Top Ten Makeup Mistakes

I couldn’t have written this better myself–LifeScript.com breaks down the top ten makeup mistakes and how to avoid them:

Makeup Mistake #1: Dark lip liner and light lipstick

Along with spandex and big hair, Berg says, “this is one look that should have stayed in the ’80s.” The trend now is lip liner in a shade close to your natural lip color, she says. Line and color in your pucker, then top with sheer gloss.

If you do use dark liner, like a red or berry shade, fill in your mouth completely, and then top with clear gloss, not a light lipstick.

Makeup Mistake #2: Lip liner that extends beyond the lip line

What you learned in kindergarten still holds true: Coloring outside the lines is sloppy. To fake a bigger pout, hug your lip line with the pencil. Line just the border, but not beyond. Then color in your lips and apply a lip-plumping product. Finish with a dab of clear or light gloss on the center of your lower lip; it will reflect the light and make your lips appear fuller.

Makeup Mistake #3: Drawn-in eyebrows

Women with lush, full brows should skip any added color; all they need are tweezers for stray hairs and a bit of brow gel. To plump up sparse brows, dip an angled brush into brow powder, says Ashunta Sheriff, a makeup artist for Christian Dior. Move the brush along the natural line of the brow, extending it to the edge of the eye.

If your brows are super-thin, Sheriff recommends making short, feathery strokes with a pencil, then topping brows with powder. (See related article: Your Guide to the Perfect Eyebrows)

Makeup Mistake #4: Eyeliner drawn way past the outer corner of the top eyelid

The “cat-eye” (or Cleopatra) effect is sultry and sexy, but not if you go overboard. Use a pencil if you’re a beginner; liquid liner is more glamorous but requires skill and a steady hand.

For a perfect eye, draw a line along the root of the lashes from the inner to outer corner. At the outer edge, subtly slant the line upward. Extend the line no farther than a quarter inch past your eye (or just a tad bit farther for a more dramatic look). Use your eyebrow as a guide: Don’t take the line past its edge.

Makeup Mistake #5: Clumpy Mascara

Before you apply, wipe the mascara wand against the opening of the tube to get rid of any excess mascara. When applying, Berg explains that wiggling the wand from side to side, from the base of your lashes to the tips, is the way to avoid clumps.

Before the mascara dries, comb through your lashes with an old toothbrush or an eyelash comb to separate them and get rid of the gunk. If you want, apply a second coat, then comb through again.

Makeup Mistake #6: Obvious line of blush

Toss out the dinky brush that came in the compact. A bigger brush will distribute the color more evenly.

“After you dip the brush into the blush, knock it gently on the back of your hand to get rid of excess powder,” says Sheriff, who has worked with Alicia Keys and Hilary Duff.

Smile and apply the blush in short, upward strokes on the apples of your cheeks, blending up to the hairline and ear. “It will give you a flushed, natural glow,” Sheriff says. If you apply too much, tone down the color with a light dusting of translucent powder.

Finding your best blush color may require some experimentation… or a visit to a makeup counter. But as a rule of thumb, bright colors are a definite don’t. When in doubt, stick with a pinky/peach hue with a soft shimmer.

Makeup Mistake #7: Bright blue mascara

Teal or cerulean mascara is young, punkish and more suited for rebellious teens. Indigo and navy, on the other hand, are polished and chic for 20-somethings and beyond.

Dark blue mascara can brighten up the whites of your eyes, which is especially useful when you’re tired or your eyes are bloodshot. “It’s pretty on all eye colors and flattering to everyone,” Berg says.

If blue still seems too outrageous, you can go for a more subtle look by applying regular black mascara and just tipping the edges of your lashes with blue, Berg suggests. (See related article: Beauty Trends You’re Afraid to Try)

Makeup Mistake #8: Caking on foundation over bad skin

Suffocating your skin with a heavy cover-up will only draw attention to the problem you’re trying to hide. Instead, try these tricks:

For fine lines: Mix in a little moisturizer with your foundation, which will prevent the formula from seeping into the lines.

For blemishes: “Mineral makeup can give great coverage for pockmarks and acne,” Berg says.

Berg also recommends gel foundations, such as those offered by cosmetic company Chantecaille: “It’s expensive, but it works. It looks like real skin.”

Makeup Mistake #9: Foundation line on jaw

To avoid a telltale foundation mask, the first step is to select the right shade. Try these tips from Rona’s book Beauty: The New Basics (Workman Publishing, 2001): Ask a salesperson at the makeup counter to pick out several shades and then test a few on your cheek. Step outside into natural light and use a hand mirror to see which shade looks best on you.

Sheriff points out that our necks are often a different color than our faces and chests, so it’s important to blend foundation down into the neck for a uniform color. Use a makeup sponge to create a seamless edge.

Style at Any Age

Since 40 is the new 20 and older women are putting more and more effort into their looks, style does not end at 35. The key to looking good at any age, is with well-tailored classics and unexpected bursts of color via stylish accessories. Be extra careful not to fall into the trap of wearing what the younger generation is wearing to look youthful—you will appear as if you’re trying too hard.

Tips for Beauty and Style at Any Age:

1. The number of birthdays you’ve had does not dictate when you should cut your hair. What does dictate a fresh new cut is your face shape and lifestyle. Whatever you decide, go for well structured cuts, adding low-lights for depth.

2. Mature skin can have the tendency to be dry, so look for rich moisturizers in both face creams and foundations. Always keep skin protected from the sun.

3. When it comes to make-up, matte finishes are your best bet. Not only can shimmer look like you’re channeling your teen years, but they are also unforgiving to wrinkles.

4. Don’t be afraid of trying “lunch-time” procedures such as Botox, but definitely do your research first and make sure you only allow a reputable doctor to perform these procedures on you.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Jabot Wool Coat at net-a-porter.com. Aminaka Wilmont Leather Biker Jacket at net-a-porter.com. Emilio Pucci Cropped Balloon Sleeve Jacket at net-a-porter.com. Diane von Furstenberg Sabra Long Coat at net-a-porter.com. Bill Blass Pressed Boucle Dress at net-a-porter.com. Bottega Veneta Wool High-Waisted Skirt at net-a-porter.com. Fendi Wool Wide-Leg Pants at net-a-porter.com. Bill Blass Flamenco Backless Blouse at net-a-porter.com. Rupert Sanderson Kit Kat Shoe Boots at net-a-porter.com. Rupert Sanderson Delta Pointed Platform at net-a-porter.com. Miu Miu Large PVC Tote at net-a-porter.com. Mulberry Ostrich Bayswater Bag at net-a-porter.com

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer at Sephora 2. MAC Select Moistureblend SPF 15 Foundation at Nordstrom 3. Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation at Sephora 4. MAC Fix+ Spray at Nordstrom 5. NARS Firming Foundation at Sephora 6. NARS Creme Blush at Sephora 7. PerriconeMD Age Correct Introductory Collection Kit at Sephora 8. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow at Nordstrom 9. Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick at Nordstrom

The Week in Beauty and Style

Cheap but Chic Beauty Tricks from Cosmo

Cheap but Chic Beauty Tricks

By Kari Molvar

Photo: Paul Sunday

Now that fall is almost here, you’re probably feeling like it’s time to switch up your style a little. Good news: While you might have to rotate your closet to stay on trend, your makeup bag is basically all set. A lot of what you already have on hand (summer powder, your favorite gloss) can be used in new ways to create sexy, updated looks. The trick is to make your products work harder for you—who knew bronzer could double as blush?—and follow the tricks of makeup artists. Below, they share cool tips for getting extra mileage out of what you own for a very sexy effect.

Hotter Lips

Turn old into new! Instead of buying all new lipsticks, layer your existing shades to create fun fall options. Combine brown and pink to make a sultry rose, red and purple for plum, and coral and red for fuchsia.

Make your red lipstick racier. Apply pressed powder in between coats to intensify your everyday red lipstick. “The powder pulls out the oil from the lipstick, so you’re left with a deep, matte stain, which is exactly the kind of effect you want right now,” says Chantel Miller, MAC senior makeup artist. Her pick: MAC Select Sheer/ Pressed Powder, $21.

Outline your pucker with a brow pencil. To prevent your bold lip color from creeping past the corners, “rim your mouth with a flesh-colored brow pencil—its waxy formula is great at preventing any smudging,” says Matin, Neutrogena cosmetic-science expert.

Pat foundation over your lips. The nude, mod lip is the balance to this season’s rich colors. You don’t even need any lipstick to pull it off. “Just dip a makeup sponge in foundation, press it to your lips, and let it dry for a few seconds,” says Shane Paish, Dior global makeup adviser. “Finish it off with a clear lip gloss to add some shine, and you’re good to go.” Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Tulle, $24.50, is great for this trick.

Fresh, Flawless Skin

Rub face primer on your body. Skin-revealing dresses are still in for fall, so your legs and arms need to shine. The pros smooth on regular makeup primer. “Primers contain light diffusers that even out and enhance your skin tone,” explains Miller. “So it’s great to apply them anywhere you want to draw extra attention.” We like Lancôme’s La Base Pro, $42.

Swirl cherry lip gloss on your cheeks. Dick Page, artistic director for Shiseido the Makeup, recommends using bright red gloss or balm on your apples to enhance your natural glow. “You can layer on more or less to get the exact level of rosiness that you want,” he says. Try Nivea’s Cherry Tinted Lip Care, $2.99.

Trade bronzer for blush. To get the chiseled cheekbones from the catwalks, sweep bronzer (instead of powder blush) onto the hollows of the cheeks. “This creates shadows and depth so your cheekbones stand out more,” notes Paish. You also can use a darker shade of powder that’s left over from summer.

“Paint” on your foundation. Models looked especially airbrushed on the fall runways. To get the look: Use a makeup brush to put on liquid foundation. “The bristles evenly distribute the product, so you get this soft veil of coverage,” says Miller. When going over tricky areas (like under the eyes or around the nose), squeeze the tip to flatten the edge to smooth out lines. Every few days, remember to wash your brush with shampoo to remove buildup.

Instantly Alluring Eyes

Maximize your blush. Take a creamy rose blush, and apply it in a half-moon shape under your brow bone and over the tops of your cheekbones. “You’ll get a subtle sheen that draws attention to your eyes and makes your face glow,” explains Page.

Tap lip gloss under your brows. Sounds crazy, but patting on a soft, shimmery pink gloss helps highlight and lift your eyes, says Paish. Use a nonsticky formula (so your lashes don’t get stuck!), and blend in.

Wear contrasting eye-shadow colors. It’s a hot trend for fall, but just work with what you already have. Apply a bright, intense hue (like purple) on your upper lids, then drag a softer hue (pearly green) along your lower lash line, recommends Page.

Put bronzer on your lashes. Comb loose bronze powder through lashes instead of mascara. “You’ll get a subtle sparkle that’s so sexy for night since it catches the light,” says Miller. One swipe should do it— you don’t want any excess flakes to fall under your eyes. Try MAC Pigment Powders, $19.50.

Seasonless Beauty Secrets

Some makeup tips are so good, they work any time of the year.

DEFINE YOUR BROWS. Use mascara to accentuate your shape and conceal any patchy gaps. We like working with Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, $19.50, since it has a mousselike texture.

CONCEAL DARK CIRCLES. Dust a thin line of taupe shadow under your lower lashes to offset any bluish under-eye circles, says Matin. “It’s an insider trick if you’re running low on concealer,” he adds. Try Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Iced Coffee, $8.49.

PLUMP YOUR LIPS. Sparkly eye shadow dabbed in the center of your lips gives the effect of fullness. “The shimmer draws light, so your lips seem to bow out naturally,” explains Miller. We like Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Primrose, $22.

GET GLOWY. Mix a pinch of metallic eye shadow into face lotion to warm your complexion. Our pick: American Beauty Copper Glow, $15.50.

My Urban Glamour Reader Review

Over the summer, we ran the Urban Glamour Summer Beauty Super Giveaway, where once a week for 7 weeks, readers had the chance to win some of my most favorite beauty items. One of our readers was gracious enough to do a review of her prize, the Ojon Tawaka “The Ball”

What it does:
Ojon® Tawaka™ “The Ball” buffs away dryness as it infuses your skin with the powerful antioxidant and purifying properties of a rare blend of wildcrafted Tawaka™ ingredients. “The Ball” prepares pores for treatment while removing debris and refining surface texture. Buff the ball in a circular motion over the body to help stimulate circulation. Your skin will glow with a velvety, satin, never-oily finish as it polishes and smoothes, revealing beautiful skin you’ll be proud to show off. This ancient blend also helps prepare skin for self-tanning and post-bathing treatments.

Here’s what our reader, Stacy had to say about this magnificent ball:

Gorgeous My Urban Glamour Reader Stacy with the Ojon Tawaka Ball

“It smells really, really good–like chocolate–which was nice because it also gave my bathroom an extra added aroma of freshly made fudge. My skin was pretty smooth afterward, too.”

Nice! Thanks for your comments, S 🙂

I personally have thought extensively about consuming this product because it smells so GREAT (and there was a slight chocolate shortage in my apartment, so the Ojon Tawaka Ball was almost a done deal…lol). You can grab one for yourself at sephora.com!

Kerry Washington: A Girl After My Own Heart

Honestly, if I wasn’t so sure that blogging every single day about the beautiful actress and activist Kerry Washington would cause her security team to hunt me down in my apartment for stalking, I would SO be blogging every single day about the beautiful actress and activist Kerry Washington! She’s got big, pretty brown eyes, those lusciously full lips, that cute body, and great skin. In fact, when I’m having a bad day or feeling less than gorgeous, I imagine I look just like Kerry Washington and I feel better. Seriously.

But honestly, that girl’s got some great skin and I dug through Kerry’s personal trash and fished through all her receipts and empty product containers found out just what gives her that red carpet ready glow–Celebrity Facialist to Hollywood “It” Girl’s, Kate Sommerville.

Kerry Washington with Celebrity Facialist Kate Sommerville

Kate was actually in tow at last weekend’s Emmy Awards giving facials to the likes of Julia Louis Dreyfus, Debra Messing, Kate Walsh, and Felicity Huffman! Other happy clients include Rashida Jones and Molly Sims.

Kate Sommerville’s White Room, Kate with Felicity Huffman, Molly Sims

But what about those of us who are celebrities in our own right, but can’t afford to fly out to get a Kate Sommerville facial? Thankfully, Kate has a Glow Kit so you can get beautiful skin right from the comfort of your own home.

KIT INCLUDES:

• EXFOLIKATE Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (1.7 oz.)
• QUENCH Hydrating Serum (1 oz.)
• DEEP Tissue Repair (1 oz.)
  

Available: select Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and www.katesomerville.com

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

If you’re a Gossip Girl junkie like me, you know little miss Taylor Momsen aka Jenny Humphrey. She’s just the cutest little think with her big, bright eyes and her total do or die ways of getting into the elite Upper West Side teen girl clique despite actually coming from a very humble background.

Anyway, I get daily Look of the Day emails from In Style magazine, and saw that she was today’s Look of the Day. Then I open it up and see this:

…and I just don’t get it. I thought this was a pic of Kelly Pickler of American Idol fame captioned wrong! Now clearly someone thought this was hot since it made the Look of the Day (or perhaps everything else wasn’t looking so good today and this was the cat’s meow). I think the red looks great on her, but the dress seems like it’s competing with the lip color. Second, the hair style may not have been the best choice with this sort of dress. And third, I feel like the tiers in the dress are swallowing her frame! You see the dress before you see her. AND—this child is 15 years old in real life!

I would have liked to have seen her hair pulled back off her face–nix the bangs—I wanna see forehead! I would have also like to have seen the dress shortened to right above the knee with a lot less frill at the bottom. A nude or pink lip would have finished it off rather nicely.

So what do you say? Thumbs up or Thumbs Down? What would you change?

And while we’re on the topic of Taylor, look at this pic from In Style‘s Look of the Day archives from this past August:

I understand the whole “Good Girl Gone Bad” movement, but too much ‘bad girl’ can look costumey! I say pull the hair back, swipe some of the eyeliner off, lose the necklace, switch the jacket for one with a more fitted silhouette and a much smaller stand collar and we’ve got ourselves an outfit! But again, chime in and leave a comment on what you would change.

Voting is ALWAYS in Fashion!

Photos courtesy of America’s Next Top Model

Have you heard? Voting is the new black! If you haven’t already, make sure you register to vote and let your voice be heard. The presidential campaign is going to be so close this year, so every vote, especially yours, is going to count. To register to vote, simply click on the banner below.

Today Only: Free Shipping AND 20% off at Steve Madden!

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

I took a quick trip to visit family now living in Georgia this weekend and despite the fact that I didn’t cross any time zones, I’m jet-lagged! I’ll hopefully regain my posting mojo soon so please bear with me 🙂

Anyway, check out these photos of one Ms. Kelly Rowland at a Milan Fashion Week show that I spotted on The YBF.

I loves me some Kelly Rowland, lawd knows I do, but I’m just not feeling this entire get-up. The accessories took an otherwise chic and sophisticated look and turned into “mall” (you know you watch way too much America’s Next Top Model when…). I mean, I give her 1/2 a point for the pop of color, but the shoes and the belt are way too match-matchy. Second, she’s killing me with the earrings. They seem too heavy for such a chic and well-fitting dress. Third, is she wearing black nail polish on one hand and navy blue on the other? Cute idea, but wrong outfit. I feel like her beautiful, glowing skin alone is the only real “accessory” she needed to rock this pretty dress.

All the elements of a good outfit, but let’s not put them all together. The shoes would look cute to edge up a simple skinny jeans and tee outfit (and then she could have thrown in the mix-match nail polish) And I’m sure the belt would have been much happier in a different outfit sans the matching shoes. I can’t even think of a better place for those earrings because they kind of make me want to break out a tambourine.

Seeing as how I’m not the be all say all of fashion (and don’t claim to be) what do you think of Kelly’s outfit? Post your opinion in the comments section.

Crack is Wack!

This is just genius! Love the look of low-rise jeans/pants, but not a fan of the refrigerator repair man look or the draft on your crack? Fear not. Jaks by Miss Oops is designed to cover up that crack 😉

Jaks is an absolute must for women who are not willing to give up their low-rise jeans and partake in “mom jeans.” Jaks is worn over jeans and under tops—much like a shirt extender. It appears to be a lace camisole layered underneath your shirt- but actually, Jaks is the latest fashion weapon used to cover up butt-crack and muffin tops. Bend over and sit down ladies – Jaks has you covered!.

Sold Individually. Available in black, white, or beige. S/M and M/L.

Price: $38.00

Check it out (and other wardrobe savers like the Rescue Sponge) at MissOops.com!

The Week in Beauty and Style

Check out these hot styles and makeup looks:

Style from 9 to 5

Looking for a fresh new way to dress for work? Look for basics with a twist—jackets with exaggerated lapels, skirts with ruffles and ruching, and shoes that can also do double duty with your suits and jeans. Add a pop of color with a statement bag.

From left to right starting at top: Smythe Herringbone Jacket at net-a-porter.com. Thurley Bubble Bow Skirt at net-a-porter.com. Sergio Rossi Contrast Heel Boot at net-a-porter.com Miu Miu Large PVC Tote at net-a-porter.com.

Vivienne Westwood Exaggerated Lapel Jacket at net-a-porter.com. Vivienne Westwood Red Label New Basic Skirt at net-a-porter.com. Giuseppe Zanotti Cut-Out Heel Boot at net-a-porter.com. Chloe Bay Leather Bag at net-a-porter.com

K Karl Lagerfeld Tailored Jackets at net-a-porter.com. Chloe Narrow Legs Pants at net-a-porter.com. Giuseppe Zanotti Embellished Heel Pumps at net-a-porter.com. Alexander McQueen Stamped Leather Tote at net-a-porter.com

And for the working woman on a budget—check out hot work wear at Express

Modern Stretch Ruffle Dress at Express. Luxury Stretch Editor Ankle Pant at Express. High Waist Ruffle Pencil Skirt at Express. Ribbon Ruffle Shirt at Express. 1 Button Jacket Pinstripe at Express. Modern Stretch Skinny Pant at Express

Black Denim

Denim has taken on a new sophisticated yet edgy form in black. Dress them up or dress them down.

1. Acne Tube High-Waisted Jeans at net-a-porter.com 2. J Brand The Doll High Waisted Jeans at net-a-porter.com 3. Lowest Rise Panel Leg “The Diva” Skinny Jean at Old Navy 4. J Brand Love Story Flared Jeans at net-a-porter.com 5. 18th Amendment Garland Boot-cut Jeans at net-a-porter.com 6. Mid-Rise Boot Cut “The Flirt” Flap-Pocket Jean at Old Navy

Ask Danielle: Get the Look

A reader named Natasha emailed me asking how she can recreate the beautiful makeup worn recently by Kerry Washington. “It’s so pretty and perfect and just looks so effortlessly done”, she comments. I agree!

1. MAC Fix+ Spray 2. NARS Balanced Foundation 3. MAC Blot Powder Loose 4. MAC Paint 5. YSL Eyeshadow Duo in 5 Blue Legend-Grey Illusion 6. NARS Blush in Sin 7. Diorshow Blackout Mascara 8. MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder 9. MAC #20 Lashes 10. Bobbi Brown Lip Shimmer in Plum

Natasha, this look calls for sheer, luminous (but not overly-shimmery) makeup shades. Start with my new favorite foundation, NARS Balanced Foundation, a sheer foundation that shows off the natural radiance in your skin. Then lightly dust MAC Blot Powder Loose to set the foundation. For long lasting eyeshadow that won’t crease, first apply a thin layer of MAC Paint in a shade either close to your skin tone or close to your eyeshadow color. Apply a matte eyeshadow that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to the browbone area. This helps to frame and open the eye as well as “finish” the eye makeup. Next apply the lighter color of the YSL Eyeshadow Duo in the crease and the darker shade on the lower lid. Take a pencil eyeshadow brush (like MAC #219) and use it to trace around the shape of the eye with the darker shade. Apply a few coats of Diorshow Blackout Mascara and for an extra flirty look, apply MAC #20 Lashes to the outer corners of your eyes. Carefully line the inner rims of the eyes with MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder. Next apply NARS Blush in Sin on your cheeks with an angled brush (like MAC #168). Apply Bobbi Brown Lip Shimmer in Plum on your lips and blot with your index finger. To set the makeup and for a nice dewy glow, give your face a spray or two of MAC Fix+ Spray. Lastly, knock ’em dead with this fab new look 😉

If you have a style or beauty question, email danielle@myurbanglamour.com and your question could be answered right here on the blog!