Warm vs. Cool

Are you a hot beach babe, or a sultry ice queen? Both looks have different connotations and different colours that compliment any skin type, accessory, and season.

In general I would say that warm tones are better suited for day and summer, and cool tones for night and winter. What's great about it is that there are many different ways to be warm or cool, and your accessories or hair colour can even enhance these looks.

WARM:
Generally, warm-tones are brown, terracotta, gold, peach, orange, etc - basically anything that is on or near red on the colour scale.

Warm Hair: Rich or light brown, blonde, red/auburn  

Warm Jewellery: Gold, Wood, Pink Topaz, Amber

Bobbi Brown Party Eye Palette

"Smooth Operator" - Amazonian Finishing Clay Powder in Bronze by Tarte

 Hot Mamas

Jennifer Aniston

Sienna Miller

COOL:
Cool-tones are blue, silver, frosted pink, black, lilac, grey - most of these colours will be near the grey or blue side of the scale.

Cool Hair: Silver, black, dark brown
Cool Jewellery: Silver, White Gold, Platinum, Pearl, Diamond, Opal, Onyx

Smashbox Smokebox Eye Palette

Benefit Bella Bamba Blush

Cool Chicks

Dita Von Teese

Lucy Liu

There's no set rule as to when you should wear these styles, and you can always mix and match warm and cool. (I guess that's tepid?) - AND, you don't HAVE TO be one or the other! You can be sexy with warm tones, and cute with cool tones, it generally depends on how you wear it, and how you accessorize it!

Stila One Step Correct

I've recently purchased this odd looking thing, and I'd have to say that the jury's still out on it. When I first started using it I know that I wasn't doing it properly, so it didn't really work. I put the product on with my fingers instead of a sponge or brush, and put tinted moisturizer on right afterwards without letting it set it. Don't do this, there's no point. I didn't really see that the product did anything and it got clumpy after the I hurriedly slathered on the tinted moisturizer. (It's been two of the craziest work weeks of my life, anything personal was done in a rush.)

Anyhow, one night I was feeling experimental and on a clean face, I took this multi-coloured concoction, squirted some on the back of my hand, and applied it on my face with my foundation brush. I did one side first to see if I could see the different, and I couldn't really, so I did the other side and just stared for a bit. To my delight, as the product set in, I could see it was making a change to my skin!

So what is it you ask? It's essentially a primer and a correcter all in one. It's peach, lavender and green.

Green: Counteracts with the redness on your face, and neutralizes it so it magically disappears. 

Lavender: Neutralizes the ashy tones on your face.

Peach: Brightens, and illuminates. 

Looking at the description on Stila's website, it also says that it has anti-aging benefits, reduces the look of fine lines, hydrates, etc.

Why is the jury still out on this? This bad boy is $47.00 plus tax. Is it worth it? I'm not entirely sure yet. If you've got some extra cash laying around and you want to give it a try, make sure to apply it properly. On a clean, dry face, with a sponge or foundation brush, and let it set in before you apply any other makeup.

If you have this product already, let me know what you think!

3 Great Body Washes

As a person who believes in finding that perfect perfume, foundation, shampoo and soap, I've tried many different brands of body washes in my day and 3 stand out more than others as a great, feel-oh-so-clean soap that is refreshing from head to toe. I don't use soap bars on my body because I like the feeling of scrubbing my skin with a luffa every time I have a shower.  Here are my three faves in order of preference:

1- Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Body Wash
As you already know I am a huge supporter of Argan oil, and this one definitely does the trick. It moisturizes the skin, smells great and makes you feel squeeky clean. It's also great for another aspect as it is not tested on animals, is sulfate and paraben free, pure vegan and made from 98% plant derived ingredients. If you're looking for a greener solution to your shower routine - this is a great choice. (FYI it's not actually green.)

2- Aveeno Positively Nourishing Body Wash in Fig & Shea Butter
I love Aveeno products because they really know what they're doing when it comes to your skin. It is a little on the pricey side $10/bottle - but it's really worth it. They have many different kinds, like citrus and lavender, but I find that the Fig & Shea butter one smells like absolute heaven. If you have a really really hot steamy shower the whole house will smell like delicious fig. It is all-in-all a treat for your skin and your nose!


3- Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap
If you haven't heard about this soap before, it's about time you do. You can't find this soap in regular pharmacies, you'd have to go to an organic or health-food store, but I'm telling you... make the trip! The first time I used this soap I couldn't believe how clean I felt. I felt like I had just gone to the spa and washed off a layer of dead-skin. It's not an exfoliating soap but it's so pure that you feel absolutely refreshed afterwards. Here is a list of it's credentials taken from their website. www.drbronner.com

-Completely Biodegradable and Vegetable-Based

-Made with Certified Fair Trade and Organic Oils

-Multi-Purpose: 18-in-1 Uses

-No Synthetic Foaming Agents, Thickeners or Preservatives

-100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Cylinder Bottles and Paper Labels

-Simple, Ecological Formulations Based on Old-World Quality and Expertise

-#1-Selling Natural Brand of Soaps in North America

INGREDIENTS: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils**, Citric Acid, Vitamin E

* FAIR TRADE Ingredients
** Available in Peppermint, Lavender, Almond, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Rose and Citrus Orange

All soaps are not only certified by Oregon Tilth to the same rigorous USDA National Organic Program standards that certify organic foods, but also are certified Fair Trade by the respected Swiss certifier IMO.

If you want to try this soap, I guarantee you will feel the difference. I've used Rose and Peppermint before. The Rose smells really good and is really relaxing, and the Peppermint is really soothing on your skin. It especially feels amazing on your feet.

Style Icon: Sophia Loren

One of the most iconic movie stars in history is Italy's own Sophia Loren. The 77-year-old has graced the silver screen for over 50 years and her big gaudy Italian style has captivated us throughout the decades. She is the queen of the dramatic eye and rocks that lip liner with such grandeur, that she will be idolized for years to come.

If you're interested in braving this look, I should warn you that it's not an everyday-running-errands sort of thing. I would suggest wearing this out to a black-tie event, or a Christmas party.

Step 1-
After you've cleaned your face, apply a nice even layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer all over to even out your skin tone. Don't forget concealer or highlighter in the corners of your eyes and nose, cheekbones and eyebrow bones.

Step 2-
Apply a matte bronzer just underneath your cheekbones, chin, forehead and nose. We're using the bronzer to contour the face, not to make you look tanned.

Step 3-
Apply a matte powder or cream eyeshadow on your eyelids up to the crease of your eye. Use a dark purple, grey or brown colour. This is essential to adding shape to your eyes and for getting that dramatic Sophia look.

MAC Paint Pot in Imaginary

Step 4-
Grab a white eyeliner and line the bottom water-line with it. Make sure not to get it on your lashes or lid as it might make the mascara or black eyeliner appear clumpy or lighter than it should be.

Step 5-
This is one of the most important steps in creating this look. It's also one of the most difficult. I would suggest using a gel eyeliner instead of a liquid eyeliner but both will definitely work. We're going to make a very clean but dramatic line from the corner of your eye along the crease all the way to the other side up until it's the length of your eyebrows. You sort of want to draw something like this:

If you mess up... don't worry about it. Just grab a Q-Tip and try again. After you've completed this masterpiece for both sides, it's time to do the bottom one. Try to stay on the very edge of your eyelid. Don't get it on the water-line, and don't apply it too low on the bottom lid. It's all about slow and steady! Start from the middle of the lid and work your way up and then meet it in the corner of the top liner. After that, complete the line from the middle to the inner eye, finishing in a nice thin line.

Step 6-

Now it's time to do your lashes! If you want to go all out you can wear falsies or just use a volumizing mascara. When using your eyelash curler make sure to curl it for about 10 more seconds than you usually do to get them good and crimped. Put on 5-7 coats of mascara on top (focus a little more attention on the outer corners) and 1-2 coats on the bottom lash. Make sure you don't ruin the white and black eyeliner!

Step 7-
Depending on what colour lipstick you'd want to go with (I would suggest something light) get your self a lip liner that is maybe 1-2 shades darker. For a liner I would suggest MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in In Anticipation, and Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Dune Rose. It's very Sophia.

Step 8- Final Touches
Pop some colour on your face by adding maybe a bit of bronzer on the apples of your cheeks and then a nice rosy blush. Brush your eyebrows upwards and fill them in if necessary. Remember, this look doesn't work when paired with sweatpants. Costume jewellery, a ball gown, big hair, long painted nails and a handsome man on your arm are perfect ways of completing your Sophia Loren look. And have fun!

Golden Globes Glamour: Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie - January 15, 2012

The Stunner appeared on the red carpet on Sunday at the Golden Globes, wearing the most beautiful curve-hugging ivory dress with red silk accents. And although I'm still not over the Jennifer/Brad/Angelina trauma, I can definitely appreciate a beautiful face. Angelina exhibits poise and grace and knows how to do it without layering on the makeup. If you'd like to achieve a similar look, here's a quick and easy way how to do it.

Step 1-
Moisturize your clean face before you put on any makeup. I wouldn't suggest tinted moisturizer as we're trying to keep the look very light and natural.

Step 2-
Apply a light concealer or highlighter to the inner and outer corners and underneath your eyes, as well as the sides of your nostrils and chin. I always use Yves St-Laurent Touche Eclat #2 in these areas and it certainly does the trick!

Step 3-
Apply a light powder foundation to your entire face to even out your skin tone and cover up any blemishes. I would suggest Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Loose Powder. Make sure you pick one out that is your exact skin tone or this look will not work.

Step 4-

Apply a matte neutral eyeshadow to your eyelids to strengthen the shape of your eyes. I use Stila in Rain and I think it's perfect. It's more on the yellow side than the pink side, so if you've got pink undertones in your skin, you may want to pick something like Stila in Dune. (seen below)

Step 5-

Line your upper lids with a soft black or charcoal pencil eyeliner and concentrate the volume on the outer corners. Make sure not to put it on too heavy and keep it very close to the lash line, we just want to define the eye. If you want to make an even softer look, smudge in the eyeliner very subtly with your fingers, but not too much or else it will look like you're wearing black eyeshadow. Try Maybelline LineExpress in Soft Black or Charcoal Grey.

Step 6-

Line the outer lower lid and top corner with a coffee/mocha coloured eyeliner. Make sure to connect the outer corners together and smudge it with your fingers upwards towards your eyebrows but don't go too dramatic as that's not what we're trying to achieve here. Again, I would use Maybelline LineExpress eyeliner in Bronze. I have this at home and it really makes my green eyes pop!

Step 7-

Curl your eyelashes with a heated or regular eyelash curler and hold it for a good 20 seconds. Next apply 3-6 coats of mascara, making sure you get every lash without getting it on your eyelid. If your eyelashes are particularly short or you want to get even more glamorous, use false eyelashes... but use them well!

Step 8-

Although I can't do anything about the size of your lips I can certainly tell you where to get the colour she is wearing on hers. Now in some pictures it looks like she's wearing fuchsia, and in others a deep crimson red. I can't tell which one I like most, so I'll find one somewhere in the middle.

Estée Lauder: Pure Color Sensuous Rouge in Cheating Heart

Step 9- Finishing it off

Complete your look by sweeping your hair into a neat chignon. If you find your face is too dull for this look, trying brushing a light highlighting powder on your cheekbones, nose, chin and forehead bones to catch the light and give you a nice healthy glow. Make sure you have clean lines and accentuate the look by wearing sparkly diamond or cubic zirconia earrings and complimenting clothing.

Most stars pay up to $10K for a Red Carpet look such as this one. We have been able to achieve this look for about $150. If you already have similar products by the same or different brands (and you most likely do) then I would say you could probably achieve this look for about $30-$50.

Don't Pimp Your Pimples!

For those of us fortunate enough not to have acne-prone skin, it can be quite alarming when we see that we're breaking out in pimples. It's like an unwelcome guest to a really nice party. Who invited them in the first place?
If you see that you're breaking out in pimples, here are some reasons why and how you may be able to prevent your next attack!

1- Make sure your sheets are clean. Bed sheets and linens are much dirtier than they appear. They are covered in our own dead skin and oils from our body. Smell your pillowcase, you will know if it's time for a wash. I would recommend washing your sheets every 2-3 weeks. If you want to go the extra step, use organic detergents as they have little to no chemicals or skin irritants in them and are better for the environment.

2- Watch what you eat! I don't care what anyone says, sugar gives you pimples. I remember once I had something sugary from the vending machine at least once a day for three days in a row, and I developed pimples on my nose and cheeks by the end of the week. SO embarrassing! If you find you're always craving a snack at work, keep a jar of almonds or peanuts at your desk. It's better for your health and your skin.

3- Do some period counting. The week before my period comes, I can usually see it on my face. During PMS your hormones are in disaster mode and can really do a number on your body. Other than a sore back, swollen boobs, mood swings, and self-loathing you can also break out in pimples, which is something that you can't really prevent. It's just all a part of being a girl. Yay!

4- Chuck out old or irritating makeup. Seeing blemishes on your face can just be a result of something so simple as old or bad makeup. Not all makeup is created equal and not everyone has the same kind of skin. Some people have better resistance for certain chemicals found in makeup while others are hypersensitive. If you're makeup is new and you think it's causing a reaction to your skin, it could just be that particular product that your skin isn't fond of. I think 6 months is ok for foundations and concealers but I know someone who's been using the same foundation for 2 years and that just makes me cringe. Check your inventory and throw out old or crappy products.

5- Too much makeup? If your face looks like a birthday cake when you're all done up, it's time for an intervention. There is NO way anyone needs that much. Count how many layers you put on your face and divide it in half. Makeup will clog your pores and cause pimples. It's that simple.

6- Clean your brushes. It's a really good idea to wash your makeup brushes at least every 2 weeks. Some people even do it after every application. Buildup of old makeup, oils from your face and bacteria, stick to the hairs of your brush and as you can imagine, cause pimples on your face. There are many different kind of shampoos and soaps specifically made for makeup brushes. You'll also notice how soft and better the brush becomes after a nice wash.

When you have a Pimple:

-Don't suffocate it with too much concealer, it will only make it worse.

 -Don't squeeze it until it's ready. In fact, stop touching it altogether. 

-Don't use shiny products like shimmer or highlighter as you will only draw attention to it, and make it look bigger.

-Try green cover up - Because green is the opposite colour of red on the colour scale, it will typically cancel out the redness of the pimple.
-Try medicated concealer, like Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer or Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer.

Random Things I Love

I'm feeling a little under the weather today so I thought I would share with you a brief list of things that I love!

Free Samples! Not only are free samples awesome because they're, well, free... but they're also perfect for trying out new products without making the commitment of putting a dent in your wallet. There are a couple of ways of bagging yourself some free stuff. Walk around the cosmetics section in a department store and find something you want to try. Simply ask the sales person for a free sample (works best with perfume) and 9 times out of 10 they will give you more than one to try. This works best if you're polite and partake in some small talk.
Another way is when you're ordering something online from somewhere like Sephora or Beauty Encounter, each order always comes with free samples that you can choose from.

Natural Products- Most makeup has a lot of talc, Parabens and Sulfates among other chemicals in them. There is debate among different associations whether these chemicals are actually dangerous for us, but for those of you that don't even want to risk it, here some great brands that are considered natural: Josie Maran Cosmetics, Tarte, Korres, Bare Escentuals, Boots Botanics, derma-e, Saffron Rouge, Lavera and many more. Do some research if you're interested! And if you're thinking that no chemicals means that the makeup doesn't look good, you're totally wrong, you can't see the difference.

Curves. Nothing says "I'm a Woman" more than boobs, hips and thighs. Models have boy bodies, every other normal woman has a work of art. Don't try to become a skinny-mini if it isn't in your bone structure, it won't happen naturally and you will always feel miserable and ugly. Instead, embrace your curves (but stay healthy of course). Trust me, real men prefer real women. Real women have curves. So there!

InStyle Magazine- I've been reading this magazine every month for about a year and a half now, and every month I enjoy it thoroughly. It always has amazing ads, pictures, product reviews, fashion and makeup advice, and gives me great ideas for what I'm going to wear the next day. It's no Reader's Digest, but it's definitely fun to get into! InStyle + Wine + Pajamas = Maya's Guilty Pleasure



The Kardashians. I know I will get a lot of flak from my academic friends for saying that... but c'mon! They're all so funny, beautiful, smart business people, and they love each other a lot. Why wouldn't you like them?

Alien by Thierry Mugler. First of all, this isn't a book or movie. This is a perfume. A perfume called Alien. Um... what? "Oh my God your perfume is so out of this world!" I want someone to say that to me while I'm wearing it. In all seriousness though, you honestly smell like $10 million dollars with this on. It's so enticing and sexy. When I got my first whiff I followed the person around took a lot of deep breaths. Then I found out that someone I worked with used it and just HAD to know what it was. As soon as I was laid off from there I bought it!

Well that's my random and short list. I'm going to bed now! (FYI-Another one of my favorite things is NeoCitran)