Behind the Look: Ted Gibson

We're excited to introduce Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, and beauty guru! Ted is known for working with celebrities such as Jessica Chastain, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Idina Menzel (or shall we say Adele Nazeem).  Honored to have him do my hair several times, I'm excited to introduce you!  Warning: You might think twice about washing your hair after you read.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

My tagline is “Beauty Is Individual” and I always say #HairChangesEverything. I believe in both of these philosophies so much that I’ve built my business around them.

What's a must-have in your kit?

I MUST have my Mason Pearson boar bristle brush, curling irons in multiple sizes, baby powder, French hair pins and extensions in different colors and lengths for my Gibson girls.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I’m loving Nutrify Skin Type 1-6 Universal Tonic. It makes my skin feel AMAZING!

Spill your best beauty advice.

Beauty is THE best pick-me-up. If you’re feeling a little down, you’ll be surprised at how much a new hairstyle and a little lip color can make you feel so much better!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – do not wash your everyday! This season’s hair is all about texture – which is hard to achieve with freshly shampooed hair! Plus, over shampooing your hair can also cause your scalp to produce more oil. You should shampoo your hair no more than 3x per week.

Want more Ted? Be sure to follow him on Instagram for updates of his latest beauty adventures!

Behind the Look: Matthew Ray

I'm excited to introduce you to my friend and Lancome Resident Artist, Matthew Ray.  He's worked with A-Listers like Cameron Diaz and Deborah Messing and gives great makeup advice that'll guarantee you run out to buy a taupe brow pencil.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

I did makeup for friends and clients going to the Glam Awards, which is a unique awards show for NY nightlife; celebrating the best in DJs, bartenders, and drag queens. The overall theme was the more eccentric the better, and it was an amusing departure from my comfort zone. It was fun to take tangerine blush where it’s never gone before.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

As your artist, we are a team, and I need you to communicate, let down your guard, and trust me. I am a proud department store makeup artist. My client might not be prepping for the cover of Vogue, but after a session with me she will leave with the confidence that she could rock the runway; or at least Park Ave.

Confidence is my philosophy. I am most inspired by a woman’s smile. The glow that comes from happiness is the best look a woman can wear. Makeup conjures confidence. Confidence allows you to be comfortable in being yourself, and there is nothing more beautiful than being happy with who you are.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

a. If I was going to be stranded on a desert island and could only grab one thing, it’d be my bottle of Lancome Genifique! I am obsessed with how it makes my skin look and feel, and as someone that enjoys a cocktail or glass of wine, Genifique keeps me glowing, despite the dehydrating effects of such libations. It’s the first step in all my client’s daily regimen, men and women. We’ve heard it before, great makeup starts with great skin, and for me there is nothing better in the game than Genifique.

b. L’Oreal’s Revitalift Miracle Blur is FLAWLESS! It is like having an Instagram filter for real life. If you are like me, you will not let anyone post a photo of you without approval; and only after using a good filter— or two. These blur products make my crow’s feet less visible, my large pores look so tight, and my oily complexion and texture much softer and smoother.

c. It’s not one product in particular, but I am crazy for Birchbox! Getting a box of samples tailored to your personal beauty preferences once a month is like having an unexpected Christmas in your mailbox. I subscribe to the men’s box. The day my Birchbox comes I take a moment and luxuriate in trying out all these awesome new additions to my arsenal.

d. A taupe brow pencil! Ladies. You NEED this! From the fairest to the deepest tones, you can use the taupe pencil to fill in your brows, trust me it’ll work; and then taupe is also a universal shade for contouring. Most brow pencils are in the condensed powder form, which makes it easy to blend. Depending on your face shape, draw a line with the pencil underneath your cheekbone and blend downwards. This will cause the illusion of a shadow that will help to chisel those cheekbones. Great for nose contouring too! Taupe brow pencils— get into it!

e. Black liquid liner… I repeat… black liquid liner. It’s the fiercest, classiest, most feminine product you can own. When applied properly, which is so easy to do- just use your lash-line as a guide, it looks like you spent all morning on your eye makeup, probably only took you thirty seconds, and is sure to get you noticed. Master the liquid liner and you’ll own every room you enter!

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I’m a Lancome guy, and we have the mascara game locked down! We are the number one company in the world for mascara, and recently we launched Grandiose. In it’s design you can see Lancome used an artist inspired approach. They reinvented everything. The brush has different bristle lengths that find even the smallest of lashes, the wand is shorter with a swan-neck shape, and the formula is much more supple preventing those hard, dry, crispy lashes. Bad mascara can go very wrong and make the wearer look downright crazy. You owe it to yourself and your eyes to have the best quality mascara.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Fake it till you make it! Own your uniqueness and live your truth. If you have a blemish that nothing will cover, then tell yourself you have the fiercest blemish anyone has ever seen. Next thing you know your coworkers will WISH they had a blemish. Having a bad hair day? Put on some gorgeous lipgloss, smile, and have a sense of humor on things we cannot change.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

In general I see women applying their blush far too low on the face. By placing it so low, you are dragging the eye downward, and who wants a droopy looking face?? Apply your blush directly on your cheekbone, maybe even cheat it up a little, and sweep it up into your hairline. You will achieve a lifted appearance. Just make sure your blush has the same undertone as your lipstick. They should compliment each other and be from the same color family; do not match a warm lip with a cool blush. This makes me cry. But regardless of anything— what you ultimately do should make YOU happy before anyone else.

Behind the Look: Fiona Stiles

She works with some of Hollywood's leading ladies like Jennifer Garner, Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba, but in her spare time, she managed to launch a new beauty retail site, ShopReedClarke, which I find to have a well curated collection of tools, accessories and beauty needs.  Here, she fills us in on her inspirations and all time favorite beauty products.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I try to make women look like the best version of themselves without feeling like they're hiding behind a bunch of makeup. I want every woman who's makeup I do to look in the mirror and feel amazing.

What inspires you?

Art, strong women, people on the street... I love to see how people interpret makeup trends and incorporate them into their daily routine. I love art books and of course I love fashion magazines... I can't help it, the fantasy of it all gets me every time.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

a. The beautyblender. I can't work without this product, and the imposters are sub-par and a total waste of money. It's a fantastic tool to add to your beauty arsenal.

b. Charlotte Tibury Film Star Bronze & Glow highlighting and cointour palette. So perfect and easy for creating a sculpted face. I didn't know I could live without it until I tried it.

c. White Diamond Lustre perfume. I don't wear a lot of makeup when I'm at work because frankly, it's not about me, it's about my client. That said, I won't leave the house without perfume because I feel like it completes my look. I love the warm floral and citrus scent, it just makes me a bit more glamorous. I have a little extra bottle that I carry around in my kit for when I feel like I need a pick-me-up.

d. Tom Ford mascara. It's lush and inky black and you can get some serious volume and definition with that mascara. And I love, love love lashes so a great mascara is mandatory.

e. Laura Mercier brushes. The shapes and quality of these brushes are amazing. Having the right tools for the job makes all the difference in the application of your makeup and her brushes are just perfect, especially the range of brushes for the eyes.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I recently discovered a line called Rituel de Fille. They're products are 99% natural and the colors are just amazing. It's a small line, but I am crazy about everything they have. And the fact that their makeup has such great color pay off with such a short ingredient deck is really, really impressive.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Stay out of the sun. At best, it ages you. At worst, it can kill you. Invest in a great sunscreen a good hat and stay in the shade.

Fill in the blank. Fiona Stiles is  ______.

BUSY!!!

Katie Holmes Turns It Up at the Golden Globes

Draped in an eggplant Marchesa gown, Katie Holmes looked stunning on last night's Golden Globes red carpet.  Her dramatic deep side parted pony paired with intensely lined eyes stood out from all of the other hair and makeup.  Overall, she was a picture of perfection.  Agree? Her makeup artist, Genevieve Herr, and hair stylist, DJ Quinterno, filled me in on how to get her look along with the exact products they used to create it.

Skin

“The most important step to looking amazing on the red carpet is to take care of your skin, and Katie has great skin,” said Genevieve. “Makeup artists cannot work wonders without a great foundation.”  That being said, Genevieve prepped Katie's skin with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.

Eyes

Because it's soft and smudges easily, Genevieve always uses kohl pencil.  On Katie, she used Laura Mercier in Black Violet.  Then, using the Lancome Violet Sweetheart set, she applied a dark amethyst color on the lids, and blended in a smokey black eye shadow.

Pony

With the words, "clean" and "modern" in mind, DJ started her dramatic side ponytail by applying Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Pure Kendi Treatment Oil and letting it soak for 10 minutes before shampooing.  Then, on damp hair, DJ mixed a small amount of the Alterna Haircare Caviar Seasilk Oil Gel with the Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Omega (+) Nourishing Oil and brushed it through with a Mason Pearson brush.

After side parting and blowdrying with a round brush, DJ used a thin Sedu Revolution Diamond flatiron, from root to tip, to create a super smooth look.  Securing her hair at the nape of her neck with a bungee, he also wrapped several small pieces of hair around the bungee to hide it, and secured those strands with bobby pins.  DJ finished by spraying a supple amount of finishing spray to the top of Katie’s head, and applied a dime-size amount of Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Micromist to her ends.

Naomi Watts Channels Michelle Williams at the Globes

Naomi Watts looked stunning on tonight's Golden Globes red carpet, but was her look all too familiar?  Maybe, say, Michelle Willams at the Oscars circa 2006?  Well, you know what they say, imitation is the finest form of flattery and this would be the look to recreate.  A yellow dress paired with red lips (Naomi's wearing L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor in Red Infallible 211) – bold and beautiful.  Who do you think wore it better?

Kate Upton's Fitness Secret

Deemed People's "Sexiest Woman," Kate Upton seems to have it all.  And while she can thank God for blessing her with those curves, her trainer David Kirsch, is partially responsible for the rest.  So how does the super model tighten and tone?  With platypus walks.  Yep, she walks around like a duck and you can, too.  Here's the how-to.

1.  Grab a medicine ball with both hands and extend your arms overhead.
2. Squat in a sitting position with your knees over your toes and your butt sticking back as far as possible.  Yes, stick it out!
3. Engage your core and walk forward, pushing off through each heel.
4. Walk back and forth across your room until you can't anymore.

That's it!  It sounds so easy, but if you try it, you'll quickly feel the burn and realize why it works so well for Kate Upton.  Let me know how you do.  Hey, we'll be in bikinis again in no time!

5 Celebrity Epic Beauty Fails

New Years is a time for a fresh start, a clean slate, a time for “out with the old and in with the new”, a time to say New Year new… you get the point. Though January is a great time to renew your look, maybe even give yourself a little makeover, make sure you think before you do anything too drastic.  Yea, we know hair grows back, but sometimes being spontaneous isn’t all the rage.  Need proof?  Allow us to remind you of these celebrity beauty mishaps.

Renee's Plastic Surgery

The before and after of Renee Zellweger's plastic surgery is truly shocking - a real celebrity beauty fail. Renee seems nearly unrecognizable after her plastic surgery. We say forget the scalpel; natural is in.

Miley's Missing Brows

This year, Miley Cyrus bleached her eyebrows and though this was quite daring, it's another decision that requires lots of thought before commitment. Dark, thick eyebrows are the way to go.

Angelina's Powder Overdose

We're a huge fans of powder, but Angelina Jolie might have gone a little overboard. If you're going to use a powder, make sure it's light-weight and invisible.

Kim K. Gets Crispy

We can't say how important it is to take care of your skin and use proper sunscreen. Kim Kardashian clearly forgot this important message when she fell asleep in the sun for too long. Can you say ouch?

Britney's Buzz

Britney Spears probably didn't think too much before making this bold decision. Make sure, before shaving your head, that you can really rock it. I recommend a bold lipstick with this look to make it work best.

Get the Look: Kate Hudson's Waves

Kate Hudson looked stunning at the People magazine awards with her signature beach waves. Hairstylist David Babaii, created what he calls, the “classic Kate."  Want to get the look? You’re in luck, because we got the how to.

To start off, tousle your hair upside until dry to add volume. Once dry, mist a heat protectant spray evenly throughout. Then, grab a two inch section of hair and using the ghd Curve Classic Curling Iron, wind the hair around the iron while keeping the iron open. This technique creates a soft, bouncy wave. After you’ve curled your hair to that Kate Hudson effortless perfection, separate a few strands with your fingers and gently tousle your hair at the roots with your fingertips.

Stubborn flyaways ruining your look? Babaii says to use the iron to smooth at the root. Start at the root of the two inch section, run your iron through the first four inches of your hair two times. If you have thick hair, try doing smaller sections.

3 Makeup Tips we Learned from Georgia May Jagger

While talking with British model Georgia May Jagger at the Rimmel London Spring 2015 preview, we of course, knew she was going to be beautiful and charismatic, but it was a pleasant surprise to hear all the fantastic beauty tips she had. It was while talking about her beauty role models (Veronica Lake and Audrey Hepburn) and first makeup experience (Tinkerbell nail polish and Hello Kitty eye shadow) that Jagger also gave us some great insight on beauty tips and tricks she lives by. 

Take off your makeup

Think achieving model-perfect skin is difficult? Well according to Jagger, it’s not. It’s as simple as taking off your makeup before you go to bed, something we all fall guilty of skipping every now and again. “I know that it’s boring, but it’s one of the most important things I think you can do.” We have to say, we 100 percent agree with her.

Break the Rules

After explaining to us that her model mom, Jerry Hall, would just “show up to shoots with her makeup already done and they would just kind of pretend to do it,” she let us in on her favorite makeup tip she learned from her mom.

“I learned from her you can do a lip and an eye and a red lip in any situation and it doesn’t have to be tacky,” she explains. “I think there is a way to do everything so you don’t feel like your trapped.” Follow Jagger’s advice and go for that bold pink lip and metallic eye shadow. Just because they’re both bold doesn’t mean it won’t work.

Use Brow Mascara on Your Lashes

When showing off her favorite products from the new Rimmel London Spring 2015 collection, she even popped in a tip using the brow mascara in a way other than for grooming your brows. She suggested that after curling your lashes, apply the clear colored brow mascara to your eyelashes to separate and keep them from clumping.

Dying to give that last tip a try? The brow gel along with other new Rimmel products in the Spring 2015 collection will be available in January.

10 Minutes with Drew Barrymore

We had the pleasure of catching up with one of the most humble, intelligent and coolest woman around, Drew Barrymore. Celebrating her new fragrances over cocktails, when talking with her, you would never know you’re talking to an A-list celebrity who the world, has well known since she was seven. Following an awkward exchange of her asking if we met before, and me replying, “I don’t think so,” (of course we haven’t! I think I’d have remembered if I had met Drew Barrymore), we chatted about her perfect New York day, nostalgic scent and her must-have product.

Is there any scent that reveals a certain memory or emotion?

Yes, Night Blooming Jasmine. Over the course of hour after hour, you smell things and it is the most emotional amazing thing. You can smell something and your just like ‘oh I hate it,’ or you smell something and you burst into tears and it brings back a childhood memory. It seems like something that’s so lost and gone but then it’s as if it’s right there in front of you. And there was a Night Blooming Jasmine outside of our dingy duplex out in West Hollywood. But [when I smelled it] it was this moment of such beauty and nature it let me know there was good things in the world.

Do you remember your very first scent?

I have been patchouli girl my whole life. Like I am dirty hippie oil patchouli type. It was interesting to me to learn that so much patchouli is in so many of the most successful scents in the world. It’s a very common accord in the highest selling perfumes. I only like things that aren’t going to sell like old lady rose or hippie patchouli. I was told that patchouli was a great seller.  Then I tested all these patchoulis and I fell in love with one and he was like it’s the most expensive. And I was like well we can get it? He walk like, ok, we’ll get it. So that’s in sultry.

How does a woman go about finding her signature scent?

I would say it’s important to be honest with yourself. Don’t wear something because you think you’re supposed to be wearing it. But wear something that smells really truly good to you. And then don’t spray too much on.

I would also start with figuring out what your favorite flower is, and finding a fragrance that’s representative of that flower.

What’s one beauty product you’re never without?

Without missing a beat: “Aquaphor I get nervous when I don’t have my Aquaphor on me. I feel like my lips are just going to shrivel and go away forever. In a burning fire if I don’t have my Aqua 4.

 How would you spend your perfect NY day?

I would definitely go to a museum and there’s just so many, but definitely a museum a great museum. I would eat like a pastrami sandwich. I would go shopping somewhere in the like East Village at a boutique where I would never be able to get that stuff anywhere else. I would eat Chinese food. Although I did just get food poisoning from ordering Chinese. If you can get shrimp that fast, you just shouldn’t eat it. I really paid the price and learned the lesson. But I would still eat a lot of Chinese food. And then I would take a walk after dinner because you can here.

The three scents: Cherish, Radiant, and Sultry are available for $19.98 for 15 ml to $24.98 for 30ml at Walmart or on the FLOWER site.

An Exclusive Interview with Lucy Hale

Before attending the Country Music Awards last week, I had the opportunity to hang out with Lucy Hale thanks to Colgate Optic White, who was presenting.  Of course, using some of the questions you sent through on Twitter, I interviewed Lucy about her acting and singing career, beauty secrets love for country music.  The 5'2" starlette (and I know because we had a height competition, you know, back to back) may be tiny, but she sure is fierce.  At just 25, she's not only accomplished, but knows exactly who she is and what she's doing.

On her fans: My fans are very passionate.  I got into my career, because I love what I do, but to have that support system makes it all even better.

On her new shorter 'do: I cut it this morning.  I needed something new.  I chopped three inches and we're still filming the show, but they can add extensions if they have to.  I feel more grown up with it.

On her new album: With a first album you can do whatever you want and as an artist I'm constantly learning and growing and finding out how I sound better and what I don't like.  I loved that we used a lot of traditional country music instruments like mandolin, fiddle and banjo and steel guitar.  I love those sounds, but they have a mainstream vibe. There's no rules, so we were able to do whatever we wanted.  One of my favorite songs on the album is "Nervous Girl," because it's very strict and raw so maybe we'll see more of that on album two.

On her singing career: I hope to make music for the rest of my life, but I want each album to feel very different.  I'm a very different person from when I started so it will be interesting to see where we go.  I love all music and explore, but country is where my heart's at.

On the artist/actress debate: I get asked this question more than anything: acting or singing.  I'm not one to live in a box or be told what to do and I want to be the exception.  A lot of people have a mindset that they can only accept me as one or the other.  I've wanted to sing before I wanted to act, but I'll never choose.  I love acting and I love music and I've been lucky enough to do both and hope to continue to have respect in both worlds.

On her influences: Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Shania Twain.  Mostly late '90's women in country.  Rascall Flatts is what really made me fall in love with music.  They were the first country act I found to be mainstream and I remember hearing "Praying for Daylight" for the first time on the radio and was blown away.

On her beauty secrets:  Besides a good hair and makeup team, eye patches help (she likes Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels) and the obvious, sleep and water.

On her Colgate partnership: I'm 25 now and think I'm the person I'm going to be.  I can finally say I'm comfortable with who I am and when Colgate Optic White approached me about the 'Red Carpet Ready' campaign, it just made sense.  It's all about confidence and what I do to get ready for a big event.

On what's in her bag: Kind bars, phone charger, Ray Bans, hand sanitizer, Aquaphor lip balm, Mark cosmetics, makeup remover, my laptop, my broken iPhone 6 that I dropped before my flight yesterday, Justins peanut butter packets

On her favorite place in TN: Home with my family in Memphis.  I wish I could plop their house next to me in LA.

On her pre-performance rituals: Before I go on stage I need about 15 minutes to myself with no distractions and I say a prayer.  And try not to throw up, because I still get nervous, but it's good.  Once the nerves and butterflies go away, I feel like I need to get a new profession.

On the best beauty advice she ever got: My mom instilled to always wash my face no matter how tired I am.  I don't always listen, since I keep makeup removers by my bed incase it was a long day, but you only get one face, so you have to take care of it.

Lucy Hale: Get the Look with Mark Cosmetics

I've been seeing Lucy Hale everywhere lately and every time the first thing I think is – she's a mark. girl!  Therefore, when news landed in my inbox about her cover makeup look, I was compelled to cover it.  Plus, it's perfect for the holiday season.  Here, her makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, spills how you can replicate the look with mark cosmetics.

Eyes:

Sweep mark. Eye Dream Of Glam Eye Shadow Palette in light pink shade (left column, second shade from bottom) across the eye lids. Next, apply the blue shade (top right column) starting at the center of the lid and extending outwards into a defined V shape. Line the upper and lower lash lines with mark. What A Line Max Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Cobalt and finish with two coats of mascara.

Face:

Sweep mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards along the cheekbones.

Lips:

Complete the look by applying mark. On The Dot Lip Gloss Compact’s light pink gloss (top right shade) across the lips.

*This is a sponsored post by mark cosmetics, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Get the Look: Jessica Alba's Cat Eye

This weekend Jessica Alba was spotted at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park looking fierce with a flair – a Lauren Conrad-esque cat eye.  Her makeup artist, Quinn Murphy, gave me the breakdown on the exact makeup she used to get the look.

“To complement Jessica's black dress, I focused her look around black eyeliner while keeping the rest of the makeup bronze and warm.  It was 80 degrees in Central Park so a sun-kissed coral look was unseasonably appropriate," commented Murphy.

To the center of her eyelids, Murphy applied NARS Multiple in Vientaine and blended it up and outward before lining Jessica's top lash line with Estee Lauder Black Gel Eyeliner.  She made the line thicker on the outer edges and gave it a flick for a cat eye effect.  To finish, she applied Armani Eyes to Kill Black Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Get Kirsten Dunst's Makeup Look

Kirsten Dunst stepped onto the red carpet last week for “The Two Faces of January” premier in refreshingly elegant makeup – luminous skin, beautiful pink makeup hues and wide, feathered lashes.  We got scoop on how to create this look straight from her makeup artist, Pati Dubroff.  The inspiration behind Dunst’s look came straight from her Chanel Couture dress, with the color palette coming from the beadwork.

Skin

Dubroff started by creating fresh even-toned skin. She prepped with Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and L’Oreal Miracle Blur applied to the t-zone.  After a light finish of foundation, she evened out the skin with Cle de Peau Concealer.

Eyes

It’s the eyes along with the cheeks that really showcase the beadwork-inspired coloring that stands out against the dewy skin. “I used a Dior matte cream color shadow on the lid and then a Dior matte putty color shadow within the crease to even the lid and give definition.  I then applied a matte bone color on the lid and a matte taupe in the crease that are part of the Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette,” she explained.

Next, using Chanel Long Lasting Eyeliner in silver metallic, she drew a line from the center lash line beyond the outer corner, finishing with a little flick off the end. To accomplish these wide eyes, Dubroff focused on applying the mascara on the outer lashes, to keep the inner eye light and bright.

Cheeks

To mimic the beadwork, Dubroff used Flower Cream Blush in Petunia. She swirled them onto the apples of Dunst’s cheeks for the perfect pop.

Lips

The look is completed with a pale opal pink lip created by Chanel Rouge Allure in 217 Radieuse.

Interview: Michael B. Jordan

You guys may know him from Friday Night Lights or The Wire, but I became familiar with Michael B. Jordan, because of his explosive Twitter account.  As AXE's latest muse, I had the chance to chat with the actor about his partnership,  his biggest temptations and of course, what type of scents he likes on women.  Check out what he has to say.

What made you want to partner with AXE?

This particular campaign was interesting to me. According to an AXE survey, 75 percent of guys and 60 percent of girls don’t know what tempts each other. I could relate to this topic and wanted to help be part of the solution in a cool, creative way. Not only does this allow me to help solve answers in the modern world of dating, but AXE is allowing me to step behind the cameras and direct some of the content.

Besides AXE, do you have a favorite fragrance, a cologne?

I like fragrances that are fresh and sophisticated – like the citrus and cedarwood combination in Gold Temptation.

Does your fragrance choice change with the character you're playing? 

I do a lot of preparation to get into my characters. I think there’s a strong correlation between fragrance and how it makes you feel. Pairing a fragrance with a specific character is one way to help get into character.

Is there a particular scent that you like on a woman?

I like floral, sweet scents that are subtle – and keep you coming back for more. Like how AXE Gold Temptation has notes of chocolate with citrus and spice.

You host AXE's #TemptationTuesday on Twitter. What are your biggest temptations?

It’s been fun hearing about what guys and girls find tempting – you’d be surprised.  There’s always something you just can’t resist. Staying healthy is huge for me, but if bacon’s an option, I’m adding it. And if I walk past sneakers, I’m walking out with them.

Score Megan Fox's Makeup

#TBT to last Thursday where Megan Fox's makeup took center stage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards.  Her makeup artist, Monika Blunder, gave me the 411 on the exact products she used to enhance those perfect arches, sex up her eyes and give her the peachy bronzed glow we all crave.

"This is a great summer look and I was really adamant about using just the right shade of coral on the lips," commented Blunder.  The coral on the lips complimented the hint of peach on the cheeks, which is what made this look scream summertime.

While most makeup artists paint lip products on carefully with a brush or layer textures, Blunder applied Fox's lipstick – Chanel Rouge Allure in Rimpante #90 – straight from the bullet, proving it's not that hard to recreate.

Her summer glow was created by strategically dusting on three products by makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury:

1. Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer in Film Star Bronze and Glow to define her cheekbones
2. Charlotte Tilbury Blusher in Ecstasy on the apples of her cheeks
3. Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter in Film Star Bronze and Glow on the upper cheekbone, bridge of the nose and under the eyebrow

Then, to create a "soft, natural eye look," Blunder used Anastasia Brow Wiz to add more color to the outside of her arches.  Then, Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Impulsion all over the eyelid and Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst on the upper and lower lash line, followed by Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari in the crease to add some definition.  A few coats of Lancome Definicils in black completed Fox's sultry, yet soft stare.

Kendall Jenner: Get Her Ponytail

Unless my hair is professionally blown out, chances are that by the end of the day, it's in a ponytail.  Ladies, if you're anything like me, we need to step our pony game up.  Check out Kendall Jenner's sleek ponytail (pictured above).  She was heading to the Vogue Foundation Gala in Paris last week and made a statement with her sharp center part and the sophisticated slickness to the style.  Here are tips from her stylist, Christian Wood, (check out his Tweet) on how to rock the look – no more gym styles necessary.  It's that simple.

"As soon as I saw the dress I thought a super slick and shiny ponytail would give a tough modern edge to the gorgeous Balmain dress,"  Wood commented.  He was right.

Here are the exact steps Wood took to complete Kendall's style.  Yes, they're easy enough to do at home.  Promise.

• When hair is damp, use a pin tail comb to part it down the center.  The end of the comb will help make sure you have a dramatic, precise part.  Then, blow dry straight.

• Rub a small dollop of Moroccan Oil onto the top and sides of your hair and use a brush like a Mason Pearson to slick the hair into a low, tight ponytail.  Secure with a bungee elastic.

• Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic and secure with a pin to cover.

• Spray Frederic Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray all over and quickly comb the hair into the ponytail to create a super slick, tight and fly-away free look.

• Spritz a glossing mist or shine spray on the part, almost the same way one would use makeup highlighter to really pick up the shine under lights.

• Finish by using a straightening iron (Wood used the T3 Straightening Iron) over the ends of the pony for a poker straight glossy finish.

With a little bit of effort, a ponytail like Kendall's can look super chic.  And I told you it's really simple.  Using a flat iron at the end is surely the icing on the cake.  I'll definitely be trying it for a night out.

Emmy Rossum's NARS Lip Look

Last week Emmy Rossum sported a show stopping lip look at the Stella McCartney 2015 spring presentation and I spoke with her makeup artist, Beau Nelson, to find out what the exact shade was and how to cop it, because let's be real, it's not easy to pull off a ton of pigment without getting it all over your face.  Without further ado, here are the details behind Emmy Rossum's NARS lip look.

"I loved the simplicity of Emmy’s Stella McCartney dress.  We decided that a bright lip would be a nice punch of color for a beautiful spring day," Nelson explained.

The shade: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage.

When wearing a punchy lip shade, always use a lip brush to apply it for a more precise application.  If you try to put it on directly from the bullet, you don't have as much control. For extra staying power, blot it gently with a tissue after one coat and reapply the same way.

Olivia Munn's Risky Beauty Look

Did you guys watch the American Country Music Awards last night?  I didn't but after flipping through the film, I noticed presenter, Olivia Munn took a big risk.  Fresh faced for spring with a vibrant, and I mean vibrant lip to compliment her coral dress. What do you guys think of her beauty look?  Into it?  Here's what her makeup artist, Shane Paish used (yes, including the lip shade).

He prepped Olivia’s skin with Proactiv+ Complexion Perfecting Hydrator and Proactiv+ Eye Brightening Serum.  Then, went over it with Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Nude (which is also one of my favorite products).  Next, he brushed Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm for a vibrant glow.

Now for that risky lip move, he used Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry, which I swear is almost neon.  Do you think it would have read better if she were wearing a black dress?  Discuss.

Breaking: Lupita Nyong'o Lands Lancome

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself,” confided Lupita Nyong’o.

Earlier this week I received an email from Lancome's PR representatives about "big news" coming on Friday. In order to receive, but not spread the news early, I had to sign a non-disclousure agreement. At about 2pm yesterday, I read the press release and wrote this post.

Joining Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz and Lily Collins, Lupita Nyong’o will be seen this summer in campaigns shot by star photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

“Lupita’s authentic inner and outer beauty, her exquisite grace, and true confidence represent today’s modern woman.  Having Lupita as a Lancôme ambassadress will help support our mission in the U.S. market which is to speak to all women.  Her rising star status is like a blooming rose; she is elegant and has an undeniable brilliance," said Xavier Vey, President of Lancôme USA.

After watching Lupita in awe throughout awards season this year, it was only a matter of time before a mega beauty brand picked her up.  I can only imagine what the battle was like for this breath of fresh air.  Well done, Lancome.