Fall 2009 Fashion Week Trends

When the light glossy lips of summer went out of style as the seasons end neared, it was replaced by bold dark lipstick. Models with vampy pouts poured on the stage full force for Fall Fashion Week 2009. Tuleh’s models paraded down the stage wearing a soft smoky eye look and mauve stained lips to accompany them. Another shade of red, brick red, was found on Luca Luca and the Cynthia Steffe’s runway. During the LA fashion week another notable trend was even darker- black lips. Darker lipstick can be intimidating to try, but give it a chance. Your lips deserve to look just as luxe as your smoky rimmed eyes.

Another noticeable trend at 2009 Fall Fashion Week was dark nails. Whether it was a dark raisin polish, found on the DKNY, Luca Luca, and BCBG models, the dark chocolate found at Amanda Fontanarrosa, or the black polish that covered the toes of Miss Sixty models, dark nails came out full force! This style is more doable for the average woman. Whether your choice be a deep plum, sapphire, or cherry, have fun with it! Fall is the perfect time to punctuate your style with small changes such as these.

Add to del.icio.us

Seduction- The X Factor

In the world of Hollywood most actresses sparkle, but only a few stand out from the crowd enough to have earned the title of seductress. Among them are Mae West, Sophia Loren, Eartha Kitt, and Dorothy Dandridge.

Mae West:

Photo Credit
West never hid her curves. She was proud of her body and it showed through in her form fitting wardrobe. One of West’s famous quotes serves as great advice to women around the globe, “Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided.” A voluptuous siren and proud of it. Actually she was called a vamp and was considered controversial for her time after she acted in one of her plays, SEX, she did a stint in jail for obscenity. The naughty seductress!!

Sophia Loren:

Photo Credit

International star, Loren, appeared effortlessly seductive with her signature style of neutral colored pouty lips, winged eyeliner and tousled hair. "When Sophia Loren is naked," she once said," there is a lot of nakedness." The Italian Bombshell was born an illegitimate child and raised by a single mother in poverty. Just goes to show you...you can rise from the ashes and learn to be a seductress.

Eartha Kitt:

Photo Credit

The original Catwoman, Kitt, was never caught on camera looking anything but strong and feminine, which was exhibited through her posture and the body skimming dresses she wore. Her purr!!! is unmistakably sexy and delicious. Every time I hear it, it just goes way over my head. It's the cheek bones, the defiant attitude and those cat eyes that make her simply irresistible! Another one born in poverty, never knew her father (are you noticing a trend here?). She had a style, a look which has yet to be duplicated.

Dorothy Dandridge

Photo Credit
Dorothy Dandridge was the consummate seductress with what many referred to as an "Angel Face". Just goes to show that you can have a sweet pretty face and still be seductive. She may have the face of an angel but her spirit certainly was flirtatious and sultry. A natural beauty with a liking for seductive red lips and skin the color of caramel. She has been imitated by such current icons as Halle Berry who produced, the Dorothy Dandridge Story, and by Beyonce who played an Urban version of Ms. Dandridge's famous Carmen Jones.

These women all possess that strong, sensual, feminine quality known as seduction. That ex-factor that's so clear yet so elusive. Who else do you think is seductive?

Add to del.icio.us

Your New “Magic Wand”

After a long day, the last thing you want to think about is what didn’t wash off your face. The truth is that traces and dirt may still be on your face at the end of the day, even after you wash your face. The Clarisonic facial brush promises to clean off makeup six times more effectively than your normal cleansing routine. Photo Credit

Clarisonic raves that the brush is “the best investment you can make for your skin.” Clearly, this company is not the only source that thinks this. The Clarisonic facial brush, which uses sonic technology at a rate of 300 movements per second to cleanse pores, has been featured in magazines such as Glamour, Elle, Allure, Redbook and many more. Reviewers have praised it, calling it a “magic wand.”

Benefits of this “magic wand” include:

• Gentle enough for use twice daily

• Allows for better application of moisturizer after the brush is used

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and visible pores

• Reduces the problems that go along with combination skin: dry patches blemishes, oily areas

• Leaves skin looking and feeling soft

While the Clarisonic brush is pricey at $149, it is more than worth it to add to your daily routine. Each day you will wake up with smooth beautiful looking skin. What woman wouldn’t want to wake up to that?

Add to del.icio.us

Do You Know What You’re Putting on Your Face?

Every day women wake up and start their morning routines of slathering on moisturizer and makeup without giving their routines a second thought. Due to the lack of regulation the Food and Drug Administration has over cosmetics companies, every woman should be thinking about what is in her cosmetics. Photo Credit

Three Toxins to Watch Out For:

• Parabens are synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in a wide variety of personal care products including: makeup, moisturizers, and hair care products. Parabens have been linked to certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. The FDA does require products to include parabens in the list of ingredients. The most common parabens used are methylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben, or butylparaben. If you feel uncomfortable using products with these ingredients listed you can seek out cosmetic companies that vow to make paraben free products.

• In a 2007 study the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of 33 brand name lipsticks contain detectable levels of lead. In the CSC’s study it explains that lead is dangerous because it can build up in the body and can cause learning, language, and behavioral problems.

• Nail polish toxins: Due to public pressure several big names in the nail polish industry have begun to remove toxins from their products. These toxins include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene, which have been linked to cancer and birth defects. Make sure the polishes you use are on the safe list.

Take action!

It might be shocking to find out that a product you have become comfortable with is actually unsafe. But you don’t have to sit back and let companies continue to take advantage of you. The CSC provides ideas to stop cosmetics companies from getting away with including harmful chemicals in their products, and have a list of more than 1,000 companies that have declared to make cosmetics safer with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics project. Where do you stand in the debate for safe cosmetics? Add to del.icio.us

Finding the Perfect Foundation

Photo Credit

Have you ever been in the department store scanning each beauty counter without a clue as to which foundation shade will work out for you? Have you thought you found the right shade and then taken it home only to realize it wasn’t right at all? Well you’re not alone and I’m here to help you unmask the mystery of which foundations work best on women of color.

Follow these steps to help you find your perfect shade

• Examine the color of your skin. Is it even all over? When you look at your jaw line, forehead, nose, and cheeks, do you see blue, red, or yellow undertones?

• Before you go to the store consider your foundation needs. Do you need more coverage? Do you prefer an oil free formula?

• Going to a department store will be your best bet since you’ll be able to try on each shade/formula and make sure it is the correct one for you. Try the foundation on different areas of your face to make sure it complements your overall skin tone. Make sure to try a shade above and below the one you think is right and to go out into the natural light (sometimes store lighting can be deceiving).

• You can also have the sales associate assist you in finding the right shade. It’s always good to have a second opinion!

• If you find the shade that melts into your skin and seems to disappear, then you’ve found it! Get ready to take your perfect shade home.

Recommended Brands:

• Bobbi Brown: Brown’s line has a range of shades and offers eight formulas to choose from including oil free and SPF 15 formulas. Bobbi has worked hard to create a timeless line which will allow you to walk away with products that enhance your natural beauty. Product prices range from $22 to $45 and products can be found in department stores. All formulas received more than four star ratings from customers.

• IMAN: Iman is the first to create a makeup line for women of color. She understands that women of color represent many different backgrounds and she has tailored her line based on this. There are 16 shades of foundation, which have been formulated to match a range of undertones! Prices start at $14.99. Products are sold at Target, Walgreens, Walmart, and Ulta.

• MAC: MAC, cosmetics, has over 11 foundation formulas and a variety of colors to choose from. MAC Studio Tech is a favorite. It comes in a compact and is a cream to powder formula. This foundation delivers matte results. You’ll be sure to look calm, cool, and collected at all times with this in your makeup bag. MAC can be found in department stores and the price of Studio Tech foundation is $29.50.

• Makeupforever: This is another brand with a wide range of tints and formulas to choose from. You won’t go wrong if you go for this brand. It has been featured in countless magazines around the world including in Marie Claire of Russia, Intrend Magazine of Malaysia, and W magazine of USA. You can order online at the Sephora website. Prices start at $8 (for the trial size) and range to $40.

• Prescriptives: No need to worry if you're having trouble deciding the color of the undertones in your skin. Prescriptives is available at department stores and can do custom blending for your skin tone. The sales associate will also tell you the undertone of your skin. Prices start at $32.50.

Add to del.icio.us

Beauty and Style is on the Air

There's a new place to get beauty, makeup, and style advice. Get Your Style Right Girl, on BlogTalkRadio, a new show hosted by International Model, and Beauty and Lifestyle Expert, Yvette Ervin will unlock the intrigue of what all Beauty Insiders and Fashionista's know; "it's not what you got, but how you use it." Yvette is a veteran of the international beauty and style scene and has worked with some of the best creative talent in the industry.

Check out our show page for all show details. You can even call in and get your questions answered or do the live chat thing too. BlogTalk is so hot even our President recently used it to talk to listeners about Health care. In the age of generation X this is "how we do it."

On August 31st at 8:00 pm, Get Your Style Right Girl, will tell you how to create a flawless face, look years younger, and exude confidence. Trust me, you will never walk away with tons of products you don't use again. See you on the air!

Add to del.icio.us

What Style of Beauty are you Selling?

What you look like says a lot about you. It's a reflection of how you feel about yourself. The question is what are you selling?

Are you polished and chic or a fashionista who marches to your own beat? Whether you fluctuate between styles or have your own signature style, here are five celebrity beauties that have created their own unique brand that remains unforgettable. Tell us if you see a bit of yourself in any of these amazing women.

Diana Ross, Seductive and Powerful

With Billboard Magazine naming her Female Entertainer of the Century in 1976, this diva has a lot to live up to. Ross does so not only with her powerful voice, but also her approach to beauty. Ross emphasizes multiple features with her long black mess of curls, bold red lips, smoky eyes and lush lashes. Ross’s look grabs attention and plays up a woman’s ability to be a seductress.

Audrey Hepburn, A Graceful Classic

One famous image exists in the minds of millions. She wears a long black dress with a full skirt, a sparkling tiara sits on top of her head, a pair of large black sunglasses cover her eyes and a playful smile is spread across her face. You don’t have to remove the sunglasses to realize that this image is of Audrey Hepburn. She is a style icon whose look will continue to inspire women for generations to come. When we think of classic we will always think of Audrey.

Eryka Badu, A Consciously Natural Beauty

It’s easy to see why Ebony Magazine recently named Badu an “It” Icon. Her confidence shows through in her natural beauty. Badu leaves her long curly hair unprocessed and frequently wears colorful head wraps. The only visible traces of makeup on her skin are her glossy lips and lightly lined eyes. She is an individual who brings the bohemian style center stage and makes you proud to be a woman. Her look says she knows who she is and knows how she wants to live her life, which is on her own terms.

Michelle Obama, Polished and Confident

America's first lady has brought a breath of fresh air to the Washington DC style scene ever since she and the first family moved into the White House earlier this year. She is on every best dressed list and Americans watch her anxiously to see what her next fashion statement will be. Americans look forward to Mrs.O’s signature style of natural makeup, bright smile, and flawless features. She shows women that you can have it all: intelligence, family, romance, style and beauty. She is a beauty with a purpose.

Photo Credit Jim Young / Reuters

Amy Winehouse, An Eccentric Beauty

While Winehouse has received negative attention from the media, she has also earned positive feedback for her bold makeup choices. Lady Gaga credits Winehouse on her look saying, "I will always have a very deep love for Amy Winehouse. Because of Amy, very strange girls like me go to prom with very good-looking guys." She proves that daring makeup can work.

Add to del.icio.us

My Fav 3

Well folks it was hard but I had to choose my favorite three products in my makeup bag. I tried hard to imagine if I was about to board a flight and security said "you don't need all that", and I could only take my honest to goodness, three they would be mascara, concealer, and lip gloss. These are fav's because of quality, performance, spot on colors and so, so easy to use.

Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Lipstick in Auquaroma

2.My choice for all around performing mascara is Dior Show Mascara

3. Camouflage Cream Palette by Makeupforever is an excellent concealer. You can create you own custom concealer to match your skin tone perfectly!

Add to del.icio.us

What's Looks Got to Do With It?

Recently, I was reading an article in the Economist about beauty and success. It gave a scenario something like this; There are two candidates for the same job, both same sex, and equal qualifications. One is pug ugly and the other not. Which one would you pick and why? Do you imagine the unattractive candidate, if chosen being offered a less money to do the job?

Does appearance matter? You bet it does-if it didn't why would we even bother to dress up for the interview.

Add to del.icio.us

Have You Seen Her....

Now this is what I'm talkin bout---What a flawless, timeless, ageless beautiful face. This new less is more look is something I have been craving from stars like Whitney. If this new FAB look is any indication of what's to come-Ms. Houston will be reclaiming her crown cause we need her. Add to del.icio.us

Chic, Cheap, & Hot

Who says looking good has to be expensive?  Not true especially when you know where to look.  I went in to my neighborhood Target looking for a few basics and was so impressed by some of the new brands of beauty to choose from....  and you thought Target was just for suburban housewives.  Have a look at what's in my new beauty bag.  All new, and all for less.  You're not going to believe it!!!!

First off, I found Australian born celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis.  He created a collection just for Target with that same signature use of bold color and smooth texture.  

I chose some of my favorite products which happen to be perfect for medium and deeper skin tones.  Using these few items, you have a glowing, flawless thing going, while still remaining true to you.

My first product is the NP Set liquid Veil--this illuminating highlighter adds radiance to lips, cheeks, and eyes. Try in Buenes Aires $14.

Next is the NP Set Cruise Blush--a creamy stick blush for a fresh dewy look $18.

Love the NP Set eyeliner--they have so man amazing colors to chose from like, Dubai, Houston, Mexico City, NYC, and Paris.  Nice, creamy and just glides right on with lots of pigment for bold color $17.

Okay, let's switch gears to Loreal Mascara-"Because you're worth it."  So many choices and so little time to create big, fat lashes for around $10.... and finally, Loreal infallible lipgloss for around $10.  Check this in wine, corals, nudes, and browns.  

Now for the bill...drum rolllllll!!!!.  Your bill comes to less than $70.  An uptown look for a downtown price. 

"Just do you..everyone else is already taken."

 

Add to del.icio.us

Juice Beauty

 Want that smooth, glowy, sexy complexion?  Juice Beauty, green apple skin peel has got to be one of my favorite skin care products.  What I love about it is that it's certified organic, and works quickly so you see results after about 15 minutes.  It's made with hydroxy-acid complex which exfoliates skin while improving skin texture.  Lot's of  antioxidants too!  And yes, it's made from real apples.  What a fresh way to get your glow on. It comes in two strengths-green apple peel for sensitive and full strength.  I use the full strength with no problem.  Love it! Add to del.icio.us

What are you selling?

What if I told you that you could make more money if you just changed the way you dressed in the work place.  Let's just call it "dressing for the job that you want."  Now remember, whether it's clothing or makeup, it's considered the same family (blood is thicker than water).  In my profession, I notice many clients fail to realize that we are all in the sales business.  In this case, it's about selling yourself.  Just taking the time to understand the rules (..um huh, yes there are unspoken rules) about what's considered professional in the work place. Take for instance,  your office or work place,  the boss may not say, I want you to look polished and crisp but you might wonder why so and so got the coveted promotion that you had your eye on.  Let's be clear, it's not always because someone is better suited for the position that you. Simply put, she might just "look" like she belongs in the job more than you.  Hard medicine to swallow; I know. Add to del.icio.us

Here Comes The Bride

It's that time of year where love is in the air and all those little white dresses will be making that infamous march down the aisle.  I'm talking about spring and summer weddings!

While what she will be wearing is on the minds of every blushing bride; how to pull off a beautiful, timeless face is just as important.

I have asked bridal makeup artist Anita Daniels to share some of her expertise with us.

SBC: Anita can you explain the difference between everyday makeup application and bridal makeup?

AD: The difference is, wedding makeup is much more dramatic and flawless-there's truth in the words, " a blushing bride."

SBC:  What's the best way for a bride to work with a professional makeup artist for her special day?

AD:  I think it's important for a bride to have excellent communication with her makeup artist so that they are on the same page.  I recommend a consultation to discuss the brides ideas .  It's also a good idea to find a photo with a similar style

and even better to do a trial session.  Most artists charge between $50 to $100 for a trial run.

SBC:  What kind of looks are really hot right now in bridal makeup? 

 

AD:  A flawless, complexion is always timeless.  I'm a fan of using illuminators and bronzers to make the skin look fresh, and glowy.

SBC: Can you give us some of your "go to" products for bridal makeup?

AD:  Some of my must haves are: eye shadow primer, waterproof mascara, bronzer or an illuminating  product, and a long lasting lip color.

SBC:  Thank you so much for your time this evening. I've enjoyed this...

For inquiries email Anita at makeupartistrybyanita@yahoo.com

Add to del.icio.us

Who Wants a Makeover??

This week I am shooting a makeover video! 

 Makeover seems to be the magic word these days.  Everyone is ready for change. Can't really blame them considering the state of the economy.

The whole idea is to love what you love about yourself and upgrade the things you don't love.

It's kinda like doing spring cleaning for your face, hair, body, and attitude.  As a Beauty Coach, it's my job to help clients feel Wow!

What could be better  It requires a little work but in the end, can be life changing.  It's so much fun.  

Here's a sample-

Add to del.icio.us

Every Fab Chick Needs a Good Foundation...

I was browsing in Nordstrom the other day when I met Art from the Gorgio Armani Counter.  Let me start by saying that I am very familiar with Gorgio Armani, the designer but had never had any connection with the beauty brand.

Art went on to say that GA foundation had won this prestigious award as having the best foundation in the business.   I looked at him and kinda rolled my eyes like, "yeah, sure.."  I mean you girls know what I'm taking about.  Every week there's a new brand promising something.

I have to confess, after trying the Gorgio Armani, silk foundation; I am seriously hooked.  It just melts on my skin.  To be honest, it looks like a SECOND SKIN.  I also tried the sheer illuminating liquid for that extra glow and BAM!  I now have my summer flawless complexion.

It is so worth the price.  Just goes to show you that a girl can always learn something new.

" a girl must be two things, classy and fabulous"

       CoCo Chanel

Add to del.icio.us

Beauty Shot

I recently picked up Beauty Water by Jonathan.  

NO, it's not some beauty elixir which makes you look and feel 10 years younger instantly!

It's a shower purification system created by Jonathan, celebrity hairstylist.  I hear, he used to tell his clients to shampoo with bottled water because of the damage which ordinary tap water can cause on hair and skin.

Finally after trying it (I have been wanting one for a while now), I have to say that it was worth the wait.  First of all my skin felt less dry after my shower and my hair was smooth and silky.

This might sound CRAZY but, the water didn't irritate my eyes like it usually does.  If it's going to help my hair color lasts longer, i'm all for that too.

This product is the BOMB!!!

With a name like Beauty Water, who can resist it!

Add to del.icio.us

Kiss and Makeup

Red Lipstick.  It goes with that little black dress as easily as your favorite pair of sexy jeans.

It's a universal classic and never goes out of style.  These days, beauty editors are all raving that red lips are back.   I say, it never went out of style if you ask me.

It's still the most sexy and provocative shade on the planet.

Most women assume they can't wear it but they're dead wrong.  

Here's how to do it:

1.  For a strong, sexy lip, skip the eyeliner and just use mascara instead.   Illuminate skin and opt for a soft blush on cheeks.

2. Red lipstick will bleed so use a complimentary lipliner first.

3.  Pick the right red for you.  For pinker complexions, choose plum reds, while yellow and      orange undertones are flattered by warmer reds that have a brown base.

4.  Now go ahead and work it!

Add to del.icio.us

Say Hello to Spring!

  There's no better way to spring into "wow" than with a fresh new skin care regimen.   The next thing you know summer will be here.  Do you know what they say about summer in the world of fabulous?   "Warm weather means less clothes and less clothes means less makeup."

In the meantime know this, skin care is to makeup what underwear is to clothes.

Take care of your complexion with a regimen which suits your lifestyle and skin type.  Now you can use all of your fab makeup to polish your natural beauty.

Wanna know a cool place to try before you buy?  Sephora is a great place to sample skin care products.  When you get to the skin care section, let the skincare expert know if you would like a natural, classic, organic, or Dr.'s brand and go home to try your new goodies.

"People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder.  This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves."

     Salma Hayek

Add to del.icio.us

Keep Polishing That Mirror...

Last week, I attended an event for women entrepreneurs.  You know the scene; a little food, a little networking.

The key note speaker was a woman with an interesting message but what I remembered most was her polished, refined look.  Yeah.  She had it together!  What struck me was that her makeup was impeccable.  It was age appropriate (she must have been about 50), but she looked so dewy and well blended.  She had just the right amount of color and the style was on point.

If she hadn't mentioned in her intro that she had a 30 year old son, I would not have guessed she was a day passed 38.

Do you ever look at someone giving a presentation from a few feet away and all you notice is a "blurry" grey face with two small eyes and a mouth?  Well, she was live and in color.

The point is,  yes the economy is ugly but it pays to look good!

"Darling, don't be shy.  Shine!"

Christian Dior

Add to del.icio.us

We Are Feelin' Mrs. O

Did you hear all the hysteria when the White House released the official photograph of the First Lady, Michelle Obama? The way some people reacted about her making the choice to wear a sleeveless number by Michael Kors, you would think she actually was took the photo in a mini skirt.

I think the photo looks modern, fresh, dignified, and pretty.

What about the new cover of O magazine? For Oprah to share the cover with someone else speaks to the influence that Michelle has with women around the world.

Love the fresh, polished look that she gives off through her minimalist style of color on her face. A flawless complexion, bright and warm eyes, and soft dewy lips. A great look for Spring!

The key is, you don't really notice she's wearing make-up because her glowing personal presence (which comes from within) is what get.

The moral of the story is- make-up helps but what you got inside is what people get. Add to del.icio.us

Rules of Attraction

Get the fresh hook up with help from our Beauty Board of Experts from around the Bay.

Color Expert Alexa Rosemurgy says, Electric Edge Liquid Eyeliner by Calvin Klein is great for new eyeliner users. "It's easy to use so you don't mess up, especially if you want to do a natural looking winged-line. The tip is super fine plus it travels well.

Alexa also recommends Lancome's Oscillation Mascara for lots of volume and length. "It doesn't clump or smudge and keeps your lashes curled all day because of the molding wand. For sexy, vampy lashes, it's my go to mascara".

Sarah Mastick, make artist extraordinaire, chooses "Nars lipgloss as a must for spring or any season. All in all, Nars has the best selection of lipgloss in the game. They have the lip duo, lipstain, and single lipgloss wands in so many wonderful colors. Not too sticky and long lasting."



For hair I found something that can't be missed. I have heard great things about this product even from competitive brands. Frizz is all the rage these days in the world of hair. I had to see what all the noise was about so I picked up a bottle of their straight making, no frizz styling spray. I have to tell you, I was not disappointed. It works even better than I had hoped, (especially in wet, rainy weather we have been having lately). It doesn't weigh my hair down and stays straight for several days so I don't have to use it everyday. Five stars from me for sure...


Last but not least, Lisa "Downtown" Brown, our flawless face queen, recommends Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer with SPF 20. "I can't live without this product", I get that natural (not made up look), it's easy to apply, and no one can tell I'm wearing makeup. " Add to del.icio.us