In the Nude

Here is a short list of my favorite nude lip sticks. There is something for everyone from sheer to frost and apricot to pink. You don't need to go naked to be nude!

1. MAC - Half n Half - apricot nude with a little frost . Works on blondes with fair skin. 
2. Nars - Honolulu Honey - fleshy beige. Truly a nude color looks fantastic paired with a rosy cheek or a smoky eye.
3. Clinique- Heaping Hazelnut - sheer tawny coral. Looks lovely on olive skin tones from pale to medium.
4. Bobbi Brown - Brown - a medium pink brown. Great on Brunettes perfect nude for medium skin tones and women a lot of natural pigment in their lips.
5. Sonia Kashuk - Pink Buff - warm pinky nude. Like your lips only better.
6. Fresh Sugar - Honey Tint - warm nude tint. Super sheer shade works best for darker skin tones.
7. Elixery - Karma - pinkish nude. This is truly a universal color. Looks great on everyone I use it on. 


​

Last night marked the 88th year of the Oscars and for the most part the ladies of Hollywood played it safe. There were no wardrobe malfunctions or makeup up or hair faux pas (thankfully). It felt as if no one wanted to take a risk. Overall neutrals seemed to rule the red carpet (at least when it came to makeup). Skin was kept glowing (but not too much),  eyes where accented with shades ranging from tawny to beige, the main focus at the lash line.  Lips where tinted in varying shades of nude that perfectly complimented each woman's coloring (whether blonde, brunette or redhead).  It just goes to show beautiful classics makeup never goes out of style.

Begin with the skin.

Longer nights and more sleep sometimes translates into waking up with puffy eyes. My go to product to reduce puffiness - Klorane Smoothing and relaxing eye patches. I apply first thing in the morning while my model is having her first cup of coffee 15 min works wonders.

Seasonal transitions sometime leave skin feeling a little sensitive because of that I use Babor skin care for sensitive skin. Models are especially appreciative because their skin takes more abuse than most between frequent air travel and constant makeup applications.

Perfecting the skin means knowing that less is often more. Sometimes concealer is all you need. For Raina I kept is simple with MAC pro long wear concealer to lightly brighten under the eyes.

Rather than contouring, I prefer highlighting or strobing with Smashbox LA lights in Pearl. This chubby easy to blend crayon accents cheekbones and gives the skin a natural illumination.

It’s easy to create a realistic just-in-from-the-cold blush while keeping the skin moist, I did it with Sonia Kashuk’s Dewy Luxe Lip & Cheek Balm in Enchanted (the plus is that it can be used as a tinted balm on the lips as well).

Full groomed brows are a compliment to any make up application. Add a great mascara that builds volume and adds rich color like Diorshow and eye shadows can be kept to a minimum. Simply sweep the lid with a hint of Makeup for Ever Aqua Cream shadow in Pink Beige to give eyes a soft hint of color.

To finish the face I used Nars Matte lip pencil as a stain over lightly moisturized lips, which I blotted for longer wear. To create a lip stain with any lip stick first ensure the lips are moisturize, remove any excess. Apply color to the center of the mouth and use a lip brush (or you finger) to spread the color and create a soft stain with no hard edges.

The perfect frame for Raina’s makeup is a soft halo of undulating waves. I prepared her hair with Ahnesti Hair and scalp refresher and a little blow drying at the roots to add volume. I used Redken Hot Sets 22 Thermal Setting Mist and a curling iron to created the movement in her hair. Once cool I lightlybrushed through the hair.

The look innocently sensual and easy to create.

Winter is here, albeit not officially. I mean, we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet.

The falling temperatures and the blanket of snow on the ground aren’t the only signs of winter’s approach—my hands have started cracking, and my skin is crying for help! I felt it was time to make my seasonal pilgrimage for a facial as well as to get some advice to help me transition from our all-too-short fall to the depths of winter.

I headed to Sudz Salon on Hennepin Avenue and put myself  (and my skin) in the care of esthetician extraordinaire Margaret. After a consultation consisting of me complaining about the lack of humidity, I started bombarding Margaret with questions: How important is hyaluronic acid as an ingredient? What step would a serum be in my skin care routine? What is the most important part of any skin care routine (especially in the winter), and what can I do about my dry cracking hands?

I think Margaret was wondering how much coffee I had had that morning! Once I was unrobed and comfortably reclined on her facial bed, she began by removing my makeup. “Removing makeup is one of the best things anyone can do to take care of their skin, especially at night.” Margaret told me she is always surprised by the number of women that don’t remove their makeup before bedtime. Nighttime is when our bodies repair and renew. Cell renewal is aided by clean, moisturized skin, here is where an ingredient such as hyaluronic acid, which can help attract and lock in moisture (which is lost during sleep) can really pay off.

Since cleansing is so important, I confessed to Margaret that although I love oil cleansers I don’t always feel they thoroughly cleanse my skin. Margaret used and recommended a bi-phase (two-step) cleanser by Babor. The Cleansing CP HY-ÖL & Phytoactive Sensitive Set combines the natural cleansing powers of water and oil to removes both oil and water-soluble impurities gently without leaving any feeling of tightness. Tight skin after cleansing is not a sign of clean skin; it’s moreso a sign of over-stripping the skin. The bi-phase cleanser is perfect marriage of opposites (like peanut butter and jelly). My skin felt clean and perfectly moisturized; I am definitely sold on this one!

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy my facial for the relaxation and skin rejuvenating benefits but I received an education as well.  Margaret is incredibly knowledgeable and practical about her advice. For example, when I asked about moisturizing and how confusing the plethora of ingredients, not to mention formulas (serums, oils moisturizers, etc), can be, she gave me a wonderful analogy: “Think layering.” Just like we layer clothes in the winter, thinly layering skin care products gives maximum benefits as well as added protection (for hands or face). So after cleansing, use a serum first, then an oil, a moisturizer next, and during the day an SPF, and foundation or tinted moisturizer (just stay away from silicone when layering products as they have a tendency to “peel” or “roll”). I am glad that order thing is figured out!

So this week as you start (or finish) your holiday shopping, should you have someone special on your list that you just don’t know what to give, without hesitation I would recommend a facial.  And while you’re at it don’t forget a little something for yourself. I mean, if I had to choose between Black Friday shopping or some time in Margaret’s facial room, hands-down you know where you’ll find me.

Easy to do eyeliner tips by me for Eco Salon.
http://ecosalon.com/cat-eye-makeup-done-easy-2014s-purrfect-fall-makeup-trend/

Artificial fragrances are rampant in the celebrity perfume business. But why would you even want to smell like someone else in the first place?
Here is an article I wrote for Eco Salon about perfumes and Pure-fumes.

http://ecosalon.com/artificial-fragrances-why-smell-like-a-celebrity/

I will be in Miami working this Mother’s Day, and the only gift I really truly wanted was to be with my husband and daughter. As it turns out…that is my gift! They are flying down to be with me; and although I’ll be working, I get to spend my evenings with my two favorite people. For me, extravagant gifts aren’t necessarily the most precious, but the time I spend with my family is.

I have been asking many of the moms I know what they really want for Mother’s Day and the answer is surprisingly simple; most want time. Time with the family. Time for themselves; whether it’s binge watching their favorite series, getting a pedicure, or just reading a book uninterrupted, (many moms admit they feel selfish asking for a little time to themselves).

Although flowers were still very popular, I found it interesting that many preferred living plants rather than flower arrangements. A couple of moms said they would like flowers especially if the family helped plant them in the garden. Still I found it compelling that most moms I spoke to said brunch at a restaurant was at the bottom of the list! (This contrary to what many restaurants want you to believe.)

With these ideas in mind, I thought of a few experiences that might be a great gift, (depending on your mom’s taste), and won’t break the bank.

Breakfast in bedEven if mom’s not a big breakfast eater, she’ll appreciate the extra time to herself.
What you need:

• A breakfast tray (try a Crate & Barrel Melamine Large Serving Tray) with the morning paper, or gift card for a book.
• Coffee in a wonder woman mug. I am not saying she’s Wonder Woman, but have you ever seen mom and Wonder Woman in the same room?
• How about some fresh baked bread? Here are some ideas of what to make from my friend, food writer, and local pastry chef, Zoe Francois, author of The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking.
• Make sure you give mom some time to linger and enjoy.

Plant a Butterfly GardenFor the same price of a Mother’s Day flower arrangement you can give mom flowers she can enjoy for years to come. Mom enjoys the flowers and butterflies as well as other pollinators get some much need assistance. Contact Prairie Restoration for seeds, plants, and advice.

Spa at homeMom doesn’t even need to leave home to have a truly great spa experience. Take your ordinary bathroom and make it extra ordinary follow these steps with a few additions.

• Clean the bathroom and remove clutter.
• Bring a speaker or CD player with relaxing music in the room. Make sure it’s not too close to the tub and keep all other electronics out of the bathroom.
• Light a candle—a beautiful aromatherapy candle can add ambiance and help transform the bathroom. Aveda’s light the way candle.
• Fill the bath and place Burt’s Bees Bath Crystals for mom to add when she’s ready to get in.
• Have a facial masque near the tub. Try a single application masque from Nugg.
• Glass of ice water and some fruit for mom to nibble on.
• Set a clean fluffy bath towel out and some strawberries for mom to snack on.

“The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.”  - UnknownHave a wonderful Mother’s Day!