fashion week: get this fresh makeup look from Napoleon Perdis

Just back from Fashion Week where I interviewed makeup artist Napoleon Perdis backstage at the Tony Cohen show. His "tough chic" makeup look "takes you from office to club in just a few simple steps." Perdis started the look with Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer and Boudoir Mist, followed by Stick Foundation and Camera Finish Powder. On eyes, Perdis took smoky to a whole new level, using Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) and #29 (Black) on lids, #66 (Healther) in the socket, #44 (ehite and #5 nude) on the brow bone and China Doll Eyeliner Equinox in Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) along the lashline. On lashes, he brushed Mesmer-Eyes Mascara, which comes with a dual-sided brush that features a fine mascara comb and a slightly wider tooth comb. "The finer side separates and the other thickens, lengthens and curls," explains Perdis. "Plus, the formula makes your lashes look glossy and beautiful, not dehydrated." Perdis used Stick Foundation to contour cheeks, then brushed DeVine Goddess lip gloss in Lianna (named after his 10-year-old daughter) on lips and Luminous Lip Veil in Hot Toffee as a lip finish. Finally, he spritzed the entire face with a lightweight skin spritzer for a slightly dewy effect. "My goal is to infuse freshness," says Perdis. "No matter how strong the look is, there's still a certain freshness to it." For more info on Napoleon Perdis products, go to www.napoleonperdis.com.

vday gift guide: chocolate queen

In honor of Valentine's Day, Sweet Jewels Bakery in NYC joins forces with Lipstick Queen's Poppy King to create a limited edition fiery cake ball made of red velvet cake blended with spiced cinnamon frosting, dipped in chocolate, & rolled in coconut flakes with a red hot candy in the center. Inspired by the sheer red FIRED UP LIP GLOSS from Lipstick Queen, this red velvet cupcake is the perfect bite-size sweet and spicy treat. You get a box of five individually foil-wrapped balls in a black box with a beautiful hang tag which can include a handwritten note at your request. Available for a limited time only - from Valentine's Day throughout next week. Go to www.sweetjewelsnyc.com or www.lipstickqueen.com to purchase. You can also check out LIPSTICK QUEEN's Fired Up Power Gloss at www.lipstickqueen.com.

smooth operator

I'm always looking for a new lipstick formula. Something that feels good on my lips and looks natural too. Shu Uemura's rouge unlimited supreme shine lipsticks ($23) do both. I tried 943, a natural looking beigy shade. The color is subtle so I don't feel too made up. There is a hint of shimmer so it looks a little glam. And a sheerness to it so my natural lips show through. The formula is ultra-moisturizing, thanks to ceramide, which protects and cares for the lips. It feels comfortable which makes me want to swipe some on whether I'm going to the grocery store or out at night. And I love the comprehensive color range--from fiery reds, berry reds and icy pinks to flat oranges, warm browns and necessary neutrals. The best part: They last for eight hours so you rarely have to reapply. Choose your hue at www.shuuemura-usa.com.

the dark side

Put away your pearly pinks and powdery peaches...the latest lipstick shades for fall are dramatic, vampy, even goth-inspired. Sounds like something you used to stash in your jeans pocket in another life? Maybe so. But thanks to the latest versions from Mattese Elite, the latest versions are chic enough to make their way into your handbag. My favorite, believe it or not, is called Porn Star. This bright pink shade takes me back to the Eighties when the Go-Gos ruled and Cyndi Lauper was a household name. But today's version is more sophisticated... instead of bubblegum pink, think toned-down fuchsia (if there is such a thing). Another favorite, Ecstasy, is a tomato (not fire-engine) red that you could actually get away with wearing when you're 21+. But the best part is the texture: these new lipsticks are ubermoisturizing and leave a sleek wet finish. And they feel as creamy as it gets. Granted, Slippery, Provocative, Deep and the practically-black Bite Me are seriously darker than I would dare to venture but, hey, it's the trend this season so have fun with it. Order yours at www.RickysNYC.com, then prepare to pucker up.