One of the greatest things about late winter is a late winter vacation! We toss aside our Ugg and boots for sandals and flip flops and shed our sweaters and scarves for shorts and bathing suits. Then we look in the mirror and realize we might need to help things along before we go walking proudly through the airport in our new vacation apparel.
First let’s deal with the winter white. (No, I am not talking about the color of your sweater!) Self tanners have come a long way in recent years but it is a process to get the results you want. Start by choosing the right product and plan a couple of weeks before you leave to start your self-tanning process. To choose the right product, it is important to choose the right color. Many companies make self-tanners in several different shades. If you have a very fair complexion, choose a light colored self tanner but also purchase a medium shade for later. If you are medium complexion, choose a medium shade, etc.
The next step is to prepare your skin so you get a nice even application that will result in even color. Exfoliate your skin two to three days in a row before you apply the self tanner. I really like using the Amway Body Blends Spa Creations Body Scrub. This is a great exfoliator that happens to contain organic ingredients and is Paraben and Sulfate-free. After exfoliating, moisturize your skin with Amway Body Blends Spa Creations Body Butter. This will lock in moisture and help give you a smooth application of your self- tanner.
When applying the self tanner, don’t try to do everything all at once — you get the best results by applying layers and follow the product application instructions. Remember it is alright to apply multiple coats in one day as long as you wait the recommended process time. After you have achieved the color you want, it’s a matter of maintenance. Moisturize every day, exfoliate and reapply your self-tanner every other day and you will have a lovely, natural looking , safe tan for however long you choose to keep it.
Now we need to get our feet “sandal ready”. I know pedicures are great but a little homework will help get the best benefits from your pedicure and will make it last longer. Start by soaking your feet in a foot bath using Amway Body Blends Spa Creations Foot Bath and follow up using the Amway Body Blends Spa Creations Foot Therapy Exfoliating Scrub to help smooth out those rough spots. Follow up with Amway Body Blends Spa Creations Foot Therapy Foot Treatments which is an intense moisturizer designed specifically for feet. All of these products are Paraben and sulfate-free.
The only thing left is to grab that ticket, pack that bathing suit and head off to the sandy beach for your much needed winter vacation.
Poppy, Cobalt, Teal, Magenta, and Violet are the vibrant colors on trend for jeans, shoes, handbags, and even your makeup. This season we all need a pop of vivid color somewhere. Colorful makeup is not just for effect, but an important and vibrant accessory for Spring 2012. The runways of Prada, Derek Lam, Dior, and Marc Jacob used bold beautiful color palettes to created gorgeous fresh new looks!
To translate this makeup from runway to everyday you need to focus the pop of color on just one feature. For instances, play up the eyes and use softer neutral tones on the lips and cheeks. Play up the lips, and use very sparse makeup on the eyes. Another great way to get a colorful look without going overboard is to use pastel colors. You will still get the pretty effect of color without the bold commitment.
The Violet Look
Begin by applying Eclipse Eye Colour all over the lid and into the crease. Use the Artistry Eye Shadow Brush to press in the color on the lid. Make a smoky look by using the Eyeliner Brush under the eye along the lash line with Eclipse creating definition and drama. Make sure to connect the shadow in the outer corner of the eye with the lid for unification.
Use Charm Eye Colour in and slightly above the crease. Use a back and forth motion with the Eye Shadow Brush along the crease and above, this will blend Eclipse and Charm creating a smooth polished look.
Take the Eye Contour Brush and place Starry Night under the brow for a brightening and lifting appearance.
Finish the violet look on your eyes with Black Automatic Eyeliner along the top and bottom lash line, and coat your lashes with lots of Total Mascara in black!
Apply a touch of Pink Passion Cheek Colour on the apples of your cheeks. Then sweep 3D Face Powder in Shimmer Pink over the cheek bones, forehead, and chin for a glowing radiant look to your skin.
For your pretty pout, use Artistry Sheer Coverage Gloss in Precious Pink for a touch of cool shimmer and shine.
Emerald Eyes
First, take Eden Eye Colour and apply it all over the lid.
Then, apply Rainforest Eye Colour to the outer half of the lid as well as into the crease. Use the back and forth motion going up and over the crease with the Eye Shadow Brush, repeat this a few times for a more intense look. Take the Eye Liner Brush to sweep Rainforest under the bottom lashes to create even more definition.
Use Silk Eye Colour under the brow to illuminate the look. Utilizing a lighter color under the brow creates a lifting effect to the eyes; it also makes the eyes appear more complete and defined.
Complete the eye by applying Black Shimmer Automatic Eye Liner around the entire eye. Place several coats of Total Mascara on the top and bottom lashes for a fullness and drama.
Place on Rosewood Cheek Colour across the cheeks for slight definition. Use 3D Face Powder in Shimmer Coral all over your face for a radiant glow.
For your lips use Artistry Sheer Coverage Gloss in Dazzling Coral for sparkle, definition and shine.
Vogue Lips
The focus is on the lips so be bold and bright with Artistry Lip Colour in Beaute. Place directly on the lips and press lips together. Take Spiced Wine Automatic Lip Liner and trace the outer edge of your lips for definition. To create more fullness in your lips draw slightly on the outer edge of your lip line.
Pop a touch of Artistry Full Coverage Lip Gloss in Ruby Red on the bottom center of your lips for a luminous sheen.
Sweep Bone or Silk Eye Colour with the Eye Contour Brush from lash to brow over your eyes. Put Black Automatic Eye Liner across the top of your lash line and finish lashes with a few coats of Total Mascara.
Place a slight glow to the cheeks with a light dusting of Cache Cheek Colour on the along your cheek bones, and complete your vogue look with Shimmer Pink 3D Powder over cheeks, forehead and chin.
Fresh faced and looking pretty with color! These looks create the vibrant touches of color that are fun, youthful and have you looking like you’ve just stepped off the runway!
Mascara is the one beauty product people ask me most about besides foundation. They often want to know what the best formula is, and how to achieve thick and long lashes without the clumps. These are great questions and I want to share my tips and tricks with you to achieve the most glamorous, full lashes possible!
To ace the application of mascara properly, use a 3-step process.
1: Wiggle the wand back and forth at the base of your lashes. It will create the illusion of length when mascara is placed at the roots.
2: Pull the mascara wand up out and through the lashes, wiggling back and forth as you go. Wiggling back and forth is important because it separate and coats for the most dramatic lashes.
3: Repeat the application two or three time to create volume and length you desire.
When choosing the best mascara for yourself, consider a few options.
Artistry Essentials Mascara is a great formula for lengthening and separating. It is great for everyday and is buildable – Essentials Mascara gets better with every coat.
Artistry Total Mascara is for the girl who wants volume, length, lifting, and a waterproof formula for durable wear. It will transform your lashes, last all day with no smudging, and condition them with vitamin E. It’s great for the beach or if you have problems with teary eyes.
Artistry Lavish Cashmere Ultimate Black Mascara is an awesome formula for the absolute glamour girl. It will change the look of your lashes in just a few strokes. It will nourish and condition with jojoba seed oil and vitamin E, and give you the utmost beautiful lashes.
Keep lashes from flaking and clumping.
Use a clean, disposable mascara wand to comb through your lashes after the application. It will get out any undesirable clumps, and lend in separating the lashes as well.
You might also want to clean the mascara wand off thoroughly with a tissue before using; it might just have too much mascara built up on the wand, and cause poor application due to the clumping.
Make sure to toss out your mascara after 6-8 weeks. It can dry out and harbor bacteria to cause an eye infection.
Always wind your mascara out of its tube, rather than pumping it in and out. The pumping will let air into the mascara tube causing it to dry out quickly.
Mascara is to eyes, like frosting is to cupcakes, it makes all the difference.
Quick easy guide for getting gorgeous from day to night:
Pump up your daytime makeup for a more dramatic evening look in minutes. No more worries about busy schedules and having little time to glam it up. Take only 10 minutes and use 5 quick tricks to look great for that evening engagement.
5 Quick Tricks
Brighten under those eyes. It’s the one area on the face that makes everything else look better; more evenly toned, brighter, and refreshed. Place a little Artistry Replenishing Eye Crème underneath the eye area, and on top of existing makeup. It will instantly pep up and restore moisture to the eyes. Grab your under eye concealer and pop it right on top of the eye cream beneath the eye, covering dark circles and redness. Right away you will look better and more vibrant!
Illuminate and contour those gorgeous cheeks with Artistry 3-D Face Powder. It gives a bronzed fresh glow to the skin. Sweep over the forehead, nose and chin for added radiance.
Mattify the skin with Artistry Ideal Translucent Pressed Powder. By diffusing the sheen and light this silky powder will even out the skin tone creating a smooth velvety finish. Your makeup will be longer lasting and look very polished.
Use Artistry Automatic Eyeliner Pencil in Shimmer Black to define around the entire eye. Rim the pencil as close to the lash line as possible on the top and bottom of the eye. Use the sponge tip applicator to smudge and soften the line. The shimmer black creates a sophisticated modern evening look; bring the focus right to the eyes. Rim the inside of the lower eye for extra umph!
Apply Artistry Sheer Coverage Lip Gloss in Nectar over your daytime lip color for the finishing touch. The warm golden peachy color of the gloss is perfect for everyone and the light catching shimmer will look fabulous over any lip colour.
Whew, in 10 minutes and 5 easy steps you’ve got the look. Enjoy your evening – you look stunning!!!
Over the years while applying makeup, I’ve gotten my share of questions by women sitting in my chair trying to find the best answers to applying makeup and using skincare. Some popular questions are, “What do you use?” “What are your favorite products?” and, “How long does it take you to apply your makeup?” I want to give you my answer to some of these questions, and lend you some of the beauty resolution I’ve come across in my journey in the world of endless products and continual change.
Look for a new Beauty Resolution blog feature to appear at The Beauty Editor each month, highlighting tips and tricks I’ve gathered from friends, colleagues, makeup artists and beauty industry insiders.
Things I’ve learned along the way that really work!
Q-tips are really useful for cleaning up the area around the eyes. They’re great for removing the little smudges of mascara and eyeliner that can run throughout the day. Place them in a baggy and put them in your purse. They are great for refreshing your eye makeup, and really, you will find a million other uses for then as well!
Lipstick is not just for the lips. In a pinch, dot some of your lipstick over the apples of your cheeks and blend up and out toward your hairline for a glow and freshness. It is just like the look of cream blush. Medium to dark shades work best, but even the lighter shades can give a little pop to your cheeks. I use this technique in the summer for a glow.
Concealer is a must-have product for everyone! It is great to brighten eyes and hide dark circles, but is also great for much more. Put on the eyelid to use as a base for eye shadow to intensify the look. Wear it under your lip color to extend the wear of your lipstick. Instead of wearing foundation all over, place concealer only where you need it, leaving the rest of your face bare for a more natural look. I only use concealer with a little translucent powder over my face for my daytime look.
Prevent clumpy mascara by wiping off the wand with a tissue a removing excess. Dip the wand back in the tube and the wand will have fresh clump-free mascara ready to apply. Mascara truly last only 6-8 weeks, so make sure to get a fresh new tube often.
Makeup brushes and eyelash curlers are a great investment to make. These tools really improve the way your makeup looks make applying it even more mistake-proof. Makeup brushes need to be cleaned with a gentle shampoo every 2 -3 weeks, to maintain their shape and to keep them bacteria free. Eyelash curlers really help to bend the lashes and open the eyes – it does make a difference. Use a blow-dryer to warm up the curler a bit before curling the lashes to get even more bend and boost! Sweep mascara right on top.
I have just put a dent in all the tips and tricks I use – there are many more things I will share. Look for Beauty Resolution again next month for more useful and little-known techniques.
Let’s take a walk through your skincare cabinet. Are you still using the same skincare system you were using when you were 16? That’s great if you are 16 but not so great if you are 45! In my travels across the country, I hear a lot of things like, “I haven’t changed my skincare since I first starting using it at 14”, “ someone told me I needed that” or my favorite, “My friend swears by that product so I thought it would work for me”.
We are going to explore the different age groups together starting from the teen years to the 60’s to help you make decisions that are right for your skin needs and concerns.
Early Teens
Early teens need to be taught a basic and skincare routine so it becomes a habit.
A good facial cleansing system such as the Artistry Essential Skincare system in either hydrating or balancing formulas are great for young skin. Start by determining your skin type, normal to dry or normal to oily. To determine your skin type you need a little observation of your skin. Plan a day without any products used on your face except the use of cleanser and toner. Check several times on that day to see if you notice any shine or oil begin to show and take note of the time you see this. If you see any shine or oiliness by noon, your skin type would be oily, if you begin to see shine by 2:00, your skin type would be normal to oily, shine by 4:00 your skin type would be normal to dry and 5:00 or no shine would be dry. This will help you get started using the proper formula in your skincare products. You should do your skincare routine morning and night. A couple of additional products that may be needed for situations that come up like a blemish, etc. are Artistry Essential Anti Blemish Treatment or clear. now Acne Treatment Device which uses the exactly correct amount of heat to kill the bacteria present in a blemish and can give you resolution in 24 hours. In your late teens, you may want to add an eye cream such as Artistry Essentials Replenishing Eye Creme. Last but not least, sunscreen everyday of at least SPF 30.
20’s
If you are happy with what your skin is doing, you may want to continue with you current skincare system. Your skin type can start to change during your 20’s so keep checking your skin type by using the guidelines I described above. A big mistake that can happen is not to recognize that things are changing. Adding an eye cream such as the Artistry Essential Replenishing Eye Creme to your routine is a must. The eye area is the first area on the face that shows the signs of aging. In your late twenties, depending on your habits such as smoking, tanning or living in a metropolitan area, you may want to start using some anti aging skincare products such as Artistry Time Defiance products to target specific areas of concern. It is an excellent time to start using an exfoliator on a regular basis such as the Artistry Intensive Skincare Renewing Peel. It is easy to use, doesn’t take a long time to use and it works quickly. I can’t say it often enough about sunscreen of SPF 30 or more every day, even if you are planning to stay inside. Science has found we get sun damage even from the lights we use in our home or office.
30’s
This is the age group that can get a little confusing. You are only in your thirty’s but by being vigilant with your skincare, now is really preventative for things that develop as you get older.
Start again by checking your skin type. Changes really start to happen for you mid twenties to your thirties.
Are you starting to notice little lines or unevenness on your face and around the eyes? Now may be the time that you should start looking into skincare that also contains anti aging ingredients such as Artistry Time Defiance skincare products for either normal to dry or normal to oily formulas. These products contain anti aging ingredients that, used regularly, fight those signs of aging that can start in your thirties. You may want to add Artistry’s Time Defiance Lifting Eye Creme and exfoliate with the Artistry Intensive Skincare Renewing Peel to keep your skin glowing. Depending on your exposure to the sun and habits, you may want to look into the other products available from Artistry that address the specific issues you may have. Remember, sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen!
40’s
This is the age group that starts to notice changes in their skin type. It is really important to pay attention to signs of change like your skin feels tight and uncomfortable after you have cleansed or you are noticing dry areas that weren’t there before. You can also notice you are having issues with acne that you haven’t has since your 20’s. Your skin is really asking for a little help and here is where all of the time you have taken to care of your skin over the years really pays off. Anti aging skincare products like Artistry Time Defiance Cleansing and Moisturizing systems in your skin type are the way to go. Artistry Time Defiance Lifting Eye Creme is also a great addition to your routine morning and night. The new Artistry Intensive Skincare Anti Wrinkle Serum also will help your skin. It has the next generation Retinol not only treats the signs of aging but gives your skin an amazing youthful glow. I really love this new product. Remember your Sunscreen!
50’s
Remember the 50’s are the new 30’s so keep up the good work with analyzing your skin type to make sure you are using the correct skincare and moisturizing products. There are some additional products that target specific skin issues that may start to occur in your 50’s. Loss of firmness, unevenness and lines and wrinkles seem to be the top three I hear from the people I am in contact with. These are universal issues from all ethnic, cultural and different walks of life. It’s important to continue your skincare routine morning and night and look at what issues concern you most. A product that is great for loss of firmness on your face and throat is Artistry Time Defiance 3D Lifting Serum. It improves firmness by 17% in 20 minutes and improves by 52% in 3 weeks. Got to love that! Artistry Time Defiance Illuminating Essence is a great product to use for evening out an uneven skin tone and help restore a youthful glow to your skin. Lines and wrinkles respond to great to products containing Retinol. Don’t panic remembering peeling, redness and irritation of the old Retinol products. There are products out there that have the next generation of Retinol like the new Artistry Intensive Skincare Anti Wrinkle Serum that actually have a smart technology that target the areas that need some help and don’t irritate. Of course, sunscreen every day. (Am I repeating myself?)
60’s
I could write a whole paragraph about skincare in your 60’s, even 70’s and up but it would only be a repetition of skincare for the 50’s. Keep following the suggestions for the skin in the 50’s. Don’t forget to analyze your skin to make sure you are using the products for your skin type; keep up with your routine morning and night. I just heard that 60 is the new 40. You don’t want to miss out on that!
All ages
Remember it’s your skin. Look at your skin and analyze it. Take your time, nobody is looking or watching. Treat the issues that most concern you and use the correct products for you so you’re not playing facial Lasagna. In case you are wondering what that is, it is layer on layer of skincare products we use because someone told us too.
Next time, let’s get into the different techniques for makeup application in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. (Yes, you can still wear makeup in your 60’s)
As a premier, prestige beauty brand, AMWAY’s Artistry has a lot of friends in the business. And last week, we invited our closest beauty and fashion influencers to celebrate the new year, new products and the newly crowned Miss America with us at Bar Basque, one of New York’s trendiest night clubs. See photos from the night below and let us know what you think of Artistry’s night in the Big Apple.
In my travels this past week, my skin is screaming for hydration. I typically am on top of my Skincare, so when it gets out of sorts, I always take a step back and re-evaluate.
I always look at my diet first and foremost. It is not anything new that we haven’t already heard but water is key. Another way to increase hydration level is thru food.
Plant based food is the most efficient way of bringing water into our bodies. The top five raw fruits that contain at least 90% of their weight in water is, strawberries,watermelons, cantaloupes, grapefruits and apples.
The top five raw vegetables that contain at least 90% of water are celery, iceberg lettuce, green cabbage, egg plant, and spinach.
Our bodies need about 2 quarts of water a day. Eating your fruits and vegetables helps you consume your daily water and also as a bonus supplies your body with nutrients.
Now that you’ve hydrated internally, let’s talk externally. Dry skin calls for some layering of skincare. Finding a Skincare system is imperative.
If you feel dry and anti aging is a concern, Artistry’s Time Defiance Creme system is for you. Keep in mind the lotion formula is for normal to oily and the creme is normal to dry.
In addition to basic skin care you will want to exfoliate first to get the dead skin off. You can use Artistry Polishing scrub followed up by the skin refinishing lotion.
If you want to take it one step further and do a peel at home, you can use Artistry’s intensive renewal peel. This peel will help uncover fresh, luminous skin.
Once you complete your skin care regimen and if you still feel dry and tight, you can pat a little Moisture Plus over top of your moisturizer. This product will help add moisture, by the way of omegas and botanicals. You can also use a second moisturizer that is more emollient. Artistry’s products are made to work with each other to complement your skin.
Being aware of your skin care needs inside and out will not only make you feel great, your skin will look like fabulous.
Those of you that watched the 2012 Miss America Pageant last weekend on ABC know that the contestants of the Miss America pageant are poised, fit, beautiful and talented. What might not show so obviously is what I consider their best quality; being amazingly driven.
Whether they have faced severe life challenges such as bullying, incarcerated parents or childhood illnesses, or are simply working their tales off to earn money for a higher education, they all convey the same driven spirit. Being backstage, I cannot even begin to explain how hard these amazing women work. What are they working for? One of the many Amway scholarships offered at the event – totaling more than $350,000 in funds each year.
Watch this amazing backstage video to get a small glimmer at the work and dedication each woman devotes to winning this title.
Sunday night Hollywood stepped out with style on to the red carpet for the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards. Beautiful movie and television stars sauntered down the carpet with the most glamorous hair, makeup, and wearing the most amazing gowns from the most renowned designers in the world. It was pure eye candy for me to see how the celebrities strut their stuff for the Golden Globes!
The theme that reigned throughout the evening was old Hollywood glamour. The women looked feminine, elegant, and poised with lots of lady-like detailing; dresses were donned with pleats and ruffle accents, soft chiffon draping, metallic beading and mermaid silhouettes. The fresh colors of blush, pewter, nude and off white seemed to dominant the starlets, although radiant pops of jewel toned canary yellow, crimson red and sapphire blue made their mark as well. Hair was soft and natural looking with tosseled waves. It was worn down or swept back to look effortless. Makeup looked flawless and velvety, much more understated and natural with a pop of color here and there on the lips.
The Stand Outs
My favorite best dressed women were the looks of Charlize Theron and Sofia Vergara, from head to toe these women blew me away! Charlize wore a high fashion blush colored Dior Couture gown, her hair was wavy and pulled back, then accessorized with a 20’s inspired jeweled headband. The makeup was fresh and light with peachy natural tones. The entire look was flawless, airy, and feminine. Sofia looked like the modern day screen siren. The sapphire blue Vera Wang mermaid dress hugged every curve of her body. Her hair was worn down looking soft, natural, and swept to one side. Her makeup was gorgeous and defined with warm natural tones, and velvety burnished lips topped off the glamorous look.
My favorite best dressed man was Adam Levine, the lead singer from Maroon 5. He can carry a tune, have the” Moves like Jagger”, and look like a distinguished gentlemen as well. He looked very handsome, clean cut, and modern. He wore a traditional black tuxedo and bow tie by Tom Ford.
My favorite best dressed couple of course is Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt; this stunning power couple looked amazing. Angelina’s show stopping white satin Atelier Versace gown popped with a red accent along the shoulder, it was a bold yet elegant statement. She wore matching red lipstick and carried clutch to match, and her hair was simple and sleek pulled back in a bun. Brad looked amazingly well with his a double breasted black tuxedo and bow tie, a well groomed beard, and walking with a fashionable cane from a resent injury.
Hair
Lea Michele, Kate Winslet, and Emma Stone wore their hair soft wavy and swept up and off and/or away from the face. The look was pretty, feminine, and understated.
Side parts of Juliana Moore, Diane Lane, and Jessica Alba were also a very big trend on the carpet.
Buns like the low bun Giuliana Rancic wore or the more classic style like Claire Danes were a popular choice too.
Makeup
Red lips for Angelina Jolie and Claire Danes were stunning.
The angelic looks of Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, and Jessica Alba made a subtle soft statement. Eyes were smoky with light shades of peach, brown, and mauve. Cheeks looked flushed and soft with pale pink, and lips were subdued in natural hues with a slight sheen to them.
Velvet looking skin was the look of the night. Stars kept their skin looking natural and radiant with a subtle glow. Their fair skin tone was much more natural and had an even-toned matte finish.
Overall the look last night was classic understated elegance. The celebrities thrilled us with their panache and gave us something to chat about at the water cooler. Hollywood really knows how to dress up for an evening out, and they continue to impress us with their sensational style!
