Whether caused by long days, wild nights or everyday stressors, dark under-eye circles are never in vogue. Unfortunately, dark circles seem to be a stubborn little problem to correct. There have been a flurry of lotions, potions and clay concoctions promising to eliminate the unsightly baggage, but truth be told, a good cover up is the only fix that will give you guaranteed immediate results. Many concealers come out each year and accordingly get more innovative and effective. We’ve shopped around and found a few great new cover-ups that prove to be ahead of the pack.

The technology and ingredients found in these new formulas deliver great coverage, while avoiding the dreaded caked on look that drives us crazy. So take note and keep an eye out for these new rising stars in the world of concealing.

Benefit’s breakthrough new concealer, Erase Paste, is a concentrated formula that delivers a large amount of coverage while delivering a clean finish. It’s really easy to blend and has an extremely creamy texture. It not only covers dark bags, but brightens the entire eye area, creating a fresh, luminous look. It also includes a handy little spatula that ensures an easy, even application every time.

Where to find it:
Benefit
8387 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Summer is here in full force, and what better way to celebrate than with some bright nail polish? Candy-colored nails are perfect for the whimsical essence of summer. Fun, flirty and fashionable at the same time, showing off bubblegum blue nails garners attention everywhere we go. When else can you get away with blueberry fingertips if not during the summer? For those who are not as keen to cause a scene, the spectrum of summer nail color is limitless.

ORLY (www.orlybeauty.com) is at the forefront of nail care, creating products that make your nails beautiful and strong at the same time. The Orly line, which includes base and top coats, strengtheners, quick-dry agents, and cuticle care products, is also the originator of the award-winning Gripper Cap, which makes application easier than ever!

Taking a cue from the summer heat, Orly has brought together 24 of their boldest and brightest shades for the new Hot Stuff Collection. From a peachy orange Crush on You to a hot pink Oh Cabana Boy to a sunny yellow Hook Up, this collection has something for the flirt in everybody

A splash of vivid candy color on your fingernails is just the thing to catch the eye of your sweet summer crush. If Hot Stuff is not for you, check out the delicious Sugar Coated Collection or the romantic Love Collection.

Lisa’s Beauty Supply
10800 W. Pico Blvd. #100
310-470-2025

Envy This
Green doesn’t have to mean crunchy…these days, it can mean straight up glamour. Take Nvey – the eco-friendly line of makeup is certified organic yet delivers effective formulas and bold color. Founded in Australia, the collection hit the States in 2006 band and with the current green frenzy, they won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Try the Organic Crème Deluxe Foundation – the full coverage finish is tempered with antioxidant vitamin C, E & A to protect the skin from free radicals. Available at www.econveybeauty.com.

Gellin’
Impossible-to-beat shine? Check. A sheer wash of color? Check. Vincent Longo’s new Gelli Glosses have all we’re looking for this summer. The new lippies are available in three versatile shades, Aria (Apricot), Vela (Pink) and Vela (Purple) that are sheer enough to work with any skin tone. Get glossy at Sephora stores or www.sephora.com.

When the mercury rises, you don’t want to slather your ace with heavy, clingy products. Summer is about letting skin breathe, allowing natural beauty to take center stage, yet fashionably fabulous women don’t want to sacrifice color based on the weather.

In honor of this seasonable dilemma, we selected the best waterproof, long-wearing products designed expressly for those hot, humid, and extra-long summer days when looking your best is still a priority, whether you’re catching up on chick lit and frolicking at the beach – wearing sunscreen and a big-brimmed hat, of course- or taking a dip in the pool or commuting to the office. These products are beach-tested and BN approved!

FACE
Blemishes don’t go AWOL when weather is warmer. Avene Couvrance Foundation’s sweat-resistant, cream formula is exclusive to physicians and provides full coverage for a flawless facial canvas, without that caked-on feeling. There’s five SPF 30 shades, available in both “rich” and “oil free” formulations, so you can apply with fingertips and customize for your skin’s texture and tone. It’s fragrance-free, which is a plus in the sticky summer and it evens out skin tone, which is essential since skin darkens in different places due to sun exposure. Go with the “oil free” edition.

Prefer powder? Try Paul and Joe Protective Dual Powder, which has SPF, offers light yet full coverage and is packaged in a darling beach bag-ready compact.

Need something color-free? Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Translucent Pressed Powder multi-tasks; it’s a Vitamin A, C, and E-packed powder that achieves “Summer Holy Grail Product” status, mopping up excess shine and setting make up. It’s colorless and won’t mute your tan, either.

The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing. Yes, Memorial Day has passed and summer travel is beckoning. Heed the call via airplane, jitney, luxury liner or car…but whatever you do, be sure to arrive prepared. Pick up Touch of Ivy’s beautiful silk makeup bag (lined in practical plastic) at Bluemercury uptown and tuck these wee beauty picks inside. You’ll be on your way to easy, portable glam on the go – no suitcase required.

Start with the base – pun intended – of any makeup routine, foundation. Prescriptives new-ish AnyWear Multi-Purpose Makeup Stick with SPF 15 is packaged in a convenient set of two small tubes – one for home and one for your purse or desk drawer. The medium to full coverage formula applies easily with fingers, is available in 24 shades and does double duty as a concealer (much appreciated when you’re packing light!) Available at Bergdorf Goodman and www.prescriptives.com.

Too Faced knows that good things come in small packages. And now, volumizing and lengthening mascaras do too. Grab the brand’s Mini Lash Injection and the 3D formula will leave your lashes looking flirtatiously sexy all day long – salt water and sun be damned. Visit www.toofaced.com to purchase.

It’s impossible to feel polished without great brows. Urban Decay’s new Brow Box is tiny – just just 2.25” x 1.75” x 1” – but includes an acceptable pair of mini-tweezers, a mini angled brush, two brow powders (mix for the perfect shade, if necessary) and a stay-put brow wax. Get it at www.urbandecay.com.

Celeb make up artist Mally Roncal has worked with everyone from divas like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige to “it” girls like Zooey Deschanel, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gretchen Mol. It’s safe to say that she knows how to tailor her work to the diverse styles of her white-hot clientele list. Mally also keeps busy beautifying faces for magazine covers and of course, has her own line of products, Mally Beauty, available through QVC or www.mallybeauty.com. We at BN jumped at the opportunity to get insider tips from such a prolific artist and thankfully, Roncal, a mother of twins, wasn’t afraid to open up about what non-celeb glamazons can do to achieve just-as-gorgeous looks.

BN: You work with lots of celebrity clients. What is your numero uno tip or secret for us regular gals?
MR: Focus on your eyelashes! Curling them is imperative and mascara is always necessary. A good set of false lashes makes you look extra flirty. I enjoy false lashes on a daily basis. Nothing makes you look more awake than beautifully done lashes.

Cakes courtesy of Sylvia Weinstock, Bridal photo copyright Brandwood.co.uk

I love weddings. From the moment I tear open the invitation, I’m filled with excitement. It makes no difference if it’s a backyard BBQ or a black tie fete, I love the love and am always thrilled to share the moment. But let’s cut to the chase here, while you’re promising your everlasting love and devotion to Mr. Right, you’d better look amazing. All eyes upon you Miss soon-to-be Mrs. Right! With camera flashes popping away all day and night, your makeup style not only has to work with your gown, it’s gotta work the room too. So, I’m down on one knee proposing that you say “I do” to having perfect wedding makeup. Read on for some engaging tips on how to create the looks as well as suggestions for outstanding places to tie the knot.

For the Black Tie Affair…

The Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue is “it” for me. Both elegant and formal but not stuffy with a “Don’t worry, you’re in good hands” aura. The Bride and her bridal party will be pampered, and guests will feel honored to be here. I recently chatted with Carolyn Altieri, the catering manager in the hotel’s elegant library bar/lounge. Okay…disclosure time, I got married at the Regency seventeen years ago and loved every moment of my wedding and so a chance to revisit that memory delighted the romantic in me. The Regency holds a maximum of 120 guests, and the elegant, intimate ballroom and adjacent smaller room allow for a seamless flow between ceremony, cocktails and dinner.

At the Regency, the happy couple is graciously offered a complimentary suite for the night. It was pouring buckets on the day of my wedding and I was thrilled to dress, take formal portraits, and have the ceremony and reception all in one place. Some champagne, some tea sandwiches on hand (you know you won’t eat at the party!) and you can get ready for your upcoming nuptials and relax (yeah, right!)

For a wedding this formal, the makeup is Chanel. The Bleu Celestes Eyeshadow Quad, a heavenly combination of a bridal white surrounded by three perfect shades of blue that will make your eyes appear both dreamy and dramatic. Applying your shadow dry will create a more subtle look, while slightly moistened shadow creates a more intense shade. Tony LoSavio, Director of Makeup Artistry for Chanel advises “When applying cheek color it should appear as if you are naturally blushing, or that the natural shape of the cheekbones are enhanced.” Finish it off with your favorite Chanel lipstick. I’m quite partial to their Rouge Allure collection.

Loews Regency Hotel – 540 Park Ave and 61st Street, Contact: Carolyn Altieri at 212-759-4100.
Chanel Cosmetics - fine department stores, www.saks.com