Well known in Hollywood for creating behind-the-scenes beauty magic, Carol Shaw is one of our favorite local treasures. Longtime makeup artist, turned entrepreneur, Shaw brings timeless red carpet tools to beauty consumers via LORAC cosmetics.

BEAUTYNEWSLA: Was creating a product line always part of your plan?
CAROL SHAW: No, it wasn’t. I was a working makeup artist, but after years of struggling with my own ultra-sensitive skin and dealing with my celebrity clients’ sensitive skin, I had a heart’s desire to create a makeup that was extremely gentle, non-irritation, and looked and felt like real skin!

BNLA: We’re huge fans of your eye shadows – Do you have a personal favorite product in the line?
CS: I love my eye shadows, too. However, I can’t live without my oil-free wet/dry powder makeup. It instantly makes my skin look even and silky-smooth… without making me break out!

BNLA: Is there anything known as the LORAC signature product? Any cult faves so-to-speak?
CS: All of LORAC’s complexion products do very well. A cult favorite is the LORAC “TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer.” Celebrities, makeup artists and women everywhere tell me how much they love this product!

BNLA: As you know, LA is the forefront of red carpet beauty & glam… We’ve already gotten through the Golden Globes and SAG. What beauty trends should we be looking forward to for the Oscars next month?
CS: You will always see glamorous red lips on the red carpet with lashes and eye liner. You will also probably see smoky eyes paired with light lips.

BNLA: Are you doing any nominees or presenters? If so, can you give us any hints about their looks?
CS: I have a couple of people pending, can’t say yet. My signature look is smoky dark eyes with glowing bronze skin and light glossy lips.

(Brittany Brodeur also contributed to this story)

Little in Hollywood doesn’t revolve around award shows from January to March. Every year, the Golden Globes kicks off the season, rolling out the red carpet for the rest of the shows to follow. Publicists in tow with umbrellas, nominees and presenters make their way through the labyrinth of the Beverly Hilton hotel press line.

Before any of this commences, a select few receive special gifts behind-the-scenes celebrating their nominations from L’Oreal Paris.

In honor of the 10 leading ladies receiving nominations for Best Actress in a Film, Comedy and Drama, L’Oreal Paris and Carelle collaborated to create a stunning compact mirror plated in 18K yellow gold, embellished with precious citrine gemstones and pavé diamond shooting stars.

The shooting stars symbolize the honor L’Oreal Paris celebrated as a new “Friend of the Walk of Fame” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Whether love is in the air or not, get in the Valentine’s mood Los Angeles-style with some lovely lace, sweet-smelling fragrance and enchanting candles…

Begin by dressing yourself up in something sweet or sexy for that special someone in your life. Biatta Intimates (http://www.biatta.com) has a beautiful line of intimate apparel, perfect for any mood– and any price point.

Putting a huge kibosh on the belief that quality intimate apparel must be pricey, Biatta Intimates is an affordable luxury line, with many fun and flirty options. A favorite of many celebs, including all the Kardashian ladies, Holly Madison from “The Girls Next Door” and Lo Bosworth from “The Hills,” Biatta Intimates has just the right Valentine’s Day set for that special night. Bloomingdales, Century City

Any romantic look requires you smell the part. A little bit sweet and a little bit spicy, Mélange Perfume’s Roll-On Perfume in Blend No. 13 (http://www.melangeperfume.com) is a surefire hit. Combining delicate amber with sensual dark chocolate, this mouth-watering fragrance is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts. No need for candy and chocolates: You’ll smell good enough to eat!