fabulously flawless

It's hard to believe all the hype about mineral makeup minimizing your fine lines and covering your flaws. No matter which brands I've tried, they've often resulted in the inevitably cakey look.

Not KSS Professional. I was eager to try it since it seemed so simple to use (the company provides videos that demonstrate the product usage so it couldn't be easier): A little goes a long way so just dot disperse a small amount of the loose mineral powder over your face, then buff it out. Repeat using the mineral foundation in a personally selected shade. The results? Flawless!

But don't take my word for it...listen to the comments I got when wearing it:

"What did you do differently? You're glowing!"

"Your skin looks great. You look so rested, like you just got back from vacation."

"What kind of foundation do you use? It looks so natural."

One friend was so enthralled with my new look, she wanted to try the product right away. The next day happened to be her birthday so I wrapped up my precious products and actually gave them to her! She said it was the best birthday present ever!

So how do the products offer such a natural effect? The loose powders are crafted by hand and made from the highest-quality ingredients. Plus, they're easy to apply, last all day and feel as though you are wearing nothing at all.

The line consists of nine shades of foundation ($25), Universal Powder ($16), and a no-shed guarantee, vegan brush ($20--it's SO soft, you have to try it!). With titanium dioxide (SPF ranges from 30 to 70 naturally!) being the main ingredient, the line is ideal for athletic women as well as those on-the-go since it's humidity and sweat resistant/proof.

In addition to making women look good, the KSS Professional team also helps local Kansas City women feel good--by donating 5% of the company's profits to its Foundation Foundation.

KSS Professional products can only be obtained through professionals. So click on www.kssprofessional.com to find a salon in your area where the products can be purchased.

pony up!

Shu Uemura hairstylist Matthew Morris gives the traditional ponytail a new edge for spring.

The clothes that fashion designers Andy and Debb sent down the runway for Spring were based on international design elements; they were simultaneously hard and soft since they have hard lines but soft colors. To complement the look, Matthew Morris, lead stylist for Andy & Debb from Shu Uemura Art of Hair, was commissioned to create a masterful hairstyle that could incorporate both elements. What he came up with: A pulled back ponytail that was slicked on top but full of volume at the tail.

“There’s an explosion of texture in the ponytail after it’s bound,” says Morris, who used Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric Mineral Texture Spray ($33; 8.5 oz.) along with Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Hair Spray ($33; 8 oz.) to create the look. Liquid Fabric is designed to revitalize your curl/wave pattern with a natural looking finish while offering moisture balance, humidity resistance and frizz-control. Sheer Lacquer is a weightless finishing spray that gives hair hold as well as a soft, natural-looking finish. Layer it on for your desired amount of control. To up the authenticity factor, Morris left some “fuzzies” to frame the face for a just-pulled-on sweater effect. He fastened the ponytail with an elastic instead of wrapping the hair, which he says is “SO pedestrian.”

The best part: This is a look that women of any age can pull off. While more mature women often wear their hair in ponytails to try to preserve their youth, it can often look staid—and outdated. But this sleek/volumized style gives the traditional ponytail a fresh, modern edge.

Too extreme for your measures? Use minimal product to avoid making the slicked or volumized part look too severe. For the show, Morris spent a good deal of time teasing and fluffing the model’s ponytails for volume, body and personality. His advice: Real women should tease lightly for a softer yet equally alluring effect.

For more info on Shu Uemura products, go towww.shuuemura-usa.com.

lash bash

Just because summer's over, doesn't mean you can ditch your waterproof mascara. There are still plenty of things to shed a tear over (a breakup!), sentimental movies to sniffle at and a rain storm here or there. So if you don't want to go for eyelash extensions, you need to find the best mascara for you. Sexy Curves Waterproof Mascara ($7.49) from Rimmel. The 100% waterproof formula stays in place until you want to take it off and features the Aquatrap System, a wash-off resistant emulsion with Linseed Oil to promote lash health. The best thing about this lash mascara: The Triple Plump Brush boasts an hourglass shape that reminds me of a caterpillar--thick portions interspersed with thinner portions to evenly distribute the formula and curl and declump lashes. Plus, the case is really lightweight so you can throw it in your purse without feeling a weight on your shoulder. After just one application, your eyelashes will look revitalized, making it a decent volume mascara as well as a waterproof option. Great for everyday or special occasions, it will make your lashes come alive. For more info, go to www.rimmellondon.com.

expert advice: get lush lashes, from CA dermatologist Lorrie Klein

We apply eyebrow pencil to make our brows look fuller but what can we do for sparse lashes? You know, the kind you can barely see in the mirror? Sure, there are different types of mascara designed to lengthen and volumize. But if you want a more permanent solution, check out the Latisse procedure from Dr. Lorrie Klein, Laguna Niguel, CA dermatologist and RealSelf.com contributor. It scored 90% on Real Self's Worth It Index.

Here, Dr. Klein shares her experiences with the treatment. Read on, then bat away!

Prettyisprettydoes: What is the Latisse procedure? How is it done?
Lorrie Klein: "Latisse is a prescription product that's applied topically to the eyelid, along the eyelashes, to enhance eyelash growth. It is used once daily for three to four months until the desired length or fullness is achieved, and can then be used every other day for maintenance."

PIPD: Who are the best candidates? Is there anyone who shouldn't try it?
LK: "The best candidates are people with thin, short and/or sparse eyelashes who desire longer, thicker, fuller lashes. People with a known sensitivity to bimatoprost should not use it."

PIPD: What are the pros and cons of the treatment?

LK: "The pros: You can easily use it at home in about 30 seconds a day. In my experience, it works on everyone. It gives women longer, thicker lashes. The cons: It must be applied daily and then at least three times a week during maintenance or lashes eventually will go back to their original state. It can be costly for some, although if used with a different, finer, reusable brush, one vial can last up to six months once on maintenance.

PIPD: What are the side effects of the drug?
LK: "Some have skin irritation. The eyes can also get irritated, but if used carefully it should only be getting into the eye minimally. Other side effects have never been proven to occur from Latisse, to my knowledge."

PIPD: How long do the results last?
LK: "Indefinitely, as long as it is used at least three times per week. If use is discontinued, lashes return to their pre-treated state in several weeks."

PIPD: Does this mean you don't have to use mascara ever again?
LK: "If you are using mascara to lengthen, darken or thicken your lashes and you can achieve that with Latisse, then you won’t need mascara. But while everyone has lash lengthening, and many have thickening, not everyone has darkening. Mine, for example, are light brown and don’t show unless I wear mascara, even though they are very long now."

PIPD: Is there a memorable patient's reaction or story about someone who underwent the procedure that you could share?
LK: "I have had several patients whose lashes got so long, the goggles we put over their eyes to protect them during laser treatments wouldn’t stay on. The lashes were literally pushing the goggles off their eyes!"

For more info on Latisse or Dr. Lorrie Klein, go to www.realself.com.

fashion week: behind the scenes with fashion photog Dimitrios Kambouris

New York City native Dimitrios Kambouris is a self-taught photographer and has been repeatedly commissioned by publications and PR agencies to cover movie premieres, store openings, film festivals, concerts, runway and fashion events, among others. His photo of Madonna graced one of New York Magazine’s most notable covers of the 2009. This past week, he spent hours photographing celebs, models, designers and other notables--as well as some incredible clothes--at NY Fashion Week. Here, he shares his experiences with prettyisprettydoes...

PIPD: How did you get into the biz?

DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS: "I worked in a camera store/one-hour photo lab while a student at Bryant High School in Astoria, Queens. I got hands advice from professional photographers, such as Dan Lecca, when they dropped off film."

PIPD: What do you love most about being a fashion photog?

DK: "I like going to events and parties. I go to document people having fun, wearing dresses, and that moment in their lives."

PIPD: What do you like least?

DK: "Long days."

PIPD: Name some of the people you photographed who were the most meaningful?

DK: Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, Diane von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta

PIPD: What should the average person do to take a red carpet worthy photo?

DK: "Look great with a beautiful dress. Don’t wear black. Magazines love color."

PIPD: What are the biggest mistakes the average person makes when they are photographed?

DK: "Holding water bottles and invitations. And chewing gum."

Learn more about Dimitrios and see his amazing fashion week pics at www.gettyimages.com.

fashion week: fashion/jewelry expert Michael O'Connor gives us an insider view

During New York Fashion Week, we read about models strutting the runways, designers pulling it all together backstage and celebrity fans flitting about throughout the tents. Now jewelry expert and style guru Michael O’Connor tells us what we can look forward to for the upcoming fashion season. Here, his take on the New York Spring 2011 runway shows.

Prettyisprettydoes: Are you excited about FW's move to Lincoln Center? What do you look forward to in the new venue?

Michael O'Connor: "I think it will be a great move for Fashion Week. I’m looking forward to all the new space for mingling in the lobby, as well as some new formats."

PIPD: Which shows are you looking forward to seeing? Which celebs do you want to work with?

MO: "There are so many shows, but some of my favorites are Derek Lam, Dennis Basso and Venexiana. I’ve worked with many celebrities over the years - from many of the cast of Desperate Housewives to The Office to True Blood--as well as various actresses from Brittany Murphy to Jane Kaczmeryck, among others."

PIPD: Which shows will you be working on this season?

MO: "So far, I’ll be working on the Emmy’s (just finished), the Golden Globes, Academy Awards and thinking about a few more since I seem to be getting requests."

PIPD: Give us a hint of jewelry trends for Spring 2011. What are your favorite pieces?

MO: "Some of the jewelry trends that I’m seeing happen are:

1. Bigger and Bolder pieces. We saw large bib necklaces of Heidi Klum and several actresses at the Emmy’s. Big Bracelets too such as Kim Kardashian’s. Larger earrings were worn by almost everyone at the Emmy’s. Overall, pieces are getting larger in size.

2. Color is a huge trend, both on the fashion runways and in the jewelry design houses. Colored gemstones are being used to compliment all the color we’re seeing in fashion. Additionally, the use of colored gemstones is allowing for larger pieces, since much of the color is available in a variety of semi-precious gemstones that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

3. Modern materials and metals are another huge trend. Jewelry designers are letting their imaginations go and incorporating newer metals with great finishes, such as blackened rhodium, to enhance the gemstones. Metals like titanium are being used for larger pieces in order to keep them light. Additionally, leather, wood, rubber, glass and other “non-precious” materials are being used to add interest, color and modernity to designs."

PIPD: Is there one really unique jewelry trend that will come out of these shows? How will it translate to the mainstream?

MO: The three huge trends I mentioned above will translate into different ways that will bring them mainstream. The larger looks will be accomplished in a mainstream manner by the use of larger semi-precious gems and precious gemstone slices that allow for large surfaces. Additionally, the use of non-precious elements and silver will allow designers to create pieces at some very attractive price points. Also there has been a trend toward layering in both clothing and jewelry. For jewelry, that means that people will be able to collect smaller pieces over time (such as bracelets or necklaces) and then simply layer them together to create larger, more important looks."

PIPD: Do you have any advice for fashionistas with tight budgets? What are the five must-haves to buy this season that won't cause a financial meltdown?

MO: "For fashionistas on a budget, I suggest concentrating on five great pieces that will definitely get noticed. For example, a great pair of shoe-booties (peep toe or not), a great pair of sunglasses, an amazing pair of slacks that give you great lines, a tailored (but not over the top) jacket that you’ll be able to mix and match, as well as a great high-end watch. From there you can mix in many lower cost items for color and style while keeping the emphasis on the better pieces."

PIPD: Do you have any advice for first-timer attendees at the shows?

MO: "Choose to see designers that design for your body type. Don’t take every look that you see “literally” - that leads to a “costumey” look. Think about how you would incorporate these looks into your own style."

fashion's night out: first dog event

Fashion goes to the dogs. But it's a good thing! This year, Fashion's Night Out focuses on a huge number of amazing fashion events--including one for your favorite pooches! On Friday, September 10th from 7-10 PM, you can shop for the latest canine fashion, dog carriers, accessories and spa and grooming services at THE DOG STORE (170 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065; 212-317-5982). Hosted by Edward Alava, it promises to be an amazing event. The best part: Proceeds will benefit Frankie’s Friends, an organization that provides money to New Yorkers who cannot afford medical care for their pets. Sponsored by NYC and The Hamptons Veterinarian Dr. Cindy Bressler, Isle of Capri Restaurant, FUR by J Mikel, Best Pet Rx, Canine Celebrations, and Throw Me a Bone NYC. For more info on Fashion's Night Out events, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.