Behind the Scenes @ Chris Benz Spring 2011!

We once again did the makeup for Chris Benz, whom, as you know, is a young designer we love. Our spokesmodel Elettra introduced us to Chris several seasons ago and we've been working together ever since. I'm sure a few of you snagged the special lipstick we did for Chris last season.



His Spring 2011 collection was inspired by the idea of a young American woman in Paris in the late 60s, riding around on the back of her boyfriend's Vespa and getting into all kinds of mischief. The amazing Daniel Martin did the makeup for us and came up with a great look that used products from our upcoming Ultra Lavande Spring 2011 collection. See the blue/purple nail polish, Violet Groove, above. Daniel also used the new Teint Miracle foundation, Blush Subtil in Mauve Coquette, Artliner and Hypnose Drama mascara. Some of our favorite makeup artists were on Daniel's crew: Oslyn Holder, Ewa Szwed, Michelle Phan and Maki. Pictures of them above!



Chris does a presentation instead of an actual runway show. The models stand on a platform and guests stream in and get a great look at the clothes. You can really get up close and see the detail, unlike during a runway show. The room was packed with celebrities (I spotted Kelly Osbourne and Jessica Szohr. I'll try to find a picture of Jessica. MUA Andrew Sotomayor did her makeup for us.); gorgeous fashion bloggers like Bryanboy and Fashiontoast; our favorite illustrator Danny Roberts and his charming brother David, and tons of fashion editors and retailers. Even Chris's mom was there! (That's her above in shirt with the sequins.)



Well, enjoy the pictures. We'll put more on Facebook as soon as we have a chance. We're dong the L'Wren Scott show tomorrow. Aaron De Mey has made more than a dozen custom eye shadows and we made a special nail polish that L'Wren requested. Check back for details and maybe a little sneak peek in the morning!

Behind the Scenes at the Arlenis-Latina Party. And Happy B'Day, Fab Over 40!

So Monday night we had a party to celebrate that Arlenis is this month's Latina cover girl. It's a gorgeous cover and I'm so happy it's a makeup-y cover rather than a fashion-y cover, if you know what I mean. The party was held at our boutique on the Upper West Side of New York (many people are surprised to learn we have a boutique there! It's at 69th and Columbus. Visit!) and dozens of people dropped by to say hi and congratulate Arlenis.



Among those in attendance were Latina editor in chief Mimi Valdes (rocking a great haircut and cool lace stockings), Latina beauty director Angelique Serrano, photographer Marc Baptiste, MTV's Julissa Bermudez, singer Kat DeLuna and Beauty Logic blogger Mildred Almodovar. (Several of Arlenis's fellow Domincanas, if you're keeping track!) The music, the Champagne and the little truffled grilled cheese sandwiches were great and the guests were gorgeous and fun.



We had some all-star makeup artists there too. Lancome's Beauty at Every Age Expert Sandy Linter, Ross Burton, Scott Barnes and Renee Garnes, who did Arlenis's makeup for the cover. Ewa Szwed, one of the best makeup artists at our boutique, did Arlenis's makeup and used the following products:



--Color Fever Shine lipstick in Bronze Heat

--Le Lipstique Sheer Plum lip liner

--Color Fever Plumper in Puckered

--Hypnose Drama mascara (everyone's favorite these days)

--Blush Subtil in Shimmer Violet Sunrise for contour

--Blush Subtil in Rouge Glow on the apples of the cheeks

--Color Design Cream Blush in Model Mocha as highlight

--Le Vernis in Untamed Plum on nails



Ewa also mentioned that two of Arlenis's favorite products are La Base Pro primer and Nutrix Royal body lotion. I'll ask Arlenis why next time I see her.



Arlenis's dress was by Alexander Wang!



For more pictures, check out the Lancome Paris Facebook page. If you're not a Facebook fan, please become one!



As for birthday wishes, today is the second-year anniversary of one of our favorite blogs, Fabulous Over Forty. Congratulations to Kari on all her hard work and for doing so many great posts. Well done, Kari!



It's snowing out--again--so time to bundle up and head home!