Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Bright Makeup Colors That Work on Everyone 1

 

Tell me if you've been here before: You see a picture in a magazine of a stunning fuchsia pink lipstick that looks AMAZING on the model, so you promptly rip out the magazine page and hightail it to Sephora with one mission: To get that fuchsia lipstick.

But after 30 minutes of trying on eight different "fuchsia" lipsticks, you end up walking out of Sephora clutching your makeup equivalent of a security blanket -- your go-to sheer pink lip gloss.

Look, we love having options -- but the endless number of hues and ever-so-subtle variations of peaches, pinks, and corals often have us breathing into a brown paper bag before resorting to our usual neutral makeup shades.

That's why we tapped our go-to sources -- the best makeup artists in the biz -- to give us the color options that'll help us look put-together and be a little bit daring.
Don't be fooled. This goldmine of products isn't your typical "safe" makeup roundup. We pumped celebrity makeup artists David Maderich and Christina Guerra for the products they use on all of their celebrity clients, from pale-skinned Julianne Moore to chocolate-complexioned Kerri Washington. They say these universally flattering makeup picks work well on every skin tone -- including yours. So, what's first on their lists these days? The universally flattering fuchsia lipstick, of course.

Bright Makeup Colors That Work on Everyone 5

This brownish-plum lip color may strike fear into your pink-lip-gloss wearing hearts, but Maderich assures us that the color is totally wearable and flattering for all skin tones. It's just a matter of personal preference. "It's a great color because it's right between blue and yellow." And even though the color looks fierce, Maderich says it's not a showstopper. Rather, it's the perfect color for when you want to add a little more definition to your lips without garnering too much attention.

Monday, 19 March 2012

Bright Makeup Colors That Work on Everyone 2


While black is often every woman's go-to eyeliner shade, Maderich says he doesn't like black on everybody. That's because a lot of black eyeliners have blue undertones. On the other hand, "a nice dark chocolate brown eyeliner looks good on everybody." Guerra agrees. Her favorite choco brown liner is MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, because "it doesn't lean too red, making it the perfect all-purpose eye enhancer. Reddish tones can make your eyes look tired." Apply the liner to your top lashline for a natural look, or smudge it out with a brush to make your eyes really stand out.

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Common Beauty Problems, Solved

Have a hair, skin, or makeup problem that you just can't solve? Hair expert Eva Scrivo, makeup artist Mally Roncal, and dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler answer your most challenging beauty questions.

Eva ScrivoEva ScrivoHair Expert: Eva Scrivo
Eva Scrivo, owner of Eva Scrivo salons in New York City, answers three commonly asked hair questions.

Q: Is it better for your hair to change the shampoo and conditioner you use every few months?
Only if you are unhappy with how your hair looks or feels. Hair is reactive to products in general, so changing your shampoo and conditioner can create a different effect. For example, if you want more smoothness, try a hydrating shampoo, which deposits moisturizers that close the hair cuticle. But if you are using hair care that you love, there is no reason to make a change.

Q: What are some easy tricks that will help me pick a natural-looking color for an at-home hair dye?
Match the color to your eyebrows. Your brows are always a guideline to what looks natural and what would be a complimentary base color. This works even when you are going gray, since brow hair typically doesn't lose melanin and therefore doesn't go gray at the same pace as the hair on your head.

Q: What's the most universally flattering hairstyle for a woman over 40?
A side-swept bang with soft layers around the face. It softens the neck and strengthens the cheekbones. The A-symmetrical line of a long bang pushed to the side also slims the face.

Related: Look 7 Years Younger


Dr. Amy 
WechslerDr. Amy WechslerDermatologist: Dr. Amy Wechsler
New York City dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler answers three commonly asked skincare questions.
Q: Between a cleanser, moisturizer, night cream, and eye cream, where does it make sense to spend the big bucks?
You definitely don't have to spend big bucks to get quality skincare! You can find lots of great options for cleansers and moisturizers at the drugstore, but if you are going to splurge on one product, consider buying a pricier antioxidant serum. A good serum requires a high concentration of antioxidants - highly effective anti-agers that boost the price - so I tell my patients this is one product that's worth the extra bucks.

Q: Do I need to change my skincare routine seasonally? You don't need to change it completely, just make a few minor tweaks. For example, in winter you may need to moisturize more because dry air, central heating, and wind can dry out or chap your skin. In summer, add a toner with salicylic acid to remove the layer of dead skin cells on the surface that hold onto oil; it will prevent shine, make you look refreshed, and provide a natural glow. Look for one with no more than 0.5 percent salicylic acid to avoid over-drying your skin.

Q: Do I need to exfoliate? If so, how often and with what?
Yes, but the answer really depends on your skin type and age. Exfoliation is something you want to start in your teens, and for sure by your twenties and thirties. By the time you reach your thirties, your skin begins to thin and becomes more vulnerable to the environment. At the same time, the natural enzymes in your skin begin to remove dead skin cells less efficiently, so they hang on and prevent your skin from reflecting light. As a result, you look ashy. Start by using an exfoliating cleanser once or twice weekly. Look for ingredients like sugar, oatmeal, or small synthetic beads (all of which are found in common exfoliating products). Or, if your skin is particularly dull, flaky, or red, try a cleanser with salicylic acid, which is less irritating than other chemical exfoliators.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Bigger, Thicker Hair

Mally RoncalMally RoncalMakeup Expert: Mally Roncal
Makeup artist and president and creator of Mally Beauty Mally Roncal answers three commonly asked makeup questions.

Q: No matter what I do, I can't cover up my dark under eye circles, any tricks or new products?
A good trick for camouflaging under eye darkness is to brighten the outer corners of the eyes, where we all tend to have a bit of darkness and discoloration. Apply highlighter by sweeping it in a C shape from the corner of your eyelid, to the top of your cheekbone. It really opens up the eyes.

Q: What are the top three essentials I need to have in my makeup bag?
My top three must-haves: concealer, mascara, and blush. Concealer and mascara can immediately light up your eyes, and blush will perk up your complexion. Choose cream formulas of concealer and blush, and you won't even need to carry a brush with you. Using your fingers is the fastest and easiest application method, and the best way to help blend the product seamlessly into skin.

Q: How do I choose among the many foundation formulas out there? Use your skin type to guide your foundation choice. For example, if your skin is oily, then opt for a powder foundation. If you have dry skin, I would recommend trying a cream foundation instead. You know that old school rule about matching your foundation to your neck? Your neck is in a perpetual shadow, so it tends to be a bit paler than the rest of your face. Instead, match your foundation to your collarbone, which is on the same plane as your face and will give you a more accurate shade!

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Blushing- Here is How

  1. First choose the color using nature as your guide. According to InStyle, the trick is to find a color that matches your cheeks when they're flushed after exercise or being out in the cold. For a quick test, "spank" your cheeks and use the resulting color as a guide. (We suggest doing this in the comfort of your home away from other people, wink). Another trick is to match your lip color. Fair skin looks great in rose, olive in peach & dark skin in apricot or even red.
  2. Now that you have the color, choose the right formula for your skin type. Powder is typically best for oily and combo skin. Cream is great for dry skin. Liquid and gel are great for oily skin. Keep in mind stains -- great for well-moisturized skin, not dry skin -- tend to dry very fast so blend well and fast.
  3. Apply foundation, eye color &andlipstick. While blush is usually your second-to-last makeup, you should experiment with what works best for you.
  4. Throw out the freebie "Barbie-size" blush brush that comes with the blush. Use a professional full brush instead (I like MAC's blush brush No. 116)
  5. Put the blush on your brush, tapping off any excess or put a dab of gel on your finger
  6. Since you want a healthy flush, it's best to apply blush only to apples of your cheeks. Keep color light and blended. 
  7. If you've gone a bit too heavy on the powder blush, a bit of translucent powder over it will calm it down. For cream blush, blot the color off with a tissue. Since gel and liquid blush "stain" the cheeks, the only way to lighten them is it wash your face, moisturize and reapply your makeup, this time more sparingly.
  8. Finish your look with a sweep of translucent powder.
  9. Extra tip: For a sun-kissed sheen dab bronzer on your forehead, chin and nose BEFORE you apply the blush. To make sure it doesn't look like a stripe, use "a big brush and a light hand,"
  10. Expert tip: Feel free to experiment with different ways of shading. Makeup artist Shane Paish suggests in InStyle, to try a C-shape shading.