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It's not often in life that the reality lives up to the hype, but I think our Beauty Bash event at Studio Park April 17 - 18 delivered in a major way. I had a blast going from booth to booth to peruse the products - some so new they're not even out yet - and getting a glimpse of all the famous faces. I'm still more than a little jealous thinking about the fabulous gift boxes each attendee took home!

Photo: Hosts Jayne Brown and Amy Stran are all smiles at Beauty Bash.

From makeovers to hairstyling to manicures to facials, Beauty Bash had it all. Even the show hosts couldn't resist joining the fun. Albany Irvin was in attendance with daughter Memae and a bevy of beautiful relatives who flew in from Shreveport, LA just for the event. Also spotted on Saturday (looking fabulous, I might add) were Jayne Brown, Amy Stran, Lisa Robertson, and Shawn Killinger.   

Photo: Lisa Robertson and celebrity makeup artist Darac chat with a fan.

Photo: Shawn Killinger, tarte Marketing Coordinator Leigh McIlravy, Me, and tarte creator Maureen Kelly (her Natural Cheek Stain is one of my all-time faves!).

Photo: Host Albany Irvin and daughter

  I bumped into Albany and Memae at hairdo, where I learned a great tip for curling their True2Life fiber extensions. Curl the hair with a curling iron as you normally would. After you release the iron, support the curl in your hand until cool. Let go once the hair is cool to the touch for a lasting curl.

 

Photo: Ken Paves was thrilled to see Memae wearing his hairdo bangs and pony.

Photo: Laura Geller chatted with host Albany Irvin, Memae & Albany's mother Patricia Irvin at a replica of Laura's NYC studio.

I had my makeup done by Stephanie Gower from NARS, and it was nothing short of life-changing. When she was done, I looked about a thousand times better than I did even on my wedding day…or any day of my life to this point, come to think of it. I desperately want every item she used. First, she applied a decidedly non-orange bronzer called Laguna in repeating "C" shapes from my forehead to my chin and across my nose. Next, she dusted the bronzer at the very top of my neck, a location Stephanie lovingly calls the "cha-cha". For blush, I requested the cult-favorite "O" shade. Everyone raves about this color, and now I know why. It's pure genius - the shimmering peachy pink somehow enhances every skin tone. A few swipes of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara and Earth Angel shadow duo (with the moss green color used as eyeliner) made my eyes look ultra-bright. Finally, Stephanie hit the nail on the head with the most gorgeous Lip Gloss and Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Duo. 

Photo: Stephanie Gower from NARS creates my personalized color chart.

Photo: Stephanie created this glamorous diagram so I wouldn't forget my colors. Brilliant!  

Over at Living Proof, I chatted with Rob Robillard about the right way to use their revolutionary Full Thickening Cream. Although it's one of my new favorite products, I wasn't convinced I was using it correctly. He said I should only be squeezing out a small amount onto the tip of my finger and working it in a few inches from my roots down to the ends. If it doesn't feel "grippy," I can repeat the process. Rob said I can spray on a root booster if I want volume, but any shine products should be used sparingly once the hair is dry (so it doesn't interfere with the cream and weigh hair down).

 

Photo: Host Shawn Killinger & Rob Robillard of Living Proof.

Photo: A Bash Beauty having her hair flat-ironed at Living Proof.

I caught up with Rob again over at Kiehl's, where I was chatting with Cammie about my undying devotion to Ultra Facial Cream. Turns out he's a fan as well! Not surprising, considering it's probably the most hydrating moisturizer I've encountered to date.

 

Photo: Cammie and a member of the Kiehl's team show off some of their most popular products.

If you attended Beauty Bash, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Learn any tips? Discover any new favorite products? Do tell!

Click here to see more of my photos from Beauty Bash April 2010!