Seeing Red

You can't even imagine how many times clients will look at red lipstick and PANIC. The mere thought of it sends quivers of confusion through their brains as if it were a foreign alien in the makeup world. For some, it probably ignites flashbacks to that dear old relative who would leave those lovely lipstick marks all over your cheeks every time she had to endearingly greet you. (I still remember my mom pulling me aside to aggressively rub off the rouged stain on my chubby little 5 year old face). Some people may just not like the look of it - but more often than not, I've been approached with: "I just can't wear it," "It looks great on you, but not on me," "I'll look like Bozo the Clown," "How do you not get it on your teeth?" or simply, "WOW...that's... RED." The fact is, I truly believe that deep down every woman wants at least one night in their life where they can pull off a fierce red lip. Something about it exudes a certain air of confidence and sex appeal, and while most men prefer the natural look, no man can deny that it looks polished and beautiful for a special night out. But who cares about just what the guys think... if you look and feel amazing, then chances are, other people will think so too. So, okay ladies, it's time to face your fears with that little red devil and bust out the big guns... we're going into BEAUTY BATTLE.

First and foremost, the key to wearing red lipstick is understanding that you're not just wearing a color, you're wearing a "look". You can't just rock out your usual Kardashian-clad smokey eye and say, "Hey, I think I'll bump up my look with some red lips tonite..." You'll become more easily associated with a street corner than with a killer sense of style. You have to assess yourself and think, "Do I want my red lips to be the center of attention? Or do I want to add a touch of red to my already perfected look?" Let's break down a few looks that can help you define the type of look you're going for:

THE CLASSIC PINUP
Awarded to the all-time iconic beauties of the past like Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow & Great Garbo (yes that rhymed) this look is nothing short of glamour at it's best.

The red lip is clearly the focus here... you want a perfectly defined "true red" color that's matte, while keeping the skin free of shimmer - just a hint of blush, neutral eyes and winged out liquid liner on the top lid.

Recommended Reds: 

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella 

Smashbox Lipstick in Legendary

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

THE MODERN PINUP

This look has become a more adapted version that has graced faces in Hollywood with countless celebs like Megan Fox, Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, Eva Mendes & Taylor Swift, just to name a few...

To modernize this glam look, choose a red lip shade that has a little more shine to it. You can wear a slightly more pinky-red, or berry-red (depending on skin tone) but top it with a pretty gloss. Also, keep the skin fresh and dewy, and use a shimmery gold or pearl color on the lids. Lastly, add the winged liner with either a blendable gel liner or kohl pencil to soften up the look on the eyes and make it a little less harsh.

Recommended Reds:

YSL Lipstick in Rouge Flamme

MUFE Lipstick in #45 (Satin Raspberry Red)

Sephora Shimmer Gloss in Bronzed Beauty (red w/ gold glitter)

THE BOHEMIAN BOMBSHELL

So, I appropriately coined this term myself in order to describe the trend I've been noticing in every magazine this fall. It's a combination of earth tones, and berry-kissed lips, exuding that sort of "effortless glam" look. This is a great way to incorporate a more toned down type of red into your beauty diet, without feeling like your lips are the center of attention.

Keep the focus on the eyes here, by using sepia toned browns with a hint of sparkle to give that soft smokey eye look. Smudge a chocolate colored liner along the lashes and tightline to define the eyes without being to precise. Keep the skin sun kissed and glowing, and add a berry stain or gloss to the lips for a hint of color.

Recommended Reds:

Stila Lip Stain in Pomegranate Crush

The Balm Shelter Gloss in Material Girl

Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Mulberry

RUNWAY RED

This fearless trend is clearly for the bold at heart. There's no shying away from the fact that your lips will stand at attention and get you noticed with this 'siren red' look. And despite the fact that this look may take you less than 5 minutes to achieve - you'll look polished and professional with a modern edge.

Here, you want to be a minimalist with your makeup. Keep the skin looking as natural as possible with a tinted moisturizer, contoured cheeks, a pop of peachy blush and an illuminating highlight to the tops of the cheekbones. Add one coat of a defining mascara to the lashes, and keep the brows soft and natural. When tackling these red lips, choose a shade that ranges from a true red, to a slightly more orange-red. Anything deeper will make you look a little too vampy since the rest of the face is so bare. And make sure to apply this lip color with a lip brush - you will get a more precise finish without having to use liner or packing too much color on to the lips.

Recommended Reds:

NARS Lip Gloss in Bloodwork (my favorite!)

Bobbi Brown Lip color in Red

Illamasqua Lipstick in Ignite

So there you have it! We've made it through the beauty battle and uncovered the mystery of the red lip. Its pretty safe to say that judging by the course of cosmetic history, red lipstick will never go out of style. Experiment with colors... and try something new! Darker skin tones can easily add instant drama with warmer tones and berry reds, where as fair skin tones can look gorgeous in cooler shades of red. But we know there are no lipstick laws and these rules can be bended to suit a specific look. But no matter what look you're going for, just remember - wear it with confidence and you'll always be able to pull it off. 

xoxo,

Laura

The Trials and Tribulations of a Self Tanorexic

 My whole life, no matter how much fun in the sun i had, I have been very fair skinned thanks in large part to my half Irish heritage.  Some call it porcelain, I call it a genetic melanin deficiancy.  Due to this, anyone who knows me, friends, family, clients...can attest that I have a serious love affair for all things tan.   I'm pretty sure it started around 9th grade when i discovered MAC bronzer and thought it to be a good idea to cover my face in it.  While at the time, (13 years ago! GASP) I thought it was amazing, (as did i concealer as lipstick?) I can finally admit that it's quite a look, and not one I'd recommend...to ANYONE....EVER.

From that time on I was determined to find a way to be tan.  I tried it all...foundation about 4 shades too dark, pretty much anything claiming to be "bronze", and alas, tanning beds.  My best friend was and to this day still is, the most tan person not of color I know.  I could have layed in a high power tanning bed coated in Designer Skin until i cooked like an easy bake oven and I'd never be that tan...but you can be sure I was going to try my darnedest! And try I did...several times a week for about 5 years.  My complexion went from translucent white to mere mother of pearl, as opposed to my desired shade of "bronzed goddess ", but it never stopped me from going.  It became nothing short of addictive.  I didn't need drugs as long as I had the smell of coconuts, burning skin, and a level 5 with brand new bulbs! 

Then one magical day at Sephora it was as if the clouds opened and the bright lights shown all in the direction of one special barbie doll pink can of heaven...Model Co. Airbrush Tan in a Can.  That's it...put a fork in it because I was done!  A airbrush spray can that gave me an instant tan with lasting effects?!? This of course istantly appealed to my All-American "I want it and I want it yesterday" mantality.  Since that fateful day, Tan in a Can and I have had quite a journey of both terracotta mishaps and glowing successes, and without it I may very well have never become the self proclaimed Fake Bake expert I consider myself today.  And so, here I am today to share my faux glow tips and tricks with all the other pigmentally challenged girls out there who just want to be TAN!

Its's All About the Prep
Ahhh the old "Do I realllly need to exfoliate?"  Not if you want to look like a patchy cheesedoodle with a skin condition (I've been there...it's not pretty.)   A pre-tan exfoliation rids you of any dry skin sittng on the surface as well as smoothing out areas such as the knees, elbows, an heels.  This will enable your tanner to go on smoothly, evenly, and last longer.  When choosing your body scrub, our going to want to go with one with minimals oils.  While I know we all love, love, love Fresh Brown Sugar Body polish, oil soaked scrubs leave a residue on the skin which will provent most formulas from being able to absorb.  Here are a few of my tried and true faves:
Bliss Vanilla Bergamot Body Buff- My old stand by!  With shea butter and a hint of sweet almond oil, this creamy buff promises to leave the skin silky smooth without leaving a film.  With a scent reminiscent of vanilla bean ice cream its a guiltless pleasure your sure to enjoy!

Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Scrub- My new found love!  Laura has done it again with her latest additon to her famed body and bath line.  Fig seeds and jojoba beads polish your skin to glowing perfection, while shea butter and honey moisturize and protect.  Plus, with its rich texture and indulgent scent its impossible not to find it simply delish!

So Much Tan, So Little Time

When it comes to choosing a self tanner thats right for you, it really is all about personal preference.  I will say, though, that I find traditional lotions take longer to dry, and seem harder to blend in evenly without getting streaks.  I really like sprays and the new mousse options, as they often go on so quick and easy.  And since most have built in bronzers you can see exactly where the product is going to avoid missing any areas, in addition to getting an instant glam glow!  Once you decide on the type of tan tickles your fancy, your going to want to think about coloring.  Many products have a traditional "golden" (albeit orange) shading to them.  While this hue may look like a dazzling terracotta dream on someone looking to enhance a natural tan , on the fairer bunch you'll look like less you just came back from St Barts and more Seaside with Snookie.  Now THAT is a situation! (bad pun intended.)   In the recent evolution of tanners, many now have a green or even purplish undertone them. Mixed with the bronzers, this transfers to a more natural brown/olive complexion on all skin shades.  I've put many a self tanner to the test in my day, and these make my list:

Model Co. Airbrush Tan in a Can- Ahhh my old throw back.  The pink can that started it all. I still get frantic calls from my afor mentioned bronzed bestie requesting this instant glam in a can! Created by a renowned Austrailian model agent, it's no wonder this at home personal airbrush tan will have you runway ready in no time! With its blink of an eye dry time and fresh coconut scent, it's the best kept secret to stars like Blake Lively, Miranda Kerr, and Sienna Miller.

St Tropez Bronzing Mousse- a quick application of this cinnamon toned mousse and you'll look like you just came back from its nameksake!  St Tropez is known worldwide as the leader in all things tan and with its clean scent, natural tone, and long lasting results its by far earned my top accolades!  They also offer several other formulas inlcuding gradual lotions, wash off bronzers, tan romover(a quick buh-bye for tanning boo boos) and even a mitt for mess free blending.  While I really enjoy the spray version for hands, legs and feet(that hardest place to tan!) I still find the super light-weight, velvety mousse to be the brands true superstar!

"If Ya Can't Tone it, Tan it!"

When applying self tanners, technique is just as important as the product your using.  You always want to star off on clean, dry, freshly polished skin.  I also like to apply body cream or lotion to areas such as knees, elbows, and even around your nail bed to prevent overabsorbtion in areas with thicker skin. Regardless of what type of tanner your using, be it spray, lotion, mousse, or even tanning towlettes, it's best to work in a circular motion to avoid streaking and lines, and to insure proper blending.  Keep in mind before you go in to a tan frenzy, that while products with bronzers give you a hint as to the color of your final result, the active ingredient actually takes a few hours to show up so you will get darker over time.  Always let yourself dry fully before dressing or applying makeup, as you dont want to undo all your hard work.  If once your tan is fully dry you feel like you could have blended a bit better, fear not.  Just take a quality body lotion and apply evenly all over.  This will even out the bronzer, tanner, and rehydrate the skin.  I have found that Bliss Body Butter and also Fresh Body Lotions both have great formulas that work well with the bronzers without turning them ashen or grey. They also pair up nicely mixed in with most tanners as a daily gradual to maintain and hydrate your tan, or give more of a subtle result on fresh skin.  Follow your steps, take your time and you'll be beach babe ready year round!

Well I hope my years of tanning trial and error has now been to your benefit.  Whether your going for the look of subtly sunkissed or beach baked, there really is a product and technique for everyone and i'm happy to have been somewhat of a test dummy.  Let us know about all your tanning experiences, favorite products, and advice! I can never get enough!!!

Happy Tanning!!!

<3 Amy

Beauty Spotlight: Getting a Gorgeous Glow

Since the beginning of my affair with beauty products, I have been obsessed with getting that "Ethereal Glow"... you know, the look that you see celebrities like Jennifer Lopez wearing down the red carpet... the type of look that screams, "Young! Fresh! Beautiful! Glamorous!"... or I guess that's what I imagine the paparazzi might shout out to me if I were famous and greeting my accolades in my plunging couture Versace gown... but not to digress! Back to reality....

Through trial and multiple error, I found the key products that are any woman's (or man's- hey, they're fabulous too) saving grace.

1. The Clarisonic

I'm starting with this because, this electronically charged "Godsend", made from the same company who brought you the Sonicare Toothbrush, is worth every penny. Ranging in sizes and speeds, this will make your skin beyond gorgeous. I myself suffer from both breakouts and an oily T-Zone, but this will not only deep clean 6x's stronger than your fingertips, breaking down makeup, dirt and oil, but it will shrink the pores (LITERALLY), smooth the texture of the skin, diminish fine lines & wrinkles and bring back your skin's own natural radiance. It's simply incredible - your makeup goes on flawlessly afterward and I have been getting more compliments on my skin than ever before. If you suffer from a lack-luster appearance, or just want the luxury of an at-home facial, than do yourself a favor and save up for one of these bad boys! They retail from around $150-$250 depending on the model, AND are waterproof and shatterproof! Great news for those of you who might use it as your personal microphone in the shower (ha!). The charge will last about 21 minutes, which equals to 21 uses - it runs on a minute timer, and they do come with a 1 year warranty in case you, ya know, drop it while belting out Lady Gaga or... Queen...
I highly recommend it.... you won't be sorry!

2. Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

So, many of you makeup lovers know about Laura Mercier's infamous Tinted Moisturizer, but if you want a serious glow, try her "Illuminating" Tinted Moisturizer - a sheer formulation that has the pigmentation and coverage of her classic Tinted Moisturizer, but with crushed pearlized particles that give a subtle and beautiful glow. With shades ranging in colors like Bare, Natural, Warm & Golden, any skintone can wear it. If you are someone who prefers a little more coverage or cannot part with your all-time favorite foundation, you can mix a bit of this in with it, to give a little more luster. I find that when using this product, it really enhances the natural contours of the face, i.e. cheekbones, nose and chin. I cannot tell you enough how gorgeous this product looks on everybody. And, with high profile celebrity clientele like Madonna, Julia Roberts, Sarah Jessica Parker & Isabella Rosselini... I'm pretty sure Laura Mercier hit the nail on the head with this product. 

3. Give Your Cheeks a Pop

Once your face has transformed into a perfect canvas, you need an extra bit of pop to the top of the cheekbone. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Blush: NARS Multiple in Portofino

This creamy formula not only adds a natural touch to the skin, but this color is a peachy pink with a subtle gold sheen. I think it works well with so many skintones because it has that bit off coolness with subtle pink for fair skin, but has the warmth of the gold sheen to really pop on darker skin. Magazines quote celebs like Taylor Swift, America Ferrara & Rihanna all sporting this cream blush, so as you can see - it's a hugely wearable color for many women!

Highlight: Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder in Candelight/ Bare Escentuals Champagne Radiance

Both of these powders rank high on my list because they have a finely milled quality that wears well on the skin and looks both natural and stunning. Some highlighting powders have a bit too much glitter in them and they can look either too juvenile for your age, or will simply end up all over your sweater 20 min. after you leave your house. The Candelight powder is a perfect cream color for lighter skintones, and won't look ashen and pale on the skin. Champagne Radiance is more of a bronzey tone, which works great and darker complexions, AND it has crushed diamonds in it. You can't get more luxurious than that!

4. Let Your Eyes Light Up The Room

Adding a subtle hint of sheen to the eyes will instantly open and brighten while making your eye color sparkle. Here's a few recommendations based on skintone:

Fair/Light: 

Bare Escentuals E/S in Celestine - soft shimmery taupe/ivory

Light/Medium:

MAC E/S in Retrospeck - sheer creamy gold tone

Medium/Dark:

Illamasqua E/S in Bronx - medium copper shimmer

5. Lip Service? Yes, Please:

So, it's no surprise that adding a finishing touch will be giving your lips the royal treatment: shine, moisture and an Angelina Jolie-worthy plump. Some of my favorites  have to be the NARS lipgloss. The best part is they have a long lasting quality, high shine, and come in absolutely beautiful shades. My top "Glowing Gloss" picks are:

-Greek Holiday - nude, with champagne shimmer

-Orgasm - pink, with gold sheen

-Belize - shiny pinky/nude

I hope that all of this beauty talk will inspire you to glow like you've never glowed before! There are many wonderful products that can give you an amazing look, but so far, these are things that rank supreme in my beauty kit. Everyone's got their own beauty secrets, let us know what your top picks are!! Have a fabulous day and don't forget to check back for tons of upcoming reviews and tidbits :-)

xoxo,

Laura