Beauty and the Grind

Job Search Beauty Basics

beautygrind — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:30:50 +0000

Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with people. No. Seriously. I have seen so much the past couple of days with regard to how people present themselves when they come in for an interview or even to pick up an application. I have seen it all: Resumes handed to me on neon paper. Applicants in neon ill fitted blouses with all of their endowments showing. People showing up to interviews wearing gold shoes and plaid shirts (In the same outfit, mind you. And the shoes were a metallic kind of gold. #fail). I have even had people hand me their application filled out in magic marker (No – really. I kid you not). In the highly competitive marketplace, one should not only have the skill set the perspective employer is looking for, but also desire to look the part as well. And let me say this, even if you are looking for a job as an “artist”, this doesnt mean you come to the interview looking like you are doing an avant garde photoshoot or runway show. Presentation is everything, not only with the way you present your application and resume, but also with your physical appearance. Here are just a few tips to help you along…

Neat, clean hair. A nice simple updo or chignon works really well. If you have a short haircut, make sure it is neat and trimmed. Leave the extreme styles and adornments for your night out on the town.

Clean neat, manicured nails. Your polish should be on or off. No in between. You may even want to cut your talons down – at least for the job hunting/interviewing process. Dont get me wrong, Im am all about long nails and self-expression but some folks are funny-acting when it comes to long nails, asking foolish questions like “how do you do anything with those nails?” so just cut your nails down a bit. There is no need to scare you prospective boss with the claws.

Makeup – depends on your field. Of course if you are interviewing for a corporate/conservative job, your makeup should be minimal but polished. If you are in a creative/artistic field, such as hair or wardrobe stylist or makeup artist, your hair and face are your calling card and your makeup/hair should reflect your skill, as you will be evaluated on that. By the same token, I would say keep the extremes to a minimum. Those feather lashes you are dying to wear probably should be saved for a photo shoot or the runway.

Attire – This can be tricky because as I said before, i am totally an advocate of self-expression and you should be able, to a certain extent be able to express your individuality. However, I do believe that “professional” attire includes the following (especially if you dont do suits):
- A nice pair of tailored slacks
- Coordinating blouse/shirt
- A pencil or A-line skirt that comes to at least your knees
- A blazer, vest, or cardigan.
- If color is your thing, scarves, belts or other accessories such as bangles in a pop color to pair with more neutral shades in your outfit/wardrobe (again this depends on the type of job you are applying/interviewing for)

Shoes – no open toes/sandals. Keep your foot wear to a pump, kitten heel or oxford.

And please, use a portfolio or folder to present your resume/application.

Hope that helps :0)

universally flattering

beautygrind — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:56:46 +0000

“What color liner should i use for my eye color?”

“Of course I cant wear red lipstick. It just doesnt look right on me.”

“Im looking for the perfect nude lipgloss but for my complexion.”

“What’s the perfect bronzer for brown girls?”

Ladies…these are all valid makeup questions and concerns and while I believe in some “rules” to a certain extent, makeup doesnt have to always be so serious. Below is a non-exhaustive list of some universally flattering makeup options which can take the mystery and agony out of choosing products to help polish your look, regardless of your complexion.

Navy Eyeliner – This option is not necessarily as intense as black liner but still gives good definition without being over the top. In addition, navy eyeliner intensifies the whites of the eyes for a more refreshed, wide eye look. Try MakeUp Forever’s Aqua Eyes liner 3L.

True Red Lipstick – True red lipstick does not have blue, pink, or golden undertones. a true red lipstick (fire engine red) works on just about all complexions. Red lipstick creates a classic, polished look, especially with a winged eye, lots of lashes and a little blush. Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Strength is a great pick. Caution: not intended for the faint at heart.

Nars Orgasm Blush – A cult favorite, this shade is a perfect peachy, golden shade. On more fair complexions, it is great when swiped across the apples of the cheeks. For deeper complexions, it makes for the perfect highlighter.

Rosy pink/Brown nude lipgloss. Just a hint of color. Bobby Brown in Tearose, Bare Beige lipgloss by Laura Mercier (my absolute favorite)

Bronze Shadow – Works for all complexions when swept along the lid or crease

Brown Shadow Trio/Quad – One can never go wrong with a brown shadow trio or quad which includes a great highlighter color and a great midtone. Depending where you put the shades you can create a nice natural eye, contoured eye, or even a smoky eye.

Have fun

Toodles :0)

I Love My Nail Tech

beautygrind — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:47:40 +0000

Can I just say how much I appreciate my nail tech? After years of being annoyed with nail techs who are unprofessional, sloppy and not so clean, it has truly been a breath of fresh air to have Lena do my nails. I remember a few months ago when I moved to this area, having gone to a few salons and as usual being pissed off because my nails werent shaped correctly, the acrylic was too thick, or they cut me with that drill because they were rushing. So needless to say when I first walked into my current salon, i was apprehensive and attitudinal. I sat in that chair waiting and watching and somewhat expecting to be disappointed. But I wasn’t. I was impressed. I was impressed because without saying one word to Lena she filled and shaped my nails to perfection! I mean my nails were beautiful without the polish. I shared with her how I appreciated her skill and attention to detail and how it has been years since I have been pleased with my nails. And the cherry on top of this experience is the fact that this salon is always very nice and clean.

This whole experience reminds me that as a makeup artist and as a color manager in the retail beauty industry to continue to deliver the highest level of knowledge and expertise in products AND services to ensure client loyalty and satisfaction.

Toodles

Bonbon Nails
8611 16th Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Sephora Collection Brush Wand

beautygrind — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:00:26 +0000

Sephora Collection Brush Wand is a clever, convenient way to carry a few eye makeup brushes on the go. Connected magnetically, these 4 miniature brushes create a wand that is the perfect size to throw in your purse, desk or gym bag. I will say that the wand is not sturdy enough to use as the “handle” for the brush tip that you are using so just use two blocks of the brushes for a more sturdy application. The hairs on the brushes are ok but again it is perfect for touch-ups. And for only $10, what more can you ask for? Available at Sephora and Sephora.com.

Milk & Honey Shoes

beautygrind — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:25:52 +0000

You ever wish you could custom design your own shoes? Well you can with Milk & Honey Custom Shoe Design. This awesome website lets your shoe fantasies come to life by allowing you to select your style (heel, flat, sandal, pump, etc) as well as the other details such as toe style, trim, buckle, fabric and heel size. And get this, they even have animal free styles too if that’s your thing. Have questions, you can chat with a stylist or leave a message offline. milkandhoneyshoes.com

Prime Time Primer Shadows

beautygrind — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:32 +0000

Bare Escentuals is really stepping up their game with their new Prime Time Primer Shadows. These rich, creamy primers come in 6 different colors that can be worn alone as an eyeshadow or under your regular powder eyeshadow for even more intensity and staying power. Safe for those with sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers and those who are allergic to fragrance. $18. Available at sephora, sephora.com and bareescentuals.com

Concealers (Part 3 – Different Formulations)

beautygrind — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:00:47 +0000

For the past couple of days I have been discussing concealers – shade selection and application and whether or not you should apply concealer before or after foundation. Today I will discuss the 5 most popular formulations/packaging of concealers and the specific areas of the face they should be used on.

Tube: This form of concealer is creamy in texture. Offering a range of coverage from medium to full, this form of concealer is perfect for concealing blemishes on various areas of the face. This formulation can also be used under the eye, providing that you mix in a little of your eye cream with it for better blending. Brands that include tube concealers are Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer, Smashbox High Definition Concealer, Clinique All About Eyes Concealer and Dior DiorSkin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer.

Pot: Also creamy in texture but tends to be more opaque. Can be used for dark marks but is best for under eye circles. Brands that include concealers in this category are Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, Korres Quercetin and Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Concealer, and Makeup Forever Camouflague Cream Palette.

Stick: These look like lipstick and can be applied directly to the face. Providing a range of coverages, this form is not recommended for under the delicate eye area because they can drag the skin. Brands include Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, Nars Concealer, Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer and Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer.

Wand: This form, which can be used on all areas of the face, provides sheer coverage. Use the wand to apply directly to your skin and blend with a brush or sponge. Brands include, Cover Girl Queen Collection Concealer, YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch, Tarte The Eraser 4 in 1 Concealer, Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Concealer.

Powder: This formulation provides sheer to medium coverage and tends not to cake up as much as some of the of the other formulations. Great for the eye, nose and cheek area. Brands include Bare Minerals Multitasking Face and Physicians Formula Mineral Wear 3 in 1 Concealer Foundation Powder.

*Whichever formulation you use, please remember to blend, blend, blend :0)

nOir Jewelry

beautygrind — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:00:03 +0000

Everyone who knows me knows that I am sucka (yes sucka) for good shoes and jewelry. I always tell people that i provide a simplistic, yet dynamic back drop for amazing and unusual accessories. Anyway, check out some of the awesomeness (yes awesomeness) that is nOir Jewelery on noirjewelry.com

Concealers (Part 2 – Conceal Before or After Foundation)

beautygrind — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:02 +0000

There are two schools of thought on whether to apply concealer before or after foundation. Some people say to apply the concealer before the foundation when heavier coverage is needed. Other people say apply the concealer after the foundation because the imperfection is small. I always tell people to do what works best for them but I personally find that applying concealer after foundation works better because by doing it the other way you are actually pulling (or wiping away) the concealer away from the imperfection you are trying to cover. Follow these steps to ensure that you get the best concealer coverage…

After prepping your skin with the proper skincare and applying your foundation, select a concealer that mimics your skintone.
In a stippling motion (bouncing with your finger) apply the concealer to the blemished area (*note: if you re trying to conceal an acne scar/pimple, try applying an eyeshadow primer to the area to make sure the concealer adheres to the area)
Be sure the blend away any lines with a blending brush.
Set your face with translucent powder.

Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color

beautygrind — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:35:12 +0000

Bare Escentuals is really trying to make me love them with their new Pretty Amazing Lip Color. This lip color, which is super rich, luxurious, and highly pigmented, goes on so smooth and shiny that I cant stop staring at myself every time I wear it. My two favorite colors are Moxie, which is a georgous pink that I wear with a berry lip liner and Strength, a super sexy, traffic stopping red. What makes these Pretty Amazing Lip even more amazing is the fact that this product smooths, repairs and protects. $16, available in 11 colors at sephora.com and bareescentuals.com