Well like it or not the holidays are upon us… Thanksgiving is just a few days away (and I haven’t even shopped for my tofurkey). And not since 1888 has Hanukkah started so early (the same day as Thanksgiving). The hunt for great gifts is on. I don’t let myself get too crazy with the holiday shopping frenzy but I do like finding the perfect gift; something thoughtful the receiver will appreciate. I also like one stop shopping. In light of that here are my recommendations of my favorite beauty gifts to give (and receive) all at Sephora.
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I was dreading the end of summer but the truth is, I am excited for a wardrobe change, both in clothing and makeup. I am in Maine on a Spring photo shoot (I am always working on the opposite season that I am actually in). The beautiful Maine coastline is the perfect backdrop for a spring shoot, not far away from the shore the leaves have already begun to change to the deeply saturated colors of fall that I adore. Colors so rich and sexy including so many variations of red (my favorite color) from Crimson, to Russet to Bordeaux. If you haven’t started thinking of your fall MU wardrobe consider adding a rich wine lip shade to your color palette. Oxblood is the new red for fall and the perfect compliment to autumns deep color range. To ensure these deep lip colors look fantastic, prepare your lips before application. Dark colors tend to emphasis dry chapped lips so follow these steps for the best results: Marc Jacobs launched his eponymous beauty line at Sephora almost a month ago and to be honest I was a bit overwhelmed by the hype. I mean who doesn’t love Marc Jacobs, he’s such a rule breaker… but a makeup line??? I finally gave in to curiosity and wandered into Sephora to see if the products lived up to their publicity (and at the price point, I certainly hoped so) Here’s what I found: With all the talk about sun protection, I thought I would address a related theme this week: embracing fair skin. Before Coco Chanel made a tan chic—working classes couldn’t afford to travel to the Riviera to lie in the sun—pale skin was highly regarded as a sign of privilege and wealth. Many cultures from the Egyptians to the Court of Louis the XIV took great pains to make the complexion look as light and flawless as possible, even going to extremes such as applying a concoction of lead, horse manure, vinegar, and perfume on the skin. That certainly doesn’t make me pine for the "good old days!" I believe there is beauty in embracing whatever skin tone you are gifted with, be it ebony or porcelain. The question is how to make the most of lighter complexions during the summer months, when "everyone else" seems to be sporting some color. Here is my recipe to spark the pale fire: One of the most important facts about sun protection is that we need to reapply to ensure effectiveness. But how often we forget! Even the most diligent among us tend to fall off the wagon when it’s lunchtime and we are choosing an alfresco table. Really, who wants to slather on a layer of sunscreen over foundation? A solution is at hand! Enter mineral powder foundation or sunscreen on the go! These easy-to-use lightweight powders provide chemical-free broad-spectrum sun protection, with added benefits of absorbing oil and reducing shine (some are even bronzers). The best part is that many come in a convenient brush filled with the product. Here are three of my favorites that have been around for some time time—as well as carry the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval. Fireworks, s’mores, mosquitos... With summer in full swing, sun exposure is definitely on the rise, and so is the use of sunscreens. The question is why the number of new cases of skin cancer continue to rise. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, diagnosed in more than two million people annually. The most effective treatment is prevention, but with so many products on the market, the choices can be overwhelming. Here is a sunscreen primer: I have been without power since Friday night. Having lived in Florida through many hurricane seasons, this is not my first experience with power outages. Once in 2005, after Hurricane Wilma, we spent 16 days without power. That one was particularly difficult because the average temperature was 85 degrees with about 76 percent humidity and my one-year-old daughter was a mosquito magnet (I could have played connect the dots on her). Although I am not necessarily a high-maintenance girl, I do like basic conveniences for primping—say for example light, in the form of a light bulb! But this weekend I decided to go au naturel both out of necessity and as an experiment. I am talking Bare Faced Naked...But why such an extreme you say? Well, I think once in a while you just need to look at yourself and embrace what you see. I am of an age where a little bit of blush, mascara, and even my favorite red lipstick makes me look quite a bit better (read: younger, more rested, etc.). But it's important for me to look at my bare face in the mirror once in a while and say "I am beautiful right here, right now." The truth is I am only going to get older, and I will never look this good at this age again. So here's to Mother Nature forcing me to stop and enjoy the moment! Swimming champion and Hollywood mermaid Esther Williamspassed away last week at the age of 91. Growing up in Miami and watching reruns of her movies, I always marveled at how glamorous she looked even when soaking wet. As a tribute to her and to celebrate the upcoming first day of summer (June 21, and please say it's coming), here are some waterproof and swelter-proof products that will help you look as alluring as Esther, even if you're only dipping your toes in at the municipal pool. This week, rather than just tell you about what I like, I asked some of my favorite people to share some of their favorite products, and found a slew of new things to try. Here are their recommendations: Hui Hui: Model, Karaoke singer Hometown: Shanghai, China Favorite product: Shu Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil Why? One product removes everything—eye makeup, foundation, powder—without stripping the skin of natural oils. “I love it and have used it for years,” she says. The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann, opens today. Although the reviews are mixed, I can’t wait to see it for the eye candy. Truth be told, I have always loved the fashions and beauty of the 1920s—a time of rebellion and breaking free from the restraint of the Victorian era. No one exemplifies the glamour of the period more than Louise Brooks, whose porcelain skin, smoldering eyes and cupid’s-bow lips are as current today as they were nearly 100 years ago. Just take a look at the Fall Emporio Armani runway show. |
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