Interview

Whether it's a vampire-themed movie premiere on the West Coast or the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards back east, Hollywood glam and starlet style were out in full force was out in full force this week. Yet again, ladies seem to be returning to the classic look. One favorite was model Jessica Stam, who attended the CFDA/Vogue fete earlier this week. Ricky Wilson for Dior Beauty, the artist responsible for the look, explained "My inspiration was a modern day Veronica Lake." Also there to honor winner Sophie Theallet, MTV's Alexa Chung went for hipster sophistication with a old-school red lip and a loose chignon.

Meanwhile, back in LA, Twilight: New Moon premiered with a similar vibe. Vanessa Scali for Lancome, who created star Ashley Greene's look, said she was going for "Classic 60s...Well defined eyes with lots of lashes, a strong brow, and clean skin with subtle pink and coral cheeks and lips." With her pencil straight hair, Dakota Fanning, also at the premiere, looked all grown up, though her dress–a throwback to 1970s girly innocence–was pure flower child.

Sarah Howard is the editor of Beauty Banter.

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Stylist George Papanikolas of the Andy Lecompte Salon has worked with clients like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Mila Kunis, Jessica Stroup, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. We asked him how to darken up for fall:


SARAH HOWARD: Why do people go darker for fall and winter?

GEORGE PAPANIKOLAS: Naturally, hair gets darker in winter and fall because people spend less time in the sun. Usually, after a summer in the sun, hair can get really bleached out and needs to be refreshed, especially if you color your hair.

HOWARD: When to lowlight as opposed to dye?

PAPANIKOLAS: Lowlights are a great way to richen your existing haircolor without having to go dramatically darker.  You would only dye your entire hair if you want a dramatic change.

HOWARD: How many shades should one change?

PAPANIKOLAS: Just because people say to go darker in the winter doesn't mean to go from blonde to black.  Instead, opt for a few caramel lowlights for  blondes. A rule I like is to never have the lowlights be darker than the root or base color, otherwise you end up with a stripy effect.

HOWARD: Tips on maintaining darker color hair?

PAPANIKOLAS: Don't shampoo for at least two days after you darken your hair, so that the color can fully adhere to the hair. Then, try to go as long as possible between shampoos to prolong the vibrancy of the color.

HOWARD: Any special products to use?

PAPANIKOLAS: Color safe shampoos are a must. I like Joico's K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner.  It's really gentle on color treated hair and will maximize the vibrancy of the color while, at the same time, repair any damage done during the coloring process.

Sarah Howard is the editor of Beauty Banter.

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Romanian-born Anastasia Soare has been dubbed the Eyebrow Queen by the media. With over sixty studios in the US, including those at Sephora 5th Avenue and Sephora Times Square in Manhattan, it certainly seems that she is deserving of the title. Our exclusive shop-talk is below. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ANASTASIA SOARE)

SARAH HOWARD: What makes a good brow?

ANASTASIA SOARE: This all has to do with having the right shape for your face shape. A good brow should make your eyes pop and balance your features without being overly noticeable.
 
HOWARD: Who has good brows?

SOARE: My clients

HOWARD:  What's it like being Oprah's go-to brow expert?

SOARE: Humbling and wonderful. I think back of all the hard work of my life to become successful and this is a huge reinforcement that I choose the right path for my passion.

HOWARD: Have you ever been nervous shaping a brow?

SOARE: Just when I did Oprah's brows live. Right before we started, she said "I hate plucking and I usually freak out when it's done." I was petrified that she might cry out during the procedure. She relaxed and smiled during the shaping and said I was "the best plucker [she had] ever had."

HOWARD: How long have you been doing brows?

SOARE: I started shaping brows in 1989.

HOWARD: Who was your first famous client?

SOARE: Cindy Crawford in 1989.

HOWARD: Has there ever been a brow you couldn't shape?

SOARE: No, of course not!

HOWARD: What's in-trend this season? Bushy or thin?

SOARE: Bushy is never in, unless you're 14, and thin is hard to pull off. Brows are very glamorous right now.

HOWARD: What's the one misconception people have about brows?

SOARE: That they can be altered to look exactly like a celebrity. Unlike the hair on your head, brows have a individual stamp due to your brow bone, so they can never look exactly like someone else's.
 
HOWARD: One must-have product?

SOARE: Clear brow gel.

Sarah Howard is the editor of Beauty Banter.

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Possibly the original red carpet trend, the 1940s-style Hollywood red lip and dark-lined eyes has been a staple of high-profile events seemingly forever. It's a reliable fallback, recalling an era defined by sophistication, femininity, sexiness and glamour. We asked Lancome makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor for a step-by-step guide to creating the look:

Makeup from the 40s is popular with girls like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift because it's a simple look that's retro, chic, and looks great on everybody. No one like a lot of fuss when getting ready, but gone are the days when it was cool to look like you slept with your mascara on. This style manages to be elegant and effortless.

To get the look, highlight the entire eye with a matte ivory shadow and trace your lashes with a black felt tip liquid liner. Don't be afraid to try a subdued pair of false lashes, or at least a lengthening mascara for that classic eye-opening effect. For a fresher look, skip the bronzer. Instead, use a dusty pink blush under the cheeks for subtle contour or swirl a bright rosy pink  onto the apples for a rosy glow. Gloss is okay, but to keep the look classic and balanced, finish with a red lipstick in a satin or matte finish like L'Absolu Rouge in Absolute Rouge by Lancome.

Sarah Howard is the editor of Beauty Banter.

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