MUST-HAVES SUMMER 2007!

I've been a little M.I.A. resting and editing my film... but I am back today, better then ever, with a post that will make you race (or type) to your local beauty supply store, like, a-sap!

It's finally summer! Hot days that lend themselves to hotter nights. Ocean, sand, sun, fresh faces, less make-up ... you get the point.

Here are a couple of our favorite summer 2007 must-have products!

Cargo's Beach Blush - Sunset Beach (no, not the damn reality show!) We don't mention Cargo a lot on this site and I'm not sure why (oh wait... yes, I am... they never send us samples!). But this brand new summer blush is absolutely delicious! With four shades that blend together to create the near-perfect glow of a summer tan (with added "reflective shimmer particles" that soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles!) We
tried the blush on a recent jaunt to Sephora and our cheeks fell in love...

Clinique's Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator gives skin the ultimate "I just fell in love on the beach in Marbella" look. This oil-free illuminator highlights cheeks and brows and adds a beautiful dewiness (is that even a word?!) to the entire face. Summer is all about the no-make-up make-up look and adding just a bit of this liquid illuminator to your moisturizer or foundation really helps your face to pop!

DuWop's Duet Eyeshadow in Chai is light and airy with a golden bronze and a soft gold shimmer. Use the gold shimmer on the base of the eye then highlight the crease with the golden bronze. It looks natural enough on all skin tones! Pair the shadow with a bold black mascara (we're really loving Dior's new Diorshow Black Out Mascara, the limited edition blacker then black mascara) and you're good to go!
NOTE TO SELF: It's very important not to overdo your eyes during summer... over made-up eyes tend to look tres clownish/ drag queen-inspired when paired with tanned skin.

Bourjois Eau De Gloss in Rose a L'eau 13 is the perfect pink to paint your pout. It's sheer and moisturizing with 14% water for 4 full hours of hydration. The sun can kill your lips by drying them out and making them ultra chapped so a strong moisture-based lippy is key. We like this pink one because it adds a bit of a rose hue with long-lasting hydration (damn, we sound like a f*&$ing advertisement!) The tube's pretty awesome too!

Decleor's Aroma Sun SPF 8 Protective Satiny Oil Body & Hair is a key item for this summer's beach bag. I wouldn't recommend an SPF 8 for the skin as I am a firm believer that SPF 30 is a necessity for shielding the skin from the harsh effects of the sun, but for the hair... SPF 8 does the job! So, we all know how the sun can lighten your hair just as quickly as it darkens your skin. And, I, at least, am a victim of highlights... thus, the sun is really bad for my million dollar mane! Not to mention that the sun dries my hair to the point of frying it.... protecting hair against the sun is vital. A deep conditioner will help, but this oil spray moisturizes and protects! It's love at first spritz!!!

Happy summer to you!

Hair DO'S!

I am so proud of my dear friend, actress Kelly Kruger (starring in my upcoming short film too), for making the German InStyle hair DO list... along side Fergie and Hallie Berry... not bad company... and Kelly's pic (upper far left) is the biggest!!!


(click on image to make even bigger)

Just an FYI on summer hair - young, girly updo's rock - all the mags agree... a loose pony tail or this bang swept, half-up is key for mixing up the sultry summer waves (in your hair... not in your bed!)

Isn't she purrrrrrty?!

Yet Another Facial...

After a long, hectic and sweaty shoot, my skin was begging for a deep cleanse. I opted for a facial at the highly recommended West Hollywood, The Face Place.
Celebs like Tom Cruise (insert Katie Holmes joke here), Michelle Pfeiffer and Renee Russo frequent the same place for the standard hour-and-fifteen-minute facial.

So what's so fab about the facial?

They actually do things to my skin that I can't do from home! Like the yucca-root soaked cotton strips that are placed all around my face (like a mummy) then topped with an archaic looking mask (a hole only in the center to breathe from) that is meant to serve as a sauna - bringing toxins and impurities to the surface.

Why not just use steam? Well, did you know that steam actually takes out the skin's natural oils? It's true! Thus, the sauna effect is more gentle to the face.

Then the facial expert (mine happened to be the lovely Marianne), does some extractions before soaking the face in a vitamin and anti-oxidant facial brew. Again, a mask is placed ontop... only, this time, the mask (very Hannibal Lecter looking) turns on and a wave of electric currents penetrate the skin.

It's genius.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"Our clinical approach combines skilled extraction techniques and galvanic current to deliver improved skin tone, firmness, fewer lines and a clearer complexion. It is the original and most effective anti-aging treatment offered today. The galvanic current allows a powerful anti-aging solution to penetrate the skin providing optimum stimulation and regeneration of the facial tissues."

This isn't a feel good facial with a neck massage and a caviar face mask. This is the real deal - the differance between a Pinto and a Bentley!

If you want to give your skin a great gift, give it a facial from The Face Place.

P.S. A great tip - keep your skin hydrated after a facial... not moisturized. Hydration is completely different. It's lighter and non-oily. I use The Face Place
Collagen Elastin Treatment. It's delicious!

FACIAL PRICE TAG: $100.00

It's a WRAP!!!

The movie finally wrapped!!!
Here are some stills from the final two days of filming... All the cheerleaders are wearing American Apparel, fabulously styled by my wardrobe savior, Jessica Solomon.

The V Squad(from left): Actresses Kelly Kruger, Julia Lehman, Melissa Ordway, Bevin Prince, and Cameron Richardson.








(The V Squad with actress Carla Gallo - far left - and me in the middle - holding a spirit stick!)

I'll be writing more about the make-up with an interview from my incredible make-up artist, Sole Alberti...

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

A picture taken through the monitor of my short film, I Heart Veronica Martin, (played by the talented Cameron Richardson) talking on the phone (ala Lolita style close-up)...



Just look at those lips! Thanks Cover Girl!!!

Movie Making...

... is the best!

We are having a great time, getting fabulous performances and, of course, beautiful shots!

I'm exhausted.... 7AM call time in the morning... but here are some stills from today's shoot.

"The Morning After"

Cameron Richardson (left) and Carla Gallo (right) - slating for the scene.

"Fantasy in Pink"

Cameron Richardson looking sexy in Cover Girl Cosmetics... at her vanity table.

"Prank Caller"

Cameron Richardson (that's a blue clay mask on her face... pretending to cover zits - FYI - in reality, her skin is flawless!)

Make-Up Artist and the Muse

Make-Up artist Sole Alberti giving last minute touch-ups to Cameron Richardson... moments prior to shooting the scene!

"Veronica and the Director"

Cameron Richardson (left) and Sarah Howard (me!!!) - blocking a scene - (through the mirror).



***All still courtesy of my fab cinematographer, Noah Rosenthal***

More stills to come...

I'm Shooting a MOVIE!!!!

I know what you're thinking, how does making a movie have anything to do with beauty?

Well, for starters, filmmaking is an aesthetic medium - it's about a visceral connection with the film and it's audience. Movies are beautiful in their own right, even if the subject matter is griddy and/ or scary. Do you actually know how much work goes into making a film? It's a collaborative experience, thus experts from all different disciplines come together to provide their voice, their take on the writer's story.

So even if you don't buy that filmmaking has anything to do with beauty in a "beauty banter" way, you'll at least recognize that two of these departments, wardrobe and make-up, are all about the beauty!

I have written a short film that I will begin directing tomorrow. Along for the ride, are some fabulous individuals whose time, skills and efforts will make this an unforgettable experience.

Thanks to Cover Girl Cosmetics for their generous donation and incredible make-up (see, I told you it would have something to do with beauty!). All of the actresses will be wearing Cover Girl Cosmetics!
Make-up artist Sole Alberti will be glamming up the girls!

And thanks to American Apparel for donating our ENTIRE wardrobe! These talented actresses are sure to look fabulous in American Apparel's fun and flirty clothing!

So, I will be writing about my filmmaking experience for the next couple of days... And I'll be sure to provide tons of pics of hair, make-up and clothes!

Here's a preview of my five cheerleaders!



(From Left: Melissa Ordway, Kelly Kruger, Cameron Richardson, Bevin Prince and Julia Lehman)

And another picture ala Virgin Suicides...




So stay tuned... and visit beauty banter every day for updates!

A few of my favorite things...

I've decided that each month I'm going to do a post of a few of my favorite beauty "things" from that month...
As always my fellow beauty whores, if you have suggestions or recommendations, let us know by leaving a comment in the comment box below!

ReVive Lip & Perioral Renewal Cream: Why? Because it restores the moisture in my lips like no other lip cream out there. It's also meant to be used around the mouth to nourish and fill in cracks, lines and wrinkles. It's the perfect product to use prior to a red lippy 'cause it doesn't let the lippy bleed! One huge drawback.... the PRICETAG: $115.00 (but if you are a serious victim of dry lips, this is a must-have product to add to your beauty regimine).


Malibu Secret Body Treatment: Why? Because it smells tropical - jasmine, old rose and gardenia - (and all the boys notice) and it feels like a cool souffle layered onto my skin! The company says that it is, "the first body lotion that contains ETF a patented biopeptide, biotech version of Epidermal Thymic Factor, a hormone naturally occuring in the skin that promotes cell renewal." All I know is that this lotion really works and my skin just devours it up! PRICE TAG: $22.00


Benefit's Eye Bright Stick: Why? It fakes the "slept all day and night" look. If applied to the inner and outer corners of your eyes, this wonder stick brightens dark circles and dull, tired eyes flawlessly! It's great for an afternoon pick-me-up as well. Make sure to blend! PRICE TAG: $18.00

Oil of Olay Body Thermal Pedicure: Why? Because it heats upon contact. It's the strangest feeling and I don't know how they do it, but it actually gets hot when rubbed onto your feet (the heating sensation only lasts a couple of seconds but it's pretty cool!). Bora Bora white sand, pumice, and micro-crystals exfoliate (very important after using self-tanning lotions as the tanner tends to create pockets of orange residue around the toes and ankles)! Shea Butter moisturizes. This product is genius! I use it every other day in the bath or shower!!!

MAC Viva Glam VI: Why? Because proceeds from the sale of this terracotta-plum lipstick go to the MAC AIDS fund to support H.I.V./ AIDS research. Since 1994, MAC has already donated 90 million to the cause. And we at beauty banter love sustainable beauty! Giving back! (found in the pages of Vanity Fair's July issue). PRICE TAG: $14.00

Vanity Fair's July 2007 issue dedicated to Africa with special guest editor Bono (of U2): Why? Because it's s a magazine that you'll want to read cover to cover. It left me feeling hopefull and empowered. We can change the world, each and every one of us! (And the 20 special covers shot by Annie Leibovitz boast some of the world's most important faces helping to raise awareness in Africa: Oprah, George Clooney, Alicia Keyes, Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates, even President George Bush!) This issue is an absolute must (currently on newstands)!!!! PRICE TAG: $4.50

Kim Stewart's Beauty Tips!!!

My B.F.F., the fabulous Kimberly Stewart, loves her beauty products (like moi!)

Her make-up drawers are filled with an endless supply of Nars and MAC, Lorac and Tarte. Her bathroom is like a beauty whores dream oasis. Products everywhere. From face care to hair care, body and bath to perfumes, Kim is the real deal beauty enthusiast! She travels the world being primped and photographed, and here Kim shares some of her rocking beauty tips exclusively with beauty banter!!!

"I love
June Jacobs Radiant Glow Self Tanning Lotion. My dad (Rod Stewart) turned me onto this product. It's a self tanner for the face, but it REALLY works. I don't have to wear any face make-up when I use it and my skin looks flawless."


"I use Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara on my lashes because it really makes my blue eyes pop. It's thick and dark and never goopy. During the day, I don't like to wear make-up, but I always wear this mascara whenever I leave my house."


"When I travel, and I travel a lot for work (modeling), I always bring Jo Malone's Nectarine Blossom and Honey Candle to burn in the hotel room. Candles create a certain zen-like ambiance, and Jo Malone candles have an incredible scent. It makes me feel less homesick."


"Another traveling tip that I picked up is using conditioner as shaving cream. It doesn't matter what brand as long as it is thick enough so that you don't get razor burn. It creates a smooth shave and leaves my legs hydrated. It's also one less product that I have to pack."


"A fresh face with a hint of shimmer is essential. I use Shiseido The Makeup Luminizing Brush Powder. It has color and shimmer in the brush. A little goes a long way. And a tip about bronzers: only use on your cheeks, a dab on your nose, forehead and chin. Bronzer is not meant to be used over the entirety of your face. It's meant to pop in places that a natural tan would."



Ruby Stewart, Sarah Howard (me!) and Kim Stewart - Mexico; Summer, 2006

CFDA Faces...

The CFDA awards are held in New York City every year and it's (supposed to be) an evening filled with glamorous dresses, their designers and their muses.

Lets play a little game. Which of these celebs gave good face?

Helena Christiansen
Remember her? 1990's SUPERmodel... now she looks like a trannie with bad hair extensions (and a terrible color job)

Ashley Olsen
Half of the Olsen conglomerate, Ashley should have opted for a more youthful look... hair down, less make-up. After all, isn't she only like 20???

Mary-Kate Olsen
That eye make-up gives the impression that she is possessed. And the hair? Ummm... she's in desperate need of a trim. P.S. white is for virgins.

Kate Bosworth
Her make-up is sweet and innocent. A little plain all around. The updo is loose and youthful but nothing really pops for me. It must be all that yo-yo dieting. I mean, stick figure is so not a good look (it actually ages your face!)

Oprah Winfrey
She's a billionaire who saves the world. Who really cares what she looks like? Her beauty is right on... from within.

Chloe Sevigny
Trendsetter? Look closely at her eyelashes... they look like tiny spiders have invaded. It's very mod, but this is 2007.

Eva Mendes
Make-up - 8 out of 10. Hair - 4 out of 10. Eva's a hot girl wihtout even trying to be, which is why I expected more from her. The hair is just too much. It overshadows her hot face.

You tell us, who gave the best face? Leave a comment in the box below!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

With Summer knocking on Spring's door, the weather is heating up... and so is our make-up!
I found this incredible make-up bag, perfect for those scorching summer days - that actually keeps your products cool, like an ice chest!!! How fab!
IcyBag is fully insulated with a gel pack that keeps items cool (after being frozen or refrigerated overnight). It's pink and tan, fashionable and practical!
I used it last weekend in Malibu... threw my MAC lip glosses and Ligne St. Barth's tanning lotion into the bag. The result: my lip glosses actually kept their form... they didn't melt even a tad... hence, my bag remained clean and fresh!!! Genius!

IcyBag is this summer's must-have make-up bag!