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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
Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S 2013 Favorites
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KAREN WALKER: Inspiration – Space-age optimism of the 1950s
Makeup: Jenna Menard for Clinique Backstage Secret: New for Spring 2013, Clinique Chubby Sticks Intense Shades – (launching in February). Color used is a special edition shade for Spring. No name yet, but in the works!
Hair: Laurent Phillippon for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were glued on and a heavy fringe was cut according to each girl. To add texture Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray were used.
BADGLEY MISCHKA: Inspiration – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: Pecheux stressed the importance of prepping the skin when achieving this natural apperance. Using moisturizer, MAC’s Complete Comfort Cream and Studio Sculpt Foundation, he made the complexion appear flawless.
Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil Backstage Secret: To add body to the hair, Moroccanoil’s new Oil Volumizing Mousse (out in October) was used on damp hair. Moroccanoil Treatment was then applied for shine.
EDUN: Inspiration – “A clean youthful, rock ‘n’ roll type girl”
Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: To showcase cheekbones, MAC’s Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige (limited edition) was used. For some attitude – ‘Feline’ Kohl Powder Pencil was applied to the outer corner of the eye in a “v” shape to connect the top and bottom lashes.
Hair: James Pecis for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were added to the model’s hair and Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray was used to create a consistent texture.
DEREK LAM: Inspiration – Romantic “aqua 3-D” look
Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder Backstage Secret: The eyes were the focus in this look. Pecheux first applied Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from lash line to brow. He then applied Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Extreme Emerald with a light hand from. Next, he layered Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Cosmic, a glimmery silver, on top of that for a pale, silvered-aqua look. (Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paints launching January 2013).
Hair: Orlando Pita Backstage Secret: After doing a deep side part, Pita applied Phyto hair products — different for each girl, depending on her hair texture. He used a T3 Featherweight Dryer and a T3 Straightening Iron, then tucked hair behind the ears.
TORY BURCH: Inspiration – Prairie Girl
Makeup: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, as well as Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, were used as needed to perfect the complexion.
Hair: Eugene Souleiman for Wella Backstage Secret: An excess of extensions were used to create the fullness and length of these wheat-like fishtail braids. Hair was set using only Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.
HELMUT LANG: Inspiration – Downtown Surf
Makeup: Hannah Murray for NARS Backstage Secret: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ was used on the models skin for a flawless effect, as well as these products (New for Sprint 2013) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. A lip pencil was used on the cheeks for a beautiful wash of color – Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park (New for Spring 2013). For a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple.
Hair: Paul Hanlon for Fekkai Backstage Secret: The effortless hair embraced the individual look of each model, with kinks and bends made with a styling wand. To give the look a rock-‘n’-roll edge, the front section was swept to the side and hung in front of the face. Hanlon touched up strands with Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, a frizz-fighting serum.
Summer Travel: Beauty Essentials
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Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a long-haul to an exotic locale, there is nothing like a summer vacation. Look your best while traveling with these beauty essentials:
Oxylent Oxygenating Multivitamin Drink: The effervescent multivitamin drink is formulated with the highest quality of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and electrolytes. Perfect for travel, the convenient packets are easily transported, so you can drink it anytime, anywhere – just add water. It is great for keeping the immune system in peak condition; a low calorie choice before or after working out; a true friend to the outdoor enthusiast; an easy-to-use daily multivitamin; or a wonderful late afternoon pick-me-up at work. Oxylent not only offers a unique effervescent delivery system, but unlike most, all of the formulas are both sugar and calorie free. Oxylent’s formulas do not contain any gluten, caffeine, lactose, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors.
Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water: This uplifting aromatherapy water instantly refreshes and hydrates the skin. Made from the bitter orange blossom, this facial spray soothes and hydrates the skin. The moment your face feels tight, one spritz will instantly hydrate and refresh the skin. Use as a toner after cleansing the face or as a body spray after showering. Or keep cool in the refrigerator and spray on hot, humid days. Perfect for après beach.
Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum: This light yet powerful serum is both a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30. It fights the signs of premature aging – think fine lines and sunspots – and prevents future photo-damage from UV rays. Built for year-round use, this serum is amazingly lightweight and comfortable. Supergoop’s unique Hydrovotin 24 complex works with the skin’s own moisture mechanisms to increase hydration levels, while vitamins E and B5 heal past damage. It absorbs both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn. The top-of-the-line “PA +++” rating means the formula meets the highest standards for sun protection. Also paraben and fragrance-free—just what the doctor ordered for sensitive skin.
Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil: Formulated with an aromatic blend of 11 essential oils, this opulent oil relies on flowers and botanicals for their calming and illuminating properties. A staple of many top pros and makeup artists, this oil can be used to take makeup off, to moisturize and as a massage oil (expensive massage oil?). Add a couple drops to foundation to create a dewy finish or pat on the cheekbones and undereyes for a beautiful, fresh glow. Just a few drops will make your skin look radiant. Use as an alternate or supplement to your moisturizer and apply whenever your face needs a pick-me-up.
Dior Hydra Life BB Cream: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE
Bobbi Brown Bronzer/Blush Duo: Inspired by the look of “skin bathed in afternoon light,” this dynamic duo creates healthy-looking skin. On one side, Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Bahama Brown packs a blend of sheer powder and micro pearls (for a seamlessly glowing finish all over the face). The other side boasts Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Peony, the perfect way to add a pop of color to the apples of cheeks. Great for travel, this duo eliminates bulk and the need for too many face products. Tip: Sweep bronzer over eyelids for instant contour.
MAC Bare Study Paint Pot: This multi-purpose paint pot is perfect for travel. Bare Study is a metallic nude/champagne cream eye shadow that can be used as a primer, eye shadow and/or highlighter. Sweep onto the eyelid before applying a powder shade to ensure longevity. For highlighting, pat product on the cheekbones, brow bone, cupid bow and décolletage for subtle illumination. The soft, light-reflecting pearl finish will brighten any area.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 in Hue 30G: Lip balm with SPF is a must while traveling. Lips are often neglected and can suffer the same effects of the sun just as much as any other part of the body. Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 offers protection, relief and color. Lip products like gloss, stains or lipsticks can attract the sun with their shiny finish. This formula combines a sheer wash of color with UVA and UVB protection. Hue 30G is a beautiful light golden color with peach undertones.
Blinc Mascara: I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof mascara. While most formulas do last all day, they are a pain to remove. Blinc Mascara is a “tubing” mascara. It uses a copolymer-based formula to create little tubes around each one of your lashes preventing flaking, running or smudging. The formula is waterproof, sweat-proof and won’t irritate even the most sensitive of eyes so you can wear it all day without worrying about touch-ups. At the end of the day, use a damp washcloth to gently dislodge the tubes. They’ll slide off with just a little pressure.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE
Adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body & Face: Organic and biologically pure, Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is a gorgeous multi-tasking body and hair oil. Great for travel, coconut oil solidifies when temperatures are below 76 degrees – this makes it wonderful to pack and not worry about leaking. Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is available in five scented oils and travel-size, Oriental Jasmine, Soothing Lavender, Heavenly Peach, Innocent Rose, and Refreshing Green Tea. (Favorite: Jasmine) READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS & USES OF COCONUT OIL: HERE
Flo Refillable Perfume Atomizer: Packing a big glass perfume bottle can be inconvenient and cumbersome. Tote your favorite fragrance wherever you go with the Refillable Perfume Atomizer by FLO. This ingenious gadget allows you to carry your perfume in an easy-to-use, compact atomizer. The modern design enables fast and efficient refilling without a funnel – preventing any danger of spilling a single drop of your expensive perfume. Suitable for all types of perfumes, this atomizer holds up to 77 sprays. Perfect for a purse, clutch, beach bag or travel bag, never leave home without your favorite fragrance again.
Backstage Secrets: NARS Illuminator-Orgasm
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NARS Illuminator in Orgasm was used at many shows for Fashion Week Spring 2012. This complexion enhancer makes skin look instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing.
Joy Cioci used this product to create a doll-like, dewy complexion. Daryl K sported contoured cheeks and glowing sun-kissed skin and Thakoon paired it’s strong brow with luminous skin all using this NARS Illuminator.
To achieve this look, apply NARS Illuminator in Orgasm to the skin before foundation. This will create a more natural look and blend nicely with the base used. Concentrate the product on the cheekbones and brow-bones, if overdone, this product can make the face look greasy and/or sun-burnt. But, if that is the look you are going for – do it!
Smoke & Mirrors: MAC Cream Colour Base
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MAC Cream Colour Base Pearl
Subtle shimmer is flattering on any skin tone. Possibly the easiest way to cheat the look of healthy dewy skin is to add a bit of glow to the skin.
MAC Cream Colour Bases are easy to use and come in an array of beautiful colors. The texture is silky and smooth and apply with ease and grace. Pearl is my shade of choice when skin is looking a bit dull. This icy champagne color reflects light and creates a luminescent glow to the skin. Apply to cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupids bow to manufacture a dewy-looking complexion.
MAC Cream Colour Bases can also be used on eyes and lips. Apply as an eyeshadow base to intensify any color layered on top or use alone for a more natural look, just make sure to set with powder. First rule of applying makeup is alway apply liquid, gel or cream product before powder to set and keep makeup from slipping.
Makeup is all about smoke and mirrors, find the areas you would like to hide or emphasize and fake it.
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