When was the first time you put on your first stitch of makeup? I think, for me, I was about three years old in my dance recital. It’s crazy to think that I was introduced to makeup at such an early age, but I wonder if that has anything to do with my love for it now. According to a recent article with the Canadian Press, it should have affected me in a different way.

In the article, Karen Grant, an NPD beauty-industry analyst, says that she thinks when girls start at a young age (such as pre-teen years) they are actually not as fascinated by it in older years (like their late teens). I don’t know if I can agree with that. Now, don’t get me wrong – just because I had a little bit of blush and lipstick on at the age of three, doesn’t mean that I was obsessed with makeup every day since then. I think it actually took me a bit longer to get down some kind of routine (or even to be allowed to use any sort of makeup, for that matter). It’s not like the baby beauty queens of today that get filmed for reality television. That may be a different case altogether.

I think that each person has their own personality and own progression when it comes to makeup. The Canadian Press article also suggests that girls are becoming interested in makeup earlier with all the latest spa and makeup parties that allow them to bond with their friends and mothers. While this may be true, I don’t think that this is when girls begin the obsession. They must explore it on their own and will come into their own routine in their own time. Some girls don’t even like makeup.

But I must agree with the article’s thoughts on the popularity of mascara throughout time. I, myself, don’t ever leave home without mascara on. It really has the ability to brighten your face – it’s a great beauty product.

What products have you loved throughout your life?

-Amanda Fornecker

I didn’t think a reality television show could get more entertaining than our beloved Jersey Shore and the craziness that is Snooki, but alas, there is a rival. And while it may not be the most original of ideas to bash the same state and its inhabitants over and over again, I still find myself mesmerized by Jerseylicious (the title alone speaks volumes). This Style Network show follows the hair stylists and makeup artists of a New Jersey salon. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I actually know the types of people portrayed on this show or if it’s actually hysterical, but just like a typical train wreck of a reality show, I can’t look away.

On last night’s episode of Jerseylicious, the Gatsby Salon was buzzing over the possibility of being featured in a New Jersey magazine. A “secret shopper” type of customer would be from the magazine and size up the salon for their professionalism and overall success as an upscale salon. Of course the customer that was the mystery writer turned out to be the one that was around for a crazy time in the salon. And Gatsby has been named a finalist.

What reality television show would be complete without drama? This episode’s drama included a fight that ensued between a hair stylist (Tracy) and an aspiring makeup artist (Olivia). It was Tracy’s birthday and she was having a safari-themed party at her apartment. She decided to invite the entire Gatsby staff – except for Olivia. To retaliate, Olivia decided to throw her own jungle-themed party at the same time as Tracy’s. You can only imagine the drama, which involved a screaming match in the parking lot and a lot of smack-talking.

The lines that came out of their mouths were pretty hysterical. Some of these included:

“She likes to copy everything of mine: my hair, my nails, and even my cell phone covers. She’s like a Chinatown knockoff.” – Tracy in reference to Olivia
“It was like the Civil War. I felt like the Mason-Dixon line!” – Anthony (the only male hair stylist on the show) in reference to his meddling between Tracy and Olivia

The worst character was Alexa, the head makeup artist. She refers to herself as a “Glam Fairy” who trains others to get their wings. It was like she was living in lala land, but was actually really mean to everyone. I think that it’s good for makeup artists and hair stylists to come up with a philosophy to live by in order to beautify others, but Alexa used bad puns and references constantly throughout the show. And she’s not a nice person either.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the stereotypes portrayed in the show. Of course we have the big hair, crazy nails, fake tans, and crazy outfits. And let’s not forget about the accents (although I have been made fun of a time or two for my New York accent). If you haven’t seen Jerseylicious yet, the picture you have in your mind is probably correct. Check it out yourself for a fun salon experience and some mindless entertainment!

-Amanda Fornecker

We can all go back to the days of MTV’s “The Newlyweds” and remember Jessica Simpson’s ridiculous comments and blonde moments. The show ended five years ago (can you believe that?) and now it’s time for Jessica to begin a new reality show – this time with VH1, called “The Price of Beauty.”

The show is slated to begin on March 15 and will document Jessica as she travels the world to see how other cultures view beauty. It’s definitely an interesting concept, especially in the wake of how some people find it necessary to change their entire body for others.

In the show, Jessica walks in a runway show in Paris and visits a woman preparing herself by fattening up in a cave in Uganda for her husband. These are different ideas of beauty. I guess the point here is that every person in every culture has their own definition of beauty.

Even beauty professionals have their own definitions. This can be seen in each individual person’s style. A hairstylist may be the best at cutting short hairstyles because they love this style and thinks it looks beautiful on a wide variety of people; a makeup artist might really love the smoky eye look as the perfect way to accentuate a client’s eyes; and a wardrobe stylist might have all the latest styles in their client’s closet to convey beauty.

No matter who you are, you have your own opinion of beauty. I wonder what Jessica’s will be. Maybe I’ll check out the show. Stay tuned…

-Amanda Fornecker

Fashion week isn’t just about the clothes, you know. What about the makeup? In fact, the wrong kind of makeup can really ruin the look and theme of a runway. Let’s take a look at some of the looks created by Maybelline New York recently at New York Fashion Week for some Fall 2010 (yes, I said Fall) trends.

DAY 1: RVCA x Erin Wasson
Playful craziness and a touch of wacky ruled the roost at RVCA x Erin Wasson. Most notable, the feathered brow and heavily-lined bottom lip, which gave the look a bit of a “tribal” feel.

DAY 2: Michael Angel
Bright, colorfully-rimmed eyes captivated the runway at Michael Angel. Bold Lime green and deep jeweled blues added intensity, while earthy tones added depth against a fresh face. A neutral nude lip sealed the deal.

DAY 3: Vivienne Tam
Bare eyes and cheeks allowed for a bold red lip to steal the show at Vivienne Tam. The traditional femme fatale pairing of a luscious cherry pout and porcelain complexion was complemented perfectly by a more relaxed natural brow.

DAY 4: Custo Barcelona
Utter femininity was celebrated at Custo Barcelona. Flawless skin, arched brows, and a sheer, neutral shine on lips balanced the bold fashions that graced the runway.

DAY 5: Carlos Miele
Less was certainly more at Carlos Miele as Gato banished pinks and reds opting for nude all over. A shade range of barely-there hues contoured and polished faces for a natural, refined finish. A touch of mascara was applied just to roots of lashes to keep with the minimalist look.

DAY 5: Tracy Reese
Charlotte turned to intense color and texture for a “masculine-feminine” look at Tracy Reese. A carefully highlighted and illuminated face and toffee lip complimented and kept focus on eye-catching smoky, yet shiny, peepers. Chocolate and beige shadow hues and carbon black mascara and liner showcased strong eyes for the ultimate in glam style.

DAY 6: Max Azria
A punchy pop of orange was the talk of the tents backstage at Max Azria. Created specifically for the show, Charlotte doused the lip in the bold hue, which stood out against a dewy complexion, bare eyes, and naturally touched-up brows. Long, black lashes rendered a cat-like effect.

DAY 7: William Rast
For William Rast, Charlotte concocted an edgy, modernized Brigitte Bardot look. Fresh, flawless skin lended a platform to thick mega-lashes built up with layers of black mascara. Nearly-there nude lips were the finishing touch on a soft, sexy face.