My Urban Glamour: Style and Beauty Tips from Stylist and Makeup Artist Danielle Gray

Perricone MD Friends & Family Sale – Save 25%

Danielle — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:02:36 +0000

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NARS Jungle Red Set

Danielle — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:57:00 +0000

Check out these (and other) gift sets from the lovely people at NARS!

P.S. I am SO digging those reds!

Special Savings at Saks Fifth Avenue and J. Crew !

Danielle — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:51:00 +0000

Stock up on wardrobe investment pieces for less:

click pic to shop!

What Lies Beneath

Danielle — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:54:00 +0000

Wanna know what it takes to make an outfit go from flab to fab? Check out these under-things designed to suck, tuck, and smooth out your jelly:

Smooth out back-fat and muffin top with 1. Lipo in a Box at lipoinabox.com

Want to look good in a form-fitting dress or top? Go to the brand celebs know and love for their red carpet looks: Spanx! 2. Hide and Sleek Bodysuit with Thong Back $54 at spanx.com 3.
Hide & Sleek Full Bodysuit $88 at spanx.com 4. Power Panties $30 at spanx.com 5. Slim Cognito Body Shaping Cami $74 to $78 at spanx.com

Have excess tummy flab due to having a baby or eating too many carbs during lunch? Try 6. Yummie Tummie Tanks at yummietummie.com to smooth out and have your tummy flab virtually disappear!

Need a bra that can multi-task? Whether you’re wearing a halter top, a low-back dress, or anything else unfriendly to normal bras, check out 7. 100 Way Bra $50-$56 at Victoria’s Secret

Wearing something super low-cut and can’t go without a bra? You need 8. U-Plunge Push Up Bra $38-$41 at Victoria’s Secret

Stubborn arm flab got you down? Try the first-ever arm shape wear for women 9. Flabuless at flabulessu.com

Need a bra that can hold up the girls, but doesn’t show through your t-shirts? Check out 10. Body by Victoria Ipex Demi Bra $45-48 at Victoria’s Secret

Hate the idea of VPL (visible panty lines) but can do without a thong? Try 11. No-Show Low Rise Panties 3 for $25 at Victoria’s Secret. They come in “nude” shades suitable for many skin tones!

If you’re rocking low-rise jeans or pants, you need a panty that can go the distance (so to speak). Try 12. Body by Victoria Bare Ultimate Hip-Hugger Panties 3 for $30 at Victoria’s Secret

Say you’re a plus-sized hottie tired of the dark marks that bras leave on your shoulders and that really don’t support the girls like they should. You need 13. Butterfly Bra $44 at Ashley Stewart. With double back wrap back panels and graduated push-up gel pads, the Butterfly Bra offers comfort and support for your back, bust, and shoulders. It also eliminates back fat and bulges for a smoother look.

If you’re a C-cup or smaller and can use a bit of a push-up or added “oomph”, check out 14. Style Secrets Adhesive Push-ups $18 at Victoria’s Secret and 15. Intimissimi Gel Inserts $10 at Victoria’s Secret

Why Shopping at H&M Could Cramp Your Style

Danielle — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:33:00 +0000

OK, I know that H&M is supposed to be the go-to for the fashionista-on-a-budget, but I have some things to say about the quickly becoming nationwide mass retailer.

Eight years ago, I remember walking one inch at a time in the over-crowded first H&M store to hit U.S. soil on 5th Avenue. You could find unique fashions at great prices and of decent quality. You felt like you were in on a little secret when you shopped in H&M. Nowadays though, I feel like since H&M gained popularity, the demand for more of their clothing led to quick (and often times low quality) mass productions. And now with stores in 22 states, that cute $79 hot pink winter coat you spotted in there is also being worn by your neighbor, your classmate, your best friend, and (gasp) your boss!

Another issue with H&M is that prices have gone way up north for duds of lesser quality. The other day I spotted a seemingly cute blazer at an H&M in Long Island, but when I picked it up, the price tag read $49.90 yet the single button on the jacket looked like it was bungee jumping! And that was just the least of the low quality goods I’ve seen at H&M—many of which were priced $49.90 and higher. Many items screamed “cheap” instead of “fashion forward”. What gives?

Shoppers race to the racks at the opening of Roberto Cavalli for H&M Limited Edition Collection

All isn’t bad for the retailer though. There are items you should be buying from stores like H&M, such as basic v-neck tees (I got one for $5.90 3 years ago and wear it all the time under jackets, sweaters, and on its own and the quality has yet to fade), accessories like hats (they have some really stylish winter hats), and the occasional pair of jeans. And if you mix a great find at H&M with a higher-end piece, no one will be the wiser. Just don’t go head-to-toe H&M.

So if you’re on a budget but are hopelessly stylish, what do you do? For one, you remember that buying cheap clothing is a false economy. When it comes to shopping, I go back to simple junior high math formulas:

Price of Item/Number of Wears=Price Per Wear

You want the price per wear to be as low as possible. And you get the lowest price per wear by buying good quality items that can be mix and matched with items already in your closet for years and years to come. For instance, take a pair of $200 Joe’s Jeans skinny jeans in dark denim. You could get away with wearing them twice a week. In just one season, the price per wear of those jeans is $8.33 ($200 divided by 24 wears), but when you realize that those jeans will last you more than one season, the price per wear goes down even more. But say you bought a pair of $19 jeans from Forever 21 and could only wear them twice because after the second wash, you noticed the color faded and the material ripped, it cost you $10 per wear. See the difference?

If you like to be unique in your wardrobe, then you know mass retailers are not where you’ll get unique pieces from. Instead try looking in your neighborhood thrift stores (or even ebay!) for great vintage finds at even greater prices. You can always replace buttons or add a belt for a small additional price. And there’s nothing wrong with shopping off-season for great designer investment pieces to add to your wardrobe. Many luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman offer great end-of-season sale prices. You just have to be patient.

For questions about style and shopping, email style911@myurbanglamour.com

Not Just Vintage 1st Anniversary Fashion Show and Party

Danielle — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:49:00 +0000

The ladies of Not Just Vintage, a fabulous boutique located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, are celebrating their one year anniversary of their store’s opening on Friday, October 17th. The celebration will be filled with fun, fashion, and fabulousness. RSVP by emailing notjustvintage@yahoo.com. Check them out at myspace.com/notjustvintage.

See you there!

Dress You Up in My Love

Danielle — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:07:00 +0000

Dresses continue to remain an it item for the season. Why? They make getting dressed easy! Dress them up or dress them down with the accessories below.

From left to right, starting at top: Ribbed Yoke Sweater Dress $68 at Gap. Houndstooth Dress $88 at Gap. Textured Belted Dress $150 at Banana Republic.
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Wool Tunic Dress $635 at net-a-porter.com. Juicy Couture Wool Tank Dress $230 at net-a-porter.com. Hanii Y Sequin Belt Dress $580 at net-a-porter.com. Bamford Wool Drop Shoulder Dress $995 at net-a-porter.com. Celine Cocoon V-Neck Dress $1350 at net-a-porter.com. Diane von Furstenberg Slater Dress $365 at net-a-porter.com

1. Aminaka Wilmont Leather Biker Jacket $1995 at net-a-porter.com 2. Stella McCartney Single Button Tailored Jacket $1575 at net-a-porter.com 3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Biker Style Boots $445 at net-a-porter.com 4. Diamond Pattern Tights $16.50 at Banana Republic 5. Steven by Steve Madden Sumee $149.95 at Steve Madden 6. Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 26 $315 at Louis Vuitton 7. Resin Bead Necklace $38 at Banana Republic 8. Steve Madden Zinnia $109.95 at Steve Madden

The Week in Beauty and Style

Danielle — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:49:00 +0000

Check out these fab fall looks seen on celebs this week:

Good for the Cause, Good for the Hair

Danielle — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:25:00 +0000

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! What better way to show your support (and your hair) than with the purchase of Ojon Revitalizing Mist for Breast Cancer Awareness? Remember Logic from back in high school? Well, Ojon Revitalizing Mist is to your hair as MAC Fix+ Spray is to your face!

This weightless, pre-styling, leave-in conditioner strengthens and protects dry, damaged, and chemically-treated hair as it prepares it for styling. Formulated with 100 percent pure Ojon® palm nut oil, this unique “shake to activate” formula is completely alcohol-free and will not weigh the hair down. Perfect!

Whenever you want to give your hair a quick boost, spritz a few sprays of this stuff in your hair! You can also use it as a leave-in conditioner or to prep your hair before heat styling. Another plus–it also gives your hair a pretty aroma. Get it now because this spray is limited edition and will be gone soon!

How to Shop In This Economy

Danielle — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:33:00 +0000

With all the craziness going on in the economy these days, many people are pinching pennies and keeping their Marc Jacobs wallets zipped TIGHT. While cutting back is smart in uncertain times, you don’t have to sacrifice your style to save a buck.

You don’t have to be singer and fashionista Rihanna to shop like a star these days!

1. High/Low. The stock market isn’t the only thing hitting highs and lows these days—so should your wardrobe! Head-to-toe designer looks can come across as too obvious and even pretentious. True fashionistas mix high-end pieces with low-end finds.

Items you should spend money on because of their long shelf-life (items that are so well-made, you wear them time after time, year after year): a well-tailored coat, a pair of pumps that can dress up anything from work pants to jeans, a good leather bag, a cashmere sweater, a well-tailored suits, and a well-fitting pair of jeans. Things you can catch a deal on that can also add character to your wardrobe: basic v-neck tees in black and white, hats, driving gloves, earrings, bold colored nail polish, etc.

2. Designer Desires. Have your eye on a $1,000+ Louis Vuitton bag, but can’t see yourself paying so much? Try the Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette! Prices range from $250-$315 so you won’t spend a grip AND you’ll have a cute authentic LV clutch.

Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 26 $315 at Louis Vuitton

Another way to indulge in your favorite designer without breaking the bank is via their makeup line. So if you’re craving an Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking but would have to be smoking something to think you could afford it, check out the YSL Beauty line instead. Not only are the colors rich and fashion-forward, but they come in such chic cases!

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Items at Sephora

3. Get on the List. Sign up for email alerts at your favorite retailers to be in on future sales. Sometimes stores have “secret sales” where they only send coupons via email. Because the economy has many Americans scared to spend, retailers are stuck with merchandise they need to sell off quickly. You might also want to get your favorite store’s credit card as you’re likely to getting even more savings when you use it (be sure to limit yourself to no more than 2 store credit cards and keep your balance low enough so that you can pay it off within a month or two otherwise you’ll lose your savings in finance charges)

4. The Remix. Don’t let Puffy be the only one making it happen with the remix! There are items in your closet right now that with some imagination and a quick trip to a tailor, can look like a brand new, totally different item! You can also browse your neighborhood thrift for items that with a little attention can make the move from 1978 to 2008.

5. Girls’ Night Out(let). Outlet shopping can be a really great way to snag a season’s worth of great wardrobe items at a fraction of the cost. But the key to really getting the most out of your trip is through planning and scheduling. Log on to Outlet Bound to find a shopping center near you.

What other methods do you use to get by and stay fly in an uncertain economy? Tell us in the comments

Top Ten Makeup Mistakes

Danielle — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:29:00 +0000

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

Danielle — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:38:00 +0000

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.

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

Danielle — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:09:00 +0000

Cheap but Chic Beauty Tricks from Cosmo

Danielle — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:18:00 +0000

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

Danielle — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:29:00 +0000

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!