Fashion Week Part IV: Coffee Talk With Samara

Following my rendezvous with Nigel Barker, I hailed a cab and was off again. This time, I was headed to meet my friend, Samara, for some mid-day caffeine. Samara reps brands such as CoverGirl, Max Factor, and Head & Shoulders; she is so generous with samples for me to try, and keeps me in the know about new product releases and cosmetic trends.

The coffee shop where we had intended to meet was – for some odd reason – closed at 4pm on Saturday. So we walked to a nearby Starbucks that, unfortunately, didn’t have seating. Luckily, there seem to be a coffee joint on every other corner in NYC – so we settled on a Cosi.

Samara and I had never actually met before…we have just corresponded via email. But I immediately found her to be so warm and friendly that it was like we were old friends. We chatted about the New York Times article, gushed about our mutual love for CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Mascara, and threw around some ideas for a kick-arse giveaway (coming up soon).




Here’s Samara and I playing candid camera outside of Cosi. Don’t ya just love my bag? When my husband first saw it, he exclaimed, “Daneen, it’s bigger than you are!”

True, but when you’re rushing between runway shows, meetings, and social events, there are two things to remember: cute (but comfortable) shoes, and a spacious shoulder bag. This one, the Budapest Slouchy from My Flat In London, easily lugged all of my stuff – and still had plenty of room for all of the press kits and product samples I acquired along the way.

Plus, when you’re rubbing elbows with fashionistas all day, you’d better dress to impress – and that extends to your handbag.

Fashion Week Part IV: Coffee Talk With Samara

Following my rendezvous with Nigel Barker, I hailed a cab and was off again. This time, I was headed to meet my friend, Samara, for some mid-day caffeine. Samara reps brands such as CoverGirl, Max Factor, and Head & Shoulders; she is so generous with samples for me to try, and keeps me in the know about new product releases and cosmetic trends.

The coffee shop where we had intended to meet was – for some odd reason – closed at 4pm on Saturday. So we walked to a nearby Starbucks that, unfortunately, didn’t have seating. Luckily, there seem to be a coffee joint on every other corner in NYC – so we settled on a Cosi.

Samara and I had never actually met before…we have just corresponded via email. But I immediately found her to be so warm and friendly that it was like we were old friends. We chatted about the New York Times article, gushed about our mutual love for CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Mascara, and threw around some ideas for a kick-arse giveaway (coming up soon).




Here’s Samara and I playing candid camera outside of Cosi. Don’t ya just love my bag? When my husband first saw it, he exclaimed, “Daneen, it’s bigger than you are!”

True, but when you’re rushing between runway shows, meetings, and social events, there are two things to remember: cute (but comfortable) shoes, and a spacious shoulder bag. This one, the Budapest Slouchy from My Flat In London, easily lugged all of my stuff – and still had plenty of room for all of the press kits and product samples I acquired along the way.

Plus, when you’re rubbing elbows with fashionistas all day, you’d better dress to impress – and that extends to your handbag.

Can Philadelphia Brides Outlast Their Lipstick?

Calling all Philly brides-to-be! On Valentine’s Day, local brides will be put to the ultimate test when they are challenged to outlast their CoverGirl lipcolor in a wedding day-inspired contest.

Through a series of obstacles at 30th Street Train Station, Philadelphia brides-to-be will compete in a crazed course, completing tasks that include “elegantly sipping” champagne and devouring wedding cake to prove that CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor really does stay put – even on the most trying of days.

The bride who finishes the course first with her lipstick in tact will be declared the winner of the CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge in Philadelphia and will receive a wedding cake courtesy of Truli Confecionary Arts, a $500 gift certificate to David’s Bridal, and their own personal CoverGirl makeup artist on the day of their wedding.

Who: Philadelphia area brides-to-be
What: CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge
When: Thurday, February 14th, 2008 at 11am
Where: 30th Street Station, North Waiting Room (30th & Market Streets)

RSVP: brides@outlastchallenge.com
Please include name, age, city, and wedding date; challenge will be open to the first 40 brides who register.

Don’t live near Philly? No problem. The CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge is hitting the road. The event will also be held in Pittsburgh (2/21), Chicago (2/28), Miami (3/6), Dallas (3/13), and Salt Lake City (3/20). For more information, contact brides@outlastchallenge.com.

Can Philadelphia Brides Outlast Their Lipstick?

Calling all Philly brides-to-be! On Valentine’s Day, local brides will be put to the ultimate test when they are challenged to outlast their CoverGirl lipcolor in a wedding day-inspired contest.

Through a series of obstacles at 30th Street Train Station, Philadelphia brides-to-be will compete in a crazed course, completing tasks that include “elegantly sipping” champagne and devouring wedding cake to prove that CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor really does stay put – even on the most trying of days.

The bride who finishes the course first with her lipstick in tact will be declared the winner of the CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge in Philadelphia and will receive a wedding cake courtesy of Truli Confecionary Arts, a $500 gift certificate to David’s Bridal, and their own personal CoverGirl makeup artist on the day of their wedding.

Who: Philadelphia area brides-to-be
What: CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge
When: Thurday, February 14th, 2008 at 11am
Where: 30th Street Station, North Waiting Room (30th & Market Streets)

RSVP: brides@outlastchallenge.com
Please include name, age, city, and wedding date; challenge will be open to the first 40 brides who register.

Don’t live near Philly? No problem. The CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge is hitting the road. The event will also be held in Pittsburgh (2/21), Chicago (2/28), Miami (3/6), Dallas (3/13), and Salt Lake City (3/20). For more information, contact brides@outlastchallenge.com.

SAG Awards 2008 Red Carpet Recap

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of participating in a web seminar - presenting four new products from CoverGirl. CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern and Procter & Gamble Beauty Senior Scientist, Sarah Vickery discussed CoverGirl's latest beauty innovations (more on that later) and this season's red carpet makeup trends.

Before she had to run off to work her makeup magic at the SAG Awards, I asked Molly to predict what beauty trends we would be seeing on the red carpet. Without hesitation, she responded that - this awards season – women want to look more like themselves. Fast-forward a few hours to the SAG Awards arrivals…Molly couldn’t have been more right-on.

Usually, the SAG Awards are a total non-issue to me. But this year, thanks to the Golden Globes cancellation, I have been absolutely jonesing for a red carpet fix for weeks – and the SAG Awards didn’t disappoint.








Low chignons and beachy waves were popular; as were lush lashes paired with understated lips. If I had to play favorites, I’d have to say that I’m loving me some Jamie Lynn Sigler (so envious of how effortlessly chic she always looks), Brittany Snow (check out the Veronica Lake likeness), Debra Messing (red hot), and Eva Longoria (she has perfect hair/makeup/gown/accessories down to a science).


But if I only had one award to give out, it would go to America Ferrera – hands down; she is my style goddess.




I also love that Amanda Bynes isn’t trying to look any older than her 21 years. And I’m not advocating plastic surgery, but Michelle Pfeiffer’s face looks amazing!


Bonus: Angelina Jolie showed up wearing an ombre Hermes dress, that pretty much confirmed her rumored pregnancy. Congrats, Brangelina!

SAG Awards 2008 Red Carpet Recap

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of participating in a web seminar - presenting four new products from CoverGirl. CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern and Procter & Gamble Beauty Senior Scientist, Sarah Vickery discussed CoverGirl's latest beauty innovations (more on that later) and this season's red carpet makeup trends.

Before she had to run off to work her makeup magic at the SAG Awards, I asked Molly to predict what beauty trends we would be seeing on the red carpet. Without hesitation, she responded that - this awards season – women want to look more like themselves. Fast-forward a few hours to the SAG Awards arrivals…Molly couldn’t have been more right-on.

Usually, the SAG Awards are a total non-issue to me. But this year, thanks to the Golden Globes cancellation, I have been absolutely jonesing for a red carpet fix for weeks – and the SAG Awards didn’t disappoint.








Low chignons and beachy waves were popular; as were lush lashes paired with understated lips. If I had to play favorites, I’d have to say that I’m loving me some Jamie Lynn Sigler (so envious of how effortlessly chic she always looks), Brittany Snow (check out the Veronica Lake likeness), Debra Messing (red hot), and Eva Longoria (she has perfect hair/makeup/gown/accessories down to a science).


But if I only had one award to give out, it would go to America Ferrera – hands down; she is my style goddess.




I also love that Amanda Bynes isn’t trying to look any older than her 21 years. And I’m not advocating plastic surgery, but Michelle Pfeiffer’s face looks amazing!


Bonus: Angelina Jolie showed up wearing an ombre Hermes dress, that pretty much confirmed her rumored pregnancy. Congrats, Brangelina!

Rihanna Inspired By Charlize, Not Posh

Don’t lump Rihanna in with the all those celebs knocking off the 'Pob' (Victoria Beckham’s ubiquitous hairstyle).

In the January issue of Allure, the R&B star reveals that her edgy 'do was actually inspired by Charlize Theron’s haircut in the action film Aeon Flux. Without getting permission from her record label, she “asked hairstylist Ursula Stephen to chop off her hair and dye it raven black in her L.A. hotel room.”

To get the Good Girl Gone Bad look, pick up the following Cover Girl products (Rihanna is the company spokesperson):

*Cover Girl LineExact Liquid Liner in Very Black
*Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Tapestry Taupe
*Cover Girl TruBlend Naturally Luminous Blush in Pure Romance Cover Girl
*Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss in Berry Splash

Rihanna Inspired By Charlize, Not Posh

Don’t lump Rihanna in with the all those celebs knocking off the 'Pob' (Victoria Beckham’s ubiquitous hairstyle).

In the January issue of Allure, the R&B star reveals that her edgy 'do was actually inspired by Charlize Theron’s haircut in the action film Aeon Flux. Without getting permission from her record label, she “asked hairstylist Ursula Stephen to chop off her hair and dye it raven black in her L.A. hotel room.”

To get the Good Girl Gone Bad look, pick up the following Cover Girl products (Rihanna is the company spokesperson):

*Cover Girl LineExact Liquid Liner in Very Black
*Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Tapestry Taupe
*Cover Girl TruBlend Naturally Luminous Blush in Pure Romance Cover Girl
*Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss in Berry Splash

Mamma Mia / Hot Mama

Christina Aguilera is no longer keeping her pregnancy on the DL. At recent events, the songstress has been proudly showing off her growing baby bump. Too bad she’s still keeping that maternity glow hidden under layers of theatrical makeup. Although Aguilera has made (baby) steps in the right direction by trading red lips for pretty pink ones, she has a ways to go. Is it wishful thinking that the onetime dirrty girl will fully come clean?


On the other end of the spectrum is Keri Russell, who is looking resplendent on the cover (and inside the pages) of Lucky Magazine’s November issue. 2007 was a good year for the actress - as she married her longtime love, gave birth to son River, and became the new face of Cover Girl. “I don’t spend a lot of time on my makeup, but throwing on black mascara and nude lipstick is enough to make me feel glamorous,” she says. Her low-maintenance makeup includes Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black and Tru Shine Lipcolor in Blushberry Shine - both by Cover Girl.

Mamma Mia / Hot Mama

Christina Aguilera is no longer keeping her pregnancy on the DL. At recent events, the songstress has been proudly showing off her growing baby bump. Too bad she’s still keeping that maternity glow hidden under layers of theatrical makeup. Although Aguilera has made (baby) steps in the right direction by trading red lips for pretty pink ones, she has a ways to go. Is it wishful thinking that the onetime dirrty girl will fully come clean?


On the other end of the spectrum is Keri Russell, who is looking resplendent on the cover (and inside the pages) of Lucky Magazine’s November issue. 2007 was a good year for the actress - as she married her longtime love, gave birth to son River, and became the new face of Cover Girl. “I don’t spend a lot of time on my makeup, but throwing on black mascara and nude lipstick is enough to make me feel glamorous,” she says. Her low-maintenance makeup includes Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black and Tru Shine Lipcolor in Blushberry Shine - both by Cover Girl.

Virtual Reality

Want to test the hotest new trends, without the commitment? Why not try a virtual makeover? Here are a few of my favorites:

Who needs to end up on the wrong side of the scissors? Try on hairstyles at the Marie Claire Virtual Hair Salon. Make an informed choice by uploading your photo (or choose from our library of models) and virtually try on a variety of popular cuts, colors, and styles.

With InStyle.com’s Hollywood Hair Makeover, you can try on your favorite star styles and colors before you make a trip to the salon. Get Jennifer Aniston’s beachy waves or Jessica Simpson’s blonde – with a click of your mouse. Just upload your photo or choose a model with similar face shape and complexion. With new styles added every month, the possibilities are endless and the commitment is zero! Print your favorite looks or email them to friends!

Ready for a free, fun, no-hassle virtual makeover? The iVillage Makeover-o-Matic virtual makeover game lets you try on virtual hairstyles, makeup and accessories with your own photo or a model photo. Select from hundreds of hairstyles, cosmetic colors and accessories in the privacy of your own home.

Want to try on hundreds of CoverGirl shades? Just install the CG Makeup Mirror! It's easy, fast and free to install, and takes less than 2 minutes to download to your computer. The CG Makeup Mirror is certified virus-free and is safe for your computer.

Virtual Reality

Want to test the hotest new trends, without the commitment? Why not try a virtual makeover? Here are a few of my favorites:

Who needs to end up on the wrong side of the scissors? Try on hairstyles at the Marie Claire Virtual Hair Salon. Make an informed choice by uploading your photo (or choose from our library of models) and virtually try on a variety of popular cuts, colors, and styles.

With InStyle.com’s Hollywood Hair Makeover, you can try on your favorite star styles and colors before you make a trip to the salon. Get Jennifer Aniston’s beachy waves or Jessica Simpson’s blonde – with a click of your mouse. Just upload your photo or choose a model with similar face shape and complexion. With new styles added every month, the possibilities are endless and the commitment is zero! Print your favorite looks or email them to friends!

Ready for a free, fun, no-hassle virtual makeover? The iVillage Makeover-o-Matic virtual makeover game lets you try on virtual hairstyles, makeup and accessories with your own photo or a model photo. Select from hundreds of hairstyles, cosmetic colors and accessories in the privacy of your own home.

Want to try on hundreds of CoverGirl shades? Just install the CG Makeup Mirror! It's easy, fast and free to install, and takes less than 2 minutes to download to your computer. The CG Makeup Mirror is certified virus-free and is safe for your computer.

Resurrecting A Classic

In 1939, Constance Frances Marie Ockelman made her motion picture debut in a film called Sorority House. Director, John Farrow, noticed how the unknown actress’ hair always covered her right eye, creating an air of mystery about her and enhancing her natural beauty. Ockelman was later introduced to Paramount producer Arthur Hornblow Jr., who renamed her Veronica Lake - “Lake” being inspired by the blueness of her eyes, and according to Hornblow, the name Veronica suggesting a classic beauty.

For fall 2007, everything old is new again. On runways and red carpets, old Hollywood reigns supreme with billowy waves and crimson lips reminiscent of Lake.

"Female icons of the '40s were strong and independent yet always flawless," says Pat McGrath, who channeled the decade behind the scenes at Gucci and Valentino.

To replicate this femme-fatale look, consider the following tips.

Lake-like Locks in Six Steps

Step 1: Protect ends, which receive the most exposure to high heat, with serum or a thermal styler. Step 2: Set the entire head in rollers. Step 3: Use a blow-dryer on the highest possible setting, to lock in the curls with heat, and follow with a blast of cold air. Step 4: Undo the rollers, flip your head over, and shake out the curls. Step 5: Define the curls with a large round brush and blow-dryer, paying special attention to the hair around the face. Step 6: Set with hairspray. Try Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel by Frederic Fekkai.

Cat Eyes Simplified

Look in the mirror, with your face turned at an angle. Pull your lid taut at the corner with your free hand. Then, starting a quarter of the way in, draw a thin line all the way out to your outer corner. Keep the line as close to your lashes as possible. Don’t panic if it’s a little crooked - you’ll be able to fix that later. When you get to the outer corner of your eye, draw the liner out and up to create a little wing, then go back and thicken up the line to correct any mistakes. Follow with two coats of volumizing mascara. Dramatically lined eyes are simple to achieve with CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen in Very Black (it's smudgeproof, easy to hold, and it has a precise tip) and Diorshow Mascara.

Screen Siren Smooches…Made Easy

To keep lipstick from bleeding, coat lips in red liner beforehand," says Lancôme Artistic Director Gucci Westman, who applied a chocolaty red at Peter Som. Get the look with Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below and Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella.

Resurrecting A Classic

In 1939, Constance Frances Marie Ockelman made her motion picture debut in a film called Sorority House. Director, John Farrow, noticed how the unknown actress’ hair always covered her right eye, creating an air of mystery about her and enhancing her natural beauty. Ockelman was later introduced to Paramount producer Arthur Hornblow Jr., who renamed her Veronica Lake - “Lake” being inspired by the blueness of her eyes, and according to Hornblow, the name Veronica suggesting a classic beauty.

For fall 2007, everything old is new again. On runways and red carpets, old Hollywood reigns supreme with billowy waves and crimson lips reminiscent of Lake.

"Female icons of the '40s were strong and independent yet always flawless," says Pat McGrath, who channeled the decade behind the scenes at Gucci and Valentino.

To replicate this femme-fatale look, consider the following tips.

Lake-like Locks in Six Steps

Step 1: Protect ends, which receive the most exposure to high heat, with serum or a thermal styler. Step 2: Set the entire head in rollers. Step 3: Use a blow-dryer on the highest possible setting, to lock in the curls with heat, and follow with a blast of cold air. Step 4: Undo the rollers, flip your head over, and shake out the curls. Step 5: Define the curls with a large round brush and blow-dryer, paying special attention to the hair around the face. Step 6: Set with hairspray. Try Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel by Frederic Fekkai.

Cat Eyes Simplified

Look in the mirror, with your face turned at an angle. Pull your lid taut at the corner with your free hand. Then, starting a quarter of the way in, draw a thin line all the way out to your outer corner. Keep the line as close to your lashes as possible. Don’t panic if it’s a little crooked - you’ll be able to fix that later. When you get to the outer corner of your eye, draw the liner out and up to create a little wing, then go back and thicken up the line to correct any mistakes. Follow with two coats of volumizing mascara. Dramatically lined eyes are simple to achieve with CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen in Very Black (it's smudgeproof, easy to hold, and it has a precise tip) and Diorshow Mascara.

Screen Siren Smooches…Made Easy

To keep lipstick from bleeding, coat lips in red liner beforehand," says Lancôme Artistic Director Gucci Westman, who applied a chocolaty red at Peter Som. Get the look with Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below and Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella.