Beauty in the Real World

We live in a digitally enhanced world, so what we see on t.v., in movies or in magazines these days is always going to be an altered version of the truth. So many young girls look to magazines for inspiration, only to find desperation in their own looks that don’t match up to the perfection that they see in magazines before them.

What everyone needs to realize, is that everything we see in a magazine has been photo-shopped. EVERYTHING. No one is that perfect. Even the most beautiful actress, model or celebrity is never printed without Photoshop fine-tuning the details.

This industry standard isn't meant to deceive the viewer, but only to show a better version. While I have nothing against enhancing an image, I do think the perception of trying to sell that perfection as "natural" is misleading. Anything is possible with Photoshop from the simple removal of wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, hair color, teeth and eye whitening, thinning out limbs, to completely altering features is possible and SO much more.

If we have a healthy attitude on what we believe to be "natural beauty" and understand that what we see is not always real, we can learn to enjoy the images as simply being entertainment exceptions to the rule...and not the standard. Never to compare. Nothing to look up to.

I personally love seeing before and after celebrity photo-shopped pictures because it makes them more real to me and see that they are just like us...imperfect.

New Year. New You.

"Out with the old and in with the new", as they say. Time to clean out your makeup drawer and start fresh for 2010. New outlook, new products, new attitude, new you. This is the year for change and what better way then to shake up your beauty routine...or better yet, start one! No matter how young or old you are, there is never a bad time to start taking care of your face.

So, invest in some products that work for your skin type and condition. Make that appointment with the Dermatologist to address and fix those issues. Wash your makeup off before bed no matter how tired you are. Cut back on alcohol intake which can wreck havoc on your skin. Increase water consumption for a refreshed complexion. Toss out liquid products that have chemically separated. Try that new lipstick color. No matter how subtle or insignificant you think the change will be, just do it, because sometimes even the slightest change makes a big impact.

Continue to be happy, healthy and beautiful for 2010.

Words to Live by

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness." - Lady Blessington

Famed for her looks and accomplishments, Lady Blessington presided over a literary salon at Gore House, Kensington in 1822 and she was for some years editor of "The Book of Beauty", a popular annual of the day in 1834.

When you live a happy life, your true beauty will shine through, so always count your blessings and find reasons to be grateful. Happy Holidays.

Top 10 Beauty Mistakes

Beauty mistakes are something that we see every day, so I thought I would give you the TOP TEN (and the remedies to correct it).

THE MISTAKE
1. Obvious lip liner with lipstick that doesn’t match.

2. Wearing the wrong color foundation (and/or not blending foundation past jaw, into neck line).

3. Clumpy and flaky mascara.

4. Lipstick that bleeds or feathers.

5. Eye makeup that smears or builds up in the corner of the eye.

6. Shiny/greasy looking face.

7. Not covering a blemish.

8. Over or under plucked/groomed eyebrows.

9. Facial hair.

10. Blush that looks scary, not natural.

THE ANTIDOTE
1. Match the lip liner with the lipstick and/or use a lip brush to blend both together to eliminate the obvious lip liner look.

2. Color match your foundation by applying a sample color to your jaw OR the inner part of your wrist to find your true color. Then when you apply it, blend well past your chin/jaw line and down your neck to have an even flow of color and coverage.

3. Toss your mascara after 3 months of opening it cause flakes means it has dried out and clumpy means you are applying too many layers in between coats before it dries. Using a lash comb to separate lashes after you apply mascara will also help.

4. Prep your lips with foundation or a lipstick primer before applying a lip liner or lipstick to help retain the shape and to avoid feathering.

5. Check yourself in the mirror twice a day to make sure your eye makeup still looks good.

6. Oil absorbing sheets (blotting papers) are a great way to remove shine. You can also use powder applied to the "T-zone" area (forehead, nose and chin).

7. Makeup is needed to cover imperfections. Period. Whether its lipstick, concealer, mascara or blush, we all need a little boost of a beauty product to help us look a little better but definitely to cover a blemish.

8. Get your brows professional shaped/cleaned up if not sure of how to approach it for the first time. After than, maintenance is easy.

9. A mustache is just not sexy on a woman. Neither is hair below your bottom lip or a peach-fuzzy face in general. You can use Smooth Away buffing pads to gently and painlessly remove face fuzz, get your upper and lower lip waxed if you choose or a depilatory cream that's made for the face will also do the trick. Do your research to see what your best option(s) would be.

10. Blush is meant to mimic your natural cheek color when you blush. Applying blush like war paint is not attractive. A pink hue that's a shade darker than your natural blushed state is perfect when applied liberally.

So now that you know, you can be sure to always be a beauty DO and never a beauty DON'T.

'Tis the Season....

...for holiday parties! What better time to hit the town all dolled up? I absolutely love this time of year where clothes are more glittery, parties are more abundant and looking haute is imperative. Do not skimp on the details girls because makeup, hair, nails and clothes all need to be in the spirit of the season. Flip through those magazines to find what captures your fancy so you can catch that certain-someones-eye from across the room at your next holiday party.

When in doubt, a little shimmer goes a long way ;)

Ahead of the Game

Happy Fall! I may be behind in my postings, but I am definitely ahead of the game when it comes to my research and knowledge of what's hot now and in store for winter-spring makeup trends. New York Fashion Week was chaotic beauty at it's best and every designer showcased their Spring 2010 collection with the next hot look in makeup that was inspiring.


Although the makeup trends were unique to not draw attention away from the clothes, they did establish a place on the runway with luminous skin and a bold feature that made each face stand out even more. There were a lot of bold lashes and cat-like liner against a natural face, or a bright lips making a statement that looked fabulous on every model.

What you can learn from the runway in the real world is that makeup should never draw attention to just your face. The clothes were meant to be the focal point on the runway, but in reality, you are representing a complete package when you walk out that door, so make a statement from head to toe by keeping it natural with highlighting just one feature and not try to make your makeup scream "LOOK AT ME".

Keep your face fresh and colorful with the perfect crayon-inspired lipstick to make your look "pop". M.A.C. has some great new colors this season that I can't stop using, so be comfortable to try something new and update your look.

New York Fashion Week Booking

It's been a hectic summer to say the least with weddings, photo shoots, 10 bridal magazine covers and a television booking, but nothing says "end of summer" for me more than New York Fashion Week and the awesome booking opportunity I was offered.

September 10-17th at Bryant Park in New York is where designers showcase their Spring 2010 designs, and where the next makeup trends are seen, and started. I will be going to New York tomorrow to do the makeup for a few of the shows and a photo shoot, and I'm thrilled about what will be seen on and off the runway.

American icon designers such as Donna Karan, Max Azria (BCBG), Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller and Tommy Hilfiger (just to name a few) will be setting the fashion staples for 2010 and I am lucky to be a part of it. Keep your eyes peeled for what's next in makeup trends and I will post info and pictures while I'm in New York. Stay tuned...