Always eager to try out the latest lash enhancers, we were excited to receive Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System ($35, Sephora.com) and couldn’t wait to test it out. With so many lash lengtheners with lofty promises on the market, we were a little skeptical that this duo would deliver the 98% increase in lash volume and 42% increase in lash length that was boasted. Well, we are happy to report that we were blown away by the results and pleasantly surprised!

The three-step system comes with an activating mascara base that also serves as a topcoat. When you apply the base, it primes lashes and acts as a foundation so the Flexistretch nylon fibers have something to cling to. Then you use the fibers to build out lashes and seal in the look with the glossy base/topcoat for gorgeously long, dark lashes. One of the things we love most about this system, compared to others, is that fact that the densely packed fibers can be used to create a completely customizable look. Add fibers to the outer half of lashes to wing out them out for a wide, cat-eyed look or apply extra fibers at lash tips for out-of-this-world length. Want volume? Brush fibers vertically across the entire lashes for a fuller look.

While this might sound like a daunting process, the three steps really don’t take much more time than usual mascara application. The product is a great alternative to more time/labor intensive false lashes or the pricey option of semi-permanent extensions. It also stays on well throughout that day without flaking but is easy to remove with your regular cleanser at night. Our one caveat – the fibers did drop into our eyes a bit when applying the second coat (but this could be because we got carried away with the layering). However, once the topcoat is on, they were sealed safely in place all day.

So is Too Faced’s new mascara really “better than false lashes”? Not sure we’d go that far, since the drama of falsies is hard to compete with, but we can attest that it’s one of the best natural lash enhancers that we’ve tried!

Recently I was invited to a preview of new offerings from Koh Gen Do Cosmetics. As an artist, I dip into their line religiously on clients whether its with the Maifanshi Makeup Color Base Pearl White, Oriental Plants Skin Lotion Spray, or my favorite the Maifanshi Natural Lighting Powder.

The line also has a very interesting background starting as a skin-soothing quest from an actress in Japan hoping to stop the use of heavy screen makeup on her skin. What started as skincare manifested into color cosmetics and from there one of the best HD foundations and powders surfaced as Koh Gen Do.

At the preview I met red carpet makeup artist Daniel Martin who can credit Amanda Peet and Mandy Moore to his client list. He color matched my skin with the new Aqua Foundation by applying the sheer, oil-free, medium coverage, glowing foundation to my face. Skin felt clean and looked incredibly natural and polished.

The next item I viewed was the Maifanshi Face Powder Snowy Pink.  This powder is not suitable for deep skin tones, but if you are fair to medium it just makes skin luminous, while taking down high shine. Somewhere in between matte and dewy, which is natural looking in my opinion.

We then looked over the primer or color base offering which also came in a pinkish shade called Maifanshi Makeup Color Base Lavender Pink. It has an SPF of 18, and will work to cast a neutral or less yellow glow to skin. Skin looked awake and smooth.

Koh Gen Do certainly has the niche of HD beauty and perfect textures. After all, they pride themselves on not just being skincare or a color cosmetic, but rather both combined. Of course this type of beauty retails at a high-end price tag, which of course celebrities can afford and celebrity artists get at a discount if not for free. As for the average consumer, if you asked me if there was one product from the line I could not live without? I would say their powders. I actually buy them at retail and use them on my clients over airbrush makeup or creams and liquids. It is one of my makeup kit essentials.

Go to a counter and play around a bit and see what is right for you. The line is just exquisite and I’m sure you can find something to treat your skin and your beauty arsenal with.

Just opened this month, Le Parker Meridien unveils a brand new, 20,000 square foot, beauty, health and wellness destination inside the hotel in what was once just gravity fitness. By reconfiguring the space and creating the underground, Le Parker Meridien has developed something that does not exist in New York – a one-stop shop for the best in fitness and beauty basics. The underground offers a completely pampering, yet efficient way to beautify:

• gravity fitness – totally renovated state-of-the art gym
• Moonshine – the first ever spa concept at the hotel
• Petit Blue Dog Café – healthy bites perfect for a workout or day of beauty
• drybar – No cuts. No color. Just blowouts
• tenoverten – the destination manicure

gravity fitness: gravity fitness is a completely redesigned multi-level, 15,000 square foot state-of-the art gym featuring top-notch equipment, personal Trainers and array of weekly Group Fitness classes ranging from cardio to strength training. gravity guests take advantage of Nautilus, hammer strength, Cybex, 20 tons of free weights, a glass-enclosed rooftop pool with sweeping views of Central park, a sundeck that actually gets sun, locker rooms with steam & sauna, laundry service and personalized TV’s.

Moonshine: The first ever spa at Le parker Meridien is a space that was unearthed from long-ago, and given a unique design aesthetic by the hotel’s go-to designer, Colum McCartan. It is uniquely different from the rest of the undergound space with rough floors and walls juxtaposed with a treasure trove of luxurious items including vintage Louis vuitton trunks, faux-fur throws, Turkish rugs and an abundance of candles. The spa features a beautiful lounge, 6 treatment rooms. Each guest is offered a shot of “moonshine” to loosen up pre-service. The spa menu approaches treatments differently from other spas. Instead of a 20 page menu featuring scrubs, wraps, 10 different types of massages and facials – Moonshine provides two options – massage or facial. Each treatment is customized and tailor-made to make sure every individual really leaves feeling and looking their best.

drybar: drybar was created by longtime professional stylist Alli Webb around the refreshing simple idea of “No cuts. No color. Just Blowouts.” After years of frustration overpaying for blowouts at traditional salons, and enduring the dreaded discount chain alternative, she decided to create a fun, clean, and beautiful atmosphere where like-minded women could get an incredible blowout at an affordable, fixed price. Appointments can be booked online at www.thedrybar.com or by calling 877.379.2279.

tenoverten: tenoverten is a neighborhood nail salon with a relaxed and social atmosphere whose mission is to bring back the simple pleasure of getting a manicure and pedicure. The salon feels like a beautiful apartment, rather than a typical nail salon, featuring limestone slab manicure tables, custom pedicure chair s and vintage lighting fixtures.

Head over and check out the new space to get beautified for spring!

There is nothing like a new brush set to reinvigorate a morning routine and get us even more excited about makeup application. While fingers, sponges and shadow applications will suffice in a pinch, to get a professional finish, it’s essential to have the right tools for proper powdering, highlighting, shading and blending.

Consisting of fourteen hand-sculpted brushes, the elegant Mirabella Signature Brush Set ($446) is designed specifically to provide effortless, completely flawless application. The chic brushed silver carrying case and and matching brush handles (clearly labeled for easy application) make it simple to revamp your routine and achieve the professional-quality finish you’ve dreamed of.

Benefits:

• Brushed silver ferrules and handles hide makeup smudges
• Tools are weighted to ensure controlled application and professional grade feel
• Each brush applicator (eg. sable, synthetic, pony, etc.) has been specifically chosen to provide the best application results
• Brushes are each clearly marked right on the handle, so you know EXACTLY how/where to use it
• 14 options are available for all your make up needs!

The price tag might seem steep, but this stunning set provides a one stop shop to everything you need for an impeccably polished look. Aside from the ease of use and functionality, they are incredibly beautiful and will enhance any makeup station or vanity!

For additional information, visit Mirabellabeauty.com.

While Fashion Week, may be over, the looks live on! One of our favorite hairstyles that came out of the Fashion Week frenzy was the ultra-feminine, soft bouncy waves we saw at the Carlos Miele show. We got the scoop from Rodney Cutler, Redken Expert for the Salon at ULTA Beauty, while he styled model’s hair backstage. Having worked with the designer before, Rodney told us that he knew what Miele liked and that the simple understated glamour of the hair was inspired by the clothing in the newest collection.

Tracing back to the Brazilian roots of the brand, Cutler’s vision was having the models look effortlessly chic. Mission accomplished! We were filled with the desire to run our hands through the gorgeous manes as they bounced down the runway and couldn’t wait to replicate the look at home.

Here’s how to get the look:

1. Layer Redken Spray Starch 15 Versatile Ironing Spray ($14) and Redken Rootful 06 Root Lifting Spray ($15.50) throughout sections of the hair and blow out straight until completely dry
2. Grab small sections of the hair, spray Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray ($17) and curl the hair using a 1 inch curling iron
3. Feed the hair through the curling iron continuing to flip the ends to avoid ridges
4. Pin up each of the curled pieces of hair
5. After a couple of minutes let down the hair and brush out the curls gently creating a soft full look

Disappointed that you didn’t get to attend any fashion shows this season? Don’t despair! We are offering one lucky winner 4 of the Laura Mercier products that were used to create the look at Pamella Roland’s Fall 2012 show. We had the pleasure of watching Matin Maulawizada, Global Brand Ambassador for Laura Mercier, work his magic backstage and got the low down on the Aspen-inspired looks. Maulawizada drew from the collection’s gentle femininity and strong fashion edge to create a makeup look that is “simple and reminiscent of nature with monochromatic colors, and yet, at the same time cool and beautiful.”

FACE

Matin stated “subtly sun-kissed skin and breezy blooming cheeks evocative of a crisp day outdoors were the foundations of the look.”

• Matin first applied Laura Mercier Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze ($32) all over the face to give the skin a warm, outdoorsy glow.

• He then brushed Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Wild Bouquet ($24) onto the apples of the cheeks to give the face a pop of color.

LIPS

• Matin then “applied a runway lip, with a stained effect so it didn’t appear overdone.”

• Matin recommends readers at home apply Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Cocoa (NEW: Crème Smooth Lip Colours available Fall 2012) by pressing it onto their lips using their ring finger. This gives a sexy, stained effect.

EYES

According to Maulawizada, “the very diffused smoky chocolate brown eye mimics nature by looking perfectly imperfect.”

• Matin first applied Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Truffle ($22) all over the eyelids as a smoke, and diffused it as it reached the brow.

• He then intensified the eye with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Coffee Ground ($22) along the lashes.

• Matin finished the look by adding several coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara (NEW: Faux Lash Mascara available Fall 2012)

Enter to win a set of the the four bolded products above by commenting below or visiting @mwmakeup on Twitter and ReTweeting this post.  One lucky winner will be chosen next week!  Good luck to all!

Does your winter skin need an instant brightening boost? Lumixyl SilkPeel is a novel peel designed to exfoliate, hydrate and illuminate skin.

The SilkPeel MD is the first device to combine the highest quality, diamond assisted microdermabrasion with a simultaneous delivery of potent topical serums deep into the surface of the skin and down to the base of the pores. The Lumixyl SilkPeel removes the top-most portion of the epidermis while also infusing the skin with the new powerful Lumixyl peptide. The Lumixyl infusion specifically helps reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma and improves uneven skin tone. It is non-toxic and safe for all skin types. In addition, Lumixyl does not contain hydroquinone which can cause irritation.

I tested out the procedure at Dr. Rosemary Ingleton’s NoHo office where Esthetician Michelle Calabrese was genuinely excited to demonstrate the Silk Peel. She aptly called it an, “exorcism of toxins lying on your skin.” During the procedure, the dual action of diamond-assisted microdermabrasion and a dermal infusion flush out impurities and also deliver potent topical serums deep into the surface of the skin. A jar of liquid is left behind with the remnants of your skin’s exorcism. It’s frightening what exactly comes out after such a deep cleaning. My jar looked like makeup. One client of Michelle’s actually took home the jar to show her husband! It’s mind boggling but your skin will never look better.

To jump start your skin for spring, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Michelle, who calls herself a 30’s era obsessed nerd who lives for the customization of the chemistry of skincare. Silk Peel and Pelleve and among her favorite procedures. She is adorable, and really wants to maximize the potential of your skin care. She holds Dr. Ingleton, in the highest regard, calling her a perfectionist.

The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and there is no downtime afterward. Visible results are immediate, however a series of monthly treatments is recommended.

The Lumixyl SilkPeel Treatment is available nationwide by trained medical professionals.

Happy first day of February beauties! To kick off the month, we have an amazing giveaway that will ensure your locks are properly nourished throughout the remainder of winter.   Known for her gorgeous red hair, The Help stunner Emma Stone recently gushed that Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo ($24, barneys.com) and NOUNOU Conditioner ($26, barneys.com) are responsible for maintaining her enviable shiny strands. She raves that the duo helps keep her hair in check when it comes to grease and product build up plus adores the smell!

“I need a lot of moisture for my skin, but not for my hair. I have the opposite problem with my scalp as I do my face. This clarifying shampoo doesn’t weigh down my hair, and the conditioner is great for baby fine hair. It also smells very good, too.” – Emma Stone

We are giving one lucky winner the opportunity to steal Emma’s healthy hair secret. To enter, you must like the Davines Facebook page (DavinesOfficial) and follow the brand on Twitter (@DavinesOfficial), plus leave your email address or Twitter handle in the comment section below so we can get in contact with the winner.

Don’t forget to like Mickey Williams Beauty on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@mwmakeup) as well for more great giveaways and industry news!

Good luck to all!

Bring some color back into the drab winter months with Laura Mercier’s new Lingerie Collection. The collection, which just hit shelves this month, is inspired by the soft romantic colors and fabrics of the Victorian Age and showcases a palette of colors reminiscent of Boudoir vintage lingerie and this super-feminine era.  The resulting look is softly sexy lips and cheeks in shades of trendy corals with neutral eyes in taupes and greys.

We want to help you warm up your look this winter by giving away 3 peachy products from the collection!  We’ll be offering one of each of the below products to three lucky winners this week.  To enter, either leave a comment in the comment section here, or visit us on Twitter @mwmakeup, follow us  and ReTweet one of our posts about this contest.  Winners will be announced this Friday.

Product include:

Lip Shine: Tempting Coral
Formulated with Shea Butter and Vitamin E, this new  limited-edition Lip Shine provides a lightweight, non-tacky finish, and give an extra shiny, pearlescent finish to the lips.
LauraMercier.com, $22

Sheer Lip Colour: Kissed Lips
A hydrating, anti-aging, plumping and conditioning lip colour that glides on smoothly and evenly, delivering a sheer wash of colour with a semi-matte finish.
LauraMercier.com, $20

Creme Cheek Colour: Innocent Peach
This long-lasting, natural-looking cheek colour provides a flattering, natural, peachy glow.
LauraMercier.com, $20

Good luck to all!

Nails have become the hottest accessory this winter. Whether rocking a shiny gel manicure or going daring with seasonal glitter or nail art trends – the choices are endless. Keeping up with this craze can be expensive and time consuming, but luckily now DIY options are available at home! We’ve tested out the latest and are impressed with these products’ ability to deliver salon quality results at home.

SensatioNAIL
Love the look and last of a gel manicure but hate the time and money spent at the salon? Our current obsession is SensatioNAIL, a true at-home gel manicure system. The Starter Kit comes with one color polish, and LED lamp, cleanser, base coat and gel – everything you need for a professional quality gel job at home. In a few easy steps and less than 30 minutes, we were left with a perfect gel manicure. One of our favorite things about the set is that after the final cure with the LED light, nails are immediately rock hard, meaning zero drying time.

The polish lasts up to two weeks and when we tested out its durability over the holidays, our nails survived a hectic schedule filled with food prep and social engagements without a single chip while also maintaining their shine. When we finally went in for a polish change at the salon, the manicurist could not believe that is was an at-home system and remarked that the gel held stronger than the product used in the salon! With the Starter Kit costing nearly the same amount as a single professional gel application, you can’t afford not to get this amazing system.
$60 for Starter Kit; $12 for each additional polish at CVS

Liquid Palisade

Have trouble keeping polish on your nail and always end up getting color on the cuticles? This tell-tail sing of an at-home manicure attempt gone awry can easily be eliminated with Liquid Palisade, a paint on temporary liquid barrier that protects against polish mishaps. Simply brush on to the cuticle area, let dry, and then paint as usual. When polish is dry, peel off Liquid Palisade for a crisp, perfectly edged polish.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          $22 at liquidpalisade.com

Dermelect Nail Recovery System
If you struggle with weak, brittle, peeling nails that just won’t grow, Dermelect Nail Recovery System is a must for restoring nails to their natural beauty. The simple step-by-step regimen utilizes protein-peptide technology to hydrate, protect and strengthen nails. Similar to multi-peptide technology for the treatment of aging skin, the breakthrough ingredient ProSina provides a unique delivery system of protein peptide directly to the nail bed to encourage stubborn nails to grow. Whenever we feel our nails getting soft between manicures or naturally, we start using this system and find that our nails instantly feel healthier and noticeably harder.
$59 at Dermelect.com

Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System
Just can’t seem to deal with dry time? Stop smudging your fresh paint with Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System! The fast drying polish prep, base coat and top coat trio cut polish drying time in more than half, meaning no more stoically sitting still waiting endlessly for polish to harden. In just 5 minutes, we found that our polish was rock hard and that the top coat made nails just as shiny as our favorite Seche Vite staple.
$28 at DazzleDry.com

Red Carpet Manicure
Another at-home gel manicure system that we are loving comes from Red Carpet Manicure. The Starter Kit contains everything you need for a professional salon gel manicure in the comfort of your home – at a fraction of the cost. You can get up to 50 applications with each polish, making this an economical solution to one of our favorite indulgences. Do it at home while watching TV and the result is weeks of gorgeous color and high shine that lasts!
$60 at RedCarpetManicure.com

Kiss Feather Light Nails
Just can’t grow your nails long enough for that french manicure? Pop on a set of Kiss Feather Light Nails, the lightest artificial nails EVER. These aren’t your typical press-ons and don’t leave your nails feeling heavy or bulky like many drugstore options and acrylics. The nails simply glue and are so thin that they look like an impeccable manicure on your very own nails. Despite their weight, they are super durable and last up to 10 days. We’ve worn them through cooking, cleaning and vacations and found that they truly live up to the 10 day promise. When you’re ready to remove them, simply soak them off with acetone like you would a gel manicure.
$6.99 at CVS

IMPress Manicure
Want to experiment with nail art but worried about the commitment? Thanks to IMPress Manicure, you can feel free to play with wild nail looks on the weekend and easily remove them for a more subdued style on Monday. IMPress is a fully painted nail system that comes pre-glued for quick, easy application. When you are ready to remove, gently peel nails from the sides. Unlike nails that use liquid glue, these come off easily without damaging the nail underneath – making them perfect for polish commitment-phobes who crave frequent stylistic changes.
$5.99 at Walgreens

What do you use to get the perfect at-home manicure?