Tag Archives: beauty tips

by | June 13, 2012 · 6:27 am

Reader Q: “What’s a Good, Non-Greasy Sunblock I Can Wear Under Makeup?”

Reader question: “What is a good sunblock that I can wear under makeup that isn’t too greasy or heavy?” — Brooke

The answer: Sunscreen is arguably the most important beauty product to keep in your arsenal (IMHO). And when it comes to sunscreen you apply under makeup, you need to find a lightweight cream or serum that absorbs quickly into your skin. Sounds easy, right? Try telling that to the 50 half-used bottles I’ve tested over the years. Though many claim to go on “sheer” or “invisible” few actually deliver. The one I recommend over and over again because it does work fabulously under makeup is Dr. T’s Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30+, $42. It goes on ultra-sheer and has awesome sun protection that’s perfect for every day. The clincher: It also combats premature aging with Uniprotect PT-3, an ingredient that promotes cell renewal — all while being super-moisturizing. It’s my go-to and is probably your best bet.

Now that you know sunscreen is my number one beauty product, tell me what yours is.

– Carrie Stern Kleiner

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by | June 8, 2012 · 6:29 am

At What Age Should You Stop Wearing Wacky Nail Polish Shades?

I’m all for experimenting with color when it comes to nail polish, but not everyone agrees that shades of blue, green or grey belong on your fingertips. One of the first few times I had dinner with my father-in-law (he wasn’t my father-in-law at the time), Chanel Vamp was the color of the moment and I was wearing it proudly. Being the conservative, traditional guy he was, he kindly reminded me that women should only wear pink or red on their nails. I’ll never forget these “words of wisdom” he shared with me because I was so impressed that he had even noticed my nails. Has it stopped me from showing off purple, orange and fun, multi-colored manicures? Heck no.

Then, just this past weekend at a family gathering my mom and grandma showed up wearing grey and sparkly blue polishes respectively. I had never seen my mom sport this grey hue, so it definitely caught my eye, but I was too busy with the festivities to stop and think much about it.

My sisters didn’t let it go though. At the end of the afternoon, they mentioned the wacky nail polish shades. They weren’t fans and wondered, “at what age should women stop following trends like wearing bright or unexpected nail polish colors?” We didn’t come to a conclusion, so I thought I’d let you weigh in on this. What’s your opinion: Should women over 50 stick to neutral and pink shades when it comes to nail color? And, at what age should women avoid these non-traditional nail polish hues?

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by | May 31, 2012 · 6:50 am

How to Fake Perfect Eyebrows

If you haven’t had the time or cash to splurge on a pro brow shaping, but you need to look pulled-together in a pinch, use this quick trick courtesy of Taylor Chang-Babaian, makeup artist and author of Style Eyes:

The key is to “create a well-defined arch or the illusion of one,” says Chang-Babaian. Do this by filling in your brows focusing on the arch area with a fine-tipped brow pencil.

If your hair is blonde, Chang-Babaian recommends using a pencil that’s one shade darker than your brow hairs, but if you’re a brunette, use a shade that’s one shade lighter. She also suggests using pencils with a slightly ashy or taupe tone. “Colors with too much red in them look fake — unless, of course, you are a redhead,” she says.

Try: Benefit Instant Brow Pencil, $20

And, if you’re not quite sure how to create the perfect shape, cheat by using a brow stencil like Anastasia Beverly Hills Classic Stencils, $20. Just be sure to brush through your brows really well after penciling them in for a more natural look.

Set your brows with clear gel like Urban Decay Urban Brow Styling Brush and Setting Gel, $20 and you’re good to go.

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by | May 12, 2012 · 2:33 pm

Steal Her Makeup Look: Elizabeth Banks From the What to Expect When You’re Expecting Premiere

My friend and fabulous makeup artist Gita Bass posted a photo (via Facebook) of the latest look she created for Elizabeth Banks’ What to Expect When You’re Expecting premiere (Are you going to see it?) and I had to know how to copy it. Here’s the scoop she gave me — just in case you’re game for recreating it:

“I evened out her skin tone with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 5, $59,” says Bass.

Next, she used Dior Skin Flash Radiance Booster Pen in Candlelight, $37 to highlight the areas under her eyes, along her cheekbones and down the bridge of her nose to add dimension to her face.

To define her eyes, Bass blended Chanel Illusion D’ombre in Emerveille, $36 (a peachy-golden hue) on Banks’ lids and “layered the gold shade from the Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad [in Burnished Amber], $75 over the top,” says Bass. She then blended the bronze shade from the same quad into the creases of Banks’ eyes. She lined top and bottom lashlines with Laura Mercier Caviar Eye pencil in Cocoa, $24 using a small stiff brush, and finally, she curled Banks’ lashes and “applied several coats of Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara, $30.”

Then, to give Banks a “peachy glow” Bass reached for Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush in Velvety Peach, $38. She applied to to the apples of her cheeks and blended outward.

Bass completed the look by adding a bright pop of color to Banks’ lips. She used Make Up For Ever Rouge Artiste Natural in Soft Fushia, $19. I’m so buying this shade. It’s gorgeous and I’m always for a bold lip color.

That’s it. Will you give this look a try?

Image: trend911.com

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