Clarisonic Opal

I have been using this amazing product for a while now and love the results it is giving me!  The Clarisonic Opal is a palm sized infusion system that helps to build our skin’s resilience and prevent future damage around the eye area.  The Opal has special eye serum, called Anti-Aging Sea Serum that you apply to the surface of the device and move the Opal around the eye area.  The Opal has 125 sonic movements per second which helps the Anti-Aging Sea Serum penetrate a deeper layer of dermis that is impossible to do with your finger alone.

The sea serum is made of marine and botanicals extracts that help to hydrate and firm they eye area and is paraben free.

The results are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Touche Eclat is a MUST HAVE

Thank goodness SUMMER has arrived!!!  To kick off the season..let me tell you about a fabulous beauty secret!  Touche Eclat by YSL is an award winning highlighter for your face.  Use it to transform your dark circles, fine lines and any signs of fatigue or tiredness to an instant rested look!  It literally makes it look as if you have had 8 hours of sleep.  There are seven shades to choose from, so you will have no problems finding one for your skin tone.  You have to try it!

NYC Makeup Show May 2011

I had the pleasure of attending The Makeup Show 2011 in NYC with a few of my girlfriends.  We went down on Sunday and returned on Monday evening!  It was exciting to see all the different lines represented in one building!  I loved the atmosphere and energy of the place and everyone there!

We had a great time!  I am looking forward to the next one! 

Part 2 Consider the tone and texture of your skin

All foundations will have color undertones which are usually pink or yellow. The most natural looking foundations have a yellow base because most skin has a yellow undertone.  If you are extremely fair or have cool undertones you may need to have a pink undertone in your foundation. 

The best way to really tell if a foundation matches your skin is to try it on... Professional makeup artists call this ‘stripping’ the jaw line.  Please, please…NEVER test the color on your arm, wrist or hand as these areas of your body are a different shade!  Your artist should choose three shades for you.  The right shade will appear almost invisible on your skin.  It is never a good idea to go lighter or darker than your natural skin tone, but to try to match the color as closely as possible to your skin tone.  Sometimes you might need to mix two colors together to get the perfect match.

How to Choose a Foundation Part 1

Part 1

Determine your skin type and coverage needed

 

Foundation is not meant to cover every imperfection on your face, but in reality, it should be used to even out your skin tone.  So many women end up using way to much foundation resulting in a cakey or overly made up  face.   We should not be using our foundation to cover every single line, mark or pore on our skin!

The first thing you should consider when choosing a foundation is your skin type and the type of coverage you are looking for.  Do you have oily, dry or combination skin?  You want to make a decision based on the needs of your skin.  Would you like a sheer, medium or full coverage?  The coverage that you choose will determine the amount of pigment that the foundation has.  If you go with a light or sheer foundation the formula will be light with less pigment, if you choose a full coverage, the foundation is more pigmented and may feel heavier on your skin.

Skin Type

Oily Skin~Be sure that you select a foundation that is oil-free.  You might also like something that will help to control oil and shine.  I personally love Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free.

Dry Skin~You will most likely need a foundation that is hydrating.  Dry skin looks best with a cream or liquid foundation..NOT powder, which will only emphasis the dryness, making the product look very cakey.

Combo or Normal Skin~You have the most choices!  You can choose almost any type of foundation..something that adds moisture or helps to control shine.  Try Trish McEvoy Treatment foundation!  It is also anti-aging!

Sensitive Skin~If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy tested for skin irritants.

Gluten Free~If you are gluten intolerant, I recommend Bare Escentuals..most of their products are gluten free so safe for your use!

If you are considering a foundation you MUST remember that a face primer is a must!  See my previous blog to find out why!

Coming next…Part 2 Consider the tone and texture of your skin.

My Favorite Ten Spring Trends # 10

No. 10 Braids & Ponytails

A great way to update your style this Spring is to add braids or ponytails!  The fishtail braids, ponytail braids , tiny brainds and chignon braids are all the rage right now.I know this isn't makeup..but I had to say how much I enjoy the fashionable look of braids and ponytails for spring!  The key to making it look current is to be sure it looks a bit messy!

My Favorite Top Ten Spring Trends #9

No. 9  Romantic Smoky Eye

With spring on the way..it is time to trade in the dark wintry colors normally used for smoky eyes for soft, feminine and romantic colors!  Smoky eyes have become a classic look, but it is so refreshing to see the new trend for a soft romantic smoky eye.

I love the colors in Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette..it comes with 3 cards explaining how to accomplish 3 looks! 

My Favorite Top Ten Spring Trends #8

Foundation Primer No. 8

Ok..this isn't really a 'trend', but a necessity!!  I wanted to address the real need for a primer. 

Foundation primer is applied before foundation and smooths out the texture of the skin allowing the foundation to glide over it, like a flat even canvas. It also works as a base for the foundation to grab onto, which will keep your foundation lasting a lot longer. It keeps your pores and/or lines looking smooth. A little bit goes a long way and it can be used for all skin types.

I know many women don’t like the idea of adding another step to their routine..but it truly extends the wear of your makeup, saving you time in the long run!!

I can't live without it!  I use Laura Mercier's Oil Free.  Some other great lines are Murad, Too Faced and Trish McEvoy!!  I know you  can find the perfect one for you!

My Favorite Ten Spring Trends #7

 No. 7 Rosy Cheeks

Those beautiful spring bloom colors are right on our doorstep..even if we are expecting a snow storm in April!  A great way to welcome spring is with a flushed and rosy cheek.  Blushing rosy cheeks look great on everyone…the classic spring trend. 

Get your spring bloom on with Too Faced blush in Pinch My Petals.

Top Ten

No. 6 Gold Shadow

I love this trend of gold!  Try Laura Mercier’s Platinum Metallic eye.  For a sheer effect blend cream on your lid, or for a more dramatic eye, blend to the arch of your brow!

My Favorite Ten Spring Trends

No. 5 Natural & Luminous Skin

This trend NEVER goes out of style!  It is a minimal foundation that looks natural and luminous.  A great foundation to try is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk.  Bare Escentuals has a wonderful product called Mineral Veil., it is a powder finish.  Either of these products will leave your skin glowing!

   

My Favorite Ten Spring Trends #4

No. 4  Coral Lips

Leave winter’s dark vibe behind and try a super saturated orange lip, or start with a soft coral almost peach shade..  Which ever spectrum you try is very chic right now!  Coral shades are very flattering and actually make your teeth look whiter! 

Try Nars Vesuvio, which is a mattte finish, or YSL’s Pure Lipstick in Fuchsia Pink!   

My Favorite Ten Spring Trends #3

No. 3 Purple Eye Shadow

 We can at least PRETEND Spring is here with the colors we wear!  A fantastic trend in eye shadow for this Spring is purple.  Colors from pale lilac to bright violet purples are universally flattering for all skin tones. 

I really love Laura Mercier's Limited Edition 'Silk Road', it has 4 eye colors and 2 cheek, they are Gorgeous Palace Pink - soft pink with shimmering gold pearl, Regal Violet - bold, sparkling violet, Golden Sands - soft pink peach with sparkling gold pearl, Rare Taupe - soft grey taupe with satin finish, Lavender Silk - pale, blue violet with matte finish, Persian Rose - pink coral with gold hidden pearl!

Also..think about purple on your fingers and toes!  There is an amazing company called Butter which is from London.  Their products contain NO Formaldehyde, Toluene, or DBP's.  Try Butter HRH..even the Queen would like it!

My Favorite Ten Spring Trends in the Cosmetic World #2

Original Tinted Moisturizer

2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I’ve always loved Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer and I think it is the perfect tool to create your spring canvas. It is a lightweight foundation with an SPF 20 (ALWAYS wear sunscreen!!) that lets you build your coverage and adds a very natural glow to your skin.  Let me stress F-O-U-N-D-A-T-I-O-N, not to be mistaken for MOISTURIZER..you still need a face moisturizer under this.  Laura should change this name, as it is very confusing! 

There are several versions to choose from, Original, Oil Free (I use this one) and Illuminating.  I love to wear a bit of the Illuminating alone, but a really great tip is to mix a small amount into your other Tinted Moisturizer or foundation..it creates a beautiful glow!  You may also use it as a highlighter along your cheekbones!









My Favorite Ten Spring Trends in the Cosmetic World

Since it looks like my sandals won’t be making an appearance anytime soon, let me add a little warmth to your day and tell you about my favorite spring trends.

1. Too Faced Shadow Insurance

You should definitely check out Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It will keep your eye shadows from fading and creasing, I promise! Not only does it keep your eye shadow in place, but the silicone base also changes your shadow to a more blendable and intense version of the color. Another reason I like this primer so much is that it will help to tone down any discoloration PLUS smooth fine lines on the lid.  Two other versions are Candlelight & Glitter Glue. I really love them!

More to come shortly!!!!