FALL MAKEUP FROM THE RUNWAY TO REALITY

Twice a year, all eyes fall upon New York City, Milan, and Paris as some of the most prestigious designers in the world showcase their new collections. Catwalks are adorned with beautiful models, stunning hair and makeup, loud energetic music, and a star studded guest list to boot. But did you ever wonder how you could execute these makeup looks yourself in a way that's wearable for real life? Translating these color concepts from the runway to YOUR face is a lot easier than you think. It's about taking a fabulous shade or the dewy skin that you see and incorporating those simple ideas into your next application. For the most part, the 2012 Fall shows were surprisingly understated in terms of makeup, however there were a few that stood out in a very theatrical way. Decide which feature you'd like to play up this season and downplay the rest of your face to keep things balanced,  Use the suggestions below to make your new Fall face a fabulous one!

 THE COBALT SMOKY EYE
photo by Imaxtree

Intense blue hues like Cobalt, Navy, and bright Turquoise are very popular this season. And although the designers debuted this daring eye in a very avantguard way, it doesn't mean that we can't tweak the look a bit so that we can all wear this beautiful color.

Apply your favorite cream or powder shadow carefully onto eye lids and bring under the lower lashes to create a halo effect. Be sure to feather out the edges and blend so that the finished effect looks smoky, airy, and undefined. Stay clear of the brow area because color here will make the look way too garish. Finish with 2-3 of black mascara and maybe add a small amount of brow color if needed to finish off the look.

BOLD STUDDED BROWS


How ridiculous we would look if we glued a solid strip of jewel encrusted tape to our brows! Definitely effective for the stage but certainly not in real life. Instead, using either a brow powder or pencil, fill in your brows so that they look slightly more prominent but not cartoon-like. For evening, accent them with tiny crystals to add a little sparkle. My suggestion would be to choose very small clear, gold. or silver studs and, using a tweezer and a drop of eyelash glue, place them onto the outer corners of your brows or even follow the entire shape for a dazzling effect.

GOTH BLACK AND ORANGE EYE
photo by Olivier Claisse/Firstview 

You could probably get away with this eye makeup on Halloween but I'm thinking there are not a whole lot of other times where it would be well received. Black and orange might initially seem like a scary combination but really it all depends on how the colors are used.

An idea would be to apply a clean liquid or kohl black line along the upper lash line, extending it just a bit beyond your lash line. Next, using a marigold or orange shade, softly mirror what you just did below the lower lash line. This duo liner technique will create a sleek appearance but without the heaviness. Also, you can fill in your inner eye line with black as well for a more urban contrasty effect. With this look, keep brows and the rest of your face as simple and low key as possible.

ICE QUEEN WINGS
photo by Olivier Claisse/Firstview

We really can't think of winter without thinking about it's common counterparts snow and ice. For me, there's something so captivating about shimmering white on the eyes this time of year. It creates a cool crisp accent that is instantly appealing. The key thing to keep in mind is to select either a powder or cream shadow that is sheer. You want your eyes to reflect light and look as though they're multi-dimensional instead of heavy and opaque.

There are several ways in which this shade can be applied...The first is a "wash" onto either the eyelids or from the lid up to the brows, covering the entire area all at once. Second, you can take a very thin small angle brush and paint the white on as eyeliner above upper lashes. Lastly, you can apply touches of it around the inner teardrop area to open up the eyes and add light to them. Finish off all looks with black mascara, a flushed pink or bronzed cheek, and a sheer understated gloss or lip stain that is in the same color family as your cheek color.

PUT THE FREEZE ON SUMMER BEAUTY MAYHEM

It seems that we have been experiencing a literal MELTDOWN here in the Big Apple! Temperatures continue to soar to record highs and our makeup, skin, and hair are taking on a life of their own! The good news is that there are some things you can do that will keep you cool AND perform all at the same time.

REFRIGERATE TO INVIGORATE

Did you know that most of your favorite products can be stored in the frig? Eye creams, moisturizers, face masks, toners, etc. work well on their own but, when they are applied cold, create a whole new rejuvenation process. When chilled, they are more effective in de-puffing eyes, closing pores, de- stressing skin, hydrating, and calming your entire face!

COLD RINSE... HAPPY HAIR

Never underestimate the power of a final cold rinse over hair after the shampoo/conditioner. It takes just a quick dousing to close the hair cuticle, which results in more lustrous and shinier hair!

FROSTY FOOT BATH

When the heat is on, it's normal for your feet to become swollen and more prone to blisters and calluses. This "expansion" in size ultimately causes more rubbing and chafing in your shoes than usual. At the end of the day, treat your feet with an icy Peppermint foot bath. In a large tub or pot, fill 3/4 with cold water, add a few ice cubes if you like, and 20 drops of peppermint oil. End with your favorite aromatherapy moisturizer to seal and hydrate. The cold temperature will immediately invigorate your tootsies, reduce the swelling, and the delightful oil will refresh your senses and sooth your feet.

COLD BODY WARM HEART

 

Ever heard of the Polar Bear Plunge? Once a year on New Year's Eve, a group of people in Canada (and now all over the world) put on their bathing suits and go swimming! You might be thinking that, well maybe these people are out of their minds?? Perhaps but the fact is that subjecting your body to a quick freezing dip (or shower rinse) after using heat is incredibly healing to your body. The sudden jolt enhances heart performance and circulation.

MIST AND FORGET ABOUT IT

There's no reason why you need to spend your time worrying about your makeup melting away throughout the day. There are many products on the market that use a specific technology which prevents this very thing and they feel weightless after application. One of my favorites is URBAN DECAY'S ALL NIGHTER SPRAY. Shake it up, mist over your face, and that's it! It really works! Also, MEHRON'S BARRIER SPRAY holds makeup in place beautifully! Whichever you choose, these products will give you a refreshing pick me up and seal the deal simultaneously.

SUNSCREENS: FRIEND OR FOE??

We've all been inundated with information from the media (and our own doctors) about the vital importance and benefits of sunscreen but I really have to wonder whether it is as necessary as we've been led on to believe. While I'll admit that SOME brands offer a bit of protection against the sun's harmful burning UVA/UVB rays when exposed for prolonged periods of time, it's also apparent that people are becoming increasingly Vitamin D deficient. More than ever! And of course many things can be attributed to this...Being stuck indoors and not getting enough natural light for one. But it seems counter productive to me to tell people to slather on SPF (all the time) when what it's doing is creating a barrier on your skin that prevents any sunlight from getting in, resulting in zero Vitamin D penetration. Secondly, keep in mind that our skin is the body's largest organ and anything you apply topically to it goes directly into your bloodstream. This includes all of the chemicals in  sunscreens. How can that be a good thing? And finally, the sunscreen industry continues to generate BILLIONS of dollars in revenue each year and so MAYBE there's more to this than meets the eye. After all, the media is essentially instilling a degree of fear into us, suggesting that if we don't use sunscreen then we are at risk and will surely get some form of cancer. And when we are scared we listen!

I personally rarely ever wear sunscreen. A year ago I found out that my Vitamin D levels were very low, which is one of the reasons why I choose not to wear it. Thankfully Vitamin D3 supplementation balanced  everything out. Also it's important to say that I don't "bake" in the sun, however will apply some SPF if I'm going to be shooting outside in open sunlight for a few hours. Ironically I find that those times when it's applied and even reapplied,  I almost always burn. Interesting...

In closing, the jury's still out for me on this subject. It does make sense to me to put it on if you are going to be in direct sun exposure for a long time but I'm not convinced that one needs to wear it constantly. Seems a little excessive and unnecessary. Anyhow, just wanted to share my thoughts with you. Always great to look at things from a different perspective.

SELF TANNING RISKS! WORTH A LOOK!

SIZZLING SUMMER MUST HAVES!!

Summer is such a SEXY time of year....Easy breezy fabrics, golden sun-kissed bodies, glowing skin, bright colored nails, and beachy hair make us look instantly captivating and downright effortless! In the next few months keep your beauty routine to a minimum...It's all about strategic pops of color and transparent formulas that will bring out the sun goddess in you!

This season, leave your heavy foundations in the drawer and opt for a quick all-in-one hydrator and base color with SPF.  It will give you warm glowing skin WITH a sunscreen in about a minute! What could be better than that! A great one to try is Josie Maran's Tinted Moisturizer. It contains only pure essential oils and natural ingredients that nourish and protect your skin at the same time.

Nothing looks healthier than a gorgeous hint of color on the apples of your cheeks to give you a natural sun-kissed effect. Try Bobbi Brown's Cheek Color in Peony...It's the PERFECT shade of pink. Looks slightly intimidating in the container but just a drop wakes you up and keeps you looking fresh all day!

 

Choose one feature and play it up with a stroke of vibrant color! I love Urban Decay's 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liners. With options like bright fuchsia, yellow, turquoise, and cobalt...you can create fresh and modern eyes that will look AWESOME under the water without worrying about your liner disappearing.

Your tan has definitely met it's match! Too Faced Royal Oil Coconut Oil Body Bronzer is TO DIE FOR!! A delightful scent and SUPER LUMINIZING formula containing Mangosteen Extract will make your bronzed skin look HEAVENLY!

Whether the wind is blowing your hair all over your face or you are in calm controlled conditions, your lips should be able to hold up without interfering with the elements. Back by popular demand,  I can't recommend Tarte's LipSurgence Lip Pencils enough! You have your choice of beautiful stains or gorgeous glossy colors that will make your pucker look luscious!

Smudgeproof and waterproof eyeshadows are a MUST when your dealing with such sweltering temperatures. Make Up For Ever's Aqua Creams are cream shadows that WON'T BUDGE! They come in a rainbow of colors ranging from modern neutrals to daring brights so you can let your personality shine through!

There's nothing prettier than fingers and toes that are well groomed and finished with summer fun colors! L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Color now offers just about every shade under the sun and then some! Take one with you for your next mani/pedi...They will make you smile!

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER LIP COLOR???

I just discovered THE most BEAUTIFUL bright orange lipstick that looks great on both porcelain and golden skin tones. Just so elegant and fresh!

STILA SPF 20 Shine Lip Color in CHARLOTTE is a sheer coral that reads brighter than most sheer colors and has just a hint of shine. Finish off a bare glowing face with this sexy shade and enjoy the attention you receive! Available now on Amazon.com.

HOW TO GET YOUR MAKEUP PRODUCTS TO LAST LONGER

Buying new makeup can be a very costly experience so, the next time you need to replenish your supply, be sure to keep in mind these very easy tips so that your products will last as long as possible.

AIR IS THE ENEMY!

Creamy formulas can lose their moisture content and cake rather quickly so be sure to close the lid tightly immediately after use to keep from drying out. This also applies to mascara...those of you "wand jigglers" out there are pumping air into the tube every time you jiggle. Instead, just pull the wand in and out only once. You will still receive enough product to coat your lashes and your tube will last MUCH longer!

SCOOP OUT THE EXTRA!

Lipsticks make for great application of color until you twist the tubes down to the end and nothing comes up anymore! But don't throw them away yet..There's still PLENTY of color hidden beneath that you can easily scoop out with a plastic knife. Just remove the remaining color and put it in a little container or your favorite palette and enjoy!

STICK IT AND FORGET IT!

Not sure what to do with all of the eyeshadows you collected that have fallen out of their containers and compacts? No need to worry...A little trick I've come to love is to buy tiny velcro stickers, place them on the back of each individual shadow, then stick them to an empty palette box. Ultimately you will have created your own personally designed color palette that you can just whip out when you need it! FUN!

BE GENTLE!

Makeup brushes are delicate and can sometime cost a small fortune so you need to take good care of them. When it comes to cleaning, be sure to use a VERY gentle and preferably natural product to remove makeup residue and oils without drying the bristles out. I find that swirling them in a chemical free and plant based dishwashing soap in warm water works really well. Place them upright in a glass or mug, let them dry overnight, and they will be as good as new!

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE!

Liquid foundation formulas and even some luminizers and bronzers can separate over time and disrupt the natural composition of how the makeup was intended to be. So once a week I give all of my bottles a good shaking and store them upside down to keep them fresh.

CHILL OUT!

Most makeup (for the exception of powdered versions) cannot hold onto their true texture in very warm or even hot temperatures. If you know that you will be venturing into heated conditions for a prolonged period of time, put your liquid/cream products in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator the night before. This will shield them from melting too quickly and their chilled new temperature will also feel super refreshing!

FAB PRODUCT PICK OF THE WEEK!!

Recently I've been introduced to an AMAZING cream eye shadow that I'm literally OBSESSED with!!

CHANEL'S ILLUSION D'OMBRE #83 is a breathtaking shimmering plum shade that goes on like a dream and reads very neutral while staying put all day!! Check it out!

HOLIDAY MAKEUP...ALL THAT GLITTERS!

Crisp wintery air and dazzling bright lights make way for a glorious holiday season that glistens. Reflective makeup textures and glowing skin formulas make this time of year a captivating sight to behold! Beauty Buzz unveils the seasons most spellbinding products that will help you SHINE!

TARINA TARANTINO PEARL GLOW PRIMER

This double duty baby combines hydration and a lustrous primer in one to give you glowing skin.















HELLO KITTY BLING COMPACT MIRROR

Whip out this adorable crystal studded compact anytime touch ups (or a little attention) are needed.















VIOLENT LIPS TEMPORARY LIP TATTOOS

Smooth on these vitamin enriched appliques over your lips for a 4-8 hour glittering accent.















URBAN DECAY SUPER-SATURATED HIGH GLOSS LIP COLOR

For a juicy patent leather finish that looks super sexy!
















SEPHORA CREAM EYESHADOW SET

All the most amazing luminous shades of the season in one collection that will bring magic to your eyes.

NAILS INC. GLITTERATI COLLECTION

We can all use a little extra glitter and these nail lacquers are the perfect finishing touch to your favorite colors as well as on their own.

JOSIE MARAN SEDUCTIVE GOLD: ARGAN OIL INFUSED COLOR COLLECTION

Experience the power of Argan Oil in this ensemble of natural hair, body, and face products that create radiant results.

MICHAEL KORS LEG SHINE TO GO

Legs, ankles, and knees come to a shimmering halt with this glide on glow stick that makes every place it touches come to life beautifully.

FALL MAKEUP "MUST HAVES" FOR 2011

As Labor Day weekend moves to the wayside, hints of cool crisp air become refreshingly prevalent and we are reminded that Fall has arrived. It's time to "tweak" our makeup bags to prepare for a captivating new season. This year, Fall beauty can be best described as polished and dynamic! The "MUST HAVE" list below showcases products that might look ordinary yet, when you take a closer look, add a surprising new dimension to older more traditional ideas from the past. These babies are very clever in color, performance, and texture and translate into ultra modern and beautiful choices that will make you look fabulous!!

LAURA MERCIER INVISIBLE LOOSE SETTING POWDER



Fall would not be complete without smooth flawless skin. This powder is absolutely undetectable and diffuses your skin to perfection. The ideal base for any Fall makeup look.











URBAN DECAY 24/7 CONCEALER PENCILS


I LOVE these pencils!! They are magical when it comes to concealing any imperfections. Blemishes, dark circles, discoloration...Just the slightest touch and the job is pretty much done. No fussing and great for quick touch ups! Flawless skin is literally seconds away!







TARTE LIP SURGENCE NATURAL MATTE LIP TINT






These AMAZING matte stains remind me of old 18th century times when women bit their lips to bring rouge color to their faces. Cleverly packaged in a fat pencil that requires zero sharpening due to the easy turn style tip, they glide right on and leave the sexiest color behind that won't budge!



MAKE UP FOREVER AQUA LINER


Move over black and brown eyeliner and make room for sexy tones that give your eyes the contemporary edge you've been looking for. Fall boasts over exaggerated sleek lines in shades like Emerald Green, Navy Blue, and Burgundy. They are also budge proof so your eyes will look polished all day and night!







DIOR COLOUR ULTRA-SMOOTHING HIGH IMPACT EYESHADOW


As the name so accurately describes, this powder shadow is without a doubt "High Impact" in terms of the amount of metallic finish it delivers. Immaculate application and stunning luminous lids are in store for you!









TARTE EMPHASEYES WATERPROOF CLAY SHADOW








Little glass pots filled with rich jewel toned color pigment offer a wonderful new option to the traditional boring smoky eye we have all seen a MILLION times! Shades like GREEN and PLUM are SO decadent SO luminous and, with a swipe of your finger, can turn dull eyes into those that are sultry and captivating.





BENEFIT BAD GAL LUSH MASCARA


This mascara has always been a winner but their PLUM shade is to die for!! This color accents every eye color beautifully and always looks elegant and NEVER cheesy. It's a wonderful alternative to the usual Black. In fact, it IS the NEW Black!!!








SEPHORA BY OPI NAIL COLOR



No Fall look is complete without a painted nail. Opaque Charcoal Gray and Deep Moss Green draw serious high end attention that begs to be
noticed.