Morris unveils line of eyewear

Artist Burton Morris of Pittsburgh continues to diversify. Over the past three days, he has been unveiling his first line of eyewear at the International Vision Expo in Manhattan.

The collection of 15 prescription frames and four sunglasses designs is manufactured by Los Angeles-based Signature Eyewear for Dakota Smith. They're available at Eyetique stores in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Wilkins.

Each frame style comes in several electric colors with prices ranging from $135 to $205.

"My art is inclusive, not exclusive -- everyone is important to me," said Morris. "With my new eyewear, people who might never attend a gallery show or buy a print can still experience my art in a very fun, personal way."

Morris' star has steadily risen since the 1990s as he has done high-profile projects for Perrier, Absolut Vodka, Sony, Microsoft, AT&T, the 2004 Summer Olympics, the 2004 Academy Awards, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the TV series "Friends" and "The Apprentice." Morris recently designed the logo for Major League Baseball's 2006 All-Star Game at PNC Park.

Eyetique president Norman Childs has worked with designers and manufacturers, including Vera Wang, to create high-profile eyewear collections. "Burton Morris has that same star quality and potential," he said.

Insider beauty tips

When you see female celebrities with seemingly flawless hair, makeup and skin, it's easy to say, "They ought to look perfect because they have the money to buy perfection." That may be partially true, but sometimes beauty is more a matter of learning the tips and tricks of the trade.

Emily Dougherty, beauty director for Elle, did the research and shares 24 insider beauty tips in the magazine's April issue, on stands now. The story includes advice from celebrity makeup artists and hair stylists as part of Elle's annual Genius Awards.

What are some secrets revealed? Mary Phillips, for example, said she makes Jessica Simpson's makeup look flawlessly smooth by applying Epicuren aloe vera before concealer and foundation. And if you're wondering how supermodel Gisele Bundchen gets her hair so straight and kink-free, Harry Josh credits a curling iron that has had the clamp broken off.

Spring makeup trends

So what was the deal with all the beautiful pink mouths and fawn eyes at the Academy Awards? Where was Gwyneth Paltrow's Corpse Bride look? Where were Scarlett Johansson's too-red doughnut lips that look like a Wallace & Gromit pucker?

Where were our laughs?

Instead, everyone looked blush-perfect and glowing as well as in sync with spring makeup trends: The two biggest are pink lips and bronzed faces.

At the Academy Awards, nude pink and soft pink lips were most favored.

Such trends are good and bad news for mature women, said Carolyn Bendall, an image consultant and owner of Fashion Academy in Memphis, Tenn. "Soft colors like peachy-pink, baby pink and rose are always good for older women," she said. "Bright colors make us look older. And fuchsia is a difficult color for anyone."

-- Barbara Bradley, Scripps Howard News Service