Tag Archives: Makeup

The Best Lipstick for Everyone!

Finding the perfect everyday lipstick can be tricky. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with your natural lip tone–then take it just up a notch for your most flattering shade–most likely in the rose-toned family.

Before purchasing, you’ll need to try it on. Your natural lip color will determine what the lipstick shade looks like on you, that’s why what works for you best friend might not be right for you. And when you’ve got it, you’ll know. You’ll still look like you, only better!

*Add a clear gloss to make lips appear fuller or blot it for a more matte finish.

 

(photography courtesy of Chanel)

 

 

 

The Hot New BB Cream? A CC Cream!

The hot new BB Cream is a CC Cream!

Beauty Balms (aka BB Creams) have enjoyed their time in the spotlight thanks to multiple benefits of an all-in-one moisturizer, primer, sun protection and a light foundation. Color Correctors (aka CC Creams) are the latest take on this craze. Similar to the BB Cream they do all of the above but also address specific complexion concerns like dullness or discoloration while adding a bit more coverage. Both are lighter than your traditional foundation.

Your skin type, desired coverage and even the weather (dry vs. humid conditions) will all influence your preference.

BB & CC Beauty Tips:

  • Apply sunscreen before your BB or CC Cream to ensure you’re getting adequate sun protection.
  • Blend with your usual foundation when looking for more coverage.
  • If skin is oily, use it as a primer to help set your makeup. If skin is dry, mix in a little moisturizer for extra hydration.

To Try:

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF30 , $42 at sephora.com

Ole Henrikson Perfect Truth CC Creme Broad Spectrum SPF30, $36, available at sephora.com

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF20, $34, available at sephora.com

 

Something to Blush About…

Product Review: Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom, $24 at www.sephora.com.

I love that extra boost of energy I feel after a good workout. It gets my blood pumping and brings a healthy-looking glow to my complexion that lasts for hours!

Thanks to a little blush, that glow is easy to mimic. The perfect shade for you is the color your cheeks naturally turn when you’re blushing or exercising. To do, smile and apply blush to the apples with a fluffy brush if it’s powder or dotted on if it’s cream or gel. Gently blend up into the hairline and down and out for instant and natural-looking radiance!

I tried Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush and was more than pleasantly surprised. In Bloom is a pink shade that adds just the right amount of color to my skin. It actually looks a lot brighter in the packaging but is absolutely perfect when applied. With its cool, built-in grinder a little twist gives you freshly ground, mess-free color–the perfect amount every time.

(photo courtesy of Orange County Bride Magazine)

Before & After: From Junk Room to Home Office

As I previously posted  in “I’ve Got a Secret…” (read here) I love my home…all except the room I’ve had pegged for my home office. With good southern light and decent wood floors it had the potential to be stylish, but it was greatly hampered by extreme clutter and baby blue walls. I knew if I wanted to use it as a home office I’d need to practice some crowd control and ruthless editing.

My first order of business? Declutter! I made three piles: Donate, Put Away and Yard Sale. Because I started feeling nostalgic while going through it all, it took a lot longer than I anticipated. So many of my things have memories attached–for me, it’s what makes a house a home–but I realized if I was going to make any progress and use this room for its intended purposed I’d need to get moving. I bought large bins and stored the things I wasn’t ready to part with (and maybe never would be). I tucked away beautiful drawings my children made when they were small, sentimental letters and cards I’ve received over the years from loved ones, magazines with stories I’ve written and/or been a part of. I took lamps, mirrors and other accessories and stored them in the attic because periodically I like to switch up my rooms and certain items are keepers. The ones that didn’t tug at my heart will be in my upcoming yard sale.

The only two items from the room that made the cut were my desk from West Elm (for its practicality) and a stained glass window I bought off-season in the Hamptons when my husband and I were dating (because it makes me happy). I pushed them to the center of the room and covered them with some sheets before painting the room in Benjamin Moore’s Calm, a wonderful shade of white that makes me feel at home. To furnish the rest of the room on a budget, I brought in an Ikea bookcase as well as a cozy, charcoal corner chair, creamy white shag rug and green storage baskets, all from Home Goods.

I added a few personal touches like  a family heirloom art deco clock for my desk and some favorite family photos atop the bookshelves…and because I realize the importance of all our senses and I love candles I placed a new favorite, Bath & Body Works Candle in First Bloom. When lit, it fills the whole room with this delicious, “I could be standing in a garden” scent. Amazing!!!

blogshot-candle1

I couldn’t be happier. My home office is clean, organized and best of all, it’s a room I can be productive in. I’m still looking for a few special items to complete the look:

  • a proper pillow for the chair. I’m thinking a green or bright pink.
  • curtains to frame the window. Most likely smoky grey linen panels that hang just shy of the floor.
  • an over-sized, vintage chalkboard for my to-do lists.
  • a comfortable, lived-in looking chair for the desk.

 

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.

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