Ciao, Bella

Celebrity makeup artist Tim Quinn arrived in town yesterday to promote Giorgio Armani Beauty's new limited-edition spring collection, Bronze Mania, at the recently opened, Fuksas-designed, Fifth Avenue Flagship. After dining on creamy risotto at the ultrachic Armani/Restaurant upstairs, he walked me through the latest products, which include a Mediterranean-inspired eye shadow and bronzer palette, a velvety teal eye pencil, and my must-have for summer, Brown Sparkling Top Coat Mascara. "It's like jewelry for your lashes," says Quinn. "Wear it day or night to bring out the gold flecks in your eyes." For more tips, visit Quinn at Saks Fifth Avenue Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, where he will be giving clients a customized red carpet makeover and a professional headshot (or Facebook profile pic...you decide). To reserve a slot, call 212.940.2962.

Win this Tolani Scarf from chickdowntown.com!

If, like me, you tend to run cold, a light-weight scarf is your must-get accessory of choice. I recently fell in love with this Missoni-esque Zig Zag version from Tolani on chickdowntown.com, my favorite shopping destination for sparkling Amrita Singh jewelry, sleek Kotur clutches, and envy-inducing Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos. Now, my friends at chickdowntown are offering BeautyGuRoo readers a chance to win a stunning wrap of their own! Just tell me why you rely on BeautyGuRoo for the latest news in skincare, makeup, and hair styles in a comment below by Wednesday, April, 29th, at 8 pm EST. I'll pick one of you at random and announce the lucky winner on Friday! Good luck. xx

Orange Aid

Years ago, while working on a client, makeup artist Khuraira discovered an unexpected tool to conceal dark undereye circles—coral lipstick. The orange undertone seemed to imperceptibly mask stubborn purple shadows. So when the former assistant to Laura Mercier eventually decided to launch her own self-named cosmetics company, she made sure to include a product that would recreate the results. Though it could be easily mistaken for a cream blush or lip stain, Khuraira Age-Control Dark Circle Primer (at right) is actually meant to be used underneath concealer to camouflage skin discolorations (including bruises or tattoos). With a sponge or brush, lightly press the formula—which is also laced with skin-smoothing ingredients—around the entire orbital area, let sit, then follow with your regular concealer for a well-rested, bright-eyed effect.

When in Rome...

After a long day visiting the Colosseum and Pantheon, head to Acquamadre, where you'll find locals unwinding ancient Greco-Roman style. The city's newest spa/hammam features several therapeutic pools (in varying temperatures depending on your preference), plus invigorating body treatments such as a deep tissue massage and full body scrub that will leave you feeling three pounds lighter. Next stop? The corner gelateria to gain it all back.

Saks and the Pretty

Wish you could finally learn how to get smoky eyes? Does your current bronzing technique leave you looking more muddy than sun-kissed? Then swing by Saks Fifth Avenue tomorrow: YSL Beauty's key artistic adviser, Val Garland, will be hopping the pond to share her pro tricks with the rest of us. Early risers can join the 8:30 am "master class" that will cover general makeup application tips for a pre-paid price of $50 (redeemable in YSL products), while those seeking one-on-one attention can book individual appointments between 10 am and 7 pm. Call 212.940.2156 for more details.

Team Spirit

Her twin sister may be making tabloid headlines with her recent split from Lindsay Lohan, but Charlotte Ronson is earning decidedly better press. On the heels of her wildly successful partnership with JC Penney, the designer is now setting her sights on the beauty world. This May, Ronson joins forces with Sebastian Professional to launch a limited-edition gift set, which includes a shine-boosting trio of hair products (shampoo, conditioner, and Trilliant heat protector), plus an exclusive "Charlotte Hearts Sebastian" T (above left).

Sea and Believe

This Earth Day, dive into a jar of La Prairie's Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream SPF 20, a new, eco-conscious, anti-aging cream from the culty Swiss skincare company. Packed with antioxidant-rich, marine-derived extracts—culled without any environmental disruption or damage—this salve repairs, restores, and protects the epidermis while drenching it with moisture. According to Céline Cousteau, La Prairie's special ambassador and grand-daughter of underwater legend Jacques Cousteau, "it is possible to reap the benefits of our oceans' resources and still be responsible human beings." With gorgeously glowing skin, too.

Off the Record

British import Lily Allen was in town last night, performing songs from her latest album, It's Not Me, It's You—in addition to some old favorites like 'Smile' and a surprisingly cool cover of Britney Spear's 'Womanizer'—at the Roseland Ballroom in Midtown. Though slightly under the weather, the smart-aleck songbird managed to belt out more than a dozen tunes with her signature dose of sunny sarcasm—even while chain-smoking fags and guzzling endless glasses of white wine. Showing off toned arms and a fresh, raven-hued shag, Allen entertained the crowd for nearly two hours with her non-stop singing, dancing, and chatter, plus a cheesecake-eating contest, before heading over to the David Letterman show next door.

Bunny Love

Fifi Lepin, the world's best-dressed rabbit (Jessica who?), is making her commercial debut with LeSportSac. The UK artist/blogger behind the fashionably furry icon has teamed up with the French brand to create a limited-edition line of totes, overnight bags, and makeup cases covered in Fifi's favorite off-the-runway designs (above right). Hop to your nearest boutique or order online to get one now.

Clean Sweep

Proponents of mineral makeup have long championed its sheer, natural-looking coverage, but neat freaks have deplored the messy application process. Now, Elizabeth Arden is offering a solution that will make everyone happy. The cleverly packaged Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF 20—available at department stores in nine shades this month—twists clockwise like a pepper grinder to churn out the perfect amount of fresh powder per use. Buff the silky, buildable formula over skin with one of two soft-bristled brushes (a larger, angled one evens cheeks, nose, and forehead, while a smaller version is ideal for blemishes or undereyes), then snap the compact shut without causing any spillage—this time, or next.

Haute Hotel

When you share a zip code with Bergdorf's, Barney's, and Bendel's, opening a high-end beauty boutique is no easy feat. Unless, that is, you happen to be Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi. After relocating their perpetually busy Warren-Tricomi salon to The Plaza hotel last year, the dynamic duo have now introduced The Plaza Beauty, a glossy, modern, incredibly well-lit retail space that's home to coveted lines including Mor Cosmetics, Aquiesse, and Zelens. With everything from supercharged skin creams to gorgeously-wrapped soaps, this exclusive hideaway is upping the hotel gift shop ante. Little Eloise would be proud.

Wander Lust

The New York Times Travel clips I've been collecting are gathering dust in the bedroom, but that doesn't mean I can't recreate a dreamy escape right here in the city. With Manuel Canovas latest collection of scents—each inspired by a glossy, dying-to-visit locale—you'll instantly be transported to Paris, the Caribbean, or, my personal nirvana, Capri (at left) in a single spritz. To spread the permanent holiday vibe around your home, try Voluspa's new Dahlia Orange Bloom fragrance diffuser, which contains an intoxicating blend of clementine, Mexican neroli orange blossom, and California lemon peel that evokes Seville's famously citrus-tinged scent.

Heaven Scent

She's named after a Hindu goddess, so it's little wonder that Uma Thurman has become the face of a brand with a similarly religious following—Givenchy. This September, the Kung Fu-fighting, Quentin Tarantino muse reincarnates as the celebrity spokeswoman for the company's latest, highly secretive fragrance. No matter the lack of details. With an idol this divine, it's sure to draw countless worshipers. 

Cheap Thrills

Just last night, I was in Duane Reade, wishing I had a Top Shop-style personal shopper to help me comb through the plastic-packaging jungle that is also know as the beauty aisle. Then, this morning, The New York Times answered my prayers with a product crib sheet compiled by NYC makeup artist Ann Orcutt. Do yourself, and your wallet, a favor and print it out to bring on the next drugstore run. My future Orcutt-recommended purchases? L'oréal Voluminous Mascara ($7.50) and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector ($9), affordable dead-ringers for Dior's DiorShow and YSL Touche Éclat, respectively. 

California Dreaming

In honor of last night's Hills premiere, I'm sending my wavy-haired, West Coast readers a little love. Book the "Carve and Slice" haircut at Santa Monica's Ouidad Salon, and receive a Deep Treatment service, which uses a protein- and amino acid-rich formula to strengthen strands, free of charge. Offer expires June 30. Click here for more info, and enjoy!

Happy Feet

When you're petite like me, a pair of vertiginous stilettos are as essential for going out as an ATM card and ID. But frequent wear, sadly, doesn't make you any more immune to the pain. Fortunately, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, thanks to YogaWorks guru Kathryn Budig. "Rising and falling into chair pose while balancing on the balls of the feet can alleviate the discomfort caused by toe-pinching shoes," she says. To do this at home, place feet together and lift both arms so that they're parallel to the ground, palms facing down. Next, lift yourself up onto the balls of feet, reaching heels as high as you can to stretch the arches. With heels still in the air, gently bend the knees, and let your body fold until your bum is resting lightly on heels. Take five deeps breaths, and then slowly stand up. For extra relief, wear a pair of YogaToes for as long as you comfortably can (they take getting used to) before going to bed. And tomorrow, of course, stick to flats.

Angel's Crossing

Note to self: When you're feeling short and bloated, steer clear of Adriana Lima (right) and Alessandra Ambrosio. At last night's Victoria's Secret Beauty party, I watched the supermodels float down a mini-runway draped in clothing and makeup by season four Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano. That's right—the brand has tapped the quirky designer to create an Egyptian-inspired beauty collection for fall (available this August). My picks include the velvety eyeshadow in Gilded Fierce, a deep espresso brown, and creamy black Kajal Eye Liner. Because, let's face it, "winged" eye makeup is about as close as I'll ever get to earning angel status.