Hustle Real Hard

If you know me at all, you know that I am a huge movie fan. I watch trailers in my spare time, host award-show parties, and frequent theaters whenever I can. Time off from work this week meant I got to see a couple of films, "American Hustle" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (more on the atrocious latter in another post). Ever since seeing the initial trailer for "American ages ago, I had high hopes for the film. I was not disappointed, and "American Hustle" has my vote for best film of 2013. Click on the jump to read more!

Golden Globes Beauty - 2012

Well, well, well...it seems like award season has snuck up on us once again. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was fawning over Emma Stone's peachy perfection at the 2011 Golden Globes! This year, I'm pleased to say that there were more hits than misses; I thought everyone looked beautiful, minus a few dim stars (I'm talking to you, Angelina. Christmas was a month ago; why are you dressed like Mrs. Claus? I expected more from you!). It was hard to narrow down the best: Charlize Theron (her dress! that headband!), Kristen Wiig, Viola Davis, Michelle Williams...the list goes on and on. My absolute favorites were Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore, and Kate Beckinsale.

Jessica Chastain is the next big thing, I'm telling you! Besides her amazing acting talent, she is a true beauty. Everything about this look was perfection: the oversize pearls, her hair's soft sweep back, the dusty rose lips. Understated but completely glamorous, Jessica Chastain shows that you don't need to overdo it to stand out. For a similar look, try Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Coco Ravish.

Kate Beckinsale is a real glamazon. Here, she's bronzy, radiant, and dripping in sparkle. Those earrings are to die for! This look pairs a bronze smokey eye with a light pink gloss. Her blush is tawny and placed under her cheekbones for lots of definition. Her hair is loose but elegant. This look is soft without sacrificing sexy. If you'd like to try this look, I suggest NARS Blush in Douceur.

Last (but certainly not least) is Julianne Moore, who I firmly believe can do no wrong, ever. Her fair skin is flawless and stunning, and her red hair is the most amazing color. I love how the jade green earrings compliment her Chanel gown. Like the other stars in this review, Julianne Moore's beauty is not overdone but still makes a huge impact. She's got a rose blush on the apple of her cheeks, a natural sheen on her lips, and lots and lots of dark lashes to intensify her green eyes. If you know me, you know I looove dark, smoky lashes. If you do too, why not try Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara.

Well there you have it, my top picks for the 2012 Golden Globes. Did you watch the broadcast, or see any photos online? If so, let me know what your favorite looks were! Xx

Photos from Getty Images and AP Photo

Academy Awards Beauty

The Academy Awards!  The Oscars!  Whatever you want to call them, the Academy Awards are the Holy Grail of Hollywood events, the highlight of award season, and the most exciting night of my life, ha ha.  I, of course, posted up for my annual Oscar celebration in the comfort of my living room, and could not be more excited to watch the show.  I feel that the celebs on the red carpet departed from traditional style this year, with many of the ladies choosing column dresses and leaning toward avant-garde styles.  Not to say that I didn't find any of the looks beautiful, but I am more of a traditionalist and would have loved to see a ball gown or two (or an updo!).  This evening, the Academy Awards churned out the usual stunners: Mila Kunis was tan and radiant, opting for a softer look than she has lately, and Amy Adams was a picture of perfection with brushed-out waves and a sparkling gown.  And how about all of the red!  Definitely the color of the year.  Of course, with the good comes the bad.  Jennifer Hudson sported a hideously lopsided updo, and Reese Witherspoon looked like she went out and bought a ponytail clip instead of styling her hair.  Tonight, I chose three favorite looks: Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, and Halle Berry.

The lovely host Anne Hathaway had a million costume changes, and each was more beautiful than the last.  Here she is on the red carpet, sporting a loose, low bun, porcelain skin, and ruby lips.  I really think the lighter hair shade suits her well.  Anne followed the most basic rule of keeping the rest of her face relatively simple when wearing a red lip.  For a similar look, try Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Smoke Red.

Talk about a bombshell!  Jennifer Lawrence evoked Scarlett Johansson (circa Golden Globes 2006) in a long red column gown, loose blonde waves, and a sexy smoky eye.  It's no secret that I am a giant fan of big hair, and Jennifer goes for lush volume without looking over-the-top (pay attention Reese!).  The eye color here is soft, smoky, and sultry.  Want to try it?  I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe.

Halle always looks flawless, if you ask me.  I like her return to the cropped hairstyle (I didn't think long curls did much for her).  This evening, Halle opted for bronze tones, choosing to go heavy on the shadow and light on the lips.  I would love to try this look on myself soon.  If you would too, try NARS Single Eyeshadow in Galapagos.

Did you watch the Academy Awards?  No surprises as far as the awards go, I know!  What were your favorite looks?

Photos from Getty and Wire Images

SAG Awards Beauty

If any of you read my Golden Globes Beauty post, you know I am absolutely obsessed with awards shows.  Tonight the Screen Actors Guild Awards were presented on TNT, and I have to say I was kind of underwhelmed.  January Jones and Natalie Portman both tried retro, sculpted wave hairstyles that were far from thrilling.  Claire Danes had a ton of shine going on: great on your hair, not on your face (I died for Claire's dress, though!).  Don't get me wrong, there were some amazing looks coming from the stars; Jennifer Lawrence, Sofia Vergara, Hilary Swank and Heather Morris all looked stunning.  The best beauty looks belonged to Mila Kunis and Amy Adams.

Besides Mila's highlights (which are absolutely amazing), her smoky eyes never fail.  I'd go so far as to say she has the best eye makeup in Hollywood.  She offset her green eyes with tons of blackened navy eyeliner and soft grey shadow.  She finished the look with a pale pink lip that isn't too matte or chalky.  For a similar look, I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Print.

Next up is Amy Adams, who was one of my favorites simply because of her amazing pony tail.  I am a sucker for a sleek pony, and this is one of the best I've seen.  Amy usually sticks to a subdued makeup palette (I don't think I've ever seen her do anything too wild except for red lips), which is wonderful because she always looks polished and fresh.  To create a beautifully smooth pony, try L'Oreal Texture Expert Smooth Essence styling cream to start, and finish with Infinium 3 working spray.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful looks at the Academy Awards on February 27th.  What were your favorite looks at the Screen Actors Guild Awards?  Your least favorite?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Photos from Getty Images

Golden Globes Beauty

I absolutely adore awards show season!  As we all know, the Golden Globes were presented tonight on NBC (I was so excited that "The Social Network" won Best Picture- Drama, it was definitely my favorite of the year).  I watched in awe as the beautiful celebrities arrived wearing fabulous gowns and looking as great as ever.  I think a lot of celebs stepped their game up this year.  Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria, Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman were my favorite looks of the evening.  As far as beauty goes, I was really impressed with Jennifer Lopez and Emma Stone.

Seriously, how fabulous is J. Lo?  Her makeup is always flawless, and tonight was no exception.  Her dress was quite detailed, so I like how she avoided a complex hairstyle and decided to go for a sleek pony.  A silver smoky eye was the main focus of her face.  Even when other celebs try to tone down their makeup, Jennifer Lopez believes in old-school glamour.  I love it.  Trying to copy the look?  I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Pigment in Platinum.

On the opposite end of the beauty spectrum is Emma Stone.  Her beauty look was much more demure, but stunning nonetheless.  Emma shows how you can coordinate your makeup to your dress without overdoing it.  The peach tone of her dress is enhanced by peach cheeks and light lips.  I like to call the color of her dress "Myrtle Beach peach"; it reminds me of Myrtle Beach t-shirts my parents bought us in the early 90's.  I know her thing is to be a redhead, but I enjoy her blonde hair- it suits her!  If you want to try the look, I'd suggest NARS Blush in Deep Throat.

While all of the ladies (and gentlemen!) looked great, these two really hit home runs for me.  What were your favorite looks from the Golden Globes? 

Photos from Yahoo and Getty Images