CoverGirl Beauty Lounge with Molly R. Stern

last weekend (june 6, 2010, to be exact) i was privileged enough to attend a pre-MTV Movie Awards fete sponsored by CoverGirl at the Byron and Tracey Salon in Beverly Hills. unlike last year's event, this was much more intimate and we were able to watch the fabulous Molly R. Stern create a gorgeous look for Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones.

i also got to catch up with blogger pals i haven't seen in awhile-- Amber, Nadine, Charli and Kristen and Sarah-- as well as meet new ones i "know" via the web-- Sydne, Jamie and Tara.



shortly after arriving, we all sat down to watch as Molly effortlessly applied product after product, creating a flawless look for Rashida. the key to the look was building it rather than just applying it heavy all on at once. i loved being able to sit and observe the playful banter between Molly and Rashida, longtime friends.



here's how to get Rashida's look:

since Rashida's dress was simple and black, Molly wanted to play up her makeup with a bit of color.

she began prepping Rashida's skin with a light moisturizer followed by the soon-to-be-released Simply Ageless Primer to prep her skin for foundation. after a touch of Simply Ageless Corrector under the eyes to conceal darkness, Molly used Simply Ageless Foundation in Classic Tan and Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Lush Berry to the apples of her cheeks, creating a most gorgeous look on an already gorgeous face.




so, at this point Rashida looked beyond amazing, but then came the eye makeup...

to create a colorful smoky eye, Smoky ShadowBlast in Citrus Flair was applied first followed by Exact Eyelights Eyeshadow palette for brown eyes to add more dramatic definition. new LiquiLine Blast in Violet Voltage to line the eyes was followed by the same liner in Green Glow (just added to the inner corners of the eyes). the shocking green added a fabulous and unexpected pop of color. a few coats of LashBlast Fusion in Black on the top lashes and Brown on the bottom lashes gave the eyes the finishing touch.

a shiny pout with a hint of color completed the look as Molly used Outlast Lipstain in Flirty Nude followed by ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Smolder on Rashida's lips.



once Rashida's look was complete, we blogging babes were treated to hair, makeup and yummy food. i myself tried the Green Glow LiquiLine Blast and must tell you, it is my new summer liner fave (stay tuned for review and pics)! the color is shocking to look at as is, but when it's on looks amazing.

btw, Rashida's fabulous braided updo was created by Byron Williams-- love it!

xo
images featuring Rashida Jones and Molly R Stern: S. Keenen/WireImage; all other images are my own.

hair therapy: Rachel Zoe's Must-Haves

like me, and probably many of you, Rachel Zoe thinks of her hair like a security blanket. she also likes to wear her hair tousled, shiny and big (i love her hair). in one of her Zoe Report emails this week, Rachel shares her absolute favorite, must-have products: Byron Williams' Spirulina Hair Spray and Illuminating Shine Spray (she says they are "life-changing", so naturally i'm intrigued).



Rachel says: these are the two products i urge you to try for that frizz-free, running-out-the-door tousled look from home. i use both every day as a final step in my ever-challenging hair regimen. Spirulina, which is the key ingredient in the Hair Spray, is something you'd typically find in a smoothie...good for your body, great for your hair! to quote Byron (pictured with Rachel, above), "it holds everything without getting sticky, and the Shine Spray is a remedy for over-processed hair and split-ends." i have many hair secrets to share, but this one is a sure thing—just roll out of bed and spray!



if you're on a budget, try Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Ultra Strong Anti-Humidity Hairspray and TRESemme Smooth Ultra Light No Frizz Shine Spray (one of my personal faves!)

xo

CoverGirl Hosts a Day of Pampering at the Byron & Tracey Salon

last friday i attended day 2 of an event (think of it as a pre-MTV Movie Awards thing) at the Byron Williams & Tracey Cunningham Salon. it was sponsored by CoverGirl, Express and Solstice Sunglass Boutique (Carrera to be exact), and of course i had to share it with you!

first off, the salon is gorgeous, very white and clean looking, but elegant at the same time. it was decorated with floral arrangements, and CoverGirl logos were all over mirrors and in photos places all around. CG gave out goodie bags filled with LashBlast mascara, Outlast Lipstains and Line Exact Liquid Liner Pens; Express had clothing set up for attendees to take home (i picked this dress), as did Carrera sunglasses (i chose this pair).


Express clothing...


the CoverGirl goodie bags...


Carrera sunglasses (my mom used to rock these when i was a kid!)


the lounge area outside-- the day was overcast, but thankfully it didn't rain!





i was thrilled to have met Liza, a fabulous makeup artist who gave my lips a little primping with CoverGirl's Outlast Lipstain in Cinnamon Smile topped off with CG's Wetslicks Amazemint in Freedom of Peach, creating a great my-lips-but-better look! :)



what's a salon without the best magazines?


CG Boundless Color nail polishes

i indulged in a mani with CG's Boundless Color nail polish in Candy Apple, a gorgeous red that Total Beauty staffers Kristen and Sarah also chose for their tips.

if you are wondering, yes, there were many celebs in attendance including Rosario Dawson (a total sweetheart-- love her!), Ali Larter, Rachel Zoe, and Gabrielle Union, just to name a few. you can view pics of them here.

xo