Thursday, July 28, 2011

What foundation should I use???

Most girls I talk to have one foundation they use everyday for all types of events: work, special occasion, gym, etc.

However, different types of foundations can help you achieve and enhance different makeup looks. It’s good to have several for all types of occasions.

For example, matte foundations with medium coverage are absolutely perfect for a smoky eye.   On the other hand, foundations with some illumination are great for natural, summer looks.

These are my favorite foundations 
(I included moderately priced products. It's important that you do not skimp on your foundation.  The quality, tone, texture of your skin will either make you or break you.)



Coverage – Medium to high coverage
Product – Smooth formula. Easy to apply all over the face.  Never looks cakey.  Stays on throughout the night. Matte finish.

This matte foundation is perfect to achieve an airbrushed face, which will enhance a nice smoky eye.  Kim Kardashian and other celebrities use this foundation for a lot of red carpet events.

I like to use this foundation for special events (i.e. weddings), nights out on the town, Las Vegas etc., because it eliminates additional shine for photographs.


It is important to wear a matte-finish foundation when you know your event will be documented via camera.


Here is Kim K with flawless matte coverage.
As you can see, this coverage makes the smoky eye pop
and become a stand out feature.

Chanel Vitalumiere $55, Nordstrom.com


Coverage – Medium
Product – Smells like roses. Easy to apply. Adds some illumination to create a dewy, glowy effect.

This foundation will add some glow factor to your look.  It perfectly complements a natural, beachy makeup look.  

I normally wear this foundation for day-usage only. 



Here is Hayden Panettiere with great glowing skin.
(As you can see, dewy skin isn't ideal for a red carpet.
In this photo, Hayden has a lot of additional shine from the
cameras that give her white spots).

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $42, Nordstrom.com


Coverage – Light to medium
Product – Super moisturizing. Makes my face feel refreshing. Easy to apply.

This is the best foundation choice for casual events: work, gym, movies, etc.  If you have perfect skin without blemishes or spots, you can definitely use this foundation for special occasions, too.

This foundation only comes in a few colors, which can be tricky if you’re between shades.  Try testers first and then decide.


Thursday, July 7, 2011

Hair is your best accessory



....Graduating from college, moving back in with my parents and starting a new job are just a few things I’ve been adapting to for the past several months.  And while I lived through some of the best moments of my life, I also endured quite a bit of stress, which has partially caused my skin, nails and hair to change....

Therefore, I’ve made many ESSENTIAL beauty purchases in which I must share!

HAIR!

1. My hair stylist introduced me to the Holy Grail of hair care - DermOrganic Argan Oil Hair Treatments. 

First, it’s organic.
Second, it’s sulfate-free.
Third, it smell dee-lish-US!
Fourth, it will make your hair incredibly soft and light.

In other words, you are absolutely missing out if you don’t purchase it!

Where to buy:  Retails online or at select salons
How much:  Approx $22 for each




2. If DermOrganics is out of your price range, I strongly suggest you purchase shampoo and conditioner from L'Oréal ‘s Sulfate-free product line.

It too, smells great and it makes my hair feel very soft.  I was very surprised how great this product is; especially because it is pretty cheap and I bought it at my local drugstore!

My hair stylist told me overtime your hair will adapt to the products you use – meaning your products won’t work the way they are supposed to.  Therefore, I use the L'Oréal products M-TH and the DermOrganics on the weekend.  Unless I need Xtra FAB hair during the week.

Where to buy: Any local drugstore
How much: Approx $5.99 each!!


3. Tips I live by in order to keep my hair healthy and strong…

-   I don’t use heat-related products (i.e., curling irons, straighteners, blow dryers) everyday.  My natural hair has a beachy, wavey consistency; therefore, I’m cutting back my hot tool usage.

-   I always use a leave-in hair treatment to protect my hair from damage.
o   Living proof, Phyto and Macadamia Oil products are good choices (purchase at Sephora.com)

-   Whenever my hair looks a little oily, I wash it.  The rule “don’t wash your hair everyday” doesn’t cut it for me.


HAIR IS YOUR BEST ACCESSORY! 
HEALTHY HAIR = A BEAUTIFUL YOU :)


**I do not get paid for endorsing any of the above products or stores.