Have you seen Beyonce’s  new cover art for her new single from her album ’4′? Seems she’s getting quite a bit of criticism for the “lightening of her skin”, along with rocking some cool blonde hair. (Uhhh…the late, great, Etta James was blonde way before Bey put on her wigs/weaves. What’s the big deal?)  Mrs. Carter has been questioned before with her Loreal ad for lightening by the company for the advertisements.  MSN.com is quoted as saying “At the time, L’Oreal denied digitally making Beyonce’s skin fairer, and Beyonce herself never addressed the issue.”

This is an extremely touchy subject.  As a photographer, I can also see that very harsh lighting was used for Beyonce’s latest album promotion, which will lighten anyone’s skin.  I’m actually more concerned about the Photoshopping of  Beyonce’s body parts, namely her thighs and bum.  I love that she’s got incredible curves, but she looks, well, itsy bitsy here in the photo.

I don’t have daughters, but I can certainly see where this image may make girls of color feel insecure to a point. Heck, I feel insecure and I’m a “woman of freckles”. I do not Photoshop them out, though. (Thank you, Julianne Moore for being a good example for freckle-faces.)

Beyonce’s Latest Promo for ’4′

Sadly, it’s a never-ending story for women in general.  We are not like the Photoshopped-within-an-inch-of-their-lives models, recording artists or actresses in magazines.  I realize I’m stating the obvious here.  It’s simply the latest in promoting poor self-esteem to the masses of women…and we don’t need more of that Beauty Myth forced down our throats–but I don’t see an end to this practice.

Beyonce  is gorgeous without make-up, and really doesn’t require this kind of “work”…but that’s “entertainment” and the beauty industry for you.

Thoughts?

Introducing Beyoncé Pulse, the new fragrance by Beyoncé! Energetic. Powerful. Feminine. Feel the power with Beyoncé Pulse, the new fragrance by Beyoncé. As show-stopping as the woman behind it, Beyoncé Pulse shimmers with life. The woman who wears it is a force to be reckoned with, combining sensuality and edge into one deliciously complex package. She draws you in and sends your pulse racing. Experience Beyoncé Pulse with this 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum.

Beyoncé Pulse – 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum – Available at Macy’s – $59

* Top Notes: Pear Blossom, Blue Curacao Accord, Frosted Bergamot.
* Middle Notes: Bluebird Orchid, Delicate Peony, Midnight Blooming Jasmine.
* Base Notes: Madagascar Vanilla Infusion, Intoxicating Musk, Precious Woods.

Beyoncé just continues to “Run the World“, doesn’t she?  Well done, Bey!

The new fragrance, Pulse, is set to hit stores in September and features notes of pear blossom, peony, midnight jasmine and bluebird orchid.  Beyonce told PEOPLE Magazine: “Pulse is a fragrance you can wear all the time. I love the idea of a signature scent that lets a woman leave her mark wherever she goes, so I always try to make my scents appropriate for any occasion.”

Will you buy B’s next fragrance? Are you a fan of her other fragrances, Heat and Heat Rush? Tell us!

One of the many iconic pieces of McQueen’s work displayed at the Gala

via: WWD:

“Sarah Burton, McQueen’s creative director and his right-hand woman for 14 years, was clearly emotional at the event—and understandably so. Not only was the venue the site of McQueen’s first post-graduate show, but the handful of pieces on display, including his calf-hair horned jacket and a gilded feather jacket [above], reminded everyone why McQueen was such a national treasure. SamCam gave McQueen his due gravity introducing the event:

“We are so happy that one of America’s great institutions is supporting one of the U.K.’s most deeply talented designers, Alexander McQueen,” she said from the podium. Bolton, for his part, agreed wholeheartedly; McQueen, he said, was an “easy sell” for the theme, especially given the late designer’s tremendous body of work.”

Of course, we now know that Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen was the designer of the wedding dress of the century for Duchess Catherine (fka Kate Middleton)  over the weekend .

Take a look at a few of the gorgeous gowns spotted on the Met Gala’s Red Carpet this evening…

Madonna looking regal in Stella McCartney

Rihanna, also in Stella McCartney

Madonna looked surprisingly un-embalmed; Taylor Swift is trying too hard, as is Jennifer Lopez–but she’s entitled.  I can’t decide how I feel about Christina Ricci, who is wearing and accompanied by Zac Posen.

Christina Ricci with Zac Posen

Taylor Swift in JMendel

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

One of my favorite red carpet looks at the Gala was Janelle Monae in Chanel.  It’s so true to her image and I love the black and white.   LOVE it.

Janelle Monae in Chanel

Salma Hayek is absolutely a vision.  Love the fact that she wore a McQueen gown in honor of the late designer.

Oh, hey–I saved the worst for last.  Believe me.  You don’t want to see the front of this dress.

Do I even have to tell you who this is?

Oh, Beyonce.  Dress by Emilio Pucci

I know–I thought this was the handy-work of Tina Knowles, too.

Do you have a favorite?  Tell me!

Photos: GettyImages

I typically adore Beyonce’s look. She is always fearless, gorgeous and draws your eye. However, this look is drawing my stare for very different reasons that adoration of glamour.

I am not sure if it’s the blonde hair, concealer gone crazy or the slightly ill fitting gown. This woman has curves and I am not about to extend my hypocrisy by saying curves are anything but beautiful, but this dress is just not doing her any favors. My guess (or hope) is the fit is off thanks a tailoring mistake. Or perhaps a weird camera angle is to blame.

Back to the concealer….Her under eyes are free of any puffy bags, but they are shining with the light of a thousand fairies. It is beyond obvious and I hope that this was just an off not. Not everyone is perfect!

[Keep Clicking Thumbnails for a Larger Image]

]]> http://thebeautystop.com/celebrity-hits-and-misses-beyonce-4/feed/ 2 http://thebeautystop.com/celebrity-hits-and-misses-beyonce-at-the-grammys/ http://thebeautystop.com/celebrity-hits-and-misses-beyonce-at-the-grammys/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:02:21 +0000 Amanda http://thebeautystop.com/?p=6575

Despite the fact that Beyonce is often completely over-the-top in her awards-show fashion choices, she usually gets her makeup right. That is, until her red carpet appearance at The 2010 Grammy Awards last night.

And actually, I’m ok with most of it. Her skin looks great, her weave is as good as it always is, and I love a nude lip when you’re doing a statement eye. The statement eye, however, is where things went awry.

I like the light, shimmery highlighter underneath, but the black shadow on top is just too dark, monochromatic, and precisely shaped to be flattering. Shading, Bey, shading! Blend! The effect struck me as a little too similar to if you were to color in your eyelid with a Sharpie, when compared to how flesh-colored everything else on her body was. It was not the outfit for a dark precision eye.

In my day we used to call them stone washed jeans. They were the must have when I was growing up. They were only cool if you rolled the pant legs up. Layers of scrunched socks were also a plus.

Today they are being renewed and called distressed jeans. The lighter the better. Nearly white jeans with rips and tears are what is calling out to Hollywood. I am thinking this will be a temporary fad so don’t spend your savings on a pair.

Celebs like Beyonce (shown above) are flocking for them and pairing sky high heels with the look. You can score a pair similar to hers without breaking the bank Hydraulic cranked out a pair for less than $30!

Hydraulic Metro Dectructed Womens Jeans – $28.00

This was a close one. Beyonce was daring and rocked a pseudo-beehive do to the 31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in D.C.

The look could have strayed into the Amy Winehouse realm, but managed to maintain a sleek, well put together look. It also avoided the bridal line. Which is easy to cross when creating up-do’s.

I think her confidence is key for look. This is a redemption from her hairy pits she sported last week. Thank you for reading the memo B!

The “Single Ladies” singer is typically the walking image of perfection. Rarely does fail to be the envy of most women sharing the red carpet with her.

However, Beyonce is a miss this week. The wife of Jay-Z pulled a Julia Roberts and failed to shave her arm pits. How disappointing, not to mention gross. With a team of glamour handlers how did this go unnoticed? It is somewhat understandable when we skip a day or two shaving, but when wearing a pit revealing dress….make sure your are free of a jungle.

Luckily this isn’t quite as disastrous as Julia’s nest she sported 1999 for the premiere of “Notting Hill.”

Vanessa Hudgens
She definitely has a pretty face, but her cheeks look slimmer when she uses blush. And that sexy tan… it doesn’t exist at all.

Angelina Jolie
Do you see any difference? Not really, right? Angelina is a beauty and she has a nice and healthy skin.

Miley Cyrus
All sweaty and making funny faces, it’s hard to tell who she is. Without make up, Miley doesn’t seem to be that pretty, right?

Jennifer Lopez
She’s a diva on the red carpet and wherever she shows up, everyone notices. But she needs to thank her stylist, because without any makeup, she looks extremely pale and quite different from the artist so many girls want to imitate and boys wanna meet.

Brooke Shields
Her beautiful eyes must be hidden somewhere behind those wrinkles… can you see them? And of course, we are aware that Brooke likes to show off a nice natural tan.

Kim Kardashian
It was hard to recognize Kim. Without the eyelashes and lipstick, her sensuality is completely lost.

Jennifer Garner
Maybe she was in a hurry and that’s why she looks so pale. Jen, if you are going out like that, please, at least wear dark sunglasses to cover those eyebags! Blush is probably one of her favorite cosmetics.

Adriana Lima
Supermodel, work your thing! Proof once more that even someone who’s supposed to be one of the prettiest ladies in the world looks super ordinary without an inch of makeup.

Jessica Biel
Did Justin Timberlake really leave Cameron Diaz for her? Oh, wait … we just remembered what Cameron looks like without makeup. Never mind. But Biel is looking rather plain in the photo at left.

Drew Barrymore
Drew was named one of the most beautiful people on Earth by PEOPLE magazine; she even graced the cover. In fact, to prove her beauty they published pictures of her without any makeup. They “only” applied base to cover her imperfections and to add a little color. But here you see Drew with no color at all.

Alicia Silverstone
After appearing in several music videos with rock band Aerosmith, the cute actress instantly made her way into the dreams of thousand of men everywhere and even won the award for ‘Most Desirable Female’ at the MTV Movie Awards. Well, we’re sorry to turn those dreams into nightmares, but this is how her face looks without makeup.

Dayanara Torres
The former Miss Universe and Mrs. Marc Anthony (you know, before he classily left her for J.Lo) shows off her natural look. But with those crazy raccoon eyes, we’re not sure if the “after” look is the best for her.

Beyonce
Wow, nice curls! Makes someone appreciate that their makeup kit truly is “Irreplaceable”. Hey, Sasha Fierce, the makeup aisle is: “To the left, to the left”.

Rosario Dawson
Her style has always been simple and apparently doesn’t usually carry lots of makeup. Although concealer would help to cover her dark circles, we still think she’s a natural beauty.

Cameron Diaz
With no makeup Cameron Diaz shows the world her acne. Also, her blue eyes are less noticeable, her skin color very pale, and her nose looks wider. Oh… the magic of the shades and shadows!

Halle Berry
Change that little face Halle Berry, because we already saw your natural look and we do see the difference. The sexy actress, also considered one of the most desirable, knows how to take advantage of makeup.

Beyonce

When Beyonce looks good, she looks fabulous. When Beyonce looks bad,… let’s just say, based on the photo at right — her own family wouldn’t even be able to identify the body. The pale foundation is bad enough, but the blood red lipstick just amplifies the creepy.

Drew Barrymore

If Drew were on her way to a Halloween party, we might understand this look. Unfortunately, she caked her face with white powder for the London premiere of her blockbuster Charlie’s Angels. Scary!

Amy Winehouse

Not long ago Amy’s signature beehive, winged eyeliner and pale lips made her stand out in the music scene — in a good way. Today, the hard-partying songstress looks as though she’s had one big night too many, and her foundation hasn’t stood up.

Christina Aguilera

Ms. Aguilera loves to emulate Marilyn Monroe’s blonde bombshell style, but shiny red lips, heavy eyeliner and way too shimmery shadow hide the Beautiful girl underneath.

Fergie

Same pose, different face! She’s got the eye makeup and blush, but Fergie must have forgotten her foundation at home. Smooth even skin paired with bright defined lips help Fergie look truly Gorgeous.

Jennifer Lopez

J. Lo positively glows in the fresh faced look on the left, but an overload of shimmery charcoal eyeshadow and too-nude matte peach lips weighs her down.

Jessica Simpson

It’s Jess the Joker! Simpson admitted to over-plumping her pout with Restylane, and this bright red lipstick sure didn’t help.

Teri Hatcher

Teri — don’t look so surprised. That charcoal shadow didn’t work for J. Lo, either!

Liv Tyler

Liv’s pale skin looks pasty next to her black-rimmed eyes and bright pink mouth. She looks healthier — and younger — when she sticks to clean, minimal makeup.

Avril Lavigne

Not wanting to be overlooked at her CD release party, Avril pulled out all the stops, including red lashes, exaggerated liquid eyeliner and plenty of glitter.

Mandy Moore

All the color in Mandy’s face seem to be concentrated in her blood red bow-tie lips. We prefer them fuller, in sweet pale pink.

Brooke Hogan

Apparently, Brooke doesn’t know best! Did the reality star put her makeup on in the dark? She seems to be a little heavy handed in her application.

Kirsten Dunst

Proof that the wrong shade of lipstick can make or break a look, Kirsten’s red lips are too orange based for her complexion, and highlight a less than stellar smile.

Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary Kate’s invisible lips are a wash out! She looks positively angelic when her baby blues are paired with a pretty pink pout, but with nude lipstick and brown shadow rimmed eyes, MK looks sickly.

Updating your makeup color palette as the seasons change is equally as important as freshening up your wardrobe. To add a little pizzazz to your look this spring, swap your basic eyeliner for a vibrant blue shade. From Betsey Johnson’s runway, to Kate Hudson’s premiere look, it obvious that nothing is as cool as blue.

Kate Hudson January 2008
Hudson complimented her bright royal blue frock at the premiere of her film Fool’s Gold perfectly by adding a hint of blue metallic sparkle to her lower lash line.

Blugirl Spring 2008
The models at the Blugirl show wore a new twist on the classic winged eyeliner style — layered cobalt and electric blue liner!

Rihanna TK
The “Umbrella” singer is not usually known for her subtle take on the trends, but for this pretty look, she applied just a hint of the season’s chicest shade to her lower lid.

Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2008
Headed to the Ivy League? DVF’s models looked gorgeous with their eyes lined in Yale blue.

Hayden Panettiere February 2008
When America’s favorite Hero celebrated the launch for her Candie’s campaign, she used navy to add an extra dimension to her smoky eye.

Marni Spring 2008
Designer Consuelo Castiglioni updated the mod eye for the Marni show by adding just a touch of baby blue to her models sweeping white liner.

Katie Holmes February 2008
Posing for a portrait at the 10th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards, Holmes’ sapphire lined eyes popped.

Betsey Johnson Spring 2008
Mixing a bright pink lip with chunky sparkles and blue eyeliner, Betsey Johnson brought the 80s back on her spring catwalk.

Beyoncé November 2007
Leave it to Beyoncé to be ahead of the trend! The singer fully lined her eyes in a shimmery midnight blue for the American Music Awards.