Hollywood Fall Trends 2010

It is 7am and here I am in a dark, cold room that will soon turn into a bright, bustling make-up room. This is the place where the “magic” happens, stories are shared and tips are exchanged. It is fall and everyone is asking about looks and trends. Red & Plum are the hot colors and here is the TOP 5 Fall Hot Sheet for anyone in my chair:

LASH RAGE:

Lashes whether they are false or extensions, they all everyone is talking about. When I work with someone new, they soon realize, I am the lash girl. Eyelashes draw the camera & others right into what you are expressing or saying. With the new lash growth products like Latisse ($150 Rx only) and Rapid Lash ($50), everyone can find something that works for them. Lash growers are wonderful for nourishing lashes but take commitment and patience. Healthy, shiny, full and long - this is what everyone wants. False lashes are great for a few nights of drama. Extensions are great for months of waking up without mascara, ready to go. Mascara (love CG LashBlast) is awesome and the one item I would need on a deserted island!

HAIR BLING!:

This is really NEW in Hollywood! Beyonce’ make them popular in the spring and now every celebrity is sporting some BLING! These are sparkly fibers that gently get tied into your hair and last 1-2 weeks. You can wash them, curl them, flat iron them and style your hair with them in. They loosen and just slide off the hair… but definitely turn heads wherever you go. I think everyone needs a little BLING! in their life.

SMOKEY EYES or RED LIPS:

The Fall colors are Red and Plum. This is always the time where the natural, bronzed summer look kicks up into a more deep, dramatic look. Smokey eyes are always popular for fall/holidays. Shimmer, sparkle, black lined inner eyes, winged top liner and purple/eggplant/plums are this year’s look. Most makeup lines have a fabulous plum palette you can try for the Fall (Chanel’s ENIGMA a client fav). I suggest starting with a neutral base (brown/grey) and slowly layer the brighter/darker shade into the neutral base. Keep a highlight under the brow and the rest is your creation. Palettes are great, allowing you to try colors you may not normally choose, without worrying about blending tones.

Red always comes around in the Fall and this year it is all the rage. I LOVE red lips and usually recommend a bluer based red for most lips. Try on the color before purchasing and look at your teeth. If your teeth turn yellow, tone down the red and choose a darker, softer tone like a brick. When you are sporting a bright lip, you may want to go easy on the eyeshadow treatment. You don’t want your eyes & lips competing with each other. Dark liner, dark lashes with light sparkly shadow is a great compliment to red lips.

FLAWLESS SKIN:

Clean, smooth skin is on everyone’s wish list these days. A proper skincare regiment accompanied by ALWAYS washing your face before bed, is the best start. Your skin rejuvenates itself at night, so moisturize and treat before dozing off. Lighter foundations are the most popular, but with good coverage. People want to see skin and high definition television requires a much lighter coverage. If you have a foundation you like, you can mix it with moisturizer to create your own tinted moisturizer. The key to good skin, is using SPF, all year long!

DETOX before HOLIDAYS:

Everyone in Hollywood is always on a diet or detoxing (especially before the holidays). There are so many fads and crazes. A new favorite is alkaline water. It is a natural detox for your body. Our bodies are made up of mostly water (approx. 50-70%). Scientists say that antibodies, disease, sickness and toxins cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Foods we eat create an Acidic environment. If we can balance the PH level in our bodies, we are healthier and illness free. This is one of the new best anti-aging tips. I love the Kangan water and include it in home care treatments for my clientele. With regular use, you will definitely see a difference. In a pinch, no alkaline water? Add a lemon.

Remember, celebrities look just like you and me without makeup. Red carpet looks do not always translate into real life. Have fun, try something new for the season and be happy. The best make-up sits on a naturally unique and beautiful face with a smile on it! A smile is the best accessory any time of the year!

Flawless Foundation for Fall

In the process of reviewing, refilling and revamping my mother-in-laws makeup bag for the fall, I ran across a great new find for the fall...

COVERGIRL/OLAY Simply Ageless Foundation with SPF 22.

It is a unique blend of cream foundation and moisturizer! A perfect combination for the fall.
It glides on with medium coverage (taking away my redness but I can still see my freckles) and you only need a small application. It is easy to blend and it goes completely matte (you can spritz with toner or water if you want a more dewy look).

Up until now I have loved mineral foundation for everyday. In the fall when the weather and my skin get a bit drier, it tends to make me a bit itchy. If this happens to you too, try layering a medium moisturizer under the minerals. Wait until the moisturizer is about 90% absorbed into your skin and then apply the mineral foundation. Again, spritz with a light toner or water to eliminate the "powdery" look. Sheer Coverage is still my favorite brand and is pretty easy to find these days. I like that you can change the color blend, adding lite or dark, depending on the time of year.

If you prefer no makeup or a much lighter coverage, consider tinted moisturizer. Our skin does need something onto to protect us from premature aging and environmental damage. Try a few products, there are many to choose from. My favorite still is Laura Mercier. The coverage is excellent and they are easy to blend. I use these for photo shoots all the time, it still allows your skin to show through.

Need heavier coverage? Super, sensitive skin? Try Cinema Secrets foundation. Full strength I use this to cover tattoos. For a lighter, full-coverage dampen your sponge and it becomes more liquid with tons of pigmentation for concealing.

TIPS for a Flawless Face:

1. Hydrate at night, when skin renews itself.

2. Exfoliate regularly, this takes away all dead skin and flakiness for a better makeup application.

3. Try a primer, a silicone based product on top of moisturizer allows for a smooth surface and your foundation will glide on "like butter".

4. Go 1/2 shade darker when choosing your foundation color. If the foundation is too light it will wash you out and look tired.

5. Blend foundation! Towards your ears, over the tip and sides of your nose, down & over your jawline and onto your neck. Always Blend it out!

6. Less is more, let your natural skin and freckles show through. Unless you are in a soap opera or on stage, thick foundation is OUT.

7. Pigment, depending on your skin's flaws choose a foundation with coverage. Application can be light but stronger pigment will give you better coverage (this is the key).

8. Sunscreen. Whether your makeup has sunscreen or not, protect your skin today from further damage. Even though summer is over, keep up the SPF.

9. Keep your hands off your face. My mother would tell me this every five minutes growing up. It is true. Most bacteria travels from our hands to our face creating breakouts.

10. SMILE. This is the most important. Who will notice any of your flaws with that bright beaming smile. Result = Flawless Face!

Labor Day ALREADY?!?

So the kids are back at school, no more vacations for awhile.

You are happy, sad, disappointed or exhausted. Now it's time to make time for YOU!

Start taking 15 minutes a day for you... minimum!
Watch a great show (if you tivo a 30 minute show you can watch it in 15 min).
Start a great book.
Water and weed your garden.
Close your eyes and power nap.

Whatever it is, you need to connect with yourself. The fall is the time to get back into a comfortable routine and recharge.

Start your ANTI-AGING routine:

1. Book regular facials every 4-8 weeks. Not only for the cleansing but for the relaxation.
2. Start cleaning your face at night - WITHOUT FAIL and follow with products. The night is when your skin regenerates and replenishes. It is most important to get into a routine to treat your skin before bed.
3. Find a hobby, something just for you. Stimulation and Fulfillment are the BEST anti-agers.
4. Eat breakfast every morning and small meals throughout the day.
5. Exercise at something each day.
6. Smile at as many people as you can a day!

Remember, no matter how bad you think you look or feel - you are USUALLY wrong.
Cut yourself some slack and ENJOY! We are ALL BEAUTY-FULL!