Tag: cosmetics

How to Create a Sparkly Eye

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How to Create a Sparkly Eye

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Headed out for the holidays? Feel like adding some sparkle to your makeup routine? You are in luck…we are going to tell you how to create a festive and elegant sparkly eye today.

For evenings out, I like to wear shimmery eyeshadows but since we are in the full swing of the holidays, I like to incorporate a bit of glitter for added panache.

This look was created by my incredibly talented makeup artist, Aradia Vive, (see our 5 tips post for more of her makeup tips). She is incredibly professional and works with fashion shows, models and brides so I knew she would be able to create something truly special. Her secret to keep glitter from being garish is to start with a deep smoky eye and then layer the glitter on at the end. Keep reading for Aradia’s technique for how to create this smoky glitter eye.

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“This sexy look never goes out of style. Sultry smoky eye makeup can be a girl’s sexy best friend or worst nightmare. (Hel-lo smudges and raccoon eyes!) When it comes to black shadow, less is more! Rim your top and bottom lash lines with the darkest shade and create a sideways V shape at the outer corners of your lid. Apply the same shade you just used along your bottom lash line with a small angled brush, using short feathering strokes. Wrap around the entire eye. Don’t forget to add a little highlighter. Shimmery white shadow is great for adding a little sparkle to your inner corners, but working it up to your brows is glitter overkill. Dust a gold or copper colored shadow on your lids and smudge it along the lower lash line. Add a hint of bronzer and a nude gloss look for a neutral, everyday smoky eye look that’s anything but boring!”

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She used these Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows on the top of this smoky eye. This is an excellent product…the glitter is fine, it is easy to apply and it stays on well. Use sparingly…when it comes to glitter, a little goes a long way. Available at www.sephora.com.

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sWhen I create a dramatic eye like this, I keep the rest of my makeup subtle. For this look, I topped it off with this mini of Nars Gold Digger lip gloss…this liquid gold face set includes 3 amazing products perfect for creating a glow. The lip gloss is the perfect size for an evening clutch.

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Hope this helps you create a gorgeous new look. Have fun celebrating the holidays!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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A very special thanks to Aradia from Bridal Makeovers by Aradia. Contact her or any occasion you may have…she will create your perfect look!

f. 2.2017
Fall 2017 Makeup Trends

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Fall 2017 Makeup Trends\s

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If you want to freshen up your fall makeup routine, here are five items that can dramatically change your look. Just a few tweaks and you are good to go!

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Grey Eyeshadow

This Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Color #3 shade is flattering shade of grey and creates a soft smoky eye that is perfect for fall. If you keep it soft and light, you can wear it for day and its easy to layer for a sultry night look. Available at www.saks.com.

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Pastel Colored Eyeshadow

A range of pastel colors…blue, green, purple were all over the runway shows. This Urban Decay color is pretty and fashion forward without being garish. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Black Eyeshadow

For the classic smoky eye, this MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon creates a dark and dramatic look perfect for evenings out. It can also be used as a powder eyeliner. Available at www.saks.com.

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Blurred Lips

There are varying degrees of this trend and I wear the more subtle version. I like it because it gives your makeup a less “done” feel. To create a blurred lip, buff this Anastasia Beverly Hills Pure Hollywood Liquid Lipstick shade into the lips and then apply a gloss in the center of your lips but be sure it does not go to the outer line of the lip…keep the gloss focused in the center of the lip and less as you get near the lip line. Available at www.sephora.com.

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The Red Lip

While I do not often wear a red lip, I am always inspired to wear it during fall. Every year, I find myself buying a new red lipstick to try. This year, I purchased this Jouer Long Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick. It stays on a long time and I periodically add lip balm to keep it from drying out. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

Just a few updates in your regular makeup routine will keep you looking stylish this season!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 18.2017
Amazing Lashes with One Two Lash

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Amazing Lashes with One Two Lash

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I posted the incredible story about how one of my dear friends invented, yes, invented, the One Two Lash magnetic eyelashes last year shortly after I relaunched Style & Life. Since then, a number of people have reached out and asked me if these actually work. The short answer is-yes, they do! Below, I detail a step-by-step guide so you can see how simple they are to use.

When it comes to photography, I like to wear false eyelashes because they make my eyes stand out. So, I decided to show you the One Two Lash Bold Lash. If it were a regular day, the Originals would be perfect…just enough to boost your look but subtle enough that people would not even realize you were wearing them.

The packaging of this product is positively gorgeous. The luxe black case keeps your lashes protected between wears and is small enough to fit in your purse or suitcase.

One Two Lash has two lashes that sandwich your natural eyelash. You simply apply them at your lash line and the magnet connects them. I like to apply mascara before applying my lashes so I start with mascara application and ensure it is dry before I apply the lashes.

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Step 1: Select the appropriate lashes. I like to place the top lash at the base of my eyelash.

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Step 2: Place the top lash at the base of your eyelash.

Step 3: Place the bottom lash under your lash. The magnet will connect them easily.

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Step 4: I sometimes adjust them a bit just to make sure I like the position and voila! Instant luxurious lashes.

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I am excited to try the One Two Wash, an eye makeup remover that is safe for your lashes and removes your makeup seamlessly.

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These lashes are the quickest and most convenient way to step up your beauty game. Stay gorgeous friends!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 19.2017
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
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
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