Permanently Beautiful

The dress took center stage at the Golden Globe Awards last weekend. Fabulous body-hugging sheaths bedecked with ruffled trains and cotton candy poufs of chiffon sent the message: Feminine is back! Pink and red were the hot red carpet colors this year with dreamy, creamy lips to match highlighted with a wisp of shine. The vampire craze may have waned. Smudged Twilight eyes were left to smolder in the shadows while stars paraded a return to a more traditional eye makeup style into the spotlight. Eyes were lined with black, highlighted with well blended natural shadow colors — beiges, pale roses and grays — and shellacked with glistening coats of mascara. (This is Hollywood, after all. Unless you’re strutting the red carpet, you’ll want to dial back the mascara to a few swipes.)

Also noticeable was the absence of flashy, gem-studded jewelry. In deference to the economic situation, stars choose elegant earrings and a jangle of bracelets instead of flaunting a neckline full of diamonds. Why annoy cash-strapped fans? Obviously, this year actresses put their money in the dress.

The emphasis on natural makeup was welcome. The stars looked gorgeous but somehow more approachable. That’s the goal of permanent cosmetics, to enhance your natural beauty, emphasize your best features and “repair” any annoying little flaws. Hollywood actresses do it with professional makeup artists and hours in the makeup chair. Permanent cosmetics can give you the same beautifully finished appearance without all the fuss and bother.