GRAMMY GLAMOUR

There was no shortage of star studded beauty and Hollywood glamour at this year's Grammy Awards. Bright lips, luxurious eyelashes and brow-grazing bangs dominated on the red carpet through a sea of dazzling and often skin-baring gowns. And though the looks were varied, there were some obvious stand-out trends on the red carpet. One thing is for certain, these ladies owned  their looks and used everything in their bag of tricks to help show off their own unique style!

Chic and Sleek

Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez worked this look to a tee on the red carpet. With a slicked-back ponytail Bey rocked two trends by also wearing a vibrant lip (see below). J-Lo's chic top knot was the perfect complimented to her graphic eye, not to be outdone of course by that sexy slit in her dress.

To perfect this shiny, sleek 'do try Enjoy Hair Care Shine and Smooth ($15-35). It locks in moisture and blocks out humidity without a heavy or greasy feel.

The Vibrant Lip

 

Clearly aware of the "no competition" clause the vibrant lip paired with a subtle eye was definitely the order of the night. Song birds Kimbra, Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys and actress Kat Dennings all had perfect pouts ranging from candy apple red to deep berry. From soft matte to sheer and glossy and everything in between this look remains a huge trend. 
A few shades to try:
Chanel Rouge Allure 109 Rouge Noir ($32)
 
                                                           MAC Lady Danger ($15)
             

 

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm Haute Pink ($7)       

 

Miss Match

 

 

Rihanna, Natasha Beddingfield, and Skylar Gray decided to take it old school and matched their lip color to their dresses. Rih Rih even took it further by matching both her lips and nails to her sexy red sheer gown. Flawlwess skin, groomed brows, and soft curls make the look work for these stunners.

 

Going Nude

Nude and natural makeup highlights your features and puts glowing skin in the spotlight. Add a modern, edgy spin on this popular look by winging out  your eyeliner or subtly smoking out your eye shadow. Deeper skin tones need a soft hint of color, while those with a more fair complexion can almost match their skin. Kelly Rowland, Nancy Odell, Solange Knowles and Kaley Cuoco got it right.  

 For gorgeous skin without foundation try one of the new BB or CC creams. A hybrid of both makeup and skincare, they perfect and correct your complexion, hydrate and brighten your skin.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF35 ($42) and Smashbox  Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35 ($39) both offer broad spectrum sun protection and come in a variety of shades.

 

Simply Gorgeous

 These beauties earn honorable mention for being well put together. Their fashion choices could not overshadow their glamorous and sophisticated looks. Adele's skin was glowing despite the floral explosion she was wearing, and even her cleavage couldn't detract from Katy Perry's "old Hollywood" style. Model Chrissy Teigen, Carrie Underwood and Ashanti were oh-so-elegant! And Carly Rae Jepson's blue eye shadow was perfectly fun and flirty  for a starlet her age, don't you agree?
Amp up your eyes with Clininique Chubby Stick for Eyes ($16) or try Sephora Jumbo Liner 12H ($14).  Create a thick and smooth line above your lashes for a soft smoky effect anytime.



Summerize Your Makeup

This summer is all about a "pop" of color.  Whether it"s your lips, eyes, cheeks or even your hair, you can pay tribute to the season by adding a bright splash of color to your makeup wardrobe!


THE EYES HAVE IT
They may be the windows to the soul, but sometimes our eyes need a little help getting noticed.  Sweep a neutral color all over your lid  and then outline your eyes with a bright blue, green, or purple. Sephora's Jumbo Liner 12Hr Wear Waterproof ($12) can be smudged as an all-over eye color or used just for outlining. Waterproof, heat-proof and humidity resistant they are the perfect  addition to your summer color collection.


                                                      POWERFUL POUT

When it comes to summer lip color, lip stain is the name of the game! The newest formulas will last all day long and not make your lips feel like a dried prune. Corals look good on virtually all skin tones and are always a safe choice for summer. If your're feeling a bit more adventurous, pinks and fushias look great on olive and tanned or brown skin tones, while orange and orangy-browns work well on those who are more fair.  Red is always on and poppin' on any complexion.. One to try, Lancome Rouge In Love 6hour Long Wear Lipstick($25) in 381M Violette Coquette



GREAT SUMMER SKIN IS ALWAYS IN
That healthy glow of summer always starts with great skin. Exfoliate your skin on a regular basis to help ensure an even tan and to enhance the appearance of your summer makeup look. Two of my favorite things:
Exscrub Me? Beautisol Citrus Face Exfoliant($16).  This gentle yet effective exfoliant and cleanser is also paraben-free and will leave your skin feeling clean, fresh and moisturized.  

Clarisonic Mia Sonic skin Cleansing System($119) Cleans your skin 6 times better than just using your hands alone in only 60 seconds.  This one-speed wonder gently removes makeup, dirt and impurities that can get trapped deep inside the pores. Its gentle massaging action will leave your skin feeling softer and  smoother and looking fabulous! And it comes in a fun assortment of colors to boot!

Until next time. Stay beautiful!

SPRING BEAUTY BREAK!

Hello Makeup Mavens!

Well, it's time once again time to put our spring faces on. And what better way to begin than with a clear, bright complexion? So before you rush off to your favorite cosmetic counter to try on the newest foundation formula or the latest lip color, here's a little refresher course in Beauty 101.

Exfoliate and Hydrate
You know by now that the two most important steps for good skin are to exfoliate and hydrate. I found a great product that will cleanse and exfoliate your skin all in one step. Olay Pore Minimizing Cleanser + Scrub ($6.99) gently exfoliates and deep cleanses your face, all while smoothing out the look of large pores. Great for all skin types and you can use it day or night to jump-start your skincare routine.

Brighten Up
Want that youthful spring glow? Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate from Lancome (.68oz $60) boosts your skin's radiance, improves its clarity and tone, and makes it softer to the touch in just 7 days! (no joke, I've tried it). Just a couple of drops under your moisturizer and you'll get that youthful glow back in no time.

Hydrate
Bliss Triple Oxygen +C Energizing Cream ($54) This cream-gel formula brightens and revives dull, stressed skin instantly while it moisturizes. It evens out your skin tone and helps promote collagen but contains no parabens, sulfates, etc that can be harmful to your skin. What more could you ask for?


Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag
Out with the old and in with the new! Now's the time to get rid of old mascara, out-dated lip and eye colors and that teeny, tiny pencil that you have such a hard time finding in the bottom of of your bag. It's time to stock up on some new spring shades! Put away that deep plum blush and opt for a soft coral one instead. Ditch the deep brown lipstick and switch to a sheer pink gloss. Think Spring Break in Palm Beach. Your wardrobe changes with the seasons, why aren't you doing the same with your makeup?

Until next time!

-Karol

COMPLEXION PERFECTION!

Minimize pores, wrinkles and uneven skin texture with these tried and true makeup primers

Some people just seem to have picture-perfect skin. You know who she is... girlfriend's makeup looks perfect every time you see her! Or the latest "it girl" on the pages of your favorite fashion mag with the impeccable skin. But often times its not about the kind of makeup she's using, but what she puts on underneath it. Foundation primer can make even the largest pores look smaller, make your skin appear smoother, and help make your complexion look flawless. The products below have stood the test of time for my clients whether on the red carpet, on-camera, or out on the town.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Voted best makeup primer three years running by "In Style" Magazine, this primer has set the standard for all others. It not only fills in your pores and fine lines like nobody's business, but also helps your makeup look fresh and flawless for hours. And it works great on all ages and skin types. The original silicone based formula has given birth to seven additional formulations--from oil-free to color correcting -- even one that targets your fine lines and fills in pores the size of the Grand Canyon.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Clarins has created the perfect marriage of makeup and skincare with this product. The name says it all. This light-weight veil makes your skin perfectly smooth in an instant, filling in large pores and even acne scars. If you're concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, it works on those too. It won't cause pimples (although I find it works best if you have normal to dry skin) and is opthalmologist tested so you can even use it around your eyes. Mix it with your favorite foundation or wear it all alone for a beautiful looking complexion.

Cargo Blu Ray Activating Face Primer

For you ingredient-savvy gals, Cargo's primer is a triple threat. This one will refine and minimize your pores and is silicone-free, paraben-free and oil-free. Their Blu Ray line was designed for high-def film, so this primer makes your skin look natural yet flawless. It also promises to improve the overall condition of your skin with daily use. Not sure if that part is true,but its lightweight texture and superior performance has me hooked.

Laura Geller Welcome Matte Skin Enhancer

Put this one in the "must have" column if your skin is oily. This lightweight gel not only smooths out and "shrinks"your pores, but also controls shine for hours. Use it both under your makeup and to touch-up on top of it throughout the day for impeccably smooth skin. Goodbye oil slick, hello perfect complexion!

Last Looks

FYI, you can use all of these primers with or without foundation (liquid or powder) and over tinted moisturizer to minimize the appearance of large pores and enhance the look of your skin overall. Apply them on clean, hydrated skin using a brush or a sponge and beginning in the T-zone. And be sure to share your pore-knowledge with the fellas so they can give good face too!

GO GLAM WITH LASHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Wearing false eyelashes can take your look from plain and ordinary to glam diva. They can make your eyes pop under natural makeup or increase your "wow" factor for a night on the town. False lashes are also a great accessory for any holiday makeup look. Whether you add lashes for everyday or just want to rock them for your next social event, how you apply them can make the difference between looking hot and looking a hot mess!

False Lashes 101

Before you embark on your lash journey, you'll need to decide whether you want to do individual or strip lashes. If you use strips, measure them against your own lashes before you apply them by placing them onto your lash line. If they are too wide for your eyes, trim them from the outside or the corner with the longest length. You can curl your lashes both before and afteryou put on false lashes. You can also apply mascara

afterward to help blend the lashes with your natural ones. Black or white adhesive is not an issue, no matter what your skin tone, because it will dry clear. Finally, all lashes are not created equal. Some are meant for a single use, others you can clean with eye makeup remover and wear again.

Individual Lashes

Individual lashes are by far the most natural looking, but

also take the most practice to apply. Placing them along the entire lash line on top will give your lashes a longer and fuller appearance. You can choose short, medium or long lengths (whatever works best with your own lashes) to make them as conservative or dramatic as you want. Or you can place them only in the center or outer corners of your lashes to give you a more wide-eyed look. Individual lashes work on most all eye shapes, especially small eyes, without overpowering them. Using a pair of tweezers, lightly dip the base of the lash into your lash adhesive, then wait about 60 seconds until it's a bit tacky. Carefully apply them at the base of your own lashes where desired.

Strip Lashes

Strip eyelashes are in one

connected row, and come in various lengths and volumes. Lashes that appear separated will provide a more natural look, while thicker more dense strip lashes will give you a much more dramatic, high-fashion appearance. You can also cut strip lashes in half and put them only on the outer corners for an instant "eye lift." To apply these, you can carefully dip the base of the entire lash into adhesive, or use the stick end of a cotton swab to coat the base with adhesive. Wait about a minute until it's tacky, then gently press onto your lashes starting at the outer corner. Try to avoid putting the glue on directly from the tube. It can be a bit messy.

Fantasy Lashes

There may be occasions when you want to really step out of the box (a la Nicky Minaj or Lady Gaga). So when you're feeling like a rock star, you can experiment with lashes adorned with glitter, feathers, fashion colors, or that have outrageous length and volume. You can even apply them to the lower lashes.

It may take a little practice, but if if you're up for the challenge you'll be making holiday eyes in no time!

GO BOLD THIS SUMMER!

Hello All!

I know it's been a while, but I'm back to blogging, and just in time for summer! And one of the hottest trends this summer is bold lip color. Now I know taking a risk of any kind can be a bit intimidating but it can be summed up in one phrase, “Just do it!”
So often we let fear hold us back...fear of being different, fear of ridicule and humiliation, or simply a fear of not being in fashion! Many celebrities have signature lipsticks, some of them in quite bold shades (Gwen Stefani’s is red). Why not create your own signature look? Whether you see it in the pages of your favorite fashion magazine or you create a mixture of color all your own take a gamble on being the trend setter. If you decide you’re ready to take one small step for makeup and one giant leap for individualism and personal style, here are a few rules of thumb to make sure you look fierce!

· Make your lip color the focus of your look. Pair it with a more subtle eye and cheek. Anything brighter will only compete with your lip color.

· Choose a color that compliments your complexion and its undertones. The right intensity or pigment is also important. Too much or too little for your skin tone will appear clownish.

· Prep you lips properly. If they’re dry use a lip balm or lip moisturizer first. If the skin color on your lips is uneven use a foundation or concealer to balance the tone. Remember, darker pigment holds color differently than lighter pigment.

· Wear it with a lip liner. Matching either the color of your lipstick or your natural lip color will enhance the lipstick and help it stay put.

· Don’t go super glossy. The color is already bold so the finish should be natural, satin or matte. Too much gloss is overkill.

When using lip color directly from the tube apply it only to the top lip and press your lips together to blend for a subtle effect. Otherwise use a lip brush for a smooth, even application.

· Be sure to blot the inside of your lips to prevent the color from transferring to your teeth.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Match it to your shoes, your handbag, your accessories---whatever mood strikes you. Wear your bold lip color with confidence and pride. And remember, it’s only lipstick!


Karol

BREAST CANCER BEAUTY: LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a recent breast cancer survivor (one year and counting!) I know first hand that having confidence in your appearance can have a tremendous effect on the healing and recovery process. Throughout my treatment last year, sometimes putting on my favorite lipstick was the only thing that truly made me feel like my old self again. In fact, the American Cancer Society even has a program called "Look Good, Feel Better" which aims to help you do just that. It's hard to find anyone who hasn't been touched by this disease...one in eight women are diagnosed. In support of those doing battle in the war against breast cancer, here are some makeup and beauty tips to help them along on their journey.

Brow Perfection
Chemotherapy almost always results in complete hair loss, on your head, eyebrows and often eyelashes. It's best to learn how to fill in your brows before you lose them. Chose a brow color that closely matches your natural shade and practice filling in while you can still see them. Pay close attention to where brows begin and end on your face and how full they are. When the time comes, you'll be able to draw them from scratch with no need for an eyebrow stencil. Check my blog archives for the previous posting on eyebrows to find my favorite brow products.

Eye Openers
False eyelashes are great for emphasizing the eyes. And they are much easier to apply when you don't have to worry about blending them in with your own eyelashes! Strip lashes are inexpensive and come in a variety of styles. Try to get use to applying them before you lose your lash hair. Remember, practice really does make perfect. One of my favorites Ardell Fashion Lashes (about $3 drugstores).

If you've already got dark circles and puffiness, during treatment it will probably become even more pronounced. Use a hydrating concealer like Lancome Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer ($27.50) It minimizes the appearance of dark circles and fine lines and contains antioxidents to protect your skin from environmental damage. And best of all, it looks completely natural!

For a more permanent solution there's Eye Serum by RSF Skincare ($175) It contains 50% peptides (most brands have only 17%) along with other vitamins to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and skin forming fibers. In other words, it makes the eye area look young, healthy, and fabulous!

Exfoliate and Hydrate
The effects of chemotherapy and radiation can cause skin to become extremely dry and lack luster, on both your face and body. Exfoliating and hydrating will not only help enhance your complexion, but it will also invigorate and enliven the skin. Products designed specifically for those undergoing treatment are wonderful, but can be a bit costly. Instead, try switching to a richer, creamier version of your favorite moisturizer and body lotion to help combat excessive dryness. Make sure your doctor approves any product you apply directly onto areas of your skin affected by treatment.

One to try Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (6.7oz $35). Its not only hydrating but also dermatologist tested and 100% fragrance free. And when you buy this limited edition bottle, $10 of your purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

For the body try Bodiology Silk & Satin Vitamin E Body Lotion (8oz $38) Enriched with Vitamin E it contains yummie ingredients like grapeseed, avocado and vanilla to help soothe, protect and regenerate dry, irritated skin.

Color Me Beautiful
Channel your inner rainbow and add a splash of color to your face. A vibrant eyeshadow or lip color can work wonders, so have fun with it! Check out the Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection ($40). It features a creamy lip color and glittery lip balm both in shades of pink in support of Breast Cancer awareness month. Or try the limited edition collection hand picked by spokesmodel Elizabeth Hurley for Estee Lauder This Lip Design Collection ($22) includes a lipstick, pencil and gloss along with a portable mirrored case. Through their "World Pink" campaign, the Estee Lauder company and its cosmetic affiliates is actively involved in raising awareness and funding research in an effort to find a cure for breast cancer.


There are many companies out there with products whose proceeds go to help fund the search for a cure. Like Brighton Collectibles Power of Pink Jewelry. Try and support these organizations when you can. To all of my sisters in the fight, stay strong, put your best face forward and wear your beauty proudly from the inside out!

Karol