Friday, July 28, 2006

Scarlett Explains It All

I adore Scarlett Johannson. She's soft and feminine with a gorgeous, normal-girl body. Well, except for those celebrated boobs. Other than that, very normal.

Here, Scarlett demonstrates how gorgeous well-applied, well-blended (yet kind of over-the-top) make-up can be. Instead of choosing just one feature to emphasize, her make-up artist chose to highlight her peepers with a smoky, smudged eye, her cheeks with a bronzy peach, and her full lips with a bold, glossy pink. Pulling her hair back puts her glowing face on center stage.

Normally you would want to emphasize only one or two features (Angelina Jolie is the master at this), but this is a fun party look. This make-up may not work for every day, but at a movie premiere, it's fabulous!

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Luminous Uma

A few blogs are calling Uma out for her odd dress at the premiere of her latest movie.

However, I think this dress is perfect for her. It is her. Funky, statuesque, feminine. It's got that earth mama vibe without completely obscuring her curves. The color and pattern are something you don't normally see on the red carpet--just like Uma. She's an unconventional beauty (and probably a very nice person, too, but who knows?).

Sometimes against all odds, something that just wouldn't, shouldn't be right completely works for you. If you love something, wear it. If it makes you happy every single time you see it, just do it. Even if you stand out from the crowd. Follow your fashion bliss, fashionistas!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

No More Excuses

If you haven't already heard, there's been a HUGE breakthrough in sunscreen technology. Most sunscreens protect well from UVB rays, but only provide minimal coverage for UVA rays. But recently, the Food and Drug Administration finally approved Anthelios SX, containing a compound called Mexoryl, which is highly effective for shielding UVA rays. In addition, the ingredient has real staying power, meaning that you don't have to re-apply as often.

Sunscreen manufacturers, including Loreal, are promising a fall release of a line of sunscreens containing the Mexoryl ingredient, and others, including Neutrogena, are already boasting about their product lines already containing a similar compound, called Helioplex.

With an anticipated one million Americans developing skin cancer this year, it's time we all took responsibility for our beautiful epidermis. No more excuses!

Products linked to online vendor.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Makeup II: Getting Started

Note: Read this post for Part I of this series.

Are you just developing an interest in makeup? Don't know which products are best for you? Never fear, I'll cut through the hype and tell you what to do:

Before you start wearing makeup, you MUST have a good skin regimen in place.
I cannot overemphasize this idea. You should be washing your face and moisturizing twice each day. Unlike your hair which grows and is readily forgiving, your skin doesn't change. You will be able to counteract some of the effects of aging by taking care of your skin NOW. See this post for tips on maintaining a regular skincare regimen.


1. Invest in a good foundation. Bare Escentuals (which you can read about here) Mineral makeup goes a long way to counteract some of the skin-clogging tendencies of makeup. It keeps your skin looking fresh and young while protecting it from the sun and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and spots. It's a little expensive, but well worth it.




Add a little color. Decide what your best features are. Do you want to compliment your eyes or your lips? Got killer cheekbones? Then go visit a makeup store like Sephora and get a makeover. The stylists there will be able to help you find the perfect colors for you. Listen to them when they try to direct you. They know what they're doing and will see your face differently than you do. What you want to do at this stage is keep an OPEN MIND. Don't be afraid to try something new--you may end up with killer results!

"But I don't have endless funds to drop on makeup!"




Don't want to spend Sephora prices? No problem! Take note of the colors you especially like and head to your local drugstore. It's easy to find similar colors although the quality is typically not as good. If you're just experimenting, then the drugstore might be the way to go.

Do you want to try a new shade of lipstick, but aren't sure what colors work for you? Definitely pick up a shade (or six!) of Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick (reviewed by the DeLush gals here). Everything they say about this lipstick is true. It wears far better than any expensive lipstick I've ever used, and that's saying something!

Along the same lines:

Eyeshadow Again, pay attention to what they use at the makeup counters. If you're not ready to blow a whole bunch of money on their products, then go for the cheaper drugstore alternatives until you've decided what you really love.






Institute a Makeup Play Hour. Remember, this is your gift to YOU. No one will care for your appearance if you don't do it. As with any skill, applying makeup takes time and patience to master. Don't be upset if you don't get it right the first, second, or tenth time. It will take years to really hone your own personal look, but the results are well worth the effort!

I included these pictures to give you some ideas to start. They are all taken from The New York Post

Monday, July 24, 2006

The Five Fashion Commandments

The freedom of fashion is a privilege and is not granted to us without responsibility. Here are five fashion commandments that prevent unnecessary fashion sin.

1) Thou shalt wear clothes that fit.

Sounds simple, right? At least one would think so! Chances are, not a day goes by when you see someone flouncing around town in clothing so tight that you see every dimple and roll, or clothing so large that it would be better suited as a tent. Don't ignore your common sense. The tag may say size 4, but wouldn't a size 6 fit you better? Cut out the tags if necessary---do whatever it is that you need to do---but remember, you'll be at your most flattering when you wear your clothes to fit.

2) Thou shalt dress for the occasion.

It's true that we live in a blue-jeans world. Everywhere from our workplaces to our places of worship have embraced the casual shift in dress. It's even acceptable to grocery shop in sweats and sans makeup. This is all fine and good, except when we show up at a job interview or a formal occasion extremely underdressed. Do your research and find out the appropriate attire for the event. And when in doubt, err on the side of overdressing.

3) Thou shalt dress for comfort.

I'd like to refute the claims of the old adage, "pain is beauty." Contrary to popular belief, fashion can and should be comfortable! That new pair of four-inch heels may make your legs look hot, but how hot will you look when you begin to wince in pain from blisters and achy feet? Or what about that strapless dress that just won't stay up? If you'll be tugging on it all night long, it's not worth it. People can sense when you aren't confident and comfortable in your ensemble.

4) Thou shalt dress without indecency.

In the age of "skin is in," we seem to have forgotten the rules of allure. Plunging necklines and emergent thongs are an unfortunate byproduct of our sexed-up society. A classy Fashionista leaves something to the imagination! Nobody wants to see your ta-tas or your crack!

5) Thou shalt embody a unique style of your own.

You were created uniquely. Own it. If you can't identify your own personal style, get thee to your closet immediately and reference F.Cali's guide to discovering a signature style. Don't be a slave to the trends and over-saturate with designer labels. And remember that what's right for the goose is not always right for the gander!