"My colors are blush and bashful..."

I couldn’t resist the cheeky Steel Magnolias reference to start off today’s posting. Just as M' Lynne (Sally Fields) underestimated the difference between Shelby’s (Julia Roberts) wedding colors “blush and bashful,” which she sarcastically described as “pink and pink,” I think we often underestimate the power of blush. We pass blush off as the obligatory “add a little color to your cheeks.” Yet when used effectively, blush can add dimension to your cheekbones and provide that oh-so-necessary compliment of color between the eyes and the lips to finish your look.

Let’s start with application. Use your cheekbones as your guide. If you are looking for a slight sweep of color (see pic # 1), start at the apple of your cheek and brush upwards to your temple, following the natural line of your cheekbone back and forth. Repeat this motion until desired fabulousness is fulfilled. For this application, an every day blush brush will suit your needs. Remember, the less concentrated the brush, the less dramatic your application will be. Meaning if you use a bigger brush, the color will be more spread out and not in a precisely defined line.

Soft and Subtle...
Image from Sephora

Which brings me to the next blushing option - if blushing is what you are all about and you are going for the “checkout these cheekbones” look (see pic # 2), use a contouring brush (smaller, slightly angled, and more concentrated that your average run-of-the-mill blush brush) and start application at the top of your cheekbone (generally in between your temple and ear) sweeping down, stopping just short of the apple of your cheek. Repeat this motion until diva-ness is attained.

Uber Cheek-ness

Image from Clinique

In terms of blush product variety, I’m a classic blush girl. I find that pressed powder blushes are way more user-friendly and manageable than the cream blushes, which have certain element of war paint in terms of application and malleability. Also, don’t be afraid to blend a few blush shades together, perhaps adding a bit of shimmer and sparkle onto your favorite matte shade. Or maybe you are hot for this cranberry shade, which is only too perfect for date night, but a bit glamazon for the office, so tone it down with a neutral shade. Lastly, break out the bronzer every now and then to assist you in attaining cheek perfection. Bronzer can be used as a fantastic compliment to many shades of blush or can stand alone as a natural nude – y shade if you’re looking for a laid-back, fun-in-the-sun, look (see pic # 3).

Low-Key Sun Goddess
Image from Clinique

So next time you’re at your vanity, play around a little. Try some new shades you’ve been avoiding, mix up your application methods and find what works best for you – you blushing beauty.

The Power of Pigments

Ready to be bold?! Get ready to advance your glam game because this is not your average day at the office eyeshadow. Allow me to introduce MAC’s Pigment: a loose powder product with a high concentration of color that produces brilliant results (it’s color like woa). Pigments have been on the cosmetic circuit for quite some time now as a favorite of make-up artists, but have remained relatively low on the mainstream make-up market radar. In fact, you’ve probably already seen the pigments at your fav MAC location, but you may have passed it by, thinking it’s a "super advanced, not for me" type product. Well ladies after reading this, there will be no more doubting yourself, or your ability to find the power of pigments.

For a super dramatic blast of color, start by applying one of MAC’s Paint Pots to your eyelid. Think of the paint as the glue that will hold your powder in place, so apply it to wherever you want the pigment to stick. Additionally, paint pots can be used to intensify the pigment color. For example, if you were going for a gorgeous gold goddess look (hint: glowy gold is all the rage for Fall 09), you could start with MAC’s Indianwood paint pot (apply with a flat eyeshadow brush or a concealor brush) and then top it off with MAC’s Old Gold pigment. However, you could also use a flatter base color like Groundwork if you just want to highlight the color of the pigment. Both are equally fabulous.

Pour a pinch of the loose pigment powder onto a tissue - the powder is a bit more manageable this way, as opposed to working directly out of the pigment pot. Using an eyeshadow brush, dip the brush into your pinch of pigment and then hit the brush against your wrist or flick it with your fingers to shake off the excess powder. Place the pigment over the paint, dipping for more pigment when necessary (remember – a little of this stuff goes a long way) and blend as you go, applying just as you would your typical eyeshadow. For a less intense look, you may forgo the paint pots and use a brush that covers a larger surface area like a contouring brush (just think: the less concentrated the bristles of the brush, the more sheer the look). The pigments may also be used as a blush or a stunning highlight over your blush – just add a light layer with your blush brush directly on your cheekbones. BTW, Melon is OUT OF CONTROL beautiful when used as a highlight, plus it’s the perfect way to epitomize the “weekend at the beach” sunkissed look – and who doesn’t love that?!

In addition to the multiple ways in which pigments may be applied, MAC also offers an incredibly diverse collection of colors from which to choose. Deep Blue Green and Golden Olive will give you a BURST of intense color, perfect for a trendy summer date night or evening out with the ladies when you feel like making a statement. Then on the flip side, Tan, Copper Sparkle, and/or Naked are just what the summer shorts and halter top ordered to complete your effortless yet sensational summer look.

So next time you’re at the mall, pop into MAC confidently, with the knowledge of this blog in your back pocket. No longer will you need to pass this product by or put it in the “too hard to do” make-up box. Seriously, this stuff is easy to use and addictively fabulous. Set aside a little pigment playtime – and bring the AmEx – because like so many fine things in life, you certainly can’t have just one.

Pigment
Available at MAC retailers and www.maccosmetics.com
$19.50 USD


Images from www.maccosmetics.com

Book Your Bliss!

For those of you spa-goers fortunate enough to set foot in New York’s Bliss 49 Spa, I know you’ll agree when I say that it’s complete and total Heaven on Earth (or technically Lexington Ave., but you get my point)! The soothing and sleek décor, the eternally calming cerulean blue, teal, and white color scheme, the wonderfully witty product names (Hello – Slim City Set?!?!), and we haven’t even gotten to the incredible effectiveness of the Bliss products and services yet!

Well ladies, you can cancel your train ticket to the Big Apple, because Bliss has come to DC! The W Hotel has found a new home in the nation’s capital and settled in the old Hotel Washington building just off 15th Street, NW and the Bliss Spa (all three floors of it) has come with!

The spa offers those bliss-seekers looking to be trimmed, toned, waxed, or relaxed a lavish laundry list of services to include a nail lounge, massage and facial treatments, and please let’s not forget some of the signature Bliss services like the Best of Skintentions facial or perhaps the Hangover Herbie. Now tell me you haven’t thought about the need for such after a Thursday night in Adams Morgan. Furthermore, while being pampered, you’ll also be wined and dined as you choose from your selection of Bliss spa snacks – they have brownies. As if you weren’t already sold....

In addition to the saunas, steam rooms, and a Bliss product sampling sink, the spa gurus at Bliss have incorporated little touches of DC throughout, as service rooms are decked out with texturized cherry blossom wall coverings or you can head to the W’s all-the-rage rooftop bar pre or post Bliss to scope out the DC skyline. And make a note to stop by the retail salon where you can pick up your favorite Bliss must haves.

May I highly recommend the Fabulous Foaming Face Wash?! It’s hands down the best and most versatile face wash I’ve ever used. The ever-so-soft exfoliating beads do just the trick in scruffing off the dead skin cells without the harshness of many exfoliants and the chamomile, rose hips, and passion flower leave your skin feeling uber-invigorated. Scared of commitment? Try their Bliss Tried + Blue Travel Kit. $10 says you go back for the big bottle before the end of the month. I’ve recommended this face wash (appropriately named “Fabulous”) to two of my good friends, both of which have vastly different skin needs than me, and we’re all still raving.

So if you’re looking for a spa day with the girls or perhaps a stay-cation in DC, check out the Bliss Spa at the W Hotel. Because really, who’s not looking for Bliss?

Bliss Spa
515 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Book your Bliss: 877 - to - Bliss

For more fabulousness on the new W Hotel, check out Kate's review at Culture Me, DC.

Inspired to Share the Love! Now it's your turn!

OMGosh. Last night I was fortunate to have, what may very well have been, the best massage of my life. Somewhere around noon, I was knee deep in excel spreadsheets and my iphone dinged. It was a message from Circe, my hair salon of choice, promoting their last minute massage specials. PERFECT. This was exactly what I needed to relax the mind and commence the holiday weekend.

Now I’ve been around the massage block a time or two. As a spa diva since the ripe old age of 16, I would scrounge up tip money I made waiting tables the night before to cover the cost of massages, pedis, and hair treatments. And now that I have my grown up gig, I still make the “beauty/relaxation” column a priority in our family budget! Throughout my massage tenure, I have frequented a number of spas, salons, and even chiropractic care establishments – testing out various massage experiences (I know, rough life, right?!).

I’ve left massages energized, I’ve left massages essentially asleep (perhaps you’re familiar with the massage-induced coma), and I’ve left massages beyond sore, like Billy Blanks and I had just gone 10 rounds in Tae Bo. But last night, after my experience at Circe, I felt perfect. I was in that fabulously wondrous state of calm, yet ready to take on the world and the bliss has lasted well into this morning!

The ambiance of the massage room was similar to that of the many massage rooms that came before it – dimly lit lights, the sound of ocean waves crashing in the background which was complimented by this great almost tribal sounding CD (I should have asked the name!). There were two massage tables, one with layers of crisp white sheets and a light throw blanket and the other was decorated with this great crocheted blanket and whimsical toss pillows, which left you feeling like you were having a massage in your trendy SOHO loft, as opposed to a salon. It was home-y and warm. The aroma of Aveda’s chakra products filled the room in a slightly understated aromatherapy kind of way. I was given the option to choose from the following oil scents; floral, vanilla, citrus…and I don’t know what else, because after I hear “citrus,” I need not hear anything further. Chakra 5’s grapefruit-y and rosemary scent invigorates the communication and creativity vibes and leaves your skin with this incredibly light, but oh-so-indulgent scent.

The pressure was perfect. I’m a “mild to firm” girl when it comes to massage pressure preferences and Melissa, the masseuse (or as she is now noted in my contacts list -“The Magician”) did not disappoint. It was relaxing, yet intense at times, as she worked out the knots in my neck (story of my life – I carry ALL my stress in my neck and shoulders) and it was just so perfectly therapeutic.

Circe won over my massage heart with Melissa the Magician last night. My awesome experience inspired me to share this with you all, so the next time you feel the need to decompress or just center yourself, I would highly recommend giving Circe a shout.

So now it’s your turn! Who do you love? What salon services are you crazy about!? Do you have a brow guy or a nail girl that rocks your beauty world? Perhaps you have a stylist who does the blow out of all blow outs. There’s so much talent in the DC area and so many untapped beauty hotspots. So let’s take this opportunity to share those stylists, services, and beauty professionals that are nearest and dearest to our hearts!

Circe Day Spa
123 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.519.8528
www.circedayspa.com

Dynamic Duo

Today I have got to spread a little love to Lancome, because I am CRAAAZY for their eyeshadow duos from the Ombre Absolue duo line. Each duo pairs a bold matte color with a lighter complimentary color that adds a little highlight to your shadow. The true beauty of this product is two fold; 1) It’s all the eye shadow color you need for a day or night look and 2) It’s SUPER easy to apply (like seriously…it doesn’t get any easier than this). So put down your pencils - no need to take notes, you’ll get this one on the fly.

The use of two or three differently hued shadows leaves you with a more polished result, than using just one. However, to do this effectively, you must pair hues and textures that work with one another – not against. Lancome has done the work for you (merci beaucoup!) and paired shades and textures that perfectly suit one another. Therefore, you’re not left spending three hours of your day off at the cosmetic counter trying to create the perfect pair. Color selections range from brown neutrals to funky metallics and for those of you that like to pack a little color punch – there is an array of pinks, purples, greens, and blues. And may I suggest my personal fav – Jade Elegance, for anyone looking to add a little green to their shadow box (cause really, in this day and age, who doesn’t want to go green)!?!?

The darker matte color may be applied to the entire lid. The shadow is decently concentrated, but you'll still want to use the right tool for application. NARS Wide Countour Brush is the perfect tool for the job. It retails for $33.00 at Sephora locations. I know you’re probably thinking, “ay yay yay, that’s two cocktails and an appetizer at Friday happy hour.” But as with most things, having the right tools will make your job so very much easier and produce a better end-result. Make-up is no exception.

The lighter highlight color may be applied directly above the darker color. Extend this color vertically half-way between your crease (where the darker color stopped) and your eyebrow. You’ll want to blend this color in with the very top of the darker color so you don’t have, what appears to be, a visible line of two different colors. (Cue: Bare Escentuals Blending Brush). This brush is also available at Sephora locations and retails for $18.

The duo shadows are super lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about creasing or caking. And it’s long-lasting power is most definitely worthy of snaps. Add your liner, mascara, and you’re off!

Lancome’s dynamic duo takes the guess work out of pairing shadows, the brushes will do the heavy lifting and you…all you have to do is look fabulous.

Lancome Ombre Absolue Duo
$35.00 USD
More colors available at Lancome retailers and online

Image from www.lancome-usa.com

The Buffed and the Beautiful

So I’m a total pedicure princess. Even in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, I somehow manage to justify to myself, my husband, and my checking account that a pedi every two weeks is nothing short of essential. When the stock market tanked last fall and fiscal restraint became the new black, I cut my pedi dates back to once a month. That didn’t last long.

I think it’s the foot massage (7 minutes per leg) that does me in. It’s the only time in a two week span that I make myself relax. That’s right, I set down my iphone, Us Weekly, and hot tea and I do absolutely nothing for 14 fabulous minutes. And I would be remiss if I posted on pedicures and did not give a shout out to, in my opinion, THE best in the business – City Nails in Alexandria, Virginia. I’ve frequented City Nails since I was sixteen and have yet to find a salon that comes close to the pedicure pedestal on which I place City Nails. But as pedicure pressed as I am, I for whatever reason, can’t get down with the manicure.

I get why people like manicures and I have mad respect for those who maintain silk and acrylic nails because they are gorgeous and definitely add a certain something to your look. Furthermore, manicures are seemingly a better investment, as they’re less expensive than pedicures, but always available for the showing. We show our pedis maybe 5 months out of the year and that’s only if you’re a huge fan of flip-flops and peep toes.

I think if I got real psychological about this, I would find that my indifference towards manicures stems from my dismay of chipped nail polish. You know the scene – you’re on your way out for a total night on the town. You’re sporting some hotness and feeling very pleased at how fabulously your new dress fit with your Tori Burch old fav flats. And then, you look down and in a fit of horror you see that your sass-tastic red nail polish has chipped right off your right middle finger. Immediately you feel that your look is shot to hell and you begin planning on how to do left handed gestures all night. Chipped nail polish just unravels me so. Additionally, I think I must have high-chip probability nails because it never fails with my fingers. So I stick with nothing or clear.

But I do love the shape and shine your nails get from a manicure. That’s where this week’s RML product spotlight comes in. Ladies, allow me to introduce Sephora’s 4-Step Buffer. In five miraculous minutes, this little tool leaves your nails looking like you just spent an hour at the salon. Each side of the cube has an express purpose 1) File 2) Buff 3) Polish 4) Shine. No tricks or technique tips needed. You simply move the buffer back in forth, covering the entire surface of your nail, in 1 - 4 order (which is denoted on the cube – thank you Sephora!). And if it can’t get any buffer better, this tool retails for $5 dollars at Sephora. Or you can splurge and the get Colorful Buffers 3 - Pack for $8. So skip the pricey buffing tools they sell at the mall kiosks ($40 – are you kidding me?) and save your manicure money. This buffer is all you need. Polish is purely optional, as the buffer leaves your nails so shiny, it totally looks like you have a coat of clear polish on anyhow. So go ahead, make your way to Sephora – it’s hands down – or in this case “nails” down the best $5 bucks you’ll spend.

Sephora's 4-Step Buffer
$5.00 USD
Available at Sephora stores and online

Sephora's Colorful Buffers 3-Pack
$8.00 USD
Available at Sephora stores and online
Images from www.Sephora.com

As if you needed more convincing...Buffer Reviews

Get Your Shine Off

The heat is on…and so is the shine. As summer sets in and the days of dining al fresca and lounging poolside are among us, we’re only too happy to break out the sundresses, shades, flip flops, and boat totes to complete our summer sun goddess look. But the ladies with combination to slightly oily skin know that summer months bring more than mojitos and margaritas….they bring shine. Not just sunshine – skin shine.

You know what I’m talking about…you’re out with the ladies having a drink or two on a rooftop bar somewhere and you take a few self-shots with your best Mary-Kate and Ashley pout (cause that’s just what we do). When you review the shots, you’re stunned to find that while the cheeks, eyes, and lips still look stunning, the forehead and nose look like a reflecting pool. Summer skin shine.

Today’s post is in response to a special request from one my nearest and dearest who rages against the shine every summer. So if you’re T-zone is in search for a little anti-shine action, try out some of the favs described below.

Smashbox Anti-Shine is a versatile gel to powder product that can be applied before or after your foundation. It should be applied directly to the high-shine areas and buffed into the skin, preferably with a foundation brush. (SIDE NOTE: Using brushes with foundation products vs. sponges not only give you a better, less cakey result, it also saves you money in the long run. Sponges soak up more product and release less. So what that means is your foundation stays in the sponge, instead of on your skin and you end up at the cosmetic counter much more frequently buying foundation). Smashbox’s Anti-Shine purpose is to keep your typically “shiny spots” looking matte. Smashbox’s website indicates that the product is made to withstand harsh studio lights, which means that this product will keep your skin looking matte even in the harshest of shine-prompting scenarios. Use after moisturizing, before or after your foundation, and touch up as need throughout the day.

Smashbox Anti-Shine
$27.00 USD
Colors and retailer information available at Smashbox

Images from www.smashbox.com

Smashbox may in fact have the market cornered on the anti-shine products. My good friend swears by this next product. She’s a frugal fanny until it comes to her Smashbox Photo Finish and she’s got no problem dropping $36 on this bad boy. Apparently she's not the only photo finish fanatic, as this product won the coveted distinction of being named one of Allure magazines “Best of Beauty Award Winners.” The components in Photo Finish Foundation Primer combine to absorb oil and diffuse light, which reduces the appearance of shine and skin imperfections. Photo Finish is to be applied to recently moisturized skin prior to your foundation. The formula is so concentrated that only one pump of Photo Finish is needed at a time (which should also make you feel better about the $36 price tag)!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
$36.00 USD
Retailer information available at Smashbox

Images from www.smashbox.com

The beauty of MAC’s blot powder is it doesn’t add any additional color or texture to your existing make-up (i.e. you don’t want it to look as though you have on primer, concealor, foundation, powder, and blot powder). You’ll recognize this when you go to the MAC store to try it on as the powder is essentially color-less. It’s simply meant to reduce the presence of oils and shine. MAC’s blot powder can be used on top of all over face powder and should primarily be applied to your shiny spots. Throw it in your purse and reapply as needed.

MAC Blot Powder
$21.00 USD
Colors and retailer information available at MAC


Images from www.maccosmetics.com

Okay ladies so when you’re ready to kick your shine to the curb and get you’re matte on, take these products for a test drive. You’re T-zone will thank you.

Liner Love - Part 3

Okay ladies, get ready to channel your inner-diva, cause it’s time to dish about the most daring and defined liner on the market - liquid liner. Now before we go any further, let’s be real – liquid liner is intimidating. We steer clear of it at the cosmetic counter. If we had the nerve to actually buy it, we avoid it like the plague in our cosmetic cases, and we just become overwhelmed at the thought of application, almost as if someone just put a paintbrush in our hand and said “okay Van Gogh recreate Starry Night.” We just feel so out of our liner league.

But admit it, when you flip through the latest copy of your fashion mag of choice, you can’t help but adore the look liquid liner leaves. Its precision, definition, and overall drama are just unparalleled. So if you’re down for a little make-up application outside your comfort zone, take off the eyeliner training wheels and read on, because I know you can do it!

The key to liquid liner success is finding an applicator with which you are most comfortable. Most often liquid liners come with a pointed-tip sponge applicator or an ultra-thin brush applicator. In my experience, the sponge tip applicator will provide you with a thinner line than the brush, however, it is also a bit more challenging to use. Make sure if you decide on a sponge tip applicator that you find one that has some give. In other words, make sure the sponge will give a little as you apply it. The give eases the application when you get to lining the curved part of your eye. Regardless of which application tool you use, be sure to use the side of the tool and use the point as your guide, just as if you were using a paintbrush.

Just like all the liners we have discussed in this three-part series, liquid liner may be applied above your eyelid lash line and/or underneath your eyes. No matter what you choose (sponge tip v. brush), I would suggest starting on the outside corner of your eye and work your way in. Be sure to get plenty of liquid on the applicator and wipe off any excess liquid on the sides before applying. Once you get to the half-way point of your eye, you will most likely need more liquid. So dip again, wipe off any excess, and then either start from the inner corner of eye until the line connects in the middle, or continue at the mid-point until you get to the other side. I find it easiest to start from the outer corner, get more product, and work your way in from the inner corner. But you choose what is most comfortable for you.

Since most liquid liner has incredible staying power, like house guests that have overstayed their welcome, you’ll want to have your eye make-up remover and Q-tips handy until you get super comfortable with the application process. If you slip up (it’s okay!) and your line becomes a bit too thick or squiggly, simply put a few drops of remover on the Q-tip and clean up the mess. You’ll want to make sure that the eye surface is completely dry and free of the remover before trying the liner again. You can speed up this process by using the other side of the Q-tip (the dry side) to go behind yourself and sop up any remaining remover.

So all in all, it takes some getting used to. I wouldn’t advise that you make your first attempt at liquid liner while prepping for a cocktail party to which you’re already 15 minutes late. When you have a free night at home and The Bachelorette isn’t on, take some “you time” to get comfortable with the product. Even if you decide to reserve the dramatic look solely for dates and cocktail parties, it’s nice to have a liquid liner in your repertoire to take your look to the next level. So if you’re looking for a little drama in your liner life, introduce yourself to liquid liner…because who knows? You might just fall in liner love.

My Favs:

MAC's Liquidlast Liner
$16.50 USD
More colors available at MAC


Image from www.maccosmetics.com

Estee Lauder's Double Wear Liquid Liner
$19.50 USD
More colors available at Estee Lauder

Image from www.esteelauder.com

Liner Love - Part 2

“All I want is an eyeliner that will last all day.” Sound familiar?! As truly fantastic as eyeliner is, one shortfall of many liners is longevity. You apply your liner in the morning, check yourself in the mirror and think “gorgeous and ready to go.” You head off to the office, work tote and blackberry in hand, with some pep in your step because you look good, and you know it. A few hours and two skim lattes later, you pop into the ladies room for a mid-morning restroom break. You glance at yourself on the way in and think, “still looking pretty good, no wonder that metro hottie was checking me out longer than usual on this morning’s train.” Then the pre-lunch bathroom break comes and you again, check yourself in the mirror and the look is shot to hell. How did we fall so far so fast?! In disbelief you lean in closer to the mirror almost as if you’ve been duped by disappearing ink, “I know that liner was there this morning.”

It’s happened to all of us. We reapply the lipgloss (because we expect to reapply lipgloss periodically, so we pack it in the work bag) and hope that our glossy puckers will detract the attention from the sorrowful remnants of the liner that once was. Ladies this exact story is why I love crème liner.

Crème liner - let me rephrase, good crème liner, will last all day long. While liquid liners generally pack a good amount of endurance as well, crème liners are easier to use, more pliable (read: if you slip up, you don’t have to wash your face and start all over again), and in general, are softer looking than the lines we create with liquid liners. Don’t get me wrong, liquid liners have a TON to offer liner ladies (which will be featured in part 3 of the liner postings), but for all-day work-wear, crème liner wins out in my book.

Most often, crème liner comes in two forms; crème stick and potted crème. Crème sticks, like the one shown below by MAC, can be applied just like a pencil liner, yet (and this is just so fabulous) this particular product doesn’t require sharpening! With one twist, more liner pops up, ready to use. Because of the relative ease of application, if you’re a newcomer to the eyeliner scene, crème sticks are a good place to start.

The potted crèmes require an angled brush for application. NOTE: If you don’t yet have an angled brush, skip out on this week’s manicure and spend the beauty cash on this product – it's a must have. Simply dip the angled brush into the potted crème, wipe off any access product on the sides of the brush, and apply to the desired area. Do your best to keep your hand steady, but trust me when I say that the brush will do most of the work. If mid-application, it becomes difficult to get more color out of the brush, dip it back into the pot and pick up where you left off. To intensify your look, you may add powdered eye shadow on top of the crème liner.

MAC's Technakohl Liner
$14.50 USD
More colors available at Technakohl Liner


MAC's Fluidline
$15.00 USD
More colors available at Fluidline


Images from www.maccosmetics.com

In summary, crème liners are great for an everyday look. They require little to no maintenance in terms of reapplication, they glide on with super ease, and the result is defined without being super high-impact.

Liner Love – Part 1

Pencil? Crème? Liquid? How do you line? Eyeliner in all its fabulousness comes in many colors and forms, each with a different purpose and the utmost potential to enhance your finished look and make those eyes pop.

Many have an aversion to eyeliner thinking that lining the eyes results only in the likes of Cleopatra and Adam Lambert. While both are tremendous trendsetters in their own right, most would opt for a more understated look…which is totally do-able. The next three posts will highlight the benefits of each form; pencil, crème, and liquid, as well as, provide tips for application. Read on to find out which liner fits your look.

Eyeliner Pencils: The most common liner of all, eyeliner pencils offer the greatest selection of color. In addition to the traditional blacks and browns, eyeliner pencils can be found in pastels, bolds, metallics (I LOVE these), and for those days where you feel like channeling your inner – 80’s diva, there are pencils in colors infused with glitter (can you even deal?!) These vast color options give you the ability to liven up your look and play with colors that are a bit out of your comfort zone. Go ahead, pair a lavender liner with neutral pink shadow and see what ya think?! I’m confident you’ll fall in love with a color you would have never expected. I for one, tend to default to blacks, browns, sage greens, and bronze as my primary liner loves, but I experimented with a cerulean blue and forgive the pun, but it “blue” me away and now it’s one of my absolute favs.

Enough with the color. Moving on to techniques. Pencils are ideal for smudging out and smoky eyes. You know that dark, dreamy look where the lines are softer, but the effect is still super dramatic? That’s prime pencil usage ladies and just the reason for you to keep a slew of your favorite pencil colors in your make-up kit.

Before I go much further let me insert a quick tip: eyeliner pencils are a thousand times easier to use when they are sharpened. Remember back in elementary school when your #2 BIC pencil was newly sharpened, it left a much more defined line on the paper? Same idea. However (and this is new – you probably didn’t do this part in grade school), after you sharpen your eyeliner pencil, rub it once or twice over the side of your hand to dull the tip just a bit. This prevents the super fine tip from chipping or breaking during application. Additionally, it prevents you from getting lines of two different widths. If you apply the pencil directly after sharpening (without dulling the tip) you’ll notice that the beginning of your line is much thinner than the end of your line. So here’s a super quick remedy for you to stick in your bag of make-up tricks.

Okay so back to application. Pencils may be applied at the lash line on top of your eye, via the eyelid and/or just below the lash line underneath your eye. Some liner ladies opt for both. I find that lining both all the way across tends to make my eyes look smaller. However, on some – it’s totally fabulous. I altered my application method a bit by lining all the way across the bottom and just on the outer corner of my eyelid. Imagine just lining a quarter of the way into the eyelid. This gives me more definition, than just lining the bottom, but it also opens my eye, as opposed to making it look smaller. Another great trick is to have the lines from underneath the eye connect to the line (if any) from above the eye. You don’t have to fishtail it out too much, like you’re the leading lady on Broadway’s Cats, but if you just connect them at the very corner of your eye, it provides a great frame for the eye, as well.

On a rainy day (ugh like today in DC) when lounging poolside or dining al fresca just isn’t an option, take a moment to experiment with this and see what works best for your eyes. I often find that taking a self-shot (think teenagers on Facebook) picture of myself gives me a great opportunity to examine different looks. So set aside some “you” time, experiment with different lining colors and techniques, all while having a photo shoot simultaneously.

To achieve the oh-so-desirable smudged out and/or smoky eye look, the smudge/blending brush is key. These can be purchased at Sephora or MAC and most cosmetic counters. I’ve included a link to a smudge/blending brush below by Bare Escentuals.

Blending Brush

Once you have lined your eyes, simply take the brush and gently rub it over the liner. You will see that doing this will soften the harsh line, and sort of “smudges out” the liner, but overall it will increase the impact. Continue to smudge until the liner suits your desired look. Lastly, if you wanna kick the smudging up a notch to achieve a smoky eye (who doesn’t love a great smoky eye?!), simply dip your smudge brush into a potted powder eyeshadow, that corresponds with the color of your liner and use the smudging technique described above. Including the shadow will significantly enhance the drama of your look.

And it’s totally just that easy.

Lash Out

Okay ladies I've decided to devote Read My Lipgloss (RML’s) first product spotlight to two of my favs, lovingly refered to as the miracle mascara combo. Most women - the cosmetic connoisseurs with their impressive spread of preppers, primers, color, and finishing products, as well as, those that consider chapstick to be the extent of their make up regimen, and all those in between can identify the advantages of wearing mascara. Lengthening, thickening, volumizing (not to mention that with a quick mascara application, you can go from the epitome of sleepiness to bright-eyed and ready to take on the world).

Admit it, we’ve all done it. Slept in, rolled out of bed, brushed the teeth, and slung our hair up into a ponytail (telling ourselves the whole time, “the messy bedroom look is so the new black”), and then a touch of lipgloss and mascara and in 15 minutes or less, we are good to go. But the mascara is really the genius of this whole scenario, as with one or two strokes of the mascara wand our eyes are wider and brighter and our look is polished. Furthermore, the two most common uses for the word “wand” in the English language are reserved for fairy godmothers and mascaras. Coincidence? I think not.

In summary, our lashes set the stage for our eyes, one of the most fabulous and expressive parts of us. One of the primary purposes of make-up is to accentuate our favorite features and if you are at all interested in drawing attention to your eyes via luscious lashes, I’m telling you, these products will not disappoint.

Product # 1
Rilastil Volumizing Mascara
Sold at Bella Cara in Old Town Alexandria and various online sites (just google the product)




Photo from Skin and Hair

Product # 2
Estee Lauder Projectionist Mascara
Sold at Estee Lauder retailers

Photo from Estee Lauder

The Rilastil is to be applied first and then the Estee Lauder Projectionist. I’ve selected two mascaras to be used in tandem as I have found that, despite various advertising promises of a mascara that does it all, two work better than one. Get one mascara that volumizes (Rilastil) and one devoted to definition (Estee Lauder Projectionist). Very often, when you attempt to combine two types of mascaras, the products will clump together. However, these two products compliment one another perfectly and provide lasting volume, definition, and length to your lashes throughout most of the day. Should you head out to a happy hour or dinner date after work and need a little “lash lift,” just apply one or two strokes of the Projectionist and you’re again, ready to lash out.

What the Pluck?

Now ladies, this one I learned the hard way. I’m a 365 day plucker – that’s right, I pluck daily. Most people who know me would probably pass me off as a “wax girl”, however, after two what I will call, “rainbow” incidents (you know what I mean, the golden arches over my eyes), I decided my money was better spent on pedicures. Not to say that there are not gifted stylists and aestheticians, because there are – my friend Kate is obsessed with her brow boy. I for one just lost patience after my two hack jobs, I mean wax jobs, that I decided to take my eyebrows into my own hands…or tweezers rather. So I’ve been successfully plucking for 10+ years. I’ve included some brow basics below:

1) I highly recommend using tweezers with the slanted tips. The slanted tip provides for greater accuracy and a more effective grip.

2) If you are super sensitive to the plucking, you can numb your brows with a good -old-fashioned ice pack.

3) Only pluck from the bottom. More specifically, pluck the stray hairs on the underside of your brows.

4) Pluck any miscellaneous hairs and shape from the underside as well.

5) Your eyebrow width and shape should correspond with your face shape. See the beauty hobby blog, which outlines the best shape brow for your face shape.
BeautyHobby

6) To further define or fill in your brows, you have a few options. For a more dramatic look, use an eyeliner pencil and smudge the pencil lines into your brows with a sponge brush or angled eyeliner brush. For a softer, more subtle fill, use the angled eyeliner brush and eye shadow. The color of both the pencil and/or shadow should be a shade or two lighter than your natural brow color.

7) Should you choose a fuller brow and/or have difficulty taming the brow, MAC's brow set product is FABULOUS. It essentially sets your brows while adding a bit of shine (think of it as adding a little styling pomade and highlights to your brows)! MAC Brow Set

8) Whatever you do, pluck the hairs in the direction in which they grow. We’ve all had the urge to pluck the hair in the opposite direction. You get a good grip on the stubborn little sucker and then you just give it a rip. Well one of two things could potentially happen. 1) that hair may never grow back or 2) you may develop an infected hair follicle. Here comes the story:

I was working on Capitol Hill at the time and my girlfriend and I were out to lunch. I asked her if she could see this annoying bump thing on my eyebrow, to which she replied, “yeah, maybe the nurse on call will have a band aid or something.” So we go to the nurse on call to try and ascertain what this eyebrow bump-ness was. I’m not even kidding you, she said that I needed to leave work and go to my primary care physician immediately. I’m thinking, “what? For a bump on my brow?” Apparently this was potentially much more serious than I originally thought. So I’m at my desk thinking, “exactly how do I craft the email to my Chief of Staff stating that I need to leave the office immediately for an eyebrow emergency?”

My primary care physician explained that when I plucked my eyebrow in the opposite direction, it essentially left a little hole in my skin, which then became infected and caused the bump. So there I was topical ointment in hand and band-aid over the eyebrow like a prize fighter. I went back to work the next day, (where I worked with like 99% guys mind you). So of course the question of the day, “so uh…Sara…what happened?” I mean what could I say? So naturally I replied, “you should see the other guy."

Good to Glow

It’s no secret that we all look better with a little color. Memorial Day weekend comes around and begrudgingly; we pull out the swimsuit and halter tops and think, “oh I so should have gone tanning.” And despite the fact that we know just how awful tanning beds are for our skin, we continue to head to the salon, bronzing lotion and goggles in tow, and seek the almighty “sunkissed look.” Believe me, I’m totally guilty of it myself (just don’t tell my dermatologist).

I was married in October of last year and therefore 2008 resulted in many showers, parties, get togethers, celebratory dinners, etc. All for which I justified the purchase of a new dress, new accessories, and very often, new shoes. In my mind a tan was simply part of the ensemble, contributing significantly to the finished look. Normally I allow myself to purchase the “unlimited tanning package” just for the summer months (that’s me showing self-control). However, because of last year’s seemingly endless number of special events, I was faced with an unprecedented number of tanning sessions. Not even I could deny the potential hazards of regular tanning at this point. So I committed to mastering (drum roll please)…the spray tan.

While helpful, the pre-spray tan tutorial video offered at tanning salons, tends to leave out some rather important information. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to avoid the dreaded “orange look” (think Dancing with the Stars) and get the desired glow without putting your skin at risk. I’ve listed 9 steps, but don’t be intimidated…I’m just super detail oriented. After 1 or 2 times of this routine, you’ll have it down. NOTE: various salons may have different procedures, so by all means, if the tanning consultant instructs you otherwise – listen to them!


Shortly before tanning (1-2 hours prior):
Step 1: Exfoliate your skin with a heavy duty scrub (i.e. St. Ives Apricot scrub is ideal)
NOTE: When using scrubs, I’ve found that using a washcloth works better than a loofah. The texture of the washcloth works to your benefit.

Step 2: Use a moisturizing lotion (i.e. St. Ives Intensive Healing Lotion) all over. The spray tan will concentrate (read: streak) in areas that are noticeably dry such as knees, elbows, and the backs of ankles, so make sure these are lotioned up. The spray tan goes on much smoother when skin is well hydrated.

Step 3: Wear dark and loose fitting clothing to the tanning salon, as the spray tan may stain lightly colored or tightly fitted clothing.

Once you arrive to the tanning salon:
Step 4: You will be asked whether you want tinted or clear spray solution. Tinted solution gives you instant color, while the clear solution takes 3 – 6 hours to appear. Your choice.

Step 5: You may also be asked which level of spray solution you prefer; 1, 2, or 3. All this really refers to, is the amount of solution that will be used. The level should be based on your height and weight. I would suggest asking the tanning salon consultant which level he/she would recommend for you.

Step 6: Apply pre-sunless tanning instant moisturizer. Most tanning salons sell this product and in my opinion, it’s totally worth the $20. Apply this liberally to all areas to be tanned.

Step 6: Apply barrier cream to instructed areas. Barrier cream should be provided, at no additional cost, by the tanning salon. Apply a thick layer of barrier cream to fingernails and toenails (especially around your cuticles where the spray tan tends to build up) and a thinner layer to the tops of your hands and feet. Make sure the lotion is applied evenly (no clumps) and be mindful to get the spaces in between your fingers and toes, as this is a prime spot for streaking. Also, if you knees or elbows tend to be super dry, lather some barrier cream on there as well.

Booties – Many tanning salons offer booties to cover your feet while you tan. I don’t really get the booties, as I want my feet to tan with the rest of my body…so needless to say, I go without the booties. I mean who wants a tanned body with pale feet?

We’re almost there….

Step 7: Enter the spray tan booth and follow the instructions given to you by the tanning salon consultant regarding your positioning. Remember to close your eyes and keep your mouth closed. I’m sure you’re thinking “how do I breathe?!” I breathe through my nose in between sprays. But each tanning booth differs in the spray patterns, so ask the tanning salon consultant what to expect so you can plan your breaths without panicking! You should be in the booth for less than a minute.

Step 8: Using a dark colored towel, provided by the tanning salon, dab your skin dry. Make certain you do not wipe your skin dry, as this causes streaking. Essentially, just dab the towel all over until you are completely dry.

Step 9: Tanning salons recommend that you not shower or sweat within 5 hours of getting your spray tan. After 5 hours you should be “good to glow.”