Category Archives: Features
How To: Twinkle Tips
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Recreate the twinkling fingertips from Jenny Packham F/W ’13. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties or just to add a little sparkle in your life.
This look can be done with any glitter nail polish. From silver to my personal favorite, Deborah Lippmann’s Superstar (copper) – find your favorite twinkle.
FAVORITES:
Deborah Lippmann’s in Ruby Red Slippers
Essie Luxeffects Top Coat in Set in Stones
Formula X for Sephora in Holiday Ornament
HOW-TO:
1. Prep the nails with base coat.
2. Starting from the middle of the nail, draw light strokes with your favorite glitter polish – brushing up towards the edge.
3. Let set, and seal with top coat.
How-To: Artfully Undone Hair
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Effortless – artfully undone hair. As seen on models day-off, runway and editorial – artfully undone hair may look effortless, but actually takes a bit of work.
To get that – “just rolled out of bed look” – texture is key. Frizz and flyaways are welcomed (for a change). Use products that will matte the hair for dry texture.
To get artfully undone hair – follow these simple steps:
1. Apply Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam to damp hair and roughly blow-dry with fingers, scrunching hair as you dry.
2. Twist hair up into a bun to set it and mist with Powder Refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo for texture.
3. Take hair out of the bun, spray more Powder Refresh 01 for added texture and a matte finish.
How To: Fierce Feline
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Make a bold statement with a winged eye. This look can make eyes appear larger and more defined.
Product: I think liquid provides the most drama and the easiest control. Favorite: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner If you prefer a softer winged look try pencil or eyeshadow. Favorite: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner-Gel Crayon
STEP 1
For easy application, set mirror at chin level and look downwards. Gently drag the liner along the lashline and past the top outer corner of your eye. Follow the upward curve of your eye with the eye liner. For a dramatic winged look, draw farther out and angle the liner more.
STEP 2
Create the winged effect by starting at the outer corner of the line you just drew and work back toward your eye. As you get closer to the inner lash line, draw a thinner line. You want the effect of the liner to be thin to thick from the inner corner of the eye to the outer.
STEP 3
Follow the natural shape of your eye and connect the liner to the inner corner of your eye. Fill in any missing spaces along the lash line.
How To: Copper Eyes
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Copper eyeshadow can make a bold statement and intensify the natural color of your eyes. However, if not applied correctly can also make eyes look tired, bloodshot and/or red.
To avoid looking like Marla Singer in Fight Club, choose an accent color to blend with the copper. Whether your copper is shimmery or matte, a deep matte tone blendeded with the metallic shade will look more natural. Because the copper is so bright, it should be used as your primary color rather than pairing it with another bright color.
Needed:
- 2 Eyeshadow Brushes
- Copper Eyeshadow – Favorite: Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Fire Glow
- Deep Natural Matte Eyeshadow – Favorite: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Naked or Buck
How To:
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Press eyeshadow brush into the Copper Eyeshadow. Tap the brush to remove any excess powder. Swipe the brush across the eyelid and blend up into the crease.
- Blend eyeshadow until you are satisfied with the color and shape.
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Using the Deep Natural Matte Eyeshadow, blend into the crease and outer “V” of the eye. Making this “V” area a little darker will make the eyes appear larger.
- Run a clean blending brush over your eyelid, using a quick circular motion. This will get rid of any harsh lines.
- Apply the Deep Natural Matte Eyeshadow under the eye. If you have small eyes, sweep eyeshadow from the middle of the eye to outer edge. For more drama, blend a tiny bit of the Copper Eyeshadow into the matte color. Do not use a lot or eyes will look red and “angry.”
- Line eyes and apply lots of mascara.
Modify this look depending on your eyes shape and color.
Holy Grail: FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara
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Inspired by the desire to enhance her eyes both on and off camera, Japanese TV personality Aya Yasuda created FAIRYDROPS – a Japanese makeup line that features amazing mascaras.
Japan’s best-selling mascara was brought stateside to sample. The version, FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara, is a do-it-all mascara that creates incredibly lush, doll-like lashes and my new HG.
The Brush: Unique in shape, the patented 3-sphere brush is placed on a curved wand that kisses the lash line. The brush catches every single, tiny lash creating perfect definition and length.
The Formula: The dense, fibrous formula does not clump or run. (which is interesting because there are a million tiny fibers). Formulated with a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients such as squalane, jojoba seed oil, panthenol, hydrolyzed collagen, and sodium hyaluronate, every lash is coated and accentuated. Available in one shade – black – the formula is water-resistant and wears all-day without a smudge. Then can be removed effortlessly with a little warm water. Magic!
The Result: The best and most creative mascara I have used. Replaces my previous holy grail, HERE. The fibrous wand does all the work for you. In just one coat – lashes are feathered perfectly, lengthened, defined and exactly how it is described – “doll-like.”
The Problem: This mascara has been discontinued and is no longer sold at Sephora, online. There are still a few at the stores but in limited supply, so get yours before it’s too late. (Also check your local Asian markets, Amazon and EBay)
Currently Coveting: Isabel Marant Linda
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Currently Coveting: Isabel Marant Linda Studded Leather Shoulder Bag
Inspired by Elvis, the Linda bag is embellished in multicolored studs, grommets and Swarovski crystals. Designed in leather and suede, this bag is beautifully structured and keeps with Marant’s western cowgirl theme from SS13 runway. Not to mention… my perfect summer bag.
How To: Headscarf
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Headscarves have been a staple in fashion for decades, and it’s easy to see why. They protect hair, cover a variety of styling sins, look chic and are a great alternative to a hat.
One can create numerous styles with a single scarf: turban, bohemian, retro, rocker. Find your favorite look and add some flavor to your next ensemble.
Tying a headscarf requires practice and patience – it never seems to go right the first time. Follow these great diagrams to find your favorite style:
- Headband Style – A simple style that can look sweet or bold. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Roll scarf from long edge of triangle end towards the tip of the triangle so it becomes a long thick rectangular band. Flip hair upside and place center of band at forehead. Tie a square knot under hair at the top of the neck. Pull long edges of scarf from back of neck to hang in front. Vary the thickness and placement of the band for different looks.
- Retro Style – A glamorous style paired with big sunglasses. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Place center of long edge of triangle just above hairline. Cross the ends of the scarf under chin. Bring ends around to back of neck loosely and tie together.
- Bohemian Style – Channel your inner-gypsy and pair with big voluminous beach hair. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Place center of long edge of triangle at middle of forehead. Bring edges of triangle around to back tightly and tie.
Holy Grail: Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm
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Heat things up with Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm. This rich dark balm dissolves anything standing in it’s way. Enriched with vitamins and nutrients, this is the first cleanser I have used that feels more like a treatment than everyday essential.
Omorovicza, pronounced (omoro-veet-za) is a luxury skincare line derived from the healing waters of Hungary. The Thermal Cleansing Balm revitalizes skin with the use of Hungarian Moor Mud. This mud has been around for 2,000 years and used in Hungary’s thermal baths. Five years ago, Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza began using this ancient healing resource in their skin care system. Rich in minerals and nutrients like calcium and magnesium carbonates, the balm draws out impurities from the pores and decongests the skin. Skin is left squeaky clean – sans ‘squeak,’ radiant and ultra-moisturzied.
To use, scoop a small dime-sized amount with the provided spatula (a little goes a long way). Warm the dark-colored balm up in your hands until the color fades a bit and start working in circular motions on your cheeks. The Thermal Cleansing Balm feels slightly warming on the skin and smells of orange blossom. The solid balm breaks down to an oil texture which creates a wonderful lubricant for a facial massage. Work the balm around your face and neck and gently on the eye area. If using the product at night time, simply wipe off with muslin cloth or washcloth – leaving the oils and minerals behind as a treatment for the skin. For additional pampering – use a heated muslin cloth or washcloth. When using for daytime, wash-off with water, as makeup will not stand a chance against the moisturizing oils.
I added Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm to my Holy Grail list because like I said before, this product feels more like a treatment for the skin rather than a vehicle to cleanse the skin. This award-winning balm is gentle but effective and leaves the skin positively glowing and silky-smooth.
Awarded ‘Best Anti-Aging Cleanser’ by Harper’s Bazaar.
Awarded ‘Gentle Purifier’ by Glamour Magazine; “a glossy, rich balm that cleanses without stripping skin.”