The Art of Beauty & Wellness

1 Year in Wellness

2012-02-03T14:31:00.001-05:00

Woohoo! This year marked my first official year as a Holistic Wellness Consultant. This means that not only do I help people LOOK their best, but now I help them FEEL their best too! My signature 3-Month Program "The Art of Beauty & Wellness", incorporates my 10+ years of experience as both a makeup artist and holistic living enthusiast.

Most of my clients are busy professionals who recognize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but like most people, could use help to bring about positive and sustainable changes. Here's a peek into some of my favorite success stories from 2011:

* One of my clients was a Grammy-nominated songwriter who was already eating vegan, but wanted to transition to a raw food diet. I helped him find convenient ways to make that possible in the midst of his hectic and demanding lifestyle. He loved that "going raw" helped him sleep better, have more energy and be even more productive in the studio.

* I helped an overworked fashion executive find time for meditation, journaling, exercise and even planting her own vegetable garden in the city. With my support, she created more balance in her life and embraced a holistic approach to healing. She also received a private makeup lesson, using all natural products, which boosted her confidence and added to her happy, healthy glow.

* My latest client, an internal medical doctor, knew that a plant-based diet would help her maintain her weight and prevent diabetes, but she needed guidance and motivation to stick with it. Not only did she fall in love with vegetables, but she fell more in love with herself! She bought new lipstick and heels for the first time in years AND enrolled in Integrative Nutrition!

Sharing my passions in both beauty and wellness to make a positive impact on the lives of others is incredibly rewarding. I am so inspired by what the future holds for me and my clients.

If you or someone you know could use my help, please don't hesitate to reach out for a complimentary phone consultation. We will discuss your health and beauty goals and how my signature program could be of service. Email me to set up an appointment at beauty@rebeccacasciano.com

Be Well!

Shiatsu + Buddha Nose

2012-02-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of massage but had never tried shiatsu... until I met the marvelous Amy Galper! We connected at her Organic Beauty Bar, a unique pop-up shop offering natural makeup and skincare, including her own line, Buddha Nose. A shiatsu practitioner for many years, Amy created self-care products that complemented her healing work, using the powers of essential plant oils. Buddha Nose is a collection of aromatic balms, sprays, salts and scrubs that connect mind, body and beauty... I was sold!

Without knowing exactly what to expect from shiatsu, I booked an appointment with Amy right after the holidays. It was a fabulous way to begin the New Year...the experience was so wonderful and healing.The best way I can describe it is a mixture of massage, acupressure and reiki. I felt both a physical and energetic clearing that was very powerful. I got to take some of that home in the form of Buddha Nose Heart Spray and Girl Balm... heavenly!

If you're in NYC, I highly recommend booking a shiatsu session with Amy (info@buddhanose.com). She is currently offering an awesome deal- 3 Sessions for $200! If you live elsewhere, ask around for recommendations in your area. Wherever you are, definitely pick up some Buddha Nose products and experience the healing essence for yourself!

www.BuddhaNose.com

Green Your Beauty Routine ~ Holiday Edition!

2011-11-22T13:23:00.001-05:00

I've been having such a fabulous time with my newest service addition called "Green Your Beauty Routine". The 2 hour session includes a one-on-one makeup lesson, using all my favorite natural makeup products, step-by-step instructions and custom product recommendations for re-creating the look. I LOVE giving women the info and tools to enhance their beauty naturally!

My holiday makeup setup, featuring red lip products from Korres, Yes To Carrots, Tarte and Revolution Organics...

One of my recent clients, Health and Wellness Coach Sara Jane Mercer, invited me to present GYBR to a group of women at her stunning Tribeca home. Sara prepared a decadent, healthy holiday spread, which included Almond Nog, Spiced Mexican Truffles, Pomegranate Guacamole and Sweet Potato Latkes. Everything was vegan and I was in heaven! I had a great time noshing and talking green beauty with Sara's guests. Check out her awesome blog for these delicious recipes and our "Green Your Beauty Routine" interview > www.sarajanemercer.com

photos by Mia McDonald

I would love to join you and your friends to share some green beauty goodness! Please contact me at beauty@rebeccacasciano.com to inquire about availability for your next get-together.

The Art of Beauty & Wellness Wish List

2011-11-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

Do you need some holiday gift ideas for your special someone/s? I've compiled The Art of Beauty & Wellness Wish List, a guide to gifts that will enhance the lives of your loved ones!

1) David Ji Guided Meditations CD. Zen out with one of my favorite meditation teachers, David Ji of The Chopra center. His voice and choice of wise words is the perfect combination for getting in the zone. Just 22 bucks for priceless peace!

2) Nature's Beauty Secrets by Dawn Gallagher. Model and actress Dawn Gallagher has traveled the world, collecting simple, natural and DIY beauty treatments from women across the globe. Featuring gorgeous photography and excellent beauty tips, this book is a must-have for any beauty enthusiast! $23.00

3) Noble Glass Travel Thermos ($29.50) from Davids Tea. I adore the sleek shape and bamboo lid on this sturdy glass thermos. It has a removable strainer (not pictured) for enjoying your favorite loose teas on-the-go. Be sure to check out Davids extensive tea menu, the Winter Collection is fantastic.

4) Inspire with the Health Freedom DVD Box Set. Featuring 6 of the most informative documentaries on natural healing, including Food Matters and the Gerson Miracle, this collection ($137.50) is a wonderful gift for anyone on a path to optimum wellness.

5) Jump-start New Year's resolutions with a BluePrint Cleanse. Fresh, raw, nutrient-dense food and juice can be delivered nationwide, making it so much easier to get back on track after the holidays. Try the "Juice 'Til Dinner" for those new to cleansing; it includes 4 juices, a 2-course meal and 2 snacks. ($85 and up per day)

6) Wholeness Healing with Teresa Benoit is offering a 60-Minute Combination Therapy Session which includes Yoga or Assisted Stretching, Guided Meditation or EFT (Tapping) and Chakra Balancing for just $75.00 (over a $150 value). Teresa is a gifted healer and teacher who is passionate about helping people live their lives to its fullest potential.

7) Add a splash of color with the recycled cotton canvas Duck Bag by Baggu. I'm a fan of their reusable grocery bags but these are even more stylish! Perfect size and shape for everyday use and also only $22.00.

8) Tasha West Jewelry. Support a super-talented independent designer while giving a totally unique and timeless piece of jewelry. These handmade, hammered "Nipple Bangles" never leave my wrist! See these and other fabulous styles on Tasha's brand new Etsy Shop. She specializes in custom pieces and engagement rings as well!

9) Smell goods that are good for you: La Vanila makes my favorite non-toxic fragrances and deodorants. Skip the designer perfumes and lotions that are full of chemicals and go for this sweet and simple gift set. Includes The Healthy Deodorant, Healthy Fragrance and Healthy Body Butter, for $49.50.

10) Kahina Giving Beauty Travel Basics Set ($85) is an ideal way to try this natural, argan oil based skincare line. Kahina's chic packaging and lush, organic ingredients make it a great gift. Plus, the company donates 25% of it's profits to the women around the world, who help create the product. Win-win.

Happy, Healthy Holidays to you!

Much love, Rebecca xo

Holiday Meals: Green + Guilt-Free

2011-11-21T22:27:00.001-05:00

Yes, you really can indulge in all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes in a way that's GREAT for your taste buds, your waistline and the environment! Go green this year and choose healthy, plant-based alternatives. These simple substitutions will taste just as good (better in my opinion!) as the traditional ingredients you would use to create your Thanksgiving feasts.

Choose Vegetable Broth instead of chicken or beef stock.

Make your own with this recipe or look for low-sodium versions from Pacific or Imagine.

Try Earth Balance dairy and soy-free "butter", mm-mmm good on mashed

potatoes, cornbread, biscuits, etc...

Say yes to yummy cookies and cakes without the eggs.

1 1/2 tsp dry NRG Egg Replacer + 2 tsp water = 1 Egg.

Bonus: it's also gluten-free, wheat-free, casein-free, dairy-free, yeast-free, soy-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free!

Swap cow or soy milk for Almond Breeze.

The subtley sweet, nutty flavor is my favorite.

Plus it's a good source of calcium, Vitamins A, E and C. No dairy=no mucus!

What is this stuff, you ask?

It's Nutritional Yeast and it's a tasty sub for cheese!

Great on pasta, macaroni n' cheese and just about anything, really.

High in protein, folic acid and vitamins, especially B-complex.

Look for these delicious AND nutritious alternatives in the natural foods section of most major supermarkets and of course, health food stores. After 12 years of vegan-izing holiday meals, TRUST ME... your family and friends won't miss the "real deal"!

Enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving~ xoxo Rebecca

Backstage Action

2011-11-16T21:52:00.000-05:00

For the past few seasons, I've been working with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics backstage during New York Fashion Week. It's always a great experience because I love OCC's rich, vibrant hues and of course, that the line is 100% Vegan! I was honored when they asked me to Key Althea Harper's Spring/Summer 2012 Show, demonstrating a look designed by amazing artist Katie Pellegrino.

The show was fun and the models looked gorgeous, but even more exciting, I got caught in action by Make-Up Artist Magazine (see above)! If you're not a makeup artist, you may not know that this mag is THE industry resource for professional makeup artists working in film, television, fashion and theatre. It's read in over 50 countries! So that made it super-cool to be included in their coverage of New York Fashion Week, amongst some of the biggest names in makeup!

Check out the whole feature "Spring Forward" in the November/December 2011 Issue, available at Barnes & Noble or Alcone in NYC. There's lots of great stories in there, including the cover story about Roshar, another very talented makeup artist. Enjoy and thanks for the love OCC/Althea Harper/Make-Up Artist Magazine! xoxo

Dandelion Almond Latte

2011-10-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

If you crave a comforting Chai Latte but want to skip the caffeine, dairy and sugary syrups, have I got the drink for you! One day I decided to brew a cup of dandelion tea, known for it's cleansing, healing and digestive benefits. Next thing you know, I had made something that tasted closer to a yummy latte than a medicinal tea! Here's what I used:

8 ounces of Traditional Medicinals Roasted Dandelion Tea. (Brew for 15 minutes, covered)

2 ounces of Vanilla Almond Breeze Milk, Unsweetened

Few dashes of organic cinnamon or allspice

1/2 teaspoon of raw honey

You can swap out the Vanilla for Plain Almond Milk, or even better make your own. It tastes best when you heat the milk and all ingredients in a small pot, but you can add the milk cold in a pinch. Honey is of course, optional (and not vegan) but also has some awesome therapeutic benefits.

So not only is my Dandelion Almond Latte delicious enough to substitute for chai, coffee or caffeinated tea, it's super nutritious too. Check out some of the Health Benefits of Dandelion:

- Activates the whole of the digestive tract and liver

- Cleanses the liver

- Relieves tiredness, irritability, skin problems and headaches

- Helps dissolve gallstones

- Increases the flow of digestive juices

- Weight loss, safe diuretic. Replaces lost potassium.

- Stimulates the pancreas in insulin secretion (good for diabetes)

Drink up, detoxify and enjoy! xoxo

Karmin

2011-10-21T17:32:00.001-04:00

Another fresh talent I have recently had the pleasure of working with is the up-and-coming duo, Karmin. Comprised of the voices of Amy and Nick, a guitar and a keyboard, Karmin is "The Little Band with a Big Sound". They've been creating a buzz and a large following on Youtube, covering pop, hip hop and R&B songs and even performing with The Roots!

Karmin just released their debut single, "Crash Your Party" and I did their makeup for a jam-packed day of press interviews and appearances. I'm a huge fan of Amy's retro-inspired look, plus she's got the perfect face for it, so I had a great time doing this makeup...

Check out one of my fave Karmin videos above. Amy's voice is sweet and she can rap. You go, girl. Nick is dope too! Wishing them all the best with their new album!

Getting Pretty at Polish Bar

2011-10-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

Polish Bar is the chic beauty bar in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn where I offer one-on-one makeup lessons, green beauty consultations, makeup applications and brow shaping. On October 13th, we hosted a fabulous event where beauty bloggers, fashionistas and clients were invited to "Get Pretty" with us!

Photos by Marta McAdams, courtesy of The Fashion Bomb

The lovely attendees were treated to airbrush makeup with me, brow shaping with PBB Pro Artist Starr Blackshere, massages and trend manicures. Most of women I met there had never tried airbrushed makeup and I had a blast introducing them to it. They loved the results and remarked how lightweight, yet flawless their skin felt and looked! Yep, that's why I love it, too.

One of the many beautiful, smiling faces that night. Donations from manicure services were accepted to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness via The American Cancer Society.

Photos by Nik Wes, courtesy of In Her Shoes Blog

Ladies enjoyed cupcake and cake pops by Goodie Box Bakeshop. I didn't try any but they were total eye candy...so pretty! I'd love to try their vegan version...

Champagne n' strawberries, always cute.

The gorgeous hosts of this soiree were none other than Polish Bar owner, Tricia Lee Riley (center), publicist Renae Bluitt of Crush Media and In Her Shoes blog (left) and The Fashion Bomb founder Claire Sulmers. We love celebrating beauty and look forward to hosting many more fun events, including group makeup demonstrations, networking socials, fundraisers and more. Hope to see you there next time, but for now, come and "Get Pretty" with me at Polish Bar!

Call 718.783.5363 or email me at beauty@rebeccacasciano.com to make an appointment for my Beauty Services.

Rock On Res

2011-09-16T14:55:00.002-04:00

I always say, one of the things I love about what I do, is getting to work with extremely talented and creative people. As a freelance makeup artist based in NYC, that often means some of the most gifted singers, songwriter and musicians in the business. My clients tend to be the type of artists that may not be found on the Billboard Top 40... but should be! They have more talent and originality than half the people that are, but don't get me started on pop music today...

One of those artists is the beautiful singer, Res, whose music is an eclectic mix of soul, rock and indie pop; her debut album "How I Do" also happens to be one of my favorites. It reminds me of when I first started doing makeup some ten years ago! Anyways, I recently had the opportunity to work with Res for a music video she did with rapper Talib Kweli, for their new song "Driving Me Insane". The duo has teamed up to form the group "Idle Warship" and their album is set to be released next month. The song is bananas and we had a blast shooting the video- cannot wait to see how it came out!

Res in one of her "Driving Me Insane" makeup looks.

For maximum color pops, I used a Electric Eel by M.A.C. Cosmetics on the eyes and Stalker Lip Tar by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics on the lips.

"Golden Boys" was Res's debut, smash-hit song in 2001.

She's back for 2011 and sounds amazing- look out for the Idle Warship album and videos!

Omega Love

2011-08-15T17:14:00.000-04:00

The Omega Institute is a really beautiful place to get away from the city, unwind and get some true nourishment. Your mind, body and spirit feels instantly relaxed upon arrival at this "spiritual summer-camp." Located about an hour and a half upstate, they offer wonderful workshops year-round, plus daily yoga, mediation, metaphysical talks and spa services. Here's some of the scenery I took in on my Crazy Sexy Weekend there. Enjoy! xo

Crazy Sexy Weekend with Kris Carr

2011-08-15T14:01:00.001-04:00

Last month, I had the treat of assisting one of my Green Guru Goddesses, the amazing Kris Carr, on a 3-day workshop she was hosting at the Omega Institute in Rhinecliff, NY! The theme was "Creating a Powerful Self-Care Plan" and included Yoga Instructor Elena Brower and Tapping Expert Nick Ortner. They led a group of over 50 people through the fundamentals of proper nutrition, enlightening yoga practice and tapping (also known as EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique) through mental and emotional blockages. I was on board to simply give Kris a helping hand with anything she needed throughout the workshop.

Over the 3 days, everyone in the room received loads of inspiration, important self-care tools and many experienced tremendous "shifts" in their physical, mental and emotional states. Kris blessed us with a run-down of the entire Crazy Sexy Diet, including a show-and-tell of what's in her pantry! It was great to see how many items were familiar and learn some about some new ones, too. This woman is such an inspiration! This is one of my fave vlogs of hers about the pH balance:

The gorgeous Elena Brower guided us through two love and light-filled yoga sessions and reminded us that a successful practice only takes 5-10 minutes per day! Elena is the owner of ViraYoga in NYC and the lead instructor of many large scale yoga classes in Central Park, Times Square and much more. Learn more about Elena on her beautiful website www.ArtOfAttention.com and check out this fierce Yoga Asana she did with Adidas. LOVE her!

Last, but certainly not least, Nick Ortner, creator of the film The Tapping Solution, taught us how to "tap" on the meridians to release negative emotions and create new ways of thinking. Tapping is a simple, yet powerful, practice that anyone can do, at any time! I highly suggest you check out his website and film to see just how it works. Here's a clip for starters...

When we weren't in the workshop, we had plenty of time to enjoy delicious vegetarian meals in the Omega Dining Hall and explore the beautiful grounds. Happily, I was assisting alongside sister Health Coach Jenny Sansouci, founder of the awesome site, Healthy Crush. We graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition together, so we had a great time talking business, brainstorming and revising our very own "Powerful Self-Care Plans"!

It's no surprise that three days of communing with nature and so many AMAZING people inspired me to the core. I left feeling motivated to take my own self-care to a deeper level AND to help many others do the same. The workshop re-affirmed my belief that health is truly a result of what we eat, drink and think; each element directly affects the others. However, to quote Kris: "change your plate, change your fate", because proper nutrition gives you the energy and clarity to make more healthy choices!

Thank you for the Crazy Sexy Weekend Kris, Elena, Nick and Jenny! xoxo

Be a Sun-Less Goddess

2011-06-02T16:27:00.000-04:00

Over the years, I have gotten more responsible about protecting my skin from the sun, as much as I love the way it feels and how it makes my skin glow! As the temperatures rise and it's time for cute dresses and bathing suits, I am ready to get glowing for Summer 2011. In the past, I have used sunless tanning as a safer alternative to laying out in the sun. While I have gotten decent results from conventional brands, the load of chemicals and the distinctively strong smell, are major turn-offs. Since this year has been all about cleaning up my beauty products, I really wondered how I would go about getting my tan this summer.

So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled to hear about an organic, chemical-free sunless tanning product called Chocolate Sun. Using DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanners) derived from the sugar of beets, Chocolate Sun provides a truly safe alternative for getting your tan on. Not only does it give skin a healthy glow, with all-natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera gel, it nourishes the skin at the same time. Cocoa oil adds beneficial antioxidants, plus a delicious, sweet scent.

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, I decided to try Chocolate Sun's Cocoa Glow, a creamy lotion that gives a medium-level color for the body. My skin tone is light, but with olive undertones, so I usually get a nice golden color with a bit of sun (or sunless tanning). I applied Cocoa Glow liberally from the neck down and waited about 5 minutes before putting my clothes back on. I liked that the product didn't feel sticky or take a long time to absorb into the skin. As a chocolate-lover, I adored the way it made my skin smell- yum! What a welcome change from the typical scent that accompanies most sunless tanners.

After a few hours, I began to see a some color developing. To be honest, I was already sold on Chocolate Sun based on the ingredients and scent alone, but it was nice to see the results... a subtle, golden glow with not a streak in site! To build the tan, I re-applied a day later and was again very happy with the natural, gradual progression.

I felt great about baring my arms and legs over the holiday weekend, which just so happened to be the start of summer weather in NYC. All the better when my friends noticed my tan and I loved telling them it was sunless, organic and came from beets! With that said, I am officially a fan of Chocolate Sun and look forward to trying the rest of their line, which includes a face moisturizer/sunscreen and a sunless facial tanner.

Oh Yes Oh Land

2011-06-02T15:21:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of working with Danish singer and songwriter, Oh Land (on the right) for the Met Ball last month. She was the guest of designer Phillip Lim (on the left) and wore one of his gorgeous gowns to the event. Nanna, aka Oh Land, is a true natural beauty so it was fun to add just a touch of color and shimmer for evening.

You are sure to see more of Oh Land in the near future, but if you don't know her music, check out these videos. She has an amazing voice and very unique style and sound. Love!

Get Polished

2011-06-01T22:11:00.001-04:00

I'm excited to announce my residency at Brooklyn's hot-spot for beauty, Polish Bar! You can now book appointments with me for brow shaping, makeup and eyelash applications at the Prospect Heights location. In addition, I am introducing my new service menu, which includes one-on-one makeup consultations, lessons and personal beauty shopping. Please check out my website for more information about these services, which are available at Polish or on-location.

Polish is the place to be for expert nail services, featuring the top trends in colors and techniques. They even have a Green Gals option, which includes a lavender pedicure and '3-Free' polishes from Zoya or Ginger & Liz. The bright, airy space on Vanderbilt is the second beauty bar for owner Tricialee Riley; her first located nearby in Clinton Hill.

Tricialee is a 15-year beauty maven whom I have had the pleasure of working with in the past. I am happy to join Polish Pro Artist, Starr Blackshere, a true talent whom I have also worked with over the years. I've been having a blast meeting and servicing new clients, who come from all over NYC to experience Polish. Situated on the ever-evolving Vanderbilt Avenue, you can shop vintage, have a nice meal and get polished, all in a 6 block radius!

To make an appointment with me, please call 718. 783. 5363 or send an email to Polish Prospect Heights. Follow Polish Bar to stay in the loop on our Beauty Boosts ($20 services), brunches, parties and workshops. Hope to see you there soon!

Beauty & Wellness Day at Goldwater

2011-05-24T14:37:00.001-04:00

On May 9th, the Angelica Patient Assistance Committee helped me bring the 5th Beauty & Wellness Day to Coler-Goldwater Hospital. The hospital is a long-term medical facility servicing people who have been disabled through accident or illness, and cannot afford home care. The Angelica Organization provides the residents with a diverse range of activities, workshops and entertainment that greatly enrich the quality of their lives. I am fortunate to be one of the creators and producers of Beauty & Wellness Day. I coordinate a team of makeup artists, hair stylists, manicurists and energy healers to donate their talents for a day of service.

This spring's event was at the Goldwater Campus and many familiar faces showed up with excitement for services. We did makeup, brows, hairstyling, haircuts and manicures in the Beauty Room.The barber, Rod Heru, had a very long line of gentleman waiting for an "official " haircut and shave... we joked that it looked like a Friday night at the 'shop! We also had several students from Aveda - Carsten Institute help out in all areas of the Beauty Room.

While waiting for their services, patients enjoyed magazines that were donated for the event and an extra special treat prepared by Omena El, of Omena's Organic Bliss. A sister health coach and super-talented chef, Omena prepared a delicious, organic mixed salad and pesto-polenta spread on crackers (I must get that recipe!) It was so wonderful to be able to bring the residents fresh and healthy food, prepared with L-O-V-E!

In the Wellness Room, relaxing music and images played on a screen while they received energy from a dedicated team of Reiki Healers. One woman described feeling at peace, seeing colors and feeling vibrations during her session- awesome! At the end of their visit at Beauty & Wellness Day, residents received gift bags with shampoo, conditioner, soap and manicure sets. Once again, the gratitude was seen and felt in so many ways and an amazing day was had by all.

Thank you all for your involvement and support in this very special event. It's an honor to be a part of this much-needed movement to bring beauty and healing to others. Anyone interested in donating time, talents or products for the next Beauty & Wellness Day, please contact me at beauty@rebeccacasciano.com. To donate funds or create your own volunteer project, contact Angelica's Trisha Duval.

I Heart Taijitu

2011-05-23T19:53:00.001-04:00

This beautiful story of "taijitu", also known as the yin and yang, recently appeared in the Australian glossy, Kurv. I was so grateful to be part of it's creation and it is absolutely one of my favorite shoots to date! The awesome photographer, Christel B, came up with the concept and casted the perfect models. The magazine wanted some info about the makeup and so I got all art-theory on 'em. Check it out:

"My inspiration for the makeup was to accentuate the contrast between our beautiful models, in an artistic way. I emphasized David's skin and texture by making sure it was glowing, while keeping Gabrielle's skin flawless and matte. In this way, we can appreciate the obvious differences in color, along with the more subtle textural contrast, of their skin. Gabrielle's makeup was inspired in part by the women in Robert Palmer's infamous "Addicted To Love" video from 1985. Using structured shapes and bold colors, my goal was to create a woman who is confident, glamourous and sexy. She is the ultimate counterpart to her strong, powerful man."

Make Up For Ever Brow Corrector #4, M.A.C. Eyeshadow in Mulch, M.A.C. Paint Pot in Blackground, M.A.C. Zoomblack Mascara, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Skin in Y0 and Contour in Crush, M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Cherry and OCC Lip Tar in NSFW

Make Up For Ever Brow Corrector #4, M.A.C. Eyeshadows in Omega, White Frost and Vanilla, M.A.C. Zoomblack Mascara, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Skin in Y0 and Contour in Crush, M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Cherry and OCC Lip Tar in NSFW

Photos and Retouching Christel B.

Makeup Rebecca Casciano

Hair Jay Palaniuk

Crazy Sexy Miracles

2011-04-21T21:18:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about what I do, is working with people l admire. So you can imagine my excitement to do makeup for both Gabrielle Bernstein and Kris Carr, for their Crazy Sexy Miracles lecture in NYC! You may already know I've been hanging with Gabby, soaking up tons of love and wisdom through her lectures and group coaching sessions. If you read my previous post about Kris Carr and Crazy Sexy Diet, you know how I adore her and how thrilled I was to meet her in person!

Kris & Gabby strikin' a pose with each other's books.

Gabrielle dropping knowledge and looking pretty, while she's at it.

How happy am I, touching up Kris as she sips her green juice?

This woman is truly a Wellness Warrior and self-proclaimed "Prevention is HOT" Cheerleader. After being diagnosed with a rare cancer, Kris decided on a holistic approach, changed her lifestyle and is now healthy and happier than ever. What an inspiration.

The lecture was packed with nearly 200 people, with another 150 or so joining via the internet. Kris and Gabby offered up the perfect blend of spiritual, mental and physical motivation. The common thread? Change your mind, change your life and expect miracles. Woohoo!

I'm so grateful to know these awesome women and I HIGHLY recommend that you check into their work. Follow 'em on Twitter, get their books, watch their lectures... lots of ways to enjoy!

Kris Carr www.crazysexylife.com

Gabrielle Bernstein www.gabbyb.tv

Crazy Sexy Miracles Clip

Spirit Beauty Love

2011-04-15T14:54:00.000-04:00

Have you been to Spirit Beauty Lounge? If not, please go visit soon! SBL is truly a one-stop-shop for all of your eco-beauty needs, a green version of Sephora, if you will. Created by natural beauty Spirit Demerson, this online boutique carries exclusively sustainable (yet sexy) makeup, skincare, fragrance, sun care, hair care, baby care and lifestyle goods. Spirit maintains very precise guidelines on what she will sell in the Beauty Lounge, based on her "6 P's" which gives you assurance that anything you purchase is going to be good for you, good for the environment and look pretty in your bathroom or bedroom!

I recently stopped by Spirit's studio to peruse her eco-chic makeup collections and stock up on some new items for my kit. I was in natural makeup heaven, getting to play with the entire lines from rms beauty, Nvey Eco, Vapour Organic Beauty and Alima Pure. One of my new discoveries was the velvety texture and rich pigments of Nvey's Eyeshadow Pallette, a perfect addition to my growing, green kit. I am also really excited about Vapour's Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector, which is the organic version of M.A.C. Strobe Cream. Used as a primer or moistutrizer, it brightens the complexion and delivers a healthy glow to the skin, on it's own or under foundation. Swoooon!

To top it off, Spirit invited me to create a celeb-inspired makeup look using my favorite products on her assistant, Katie. We agreed on this warm, peachy look Anne Hathaway recently rocked... it's perfect for Spring and Summer. Check out what I used to get her red-carpet ready on SBL's blog.

Spirit Beauty Lounge is proof that you don't have to sacrifice anything to go green with your beauty routine. Why not celebrate upcoming Earth Day in style with a spring shopping spree? Your skin and the Earth will thank you! Let me know if you need my assistance, happy to help *wink*

Live Beautiful

2011-04-15T14:46:00.001-04:00

I was super honored to be asked to participate in Organic Beauty Vixen's very first "Live Beautiful Expert Series". (It was my very first time speaking on a panel and I had a blast!) Organic Beauty Vixen's founder, Sherrell Dorsey, invited myself and three others to share our expertise in beauty, health, fitness and self care. The inspiration was to create an open discussion about how we can best provide the tools and resources to help people "Live Beautiful" in every area of their lives.

From left, Randy Schecter, Co-Founder of the Energy Kitchen, Me, Green Makeup Artist and Holistic Wellness Consultant ;) Dawn Fitch, Founder of Pooka Pure & Simple (natural body care products), Sherrell Dorsey, Founder of Organic Beauty Vixen, Victoria Francis, Founder of NouriShea (natural body care products) and Robert Brace, Fitness Trainer and Creator of Lean25.

Chatting it up about my favorite things was so much fun! Sherrell lead the discussion with a series of great questions such as "What are some of the challenges you have faced as you have worked to inspire people to change and improve their lives" and "How do you cut through the clutter and stay ahead of trends in beauty, health and fitness?" The audience was engaged throughout and participated in a session of Q & A at the end.

The event took place at the brand-new Aloft Hotel in Harlem, NYC. Not only does the hotel have a chic and modern appearance, but it's all ECO! Aloft has a "see green" program, which includes environmentally conscious amenities; including everything from their construction, to cleaning products and body care items. Oh, so chic!

Don't forget to check out the Organic Beauty Vixen's site for tons of useful information on beauty and health. The founder Sherrell is such an awesome and inspiring young woman, who is really trailblazing the movement of beauty from the inside out. I look forward to collaborating with her again in the near future.

xo RC

Experience the Magic Garden

2011-02-02T14:59:00.001-05:00

If you're like me and reallyyy need Spring to come sooner than later, I think you will enjoy my latest editorial, Magic Garden! Inspired by a mixture of Great Gatsby style and Pre-Raphaelite paintings, our stellar team created a lovely scene of Spring fashion and foliage.

Our model Dani (from Muse Agency) was THE perfect muse!

Creating the mood... hurry up Spring!

Ultimate garden-nymph hair, coiffed by Helio de Souza.

Peep cutie set designer Veronika Ossi in the mirror!

Photographer Tracy Toler conceptualized and shot

this fabulous fairytale.

Veronika decked out the set with a sweet vintage tea party...

Amazing Anna Katsanis styled these gorgeous Spring'11 pieces.

Inspired by: Mia Farrow in The Great Gatsby, 1974

Pre-Raphaelite paintings, circa 1800's

To see the images in a larger format, please check out Florida International Magazine or my Facebook album, until I can post them to my website.

* If you're ready to start thinking about your Spring makeup look, contact me for more information about my services. I can help you brighten up your beauty regime with colorful and conscious product choices!

Much love and beauty,

xo Rebecca

Crazy About Crazy Sexy Diet

2011-01-28T15:32:00.003-05:00

Okay, this book has inspired my first ever Life Is Beautiful book review! Since scooping up my copy of Kris Carr's "Crazy Sexy Diet" last week (and tearing through it), I have been telling everyone I can about it. First off, if you don't know who Kris Carr is, allow me to introduce: she is motivational speaker, author, cancer survivor and totally inspiring "Wellness Warrior".

Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at age 31, Kris empowered herself with knowledge and healed herself holistically. Making major changes in her lifestyle included meditation, juicing and embracing a plant-based diet. In 2003, her uplifting and courageous journey was recorded by TLC in a documentary called "Crazy Sexy Cancer" and Kris has been spreading the wellness word ever since.

With two books and an award-winning website, Crazy Sexy Life, under her belt, Kris Carr has just released her latest gift to the world, Crazy Sexy Diet. Already on the New York Times bestseller list at #6, the book has been dubbed a "must-read, modern wellness bible" and for good reason. I have a pretty nice collection of books on health and nutrition and I have to say, this one TRULY is a MUST-read!

What's so good about it, you ask? Well, most importantly, it is chocked-full of information that you NEED to know about your body and what you put in it. Crazy Sexy Diet features chapters such as "pHabulous", all about your pH balance, enzymes and alkalinity, "Cupcakes, Coffee and Cocktails", about the affects of sugar consumption and "Go With Your Gut", the run-down on why keeping your "pipes" clean is crucial. Everything you need to know but more than likely weren't taught along the way...

The info is presented in such a candid, entertaining way, it feels as though Kris is talking to YOU all the while...and man, is she funny! I had several chuckles throughout the read and I must say that is a rarity. It definitely makes reading about a serious topic, your health, so much more fun! Not to mention, the chapters are colorful and concise, which also lend to easy reading.

"Crazy Sexy Diet" is the perfect combination of information and inspiration and I, for one, am inspired! I'm pretty positive you will be too. She really empowers you to WANT to make changes in your diet and lifestyle, which is Step #1. Much props and gratitude to Kris Carr for sharing this tremendous gift with us. I officially LOVE her! Please do yourself a huge favor and read this book ASAP!

*I also highly recommend signing up for the Crazy Sexy Life weekly newsletter and following KC on Twitter and Facebook. Spread the word to your friends and followers!

Love for Lemons

2011-01-28T13:41:00.001-05:00

Did you know drinking water with fresh squeezed lemon juice is one of the simplest, cheapest and most beneficial things you can do for your body?

Read up on my Top 3 Reasons why...

1) Lemon water helps clear toxins from your body, especially when consumed at room temperature, first thing in the morning. It stimulates cleansing of the liver and kidneys, plus aids the bowels in eliminating waste more efficiently. We can all use a little (or a lot of) help in those areas...weight loss, youthful glow and clear skin anyone?

2) Although lemons are an acidic fruit, they have an alkalizing effect on the body and help raise the bodies pH balance. This is extremely important because many of the foods we eat (meat, dairy, bread, coffee, sugar, alcohol) are very acidic, which throws off our pH and causes inflammation. Inflammation is the precursor to disease, fatigue, acne and other maladies...ugh! Drink up!

3) Lemons are a rich source of Vitamin C, which has been proven to boost your immune system and combat colds and seasonal allergies, naturally. Plus, the acid in lemons cuts through mucus congestion in an amazing way. I have used lemon water to eliminate the yucky stuff on several occasions and I believe it has stopped colds from developing. Thankfully, I rarely get them these days!

As I mentioned, it's awesome to drink lemon water first thing in the morning because your body is in detox mode while you are sleeping, so why not assist the process? Drinking any water room temperature or even warm, is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. The theory is that cold water is somewhat of a shock to your body and causes the blood vessels around the stomach to shrink.

Lemon water is super easy and quick to make, simply squeeze half of a fresh lemon in your water and enjoy! If you would like, you can even use a teaspoon of organic lemon juice, that can be purchased in most health food stores.

Cheers to your health!

PS) Limes are just as good! I personally love the taste of limes and it's nice to switch up the flavors.

The Spider Goddess

2011-01-17T14:16:00.001-05:00

My new year began with an exciting new client, actress T.V. Carpio. Originally cast as part of the Geek Squad in Broadway's "Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark", T.V. has now stepped into the lead role of spider-woman villainess, Arachne. With a wonderful whirlwind of publicity surrounding T.V.'s debut, we have had the opportunity to work together several times this month. T.V. was featured in USA Today, Good Morning America, Broadway.com and quite a few others. Here's one of my favorite press shots from the bunch:

I have had the pleasure of meeting T.V. prior to working together and she is a genuine person and talent. Not to mention a total cutie with an awesome sense of personal style! Best known thus far for her role as Prudence in "Across the Universe", I have no doubt that T.V.'s embodiment of the Spider Goddess Arachne will take her career to new heights.

Wishing T.V. a safe and successful spin as Arachne in Broadway's "Spider-Man"! Check her out in the thrilling new show!

Welcome the Green Beauty Team!

2011-01-10T13:08:00.001-05:00

I'm pleased to introduce a brand new website dedicated to one of my favorite topics, Green Beauty! Freelance makeup artist and green glam girl Kristen Arnett has just launched Green Beauty Team, an online resource for more natural, safe and eco-friendly beauty products. Upon learning more about the toxic ingredients prevalent in so many of the products we use each day, Kristen was inspired to revamp both her personal and professional beauty kits. Taking on the challenge of finding makeup that's both safe and effective for everyday use, as well as on the job, she delved into extensive research and trials. Kristen's findings prompted her to present her discoveries in a way that would help educate and inspire others to green their beauty routine.

On a sweltering day last summer, Kristen and I bonded over iced tea and our mutual passions at her lovely garden apartment. It was exciting for me to talk with another professional who had made great progress in determining what worked and what didn't in the world of sustainable beauty. I was so grateful to find an ally on my journey. Later, Kristen shared her plan for the Green Beauty Team and asked me to be a contributor for the Makeup and Self-Care sections. Naturally, I was thrilled to join her!

Please do visit the site and check out my first article there, Brush Up On This, a review of some of my favorite vegan makeup brushes. Stay tuned for informative and practical content from a team of industry experts who have made Green Beauty a mainstay in their lives and work.

Gabby B x RC Beauty

2011-01-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

I know it's a lil' late in January to mention this, but what an awesome way to end 2010! My last makeup gig of the year was working with motivational speaker and author Gabrielle Bernstein for her 2nd book cover! It was just earlier in the year that I found out about Gabrielle thru a friend and was so impressed by her passionate work. Not only is Gabby a speaker, author, life coach and mentor, but she has created a social networking site for young women to find mentors and share wisdom. Her Future.com connects women worldwide who are looking to find, or be mentors and currently services 6, 216 members!

Bernstein's first book, "Add More ~ing to Your Life, A Hip Guide to Happiness", is based on connecting with your "~ing/inner guide" and applying the formula "Rethinking + Moving + Receiving x 30 days = Changing". It's a spiritual, fun and honest approach to creating positive change in your life that became a #1 best-seller. On the heels of that success, GB re-launched her site, gabbyb.tv and penned book number two!

It's always so cool getting to work with someone you totally admire and Gabrielle is just one of those people for me. If you're at all interested in loving your life more, I highly recommend you pick "Add More ~ing", check out her vlogs and articles at www.gabbyb.tv and attend her lectures! The next one in New Work is January 19th and is all about becoming a Miracle Magnet - and who doesn't want to be one of those?

PS) Beautiful hair by Marshall Lin at the Frederic Fekkai Salon. Look for Gabby's new book, "Spirit Junkie" in September 2011!

Very Intelligent Nutrients

2011-01-05T17:11:00.000-05:00

Love the name. Love the vision. Love the products. Intelligent Nutrients is an organic health and beauty brand founded by Horst Rechelbacher, who also created Aveda (which he sold to Estee Lauder in 1997). Two years ago, he launched IN as an authentic, food-based, certified organic line of health and beauty products for your body, home and pets. Rechelbacher's vision is "Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe". Check out this inspiring video about the Intelligent Nutrients perspective:

This all-inclusive line includes Certified Organic: Body Care, Skin Care, Scalp and Hair Care, Maternal and Baby Care, Nutraceutical Supplements, Functional Foods, Home Hygiene, Love Therapy, Aromatics AND Pet Care! Intelligent Nutrients provides a superb foundation for a truly holistic lifestyle.

Crafted with 100% plant food based ingredients, IN is committed to creating the highest quality, sustainable products that are good for you inside and out. Totally up my alley! Since I was in the market for a "cleaner" hair care system, I tried their Harmonic Shampoo, Conditioner and Volumizing Hair Spray. I found them to be light-weight, invigorating (lovely essential oils) and effective for keeping my fine hair looking fresh! Cannot wait to explore the myriad of Intelligent Nutrients goods.

Another golden nugget from Horst: "When the body is healthy, the body is beautiful." Ahhhhh.

More at http://intelligentnutrients.com

A Beautiful Thing

2011-01-02T16:35:00.005-05:00

At any moment in time, we can choose to change our thoughts and in turn, our life! Every season, month, day, hour and even minute can be seen as an opportunity to start fresh. However, reclaiming our intentions at the start of the New Year is part of a powerful tradition that generates a collective consciousness. Reflecting on the past, evaluating the present and making changes for a brighter future, creates a stir of positive energy and resolutions.

It's always helpful to take a moment or two, and look back on all you have experienced and accomplished- in just a year's time. Reflecting on the growth gives you a greater appreciation for where you are right now... doing what you had once only hoped to do! Let's take some time to be grateful for our achievements, lessons and present success.

Whatever you didn't love about last year, be open to see the lesson in it and let it go. Remember that everyone and everything is in our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Letting go makes space for the newness you are welcoming with open arms, hands, mind and heart...

It's a divine time to renew your commitment to create the life you desire and deserve. Whatever that looks like to you, feels like to you, hold onto that vision/feeling and give it pure intention. Remember we already have everything we need. Sometimes, we need a little support to tap into all of our gifts, so don't be afraid to reach out. There are so many amazing communities, consultants, coaches, trainers and healers that want to help guide you along your path.

The positive vibrations in the air really inspire my own personal mission, to help people cultivate more inner AND outer beauty. Becoming a Certified Wellness Consultant was/is a major highlight in my year gone by. I am so thankful for all the growth it has inspired and how it will continue to grow. This year, I am looking forward with knowing gratitude for the ability to help others and in turn help myself. And THAT is a beautiful thing.

xoxo Rebecca

Healing Beauty Day November 2010

2010-12-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

Last month, I helped bring about our 4th Healing Beauty Day for Coler-Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island and once again, it was an awesome experience. In case you haven't read the earlier posts about it, Coler Goldwater is a long-term medical rehabilitation facility for people who have been paralyzed or injured due to accidents or illness. We bring in a team of hair, makeup, manicurists and Reiki energy healers to treat the residents to a day of Healing Beauty.

While working with them, they often open up to us and share stories about their lives and how they came to live at the hospital. Often heartbreaking, but always inspiring, because their strength and will to be positive and heal are profound.

As much as I know how healing beauty is, I am always touched to experience it in this way.

Reiki energy healing just adds a deeper level to this special day. We are so fortunate to have a really amazing, loving group of Reiki practioners on board.

We were grateful to have major fashion and beauty photographer, Barry Hollywood, generously donate his time and talents to shoot portraits and behind the scenes photos.

We were able to pull together some nice beauty treats to give away. Thanks again to Eyes Lips Face (elf), Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and Polish Beauty Bar for their generous product donations. The residents were thrilled to receive them!

A big shout out to the cosmetology students (and their teacher Miss Liz) from the Aveda-Carston Institute who came through "10-deep" to help out with hair, makeup and nails! They were a tremendous help in making sure that every resident got serviced efficiently. The only guy on our team, Master Barber Rod Hampton was a hit with both the male clients and the students- he loved it! LOL

This awesome opportunity to give back wouldn't be possible without Mr. Ron Becker, CG's Director of Therapeutic Recreation and the Angelica Organization, who is responsible for the funding of special events such as Healing Beauty Day and much more. If you are interested in volunteering at our next event, please contact me and if you are interested in volunteering your time throughout the year, please contact Trisha Duval from Angelica.

Much peace, love and gratitude to everyone who participated, all the staff and residents at Coler- Goldwater. Looking forward to our next Healing Beauty Day!

A Beauty & Wellness Gift Guide

2010-12-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays Beautiful People! I've hand-picked some special gifts that are sure to bring beauty, peace and love to anyone lucky enough to be on your gift list. I hope it inspires!

Vapour Organic Beauty, winners of the Allure Best of Beauty Awards this year, is offering a 5-pack of their Elixir Lip Glosses, valued at $100, for just $50! This organic gloss provides a high shine, sheer tint, nourish the lips and smell delicious. Great beauty buy.

I'm a fan of the small, but tight line of color and skincare from Revolution Organics. This season they have created a couple sweet packages; Gloss & Glow, which includes their 100% natural and organic Freedom Lip Gloss and Beauty Balm, for $48, and the Winter Skin Rescue Kit, which includes their luxurious Skin Creme (pictured above), Lip Balm, All Over Body Balm and Beauty Oil, for $69.

I've recently acquired this cute eyeshadow palette by Josie Maran and I adore the packaging, which reads "eye love you" and is decorated with feathers and hearts! The colors inside are great basics that can be used for natural and more dramatic looks. Argan oil is added, parabens and fragrances are not! It's a Limited Edition product and can even be purchased at Sephora.

Created in small batches using the finest, 100% organic ingredients, A Perfume Organic makes an exquisite gift. The potions feature unique blends such as sage, lemon balm and spearmint (White Magic), black truffle, roman chamomile and ylang ylang (Green) and more. They ALL smell divine, if you ask me! Check out their site for details and stop by Georgia or Urban Outfitters to take a sniff for yourself!

Burning sage is a traditional Native American ritual that's done to clear negative energies around your body, home or workspace. Also called smudging, it's great for meditation, cleansing the spirit after a stressful day and bringing a feeling of peace to your environment. If you can't burn it or just can't take the smoke, this Smudge Mist by White Magick , at just $7.50, is a perfect substitute!

This film is a MUST see for anyone who has even the slightest interest in what they are putting in their body. Food, Inc. is a powerful documentary that exposes what's really going on in our nation's food industry. Informative, entertaining, shocking and inspiring all at once! Give someone an eye-opener they won't (and shouldn't) soon forget ;)

I highly recommend Sophie Uliano's "Gorgeously Green" as a go-to guide for all that is Earth-Friendly. She outlines your alternatives in every area: food, beauty products, cleaning supplies, fashion, travel and gardening. Easy and fun to read, yet very thorough. Great addition to any personal library.

Last, but not least, give someone you love the gift of true Beauty & Wellness by booking them a consultation with ME! Do you know someone who wants to have a healthier, more balanced and beauty-full life but is not sure just where to start? I am continuing my offer for a FREE initial consultation by phone, through January 2011. Send them to www.RebeccaCasciano.com now and they will love you for life!

Greens Are Gorgeous

2010-12-08T13:32:00.001-05:00

Like it or not (so thankful I happen to love it) dark, leafy greens such as kale, chard, collards, spinach and dandelion, are the most nutrient dense foods around. Eating or juicing them raw, or lightly steamed, has long been proven extremely beneficial for your body. Blood, bones, skin, hair, digestion, immunity, sleep, energy, you name it- greens get it "right". A true example of "food as medicine", dark, leafy greens provide us with all the essential elements for wellness. Like what, you ask? Well, for starters...

*Antioxidants and phyto(plant)nutrients, which protect against free-radicals created by our bodies and the environment. They help slow, prevent and even reverse degenerative diseases and pre-mature aging. Very, VERY important!

* Abundant vitamins and minerals such as vitamins K, B, C and D, beta carotene, protein, amino acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and Omega Fatty Acids. Greens are so jam-packed with the good stuff that our bodies NEED!

* Chlorophyll, the green pigmentation in plants, helps clean the blood, increase immunity, carry oxygen to the cells and even deodorizes the intestines. It's available in many veggies but especially in leafy greens and can also be supplemented in a liquid form. (I really like ChlorOxygen because you can travel with it)

And that's just the short list! Greens are also alkalining, which helps balance the bodies pH with the acidity in so many foods such as meat, dairy, bread, sweets etc. This is a topic unto itself that I would love to tell you more about sometime ;) Bottom line, alkaline foods (aka gorgeous greens!) boost energy levels, enhance mental clarity, produce glowing, clear skin, reduce inflammation, dis-ease, allergies and much more.

Please note: eating and juicing RAW greens ensures that you get ALL of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes in their purest form. Juicing breaks down the cell walls of the veggies so they are more easily digested and assimilated. Smoothies are also a great way to get your greens in, especially if you're not a fan of the taste (for some strange reason... just joking ;)

To further encourage you to eat (or drink) your spinach, I pulled up some great recipes to try:

Smoothies- Author Victoria Boutenko and her Raw Family

Juicing- Juice Recipes Now.
I also highly recommend Organic Avenue's Young LOVE (Spinach, Celery, Cucumber)

Cooked Dishes- Simply Recipes includes a variety of greens

Bon Appetit!

Take It Off

2010-11-30T12:56:00.001-05:00

Being the kinda gal that wears makeup "on a regular", I love using makeup wipes to take it all off at the end of the day. I find they remove everything, including mascara, quickly and with little tugging on the skin or eyes. (Then I can follow up with my favorite "Veritas" Purifying Bar by Elena Rubin for a deeper cleanse. Check our her Holistic Skincare Line)

Plus, wipes are a must-have for any makeup artist's kit! We have to provide the talent with the option to leave how they arrived. Needless to say, I've tried all kinds of makeup wipes and found so many of them contain lots of chemicals and leave your skin feeling kinda gross. Keeping in line with the natural options, I found these wonderful wipes that are good for your skin, the environment and get the job done!

Blum Naturals Towelettes come in different kinds for different types of skin: Daily Combination/Oily, Dry/Sensitive, Normal, Exfoliating and Pro Age. Each contain super ingredients like grape seed, chamomile, orange peel extract and tea tree oil, according to skin type. They are paraben, alcohol, synthetic fragrance, preservative and sodium laureth sulfate free! I found them at Ricky's in NYC for $6.99, but check their site on where to buy near you.

Love the name and packaging of the line Yes To Carrots! Yes to Cucumbers is their Soothing line, which includes these really fresh Natural Glow Towelettes. They use organic cucumbers, aloe vera and green tea to sooth, reduce puffiness and cleanse and tone the skin. They smell delicious and really make the skin feel clean, without any residue. They are biodegradable, oil free and exactly 98.7% natural! Pick them up at your local CVS or Target for $5.99.

I had heard so much about Josie Maran's Bear Naked Wipes and I finally got a chance to try them out! Verdict- love 'em! They are infused with all good stuff; chamomile, Vitamin E, aloe vera, argan oil and cucumber. They feel very gentle on the skin and eyes, have a subtle sweet scent and 1% of the proceeds from their sale got to saving the polar bears! Not to mention they are also biodegradable, paraben, artificial fragrance and petrochemical free! Can't got wrong. At $12.99 a pop, they can be purchased at Sephora and on Josie's site.

xo RC

7 Questions for Arganica

2010-11-29T14:33:00.001-05:00

I met Bianca Beldini, one of the founders of Arganica, through a mutual friend of mine and I am oh- so grateful for the intro! Not only is Bianca a passionate, intuitive healer of 15 years but she is committed to creating a holistic, sustainable beauty product for all skin types. Initially, I wondered about using an oil on my already oily and acne-prone skin, however after talking with Bianca and doing some research, I recognized that not all oils have the same properties. I started using Arganica months ago and I love it! It feels and smells wonderful (infused with Frankincense ;) and disappears into the skin without any residue. I wear it as a moisturizer under makeup and to nourish the skin while I get my beauty zzz's!

I'm honored to present this fantastic lil' interview with Bianca and hope it inspires you to get some Arganica ASAP! This stuff is the TRUTH! Enjoy ;)

1) Who are the founders of Arganica, Nature's Age Defying Skin Food?

Arganica was founded by Bianca Beldini and Jodie Tassello “accidentally” during their trip to the Moroccan Casbah in August 2009 when they met a medicine man who shared with them the “secret to what makes all Moroccan women beautiful”. What woman doesn’t want to know the answer to this question??? Jodie is Arganica’s botanical mixologist. She takes nearly 2 decades of research science to the formulating table in which her experience with immunotherapy, cancer and viruses gives her first hand knowledge of how the effects of toxic chemicals can change the human physiology. Bianca is a certified Aromatherapist and Oriental medicine practitioner whom understands botanical chemistry and how to use its therapeutic synergism.

2) What inspired the creation of Arganica?

The inspiration of Arganica was threefold. 1.We wanted to use only that which comes from the earth: SUSTAINABILITY...the use of ingredients that are whole, pure and complete, just the way they are found in nature without destroying our ecosystem. 2. We wanted to help and support those that cultivate what we receive from the earth: EMPOWERING...we source our Argan oil only from women’s cooperative in Morocco to ensure the highest quality grade cold pressed oil as well as engaging in fair trade practices. 3. We wanted to really listen to the secrets of mother nature’s botanical story of longevity: AGE DEFYING.

3) How does Arganica benefit the skin?

One unique property of Arganica is that the composition of our argan oil is high in botanically sourced squalene. Squalene has a chemical similarity to human skin sebum. So, it is essentially “like feeding like”...you will notice when applying Arganica, your skin literally “drinks in” the oil often saying thank you by becoming soft and balanced. Our skin is our armor against a world of environmental pollution, food degradation and stress and it needs to be nourished in order to stay healthy. Arganica is ‘natures age defying skin food’.

4) What do you want people to know about natural skincare?

Mother nature gets it right. EVERY TIME! Every flower knows how to blossom. Every tree knows how to extract nutrients from its roots. Nature cannot be processed, changed or made better in a laboratory. Human ego, getting in the way, changes the complete perfection of what is pure and good. Staying true to the source, whether it be what you eat, what you clean with or what you put on your skin is the ultimate form of thriving and surviving.

5) What sets your line apart from other Argan oils on the market?

Arganica is an artisinal brand in which we create small batches of argan oil infused with therapeutic grade essential oils to ensure potency, uniformity and botanical synergy. We created every piece of our company: logo design, recycled packaging, labeling, miron glass bottling, infusing, decocting and shipping. We are truly proud of being the source of Arganica.

6) What are your future plans for Arganica?

We were given a golden piece of advice: stay contained. We are not interested in creating a multiple line of fragmented products. We are evolving our line in progression. With that being said, our near future plan is to create an oil based face cleanser that will blast the myth of needing something that foams or suds to equal cleanliness. We intend to undo the brainwashed belief that scrubbing, rubbing and sudsing means clean. In actuality, this strips our own natural oils thus leaving our skin open to degeneration, dehydration and the need to rapidly produce more oils! Our far reaching plan is to be a major positive force and change agent in the world of the skin care industry.

7) Where can we purchase your product?

Arganica can be purchased through our website HYPERLINK "http://www.arganicaoil.com" www.arganicaoil.com We are also presently being carried at Townhouse Spa in NYC and the Tobit Wellness Center in PA. You can find us on Facebook under Arganica and to follow us on Twitter @ArganicaOil.

Be sure to check out the site for loads of info and scientific research on the many benefits of this amazing product!

KBB Glam Session #4

2010-11-19T12:56:00.000-05:00

Miss Ellisa is the total sweetheart who helps run Karen's Body Beautiful with style and smarts. An avid writer, Ellisa not only contributes to 4 online mags, but has created her own site, highlighting inspirational people, ideas and images. At just 22 years old, I would say she is already quite an influencer in her own right!

Ellisa has a natural approach to beauty, so I wanted her makeup look to reflect that. I treated her to the Naturally Chic service from my beauty menu at KBB, which simply enhances the features in a subtle yet noticeable way. I used Tarte's matte almost black, deep shimmering chocolate and vibrant shimmering copper eyeshadows to accent Ellisa's amazing eyes and gave her lips a pop of peach with Jane Iredale's Pure Gloss in Cotton Candy. I loved the results and so did she!

Ellisa Oyewo, 22 I am currently the manager at Karen's Body Beautiful with a hidden written talent. I currently write for Coco & Creme Magazine, Clutch Magazine, In Her Shoes Blog,the blog editor of Styleaholics.com and run my own site ChasingtheFame.com.

One day I'm striving to be a full time culture writer while traveling across the world indulging and covering a variety of music, literature, fashion, food and just overall the complete lifestyle of global cultures.

What makes you feel beautiful?
I feel the most beautiful when I am in my most vulnerable and honest state. If I go through a situation that makes me pull all of my barriers down and I can simply just be me, that's when I feel most comfortable & beautiful. This is usually either when I am immersed in my passion of talent of writing and dance where I feel like I can be completely free.

What's your favorite feature?
Hmmm...my favorite feature I have to say are my eyes.

What's your favorite food?

This is a hard one! Let's see, I know this is not original but there's something magical about super nachos :)

Ellisa on her Naturally Chic: "I loved the fact that when I was finished that I felt like a whole new person! I adored how she personalized my make up to fit my personality and style! Not only did I feel beautiful but comfortable too!I wish I could look like that everyday!"

To book an appointment and find out more about my new Beauty Services at Karen's Body Beautiful, please call 718.797.4808

Looking forward to seeing you and stay tuned for the next KBB Glam Session!

Photos by Tracy Toler

Loving Eco-Chic Living

2010-11-17T12:41:00.000-05:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying Spirit Demerson, founder of Spirit Beauty Lounge, to Ecover's "Thirty Under 30" Event at the Environment Showroom in NYC. First off, I am a huge fan of Spirit Beauty Lounge, an online boutique for eco-chic, organic skincare, cosmetics, bath and body products, so hanging out with the creator was a real treat! Spirit is a former model and a totally gorgeous person inside and out! We had awesome conversation about green beauty and I learned a bunch from her expertise.

Spirit & I

I was also thrilled to be in the room with so many leaders in the green movement! Spirit introduced me to a few of her friends; Rachel Sarnoff, the founder of EcoStiletto- one of my favorite online eco-mags, Starr Vartan- author of the fab Eco-Chick and Amanda Walker- creator of the lush A Perfume Organic. WOW! I plan to feature all of these inspiring women here on my blog but please visit their sites now to see how amazing they are!

While rubbing elbows with the "eco-eilte", I enjoyed the refreshments provided, including a Chilean white wine called Lapostelle that is 100% organic, biodynamic and environmentally conscious. Everything from their vineyards to their packaging, to the design of the winery is all eco-friendly! If you want to drink responsibly, this is the way to go ;)

Ecover hosted the party to celebrate 30 years of creating ecological cleaning products and the winner of their "Thirty Under 30" contest. The contest was open to anyone under the age of 30 who is making contributions to sustainability. The winner, Ryan Arnold, helps low-income Idaho residents reduce their energy costs. Way to go Ryan!

The evening left me feeling completely inspired and grateful to be joining this amazing mission to make a change in the world! Every little bit counts and each one of us can make a difference. Please support sustainable living!

KBB Glam Session #3

2010-11-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

I met the darling Bonney while working for Organic Avenue at the Paul Labrecque Salon, earlier this year. We clicked right away, but especially connected when she told me of her desire to follow her passions in cooking and gardening. A recent transplant from Seattle to Brooklyn, Bonney actually maintains the sweetest herb and veggie garden right in front of her brownstone! So inspiring.

I did two different looks on Bonney to show the variation of emphasizing lips, or eyes. I really wanted to see her in a berry lip for Fall, so I created the first look using Vapour Organic Beauty's Ravish Lipstick and Hypnotic Elixir Gloss. Vapour's line is amazing! Check them out at www.vapourbeauty.com.

For the second look, I gave Bonney a sexy, smokey eye, which is closer to her signature style. Using Alima Pure's Satin Matte Eyeliner in Black along with their Luminous Shimmer in Stone and Mink, I gave Bonney's bright eyes definition and contrast. She's stunning in both looks, right?

Bonney Rowley, 24, Receptionist

My dream is to own my own business as a Holistic Health Counselor in Brooklyn, NY. I would love to help others find health through the power of food and herbs while teaching people how to cook using whole foods.

What makes you feel beautiful?
Friends, helping other people, cooking, gardening.

What's your favorite feature?
Eyes

What's your favorite food?
Walnuts, Kale, fresh Turmeric Root.

Bonney also commented, "I was very interested in seeing that gorgeous professional makeup looks could come from organic/natural makeup. Also I enjoyed seeing myself transformed with different makeup styles that i would not typically wear. "

To book an appointment and find out more about my new Beauty Services at Karen's Body Beautiful, please call 718.797.4808

Looking forward to seeing you and stay tuned for the next KBB Glam Session!

Photos by Tracy Toler

Go Jane!

2010-11-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

Prior to creating her makeup line, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Jane Iredale was a prominent casting director for television, film and theatre. In the early 90's, Jane was inspired to a create safe, natural alternative to the chemical-based makeup she saw being widely used in the industry. Jane Iredale was one of the first mineral makeup lines on the market and remains focused on quality ingredients that promote healthy skin while enhancing it's appearance.

While I haven't had a chance to try the entire line, I can vouch for the following products, which I have been throughly enjoying in both my personal and professional kits! Must- haves:

In my opinion, good under-eye concealers are hard to come by because they have to 1) actually neutralize the darkness and 2) be just the right texture- smooth and hydrating yet not too oily. The Circle/Delete under-eye concealer has not only good coverage but great ingredients- jojoba, avocado oil and green tea extract to nourish the delicate area. The fact that this goes on creamy, lasts AND it's natural? Love it.

Oooh, this stuff is great. The PureGloss for Lips helped ween me off of my "toxic" lipgloss! Nice shine, color payoff and I love the way it feels and smells. They've added mint and ginger for "plumping" plus extracts of green tea, pomegranate and grape seed for antioxidant benefits. Yumm! Oh yeah, and no petroleum :)

Check out the extensive line at www.janeiredale.com.

KBB Glam Session #2

2010-11-05T15:07:00.000-04:00

When I decided to do the Glam Sessions, I knew I had to get Latham Thomas in my chair. Latham was one of the first models to get photographed with my makeup and has continued to be an inspiration on my journey. Her work with women includes Green Culinary, Holistic Nutrition and Yoga services, with a specialty in maternal wellness.

When Latham came to visit me at Karen's Body Beautiful for her "Naturally Chic" session, she was on her way to a meeting then to a martial arts class. We decided to keep the makeup natural yet sexy. I lightly shaded Latham's expressive eyes with my Alima Pure Satin Matte and Luminous Shimmer Mineral Eyeshadows and gave her cheek a pop of color with their Satin Matte Blush.

Latham Thomas, 30. Entrepreneur in women's wellness, founder of Tender Shoots Wellness.

What makes you feel beautiful?

Embracing my feminine qualities. Making time for self care- like a hot bath by candle light, adorning myself in beautiful clothing.

What's your favorite feature?
On my face or in general? Hmmmm, for my face I think my freckles. In general, lips and eyes are also very intriguing.

What's your favorite food?

Brussel sprout greens, they taste like a mix of cabbage and collards...so tender and sweet.

"I like that Rebecca knows how to bring out the best in my face. She really understands how to make the look so subtle yet, glamazon at the same time. After spending time in her care I felt more vibrant."

Much thanks Latham! I love doing your makeup and look forward to many more Glam Sessions with you!

To book an appointment and find out more about my new Beauty Services at Karen's Body Beautiful, please call 718.797.4808

Looking forward to seeing you and stay tuned for the next KBB Glam Session!

Photos by Tracy Toler

Picks for "3 Free" Polish

2010-11-03T16:50:00.003-04:00

One thing a true glam goddess can't live without is a glossy manicure! If you're like me and love to rock fun colors on your fingers and toes, you will appreciate these "Big Three Free" nail polishes. Absolutely free of three toxic chemicals that have been used in polishes for years: Toulene, Formaldehyde and Dibutyl Phalate. Thankfully, many lines are going "Three Free" but here are a few of my tried and true favorites:

Priti NYC

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

m2m

Why avoid these chemicals? Take a look at their potential health risks, courtesy of Teens Turning Green. I would say definitely worth staying away, especially when you think about how often some of us have our nails polished (always ;) Plus the alternatives are sooo fabulous!

TOLUENE
Function: Antioxidant, solvent to improve adhesion and gloss.
Present in: Nail polish and hair dye.
Health concerns: Liver toxin; probable developmental, nervous system and respiratory toxin; possible cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal and sense organ toxin; possible carcinogen and reproductive toxin; irritant; highly flammable.

FORMALDEHYDE
Function: Disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, preservative.
Present in: Deodorant, nail polish, soap, shampoo, shaving cream. Restricted in Canada. Banned by EU.
Health concerns: Immune system, repertory, hematological, and skin toxicant; probable carcinogen and cardiovascular toxicant; can damage DNA; may trigger asthma; animal studies show sense organ, brain, and nervous system effects; possible human development toxicant.

PHTHALATES (DIBUTYL PHTHALATES)
Function: Fragrance ingredient, plasticizer, solvent.
Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned in EU.
Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; developmental and reproductive toxin; respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; bio-accumulative in wildlife.

Get Glowing with EFA's

2010-11-03T14:16:00.001-04:00

If you want glowing skin and shiny hair (and who dosen't?), get some Omega- 3 Fatty Acids in your life, ASAP! They are essential for creating radiant beauty from the inside out. Most of our diets are lacking in Essential Fatty Acids and because the body does not produce them on it's own, we have to supplement them. Omega 3's have numerous health and beauty benefits, responsible for skin repair, moisture and elasticity.

They have ben proven to reduce inflammation, improve skin texture/acne, hydrate very dry skin, reduce cellulite, treat psoriasis and strengthen hair and nails. If that's not enough to convince you to get your Omega 3's, read up on the amazing and extensive health benefits here!

Get your glow on by incorporating oils such as flax, evening primrose, safflower or quality fish in your daily routine. I really enjoy this blend by Udo's that incorporates several oils in one and taste great drizzled on salad. You can also add more yummy flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, wild salmon and sardines to your plate. Be well, be beautiful and enjoy!

Behind the Scenes with Tyson

2010-11-03T14:13:00.001-04:00

What a fun way to begin November, World Vegan Month! I had the opportunity to meet and work with one of the latest celebs to go vegan, Mike Tyson! I was hired to do makeup/grooming for an editorial that comes out in March 2011, alongside Mike's new show on Animal Planet, Taking On Tyson.

The show features one of Tyson's favorite pastimes, raising and racing pigeons. Apparently he has a few hundred birds at lofts in Brooklyn and New Jersey, where we shot this. I didn't learn much about racing the birds, but they were really pretty and they seemed well loved and taken care of :)

Of course, Mike didn't need much in the makeup department, but I just HAD TO ask him about his new vegan lifestyle. His whole face lit up as he described feeling energized, lighter (he lost 130 lbs), clearer and happier than ever! He even pointed out that his alligator-looking shoes were faux leather and tries to buy vegan as much as possible. I told him I thought it was so cool for "Mike Tyson" to speak about how going vegan has changed his life for the better! I believe his message will help inspire many others to try it.

Despite the chilly temps outside, we had a great shoot with a lot of laughs. I look forward to checking out the show in March and I will keep you posted about the editorial!

KBB Glam Session #1

2010-10-29T12:25:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the first KBB Glam Session, where I pull real women off the street and glam them up! Well not literally, but in this case, Michelline was running errands and stopped by Karen's Body Beautiful to say hello. A few minutes later, I had her in my chair giving her the "Glam Goddess" treatment!

Michelline has expressive, almond shaped eyes, so I really wanted to accentuate them with something smoldering. I used deep pewter eyeshadow and chocolate brown eyeshadows by Tarte and Jane Iredale. I kept the rest of her look neutral, just adding a bit of color on the cheeks and lips. I contoured her lovely bone structure with the airbrush, then added a very full lash to make it certified Glam!

Michelline Chassagne, 37 yrs old, works in Music Programming & Management, Arts & Entertainment.

What's your dream?
Finding solutions to help another improve the quality of their individual lives. (Health, literature, music therapy, arts, etc...that's the inner-philanthropist in me speaking. :)

What makes you feel beautiful?

Sunshine...Moonlight...oh, and eating well plus exercise!

What's your favorite feature?

My brown eyes because I think they tell a story.

What's your favorite food?

Leafy greens, pineapple curry tofu, and vegan pizza....I'm so sorry, I can't choose one, lol :)

Michi also said:

"I LOVED how creative & selective you were with your color palette. You truly treat the human face like a canvas & you go for it. You assessed what hues would look best on my face. Not too mention, how quick you turned my everyday look into a GLAM GODDESS look. I'm hooked on RC beauty services ;)"

Thank you so much Michi! You are truly a Goddess!

To book an appointment and find out more about my new Beauty Services at Karen's Body Beautiful, please visit the site at http://www.karensbodybeautiful.com

Looking forward to seeing you and stay tuned for the next KBB Glam Session!
Photos by Tracy Toler http://www.tracytoler.com

So Fresh and So Clean

2010-10-29T12:09:00.002-04:00

When it comes to our personal care products, I really believe the ones we use every day can have the biggest impact on our health. In our culture, being well groomed is of the utmost importance and most Americans regularly use deodorant to keep us feeling fresh and clean.

The issue is, most anti-perspirants and deodorants contain toxins that have been linked to breast cancer, respiratory disorders and Alzeheimer's disease. Obviously designed to keep you dry, anti-perspirants/deodorants are composed of aluminum compounds that close pores, stop sweat and odor.

Here's the thing- like it or not, sweat glands are there for a reason, to purge toxins! When that process is blocked, the toxins don't disappear but become trapped in lymph nodes under the arms. On top of this, when we shave, we open the pores and can also create small nicks in the skin. This clears the way for all the undesirable chemicals such as aluminum and parabens to be absorbed by our bodies. Yuck!

For me, the evidence was inspiration enough to switch out my Degree for a natural alternative. Let's just say, I tried "several" brands before I found a winner! The thing is, I can get used to a little dampness, but not smelling 100% fresh was a little beyond my comfort zone! Many of the natural brands I tried didn't do enough to neutralize odor and some actually irritated my skin after shaving. For awhile, I went back and forth between the Degree and the natural deodorants, feeling torn between making a healthy choice and an effective choice.

Then I found The Healthy Deodorant by La Vanila and I LOVE it! It's totally toxin-free, but loaded with antioxidants, botanicals and essential oils. The ingredients work together really nicely to keep you smelling sweet, feeling dry, comfortable and confident. It's very soothing after shaving, so no burn or irritation at all. And, it's available in 4 luscious scents, Vanilla Lavender, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut and just plain Vanilla. They all smell sooo good that I switch between the scents each time I buy.

The Healthy Deodorant is $18 and it's available at a Sephora near you or directly through La Vanila's website http://www.lavanila.com. Obviously, I highly recommend it. However, everybody has a different body chemistry, so I would love to hear about YOUR experience with it, or any other natural deodorants you like!

What's New and Good

2010-10-27T17:38:00.004-04:00

In January 2009, I began my blog, Life Is Beautiful as a way of celebrating all the beauty in life. Being a makeup artist, it's easy to find inspiration in art, creativity, my models, projects and people who I meet along the way. While I help create outer beauty in my makeup work, I was always in tune with the aspect of expressing inner beauty. To me, this means having a beautiful spirit or energy, self confidence and treating oneself with love and appreciation.

photo by Tracy Toler

Through personal experience, I learned the benefits of honoring my body (and beauty) by choosing a holistic lifestyle. It all begins with what you feed yourself, because what you eat creates your muscles, blood, bones, skin, hair, nails etc. But food affects your mood, thoughts, energy level and overall vibration! The holistic approach incorporates the whole self- mind, body, beauty and spirit- and I wanted to apply this concept to my life's work.

About a year ago, I blogged about my new mission to help people not only look more beautiful, but feel just as great. Since then, I have graduated from the amazing Institute for Integrative Nutrition and I am now a Certified Holistic Wellness Consultant. During this truly wonderful and transformative experience, I put "Life is Beautiful" to the side...temporarily. But I love blogging! I'm back now and energized to begin my mission, spreading more Beauty&Wellness!

Thank you for following and supporting the continued evolution of Life Is Beautiful. I will still be posting about my latest makeup projects and inspirations in both Beauty and Wellness. You can expect to see an additional influence of Beautiful Foods, Thoughts and Products that reflect my philosophy on inner and outer beauty.

So what's new and good?
- Stay tuned for a fabulous makeup series featuring my first ever "before and afters"
- Check out my recently updated site and services at www.RebeccaCasciano.com
- Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter

Live Beautifully,
xo Rebecca

Be Naturally Gorgeous!

2010-10-27T16:15:00.007-04:00

On my pursuit of more natural makeup options, I found this fabulous mineral makeup line, Alima Pure. I was impressed with their extensive website, color options and I even love that cute lil' bird logo! The site contains an awesome ingredient glossary, ingredients to avoid list and more on mineral makeup. Their foundation color range was among the largest I've seen among the natural brands. Alima's price points are totally reasonable, with eyeshadows at $9 and foundations at $20. They will even send generous samples of all their products for $1- $1.50 each! Also loved the fact that have a gift incentives for recycling their packaging. Then I ordered some product!

I received a beautiful range of foundation samples, which I found to be very true to a variety of skin tones. I haven't been a huge fan of mineral powder foundations, but Alima's does give a "Satin Matte" finish, as its name indicates. It's not too flat or too reflective like some others I've tried. I also got several lush eyeshadows, in matte and shimmer finishes, that go on smooth and give a great color-payoff.

Alima Pure is created free of potential irritants like bismuth oxychloride, talc, dyes, fragrances, parabens, phthalates and preservatives. They have also been certified by the BDIH, which is a highly regarded German certification for natural cosmetics. The European Union has a strict regulation on what's considered "natural" banning more than 1000 harmful chemicals. The US FDA has banned 10...but that's another post!

All that, plus Alima Pure does have a lovely selection of color options for face, cheeks, eyes and even lips. Definitely worth checking out their site and ordering up some samples to determine your "colors". Click on that sweet "I'm Naturally Gorgeous" badge on the right column of the blog or here, http://www.alimapure.com

7 Questions for Karen of Karen's Body Beautiful

2010-10-26T16:40:00.002-04:00

As you may know, I have recently joined forces with the amazing Karen Tappin-Saunderson of Karen's Body Beautiful in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. She has welcomed me into her sweet smelling boutique and spa, which I now call home to my new Beauty & Wellness Services! I've enjoyed Karen's luxurious bath, home and body products for years and I love the fact that she uses simple, natural and few ingredients. You can actually pronounce everything on the ingredient list! I'm so excited about partnering with Karen to offer you a multitude of ways to keep your inner and outer Body Beautiful!

Karen in her boutique with products. Did her makeup here ;)

1) What is Karen's Body Beautiful?

Karen’s Body Beautiful is an authentic brand which takes a healthy, holistic approach to beauty by creating handmade hair, body and bath products made from a diverse selection of the highest quality natural ingredients from around the world.

I firmly believe that health, beauty and wellness are entwined and so nature supplies us with all of the ingredients we need to create products to enhance your natural beauty.

2) What inspired it's creation?

The inspiration came to me in the summer of 2003 while I was on summer vacation from teaching high school history, Karen's Body Beautiful was born! I spent the summer researching and experimenting with the many oils, butters essential oils and herbs we use, and I discovered my passion.
In the fall of 2003 when I returned to teaching, I offered my creations to our friends, family, and co-workers and the response was overwhelming! Six months later in February, 2004 I opened my Clinton Hill, Brooklyn body & bath boutique to share my creations with the world.

3) How would you describe natural beauty?

Natural beauty ultimately comes from the inside and beams through to the outer appearance of a person. Karen’s Body Beautiful is a brand that wants to continue to build upon the true beauty that our customers already have from within. Our goal is just to continue to nourish it.

4) What is your favorite aspect of what you do?

My favorite aspect about my business is interacting with the customers. I hear numerous stories from hair frustrations to self esteem. By me owning my own business I get the pleasure to build quality relationships with my clients.

I also love knowing that I am selling high quality products that will enhance my customer’s life.

5) What changes would you like to see in the beauty industry?

The beauty industry must take responsibility for what they give consumers. From what signs their sending to young women to what ingredients that are being placed on the body, it must be conscious of how much power it holds in today’s society. It is key they are using that power to create a positive foundation rather than feeding off of people’s insecurities.

6) Where do you see your brand in the future?

Our branding is constantly expanding! We recently just opened up our new, chic full spa. In the future we will be launching a makeup line and also a clothing line.

7) Where can we reach you for more information?

You can find out more information from us at our website www.karensbodybeautiful.com or stop by our flagship store located at 436 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn NY 11205.

Karen with her precious daughter

Going More Green

2010-10-25T16:14:00.014-04:00

While I've been organic, green and natural in most aspects of my life for awhile, I'm on a new mission to "green" my makeup kit! While I know a good deal about the ingredients to avoid in my foods, I've haven't gone all the way with my beauty products. Call me vain, but I felt that the natural alternatives were boring, sheer and wouldn't do what I needed them to. And some of them don't, especially for professional jobs requiring more pigment and longer wearability. But for most of us wearing the basics everyday, there are tons of options. Why continue to slather our skin with toxic ingredients that inevitably end up in our bloodstream? While I'm not a purist, I do believe in making small changes where we can.

This cute but powerful video gives a fantastic explanation about what goes into the making of our makeup and beauty products. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a must watch and share!

I also want to share the "Dirty Thirty" list with you but it's quite long! Take a peek at the Teens for Safe Cosmetics site at http://bit.ly/c6bd1G. You may want to keep it in mind when choosing your next shampoo, deoderant or lipstick! Stay tuned to Life Is Beautiful for product reviews on my picks for "greener glamour"!

Dirrty Glam with Sky

2010-09-29T14:02:00.007-04:00

I did makeup for French magazine, Dirrty Glam's cover story featuring up and coming pop-star Sky Ferreira. The magazine is only printed in Paris but you can enjoy it online at http://www.dirrtyglam.com. It flips like a real mag (and like my online portfolio ;)

Sky is a super-talented and chic young artist who is just18 years old but has a unique sound and style way beyond her years. Her album drops early 2011 and she has already been featured in Interview, Purple, Nylon and Jalouse!

The photographs were taken by Adeline Mai and Lolita Jacobs styled the clothing. We let Sky's lovely, long locks do their own thing, which was a refreshing change to the usual styling-to perfection...

Check out Sky here and expect to hear more http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxFFJu7RVuk

Kaci Battaglia/bebe/OK!

2010-04-28T22:15:00.012-04:00

Check out my latest collabo with OK! magazine, this one featuring bebe and rising pop star Kaci Battaglia. Kaci released her first single at age 12 and toured the world with the likes of Backstreet Boys, Jessica Simpson, Bow Wow at age 13. Now 21, Kaci has released a new single "Crazy Possessive" and is preparing to launch an album soon.

http://www.myspace.com/kacibattaglia

This video is so kick a** I truly expected to meet a sassy diva on set (and I told her that ;) But when I arrived I found Kaci was truly as sweet as can be! Just don't mess with her man!

Brush Up On This

2010-04-20T22:45:00.012-04:00

In my quest for the balance of beauty and wellness, I've delved into the contents of my makeup kit like never before. I'm researching makeup that is more natural, organic and toxin-free, as what we put on our bodies inevitably goes into our bodies through our pores. Not an epiphany, but in the past I've just accepted certain things as the exceptions in my otherwise healthy lifestyle. Go figure! Anyways, now that I'm going deeper and "greening" my kit, one of the first things I wanted to change was my makeup brushes. Many brushes are made of animal hair such as squirrel, pony, goat, sable and mink. Every year millions of these animals are trapped, cruelly beaten and killed for their hair and fur. Not to mention the possibility of dead skin cells, bacteria and chemicals on the brushes that we use all over the face! Yikes. All great reasons to try these eco and animal friendly options:

"The Divinity Collection" of vegan brushes are designed by my good friend and makeup artist extraordinaire, Roque Cozzette. Each brush was created with premium synthetic hair and shaped for precise makeup application. These brushes are an incredibly luxurious and gorgeous addition to any makeup kit! http://kettcosmetics.com/

Alima Pure is my new favorite pure and natural makeup line, which I will report more on later. I'm using their sturdy set of cruelty-free brushes and I love 'em! They pick up just the right amount of product, which gives you more control in your application. http://www.alimapure.com

A wonderful treat that you can pick up in your local drugstore, Eco Tools offers this 5 piece set for under $10! Complete with a sustainable bamboo handles, recycled aluminum ferrules, soft taklon bristles and a hemp brush bag, this is a fantastic buy in every way. Veganista Alicia Silverstone has recently designed a limited edition set. http://www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm

Apply your makeup with peace of mind and elevated consciousness!

Lolene/Sebastian/OK!

2010-04-19T23:00:00.008-04:00

Here are the first two (out of three) advertorials featuring Lolene for Sebastian and OK! magazine. Photographed by Wendy Hope, the series was shot in the Esquire Soho apartment, a swanky bachelor pad/event space in NYC. Each room is created specifically by a designer such as Diesel or Hugo Boss, or a major brand such as Heineken or Lufthansa. The space hosts red carpet charity events for non-profit organizations like Save The Children and Faster Cures.

I had a great time shooting with this crew and Lolene was a fun gal to work on. She loves bright colors, especially her trademark pink lip, so we were a perfect match! I airbrushed her with Kett Cosmetics and used some Make Up For Ever, Benefit and M.A.C. to create glowy skin and a flushed cheek. I loved that she suggested a neon blue or green eye, so I gave her a mixture of both for the studio scene. It's not all the time we get to be bold with color, especially in advertising, so it was awesome that both Lolene and Sebastian were all about it!

I also loved the hair/hair stylist on this shoot, Sebastian Pro Anthony Cole. He created all this gorgeous volume and shape using their Volupt product line. Even better, Anthony was an inspiring and passionate person to work with. Look out for our third collaboration of the series in OK! mag soon. xoxo

Up Next

2010-04-19T22:59:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of working with the lovely Lolene on a series of advertorials for Sebastian haircare. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will- her debut album is due out Summer 2010. Lolene's a beautiful and talented singer, songwriter and producer, soon to claim her spot at the top of the pop charts. Lolene's infectious tunes and funky 80's style is influenced by greats such as Madonna, Rick James, Prince, Grace Jones and Kate Bush. Check out her first single "Sexy People" and look out for the album, Electrick Hotel, this summer. Rock on girl.

Beauty is Healing Part 2

2010-04-18T23:56:00.007-04:00

Earlier this month, I helped coordinate the second Spa & Beauty Day for Coler-Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island. In case you didn't read Part 1, Coler-Goldwater is a long-term medical facility for people who have been paralyzed by accidents or illness and can no longer care for themselves due to their health condition and economic status. I am honored to be a member of Angelica, a volunteer group committed to bringing happiness and fun into their lives. Spa & Beauty Day is an extra special event for the residents because each person receives individual attention and love from makeup artists, hair stylists, manicurists and energy healers.

Stunning portrait by Hanif Abdur-Rahim http://hanifabdurrahim.com/

The first Spa & Beauty Day took place in September 2009 at the Goldwater campus, so this time we worked at Coler, which is on the other side of the island. I was able to organize a fantastic team of volunteers, many of whom I met for the first time that day. I was so grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to selfless service. At the end of the day, we accommodated 78 people for hair styling/cuts, manicures and makeup and 54 people for energy healing!

Not only were we able to give each person a bit of pampering, we had a fashion photographer, Hanif Abdur-Rahim, taking portraits of them after their makeovers. This really brought another level of excitement to the experience and the participants seemed to feel a renewed sense of pride as they posed for the camera. It was really so touching to see how hair and makeup transformed them not only physically but mentally and emotionally! Truly, truly beautiful...

Makeup artist Theresa Francine with happy client

Headed by my good friend Teresa Benoit, three energy healers used reiki and customized techniques to help move stagnant energy and ease tension in the patients. They had an extraordinary turn out and worked tirelessly to take care of each person. One woman, who was initially quite skeptical, was amazed that pains in her ear and leg were completely gone after a treatment with one of the gifted healers. I personally have experienced this type of healing and totally believe in it's power! I am so happy the people at Coler were open and able to experience it as well.

Awesome makeup artist Suzana Hallili with elder

We will be producing 3 more Spa & Beauty Days for Coler-Goldwater this year and the next one is slated for late June. I am excited and inspired to make this day better each time! If you are interested in participating in the day or even just volunteering at the hospital, please contact me or visit the site for more information. http://www.angelicaprogram.org/AboutAngelica.asp

Celeb manicurist Myrdith Mccormack giving her gift

I want to sincerely thank my co-volunteers once again- hair stylists Linh Nguyen, Eloise Cheung, Julia Rose, Ronnie Peterson, Jay Palaniuk, CK Karkhanis; makeup artists Kristen Arnett, Jen Myles, Anna Webber, Suzana Hallili, Alex Almeida, Mykel Renner, Theresa Francine and Trace Byers; Energy Healers Teresa Benoit, Rita Castillo, Natalia Ongaro, manicurist Myrdith Mccormack, photographer Hanif Abdur-Rahim and videographer Tony Breznica. I also want to thank the Angelica organization for providing funding for the event and for offering me this extraordinary opportunity. Love you and thank you all!

Spring Forward

2010-04-18T22:29:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone! Hard to believe it's been several months since my last post here. It's been a transitory time for me, getting into the groove with a new job, school and freelancing makeup gigs, all at once. When it rains, it pours, but I'm always grateful for the nourishment! I've had some really great makeup projects this year and I'm super psyched to begin my new business as a Holistic Beauty & Wellness Counselor. Spring is the perfect time for growth and renewal and I look forward to sharing my new discoveries and interests with you. I hope you will enjoy the evolution of Life Is Beautiful!

On The Path

2009-11-09T16:59:00.009-05:00

As part of my new and improved mission to help beautify AND heal the world, I'm working with this amazing live, organic, and vegan company called Organic Avenue. With two retail locations in Manhattan, the Lower East Side and West Village, and an Alkaline Elixir Bar/ Live Food Lounge opening this week, Organic Avenue is providing a tremendous service to New Yorkers. Featuring 100% organic, fresh pressed juices, live food entrees, desserts and high quality supplements, we have everything you need to support a lifestyle brimming with nutrition! We also specialize in several Cleanse programs,to help you detoxify and heal your body, get more energy and transition to healthier foods in a nourishing and balanced way. There are 5 different, 5 day programs that incorporate a synergistic menu of juices and/or food/soup depending on your needs and current diet. We deliver fresh daily from our kitchen to your home or work to make it even easier...

The juices are made with a Norwalk Press, which is known for producing the highest quality of juice, and sealed instantly in these super cool recycled glass bottles. My favorites so far are the Young Love (spinach, celery and cucumber), the best tasting Coconut Water and Mylk (from young Thai coconuts) and the sweet, creamy Carrot.

The all-live entrees include a Sunflower Falafel, Burrito, Lasagna, Coconut Cerviche and many more. Even salads make a truly delicious and satisfying meal with special ingredients like nut cheese, pine nuts and savory dressings. And the desserts...oh my! Currently in L.O.V.E with the Chocolate Macaroons, which use the real deal-raw cacao-and are virtually guilt free.YUM! I am so grateful to experience these delightful treats on the regular and can really go on for awhile about how awesome Organic Avenue is... but I will save that for my up and coming blog, featuring my experiences on The Path. Or even better, try it for yourself! Just wanted to give you a taste of beauty for the mind, body and spirit.

More info at http://www.organicavenue.com

Introducing a Rising Star

2009-11-08T00:59:00.015-05:00

Photo by John Russo http://www.johnrussophoto.com

...actor/model Jeffrey Casciano, aka my beloved brother, in case you didn't know! An international model of 8 years and now an emerging Hollywood actor, Jeffrey's been a "natural" since we were kids. His fateful debut transpired a bit later, when he was scouted by a global model management company, then quickly sent off to work in South Africa, Germany, Spain and Italy. It was in Milan that he connected with an accomplished acting instructor based in Los Angeles and decided to make the natural transition. I've always been impressed with my baby bro's tenacity, passion and focus but Jeff has applied this to his acting career with unparalleled dedication! His professionally honed skills and deep respect for the business have already landed him roles in theatre productions, music videos, short and feature films, creating quite an impressive resume and earning him accolades from both his peers and mentors.

The image above is from About Face, a powerful book of 100 portraits by renowned celebrity photographer John Russo. Jeff had the honor of being featured amongst Hollywood's hottest actors such as Jason Lewis, Jesse Williams, Chase Crawford, Antonio Sabato Jr., Michael Ealy and many more. This beautiful hard-cover

book by Pixie Press is due out February 2010 and looks like a must-have!

Some of Jeffrey's latest editorial, shot by Reed Decker

Check out http://www.reeddeckerphoto.com...very cool stuff.

I love the graphic, cinematic quality and how you can just see him getting into character!

Obviously, I'm SO proud of my bro and look forward to MAJOR things to come from him... and so should you! Enjoy the pics xoxo

DEX New York

2009-11-08T00:58:00.006-05:00

http://www.dexnewyork.com

I finally had a chance to visit DEX New York during Fashion's Night Out, for my friend Myrdith's celebration of her natural nail care line, m2m (http://www.m2mdamorejon.com). I had come across Dex's site awhile back during some internet surfing and was very curious about a beauty studio and makeup line that was new to me (I consider myself in the know on these things ;) First off, I was totally impressed with the space, which is very clean, modern and airy. The front door opens to a retail shop and beauty atrium, with stations for makeup and hair services. Down the hall, I was excited to find full service photography, makeup and hair studios. Now I knew I had to meet the creator, Dexter Phillips, to learn more about this unique spot. A stylist and image consultant, Dex had a good 20 years in the business when he decided to open the location a few years ago. Later he developed and introduced his signature line of modern mineral makeup, with the inspiration to offer women a healthier,eco-friendly, yet camera-ready, alternative. Dex wanted to use beneficial ingredients like minerals and peptides, while incorporating vibrant colors and finishes that could be used professionally. The other cool thing is that all DEX powders come sans packaging, so that each eyeshadow or foundation must be placed in a reusable portfolio. All this awesomeness, accompanied by his fantastic energy, gave me the feeling we would be working together in the near future... stay tuned ;)

My Latest Inspiration...

2009-11-07T21:36:00.015-05:00

is FOOD! Guess what? I have recently decided to pursue another passion of mine in the field of holistic nutrition. I've been a believer and advocate for 13 years now, beginning with yoga, meditation and spiritual studies in my college years. Soon after, I transitioned to a primarily vegan diet and began to explore holistic methods for my own health concerns. The more I learned, the more sense this lifestyle made, and I have personally experienced and witnessed tremendous healing through its practice. I love introducing people to the benefits of "conscious" eating and hopefully inspiring them to think more about what truly nourishes them.

So after my latest bit of soul searching, I had a revelation and enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I have been interested in their program for awhile but now the time was right for me to make the shift! IIN's curriculum is truly integrative and explores dietary theory, bio-individuality, modern nutrition and the concept of primary food, as illustrated in the circle below. I am currently studying their online Warm Up program (which is awesome), the live classes start in February and I will be a certified Health Counselor (HC) in July 2010... yippee!

Integrative Nutrition's version of the Food Pyramid

In case you couldn't tell, I'm feeling totally empowered by my heightened mission, to help create beauty from the inside out! I will continue to work in makeup (cuz it's my art!) but I'm excited to add nutritional counseling and more to my offerings. I am in the process of creating a new blog where I look forward to sharing healthy, eco-friendly and fabulous finds for mind, body/beauty and spirit!

The Dream Team

2009-10-26T22:57:00.008-04:00

Oh how I miss blogging! For those who are checking in, my apologies for the lack of new content as of recently... please bear with me! I'm working on an exciting new venture and have some fabulous things to share with you very soon.

In the meantime, enjoy this gorgeous image of model extraordinare Kimberlyn Parris, from our latest shoot. Not only is Kim beautiful and talented but she has aspirations to make the world a better place! This November, she is presenting the 2nd Annual "God's Got a Plan For Me" Youth Talent Show in memory of her dad, Adelbert. The proceeds from the event go towards a scholarship for a young student residing in the Parris's home towns of Barbados and/or Hamilton, Ontario. Please check out her site for more information on participating or donating at http://www.kimberlynparris.com/talent.

Produced by The Dream Team

Photo by Tracy Toler http://www.tracytoler.com

Makeup by me http://www.rebeccacasciano.com

Hair by Jemma http://www.ronarepresents.com

Jewelry by Lorraine West http://www.tashawest.com

Fashion by Ashaka Givens http://ashakagivens.com

The Good Witches

2009-09-30T21:56:00.010-04:00

Photos by Tracy Toler

Peep my latest editorial in Brilliant magazine. I got to make good girls look bad and even dirty (see arms in third image from top...they dug up a bronzed skeleton head)! Ancient bibles, black crows and mysterious keys were also on set...this was a fun day.

Full creds and story at http://www.brilliantmagazine.com/?p=5670

Life is Precious

2009-09-30T21:51:00.004-04:00

On a serious note, I'm looking forward to seeing this film... please check out the trailer here. Very powerful!

Be Jeweled

2009-09-28T18:28:00.006-04:00

Just found out the cute Japanese makeup/hair artist who has assisted me a couple of times, is a majorly talented nail artist! Check out Tadahiro "Max" Iwasaka's intricate and inventive nail designs, using rhinestones, pearls and metallic beads as adornment. The detailing is exquisite!

You can contact Tadahiro at maxmail0815@yahoo.jp

All You Need Is Love

2009-09-28T10:52:00.013-04:00

Flashback to the beginning of New York Fashion Week... my girls' (jeweler/illustrator Lorraine West and designer Ashaka Givens) and I set out to enjoy the city-wide party, Fashion's Night Out. We decided to hit Barney's for some festivities and serendipitously ran into Ruben and Isabel Toledo signing copies of Isabel's new book, Fashion From The Inside Out. When we discovered Ruben was also doing quick portraits with each purchase, we grabbed books and jumped in line! Needless to say, this dynamic duo is a huge inspiration for each of us, so we were super excited to meet them. The Toledo's were amazingly warm, down to earth and gracious. We all hit it off so well that within a few minutes of chatting, Ruben invited us to a walk thru of Isabel's FIT exhibit the following week!

Lorraine, Isabel, Ruben, Me and Ashaka having fun at Barney's

So not only did we get to meet and talk with these tremendous icons, but we received the unique opportunity to join them for an intimate session! Arranged by urban fashionista/writer Michaela Angela Davis, a small group of young artists and designers were invited to this very exclusive event at The FIT Museum. It was quite an honor to be personally escorted through the works of Isabel and Ruben, circa 1980's to present, as they openly shared their history, both as a couple and in their respective art forms.

They even stayed for a Q&A, where we talked in detail about their relationship, building the Toledo brand together and staying true to their passions and beliefs. They encouraged all of us to do the same, assuring us that you don't have to conform to succeed as an artist.

Together for 25 years now, the Toledo's are the epitome of "soul mates". They love, support and inspire each other in every way. When Isabel thinks about a new design, she tells Ruben about it and he draws it out for her. Usually this process is done by the designer herself, so this is just one example of how in sync they are. They way they spoke about each others talents, with such a mutual respect and love, captured all of our hearts! Everyone in that room left feeling enlivened and hopeful...

Isabel & Ruben are going on my new "vision board"

THANKS TOLEDO's xoxo

London Cool

2009-09-28T10:27:00.005-04:00

ELLE UK commissioned 25 fabulous fashion people to create these images for London Fashion Week's 25th birthday. The posters were then displayed throughout London's Underground stations...how cool are they?'Love London...

My obvious favorite, by brilliant makeup maven Pat McGrath

(Thanks for the inspiration Ashaka!!!)

Gorgeous as always...

The lil lip clutches by Lulu Guiness that I love

The abstract hanger design by Paul Smith mimics the Underground map

Isabel Toledo

2009-09-17T12:05:00.005-04:00

While fashion designer Isabel Toledo is greatly admired and respected within the industry and those "in the know", her name has only recently reached the masses. Isabel received international acclaim when her design was worn by Michelle Obama on the Inauguration Day of our new President. The First Lady had long been a fan of Isabel's unique and wearable pieces, but even Isabel didn't know she had decided upon the lemongrass lace wool dress and matching jacket until Michelle appeared in the outfit on that historic day. The level of exposure this provided was well deserved and overdue for this tremendous creative force.

Often touted the "designer's designer", Isabel launched her line in 1985 and participated in bi-annual collections for about ten years, before deciding to break the mold. A bit disenchanted with the limiting ideals that had become industry standard, Isabel chose to create and present on her own schedule. Inspired more from emotion and instinct than visual elements or themes, Isabel's unconventional approach to fashion truly comes "From the Inside Out" (also the title of her new book).

The "Cage Dress"... what fun!

A seamstress from a young age, her pieces are works of art from inception to construction. As she gets ideas for designs, Isabel describes them to her husband, artist Ruben Toledo, who then sketches them out for her. A fashion dream team, the couple has managed to maintain their integrity and independence in the world of commercialism. While Isabel had a short stint with Anne Klein, she hopes for another opportunity to dress the everyday woman through her eyes.

A creative piece called "Hermaphrodite" because its shape can represent both sexes

A personal favorite ;)

In the meantime, you can find her beautiful designs at select boutiques, such as Barney's New York and Ikram in Chicago, and on display at The Museum at FIT (through September 26th). This exhibit is a must see for anyone who appreciates the best of fashion and art... Isabel's garments are exquisite and Ruben's brilliant watercolor illustrations complement. I saw this on my own a couple months back, loved it, then had the surprise privilege and honor of walking through with Isabel and Ruben themselves! More on that to come...I'm still trying to catch up!

Ruben Toledo

2009-09-15T22:49:00.009-04:00

I would like to introduce consummate artist and a major inspiration, Ruben Toledo. Using paint, pencils and just about anything in his reach, Ruben creates distinctive, whimsical illustrations for clients such as Harper's Bazaar, New York Times, Nordstrom's, Barney's and his wife, fashion designer Isabel Toledo. Noted as "The First Couple of Fashion", Ruben and Isabel have been creating together in a most harmonious synergy for 25 years now. Their artistic vision is so in sync that Ruben sketches and paints Isabel's ideas and patterns for garments. Currently, this brilliant collaboration is on exhibit at The Museum at FIT, in conjunction with Isabel's book, Fashion from the Inside Out.

A perfect depiction of their connection! Love his calligraphic style...

Water color painting Isabel's designs with vibrant colors and chic, edgy women.

These dresses are extraordinary!

Born of Cuban decent and raised in New York City, Ruben and Isabel are very much in tune with their multi-cultural roots and the beauty of all people. Their muses are real women and people living their life with passion.

Also from the exhibit...

Shot by Ruven Afanador and painted by Ruben

Editorial work for Bazaar

LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOVE! Stay tuned for more on the Toledo's- they were the highlight of my Fashion Week!

Very Haute

2009-09-15T18:04:00.008-04:00

Somehow, I was unaware of the prestigious Italian American designer Ralph Rucci when I was booked to do his show this season. When I mentioned him to my fashion friends, their enthusiastic response got me excited to do my research and find out how he earned his legendary status. A few key indicators: Ralph trained with Halston and Balenciaga before he launched his line, Chado Ralph Rucci, in 1994. Less than ten years later, he became the first American in 60 years to be invited to show his line in the elite couture shows in Paris. There is actually a commission there that upholds very specific guidelines for use of the term "couture", including the use of expensive fabrics and intricate, hand sewn details. While Rucci hasn't participated in the Parisian shows in the past couple years, the shapes, fabrics and techniques of his latest pieces show a strong connection to his luxurious roots.

The makeup was created by another legendary artist, Tom Pecheux, who has worked with the top photographers, designers and celebrities for many years. He had a wonderful energy and I loved the look he designed. We used a deep grey eyeshadow on the outer corners of the eyes, bringing it straight out to a point. Then we cut and layered two sets of false lashes on the top and bottom lash line to intensify and exaggerate the drama! The look was inspired by the structural feel of the clothing and worked perfectly.

One of my girls, Calvin of Russia

Ah, the hair was soo cooool! Created by Bumble & Bumble, the "melted chignons" also complimented Rucci's shapely collection. Super shiny and slicked with some serious gel, one of my models was complaining about having to run home to wash it all out before a date that evening! I wished her luck ;)

My other girl, Emma just moved here from Australia...it's her first time in NYC!

Ralph Rucci's line is named Chado, after a Japanese tea ceremony known for it's attention to precision and discipline. His affinity for Japanese style and culture is present throughout his collections.

These funky cuff/gloves were one of my favorite details. Although you can't see this too well in the picture, they were made of a clear plastic and extended from the wrist to the knuckles, with openings for the fingers and thumb.

Now I know all about Ralph!

Spring 2010!!!

2009-09-13T23:55:00.009-04:00

Yay, New York Fashion Week is here! So far, I've worked a few fun shows, enjoyed some fab parties and met lots of great people. More to come on that... But to start, I kicked off the week bright and early on Day 1 with Vena Cava. The presentation style show was sponsored by the new collaboration of cosmetics giant MAC Cosmetics and the full-service photo studio, Milk (where many major advertising campaigns and fashion editorials are shot).

Messy chignons by Ted Gibson

I assisted key makeup artist Lloyd Simmons in creating a taupey, smokey eye (later covered by the shades ;) and a gorgeous lavender lip. He mixed the unusual shade using white, burgundy, red and blue LipMix by MAC, which is a very opaque and highly pigmented lip product designed for pros. I loved it!

The nails were also an exciting, quirky color, a mixture of two polishes by Butter London. The vibrant hue was said to have been inspired by a Staples flyer and was dubbed "Corporate Blue".

The models did walk a runway, but then perched and posed on ladders for the remainder of the show! It gave the many editors and fashionistas who attended a chance to view the cool threads up close.