The best beauty products of the year have been announced by Cosmetic Executive Women at the 16th annual CEW Beauty Awards at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The event was hosted by Mario Cantone, star of Sex and the City 2. A total of 31 products received awards covering make-up, hair care, sun care, and more. Celebrities in attendance included Kim Kardashian, Estelle, The City's Whitney Port and Malan Breton.

The 2010 CEW Beauty Awards winners are:

BATH AND BODY

Body Treatment Mass
Vaseline® Sheer Infusion(TM) with Stratys-3(TM)

Body Treatment Prestige
Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins(TM) Night Health Bedtime Spray

Bath/Shower Product Mass
Olay Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons

Bath/Shower Product Prestige
Fresh Sugar Acai Body Scrub

FACIAL SKINCARE

Acne Treatment
La Roche Posay Effaclar AI Intensive Acne Spot Treatment

Anti-Aging Mass
Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment

Anti-Aging Prestige
Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Cleanser & Scrub Mass
VISINE® Total Eye Soothing Wipes(TM)

Cleanser & Scrub Prestige
Shiseido Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam

Eye Treatment Mass
Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller

Eye Treatment Prestige
Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Eye Serum

Moisturizer Mass
Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Awakening Face Massager

Moisturizer Prestige
Shiseido Future Solution Total Regenerating Cream

HAIR

Hair Care Product Mass
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Moisture Shampoo

Hair Care Product Prestige
Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo

Hair Coloring Product Prestige
ColorMetrics TouchBack by ColorMark

Hair Styling Product Mass
Klorane No Rinse Care with Papyrus Milk

Hair Styling Product Prestige
Living Proof Full Thickening Cream

MAKEUP

Eye Product Mass
CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast

Eye Product Prestige
Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster Vibrating. Amplifying. Primer

Face Product Mass
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush

Face Product Prestige
Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder

Lip Product Mass
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipcolor

Lip Product Prestige
Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain

MEN'S GROOMING
American Crew Trichology Hair Recovery Patch

SCENT

Men's Scent
John Varvatos Artisan

Women's Scent Mass
P&G Prestige Avril Lavigne Black Star

Women's Scent Prestige
Coty Prestige Lola Marc Jacobs

SUN

Sun Product Mass
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+ with PureScreen(TM)

Sun Product Prestige
Bare Escentuals BareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen

INDIE BEAUTY AWARD

Living Proof

Looking to achieve flawless beauty this summer without spending an arm and a leg? Well, the beauty industry's most notable experts have gathered a list of products to help you look like a VIP without shelling out big bucks. The VIP Beauty Expert panel includes top hair stylist Sam McKnight, celebrity facialist Anastasia Achilleos, world-famous make-up artist Pat McGrath and celebrity hairdresser Ben Cooke.

Here they share their top 10 tips on how to get this summer's VIP look:

"1. According to Sam McKnight, "This summer it's all about volume. Volume brings hair alive, adding style and finish, it's not just about 'Big Hair' it's about having shiny, glossy hair that looks and feels great." Prepare hair using Pantene Pro-V Volume & Body Shampoo & Conditioner which will help protect hair during the styling process, without wearing it down.

2. Ben Cooke adds, "During the summer months when hair can become dry and frizzy, try using Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Leave In Conditioner, which uses carefully selected ingredients to provide both wet and dry conditioning benefits, helping to prevent breakage and split ends that can travel along the hair shaft."

3. Blonde, sun and surf-kissed shades are perfect for summer. Clairol's Creative Director Duffy says: "The big summer trend in hair colour is blonde, lighter tones. Subtle changes give you that extra sparkle friends will notice, without it being too obvious - the more natural looking the better." Duffy recommends colouring your hair after your holiday. Allowing the sun to do the work for you will enhance your natural highlights.

4. According to celebrity facialist Anastasia Achilleos, "Exfoliation should be your first step to a radiant glow, as it will help reveal newer, fresher-looking skin behind the dullness. Always follow with a nourishing lotion like Olay Total Effects Moisturiser which offers the perfect summer solution for your face combining seven anti-ageing benefits in one little pot."

5. Radiant skin is this summer's must-have, get that right and you will have to do little else to look great (except your hair). When out in the sun, celebrity facialist Anastasia Achilleos recommends using a moisturiser containing a broad spectrum UV Protection to block UVA/UVB rays and provide much needed antioxidants.

6. For summer make-up, Caroline Barnes, Max Factor Makeup Artist recommends putting the emphasis on your eyes. "This means the way you make up your lashes is crucial, as they're going to stand out more against summer pastel shades. When applying mascara looking down on a mirror held at chin level encourages you to brush right from the base of the lashes to the very tip. To target tricky to reach bottom lashes, hold the brush vertically and use like a paintbrush."

7. "To create a professional perfect complexion use a foundation brush to apply your base. Start from your t-zone and blend outwards to your hair line using your brush to build up where necessary and feather out at the edges for a seamless finish, "advises Caroline Barnes, Max Factor Makeup Artist.

8. "Vibrant Curve Effect Lip Gloss gives your lip shape that extra boost, but for even more pout power use a natural lip liner first to trace a beautiful lip shape, and then apply the gloss. This will make the colour more intense but more importantly when the gloss wears off you are left with a great shape, "Caroline concludes.

9. As hems get shorter and bikinis are pulled out of the cupboard, it's more important than ever to have smooth and silky, hair free legs. Skincare therapist Nichola Joss recommends shaving with water and a shaving gel as hydrated hair is easier to cut. Change blades regularly for maximum performance and remember there are few oil glands on the legs so it's important to keep skin moisturised. For added indulgence, use Gillette Satin Care Lavender Kiss - it combines the soothing benefits of lavender with skin-nourishing ingredients to protect the skin's natural barrier. Nichola Joss suggests: "Removing hair will keep skin soft and smooth and is easier for applying moisturisers, sun screens and tanning products."

10. "Opt for the Venus Embrace 5 bladed razor for a really, really close shave. It's the only women's razor with 5 blades so it offers the closest shave you can get," concludes Nichola Joss."

If you were driving by The Echo on Sunset Blvd. Friday night and noticed a long line outside of the venue, you can blame Francis and the Lights for distracting you. The band attracted a diverse crowd that anxiously waited to watch the fancy footwork of front man Francis Starlite. Everybody from hipsters to hip hop fans were in attendance and as soon as the band began playing, fans danced wildly along with Starlite.

Band members walked onstage with shades on and immediately began playing songs from their latest album titled, It'll Be Better. For those who don't know what these guys sound like, take Prince's high pitched croons, add a hint of Phil Collins' smooth vocals and combine the erratic behavior of Seinfeld's Kramer and you have the recipe for an entertaining show.  Notable performances include "For Days," "Knees to the Floor," "Going Out," "It'll Be Better" and "The Top." Face it, it's rare for a band to sound just as good as their album, if not better. This happens to be the case when it comes to Francis and the Lights.

Having seen this band in concert for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised and amused by the passion and emotion put into every tune. Keyboardist Jake Schreier looked sharp and stoic in his suit as he rocked out onstage. Guitarist Jake Rabinbach played the calm, cool and collected rockstar who exhibited confidence without trying too hard. Drummer Rene Soloman was on point throughout the entire night and at one point, someone in the crowd yelled, "You're so hot!" as he walked off the stage. The band was entertaining and got people dancing. Without a doubt,  these guys are worth traveling for and are definitely worth every penny.

If you haven't seen these guys live, I can assure you that their live performances are filled with energetic dance moves, tambourines, keyboard solos and once you listen to the album on your way home, you'll realize that this band is better to watch live.

Here's a sneak peek at what you missed:


Let's not forget about Teen Inc., who opened up delivering funky music with intense bass lines and vocals reminiscent of Prince with a touch of Chromeo. Dressed like characters from Revenge of the Nerds, these guys proved to be far from uncool. With tight pants paired with tucked in shirts, the band's music impressed all in attendance. For more information on Teen Inc, visit: http://www.myspace.com/teenincstuff 


Were you at this show? Let us know what you thought in the comments section!

Check out keyboardist Jake Schreire as the "Puppet Rapist" courtesy of Waverly Films.

Not many bands can command an audience the way 30 Seconds to Mars did at the sold out Greek Theater in Los Angeles Saturday night. Front man Jared Leto was on a mission and announced, "I'm going to make some new ground rules. My mission in life is to make sure every single one of you has the best night of your entire fucking life. I will not stop until I win, you fucking hear me out there? "

Other notable songs included, "Vox Populi," "Hurricane, "The Kill" and "Kings and Queens." The band even did a cover of Lady Gaga's, "Bad Romance." Here's some footage from the BBC Radio1:



Whether you're a virgin experiencing these guys live for the first time, or a veteran who's seen them more than twice, the bottom line is these guys have talent and they know how to work an audience. Fans followed instructions obediently as front man Leto told them to scream, jump up and down, touch the sky and even gave fans a chance to stand on stage for the night's finale, "Kings and Queens." These guys offer nothing but non-stop energy, raw talent and the music they play makes it sound like an auditory illusion. You'll ask yourself, "How can three guys create this much beautiful noise?" 

Were you at this show? Let us know what you thought in the comments section!

Here's a sneak peek of what you missed:




Kings and Queens Live:


Videos courtesy of MLH

Every once in a while you come across a band that makes you wish you'd heard of them sooner. Well, Seattle's got a hidden gem called J Minus and if you appreciate smooth harmonies combined with progressive rhythms, well crafted songs and catchy riffs, then you'll love what band members Dylan Fant, Trevor Wheetman, Chris Mongillo and Myer Harrell have put together. We interviewed Dylan Fant of J Minus where he discussed the band's formation, latest album and potential tour plans.

1. How'd you decide on the band's name?
The name J minus actually comes from an inside joke, like most of our crap....haha....back in 02, Trevor (lead singer) and I were in another band together and he was singing something that went way out of key....so naturally, I made fun of him and started singing something WAY off just to mock him. Then, he came back at me with, "Whatever dude, it wasn't that bad...I wasn't singing in the key of J minus or whatever you were just doing."

It was just something stupid that popped into his head and it stuck with me. In the beginning, I couldn't sing very well when I was showing him my ideas, and it always seemed to end up in that key....so that's where I got the name from.

2. How did you all meet and how did you develop your sound?
We met under different circumstances. I met Trevor (the main lead vocal) through a close friend at a party. I had just left my band as a drummer and he was looking for someone. I met Chris (other vocal/guitar) at a gas station through a mutual friend. We met Myer (bass) through Craigslist.

I've been working on the sound since I started it back in '02. It's just a natural progression really. I just write songs for my own personal enjoyment and expression. Same with the other guys I would guess. Everyone is in charge of their own songs and the way they sound. I write the majority of the material though.

3. Are you guys working on any projects at the moment?
Trevor is currently working on his own solo album. I jump back and fourth between J Minus and a project I started called "Trading Voices", which is a lot like J Minus only with female lead vocals.

4. Where can fans catch you guys live? Any tours/shows coming up?
We don't play out live very often actually. We'll be doing a short tour through Wa/Mt/Id/Or in August.

5. Are there any bands you admire and wish to work with?
Not really haha...that's just speaking for myself though. I'm sure Trevor would love to work with some of his favorites ie James Taylor, Paul Simon, Van Morrison.


6. What inspires your sound and can you tell us about "Devil Music"?
My sound is inspired by just sitting around in a recording studio playing with different instruments and ideas. I'm also inspired by people I meet and experiences in my life...that's what I write about mostly.
"Devil Music" is just a funny title to me...like what they used to say about rock and roll back in the day. There are definitely some interesting songs on this album, I like to believe that there are a couple that have a completely original sound to them, and remain in the pop realm....which is not an easy task these days.

7. What are your musical goals and what lessons have you learned so far?
I just want to make a decent living from it. I would be happy to see everyone in the band be able to quit their jobs and live off of music. We don't need wealth...just a living.
I've learned so many things, but the most important is "figure out what makes you happy and try to do it as much as possible while you can"


8. What's the best piece of advice someone ever told you?
Trevor - "Have a good time, all the time" -Spinal Tap and "Careful that thing's loaded."

Myer - "In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they're not." - from fortune cookie.


9. What do you guys do when you're not making music?
Personally, I'm always doing music for the most part. I have a recording studio, so I record and produce other bands for a living. I'm taking a short break to try and animate part of a music video...but that still has something to do with music I guess. Two of the guys work....I'm not really sure what Trevor does haha


10. We're asking every band we talk to: What's your favorite restaurant?
We like small burger stands. Anything with the name "Freeze" attached to it....ie Dairy Freeze, Fanci Freeze. They've always got awesome burgers and some sort of shake/cone deal.

Check out J-minus' music and let us know what you think by leaving a comment.