one. I am so pleased because the people I am doing the book with did Kevyn Aucoin's books, which I love. Just like the brushes, I am just going to do a book that I would love to have. I have some things up my sleeve to hopefully bring “another level” to what is out there now. We are in the early planning stages, but I am very excited!
Shannon: Is there anything else in the works for 2007/2008 we can expect to see from you?
billy b: I wish I knew! I never expected all of this in the first place. One thing is for sure, I will continue to do my best with everything I do and continue to appreciate every opportunity. For right now, I just say bring it on!
You can find out more about billy b on his website, where you can also purchase his paint brush collection. For tour dates and details about The American Beauty Tour, visit our beauty division blog Beauty Pro. Billy also has a "fan"tastic MySpace page where he writes a blog and interacts with his fans. ]]>
* Anti-Aging Infusing Cleanser: This gentle face wash thoroughly cleanses and exfoliates. Peptides, glycolic acid and micro-fine renewing beads stimulate cell-turnover for an immediate improvement in tone, texture and hydration.
* Anti-Aging Stimulating Toner: Infused with peptides and natural skin lighteners, this hydrating toner instantly improves skin's texture and increases clarity while reversing skin damage, fading age spots, and reducing fine lines.
* C-P4 Intensive Delivery Anti-Aging Peel System: This wonder product comprised of vitamin C and peptides is a 4-minute face and body lift that is essential to any effective anti-aging regimen.
* Cellular Transformation Growth Serum: Growth factors, peptides, and alpha lipoic acid produce wonders in this age-defying elixir that increases natural collagen and elastin production while relaxing wrinkle-causing contractions.
* Eye Extreme Dark Circle Concentrate: Described as three eye crèmes in one, this life-saving eye cream brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and lifts fine lines with light refracting crushed pearls and peptides that increase luminosity.
* Full Body Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Stretch Mark: This ultra luxurious multi-peptide formula activates collagen production, strengthens damaged tissue, and renews damaged skin.
* Instant Corrective Peptide Enzymatic Treatment: This self-heating peptide and enzyme mask gently dissolves dead skin cells and impurities for immediate skin rejuvenation and a youthful glow that lasts for days.
* Face Intensive Concentrate Anti-Aging Corrective Crème: This anti-aging powerhouse reverses and prevents fine line and wrinkles with a powerful blend of six peptides and over ten antioxidants.
Learn more at www.hydropeptide.com (They also have a really great blog!)]]>
SkinTensive is an advanced, feather-light serum utilizing some of the most cutting-edge, ingredient technologies in the marketplace today. It employs a powerful, liposome delivery system that extends both the efficacy and potency of its keynote ingredients improving the appearance of skin firmness, smoothness and structure.
• GABA provides a Botox-like effect to the skin by helping relax facial wrinkles.
• Marine Collagen restores elasticity and improves the structure, firmness and smoothness of the skin.
• Matrixyl 3000 instantly decreases the appearance of deep wrinkles by 45%!
• Hyaluronic Acid is a “moisture-magnet” that holds 1,000 times its weight resulting in a smoother, softer appearance to the skin.
You Have - Increased Dryness of Skin; Fine Lines and Wrinkles; Rough Skin Texture; Ashy, Dull-looking skin, Blotchy, Uneven Skin Tone; Loss of Firmness.
You Get - Skin that is left appearing smoothed, firmed and toned.
Find it online at www.iqderma.com]]>
Leave it to an expert to create a true revolution. When it comes to hair extensions and implementing new technologies, Sheila Stotts harnessed her talent and experience creating the amazing looks of celebrity beauties in print, on runways, on television and on the big screen. The result: a signature line of products and tools to support the Stotts philosophy of hair design where revolution rules and change makes the hair grow longer. Welcome to the new world of hair extension technology.
Among many of Sheila's amazing products are her Advanced Removal Tool and Wood Flat Iron Brush. The Advanced Removal Tool (ART) delivers a precise amount of solvent for easy bond removal of hair extentions. The serrated teeth accelerate bond breakage, reducing removal time up to 50% without damaging hair. The Wood Flat Iron Brush is made of natural boar bristles. It is specifically designed to achieve a flat-iron look near the scalp where bonds can’t tolerate high heat by use of the brush and the heat of a blow dryer.
Sheila Stotts has a mass celebrity following that include Rene Zellweger, Mandy Moore, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie. She owns an Aveda Concept Salon in LA and is a preferred vendor of Paul Mitchell the School. Check out images of her celebrity clients wearing her extentions on Sheila's MySpace page. To view her complete line of hair extention tools visit her website: www.sheilastotts.com.]]>
Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel
4 out of 5 Stars
Always on the hunt for an anti-shine product that will last for hours on end, I received Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel to see if it could combat my oily t-zone. I’ve been applying the anti-shine gel as part of a step by step process in my facial routine, which have made my skincare issues turn around 360 degrees. I have been exclusively been using only Korres skin care products on my face and the results have been amazing...Read more.
Kiss My Face Tinted Moisturizer
5 out of 5 Stars
I love when I get to try a product I have never tried before. It really helps to come into a review without having any preconceived notions about how it should work. 1. I’ve never used a tinted moisturizer. 2. I’ve never used Kiss My Face. So it was a double whammy with Kiss My Face’s Tinted Moisturizer in Sisal, which is for light coverage. This moisturizer has an SPF of 8 and its oil and fragrance free. LOVE the oil free part because then it means less shine to contend with for my combination skin...Read more.
Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics
4.5 out of 5 Stars
While I absolutely love every product I received, my most favorite has been the Lavender Pearl eyeshadow. Even my mother remarked on how gorgeous the color was and asked where she could get it. Lavender Pearl is a pinky lavender with an opal-like sheen. The picture on the site does not do it justice. It has an iridescent shimmer to it. This is the product I have been using to make my eyes really pop...Read more.
Kiss My Face 3 Way Color
4.5 out of 5 Stars
Avon sure is doing some major collaborations for its brand these days. While Avon is a MLM and direct sales company, those who turn their nose up at such companies really need to look beyond stereotypes and admire Avon for their ability to be innovative. And honestly, I think many other niche beauty direct sales companies should pay attention to Avon and follow suit.