The Gloss Over: Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Insolence

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Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss combines bold color and longevity. As glosses go – majority rules – not very long-lasting. Chanel has designed it’s Rouge Allure to be a color-rich, high shine, gel-based that wears “for hours.”

One of the best features is the double-sided flocked applicator. The shape is beveled to deliver ultra-precise definition and easy application. Like all things Chanel – the packaging is pristine, high-quality and luxurious. As for the formula, I was quite surprised by the texture of the gloss. A “long-lasting” gloss would assume to be tacky and/or sticky. Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss is none of the above. The “jelly-like” texture is smooth, silky and comfortable on the lips. The shine is not dramatic – but subtle and makes lips look full and voluminous.  The formula lasts an hour or so – better than other gloss products but not as long-lasting as long-wear lipsticks and stains. I personally bought this product for the color – not its longevity – so the extra hour or so is a bonus.

The color: Insolence is a cotton candy blue-based pink with silver micro-shimmer. It’s semi-opaque but adds a substantial amount of brightness and pinkness to the lips.

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss is a great everyday lip product.

Glossy Punch: RMS Beauty’s Lip Shine in Sacred

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RMS Beauty’s Lip Shine in Sacred is certified organic and boasts a list of natural ingredients.

Adding just the right amount of color and shine, Sacred is a punchy coral hue that instantly brightens the face.

Drenched with vitamins, antioxidants and oils, lips feel nourished and conditioned. Lightweight and balmy, RMS Beauty’s Lip Shine creates glossy, pouty lips.

Added to the cheeks, Sacred creates a healthy flush. Perfect to throw in your bag for on-the-go color options.

Perfect Polish: Watermelon by Essie

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I just bought my fourth bottle of Watermelon by Essie. Never in my life have I finished a bottle of nail polish – now four! Watermelon is the polish I always come back to, year after year. Best for warmer weather, Watermelon is cheerful, youthful and flattering on the skin. It can appear many different colors – bright pink, red and almost neon, depending on the light.

Watermelon applies opaque in one coat. I always use two coats for both manicure and pedicure. I find Essie nail polishes super easy to apply. The thin brush promotes control and ease.

If you are looking for a great spring/summer shade that is refreshing and juicy, try Watermelon by Essie.

How-To: Missoni SS13 Neon Coral Lip

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Nothing lights up the face like a bright lip. One of my favorite makeup looks from Spring/Summer 2013 was Missoni. This neon coral lip is electric and fresh.

Off the runway – try this look with a barely-there face. Just a little mascara and blush/bronzer is all that is needed.

The Look:

“Cosmic couture… Futuristic, aerodynamic, astral, light, beautiful and radiant.” – makeup artist Lucia Pieroni for MAC.

LIPS

1. Mix together MAC Pro Lipmix in Fuchsia, Orange and White for a strong, vivid coral and use the MAC 316 Lip Brush to apply perfectly over the lips, keeping the edges noticeably straight.

2. Apply MAC Pro Pigment in Red Electric with the MAC 217 Blending Brush to set and matte the Lipmix, and provide a neon finish to the lips.

TIP: If you don’t want to mess with a myriad of products – try Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Shocking Coral or Vibrant Mandarin (my 2 favorites). For a matte look – dust some translucent powder or bright matte blush on top.

Festival Beauty Essentials

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Festival First Aid Kit:

When running water isn’t available, cleansing wipes are something of a lifesaver during festival season. Use on both face and body when needed. Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes will fight bacteria and decongest the skin.

Cool-off with Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Spray anywhere at anytime to hydrate the skin, tone the skin, set makeup or for a quick refresh.

After prolonged sun exposure, skin needs more nourishment than ever. That is why I love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate. It feels like a body lotion but has high SPF.

Protecting your skin from the sun is more important than ever at festivals since shade is often hard to find – so is protecting your lips. Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment has SPF 36, feels great on the lips and looks super glossy.

Look instantly glowing while protecting and treating the skin with Boscia BB Cream Bronze. This one-step wonder creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms, and soothes the skin. It contains broad-spectrum SPF 27 PA++ and helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections. Boscia’s BB Cream Bronze creates a sun-kissed complexion with just a hint of shimmer.

Continuing the rant on sun protection – ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush is my go-to powder. Cream sunscreen is impossible to reapply all-day – especially when wearing makeup. Use the built-in brush to apply as needed with no caking, residue and/or irritation.

Pack products that are finger-friendly – like cream blush/lip pots and eyeshadows. Festivals are a great time to experiment with color. Stila Convertable Color in Sweet Pea is the perfect pop of color for both cheeks and lips. It creates a dewy complexion and pouty lips. Find cream eyeshadows that are long-lasting and won’t crease. I love Jouer Creme Eyeshadow in Chiffon. It creates the most amazing shine on the eye that almost looks wet and stays-put all day. This is also a great product to have handy because it moonlights as a highlighter.

Though I loathe waterproof mascara – it is a must in situations like these. YSL Singulier Nuit Blanche is a great mascara and not too impossible to take-off. It will not run or smudge and the brush is amazing.

No festival beauty guide would be complete without a highly-effective and much-loved Dry Shampoo. Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo not only does a great job to rid your hair of oils – but is an amazing styling product. It will give your hair extra volume without feeling sticky or stiff. Speaking of sticky – don’t be the smelly kid in the group and pack your Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant.

Have fun – Be safe – Stay hydrated!

Team Glow: Dior Lip & Nail Glow

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Create a natural glow with Dior’s new Lip Glow Color Reviver Gloss and Nail Glow Enhancer . These low-maintenance products create the “your lips/nails but better” look in seconds.

Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Gloss is modelled after the brand’s beloved Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm. In one universal shade the color-adapting formula works with your body temperature to create a unique color. The formula has a subtle vanilla scent/flavor and is very moisturizing. It works with any skin tone and makes lips look flushed yet natural.

Dior Nail Glow Enhancer is a unique nail lacquer that enhances the color of your natural nails. When applied on bare nails, the pinks of the nails become pinker and the whites become whiter for a shining finish and healthy, glowing effect. This is a great everyday polish for those who love the “buff and shine” look. Nail Glow gives that extra oomph that a shiny top coat can’t pull off.

These products are great for when you want to go au naturale but need a little something extra.

Lovely Lips: NARS Satin Lip Pencil

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NARS Satin Lip Pencil is an uber-rich and creamy jumbo pencil that is long-wearing and hydrating. The formula consists of interesting ingredients like pomegranate and yeast extracts, hyaluronic acid, collagen pre-peptides and vitamin E to moisturize, soothe and create fuller-looking lips. These lip pencils provide great wear and intense color with a satin finish.

Available in 13 shades, ranging from nuanced nudes to arresting pinks and reds, use for lining, all-over lip color, or pairing with another lip product. Each of the 13 shades are named after parks around the world:

• Floralies– A light apricot inspired by the Montreal garden created for the 1980 International Floralies competition and featuring plots representing Canada, the United States, France, England, Mexico, Belgium and Italy.
• Isola Bella – A peach beige hue named in honor of the Palazzo Borromeo and its 19th century-era garden found in one of the Borromean Islands in northern Italy.
• Biscayne Park – A pink guava christened after the US National Park located in Southern Florida – the largest marine park in the National Park System.
• Lodhi – A vibrant coral named for the serene, Mughal-designed Lodhi (or Lodi) Gardens in Dehli, India.
• Rikugien – A rose pink inspired by the scenic Tokyo park constructed between 1695 and 1702 by the samurai Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu and named for the six elements of Japanese poetry.
• Yu – A shocking pink inspired by the Chinese garden located in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai. Conceived during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu (or Yuyuan as it’s also known) means Garden of Happiness or Garden of Peace in English.
• Jardin Des Plantes – A fuchsia hue named for a botanical garden on the bank of the Seine in Paris. Part of the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle (National Museum of Natural History), the grounds include four galleries open to the public and a botanical school.
• Palais Royal – A stately hue befitting Paris’ 1st arrondissement palace and garden that was originally the personal residence of Cardinal Richelieu until it became the property of the King in 1642.
• Majella – A rich garnet befitting the botanical garden in Via Colle della Madonna, Abruzzo, Italy – home to approximately 500 varieties of plants, including several species native to the Central Apennines or Mount Majella regions.
• Hyde Park – A cardinal red that lives up to its moniker as one of the largest Royal Parks in central London.
• Luxembourg – A vivid watermelon named after the second-largest public park in Paris, originally commissioned by Maride de Medici in 1611 and featuring a lawn dotted with more than 100 statues, monuments and fountains.
• Golshan – A spiced win shade named for the 127,000 – square meter Persian garden located in Fars Province, Iran that’s also the home to a former royal palace.
• Het Loo – A cognac color named for the richly decorated baroque garden located in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.

How To: Fresh Face

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A fresh face is always in style. Let your inner beauty shine by enhancing your already-beautiful features – not covering them up. Channel that glow-y radiance and opt for an au naturale, fresh face.

NEEDED:

◊ Your Makeup Bag

HOW TO:

PERFECT THE SKIN:

Wash face with your favorite gentle exfoliator. This will help the makeup to blend easily. Favorite: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

MOISTURIZE & EVEN OUT SKIN TONE:

Keep skin hydrated with a sheer moisturizer. Try one with light reflecting properties – for a healthy radiance. Favorite: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

To even out skin tone, grab your favorite – Tinted Moisturizer, Foundation, BB Cream or Mineral Powder – and apply. Choosing the product that provides your favorite finish on the skin – matte, dewy, satin or natural – your choice. Favorite: Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Use a damp sponge to create a flawless finish. Favorite: Beauty Blender

CONCEAL FLAWS & HIGHLIGHT:

For visible breakouts and dark spots use a pigment-rich concealer. Dab, blend and build coverage in thin layers. Never use too much concealer, it will just accentuate problem areas. Favorite: Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal 

Concealing under-circles will instantly light-up the entire face. If you have very dark undereye circles, first apply a salmon-toned color corrector. Favorite: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

With a luminizing pen dot product under the eye and blend downwards. A luminizing pen brings light and radiance to the skin. It immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion. This product can then be used as a highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones and cupids bow. Favorite: YSL Touche Éclat

BRONZE & BLUSH:

Warm-up the skin with a light dusting of your favorite bronzer. Place only where the sun would naturally hit the skin. Temples, cheekbones, a little on the nose and under the jawline for contour. Favorite: Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer

Choose your favorite cream blush. Cream blushes in warm peaches and pinks gives skin a natural, subtle flush. Place on the apples of the cheeks and blend. Favorite: Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Petal Pink

POWDER:

If your skin gets shiny, follow with an oil-absorbing powder. Use only in the T-Zone area. This step can be skipped for those with dry or normal skin. Favorite: Laura Mercier Universal Setting Powder

If you find that you’ve over-powdered, take a tiny bit of light moisturizer, rub it between your palms, and then lightly press your palms onto your cheeks. This will bring back a bit of life to the skin.

BROWS:

Defined arches frame the face, pulling your features into focus. Make sure the brows are groomed and tweezed. Brush and fill them in sparingly with a brow pencil. Favorite: Anastasia Brow Wiz

EYES:

Apply a cream eyeshadow one shade lighter than lid color to the eyelid. Set with a matching eyeshadow and apply this eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eyes. This color can be matte or shimmer – your choice. Favorites: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot & MAC Eyeshadow in Vanilla

Then apply a soft warm brown eyeshadow to the crease area to contour the eye. Using the same soft brown eyeshadow, apply along the lower lashes – blending to ensure no hard edges. This can also be done with your bronzer. Favorite: Urban Decay Single Eyeshadow in Naked

TIGHTLINE:

For extra definition, tightline the eyes with your favorite eyeliner, gel liner, or liquid liner. How-To Tightline Post: HERE.

To make eyes look brighter and wide-awake, apply a nude colored eyeliner to the bottom inner rim.  Favorite: Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener

LASHES:

Defined lashes are essential, even for a no-makeup look, you can forfeit shadow and liner, but never mascara. Curl eye lashes and apply two coats of mascara to the top lashes. For an extra boost, use a flat eyeliner brush to grab a bit of mascara from the wand and apply to just the roots of the bottom lashes. Favorite: Fairy Drops Scandal Queen

LIPS:

To get a pretty “your lips but better” look – choose a lipstick, stain, balm or liner that matches your lips perfectly. Press the color into your lips with your fingertip rather than applying it directly from the bullet. Concentrate it in the center and blend out. Favorite: Fresh Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment

Spring Beauty: Mint

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Minty-fresh hues are not just for fashion, apply them to your beauty routine as well. Not only is it a fun pop of color, but this pale, cool-toned color has an immediate brightening effect.

Apply it all over the lid for a sheer wash of color or try the “Thin Mint” and line just under the eyes for a bright and instantly awake look. Both drugstore and luxury brands have a wonderful selection for a “Minty Mani” but if you feel bold and daring, wear this amazing Lime Crime lipstick in “Mint To Be.”

Here are a few of my favorites:

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ~ Cosmetic Glitters in Mint: $14.00

bareMinerals ~ Velvet Eyeshadow in Velvet Pistachio: $14.00

NYX Cosmetics ~ Jumbo Eye Pencil in Horseradish: $4.50

China Glaze ~ Nail Lacquer in Re-Fresh Mint: $7.50

NARS Cosmetics ~ Eyeliner Pencil in Parrot Cay: $22.00

Illamasqua ~ Cream Pigment in Bedaub: $26.00

Lime Crime ~ Opaque Lipstick in Mint To Be: $15.99

Stila ~ Eye Shadow in Cha Cha: $18.00

Ellis Faas ~ Creamy Eyes in E117 Mint Green: $36.00

Glow-T Reports: Lip Trends

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Trending for 2013: saturated lip colors in matte reds, neon pinks and electric tangerines. Neons and bright florescent hues will still be going strong into summer. We will continue to see a ton of ‘pop of color’ on the lip – just exceedingly more bold and bright.

With new formulations and highly-pigmented hues, both high-end brands and drugstore brands provide the tools needed to wear these trends.

In early March, Givenchy is releasing a high-pigment, long-wearing matte lipstick – Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick. Super chic, this lipstick arrives packaged in a leather and silver case.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars come in every color conceivable. A great way to create the color you want but just can’t find. Full Review: HERE.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick delivers intense, vibrant color with exceptional longevity. Feels great on the lips and is available in a variety of wearable colors.

Drugstore brands are really stepping into the trends these days. They are creating innovative and quality lip products equal to that of their high-end counterparts.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lacquer combines the power of a lip stain with the luster of gloss. These lacquers can be compared to, my favorite, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain.

The Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids Collection is one to swipe-up immediately. A limited edition line of  crazy bright, electric colors – and extremely affordable.

2013 will be a year of new categories in lip products. New Lip Oils, (explained in an upcoming post) colors and formulations will provide the consumer with millions of options to create their own trends.

Glow-T 2012: Best in Beauty

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Happy New Year! As 2013 begins, I want to recap on my favorite beauty products of 2012. These are items that I constantly reach for and will continue to use in the new year. From skincare to cosmetics, here are Glow-T’s Best of 2012Beauty Products:

Best BB Cream: Dior Hydra Life BB Cream

Best Cleansing Balm: REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm

Best Nail Polish: HIPPxRGB Nail Foundations

Best Skin Brand: Alpha-H

Best Minerals: PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals

Best Lip Product: Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres

Best Moisturizer: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

Best Tinted Moisturizers: Jouer Luminizing and Matte Moisture Tint

Best Facial Mist: Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water

Best Eye Product: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows

Best Hair Product: Kérastase Grand Crus Oils 

Best Dry Shampoo: Kenra Dry Shampoo

Beauty Gifts: Stocking Stuffers

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This year I have picked my favorite stocking stuffers that will bring a Christmas Day full of cheer. From the best makeup sponge – ever – perfectly packaged as a sweet treat to luxurious purse-friendly perfumes delicately decorated in metallic gold. It is all about the small gifts with big payoff.

Fill their hearts and stockings with these small treasures:

Lancome ~ Eye Lash Curler Set: $36.00

Willa Skincare ~ Smile Butter: $19.00

Jane Tran ~ Polka Dot Bobby Pin Box: $15.00

Burberry ~ Lip Glow Natural Lip Gloss Set: $65.00

TOCCA ~ Perfumo Veloce – Cleopatra: $48.00

NARS ~ Travel Brush Set: $75.00

beautyblender ~ Candy Cane Holiday Treat: $49.95

Fresh ~ Sugar Perfection Duo: $22.50

How To: Lips & Lashes

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Holiday parties are the perfect opportunity to take risks and add a little drama to your makeup look. My favorite festive look is sophisticated, classic and can be worn at any event. Lips & Lashes. By highlighting both of these features you will look instantly polished at any event this season.

LIPS: Prep your pout for mistletoe kisses. Go with classic red or a bold bordeaux. For those who are not used to wearing a bold lip, it’s time to get confident and try something new for your next holiday event.

For finding the best red for your skintone and how to apply the party-ready lip – check out these posts:

Four Favorites: Red Lipstick

How To: Perfect Red Lip

LASHES: If you have been wanting to experiment with false lashes, let this holiday season be your time to take the leap. Get fiercely flirty eyes in minutes using individual lashes.

Individual lashes are great for beginners. They look extremely natural, are comfortable to wear and easy to apply. Additionally, these lashes can also be placed wherever you need them. Add to the corners of the eyes for a bit of extra interest or to the center of the eye for an instant doe-like effect or all over for extra thickening and lengthening.

Individual false eyelashes come in two options: flares and singles. For a more dramatic look – try flares. I suggest getting them in small or medium (long… is really long). Flared lashes are available in two types: knotted and knot-free. Knotted have a knot at the top of the cluster to join the lashes. They provide extra surface area that make applying a little easier. However, knot-free look more natural.

NEED & RECOMMENDED:

♦ Lashes: Duralash Natural Knot-Free Medium Black

♦ Glue: Duo Eyelash Adhesive

♦ Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant

♦ Eyelash Curler: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Eyelash Curler

♦ Mascara: Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes to Kill’ Mascara

HOW TO:

1. Use tweezers to grasp the sprig of lashes as close to the base as possible.
2. Place a dot of glue on a flat surface and dip the base of the sprig into the glue using a light touch.
3. KEY TIP: Wait at least 10 seconds for the glue to get tacky before applying.
4. Now, start on the outer corner and lay the lash behind your natural lash. Use a “picket-fence” approach when applying.
5. Once the glue is dry, curl the lashes close to the base of your lashes, being careful not to press too hard. The faux lashes will curl much more than your natural lashes.
6. Then, finish by applying mascara to “marry” the faux with your natural lashes.

Gift Guide: Holiday Palettes

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For a beauty junkie, there are few things prettier than a palette, and the holiday season creates some of the most charming examples. This year’s crop are as lovely as can be, with ornamentation and colors to match every taste. Give as a gift or keep for yourself, they do only come but once a year. Here are a few favorites:

Lancome ~ 2012 Holiday Color Collection: Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette: $49.00

Dior ~ Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette: $85.00

Laura Mercier ~ Color-To-Go Portable Palette for Eyes, Cheeks & Lips: $48.00

Aerin ~ Holiday Color Palette: $70.00

Pixi ~ Early Bird Kit: $34.00

e.l.f. ~ Studio Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette: $10.00

Stocking Stuffer: Kate Spade Lip Crayon Box Set

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GLOW-T GIFT GUIDE

The Kate Spade Lip Crayon Box Set is the perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift and/or thank you gift for that special lady in your life.

Small, festive and feminine, this box set features three lip shades: dark red, bright red and pink. The lip crayons are created by cult-favorite – Lipstick Queen. Closely related to the Chinatown Glossy Pencil by Lipstick Queen, these crayons have a glossy finish and feel moisturizing on the lips.

Pick up a box or two for last minute gifting. Any girl will love this ultra-girly gift.

Lip Lacquer: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars

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Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars combine the longevity of a lipstick, with consistency of a gloss. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, OCC has created a truly innovative product.

Become your own alchemist with OCC Lip Tars. With 40 blendable shades, one is inspired to invent and create new colors of their own.

OCC Lip Tars contain an unprecedented amount of pigment and are very true to color. They have a very liquid consistency, which makes application difficult. For more precision, I suggest using a lip-brush.

Unlike traditional lipsticks, Lip Tars come packaged in a small squeeze tube. You only need a tiny bead of color for an application, so they last forever despite their small size. The product goes on very slick and moist and dries down to a satin finish. It feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips and is truly long-lasting. Formulated with Hemp Oil, Peppermint Oil and Vitamin E, OCC Lip Tars feel as good on the lips as they look.

Lacquer your lips in high-impact color with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars.

How To: Nude Lip

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Originally applied to downplay the rest of the face when having a dramatic smoky eye or a major blush moment, the nude lip has transcended from a trend to a classic.

Your perfect nude lip will depend entirely on the shade. Remember nude is not the same as neutral, you must take into consideration your skin tone and lip color. The right color will create depth and contour as the wrong color can make the entire face look dull or washed-out.

Choosing a color for your skin tone:

• For fair or pale skin: Avoid beige tones. Opt for soft pinks, peaches or pale apricot as your base shade.
• For the golden girls: Creamy, caramel-toned nudes and warm beiges. Avoid anything too cool, like grays or silver-toned shades.
• For olive tones: Just about any nude shade will work, from beige to bronze to pinks.
• For skin with yellow undertones: Light, creamy-toned beiges like latte or mocha.
• For dark-toned skin: Go for chocolate tones such as rich golden browns and coffees.

Needed:

• Foundation
• Nude Lip Liner – Favorite: Here
• Lip Brush
• Nude Lipstick – Favorite: Here
• Nude Lipgloss – Favorite: Here

How To:

• Prep and moisturize the lips.
• Blot a layer of foundation onto the lips. This will let lipstick perform at it’s truest color.
• Define lips with a liner that is the half-a-shade deeper than lipstick. This will give the illusion of plumper lips.
• Using a lip brush, apply lipstick.
• Blot the lips with tissue and reapply.
• If a glossy finish is preferred – apply nude lipgloss.

Four Favorites: Red Lipstick

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As the seasons change, the reach for a red lipstick grows closer. Unfortunately, many women are scared of scarlet. I believe there is a simple adjustment period or rite of passage, when wearing a bright lip. Just like anything else, to diverge from our comfort zone is an uncomfortable feeling. Try this: When home alone, cleaning house, reading a book, watching television – apply your bright lip and test-drive for the day. Let your eyes adjust to the unfamiliar look and I promise it won’t be so shocking next time.

Tips on Application: HOW TO: PERFECT RED LIPS

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Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle: My all-time favorite. A bright blue-based red with glossy sheen. The Rouge Cocos’ are extremely moisturizing and allow you to wear both a sheer or heavy red lip.

NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red: NARS best-seller, Jungle Red is bright and bold. If you want to commit to a “Gwen Stefani/Rita Hayworth” red lip – this one’s for you.

YSL Rouge Volupt in #18 Red Taboo: Cool-toned red with a hint of raspberry. The Rouge Volupt lipsticks are comfortable and light on the lips. Extremely pigmented, long-lasting, uber-creamy and incredibly glossy.

Tom Ford Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge: The classic brick red. For those still uncomfortable wearing the bright lip – this is your training wheels. Deep and luxurious – the color is beautiful and sophisticated – the formula is hydrating and long-lasting.

Inspiration: Olympic Gold

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Go for the gold! Inspired by the 2012 Summer Olympics, here are a few gold metals:

Estee Lauder ~ Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Gold: $24.00 

Dior ~ Vernis – Golden Jungle Nail Enamel: $23.00

Illamasqua ~ Liquid Metal in Solstice: $26.00

Tom Ford ~ Lip Lacquer in Gold Dust: $30.00

Bobbi Brown ~ Shimmer Brick Compact – Gold: $40.00

Stila ~ Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Koi: $8.00 (sale)

Five Favorites: Lip Treatments

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The product on everybody’s lips… Lip Treatments.

Moisturizing lip conditioners are some of my favorite products. Essential for getting rid of dry, chapped lips, these treatments care and protect all-year-round. Slather them on day/night, in-flight, in-car… anytime. My current five favorites are:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Full Post Review: HERE

Homeoplasmine Cream: One of my French pharmacy favorites, this multi-purpose ointment soothes, protects and moisturizes the lips/skin. The homeopathic cream was originally created to heal the nasal passages from colds, allergies, and treat skin irritations. However, it is amazing on dry lips as it literally heals them before your eyes. I love the non-greasy consistency and the natural matte finish. Great for travel, this cream will quench jet-lagged lips/skin and the aluminum casing ensures the product will last forever. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find in the US. Sorry. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy: Brings the healing power of First Aid Beauty’s best-selling Ultra Repair Cream to moisturize, nourish, and protect your lips. This long-lasting, petroleum-free and paraben-free formula will prevent dryness and heal parched lips. On its own, it has a subtle, semi-matte finish. Use this healthy lip balm under lipstick to keep lips hydrated, smooth and soft.

Eco Lips Renew Rejuvenating Lip Balm: Formulated with argan oil, vitamin E and antioxidants this lip balm aids in cell renewal and anti-aging. The organic lip conditioner improves skin texture almost immediately and the petroleum-free formula locks in moisture. The bold Orange Spice flavor is a treat on the lips and kind of addicting.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: – Used by many makeup artists as a lip prep, this soothing lip conditioner soaks into lips and dries perfectly matte. The richly concentrated balm contains honey, plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence to help nourish, repair, soothe and protect the lips. The incredibly creamy, smooth texture glides on the lips effortlessly and smells of sweet citrus.