Nov 072012
 
812258_f260

812258_f260Hiding your legs under long skirts, denim and opaque tights all the time is not an option! But do you dare to go bare? For every cringe-inducing problem, from ghostly gams to orange-peel-afflicted skin, we have an easy and effective solution. But don’t stop at the thighs! Read on for how to keep your lower body looking svelte and sexy.
* DILEMMA #1
SHAVING
Save-your-skin tip: If ingrown hairs are a problem, apply an anti-inflammation product or trade your shaver for an epilator.
WAXING
An advantage of this hair-removal option is that legs will stay hair-free for much longer than with shaving. Smooth skin can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week. Drawbacks include the pain factor (pop an aspirin or Panadol half an hour before, and avoid waxing during the sensitive three to four days prior to your period), the expense and the stubble you have to endure while waiting between waxes. Hair should be a minimum of 5 to 8mm long so the wax can catch on the strands more easily. A cheaper option is to get a home waxing kit. Continue reading »

Jun 272012
 
b1
Betty doesn’t need a whole new image, just a little beauty boost to help her feel more confident about re-entering the work world. To help her update and simplify her makeup routine, we asked Mariana Ortega, education coordinator for Origins, to lead our busy tour director on a path to a brand new look.Mariana was inspired by the jewel tones that are the must-have makeup colors for fall. Working with soft shades to warm and enhance Betty’s fair skin, Mariana created an easy-to-achieve look, perfect for business or pleasure. To learn Mariana’s tips for achieving this look and see all the products Betty won, follow the directions in the list below.
  A Perfect World White Tea Skin Guardian
To prep Betty’s skin for flawless makeup application, Mariana would start by applying this powerful anti-oxidant treatment. The Silver Tip white tea, Boswellia and walnut extracts will deter signs of aging and leave Betty’s skin feeling silky and soft.
Have a Nice Day Super-Charged Moisture Cream
Betty’s skin tends to be on the dry side and all the traveling she does for her job only makes matters worse. Mariana chose this moisture cream to fight dehydration and protect Betty’s face from the elements. Made with stimulating ginkgo extract, nourishing soybean and a potent blend of UV protectors, this rich cream should be a staple in Betty’s overnight bag.
  Dew Gooder Moisturizing Face Makeup
To add even more moisture to Betty’s complexion, Mariana loves the fresh, glowing effect of Dew Gooder. This hydrating makeup contains light diffusers to brighten the face and disguise fine lines. When applying, Mariana advises using you fingers rather than a sponge. The heat of your fingers against your skin helps warm the makeup, creating a smoother application.
Silk Screen Refining Face Powder
To set Betty’s makeup, and for quick touch-ups during the day, Mariana’s favorite product is Silk Screen. This lightweight, pressed powder is made with mica and corn starch to create a soft, shine-free finish. Apply a light application with a powder brush.
  Eyeshadow
For Betty’s eyes, Mariana chose colors to flatter, enhance and warm her skin tone. Betty should begin by applying the citrine color of Mandarin Twist to the entire lid, from lashes to brow. Next, using an angled shadow brush, she should apply the deep garnet of Root Beer Float to the outer corner of the eyelid and into the crease and blend well. The color should accentuate the shape of the eye, but not look too overdone.
Eye Pencil
To help create a fuller-looking lash line and focus more attention on Betty’s eyes, Mariana recommends lining the outer corners of both the top and bottom lashes with the Origins Eye Pencil in Fudge. This technique of lining just the outer corners creates an uplifting, open look.
<
Eye Brightening Color Stick
Even on days when Betty is feeling a little road weary, this Eye Brightening Color Stick will keep her looking well rested. Mariana likes to apply this ice-blue colored pencil at the inner and outer corners of the eye. It’s important to really blend this color well; it should give the illusion of brightness, but you don’t want to see the actual blue lines.
  Fringe Benefits
For the most natural-looking lash effect, Mariana would apply 2 coats of black mascara to the top lashes only. She chose Fringe Benefits because of its lash-fortifying formula that actually fuses with your own lashes for the ultimate in length and fullness.
<
Lip Pencil
To create a long-lasting, fuller look for your lips, Mariana recommends Betty begin by lining her lips with Origins Lip Pencil in Rust.
Lasting Lip Color
As a tour guide, Betty is the one doing most of the talking. Mariana made sure to choose a lipstick that would stay on, no matter how long the trip. Lasting Lip Color not only lasts the day, but the tingling sensation of mint and the soothing effect of vitamin E make this a pampering treat for your pucker! For this look, Mariana opted for the warm russet of Terra Cotta.Origins Transforming Lip Glaze
To finish the lips, Mariana loves the 3-D effects of this clear gloss; its tiny flecks of opalescent color add depth and dimension to the mouth. Betty should dab a small amount in the center of both her top and bottom lips. This will soften the tone of her lipstick and create full, pouty look.
Origins Brush-On Color
Mariana likes to apply cheek color last. That ensures she always applies just the right amount of color to the face. Using a blush brush, apply Brush-On Color in Sugar Cookie. Start at the apples of the cheeks and blend the color back toward the hairline, following the contour of the cheekbones.

Jun 122012
 
services_wedding_image

Even if you normally wear little or no makeup, you should wear some on your wedding day. If you do not, you may end up looking “washed out” in your photographs.
When you pick out your wedding day makeup, wear a white shirt.
For the most part, keep makeup very matte looking. The strong lights tend to reflect off your face if you use makeup with a lot of shimmer in it; however, you can use a bit of gloss on your lips.
Since the camera captures the slightest shine, you should have a powder compact handy for quick touch-ups during the photography session.
Make sure your blush, lip liner and lipstick are all in the same color family.
To make lips seem full and luscious for the entire night, first draw a well-defined lip with your sharpened lip liner. Then fill in your entire lips with the liner. Follow with lipstick using a lip brush. Finish lips by blotting them lightly with loose powder; then apply another coat of lipstick.
Stay away from very brown or pale lipsticks – they look washed out on photographs.
Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara to make your lashes look longer and your eyes look bigger
Bring out your eyelashes with an extra coat of mascara, making sure that every lash is separated. Of course you’ll want to wear waterproof mascara!
Finish your look with loose powder; it sets everything.
Don’t forget about your hands! Everyone will want to gaze at your beautiful ring at the reception, so make sure your nails look great!
To keep yourself looking your best on the wedding day, give your head bridesmaid a small bag to carry with your essentials. Include lipstick, blush, a powder compact, a sample vial of your perfume, an extra pair of pantyhose, a nail file and any other items you might need.

Jun 072012
 
How-to-Wear-Red-Lipstick

Lip Pencil

Lip liner pencil can be a very inexpensive and versatile item. In addition to lining the lips, you can also wear them alone as a long-lasting lipcolor. I love to wear my Winks Brandy pencil like this. This is a great way to use a lip pencil that doesn’t go with any of your lipsticks. You can wear the pencil alone, or under or over lip gloss, Vaseline or lip balm. Lip balm is longer lasting, but more matte. Wearing pencil over gloss will create a sheer look. A touch of transparent frosted lipstick (try Wet ‘n’ Wild #550A or #555A), or a light colored frosted lipstick over pencil can also add moisture. Continue reading »

Jun 052012
 
moisturize-feet_300

So it’s like this:  You’re ready to knock ’em dead out on the town, making those final touch-ups in front of a full-length mirror.  You’ve pampered yourself in a hot bath, complete with moisturising body wash and oh-so-gentle exfoliation.  You’ve slathered your gorgeous bod with a rich cream, scented to match your perfume.  You expertly-applied makeup and glistening locks are, in a word, flawless, and  your dress fits like it was made for you.

Enter Mr Wonderful.  And he’s even on time.  When he tells you how wonderful you look, you blush on cue and cast your eyes downward in a lame attempt at humility.  Then suddenly, you see them.  Two of your very best friends, looking up at you sadly, pathetically really, as if to say, “What about us?”

No, your roommates are not huddled on the floor feeling lonely and dateless…I’m talking about your feet.  You’ve taken time to specially treat every part of your body except the two most important!  You’re wearing strappy sandals, and that’s great (we all feel the same way about gorgeous shoes, after all) But what are they revealing?  That big toe you stubbed a week ago at the pool? The remnants of your winter-dry skin?  The pedicure you got how many months ago?? Girl, you are not fit to wear such fab footwear if you’re failing your feet. On whose tootsies are you planning to dance the night away, anyway?  Let’s rewind, shall we? Continue reading »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox

Join other followers