Retrodivas Beauty: make up, tips, cosmetic tutorials, hairstyles, and everything you need to be beautiful

Backstage at Joy Cioci for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week

meredith — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:29:23 +0000

Seductively savage was the name of the game backstage with CND at Joy Cioci. To compliment the dark edgy lines of the clothes, CND artist Candace Mandiccino created a fishnet tipped almond shaped nail that was very femme fatale.

The nude fishnet over my nail. You can see the blue shellac underneath.

First, the nail is filed into a feminine, seductive almond shape and painted with Putty, a sheer neutral, and a sculpted piece of fishnet nylon was attached to dry nails using tweezers to be precise. Glue with fabric glue so that it dries clear with no residue, and don’t seal with a top coat in order to really allow the fishnet to stand out.

Makeup by NARS.

© 2012, Retrodivas Beauty: make up, tips, cosmetic tutorials, hairstyles, and everything you need to be beautiful. Some rights reserved. Retrodiva’s Beauty Blog by Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at www.retrodivasbeauty.com.

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Hair color know-how with Kris Sorbie, the Education Artistic Director of Redken 5th Avenue

meredith — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:57 +0000

Struggling to figure out what shade of color goes best with your skin tone? Kris Sorbie, Education Artistic Director of Redken 5th Avenue has some easy tips to make sure you choose the right one.

When it comes to color and skin tone, Sorbie recommends that fair skinned ladies go for blonde or very dark hair. Medium toned girls should keep the hair next to their face medium to dark brown, they can do any color in the back. Dark skinned ladies look best with dark or red, but Sorbie suggests an ombre look on the ends to add visual texure.

Thinking about highlighting? Sorbie says that brunettes should consider cool red, copper red, or golden blonde. Redheads should highlight with golden blondes or soft warm browns. And the blondes among us? More blonde – always more blonde. Just remember to keep it conditioned, Sorbie says.

And above all, you need to consider how much time you want to spend maintaining your color. If you have time to spare, try a multi-tone or block color, says Sorbie. Chronically short on time? Try the newly popular ombre look – Sorbie was the creator of the original ombre effect.

Nicole Scherzinger announces on Twitter her new spot as spokesperson for Herbal Essences

meredith — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:58 +0000

Remember the Pussycat Dolls? I try to forget them too, but some os their tunes are pretty catchy, no? Well, the beauty who fronted the Dolls and won the tenth season of Dancing With the Stars, Nicole Scherzinger, announced recently that she is “doing the Herbal.” I’m going to assume that means that she is the new spokesperson for Herbal Essences.

“I’ve always loved changing and evolving my style in my career, and playing with new and different hair styles has been a great creative outlet for me,” said Scherzinger. “I’m honored to partner with Herbal Essences, because it’s a brand I like and admire for its celebration of self expression and for encouraging women like me to have fun with their look!”

In her new role as the global Herbal Essences brand ambassador, Scherzinger will be featured in TV and print advertising, as well as on digital properties, HerbalEssences.com andFacebook.com/HerbalEssences. The new advertising creative starring Scherzinger is scheduled to debut in July 2012.

If you’re not handy with nail art, try Kiss Nail Dress to get artistic fingernails

meredith — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:41 +0000

As much as I want to be uber-talented when it comes to nail art, the sad truth is I’m not. I’m not even close. I’ve never been able to color within the lines, and when it comes to nail polish, that’s kind of a problem. But with the new nail stickers out, I can have amazing nails without the hassle of paint and UV lamps.

The latest to enter the nail sticker game is Kiss Nails with their Kiss Nail Dress. They are super easy to use, and have more of the nail strips in each pack than similar products, making sure that they will work with any size nail. That is also super useful for chips and accidents, if you’re clumsy like me.

There are 18 styles to choose from from bejeweled designs to animal prints, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy. They are super easy to use, just prep with nail polish remover, push your cuticles back (gently, please!) then apply decal beginning at the cuticle and smoothing up. Another insider trick for you is to do your thumbs last. Trust me, it will make the whole thing easier.

Kiss Nail Dress is available at mass merchandisers like Target as well as Drugstores such as Walgreens. They retail for about $6.99, which might be the most reasonable decal set on the market.

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Look festive even if you can’t make it to Carnaval this year with Mattese Elite

meredith — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:21:20 +0000

Can’t make it to Carnaval this year? Me either. But you can look as if you just spent a fun-filled week in Rio de Janeiro with Mattese Elite’s Carnaval collection. Combine it with a (preferably fake) tan, some bright bangles, and you’ll have the perfect spring look.

I love, love, love bright colors on my nails. I’m not a pink or nude kind of girl at all. So when these types of collections come out, I get very excited about them. You can mix and match these, do a bright accent nail, or even fun stripes or dots. The collection includes the following:

Renha: a regal pink
Fantasias: mysterious purple
Desfiles de Samba: parade-worthy green
Sambo Enreda: purple-pink
Passistas: electric violet
Rei Momo: hot pink

Mattese Elite is available only at RickysNYC.com.

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Packing for New York Fashion Week: the essential beauty portables

meredith — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:27:18 +0000

I am guilty of trying to carry everything with me. I will have a makeup bag, extra flats, two chargers, an iPhone, an iPad, a Flip camera, a small tripod, assorted periodicals, a box of business cards, a refillable bottle of water, and some sort of snack. It’s ridiculous. But after doing this for a few seasons, I’ve narrowed down exactly what I need to an artform. This is what will be residing in my makeup bag that will accompany my “purse”.

I adore my Anne Taintor makeup bag which says “inner beauty is for amateurs.” Sums up my philosophy nicely. Inside, I’ll be cramming:

A compact mirror by Band Aid x Cynthia Rowley, grabbed last year at Fashion Week
Dr. Scholl’s Blister Treatment: because I NEVER, EVER get through a Fashion Week without multiple blisters, no matter what I do.
Three bobby pins: you can go from a bad hair day to a good hair day with three bobby pins.
Swiss Guard Antiseptic Handwash Gel from OPI, because one time, back in Fashion Week, I caught H1N1 which lead to pneumonia, in which I almost died. True story.
Hollywood Fashion Tape, because there is almost always going to be a fashion disaster, and even if it doesn’t happen to me, I can be a hero to someone else. Us girls have to stick together!
Colgate Wisp Mini-Brushes, because occasionally one does have to eat.
Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater: this is a wonderful rehydrator, or just a pick-me-up when you’re starting to drag. Smells wonderful and people around you will want to borrow it.
Travel Brush by Sephora: you never know when it’s going to get all windy and stuff.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray: this little portable can is amazing. One of the best hairsprays I have ever used.
Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens: I live by blotting linens, as my skin is so oily, and these peppermint ones give you a little pick-me-up, which is so important. Are we noticing a theme here? One gets REALLY tired.
Some Kind-a Gorgeous by Benefit: this is an amazing product. It’s not really foundation, but it’s not powder. It’s kind of magic in a compact, and I swear by it for major touch ups.
Armour Lip Gloss in Stardust. Simply the best lip gloss I have ever used in my life, and I’m not saying that lightly. Oh, I like others too, but Armour’s lasts and lasts. This gold will add some sparkle to any other color I have on my lips.
California Kissin’ by Benefit: this blue sparkly gloss will help your teeth look whiter and freshen your breath as well.
Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds in Twilight, in case my black liner needs freshening up, or I need to add to it for a special event.
Diorshow Brow Styler in Universal Brown: for taming the brows while on the go. This pencil has an ultra fine point and a capped spoolie brush on the other end, perfect for travel.
Urban Decay Lipstick in Gash: one of my favorite colors, and it smells so good – like caramel.
Lancome Color Design Lip Color in Retro Rouge (obviously): this is a light blue-based red with plenty of sparkle in it. Another of my favorite lipsticks.
Perfume samples: these vary so much. Currently I have Bond No. 9 Saks For Her, Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory, and by Killian A Taste of Heaven Absinthe Verte. Those might change, especially as I pick up new ones while out and about.

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Packing for New York Fashion Week: the beauty essentials

meredith — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:26:44 +0000

Packing for Fashion Week is tricky. You never know what you’re going to need, and space is at a premium. I usually separate my beauty products into three bags: essentials, which are in my suitcase and don’t leave the hotel; portable, things that stay in my purse at all times; and makeup, which usually consists of one really versatile palette with brushes that also stay back at the hotel.

As you can probably tell, I live for sample packs when I travel. Not only do I get to try something new, but there is more room in my bags for the stuff that I’ll be bringing home from NYC. Here is the list of what is in my essentials bag:

It Factor Quick Blowdry Shampoo and Conditioner: I don’t anticipate having to wash my hair while I’m there, but should the need arise, I have my favorite shampoo and conditioner with me.
Sample packets of MiN ProEnzyme Trio Facial Cleanser and Scrub. MiN is a NYC apothecary located in SoHo, and these two products took two years to perfect. There are enough here to last me the entire trip.
Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid SPF 15: I haven’t tried the Refining Fluid, and I have a couple of packets in here to try. It is supposed to control oiliness while providing anti-aging benefits.
mdskincare Hydra-Pure Firming Eye Cream: I’m hoping I can make this little pack last a couple of days, as I’ve heard wonderful things about it.
Miracle Skin Transformer Treat and Conceal: This is half skincare, half makeup. But it’s a great multi-tasker that manages to hydrate, enhance, and perfect skin.
Mario Badescu Drying Cream: Should a breakout happen, this will stop it in it’s tracks immediately while providing a bit of coverage.
eos Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm: I can’t live without this oddly shaped lip balm. It smells and even tastes a bit like strawberries and does a good job of keeping my lips soft when I’m sleeping.
Boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment: I’m serious about keeping shine to a minimum. This is the heavy guns for treating my congested t-zone.
Tide Travel Sink Packets: these are a necessity when you need to wash something in your room. Just enough in each packet to hand wash in a sink.
Softsoap Coconut Scrub Soap: My favorite bar soap at the moment.
Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist: This little travel bottle is perfect, and as I learned from a very good friend, it’s all about the shine when you have black hair.
Crest with Scope: I don’t know where I picked up these little packets, but they are perfect for travel.
Payot Soin Jambes Legeres: this amazing cooling gel is for my tired feet and legs at the end of each day. It gives me life.
Secret Invisible Solid in Powder Fresh: because no one should ever leave home without such things.

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How to use colored primers and concealers to even out skin tone

meredith — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:32:34 +0000

Have you ever seen those crazy colored primers while shopping for your beauty supplies? The ones that come in confusing yellow, green, pink, blue, and peach shades? Believe it or not, those crazy colors are a staple in most makeup artists’ bags, and they can help even out any skin tone.

It works by simple color theory. Using a color that is opposite the problematic color on the color wheel (below) will neutralize the problematic color. You pick the color on the color wheel that is causing you problems, then find a product that is on the other side of the wheel. Simple, right?

Here are some examples of how these unusual colors can help:

Redness is a common problem, and can come through most makeup. To avoid caking on flesh colored makeup, try a green primer. As you can see on the color wheel, green is exactly opposite of red and will neutralize redness on the face. I like Smashbox Photo Finish Primer in Adjust.

Another shade that helps with light redness on fair skin is blue. If you have fair skin with light redness, a primer such as Make Up For Ever’s HD Microperfecting Primer in 05 Blue. It doesn’t look like it in this photo, but it is a very light blue that does an excellent job of evening out my patchy skintone:

Another common problem is purple toned under eye circles. The best color to neutralize those circles is yellow. My favorite is Benefit’s Lemon Aid, a creamy concealer that applies like a breeze. Yellow can also be used to hide sun spots.

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Curly kittens: try using a spray conditioner to refresh hair

meredith — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:36:21 +0000

Those of us with coarse, curly hair know that washing every day usually just invites dryness and frizz. And while our sisters with thinner hair may ache for the volume that we can usually achieve with very little effort, there aren’t many products out there that address our unique problems. Dry shampoo is often a form of powder, and it’s not always oil absorbing properties that we need, rather a curl refresher and a bit of moisture.

So, instead of fighting with your dry curly hair on day two, try a spray conditioner as a hair touch up. Not only will it add moisture to your hair, it will refresh your curls with just a quick spritz.

Umberto Controlling Conditioner Spray ($8.99, Target) is what I’ve been using lately. It is a great detangler and heat protector for wet hair, but also a fantastic conditioner refresh for curly hair. A few spays will control frizz without putting another layer of heavy product on.

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Two tools to help you shape, fill, and beautify your brows

meredith — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:44:26 +0000

There really isn’t much point in having a gorgeous look without well groomed brows to finish it off. Brows can truly make or break the entire look, and like everything else in the beauty world, changes according to trends. In the 80′s, big Brooke Shields brows were the ideal, while the 90′s saw much thinner brows. Now, in 2012, we’re seeing a combination of the two. Brows have more of a natural look, but don’t make the mistake of thinking natural equals unkempt.

But it can be hard to truly figure out where to pluck and where to leave it be. Anastasia of Beverly Hills, one of the foremost experts in the field of brows, has released a handy kit to help you get exactly the brows you want with a minimum of hassle. The Anastasia Beauty Express combines stencils, brow powder, and eye shadow to help you get exactly the look you want all in one box.

It’s a great kit to take with you when you travel. It’s small enough to fit into most makeup bags, yet has everything you need.

The case is a fun faux dark pint croc style. But the good stuff is inside:

The kit includes a mirror, instructions, a brush that is actually useful, brow wax (top left), brow powder to fill in brows (top middle), and eyeshadow intended to compliment your brows (top left).

Did I mention I love the brush? That pink-handled beauty is just stiff enough to apply your brow color, but soft enough to not feel scratchy. It might be the best brow brush I’ve ever tried. But what makes this kit truly unique are the included stencils:

Five different brow styles, from full to thin, glamourous to natural. Simply hold the stencil over your brows, fill it in with the brow powder, and pluck anything that is outside of your brow color. Simple, right? Never fear, detailed instructions are on the box next to the mirror, and each stencil has markings on it to make sure you put it in exactly the right place.

And when you go to tweeze, try Tweezerman brand tweezers. My gorgeous kit contains two of the best tweezers on the market, I think. Included are the precision slant tweezers in stainless steel (with a pink enamel overlay in my case – they come in many different colors) that are perfect for overall shaping, and the Point Tweezer which is designed to deal with baby fine hairs, ingrown hairs, and stubble.

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