Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture glossy lip stain

As of late, I have truly become a fan of Yves Saint Laurent’s (YSL) Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick.  This lipstick, which is luxurious, hydrating and has an SPF 15 ($34), actually lives up to it’s name.  So imagine my excitement when YSL launched their new Rouge Pur Couture glossy lip stain ($32).  I never wear lip stains because they make my lips dry, but because this glossy lip stain is YSL and is described as having the texture and shine of a gloss and the long wear of a stain, I figured I would give it a try.  This product actually went on very smoothly but to my disappointment, the finish/dry down was super sticky and tacky.  Can we say # fail?  Feedback on this product has been the same across the board.  The only things I liked about this product are the colors and beautiful packaging which isn’t enough for me to purchase.   So sad.  Better luck next time.

Concealers (Part 1 – Applying Under Eye Concealers)

Dark under eye circles is one of the most common issues for women.  For many, it’s hereditary, for others it poor diet or maybe even a long night out partying.  Either way, selecting the correct under eye concealer can be quite a daunting task and instead of making you look refreshed and awake, the wrong under eye concealer can leave you looking quite haggard, bringing more attention to the area you were trying to conceal.  Even though in most cases, the problem will not go away completely, here are a few tips to help you select the best concealer to help improve the appearance of the under eye circles…

• To begin with, find the correct shade by selecting a shade that mimics your skin tone.  Many people like the “brighter under the eye” look, but if done incorrectly, one can end up with that reverse raccoon look.  So again choose a shade that is close to your skin tone.  Now sometimes when concealers dont work, it has nothing to do with the shade selection.  It has more to do with weather or not you corrected the underlying tone before applying concealer.  In cases like this you would need to use a colored/correcting concealer before applying regular concealer.

• Use a light green concealer to cover up redness such as acne scarring or birthmarks. (usually for areas not under the eye)
• Pink shades tend to brighten as well as cancel out blue or gray tones that usually show up under the eyes.
• Yellow based concealers  also brighten as well as cancel out pink tones. Depending on skin tone, sometimes yellow based concealers look chalky so be careful with your shade selection.
• Orange toned concealers are great for darker skintones as the shade tends to cancel out blue tones under the eyes.

• Next prep the area with an eye cream.  Its important to use an eye cream am/pm to treat/hydrate the area under your eyes.   You tend to use less product (conealer) when the skin is not dry and you also avoid mid-day flaking and caking.
• To find out exactly where to apply the concealer, tilt your chin down and look into the mirror.  The deep crease/indentation that you see is where you need to apply the concealer.
• Build coverage and pat gently.  Dont forget to apply the concealer to the inner corner of the eye and down the sides of the nose as these are the areas that tend to get the pretty dark as well.
• Be sure to blend the edges of the application with a crease brush or finger.
• Set with a translucent powder.

Get dipped with LashDip

The science behind makeup/cosmetics has advanced over the years, especially with lash applications and enhancements.  In the past and currently, mascara has been the go to product to make lashes thicker, longer, and curlier.   There have even been advancements in the type of mascara wand to deliver specific results as well as formulas promising lash growth, thickening, etc.  There are also serums and treatments such as Latisse and RevitaLash that promise the world when it comes to beautiful lashes. And let’s not forget lash enhancements in the form of strip lashes, individual lashes and lash extensions.  Now it gets better.  Introducing LashDip, an innovative lash application/mascara replacement poised to revolutionize how we do mascara.  This semi-permanent application, done exclusively in spas and salons across the United States and Canada,  will allow you to wake up and go with beautiful, thick, dark, glossy lashes without the time it takes to actually put on mascara or fake lashes, and without the smudging, flaking, clumping that oftentimes comes with applying traditional mascara.  Here are a few more facts about LashDip

• waterproof, allowing you to participate in activities such as exercising, dancing, and even swimming
•  can be used with lash treatments such as Latisse as well as lash extensions
• lasts four to six weeks
• safe for contact wearers as well as those with sensitive eyes

LashDip can cost $200-$300 for an initial application and must be applied by a certified salon professional or a licensed aesthetician.  www.lashdip.com

Get Your Glow On

Summer is fast approaching and what better time to have delicious, beautifully glowing skin.  There are many products that can deliver that effect, such as body oils and lotions, as well as body bronzers but i especially like the Nars Illuminator  to get my runway glow on because this sheer, luminous product can be used on the body as well as the face.  Use it by itself on the high points of the face, decolletage, and shoulders or mix it with your favorite liquid foundation or body lotion.  It comes in 4 shades:

• Orgasm: a peachy pink which looks best on fairer complexions
• Super Orgasm:  has more of a golden glow and beautifully highlights deeper complexions
• Copacabana: which is pearlescent and can be used as a highlighter
• Laguna: which is a bit more bronze and looks better on medium skin tones

$29 available at Sephora, sephora.com and narscosmetics.com

Beauty and Fashion Survival Kit

If you are anything like me, you carry a large purse (super cute of course) with everything in it – I mean EVERYTHING:  a book, a magazine, makeup, snacks, defibrillator, wallet, (only kidding about that defibrillator).  In addition to that, I like to carry other personal items such as deodorant, oral care, etc.  and, of course,  I want a really cute way to carry all of those items.  Well check out one of the best inventions ever called MINIMERGENCY KIT FOR HER by Ms. & Mrs.  This cute little pouch (measuring 3.5″x 2″ x 2″) holds the tiniest of personal care/fashion/beauty emergency products for on the go.  Available in a variety of colors, the pouch holds items such as  nail polish, double sided tape, mouthwash, earring backs, tampon, etc.  It’s perfect to keep in your purse, glove compartment, or desk.  Also available are kits for him, special occassions such as weddings, and for school.  Kits start at $12.  Available at Sephora as well as sephora.com and msandmrs.com

 

 

Hyperpigmentation Solutions

Hyperpigmentation is one of many skin issues that affect many people.  Like acne itself,  hyperpigmentation (the scarring left behind) distracts from one’s beauty, causing aggrevation, anguish and sometimes isolation because you dont want to be around anyone.  I can totally relate because I started getting acne when i was 10 years old.  Imagine going through middle school, high school, college and part of your 20′s with problematic skin.  This drove me to not only spend hours researching and experimenting with various products, but I also developed a passion for skincare. I tried so many spot lightning creams which didnt work for me.  Then I discovered Black Opal Dual Complex Fade Gel which contains 2% hydroquinone (and at the time, alpha hydroxy acid which sweeps away dead skin cells.  They have since changed the packaging and I didnt see the AHA listed in the ingredients.  That doesnt mean it isnt still in the product)   After cleasing the skin, use a toothpick or hair pin to dab on the spot.   The product absorbs into the skin.  Continue with your skincare routine.  I love this product because I began to see a difference in about two weeks. Can be found at your local beauty supply store $15.95

Other alternatives/options for you to try:
-Clinique Even Better Clinical.  This serum is a smart product meaning it seeks out the areas that are darker to lighten them and even out your skintone.  It is for all ethnicities.  Feedback from clients is that although this product takes longer to see results, it actually works.

-Dr Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel.  Claims to fade unwanted discoloration and exfoliate damaged skin cells.

-DDF Fade Gel 4.  Contains hydroquinone as well as kojic and glycolic  and alpha hydroxy acid, which are powerful skin/dark mark lightners.

-Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Wash.  This oil free cleanser exfoliates the skin, addresses the signs of aging and evens out texture and tone.

Also, peels, microdermabrasion, and exfoliators can also help to even out skin tone/texture and help fade dark spots.  My personal favorite is the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash which I use 2 to 3 times a week to help cleanse, retexturize and refine my skin.

Toodles :0)

 

 

eye prime and treat

there are many awesome eyeshadow primers that i love and use regularly on myself and my clients such as shadow insurance by too faced, urban decay eyeshadow primer potion and smashbox photo finish lid primer.  now im adding to the list Sephora Collection Perfecting Eye Primer.  what i like about this translucent primer is the fact that it can be used around the entire eye area to make your eye makeup/concealer crease proof and long lasting AND it has anti-aging benefits in it to help minimize fine lines and circles .  this product comes in a tube so i use either my finger or a concealer brush to apply.  $14

Redness Solutions

for those of you who suffer from redness such as being flushed or rosacea, there are several skincare and makeup solutions that can bring you some relief…

• Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup: an amazing oil free makeup which color corrects, treats and calms the skin as well as provides amazing coverage.  This formulation contains SPF 15, antioxidants and probiotics,  helping to strengthen the skin barrier.  Appropriate for dry, dry-combination and combination-oily skin. $24.50
• Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder:  a cooling oil free and talc free mineral powder which reduces redness on contact.  Comes with an anti-bacterial brush. $32.50
• Smashbox Halo Redness Reducing Powder:  not only does this powder reduce redness but it also minimizes the signs of aging (hello!).  Studies have shown that in 6 weeks, women saw a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. $39
• Tarte At Ease Micronized Clay Calming Concealer: this product does double duty with an antioxidant concealer that reduces redness, heals ,calms and soothes, depuffs (yessss!!!) and tones the skin while the setting powder that also calms the skin and reduces dryness.  $30
• Dermadoctor Cool Calm and Corrected:  targets skins with rosacea to combat oiliness, redness, dryness, etc. and it also diminishes visible signs of aging. $85

These products can be found at your local Sephora, Ulta or department store.