My Current Obsession: Clarisonic Mia*

Ever try something new and become instantly obsessed? It can happen with a new makeup product, a jacket you just purchased, or even food, and it happens to me all the time!

Ever since my good friend, and client, Jene Luciani gave me a Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System for my birthday in July - and yes, I have been completely obsessed.

The cleanser that is included gently exfoliates the skin quickly and efficiently, leaving it ready for your face moisturizer. You don't want to overuse or keep the brush on one section of the skin for too long; the bristles can feel too rough on the skin.

No matter the skin type, this cleansing system does it's job - and very well too!

Sold at Sephora.com

To BB, or not to BB, that is the question...

If you haven't noticed, BB Creams are all the rage right now. Created in Asia, these products claim to combine skin care and makeup in one simple step to give the result of perfect skin every time.
In the words of Maybelline, "for instant skin wow!"

Is this true? Can one product give perfect skin results to every type of skin?
The answer is - I don't see how that could be possible, but I truly don't know, because I'm not a scientist and I don't have all different skin types.

In my opinion, these BB Creams seem similar to tinted moisturizers. While tinted moisturizers are exactly what they say they are - moisturizers with a little bit of foundation mixed in for a tint. I feel that with certain skin types, like my own (which is dry), I need more hydration than what the tinted moisturizers offer. This doesn't mean I can't use them, I just hydrate first then apply the tinted moisturizer on top (I love Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer).

I feel the same way with these BB Creams. Everyone has their own skin and specific needs for it, therefore I don't think it is possible for one product to be perfect on everyone when it comes to skin care and skin types; while with lipstick that may be true, not skin care.

This doesn't mean you can't try the product, please do. If it works for you, then perfect! However if it doesn't, that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your skin or the product. It means that your skins needs weren't met and you need to re-evaluate the products you are using.

One Bold Feature A Day, Keeps the Beauty Fashion Police Away!

There are so many colorful trends in style right now with makeup, but if you go too far, you may be placed in Beauty Fashion Police Jail!

How to create that one bold look, and make it one to remember!

Bold Lips

Bold Lips are always in style, it's just how you pump up that pout that changes. Are you looking for that signature bold red? or maybe a deep plum for a vampy look? No matter which color you choose, remember to keep the rest of your face more on the nude side so you don't go overboard.
The above photo has the model in a fantastic bright coral tone that compliments her hair and eye color...gorgeous!

Bold Eye Liner

When experimenting with colorful eye liners, you want to make sure it doesn't clash with the rest of your makeup, as well as your hair and eye color. Navy's, Plums, and Green tones are a fun way to brighten up those eyes, while also not going too far out of your comfort zone.
Notice how in the above photo the model just has some mascara and slight eye makeup? It makes the liner stand out even more! Love it!

Bold Cheeks

Blush is one of my favorite makeup products! It can give any look that extra "oomph", but placement has to be correct - check out my previous blog What's your face shape got to do with it? to see what placement is best for your face shape. Applying it in the correct spot will accentuate cheek bones and make the face look slimmer. You will be surprised what this one product can do!

Corals, and Golds, and Blues, Oh My!

No matter what time of the year it is, when asked what summer reminds them of, almost everyone thinks of Luau-themed parties, and anything to do with water. Pools, Beaches, Boating, Snorkeling, and much more.

When it comes to the makeup trends for summer, there are always some trends that come back year-to-year. Bright fun colors, coral and peach tones, sea-foam colored clothing, etc.

Since summer is almost half over - I know, I don't want to think of it that way either - lets get your makeup trends all in order so your August makeup will be trendy and perfect!

If you aren't into super bold colors, coral lipsticks are perfect. There are so many different shades of coral that finding the perfect one can be done easily. Department stores are great for that because you can try them on the inner side of your wrist. Don't apply straight to your lips unless cleaned thoroughly with alcohol, you never know who tried that lipstick recently! You can also return it if it's not exactly what you were looking for. Buy a few shades and play at home, then return the ones you don't like.

Natural, coral and gold tones are great for the eyes during the summer months. Looking sun-kissed and bronzed is trendy, looking too-dark or orange is not!
**Note!
Remember to stick too one trend, you don't want super bronzed and gold eyes and florescent coral lipstick - that is a no-no! Stick to one, and done!

If you want to try something even more bold...use blue and green tones around the eye...

...but remember to keep the rest of the skin and face classic - nude lips and a light cheek compliment this look.

How To: Apply Faux Lashes - My First Video!

One of my most frequently asked questions is, "how can I apply false lashes on myself?" It is definitely an application that would need to be practiced if never done before. I also recommend that you have a professional apply them properly on you first, so you can get an idea of where they should be placed, how they feel once they are applied, the glue drying process, and how to finish off your look once they are dried and in place.

I apply lashes on Jene Luciani (National TV Lifestyle Correspondent, SHAPE MAGAZINE Contributor, & Author of The Bra Book, as well as my client and friend) each time I do her makeup. Sometimes they are more extravagant than others, but they always add that extra touch!

Instead of typing out the steps, we thought it would be fun to create this video to help you see the application process!!

Enjoy!

Summer Scents for the Senses

You can find makeup, hair, and style tips everywhere! But what if you are searching for a new fragrance?


You have your signature scent, that go-to scent that you always love (mine is: Santa Maria Novella in Mughetto - OBSESSED) - however, what about something to switch it up a little bit? For the summer most women tend to stick with light, clean scents; they aren't overpowering.


**Note**
Remember to try perfumes, just as if they were shoes.  The oils on your skin mixed with the oils in perfumes can make the scent change slightly once it's applied, making it not smell the same as when you spray it onto one of those paper-sticks the stores supply.
Ask for a sample to take home, wear it a few times and see how the smell settles with you throughout the day/night - you want to love it before purchasing!





1. Burberry Summer
(This is my "switch-it-up" scent) It's so fresh, so clean, so...summer! Perfect to spray on daily to give a hint of scent without overpowering the people around you.

This scent is a mix of orange, mandarin, and green leaf for a crisp scent. If you are thinking this may be girlie - it isn't!

 

 

2. Emilio Pucci Vivara Varianzioni Verde 072

Mint is all the rage in the summer! Cool mint ice cream, mint mojitos, what about a mix of mint into your scent? This perfume is a little bit softer than Burberry's. Turkish rose, neroli bigarade and mint leaves are mixed to create this subtle, summery scent.

 

 

 

3. Guerlain Aqua Allegora Jasminora

This scent is a little heavier than the previous two. Bergamot and white musk help balance the strong jasmine base. Still airy for summer, yet the white musk makes it less light than the other two. Still fantastic!

 

 

 

4. Tocca Graziella

This floral scent is light and perfect for the summer months. Asian Pear, Casablanca Lily and Creamy Iris are among some of the notes in this perfume. Mix those with Bitter Orange and it becomes a light balance for the senses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Men in your life:

 

1. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

 

2. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio

 

Both are great for summer, considering there are a good amount of men that don't wear cologne during the day, these are great for day and night.

 

 

 

 

 

They Say Hard Work Pays Off...and it did!

Hello Everyone! I am so sorry that I have been M.I.A. for almost a month, maybe longer - eek!

Exciting things have happened since I last posted - can't wait to share!

Thanks to all of you who voted for Best of Westchester, I am pleased to announce that I won for Wedding Makeup & Hair in the 'Reader's Choice' Category!
I cannot wait for the event on July 18th where all the "Bests" gather so the public mingle and network! Hard work really does pay off! Now time to work on a new goal...

Even though I may not have posted for a while, doesn't mean I haven't tried new products and new techniques. I am ready to share with all of you!

I have been lucky to meet Rachael Braunshweiger, who has connected with me the Rodan & Fields product line. Have you tried them? If not, get on it! They are a skin-care based line where they have regimen's for each type of skin. Dry, normal, oily, acne-prone, etc; there is a product for everyone, and everyone will be pleased with the outcome.

I have become familiar with two of their products so far, but am excited to try more!

https://briteskin.myrandf.com/

In the meantime, I have also become more familiar with eyelash extensions - they are my new favorite accessory! My friend, and fellow makeup artist, Phyllis Juliano, is certified in applying them, and does the best job - they couldn't have come out better! No more fuss about curling & applying mascara, etc. Wake up, put the rest of your makeup on, and go!

(Yes, that is my scary face! LOL But the lashes look amazing!)

In addition to skincare and amazing lashes, I have also become obsessed with dry shampoo. Actually, I have been obsessed with dry shampoo for months, but now that I have come across Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray, I have become an addict! This spray makes hair that has been washed 2-3 days prior, look healthy and clean. What is better than that? Now you can make your hair look like you just washed it, when it's days old - not great hygiene, but hey - using it once or twice a week won't kill ya!