Up In Flames

Better late than never is my motto and although Khloe Kardashian debuted her red locks last week I just had to comment on them.  The Kardashian clan strutted down the red carpet for the People's Choice Awards last week and one Kardashian member stood out.  Khloe had a glow around her and that was her new colored tresses.  I am obsessed with red hair, for I am in the middle of contemplating my metamorphosis.  I think this look is gorgeous on Khloe, it enhances her skin tone and makes her distinguishable from her sisters.

What are your thoughts?

Snowed In

Thank God for the snowstorm because I can finally catch up on my writing - an added Christmas gift.

I had a lovely Christmas - getting some much needed R&R after quite a hectic week.  It was amazing to spend time with my family and the people who matter the most in my life.  It is so easy to get caught up in life to forget what matters most.

Life is too short to be miserable and unhappy.  My goal for 2011 is about prioritizing!

Whirlwind

I apologize for the lack of posts, I have been in this whirlwind of opportunities...writing for Beautystat.com , freelancing for Laura Mercier on Saturdays and trying to post blogs - all while maintaining a full-time accounting position.  I am far from complaining, I love being busy and I am happily bobbing along in the current of life.

I do have some exciting stuff to share - two things to be exact.  Wednesday I attended the Dior/Lucky luncheon through Beautystat.  I have never attended a luncheon and I was quite excited.  Upon entering Conde Nast I felt like I was in my own version of "The Devil Wears Prada," the women were dressed to the nines but that is where the similarities ended.  The woman I met were all amazing and extremely sweet. 

I sat and chatted with Stephanie, owner of Stiletto Jungle, and then all of us girls were escorted into a room where the presentation was being held.  Over lunch the women from Dior passionately spoke about the products and we received knowledge of new products that are to come in the following months.  The most exciting news was that Natalie Portman will be the new face of Miss Dior Cherie, giving a more sensual and sexy feel.  After the presentation we were whisked away by Dior make-up artists for a make-up consultation.  How I love to play with make-up!!  It was a wonderful day.

 

My other exciting news is some of the Jersey Shore Season Three promo pictures were released.  Why am I excited?? Because I helped assist do the make-up on the shoot.  (Make-up artist: Raychel Wade and Bridget Lembo) We did the make-up back in September; the new season of Jersey Shore is set to premiere January 6th.

Doing JWoww's Make-up

Stepping Stones

From a young age I always wanted to be a make-up artist, I even listed it in my eighth grade yearbook as the occupation that I wanted to pursue.  Make-up artistry it not just something I do, it is a part of me.  I am no where near where I want to be but each day I get one step closer.

I am sharing this with you because I think that it is important to pursue our life long dreams and so often we get caught up in what others want us to do or what is "the right thing."  I have been struggling with this for the past few years but recently opportunities are arising.  I believe that opportunities arise when we are ready to accept them.  Recently I started writing for Beautystat.com, a stepping stone to where I want to finally wind up.  It is a great website that gives tips and tricks on beauty, style and fashion.  It is a blessing in disguise because I get to talk about what I love. 

So don't focus on your final goal, really relish the stepping stones that get you to your final destination.  It will really make appreciate your hard work when you get there.

Check me out on Beautystat.com

INSPIRATION

I find many things that inspire me and one of them is this photo taken by Mario Testino for Vogue of Anne Hathaway.  

I am sure that most people's eyes are drawn to the radiant jewels that she is wearing or the stunning Miu Miu tank.  My eyes fall upon the way Testino captured Hathaway's timeless beauty, the way that the light illuminates Hathaway's left profile and captures her milky white skin. I am unsure of the makeup artist but it confirms my belief that less is more.  The makeup artist did a beautiful neutral eye, lightly lining the top and bottom - just enhancing Hathaway's eyes.  Hathaway's look is finished by intensifying her brows and applying a clear gloss to her slightly smirked lips.  

This photo keeps me thinking what is behind that lens that is keeping her so entranced. 

A GEM

Keeping up with the skin theme, I thought I would share another one of my secret tools.  A few months back my friend Kissairis came to me and was at a loss because her foundation brush was shedding.  There is nothing more aggravating and embarrassing than going out and hearing, "You have a hair on your face."  What is worse is that damn little hair is so stubborn and refuses to leave your face.  The answer to this problem is the beautyblender.

The beautyblender is an elliptical shaped sponge that conforms to the skin providing an effortless and smooth application.  The beautyblender is convenient; having two sides to work with, one that is larger and covers the greater portion of the skin.  The second side is amazing for under the eyes and along the nose.  Prior to application the sponge is wet and the excess water is squeezed out.  The beautyblender is then dipped into your foundation of choice and stippled into the skin.  No streaking!  After use I recommend washing it with the cleanser.

Providing excellent coverage without caking it on; there is a reason it is called beautyblender.  Who can ask for more?  This little gem may as well be shaped as a diamond because it is that precious.

Buy your beautyblender here: http://www.beautyblender.net/index.html

FAKE IT!

With the impending cold weather around the corner I fear the inevitable is about to happen!  My luscious summer glow is gone and I have succumbed to being pale.  (Not that there is anything wrong with being pale, but I have brown hair, brown eyes, black eyebrows - so therefore I look sickly.)  I know what you are thinking - a little hop, skip and jump to the tanning salon is just what the doctor ordered.  I know those little "boxes of sunshine" can be addicting; the escape from reality for a ten minute vacation while becoming a bronzed goddess.

If this was your thought, unfortunately, you are wrong.  The use of indoor tanning increases your lifetime risk of melanoma by 75%; melanoma being the leading cause of death from skin disease.  Not to mention exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging.  Now I am not bashing sun worshipers, for I used to be one.  I am merely informing of a safer way...FAKING IT!!


MAC Bronzer, in Matte Bronze, is one of my favorites and will never leave my kit.  The first step in creating the faux bronze look is to get a bronzer no darker than two shades from your natural skin tone.  I have a medium olive skin tone, so I stick to the MAC Bronzer, as I said before.  I first apply my foundation (foundation is meant to even out your skin tone - not change the color of your skin) and lightly dust powder in the areas I know I am oily.  Now time for the big ta da.  I take a medium sized brush and dust the bronzer where the sun naturally would hit.  I made a photo demonstration.

The area that is shaded in brown is where the bronzer will go.  Begin dusting lightly, less is more and it can always be built upon.  It is harder to start over if you start with too much.  Then, the area shaded in white is where a highlight goes to give a little bit of sheen.  I like products that do not have too much shimmer because I like a more natural look.  To finish off your faux glow throw a pop of color with your favorite blush and VOILA! You're rocking June in November.