Smoky Eye Look We're Dying To Try 3 of 3

Going Green—Inspired by a photo of a black swan in a green lake on Phillip Lim's mood board, NARS makeup artist Lisa Butler created a light, ethereal, utlra-layered smoky eye. Start by lining the upper and lower lash lines with a sapphire blue, then blend. Apply shadow to the lids and underneath the eyes, keeping the darker shades toward the outer corners of the eye.

The Tools: Lancome Color Design Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in Jade Fever, $48, available at Lancome; NARS Eyeshadow Duo in April Fools, $33, available at NARS; NARS Lipstick in Little Darling, $24, available at NARS; NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Kaliste, $21, available at NARS.

Attributed:  Betsey McLain

Wedding Make Up Tips & Advice

You want to look your best on your special day so make sure you plan your make up carefully, well in advance.

Whether you are doing your make up yourself or hiring someone else to do it, try to remember the following: -

1. Your make up should be an enhancement of what you normally wear. For example, if you usually go for the natural look, stick to natural colours but slightly stronger. You don't want to try out blue mascara and red lipstick! Remember your fiancé is marrying you, so he should at least recognize you! Saying that you should define your features stronger than what you usually do, so they show up in photographs. You should feel comfortable in the make up you are wearing, this is not the time to try out anything drastic. On your day you don't want to be worrying about your shade of lippy whilst saying your vows.
   

1. If you are having your make up done professionally, make sure you have a practice run before your big day. A good idea is to have a dress rehearsal and take photos, so you can then check that it will look good.
   
2. Like a very dear friend of mine who recently got married, she cried the whole way through. Waterproof mascara is a must!
   
3. You want your make up to last all day. There are some fabulous long lasting make up items around, which will ensure that you don't need to “touch up” during the day. Believe me you won't have time to re-apply your make up.

 

Make up Tips

1. Starting with concealer and foundation. Be careful about the colour foundation you choose. Whilst you should always go for a match as near as your skin, anything too pale will make you look washed out if you are wearing a white/ivory dress. Try to choose a yellow toned foundation to bring warmth into your face. Alternatively use bronzing powder to give you a bit of colour – if you are wearing a low cut dress remember to sweep it across the chest area so you don't look “two toned”.
   
2. Whilst there are some lovely “shine” products available to give a dewy complexion, again be very careful where you use them. In photographs it will be easy to mistake the “glow” for sweat – not nice. If you are applying a highlighter, stick to brow bones, cheekbones and a dab in the middle of your lips. If you are wearing a low cut dress add a little on your décolletage. Beware of any makeup that is too sparkly, this can look strange in the photos. Matte is usually best.
   
3. Pending on what season you are getting married this will also have to be taken into account when planning your makeup. Avoid anything too shiny on your skin if you are getting married in the summer, stick to a coloured lip-gloss but don't wear shine all-over. Light formulas are better as you don't want your makeup melting in the sun. Winter make up can be more dramatic although again it's best to stick to a stronger look of your usual make up, bear in mind if it is a very cold day, you may want a green concealer. Green will counteract any redness to stop you looking like Rudolph!
   
4. To make your lipstick last all day. First apply a lip primer to give your lips an even surface and rid of any flaky bits. I always apply foundation to the lips and let it dry – this gives a good base. Then line your lips with your lip pencil (which should be the same shade as your lipstick). Then fill in all your lips with the pencil. Finally on top of that apply your lipstick. Blot with a tissue and reapply your lipstick – repeat this twice. Now your lipstick should stay on all day. If it does start to wear off you will have the lip pencil underneath so your lips won't look patchy.
   
5. Although foundation/concealer should be left to areas where you need it, i.e. around the nose then blended into the cheeks (you don't want to put it everywhere otherwise it will look false), you can also apply to your eyes to give your eye shadow a good base and something to cling on to.
   
6. Eyebrows - have them professionally shaped before your big day and enhance them with a same colour eyebrow shade. Eyebrows frame your face and it can make a huge difference if you have the professionally shaped – a la Liz Hurley!
   
7. To make your eyes look bigger and whiter choose dark navy mascara. If you are dark skinned or have brown eyes then black is usually best. Brown mascara can make eyes look tired.
   
8. To lift your eyes apply a highlighter just below your brow bone. If you have small eyelids, apply a highlighter just in the center of the eyelid and a dark brown shade in the eyelid crease – this will lift your eyes. White/ivory eyeliner in the rim of your eyes also makes them appear brighter, however be careful if you wear contact lenses as your eyes maybe sensitive. To make your eyes look more wide set blend the highlighter in the inner corner of your eyes.
   
9. For a natural flush apply a light natural pink shade onto the apples of your cheeks – don't go to harsh, especially if you are drinking which can give you a natural flush look without the blush.
   

Finally remember on your big day to have the following to hand.

• Cotton buds, to wipe away any smudges under the eyes
• Your lippy, should you need a touch up.
• Some translucent powder to blot away any sweaty patches
• Breath freshener (you will be doing lots of kissing – alcohol breath is not very attractive!)
• Contact lens solution – if you wear them.
• Small phial of your perfume to keep you smelling gorgeous – which you will be!
• And your man of course!!!

Smoky Eye Look We're Dying To Try 2 of 3

Low-Key Glam—Rich and creamy, the brown smoky eye from Cushnie et Ochs is soft enough to wear during the day but still sexy enough to turn heads. Choose a cream shadow and blend up to the brow. Apply the same shade at the lash line and smudge lightly. A touch of gold in the inner corner of the eye keeps the look light and bronzer on the cheeks and a light pink lip adds an out-of-doors feel.

The Tools: M.A.C. Mega Metal Shadow in Peek-at-You, $19.50, available at M.A.C.; Tarte Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder, $30, available at Tarte; M.A.C. Wonder Woman Lipglass in Emancipation, $20, available at M.A.C.; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Blending Brush, $16, available at Sephora; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in Rehab, $20, available at Sephora  Attributed to:  Betsey McLain

Smoky Eye Look We're Dying To Try 1 of 3

It just wouldn't be Fashion Week without the ubiquitous smoky eye. And this time around, the runway staple seemed to pop up at show after show, with makeup artists whipping up looks that ranged from grungy to glam. And why not? The smoky eye is the best option for getting that mesmerizing, smoldering look—but its biggest draw just might be its variability: The smoky eye can be kept night-shift-dark and edgy or softened up using lighter, less severe shades. Here are three fresh and doable yet still sexy retellings of the smoky eye to try now.

Winged Victory—Somewhere between the cat eye and smoky eye, we find Tom Pecheux's look for Derek Lam's fall 2011 collection. Using two new Estee Lauder silver and black shadows, he first winged the black smokey eye shadow out toward the temples, then applied a metallic grey shadow on the center of the lid for a silver foil finish and paired the look with a nude, matte lip.





The Smokey Eye Shadow Tools: Estee Lauder Pure Color Eye Shadow in Black Crystals, $20, available at Estee Lauder; NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick in Madere, $25, available at NARS; Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Romance, $36, available in March at Saks Fifth Avenue.


Attributed:  Betsey McLain

The Two Magic Ingredients for a Lighter & Brighter Face

The latest studies show…

How many times have we heard that? Countless, I imagine. But guess what? Those “latest studies” are actually pointing to some real, actual results (this time).

So, I assume since you’re here you wanna hear ’bout the good-results studies about the two magic ingredients. Okay, okay…

Per the American Academy of Dermatology, real, actual results from honest-to-goodness studies — Harvard, even — point to the effectiveness of glucosamine combined with niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially in those with UV damage.

What’s this mean? In laymen’s (or laywomen’s) terms, use a combo of glucosamine and niacinamide in the right amounts and, in time, you should see lighter, brighter skin.

Hey! That’s great!

But wait. Where do you find these magic ingredients? What is the “right amount?” How long will it take before you get the glow?

Hold still, I’m not finished.

1. You can get glucosamine (in the effective form of N-acetyl-glucosamine, best known for helping treat arthitis prior the skin studies) and niacinamide (a vitamin B derivative) at most any bulk skincare actives retailer: Skin Actives Scientific, Bulk Actives, Garden of Wisdom or LotionCrafter. Just mix them into your favorite (non-active) facial moisturizer for a custom blend.

If you’d rather not DIY your skincare, you can also find them together (ah, how sweet) in Olay’s Definity line.

2. The amount of each active, at least the amounts noted in the “studies,” suggest that 2% glucosamine and 4% niacinamide should do the trick.

3. How long must you wait to experience the magic? Try four to eight weeks.

Not bad, eh?

Well, the news gets even better. How, you ask? Because glucosamine and niacinamide are both shown to be effective for all skin types (hear that, Sensitive Sally?), plus they’re inexpensive. Expect to spend about $6 (or less) for each active if you buy in bulk — doing so, you should have enough to last several weeks or more. And Olay is asking about $25 for their Definity complex.

Light on your pocket book, bright on your face.

Sometimes those studies ARE right … and bright.

Attributed: Girl Paint

Wedding Day Makeup Advice and Tips

• Wedding Day Makeup Tips And Advice

Your wedding day is going to be one of the most memorable days of your life. You want to look and feel the beautiful, radiant bride with your makeup enhancing your natural beauty. Your every blush, smile and kiss will be recorded on film so your bridal makeup needs to be picture perfect and look flawless all through your big day. This guide to wedding makeup will take the stress out planning your wedding makeup.

Wedding makeup advice:

Prepare your skin for your wedding day Unfortunately many women wait until they are only a few months away from their wedding day before they even begin to give any thought to skin care. Start early and take care of your skin now. You will need to work out your skin type to help you establish a proper skin care regime. This, combined with good eating habits, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and regular exercise will ensure that your skin will be radiant on your big day.

For help understanding your skin type and how to develop a quick and easy skin care routine please read Khush’s article; Great looking skin – A simple 4 step skin care guide.

Wedding makeup tip: Beware facials !

Unless you have facials on a regular basis DO NOT get one the week before your wedding day. Facials can pull impurities to the surface, and you do not want to break out the week of your wedding. To also help avoid blotches and blemishes do not make any major changes in your skin care routine during the few weeks before your wedding. The weeks before your wedding is not the time to experiment with your skin care. If you regularly get facials have your last regular facial a good week before the wedding.

Wedding makeup tip: Pimples and acne.

If you do have a breakout, do not pick. Do not do anything that can irritate or redden or enlarge the problem. Use pure Aloe Vera to treat any bumps or breakouts. It is a wonderful healer.

Wedding makeup tip: Keep away from too much sun.

Don’t get too much sun before your wedding. Sunburns, peeling skin and tan lines can sabotage your special day.

Wedding makeup advice: Use a professional makeup artist or do it yourself ?

If you are confident in applying your own makeup there is no reason you can’t do your own wedding makeup. If you are not so confident with your makeup abilities your wedding makeup is not the time to experiment – you want to look your absolute best on the day and your wedding photos will be your lifetime mementos of your special day. If you are unsure of your makeup abilities, or just want the peace of mind of not having to worry about your makeup, use a professional.

Either way read on – I’m sure you will find the following tips and advice useful.

Wedding makeup advice: Things to consider when planning your wedding makeup.

You will want your makeup to be appropriate for the time of day, the venue (indoors or outdoors) and complement the style of your wedding dress so once you have confirmed the arrangements for your wedding day, and you have decided the style of your wedding dress, you can start to think about the style of makeup you prefer. Things to consider include;

Night time or day time wedding ?

Night time weddings are typically more formal than day time weddings. For a night time wedding consider a more sophisticated makeup look. For a day time wedding makeup tends to be more natural.

Indoors or outdoors wedding ?

Outside lighting is stronger so your makeup should to be softer and more natural than makeup for an indoor wedding.

The lighting.

Different lighting requires different makeup styles. Night time lighting tends to dull makeup so a stronger makeup look is preferable. Natural and day time lighting is more generous to makeup so, again, consider a more natural makeup look.

The color of your dress.

Ivory and off white tend to make the skin look softer and can therefore support a more glamorous makeup style. White tends to look strong and washes out most faces so consider using softer colours to enhance the face.

The style of your dress.

The stronger the neckline of your dress the more sophisticated the hair and makeup style will need to be match the dress’s style. A neckline that cuts deep and is off the shoulders will look great with a hair up hair style so that the line of the neck and shoulders is shown off. Consider also the length of the dress, the shorter the dress the more simple the hair and makeup should be. Remember you are creating an entire picture, do not wear a beautiful dress and stylish heels and then wear your hair and makeup like you do when you wear your jeans. Don't sell yourself short on such a memorable day.

Wedding makeup tip: Give yourself plenty of time to organise your makeup.

Before you meet with a makeup artist, or purchase any makeup, take some time to go through bridal magazines and pull out makeup styles that you really like and some you don’t like. Armed with your bridal magazine cut outs and a picture of your wedding dress book an appointment with your makeup artist for a trial run or a consultation at your cosmetics counter. Don’t do this at the last minute. Make sure you have a good couple of weeks up your sleeve so you have time for a couple of sessions if you don’t settle on a preferred style and colours first time up. Once you have your makeup look sorted make sure the makeup artist or beauty consultant writes everything out, and notes any makeup items you may not have that you need to purchase. If you are doing your own makeup have a couple of dry runs well before your big day so you have the makeup style and look perfected well ahead of time.

Wedding makeup tip: Be yourself

You want to look sensational but remember you want to look like yourself and feel comfortable with your appearance. You can look great and stay within your comfort zone. You want your husband to be to recognise you when you walk down the aisle. Plan ahead and give yourself time to find the makeup look that you love and feels comfortable.

Wedding makeup advice: Purchasing or selecting your makeup.

Now you have settled on your makeup style here are some tips and advice on your specific makeup requirements:

Foundation: Sort out your foundation well ahead of time. The key to successful wedding makeup is perfect looking skin. Make sure that your foundation matches your skin tone exactly and doesn’t look mask like. Give yourself plenty of time to experiment and find the perfect foundation for you.

For help selecting your foundation please Donna’s article; Choosing and applying foundation – A simple step by step guide.

Wedding makeup tip: Highlight one facial feature

You know your best facial feature; your plump rosy lips, your beautiful eyes or your lovely check bones. Your makeup should highlight your chosen feature. Don’t try and highlight more than one feature, it will look “too much”. If you use a bold red lipstick to highlight your beautiful lips go low key with your eye makeup. Conversely if you choose a stunning smoky eye look choose a more subtle lipstick or lip gloss.

Wedding makeup tip: Watch out for “seemed a good idea at the time”.

Watch out for fads; in 20 years time hot pink lipstick will date your wedding photos. You want to look as classic as possible so that your photo memories are timeless.

Blush: Become a truly blushing bride by choosing a warm flattering cheek colour in a pinky peach or rose or, if you tend to get flushed, a brownish tone. Experiment and find the blush colour that suits your skin tone. Use a powder based blush, they will usually last longer than cream blushers. To apply blush, start at the hairline by the middle of your ear, blend forward to the front of the cheek, and then back to the hairline and upwards. For a perfect application find a blush brush that is the size of the apple of your cheek. After the initial application dust the blush with some loose powder and then apply a touch more blush to the front of the cheek.

Lipstick or Lip Gloss:

You will be doing a lot of kissing on your wedding day so you will need a lip colour that will last. Use a matte or longwearing lipstick or lip gloss because you don't want to be constantly touching up your makeup during the day. Be sure to use a colour that complements your hair and eye colour and use a lip liner in the same colour family as your lipstick or lip gloss. Don’t use a lip liner much darker than your lipstick or lip gloss. This technique looks harsh and very unnatural in pictures. Purchase the lipstick or lip gloss and lip liner to keep in your purse for the whole day. Wedding makeup tip: Smallish lips If your lips are naturally small the lighter the lip colour the fuller the lips will seem.

Wedding makeup tip: Makeup remover.

Be sure to have makeup remover ready for any accidents. As you know makeup doesn't just wipe off, especially not off a beautiful white wedding gown. Makeup wipes are a convenient way to keep makeup remover handy.

Eye shadow: For help selecting and applying your eye shadow please read Khush’s article; Beautiful eyes made easy. If you are considering smokey eyes please Khush’s article; A step by step guide to sexy smokey eye makeup.

Wedding makeup tip: Eyebrows.

Properly groomed and shaped eyebrows help enhance and add expression to the face. Have your eyebrows groomed but do this a week before the wedding in case you get a few red bumps after plucking or waxing. Fill in your eyebrows, if needed, with an eyebrow pencil shade that's slightly lighter than your eyebrows. Brush through with an eyebrow brush or a clean toothbrush for a more natural look.

Mascara: For extra lush looking eyelashes use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara. Prepare for those tears of happiness by using a good waterproof mascara. Apply two coats, let the first coat dry before applying the second coat. When you purchase your waterproof mascara make sure that you have an eye makeup remover that also takes off waterproof mascara.

Finishing Touches: When you have finished applying your makeup you may want to apply a little more blush, and then finish with a final brush of loose powder.

 

Have an amazing day !!

Nearly Naked lingerie?

Lingerie that blends perfectly with your skin tone!
Ever felt embarrassed after realising that your white or black bra was showing through your top during that important party? It could now become a thing of the past.

British retail giant Mark and Spencer have launched a range of 'Nearly Naked' lingerie that blends perfectly with any woman's skin and appears invisible under clothes, reports the Daily Mail.

While other attempts at making 'nude' underwear have tended to take a one-colour-fits-all approach, the 18-pounds 'invisible' bra comes in four shades to match a range of skin tones. Using a spectrophotometer, a machine that can assess the individual shades, which make up the final colour, the company scanned the skin tones of more than 1,000 customers.

The results were then compared with ethnicity data from the Office for National Statistics to select colours that were an exact match for human skin. The bra is available in sizes 32A to 40D. The range also includes matching briefs for 8 pounds.

"Women are recognising the need to wear a neutral-coloured bra which complements their own skin tone and can create a 'disappearing act' under clothes," said Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design for M and S.

"When we were actually testing out the software before release we had one gentleman who hadn't been to confession in about 20 years. He went in and did his confession with it and he said it made it much easier on him," he added.

British retail giant Mark and Spencer have launched a range of 'Nearly Naked' lingerie that blends perfectly with any woman's skin and appears invisible under clothes, reports the Daily Mail.

While other attempts at making 'nude' underwear have tended to take a one-colour-fits-all approach, the $25 'invisible' bra comes in four shades to match a range of skin tones. Using a spectrophotometer, a machine that can assess the individual shades, which make up the final colour, the company scanned the skin tones of more than 1,000 customers.

The results were then compared with ethnicity data from the Office for National Statistics to select colours that were an exact match for human skin. The bra is available in sizes 32A to 40D. The range also includes matching briefs for $12 pounds.

"Women are recognising the need to wear a neutral-coloured bra which complements their own skin tone and can create a 'disappearing act' under clothes," said Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design for M and S.

"When we were actually testing out the software before release we had one gentleman who hadn't been to confession in about 20 years. He went in and did his confession with it and he said it made it much easier on him," he added.