Tag: Summer

Make-Up Trends Spring-Summer 2014

Over the years I’ve worked backstage at the world-famous Fashion Weeks in New York City with the teeny-tiny models and the outrageous designs they wear and you know what? I loved every minute of it! While I understand those wild, over-the-top ensembles along with the makeup and hairstyles we created to compliment them might seem outlandish, the reality is that all that creativity and the total fearlessness of the designer, inspires the rest of us. When those innovative ideas and cutting-edge styles flood the market it enables people to interpret their own values into their fashions in fresh new ways.

Here are a few trends for Spring/Summer of 2014 born on the runways that I feel are fun and doable for those of us who want to update our look and not feel as if we look a bit overdone!

The raw-bare faced beauty look:

bare

This little or no makeup look was quite the trend on the runways during the Spring/Summer fashion shows for 2014. I find this au natural look to be a welcoming change towards enhancing the true beauty of every woman. Plus, as the temps rise, women typically don’t like to wear a lot of makeup. To achieve this look I like to start with hydrated skin. A quick skincare tip- even though it’s warm outside, your skin still needs hydration. The heat can quickly dehydrate your skin and that can make your makeup look worse.

Face:
For foundation, try a moisturizer that is already tinted with a foundation or mix a few drops of your liquid foundation with your moisturizer before applying to your skin (preferably with an SPF of 15 or higher). My favorite tinted moisturizers contain a pore minimizer, an SPF and come in a matte finish. They provide a clean and polished looking coverage with a nice matte finish.

Eyes:
For eyes, avoid dark shadows and liners. Use soft neutral shades with little or no liner.

Cheeks:
Blush colors should be in the soft coral or rose shades to create a healthy glow.

Lips:
Lips should remain neutral or a soft gloss or tinted lip balm.

The Bronzed Look:

bronze

This gorgeous sun kissed look is really popular trend this season! The good news is that it is achievable without having to spend time in the sun (which is the number one cause of aging!)

Face: Apply a bronzing powder or apricot colored blush to your cheeks, temple area and forehead. Less is more as bronzers tend to get darker when skin gets oily from the warm temperatures outside.

Eyes:  Apply a soft bronze shadow to lids. Avoid heavy liners as this look is again a soft natural look. For an added “pop” apply a gold toned shadow to the center of your lid.

Lips: To finish this sun kissed look choose a neutral lipstick shade with a touch of bronze or a gloss with a bronze tone.

Bold Lips!

lips

I love this trend as I am always preaching the importance of stepping out and wearing brighter shades of lipstick. This is why: the rule is when you wear brighter lip shades you actually brighten your face and eyes and make your skin appear more flawless. A touch of gloss in the middle will really finish off your look and create a sexier look.

It might seem bold for what you are used to but go for it! Now you have an excuse to step out and give it a try.

Design is all about experimenting with textures, colors, fabrics, patterns and styles. Good designers and makeup artists find new ways to express what makes us feel beautiful. That’s what you’re doing when it comes to incorporating trends into your Spring/Summer makeup routine and your wardrobe. You become your own designer!

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Wedding Looks

By Megan Alice Arterberry

I got a question about what to wear to a wedding. In fact, she has three weddings to attend! One is at the beach, another at a vineyard, and a formal affair over the summer and into fall. While choosing pieces, I had in mind the longevity of each piece for her wardrobe. I have learned over the years, through trial and error, the value of price-per-wear. Here are my wedding looks :

Beach and Vineyard Wedding: One Look for Both Weddings! (Luckily they don’t have the same guests!)

Formal Wedding: 

  • The lace dress is great for formal events.
  • The nude patent pumps are low and designed for comfort, and Kate Middleton has proven that nude patent pumps go with everything formal – even Camilla’s on board!
  • The use of the same clutch and jewelry prove how good these pieces are!

I also found two more looks that might work for all three weddings!

  • The coral shades of the pink dress and orange wrap are perfect for the transition of summer to fall.
  • The pearl bracelet gives a beachy yet classic feel.
  • The low sandals give comfort and has both quality and value, in which J.Crew is prized for.
  • The same clutch and earrings!

or…

  • The deep purple dress, both flowy and formal, compliments the lilac wrap.
  • The same great sandals but in silver to work better with the purple hues.
  • My favorite clutch and jewelry finish the look off nicely!

Plus, here are a few tips:

  • Go to Nordstrom for undergarments – they measure for proper fitting
  • A short nail with pale pink polish – simple, clean, and pretty
  • Mineral Makeup – great for your skin
  • Hair in a low chignon or a slicked low ponytail with a side part – great for wind
  • Natural perfume – easy on the nose for sensitive guests (jasmine is my favorite scent for summer)

Makeup Meltdown

I know it’s awfully tempting when the heat is on to go au natural with no makeup but that’s not an option now is it ladies? We have to look good for work, dates outdoors, and even the dreaded pool party. Unfortunately the summer sun can have your makeup dripping so bad you look like someone dumped water on an oil painting. Never fear, before you throw in the makeup wipe here are some tips to keep your face in place.

A great starting point with makeup for any season comes even before the foundation. I always recommend that women begin with a moisturizer to properly hydrate their skin.

When it comes to foundation, I like to multi-task and suggest using a tinted moisturizer or a mineral powder as they tend to be lighter in weight and they are generally better for your skin. Most tinted moisturizers help even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and pore size, and have an SPF of at least 15.

Next up are the “windows to the soul”. How often have you been chatting up a guy in your teeny bikini and after saying, “Hey, my eyes are up here”, you thought, “Are my eyes ready to be seen?” Finding a mascara that can hold up to the heat can be a task so it’s important to look for one that is waterproof or smudgeproof.

Another choice you’ll have to make is whether or not to wear eyeliner. Since eyeliner can also smudge easily in the heat and humidity to avoid raccoon eyes you will want to consider a powdered eye shadow instead of a liquid pencil. To achieve the darker looks try using a brown or charcoal color and apply it using a small, slanted brush to define your lash line.

When it comes to blush, lighten up to brighten up. The heat will turn the blush tones darker-so avoid browns and dark shades. You want a healthy glow, not a ruddy face.

Of course we can’t forget to keep our lips looking sexy and protect them from the sun. To look beautiful, not sweaty, skip the matte lipsticks and choose a light lip gloss or tinted Lip Balm with an SPF.

Written by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Michelle Phillips http://www.michellephillips.com

Fall Skin Care Tips

The changing weather can wreak havoc on your skin. During this time it is important that you take the steps to make sure your skin is protected from the cold weather to prevent premature aging. Below you will find a few tips to help you through the transition from hot to cold. To do this…your first step is to exfoliate

Tip 1: Exfoliate, Exfoliate!

Too much sun exposure from, the summer sun, can often lead to dry, flaking skin – even if you have been diligent with UV protection. Regular treatment with exfoliating face and body washes, scrubs and lotions can work miracles to improve the tone and texture of your skin.

Moisturizing helps to deliver hydrating ingredients and keep your skin’s barrier system intact. Look for products with a slightly thicker moisturizer than what you were using in the summer, even if your skin is naturally oily. If that’s the case, just find non oily products that are a little more substantial. Consider a range of effective products containing retinol, alpha hydroxyl and antioxidants ingredients to help improve hydration and the texture of your skin.

Tip 2: Don’t Forget The Sunscreen

Pay attention to sun care. Protecting your skin from the sun isn’t just for the summer. Just because the weather is colder doesn’t mean that you can’t get sun damage. If the SPF products you were using in the summer were too harsh for the colder climate, switch products. But definitely don’t skip this step.

Tip 3: Show Hands Respect

Try as you might, it’s difficult to keep hands out of water and the elements. Even if you’re diligent about using gloves, frequent hand washing and life in general, can cause hands to dry and crack. If you’re like me and can never remember to wear gloves then it’s a good idea to strategically place hand cream around. I always keep a tube in my purse, in the car, at the sink and on my bedside table. You really can never have enough!

Tip 4: Dull Hair

Hair exposed to the sun and water can appear dry and lack lustre. Go easy on the heating elements such as flat irons and other treatments that can damage hair further. Consider switching to a gentle line of shampoos, minus harsh cleansing ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate which strip away oils and can irritate sensitive skin