Tag: beauty

Why Prime?

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Why Prime?

If you read my recent post where I shared five tips from my makeup artist, I mention that priming the skin is one of the key tricks to elevating your makeup routine. Prior to having my makeup lesson from Aradia Vive, I thought that primer was an unnecessary step and just another product that was being pushed on me.

Once I started using primer, I immediately noticed a difference in how my foundation looked on my skin and how long my makeup lasted. And so did others. Once I started using primer, instead of looking completely washed out by the end of a long work day, my makeup was actually still on.

There are a wide variety of primers on the market…gel, cream and powder based. The most important thing is to find one that you like and works with your foundation. It will help smooth out problem areas, fill in wrinkles and even add another layer of SPF. The ones featured are three different primers I use. Be sure to buff them into your face with a brush…I like the Sigma Kabuki F80 Brush, which is also the brush I use for applying my foundation.

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Lightweight

If you are sensitive to how formulas feel on your face, then this Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is an excellent option for you. This weightless, silky formula looks beautiful under all foundations and even tinted moisturizers. It corrects redness, fills in smooth lines and contains SPF 15 for added protection. Available at www.netaporter.com.

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Medium

I like to use this Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer when I am meeting friends for drinks or for date night with my husband. There is something very flattering with the natural finish it creates on the skin. There are a variety of options in this primer-color correcting, radiance and a version that contains SPF. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Thicker
The POREfessional face primer from Benefit Cosmetics is a beauty cult classic. This primer is much thicker than the others and has a consistency that is more like a balm. While it may have a thicker feel, it is extremely effective…it definitely helps my makeup last all day. As advertised, it truly minimizes pores and gives your skin a smooth appearance. It can also be applied on top of your make up (dabbed on in specific spots) if you need to further reduce pores. I use this for long days at the office or when I am traveling so I can maintain my foundation as long as possible. Available at www.ulta.com.

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Eyeshadow Primer
I apply this NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base while my face primer is drying. This keeps my eyeshadow looking as fresh at the end of the day as it does at the beginning. You only need to use a tiny amount for application…for reference, one of the tubes lasts me approximately six months. Available at www.sephora.com.

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If you have not tried priming before, give it a try, your makeup will definitely look better!

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Bisous,

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Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 23.2017
Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

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Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

We have all met those people with whom you have an instant connection and hope you will spend more time in the years to come. I had that experience when I met my wedding makeup artist, Aradia Vive. Long before Style & Life was even a thought, I had hoped our paths would cross along the years. Five years later, we are spending Saturday mornings together as she does my makeup for my photoshoots.

One of the best gifts I have received is from one of my friends…I threw her a bridal shower and as a thank you, she gave me a makeup lesson with Aradia. It was an incredible experience as we were able to learn about her recommended products, tips and techniques on how we should be applying our makeup. Although, there is no comparison between Aradia doing my makeup and doing it myself…I can create a smokey eye, contour and create other gorgeous looks. If you are in the Miami area, I highly recommend this experience as a gift for yourself of someone special as you will learn techniques that you can use forever.

For those who do not live in the Miami area, I am sharing five key tips that I have learned in my time working with Aradia. These are the foundation of elevating your makeup routine.

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Start with Skin

For your makeup to go on beautifully, you need to start with a great canvas. Keep yourself hydrated, exfoliate and moisturize before you being applying makeup.

Prime

I never believed the hype around primers but Aradia convinced me to try them…and now, my makeup lasts considerably longer and looks much smoother. Primer creates a smooth surface, reduces shine and minimizes pores. Stay tuned…I am working on a post that features my favorite primers.

Contour

Contouring is about highlighting your best features and creating shape and definition. When done correctly, it should be subtle and hardly noticeable. Use professional brushes and invest in a Beauty Blender to contour properly.

Clean Your Tools

During our makeup lesson, Aradia asked me to get my foundation brush…she must have been horrified as I had not cleaned it in a few weeks! Tools become dirty and if you do not clean them, you are putting bacteria directly onto your face. It only takes a minute or two to clean your brushes after application so take the time and clean them immediately!

Finishing Spray

If you are going to take the time and put the effort in…be sure your work will last and finish with Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray. Your makeup will stay fresh all day. Available at www.skindinavia.com.

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To schedule a makeup less or learn more visit www.bridalmakeovers.com.

Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 24.2017
A Little Lip Love

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A Little Lip Love

Sometimes my lips need a little extra love…since I travel often and am frequently being photographed, I have realized that it is important lips are moisturized and smooth. I have three products I use consistently to ensure my lips are in tip top shape.

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French Girl Organics Rose Lip Scrub

This is the perfect lip scrub…it is not too harsh, does an excellent job of exfoliating and hydrates at the same time. Made from sugar, shea butter, rose geranium and coconut oil, this scrub keeps your lips soft and kissable. Available at www.revolve.com.

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Soveral Mandarin Kiss Lip Balm

Made from mango and coco butter, this ultra hydrating lip balm does just the trick for moisturizing…it also smells divine…which makes you want to taste it! Available at www.alexandrasoveral.co.uk.

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Avene Ystheal Eye and Lip Contour Care

This contour cream is designed to hydrate, tone and smooth the delicate areas around your eyes and lips. I like to use this before a photoshoot so I look as youthful and rested as possible. Available at www.amazon.com.s

These tips will leave your lips smooth and moisturized for the perfect pout!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 20.2017
Fresh Summer Fragrances

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Fresh Summer Fragrances

Each season brings different events, fashion and beauty products…including your fragrance “routine”. Scent is a powerful sense…it can change your mood or remind you of a friend or place. For summer, we have highlighted some of our favorite scents. From beach days to sultry nights, these fresh summer fragrances are sure to suit your mood.

Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk

Although I live in Miami and go to the beach often, I still crave this scent. This fragrance smells like the most perfect beach day you have ever had…blue skies, crashing waves and sandy toes. It is the perfect blend of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk. Available at www.sephora.com

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Atelier Cologne Clémentine California

This fun and fresh fragrance makes me happy with its citrus blend. citrus fruits. A mix of juniper, mandarin, star anise and a hint of pepper blends over a distinctively warm base of Haitian vetiver, sandalwood, and cypress. Atelier Cologne fragrances are concentrated at 15 percent pure perfume so that the last longer. There is something about this scent that puts me in a cheerful mood. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi Acqua

Just as the name implies, wearing this fragrance makes me feel as if I should be soaking up the rays on the Amalfi Coast. Containing notes of mandarin, lemon, basil, spearmint, shiso leaf and jasmine, this is a perfect fragrance to take or make you feel like you are on vacation. Available at www.saks.com.

Nest Black Tulip

This is oh-so-sexy scent is the ideal fragrance for sultry summer nights. This floral perfume offers notes of black amber, plum, pink pepper and Japanese violet. Also available in a rollerball so you can carry it in your clutch for touch ups throughout the evening. Available at www.sephora.com.

Maison Francois Kurkdjian Petit Matin

Francois Kurkdjian started his career making fragrances for brands like YSL, Armani and the like. He started his own brand in 2009 and has a lovely assortment of fragrances. Petit Matin is no different and this fresh scent reminds me of summer mornings and contains notes of musk, lemon, lavandin and orange blossom. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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If you are in need of a fragrance pick me up, give one of these scents a try, I believe you will enjoy wearing them this summer!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 9.2017
Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

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Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

There is nothing like a healthy glow to make you feel vibrant and fresh for the summer season. In order to prevent sun damage, I like to use bronzers and self tanners since both can create natural looking color. For the best results, be sure to select a shade or two darker than your skin tone. I hope you stay sun kissed this summer…here are the current bronzers I am using.

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer

I love all things from Hourglass cosmetics…just like the blush featured in our Spring 17 Beauty Report, this bronzer is formulated with Photoluminescent Technology, featuring optically transparent particles that transform the look of skin and emphasize your best features. There are four gorgeous shades in this bronzer. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Eve Lom Golden Radiance Bronzing Powder
This Even Lom bronzer is ideal to keep in your handbag for mid-day touchups or your travel bag due to the convenient brush applicator. Formulated with their BerryFlux Vita™, the powder stimulates the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Available in two pretty shades at www.neimanmarcus.com

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Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
If powdered bronzers are not for you, then you may want to try the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick. This stick is creamy and lightweight and comes in 30 shades. Apply with a foundation brush and then buff with a beauty blender to achieve your desired shade. Available at www.sephora.com.

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NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer
An excellent everyday choice, this NARS bronzer creates a matte finish with a soft glow. It has a natural appearance and enhances your natural skin tone. It contains light diffusing properties that blur the skins imperfections. Available in 4 different colors at www.saks.com.

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Sephora Collection Bronzer Powder
This bronzer creates a radiant complexion with its matte or shimmer finishes. The powder goes on smoothly and is easy to blend to create a natural look. Available in 5 finishes at www.sephora.com.

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These should help you get a beautiful summer glow!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 30.2017
Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

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Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

Once or twice (if I can squeeze it in) a week, I like to take an evening to pamper myself. I make some tea (see my Tea Traditions post) a bath, exfoliate and do a series of facial masks. Life is busy and these moments of self care are essential to feeling my best. I like to try different masks and products. Right now, this is my current facial mask routine and after I complete it, my skin looks and feels amazing.

To start, I use the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to clear my pores. This mask gives a tight pulling sensation while it is drying on your face that I love. It cleans out dirt, debris and toxins and leaves your face clean and pores smaller. Available at www.sephora.com.

The second mask I use is the Soveral Volcano Ash mask. I use Soveral products for most of my daily skin care routine. This purifying mask detoxifies, nourishes and plumps the skin. It contains palmarosa which helps regulate sebum production and peppermint which heals and smooths. Upon the initial application, this mask seriously tingles but once you have it on for 2-3 minutes, the tingling stops. Available at www.alexandrasoveral.co.uk.

The third facial mask that I am using is the Biodara Coconut Matcha Brightening Mask. This mask nourishes and increases elasticity and skin radiance. It is a powder that you mix with water to create a mousse and then apply to your face. Available at www.biodara.com.

Next in the lineup is the Eve by Eves by Hyluronic Express Brush Mask. This mask contains seaweed, algae, hyluronic acid, jasmine and rose oils. After the cleansing masks, this one is light, moisturizing and leaves your skin incredibly smooth. The brush applicator is a fun bonus. Available at www.evestemptation.com.

The final step is a major dose of hydration…I either use one of the sheet masks covered in our Sheet Mask Review post or I use this Aveda Intense Hydrating Masque. The texture is a tad sticky but if you sleep in this mask…your face will be well hydrated when you wash it off in the morning. Available at www.aveda.com

Take some time for yourself and treat your skin to an evening of pampering. What masks do you use? I would love to hear your favorite masks in the comments below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 10.2017
My Five Favorite Foundations

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My Five Favorite Foundations

Sometimes a change of season makes you rethink your beauty routine. With summer’s official start date around the corner, make sure you have the right foundation for all of your summer soirees. Below, I highlight the features of my five favorite foundations.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear

This Giorgio Armani foundation is a liquid foundation that is full coverage and lightweight at the same time. It also has SPF 25, so on days where I am just going to the office, this is all I wear. It leaves a nice velvet matte finish to your skin and will last all day.

It comes in 20 shades that suit all skin tones.

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream

This tinted moisturizer is a mineral based gel cream and feels super smooth as you are applying it to your skin. It gives sheer to medium coverage and, out of all of the foundations, I believe this one truly gives the appearance of not wearing makeup. It contains heart-leaf globe daisy, an antioxidant which aids in protecting against environmental stressors.

SPF 30. Available in 16 colors and there are 4 colors available in travel size!

Available at www.sephora.com

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NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

The name suits this foundation because it has definitely earned its lightweight name. You legitimately forget you are wearing foundation but actually have medium to full coverage. This formula contains Even Tone Technology which is designed to reduce the appearance of discoloration for more even, uniform skin. This foundation does not include sunscreen, so be sure to layer it before applying. It comes in 20 gorgeous shades.

Available at www.saks.com

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover

This 2015 Allure Beauty Award winning foundation is one I have been using for many years. Makeup Forever is a French line of cosmetics that is used by makeup artists all over the world. I heard their CEO speak at a conference a couple of years ago and she shared how their products are made of such high quality that they are used on many movie sets. While I usually use this foundation on days when I want more coverage, you can actually apply it to make it appear very light and natural. I always wear it when going out in the evening because it gives your skin good coverage and a luminous glow. If you are wearing it during the day, layer your sunscreen under it because it does not contain SPF. There are 40 shades available.

Available at www.sephora.com

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NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

This is a tinted moisturizer that gives a bright and natural glow. I like this for weekend days and sometimes wear it to work if I feel like a lighter makeup routine. This blend is formulated with kopara, a mineral from French Polynesia that works to combat age-accelerating pollutants re-mineralize skin for a softer, smoother complexion. Contains SPF 30. Available in 7 shades.

Available at www.nordstrom.com

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I would love to hear your favorites in the comments below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 30.2017
The Cellulite Battle

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The Cellulite Battle

While this topic is certainly not lovely or elegant, it is a topic that many women spend hours agonizing over. Unfortunately, I was not blessed with the “no cellulite gene” and so cellulite is something I am battling. And, so, I am always keeping an eye out for new products that may make a difference.

Obviously, healthy eating and exercise are the foundation of any beauty routine and essential for staying lean and fit. I am in the process of re-establishing my health and fitness routines. During pregnancy and after having my daughter, I have struggled to maintain the level of consistency but am continuing to improve every day. While I believe those are the most important things I can do for my health and appearance, I still am determined to improve this cellulite challenge so I am sharing three treatments I believe help cellulite and improve the overall appearance of my skin.

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DRY BRUSHING

There is a tremendous amount of skepticism about the effectiveness of dry brushing…regardless; I have grown to enjoy it as part of my pre-shower routine. Dry brushing is supposed to help cellulite because it improves vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Since I am unsure if that is happening, I do know that it is a great exfoliate and sheds dead skin cells, which is enough of a reason to continue. While painful when I first started, I have grown to enjoy dry brushing because my skin feels fresh and invigorated. Be sure to move in circular motions toward your heart. This Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush is made from natural cactus bristles. Available at www.aromatherapyassociates.com.

THE FASCIA BLASTER

A gimmick? I am an eternal optimist and so I am going to continue hoping this treatment is effective. Ashley Black, creator of the Fascia Blaster and author of The Cellulite Myth, has a number of videos and before/after images on her website. I have looked at these testimonials and am choosing to believe it is possible. This item is $89 and I actually find it so pretty with its white and rose gold color combination. I do feel the skin on my legs looks smoother…I use this pretty vigorously and have gotten some bruises that make me think this it is working. Available at www. ashleyblackguru.com.

BRAZILIAN BUM BUM CREAM

So, I might have gotten sucked into trying this cream because of the fun name and packaging…AND the large number of svelte and gorgeous Brazilian models. This product is made with guaraná, a native Amazonian plant whose fruit contains one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet. The cream also includes nourishing cupuaçu butter, antioxidant powerhouse açaí, and moisturizing coconut oil. This formula quickly absorbs and has a yummy pistachio caramel scent. Verdict is out, but I am going to keep trying to improve. Available at www.sephora.com.

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While no one is 100% certain about the effectiveness of these treatments, I believe they are worth a shot…especially since they are relatively affordable. Do you have favorite products, techniques or ideas? I would LOVE to hear them below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 20.2017
Luxurious Lashes by Hourglass Mascara

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Luxurious Lashes by Hourglass Mascara

There is nothing that makes me feel more feminine than long eyelashes so I am always looking for ways to enhance them. One revolutionary product I like is magnetic lashes from One Two Lash (click for post). However, mascara is a must and I am always looking for new options to try.

While on a trip to New York, I stumbled upon this Hourglass mascara while shopping at Barney’s…and could not resist trying. The gorgeous gold instrument was too pretty to resist. It has quickly become my favorite mascara. The Curator® Lash Instrument is extremely precise and allows you to evenly apply the mascara. The effect is super long lashes! The instrument allows you to get to the base of the lash line and create serious definition. You simply dip the instrument in the primer to apply and then the mascara. Hourglass has a helpful video to help you apply.

If you are looking to lengthen your lashes, give this Hourglass Mascara trio a try!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 28.2017
Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

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Super Hydration: Lanolin Lano Skincare Products

I received this set of Lano skincare products when I recently renewed my Porter magazine subscription, which was so much more fun than an inexpensive bag or other item that goes unused. I was especially excited to try these new products because there were multiple items and they were a healthy size which would give multiple applications, so I could get a real sense of how the product worked.

I am always trying to maintain as much moisture in my skin for the anti-aging benefits. Living in Florida, the tropical climate is a major benefit…it plumps your skin up nicely and allows you to retain a more hydration than other climates. So, while I may not need as much moisture as some, I am always looking for moisture rich solutions. My everyday skin care regimen includes a generous lathering of coconut oil after showering. However, I recently went through a spell of traveling to New York and returned with my skin needing more than the usual hydration, which gave me the perfect opportunity to try these Lano products.

The key ingredient in these lano products is lanolin, a lipid that mimics human skin lipids. It is found in the wool of sheep that keeps their coat protected and dry throughout the year. Lanolin is 100% natural and cruelty free.

I tried the Everywhere Multi Cream which is richer than a traditional body lotion but not too heavy. Also included in the set of samples was the Golden Dry Skin Salve. If you are in need of major moisture-give this a try. The application of this product is a little on the sticky side, because the formula includes manuka honey but the results were spectacular. My skin resumed its normal state of hydration after a few days of using this. The formula also includes a quadruple dose of of their Natural Lanolin moisturizer and viaamin E. Their hand cream worked well and I still have their lip ointment in my travel bag to stay hydrated during plane rides.

Give these a shot if your skin needs a boost of hydration! Available at www.ulta.com or www.netaporter.com.

Bisous.

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 18.2017