Chic Galleria » Morgan Danaher

Foundation…Foundation…Foundation???

Morgan Danaher — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:38:45 +0000

Ask any makeup artist and they will tell you the amount of times they are told a client does not like their foundation is countless. Most women have the misconception that foundation is used to change or brighten your skin tone and this is why they are unsatisfied with the results they get with a well matched base. Foundation is the basis of every makeup look and everyone needs it no matter how great your skin is. There are many different varieties of bases that can help to fix flaws as well as different textures from light to full coverage.

First things first ask yourself a few questions…What is your skin type? Are you oily, dry or combination and do you have some flaws in your skin tone that you would like to cover? Once you have the answers to these simple questions finding a base foundation will be a piece of cake.

Let’s go over skin type. If you have an oily skin type you are going to want to go with a foundation that if formulated for oily skin. Most will not be as heavy of coverage and most likely will be oil free or have matte texture to keep your skin shine free throughout the day. These foundations can be in a liquid form or in a power foundation. Yves Saint Laurent MATT TOUCH COMPACT FOUNDATION is great for oily skin. ($56 Sephora.com) This matte Finish with a SPF of 20 is long lasting and works with lily extract to reduce sebaceous gland production.

Now if you completion is dry or very dry a cream foundation with moisture is your best friend in producing a flawless look without any flakiness or irritation. Power foundations are usually not recommended but you can use a light powder to set your liquid foundation. Bobbi Brown makes the Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm (Sephora.com $50) for dry to very dry skin. It has a light coverage and actually hydrates the skin while giving a dewy look to the skin.

Most foundations out on the market right now are either made for or work with the combination skin tone. You get to choose from liquid, cream or powder foundations depending on what combination you are. You are mostly going to look for the texture and coverage wanted. Smashbox has the HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder. (Smashbox.com $59) This mineral powder foundation has a buildable base that can go from light to full coverage. The built in shaver allows for just the right amount and minimal waste.

Face Tinted Moisturizers by Bobbi Brown
Face Makeup by Smashbox

Now that we have chosen the product that is right for our skin type, how do we match a foundation? This is the easiest problem that we will face when looking for a new base makeup. Most of the counter consultants at your makeup counter are highly trained in foundation matching. All of the good cosmetic companies put a lot of time and expense into training the consultants in product knowledge but just in case you come across someone that is new you may want to keep these steps in your head just to make sure you will leave happy.

First always remember how you are going to apply your foundation. If you will be using your finger tips, a sponge applicator, or a foundation brush and test your color in this way, most artists will recommend using a brush due to the better coverage and control.

Next, know if you have a red, olive, dark or neutral undertone. This will greatly limit the colors of foundation to choose from. Test the foundation color on your jaw line, from the top of your lower jaw near your ear to your upper neck line. This will ensure that you will not end up with the mask look. You should not see your foundation and it should be blended in completely to give you that even flawless look. Build your color pallet on your base.

Lastly, take a look up and see those florescent lights… No matter how perfect the shade looks the lighting in department stores is deceiving. Take a walk outside to double check the color match. It is a bit of a hassle but when you look at the time and money you will save by not having to bring the foundation back and sit for another color match, it truly is worth the time.

Foundation can be a tricky creature for some people but when you know the basics it is very easy to tame. Make sure that you have the correct foundation for your skin type and the right color for your skin tone. Remember that base foundation is just that a base to start your look off right with the even tone and neutral color. Add a bronzer or blush to the cheek and lip and eye color to finish off your day or evening look. One tip to always follow is your skin changes with the seasons and so should your foundation.

Morgan Danaher has long loved the world of beauty. From the time she was a little girl she always made sure she never left the house without her lipstick and mascara. After attending the Michigan College of Beauty and the Dermal Institute in Chicago, She triumphed out on her own opening the Bellachi Spa and working freelance for Estee Lauder and Shiseido Cosmetics. After 12 years in this wonderful world she realized style and beauty isn’t something we buy it’s the way we live. Currently she explores the world of beauty blogging. Email her with questions at morgan.danaher@yahoo.com or connect with her on Twitter @Bellachibeauty.

Photo credit © Alexandr Stepanov | Dreamstime.com

The 10 Lip Products We Love

Morgan Danaher — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 07:14:29 +0000

With so many lip products out there right now, we often wonder what one’s we should buy and why. With prices ranging from a few dollars to the price of a new coach clutch it’s hard to determine what is worth the cost and where to get these products. Here is the short list of the best tried and true lip products, from plumping creams to colors and everything in between. The prices very but are good for being a purchase at a department store or boutique.

Lipstick by Benefit
Lip Pencils by NARS

1. One of the old standbys is Philosophy’s Kiss Me Exfoliating lip scrub. This scrub is a very gentle sugar treatment for dry or flaky lips. Formulated to be a mini makeover in a tube, it also moisturizes to soothe and heal. An added feature of the Kiss Me is an infusion of peppermint to give you a breath-freshening effect. A great time to use this is in the winter when our lips seem to be drier due to the cold or at times in the summer when the skin on our lip can get dry do to the sun or wind. For around $15 you can get this must have at the Philosophy counter at Nordstrom.

2. Shiseido products are amazing, they can be a bit pricey but they are well worth it. The Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream has a long name but so many benefits. This is a restorative product and it works for both the eye and lip areas. With its extremely hydrating formula it visibly reduces the areas of fine lines, sagging skin and dark areas. Skin becomes smoother and more radiant with use. This product is intended for the more mature consumer but if you have had some vices in your past such as smoking that can lead to premature aging around the mouth this might be the product for you. Not for customers with oily skin tones. Macy’s has an amazing Shiseido counter. The consultants there are very helpful and can help you this $130 purchase.

3. For those nights out when you need a hint of sparkle, GIVENCHY has Pop Gloss Crystal. This lightly textured, moisturizing gloss has a non sticky formula that boosts collagen why you shine the night away. The color Light up is a soft golden color that works perfectly alone or on top of your favorite lip color and add sparkle but not in a unnatural way. Sephora charges $24.50 and is an exclusive retailer.

4. Dior is sometimes forgotten about when it comes to lip balms but they have an absolutely wonderful product. The Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm has a SPF of 10 and come in a cute little pot that you either use your finger or lip brush to apply. This balm soothes hydrates and re-plumps your lips with a light neutral pink color and has a very light rose sent. With vitamins A, E and Shea butter you can’t go wrong with this $25 product from Nordstrom.com.

5. RED, RED, RED!! Red lip color will never go out of fashion. It is hard to choose just one, but for reds Estee Lauder has great shades. Hey they better right they have been doing red for a long time. The Double Wear Lipstick is a great long wearing, without over drying color formula that is nicely pigmented and has a true tone to it. Available at your local department store for around $18.

6. When it comes to lip colors, we have so many choices. What products last the longest, are not sticky or gooey, and have the best finish. Benefit has a super series of lip colors called Full-Finish Lipstick. It comes in three collections, The Lana for light neutral shades, The Gabbi for medium neutral shades and The Betty for deep neutral shades. Full-finish has true pigments and a long wearing formula. The color Lady’s Choice is perfect for this season’s nude lip and at around $18 at Sephora you can’t go wrong for this hot look.

7. Lip stains are great for any person. Stila’s Lip and Cheek Stain is a must for the girl on the go. This multipurpose color stick has a brush tip for easy application. The best color is the Coconut Crush. With its bronze champagne color it give you a hint of bronzy rose color to both your lips and cheeks. The best part about the Coconut Crush is the nourishing formula that has A, C, and E vitamins and antioxidant to preserve collagen levels and prevent premature aging plus it has a yummy coconut taste and smell. This 2in1 is about $24 at Sephora.com.

8. Lip primer is key to long wearing and even lip color. This should be a staple for every make-up bag. DuWop brings us the Prime Venom. This matte finish plumping balm conditions lips for a fuller and smooth look under lip color. Since Prime Venom is infused with cinnamon, ginger, and wintergreen oils your lips flush with your natural tone so lip color is not even needed. There are some warnings about this product. Your lips will tingle slightly with this product and it contains macadamia nut oil so if you have a nut allergy please use with caution. Priced for $20 at Sephora.com.

9. What looks like a lip pencil but applies like a lipstick, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. NARS has combined the ease in use of a lip liner and a lip color all in one. A jumbo-sized lip crayon provides you with a great matte pigment with a cream finish that promises not to dry out your lips with its stay put technology. Available in many shades for $24 at NARScosmetics.com.

10. Plum is one of the hottest colors this season and Fresh has come out with a tinted lip treatment with SPF 15 to go with this trend. The Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment has a sheer but building color pigment and a blend of oils and antioxidants to keep your lips smooth and soft all year long. An absolute must to keep with you at all times and for only $22.50 at Sephora.com you can’t go wrong.

It can sometimes be a bit of a hassle to go to the department store wait at the counter, deal with the cross-selling and pay more for a product that looks the same as something that you can get at the drugstore down the street. Are the products any better at the cosmetic counter? Yes the one rule that we should always follow is you get what you pay for when it comes to cosmetics. Remember that these are products that you are putting on your body and when you are putting something on your lips you are also putting that product into your body. Choose wisely and have fun with lip colors and products.

The “New” Clinique

Morgan Danaher — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:15:48 +0000

Just when we thought that Clinique was only for the world of the high school student and the twenty something they have added a whole new planet for us to explore. With a new line of wrinkle reducing and sun damage stopping products, Clinique has embarked on a journey of rediscovery by conjuring the imagination of the forty, fifty, and sixty something. All you have to do is take a stop by one of the many round counters in any of the major department stores to see the revolution in action. The only problem is… Are we ready for this so called revolution; is Clinique ready for this new path? Only time will tell if products such as Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Corrector and Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector will hold the test of time in their great product line up.

Repairwear Laser Focus boasts the claim of giving skin a second chance against lines, winkles and sun damage. Clinique also states that to see the full effects of this serum the wait time is 12 weeks with the results that equal 63 percent of what one laser treatment by a dermatologist can produce. For the price of around $134.00 for a three month supply, this all over serum is worth the price comparing it to the cost and pain of having a laser treatment by a professional. When looking at the Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, Clinique worked with dermatologists to formulate a product that is comparable to the leading prescription ingredient, saying that it is proven to visibly reduce dark spots, age spots, and traces of acne scars. The time range for this serum is 4-12 weeks to see noticeable results. The biggest drawback of this serum is the cost. The large size bottle (1.7oz) comes with a price tag of $73.00 and for a serum that you might not see any results for 12 weeks it is not on the “good buy list” for just a spot treatment. The positive of this serum is that if you have sensitivities to the prescription creams. Clinique is known for their products being allergy tested and easily used in customers with sensitive skin. So if budget is not a issue or if you have very sensitive skin type this may be your best choice, of course as with many lines, these products always work better when used with the rest of the Clinical line, including moisturizers, serums, eye creams and cleansers.

Overall both products have introduced a new clientele base back to the Clinique line. Does any over the counter product diminish the evidence of age and sun damage? Maybe, but does the new line of clinical products work better than anything that can be prescribed by a dermatologist as they suggest? Again only time and customer reviews will tell if the line is worth the cost. Clinique is known for have great products, good prices and for the fact that they guarantee the products they sell. For a person of any age who wants to start a new skin care regiment, make sure you do your research. Look online at the reviews; speak to the consultants at the cosmetic counter at your local department stores (Macys.com or sephora.com) and while you are asking questions ask for a sample to make sure the product is not going to react with your skin type. Clinique is going above and beyond to promote this line, with enhanced airtime from department stores and ad’s in our favorite beauty magazines. Make sure that you know the facts of the product, the time it takes for the product to work and how to use the product correctly.