Blog Archives
Festive Frocks: LRD
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Get in the holiday spirit this season with a classic LRD. The blushing alternative to black, the little red dress combines a spirited color palette and holiday flare that will sizzle at any event this season.
When wearing red… think sophisticated not cheap. Look for sharp lines, great design and a fairly conservative cut. Pair with neutrals like black or nude and try not to over accessorize. Keep it simple, keep it chic.
Here are a few of my favorite festive frocks:
Splendid ~ Washed-Crepe Shirt Dress: $110.00
Alice + Olivia ~ Peplum Knit Dress: $264.00
Three Floor ~ Bad Girl Dress: $308.00
Black Halo ~ Jackie Belted Gabardine Sheath Dress: $345.00
Miu Miu ~ Flared Stretch-Jersey Dress: $595.00
Pint-Sized Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
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Launching in the US tomorrow, November 29th, is the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. This pint-sized palette features five matte shades and one demi-matte shade. Four of the six shades are new and exclusive to this palette.
Perfect for travel or on-the-go, this palette can fit in your wallet or purse. It contains six full-sized eyeshadows, which include: Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte), Foxy (very light yellow/beige matte), Walk of Shame (very light pinky nude matte), Naked 2 (rosy taupe matte), Faint (warm, dusty brown matte), and Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte).
Urban Decay’s matte eyeshadows are some of the best I have used. They are in no way chalky, powdery or dry but super silky, finely-milled and pigmented. They are also long-lasting and true-to-color.
Starting on November 29th the Naked Basics Palette will be available at Urban Decay, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s. If you love neutrals and nudes to create a subtle and dramatic definition, then you will love the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.
New Rules: Bright Whites
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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.
“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.
Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:
› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.
› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.
› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.
› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.
› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.
› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.
Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.
AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00
Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50
Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00
BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00
Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50
Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00
Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00
Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00
Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00
J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00
BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00
Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90
J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00
Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00
Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00
How To: Glitter
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Sparkle this holiday season with a little glitter.
Application of glitter can go terribly wrong… fast. It is messy and can look too theatrical if not careful. To make glitter appear chic and sophisticated, use only a small amount in a concentrated area.
Start with product. The Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadows by Chanel are by far my favorite. They have intense pigmentation and provide a classic shimmering effect with one easy-to-use swipe. They can be used with fingers or a very dense brush for perfect application. If actual glitter is desired, loose pigments/glitter are best. Make Up Forever Glitters are soft, concentrated and finely-milled for super sparkle.
How To Apply Glitter:
➺ On clean eyelids, apply eyeshadow primer from lash line to brow bone. (Favorite: Urban Decay Primer Potion)
➺ The glitter will need something to adhere to, apply a cream eyeshadow to the lid. This can be nude or a color that compliments the glitter. (Favorite: MAC Paint Pot)
➺ Using a small synthetic brush, dip into the glitter. Tap off excess.
➺ Press the glitter onto the lid in a dabbing motion. Do not sweep.
➺ Mist a setting spray gently on the eyes and wait to dry. (Favorite: Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray)
✴ If this technique is still too messy, on the back of hand or artist’s palette, mix cream eyeshadow and glitter together and apply to the lid. With glitter application, fallout is expected. Make sure to do eye makeup first and face makeup second. Dab the fallout with scotch tape to clean any loose particles.
Trade Secret: Cargo Reverse Lip Liner
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Cargo Reverse Lip Liner
Reverse lip liners are a trade secret makeup artist have been using for years. These lip liners prevent lipstick/lipgloss from feathering outside the lip line, without adding extra color.
The Cargo Reverse Lip Liner is a natural colored liner that provides definition, creating the appearance plumper lips. When this product is applied to the outside of the lip line and blended, the natural tone highlights and contours the lip’s shape, instantly creating fuller lips. This liner is unique in color, most products on the market are clear and are used primarily to keep the lip product in place.
Due to consistency and color, this multi-functional liner can also be used to: rim the lower lash line creating a wide-awake look, use as a concealer on blemishes or hyper pigmentation or use to define the shape of neglected brows by drawing over vexatious hairs.
Find a use for the Cargo Reverse Lip Liner that suits you and experiment. Just make sure to blend thoroughly to avoid the look of a milk-mustache.
Nearly Nude: MAC Subculture Lip Pencil
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MAC Subculture Lip Liner
MAC Subculture lip pencil is a universally flattering liner that works in harmony with all lip products. The color combines nude, pink and beige to accentuate the natural tone of the lip.
The texture of MAC lip pencils are smooth and creamy. They seamlessly glide onto the lips and are long-lasting.
Subculture lip pencil defines and sculpts, emphasizing the natural contours of the lip area. The tawny-pink shade provides a neutral outline prepping the lips for other products.
Use this pencil to line the lips and pair with any lipstick and/or fill-in the lips with Subculture and add some gloss or balm. This exceptional lip pencil is the only one you will ever need.
Oil Spill: Oil Cleansing Method
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The oil cleansing method is universally celebrated in the skin care industry. Used primarily as a makeup remover – oil- based cleansing products are gentle and effective. The common misconception that oil causes breakouts and acne is swiftly becoming a fallacy. By using the oil cleansing method you are able to cleanse the skin of dirt and bacteria gently, leaving the skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.
Listed are a few cleansing oils I have tried and trust:
Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium
Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil (samples available)
Glow-T 