SPRING FEVER

The other day I had the opportunity to attend Neiman Marcus Northbrooks's Spring Preview Fashion and Beauty Event. Models strutted their stuff in the upcoming season's hottest looks. A few trends you can expect to see this spring include yellow as the new neutral, floral prints, neon, chunky bangles, pattern, pastels, faded jeans, and anoraks. 

After the fashion show, I previewed the latest makeup and skincare being offered during this week's Beauty Event. From February 23rd to March 4th, when you spend $100 in cosmetics or fragrance, you'll receive an adorable tote filled with an assortment of fabulous samples. A few of my favorites offered in the gift tote include Tom Ford's newest fragrance Neroli Portofino and La Mer's Reparative Body Lotion. In addition to the tote, customers will receive a bonus gift from their preferred brand. This is the week to stock up on any makeup or perfume you need, because who doesn't love a gift with purchase?

MONDAY MAKEUP TRICK

Another makeup trick to create standout eyes. Swipe Cargo EyeLighter or any white eyeshadow above your lid, just under your outer eyebrow. Then dab the EyeLighter or shadow on the inner corner of your eyes and on the outer corner of your eyes. Use your finger to blend in. The white shade will brighten your eyes and make them really pop.

Photo credit

LOOKS OF "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

After reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo about a month ago, I've been SO excited to see the David Fincher version of the movie. Yesterday I went to see it and was not disappointed. I might even have to see it again in the theaters because there's so much to take in. What was most amazing was the transformation of actress Rooney Mara in her role as Lisbeth Salander. She truly became the character and I forgot I was watching an actress.

To achieve the look of Salander, renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath used numerous makeup techniques, coming up with as many as 200 different versions of a smoky eye. CoverGirl Liquiline Blast in Black Fire and Brown Blaze were highlighted with CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast in Brown Bling. McGrath then smudged in Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Quad in Volcano and CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Eyeshadow in Forever Fig. 

While promoting the film, Mara's red carpet looks haven't been too shabby either. 

From left to right; Givenchy Haute Couture dress, Roksanda pantsuit, Prabal Gurung dress and Christian Louboutin heels, Carven coat and Brian Atwood pumps, Rodarte for Opening Ceremony dress and Christian Louboutin Mary Jane wedges

I love the chic and classic look of Mara's face on the red carpet. She reminds me of Jennifer Connelly here.

Makeup used for Mara's flawless red-carpet face by her makeup artist, Kate Lee. 

Chanel Hydramax Serum, $82

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Flawless Fluid Makeup, $55

Kevyn Aucion The Creamy Glow in Tresbelle, $24

Chanel Brown Pencil in Noir Cendre, $29

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $30

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse, $32

MAKE ME OVER

I'm a total beauty junky and can never get enough products to experiment with. These are the latest and greatest!

For Hair

John Frieda Full Repair
A compact and tidy hair-product that looks like mascara, but for your hair. Swipe the wand over flyaways for perfectly smooth strands and throw it in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. If you have short hair or bangs, this product will really become a time saver. 

Emi-Jay Hair Ties
These ties look cute in your hair or wrapped around your wrist. Even better, they never leave an annoying crimp in your ponytail. Available in a variety of colors.

For Eyes

Bobbi Brown Tortoise Shell Collection
The new all-in-one compact from Bobbi Brown. The 8 eyeshadow colors include 4 beautiful neutrals and 4 shimmery shades, plus a dual ended mini brush. The lower compartment slides out for super sleek packaging. This product really comes in handy when you're traveling and don't want to lug all your shadows with you.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
My new favorite for beautiful eyes! The mini wand helps you get those hard to reach inner lashes and allows you to layer multiple coats on your lower lashes. Paired with your regular mascara on your top lashes and your eyes will really pop.

Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Illusoire
This Chanel shadow stays put, even in the summer heat. I love the purple-gray shade for evening. Pair with a pale lip for a runway look.

For Nails

Le Vernis Nail Colour in Graphite, Quartz, Peridot
Although pricey, Chanel makes the most luxurious nail polish. The fall 2011 colors already have me swooning, particularly the peridot shade.

RGB Nail Polish in Beach, Coral, and Stone
These polishes go on perfectly smooth and rarely chip. The coral shade has been my go-to for summer toes, while the beach and stone are wear-with-everything neutrals. Read more about RGB.

For Skin

Kate Somerville Somerville360 Tanning Towelettes
I've never been a sun worshipper, but I admit a golden tan always flatters. Somerville's single towelettes come in one universal shade and the application always looks natural. Each one delivers just the right amount for your face and body. Plus, the lemony scent is much better than the typical icky self-tanner smell.

Dr Hess Udder Stick

This is the BEST chapstick! It's so moisturizing, smells delish, and comes in a bunch of flavors. I keep one in each of my bags.

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Face Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Non-greasy, non-clogging, lightweight. In essence, the perfect sunscreen.

For more beauty product muzz-haves, click here.