Hooray for Hollywood
Glamorous gowns, champagne, diamonds, chocolate fountains... and Brad Pitt? You bet!
Everyone came dressed in their "Red Carpet" best for the AmazingCosmetics Academy Awards Party on Thursday February 25th. Toasting to Hollywood's BIG night and the AmazingCosmetics Hollywood connection, the party guests not only won "Amazing Audrey" awards for their own red carpet renditions they also voted for, Best Actress and Actor and of course Best Film in hopes of winning their very own AmazingCosmetics Swag Bag. Prizes to be awarded after the Academy Awards show airs March 7th. Why should celebrities be the only ones to have all the fun!
After the guests walked the star studded Red Carpet...
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and entered the AmazingCosmetics soiree the room was all a buzz when news spread that Brad Pitt was in the house.
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So, this year don't let the movie stars have all the fun. Host your own Academy Awards bash. Invite your friends to get dressed up, bring a silver screen munchy – this website is sure to help; vote for your Oscar favorites, pour some Prosecco (love it) and let the fun begin!
-si
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Posted on Sat, Feb 27th 2010, 10:57 am
Glee is Gleefully Flawless
I’m obsessed with Glee. Why, you ask? Well if you’re asking why, it’s because you’ve obviously never tuned in. The writing – perfection. The acting – perfection. The singing voices – especially Rachael... heaven sent! Not sure if you were involved in your high school glee club or not – it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is how successful the writers and actors are in bringing you back to your high school days when feeling insecure, and un-sure of yourself were the only things that you could count on.
This past weekend my oldest daughter rented the first 4 episodes that I completely missed the first time around and before I knew it my entire family (dog included) were sitting in the family room watching Glee. Together! How many shows appeal to 40 something's as well as teens and 20 something's? Not many.
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And a little behind the scenes tid-bit? Glee’s Makeup Department Head Eryn Krueger-Mekash (formerly the Department Head on Nip Tuck) relies on AmazingCosmetics to get the cast Flawless! Yup, that’s right. We recently spoke with Eryn while on the set of Glee and she told us she uses the AmazingConcealer on the entire cast (we have 7 versatile shades) and she also loves the Velvet Mineral Foundation Powders too! They like to keep a very natural look on the show and AmazingCosmetics does the trick!
So bring a little joy into your life and tune into Glee Wednesday nights at 8pm CST.
La La La... "Don’t stop... believing"...
si
Posted on Tue, Jan 12th 2010, 9:45 pm
AmazingCosmetics Loves the UK
AmazingCosmetics LOVES the UK! We launched with QVC in the UK 4 years ago and as we suspected, the UK fell in love with AmazingCosmetics too. Brilliant!
With the help of a few Amazing people in London, AmazingCosmetics has become synonymous with flawless skin over the pond. Sally Riceman, our UK spokes person goes on air for AmazingCosmetics once a month and does a fantastic job demonstrating why AmazingCosmetics is the go-to brand in Hollywood for complexion perfection.
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| The “Amazing Girls” in the green room before one of our QVC shows. Why do they call it the green room anyway? |
This trip was extra special because once our work was finished we were joined by our husbands!!
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| Lisa and Don, Sandy and Frank in the Cotswolds... The Pub crawl continues!! |
We toured London by Double Decker Bus where we visited the Tower of London, West Minster Abby, The Imperial War Museum and squeezed in a quick and delicious fish & chips lunch in Covent Garden at a restaurant called Rock and Sole. It was the best fish and chips ever!! ( That was for you Sue... tee-hee!)
The English countryside was as I expected – absolutely charming. The houses in the Cotswolds looked exactly like Kate Winslet’s home in the movie The Holiday. Quaint stone cottages with flower-filled window boxes and stone fences... everywhere!
If you have never been... I strongly encourage you to visit London. It is a beautiful, fun and friendly city!
Cheers!
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| Ok can you please say 1-2-3? |
Posted on Thu, Nov 5th 2009, 1:06 pm
Traditions Mean Togetherness
In our family, traditions are important. From the Thanksgiving feast we host every year that always turns into “Karaoke Idol” to the day after excursion to Long Grove where we head to the outdoors for a little Christmas shopping, hot apple cider and our traditional Christmas card photo op! Strangers make the best photographers!!
This past weekend was Homecoming at our local high school and by the looks of all who turned out for the parade a favorite tradition of many! The streets were lined with parents, grand parents, dogs, kids home from college, kids in high school and younger kids just waiting for the day they can be apart of all the festivities. It didn’t matter if you knew anyone in the parade or not the excitement was palpable. The crisp fall air... Wild Cat Football! The high school Marching Band – my personal fave (go Rob)... the drums still get my heart racing. All the teams and clubs adorning their respective floats.
This year AmazingCosmetics started their own tradition for the Homecoming game with complimentary face painting. The local kids came out to The Studio to get their Wild Cat face on and I’m not sure who had more fun, the kids or the AmazingCosmetics makeup artists!
Many thanks to Sherri and Barb... your Wild Cat faces were AMAZING!
Take a look...
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Posted on Wed, Oct 7th 2009, 1:04 pm
Maria Pinto
What is it about fashion? Some couldn't care less and others are opting to buy those fabulous Manolo's in the window at Bergdorfs instead of paying their rent. Well whichever side of the runway you fall - fashion is at its peek during this time each year in New York for Fall Fashion week.
For our first appearance at Bryant Park AmazingCosmetics has better than a front row seat as the brand takes its place among the many cosmetics companies who came before – in creating the uniquely beautiful and engaging faces that strut (oh yes... they do strut) down the runway.
Enter the exceptionally talented Maria Pinto! Known for her use of luxurious fabrics, timeless style and impeccable attention to detail, this Chicago based designer is partnering with Chicago based AmazingCosmetics for her Spring 2010 installation.
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We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Pinto last week at her boutique in Chicago’s West Loop. She shared the inspiration behind her new collection (so exciting) and discussed in detail the look she needed to achieve on the models with our Amazing products. It was a perfect match!
Maria Pinto and AmazingCosmetics in New York for Fashion week...
Life is AMAZING!!!!!!!
si
Posted on Tue, Sep 15th 2009, 10:15 am
Fall Shows
Ah... Fall is in the air and all of my favorite shows are back!
I know it’s sad to say goodbye to Summer but having Mad Men, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, True Blood and The Office on the flip side makes Sandy a happy girl!
And to make things even better? AmazingCosmetics is being used on all of them!!
And those are just a few of the loyal AmazingCosmetics wearing shows. From the utterly flawless January Jones (Mad Men) to Anna Paquin’s (True Blood) youthful glow, AmazingCosmetics is creating flawless complexions on so many of the beautiful and famous faces on TV today.
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A few more of my favorite AMAZING leading ladies are:
Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill), Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Mindy Kaling ( The Office) and let’s not forget all the beautiful dancers on Dancing with the Stars. Yup, they all wear us too!
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And for more great news? The Emmy Nominations are out and many of the AMAZING makeup artists working with our products are being honored for their talents. Here are a few of the nominees: Dancing With The Stars (Melanie Mills and Zena Shietsel), SNL (Louie Zakarian Amy Tagliamonti), Mad Men, Nip Tuck (Eryn Krueger Mekash)
AmazingCosmetics Congratulates You!
Posted on Sun, Sep 6th 2009, 9:12 am
Makeovers and Martinis
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If you’re lucky enough to live in the Chicagoland vicinity, then I’m sure you have Makeovers and Martinis written in your day planner for this evening.
AmazingCosmetics will be providing complimentary mini makeovers and also a gift with purchase until 8:00 pm. Next – off to Morgan’s Bar and Grill for custom blended Amazing Martinis made with watermelon vodka and a cucumber and watermelon garnish! Honestly what more could a girl ask for!
Ok maybe chocolate?
Fun pic’s and stories from our event coming soon!!
Hope to see y’all later
Si
Posted on Wed, Jul 22nd 2009, 3:24 pm
What's in Your Bag?
What purse do you carry? Ok, what purse would you like to carry? Uh huh... now we're on to something. Some are big and some are small (purses I mean) but no matter what the size there is something very intriguing about a women's purse.
I learned at a very young age that whatever I was in search of could be found in my Mother's handbag.
A Band-Aid, tissues, comb, aspirin, food, barrette, lantern (what?). You name it... it was in there. I also learned at a very young age that I was never ever allowed in it... that was taboo! Which all the more added to the mystique. And according to a few of my similar-in-age friends they too were forbidden from their Mother's purses. Why? All I know is... I never questioned her... I'd just bring her the purse and she would reach in and magically pull out whatever I needed... it was awesome!
Wait... is that why I’m obsessed with purses today... because I was never able to go into my Mom's? Hmmm.
Whatever the cause, I’m not ashamed to say I Love purses. From wabombus over-sized totes to palm-sized clutches – purses are perfect! I know I'm not alone in my strong affection for handbags... there are many of you out there just like me.
Men don't get it. Shocking I know. A girl's purse is not just her purse... it's who she is. It is an extension of her "self." Sort of like a guy and his car and his... oh well, you know what I mean.
Here are a few of my favorites –
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What the Amazing Girl’s choose to carry –
Lisa: White Furla Bag. Contents: Ray Ban Sunglasses, A little AmazingConcealer, Lisa and Sandy LipGloss, Much Mango Blush, Blackberry, White Company lotion. A wallet and keys.
Sue: A white woven Elliott Lucca bag. Contents: Chanel sunglasses, keys, Blackberry, SunShine Sun Bronzer, Kathy LipGloss, Watermelon Fizz Blush. Hand sanitizer spray (germ-a-phobe) and bubble gum.
Sandy: Louis Vuitton. Contents: Ray Ban shades, Sandy LipGloss, SunShine Sun Bronzer
(the BEST Bronzer ever!!) Chanel Nº19 perfume, digital camera, Motrin, Ipod, day planner, hair ties and gum.
Meri Beth: White Coach. Contents: A Little AmazingConcealer, Advil, Jo Malone Sweet Lime and Cedar, Mucho Mango Blush, Sun Bronzer, Meri LipGloss, Audrey LipColor, Amazing Mascara, Aveda Hair Spray and a Keith Urban CD. (Love him!)
Posted on Tue, Jun 30th 2009, 2:39 pm
Roberta Chiarella
For those of you still not "in the know" when it comes to brilliant baubles that celebrities love to wear,
Roberta Chiarelli is it! Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings that truly make a statement on anyone who wears them.
"Not bad for a girl from Queens", as she so poignantly wrote in her blog, Roberta has taken the jewelry industry by storm with her fabulously creative jewelry line. Using Platinum and 22kt gold with Crystallized Swarovski Elements, Roberta’s designs are featured in fashion and beauty magazines from around the globe and are worn on numerous Television shows.
Roberta first reached out to AmazingCosmetics as a loyal fan of the AmazingConcealer (and who isn’t) and we reached back when we opened our first store The Studio back in Feb. 2008. Roberta’s collection is the only jewelry line we carry in our store and our customers love the fact that AmazingCosmetics and Roberta’s jewelry are both Celebrity must-haves!
Right now on robertachiarella.com, AmazingCosmetics is participating in the Summer of Luxury Sweepstakes with a $350.00 gift certificate for AmazingCosmetics! The contest is going on right now and ends July 31st and all you have to do is sign up… no purchase necessary! Though I’m confident once you take a look at all of her Amazing jewelry you’re sure to buy something!!
This past March we had the pleasure of meeting Roberta in NY during a Beauty Editor trip where we launched our latest and greatest complexion-perfecting product Refine and Finish… now available in select Sephora stores - yipee!
We had a great time laughing and chatting over cocktails with Roberta and her husband at The London Bar. Next trip to NY the Amazing Girl’s and Roberta will be cooking up dinner together. Not sure what’s on the menu but I’m sure it will be AMAZING! Sorry, couldn’t resist.
So treat yourself and check out- robertachiarella.com and tell them Sandy sent you!
si
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| Pictured: Sandy, Roberta, Lisa and Sue |
Posted on Mon, Jun 8th 2009, 4:56 pm
QVC UK success
May 25th 2009
Spring time in London… aaah. The flowers were blooming in the urns and window boxes that line the narrow curving streets of London while the Sun lit up an already beautiful city making it even more breathtaking. The Amazing team excitedly arrived at Heathrow late last Monday night armed with AmazingCosmetics products ready to take the stage for our very first feature show on QVC in the UK.
We began telling our Amazing story to the UK on QVC four years ago introducing our “hero” the AmazingConcealer. Quickly the Magic Eraser found its British niche! From the start sales were “amazing” and eventually Amazing secured an 8 to 10 minute segment each month lead by the beautiful and talented British Amazing Girl Sally Riceman.
Wednesday, May 27th finally arrives.
4 models, the QVC Presenter, Sally and myself hit the set with the AmazingConcealer, Pressed Mineral Foundation Powder, PowderSet, Amazing Eye’s Kit, Mascara Duo, Amazing Seven Collection Trio’s and SunShine LipGloss Duo’s. Wheeew! That’s a lot of stuff! Before the show began I thought that 30 minutes would feel like an eternity and instead I think I blinked once or twice and the show was over!
We sold a ton of product and will once again grace the United Kingdom airwaves in the fall for another AmazingCosmetics feature show! The sacrifices I’m expected to make for my job! Geeez!
-si
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| The beautiful Landmark Hotel is where we stay while in London. The first night we sat next to Ron Woods... of the Rolling Stones at the Hotel's Mirror Bar!!! Upon leaving, we checked out next to Jimmy Kimmel... he was a cutie! |
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| The Amazing team enjoying a wonderful Indian dinner in downtown London. Sue Katz, Sandy Incardona, Lisa Thurman and Sally Riceman |
Posted on Sat, Jun 6th 2009, 10:10 am
Expect the unexpected
It's Hump Day and I'm still catching up from being out of my office for a solid week in London (that blog post coming soon!). It's chilly out… and it’s JUNE! Anyway, it's a typical day at AC headquarters when all of a sudden… WHAMMO! Reggie Wells… yes, Oprah’s personal makeup artist strolls into The Studio to check things out. Of course because I can't help myself I begin to run up to The Studio from our Lunch Room/Conference Room with Sushi practically hanging out of my mouth. I know gross. Anyway, luckily I stopped for a quick mirror check - I had sesame seeds in my teeth. Yuk!
I have to say, at first I was a little star struck. Hello… he's OPRAH’S GUY! The makeup artist Guru that has worked with Madame O since 1989 and is the master behind all of the beautiful O Magazine covers!
Anyway, after we got past all the introductions I couldn't wait to share a funny story with him. Awhile ago we learned Reggie lived near by so one day we sat around the office concocting clever ways to "accidentally" bump into him. We heard he sometimes ate lunch at the Culvers restaurant in town so one of the girls said she would go and eat there everyday for one month in the hopes of a celebrity makeup artist run-in. We nixed that idea instantly. Sue, one of Amazing’s founders said she would drive over to his lovely neighborhood and just kind of hang out on his street… you know waiting for him to come home. Ya… no. That wasn’t going to happen either. Can you say STALKER! Well he thought that we were hilarious and said we should have stopped by. Although, I know he was just being gracious and would not have wanted us knocking on his door un-announced, he was extremely giving. He shared some funny behind-the-scenes stories about working with Oprah and gave us some wise advice about this crazy business we're in. Happy to have been sent AmazingCosmetics products over the years, Reggie continues to work with Oprah and has quite a few exciting projects coming up that I can't share with you just yet. What I can share is that Mr. Wells will be coming back to the AmazingCosmetics Studio for a "Meet and Greet" in the near future! Did you hear me scream just now?
After about 30 minutes and a quick photo-op, we said our good bye's but not before giving him a shopping bag full of AmazingCosmetics! You never know who he might be working his magic on tomorrow… but I do!
-si
Posted on Thu, Jun 4th 2009, 7:39 am
Drew is an Amazing Girl
Drew was introduced to AmazingCosmetics many moons ago by the lovely and talented Joanne Gair, Sports Illustrated body painter extraordinaire. She and her work are truly AMAZING and you should treat yourself to one of her fabulous books. Body Painting and Paint A Licious are beautiful and look amazing on my coffee table and do spark some interesting conversations!
Anyway, over the years, we would hear from Drew's assistants and of course loved every minute hearing that Drew loved her AmazingConcealer. We'd send her occasional packages filled with her favorite "amazing" goodies and always received a "thank you" call. Sometimes she would call just to find out which stores carried AmazingCosmetics.
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Yes, you heard right... a celebrity buying products!
One of my favorite "Drew" stories involved her appearance on SNL. During one of the commercial breaks fave Celeb makeup artist Amy Tagliamonte used the AmazingConcealer for a quick touch up and Drew noticed the tube in her hand and said she just loved the AmazingConcealer!
So when we read in this weeks People magazine that she was asked what was in her makeup bag and she answered "AmazingConcealer, I live, die and breathe by it." My first thought was, great she said the AmazingConcealer! But then the second part of her quote sunk in and I thought, OH MY GOSH! She lives, dies and breathes by it!
People magazine featuring Drew Barrymore – $3.99
A ticket to see her latest movie He’s Just Not That In To You – $9.00
Drew Barrymore saying she lives, dies and breathes by the AmazingConcealer – Priceless!
Thank you Drew.
si
Posted on Sat, Feb 21st 2009, 9:15 am
The Studio Anniversary Party
It’s hard to believe that just 1-year ago AmazingCosmetics opened their first retail store in downtown Libertyville IL. Like the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun and fun is what we’ve been having!
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The Studio has a loyal following with some patrons traveling over 2 hours to receive a one on one makeup consultation with an AmazingCosmetics makeup artist. “Women like the fact they’re not in the middle of an isle at a department store under horrible lighting getting their makeup done,” said Barb an artist at The Studio. Add in gorgeous baubles from Roberta Chiarella (jewelry designer to the stars), Italian perfumes, Belle Fleur candles, picture frames and cosmetic bags galore and The Studio becomes an exhilarating shopping experience. Custom baked sugar cookies donning the AmazingCosmetics logo and French Lemonade were the fare for the day as were the smiling women who left The Studio looking a little more Amazing then when they arrived!!
si
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Posted on Sat, Feb 14th 2009, 10:32 am
AmazingCosmetics Founders
Welcome to their lives!
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| Did you ever wonder what the founders of a global cosmetic company carry in their purse? How about their favorite designer or fragrance? Where they would escape to if given some downtime? Must-haves when they travel? Find out just what makes these Amazing Girls tick. |
Fashion icon -
Sue Katz - Audrey Hepburn
Lisa Thurman - Grace Kelly
Favorite designer -
SK - Donna Karan
LT - Armani
What’s in your bag?
SK - BlackBerry, AC Sophia lip stick, Meri lip gloss and Much Mango blush, chewing gum, car keys, wallet.
LT - BlackBerry, , AmazingConcealer, Sunglasses, day planner, pic’s of my kids, mints, checkbook, wallet, Ipod
Beauty Tip?
SK - wash your face every night with a gentle cleanser
LT - Kiehls Lip Balm
Favorite meal?
SK - Sushi and more Sushi!
LT - Guacamoli & Chips or anything Mexican
Retail addiction?
SK - Sephora.com
LT - Gilt Group.com
Teenage crush?
SK - Davy Jones
LT - Paul Michael Glaser
Current crush?
SK - Hugh Grant
LT - George Clooney
Midnight snack?
SK - red wine
LT - rasberry Frango mints
Fashion no-no’s-
SK - words written across your bottom when you’re over 40!
LT - dark panties with light colored pants
Who would you like to be seated next to at a dinner party?
SK - William Shatner
LT - Jon Stewart
Who’s on your Ipod?
SK - John Mellencamp, Natasha Bedingfield
LT - John Mayer, Buddy Guy
Favorite scent?
SK - Must de Cartier
LT - Oscar de la Renta
Favorite escape?
SK - The Phoenician Scottsdale
LT - South of France
-si
Posted on Wed, Jan 21st 2009, 4:37 pm
No Foundation Foundation
I think one of the nicest compliments I have ever received was when one of my friends told me I was lucky to not have to wear foundation.
No foundation? Well that told me just how fabulous our Velvet Mineral Foundation Powder really is! I have to say I was never a fan of liquid foundation when basically that was all there was to choose from.
I’d thin it down with my moisturizer or only use it when my skin was really not cooperating. I couldn’t stand the way it looked or made my face feel- like I had a mask on. Then a few cosmetics companies introduced powder alternatives.
That was a plus because you could basically only apply it where you really needed it. But I never felt it looked natural, they were all too opaque and the colors were far from natural.
So when I tried our Velvet Mineral Foundation Powder for the first time, I wasn’t expecting very much, but boy was I pleasantly surprised! It felt so silky smooth to the touch and when I looked at the texture of my skin I truly was amazed. It looked like my skin…only better! The super fine mill gives you flawless coverage without looking heavy or masky. And the fact that the formula has no iridescence really creates a natural matte finish.
You can’t make a mistake when applying; you simply brush it over your entire face until you achieve the coverage you desire. It’s that simple! I don’t know about you, but for me? Simple is good!
-si
Posted on Sun, Jan 18th 2009, 4:18 pm
