SUMMER 2011: MAKE UP INSPIRATIONS

Personally, I prefer wearing as little make up (or completely sans make up) as possible during the summer months. When it's scorching hot outside, no one enjoys that disgusting feeling of wearing heavy foundations or powders on your face or bothering with eye makeup that washes off in the water or inevitably slides off during perspiration. For those that can't live without a touch of make up, these videos are inspirational for enhancing your natural beauty a la the 1960s.

source: topshop, nylon tv, bechic (via youtube)

SHEER LIPSTICKS

Sheer and shiny is the new form of lipstick. MAC has came out with Sheen Supreme lipsticks that replaced everyone's favorite Slimshines. They are pigmented to the point where you can somewhat stil see your lips without the full impact of a lipstick. They are like a lipstick and a gloss in one. Also on the sheer lipstick bandwagon are Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. These are similar to the MAC ones, but on three times the price, wide range of colors, and less pigmentation. Both of these lipsticks give off that "sorbet effect" with that see-through your skin finish and are mess/worry free. 

MAC Sheen Supremes

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Chanel Rouge Coco Shines

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TOP NAIL POLISH PICKS - OPI - SPRING 2011

Image Source: opi.com

I am obsessed with OPI and when I saw their collaboration with Pirates of the Caribbean, I almost DIED! These pearly colors are perfect for the spring. Also important to note is that they are introducing the SILVER shatter. I'm ready to buy them all!

SUMMER 2011: SAVE OUR SKIN!

I think we can all agree that one of the best parts of summer is being able to show a little skin in our cute floral dresses and skirts or daring denim cut offs. But there's always a dark side. Recent statistics revealed that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Also, did you know 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer? Scary, right?

Therefore, practicing sun and skin safety is absolutely crucial to our health.

Aside from the obvious reapplication and copious amounts of sunscreen  that need to be reapplied every few hours, prevention is clearly the key.

La Roche-Pochay is continuing it's 'Save Our Skin' initiative for it's third consecutive year, advocating for sun safety nationwide. One of the coolest components of the program is that it includes a free iPhone application called MyUVCheck. The application uses location-based services to assess the strength of UVA (aging) rays and UVB  (burning) rays.

 (image source: thefashionspot)

The key is early diagnoses, which results in an 80% cure rate, so schedule a full body check up with your dermatologist who will then, depending on a variety of factors, let you know how often you should get your body checked.

For more info/tips, visit sossaveourskin.com

YOUR FAVORITE MAKE UP: BACKSTAGE

Ever wonder who the creator and founder of your favorite make up brands were? Well here's a little insight to the history of these brands:

Nars

image source: http://lacedivory.onsugar.com

Founded in 1994 by Francois Nars, a make up artist and photographer from France. He first developed this collection made up of 12 lipsticks sold in Barney's New York. From then on, his collection went global.

Too Faced

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded in 1998 by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. While working behind Sak's counter, Jerrod wanted to develop a line that included creativity and unique colors. Today, Too Faced is recognized world wide.

Benefit Cosmetics

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded by Jean, Jane, Maggie, and Annie, also known as the "Fab Four." They are well known for their whimsical product names and feel-good philosophy.

Smashbox

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded in 1991 by brother Dean and David Factor. This is the most popular brand amongst celebrities, models, and photographers.