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Dial A Dilemma
Dial a Dilemma: Lackluster Winter Skin Rescue
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Winter is certainly a tricky season for skin as it is forced to adjust to extreme competing temperatures. Cool winter air coupled with the dry conditions caused by indoor heating leads to overly dry, lackluster skin. Rather than loading up on highlighting cosmetics, focus on the actual condition of skin, what it's lacking and how to repair these concerns.
How do I restore my skin's radiance during the winter?
Unsurprisingly, skin appears more stripped and dull during the cool months and remedying such an issue simply lies in strengthening the skin, more specifically the skin's barrier and diminishing loss of water (moisture) throughout. Epidermal water loss leads to a flakey, drier state of skin and can also cause unsightly redness.
Angela Caglia Soufflé Moisturizer is the ideal one-step solution as it precisely tackles this vital concern while a potent blend of effective ingredients work towards soothing and softening the skin. What makes this special product stand apart from the rest is its use of a unique patent-pending Lipid-Lock technology which expertly uses essential fatty acids to diminish trans-epidermal water loss throughout with intense hydration.
While this exclusive technology solely makes this twice-a-day, lightweight moisturizer a skincare necessity, it is the overall vitamin and antioxidant-rich formulation that truly transforms skin. Meadowfoam Seed Oil, an exceptional, deeply moisturizing component that mimics the skin's own oils which ultimately balances the skin is the lead ingredient in this daily skin wonder. With extended use, this healing and luxurious blend will not only rejuvenate the skin but will work towards softening fine lines, intensely hydrate parched, dry areas and help achieve optimal skin health.
IMAGE COURTESY OF BRAND
Dial A Dilemma: Faking A Sun-kissed Glow
Thursday, March 29, 2018
With nor'easter number 4 (4!) hitting us on the first day of spring, this aggressive winter season is hanging on like a bad cold. With such deary weather conditions, many of my sweet friends are craving some sunshine as well as that stunning sun-kissed glow we all enjoy in the warmer months. It's been a long season of ridiculously cool temps, harsh wind and messy snow stormy conditions and we've had just about enough. It's safe to say we're all itching to shelf those heavy winter skincare products and slip on something lighter.
But how do we mimic that lustrous bronzed glow when weather refuses to catch up with the season?
Liquid bronzing products. These gels, serums and tinting products help faux the glow and give your complexion a warmth not possible with powder bronzers.
Thankfully, these stellar liquid products warm up the skin in a different fashion. From innovative formulations to multi-dimensional uses, these products capture the best of summer sunshine into a bottle without any of the sun damage
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
As simple as adding a drop or two to your daily moisturizer, oil or serum, Tan-Luxe Facial Tan Drops warms up your complexion in more even fashion.Unlike powder bronzer, these light and customizable drops work with your own unique skin tone and create a warm shade that looks natural rather than a mask of flat color. In an effort to diminish those unsightly streaky, strong and harsh blocks of bronze along the face, these potent drops create a more even complexion while providing an added boost of radiance. Mimicking that subtly lustrous veil of color you achieve after a relaxing day at the beach, Tan-Luxe helps you go a shade or two darker than your current skin tone, ultimately creating a personal experience that fits your needs.
*Do remember that ever 2 drops equals one shade darker than you current skin/foundation tone.
Chantecaille Radiance Anti-Aging Gel Bronzer
Whether it's the stunning formula or effortless application, it's evident why this superstar liquid bronzer is a best-seller for Chantecaille. A cross between a creamy serum and a gel, this easily blended and ultra-light liquid bronzer beautifully sits with the skin and offers a flush of seamless color. While giving flawless warmth, its anti-aging properties (raspberry stem cells) might be this product's most winning quality. We all know laying out and soaking up the rays does quite the number on our skin (burn, damage, thinning, wrinkles), but this spectacular gel gives all the benefits of a day by the pool without the damage. Additionally, while halting signs of aging, this versatile skin-benefiting gel both protects and repairs the skin.
*Due to its weightless texture/application, it doesn't disrupt your sunscreen or foundation.
Nars Laguna Liquid Bronzer
I've been a major fan of iconic powder Laguna for many years and was thrilled when I found out NARS was recreating this flattering bronze tone in a liquid. I've been using this fluid version for a bit now and it works beautifully both with and without foundation. Its sheer application leaves a beautiful light finish, and often use it for contouring (for a soft multi-dimensional complexion) or blended right into my foundation for an overall glow. It does have slightly luminous finish which amplifies the overall look of the skin, making it appear more youthful and radiant. I love wearing it with highlighter on low-maintenance beauty days where I want to skip the full-coverage foundation and want a more fresh-faced look.
*I sometimes blend it onto my eyelids and pop an iridescent gold shade on the center for an easy, subtle smoked eye look
SHOP THE STORY
Dial A Dilemma: The Best Beauty Tips To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger
Sunday, March 16, 2014
How do I make my eyes look bigger with makeup?
While we all have different eye shapes, strategically placing eye shadow and a liner can make eyes seem larger and more awake. From shimmer to color -- I've compiled a list of the top universal beauty tips to make your appear larger and brighter.
Liner
Too much dark liner on the upper lash line and water line and close up the eye. Opt for a white or nude colored pencil when lining your waterline. The light color will open the eye and give the eyes a widening effect. This trick also works well for the tired mornings where your eyes feel like they need a little boost.
Shadow
Skip the dark shades -- Like the liner, a dark smokey eye can make eyes appear smaller. Dark colors essentially make the lids look smaller and can become overwhelming.
Light shadows -- Choose shadows in lighter tones and contour a light brown color onto the outer corner/crease (different eye shapes require different blending techniques).
Additionally, take a champagne/gold shimmered shadow and apply it to the tear duct area. Applying a light, shimmery color allows the eyes to look brighter and bigger. You can take the same shimmery tone and blend into the center of the lids for an added effect.
Line/Mascara -- With an angled brush, swipe a chocolate brown shadow under the lower lash line. Keeping the color neatly along the lower lash line widens the eyes further. Finish with mascara and you're good to go.
Bobbi Brown (Sunlight) | NARS Cosmetics (Rue Bonaparte) |
Images: Elle Ukraine, Sephora
Dial A Dilemma: Blowout Basics
Friday, April 5, 2013
Nothing makes a girl feel more pretty and glamorous than getting her done exactly the way she wants it. Whether it’s sleek and glossy or big and full of body, a luxurious blowout is the easiest way to achieve that glorious feeling. While we may not have the luxury of getting a daily blowout by your go-to hair stylist, you can always grab a few must-have products and get that lustrous look from the comfort of your own home, all you need are the right tools and products.
How do I achieve a professional quality blowout at home on my own?
Here’s the skinny on getting great hair:
Protect:
Repeatedly using harsh heat and extremely hot hair tools
directly on hair does quite the damage on your tresses; protecting the hair is
crucial. Whether it’s a spray, cream or serum make sure to coat your strands in
a heat protecting product to ensure a safe base for styling and can combat some
of that damage (no one wants dried out ends!). I like to apply a protectant in
my hair while it’s damp and shuffle/scrunch it onto the hair. GHD Thermal Heat Protect Spray ($17) has been my go-to product for years and never disappoints. It’s
light enough to layer additional products and sufficiently protects hair from
the damage and stress from hair tools and additional heat.
Prime & Fluff:
Once your hair is all washed and protected, it’s time to
lather on your favorite hair products. Whether you’re aiming for the sleek,
polished city look or want to be a few inches closer to god with big, glamorous
locks, here is where you have to use styling products strategically. Choose a
hair oil or serum (Keratin Complex Styling Oil, $25) if you want your tresses to remain extra smooth with silky sheen and a great mousse (Drybar Southern Bell, $25) for extra volume. I should also point out that since its
launch, Living Proof’s Hair Primer ($20) has been a hair styling staple for me and
makes hair extra smooth and ready for any styling ahead.
Hair Styling Tools:
I can’t say it enough; invest in a REALLY GOOD blow dryer.
You’re going to get loads of use out of it, it will last you far longer than a
basic one and nice dryers often times come with settings that reduce the amount of harsh heat on your strands and other goodies standard dryers skimp on.
Make sure your brushes are free of any loose, tangled hair
from your last use and bristles are clean and ready for your next twirl. Please make sure to replace any brushes with
bristles that are overly used, burnt or broken. The lifespan of brushes varies
from brush to brush and depends on its bristles and how often it is used (we
all know when a brush is beyond saving!).
With these must-have products and quick tips, you're sure to achieve that perfect blown out, just out of the salon look without ever stepping out of your home. Happy styling!
Dial A Dilemma: Winter Lip Rescue
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Like all pretty paintings, your lips need to be a smooth bare canvas before any color application. However, maintaining a perfectly hydrated, smooth pout during the winter season is sometimes complicated. Harsh temperatures, strong winds and snowy showers can do a number on the condition of your lips, but fear not, there are simple solutions to get the pop back in your pucker and make them picture perfect. Familiar items like petroleum jelly and other interesting mixes can transform you lips from cracked and dry to hydrated and full.
How do I keep my lips hydrated and fuller during the winter?
Sugar and Spice
Prep
Classic lip softening tactics involve a trusty dry fighting product: petroleum jelly. Start with lathering bare lips in jelly and take either a towel or toothbrush and work onto lips in a small circular motion. When done gently wipe away. Both items are perfect for this task as they are tough enough to get the job done but gentle enough to not hurt the surface.
Another sweet trick to combating chapped lips is sugar. Functioning as a scrub, sugar fights seasonal dryness and pairing it with petroleum jelly helps gently pull way dry bits of skin without irritating the lip itself. Start with coating a finger tip in petroleum jelly and dip into some sugar, once coated pull to lips and gently scrub. If you want to avoid a slight mess, just apply jelly to lips, take a cube of sugar and work on lips in gentle circular motion, then wipe away with a towel. Another plus to using sugar, it leaves a yummy taste after use. J
Plump
Now that you have a perfectly prepped base, it’s time to boost that pout. Of course there are countless lip plumping products on the market, but you can concoct a little mix right at home (recipe on bottom). Including skin nourishing oils, the main star in this product is a little spice (cayenne). While there is a multitude of health benefits to this pepper, like boosting your metabolism and lowering blood pressure, cayenne pepper adds a little pumping property to this lip mix.
With a simple prep and little plump, your lips are ready to be coated in a hue of your choice. If these alternatives are not your thing, there are a few products that get the job done sans any effort. I’ve always been drawn to Fresh lip products, as they get the job done and come in array of alluring colors.
Shop
Lip Scrub -- Fresh Sugar lip polish (fresh.com, $22.50)
Lip treatment (with SPF 15) – Sugar Rose (fresh.com, $22.50)
Lip Gloss – Sugar kiss (fresh.com, $18)
Best lip plumper -- Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm SPF 10 (Bloomingdales.com, $26.50)
Natural Lip Plumper
Combine:
Vitamin B3, B3
Cayenne
Cinnamon leaf oil
Clove oil and honey to Coconut oil
One completely mixed – apply a thin layer to lips and let the tingle plump your lips J
Dial A Dilemma: Creating Fuller and Longer Lashes
Monday, February 21, 2011
It's safe to say that my favorite beauty product has to be mascara.
Lengthening, volumizing, feathery gorgeous lashes are always promised by mascaras at various price points. Although some mascaras live up to their hefty promises, some fall flat and leave your lashes feeling just as limp. With so many mascaras on the market, it may be difficult to choose the right one for your specific needs
How do you make wimpy eyelashes seem fuller and longer and the best mascaras to achieve this look (at all price points)?
Here's the skinny on Mascara:
Best Way To Make Thin Lashes Appear Fuller
Always start with a good eye lash curler. A good curl gives mascara a good foundation and you don't have to try crazy moves with your wand to get them to curl!
I hear heated ones are great, but avoid them, chances of injury are too high.
Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler ($15, sephora.com)
Why I love it, it uses a spring so it's so much easier to use than the classic curler shape and comfortable to use. It doesn't hurt the base of your lashes when you close down, as others might.
Sephora 18k Gold Eyelash Curler ($16, sephora.com)
Why I love it, its great quality at a great price. Its long lasting, gives great curl and is smooth. Also, comes with two refills. You can pick any style--comes in red and black--I just love the gold/black look.
Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler ($19, shuuemura-usa.com)
Why I love it, the best out of the bunch, in my opinion. the ultra soft silicone cushion never fails to give a perfect curl and catches every lash. Nothing sucks more than curling your lashes and have a few strays just sitting there.
Art of The Perfect Curl
Curl once at the base of lashes (BE GENTLE) wait a few seconds
Repeat this step once in the middle of your lashes and then once again at the tips. This will allow your lashes to curl evenly and fully. Curling them at the base gives you that stick, straight look, which looks very obvious and not attractive.
Mascaras - Inexpensive Favorites
MAYBELLINE Great Lash BIG Mascara
Now this is an ABSOLUTE CLASSIC
It's super black, allows for a great coat, buildable, adds luscious volume and has a great brush. I have to admit the classic bottle had a poor wand, the brush itself was very thin and tiny, for me at least.
L'oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
This has been one of my go-to mascaras for as long as I can remember. The brush is of a perfect size, adds major volume and length and is VERY black, which is a super plus.
Mascaras - Expensive Favorites
Make Up Forever Smoke Lash
SUPER BLACK, picks up every lash, even coating, leaves them looking full and heavy-set.
Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara
Its not dry! It's so easy for a mascara to dry out in the bottle even before purchase but this always has moister and goes on smooth. I love the brush, its a tiered, coiled-like design that coats every last with one twist. It's also very black and makes lashes look full and long.
Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara
Adds drama, and loads of length, lift and separation. The brush is thinner than the others I've suggested, which really helps getting into those though areas (corners of eyes) and provides and even coat.
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