First Date Beauty: The Essentials

With the exception of a job interview, I can think of FEW occasions more nerve-wracking than a promising first date. And, to be candid, I've been on more than my fair share of first dates as of late (let's not discuss the dearth of seconds and thirds). As you might expect, I've gotten my first date beauty routine down to an absolute science and thought that the time was ripe to share my secrets with the world:

$54.00 by Clarins at Bergdorf Goodman

• Soft, moisturized skin is an essential base to any makeup, so treat skin to Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask ($21) the night prior to your big date. It's chock full of Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil to deeply quench any pesky patches of winter-dry skin.
• Touchable skin is also a must (insert "DUH" here), so try Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil ($52) on post-shower skin for the ultimate indulgence.
• It goes without saying that the word of the day is, indeed, touchable and that goes for your hair as well - warm one pump of  Kerastase Elixer Ultime ($50) between your palms and smooth through strands for shine and softness that can't be beat.
• Fragrance is so, so personal that I beg you to never take recommendations from friends. Go to a great department store or a fine fragrance boutique near you (if you were wondering, I live my life for Aedes in New York and Scent Bar in Los Angeles) and sniff until you find a scent to love that's explicitly YOU. That said, MY newest favorite is the clean but sensual Tom Ford Private Blend Pure Musk ($190) - it's perfect for a date as it inspires the ever-so-subtle 'lean in'.
• On a first date, I'd recommend focusing on a neutral, glossy lip and playing up your peepers. Available in a sweet array of colors, MAC Technokohl Liner ($14.50) is my go-to liner to anchor a smokey eye.
• I've oft waxed poetic about MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in By Candlelight (now discontinued, other shades available here), and it's still a makeup bag MUST in my book, delivering a glow that seems like you're lit from within.

 

What are your best first date beauty tips?  Leave a comment and tell all.

 

Greetings from St. Barth: The Hotel Guanahani & Spa

Get the Look: Christina Applegate at the 2009 Emmy Awards

Makeup Artist Joanna Schlip for Clarins was inspired by Christina Applegate’s dramatic, sweeping Basil Soda gown when creating her makeup look this evening.

The vintage glamour of the navy stunner called for simple makeup that still made a statement. With her hair pulled back in a chic chignon, Joanna was able to play up Christina’s eyes with a sexy retro smolder, while keeping her skin fresh and lips softly pink. Like the dress, Christina’s makeup exuded a Brigitte Bardot 60’s cool, with a modern twist.

To create a radiant glow, Joanna prepped Christina’s skin with three steps: First she cleansed with Clarins Water Comfort One Step Cleanser. She then applied Clarins Multi-Active Day moisturizer, followed with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for smooth, hydrated, radiant skin.

Joanna kept Christina's face mostly bare with a light wash of Clarins True Radiance Foundation. She fished with a dusting of translucent loose powder.

For a natural but luminous flush, Joanna applied Clarins Instant Sun Light Shimmer Palette on the apples of her cheeks, sweeping up to the hairline/ For the eyes, Joanna went smoldering with a dark gray shade from Clarins Colour Quartet for Eyes in So Chic, Clarins Eye Pencil in Black around the upper and lower lash line and inside the wet line, then finished with three coats of Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in Black.

The finishing touch was a soft, modern pink lip thanks to Clarins Lip Definer in Bay Rose and Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm in Rose Pink.

What do you think of Christina Applegate's Emmy look?

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Francesca's Collections has 20% off all handbags - click here to check out the online assortment. No code necessary.

Our friends at Origins are offering up a treat this Halloween - choose a deluxe sample of a mask and cleanser suited just for your skintype with any purchase online and they'll even throw in free shipping. Valid today only.

Clarins also has a great GWP that ends today- Spend $60 and get your choice of four deluxe skincare collections.  Enter code RESTORE (to lift and renew), HYDRATE (self explanatory, no?) or XFIRM (anti-aging) at checkout and see what's new here. 

Sephora shoppers, enter BEAUTYBOX at checkout to receive a mini traincase packed full of 15 samples with any $25 purchase.