Your Invite Backstage to New York Fashion Week

It's officially New York Fashion Week and you're invited backstage with me!  I rounded up my troops – BeautySweetSpot intern, Ashley and former intern, Carly and we're ready to roll. This is my 12th season covering New York Fashion Week and I have to say I'm very proud of the selection of shows my team and I will be backstage for this year.  Here's a few:

Rag & Bone, Cynthia Rowley, Jason Wu, Malandrino, Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Rachel Roy, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta and LAMB

On the site expect to find coverage on the hottest fall '11 beauty trends, pictures and exclusive video interviews.  I'll also be working with the Style Coalition to host web TV interviews.  Enjoy!

Helena Christensen Talks Boundless Beauty with Silhouette

This week I attended an event for Silhouette eye wear with their Spokesmodel, Helena Christensen.  Besides having a Q&A with Helena (yes, we're on a first name basis), I'm super excited about getting fit for my first pair of Silhouettes. Unlike eye wear companies, Silhouette is 100% dedicated to creating solely rimless styles.  They customizes the glasses according to your brow line, eye color, skin tone and face shape.  Even though they're completely rimless, you have the option of adding a bit of personality to the sides if you choose. Considering the fact that I have the chunkiest, most masculine frames at home, I chose a delicate pair with thin, deep plum sides and somewhat rectangular frames with softer, rounded edges.  The brand launched their new crystal collection, which Helena partnered with and definitely makes the glasses more of an accessory.

Here are some highlights from the conversation with Helena:

• She started modeling so she could learn photography.
• "I believe true beauty is when a person shows strength and vulnerability."
• Since she doesn't like to wear a lot of jewelry, she looks at her frames from the Silhouette crystal collection as her go-to accessory.
• Whenever she travels she wears a protection medallion.
• "Before taking a photo put yourself in a comfortable place so you don't start making funny faces."
• If you caught her hanging out in Denmark over the summer she'll most likely be wearing unironed clothes and dreadlocks.

VIP Pass to The Industry: Redbook

Hey BeautySweetSpot readers!  Allow me to introduce you to Krista Bennett DeMaio.  She went to Fordham University and majored in Communications and Media and has been at Redbook magazine for the past seven years.  A true insider into the world of beauty editorial.  I love her advice on how to get into the industry.  Check it out... How did you land your first job edit?

During my last semester of school, I was interning in the beauty department at the now defunct YM magazine. The beauty director had just come back from an event where she ran into a colleague working at at start-up magazine, Grace Woman. This woman mentioned that she was hiring a beauty and fashion assistant. She suggested I send my resume immediately and shortly after, I was employed.

What's a typical day like for you?

On any given day, I'm attending several events, holding deskside meetings, and writing, editing, or revising multiple stories. Often times, I'm also attending brainstorming and/or visual meetings or on-set for a photo shoot. My days can get crazy, but I love that I'm not tied to my desk for eight hours straight.

What's your favorite part of your job?

I'd be remiss if I didn't say that I love playing with new beauty products. There's nothing more exciting than opening one of the many bags delivered every day and squealing with delight when I come across something truly special. But I also love that my day is hardly ever the same. Yes, there's always writing to be done and meetings to attend, but because the content of the magazine changes monthly, it's always a different topic or a new conversation. I also love learning new things. I get giddy when an expert gives me a tip I actually haven't heard in my nine years of beauty editing.

What's your least favorite?

I'd have to say my commute. I choose to live outside of NYC, so I commute close to three hours a day. It's a huge time suck, but at least I can get work done on the train.

What's the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?

Don't be afraid to start small. When the job offer came for a start-up magazine within a start-up media company, I was hesitant at first.  Didn't I want to hold out for one of the big publications? I am so glad I took that job. I often refer to it as editorial boot camp. It was hard work--a small staff on a shoe-string budget--but I got to do so much more than I would have ever done as an editorial assistant at a larger, more established magazine. I was also promoted twice within a two year period and left as an associate editor, which helped me land the job at Redbook.

Confess! What's your biggest beauty sin?

My all time sin would have to be the mullet I sported in the 2nd grade, but then again, I am a product of the 80s.  My biggest sin these days is that I'm sometimes too lazy to take off my makeup at night. Ick! I try to keep towelettes handy so I have no excuses, but even my contingency plan sometimes fails.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Anything Jo Malone. I'm a sucker for almost all their sophisticated scents. I have a few different colognes on my dresser (my favorite is Orange Blossom), several candles scattered around my home, and I'm addicted to their Vitamin E Body Balm (it smells like almonds). I'll literally scrape the bottom of the tub to get out every last bit.

Sundance: Swag Suites, Celebs, Cocktails & Of Course, Movies

I just got home from my weekend at Sundance with L'Oreal and have to tell you about Sunday's festivities.  After gallivanting around Main St. (which is the quaintest little snow covered street) with Amber hitting up a swag suites and a few boutiques, we spent some time in the L'Oreal Paris & Entertainment Weekly Celebrity Suite.

Celebs like James Franco, Anne Heche, Terrence Howard and L'Oreal Spokesperson, Elizabeth Banks all stopped by throughout the weekend including some serious A-Listers that we weren't aware of (exclusive info to EW).  They were all getting glammed up and then having their pics taken for EW's next issue specializing on Sundance.

Amber and I of course hit up the L'Oreal glam squad ourselves because we were attending the "Women of Vision Awards," which honored women in film later that night.  At the awards cocktail party, we met Andrea Gomez, a really cool chick from Miami, who's participating in L'Oreal's Academy campaign.

After the cocktail party we took full advantage of the night by seeing perhaps the funniest movie at Sundance, Cedar Rapids starring Ed Helms.  It felt great to laugh at the stupid humor after experiencing night terrors from seeing Ticket to Paradise the night before. I'm telling you, when this launches nationally, it's going to be a huge hit.

I'm so happy and honored I got to attend the film festival and hang out with L'Oreal!  Now, back to reality...

VIP Pass to the Industry: Beauty PR

Today I'm featuring one of my closest friends in the beauty industry, Michelle who's a beauty publicist.  Michelle interned for me when I used to work in PR and then she helped me start up BeautySweetSpot.com and my whole freelance career.  So it's my pleasure to introduce her to you! What college did you go to and what did you major in?

I went to Baruch College and majored in International Marketing & Trade.

How did you land your first job in PR?

I was actually working at the front desk at The Gym (yes that’s the actual name) while I was going to school.  One day I was casually chatting with a guest about my major and how I wanted to explore different aspects of marketing.  It turned out that I was actually talking to the President of a PR firm, who suggested I should check out public relations.   She then invited me in for an interview the next day and I got the job!  Since then I’ve been hooked.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Start off the day with a green tea latte from Starbucks; start up my Twitter, Facebook, newsfeed and dive right into work.  There’s no such thing as a typical day but some of the things I do include coming up with creative pitches, meetings with clients, media, and industry leaders, research, admin work, coming up strategies, event planning, social media, create press releases and so much more.  Jack of all trades.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Since I was 12 years old and reading my sister’s old  magazines from the 80’s (left behind in Greece when I was living there in the mid 90’s) I just knew I wanted to be a part of the beauty industry. I’m even a licensed cosmetologist and used to cut hair!  My favorite part of the job is that I get to meet some really creative and motivated people in both beauty and fashion who inspire me and teach me something new everyday.

What’s your least favorite?

Nothing to do with my job per se but when asked what I do for a living and I say I’m in Public Relations, more than likely the response is “oh advertising? How interesting!”  Now I don’t even bother explaining and just go along and have fun with it.

What’s the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?

The one thing I’ve always said and live by is to treat any job like it’s your own business/company.  When you have that mentality it will not only show in your work by achieving your goals but will also give you the drive to succeed.   When you have a strong work ethic you can do it all.

Confess! What’s your biggest beauty sin?

Eek!  I tend to forget to wash my make up brushes.  I used to clean them everyday and now it’s more like once a week or even up to two weeks.  Shame on me, one of these days my skin will break out!

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Watching old movies!   Whether it’s a Alfred Hitchcock classic or any movie starring Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and even some Greek ones with Aliki Vougiouklaki I’m all for it.  I love the storylines and the fashion!  Especially the Givenchy pieces designed for Audrey Hepburn.  On the other end of the spectrum I also enjoy bad reality shows since they’re such a vacation for my brain.

VIP Pass to the Industry: Women's Health

To kick off "VIP Pass to the Industry" in 2011 allow me to introduce you to Jill Percia, the Associate Beauty Editor of Women's Health.  Jill formerly wrote for CosmoGirl and took a step into PR before landing the job at Women's Health in October.  Check out what she has to say about her job and advice she has to give for those of you who want to get in. 1. What college did you go to and what did you major in?

I went to Fordham University and majored in Communications/Media Studies.

2. How did you land your first job edit?

I got my foot in the door by having an internship at CosmoGirl during my senior year of college. I first interned in reader services and spent the second semester in the beauty department – and fell in love! After graduation, I applied for (and got!) a reader services editor position there. I also assisted the editor-in-chief before finally snagging the assistant beauty and fitness editor spot almost three years later.

3. What’s a typical day like for you?

Crazy! In no particular order, a typical day will consist of: writing my stories, attending beauty launches around the city, opening countless packages filled with new products, testing said products, meeting with publicists for desksides, interviewing the most talented hairstylists, makeup artists, and derms in the biz, and brainstorming and researching ideas for future issues. There’s never a dull moment.

4. What’s your favorite part of your job?

I love the networking. Being around smart people who are passionate about beauty can be really inspiring. And I love being a part of a publication that empowers women to be strong and confident in so many aspects of their lives. And I’ll never complain about copious amounts of fragrance and lip gloss! It’s true what they say – if you love what you do, it’s never feels like work.

5. What’s your least favorite?

Deadlines can be tough, especially during a busy event week. There are days I’m out of the office more hours than I’m in!

6. What’s the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?

Get an internship and do a great job (competition is fierce!). Doing so will give you valuable experience and help you decide if working at a magazine is your thing. And go the extra mile because people will notice. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank-you note! And just remember that everyone knows everyone in this industry, so make (and keep) as many connections as you can.

7. Confess! What’s your biggest beauty sin?

Sometimes, I sleep with my eye makeup still on. Even though it’s out of pure laziness and I’ll probably wake up with an eye infection one day (eek), there’s a silver lining: I wake up with sexy, smudged eyeliner! Hopefully, my ophthalmologist isn’t reading this.

8. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

There is nothing better than sitting on the couch on Sunday afternoon (a plus if it’s raining or snowing) watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians and eating Fat-free Reddi Wip. I put it on everything from rice cakes to pretzels and even apples. I always knew this was kind of weird, but it looks super gross in writing. Oh, well!

Rita Pereira's Cleavage Uproar at the International Emmy Awards

About two weeks ago I attended the International Emmy Awards in NYC and posted about highlights of my night which included interviewing Portuguese actress and model, Rita Pereira about her show-stopping cleavage. The comments received caused quite a stir and I wanted to clear somethings up about Rita. She's not from America and wasn't on The Jersey Shore.  She's most recently appeared in the TV series Meu Amor and obviously wanted to grab some attention at the International Emmy Awards by wearing that dress.  Maybe she's looking for a big break in America?

Whatever the reason, she's 28 years old, has a gorgeous body, is a talented actress and shouldn't be compared to The Jersey Shore's J Wow! Maybe she showed a bit too much, but she definitely got what she wanted... I got the boob scoop! The YouTube video of me interviewing Rita has already been viewed over a million times!  Check it out she talks all about her controversial boobs!

What do you think about Rita's cleavage choice? Too much or just right?

Seen & Heard: Beauty Secrets from Your Fave A-Listers

We all look to celebs to see what they're using and how they get their flawless skin, fabulous locks and overall glow.  Well, we compiled some of their latest tips and tricks to bring you the scoop.  Check it out: Julia Roberts:

“I love eyeliner. I always think if I put enough on, I’ll turn into Sophia Loren.”  I heard her favorite is Lancome Le Crayon Khol eyeliner in Black Ebony, which makes Julia’s stunning eyes pop.

Kim Kardashian:

Her secret is out, “I always style my hair first then pin it back while I do my makeup. Before I apply my foundation I sprinkle Bare Escentuals shimmer powder on my face to get a pretty glow.”

Beyonce:

“I always keep a pair of Ray-Bans handy! And sometimes I put a little gold eye shadow in the inner corners of my eyes—it’s more subtle than white, but it still really makes you look more awake.”

Fergie: Fergie swears by Moroccan oil to keep her strands healthy, "I brush it through my hair and let it soak all night."

Katy Perry: “I pop individual lashes on with tweezers.” Try her favorite - Tweezerman tweezers to apply false eyelashes.

Jessica Biel:

"For Christmas when I was 12, my mom gave me a Lancome cleanser, toner, and moisturizer and said, 'Make a little effort now and it will make a big difference in the long run.'" Jessica swears by consistency for your skin care is the key to keeping your complexion clear.

2010 International Emmy Awards Highlights & Video Interviews

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 International Emmy Awards with my good friend Paul Baranda of BeyondBeautyBasics.com. We reported live from the red carpet and hung out in the press room where all of the winners and presenters celebrated and took moments out for press interviews and photo ops after they received their Emmy. Since it was the International Emmys, I was more excited to chat with some of the presenters including Jimmy Fallon, Simon Cowell, Jason Priestly, Peter Facinelli of Twilight and Elizabeth Moss of Mad Men than to hang out with the Emmy winners.

However one of the highlights of my night, and every man's night in attendance was checking out Portuguesese actress and model, Rita Pereira.  Why?  Because her boobs stole the show!  I interviewed the bombshell in the press room after she

won an Emmy about her show-stopping cleavage and she wasn't shy!  Check it out.

Elizabeth Moss wasn't feeling too well, she says she was losing her voice, but stopped for a second to tell me her red carpet clutch must have, which didn't surprise me at all because she couldn't keep it out of her hands!

Another highlight of the evening was chatting with Simon Cowell and his fiance, Mezhgan Hussainy.  She dished how she keeps her mani in tact and showed off her massive, 6 carat engagement ring.  Check out the video after the jump!

Surprise guests included

Alec Baldwin and Rupert Murdoch.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Finale Video

I couldn't help myself. We weren't supposed to take photos or film, but the event was so grand, so incredible, I had to share it – especially with you. I started recording towards the end of Katy Perry's super remixed performance that began with Teenage Dream as models were walking out in VS Pink clothing and caught this: All I have to say is O.M.G!  Wait until it airs on Nov. 30th so you can get the full effect.

Exclusive Interview with VS Angel, Candice

I was lucky enough backstage to meet Candice while she was getting her makeup done to get the exclusive scoop on what she thinks her best asset is, how she got it and loves to flaunt it!  Check it out:

Exclusive Photos: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Here's a sneak peek at the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I'll be covering tips and tricks on how to get bombshell hair, backstage makeup secrets, the truth about self tanning to sculpt perfect bodies and more – including an exclusive interview with Alessandra Ambrosio!

And keep reading... there's plenty more pics after the jump!

Exclusive Interview with VS Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio

Backstage I had the chance to ask Miss Alessandra Ambrosio a few questions while she was getting the finishing fluff done to her to-die-for waves.  She filled me on what it takes to be a Victoria's Secret bombshell, what sexy means to her and of course, her guiltiest pleasure. Take a look:

Glamour Women of the Year: CHER!

None other than music legend Cher was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award last night at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards and I have something special to share with you – I caught it all on tape:

Glamour Women of the Year Awards Highlights

I may not have been an honoree, but I felt like one! Last night I was honored to attend the 20th anniversary of the Glamour Women of the Year Awards with the fabulous women of L'Oreal Paris.  I was psyched to attend because this years honorees included some of the biggest names including Julia Roberts, Cher, Donatella Versace and Fergie Ferg, but to my surprise I was more impacted by the honorees I've never heard of.

After being primped by the L'Oreal glam squad at the Technical Center and slipping into my alldressedup dress, I hit the red carpet with some of the best in beauty, Amber Katz, Polly Blitzer and Dana Oliver.

First, we received the updated media list that announced that Kate Hudson, Oprah, Hilary Swank, Kelly Osbourne, Janet Jackson, Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer were presenting.  Kate Hudson!  For those of you who consistently follow BeautySweetSpot you know she's my fave actress of all times – and besides Oprah... the only one who didn't walk the red carpet, but whatever, I'm over it.

The Red Carpet Scoop:

• 

  Julia Roberts came over to us to chat and called us "the cute girl corner!" Check out the video below!

• Donatella Versace dished that her must have beauty product was mascara.  She was also loitering around the red carpet for quite some time.
• I've always admired her abs, but Fergie's booty stole the show in her form fitting orange-red gown!
• I'm not sure what happened, but Tory Burch looked minuscule, I'm talking 90 pounds tiny.
• Janelle Monae confessed it takes 10 people to do her hair at a time!

The awards show was completely empowering and at the same time, a tear jerker (which I didn't expect).  Oprah presented Julia Roberts with an award and Kate Hudson presented to Fergie.  The room was full of energy and laughter, but at times, things took a serious note.

The award that affected me the most was given to Dr. Hawa Abdi, a Somali ob-gyn who, with her two daughters, also doctors, provide for almost 90,000 people who are affected by the countries violence.  Their courage is incredible and story was so touching.  Katie Couric appropriately presented the award and Glamour's Women of the Year Fund will be supporting Dr. Abdi's efforts.

Glamour also partnered with L'Oreal Paris in creating a special 20th anniversary Women of the Year nail polish, $6.50 in which $3 of every bottle bought will be donated to the fund.  The color is a perfect fall reddish mauve.

To see more event photos check out my Facebook page.

Check out the video of JULIA ROBERTS from the red carpet:

Katie Cassidy Confesses Guiltiest Pleasure to BeautySweetSpot

This week I attended an intimate holiday dinner with Crest at the Cooper Square Hotel penthouse.  Surrounded by views of NYC we all sat and ate a fab meal and got the chance to chat with Gossip Girl star, Katie Cassidy. When she sat next to me at the table I had to take advantage of the opportunity and shoot away.  First of all, I knew who she was from her role in A Nightmare on Elm Street and then Melrose Place.  But even more than that, because my mom used to be obsessed with her father, old-school heart throb, David Cassidy.

"I grew up in The Hills living a very normal life because my parents weren't together and I lived with my mom," Katie said.  "But when people told me how hot my dad was it was really weird."

As she's telling me this my mother is texting me while I'm at the table telling me how in love she was with David and that she used to see him perform several times a year and write him love letters.  I wasn't about to tell Katie.

Katie was a very sweet, down-to-earth girl who seemed to really enjoy herself at the event. I was dying over her lashes and even though she claimed they were real and credited YSL mascara, I knew she wasn't telling the whole truth!  I'm sure YSL mascara had something to do with them, but I'm sure lash extensions should have deserved 90% of the credit.

When I asked what her guiltiest pleasure was she laughed and said listening to Fergie's "Working On My Fitness" while working out.  I can't argue with her there!

My Night with Kim Kardashian, A Peek Inside An Industry Event

Last week I attended a Fusion Beauty Event with Kim Kardashian.  Even though I've met her before, this was different.  It was an intimate cocktail party with Kim at Villa Parci in the Meatpacking District and a select amount of other bloggers and I actually got to hang out and converse with her for an hour and a half. I admire her so much because before anything, she's a business woman.  Kim spoke to the Fusion Beauty collection, which she's a Spokesperson for and then answered any questions we had and just hung out.  She's very sweet and down to earth and yes, stunning.  She wore n a grey bandage skirt with a lace top, black bra peeking through and black Louboutins.  I had to ask her what her guiltiest pleasure was since I was thinking of BeautySweetSpot and she said watching mystery shows.

Out of all of the Fusion Beauty products discussed Kim clearly loved the Illumifil the most. It's a primer with light reflecting properties that her makeup artists use both under and over her foundation depending on the look they're trying to create.  My favorite Fusion Beauty product – a balm called Bitten.

If you really want to see what the event was like, check out the below footage.  I got some of it on tape!  Kim spills her date night makeup tips:

Exclusive Interview: Daisy Fuentes Talks Mysterio and Beauty Secrets

Last week I attended a launch event for Daisy Fuentes' new perfume, Mysterio.  I'm super picky when it comes to scents because I always want to wear one that defines my personality and most of them give me migraines.  That being said I normally never actually keep the scent gifted at fragrance events. The concept behind Daisy's new perfume with Beauty Bank Inc. captured my attention and needless to say, I loved the way the scent smelled on me!  It's a keeper.  I got to chat with Daisy separately about the scent and her fave beauty finds:

1. What was your inspiration behind the scent?

I wasn't trying to come up with a fragrance.  I wrote a book, "Unforgettable You," and the scent was an outgrowth of the writing so it was very organic.

2. What's different about this scent that separates it from others?

Because we made it with a blend of several musks it smells different on every woman.  The concept is that each woman can embrace her own individuality.

3. What's your bed time skin care regimen like?

Pretty normal, but it's one of my favorite things to do at the end of the day.  It really helps me to destress and unwind all over.  It's not just about cleansing my face and removing my makeup.  It's about escaping the day, cleansing my mind and winding down.

4. What are your favorite products?

I love Palmers Coconut Oil.  I even use Palmers moisturizers as under eye moisturizer.  It's so rich.  I don't think a product needs to claim that it's for the eye area to show good results.  I also like Aquaphor moisturizer for my lips and of course, anything La Mer.

5. What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Having freedom.  As I got older I realized I don't have to be busy all the time.

Nigel Barker Talks Beauty and America's Next Top Model

I attended a breakfast today at Citibabes with as Tyra Banks puts it, "World Renowned Fashion Photographer," Nigel Barker.  After shooting models for twenty years and capturing beauty through a lens, Barker recently came out with a book, Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation. At first when I heard another beauty book was being published I kind of brushed the idea aside and thought yea, yea whatever I've seen them all... tips on how to apply false lashes, how to get the no-makeup, makeup look – boring.  But after listening to Barker explain his idea of beauty and inspiration for writing the book, I soon came to realize that this one's different.

Barker explained that his son questioned what beautiful was and a thousand thoughts raced through his mind but eventually lead to dissecting the concept in the book.  To his 2 1/2 year old, he simply said, "your mother."

"Beauty isn't about the physical," Barker commented.  "It's about the essence of a person."  As a fashion photographer, he explained capturing who the person is,...

(WATCH VIDEO OF BARKER TALKING ANTM AFTER THE JUMP!)

the emotion and being is what makes the person beautiful and the shot a cover shot.  After all, you don't fall in love with someone because of their physical appearance.  It's about the depth, energy and essence of the person that makes them beautiful.

Barker's book captures this concept of beauty through different stages in text and photographs. Check out the video below where he talks America's Next Top Model:

Exclusive Interview: Cindy Crawford Talks Beauty & Style

Last week I attended an event at the London Hotel with other bloggers and met the one and only Cindy Crawford.  I don't normally write about beauty events I attend on a daily basis, but this one was like no other.  Cindy spoke about her skincare line Meaningful Beauty, which is launching in Sephora this October and dished her beauty secrets. The most exciting part – I scored an exclusive interview with the super model (and I mean super model) on camera!  I have to say, she was the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen in my entire life.  And that says a lot because throughout my career I've met the all of Victoria's Secret models like Giselle and Alessandra Ambrosio and tons of celebs, but Cindy was beyond stunning – in an all American kind of way.

Flawless at 44, promoting her skincare line, I had to ask a question that may have crossed the line at this type of beauty event.  I felt it was only proper for a journalist... So I shot... "Have you ever gotten Botox?"  I admired the way Cindy handled it and she responded, "I can't lie.  Yes, I've gotten Botox."  And went on to explain that as you age it's all about maintenance and you need to take care of the surface layers of your skin with good products as well as muscle maintenance.

Check out my video interview with her below to find out about her fave beauty products, personal style and advice for aspiring models: