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November 8th, 2010 by Guest BloggerA New Variation of the Smoky Eye: How to Get The Look World Cup Edition
June 24th, 2010 by Spa and Skin Girl - Michelle OlsenSoccer/football fans worldwide rejoice – the FIFA World Cup is underway in South Africa! Are you a USA Soccer fanatic? Do you wear red, white and blue to your local bar to watch the games? Do you want to show team pride but soccer jerseys aren’t your thing? I have a solution for you – do a smoky eye in your favorite soccer team’s colors. The typical smoky eye makeup look is created using heavy black, charcoal or gray colors, but now cosmetics companies are also creating deep hues of bright colors to play up your eye color and really make a statement. For USA fans, do the smoky eye using blues. If you’re a fan of Brazil’s team, use greens. Got the idea? Here’s how to get the look:
- Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your entire eyelid. You don’t want your eyeshadow running down your face after a couple of pints. Then sweep the lightest color in the palette all over your eye. I like to use white or a variation of a light opalescent color. Dab a light amount of sheer shimmer shadow under the brow bone.
- Next, apply a medium eyeshadow shade from your lash line to the crease of your eye and blend well. Gray blends well with blue. (Team USA)
- Finally, use your crease brush to gently apply the darkest color (blue) to your crease. Again, blend well. Line your lashes with eyeliner, smudge and apply heavy mascara.
Like the idea but a smoky eye intimidates you?
- Use a colored eyeliner or mascara to add color to your eyes without going overboard.
Source: Flickr User Socceraholic
Remember, natural skin with a touch of bronzer and pale blush finish the smoky eye look best. Your eyes will speak volumes so be sure to downplay your lips by using a light gloss or nude lip color.
Underlying Beauty – Los Angeles Lakers Parade 2010
June 23rd, 2010 by Guy’s Gal - J. MichelleRecent posts might hint that I’m a Laker basketball fan. There shouldn’t be any surprise when I say that I cried when the balloons came down when the buzzer went off in game 7. It was a terrible, yes uber exciting game against the infamous Boston Celtics. Both teams were fierce and played mercilessly, but in the end the Los Angeles Lakers took the final win to be the 2009/2010 NBA Champions. Then the fun part begins the celebration. For the past 2 years I have been lucky enough to experience the Laker Parade following an NBA championship in LA. With all great things, come preparation and luckily, my work loves me enough to have given me the day off to enjoy it. A hot day in a large crowd means a refreshing and protecting beauty routine.
In LA, June gloom was in effect Monday morning before the parade. Does that mean I don’t need SPF? Not a chance. I recently came across my new favorite SPF that I can wear during the day underneath my makeup without any application complications. Kinerase’s Daily Defense Cream SPF 30 is an amazing sunscreen and I’ve kept it tucked away in my purse ready for any moment. The added bonus is that it leaves a soft layer of moisture on my skin that hydrates throughout the day. Since I’ve had it, I haven’t gone one day without using it because it feels that good. After using my daily, moisturizing SPF, my normal natural makeup steps were done followed by a spritz of Skindinavia’s Makeup Finishing Spray to lock everything into place. #24 Jersey on, ready to sit in traffic. After a long hour and a half in traffic, we finally found a spot in downtown at the end of the Laker parade route to start the festivities and excitement. If you’ve ever hesitated to go to downtown LA, you have reason, but don’t be afraid. It’s cleaned up a lot and if you aren’t looking for trouble you won’t find any. Just as we got there the clouds melted away and the sunshine poured in clearing a perfect day to celebrate.
The crowd was huge and the anticipation was building. The hard work of the season paid off all for the fans and the city. To experience the buzz, joy and the excitement of 2 million Laker fans around you is truly an amazing thing. Words cannot describe the aura of the victory parade. While walking to the destination and standing in the hot sun on the scorching asphalt, you start to feel the effects of the sun. Luckily someone came prepared like Mary Poppins. The lifesaver: Avene’s Thermal Spring Water. It’s similar to Evian’s water spray, but full of trace minerals and silica. This is another must have beauty product during the warmer months. It’s great to use as a mister when you’re feeling the heat, perfect refresher to wake up your skin and is soothing all along the way. The fine Parisian mist is fragrance free and works wonders for sensitive or stressed skin. I carry it with me at all times, any time I need a pick me up, it’s only a mist away. Monumentally amazing for a hot, large crowded area for your precious skin.
After waiting and waiting and the anticipation building among the crowd you finally see the police brigade come down the street. 5 helicopters swarm in the sky above, vuvuzelas sounding, fans screaming, Laker flags in the air, people standing on bus stops, roof tops and even on statues at USC. Finally you see them, first the Laker girls in a double decker bus then the champions. The crowd goes wild at this moment with hands in the air, balloons and confetti being released everywhere. The wait is over and there you have Kobe Bryant, one of the best NBA players ever, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic, Ron Artest, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and more acknowledging and thanking their loyal fans for the support and momentum of the season. The wait is over, no more playoff games for the year, no more worrying or working out who will win games 2, 3 & 4. Instead of rioting, a crowd is united and joyous. 2 million people of all ethnicities are there together in harmony to support and rejoice for that one reason which is an accomplishment in itself over the Thursday before. My definition of beauty isn’t taken of what is on the outside but starts with your inner beauty. It’s how you conduct yourself and your actions that say much more about anyone than what you can see. To see a city united and so many people celebrating together under the buildings of LA is a beautiful thing. Absolutely stunning and in a recession it’s what a city needs.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Any Dad
June 17th, 2010 by Guest Blogger
By Danielle Brose
If your Father’s Day shopping goes anything like mine it starts about 3 days before the holiday and consists of pacing through Sharper Image until you become so familiar with the products that you contemplate applying for a new job. This year Shopping for my dad’s present was easier than ever. While browsing for myself I happened to stumble upon some great Father’s day gift ideas. I never thought that while searching for beauty products I would find anything for my dad, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The first item I came across was MICHAEL KOORS Eau De Toilette Spray for men. Not only does the bottle have a sleek, manly look, but it smells great too. My dad has been wearing the same boring cologne since I can remember. I thought this would be a great opportunity to update his scent and why not do it in style with a trendy Michael Koors brand.
Source: Flickr User tomontoast
The next gift for dad that I discovered was a male daily essential set. I know for a fact that my dad has yet to discover the world of smooth moisturized skin and I have a feeling he is not alone. Too many men have no idea what they are missing out on. This product is a must have for my dad and many dads alike. I feel that it is my responsibility as a woman and his daughter to open his eyes to the comfort of moisturized skin.
My third finding was by far the best one. I love my dad, but I have to admit he is a bit of a complainer. Traveling is no exception. He is always getting frustrated with putting his liquids in small containers and finding an organized way to pack everything. I think I may have just found his solution. The Menscience travel kit that I purchased has everything from ear plugs to shampoo and the best part is the small travel bag that it all comes in. This gift will ease the stress of traveling for my already frazzled Dad.
After my shopping frenzy was over, I felt so accomplished. This was the fastest I was ever able to find a gift for my dad, and I found 3! For the first time ever the hardest part of choosing a present didn’t involve searching for one, but instead will be deciding which one to return.
Danielle Brosh is a student at The University of Arizona and a current intern at Intelligent Beauty.Bang-Up Job: Cutting Your Own Bangs
June 10th, 2010 by Hair Zone – Jacqueline Cheney
Source: flickr.com user c pichler
With Gwen Stefani’s new hairstyle, you might be considering adding a little fringe to your ‘do. And no matter how much I tell my hair clients not to cut their own bangs, they rarely listen. So, if you’re going to do it, then I figured I’d give you the steps to do it right. Word to the wise: trimming existing bangs is much easier than cutting bangs from scratch. But, I’ll explain both ways, just in case you aren’t patient enough to make it to the salon. You must use haircutting shears. Kitchen scissors will not work.
Blunt Bangs (Straight Across)
1. Start with dry hair
Although professionals often cut bangs wet, it’s easier for you to make a mistake if they are wet. So, begin with dry hair combed forward. If you hair has natural curl or wave, flat iron the hair before cutting.
2. Decide on the amount of bangs
If you don’t know how much you want, the natural fall of bangs is determined by starting just under the highest point of your head. Lay a comb flat on top of your head. In the front, notice the point where the head curves and no longer touches the comb, that’s where you can begin your bangs. For thinner bangs, you can begin your bangs closer to your hairline.
3. Section off bangs
With a fine-tooth comb, section off the front area of hair that you would like to be your bangs. You can do a thin section or a thicker section, however always part in an upside-down U shape. Make sure your U parting is not too wide. You don’t want to include the temple area where your hairline grows closer to the face. If you do, you’ll have super-short pieces that will often stick out.
4. Begin your cut
The primary mistake people make when cutting bangs is to begin on one side and cut to the other. You will never have a straight line this way. Instead, the trick is to begin in the middle and work your way outward. I recommend point-cutting, which means to hold your shears vertically (45 degree angle) rather than horizontally and cut small little pieces gradually working your way from the middle to the outside edge for each side of the bangs. Rounding down, meaning leaving the side pieces a little longer than the middle, often looks more natural.
5. Always start longer
The rule of thumb is to always cut your bangs ½ to ¾ inch longer than you actually want them and trim more if necessary.
6. Finish your look
Apply a styling cream or hairspray to keep your bangs in place all day.
Trimming existing bangs
1. Start with dry hair and bangs combed forward.
2. Begin point-cutting in the middle and work your way out.
3. Remove only 1/8 to ¼ inch depending on how much shorter you want them.
If you’re interested in sideswept bangs, check out this how to cut your own bangs video.
Beauty & the Dives
June 8th, 2010 by LA Scenester - Marissa HarringtonLiving in Los Angeles has its perks when it comes to a social scene. There is always something to do and some place to be. But most importantly, there is always someone there to make those times a photo op, even at the divest of places. So how do you keep your beauty up to par when you are invited to dive into the dive bars of LA? Well, see below for my must have beauty products. They are my makeup go-to’s for looking my best while being under dressed.
Where: Cahuenga Corridor | Hollywood
The Look & Product:
Sultry Siren: Achieve this look with Hourglass Cosmetic’s Adorn Lipstick in Cherish, the perfect deep shade of red to compliment the dark burgundy low-lights of this Hollywood bar.
What: This dark (and yes I do mean pitch black dark) narrow bar will have you disappearing into the Hollywood night. Don’t be alarmed by the skeletons above the bar…those are just extras from Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Most random moment: Once during a girl’s night out, we were graced with the presence of Johnny Knoxville decked out in a full on sailor suit. Doesn’t get any better than that.
Where: Melrose | West Hollywood
The look: Tough girl with a heart of gold: Smokey eyes with pale pink cheeks. Try gloMinerals Smoky Eye palette and their gloBlush in Rosebud.
The 411: Are you a beer drinker? Then this is your spot. 20 beers on tap, mostly tried and trues like the Busch family and Pyramid.
Favorite moment: After one crazy filled night, my friends and I landed at the Snakepit, ending the night tangoing across Melrose at 2am. Where were the paparazzi for that moment?
Where: Fairfax | West Hollywood
History lesson: Tucked alongside the Famous Fairfax deli, Canter’s, this legendary bar has housed some of the best 80’s hair bands of our times (think Aerosmith). Still keeping with its true roots, Kibitz keeps its drinks strong and its stage (more like bar walkway) ready for up and coming music acts.
Jukebox Maven: Tight jeans, some killer dancing shoes and Too Faced Lava Gloss Eye Liner. This eyeliner will summon your inner Joan Jett.
Be a Pro with Faux Lashes
June 3rd, 2010 by Career Woman – MegIt’s wedding season and that means dressing up and adding little extra details, like fake eyelashes. People always think faux lashes are so hard to do, but actually they aren’t, especially with a little practice. Here are my tips for getting Bambi-esque peepers:
Practice first. Don’t make a big event the first time you try applying them.- Get short lashes—I like Ardell short individual lashes best. Long lashes look too Vegas-showgirl-y and the individuals look better and are much easier to apply. I tend to trim the short ones a bit too—I just don’t want to look bizarro.
- Apply lashes last—some makeup artists recommend applying them at the beginning but I’ve had better luck applying eyeliner and mascara before the lashes.
- Pick the lash cluster out of the tray with tweezers and dip the base into lash glue and let it set for a couple seconds so the glue is tacky. Then apply it to the outer corner of the eye, as close to the base of your lashes as you can. Then do the other eye (this helps guarantee symmetrical placement). Then do a second lash a little further in on the first eye. I usually just do three to four clusters from the outside to the top of the eye so the almond shape of the eye is really enhanced and opened up.
- If it looks wonky, just pull it off and start over again.
Breaking News: Shellac, A Nail Polish that DOESN’T Chip!
June 1st, 2010 by Indie Rock Princess - Jehan HindoBreaking News: A Nail Polish that DOESN’T Chip!
Jan Arnold: Co-Founder of CND
Last Monday (May 24th) I had the opportunity to get my nails done the Shellac way with my co-worker, Jenna. Excited for a mid-day mani and a trip to Beverly Hills we were on our way to learn about the first Hybrid Nail Polish. We were greeted by Co-Founder Jan Arnold along with three CND representatives. We were briefed by a 45 minute video about Shellac’s conception and scientific background. By the end of the presentation Jenna and I were a bit skeptical but extremely excited to put Shellac to the test. They have chosen 12 colors to launch with but the great thing about those 12 colors is that you can mix and match them to create a different look. I went with the Iced Cappuccino mixed with Negligee which created a pinkish nude color that would compliment any outfit I wore this past weekend (I had yet to pick a dress for a wedding I went to). Jenna opted for the Cream Puff to show off her white and bright nails for her Memorial Day Lake weekend.
Shellac has UV3 technology that combines the ease of polish with the permanence of gels. They describe it as an Easy On-Easy Off application. You get a long lasting (14-days) manicure in 30 minutes. You can walk right out the door when your manicurist is done. They even had us rummage through our purses to prove to us that they wouldn’t mess up! It has been day over a week now and my nails still have the shine they did when I walked out the door last Monday. No chips, scratches or dents.
I have never been more impressed with a product in my life. My friend’s nail polish kept chipping throughout the weekend and she had to keep reapplying and allowing for dry time; while I tried everything under the sun and my nail polish wouldn’t budge. To top it off, the “Easy-Off” application they speak of makes it all worth your while, they have pre saturated acetone remover wraps that are applied directly to your nail (protecting your nail beds). Leave them wrapped for 10 minutes and slide them right off. No mess, no filing or drilling, no dying of your nail beds and you are on your way.
I am hooked and can’t wait to try out a brighter color with my next Shellac treatment. Only downfall is it is an in salon treatment only. Find the nearest Shellac Salon and pamper yourself!
-Jehan
Sk8 4 Life: The beauty of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory
May 27th, 2010 by LA Scenester - Marissa HarringtonIt’s an act of beauty when people give back to the community and in this case Rob Dyrdek has won the crown for his philanthropic event, Sk8 4 Life, benefiting the Variety Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Club of the L.A. Harbor. On behalf of my winning tickets from 944 Magazine, I was able to see first hand the inner and outer workings of Rob’s Fantasy Factory. What I took away from this adventure was a new level of respect for Rob and his team. A reminder that having passion for you what you do is contagious and sharing it with those around you is priceless. Here are the highlights and some insider celebrity makeup tips of this amazing benefit produced by Rob Dyrdek’s Foundation.
Enter at your own risk:
Entrance to this VIP packed event wasn’t easy. First you had to survive the Downtown LA traffic produced by the Amgen Tour of California. (Mostly because I didn’t get the memo this was going to affect my route…thanks Google maps.) Next, stage one of security, parking checkpoint. While waiting for clearance, I got to witness first hand the every day stresses and dangers Mrs. Victoria Beckham has to deal with while driving: a pride of paparazzi chasing her down. As usual, Victoria looked chic as ever with her classic sophisticated look of LA chic: big glasses and a natural sun kissed face. Grab a similar less is more look with Stila Cosmetic’s Illuminated Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15.
Food, Drink and Adventure
For those of you that know what lies inside the Fantasy Factory, feel free to skip ahead. For those not in the know, start taking notes. Here is what you are missing out on: inside skate park, a zip-line, a foam pit complete with basketball hoop, bat cave garage, and American Gladiator tennis ball gun. Guests were invited to play with anything they could get their hands on. My favorite sight: Mayor Villaraigosa zip-lining across the factory. See this video from Transworld for the clip:
Drum roll please…
I’m a huge fan of Travis Barker, having recently seen him performing with Slash at the Avalon. This time Travis introduced his latest collaborations, Yelawolf and the Cool Kids (which now I’m following on twitter). Yelawolf floored it with his Southern hip-hop style while the Cool Kids knocked it out of the park with their summer beats.
Next up, the Rapping Receptionist, Chanel.
This rapping maven killed it with her west coast lyrics. With the audience gathered for her rhymes, she proved to Rob yet again that not only can she flow with the best of them but also she can take the heat with style. Get her look with the following items:
Pale pink lip: Go straight for Too Faced Cosmetics, Mood Swing Lip Gloss in Petal Pink. This gloss goes on smoothly and changes with your mood; a perfect conversation starter or in Chanel’s case, lyric starter.
Bronzy glow: Jemma Kidd Makeup School, Perfect Tan Bronzing Trio. This bronzer is excellent for creating a warm subtle glow without too much shine.
Let the bidding begin:
Wrapping up the event with last minute run-ins from Pharrell, Melanie B, Stephanie Pratt, Josh Hansen, Dana White, Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner kept the vibe strong for charity. During the auction, bidding was high with amazing prizes like elaborate vacations, artwork by Michael Godard, ringside with Dana White, all to benefit children with skateboards, a skate park and an opportunity to join Rob’s legendary rankings in the skate and entertainment world.
New Studies Show Danger Lurking In Our Everyday Products – How To Lower Your Risk
May 25th, 2010 by Green Goddess- Christina MarcacciniIn the last week, three new reports were released regarding our everyday household products and chemical exposure. As a 4 month pregnant mother of a toddler, I am being extra careful right now regarding the food my family eats and the chemicals that come into contact with our bodies, so these studies really grabbed my attention!
The first report was yet another study on Bisphenol A, or BPA. Several states, including California have tried to ban this proven hormone disruptor from baby bottles and children’s feeding products. This is an issue I’m particularly passionate about, as there are now hundreds of studies showing that even very low levels of BPA are associated with a wide range of health conditions, particularly for infants and children.
The newly released study may help support the much-needed ban, as research found that BPA (often used in can lining) leaches into in most canned foods – 92 percent of products tested! While we wait (and fight for!) federal policy reform, check out the Environmental Working Group’s tips to lower your BPA exposure:
Source: Flickr user Chiot's Run
1. Buy your tomato sauce in glass jars. Canned tomato sauce and pasta is more likely to have higher levels of BPA because the high acidity of the tomatoes causes more of the chemical to leak from the lining of the can.
2. Consume frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned.
3. Purchase beverages in plastic or glass bottles.
4. Use powdered infant formula instead of ready-to-serve liquid. Studies have found that liquid formulas contain more BPA than powdered brands.
5. Think in terms of moderation. Instead of avoiding all canned foods, eat less of those that are high in BPA.
It’s definitely time to clean out the pantry!
As a mom, I know attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is on the rise and that there is not a clear reason why. I was really intrigued by a suggestive new study that found a link between the increasing rate of ADHD and the pesticides in (non-organic) produce.
Researchers looked at urine samples from 1,139 kids age 8 to 15. The 119 who were diagnosed with ADHD also tended to have the highest concentrations of malathion (a commonly used pesticide) in their urine. Children may be especially prone to the health risks of pesticides (and many other toxic chemicals) because they’re still growing and may consume more pesticide residue than adults relative to their body weight.
While the study is not conclusive, it should certainly raise a red flag to parents about chemical exposure in household items! To lower you and your child’s risk, buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible and get rid of bug spray and other pesticides in your house and those you use on your lawn and garden. If organic produce is not readily available or cost prohibitive, download the EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list of fruits and veggies that you should always buy organic (including celery, strawberries, and apples) and those that traditionally have less pesticide use and residue (onions, avocado, mangos) Also, remember to always wash produce under running water before eating it.
Source: Flickr User Blackout14design
The third report, conducted by the EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, tested 17 well-known fragrances, including those represented by Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Halle Berry and Britney Spears. The study found 38 chemicals not listed on the ingredient labels but linked to adverse health effects (like reproductive damage, hormone disruption and allergic reactions), with the average fragrance containing 14 of these ‘secret’ chemicals.
Sadly, the FDA has not assessed the majority of these unlisted or ‘secret’ fragrance chemicals for safety and most have not even been evaluated by the safety review panel of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) or any other publicly accountable institution.
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act passed by congress in 1973 requires companies to list cosmetic ingredients on product labels but exempts fragrances. So as consumers, we have no idea what or how many ingredients are used to create the ‘fragrance’ we see listed on the packaging. I’ve avoided products with fragrance for the last several years, and I would encourage you to do the same!
When it comes to personal care, stick with natural products that are fragrance free or that utilize essential oils. Raw Natural Skincare Ambiaty Concentrated Serum features an amazing blend of ginger, tangerine, geranium and sage essential oils to give it a light, fresh scent, while the Ambiaty Daily Revitalizing Cream and Eye Treatment are absolutely yummy with anise, lime, vanilla, sweet orange and coconut. Event better scents than synthetic fragrances and all natural!
Reading these reports makes me both frustrated that our regulations are so still lax but also optimistic that the widespread media coverage will result in positive change. In the meantime, be extra cautious about what you put in and on your body. Stay tuned for new updates!
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