Winter Metal Madness

As promised, here is a brief guide to choosing and applying the right metallics.

EYE-Do's for metal choices...

• Mix metals and mattes. A quiet hint of shimmer is always flattering.
• Bronzes and golds work on most people, and can flatter blue, green or brown eyes.
• Bronzes and golds aren't overpowering and can look super sophisticated and polished.
• Coppers are beautiful, but should be used subtlely. The red tones can make your eyes look tired; no women's desire.
• Light silvers, whites and white-golds can be applied in the inner corners to brighten up your eyes no matter the colour.
• Dark gray and coloured metallics are super sexy for evening-party looks, but should be applied in the outer corners, and along the lash line as to not over-power and draw attention to your make up.
• Use metallic a gel liner along top and bottom lash lines and smudge it with a cotton swab to create a beautiful evening soft smokey.

Other Metallic Tips

• Bronze up your cheekbones to click in the look.
• Light peachy glosses can finish any metallic look or a matte lipstick in a berrytone for a more dramatic look.

Metallics look absolutely stunning but can quickly look muddled and horrifying. Don't get carried away!!!

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Gold or Silver?

Do you buy make-up because you think the colours are pretty? Or do you buy make-up because the colours will make YOU look pretty? Are you bringing your features out? Or are you washing them out?

Every girl should know their undertone. And it's quite simple. Look at the underside of your forearm. If your veins are blue, you have a cool undertone. If they are green, you have a warm undertone. Do you look better in silver or gold jewelry - gold indicates warm and silver corresponds to cool. It is possible to be neutral however. For example, I have a cool undertone, but my freakles warm me up.

Once you know your undertone, make-up shopping should be less overwhelming. If you don't know which shades are warm and which are cool, ask yourself what colour would look best with them, gold or silver? I always follow this. If you can't decide, it's probably neutral.

Gluten Free WHAT?

Did you know that 50% of mascaras on the market contain wheat?!! Seriously. I pride myself on being informed about these kinds of things, but this one kind of astonished me! Is there such a thing as gluten-free makeup? If so, how hard is it to find? And what does one look for in way of ingredients?

Obviously, I decided to do some research, and after doing so, I realized just how many people suffer from gluten and wheat allergies. Some say reactions to gluten are based on what gets into our digestive tract, not what lands on our skin. While others say they've been sick for days after using body lotions. It really depends on how sensitive you are. And lipstick seems to have most effect.

I was able to find a list that could help ladies decipher ingredient labels.

http://www.triumphdining.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/gluten-list-for-loreal.jpg

When in doubt, call and inquire. I'm sure you won't have been the first.

Hope everyone has learnt something:)

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Hair is your BEST Accessory

I love this tousled, somewhat dishevelled, up do. It's easy to create, but it does take a little time. I styled this for a bride that wanted something soft and unstructured. But this look is hot this fall and can be worn any day, anywhere.

To achieve this look, hair needs to be a day old. Spray hair with a heat styling aid (I like Redkin's Spray Starch 15). Don't foget to spray underneath. Set with hot rollers (ceramic ones work best) for 30 minutes, or until rollers have cooled. Don't worry about being perfect. If your hair is already wavy, this step isn't needed.

Once set, remove rollers and take top section and clip on the top or your head (we'll add this section in at the end). Take the rest of the hair and  put into a low pony-tail. Tease pony slightly to create volume. Next, divide pony into 4 or 5 sections and with each section, let the hair naturally fall while pinning and securing with bobby pins, covering the base of the pony (the elastic). After each section, check for balance. Once all sections are secured you should start to achieve a messy but organized bun. 

To finish this look, take the hair clipped on top, tease for volume at the crown, then add to the bun, allowing hair to fall naturally while curling with your fingers and  securing with a bobby. Be light with your touch. 

Be sure to pull down a few bits to frame your face & spray, spray, spray to keep this dishevelled look organized.

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Moisture-Starved Hands???

My hands have been crazy-screaming for moisture! It's almost unbearable. I figured a lot of you are in the same fix so it's time to pass on a few survival secrets for super-smooth winter skin.


What ingredients should be in a winter hand cream?

Shea Butter, or natural oils like coconut or almond oil. TRY:  L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Creme; it contains 20% shea butter! AND, one is sold around the world every 5 seconds, so it must be good.

What does one do about hangnails?

Never snip them! Leave that to a professional, seriously. And don't pull at them! Use hand cream regularly, and exfoliate cuticles with an old toothbrush.

Any at-home remedies?
Always. In the shower, gently push back your cuticles with an orange wood stick. After, rub vigorously with a dry towel until pink and exfoliated. Finally, saturate with olive oil and rub in until absorbed.

Remember, the best way to stay smooth is to stay hydrated.

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