Tag Archives: color

Lip Lacquer Magic

With Style Meganzine turning one year, I thought it was time to get blogging again. It’s been an amazing year with lots of new beginnings and I truly appreciate all the support from all of you.

Today I want to talk about my new favorite product. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge is the perfect combination of stain and gloss. Inspired by Japanese lacquerware, one coat of this gloss provides intense color and deep luster. The formula improves dry, rough, or peeling lips, and leaves your pucker very moisturized. And you never get that icky bleed some rich colors can leave. I love both Disco (RS 404) which is a very vibrant pink and Drama (RD 501) which is the perfect red. Disco took some getting used to as I never wear such bright color, but it really wakes me up. Because it’s a stain, the color lasts all day, and I really only reapply once. Yep, it’s that moisturizing!
Here’s a little secret I shared with the girls at the Shiseido counter-this lacquer is also the most amazing cheek tint. I know, you’d think it would be too sticky, but it actually blends in perfectly. Word of warning, a little bit goes A LONG way. Just the tiniest bit on your fingertip is all you need for rosy cheeks. I’ve also found it’s a great way to look refreshed when you’re having a long day. Dot, dot, and you look instantly revived!

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Shiseido Lacquer Rouge $25

Oh yeah-the tube is small enough to fit into any purse which is great. No more lugging gloss, stain, lipstick, blush, and brush-you have all of that in one tube!

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A Blush All Your Own

We’ve all been there. Your in a store and the blush looks amazing, but when you get home you find the color isn’t right for you at all. None of us want to look like a clown and we all want cheeks that look natural. Well, now you can have a flush that is all your own!
Stila’s Custom Color Blush is the first-ever PH based powder blush. You know all the lip products that adjust to your own body chemistry and give you the perfect shade for you? Now you can have that for your cheeks. This blush is a “one shade fits all” and reacts to your skintone and individual PH to create a perfect, personalized shade. It is very blend-able, has a velvety-soft finish, and smoothes the appearance of fine lines. Your cheeks will have a natural glow with a luminous, flawless flush. It’s ideal for summer because it is so easy to apply-no mistakes with this wonder.

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Self-Adjusting Coral

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Self-Adjusting Pink

Stila Custom Color Blush come in two shades. Don’t be alarmed by the brightness, they are actually quite sheer and you can build the color. I prefer the coral-very sunny!

Available at Sephora

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A Truly Moisturizing Lipstick

I ran into Walgreen’s a couple of weeks ago and made a pit stop at the cosmetics. I didn’t really need anything, but thought I’d take a look around and I am so glad I did. I found a fabulous color from Maybelline called “Coral Carnation”. It’s kind of a coral, pink, and red combination. The perfect shade for summer. But what I love the most is the texture and the staying power.
The Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick collection is just that-sensational. Because it’s formulated with pure pigments, the color is much crisper. And the creamier feel comes from honey nectar. But all I know is that my lips stay moisturized for hours. And that’s quite a feat for lipstick. There have been many times I’ve applied it and hours go by and I find myself thinking, “Wow! I haven’t had to put anything on my lips in ages”. And that’s amazing (I am addicted to putting product on my lips). Coral Carnation is a limited edition color (availability may vary by store), but the collection is available in 68 fabulous shades. And they are all under $10. That’s a beautiful thing.

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Coral Carnation

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On my hand

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On my lips (don’t mind me, I just got done working out). Notice the staying power. The color is still vibrant after an hour at the barre.

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Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick is available in 68 shades and all major drugstores

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Summer RX For Hair

I spend a lot of time out in the sun during the summer. Not only can those rays reek havoc on your skin, but they can do major damage to your hair. Your locks can become dry, damaged, and that color you pay a fortune for fades or completely changes. It’s really important to protect your locks from the summer environments (especially chlorine). Alterna has many fabulous products for your best summer hair, but the following three are my favorites.

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Alterna Summer Hair After-Sun Hair Quench $20

This is a fantastic hydrating gel mask for parched hair that has spent a day in the sun. The unique texture delivers the hydration of a mask in a refreshing gel form. It is a rinse-out treatment enriched with essential minerals, vitamins, and natural humectants that instantly restore moisture. You’re left with silky, soft summer locks that shine. Most importantly, it protects hair from color fade caused by UVA/UVB and visible ray lights. This mask is a limited edition and is exclusive to Sephora.

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Alterna Hair Sun-Kissed Mist $20

This is a super fun product that’s really good for your hair. It’s a lightweight golden bronzing and finishing spray. The mist creates all-over shimmer, infusing your hair with a sun-kissed glow. Your locks will be super shiny and sexy. As a bonus, the mist locks out humidity to tame those icky flyaways. And like the above mask, it protects your color so you get zero fade. And did I mention how yummy it smells?

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Alterna Hair Sun Recovery Spray $20

This is a dual phase leave-in conditioner. It instantly revitalizes sun-parched hair, penetrating deeply to infuse moisture, improve manageability, and enhance shine. I carry this in my beach bag and spray it on my hair all day when I’m at the beach. It smells like summer, doesn’t leave my hair greasy, and really does help prevent color fade. Just spray it into towel-dried hair and style as usual (or let it air dry while you play in the sun!).

All products are limited edition (and the mask is exclusive) and are available at Sephora

I love summer hair products. They always smell like the beach and leave my hair full of body and shine. This Alterna line will not disappoint (but will sell out quickly).

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Summer Dreaming

The grass is green, the trees have leaves, and flowers are blooming. I am dreaming of summer and it is just around the corner. I cannot wait for beach time, going to the Farmer’s Market, and spending time on the water. I want sand between my toes and the sun on my face. Here are two outfits I’ve put together that scream summertime. I hope they inspire you to start planning your summer wardorbe.

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“TRIP TO THE FARMER’S MARKET”
~7 For Mankind Crop Josefina $225 available at Zappos
~Charles By Charles David Trove wedge sandal $59.95 available at DSW
~Farmer’s Market tote $45 available at J. Crew
~Michael by Michael Kors Oversized sunglasses $99 available at Nordstrom
~Sephora Collection Be You lip balm $12
~Sephora Collection Lacquer polish $7
Both available at Sephora
~Smocked Mexicalli top $24.94 available at Old Navy

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“EVENING STROLL ON THE BEACH”
~Destroyed Boyfit Denim Shortie $36.50
~Dolman Sweater $34.99
~Zig-Zag fedora $15.50
~Sam Edelman for AEO Braided Gladiator sandal $39.50
All available at American Eagle
~Panacea Candy Color Long Stone necklace $50
~Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri perfume $92
both available at Neiman Marcus
~Essie Go Overboard nail polish $8 available at Ulta

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A Lip Shade All Your Own

One of my all-time favorite lip product is Dior Addict Lip Glow. This balm adjusts to your unique ph and creates a pink shade that’s all your own. On me, it’s a pretty bright pink. The problem is that I become “addicted” to it and go through a tube every month. Not a good thing when the price is on the high side.

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Dior Addict Lip Glow $30

Luckily, Sephora has created their own miracle balm. Their Color Reveal Lip Balm is wonderful. It, too, adjusts to your individual chemistry and leaves you with a pink shade that looks perfect and different on everyone. It has a ton of moisture, adds volume to your lips, and has an amazing honey taste. Hurry tho-it’s a limited edition product!

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Sephora Collection Limited Edition Color Lip Reveal $12

Both available at Sephora

I know I’ll be stocking up on the Lip Reveal. Hopefully it will sell well and Sephora will add it to their collection permanently.

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Nails On Pointe

I’ve shared my love of ballet with you all before. I think it’s one of the most beautiful art forms and I always dreamed of being a ballerina (don’t most girls?). One of the things I love the most are all the muted colors. The beige, pink, and white of ballet slippers, tutus, and leotards are so timeless and sophisticated. I’m very excited that now I can wear them on my nails. The New York City Ballet by OPI collection debuts this April and this makes me very happy.

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This collection was inspired by the dancers, choreography, and costumes of the NYC Ballet and features 5 sheer colors and a very sparkly silver. Barre My Soul is a subtle, sheer beige. You Callin’ Me A Lyre is based on the traditional pink of the ballet. Don’t Touch My Tutu is a wispy, milky white. Care To Danse is a beautiful pastel lilac. My Pointe Exactly is a sheer gray and Pirouette My Whistle is a brilliant sparkly silver. They are all classic and can be worn with anything. I always think these subtle shades look amazing with tan fingers and toes!

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New York City Ballet by OPI Collection $9 each
available in April at professional salons, JCPenney, and Ulta
For more information, please visit OPI and New York City Ballet

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Sephora+Pantone Color Of The Year Collection

I have to admit I was very happy with Pantone’s “Color of the Year” selection. “Tangerine Tango” (or Pantone 17-1463) is the perfect shade of reddish orange and is a color that really is flattering on everyone. Pantone is the authority on color and is the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. In other words, the color trends each season begin with Pantone.

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Color of the year- Tangerine Tango

I guess it only makes sense that Sephora and Pantone would collaborate on a collection. Sephora+Pantone’s color trend-forecasting is a collection of the season’s top shades in easy-to-wear variations and finishes. The collection is made up of everything from makeup to accessories and the colors are simply fabulous. Here’s a look at my top picks. Everything is very limited edition, available only at Sephora, and I’m sure will sell out quickly.

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Color of the Year Blush Duo $26
Two complimentary shades in a micro-fine pressed powder. This formula is light, yet creamy to the touch.

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Color of the Year Chrome Blush in Apricot Brandy $16
This is a luxurious velvety blush that has the best elements of baked, powder, and cream blush formulas. The color goes on like a second skin and the apricot color is wonderful on all skin tones.

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Color of the Year Creme Lipstick in Tangerine Tango $18
This is an amazing lipstick that smoothes, hydrates, and protects lips. This is the shade to have this year and it is stunning.

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Color of the Year Lip Gloss Set $20 ($60 value)
Four high-intense colors based on the color of the year. This gloss is hydrating and long-wearing, all while imparting crystal refelctions.

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Color of the Year Nail Enamel Set $24 ($40 value)
Four tangerine-inspired shades in long-wearing enamel formula. Your tootsies will draw major attention with this varnish!

These tangerine shades scream summer and make me want to break out the flip flops and beach towels. Some items are coming soon and some are available now. Please visit Sephora for more products and information.

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A Tan For All Seasons

If you live in Minnesota then you are no doubt enjoying the forecast. A weekend in the high 60′s and no end in sight is fabulous, but my pale skin not so much. It is, at the very least, short sleeve weather (and I know people have pulled out their shorts) and we here in the midwest are flaunting some serious “Casper” skin. There was a time when I would have gone running to the tanning salon, but those days are long behind me. Self-tanner is really the only way to go and it can be a smelly challenge. Tanners are tricky because the smell can change with every hour and no one wants to stink. And everyone’s body chemistry is different so it’s hard to recommend a certain brand. However, I think I have found one that should be suitable for just about every girl out there.
St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Lotion is one of my favorites. First and foremost, it features the trademarked “Aromaguard” technology which eliminates the tell-tale self-tan aroma by a minimum of 70%. I don’t know about you, but that pretty much clinches it for me. The smell is actually pleasant (again, on me. Everyone is different). This tanner is a salon inspired formula that is infused with aloe vera and long lasting color. It goes on smooth and spreads very evenly. The color is a rich, natural bronze that lasts several days, depending on how often you apply. I was very happy with the results and it did not streak on me at all. Plus, it was chosen as an Allure Magazine Best of Beauty.

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St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Lotion $30-$40

And because we all, at times, make mistakes when applying self-tanner, St. Tropez has another amazing product. Their Tan Remover helps remove unwanted self-tanning product (especially fingers and palms) for up to 4 hours after application.

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St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Tan Remover $18

Both products available exclusively at Sephora

If any of you have suggestions for other great self-tanners, please share them. I know this is something everyone is always curious about. A good self-tanner is hard to find!

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5 Minute Face

I love my morning routine. There’s something very comforting about having a regime. It gets my day off to the right start and sets the stage. But just because I enjoy applying lotions and potions, it doesn’t mean I want it to take forever. Let’s be real, most of us have a limited amount of time in the morning to get ready and we need things to be streamlined. Here’s a look at my five minute face (give or take). It may seem like a lot of products, but they are quick and easy to apply. You’ll have a natural, rosy glow in a matter of minutes.

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The first thing I do is apply a beauty balm. This is a moisturizer, primer, concealer, and SPH all in one. It will save you lots of time (and money).
shown: Estee Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream $38

I then apply a concealer on the hard to cover spots. This takes two seconds, as the bb cream does a great job covering most flaws.
shown: Loreal Magic Lumi Liquid Concealer $13

The next step is to apply a blush stain (gel or cream). You could skip this step, but I find my cheeks stay rosy longer if I use a stain.
shown: Tarte Cheek Stain $30

I then sweep on a mineral powder. It gives me a flawless finish and helps to keep the oil at bay. I find mineral powders to be the best. They seem less cakey and are more natural.
shown: Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfectly Powder $59

Next comes a powder blush. I know, it seems like overkill to most of you. But I’ve found that using both a cream and powder blush gives me great color and is less likely to melt off during the day.
shown: Tarte Amazoninan Clay 12hr Blush $25

It’s on to the eyebrows. I like a gel instead of a pencil. The color sweeps on with a mascara wand and is super easy. It gives definition and holds brows into place.
shown: Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel $21

To set everything, I use a makeup setting spray. This keeps my face looking fresh and set all day.
shown: Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray $29

If it’s a day I’m going to be out and about, I’ll add mascara to the ritual. I always use a primer. It makes my lashes even longer and keeps the mascara from smudging.
shown: Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Primer $28 and Loreal Voluminous False Fiber Mascara $8

Last step is the lip. For most days I apply a tinted lip balm. It gives my pout a natural pop of color while keeping them soft and moisturized.
shown: Revlon Lip Butter

So, there you have it, my five minute face.You can add or subtract to fit your needs, but this is what works best for me. What’s your five minute face routine?

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My 5 minute face minus mascara!

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