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A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

The Royal Wedding and Bridal Beauty

April 28, 2011

The blogosphere has been pretty much consumed by the upcoming wedding of Prince William and the currently less royal Kate Middleton. The bride-to-be’s wedding look is as of now a carefully guarded secret, but it will be fun to dissect it and pore over what potions were used for one of the few real modern-day princess stories when we commoners finally get a glimpse.

While everyone is experiencing a little bit of monarch-envy, part of the fun of following the festivities is putting yourself in the future Princess Kate’s (probably impossibly unaffordable) shoes. The royal engagement ring has already sparked a replica frenzy, and wishful brides the world over will probably look to this Friday’s massive shindig for inspiration for their own weddings. (As well as bridesmaids, mother of the brides and guests that get to get all dressed up.)

So what guidelines always work for traditional bridal beauty? Here are some tips ahead of the fete:

1.) Create a clean canvas: The line between airbrushed and spackled can be thin, but if you’re going to be subject to a bevy of photo-ops, a good balance is important. (Luckily for us plebes, we get a lot more editing privileges and our worst wedding shots won’t be printed in OK!) Actual airbrushing is popular with brides- many makeup artists provide this service, but if you’ve got a few bridesmaids, you might want to invest in your own kit. Sephora carries the TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup System, which is reasonably priced and provides comprehensive yet light skin coverage.

2.) Soft and blushy tones always work: A heavily bronzed, heavily lined or generally heavily made up look may not epitomize the “blushing bride” stereotype. Pink and pink-nude tones work really well for bridal beauty, and always look fresh, clean, and enhance natural beauty. Stila’s Convertible Color- Lilium and Gerbera are gorgeous pink hues- has been a best seller for years because it blends beautifully and creates a blushy glow. Tarte’s Blushing Bride Cheek Stain looks intense in the tube, but it was actually created for a blushing bride.

3.) But some extravagance is totally fine: While you may not want to go all out Vegas for wedding makeup- unless you’re getting hitched in Sin City- a few super-fancy tricks can totally be pulled off for wedding beauty. Shu Uemura’s Diamante Lashes are a subtle bit of sparkle, but lash extensions from a service like Bling Lash will keep your look going strong through the reception and honeymoon.

4.) Practice and prepare: For a planned and special occasion look, longevity can be a concern. Most brides test-run their look, but a few touch up tools can ensure you know what’s likely to smudge, shift or fade and at what rate. A product like Benefit’s She-Laq can help maintain your look throughout the reception, and Bobbi Brown’s Blotting Papers will soak up shine and pat away excess or shifted pigment.

Do you have any bridal makeup tips or tricks? What do you think Kate Middleton will choose for her big day?

2 Comments
Filed Under: Makeup Tagged: eyelash extensions, eyelashes, kate middleton, kate middleton wedding makeup, royal wedding, shu uemura, TEMPTU AIRbrush

Six Makeup Tips That Work For Nearly Everyone, Nearly Always

February 3, 2011

Makeup artists are praised for their innovation and creativity, and indeed, many possess the ability to teach you new tricks you’d have never thought to try on your own. A good makeup consult can help even the most product-savvy of beauty junkies, but most makeup artists rely on a small stable of never fail shortcuts that flatter something like 98%* of clients. (Estimated, of course.)

Bear in mind there are exceptions for every rule, and one of the tenets of makeup is to experiment and find what works for you, first and foremost. Still, these tips could streamline your look and really do work on almost everyone.

1.) Use bright blush, and quit contouring: I’ve spoken before of my love of super-bright blushes. Hands down, I’ve found, these are the most underrated products to create a fresh, clean look. It took me several years of experimenting with bronzer to realize nothing had the oomph-factor of a sheer wash of bright color. Following on from that, adding blush to the apples of the cheeks rather than contouring with a darker shade creates a healthier, cleaner look.

2.) Get a good eyelash curler, and cling to it like a life preserver: My Shu Uemura curler is older than my youngest daughter, and even on a tinted lip balm and mineral makeup day, my Shu and I have some face time. A good curler will make a far bigger difference in your eye makeup look than a good mascara.

3.) Moisturize, always: Applying foundation or any lip product over an improperly moisturized face or flaky lips creates a multitude of problems. If you give moisturizer 3-5 minutes to penetrate, your products will go on smoothly and last longer. Exfoliation helps moisture soak in, and a thin coat of balm, blotted off, will keep lips from drying and create an even base.

4.) A good black eyeliner can totally make your look: Time and again, I found myself picking up MAC’s Kohl in Smolder to highlight clients’ eyes regardless of skin tone or age. Get a soft kohl- Rimmel’s Jet Black is excellent- and feather it in to just the lashline. Done correctly, no one will realize you’re even wearing liner. Maintaining a super-sharp point is the key here.

5.) Tap, tap tap: Excess pigment can really mess up application of powder-based products. Tapping your brush over the pan, especially with setting powders, prevents pigment from oversaturating your brushes and creasing on skin. Blotting after application helps, too.

6.) Define your brows: Although brow gel isn’t necessary (it does help), cleaning up your brows instantly gives your face a clearer set of lines. The easiest guide to brow shaping comes from your actual eyes- brows should start at a straight line up from the tear duct. (Use a straight edge like a nail file to measure.) From there, looking absolutely straight ahead allows you to measure the arch of your brow from the outer edge of the iris. Once you have these two points plotted out, plucking stray hairs creates the perfect brow shape. If you want to get super-fancy, comb brows up, trim hairs that extend above the top line of your brows, and brush back down.

Have you discovered any makeup tips or tricks that you swear by? Which products or practices are the core of your makeup routine?

8 Comments
Filed Under: Makeup Tagged: clinique, eyelash curler, Kabuki Brush, MAC, Makeup, makeup tips, makeup tricks, Sephora, shu uemura

Four Tips For Glowy, Happy Winter Skin

January 11, 2011

As temperatures plummet, oftentimes so does the condition of your skin. Before you even step out into the frigid, windy air, the effects of winter on your face can frequently be seen and felt. But there are a few simple measures you can take to prevent the worst ravages of Jack Frostian climates on your delicate visage.

1: Cleanse gently. Consider switching to a cleanser that dissolves makeup and oil with a creamy or even oil base rather than a sudsy wash. Shu Uemura’s oil cleansers are legendary among makeup artists for their amazing clean finish despite a rich texture. Applied to dry skin, they gently foam with the addition of water and leave your face incredibly fresh. Oil cleansers can even, counter-intuitively, balance oily skin by breaking down sebum effectively.

2. Exfoliate. It may seem like scheduled scrubbing is less necessary when skin is drying out or dehydrating due to the cold, but in actuality, moisture can’t get deep into skin without regular removal of icky dead skin and stagnant oils. Even oily skin can become dehydrated and feel dry- which seems totally unfair when you’re still getting blackheads. A manual scrub is great to remove dead skin flakes (like Korres’ Pomegranate Scrub), but an enzyme based face wash or treatment can use gentle ingredients to exfoliate, too. (Philosphy’s Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads are a mild chemical exfoliant.)

3. Moisturize harder! Light moisturizers can suddenly disappear into thirsty winter skin, and even if you’re worried about clogging pores, you might need a stronger option in dry winter weather. Dry oils, like rosehip seed, can nourish and protect your skin and lock in much-needed moisture. A few drops of a product like Aubrey Organics Rose Hip Seed Oil on dehydrated areas can soothe and protect skin against windburn and other cold-weather pitfalls.

4. Don’t forget about your hands. Before my face ever starts showing symptoms of winter strain, I see signs of stress on my frequently washed hands. While skin is still a little damp, liberally apply a thick cream to the tops of hands every time you wash. L’Occitane’s Honey Orange Shea Butter is nice (with a pretty tin), but even the decidedly less sexy Aquaphor will keep hands from chapping and drying out.

Last but not least, don’t cast aside your SPF- sun can even reflect off snow and damage skin. But with a few preventative steps, you can keep skin (and makeup!) looking smooth and glowy in the coldest, most blustery winter days.

2 Comments
Filed Under: Skin care Tagged: aubrey organics, hand care, Korres, l'occitane, Philosophy, shu uemura, skincare, skincare regimes, winter skincare

shu uemura: tokyo lash bar

June 17, 2010

shu uemura Tokyo Lash Bar

shu uemura is giving us cyber fantasy meets sexy fashion with their new Tokyo Lash Bar eyelashes. These lashes are guaranteed to get you noticed! Take a look below to discover what shu uemura has in store:

shu eumura neo sparkle
Neo Sparkle

Neo Sparkle lashes are coated with a diamond-like glitter on each strand and retail for $65.

shu eumura neo fringe
Neo Fringe

Neo Fringe lashes feature a double set of lashes (upper and lower) and come in either gold or silver. This set of lashes retails for $65.

shu eumura neo reflector
Neo Reflector

The Neo Reflector lashes remind me if disco balls! These silver coated lashes feature moon shaped sequins that are out of this world. The Neo Reflectors retail for $65.

shu eumura natural volume
Natural Volume

The Natural Volume lashes are for ladies that want more of an everyday volumizer which is closer to the look or real lashes.  This set retails for $20.

shu eumura slim partial
Slim Partial

The Slim Partial set is an excellent option if you want to add just a few lashes for a little more enhancement with a natural look. This set retails for $12.

shu eumura slim flare
Slim Flare

The Slim Flare set offers three different size lashes for a fully customized look and retails for $12.

I must say that the Neo Reflectors are my favorite by far. These are lashes that I would expect to see Lady Gaga rockin‘ out with at one of her concerts. The lashes are fresh, modern and fun which I why I adore them.

Which ones are your favorite?

1 Comment
Filed Under: Beauty, Fashion Tagged: false eyelashes, shu uemura, Tokyo Lash Bar

shu uemura – égérie 2010 spring/summer mode makeup collection

February 20, 2010

shu uemura introduces us to their Spring 2010 Égérie line, Égérie means a rebellious and daring spirit who never loses her sense of elegance and sophistication. This collection has truly captured what it was going for, it’s edgy enough for night and but can be soft enough for the day.  The colors are a celebration of beauty, take a peak!

new shu uemura

I must say that I love this collection, the colors are stunning. Take a look at the égérie Rouge Unlimited Nude Beige:

shu eumura

The nude beige color would work well for so many complexions and this lip color may be one of my favorite Spring/Summer 2010 picks. Isn’t the packaging fun? When I buy a product I want the entire experience, I want great packaging with an even greater product. Shu Uemura continues to deliver unique, clean packaging with quality makeup.

Take a look at the Satin Radiant Stick appropriately named “blush”

shu eumura blushshu eumura blushAnd last but not least is my fav shadow from this line,it’s an eye shadow duo called “starry violet”:

shur uemura starry violetstarry violet

Experience a behind the scenes look of the égérie video shoot:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL5GVG7eP70[/youtube]

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Filed Under: Beauty, Makeup Tagged: Blush, cream eyeshadow, Eye Shadow, nude lipstick, shu uemura, Spring 2010 makeup

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