Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Walk The Line

72 percent of adults named their eyes as their favorite facial feature. It's for this reason so many women spend more time perfecting their eye makeup than foundation, bronzers and lipstick. Celebrity Beauty Expert Darrell Redleaf offers some new insight on playing up this favorite feature via eyeliner with information on how to choose the right formula, color and application techniques.

"The first step in choosing a liner is finding the right formula," says Darrell Redleaf, celebrity beauty expert. "From basic pencils, to shadows, gels and liquid eyeliners there are a bevy of beauty options depending on the look you are trying to achieve."

Pencils are a classic option and can be used to define or can be blended for a softer look. Shadows, on the other hand, are a new way to utilize your beauty bag. You can use your existing shadows and wet slanted liner brush to apply. Shadows are a great option because often they feature a broader color range than basic pencils.

For long lasting coverage, gel and liquid formulas are the best option. These formulas are more dramatic and great for evening. Another plus for gels and liquids is that they are long lasting and do not smear as pencils can sometimes do. Waterproof and smudge-proof are important words to look for when purchasing one of these formulas.

After finding your perfect formula, the next step is choosing the right color. Darrell recommends bronze and gold shades to enhance green and blue eyes, while darker eyes can opt for taupes and browns. Most importantly, it's all about technique. Darrell recommends blending the liner (either a shadow or pencil) at the root of the lashes and blend up and out in a 45 degree angle for an instant lift. You can use an angle brush for a more defined look or use an eye smudge brush for a smoky look. You can create different looks by using different brushes.

For a dramatic look, you can wing a liquid eyeliner or eye gel up a bit. But avoid winging too much otherwise it can look theatrical.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Define Your Eyes

Eyeliner #1: Tarte EmphasEYES High Definition Eye Pencil

This soothing, soft liner from Tarte glides on your skin effortlessly. The product is formulated without synthetic fragrances or dyes, making Tarte's liner a fabulous way to get a smoking nighttime makeup look naturally. We're particular fans of the Charcoal color, which is a very sophisticated and sultry shade of gray, though all five of the shades offered are stunning. $18 from Sephora.com.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Define Your Eyes

Eyeliner #2: Stila Convertible Eye Color

Stila's creamy eyeliner pencil would be lust-worthy enough on its own, but when coupled with a matching powder eye shadow, it's an absolute beauty product must-have. This wand has a pencil-free liner on one end and an eye shadow with built-in applicator on the other. The shadow and liner colors coordinator flawlessly to make a product that is the ultimate in convenient, on the go beauty. $22 from Sephora.com.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Define Your Eyes

Eyeliner #3: Giorgio Armani Liquid Eye Liner

The marker-like tip of this liquid liner makes it incredibly easy to draw lines of varying thickness. The matte black color is all the ease and elegance you would expect from the name Armani. Best of all, when they say smudge-proof, they really mean it. $30 from SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Define Your Eyes

Eyeliner #4: Smashbox Cosmetics Cream Eye Liner

Not all liners are in stick form. In fact, one of our absolute favorites comes in a pot! This cream eyeliner by Smashbox is applied with a brush, giving you total control over the application process so you can customize your makeup look completely. The cream formula also has remarkable staying power. The liner comes in many gorgeous colors however we're particularly smitten with "Picasso," a deep ink blue color. $22 from Sephora.com. Can't decide on a color? Get ten of them in an adorable and convenient palette that also comes with a mini brush. It makes a perfect stocking stuffer come holiday gifting time, though it will certainly be hard to give away. $32 from Sephora.com.

Define Your Eyes

For really making your eye makeup pop, eyeliner is a girl's best friend. But with so many on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one. We've searched high and low to create this list of five best eyeliners for you.

Eyeliner #5: Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil

For a sultry night out on the town, this carbon black liner is the ultimate in nighttime eye makeup. The wax and oil infused formula makes for a fluid and creamy liner, ensuring even application without any effort on your part. Most importantly, however, it stays put: even a test run of an eight hour night out and about in the scorching summer heat hardly budged it. Runny raccoon eyes are a thing of the past! $21.50 from Sephora.com.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Perfect Nails At Home

Manicures are fun -- and who doesn’t want her fingernails to look fun and stylish? Getting one a week, though, can put a major dent in your pocketbook. So invest in some tools of the esthetics trade and start giving yourself at-home manicures instead. You'll save money, and home-brushed nails can last longer than those painted in the salon.

Woman painting nails in at-home manicure

What you need

  • Nail polish remover
  • Cotton balls
  • Q-tips
  • Nail clipper/scissors
  • Emery board
  • Cuticle oil
  • Cuticle stick
  • Nail polish
  • Topcoat/basecoat

How to give yourself a manicure

1Clean your hands & nails thoroughly.

Using soap and water, get underneath the nails to remove any dirt. If you have nail polish on, use nail polish remover and a cotton ball to completely clean the nail surface. Use a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to clear anything left around the edges.

2Trim and shape your nails.

If your nails are long, trim them using a nail clipper or pair of nail scissors. Once complete, file raggedy edges down with an emery board. Round or square off the nail with long, smooth strokes of the emery board against the nail tip (this prevents nail splitting, which can happen if you file using short strokes).

3Soak cuticles.

To soften your cuticles so you can push them back with a cuticle or orangewood stick, soak your fingertips in soapy water for a few minutes. Once the cuticles look whiteish, grab your tool of choice and gently push the cuticle into the nail bed. This process shouldn't hurt, so if you feel pain, stop. Also, never cut or tear your cuticle; that could lead to infection.

4Pick your polish.

Start with a clear basecoat to protect your nails. Use three stokes of polish on each nail: Middle, then on each side. Let the basecoat dry, then apply colored polish in the same way. Be sure to let the polish dry completely in between coats. Once you've applied all layers, add a topcoat to protect the color. Quick-dry polish helps set the color. Remove any polish that landed on your skin with a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover.

Other hints for home manicures

  • Practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the better your nails will look in the long run.
  • If your cuticles are really dry, apply cuticle oil to the beds before soaking your nails.
  • Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish.

Anti-Aging Secrets For Your Hands

Many of us spend a great deal of time and money on anti-aging products and treatments for our faces. However, one of the first places to show our age is our hands because they are constantly exposed to the sun and its photo-aging effects on our skin. The skin on our hands is also thinner than the skin on our faces -- making it more susceptible to the aging process. Here are 5 easy tips to keep your hands looking youthful and smooth -- and keep the world guessing your age!

Woman applying hand lotion

1Exfoliate your hands

Just as you exfoliate the skin on your face, you need to remove the top layer of skin on your hands to reveal the fresh skin underneath. At home, you can use microdermabrasion crystals or even 1 teaspoon of sugar combined with coconut oil. While these treatments will not remove brown spots, they will leave your skin looking smoother and softer. The key is to exfoliate on a regular basis. You can also try a professional chemical peel to exfoliate and remove dark spots, however sometimes these are too harsh for the skin on the backs of our hands. An at-home alternative is to apply fresh lemon juice to your hands for as long as you can tolerate and rinse off. The citric acid in lemon juice is a mild exfoliator.

2Use a moisturizer with at least SPF 15 everyday, even in the winter time

If you find a moisturizer with an SPF that you love, use it all the time. This way you are replacing moisture and protecting your hands. Sun exposure damages collagen- which is the building block of our skin. Collagen also gives our skin that "plump" look. Once collagen is broken down, wrinkles and thin skin appear, so the more we can protect the skin on our hands from the destruction of collagen, the more we can prevent wrinkles.

3Pamper your hands

Whenever you do the dishes, or expose your hands to a lot of water, be sure to wear gloves. Try using a thick cream like Aquaphor or any oil like olive oil or coconut oil under your gloves for a moisture treatment. Also, if you use anti-oxidant serums on your face, you can use those on your hands as well. Apply these serums at night before moisturizer and during the day before your SPF. You can even use the same hydrating masks on your hands that you use on your face.

4Try lasers for brown spots and loose skin

Age spots or brown spots are a tell-tale sign of aging. To remove brown spots, the best treatments are lasers, such as a Fraxel or a YAG laser. Treatments can range between $500-$1,000 per treatment. If you have loose skin on your hands, you can try a tightening treatment with a laser such as the TITAN. Skin-tightening treatments help to stimulate collagen production, resulting in thicker skin.

5Banish veins with scelortherapy and fat plumping

As your skin thins, veins in your hands can appear to "bulge" out. In scelortherapy, a mild irritant is injected into your veins and blocks the blood supply. As a result, the vein shuts down and shrinks. Although this treatment does not have a lot of downtime, it can take a few weeks to see the full results. This treatment is best for small, superficial veins.

For larger veins, a better treatment is to plump the skin around the vein by injecting fat into the hand, thereby creating an even illusion. To plump the skin, doctors use either your own fat (extracted from your thigh or buttocks) or Restylane. Both treatments cost about $300-$750 per treatment, with one or two treatments required.

Friday, October 8, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

9V-neck sweaterV-neck sweater

Often seen paired with trousers and white shirt in our school uniform days, the V-neck is now a staple for comfort and style. We're fans of this simple CeCe truffle cashmere option.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

8Oxford shoesOxford shoes

No longer a school staple of the past, Oxford shoes are back with a vengeance. Pair with tights and a skirt, or wear with skinny jeans and a pullover. Steve Madden has some adorable options, including these Tuxxedo Oxfords, as seen on Taylor Swift and Sienna Miller.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

7TrousersTrousers

While some girls chose to wear kilts or tunics, some of us went with trousers to complete the school uniform look. Now that we're all grown up, trousers are a fall wardrobe staple for the office. Find a pair that fits well and in which you're comfortable, and use it as a base to build sophisticated outfits. The Gap Perfect Trouser Pants are stylish and flattering on most body shapes.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

6TunicTunic

Another school uniform-inspired look, the tunic is as easy to wear as it is stylish. Pair with leggings, thick tights or skinny jeans for a casual yet trendy look. We love this Mod Cloth plaid tunic in shades of blue and grey.

Monday, October 4, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

5SatchelSatchel

Though you may no longer be carrying around textbooks, satchels can be a stylish way to lug your stuff from home to the office and back. This Heirloom Satchel by Fossil is just the right size, and we love the creamy cognac hue.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

4Kilt-inspired skirtKilt-inspired skirt

To go along with your new wool tights, pick up a kilt-inspired skirt. No need to try and squeeze into your high school uniform -- just try an updated version of this schoolroom staple. This BDG Double Buckle Waistband Skirt works beautifully with a cropped sweater or close-fitting blouse tucked in.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

3Wool tightsWool tights

Not just for children, wool tights can look chic with A-line dresses, corduroy minis and sweater dresses. Complete the comfy, warm look with knee-high boots or oxford shoes. These Winter Soft Logic Tights have a fine-ribbed knit and come in grey or black.

Friday, October 1, 2010

10 School-inspired styles for adults

Who didn't love back to school shopping? We were huge fans of pre-September sprees with parents or friends in tow, picking out first-day fashions, new shoes and backpacks ready to be filled with brand-new binders, books and pens. We may be well past the back to school shopping age, but that doesn't mean we love the idea any less. That's why we've scoured the shops to find classroom-inspired looks for the grownup set.

2Crisp white shirtCrisp white shirt

If you ever had to wear a school uniform, you know the importance of a crisp, white shirt. But it's also something that never goes out of style and can be worn with a variety of items from a pencil skirt to denim to trousers. Gap has an affordable, laid-back version of this classic item with its white western shirt.

Define Your Eyes

Eyeliner #4: Smashbox Cosmetics Cream Eye Liner

Not all liners are in stick form. In fact, one of our absolute favorites comes in a pot! This cream eyeliner by Smashbox is applied with a brush, giving you total control over the application process so you can customize your makeup look completely. The cream formula also has remarkable staying power. The liner comes in many gorgeous colors however we're particularly smitten with "Picasso," a deep ink blue color. $22 from Sephora.com. Can't decide on a color? Get ten of them in an adorable and convenient palette that also comes with a mini brush. It makes a perfect stocking stuffer come holiday gifting time, though it will certainly be hard to give away. $32 from Sephora.com.