A few of my Spring Favorites......

Spring has truly sprung and I am so happy for the warmer weather and spring fashion. Oh, wait..... I live in Los Angeles and it's always warmer and we always wear spring and summer fashion!! Lol.... Well, with that in mind, I want to share a few of my spring favorites......

One of my all-time favorite Blogs for style and fashion is Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen. I am always so impressed at the phenomenal creativity and style of the ladies featured on the sight who show that style is not limited to young fashionistas. This lovely lady (Tziporah Salamon)  caught my eye with her killer head-to-toe look.  Ari also has a book by the same title (Advanced Style) available May 22... Check out Ari on Twitter: @AriSethCohen

 

(Tziporah Salamon) for Advanced Style

I love anyone who is creative and especially love the new crop of bloggers and fashionistas who are creating new ways for advertisers to market.  The Curvy Fashionista (aka Marie Denee) is one of these ladies who is wracking up quite a catalog of resources for the curvy lady.  I love her style and work ethic.  She has created a great site and style resource in only 3 years. We were lucky enough to do a feature on her for our Regard Magazine blog..... Check her out and follow her on Twitter: @MarieDenee

 

Marie Denee,  photo: Dimitry Loiseau, Hair/Make-up: Valerie Noble

I am obsessed with small spaces and making them stylish.  It might be because I have my office in my living room, but anyway, I am always on the lookout for good websites that feature great design for small spaces. One of my faves is Apartment Therapy.... they really give you tons of great small space and DIY ideas. Love it!!  Check out this really small but stylish house in Tokyo... so cool.. Follow them on Twitter: @AptTherapy

Tokyo house from design firm Mizuishi Architect Atelier

Products I Love

I received a sample package with some Carol’s Daughter hair products and rediscovered how fabulous they are.  I remember when they first came out years ago, but had not used the products for some time.  This all natural prestige hair, body and skincare line is made with rare, natural ingredients like Monoi Oil, Shea and Cocoa Butters and Açai and have no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial colors. For dry hair I love the Black Vanilla  Moisturizing Hair trio. Not only does it smell good but it makes my hair feel and look fabulous. My other favorite is the Macadamia Heat Setting Foam made with heat-protecting, super-ingredient Macadamia Oil and Honey Extract that helps wet style your hair without any flaky, crunchy, or sticky residue. Fantastic!!  Follow Carol's Daughter on Twitter: @Carols_Daughter

Black Vanilla  Moisturizing Hair trio

Macadamia Heat Setting Foam

I can never seem to keep my lip color on my lips even though I use a liner and fill my lips in with the liner. And most of the stain lip colors are sooo drying. But, I found one that works like a charm and stays for most of the day without the dryness.  It’s Maybelline’s Super Stay Stain Gloss and I love it! And, of course, it’s a drugstore brand so I get a big bang for my buck.  My fave color.... Pleasing Plum......

Maybelline’s Super Stay Stain Gloss

More cool things

I don’t have a green thumb and my attempts to grow plants for my patio have been disastrous..... until I discovered succulents. I started with jade plants and found them to be pretty self sufficient and needing little water. Well, that’s pretty much the story for succulents as a whole so I now have a patio full of cool and different succulents. I saw this cool vertical wall art kit from So Succulents that I think I have to have. I just love the texture and colors of all the different succulents. Check it out.....

Succulent  Verticle Wall Art

I always burn candles and finding the good ones that are highly fragrance, with no lead wicks, soy or vegetable based and long burning, that’s not $30-$40 a piece, has been no fun... until I found the Slatkin and Co. 3-wick candles from Bath and Body Works. Not only do they have all the requirements listed above but they come in at least 50 amazing scents ranging from fruity, to tropical, to clean and fresh. My favorite.... Coconut Leaves! Watch out for the 2 for $20 sale and stock up!!

Slatkin and Co. 3-wick candles

Enjoy!!!

The New Issue 12 of Regard Magazine is here featuring Carmen Electra

The new, February Issue 12 of REGARD Magazine, is here and they are featuring the dazzling Miss Carmen Electra on the cover. This actress, author, dancer and former face of MAX Factor cosmetics took time out from her busy schedule to do a fantastic editorial showcasing the beautiful designs of designer Margi Kent. A big Thank You to Carmen for a great shoot.  Be sure to follow Carmen on Twitter: @CarmenElectra

                               Carmen Electra for RegardMag.com Issue 12


As always, this issue features a variety of movie and TV celebrities as well as some amazing designers and industry profiles. They have a new and improved website which will allow you to have a more interactive experience online.  Some of the new added features include having the ability to get more info or purchase featured designs directly from the website. You can also like and share your favorite celebrities’ images from each editorial. Check out the latest style-packed issue and see for yourself....

Featured Editorials include:

Carmen Electra: (2-Headed Shark Attack)

- Still Electara-Fied

Gretchen Christine Rossi: (Real Housewife of Orange County)

- Unbreakable 

Industry Insider: Brillstein's Power Sisters
Get the Look: Glitter and Glam

Andrea Osvart (Transporter TV Series)

- Ready to Transport

Look Los Angeles: Award Show Style Guide

Jessica Parker Kennedy:(Secret Circle)

- The Secret Beauty

Fashion PR: Shara Koplowitz

Erica Jayne: (Billboard Artist)

- Glamour and Dance

Designer Profile: IceLink Watch

Katrina Law: (Spartacus: Vengeance)

Be sure to Friend REGARD Magazine on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter to get their exclusive issue and video releases.  Check back to the blog often to see behind the scenes videos of all your favorite celebrity photoshoots....

And please feel free to tell a friend about Regard Magazine.... They love and appreciate all of your support...

Octavia Spencer for the Win!!

So, it has been quite a busy beginning of the year for me.  I am really lucky to be doing the hair and/or makeup for a very talented, Oscar nominated Octavia Spencer, as she wins some amazing awards leading to the Oscars.  It is a very exciting time and I am betting all my cards on Octavia to win the big award! Whoo Hoo!!

                                         Octavia Spencer on the SAG Award Red Carpet/Hair by me

I had a chance to talk to Blogger extraordinaire, Patrice Grell Yursik, from Afrobella to give the details of Octavia's red carpet make-up for the Golden Globes.  Thanks a million to Afrobella for a fantastic interview.... check it out here..

                                           Octavia Spencer winning the GoldenGlobes/Makeup by me

Here's to winning the Grand Prize, Ms. Spencer, for a spectacular performance!!

My L'Oreal Make-up Pics for Your Make-up bag

I have more make-up than I need but I cannot help myself.... especially when I find a good deal.  One of my favorite brands that I like to use on Celeb photoshoots is L'Oreal. Here are some new products that will work for you, as well, like the Voluminous False Fiber Lashes and their Studio Secrets Face Primer, True Match Foundation finishing with Visible Lift Under Eye Concealer. I love lip glosses and their le Gloss is a new favorite. (There are a great range of colors.) And don't forget to use a night moisturizer... I'm loving the Advanced Revitalift Night Cream, it absorbs into the skin and is non-greasy. Try these for yourself.....  Enjoy!!
                     
                    Loreal Must Haves by missval14 on polyvore.com

        

                                                                          -Valerie

Behind the Scenes at The Hollywood Reporter's Actress Rountable 2011

This has been a very busy few months for me since I've been working with Octavia Spencer..... So, last month she was one of the actresses along with Viola Davis, Glenn Close, Charlize Theron, Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan, featured on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter for their Actress Roundtable. Check out the Hollywood Reporter site for the behind the scenes of the interviews.... and here is a peak at the photoshoot that followed and the gorgeous magazine cover.  Congratulations, to Octavia and all the ladies for a fabulous roundtable and shoot!!!

                        

My Ultimate European Restaurant Trip

So, last month I was able to do a 14-day European trip on a movie press tour. (Hint: It was the #1 movie this summer featuring 4 ladies)  As much as I love to travel, I hadn't been out of the country in 10 years.  But, I am always ready with a current passport, just in case.  So, I was really thrilled to be able to go on this 6-city trip... 5 of the cities were my first time visiting. One of the best parts of the trip was the incredible restaurants we tried.... including one of the oldest restaurants in the world, started in 1725, Restaurante Botin in Madrid.
Amazingly, with all the pastry, food and chocolate I ate, I didn't gain any weight...whew....

So Here is the rundown on my gastronomic fun...



London-
Gordon Ramsey's at Claridge's
A lavish high-end experience with amazing food and one of the best chocolate deserts I've ever had. 

Oxo Tower 
Fabulous lunch overlooking South Bank London ... Very tasty seasonal faire.

Madrid-
Botin 
Authentic Spanish food.... we sampled everything from anchovies with red peppers, croquettes, Iberian ham, roast chicken... and it was all delicious.





Dublin-
Crack Bird
Yes, this pop-up chicken joint was a delicious hoot.... very tasty chicken, including  buttermilk fried chicken and garlic chicken all washed down with a fabulous rhubarb lemonade.     





Hamburg-
Cox
A delicious french-German-Italian fusion restaurant..... my fish entree and chocolate mousse desert were outstanding....






While we were in London, we had the chance to get a bird's-eye view of the city with a ride on the famous London Eye. I used to like roller coasters but somehow, I'm getting a little afraid of heights...so it was a funny but beautiful ride.

I didn't take too many pictures but I did capture this view outside of my room in Ghent, Belgium! There is just nothing like this in America....

I am anxiously awaiting my next opportunity to travel... I hope it will be soon....

My favorite Website for Fashion Inspiration...

One of my favorite blogs I like to visit regularly for inspiration is Stlyelikeu.  This site along with Advanced Style is brilliant for checking out how other people relate to style and life and everything in between.  So I was checking out Stylikeu and watched this video with Preston Davis.  I love when style and philosophy merge and after watching his video I must agree with him that:

1. We are all connected.
2. We are only with competition with ourselves.
3. We always have a choice.
4. We direct our reality by our thoughts.
5. There's no need to be attached to things, because you can always get another one.

Preston Davis is an actor, model, and surf instructor based in Los Angeles. Ladd Denim jeans, jacket from Rose Bowl Flea Market, vintage hat.
                      

Preston Davis for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

I also loved the wordly style and fashion of DJ Rashida Robinson. And her message to remember to be Grateful!!

                     
                          Rashida Robinson For Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

A few of my Summer Favorites

I love surfing the web and discovering cool items, recipes, fashion, make-up, etc.  This weekend for LA's Carmageddon (The 405 freeway was closed for the weekend) I had a chance to stay home and do some surfing. There are some really great bloggers out there sharing fabulous tips and surprises.  Here are my summer picks....

I am counting the days until the opening of the movie "The Help," co-starring my friend, Octavia Spencer as Minny.  I met Octavia over 5 years ago when we were both working on a Comedy Central show that she co-starred in called "Halfway Home."  Now, years later, it is so exiting to see Octavia in a hot new film and her picture on the poster and books!  I am so proud of Octavia and can't wait to see the film. P.S. I had a chance and was thrilled to meet co-star Viola Davis and Kathryn Stockett (writer) at the press junket....  Be sure to check out "The Help," opening on August, 10th. 

One of my favorite sites is Stylelikeu, a style blog that celebrates the individuality of one's personal style.  You get to see a variety of people and check out their closets and find out their feelings on why they wear what they wear.  I love the inspirational stories of people who dare to be different regardless of age, size, gender...... Check out this video of one of my favorite inspirations Ilona Royce Smithkin ....


                       
                                       Ilona Royce Smithkin for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.


I have known for a while that I have a gluten intolerance (which for me also includes rice and pasta).  So, I am always looking for ways to get a rice or pasta alternative.  I have discovered Quinoa and have started to experiment with it.  The bloggers at OurBestBites.com have a great recipe for cooking Quinoa....check it out

                                            Courtesy OurBestBites.com

For the last year and a half, photographer, Dimitry Loiseau and I have been publishing our own magazine (Regard Magazine).  It started as a way to give fashion designers some visibility but has now turned into a fashion and celebrity editorial book.  My hat goes off to the extreme talent that is Dimitry, as he photographs and often styles all of our editorials.  I, of course, do all the hair and make-up and we have been lucky enough to work with some fabulous celebs along the way.

Check out our current issue, with Karina Smirnoff (This season's winner of Dancing with the Stars) on the cover. The issues are always available to view anytime on-line (don't forget to look at the past issues) and can be ordered as a coffee table magazine.  And be sure to check out the blog for current fashion trend reports and behind the scenes videos of all of our photoshoots.

Miss USA... Alyssa Campanella

As you know, I am the beauty editor and co-founder of REGARD Magazine. It is a fabulous job because I get to work with so many cool, talented and stylish people including the other co-founder and my partner in crime, Dimitry Loieasu. So, last night the current Miss California, Alyssa Campanella, took the title of Miss USA.  We had a chance to work with her (she is featured in RegardMag.com issue 6) shortly after she won the Miss California title. As you can see, she was stunning in our photoshoot and we are not surprised that she took the Miss USA title.  Congratulations, Alyssa, on a job well done.... Here's to the Miss Universe win!!

                                                     Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella former Miss Ca  (Photo:AP)

                                                        Alyssa Campanella for RegardMag.com Issue 6

Make-up Essentials....My favorite picks....

So, I've been really busy the past few months, working on the new issue of Regard Magazine and doing hair and make-up for an up-coming reality series (with a few Red Carpets sprinkled in). This has been a great few months, though, because I love to be busy!  The next issue of Regard Magazine Issue 8 (available onliine on June 15) is on fire so here are a few behind the scenes from the shoots we did with Blogger, Fashionista and YouTube sensation  Dulce Candy and Actress Claire Coffee (who is in the new TNT show, "Franklin and Bash.")

                                             Val and Dulce Candy for RegardMag.com Issue 8

                                                Val and Dulce Candy for RegardMag.com Issue 8

                                         Val and Claire Coffee for RegardMag.com Issue 8

Since I've been doing so much make-up, I wanted to share some of my favorite go-to products that I love to use. Many are drug store brands (I'm a big fan of many of them) but all are essentials in my kit.

For Face: I've never really liked primers until I tried this one by Celestine Signature Color Cosmetics... It leaves the skin soft and silky and makes foundation application a breeze.

Celestine Signature Color Cosmetics

Maybelline's Fit Me Pressed Powder is a great a great finishing powder that can be worn over foundation or alone as a light base.  I love the texture of this powder and the colors include colors for golden toned skin.

Maybelline's Fit Me Pressed Powder

P.S. I found out about Maybelline's Fit Me Pressed Powder from the fabulous Ms. Loretta Devine when I did her for the May cover shoot for Ebony.  She wanted to know if the powder that she just bought was a good choice and when I tried it, I loved it. Thanks, Ms. Loretta....

My favorite trick for creating amazing cheek bones is to use a highlighter at the top of the cheek bone.  This one by The Balm is amazing because it has a fine gold shimmer that works on any skin tone. You can also use it to highlight under the eyebrow or as a shadow base.  

                                                  Hot Mama highlighter by The Balm

Eyes: 

I almost always use fake eyelashes when I do make-up so I don't know which mascara works the best on natural lashes.  But my favorite mascara for my kit is Maybelline's Volum Express Classic.  It really plumps up the added lashes and makes them look really fabulous. 

                                                  Maybelline's Volum Express Classic Mascara

I usually use gel liner because it stays put when it dries but lately I've been mixing in a little liquid liner (Thanks to a tip from Dulce Candy) from Wet n Wild for a more dramatic look. 

                                                              Wet n Wild Liquid Eyeliner

Lips: 

I am really a fan of using a lip liner, filling in the lips with the color and then using a gloss on top.  Most pencils are thin but I love the jumbo lip pencils that are sort of a lipstick and pencil in one.  One of my favorites is the Elf Studio Matte Lip Color. They are a great for lining and as a base under any lip gloss color.

                                                               Elf Studio Matte Lip Color

I love mixing lip glosses to get unusual colors and I love color with lots of shine.  So some of my favorite glosses are the Diamond Sparkle Lip Glosses from NYX Cosmetics. They have  a smooth moisturizing texture and lots of shine.

                                                              Diamond Sparkle Lip Gloss

I also love the Celestine Signature Lip Gloss Trio.  Great color and shine without being sticky.

                                                    Celestine Lip Gloss Trio    

The new April Issue, 7, is here featuring Gilles Marini from ABC's "Brothers & Sisters"

The new exciting issue 7 of  REGARD Magazine featuring the talented Gilles Marini is now available to view online. Gilles is currently playing Luc on ABC’s hit family drama, "Brothers & Sisters" and is also well-known for his second-place finish on season eight of "Dancing with the Stars."  Gilles is featured in a gorgeous editorial, find out how this actor makes it all happen.

This is the Men's issue and the celebrity editorials include:

Gilles Marini (Currently on ABC's "Brothers and Sister"
- Template of a Gentleman
Cory Hardrict (Star of the spring blockbuster, "Battle: Los Angeles)
- Ready for Battle
Dmitry Chaplin (Dancer on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars")
- Dancing with Stars
Louise Roe (Host of CW's makeover show"Plain Jane"
- She's No Plain Jane
Tim Griffin (Star of the upcoming movie "Super 8")
- Dapper in Franklin + Gower
Virginia Williams (Star of USA's new hit, "Fairly Legal")
- Fairly Legal
Matt Barnes (Los Angeles Laker) 
- The Man Behind Elusion
Sydne Summer (Top fashion blogger and contributor to Style.com)
- Fashion 101 in Session
Ross Thomas (Star in new movie "Soul Surfer"
- Gets Smart in Caulfield Prep
Noel Fisher (Star of the spring blockbuster, "Battle: Los Angeles and the upcoming "Twilight" movies
- No Shame in his Game
Mauricio Umansky (High-end Beverly Hills Realtor, with appearnces on "Million Dollar Listing"
-Business as Usual


Be sure to check out Regard Magazine online for all the exciting editorials...

Make-up Essential....New Hot Pick...Celestine Signature Line

I had the chance to check out the new make-up line from the brains behind the famous Celestine Agency.  Renowned for decades for its roster of top makeup artists and hair and fashion stylists, the Celestine Agency has been delivering style to some of the biggest names in Hollywood. 

By tapping into the collective creativity of the agency, combined with leading cosmetic research and development they have formed a “beauty think tank.” As a result, CSL products are made in small batches using the highest quality ingredients and the latest in cosmetic technology, including smart molecules and minerals that create a flawless finish from the fairest to the darkest skin tones. All are paraben- and fragrance-free, with no animal testing.

I really like the line and find the foundation one of the first to really match my skin color with minimal transfer (It doesn't rub off on my clothes) and all day wear. It's like I'm not wearing foundation....  My Thanks to CSL and Angelika Schubert for the fabulous products....


If you want to check it out for yourself click here.

Primer

The essential first step to optically minimize lines, smoothing the skin surface and allowing the foundation to glide on with long-lasting effectiveness. It also contains vitamins A, C and E and antioxidants – so, along with extending the wearability of your makeup, this unique primer nourishes your skin all day long.

Foundation

This is lightweight and water-based foundation that creates a soft, silky airbrush finish that’s perfect for all skin types and remains barely detectable throughout the day, even at close inspection and under high definition

Pressed Powder

Their waterproof pressed powder creates the perfect finish over the primer and foundation, or it can be applied on its own when you find yourself just running out the door.

Duo Blush

Created with sunflower seed oil  and cornstarch to alleviate any oiliness while providing a lightweight blendable color.

Mascara

This is a lush, vitamin-enriched mascara that boosts volume and curl with every stroke. 

Lip Gloss

Has rich pigments and creates glistening color while it hydrates and protects lips from dryness all day. The colors have been selected to wear well on a wide range of skin tones – whether by itself or applied over other lip products. 

For more info check out Celestine Signature Line or to order...

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