Makeup artist Tom Pecheux was looking to the lovely state of California for this runway inspiration. A beautifully bronzed eye with a blast of yellow on the eyelid which he referred to as the “California Sun”.
Of course I am such a fan of California, so this just might be my favorite Spring 2012 look.

1. First apply REN Moisture Defense Serum all over face giving your skin a burst of shine.

2. Using Jane Iredale Khaki Kraze, mix the brown and olive green and apply to the crease of eye blending up into brow bone. Using the yellow shadow from Jane Iredale’s Artists’ Eyes Eye Shadow Palette and apply to the eyelid only.

3. Be sure to give yourself a sculptured brow as this completes the look.

4. Finish eyes with a soft brown mascara (such as Jane Iredale Agate Brown) to upper and lower lashes. Be sure to comb through.

5. Apply Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate to contour of cheeks.

6. Last apply Jane Iredale Pure Gloss in Gold Fling to your lips.

I grew up in Louisiana and from there its been NYC to Los Angeles and currently Boulder, CO. I’ve spent the last 15 years studying experimental theatre/performance and am currently on my way to teaching and directing using these techniques. Voila!

Name: Gustine Fudickar
What do you do? MFA candidate for Naropa University’s Contemporary Performance program
Who are you? theatre artist and all around scalawag
Where are you? Boulder, CO
How we met? Christy and I met through some of my oldest friends in the world and the moment I heard that Southern flavor in her voice, I just knew we was gonna be friends:)
Something that no one knows about you? Good lord, what don’t they know? I wish I was more secretive…
What is your most marked beauty secret? It’s no secret..exfoliate, moisturize and keep some tweezers in your car:)
What is your idea of earthly happiness? Good food, good friends, good sex and lots and lots of art making.
I don’t leave home without? lip gloss
Dream Job? trying to figure that out presently.
Who are your beauty icons? Jessica Lange, Gena Rowlands, Pina Bausch
What quality do you most admire in a woman? guts and compassion
Morning glory or night owl? split the difference…I need both!
Family beauty secret? brush that hair 100 hundred strokes a night
Vegetarian or carnivore? 100% carnivore
What is your signature style? mood ring
What Country would you most like to live? Well I’ve never been but I’d like to give Italy a whirl.
Favorite color? so hard!!  today it would be turquoise or red
Favorite flower? spider lilys…or French tulips..or pale pink roses
What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? Mayumi Squalene
Mascara or lipstick? lipstick!
Shower or bath? night time showers super super hot
What is your favorite part of your Body? upper arms
Vogue or New York Times? New York Times
Favorite blog? Diamond Vendetta
What is the best part about your beauty routine? taking care of myself:)
What is your beauty motto? the show must go on!
One wish right now… poolside overlooking the Pacific…that would be nice.

We’ve been seeing a LOT of color, everywhere. And yes, while I love a spectrum of vibrant hues, I’m also a fan of keeping my look timeless. This season is taking a cue from nature (and our natural beauty) and toning down the colors a bit, all the while keeping it glamorous –not so into the crunchy-granola hippy look. You know, that roll-out-of bed-and-throw-some-clothes-on look. I do think that adding a pop of color here and there is eye-catching a definite DO.

Back to keeping it natural. Some think, “uh… boring.”  I have something to say about that. This is what I have to say: natural is classic and stylish. Instead of a kaleidoscope of colors, shades of beige, taupe, brown, and shell have been seen on the runways multi-tasking on eyes, lips, and cheeks. Perfect for us women constantly on the go. You know we need super products that act as our all-in-ones. Even better, this neutral palette goes with any skin tone and eye color. No questioning, “Can I pull this off??” Yes, you can!

Also spotted on the runways has been the return of the cat eye. Classic black has been seen most frequently on the catwalk, although there were a few swipes of deep navy blue. This striking look is reminiscent of the fifties housewife and bombshell Sophia Loren, talk about glam (yet simple).

Now you know I love a beautiful brow (you recently read up on my take on a bold brow) and I am excited as ever to announce that although they made their comeback last year, they are here to stay. Yes ladies, let them grow and embrace your natural brows. Love that low maintenance! But please remember (yes, I’m pleading), don’t go Frida on us… they need a little tending to every now and then.

As for that pop of color I mentioned. It’s been seen matte or glossy on plenty of pouts. Deep hot pink and bright tangerine made it down the runways, so go on girls get bold in spring.

Name: Jessica Jerzewski
What do you do? Casting director
Who are you? Woman, Surfer, Ocean and life lover, Cancer fighter, traveller
Where are you? In my Office
How we met? Through mutual friends and then you moved to Venice and became my neighbor
Something that no one knows about you? Hmm. I am pretty much an open book
What is your most marked beauty secret? Using natural oils to moisturize
What is your idea of earthly happiness? Surfing uncrowded chest to head high waves with good friends on a warm sunny day.
I don’t leave home without? Iphone and Lip Gloss
Dream Job? I have it.
Who are your beauty icons? Brigit Bardot and Lauren Hutton
What quality do you most admire in a woman? Grace
Morning glory or night owl? Morning Glory
Family beauty secret? Fresh air and long walks
Vegetarian or carnivore? Mostly Veggie
What is your signature style? Eclectic
What Country would you most like to live? Here for now.
Favorite color? Turquoise
Favorite flower? Peony
What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? Dr. Alkaitis Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil
Mascara or lipstick? Mascara and Lip Gloss
Shower or bath? Mostly Shower, Bath if I have time
What is your favorite part of your Body? My back
Vogue or New York Times? New York Times
Favorite blog? “Christy Coleman”, “You are the River” and “The Selby is in your Place”
What is the best part about your beauty routine? Drinking lots of water and moisturizing with natural oils
What is your beauty motto? Natural, Natural, Natural
One wish right now… For Organic, Pesticide and Hormone free foods and beauty products to be easily accessible to everyone.

Brooke Shields, Vogue 1987

Today I’m spotlighting those arches that add to our expressions but are often overlooked in importance. I want to tell you why and how to let them be natural. Sometimes we worry they look unruly—and don’t get me wrong, they can—but more often than not, the more brow you’ve got, the better. Now, I’m not saying let’s go full Frida unibrow here. I’m talking about not over-grooming. Trust me when I say I know it’s hard to resist plucking that stray hair that’s not quite below your brow but doesn’t fit in either and that other one that’s annoying you, but then before you know it, you’ve lost that lush thickness and have to create a brow each morning. Serious ugh!

To keep your brows perfectly framing your face, here are some of our tips. First, just pluck those outliers and keep your basic natural shape. Don’t let the ends get too thin if you’re keeping a bold brow and keep them even. Always clean up the middle—avoid the Frida look. If you’re a fan of self-maintenance, you can go just once to a studio for a little shaping help then keep it up at home. I suggest investing in a good pair of slanted tweezers, which will get those elusive little brow hairs. It’s pretty simple really, I’m a fan of simplicity. Who has time for complicated these days anyway?

Whomever you choose to go to, make sure you tell them exactly what you want (see our above tips). And tell her to take off less rather than more. You can always take it off, but you can’t put it back on—you’ve got to grow it back.

Really, brows are much more low maintenance than we think they are. We just have to take a cue from some bold ladies (ahem Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, and Lily Collins) let them be natural!

Lily Collins

I encourage you to take a spin around Stephanie’s site and get your own perfect piece of jewelry!

I grew up in a yellow house on the Westside of Los Angeles with my three amazing sisters and our two loving parents. We spent most of our time outdoors- either having picnics in our garden or splashing in the waves at the beach. My dad is German and my mom is Australian and I have very strong ties to each culture. Most of our summers growing up were spent abroad in Europe visiting family. Having non-American parents, my sisters and I never went to summer camp or anything… we were a little tribe of inseparable blonde-headed girls. Today, they are still my best friends.
Fast forward to 2006 when, at age 23, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant! Initially terrified, I found Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga at Goldenbridge in Los Angeles and everything changed. I found my inner wisdom and place of infinite strength. It was from that place that I birthed my incredible daughter, Mia, who is now almost five. Raising her has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life thus far. I have an amazing community of friends and family around me who have given me copious amounts of love and free babysitting. Their unconditional love and support has inspired me to follow my dreams of teaching prenatal yoga and helping women to heal and find their inner strength and wisdom. We women are so powerful and so lucky to be such an integral part of the creation of life.

OK Universe website:http://ok-universe.us/
Womb Mountain website: http://wombmountain.com/

My blogs:
http://wombmountain.tumblr.com/
http://ok-universe.tumblr.com/
http://theothersfour.tumblr.com/

Name:  Stephanie Matthias (Spiritual Name: Sarab Sital meaning Princess/Lioness of all-encompassing peace)

What do you do? I have many jobs.. I work part-time at both the Heath Ceramics showroom in Los Angeles and Mohawk General Store in Silverlake. I also have my own jewelry line, OK Universe, which is sold at Mohawk General Store in Silverlake, Maryam Nassir Zadeh in NYC and Spiritual America in NYC. I recently got certified as a prenatal yoga instructor and I’m finishing up my certification as a master Reiki healer. I feel like I’m in a transition phase right now.. Getting all my cards in order to move into the next phase of my life and my career which will be focused on healing, teaching yoga, designing jewelry and making art. I recently started a blog- wombmountain.tumblr.com – which has been a great outlet for all of the wisdom I’ve been receiving from people, books, and my own meditations.

Who are you? I am a woman, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a lover, a healer, a yogi, an artist, a gardener, a cook, a designer, a hugger, a dancer, a writer, a believer in the magic of the universe…

Where are you? Los Feliz, CA.. but have plans to relocate to Ojai, CA in the fall

How we met? We met at the Heath store… found friendship over mutual tastes in dinnerware.

Something that no one knows about you? I have started writing a book.. shhh..

What is your most marked beauty secret? It’s not a secret, but.. keep it natural! Minimal makeup, minimal harsh products, minimal chemicals.. Keep it natural. You are beautiful!!! No need to pile on the product.. Also, drink lots of water. Also practicing Kundalini Yoga has changed my life.. I have more energy, my body feels great and I feel happy. Yoga keeps your body flexible which in turn keeps your mind flexible.

What is your idea of earthly happiness? Being on Maui, waking up at dawn with my daughter, Mia, and going for a walk along the shore as the sun rises.

I don’t leave home without? Water

Dream Job? Traveling the world with my daughter- teaching yoga to people.. Healing people.. Spreading the love.

Who are your beauty icons? My mom and my sisters above all. Also: Erin Wasson, Louise Bourgeois, Diane Keaton, Brigitte Bardot, Gurmukh Khalsa

What quality do you most admire in a woman? Warmth and peace.

Morning glory or night owl? Morning glory.

Family beauty secret? Body lotion.. Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated and it won’t be as prone to wrinkles. Also, sometimes it’s ok to skip the sunblock, let your skin breathe and soak up some warm, beautiful sun.

Vegetarian or carnivore? Somewhere in between. Lately I’ve been staying away from anything that comes from a four-legged animal.

What is your signature style? comfortable, easy, beachy, California, cool.

What Country would you most like to live? USA

Favorite color? Ocean Blue

Favorite flower? Daisy

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? Tarte amazonian clay blush. All their products are free of chemicals, parabens, fragrance, etc and are mineral based.

Mascara or lipstick? Mascara

Shower or bath? mmm.. bath if it’s at night before bed. Shower in the morning.

What is your favorite part of your Body? Right now I’m working on honoring and loving every part of my body. Like most women, I’ve spent a lot of time and effort on trying to change my body and make it what I think it needs to look like in order to be considered beautiful by the world’s standards. However, lately I’ve made a conscious effort to drop that storyline. If we pay attention, we will be amazed by the stories we carry around and tell ourselves on a daily basis.. I’m too this, I’m too that.. So, I’ve dropped the stories and I’ve decided that I’m going to love my body the way it is. I eat really healthy, practice yoga daily and take time to massage my feet every night..  I’m choosing to honor my body rather than fight with it.

Vogue or New York Times? Neither. I love fashion and if I did read the newspaper it would definitely be the NYT.. But lately I’ve been cleansing my life from media overload. Magazines are filled with advertisements for things to consume that most people don’t need and can’t afford (even if you could have everything in them, I guarantee that it wouldn’t make you happy). And newspapers are filled with fear-based information and empty politics. I’d rather read an inspiring novel or spend time in meditation or in nature.

Favorite blog? This is a tough one- I have so many that I check daily.. I’ll give you three that I’m pretty inspired by right now: http://eatlivewear.tumblr.com/ and http://www.kinfolkmag.com/journal/ and
http://www.jeanbolen.com/.

What is the best part about your beauty routine? The routine. Having a beauty routine forces me to spend at least a few moments focusing on my body every day. Often we can get so distracted by everything going on in our minds that we forget about our bodies. Paying attention to my body and caring for it is a way to honor this amazing vessel that I’ve been given to spend this lifetime in.

What is your beauty motto? Keep it natural and graceful.

One wish right now… That every woman, young and old, would stop spending so much time, money, and energy on hating her body. Embrace the body you have because it’s amazing. Our bodies are miracles.. And as women, we literally house the power of life inside of us. It makes me really sad that our society, our world, has taught us that we need to be different (skinnier, taller, shorter, curvier, flatter, etc.) in order to be beautiful and loved. We need to honor our bodies and honor the goddess that’s inside of all of us. My wish would be for all women to pay more attention to the way they feel inside than the way they look in the mirror. Live from your heart, not your mind.

There are no preservatives, most of the products are gluten free, and there is no animal testing of any kind. They also have the most amazing customer service I have ever seen. If you get a product and something is wrong, like the lipstick seems clumpy, or a bottle is broken, you just call or email them and they will send you a replacement immediately.

Why 100% pure thinks you should use 100% Pure …

“As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream,” Says Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D. an lowa-based physician, “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.” – April 2006 issue of Women’s Health Magazine. There are many toxic chemicals in cosmetic products that have been clinically proven to cause cancer, tumors, irritation and many different skin disorders. 100% products are truly 100% Pure-no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins.

To find out more about the company go to:

www.100percentpure.com

About Primitive Makeup:

We are two women from Woodstock, New York, who had a desire to create makeup that was pure and beautiful. Nancy Caigan, as founding partner, had the vision, researched the formula, secured our resources and found our brilliant chemist. Susanna Ronner added her graphic design talent and creative eye in the development of the lip color palette, as well as the design of the logo, packaging, web, and all visual material. Together, the two of us are friends, dancers, mothers, wives, and committed business partners, dedicated and enthused about creating and growing Primitive Makeup.

www.primitivemakeup.com

Name: Susanna Ronner

What do you do? I am a graphic designer by training, and have had my own design firm for the past twenty years. I am also the founding partner with Nancy Caigan, of Primitive Makeup (www.primitivemakeup.com), which I also do on a full time [plus many, many hours] basis. As with any smaller company, you wear every hat, and that is true for both Nancy and I. As a designer though, I created the color palette of our lip products, and am responsible for all things visual as it relates to Primitive — that is — I created Primitive’s logo, designed the packaging, our website, and all material that emanate from Primitive. I’m also the lead communication arm of the company. Primitive Makeup though is fully the two of us, doing whatever needs to be done, and assisted by our very dedicated team of friends that work with us.

Who are you? Someone who experiences everything around me through a visual lens.

Where are you? Woodstock, New York

How we met? You were the first ‘green’ makeup artist to find Primitive Makeup — and we so value the pioneer that you are — in using and advocating for ‘clean’ cosmetics. 

Something that no one knows about you? My mother is from Belgium and my father is from Germany, and so I grew up in a home with a strong European flair — many languages, and an expanded cultural vibe.

What is your most marked beauty secret? DANCE. Really!!! I’ve been dancing for a very, very long time (from Modern; to West African, which I’ve been doing for over twenty years and to this day; and have now added bellydance, for the last three years to my mix). Every woman that I dance with defies her years, no matter what her age is.

What is your idea of earthly happiness? Being surrounded with the one’s I love.

I don’t leave home without? Lipstick, of course.

Dream Job? I love being a graphic designer. I also love having created and grown Primitive Makeup, along with Nancy Caigan. If I were not doing either of these two things, I’d probably be painting (on a very large canvas).

Who are your beauty icons? I have a 98 year old friend — really, I do. She is kind of like ‘family’, as she is from Antwerp, Belgium (my mother’s home town — and she used to walk my mother, who was many years younger, to school). She had an art gallery in Woodstock with her sister for many years. Everyone in town knew her, as she was a memorable woman and she had enormous style and flair. To this day, she has such pride in who she is, always has a bit of lipstick on (I’ve made sure to give her Primitive), fusses about what she’s going to wear that day, and cares greatly about her presentation (and little pearls of wisdom float from her words, spoken in many languages). She’s maintained her natural beauty and womanhood and even sexiness, to this very ripe age. Now that’s inspiring.

What quality do you most admire in a woman? Integrity.

Morning glory or night owl? Night owl, but alas, I always wake when morning streams in, no matter what time I land in bed.

Family beauty secret? Chamomile flowers steeped in hot water, cooled down, and poured through your hair, for natural highlights.

Vegetarian or carnivore? I was a vegetarian for a very long time, starting at age 18 — and though I’ve since added some fish and chicken (only) to my diet. I ‘think’ like a vegetarian, and mostly eat that way.

What is your signature style? You’ll usually find me these days in skinny jeans, boots, and layered tops. Oh, and of course, as a graphic designer, black is a must.

What Country would you most like to live? I’m happy to be exactly where I am, as it’s a beautiful part of the world — but I do love to travel, visually experience the world, and open my mind. I traveled early on, but have now been fortunate to travel more often, as I accompany my jazz musician husband who plays around the globe. I particularly appreciate that we aren’t tourists when we travel, but have the opportunity to interact with those involved with the music venues, in a very real and personal way. You’ll find me often, mostly behind the camera, documenting these extraordinary, important and historic musicians.

Favorite color? In clothing — black. In ambiance, turquoise. Color moves me, and so I surround myself with it. It’s a strong part of my design work.

Favorite flower? They are all magnificent.

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? I know I’m partial, but really, I can’t live without Primitive Lipsticks in particular, and now, the new Pearl Lip Treatments.

Mascara or lipstick? Both

Shower or bath? One starts your day, and the other is great for soothing a dancers muscles.

What is your favorite part of your Body? Hmm — I don’t think of my body that way — but my eyes, which are hazel; and my back, as it’s shaped and strengthened by being a dancer.

Vogue or New York Times? I read the New York Times, but as many women, I glance through Vogue. When I go through the pages of any fashion magazine, especially ones like Vogue or W, I’m also looking at it as a graphic designer — how do I like the way the page was designed, observing the photographers eye in the composition of the image, the models pose, and then of course, the clothing and accessories — the way it falls on the model, the color palette, is it wearable or just sculptural or iconic.

Favorite blog? I particularly like to read blogs from ‘green’ makeup artists, but I do make sure to also follow news reporting on politics, the environment, and issues that effect our health.

What is the best part about your beauty routine? I just try to take care of how I eat; get two to three dance classes in weekly (plus a pilates session, which really keeps me together); get outside to breathe fresh air; and remembering to not let work overrun me (I’ve been known to burn the candle at both ends) — so, making sure I spend quality time with those I love.

What is your beauty motto? Get moving — literally — doing any activity that gets your heart beat going. Also, find your passion.

One wish right now… World peace and taking care of the earth we’ve inherited, which is in much need.

Each “Basic 5″ set has 5 products for a complete morning to night skin care regimen. There are six different sets, based on skin types, normal, dry, oily, problem, sensitive, and mature skin.  If you are not familiar with Arcona, this is also a great way to test out what the brand is all about. Here is what they say about the Basic Five:

“ARCONA’s Basic Five skin care regimen begins with products chosen to address your particular skin concerns. The purpose of the Basic Five is to help speed up, strengthen and enhance the skin’s own renewal process. The products you use in the morning nourish, strengthen and protect your skin by day. The products you use at night heal, repair and regenerate your skin as you rest. You’re likely to see an immediate difference in the way your skin looks and feels, and with faithful continuous use, the Basic Five will bring your skin into balance for cumulative long-term change.”

Ava discovered at the age of 14, the issue of chemicals in personal care products and their hazardous health effects. The more Ava researched, the more concerned she became. She started a blog to talk about where to find safer products. The market is flooded with “organic”, “natural”, “safe” and “pure”, yet there were almost always toxic ingredients included as well. After throwing out most of her products, her mothers’ and grandmothers’ too, she still had nothing “Ava Approved” to replace them with, or to recommend.

Ava had become truly disturbed at how consumers were unaware of the risks of common brands and how those who thought they were making safe choices often did not know what was really in the products they were purchasing. After months of research, Ava realized that she needed to create her own products. Through a family friend, she located a manufacturer with research facilities that could develop and produce products to her standards. It was a great challenge to develop these revolutionary formulas, but with her vision and persistence she succeeded. Ava’s personal care company was launched in December 2009.

www.avaandersonnontoxic.com

Name: Ava Anderson

What do you do?  Founder of Ava Anderson Non Toxic

Who are you? Senior in High School looking forward to starting college

Where are you? I live with my family in RI.

How we met? We follow you on FB

Something that no one knows about you? Although I love spending time with friends, I am a really independent person and have no problem going for a quick dinner alone.

What is your most marked beauty secret? Unlike most teenagers I get plenty of sleep!

What is your idea of earthly happiness?  Great family and loyal, fun friends.

I don’t leave home without?  My gym bag

Dream Job? Running my company when I finish college

Who are your beauty icons? Mila Kunis and Jessica Alba

What quality do you most admire in a woman? loyalty

Morning glory or night owl?  Morning glory

Family beauty secret? hmm I don’t think we have any, besides using Ava products of course!

Vegetarian or carnivore? carnivore but always organic and gluten free

What is your signature style? Classic

What Country would you most like to live? Maybe somewhere in Europe for a little bit after college, but for now I’m perfectly content here!

Favorite color? Pink!

Favorite flower? Orchids

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? My cleanser, toner, exfoliator and moisturizer routine that keeps my teenage skin as clear as possible.

Mascara or lipstick? Mascara for sure!

Shower or bath? Shower

What is your favorite part of your Body? I work out 6 days a week so I’m pretty happy with everything!

Vogue or New York Times? Vogue!

Favorite blog? Stacy Malkan, Not just a Pretty Face

What is the best part about your beauty routine? Quick and easy, with no toxic chemicals for humans or the environment

What is your beauty motto?  Keep it simple and natural

One wish right now… that everyone was aware of the body burden of toxic chemicals they are exposed to daily and repeatedly through their personal care products.  I wish that tomorrow we could pass the Safe Cosmetics Act and everyone that is unaware of the toxic chemicals in personal care products would be protecting themselves and their families, like Ava customers are.