Tag Archives: The Beauty Wall

Pro Lip Tip!

Makeup artists in the know always dab a bit of foundation on the lips to tone down natural lip color before applying lipstick. It’s the best way to  get a true-to-the-tube color.

(photography courtesy of wwd.com)

Suncare Stash

You know the drill. Harmful UVA and UVB rays cause skin damage even when it’s cloudy outside. Sunscreen applied each and every day will help maintain the health of your skin and prevent wrinkles, spots and other aging skin damage. Look for chemical sunscreens like those with avobenzone and oxybenzone or physical sunblocks such as those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

To stay safe:

  • Avoid the sun between the peak hours of 10:00am to 2:00pm.
  • Apply generously. The average adult needs a shot-glass full for the body plus an additional 2/3 a teaspoon for the face and neck.
  • Reapply every 2 hours and immediately after swimming, even with water resistant products

My Sun Stash:

Coola Sport SPF 45 Unscented Moisturizer ($32 for 5 oz.) is sweat and water resistant up to 80 minutes, paraben free and ultra sheer plus it’s formulated with 70% certified organic inactive ingredients.

Coola Face SPF 20 Unscented ($36 for 1.7 oz.) works well for sensitive skin. This mineral-based sunblock is hypoallergenic, ultra-sheer and enriched with anti-aging antioxidants.

Mustela Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion 50+ ($22 for 3.4 oz.) is gentle enough for infants thanks to the physical blockers micronized titanium and zinc and is ideal for the most sensitive skin.

Australian Gold Sheer Coverage Continuous Spray SPF 50 with Kona Bronzers ($11.99) gives you an instant sun-kissed glow while it protects you from sun damage. Quickly absorbs, oil-free formula and water resistant for 80 minutes.

Kiss My Face Kids Defense™ with Air Powered Spray™ SPF 50 ($16.99 for 6 oz) combines broad spectrum sunscreen with a blend of Antioxidants for extra protection. It’s water resistant for 40 minutes, clear and rub free plus it sprays at any angle so it’s easy to cover those hard to reach places.

Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF 30 for Face and Neck with Hydresia®  ($12.95 for 2 oz ) has UVA and UVB protection plus natural peptides and extracts to combat aging and skin soothing ingredients.

Kiss My Face Sensitive Side™ SPF 30 ($12.95 for 4 oz) is non irritating for sensitive skin thanks to soothing Oat Protein , Green Tea and Carrot Extract and extra moisturizing.

eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Lemon Drop ($3.29) protects lips with SPF 15, Vitamin E and natural oils so lips stay soft, moist and protected.

(featured image courtesy of Pinterest)

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The Power of Red

Colors have different meanings in different cultures and they’re even known to change over time but right now in the U.S., researchers have found this to be true about RED:

  • Red is an intense, extreme color known to affect all who see it.
  • Men and women are seen as more attractive when wearing red.
  • Red is the color of confidence but too much can be interpreted as aggressive.
  • In clothing, decor, wildlife and more, red always gets attention.

The best way to reap the benefits of red without inviting negative reactions is to take your red in small doses. Just a hint will make you that much more appealing, add visual interest and jump-start any outfit. Check out these ruby red accent pieces:

Zoya Nail Polish in Tamsen, $9 at zoya.com. I love this for fingers and toes. Orange undertones make it a Spring/Summer staple.

Eugenia Kim Chiara Headband, $90 at shopbop.com. The ombre shading and center-knot take this to another level.

Gahara Links Transfixion Necklace, $58 at anthropologie.com. Go global with this Rwandan made, hand-beaded pendant necklace.

Super Ciccio Eyeglasses, $169 at madewell.com. Oversized, retro frames in a “notice-me” color.

Cole Haan Jen & Oil Mary Jane Suede Platform Sandal, $125 at lastcall.com. Because red, grown-up Mary Janes are hot!

True Colors…

There are two types of beauty personalities…those that play it safe, never deviating too far from what they know works well for them and those that try every trend and switch things up as often as they can. This little gem of a book is for the later.

Maybe you like having a lot of fun with your hair or have a secret desire to be the coolest mom or aunt around. Maybe you’re a “hair virgin” and are ready to take a walk on the wild or semi-wild side.  DIY DYE: Bright and Funky Temporary Hair Coloring You Do at Home will help you do just that. It gives you lowdown on how to create different looks with chalks, food coloring, hairspray,  Kool-Aid packets and then some. You might just find that pushing the envelope works for you. If not, your “back-to-basics” is just a shampoo away.

DIY DYE: Bright and Funky Temporary Hair Coloring You Do at Home by Loren Lankford @ barnesandnoble.com.

 

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Illuminate Me!!!

As far as skincare ingredients go, Glycolic Acid is a superstar!

  • It brightens skin by breaking down older, dull skin cells to reveal the newer, fresh skin beneath.
  • It can diminish fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, hyper-pigmentation and even scars.
  • It boosts radiance due to an increase in circulation.
  • Used twice a week it will put an end to unsightly blackheads.
  • It’s helpful in the treatment of acne and can even eliminate those white bumps on on the upper arm area.

Keep in mind, Glycolic acid is an AHA, a chemical exfoliant. It targets dull, dry skin by sloughing off the top layer and promoting cell turnover. You will most likely feel a tingling sensation at first and you might also experience some redness so for best results I recommend using Glycolic products at night so the redness has plenty of time to subside–you’ll wake up with brighter, clearer skin. I like using it a few times a week to keep my skin in check.

Try:

Lather 10-minute Brightening Mask with Glycolic Acid,  a twice a week fix for a dull complexion. It’s best to use it at bedtime because you can have redness (due to increased circulation) that can last about a half an hour. Apply a thin layer on cleansed skin (a tingling sensation is normal) and rinse with warm water after 5-10 minutes.

Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10 Percent Moisturizer, an anti-aging, exfoliating facial cream. Use it at night since redness may occur.

Glytone Retexturize Body Lotion, SPF15, a skin smoothing and brightening lotion. Will turn dry areas (even elbows, knees, heels) silky and keep your skin radiant. Use sparingly, a little goes a long way. Thanks to added SPF you can use this lotion all day.

(photography courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Help for Thin Hair

I’ve noticed that when it comes to hair so many of us would prefer to have something very different than what we’ve been given. If you’re not blessed with gorgeous, thick, healthy-looking hair and would like to do something about it, try the beauty supplement that many actors and models swear by. Used by Reese Witherspoon, Karlie Kloss, Miley Cyrus and Miranda Lambert, Viviscal’s  proprietary ingredient, AminoMar, nourishes and promotes growth from the inside out.

Celeb stylist, Randy Stodghill says, “I always recommend my clients start taking Viviscal because it makes a big difference. The hair grows faster and gives more oomph, while leaving a healthy shine and soft finish. You end up having more volume because it is thicker and gives an all-around healthier appearance.”

Viviscal, $49,99 for a one month supply at viviscal.com. *Expect to take it for two months before you start to see results.

Trend Alert: Cluster Earrings

When more than one A-list celeb wears a particular style accessory to the most high profile event of the year, you can believe a trend isn’t far behind. I expect we’ll be seeing a lot more cluster earrings like those spotted on Lupita Nyong’o and Sandra Bullock at the 2014 Oscars. Here, some great choices:

(photography courtesy of Getty Images)

And the Award Goes To…

The big night has come and gone and the 86th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood at the Dolby Theatre did not disappoint. We knew Ellen would entertain, make a few cracks and still remain lovable. And chances were good that Lupita, Jared, and McConaughey would take home golden statues…but when it comes to “the look” who got the highest rankings from The Beauty Wall?

While I loved Jennifer Lawrence’s orange-red Dior, Amy Adams in Gucci and Lupita Nyong’o’s Prada it was Cate Blanchett who stole the show! Her gorgeous nude Giorgio Armani Prive gown with Swarovski crystals and sequins was age, occasion and attention-grabbing appropriate and her hair and makeup was just right.

Makeup artist Jeanine Lobell created the  timeless “Modern Movie Star” look for Blanchett. Here, the products she used so you can copy it at home:

EYES-
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Quad #2 Effeto Nudo – Jeanine used the warm taupe shade all over as a base; the deeper taupe on the lid and feathered it into the crease to open up the eye; the light brown was mixed with the deeper taupe and applied to the outer crease and center; and the darkest brown was wet and used as a liner

Troy Surratt Lash Curler

Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Custom Volume Mascara – After cutting a strip of false lashes and applying to the corner of the eye, Jeanine applied the mascara to the base of the lashes and pressed it in to give her real lashes a false effect

Makeup Forever Brow Gel

FACE-
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – Jeanine patted this into the skin before applying foundation to allow her to use a more lightweight foundation and to ensure it will stay put all night long

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #10 Beige – Jeanine applied this to the apples of Cate’s cheeks and feathered it out before applying a second coat to ensure she looked like she was glowing from within 

LIPS-
Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in #103 – Jeanine finished the look with this creamy, beige-y pink

 86th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

 

Skin Savers

Fashion Week was a whirlwind, not only for the editors, writers and buyers that attended the shows but also for the models that walked down the runways. Yes, most are genetically blessed with “gorgeous” genes but that doesn’t mean the pre-show preps of fittings, running around in the biting cold and early-to-late hours wouldn’t take as much a toll on their skin as it would for you or me.

Designer Richard Chai was taking no chances. He teamed up with Dr. Jart+ to guarantee his models looked their best. Here’s what it took to get them runway-ready:

“Richard Chai is all about dewy, fresh skin,” says Joy Fennell, Lead Makeup Artist for Dr. Jart+.  For this show, she relied on the V7 Cleansing Foam, Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel Mask, Ceramidin Liquid, and Ceramidin Cream to help achieve a radiant complexion.

Dr. Jart+ V7 Cleansing FoamThe V7 Cleansing Foam not only removes old make-up but brightens and calms dull, stressed skin, making it an easy choice for backstage use.  Formulated with a super antioxidant blend containing 7 essential vitamins, this cleanser neutralizes free radicals to restore stressed skin.
Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel MaskLike a glass of water for your skin, the Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel Mask infuses moisture into dry and dehydrated skin within minutes of applying.  Made with a unique hydrogel material that locks in moisture, the mask also contains hyaluronic acid and natural extracts to restore elasticity and bounce to the skin, providing a little TLC during the backstage frenzy.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid and Ceramidin CreamConstantly having makeup removed and applied to the face can cause some serious irritation, but models were saved by the quick, soothing relief of Ceramidin Liquid and Ceramide Cream.  Jam-packed with micro-encapsulated ceramides, these powerful moisturizers smoothen and soften the models’ dry, itchy skin, helping to creating the perfect blank canvas for makeup.  Dr. Jart+’s patented ceramide stabilization technology also ensures the ceramides are able to penetrate deeper into the lipid layer, enhancing the skin’s natural strength and ensuring it stays well-hydrated throughout the day.

 

For more information or to purchase Dr. Jart+ products, click here.