Introducing: The Darling Essentials

***THE DARLING ESSENTIALS ARE SOLD OUT AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE***

Alter Brooklyn presents THE DARLING ESSENTIALS: a collection of necessary accessories curated by Darian Darling, available exclusively on shop.alterbrooklyn.com.

This "cheap & chic" collection consists of jewelry inspired by dark glaMOUR, nightlife and glitz, as well as Darling-esqe staple wardrobe items such as the Champagne Shadow sheer gloves, the Darling Beret and the Cabaret Diamond Tie.

When The Alter Boys (and Precious Empire members) Tommy and Roy propositioned moi with this idea I couldn't have been more thrilled! My fans have been asking for Darian Darling merchandise for quite some time. I thought curating an affordable selection of accessories inspired by my persona was the perfect starting point. I'm super excited to share some of my glaMOUR...after all I have enough to spare! Here are a few highlights:

ANGELYNE KISS RING $24

We all know a lipstick feature is my thing. Here is a gem-studded lip ring in my two signature shades: red and shocking pink!

MISS WORLD POWDER PUFF RING $20 & GUN MOLL PEAL NECKLACE $24

I love an oversize strand of pearls. The ones I wear are my mom's from the 70's but these are a close approximation. Wear them with this leopard cropped shirt for pin-up glaMOUR or with an oversize flannel shirt for a less prissy look. Compliment the look with a powder puff ring for easy touch-ups!

THE JUDY TALON RING $24

This bedazzled talon is perfect for late nights in fancy nightclubs. Also available in silver.

AMAZON CUFF $26 & THE GASPER NECKLACE $26

Add some strength to your look with this chic cuff inspired by Wonder Woman's Amazon Bracelets of Submission (twin bracelets Amazons are forced to wear by the goddess Aphrodite, as a reminder never to submit to the will of man)! I recommend buying two and wearing them as a pair. If you're feeling in an autoerotic mood wear this metallic and bejeweled noose!

PRECIOUS WEAPON HIGH HEEL NECKLACE by Fetty $25

A Darian Darling inspired necklace designed exclusively for The Darling Essentials by Semi Precious Weapons frontman Justin Tranter!

Buy The Darling Essentials HERE!

Photos by Tommy Cole for ALTER
Brooklyn, NY

Darian Darling's Make-Up

Darian Darling by Veronica iBarra

People always ask me "Darian, how do you always look flawless and amazing?" (I'm not being cocky...they actually do). I always reply that it takes a lot of time, effort and skill to look the way I do every day. I don't roll out of bed looking like a glamazon (sadly). Luckily, I have been wearing the same makeup look since I was 15 so I have it down to a science (It only takes me about 35 minutes).

 Darian Darling by Veronica iBarra

I was doing my makeup last night in my pretty pink bathrobe and thought it would be interesting to photograph myself after each step of my signature bombshell makeup look. I put them in a video so you can see my transformation from fresh faced (and kinda plain) to full beat (and high glaMOUR). Ah, the wonders of makeup.

Wind is Your Enemy: Best Hairspray Glamour Choices!

When it comes to hair wind is NEVER your friend. It's your worst enemy. Sure, a strategically placed high-powered fan is good for dramatic effect, don't get me wrong. Alas nothing is more frustrating than spending an hour coiffing your hair, making sure each and every strand is perfectly in place, just to  get it blown to bits in the wind tunnel that is 5th Ave! Fight back against Mother Nature I say! Personally I really don't want my bangs to move, as an unfortunately parted fringe or an inappropriate glimpse of weave track is not the look. The hairhoppers of the early 1960's would all agree with me. Those epic bouffant hairstyles needed lots of lacquer to maintain their size and structure. Here are my two favorite hairspray options: one for when you want hold but movement and one for when you want a helmet. Now go and SHE-llac!

 

Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray by L'Oréal

This amazing hairspray has been a cult beauty product for decades, coveted by celebrities, beauty insiders and freelance hairstylists alike. Launched in France in 1960, Elnett was a technological breakthrough containing special strong hold polymers that were diffused in an ultra-fine micro spray, and was easily removed with light brushing. Other hairsprays on the market at that time contained heavy lacquers which were very difficult to wash out. It was unavailable in the US due to it's higher VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels and FDA regulations—and smuggled back from Europe by the suitcasefull! Recently a slightly tweaked formula with a more eco-friendly hydrofluorocarbon propellant debuted in the USA. The mist isn't quite as fine as the European version but to save the ozone layer it's a small glaMOUR sacrifice to make. It's distinctive fragrance I can recognize a mile away and will always remind me of being backstage at Fashion Week. Plus, it's slim gold packaging with retro glamour girl illustration is too fabulous to pass up. You must always think of how a product will look on your vanity!

 Buy it at Target

 BY Framesi Mist Hair Spray Strong by Framesi

Ok, this is definitely my secret weapon! Part of a haircare line from Italy, this spray is for when you don't want your hair to move....ever! I use this on my bangs on windy days and I could seriously be held upside down and my bangs wouldn't lift up. No...seriously! It's unbelievable! It's a fast-drying aerosol spray with an insane extra-firm hold, it keeps your style in place while protecting your hair from UV rays, contains anti-ageing Vitamin E and a light silicone for shiny hair. You will definitely need to use a clarifying shampoo after this or wash an extra time or two to remove all excess buildup. An extra step yes but well worth that amount of staying power.

Buy at Hair Care Choices

Barbie®: The Blonde Collection

The Blonde Collection, a dream-worthy line of high end luxury Barbie inspired items from Mattel launched today. Featuring many one-of-a-kind pieces created by top designers, this glamorously kitschy collection is right up my alley! The highlight of the collection are 3 custom Barbie dolls designed by NYC fashion duo The Blonds. I've known David and Phillipe for years and have worked as a makeup artist on many of their fashion shows. Since Phillipe's Barbie doll obsession parallels my own, I know this is a dream come true for him. So magical and exciting! Truly a match made in BLOND heaven.

 (L) Phillipe and David Blond as Barbie and Ken.  (R) A model at The Blonds' Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show.

 Below are some of my favorite items in The Blonde Collection. Anyone thinking about what to get me for Xmas can look no further! ;)

 One of a kind!

For a mere $10, 000 you can buy a hand-crafted and made to order Barbie inspired corset by The Blonds as seen at their Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show!

 Sealed with a golden kiss: A golden embossed leather, suede lined clutch which is a life sized reproduction of the one than came with Barbie's Silken Flame outfit in 1960.

Locks of light: A hand-crafted chandelier created by Project Runway’s Chris March, made from Barbie's signature ponytail (or Blond Ambition Madonna's)! A bit too kitschy (even for me)...but hysterical!

Pink up the party: A set of 4 glossy tumblers and matching serving tray!

Haute hair: a Barbie T3 Featherweight ionic blow dryer with T3's Tourmaline SoftAire™ flow system!!! MUST HAVE!

Doll-ars and cents: a screen printed wallet with retro Barbie illustration!

Hair today...GLAM tomorrow: custom made acrylic Barbie bangles

Your so Vanity (I bet you think this set is about you): gold plated and enamel mirror and brush vanity set!

 Blonde vision: a wrapped canvas print of retro Barbie!

PINK lipsticks are ALSO a blondes BFF!

I must admit...I love a gorgeous, vivid pink lipstick almost as much as a red one. It's a slightly softer, more playful option for a blonde bombshell. Less Marylin, more Barbie BUT still just as glamorous. Think lush, unapologetic hues that look great while driving a pink Cadillac convertible, nothing tame or muted with brown. Jayne Mansfield preferred pink shades over red. Angelyne too. From baby-doll to neon, here are my top picks for the best options on the market. It's time to re-think PINK!

Schiap Semi-Matte Lipstick by NARS

This vivid, startling shade was inspired by the avant-garde 1920s/30s fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, and is based on her signature color, which she called "Shocking Pink".  She described it as "life-giving, like all the light and the birds and the fish in the world put together, a color of China and Peru but not of the West." Yves Saint Laurent later referred to the color as "having the nerve of red...an aggressive, brawling, warrior pink." It features a long lasting, velvet texture and is non-drying.

Buy it at Sephora

 #33 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick by Make Up For Ever

 This beautiful flamingo pink shade is probably the softest and most wearable option on the list.  It's warm, shrimp like quality is extremely flattering and looks tropical and lush. It's formulated with 50% more pigment than the traditional lipstick and gives an immediate true-to-color result. A blend of three natural waxes, the creamy texture glides on effortlessly.

Buy it at Sephora  

Show Orchid Amplified Creme Lipstick by MAC

This high voltage, iridescent blue/violet fuchsia shade is my personal favorite and definitely not for the demure! This lipstick is so intense in fact, it's only available at MAC PRO industry stores. It features an ultra-moist formula with a high shine finish, plus special pigments that allow for added clarity of color, and goes on creamy and smooth. Wear it if you dare!

Order from the MAC PRO New York Showroom (212) 229-4830

#7 Lingerie Pink Rouge Volupté Lipstick by YSL

The baby-doll nightgown of pink lipsticks, this creamy, dreamy, pale shade calls to mind flipped hairdos, Gidget and early 1960's innocence. Perfect for when you're in a girlie mood. Featuring a satiny smooth texture and a high shine finish, the tube features a tiny mirror on the lid for easy touch ups!

 Buy it at Sephora

 Pink Nouveau Satin Lipstick by MAC

This is the ultimate Barbie, bubblegum pink shade. It's delectable, candy color has the faintest hint of lilac and is perfect for when you want to get all "dolled" up. It is also one of Lady GaGa's favorite colors, and was the inspiration for her shade of Viva Glam lipstick. The formula provides a high color payoff and a semi-matte, cream finish.

Buy it at MAC Cosmetics

Dark Circles are NEVER glamorous: The BEST undereye concealer!

I'm sure everyone remembers that Season 2 episode of Sex and the City, where Carrie (after an all-night booze fest with the girls), wakes up 45 minutes late to a New York Magazine cover shoot and an extremely unflattering, pre-makeup lighting test shot ends up on the cover. I can only imagine what a sad day in the City that would be. Well, like Carrie I am also a notorious blonde NYC pAArty girl and socialite, albeit a broke (yet gorgeous) one....but I always carry a good concealer in my makeup bag! I'm no fool. You never know when or where you might end up after an all night bender. Here is my pick for the most universal dark circle secret weapon:

 

Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen by Givenchy

Effective and discreet, this magical pen acts like a shadow chaser, complexion reviver and brightener by immediately reducing visible signs of fatigue. It has a fluid, luminous texture and contains SPF 10 sun protection and Actiwake Complex, a Givenchy exclusive that combines two multivitamin-charged plant extracts for a refreshed, revitalized complexion. Quite similar to industry favorite YSL's Touché Éclat Radiant Touch Pen, this formula features more coverage and is less dry looking than YSL's. As I am now in my 30's (dear god), the less dry and cake-y my under-eye can look, the better. What glamazon wants that?

Available exclusively at Sephora 

Madonna's Material Girl Collection!

Will all teenage girls start dressing like rock'N roll whores? HELL YES, if Madonna has anything to say about it. Macy's recently debuted their new Juniors line Material Girl, "designed" by Madonna and her daughter Lola and named after the Queen of Pop's 1985 #2 hit single. If that wasn't good enough, they got rock'N roll teen tart Taylor Momsen to be the spokesperson! Huge win! The line actually looks really hot and is MUCH better than Madonna's previous collaborations with H&M in 2006/2007 (remember that tracksuit?). The line seems like the perfect fusion of Madonna's classic mid-80's Boy Toy look; frills, lace, beads and bangles with Taylor Momsen's brand of neo-grunge glaMOUR; flannel shirts, studded leather, floral print baby-doll dresses and acid washed denim. I mean, ANY fashion collection aimed at teenage girls that contains a spandex bra top is fine with me. Will I be featuring any of it? Well, I haven't checked out the line in person yet (and the fact that being 30 and buying clothes marketed to 16 year old's would sorta make me feel like a douchebag)...but we'll see. As Madonna said "I have no shame! I'm on FIRE!".

Sheer hosiery and a combat boot! YESSS!!!

Beads and a bra top!

Tutu

Sometimes you just need a peplum.

This flannel contains LACE! Wow.

"It's not complicated. It's dressing in layers. It's not looking like you took too much time thinking about what you're wearing."-Madonna on the Material Girl Collection

Who's that girl?

Burning Up!

Just a quick cut-off.

Causing a commotion!

Buy it at MaterialGirlCollection.com

Madonna getting "hands on" at the Material Girl shoot. Moon in Virgo rears its ugly head! ;)