The A-List - Fashion, Style Inspiration, What to Wear to Work -Everything 'HOT & COOL'!

5 Of Our A-List Expert's Favorite Beauty Products

You know how you always want to try that scrub that's making your girlfriend's skin have that dewy glow?  Or how you got so many compliments that time you borrowed your sister's lipgloss? 

Our Expert's Master List is like that...

We've gathered all of our A-List Interview's and listed the expert's top tips, tricks and shopping recommendations with easy to shop links - all in one place. (it's here)

Go inside their makeup bags, on top of their dressing tables and inside their homes to discover all their Beauty, Style, Food, Travel, Shopping Tips, Tricks, Recommendations and more.

To to start your week off beautifully we're highlighting 5 of our favorite beauty products as chosen from our "Master List".  

________________________________________________________________________

(left to right)

 Le Metier de Beaute  Even Oprah loves this one!

What's it do? "Achieve professional, spa-like results in the privacy of your own home with Le Metier de Beaute's CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set."

"Fitglow Beauty "Good Gloss" in Cherry  

Why we love it?  Good Gloss' natural formula with certified Organic COCONUT OIL, SHEA BUTTER and JOJOBA work to hydrate, enhance and protect lips without petroleum-based ingredients."

Ted Gibson's Hair Sheet Styling Coiffant

The poof? "Give your hair the sophisticated, effortless, freshen-up of hair sheet™ styling. infused with the exclusive wild orchid complex of silk amino acids and vitamins A, B5, and E.  Hairsheet styling not only brings hair back to life but also keeps it protected from harmful UV rays and environmental damage.  10 single use sheets." 

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

The secret: "Achieve an intense, dramatic lash look in a single stroke, for lashes that stop traffic with the blink of an eye.   Its secret is the Triple-Film Complex: a film-coating for intensity, a conditioning film for curve, and a fixing film for long-lasting effectiveness."

Histoires de Parfums in Blanc Violette 

Le scoop: "The violet, from Parma or Toulouse, is delicate and discreetly opens out, revealing its powdered floral scent in all subtlety."

 

Have a  beautiful week.... xx  The A-List 

 

How To Get Luxurious Hair - We Got The Scoop From a Top Boston Stylist.

 

We recently spent the day at one of Boston's top hair salons, the award-winning, 'Salon Capri' on famed Newbury Street.

 

The humidity in Boston is the bane of every it-girl's existence... So we asked top stylist, Ashley R., what products she would recommend to keep our hair, sleek, soft and most of all... frizz free. 

 

Prepare to get smoothed. 

 

 

First - Ashley HIGHLY recommended that we start on the new Kerastase regimen "Discipline" - a "Smooth-In-Motion treatment.  A treatment that starts at the salon and continues at home.   Read more about the treatment here and decide if it's for you. 

 

In the interim, take a look at the 4 products above that Ashley swears by for smooth, luxe locks.  

And our review?  #MadeTheAList !

 

Kerastase Discipline - Bain Fluidealiste - Smooth-In-Motion Shampoo

 

Kerastase Discipline - Fondant Fluidealiste - Smooth-In-Motion Care

 

Regular use of the shampoo and conditioning treatment have a cumulative effect on the hair to aid in the smoothing process.

 

Kerastase Resistance - Ciment Thermique - Heat-Activated Reconstructing Milk 

 

We were thrilled to hear that this product's benefits are actually heat ACTIVATED - so blow-dry and hot-iron away.

 

Kerastase Nutritive - Touche Perfection - Replenishing Balm for Dry Ends 

 

Ashley put it this way:  "It's like hand-lotion for your hair".   We took her up on it and YES.  The product goes on smoothly and easily and doesn't make hair feel goopy or feel like your fingers are getting stuck in your hair.  Keep it in your handbag and use whenever you need a little 'Touche' Up. 

 

 

Happy Styling    xx  The A-List

 

 

7 Products, Tips & Tricks Making Our A-List for #BeautyTuesday

Nail treatment / AERIN gift sets kit,  Alterna styling product,  Butter london nail polish,  Alterna styling product,  Lancôme nail polish,  Crochet headwrap,  Lips makeup,  Urban Decay cheek bronzer,  Lips makeup

Urban Decay 'Naked Flushed' Cheek Bronzer
Bath & Body Works Lip Gloss
Alterna BAMBOO BEACH Summer Ocean Waves Tousled Texture Spray
Alterna BAMBOO BEACH Summer Sunshine Spray Protective Shine Veil 
AERIN Beauty All-in-one gift sets
Butter London Alabaster Nail Polish
Lancome 'Vernis In Love' Limited Edition Gold Tone Nail Polish

 a 'How-To' - to get your own 'Beachy Surfer-Girl Hair

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BEAUTY Fashion and Celebrity Makeup artist, Kendra Richards' quote really inspired us: "As a makeup artist I play up the strengths of the women who sit in my chair.  I suggest taking some time to do this for yourself.   Focus on what you love and play that up."  

Such great advice!  Check out her 'You Tube' channel and this video on how to do a hot summer trend, 'Coral Lips'.  Great tips and even her secret to a flawless application.

HAIR Would you?! This article suggests using pinking shears (scissors) to trim your bangs.

WEAR An ogle around supermodel, Doutzen Kroes' Instagram reveals she's a big fan of HATS.  (and @BalletBeautiful workouts).  A full-brimmed hat is best for the beach as it protects your hair color, your face, neck and the often forgotten, back of your neck.  (don't forget to slather sunscreen here too! This one is wide enough to do the trick and packable.

TRAVEL Allie says: When traveling pack your liquids like shampoo, leave-in, face wash, serums etc. in plastic baggies.  The combination of heat, altitude and baggage transfer and wait times can make bottles leak or even burst.  A plastic, zip-lock bag will ensure that your clothing stays free of gooey mess.  (Allie says: I pack my liquid beauty products in plastic baggies and tuck them in my outside luggage pocket to be extra safe.)

BODY One of our favorite 'To-Pack' items is Lalicious Body Sugar Scrub. (also on The Master List) It's your body wash, scrub and lotion all-in-one and because it's not a liquid format - there's no need to worry about it leaking.

BEACH READ Flare has an excerpt from what many are saying is 'The must-read' book of the Summer' - That is if you like saucy, non-fiction girl-adventures-sex-foreign-men-and lots of laughs.  Check it out. 

QUOTE You gotta 'own it'.  In an ABC World New Tonight story, the legendary, Sophia Loren - when asked how she perfected her famous walk - replied that her mother taught her, "You walk with dignity, you walk like you own the world." 

 

Happy Sunning... xx  The A-List

ps: We'd LOVE you to Follow Us on Pinterest where we work daily to bring you our favorite Pins in Style, Beauty, Accessories and more.

 

EXTRA Notes from the Set with Allie - "All this summer beauty-talk reminds me of a swimwear shoot I was working on in Cancun, Mexico and one night we never expected... 

After shooting all day and a quick dinner, a few of us on the crew were heading back to our rooms and noticed two of the models leaving (sneaking out of) the hotel in full hair and makeup and club clothes.  We asked them what they were doing and they said they'd heard there was a bikini contest at a local club and the winner took home $1000.

Of course, we're responsible for the shoot - and to make sure the models are on set and looking good for the next day (5am call-time!).  We didn't want the girls out and about in the middle of the night, so the photographer and I had to go with them. (insert 'ugh' here.). 

As you can imagine in a Cancun nightclub - it was crazy and packed!  The contest started and out walks our girls in shiny, teeny-tiny bikinis (NOT like the ones we were shooting for a major retailer.)  

The girls - as professional models - really trumped the vacationers and locals that had also entered.  Their walk, hair, makeup etc. was flawless (and man, could they flirt!). 

Long story short... one of them WON!  (Hard to argue with $1000 bucks for about 30 minutes of "work" aka: posing, standing, waving, and a little tush-shaking...)

Immediately after the contest, we got them together and got a cab back to the hotel.  Next day - the shoot went off without a hitch and the client never knew.  

xx  Allie 

 

#TBT Our A-List Interview With Legendary Hair Stylist To The Stars - Ted Gibson

 

 

One of the "techno visionaries who are changing beauty!"   WWD

 

TED GIBSON 

Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightley, Renee Zellweger, Jessica Chastain, Emma Watson, Demi Moore & Joy Bryant are but a few of the luminaries in his galaxy of stars. 

He's collaborated with the best photographers in the industry to create some of the most iconic images for the world's greatest fashion magazines and Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana et al vie for his creative tour de force at their shows....(whew!)

But this is just a sampling of our newest A-Lister, Mr. Ted Gibson's accomplishments...

Never one to rest on his laurels, Ted's mantra is “More More More' - and to that - he appears regularly on TLC’s “What Not To Wear", runs two eponymous salons, produces an award winning product line and when he has a free second - stops by Entertainment Tonight, NBC's TODAY show or OPRAH as Hollywood's last word on style.

So with enough accolades to fill a sound-stage and legions of fans around the world known adorably as "Gibson Girls" - we were dyeing (pun intended) to know...

Hair-master to the stars, Ted Gibson... "What's on your A-List?" 

 

Favorite Beauty Product(s)?

• Fragrance from Le Labo.

 

Favorite Hair Product(s)?

• Ted Gibson Hairsheet Styling (for an on-the-go refresher for you hair)

Last Fashion item you bought?

• Shoes 

 

Favorite item in your closet?

• Tom Ford tux

 

 

Last Beauty (Skincare) Product you bought?

• Revive microdermabrasion

 

Favorite Shopping Website(s)?

• Gilt.com of course! I buy everything – bags, candles etc.

 

Go to outfit you always look great in?

• Custom made suit by Martin Greenfield.

 

What’s always on your Grocery List? 

• Crystal Light, unsalted cashews and raisins

 

What do you always pack?

• My toothbrush and my favorite fragrance

 

Favorite App (iPhone / iPad)

• Instagram helps me keep up with what my friends are doing

 

“I’m addicted to:”

• Taking pictures of Spencer

Favorite Junk Food?

• Potato chips  -  (check out The Top 5 Flavored Gourmet Potatoe Chips here)

 

Tech/Gadgets you use?

• iPhone – what else do I need?!

 

Guilty pleasure?

• French fries - (Check out Chef, Emeril Lagasse's Perfect French Fry Recipe

 

Favorite restaurant?

• Whitehall in the West Village

19 Greenwich Avenue

New York, NY 10014, (212) 675-7261 Whitehall-NYC.com

 

• DBGB on Bowery and Houston

299 Bowery St

(between Houston St & 1st St) 
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: East Village, NoHo

(212) 933-5300

http://www.danielnyc.com/dbgb.html

 

 

Can’t Live Without?   

• My new custom ring with amethyst and rose gold by Bliss Lau

 

Best Gift You Have Ever Received?

• Traveling bag from one of my A-List clients - (The A-List says: Great Gift!) 

 

Best Gift You Have Ever Given?

• Pink orchids – all the time

 

Great Gift idea for “The Person Who Has Everything?

• A haircut with me of course! - (The A-List says: OMG! GREAT GIFT IDEA!) 

 

Best Advice or something you’ve learned in your career?  

• Not to give up and never let them see you sweat. 

 

What else would you like to do or accomplish?

• More, more, more and more!

 

More Teb Gibson Hair-clamations! (Glamour magazine)

• "To fake a freshly washed and styled look, I sprinkle baby powder into roots- it sops up oils and brings back volume.  Just be sure to brush it through to avoid a white scalp." 
• "A Mason Pearson brush is worth the splurge." 
• "I'm proud of all the products I create, but this one in particular - it amps up fullness for all hair textures  Ted Gibson Build It Blow Drying Agent 

• Follow me on twitter - @tedgibson

• Visit my new salon in Fort Lauderdale and follow on twitter - @tedgibsonFLA

• Visit our We Need an Oscar For Hair page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WeNeedAnOscarForHair

 

• Sign our petition site for We Need an Oscar for Hair

         http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/we-need-an-oscar-for-hair/

 

Congratulations…You Just Made, The A-List!

5 A-List Beauty Products, Tips and Tricks We Had To Tell You About! #Hair #Sun #Travel and more.

HAIR The View's Hairstylist, Bryant Renfroe (he does Barbara!) recently did a segment touting his favorite hair products.  Something to listen to coming from a man who has won 8 Emmy's for his work!  Two products in particular caught our eye - the "Tigi BedHead Candy Fixation Mega Whip". (Renfroe says he SWEARS by this product and even uses it in his own hair.) and his highly recommended "It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Treatment Plus Keratin" which was backed up by host, Jenny McCarthy who said she'd used it herself and loved it.  2 expert reviews... worth a try!

SUN After we read that SoCal beauty and actress Cameron Diaz loves this powder sunscreen with a "soft focus finish" - we can't wait to try it out.  SPF mineral powders like this one and A-List favorite, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45 not only provide sun protection but also help to soak up excess oil for a flawless look. 

ARRIVE Mathilde Thomas, co-founder of French beauty line, Caudalie recently told Elle magazine a cool trick for arriving from a flight looking fresh.  She slides her in-flight sleep-mask UP onto her face so that it bends her eyelashes upward essentially working like an eyelash curler so that when she wakes up - her eyes look more open and refreshed.

BODY Lipo' who?!  Buzz on the set these days is all about "Cool Sculpting".  The non-invasive, non-surgical fat reduction treatment used to zap 'muffin tops', 'love-handles' and other trouble spots aka: stubborn fat.  (no matter how much you exercise - there they are).  Could this be the Ultimate Power-Lunch?  We recently got the insider-scoop from a specialist in 'Cool Sculpting' at Montreal's 'Victoria Park Medi-Spa' who told us that it's so effective - and so easy to do - women are coming into the doctor's offices during the week armed with their laptops and Blackberry's while they get treated - never missing a beat. 

HANDS A quick conversation with top manicurist, Nadine at 'Spa Diva' left us with her scrumptious and easy at-home scrub to exfoliate hands while moisturizing.  Rub hands with about 2 Tbls of Olive Oil.  Then dunk them in a bowl of sugar and rub your hands together as if washing them in the sink.  The mixture will exfoliate your hands, preparing them to better soak up the nourishing olive oil.  Not just for hands either!  Nadine swears by olive oil to naturally moisturize her curly, color-treated hair saying that the simplicity of the single ingredient makes it more readily absorbed.

 

Enjoy!     xx   The A-List

 

 

 

What's On This Cosmetic Surgeon's Beauty List

 Like all the cool, insider scoop that we get from our A-List Interviewees - we love hearing what an expert recommends. So when Dr. Shirley Madhere a NYC cosmetic surgeon told Marie Claire some of her favorite beauty products - we took note.

Check out her list below.

 

  

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash

SanRe Rosy Fresh Organic Revitalizing Facial Toner 

Lierac Mesolift Serum

Natura Bisse The Cure Sheer Cream 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer 

 

 

Happy Shopping     xx  The A-List 

 

 

 

Check Out What's Making The Latest #Beauty List

Bye Bye Burn, Miranda's Secret, Carrie's Poof, Ted's Sheets & A Wrinkle Blaster...

It's This Week's #Beauty A-List.

 

 

1. Do you have this French pharmacy favorite in your beauty kit?  See what The A-List's Allie has to say about it and what a certain 'Housewife of Miami' likes to use instead. 

2. Supermodel Miranda Kerr tells Marie Claire: "I'm a master at the art of concealing." She uses RMS Beauty 'Un Cover-Up in #22. "This coconut-oil-enhanced concoction by makeup artist, Rose-Marie Swift works wonders." 

3. Poof!  Carrie Underwood tells People Style Watch, "I'm always using 'Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray' - it's great for creating big hair".  

4. 'First for Women' reports that 63% of their readers say that rubbing their hair with a dryer sheet is the best fix for dry, staticky hair.  37% say they smooth on hand cream.  Our A-Lister, hairstylist to the Stars - Ted Gibson - went a step further and developed his own 'On-the-go' Hair Refresher Styling Sheet of his own.  Check it out and more on his A-List.

5. You may have seen our LIST to help undo some previous "bad behaviors and habits" like too much sugar, booze or sun.  Turns out that RETINOL was the one product that could 'undo' sun damage.  There's an interesting review of several Retinol products here, OPRAH gave a great how-to here, The Derm Review says this is their favorite and VOGUE had this to say.   Our research found that Dr. Brandt's Skincare's 'GLOW Overnight Resurfacing Serum' has a whopping 2% Retinol (the highest concentration currently available without a prescription).  We're also addicted to "Glow by Dr. Brandt's "Ruby Crystal Retinol Hydracrème".  It's especially perfect for under-evening makeup as it adds a beautiful, light-reflecting shimmer. 

Bonus: Winter is so rough - Hair and skin especially can take a beating, becoming dry and brittle.  Try washing your hair and skin with products formulated for babies as they are often less drying than adult formulas.  

 

xx    The A-List 

 

 

 

The French Pharmacy Favorite You Should Have In Your Beauty Kit

A note from Allie: It was this post on A-List favorite: 'Stylist/Emerald Street' that sparked a behind-the scenes-memory...  

"I remember on set - that many models love Elizabeth Arden's 8hr Cream (it's actually kind of an orangey gel).  It's always on set, either in their bags or on the makeup tables.  They use it to combat dryness from all the traveling they do - especially on planes.  It's got a distinct scent and it always reminds me of early mornings in the makeup trailer.

Another option? A certain 'Housewife of Miami' uses Vaseline over her eye creme at night - especially around the 'crows feet' area.  She swears by it to seal in her moisturizer for maximum impact while she sleeps.  

Now we read in the piece from Emerald Street about a French pharmacy favorite: Cicaplast Gel by La Roche-Posay. (Pro-Recovery Skincare)."

Their take: “Cicaplast from La Roche-Posay is brilliant,” says Stylist beauty editor Samantha Flowers. “I’ve applied it to burns and cuts to encourage healing and minimise scarring (I’m currently slathering it on an oven burn). It’s most effective when applied daily.”

Allie says: 'While on a job in Tahiti, I accidentally got a bad sunburn on my face.  Once back in London, the pharmacist recommended 'Cicaplast' to help heal the burn faster and promote a smooth outcome.  I slathered it on religiously and not only was it amazing for the healing process and final outcome but it was so soothing to the actual burn.  Love it.  Recommend it.'

 

xx   The A-List

 

A-List Beauty Haul

If you're one of our A-List-a-gramers (follow us on Instagram here!) then you were the first to see our latest Beauty Haul.  We got a great response but our peeps needed deets! 

Scroll down for all the details, colors and links...

1. Buxom Full-On Lip Polish (Note: We chose the lighter spring-inspired colors but if you're looking for something more bold, take a look here - there's sure to be a hue for you.)

Our picks:

• Dominique - a glittering ice
• Celeste - a prismatic soft peach
• Trixie - a 24 karat pink
• Kimberly - NEW a sparkling bubblegum 

2. ESSIE nail polish:  in 'French Affair' - a sophisticated, soft lavender pink 

3. White liner: 'MAKE UP FOR EVER' Kohl Pencil in 2K (bright white).  We were inspired by our own "8 Awesome Things" post to try this white liner as a highlighter on the bow of our lip, at our brow and just next to our inner eye area for instant brightening. (ps: super easy quick fix)

4. MoroccanOil Restorative Hair Mask.  An A-List tipster told us THIS is the treatment to soften up winter's drying effects.

  

Happy Shopping   xx The A-List 

 

The First Step for Oscar, Red-Carpet Ready Makeup - Are You Getting It Right?

As we ready for our A-List LIVE Red Carpet Arrival coverage we can't help but think of all of our favorite stars sitting in Hair & Makeup right now - getting prepped for Hollywood's Biggest Night. (cont. below)

 

With High Definition TV, endless camera flashes, paparazzi, Twit-pics, Instagrams and even the Star's own selfies - one's makeup must be FLAWLESS. 

As our A-List founder and lead stylist, Allie always says: 'You've got to start with a GREAT CANVAS' and that means getting your skin optimally prepped and MOISTURIZED.   So while celebs have the benefit of master makeup artists - What if it were YOU?!  

Imagine if it were you in the spotlight tonight... what would be your FIRST STEP?  Do you know which moisturizer is best for for your skin? 

Check out these Top-Tips by HSN contributor, Lara Ramos on "How To Match Moisturizer to Your Skin Type".   Take a look, take the 'test' and see if YOU'RE Red Carpet ready!

 

"How To Match Moisturizer to Your Skin Type"

Not sure if your existing moisturizer is the right one? It’s simple! Apply your moisturizer fresh out of the shower and let it sink in completely. Before you apply makeup, run your fingers (or even press a tissue) lightly over your face. If there is any residue or grease, your moisturizer is too heavy. Your skin should feel soft, smooth, and mostly matte if you’re using the correct balance of moisture in your daily skincare routine

If you find that your current moisturizer just isn’t cutting it, here are a few tips on how to find the best one for your skin type.

If your skin is oily:

Opt for something oil-free and look for the words “non comedogenic” which means that it won’t clog your pores. I prefer water-based moisturizers and a gel or lotion texture. These feel extra light and refreshing, yet still hydrating.

 

 

 

 

 

If your skin is dry:

Look for a thick cream that works to moisturize skin more intensely and I have found the effects to be more long-lasting than a water-based moisturizers. My skin tends to get very dry in the winter months and so I make sure to add a night cream (without SPF) or a hydrating overnight facial mask to my routine as well to keep things hydrated 24-7. 

 

 

If your skin is sensitive:

Look for things that are dye and fragrance-free. I also love the addition of aloe in a facial moisturizer, which feels soothing. Sensitive skins should also be extra careful to conduct a patch test to look for adverse reactions. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking to fight wrinkles:

Look for something that includes SPF. Protecting your skin daily from the sun’s rays leading to a much healthier appearance. Trust me, your skin will thank you!

As a final rule of thumb, I am a firm believer in always testing new formulas on the back of my hand before I spread them all over my face. I can tell a lot by how quickly a moisturizer sinks in and how it feels on my skin. I look for that soft, smooth, matte feeling – and it almost never steers me wrong.

 

 

 Do you have a favorite moisturizer?  Email us at: [email protected] 

 

xx The A-List