I've been following Hillary Duff's career for many years and I really love how she is being styled nowadays. Her look shows that the smoky eye is still in fashion and can be done in a glamorous yet alluring style.

I'm still surprised that a lot of women I talk to have categorized a smoky eye as a black eye shade. Smoky eyes are a technique not a specific color. Some of my favorite variations are browns with purples or greens with pink.

I was really excited to hear Vanessa Paradis would be the new face for Miu Miu's autumn/winter campaign. I wasn't sure what to expect after Kirsten Dunst's ads appeared for the spring. Dunst wasn't the type of spokesperson I would think could carry of a great handbag. Her images though were absolutely stunning. Koodos to the stylists that transformed her into a supermodel.

One of my favorite vintage looks is the classic pinup girl. This trend spanned many decades but my favorite are the beauties of the 1940's. As old things are new again, I pick up trends from long ago styles that still hold up today.

Veronica Lake

Fast approaching 50 Madonna still shows that she can reinvent her look and make it work. I've really been inspired by her Vanity Fair and H&M ads lately. Aging hasn't stopped her from not only setting trends but defining them.

I see many clients who want to achieve the flawless complexions of the many famous faces gracing covers of today's magazines. Reluctant to say most are the result of excellent retouching techniques, rather than the skills of a celebrity makeup artist. I still believe flawless skin can be achieved with proper makeup techniques.

One face that comes to mind as inspiration for great skin is Jennifer Aniston. She always has an even consistent matte complexion in all of her photos. Jennifer Aniston is best know for her time on Friends. During the 1990s matte clear skin was all the rage.

This week's American Idol makeup trend was all metallic. A lot of the contestants were done up with different hues of metallic shadows and paired with gorgeous pink glossy lip shades. I've always been a fan of metallic colors but they can be a bit dramatic when you aren't singing live on stage.

I often get inspiration from celebrities, that I use as makeup looks for everyday women. Actresses like Penelope Cruz are surrounded by celebrity makeup artists, this results in stunning styles. Penelope is one of those women who has really changed her image for the better. As a Spanish actress, breaking out into the American scene is not an easy transition. She has style, talent and beauty that is unique and inspirational, but still holds onto her roots.

This year's American Idol females have worn beautiful makeup styles, but I have to say I loved Katherine McPhee's makeup the other night. She was on the show singing her single "Something". The song was good but it's Katherine's style that really has me interested. She wore a simple ponytail and her makeup was done just right to look glamorous but not overdone. A lot of the young girls are a bit too glitter heavy for my taste, so it's nice to see a clean look on the show.

Women like Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Michelle Obama, and Cindy McCain appear daily on TV, in magazines and in newspapers. It's a full time job keeping a public face camera ready. Some do a good job of it, yet others have me pondering if they did their makeup themselves.

Being a makeup artist for such a high profile political subject, you are asked to make your client feminine yet strong, bold yet soft. It's a difficult task for their makeup artists to create such a balance. I believe a good makeup design in general is made up of a balance between colors, shapes and blending.

Fashion isn't the only trend Ugly Betty is setting. The show has set the standard for TV makeup as well. Each episode I'm amazed at the gorgeous glamorous styles I see. Vanessa Williams to Rebbecca Romijn put their best face forward for the camera. Now if you want to look like you work at Mode, and are on the cutting edge of style here are some tips: