Review: SEPHORA COLLECTION Microsmooth Foundation Face Powder
When the weather starts to get warm, I immediately switch from my traditional liquid foundation to a powder for an ultra-light undetectable makeup look. This summer, I have found my new powder foundation with Sephora’s Microsmooth Foundation Face Primer. According the Sephora’s website, the foundation is “slowly baked to achieve a unique airy texture that perfectly melts into the skin.” The foundation is very light and covers very similar to a tinted moisturizer; however, multiple layers of application will give you full coverage. I like to use a wide fluff brush to apply it since I prefer a light application, and it offers a more even coverage than using a sponge. The only thing I don’t like about this product is that it doesn’t include a mirror, so it’s not the best choice to carry out with you for on-the-go touchups. Thankfully, the coverage lasts most of the day, so the need for reapplying is minimal.
Cost: $22
Where to Buy: Sephora or Sephora.com
Eddie Funkhouser for Rite-Aid
Products from Eddie Funkhouser’s new cosmetics line. FTC Disclosure: These products were provided for review.
This Spring, Makeup Artist and Product Development Expert, Eddie Funkhouser, launched a new cosmetics line, which bears his name, allowing everyone access to professional-quality makeup products, without breaking the bank. The line, currently available at Rite-Aid, is a fusion of the artist’s creative edge and vibrant personality meets studio-grade beauty formulas. The result: modern packaging, bold hues, and innovative formulas. Below are some of the products I tired.
Graffiti Liquid Liner in Haze (metallic electric purple)
What is it? A hologram-inspired liquid liner that provides vibrant dual-chrome pigments for fashion forward eyes.
What I liked: Loaded with multidimensional shine, the bold color highlighted my eyes every time I blinked. The smooth formula glided on easily and lasted throughout the entire night without reapplying.
Quattro Variable Lash Mascara
What is it? A 4-level application mascara that adjusts at the base to provide varying lash effects.
What I like: Using the mascara was a playful experience. As you turn the dial, the tip of the wand twists to enhance, separate, curl and lengthen, depending on your desired lash look. My lashes looked stunning; they were full, elongated and I looked like I was wearing falsies.
Results after using Quattro Variable Lash Mascara
Learn more about Eddie here»
NYC Event Alert: June 1st – Meet with Living Proof Haircare Master at Sephora Times Square
Living Proof Haircare Master Class at Sephora Times Square with Founder, Ward Stegerhoek and Creative Director, Tim Rogers
*Get Sneak Preview of Living Proof’s Latest Technology Satin before it hits stores and receive a complimentary gift with purchase and many more free samples*
WHAT: Celebrate the launch of Satin, the latest technology from the Living Proof Style Lab series with consultations, styling and demonstrations from Living Proof’s renowned editorial stylists, founder Ward Stegerhoek, and Creative Director Tim Rogers.
WHO: Living Proof, the innovative beauty company that uses new technologies originating from MIT, introduces its breakthrough oil-free and silicone-free hair serum, Satin, to create the smoothest hair possible with less time and effort than traditional serums.
A new addition to the Living Proof Style Lab Collection, Satin relies on cutting-edge science to create a high-performance, superior smoothing formula without any of the usual tradeoffs.
WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 2013
12pm – 1:30pm: Touch-Ups and consultations with Tim Rogers
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Master Class with Ward Stegerhoek, live transformations on models using products from the Living Proof Style Lab Series
WHERE: Sephora Times Square @ 43rd Street and Broadway
NOTE: Living Proof Satin is available online at Sephora.com and will be available in all Sephora stores beginning June 15th.
Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum Review
FTC Disclosure: I received this product for review.
For the last month, I have been testing Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum, an all-natural product that helps to regrow lashes and eyebrows within 6-8 weeks. The serum is very similar to other products out on the market now; however, it doesn’t require a prescription and is a lot more affordable.
What I like: It comes in a small, easy-to-to use tube with a precise applicator that makes it easy to target specific areas. Just one tube, provides enough product to last 6-8 months, which makes it a great, cost-effective investment. It only took a few seconds to apply, so it wasn’t an arduous added step to my morning and evening skin care rituals. There is also no harsh scent, and it doesn’t take too long to dry. Since I suffer from eczema, I was slightly concerned how my skin would react, but I didn’t notice ay side effects while using the serum.
My results: Because my eyelashes are already dangerously long, I opted to test the product on my eyebrows, which are quite sparse. For full results, it is recommended to use the product consistently for 16 weeks. I used the product for about 6 weeks, and below are my results.
On the left – before using Fysiko; On the right – 6 weeks after using the serum
I was skeptical about the product, and didn’t even really notice the difference myself until I saw my own before and after pictures. The hairs on my eyebrow appear darker and they were elongated, which gives the appearance of fuller brows.
Final thoughts: My eyebrows still don’t rival Brook Sheilds’, but the product does deliver, so if you would like fuller lashes or brows, it’s worth a try.
Cost: $139.00 for an 8ml tube
Where to buy: fysikolashes.com
Illamasqua’s UV Nail Varnish in Séance
A few weeks ago I told you about the launch of Illamasqua’s new Paranormal collection, which features a variety of products with bold hues and unexpected textures. Amongst the new collection are four high-impact limited edition nail varnishes, which look great alone, but under UV light, emit a bright glow for stand-out nails. This week I tested out the UV Glow Nail Varnish in SÉANCE (Paranormal bright violet).
What I like: The color glides on smoothly, making the application virtually mistake proof. Within a matter of minutes my nails were dry so the fact that I was able to paint my nails with a gorgeous color, and run out the house in under an hour is a huge plus. The high shine finish gives you a salon-quality manicure, and the subtle hint of shimmer is playful, without being overdramatic. Séance is also the perfect shade of purple, which is perfect for daytime, but still dramatic enough to complement any nighttime look.
How much is it: $17.00
Where to buy: Sephora or Illamasqua.com
Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream Review
As summer approaches, and we eagerly anticipate the transition from cold winds to warm sunshine, it is important to make sure we have everything we need to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Summer weather means it’s time to beef up your SPF protection and switch from heavy foundations that may streak and look oily, to more lightweight products like tinted moisturizers and BB creams. Stay protected while maintaining a fresh complexion with Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream, an oil-free flesh-tinted BB Cream loaded with SPF 30 UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. It’s a 3-in-1 product that works a moisturizer, sunblock, and makeup primer, saving you time and money. You don’t have to worry about the color not matching your skin, since the moisturizer, which comes in one shade, is formulated with Dr. Denese’s Pro Melanin Technology™, and imparts an undetectable self-adjusting sheer tint for a flawless completion.
FTC Disclosure: This product was provided for review
Cost: $34.00 for 1.5 oz and $75 for 4oz
How to use: Apply a generous amount of the day cream every morning to the face and neck. The product is safe enough to use around the eyes, including the upper eyelid. Reapply every few hours if you’re spending the day outdoors.
What I like: The cream blends into the skin smoothly and leaves behind a nice, matte finish. You should wear SPF year round, so it’s a nice option as a multi-tasking primer when using foundation during the cooler months. It doesn’t have a strong odor, nor does it or leave behind white residue, characteristic of most sunscreens.
Extra Info: The product is not pigmented enough to cover flaws, but it will give you a smooth canvas. Hide your imperfections by placing concealer only in the areas you need it, after applying the cream.
Where to buy: drdenese.com
The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin Q&A with Author Dana Ramos
If you are like me, you have spent a ton of money and time trying out every product that claims to be the latest and greatest new thing out on the market that will make you have beautiful, more youthful skin. In The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin, author Dana Ramos claims that many products on the market are not only costly, but useless. According to Dana, by following a simple “boot camp” skincare regimen consisting of several glycolic peels, you can transform your skin from dull to vibrant in as little as six weeks.
Anxious to read the secret to skin perfection I sat down with the glossy pink-and-green, army camouflage patterned book, and finished reading it in under an hour (FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review). The book is an easy read and written in a witty-tone, with the author handing out advice to you as if you are one of her best girlfriends.
“…there are some great books written by doctors which go into all the medical terms like dermis, epidermis and subcutaneous,” reads page 21. “The point of this book is to cut to the chase and give you basic cold, hard facts and info you need to get your skin looking terrific in a few weeks. This is boot camp, baby!”
In addition to providing skin regimen tips, Dana also lists makeup tips, as well how to transform your skin from head to toe. Here is a brief Q&A with Dana, where she answers some pressing questions, and provides some helpful skincare tips that can be used for the upcoming summer months and year-round.
How did you come up with the regimen?
I came up with the Regime after doing what my dermatologist, Dr. David Bank, instructed for years. In fact, he is the technical advisor of the book, and it is the TRUTH about skin care.
Are there any age groups that shouldn’t follow the regimen?
Anyone can follow it, but children should avoid it since their skin is too delicate and undeveloped. Pregnant women should also hold off on following the regimen even though there is very low risk of anything happening at all, it’s not worth taking the chance.
Since you are not a professional dermatologist, which should people trust your advice in the book?
Every single word in my book is approved by one of the most respected dermatologists in the United States: Dr. David Bank of New York. He was the technical advisor and wrote the forward. Furthermore, everything in the book is based on exactly what dermatologists suggest and reveal about what REALLY works in skin care, and what is just bull.
What is the most dramatic result someone has received from following the regimen?
I had bad skin and it has gotten better over the years. But one of my most notable clients is Tanning Mom; she healed her skin with The Skin Regime and you can see the results on my website.
Tanning Mom-Before & After
What did you hope to achieve in writing the book?
I am passionate about teaching people the TRUTH about beauty products and skin care products. The beauty industry is full of fraudulent claims, and we waste billions on bogus products. People need to know the TRUTH which is laid out in the book. In fact, the very first page of the book is a challenge to the entire beauty industry to test against what The Skin Regime preaches. It is a powerful statement, and so far, no one has taken on the challenge.
I also give at least 5 percent of proceeds to worthy non-profit organizations. I really believe in giving back.
What are the biggest beauty product myths/scams out there on the market?
There are too many beauty myths to list in one answer, and I cover a lot of them in my book. For instance, the claims that you can get “firming” or “lifting” results in a bottle, or that the stuff in expensive skin care lines can do the things they claim—lies, lies, lies. They can’t. There ARE great products out there, and I teach how to recognize the fact from the fiction, and what the REAL pros say–the dermatologists in private practice. Again, you can read the “challenge” to the industry I give both as my first page in the book, and on my website (See Skin Myths Busted). I am out to BUST the myths and frauds, period.
What, in your opinion, are the top tips in the book everyone should follow year round?
Top tip, best ever: use sunscreen. The sun is the single worst thing for your skin. Smoking is number two on the list. No doctor in the world debates this, it is a FACT.
Another great tip: you can get great results with inexpensive drugstore items like Dove soap and Lubriderm lotion. Skip the expensive stuff. Any dermatologist will tell you the same thing.
And finally, you can give yourself exfoliation treatments, similar to what doctors use, safely, at home, and get great skin without having to pay a lot. That is one of the most revolutionary things I teach in the book. It is time for people to know they CAN do these things themselves.
With summer approaching, do you have any advice on how to transition into a new skin routine for the humid weather?
Use lighter moisturizers and makeup so that your skin can breathe. Don’t forget to do proper exfoliation. I have fabulous tips on this on my website, and in the book, of course.
What has been the most rewarding part of writing this book?
Hundreds of people have written to me saying that they had given up hope on getting great skin. They couldn’t believe that they had been lied to for so long by expensive beauty products, and now “see the light.” I love knowing I have helped those people save time and money. And for those who have severe issues such as severe acne or eczema, I have put them on the right track to get help with some of the newer treatments out there such as the use of light and lasers.
You can read the first 30 pages of the book for free at this link»
Click here to purchase the book on Amazon for just $8!
Wet n’ Wild beauty’s Extraordinary #MOMents campaign
This year, Mother’s Day is May 12th, and Wet n’ Wild beauty is celebrating by collaborating with the Noreen Fraser Foundation (NFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness of women’s cancer research and the importance of early detection. Through the Extraordinary #MOMents campaign, individuals can post a photo of their mom on Wet n’ Wild’s Facebook page with a special memory of what makes her amazing. For each #MOMent shared, Wet n’ Wild will donate $1 to NFF to support women’s cancer research.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of influential judges including: Entertainment Tonight’s Brooke Anderson; Variety Magazine Publisher, Michelle Sobrino; Stella & Dot CEO, Jessica Herrin; Owner of Pur-lisse, Jennifer Yen; and, Celebrity make-up artist, Amy Rittiner. The winner and their mom will each receive a year supply of Wet n’ Wild makeup and a $100 Walgreens shopping spree. Two runners-up will receive Wet n’ Wild gift packages worth $100, and $25 Walgreens gift cards.
The campaign will run from May 1st through Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2013. Enter now here»
StriVectin EV- Get Even Dark Circle Corrector Review
FTC Disclosure: This product was provided for review.
Over the years, I have become borderline obsessed with trying to find the best concealer to hide the genetic dark circles that have tormented my face since childhood. I always thought it would be great if a product would emerge on the market that would help fade the dark casts under my eyes, and reduce the tell-tale signs of aging. Alas, such a product has emerged promising to “get even” with dark under eye circles, whether it’s caused by hereditary factors, aging or thinning skin.
What is it? StriVectin-EV Get Even Dark Circle Corrector - A breakthrough, targeted eye treatment, clinically proven to be effective on all types of dark circles. 90% of women said they saw visibly lighter dark circle in only two weeks after using the product.
What it does: StriVectin-EV’s proprietary NIA-114™ molecule enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C Actives to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of discoloration under the eyes.
How to apply: Lightly dab (do not rub) around the eye area.
Cost: $59.00
What I like: The luxurious cream provides instant hydration, and blends into the delicate skin around the eyes smoothly. It doesn’t leave behind any residue or tacky feeling, and also acts as a nice primer, making it easier for concealer to blend into the skin without a cakey effect. For an extra special touch, the cream’s light diffusing micas illuminates the eye area with a subtle hint of shimmer, which makes it a great choice for special occasions or for days you choose to go without makeup.
Final Result: My dark circles didn’t completely vanish, but they are noticeably lighter. It also acts as a good de-puffer; as soon as I apply the cream in the morning, my eyes look instantly brighter and refreshed. I do not have any fine lines yet, but I am a huge believer in the concept of prevention, and will continue to use the StriVectin EV- Get Even Dark Circle Corrector daily.
StriVectin-EV™ Get Even Dark Circle Corrector brightens the skin around the eyes and corrects visible signs of aging.
Pure Ice Nail Polish Review and Contest Giveaway Details
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
This weekend my sister Jolevette and I decided that instead of paining Easter eggs, we should paint our nails with polishes from Pure Ice, a line of cutting-edge nail enamels free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. We love the trendy shade options available, and at $1.97 each, Pure Ice polishes are an affordable option for salon-quality polishes and gorgeous hues, without breaking the bank.
Now through April 19th, Pure Ice will be hosting a giveaway (details below), where fans will have the opportunity to submit their best spring-inspired manicure for a chance to win 20 bottles of the brand’s polishes. Inspired by this idea, we created our best spring nail look using After Hours, an electrifying pink shade, with a high-shine finish.
Pure Ice in After Hours. Nail design by Jolevette.
Interested in entering the contest? See below for details. xoxo
Spring Floral 3-D Nails
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that floras are in this Spring. My sister recently got her nails done, and her nail artist came up with the below design. I love the different colors, patterns and materials used to create the look. What do you think about it?
Perfectly Matched: Custom Blended Foundation
If you’ve been reading this blog long enough you know that I have spent countless hours of time and money trying to find a perfect foundation shade for my hard to match skin tone (See Makeup Felony: Mismatched Foundation and In search of “The One”). I finally decided that it was best to try one final route: have my foundation custom blended. I searched online and came across GIELLA cosmetics, a makeup company founded in 2001 that custom blends cosmetics for the face, eyes, cheeks, lips, and nails. Everything is blended for you on the spot, so you can take home your brand new cosmetics to use right away. The company doesn’t only custom blend makeup, but also matches discontinued colors. In love with a lipstick shade that is no longer available in stores? Bring it to your nearest GIELLA location and they will recreate it.
The Process
I made an appointment with a GIELLA makeup artist in New York City a few months ago. I told her about my frustration of not being able to find a perfect match, and she explained that one of the problems with most foundations out on the market is that most of them have yellow undertones. Most people have blue undertones. She added some blue coloring into my foundation mix, as well as quartz mineral to aid in reducing the size of my pores. Three color mixes were made and tested across my jaw line. After we both agreed that the perfect match was created, the makeup artist painted it on one side of my face, and the result was amazing! I finally had a foundation that matched, felt lightweight, and gave just the right amount of coverage.
Next, we moved on to concealer. In order to make the concealer, the color base had to be melted. Once it was liquefied, my unique color formula was added and mixed. It was tested on me to make sure it perfectly matched, and then the liquid was poured into a small GIELLA container to harden into a creamy consistency.
The Result
I was very happy with my results, but when I used the foundation the next day, it no longer looked great on my skin. The color pigments separated, and no matter how much I mixed the foundation on the back of my hand, I couldn’t get the foundation to blend into one solid color. I emailed the makeup artist, who sweetly invited me to return for a do-over at no cost. At the dimly lit makeup counter, the newly mixed foundation looked perfect; but, once again, when I got home, it didn’t match. I didn’t bother to send another e-mail, so the search for the perfect foundation continues….
Get Glowing Skin this Spring with Per-fekt Beauty
This weekend in NYC I was in disbelief as I peered out the window and saw snowflakes softly falling from the sky. The good news is, the weather was too warm for it to stick. Do you know what that means? Spring is coming! And soon after, summer, summer, summertime (cue Will Smith from his Fresh Prince days). Anyway, what better way to prepare for the advent of skin-bearing clothing than to make sure your body is glowing from head to toe with a hot new beauty kit from per-fekt beauty.
Rihanna’s makeup artist, Mylah Morales, has used some of per-fekt beauty’s products to create the singer’s sexy glow, and now you too will have everything you need to look like a superstar with the newly launched Ready, Set, Glow Kit. The products, according to Morales, “are unique in that they act as a modern multi-use alternative to traditional foundations and powder bronzers and blushes, creating a healthy and youthful look to boost your natural skin color.”
The kit (a $100 value) includes per-fekt’s body perfection gel in matte tan ($45), cheek perfection gel in bronzed ($28) and lip perfection gel in sunset ($24). Get it now for $45 by using the code “GLOWKIT” at checkout (P.S. If you sign up for their newsletter you can save 25%).
Green Nail Design for St. Patrick’s Day
Jamberry nail wraps are a fun way to spice up your style with innovative and creative designs. With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, we decided to test out one of the green and white designs as an ode to the holiday.
Final nail look using Jamberry nail designs
Here’s how to add some spunk to your nails:
1. Clear nails of all polish with nail polish remover; buff and smooth with a nail file. The Jamberry instructions suggest that you again clean your nails with nail polish remover, but you can skip this part. As long as your nails are dry and oil free, you should be fine.
2. Find your nail size. Instead of going in the order the nail wraps are on the sheet, size your nails up individually under the plastic to find the closest fit. Not all packages come with the same sizes. Some packages come with round and square nail beds.
Tools you need to get the job done
3. Once your size is selected, heat with a blow dryer for 10-15 seconds. It should become warm and flexible.
4. Place sticker on nail and firmly smooth over entire nail.
5. Cut sticker to your nail length and file to your nail shape.
6. Heat again with blow dryer and press firmly to seal.
7. Done! Now you are ready for the parade!
If you don’t file properly, you will have sharp edges, as seen here.
Although we thought our nails came out looking amazing and received tons of compliments, there is a slight learning curve that comes with using the nail wraps. Here are some helpful notes:
1-Make sure you really smooth the sticker at the tip of the nail. Failure to do this will lift the sticker off the nail.
2-It is tiring to do the first hand, but after the first 5 fingers, it becomes easy to do, so don’t give up!
3-By day two, the top nail film started coming off the sticker. Therefore, it’s our opinion that these nails are more suited for one-time events such as weddings, dates or fun events like the one featured for this posting: St. Patricks’ Day!
Note: we received the nail wrap used for this article in a gift bag at the Duane Street Bloggers Lounge in February 2013
Post by Delia and Jolevette
Product Review: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
I have no idea where Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick has been all my life, but I’m glad I found it. This creamy foundation blends seamlessly, for a natural looking matte finish.
What is it? A foundation stick designed for portability and adjustable coverage
Price: $42.00
What I like? It comes in a compact tube, which is easy to carry around all day, without the worry of foundation spilling inside your bag. It’s buildable – you can add layers of the product until you get our desired look. The coverage looks natural and works wonders on covering up my dark circles (see before and after picture below). I wear the shade Natural Tan 4.25.
Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick does an amazing job at covering my undereye circles. (On the left: without the foundation; On the right: After the foundation)
Bottom line: It’s a beauty bag must-have. It offers great coverage, is long-lasting and gives skin a flawless complexion.
Wet n’ Wild’s Beauty Blogger Event 2013
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Wet n’ Wild introduced its Spring 2013 collection and Fergie Center Stage Collection to bloggers in NYC on Thursday, February 28th, 2013.
Last week I attended Wet n’ Wild’s beauty blogger event in New York City, held at a penthouse in the luxurious Smyth hotel in Lower Manhattan. Wet n’ Wild has always held a special place in my makeup-obsessed heart, since it was the first brand of beauty products I was ever able to purchase. I’ve always been amazed at how they have been able to offer products at low costs (everything is under $5), without sacrificing quality.
At the blogger event, Wet n’ Wild showcased its new 2013 line, Fergie Center Stage Collection, and even had some products from 2012 on display. The room was a beauty-lovers dream; every inch of the space filled with tons of colorful lip glosses, nail polishes, eye shadows and more, all for grabs.
The Fergie collection is the embodiment of the “Glamorous” singer’s style. Almost all of the products feature shimmer and ultra-pigmented, long-lasting colors. Fergie’s line is definitely meant for the type of girl who loves to make a statement and be a little flashy.
FERGIE NAIL COLOR
PHOTO OP EYESHADOW: A030 Dutchess Lounge
Just like Center Stage, Wet n Wild’s new 2013 collection is amazing. I’ve been wearing the new COVERALL® Cream Foundation with matching Pressed Powder since the event, and love it! It has a very natural-looking finish and lasts all day. I’ve also become a huge fan of the MEGA LAST® liquid lip colors, which glides on smoothly and lasts up to 8-hours.
TO REFLECT SHIMMER PALETTES, COVERALL® CREAM FOUNDATIONS & FERGIE’S PERFECT POUT LIP COLOR
Wet n Wild’s 2013 COLLECTION
Wet n Wild’s 2012 Collection
Social Etiquette: Do you tell someone they are wearing the wrong foundation shade?
If someone was wearing the wrong foundation shade, would you tell them? This is a question I contemplated as a I trekked across the street on a cold November afternoon from my office to a beauty department store for foundation samples. In the winter months, my skin gets very pale and is un-matchable by any foundation out on the market, so while I went to the store on a noble quest to actually find something that would closely match my skin, I also went there to search for something that would look completely wrong. My goal: to see if I left my office looking pale and returned with dark orange skin in under 30 minutes, would anyone say something to me? I wanted to know. Why? Because, would you want someone to say something to you? I’m very curious about social etiquette as it applies to a woman’s beauty blunders. Maybe it’s because I’m a fashion/beauty blogger, and I want to see every woman look their best, but if I see someone wearing the wrong shade of anything, I let them know. Granted, I won’t go as far as to walk up to a random woman in the street to school her on why the shade of pink lipstick she’s wearing makes her look washed out because of her undertones; but, if I interact with someone, I feel that it’s my duty to make them aware of their beauty faux pas. If I don’t say something, then they will continue to wear a strange hue on their face, and everyone will talk about it internally, but never say one word.
The Verdict
I returned with a very orange tinted face and it was apparent that everyone noticed. I figured this out, because when people stopped to talk to me, their eyes circled around my face, but never met my eyes. However, when I walked around outside with my new “face,” I was hit on by more men than usual. So, my conclusion is people won’t say anything if you have the wrong foundation shade on, because they may be afraid of overstepping boundaries or hurting your feelings. Or, maybe sometimes when you do wear a few shades to deep, it actually looks good, and maybe eyes circle your face in amazement at how gorgeous your skin looks.
Event Alert: Celebrate the Color of the Year with SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE
(Photo source: sephora.com)
When: Thursday, February 28th – Sunday, March 3rd
What Time: 12pm – 6pm
Where: At select Sephora locations. Check Sephora.com to see if the event is at a Sephora near you.
What: Celebrate the Color of the Year Embrace the beauty of EMERALD – the 2013 Color of the Year – with the new SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color of the Year Collection! Get a Color of the Year makeover with Sephora makeup artists and learn how to sparkle like this gemstone-inspired shade with a variety of looks to choose from. Be the first to try the new collection, enjoy a complimentary makeup application, and walk away with a free makeup bag with purchase of any color cosmetic.* *While supplies last. **Walk-ins welcome, appointments preferred, no purchase necessary.
The Love Flower: Peonies
Peonies are highly fragrant flowers that range from dark red to soft white. When I was doing research on the flower I was surprised to learn all of the history and myths surrounding peonies. In Feng Shui, the flower symbolizes wealth and love (placing these flowers in your home will apparently attract a romantic partner). In some parts of Asia, when the flower is in full bloom, it symbolizes good fortune, success and peace. In Rome, it was believed to protect against evil. And, in ancient Greek mythology, there are multiple versions of a story about Zeus, king of the gods, saving a deity named Paeon, a physician to the gods, by turning him into the flower to avoid being killed by Aesclepius, the god of medicine and healing. Say that three times fast! Regardless of the story, the one fact that remains true is that peonies are stunning luscious flowers with a clean, fresh scent. Try adding some peony inspired products to your vanity to increase your good fortune, keep bad things away, and maybe even attract a special someone into your life.
1. Perlier Pink Peony Hand Cream, $14.50
2. Gentle Toning Lotion with Velvet Peony Extract, $33.00
3. Nordstrom ‘Cassis Leaf & Peony’ Scented Soap Set, $20.00
4. Body Wash Infused Buffer – Peony–Cassis Infusion (2piece), $16.99
5. L’Occitane Pivoine Flora Beauty Cream, $36.00
Illamasqua Limited Edition Speckled Nail Varnish
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to Illamasqua’s limited edition Speckled Nail Varnish. The varnish was inspired by irregular markings on fragile bird eggs, and allows you to create professional multi-dimensional nail art with just a few swipes.
Price: $16
Where to buy: Sephora.com, Sephora stores and Sephora at JCPenny stores. The Freckle shade is available exclusively at JCPenny.
What I like: The creamy consistency of the polish glides on smoothly and is virtually mistake-proof. It only took one coat for me to achieve a high-fashion nail look. The color lasted about 3 days before one nail started to chip; but after a quick touch-up, my nails were back to looking fabulous.
The effect: Pastel and Neutral base colors are contrasted with black speckles of different sizes. Depending on how many coats you apply, some of the speckles appear more defined, as other seem muted behind the color, creating a multi-dimensional pattern.
I tested Speckled Nail Varnish in Scarce, a pastel pink with black speckles.
The limited editon colors are available in Freckle (brown), Scarce (pink), Mottle (green), Speckle (purple) and Fragile (blue).
Discourse: I received this product for free at a press event
Backstage Beauty: Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan Fall 2013
On February 10th, I went backstage at Emerson’s Fall 2013 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Studio at Lincoln Center. The team of Red Door Spa, led by National Creative Director and Master Stylist Zahir Ziani, was responsible for the teased up-do seen on the runway. The hair, as described by Ziani, was created to look effortless and natural, “as if the model put her hair up in the pony-tail herself.” Tousled curls were created first to add volume, and hair was wrapped around the base of the pony-tail and secured with bobby pins. Only one product was used, a dry spray by Kérastase, which allowed Ziani to apply the spray repeatedly while avoiding a greasy-weighed down look.
HAIR
Stylist Zahir Ziani didn’t use any rubber bands to hold the base of the hair in place. Instead, he used the model’s own hair, which was secured with bobby pins.
MAKEUP
All of the make-up used for the show was by Bobbi Brown. Dark, rocker-chic cat eyes were created using Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in black. And, the top of brows here highlighted using Bobbi’s limited edition Sparkle Eye Shadow, a combination of shimmering pearls and fine glitter. Similar to the hair, the makeup was done to look as if the model did it herself.
The final makeup look backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s Emerson Fall 2013 show
NAILS
The nails were just as edgy as the makeup. Inspired by the black lace used in Emerson’s collection, ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party was used to create the fabulous nail detail seen below.
ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party
The nail art was inspired by the fabrics used in Emerson’s fall 2013 collection
Backstage Access: Fall 2013 NYFW Alon Livne makeup by Per-fekt Beauty
Makeup artist Suzana Hallili applying the finishing touches on a model
On February 9th, I had the amazing opportunity to go backstage at Alon Livne’s show held at Lincoln Center as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Lead makeup artist Suzana Hallili explained that Livne wanted the models to look solider-like, an effect she created by emphasizing strong brows and grey, smoldering eyes. Gun Metal eye shadow, custom-made by Mob Wives’s star Love Majewski in collaboration with Hallili and Richard Anderson, was used on the upper and lower eye lids. Strong brows were defined with per-fekt brow perfection gel ($22), while nude lips made sure the model’s eyes remained the focus of attention. For luminous skin, skin perfection gel ($57.50) was used as a base all over the face, and cheek perfection gel in bronzed ($28) accentuated cheekbones.
Smouldering eyes and defined brows created the solider-like effect requested by the designer
The final make-up look
Beauty Tip 1: According to Hallili, the skin perfecting gel can also be used to clean up excess eyeshadow that may fall under the eye, without having to worry about ruining the rest of your makeup.
Beauty tip 2: Hallili used eye perfection gel ($45) under eyes to neutralize redness, and make the models look more awake since they are usually tired from back-to-back shows. It’s a great product to use when you haven’t gotten a full night’s rest.
Backstage, I had the chance to chat with Love Majewski. “I love all of Per-fekt Beauty’s products,” she raved. “I especially love their body perfection gel.”
In addition to joining the cast of VH1′s Mob Wives, Majewski is a licensed cosmetologist and celebrity make-up artist. She also has a line of color cosmetics called Veritas Cosmetics.
MAKE UP FOREVER PRO FINISH REVIEW
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
What is it?: MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation
Price: $36.00 at sephora.com
Pro Finish in #127 Golden Sand
What it does: This high-performance, versatile foundation creates a flawless complexion, and lets you customize your foundation result.
The Formula: An innovative formula that can be applied wet for a sheer, satin finish or dry for a full, matte finish.
The Effect: Take a look at the pictures below. The foundation evens out skin texture, covers imperfections and has a suprising natural finish.
What I like? A sleek compact makes carrying this foundation a no-mess solution for on-the-go touch-ups. During the day, I prefer a barely-there look, but at night I like heavier coverage, so it’s a great foundation to take you from day-to-night, without getting cakey in between applications.
MAKE UP FOR EVER dry application technique
MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish wet application technique. I like the wet application the best because it lets my skin show through and doesn’t look like I have on any makeup at all.
Bottom line: A 2013 beauty bag must-have for a perfect complexion.
