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

The Bombshell is Back at the MTV Video Music Awards

Hello all!

Aside from the well deserved tributes to the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, and the drama and controversy of "Kanyegate", from a beauty perspective at this year's MTV VMA's one thing was clearly obvious--the "bombshell" is back!

You can tell just by looking at Katy Perry, Madonna or even Lady Ga Ga that this sensuous look can work on most everyone. Here are some tips to help you as you channel your inner bombshell.

Classic Rocker Chic
This take on the smokey eye is empasized with black eyeshadow and eyeliner and a subtle lip. False lashes add drama. Lips can go from soft shades of pink or coral to

almost nude. We saw it on Pink, Solange Knowels, reality star Kristin Cavalleri and Amanda Bynes.

DIY tip: Apply eyeshadow and liner before your concealer to minimize the clean up from eyeshadow "fall out". Blend powder shadow over your liner underneath the eyes to add staying power. A full coverage foundation with a mat or semi-mat finish completes the look.

Retro
Beauties like Katy Perry, Nellie Furtado and Madonna kept their bombshell look retro by toning down the eyeshadow and eyeliner or skipping it under the bottom altogether. Add the half-up hair poof and you've created the perfect retro look. DIY tip: Stick to neutral tones with your eyeshadow and play up the lip color a bit more to pull this one off. Go slightly heavier on top of the eye with both mascara and liner and keep the area under the eye as clean as possible. Perfectly groomed eyebrows are a must!
Funky

If you enjoy dancing to the beat of your own drummer like Lady Ga Ga and Cassie you can also make this look your own. The super dramatic smokey eye is contrasted with white eyeliner and (apparently) an outrageous 'do. Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester opted for a tamer hairstyle but winged out her eyeshadow to help grab attention. DIY tip: I definitely recommend you do a trial run for this look. Go heavy on the eyeshadow in either charcoal or black, line the inner rim of your eyes with white eyeliner and extend past the borders of the eyes with both white and black on the top and bottom. Add highlighter or glitter at the inner corners and under eyes for fun.

Pure Glamour

The night truly belonged to both Taylor Swift and Beyonce. Their class and sheer elegance were evident in their demeanor as well as their style. (How cool was it for Beyonce to invite Taylor onstage to complete her interrupted acceptance speech?). From the soft waves in their hair to their flawless complexions--It was old hollywood glamour at its best. DIY tip: Keep it simple. Stick with eyeshadow colors that are natural for your skintone and opt for liner in black, brown, navy or gray. False lashes are a must. Lips can be subtle or dramatic to complete your bombshell look. If you choose red or deep wine keep lip gloss to a minimum. Cheeks should match the lips but not overpower them.

Until next time!

Karol

BET Awards Beauty Trends

The BET Awards were held last Sunday, and in addition the the moving tributes to the late Michael Jackson, some very distinct beauty trends were evident. They might help you get a jump on your summer sizzle.

Pink Pout
In addition to beautiful skin, actress Zoe Saldana and singers LaToya Luckett and Amerie all rocked perfectly pink puckers. Looks like pink is the new red.

D.I.Y. Choose a shade of pink that compliments your skintone.Vibrant or matte shades works best when the rest of your face is neutral, while a stronger eye requires a more muted pink. Since pink is a vibrant color, a sheer gloss is always a good choice especially on deeper skintones.

Short and Chic

Everyone seemed to be sporting closely cropped do's. Singer Monica, actresses Elise Neal and Terri J. Vaughn and model Toccara of America's Next Top Model fame all went short and sassy to kick off the summer. D.I.Y. If you've ever considered it, now's the perfect time to go short. For some, it may be as simple as foregoing the hair extensions or weave for a couple of months. Have fun with it! Spike it, slick it back, or play with color and highlights. Be sure to visit your stylist for a fantastic cut.

Bright Eyes

Everything old is new again. Jewel toned shadows and eyeliner complimented the stylish outfits. Singer Alicia Keys, actress/comedian Kim Coles and young newcomer Keke Palmer (did you hear her nod to MJ...acapella?) showed us that everyone can wear color. D.I.Y. Apply bright shadow only on the lids, and gently fade into the crease by blending with a shadow brush. Compliment with a neutral eyeliner--black, brown or grey work best. Or go neutral with your eyeshadow and choose a vibrant eyeliner. Teal greens, purples, and shades of blue look fabulous on most skintones. Opt for gold, bronze or silver for a more glamourous look.

Brow Perfection

Well groomed and strong brows certainly made a statement. From former child stars Tatyana Ali and Tempestt Bledsoe to actress Meagan Good, these divas really know how to accent their "windows to the soul". D.I.Y. If you've never shaped your brows before, visit a professional. Keep re-growth to a minimum by tweezing brows between visits. Fill in sparse brows with brow powder and an angled brush. Hold them in place with brow set or a dab of hairspray on your fingertips.

Until next time!

Karol

PERFECT BRIDAL MAKEUP

Tis the season for blushing brides. Whether you hire a professional makeup artist or plan to do it yourself, the cardinal rule for applying makeup on your wedding day is simple: be true to your personal style! Whether your everyday look is earthy and natural or you're a glam girl diva, don’t stray too far off from the norm. If you do, you may end up looking back at photos from one of the most memorable days of your life wondering, “Who is that girl?” Here are some easy guidelines to follow.

Natural Beauty: Keep it Simple
If you rarely wear makeup then go for a subtle enhancement by playing up your best feature. If your eye and lip palettes are usually neutral color tones, try adding a slightly brighter or more intense shadow or eye liner to your base shade to make your eyes “pop”. Or use a different technique than usual. For example, if you normally apply a lighter shade on your lids and a deeper tone in the crease, try the deeper tone on the lid instead with the lighter shade just under the brow bone.

Glamour Girl
If your daily makeup style is full of glitz and glamour, then choose one feature and play it up! If vibrant lip color is your signature, then pair it with a subtle eye. Or play up your eyes—false lashes and all—with a toned down lip. Don’t overdo it with blush or foundation either. Make sure your colors compliment each other and work well together. You want a look that says "I look beautiful!" not "look at my makeup".

Trend Setter
Don’t get too caught up in makeup trends. Royal blue or lime green eye shadow might be all the rage for the season, but you don’t want that to overwhelm your look for this occasion. Choose colors that are timeless and classic that will compliment an enhance your skintone. Remember, great skin is always in!

Basic Rules For Any Style

1. Always do a “trial run” in advance of the big day. You don’t want any surprises.
2. Avoid foundation or powder containing titanium dioxide. This can cause your face to photograph slightly pale or ghost-like.
3. Consider your hairstyle. Up-do’s often require more shading and highlighting on the face and more color on the cheeks.
4. Don’t forget to groom your eyebrows! Waxing or tweezing should be done and least a week in advance.
5. When in doubt, consult a professional. Most makeup artists will do a bridal preview or makeup lesson to give you some ideas. If you don’t think you can duplicate it, you can always hire them for your wedding day!

Karol