Category Archives: Makeup

3Floz.com. Because size matters!

You don’t have to be a world traveler to appreciate 3Floz.com. This online shop for those-in-the-know features luxury beauty products exclusively in travel-friendly sizes (3 oz. or less) but it’s also perfect for those looking to try something new without spending a lot of cash…a great way to find a new favorite before splurging on the full size!

3Floz.com  carries over 50 luxe brands, including Fekkai, Phyto and Murad, sized right for a hassle-free baggage check and priced right for minimum commitment. Browse through their curated selection encompassing everything from face and hair care to body lotions, treatment products, products for kids and men and even aromatherapy. Cherry-pick whatever catches your eye or go for the themed kits and best-sellers.

Coming this Fall 2013, 3Floz.com will be in select US airport terminals, carrying the same products available on on their e-commerce site.

photo courtesy of 3floz.com

Sephora Artist Color Box

Quality and quantity coexist in this latest collection from Sephora: 24 waterproof eye shadows, 6 lipglosses, 5 eye pencils, in colors you’ll actually want to wear and all for only $34 ($145 value).

Sephora Collection Artist Color Box Makeup Palette, $34, available at www.sephora.com.

How to Get Perfect Brows: Q&A with Ramy Gafni

The perfect brow is possible when you have brow guru, Ramy Gafni, in your corner. Since we can’t all get to Ramy, I thought I’d bring Ramy to you.

What are the beauty benefits of having the right eyebrow shape? The right brow shape is like makeup that you don’t wash off. It can lift your eyes, make you look younger or more sophisticated. It’s the easiest way to improve your appearance dramatically without plastic surgery.
Right now, what’s trending in brows? I’m happy to report that for the past several years we’ve seen the trend toward fuller, bolder eyebrows. I’ve always advocated what I call the “fully actualized eyebrow” which is a well groomed brow that’s as full as possible, not too short, not too far apart, with an arch that follows one’s bone structure.
How can a woman find the right brow shape for her face shape? It’s ideal to have your brows shaped at least once by a well recommended expert because its difficult to be objective with your own face. If you don’t have the opportunity to see an expert, look at famous actresses that you might resemble to see what your brows should look like.
If someone has over-plucked or sparse brows, can she fake a fuller brow and still have it look natural?
Yes! You can fake it til you make it! Fill in a sparse or thin brow with a wax based pen, pencil or pomade. Choose a shade that’s two shades lighter than your hair color. If in doubt, choose a universally flattering taupe. Fill the entire brow, not just the sparse area. The brow should look uniform. Apply product directly on the brow hairs, not above or below the brows. After applying, it’s very important to brush through the product. This removes the excess product and blends what’s left behind so you end up with great looking eyebrows, not made up looking brows.
What products are necessary to get and maintain a good brow? good tweezers, safety scissors, a small brush, brow filler if necessary. From RAMY Cosmetics, I use the Ramy Tweezers by Tweezerman ($25), the Ramy Scissor by Tweezerman ($18), the Perfect Brow Wand ($28), Miracle Brow ($28), the Browtility Brush ($21), all available at www.Ramy.com.
*Ramy’s long list of celebrity clients includes Michelle Williams and Taylor Swift.

 

Something to Hide…

I need to give a shout-out to my favorite beauty product of all time! Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage can’t be beat–it completely covers dark circles, blemishes, neutralizes redness and lasts all day. Two shades per compact lets you customize your color for a perfect match every time.

Even when I’m having a “makeup-free” day, I use this to even out my skin-tone–a little under the eyes (always layered on top of eye cream) and around the nose area (where I’m prone to a bit of redness) and I can face the day. When wearing foundation, apply the concealer afterwards to see where you really need it. A little goes a long way and one compact will last you a very long time. Mine lasts 6 – 9 months and I wear it every day!

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $30 at www.lauramericer.com.

A Clean Sweep!

I’m too tired tonightI’m just not in the mood.

I’m talking makeup and the excuses women give on why they don’t always remove it before bedtime. If clogged pores, blackheads and pimples aren’t on your beauty must-have list, I highly recommend you cleanse nightly…and, when you’re too exhausted to bother with the whole nine yards, a facial cleansing cloth is good in a pinch.

My favorite? Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths, $8.00 at sephora.com. I’ve been known to use them before bed but I really love them post-workout. They’re formulated for newborns and babies’ delicate skin so they never irritate my sensitive complexion and I love, love, love the fresh, light scent!

Win It! Mally Beauty Modern Matte Shadows Giveaway

This is your chance to win gorgeous makeup from best in the biz, Mally Roncal!

Choose Mally Beauty Evercolor Modern Matte Eyeshadow Duo in Sage (green shades), Earth (brown and blue) or Sunset (lavender and peachy-pink) to experience matte shadows at their best. They’re pigment-rich and the color stays put. Apply a little or a lot to lids or use it as liner. Two winners will be randomly chosen on Sunday evening.

Enter now! Here’s how:

  1. Subscribe to my blog, thebeautywall.com.
  2. Write a comment for this or any of my previous blog posts. Be sure to include your e-mail or other contact information so I can send you your prize if you win. Also, specify which color duo you’d prefer (Sage, Earth or Sunset).
  3. Share this contest on facebook, pinterest, twitter or forward it to a friend.

Giveaway will run through Sunday, 3/24/13. Good luck and thanks for participating!

xoxoNancy

 

 

 

 

Green Believer!

blogshot - green stripes

St. Patty’s Day might have come and gone…but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of seeing lots and lots of green. Pantone’s Color of Year is EMERALD which means we will be seeing an abundance of it throughout the year. Look for it in makeup, fashion and home decor.

 

 

 

 

Here, a few reasons I love green!

1) It’s the color of veggies…and I do love my salads! My favorite salad recipe? Greens with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries.

2) I see the world through green eyes. They started out hazel…I swear I willed them to turn green! If your eyes are similar to mine (green or hazel) opt for eyeliners or shadows in shades of apricot or purple to make them pop. Metallic hues like gold, copper or bronze will also complement your eyes. To try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Violet Plum, $28 or Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow in Sizzling Copper, $21.

3) This year, green is hot and the picks are plentiful! Check out Drop Necklace Set available on Etsy, only $12.40 and Diane von Furstenberg ‘Leanna’ Silk Shirtdress, $375.

4) Who couldn’t use more $green? To save, invest, donate or spend.

5) Living “green” doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The little things you do can add up to big changes for you and the environment. Here, 10 Tips for Living a Green Life.

photography courtesy of J.Crew

Great New Makeup Line!

Product Review: MAKE Cosmetics

This new line comes with a very nice pedigree–Mana Products is the world’s leading private label manufacturer of beauty products. Ever heard of a little company called NARS? That’s from Mana…along with many, many other great brands.

Their latest is MAKE Cosmetics…with a philosophy I can definitely get on board with! MAKE donates one-third of all sales to women-led, worker-owned, start-up co-ops in the U.S. and they pair artists from different backgrounds to create their seasonal color collections. Their first collaboration is with London-based interior/furniture designer, Faye Toogood and makeup artist Ayami Nishimura.

Their Medieval Palette, $25, (photo above) contains 4 very wearable matte shadows in shades of moody grays (nice for a smoky eye) plus a cool blue (if you’d prefer a pop of color) and 4 matte lipsticks, in everyday neutrals (love these shades!) and a bright coral. The eyeshadows are soft, powdery and blend well. I like them as a sheer wash of color but you can also layer them or use them to line your eyes. Also,the lipsticks are creamy, go on smoothly and wear well.

When testing this line, I went straight for their gold eyeshadow–my go-to color for eyes (it’s a shade that works for all skin tones and all eye colors). MAKE’s Satin Finish Eyeshadow in Gilded, $18,  doesn’t disappoint! It applies evenly, looks luminous and stays put. Apply dry for a sheer wash of color or wet to amp up the drama.

MAKE is available at www.weseebeauty.com. Besides makeup, I highly recommend you also check out the unique products for sale in their design gallery.

 

How to Fake Wide Awake!

Lately, my beauty sleep has taken a back seat to everything else I’ve been up to–attending beauty events, catching up on 3 years worth of Downton Abbey, caring for my little guy who who’s been under-the-weather and the normal day to day of cooking meals, chauffeuring back and forth to activities, tidying the house, reading for the two book clubs I belong to, staying on top of my part-time job and writing this blog–and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eyes: Red, tired eyes are the tell, but forget using white eyeliner on your waterline, it always looks unnatural. Instead, use a skin-tone or nude pencil on both the inner upper and inner lower lids to neutralize redness and brighten the entire eye area. A creamy, budge-proof formula will stay put and won’t tug the delicate eye area. I like Chanel Le Crayon Khol in 69 Clair, $28 and Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte, $24. Curl lashes and add mascara.

Face: When you’re tired your complexion tends to look dry and lackluster. Don’t overdo it with a heavy foundation. Use a moisturizing makeup with a sheer, luminous finish. Try Clinique Supermoisture Makeup, $25 or Chanel Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup, $55. Finish with a pop of color on cheeks and lips such as, Julie Hewett Cheekie Cheek & Lip Shine, $24.

Yes, I’ve been burning the candle on both ends, but thanks to these beauty tips I don’t have to look it…and neither do you!

 

Win This Bag!

Give your beauty products a pretty place to hang out!  Inspired by the Spring ’13 runway shows, Modella’s Zebra Blossom 4 Piece Fitted Mini Train Set is on trend and will keep you organized.

One lucky reader will be randomly selected to win this travel set.

TO ENTER:

  1. Subscribe to my blog, www.thebeautywall.com.
  2. Write a comment for this or any of my previous blog posts. Be sure to include your e-mail or other contact information so I can send you your prize if you win.
  3. Share this contest on facebook, pinterest, twitter or forward it to a friend.

Giveaway will run through Friday, 3/8/13. Good luck and thanks for participating! Nancy