I’ve been sharing what goes on behind the scenes when I’m at HSN but I want to give you a sense of how intense it really is.

This is what I see day in and day out while I’m there. Even in my dreams.

Imagine doing five shows over a 36 or 48 hour period. Now, I have to be at HSN in my green room two hours before each show so in essence, I’m there for 15 of those hours, not including the times I’m there for meetings in between.

Luckily, I love it there! It is truly the friendliest environment I have ever stepped foot in.

Here I am getting makeup done in the green room.

To me, getting makeup done is a serious luxury. even at three times a day of washing and putting on a whole new face. Deana Hawk, who has been doing my makeup, is UH-MAZING and she really knows me by now so she breezes through in 20 minutes! I aboslutely love, love, love her. Check out her sick celebrity chiseled arms! Totally inspiring me to get my bum back to the gym. I don’t think I’ve seen the inside of one more than five times since the inception of Purple Lab!

After every show, there’s a little pow wow to go over what worked, what didn’t, what needs to be changed, from the flow to the models and what shades they wear, to something I said or didn’t say. Todd has been known to be there with a cue card in case I forget to say something.

About ten minutes before the show is when I get mic’d and because I tend to wear dresses, they have to attach the sound pack to my bra which tends to pull it down in the back. A) Not comfy and B) Not the best look for the girls because it makes them off kilter.

I guess solution would be to wear pants. But I’m much more a dress girl.

Speaking of which, I wore a bright and cheerful rose print Thakoon for the 8p.m. show with Colleen. The colors were so perfect for our set. Check out the print up close. The rose stems are legs (I wore this dress to the first Purple Lab launch event for bloggers last year so it has good memories).

This is how it all looked on set.

While there, there’s hardly time to eat. Much of my intake involves power bars and whatever I can snag from the 9th floor of the hotel (they put out snacks at 4p.m. and I tend to raid it).

My whole body tends to feel out of whack and I don’t sleep much either. I’m on a kind of adrenaline high the whole time. I can’t quite explain it. There is nothing like it that I can even compare it to other than the Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island.

By the time I get home, I’m bound for a minimum of 15 hours of sleep.

I can’t wait to be back in August!

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab

After the 2a.m. HSN show, it was hard to sleep. I was on such an adrenaline (and Red Bull) rush, but I think I may have dozed off by 6a.m. or so.

The 2p.m. with Amy Morrison was amazing. It was my third time working with her and we have such a good connection. Love her!

I wore leopard print Derek Lam. Feminine. Flirty. Fun. But not too O.T.T. (over the top).

See a clip from the presentation below – and note: about 6:27 in, Jessica Harlow, the winner of the model search contest, is on! Yay Jess!

Funny thing happened at the end. I fell off my little perch that I stand on (if you missed it from my previous blog, I have to stand on a mini platform because I’m such a peanut!).

I literally went backwards and would have wound up on my bum had Amy not caught me! Good times!

Now this is something that came up. I have this habit of standing with my hand at my hip. See…

And…

I don’t think there has been a photo of me without this pose since I’ve been little. Why? At a young age, I was told that a hand on your hip makes your arms look thinner.

Notice how every celebrity stands that way?

I don’t even know I’m doing it. And – here’s where I need an opinion – someone pointed out that it could look like I have an attitude with this stance.

Oh! No! Not! My! Intention!

So next time, I am going to beg the producer to say “hip” in my ear piece when I do it. Must be broken of the habit!

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

Those who know me know that I am not a night owl. I’m in bed by 10:30, never later than 11. So having a 2a.m. show is not easy for me. It takes an enormous amount of mental prep, not to mention sugar-free Red Bull (the only time I will have caffeine -I never drink any and I hate coffee).

Let’s just say, it took a long time in makeup to get me ready!

At midnight, I was photographed for a before picture. Now this is something that kind of bugs me – everyone kept saying, over and over and over – that I had the “best before and after pictures” (in comparison to the models).

Such a backhanded compliment, don’t you think? It’s like, “you look bad before and with makeup, there’s a drastic difference.”

I know, I know I have dark circles! I get it!

The host was Rachel Huber, a sprightly red head. We met right before the show but it seemed like we were old friends.

Oh, and I wore a burgondy short puffy sleeve lace-trimmed Zac Posen top with black shorts to the knee. Of course, six inch heels go without saying.

Now, Rachel was coming off of another show right before me. I mentioned this before but I have to say it again because it’s a riot.

When hosts have back-to-back shows, there’s about 10 seconds to get from one studio to the next. And the building is HUGE. So someone rushes them over in a wheelchair where they examine their notes and put on some lip gloss.

Todd caught Rachel in transit!

I also unveiled a new product! Pearlesque Show, a fab silicone-free primer infused wtih crushed pearls (for luminous skin), kiwi (antioxidants galore), honey (anti-bacterial), plumping peptides and other delicious skin care ingredients. Details later. It’s not even on our site yet.

Meet Pearlesque show, whose name was the brainchild of a good F.O.P.L. (friend of Purple Lab) Amanda Green (@LALupusLady on Twitter).

OMG! David’s Cookies was throughout my visit. Every time I walked through the hallways, I smelled the inoxicating scent of freshly baked brownies, blondies and chocolate chunk cookies, my favorite when I was a kid (I used to have the recipe and make them every weekend in 8th grade).

I managed to avoid the sugar the entire time but I caved after my last show. I was literally running frantic to the kitchen, the food styling room, the set to find some.

No luck. I actually got caught red handed while opening a sealed tin that was on a table with a sign that read, “Do Not Touch,” by two HSN VPs! Luckily, they laughed.

I wish I had a picture of the look on my face when they walked in… with a tour of guests! Yeesh!

In the green room, I had a little visit from my friend Carol Brodie. She has a line called Rarities on HSN and she rocked the house. But poor girl – she had a 3a.m. to 5a.m. show. How she manages it and looks so fresh is beyond me! Beeeeyond!

Next time, I’ll need to wear her jewelry! I have my eye on some emerald earrings!

More on the other shows, where I almost fell off my perch.

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

I’m just back from a five show stint on HSN and let me tell you – it’s so much easier the second time around.

Self portrait with Todd below – pre-show and pre-makeup!

First of all, I was A LOT less nervous having done this before. I felt more calm and like myself. I mean, I still had SOME nerves. I can’t lie. But I didn’t feel like I could have passed out at any moment.

We made a few key changes after the first round of shows. The set, for one, was lightened up. Instead of black floors, we swapped them out for white, which really brightened things up.

AND – now this is very important! – I stood on two crates to give me more height (The hosts all seem to be tall and I can barely see over the table without a stoop!).

Standing was also different. The first time around, I was sitting with the host at a high top table. It’s better to stand, turns out. It’s easier to really get in there and play with products and move around more easily.

Some inside peaks at things for a moment…

This is pre-show product preparation. This is what goes on outside of the set, where products are placed on stands and brought in and out of the studio when we’re on air.

This is my view, looking at the cameras, when I’m on air.

Tomorrow, more details from the shows!

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

First of all, I am horrified at long it’s been since I have blogged. Let’s just say that I’ve been in the midst of serious insanity.

We’re finally bringing back Love Your Thighs and Lychee Martini, two chic shades of Huge Lips Skinny Hips. Love Your Thighs is exotic coral and Lychee Martini, super sheer peach. And… Limo to Lobby (perfect pink) and Goji Berry Smoothie are on their way, too.

I’ll be debuting them on HSN. along with Pearlesque Show, our new silicone-free primer with a touch of crushed pearls and honey, in April. Click here to see when!

Oh! We’re also doing Lashionista Modelista in a new color – midnight blue! A really rich navy called Modern Classic. The blue is so sophisticated and it really makes the whites of your eyes pop.

This is what it looks like on my skin.

There are going to be three – yes three! – new products for July. The details are still hush-hush but I can tell you that one is an exfoliator (the best skin treatment before your makeup and it has amethysts!) and the other two are for the eyes (a primer and cream shadow but both with a twist – you’ll see).

There have been a billion passes as names – all of the ones I originally wanted are trademarked but it’s amazing how hitting a road block forces you to a better place.

Lab samples have been flying around the office. Been on a dozen new desk sides, thanks to Sharon, our killer PR princepesa. Figuring out things to do before HSN to promote our shows (look out for a contest on Closet Couture!). Planning a big look book photo shoot at the apartment office.

We’re shooting 20 different looks on ten friends and bloggers with photographer Ana Schechter. She is a genius with the camera. We’ll video behind the scenes action for fun!

I look so harried at the moment. I am so crazed that, get this, I had a ticket to go to Florida for Passover to see my family and Todd and I completely forgot about the flight. Literally just blanked. We thought we were going on Thursday but our ticket was for Wednesday and it took two days of nonstop airport stalking and double lay overs to get there!

But I’m coming back to life… and will have loads to share!

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

Back in January, when we did our speed dating event, HSN filmed me to make a little video called “Behind the Label.” It was shot in a corner of a room at the W Hoboken, overlooking the NYC skyline. Gorgeous.

This is the result – a quick look at the brand, a little about moi, and a lot of love. So happy with it. Thank you, HSN! You are amazing!

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

The best thing about partnering with HSN – I’m living my dream.

The down side - other people have something to say about it and not always so nice.

I don’t think every product is for every person. And I don’t expect the entire planet to live and die for Purple Lab, though I do wish they would! But I never quite expected to see some of the comments that have been popping up on forums and on my AOL blog, Beauty Blab.

One person said I looked like a short, fat Farrah Fawcett in my jumpsuit.

I know I’m short. Yes, I could lose a few lbs. That stung, even though a Farrah comparison is nice (just not the fat part).

Another comment said I should tame my hair.

I don’t like a lot of things about my physical appearance. Believe me. No one is harder on me than I am. But I’m just not a tame hair kind of girl. My crazy unruly curls suit me.

I also saw a little drama going down on one forum. Some people said “shame on HSN” for having Purple Lab and someone who follows us on Twitter and Facebook jumped in to say how and why she loves the brand. Thank you, Tabathia! You’re such a doll!

The person who started the convo, however, did not agree. She retorted, “This must be Karen writing this.”

I was in tears by the end of it. There was a lot of confusion over names of the colors of the lip glosses – like No Panty Lines and Worship Kate. Worship Kate is inspired by my style icon Kate Moss (one person didn’t understand why I’d worship a “drug addict,” but really, it’s about a personal sense of style that I worship, not a substance abuse habit. I don’t even drink!).

I couldn’t understand where so much anger was coming from. Like I said, I welcome all feedback on products – good or bad – because I can learn from them and improve. I know that every product is not for every one. It’s like perfume. My mom wears a Cartier fragrance that I love on her – but it’s horrid on me!  

Don’t get me wrong – there were amazing reviews as well. Yay! For some reason, it’s easy for me to focus on the negative.

I’ve always been the type to look at myself in the mirror and see only the flaws – never would I do that with someone else, but me… I’m fair game! 

Todd threatened divorce if I ever go back. I can’t change the way people see things and not everyone will take the time to really get to know Purple Lab or me as the Creatrix of the products.

So I have sworn them off – forever – and I just hope that we can all be friends! Is that so wrong?

Just my musing for the day.

Enjoy yours.

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

You don’t understand. I NEVER stay up late. I don’t go out. I don’t drink. I don’t do coffee. I like to be in bed NO later than 11p.m. When I heard I’d have a 2a.m. slot on HSN, I immediately panicked. How would I make it?

Lots of sugar-free Red Bull (I know it’s poison, but I had no choice). Lots!

First of all, for the slot, I got decked in purple Proenza Schouler sequins and skinny Current/Elliot jeans. Six inch heels go without saying. Hair, kind of Farrah’d out for the night.

Bobbi Ray Carter, a sprightly petite brunette with loads of good energy, hosted. And I have to thank her right now. It was the first time she did a 2a.m. spot in 27 years. Bobbi – to what do I owe this honor? Mwah!

I got to the green room at midnight and watched Diane Gillman’s show, which was right before. The woman is madness on HSN! 28,000 pairs of jeans sold in two hours! I worship at her altar!

Her models were also wearing Purple Lab makeup!

I’m a fan of the cross promotion! Bobbi was donning her white skinnies – and looking skinny!

Oh! Gigi Levangie called in to give a testimonial! She’s the best-selling author of Queen Takes King, Maneater, and the Starter Wife, which was a Lifetime movie with Debra Messing. And she said Huge Lips Skinny Hips is the only gloss she uses! Love you, Gigi!

When a caller is on the line, there’s a screen on set that says “Phone Call from Gigi, Los Angeles, CA” to alert you. The first time we had a call in, I got so excited and blurted it out.

Oops! That’s what the hosts are supposed to do.

I was totally loopy after the show – oddly high on energy and exhausted at once. I had a 10a.m. flight back home the next day. And when I got there, I literally slept for sixteen straight hours!

Before I sign off, I thought I’d share two pictures and moments.

This is Jen Bates, one of the producers I worked with and fellow Jersey girl. She was on hand at speed dating as well, capturing it on film (will have footage soon).

En route to the set as the makeup is touched up and the ear piece is shoved in!

I’ll be back on HSN in April, so stay tuned for more information, new shades of Huge Lips Skinny Hips and Lashionista Modelista in midnight blue (it’s so dark, it’s like black but the blue brings out the whites of the eyes – it’s called Modern Classic because, like a trench, it’s a staple we should all have in our repertoire).

Be on the look out for the new primer, Pearlesque Show. Details to be revealed soon.

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

This was the big show I was waiting for. Yes, I had already done a 9a.m. But that was kind of a warm up. The 8p.m. That was the real debut. It was where I put all of my energy as far as promotion is concerned.

The big moment, below, with Shannon Smith, the host!

A) I wore purple Lanvin with ruffle detail

B) See, ther are the red patent six inch heels again!

C) Do you see how short I am? After this, I started sitting on two pillows!

There was a massive amount of behind the scenes work for this hour.

1. Sharon and I had sent out the 30 parties in a box to friends, family, and bloggers across the country so that they could host their own screening parties

2. Sharon was hosting a big screening/shopping party for 200 guests in New York at Meet in Soho, where we set up “glam stations” with makeup artists showcasing the products

This is her, wearing Rochas (Olivier Theyskens last seaon, RIP Rochas!) playing with Skype! We were using it to stream in and out of the HSN presentation on TV.

3. Christine, the blogger from Temptalia, was on set with me. And these sets are usually closed, period. But they opened it for her to get the real inside glimpse.

4. My mom and dad had 30 friends over for the festivities

This is mama with Melissa, my brother’s Luvah (and soon to be mother of his child, my nephew, Levi Jacob, who I cannot wait to spoil).

They both use Purple Lab products, of course!

5. I was also announcing the winner of the model search contest - and surprising everyone who tuned in with the fact that in addition to the grand prize winner, the lovely Jessica Harlow (see below) who is coming to HSN with me in April, I would be taking two other winners to model on air in July!  

Meet Jessica Harlow! Gorge! Confident! Sassy! She has all of the elements of the Purple Lab girl!

Here I am on air and in the moment with Susan, the 50 year-old model who looks 10 years younger in Silk Sheets (Shameless plug! I know!). I think I actually told her that in her “after” picture, she could get carded for a Rated R movie!

I was getting the groove of things but there was still a lot to learn.

One thing I picked up (after the fact, sadly): If I’m showing a color or product on my own skin, I should hold my hand on the table and keep it still. I didn’t do this once so when the camera zoomed in, my hand was already gone!

I learned for the next time. And each show got better and better as I felt more at ease with the flow.

I didn’t sleep a wink that night. I was way too excited – and not just because I had a Susan Lucci sighting on my way out. She’s my kind of HSN idol!

Mwah!

Karen

Purple Lab Creatrix

I know I’ve been MIA but between speed dating and our HSN launch, I’ve done nothing but eat, sleep, and breathe Purple Lab. Luckily, I love my job. It has been exciting to watch Karen and Todd grow the business. What an honor to be a part of it! (Next stop: real office!)

Anyway, here’s what I was doing while Karen was in Florida for HSN. For those of you who attended the Purple Lab HSN launch party at Meet in NYC last Thursday, whether in person or on Skype or Twitter, you know it was a blast.

I was given the duty to not only plan this soiree, but host it. This was all new to me, as I’m a behind-the-scenes type. I had no experience hosting something for 200 people, not counting the party I had senior year of high school when my parents were on vacation (this time, it was nice to not worry about the fate of my mother’s antique vase!).

Booking the space, ordering food, finding drink sponsors and makeup artists? Par for the course for a PR girl. The frightening part: I was going to be on HSN (LIVE TV!) via Skype as the “Roaming Correspondent” (the fancy title that HSN gave me – I can’t lie, I felt pretty cool sharing it with friends).

For Karen, a natural, this is nothing, but for me? Put it this way… if someone was in my body, they would’ve called 911!

Being a nerd, I actually wrote talking points for my 10 second spot. Better to be prepared than to stutter!

The party, however, was a hit! 200 guests reveled in Purple Lab makeovers at glam stations, purchased goodies, and sipped Skinnytini cocktails of Figenza vodka and Skinny Water (heart you Sara Press who does PR for Skinny Water and is my other half for Purple Lab events).

We even had some “Be A Purple Lab Star on HSN” contest participants (who I met for the first time) on hand to root Karen on! Thanks Suzanne and Amanda (and her fab fam!).

At 7:55pm, a very nice producer named Melanie called with my five minute warning. I patiently waited in front of the web cam for my cue. I was about to go on television! Internal freak outs began.

8:03p.m.,the Skyping was on! I was shaky. Plus, there was a 5 second delay (who knew five seconds could feel like forever?). I hardly heard Karen, so I repeated myself twice as I told viewers about la fiesta.

Embarrassing! But everyone said I was so smiley and happy that I pulled it off. The next Skype session was smooth – testimonials from the gorgeous Kimmie of Kitten Lounge and Suzanne, the aforementioned model contest entrant (she donned one of our purple boas for the occasion!).

smooth sailing...

We sold out of Red Sole and one foundation shade. Woo hoo! So where could you find me, your host, at 10:15p.m.?

This says it all…

Mwah!

Sharon

Purple Lab Communications Queen