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Miss Colombia Paulina Vega Crowned Miss Universe 2014

By Katie Jackson The stunning Miss Colombia Paulina Vega has been crowned Miss Universe 2014, with Miss USA Nia Sanchez as the runner-up. Vega blew away the panel of celebrity judges, including Kristin Cavallari, Emilio Estefan, DeSean Jackson, Lisa Vanderpump, William Levy, Manny Pacquiao, Nina Garcia, Giancarlo Stanton, Rob Dyrdek, and Louise Roe with her talents, charisma, intelligence, and obvious beauty. Taking place at the Florida International University Arena, the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant began with each contestant greeting the judges and audience in lavish costumes representing each of their countries. Then, almost immediately after, the beauties were whittled down from 88 to just 15. The contestants strutted their fabulous figures in the bikini round, and were quickly narrowed down to the top 10. The remaining ladies stunned in evening gowns ranging from silver and sparkling to red and daring. Throughout the pageant, unforgettable live performances were put on by Prince Royce, Gavin DeGraw, and Nick Jonas who had audience members and viewers swooning when he walked off the stage to serenade girlfriend Olivia Culpo in the audience with his smash hit “Jealous.” Culpo, who was Miss Universe 2012, was Jonas’s muse behind the song. After the top 5 were announced, Miss Jamaica, Miss Ukraine, Miss Netherlands, Miss USA, and Miss Colombia moved on to the question and answer round. Though all the contestants gave wonderful answers, it was Vega that came out on top. During the nerve-racking Q&A, Vega completely wowed the judges, especially when answering what she thought Colombia had contributed to the world. “I believe that my country has been an example to be followed for the rest of the countries,” she said. “We are preserving people, and we continue fighting. Today, we are world leaders in many different parts.” After she was announced the winner, Vega was crowned by Miss Universe 2013 Grabriela Isler with the $300,000 topaz and sapphire studded headpiece. Vega is the first winner to wear the stunning new New York City-skyline inspired crown designed by DIC. Immediately after the pageant, Vega and Miss Universe owner Donald Trump answered questions during a press conference held at the Trump National Doral. Vega beamed as she told press that she will wear the crown with “pride and excitement.” When asked what his biggest piece of advice was for Vega, Trump answered, “she has to remain grounded.” For more on Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, visit missuniverse.com

Experts, Makeup & Hair, MSM Online

Miss Universe Style Illuminate Hair Care Line by CHI

By Gisel Habibnejad In case you missed it last night’s Miss Universe pageant, Miss Venezuela passed down her crown to Miss Colombia. Each contestant reigned from every part of the world, representing their unique cultures but they did have one thing in common – CHI Haircare styling products. Owner of CHI and Biosilk, Farouk Systems came up with an exclusive Miss Universe Style Illuminate Hair Care Line which was used to style each one of their beautiful tresses. So, do you want to know their beauty secrets? If you want to dry your hair faster while adding heat protectant, use the Set the Stage Blow Dry Spray ($15). Before curling your hair, apply the Work Your Style Flexible Hair Spray ($16). This amazing spray locks in your curls without leaving residue or making your hair stiff! When you’re finished using the Confidently Beautiful Titanium Curling Iron, add extra shine with the Moringa and Macadamia Oil ($15) to your crown worthy hair. If you prefer to go straight, their Confidently Beautiful Titanium Hairstyling Iron ($139.95) will do the trick. You can still add that Miss Universe big hair flare by flipping the iron on your ends. Don’t forget to finish off your look with the Spotlight Shine Spray ($15)! It can be applied on your hair and skin to give you that ultimate stage-friendly glow. The entire CHI Miss Universe Style Illuminate Hair Care Line can be purchased through www.missuniverse.com

Entertainment, Makeup & Hair, MSM Online

Revamp Your Hair – Jane the Virgin Style!

By Gisel Habibnejad Jane the Virgin returns tonight (The CW, 9/8c), and we’re celebrating with hairstyling tips from on set stylists Michelle Rene Elam (Department Head Hair) and Tena Parker Baker (Key Hair).  Golden Globe Winner, Gina Rodriguez, stays true to her character (Jane) by sticking to lively and bouncy hair. “To keep it healthy and top shape I use heat protectants, mostly White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Thermal Styling Spray and then Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Neuro Unclipped 1.25″ Styling Cone to set her whimsical locks,” says Michelle. “She has a copious amount of hair, so I often flat iron the roots with my T3 Singlepass styling iron to keep it snug to her head.” She also uses White Sands Orchids Oil to keep her hair in place throughout the day. Petra Solano, played by Yael Groblas, keeps it simple and classy. Michelle uses “Living Proof Restore Target Repair Cream on her ends, then mist her hair all over with White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Thermal Styling Spray to protect and smooth during the blow dry while using a T3 anti-gravity 2.5″ Barrel Ceramic Brush to create smooth volume.” Tena styles Andrea Navedo’s character, Xiomara Villanueva, using White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Thermal Styling Spray on her wet hair to keep her hair looking fun, young, and healthy. “Her style is maintained throughout long days with White Sands Orchids Oil and Aerogel Styling Spray, keeping shine, shape, and soft hold along with a Mason Pearson brush forming the soft waves,” says Tena.  Rose, played by Bridget Regan, has the ideal trophy wife, flawless hair going on. To complete the look, Tena also sprays White Sands Liquid Texture Firm Thermal Styling Spray on her luscious locks to keep the full look. “During the round brush blow dry, I use T3 Body Waver to work volume into her heavy luxurious hair,” explains Tena. Photography Courtesy of The CW

Makeup & Hair, The Issue

On the Road to Miss Universe 2014

By Gisel Habibnejad As we watch the Miss Universe contestants gather on stage, it is easy to forget the hard work and determination each beauty has put into winning the prestigious honor of representing her own country. Each one has a unique and inspiring story to tell. For Jimena Espinoza, the reigning Miss Peru Universe, her strength lies within the absolute support provided by her family. Through their love and encouragement she was able to overcome childhood bullies and used it to channel the power within to achieve her ultimate dreams of modeling and competing for the prestigious title of Miss Universe. Jimena stopped by MSM’s offices for a photoshoot and a one on one interview: MSM: What inspired you to want to become Miss Peru Universe? JE: I have been inspired since my childhood as I used to watch beauty pageant competitions on television. Growing up, I really started to love the idea that I could represent my country and use my name to make positive changes in people’s lives and especially women in so many different aspects. MSM: How much preparation goes into a beauty pageant, especially for this competition? JE: There is a lot of preparation required in many areas, not only in physical appearance but nutritional, health, photography, speech, and emotional training. MSM: What is your favorite part about winning the prestigious title of Miss Peru Universe so far? JE: My favorite part is receiving the support and love of the people of my country and to use the title of Miss Peru Universe to capture the attention of different people or organizations in order to provide social assistance to those in need. It’s an enormous honor and also a huge responsibility to have the ability to hold such a prestigious crown that can open so many doors for so many good causes I feel strongly about. MSM: What separates the Peruvian culture from the rest of the world? JE: So many things separate the Peruvian culture from the rest of the world, such as our rich history as we are the birthplace of the great Inca Empire. But most commonly known is our world famous cuisine. Peru has created a name for itself in the culinary world for it’s special flavors, spices, and freshest ingredients. MSM: What is your favorite Peruvian tradition? JE: A tradition that is very close to my heart and that I still participate in, along with my loved ones, is the procession of the Lord of Miracles every October. It’s just so magical because everyone dresses in purple all month as a symbol of faith and parades around town. It’s a time when you feel united, happy, and so grateful for all the miracles in our lives. MSM: What is one beauty product you can’t leave your house without? JE: I cannot leave my house without a good sunscreen, because the most important thing is to look after your skin and protect it from the damages of the sun. It keeps you looking young and radiant. MSM: Do you have a signature makeup look? JE: Yes, I always like to keep my makeup looking as fresh and natural as possible. MSM: What is it about Miami that you love the most? JE: I like the warmth of its people and multi-cultural side, its beautiful beaches and lovely climate are an added bonus. MSM: As a child, you were bullied for being tall. How did you overcome those bullies? Do you think winning Miss Universe will help you spread awareness towards this social issue? JE: I overcame being bullied due to the love and support of my family, especially my parents. I have always had a great relationship with them and was able to speak to them openly and that really gave me the strength to overcome it. They gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to be tolerant and compassionate towards the world around me. I learned to appreciate different people and make the most of situations. My height allowed me to participate in many sports activities and later to follow my dreams of modeling. I most definitely believe that Miss Universe will help me not only spread awareness of this horrible subject but also to create support groups for other young children so they always feel like they have someone to speak to the way I was able to. The best way to do this is to tell my story and show the world that being different is not a bad thing after all. MSM: What would it mean to you to win the title of Miss Universe 2014? JE: The culmination of a dream and the beginning of new challenges, responsibilities for myself, to my country, and the world. I have no words to express the joy and pride it would mean to me. The Miss Universe Pageant will be taking place on Sunday, January 25th at Florida International University, located at 11200 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199.   Photography by IMANI OGDEN Wardrobe by CACHE DESIGNS Makeup by ARTURO RODRIGUEZ (CHRISTIAN DIOR)   Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.

Beauty, Events, Makeup & Hair, The Issue

The Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show Amps Your Beauty Style

By Gisel Habibnejad On December 13th, a huge crowd gathered outside awaiting the doors to open at 8am for Nordstrom Merrick Park. Why would women across Miami wake up so early on a Saturday? The annual Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show, of course! Seats filled up quickly as everyone anxiously anticipated for the fashion show to begin. The beauty trend show opened with the lively and hilarious host, Nordstrom Beauty Director, Gilbert Vera. Soon after, beautiful models strutted down the runway with designer clothes ranging from Mara Hoffman, Clover Canyon, and Rebecca Taylor. These outfits centered on the Velvet Berry Lip beauty trend. The fall trend continues to grow in popularity as seen on celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Emma Watson, and Jessica Alba. The most notable of colors was MAC’s Pro Lipstick in Sin ($16) as seen on the cover photo for the event. Geir Ness, creator of Laila perfume – the essence of Norway, also made a special appearance to speak about the unique scent and gift set ($99) and spritz the floral scent across the audience. For the next segment of the beauty show, models showed-off their night eye shadow shades. Makeup brands included Trish McEvoy and Lancôme. The crowd favorite was easily the 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette ($60) by Dior. The collection includes 11 different color combination palettes to choose from, all containing soft shades allowing for an easy day-to-night transition. Also seen on the models was Yves Saint Laurent’s Fusion Ink Foundation SPF 18 ($60). The lightweight formula was voted #1 by nationwide magazines and can be considered as the “freedom foundation” as it is ideal to prevent that cakey-makeup look. The models were adorned with Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, and Just Cavalli. The last fall beauty trend showcased was sparkling accents. The beautiful makeup looks were the picture-perfect pop of detail for the fabulous outfits sported by the models. Designer brands included Vince Camuto, Helmut Lang, and Philip Lim. The most attention-grabbing item of all was the My Burberry Eau de Parfum ($95) now sold at Nordstrom Merrick Park Burberry beauty counter. The beautiful bottle is tied with an iconic trench coat inspired bow around the top. After the fantastic beauty show, attendees enjoyed the rest of their day at the beauty counters receiving free makeovers from brands such as Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Anastasia Beverly Hills – among the many others. Throughout the day, Nordstrom Beauty Stylists assisted event goers by handpicking the best makeup customized to their desired preferences. Beauty Stylist Juan Reyes shared his favorite brands and must-haves of the season. For cleansing and toning, his go-to product is La Prairie’s Cellular Cleansing Water for eyes and face ($90). With one wash, the product cleans all traces of makeup – without the use of water. In addition, you will immediately see improvement in your skin as you begin your path to anti-aging; healthy skin is always in-style. Juan also recommended the Tom Ford Perfume Sampler Collection sold only at Nordstrom Merrick Park. The sampler includes scents such as, Oud Wood and Jasmin Rouge for men and women, respectively. For all things beauty and fashion, it’s safe to say Nordstrom Merrick Park has the essentials to take care of every beauty need by all the best brands and stylists. Photography by Alicia Palma Click here to view post on the January/February 2015 issue.   

Beauty, Experts, Makeup & Hair, MSM Online

Red Carpet Hair 2015 Predictions by CHI

By Gisel Habibnejad With red carpet season rapidly approaching, viewers anxiously await to see what the stars are wearing and the new beauty trends that will soon make their mark in the fashion world. Thankfully, CHI already made some predictions that we can swoon over until the first award show this Sunday.     “We will see romantic, soft waves with side parts for long and short hair,” says Tammy Mixon, Farouk Systems Global Board Artist and lead Hair Artist for Miss Universe. She uses BioSilk Silk Therapy and BioSilk Volumizing Therapy Texturizing Powder to achieve this look.                       One of the easiest and popular hair styles making its way on recent red carpets is the braid. It is the perfect way to complement a gorgeous gown to accomplish the “I didn’t have to try this hard to look this good” look. Lorena Garcia, Farouk Systems Creative Artist says, “waves will also dominate the award ceremonies – but will be sleek waves – nothing messy, as well as straight sleek looks, combed straight back or with a down the center part.”     Overall, I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to hair, simple yet elegant will always win this season.

Beauty, Makeup & Hair

The Illamasqua Haunting

Whether we like it or not, the eve of Halloween is upon us. Ghost and ghouls will soon emerge from lawyer’s offices and photography studios where they lurk during the day, and terrorize the streets in their most capable yet outlandish disguises, leaving their day job behind for the night. In order to prep for such a wicked, confection-craze fright-fest, they flood into the Illamasqua counter at Bloomingdales in the Aventura Mall by the numbers. Illamasqua is a UK based make-up brand that has spread like an epidemic from the English Channel all the way to American shores, landing in homeland soil and bringing colorful individuality to cities like New York, New Jersey, Chicago and most recently, Miami. Every first Saturday of each month, the “movement” of a brand educates eager, make-up buffs on the ins and outs of proper application along with the use of each product (like their cruelty-free, synthetic brushes) by holding first-hand tutorials of tricks and tips to refine your once amateur beauty skills to expertise levels. In this week’s Beauty School Drop In class, the Illamasqua “creatives” schooled the “pupils” on how to make heads do a 360-degree turn while howling at the full moon light, or maybe just enjoying a signature Eyeball Martini at your best friend’s Monster Mania soiree, either way, Illamasqua has the “faces” that you need to be wearing on October’s most celebrated day of the dead. Little Lolita – Good for guises like geishas or flappers. Poison Ivy’s Evil Twin – Try this look for a playful peacock or a seductive serpent. The Queen of Darkness – Although this look could go with just about anything, we recommend pairing it with a racy cat suit or a Wicked Witch from the Southeast number.

Beauty, Makeup & Hair

Isabel Marant Fall 2013 show! – Estée Lauder

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estée Lauder Photo: Courtesy of Estée Lauder “I wanted to create a makeup look that was both feminist and boyish.  The focus is on the brows, which are effortless but controlled – full, with volume, almost masculine. Makeup on the face is very light, very sheer, like a veil, while the lips are simple, natural and nude.” – Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder

Beauty, Makeup & Hair

5 Fall Beauty Trends and Tips

By Giselle Mendez Eyeshadow: Metallic eye shadows are in this fall. Try sweeping a warm bronze and gold shade over your lids for a subtle pop of shimmer and color. Use a large fluffy eye brush to disperse the color lightly over the lid. To kick it up a notch for a night time look add a metallic green or black in your crease to give your eyes a little bit more drama. Try Aveda color options eye shadow transformers.   Lips: Red lips are HOTT this season and can look great on anyone! For the perfect red lips, start by lining the outside of your lips with a white kohl pencil and blend it out. Then line and fill in your lips before you apply lipstick. Last but not least, apply your lipstick from the outside – in almost like your lining your lips with your lipstick, except do not put lipstick on the bottom center of your lips. Then just lightly press lips together to blend the color. The white pencil will make your lips look fuller and the highlight will make your lips appear plumper. Try Clinique’s chubby stick moisturizing lip balm in a red shade for a sheer color if you are not into red lipstick.   Eyeliner: Meow! It’s all about the cat liner! Traditional black winged out liner goes great with a pair of red lips! If you prefer gel liners I recommend: Black Track from MAC or Blackest Black from Maybelline Eye Studio. If you prefer liquid Lorac has an amazing liquid felt tip pen called Front of the Line in Black that is waterproof and has a patent leather finish to it. Turn up the fun by using different colors such as purple, blue, or green.   Lashes: Want to glam your look up a bit for the evening instantly? Try false lashes! The strip lashes are the fastest and easiest to apply. The best lash adhesive is the DUO Lash glue (latex based) that can be bought at any drugstore. (Be careful if you are allergic to latex; make sure you buy latex free glue) It comes in clear or black I recommend the black if you will be wearing eyeliner. Demi wispies from Ardell are my favorite and look the best on everyone.   Nail Polish: This fall metallic colors and blues are in. Try Barry M’s Cobalt Blue or OPI’s Orge the top blue alone or with a metallic shatter polish over it! www.aveda.com www.clinique.com

Beauty, Makeup & Hair

Miami Bangs and Waves

RIKRAK Salon talks to Miami Shoot Magazine Interviewed by Gabrielle Campolongo Raquel and Ric Watters opened their first RikRak hair salon 22 years ago. They are a thriving Miami salon with beloved clients and attentive staff. With Ric being an established stylist in the Brickell area, the salon went off without hesitation and has been growing since inception. As a matter of fact, you can expect another RikRak to be opening this year. MSM: What are the current trends in today’s hair styles? Raquel: I’m seeing a lot of bangs, with straight hair. Long, straight hair, as well as the shorter look with bangs. Bangs are big and back. They’ve been back, but I see more and more people asking for bangs. For the shorter look, the blunt cut. Pretty short, but with a lot of swing, like the Vidal Sassoon flowy look. Precision hair cuts. Those are the two prominent styles. MSM: What is the most unattractive style you’ve ever seen in Miami? Raquel: I saw the mullet the other day. It’s just horrible. They need to come to RikRak! [laughs] MSM: What is your best selling product? Raquel: Kerastase for finishing. My #1 product right now is called “Amazon”. It is a very intense, Brazilian conditioning treatment. We don’t even call it Keratin, but it is amazing. You don’t even have to comb your hair. Your blow dry lasts at least a week. We’re a very proud distributor of Amazon. MSM: What is it like to run your own salon in Miami? Raquel: It’s hectic. We’re always on top of it. We’re here 7 days a week, in and out, but always very concerned and very attentive of our employees and our clients. We are always trying to make our clients feel at home and comfortable. It’s difficult. It’s not easy, but it’s our passion. That’s all we would do. We would do it all over again. We’re opening another salon as a matter of fact, our forth one. We have a salon at the Four Seasons, at the Sports Club LA, and also at the Sagamore on South Beach. And now we’re opening at the JW Marriot Marquee on the Avenue of the Americas. The opening is in October. It’s a 4,000 square foot spa salon. We’re excited, proud, and honored to be there. MSM: Is it a challenge to stay on top of the current looks all of the time? Raquel: For us, it’s easy. Our hairstylists are always taking classes and always in tune with the latest look and trends that are coming. We do change rapidly, but it’s not difficult for us. MSM: What are the top 5 things to look for in a salon? Raquel: Cleanliness. Making sure that everything is kept clean, especially if you’re getting services such as waxing, or manicure or pedicure. Making sure the instruments are sanitized between clients. We do most of our pedicures and manicures with hot towels infused in essential oils. The towels are disinfected with Clorox between clients. We don’t use water anymore; you can get so much bacteria with that. We decided to play it safe. The brushes need to be kept clean; the waxing spatula shouldn’t be double dipped. Another thing is that the salon employees are people who are experienced and licensed. The licenses should be exposed. The attitude of the salon owner and staff is important. You want to feel comfortable and welcome. Have good light when it comes to doing color and when it comes to doing makeup and haircuts. It’s crucial that you’re stylist or makeup artist has good lighting. We have windows all over. It’s important that you see color in natural light. The salon should know the latest trends and the latest looks that are up and coming. Of course you’re coming out of the salon looking great, but to continue that care with the products at home. MSM: Starting out, were you accepted into the community right away? Raquel: Yes. Honestly, when we started 22 years ago, we were like pioneers in the Brickell area. We’ve seen the train being built and all these high rises being built, so yes we were immediately very welcomed. There was only one other salon in the area. MSM: What is the most important factor of being a salon owner? Raquel: Cleanliness and service come hand in hand. If you don’t have clean brushes and you do a fabulous up-do, it doesn’t cut it. A high quality of service and cleanliness are the two most important factors.

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