Thursday, September 14, 2017

Find Your Ideal Nude Lipstick


The ideal nude lipstick is different for everyone and depends on skin tone, mood, and desired effect.

For a safe (but not at all unexciting) bet, opt for something as close as possible to the natural shade of your lips in a soft, creamy texture. This will make lips appear plumper, give makeup a finished, polished appearance and look good with any other products you choose to wear. It will also have the added benefit of never looking scruffy or worn off if you eat or forget to reapply during the day.

MAC is widely known as a brand which caters to all ethnicities, ages and genders, and is one of the best brands to go to when looking for a nude lipstick to suit any skin or lip tone. To make it even easier, MAC have just released a dedicated collection of nude shades in a variety of textures, as well as accompanying glosses and lip pencils. The collection, MAC x Nicki Minaj, includes two shades designed by Minaj herself – Nicki’s Nude and The Pinkprint (each is €20) – with 20 shades featuring overall from pale pinks all the way to rich mochas.

The collection is available now, and includes glosses and lip liners also but will likely sell out quickly. If you have been searching for your ideal nude lipstick, you may find it on MAC counters now.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

5 Signs You are Wearing The Wrong Foundation

Finding the right foundation is harder than finding the perfect Bumble match. Not only do you have to worry about tone—are you warm, cool, or neutral? what's the difference between "alabaster" and "ivory"?—but you have to match your foundation with your skin texture and type. There's a lot you can get wrong here.

So how can you tell if you're wearing the wrong foundation? "Face makeup will look the best when it's kind of solved all the skincare problems that you have while looking super natural," says Shara Strand, makeup artist and owner of SHARA Makeup Studio in The Pierre Hotel in New York City. Here, we break down the most common foundation faux pas and how you can fix them.

The faux pas: Color mismatch is the easiest way to tell you're wearing the wrong foundation. If you can see the foundation sitting on your skin, that's a problem, says Strand. "If people say 'Oh, I love your foundation,' it's the wrong one. The right foundation should be undetectable."

The fix: Once you're in the right shade zone (fair versus medium versus dark), check your undertones. Does your skin have a yellowish hue or a pinkish hue? If you're pinkish, shop the section for "cool undertones." If you have more of a yellow hue, shop the "warm undertones." If you're feeling lost, test a warm and a cool shade on the back of your hand and see which one looks more seamless.

The faux pas: If you notice you're more prone to breakouts after switching to a new formula or after you layer on more than your usual amount of foundation, that's an issue. "You're probably wearing something that has a lot of chemicals in it," says Strand. "A lot of the [less natural-looking] more theatrical formulas out there really work against the skin."

The fix: If you're breaking out, look for a more natural, mineral-based foundation, says Strand, as those formulas tend to be kinder to the sensitive skin on your face. You might also consider picking up a mineral-based primer. "Primer acts as the shield between your makeup and your skin so it protects your skin," says Strand.

The faux pas: You spend forever putting your makeup on in the morning, only to find it's totally melted off by lunch. This means you're probably not wearing the right foundation for oily skin. "If you're anywhere on the oily spectrum, during the summer your skin will secrete even more oil," Strand says. So even if your foundation is fine through the fall and winter, you might need to switch to a more summery formula.

The fix: "Choose a formula that blends in a powder," says Strand. Look for foundations that go on like a liquid but dry like a powder like Motives Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation with SPF 15 ($30, motivecosmetics.com). You should also make sure you're going the extra mile by setting your foundation with powder and using a primer with silica, which will help to soak up any skin oil.

The faux pas: If you notice that your foundation is settling into any fine lines and making them more noticeable, that's a foundation formula issue, says Strand. "If you're older and have more mature skin you don't want anything that's going to make you look more dehydrated," she says.

The fix: To avoid looking cakey, there are two things you want to look for: moisturizing formulas and hyaluronic acid. Switching to a formula with more moisture—think tinted moisturizers and BB creams over full-coverage foundations—will help avoid that dry look that adds years to your skin. If you need the coverage, look for formulas containing hydrating hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid is really big for making skin look for youthful," says Strand.

The faux pas: If your pores suddenly look like craters as soon as you've finished applying your foundation, that's a formula issue—not an issue with your exfoliating routine. "Thick and heavy foundation will sit in the pores," says Strand. "Look for something with a lighter texture."

The fix: In addition to looking for lighter, more sheer formulas, the real issue might be your primer (or lack thereof), says Strand. "You can always tell if someones not wearing primer. You need something to fill in the pores before you put on foundation." Look for a mineral-based primer with a silky finish to keep pores looking small and smooth.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Alternative Ways to Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band


Tradition states that your engagement ring goes on the ring finger of your left hand, and that it goes outside of your wedding band once you've said "I do." But did you know that's not the only way to wear your rings? Our experts have a few different combos that are worth a look.

Wearing your wedding band on your left hand dates back to Roman tradition and the ancient belief that a vein ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart. The science may have been debunked, but that idea of a vena amoris, or a love vein, holds strong today, which is why when your fiancé got down on one knee, he most likely slipped a ring on your left hand (or intended to, anyway!). While wearing your band with your engagement ring stacked on top is the most common arrangement, there are many other ways to mix and match rings to flaunt your married status.

If you're a ring stack devotee, consider purchasing more than one wedding band that you can layer on either side of your ring, creating layers of sparkle around your engagement ring. They could be jeweled, plain, or a mix of both — whatever fits your style and flatters your engagement ring!

Don't want your right hand to be left out? Wear your wedding band on your left hand, but switch your engagement ring to your right hand. You can always add anniversary bands to create a pretty stack later!

Lefties, rejoice! In some countries and cultures, such as some orthodox Christian communities, wedding rings are worn on the right hand instead of the left, freeing up your dominant hand for tasks that an engagement ring could get in the way of.

Last, but not least, you can also skip the wedding band altogether: Instead, use your engagement ring to symbolize your marriage, too, and have your fiancé slip it back on your hand as you exchange vows.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Burberry's Latest Launch Makes Anyone an Eye-Makeup Expert

If eye makeup intimidates you as a whole, the chances of you purchasing a new liner with the words “Cat Eye” printed on the side are pretty slim. But hear me out—this time it's different. Burberry's newest launches, Full Brows ($35) and Cat Eye Liner ($38), are here to change the way you think about eye makeup, plus the way you apply it, with its all-in-one tools that finally take all the guesswork out of the equation.

Both the brow and eye tools are dual sided—one end houses a super thin felt tip; the other an easy-to-use powder—and deliver the easiest smoky eye and perfectly polished brow duo in two minutes flat (no joke).

First up: liner. Most formulas that promise an easy, no-mess application deliver the exact opposite, but this one is right on the money. The calligraphy-inspired brush is so thin, it lets you create anything from barely there definition to a full-on flick without any issues. On the opposite side, you'll find the silky powder shadow, designed to be used to amp up the intensity of your look in any way you please. Layer it on top of your liner for a grungy feel, swipe it under your lash line for a reverse smoky-eye effect, or apply it in your crease line for the quickest smoky eye you've ever seen (watch the step-by-step in the video below!).

Once you're finished with your liner and shadow, on to the brows. Unlike many eyebrow formulas, this one is water-based and ultra lightweight (it reminded me of watercolor painting when I initially tested it on my hand), making that unwanted, caked-on-brow look practically impossible. Like the liner, the felt tip defines with thin strokes—be sure to paint brows in the shape they naturally grow for your most natural feel—before the second step polishes it off. The opposite end of the pen houses a powder-meets-wax shadow, which creates both definition as the tiny minerals fill in any sparse areas and add intensity where you need it, and shape, as the wax grabs onto the hairs for a natural yet polished frame.

But there's more to these tools than just creating a crisp line and the set of brows you've been pining after—they're long-lasting too, as both formulas are waterproof and keep your eyes looking glamorous until you wash it all off. Once my liner, shadow and brows showed zero signs of wear after a full work day and a date night (complete with Florida-style humidity), I was hooked. To learn how to use the must-have duo, watch the video below.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

6 Best New Nude Lipsticks

From matte and glossy to barely there, a nude lip is one of the prettiest and most eye-catching looks of the moment. Thanks to the overwhelming popularity of the this trend, brands are coming out with new formulations and colors that are better than ever: more hydrating, longer wear and better color payoff. Below, a selection of our favorite newest nudes to wear now.

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment

This product is so light and smooth that you can barely feel it on, even when applying, but it gives a gorgeous, long-lasting, full-pigment finish that doesn't budge or transfer. "Get it On" is a beige-tan that's perfect for those who want that classic nude lip and "American Woman" is a rosier option that looks looks amazing on olive-toned skin or those wanting a bit more pink in their nude.

PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance

The long-awaited Sephora launch of Pat McGrath's latest product is here and it does not disappoint. Housed in a luxuriously weighty case (and wrapped in Pat's signature glitter pouch), this lipstick feels special even before the first swipe. Of course, the application also doesn't disappoint. It's a soft, matte—almost powdery—texture and feels extremely lightweight while giving a bold color payoff. A full day wear test proved the formula to be hydrating and doesn't budge until I start eating the greasiest of foods. For those looking for a true nude, "1995" is nicely pigmented without any pink.

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

One of the best drugstore liquid launches of the year, Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick does exactly what the name says. It features long-lasting pigment that doesn't move and gives a beautiful matte finish. The super precise applicator makes filling—and enhancing—your lip shape a breeze. No liner required!

Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick

This lipstick, encased in gold, is so chic that it makes me want to carry one at all times, just so I can show it off every time I reapply. But it turns out, the lipstick is also so long-lasting that reapplications are rarely needed. That doesn't stop me from sharing how much I love the product with others—thanks to the elegant and slender shape of the bullet, it's super easy to get a precise shape, and the creamy formula feels and looks great on the lips. There are a variety of nude options, but "I've Never" and "I'll Never Stop" are my two favorites.

Lipstick Queen Nothing But The Nudes Lipstick

Poppy King is known for creating lipsticks so moisturizing that it feels like you're applying a balm. She brings her conditioning formulation infused with vitamin E and hydrating natural oils to her "Nothing but the Nudes" collection, a trio of flattering nudes that delivers beautiful pigment for a range of skin colors. "The Whole Truth" is the perfect blend of peach, pink and brown for a nude that looks like your lips but better.

Too Faced Melted Latex

For those looking for a super pigmented, high-shine finish, Too Faced Melted Latex delivers a slick, honey-like texture that creates a head-turning look. It's formulated with an exclusive technology that keeps the look shiny all day without sliding around or bleeding. There are nude options for a variety of skin tones, with "Strangelove" being a particularly beautiful option for those with darker skin.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Woman Experiences Horrifying Infection From Eyebrow Feathering Treatment Gone Wrong

Eyebrow treatments are all the rage—microblading has basically become a staple in many salons and spas—and women are always on the lookout for ways to perfect the thickness, shape and definition of their brows, which some experts have said are the most important facial feature. However, as in the case of this Australian woman, Amanda Coats, her eyebrow feathering appointment (pretty much the same thing as microblading, but with slightly more of a "feathered" look to make the brows look naturally thicker) went terribly wrong.

In a recent Facebook post after her visit to a skin care clinic in Point Cook, Australia, Coats reveals graphic images (see them here, here and here) and claims she contracted an infection as a result of the treatment, which caused her eyebrows and the skin surrounding them to fall off. Here's what she had to say:

"I went to get my eyebrows feather tattooed to enhance them. I ended up with a severe infection from the clinic and the skin was just falling away and my eyes blew up. The lady who did it, Ulzii Cleveland, was very rushed, going in and out of the room attending to other clients during my procedure and also doing another eyebrow tattoo at the same time—she did not put new gloves on each time which does not keep things sterile.

I messaged and called Ulzii Cleveland to tell her straight away something was wrong only to be ignored. I told her patches of skin had come away along with the color that I had puss and my eyes are weeping. I went to the doctors and have had to go to the doctors nearly every second day. I'm on antibiotics and steroids for swelling. I've also had to use antibiotic ointment. I have to constantly dress the wounds. The cost of all this is now greater then what I paid for the procedure."

And it doesn't stop there. Coats says she's been in constant, terrible pain, with numbness and severe migraines as well. "I am the single mum of three kids, and at times have not even been able to drive due to my eyes."

She says her main reason for posting about her experience on social media is to warn people about "Ulzii Cleveland and The Skin Care Laser Clinic in Point Cook. I do not want this to happen to anyone else."

According to DailyMail Australia, which reached out to the clinic for comment, the owner of the clinic denied Coats' version of the events, saying she was "delighted" after her treatment. He claimed Coats called the clinic once afterward to express concern about the color of her eyebrows fading, which he told her was "quite normal."

He also said he wasn't contacted by Coats again until more than two weeks after her appointment, which is when she sent him a photo of her infection. "There's no way we could be possibly responsible for the infection at that stage, two and a half weeks after the procedure," he told DailyMail. "My wife has done over 2,000 of these procedures, and we've never had any issues of infection. We've been unable to defend ourselves and we are taking action against Amanda for defamation, and that's in the process of being issued."

It's been reported that Coats has also gained legal representation. We've reached out to a dermatologist for insight as to why this infection could have happened and will update the post when we hear back.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Essie's Celebrity Manicurist Reveals the Most On-Trend Shade for Summer


The nail polish color you choose to wear says something about who you are or what mood you're in—a neutral beige and an electric pink speak very different languages, but both shades could be equally as trendy. To find out which looks are in for summer and what we can expect to see from the nail world in the coming months, we turned to essie celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders. Here's the scoop.

Hue Hype
"For summer 2017, we are seeing a big comeback for metallics. Finally! Anything from silver to bronze (essie Penny Talk) looks really modern this season. Additionally, nudes that range in depth and tone are still prominent because nudes are universally flattering. I'm also seeing a major red nail trend about to emerge."

Summer Shade
Saunders says essie's most on-trend shade for summer is S'il Vous Play, a shimmering pink-lilac from the brand's summer 2017 collection. "I also can't get enough of essie's Wild Nudes collection right now," she adds.

Fashion-Forward
According to Saunders, as we move into fall we'll see a divide between classic nails (reds) and trendy colors (bright pastels like essie Play Date).

Nail Art
"Each season I think nail art will die down, and instead, I actually see nail art establishing its anchor in the nail world," says Saunders. "I think nail art staying around is a very acceptable and youthful way of keeping on trend because as long as you create art with current colors, it will stay fresh-looking."