Make it your own

Everywhere you turn, whether browsing in a book store, or watching daytime television, there are beauty experts who tell you exactly how to look your best. We follow the latest celebrity makeup artist to the letter, hoping to look like their celebrity client du jour. But what happens when that expert advice is the exact opposite of what you just read or heard from another beauty guru? With all of those mixed messages, how you do know what to do?  We are very used to contradicting messages when it comes to health and beauty, especially when it comes to dieting.  First we were told, 3 square meals a day, then we bought into the 5 mini meals to keep that metabolism going, then it was Atkins and then, whole grains and low fat!  Aggghhh.....what to do?  I think the key is, just like figuring out what works best for your figure, is to figure out your personal best through experimentation and having fun with different tones, textures, colors and methods of application.  We are all different, thank God for that, so let's celebrate by making our makeup style our own.

Here are some examples of debatable methods of application- try 'em all and see what looks best on YOU!

Concealer- I have heard from experts like Bobbi Brown that corrector and concealer is the "secret of the universe" and to apply it generously, around the eye and up into the inner socket framing the tear duct.  Others, like Carmindy, prefer to use concealer only for spot concealing and to use a brightener under the eye.  No matter which method you choose, pick that one that makes you feel bright and well-rested. 

Powder- Most experts that I have either spoken with, observed and worked with have chosen to use either a translucent or yellow toned loose/pressed powder to set foundation and concealer.  To many this is a crucial step that gives your makeup staying power however, I recently met with an Armani makeup artist who says that powder not only ages a woman, settling into her fine lines and wrinkles, but it stops her natural glow from shining. He perfers to skip the powder, allowing a woman to naturally glow. 

Bronzer- So, there exists a point of contention with the application of bronzer.  When I first started experimenting with makeup and watching some major experts in action, I always thought that bronzer had to hit the highest points of your face, giving you a naturally sun kissed glow.  Later I learned that bronzer, as with any matte darker powder, can be used as a contouring agent.  Experts like Bobbi Brown place the bronzer on the bridge of the nose, sweeping across the cheeks, giving you that fresh off the beach look while my new fav video blogger, Wayne Goss of the UK, chooses to use the bronzer on the perimeter of the face, starting with the temples and using a C like formation, filling in the face, under the cheekbones down to the jaw line and blending.  Whatever method you choose, own it and enjoy that bronzy glow. 

Highlighter- Lastly I will mention a method of application that I constantly am debating, to highlight the planes of the face, especially under the brow bone or not.  I have seen many artists highlight in three important places, under the brow bone, in the inner corner of the eye, framing the tear duct and along the upper cheekbone.  Carmindy even named this method, "Carmindizing."  I personally love this method and use it when I feel as though I need a pick me up.  Others feel very differently about the use of highlighter.  Stephen Moleski, celebrity makeup artist and Kim K's fav, believes that shimmer has no place above the crease and that it should be applied, "a little here, a little there" but never underneath the brow bone.  Whew!  What is a girl to do?

Ladies, I hope that whatever methods you choose to use, or not, you feel happy, glowing and lovely.  Have fun with your makeup, remember it washes off and can always be reapplied.  Be you, be confident, nothing wears better than a smile.

Be lovely
xoxo
Suzanne

In Vino Veritas

My passion for wine is one that I have explored joyfully for the past three years.  I have had the amazing blessing to have traveled to many of the world's finest wine producing regions and have had some life- changing wines that have warmed my soul, heart and belly.  Returning from a recent weekend in Sonoma, I was inspired to explore the benefits of the grape, not only for one's spirit, but for one's appearance.

Vinotherapie, pioneered by Mathilde Cathiard-Thomas and her husband, Bertrand Thomas of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte discovered that grape seeds discarded at the end of the grape harvest contained powerful anti-aging properties and have priceless benefits for the skin. The anti-oxidants contained in the grape seed polyphenols have an incredible capacity to fight free radicals, and therefore fight aging. The free-radical protection from grape seed polyphenols is unequalled in the plant world. With the experience of wine making behind them and a patented, stabilized grape-seed polyphenol, Caudalie was born.  (Source: The Caudalie Story).

Although there are many lines that now offer the benefits of the vine, I believe Caudalie is the finest.  Its patented formulas will make you feel luminous, awash in loveliness.  Here are a few of my absolute favorites from the Caudalie.

Premier Cru La Crème- An exceptional anti-aging treatment leaves skin velvety-soft. It regenerates and redensifies skin, filling wrinkles, firming and lifting, and minimizing dark spots for an evenly luminous look.

Pulpe Vitaminée Eye and Lip Cream- I love double duty products and this gel/cream for the eyes and lips instantly reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens dark circles, decongests puffiness, and protects from free radicals.

Gentle Buffing Cream- A gentle, exfoliating face scrub that eliminates impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil. 

What I love about all of these above products (inspired research for Michelle and Laura) is that they are free of parabens, sulfite, synthetic fragrance and dyes, and phthalates (lots of yucky but frequently used additives).

Ladies, one more thing....if you are craving a bit of vino indulgence, head to Caudalie's Vinotherapie Spa located at the Plaza Hotel in NYC.  Not only will you have an intoxicating beauty experience, but you will also get treated to a glass of one of Bordeaux's Premier Crus, Smith Haut Lafitte, in an incredibly luxurious setting.....what a magical pairing.

Be lovely

xoxo

Suzanne

Inspiring Women- Carmindy

I had the wonderful privilege of spending some one-on-one time with makeup artist, author and beauty expert of TLC's What Not to Wear this past Saturday morning.  She is a true beauty, both inside and out, who has dedicated her talents to make the everyday women feel beautiful.  The time I spent with her not only broadened my artistic ambitions but also left me with a profound appreciation for Carmindy's warmth, sincerity and style. 
Here are a few tips I learned and wanted to share with you all.....

- Find something about yourself that you love and play it up.  For me, it's my once hated big brown eyes.  She showed me how to showcase them without looking overdone or unnatural.

- Foundation, applied with a non-latex sponge, before concealer.  If you pile on the concealer and then follow it up with foundation, you are bound to wipe off all that coverage.  You want to start your makeup application, achieving a beautiful canvas, with foundation and then just spot concealing where necessary. Who wants to look like a scared raccoon.  I love Carmindy's Fast Fix Concealer, All Over Brightener.  It can be used in lieu of concealer and gives a wonderful brightness and glow, an instant pick me up.

-A step that will not only make you glow, but will give the appearance of luminating from within is the Carmindy highlighting trick, also known as "Carmendizing."  Simply take a nice shimmering highlighter and apply in three places, on top of the cheekbone, underneath the eyebrow and on the inside corner of the eyes, framing the tear ducts. She used the highlighter  in the Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette in Quartz to illuminate and wake up my tired Saturday complexion. 

-To give your lips a kissable pout, highlight the outside of you lips with a highlighting lip pencil or use the same shimmering highlighter from you instant definition eye shadow palette to frame the cupid's bow. Use a shimmer gloss in the center of your bottom and top lip, over a creamy lipstick to get that glow without gooping.

It was really a true pleasure to spend my Saturday morning with Carmindy and I wish her all of the success and beauty in the world.  She is sunshine....

Be lovely
xoxo
Suzanne

Jennifer's Smile

I for one have always been rather neutral regarding team Jen or Angie.  They are both wildly successful, talented and beautiful women.  They are both the envy of many and the ideal in which many women compare and despair, but no matter how extraordinary Angelina's beauty is......there is just something about Jennifer.  I think it is because Jennifer's beauty is approachable and her style, effortless.  Jennifer recently opened up and shared with Telegraph of UK what she keeps in her makeup bag.......... 

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint: "This cream blush give my face a lovely, rosy glow.  I prefer a natural look during the day."

Chanel Levres Scintillantes lip gloss: “This is conditioning, long-lasting and has a great sheen. I use Chanel eye shadows, too.” 

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream: “This natural skincare range really suits my skin. It’s very soothing and smells exquisite.”

Jennifer Aniston Eau de Parfum (I never would have guessed): “I don’t like overpowering perfumes. I designed this fragrance to be light yet sensual with a hint of the ocean, which reminds me of home.”

L’Oreal Smooth Intense Nutrileum Serum: “I have wavy hair so a serum really helps to smooth it out. After years of working with amazing hairdressers I can blow dry it pretty well myself now.”

PS- Make your makeup bag your own, have fun and play with both color and texture. It's only makeup and it does wash off.

Be lovely

xoxo
Suzanne

35,000 Feet Up and Fabulous

Airplane travel can be invigorating and thrilling or fear-evoking and frustrating and more often than not, a mix bag of it all. You are cramped into a flying tube with recycled stale air and fluctuating temperatures. This causes havoc on our skin, hair, nails and quite often challenges the strength of our deodorant. I have some basic rules that I follow on a travel day that help me feel lovely, whether on a short flight down to Miami or an across the pond overnighter to see Big Ben.

1) Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. People often drink lots of water before and on the plane to keep hydrated but your skin also needs moisture to fight off the harsh, pressurized recycled air. I often stop at makeup counters at department stores and ask for samples. I keep a Ziploc bag of samples and pop a few in my purse to make sure I always have a disposable tube or two with me for the flight.

2) Don't neglect your lips. Aquaphor, purchased at most drug stores, locks in moisture and your lips will thank you for it. Use some for your cuticles to keep them from drying and cracking and a bit on those unruly eyebrows.

3) Wear as little makeup as possible on the plane so you can apply the first and freshest application before landing. It is virtually impossible to re-apply mascara and still have that natural, no clump lash, so save it for when it counts. If you feel you need a little something on your face besides moisturizer before take off, try using a little bit of corrector/concealer only wear you need it, on the inner corners and underneath your eye to conceal darkness and gently apply a bit of yellow based powder on top to seal and set. Try a pop of color with pink or coral blush on the apples of your cheeks and a gloss to brighten up your face. My secret weapon to combat a dull complexion or sleep deprived eyes is to take a shimmer highlighting shadow and apply a dab to the inner corners of your eyes, with that same finger or smudge brush glide a bit on the highest point of your cheekbone, the bridge of the nose, and in the V shape framing your upper lip. Touche Eclat by YSL is another highlighter that will make you look as if you have slept for hours and are fresh and awake. (Big black glasses are always a good idea, especially if you feel your eyes look set in without makeup.)

4) Lastly, you want to arrive to your destination smelling as fresh as you look.  I recommend dabbing a bit of apple cider vinegar under you arms pre-flight before layering on deodorant. This will kill the odor causing bacteria rather than just masking it. Secondly, take a sample of a fresh, clean, citrusy fragrance to apply in the bathroom.  It is a wise idea to apply any fragranced product in the bathroom, not to offend your fellow travelers.  

Have a fabulous flight…..

Be lovely

xoxo

Suzanne