Grammy 2011 Beauty Hits

This weekend was abuzz with activity surrounding the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. From events like Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy party to red carpet arrivals at the Grammy’s, music darlings took their place in the spotlight on various red carpets featuring the best Grammy 2011 beauty looks, and all the while providing me with the ammunition I needed for this week’s entry.

There were some notable fashion hits and misses, but, of course my concern is always about the face. My favorite Grammy 2011 Beauty looks were worn by singers Keri Hilson and Ciara.

Keri Hilson’s look was absolute perfection. She typically has more edge and a little tomboy in her appearance, but at the Grammy’s, she looked like a beautiful lady. Hands down, her sultry purple eye makeup made her hazel eyes glisten and the makeup god’s sing. But there’s no need to be envious because regular folks like us can pick up Illamsqua Powder Eyeshadow in Fatal ($20, sephora.com) to get the same effect. This eyeshadow really delivers some serious color so use a light hand ladies. And if you want your skin to shine like Keri’s, I’d use NUXE Huile Prodigieuse OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil  ($39, beauty.com). This is a dry oil with a summery smell that can be used all year long and works on all skin tones and doesn’t tint. It gives your arms, decolletage and even your hair a beautiful sheen and vitality. Note: Make sure to apply this product prior to getting dressed because it does stain.

Tip: The key to wearing more than one shadow color is to blend, blend, blend with the proper eyeshadow brush. I love brushes with squirrel hair because they’re super soft and don’t stab your face as you apply color. The only drawback is that they aren’t cheap, but who cares because you’re face is worth it.

While Ciara’s outfit at Clive’s pre-Grammy party may not have been a hit across the board, I’ll give her a pass because she committed to a look that isn’t mainstream and made a statement. What better way to punctuate this look than with a rocker smokey eye? You can also try other colors like dark blues and greys and get the same intensity. I suggest Pixi Smokey Eye Wand – Black Silver ($19, target.com) to achieve Ciara’s look. It’s a no-mess solution to applying eyeshadow. No drip and no fuss. The shadow’s neatly tucked away inside the cap and you apply the shadow with the sponge tip. Love it.

And Kelis got it all wrong as she attended the First National Data Awards. This makeup look for me was one hot mess! I know that wearing eyelashes to accentuate your peepers is a trend that is ever-present, but this over-the-top, strangely accessorized look leaves me feeling confused and wondering why her glam squad lied to her when she asked, “so how do I look?” I, of all people can appreciate being different, but when the “stuff” you wear takes over and we can no longer see you, then consider yourself in trouble. My advice: doing a once-over in the mirror before leaving the house doesn’t just apply to your outfits. In Kelis’s case, the nose chain should have been removed before she stepped out. Sorry girl, maybe next time.

Hue Knew It? did.

Kelis (Photo Credit: Big Pictures) / Keri Hilson (Photo Credit: bossip.com)