Beauty Girl, Beauty Girl Next Door

Here in the household of BGND - James Bond is a BIG deal. Framed posters adorn our walls, Bond soundtracks fill the air and both members of the BGND household stayed up way too late last night watching the delicious Daniel Craig on Jimmy Kimmel (hilarious!)...So today, in celebration of the release of Bond 22 aka Quantum of Solace, at the suggestion of my good friend Beth (great idea!) I am doing a James Bond themed post.....

I have decided that what better way to honor the legacy of James Bond in BGND fashion then to discuss my favorite Bond girls and the killer looks that they have rocked over the years. There have been many Bond girls as you know (there are 22 movies and counting after all) and while they all are great in their own way, there are some that are more stylish and glamorous than others. So here are my personal top 5 Bond girls, chosen not by their acting or story lines but by their classic looks that you can emulate when you are looking for a little glamorous inspiration for a night out on the the town.

1) Honey Ryder (as portrayed by Ursula Andress in Dr. No)

You really can't have any list of Bond girls without listing the original. Not only did she set the standard for all Bond girls to come, but her classic beachy look can still be rocked today.

To achieve:
- bronzer
- striking eyes (black liner and a bit of smoke)
-neutral cheeks and lips (Smashbox lipstick in Elegant is my go-to choice for this...http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P159000&categoryId=B70)
- hair should be tousled although need not be wet like this shot....a good beachy spray will achieve fullness and a windblown look (Bumble and Bumble surf spray is a good choice)

2) Solitaire ( as portrayed by Jane Seymour in Live and Let Die)

If you have never seen LALD, you are missing out on Jane Seymour in her first starring role at the young age of 22! She plays a Tarot Card reader and her look is simple and elegant. Great for a night out look for those who want drama but aren't into heavy makeup.

To achieve:
- either a professional blow out or a blow out at home (utilize a straightening serum or cream - John Freida serum is a great affordable option for all hair types)
- grey palate of shadow for the eyes with black or grey eyeliner
- light pink lipstick with sheen (Clinique's Bamboo Pink- available as lipstick or lip gloss - is a great choice for the lips here - http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/sp_shaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4903&PRODUCT_ID=PROD743)

3)Paris Carver (as portrayed by Teri Hatcher in Tomorrow Never Dies)

Before she moved to Wisteria Lane, Teri Hatcher was indeed a Bond girl. And even though this movie is more than 10 years old, her looks holds up well. A great bob, dewy skin and great make-up- that never dies (hehe).

To achieve:
- volume spray for your bob (I like Cat Walk Root Boost)
- skin highlight (Benefit High Beam is one of my all time faves - http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B000FBNYRU/sr=1-12/qid=1226689957/ref=sr_1_12/187-5945004-1288429?ie=UTF8&n=164983011&bcBrand=core)
- thick lashes (L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is great for super dark and thick lashes)

4) Jinx (as portrayed by Halle Berry in Die Another Day)

Oscar winner Halle Berry is the newer version of Ursella Andress's beach babe in this 20th anniversary Bond movie. She looks fabulous and is an alternate beachy look for those who do not have blond hair and blue eyes.

To achieve:
- bronzing lotion to give you the sun-kissed color and the sheen (Clinique's Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator is great)
- bronze and gold shadow palette to smoke the eyes in a non-traditional way
- clear or gently tinted lip gloss (L'Oreal Color Juice Lip Gloss would work well here - http://www.lorealparis.ca/en/cosmetics/index_colourjuice.asp)

5) Camille (as portrayed by Olga Kurylenko in Quantum of Solace)

Definitely a Bond girl for 2008. She is beautiful but natural, and looks good in rags or in couture.

To achieve:
- a great blow dry lotion to seal but give body ( I love Redken Satinwear 02 Ultimate Blow-Dry lotion - http://www.redken.com/products/styling/mild-control/satinwear-02)
- primer to smooth out lines but look natural (the classic Smashbox Photo Finish Primer works for all)
- great mascara and neutral lipstick

So there you have it BGND readers! Go out there and see Quantum of Solace this weekend and if you are looking for a new make-up or hair look, remember all the great bond girls who have come before! (For a full list - www.bondmovies.com/girls)

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND