The 'other' Jessica

Dear readers,

This weekend I had the chance to celebrate my brother's wedding. It was a great weekend, and the most magnificent ceremony I have ever seen. 

Everyone, especially the Garret's bride Jessica looked radiant - smashing really.

One reason for everyone's glow -- the other Jessica. 

That's Trish McEvoy makeup artist extraordinaire. 

Jessica D'Agostino (see right).

There's nothing like having your hair and makeup done to lift your spirits and make you shine. Plus when a professional does your makeup and hair, it's one less thing you need to worry about, especially when under a time crunch.

When hiring a makeup artist, it is very important to find someone who will listen to you.  If he or she doesn't, don't hire them for your special day. Just don't.

My sister-in-law Jessica wanted to look very natural on her wedding day -- and she did. I wanted a more sexy look, and Jessica D'Agostino helped me accomplish that. When choosing an artist, don't settle. Also, don't forget about a trial. 

*You* can find Trish McEvoy artist Jessica D'Agostino by calling 201.417.6260

She is the best. 

Some popular Trish products:

1. Flawless concealer

2. Luminizer pen

3. Essential Pencil in Baby Pink

4. Beauty Boosting Gloss in Sexy Nude

5. High Volume Mascara

Looking for Trish products?

NeimanMarcus

Nordstrom

Saks

Bluemercury

Leslie Blodgett is here!

Calling all Bare Minerals junkies.

Meet Bare Minerals guru Leslie Blodgett, today in NYC.

She will be meeting & mixing from 2-4 at the Times Square Sephora.

I met Leslie yesterday and she is a gem. She is a delightful person whose inner beauty matches her pretty face. 

I did a short interview with Leslie that I will be posting later this weekend. I'm a little busy right now because my baby brother Garret is getting married.

Congrats to Garret & Jessica!

Mazel Tov!

JJ, DODD & STARGAZER

Estee Lauder and Executive Compensation

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Estee Lauder CEO Lauder gets $9.1M in compensation
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By BETSY VERECKEY
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK -- Cosmetics company Estee Lauder Cos. paid Chief Executive William P. Lauder $9.1 million in total compensation for the fiscal year ended June 30, up 11 percent from the year before, according to a regulatory filing.
Lauder's pay package included $1.5 million in base salary, flat from a year earlier, the company disclosed in a proxy filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. His bonus increased 41 percent to $3.1 million from $2.2 million a year earlier.
Lauder also received stock options and restricted stock valued at $4.45 million on the days they were granted.
Lauder received $63,623 in other compensation, which includes company contributions to a retirement plan, life insurance coverage and personal use of a company-leased auto or auto allowance.
The Associated Press calculations of total compensation include executives' salary, bonus, incentives, perks, above-market returns on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock options and awards granted during the year. The calculations don't include changes in the present value of pension benefits, and they sometimes differ from the totals companies list in the summary compensation table of proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For 2008, the company's earnings rose 6 percent to $473.8 million, or $2.40 per share, from $449.2 million, or $2.16 per share last year. Revenue rose 14 percent to $2.01 billion from $1.76 billion last year.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-10-06-08 1911EDT
10-06-2008 23:11UTC / (AP.ny-apm.05a.am-nyny-inwcp02) /

'Ouchless' -- Goody Hair Products Rule!

I am very excited to write about some new hair products from Goody. For years Goody has been a leader in the hair care field. But the latest batch of products -- called 'ouchless' is designed to do just that. The clips and hairbands are extra gentle on the hair. I like the clip to the left. It's made from plastic and rubber and hasn't snagged a hair yet. I have thick hair and this clip seems to hold it fine. Buy your clip at Target, CVS or another mass retailer.

Pearl Glide liner

I am so busy these days.
ABC News, Columbia Journalism School, NPR.

I still love beauty but finding it hard to blog.

So here's a quick update:

I had five minutes to run into the MAC store on Columbus Avenue where I tried out a new creamy kohl-like eye liner, Pearl Glide liner.

The liner has a touch of glitter with a reflective finish. It is very smooth and glides on easily. Long-wearing. 

Available in eight colors.
I like Spare Change for my brown eyes.

1.45g / .05 US OZ
US$14.50

Elizabeth Arden

Right now I am at a CEW event for Elizabeth Arden's Scott Beattie.

Looking forward to hearing from him and trying some product.

Ooh Max Factor!

I just discovered Max Factor makeup, specifically their amazing concealer, Erace. 

(That is not a spelling error. That's how the company spells the product's name.)

I'm using the shade "medium."

It matches my skin perfectly. It covers and conceals beautifully. Did I mention it only costs $5?

Here's the problem. It's hard to find. I went to Walgreens and Rite-Aid before I finally found a small grouping of MF products at Duane Reade. I was excited DR had the products, but I really try and avoid DR whenever possible. I didn't make it to CVS/Pharmacy so I don't know about availability there. But when I checked the CVS.com and searched Max Factor, nothing popped up.

It is also available at drugstore.com and beautyboutique for $3.99.

"Yes I'm black, but I do [the hair] of all women"

It's Fashion Week in New York City, which means a lot of traffic near Bryant Park, and hordes of reporters and photographers trying to snap pictures of celebrities.

Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of some of the bigger picture issues during FW.

But today, when I had the opportunity to interview hair guru Ted Gibson, I decided to start with the tough questions.

I asked Mr. Gibson what challenges he's faced as an African-American in this field. It's fair to say that race is a hot button issue these days even if folks won't admit it.

What do race and style have to do with each other?

Apparently a lot.

Gibson said he often has to remind clients he is not a hairdresser who only does African-American hair. 

In other words, African-Americans can be comfortable with Asian hair and vice-versa. And look around, with the growth of biracial children, more hairdressers will need to work with varying textures of hair.

"I believe in textures of hair and not skin color. Yes, I'm black, but I do [the hair] of all women."

Look around, in other words, you can be dark with straight hair and fair with kinky hair.

 Take actress Debra Messing. Her hair is kinky curly. But she's clearly caucasian.

Gibson says you have to think outside of the box, but too many people want to keep it safe.

Ultimately Gibson says his obstacles will make it easier for the next African-American kid to succeed in this field.

Therapy Systems

I've been meaning to write about Therapy Systems, a skin care line that has greatly improved my skin tone.

You are looking at a picture of their Alpha Beta Treatment cleanser. A friend recommended I try out TS after hearing me complain about various skin concerns. 

I've had some trouble with pimples and skin discoloration. Unfortunately I tend to exacerbate blemishes because I can't keep my hands from my face. I'm a picker. 

But I've found that my reducing zits I am less likely to touch my face. 

This cleanser has helped reduce the incidence of blemishes, specifically in trouble areas, like my chin and the sides of my face. I tend to have repeat breakouts, which are so annoying.

If you are interested in trying TS products, visit the company website. You can order junior sizes of almost every product. Great concept. Like the 'trial aisle' in your local drugstore or superstore. Seriously, why don't more companies do this?

Let me know if there is a product that has helped your skin recover from a rough patch. 

A Letter to My Readers

To my loyal readers,

I'm sorry I've been slow to post the past few weeks. I started a new job at Columbia University and have been swamped. However, I am still passionate about all things beauty -- and I am not ditching the blog. Please don't believe what you read on Page Six. Please look for new blog posts in the coming weeks. Enjoy September!

xoxo BeautyBabe