STOP THE (MARCH) MADNESS: 5 Beauty Blunders to Banish This Spring PLUS Quick Fixes and Expert Picks!

Spring is a time of awakening... rebirth... and BANISHING THOSE BAD BEAUTY HABITS!  Make this the month you stop the (MARCH) madness and start avoiding these classic blunders.  Read on for our list of the 5 biggest makeup mistakes a girl can make, and our expert advice and product recommendations for changing those habits for good.  Get a jump on gorgeous this spring... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!


BEAUTY BLUNDER #1 :  Applying your makeup with dirty brushes...

Photo Courtesy of Japonesque.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Using dirty brushes to apply makeup means you're transferring bacteria, dirt and pore-clogging oils onto your skin every time you use them!  This can cause acne, dullness and premature aging of the skin.  It's also bad for your brushes!

QUICK FIX:  Use a gentle hair shampoo to lather up brushes once a week.  Be sure to massage bristles from base to tip, and rinse thoroughly.  Reshape brushes and allow to dry flat on a clean paper towel.  Don't you just feel better?

EXPERT PICK:  Try Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Shampoo for a refreshing scent and luxe lather that conditions as it cleanses.

BEAUTY BLUNDER #2:  Poorly-blended foundation...

Photo Courtesy of Isabellagucci.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Poorly-blended foundation sets the stage for poorly-applied makeup!  Just as an artist begins with a perfectly primed canvas, applying your foundation like a pro will ensure an even, smooth surface on which to perform your magic.  


QUICK FIX:  For expertly-blended foundation with no streaks, caking or mask-like lines at the jaw, ear and forehead, choose a natural-looking, semi-sheer foundation with a brush applicator.  The lightweight formula and brush application allow for perfectly-natural, perfectly-YOU coverage, with no tell-tale lines or streaking.  Tap a damp sponge over foundation after application to blend and remove any excess product.  Step back and take a look in the mirror... OMG!  It's Complexion Perfection!!!


EXPERT PICK :  Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation has a built-in brush and delivers light-diffusing, skin-perfecting coverage for perfectly natural-looking skin!

BEAUTY BLUNDER #3:  Skipping the eyelash curler...

Photo Courtesy of Health-beauty-tips.org

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Uncurled lashes appear shorter and make your eyes look smaller and less awake.  Curled lashes look longer and fuller, and give eyes a well-rested, alert appearance.  Because curled lashes allow more light into the eye area, eyes appear brighter and sparklier!  What girl can say no to that?!?!


QUICK FIX:  Use a high-quality, stainless steel eyelash curler with a no-stick silicone pad to curl lashes at the base, mid-way point,  and tips for eye-opening lashes that look ultra-long and flirty!  Be sure to follow with mascara for maximum impact.

EXPERT PICK:  Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler creates dramatic, uniform curl with no sticking, clumping or pinching.  

BEAUTY BLUNDER #4:  Too-Nude Lips...

Photo Courtesy of Prettyobsessed.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  While rich, warm nudes can lend subtle sophistication to an otherwise edgy, smoky eye;  too-nude, too-light lips can sap skin of vital color and make the complexion look sallow and ashy.

QUICK FIX:  Banish lackluster lips and embrace this season's hottest trend!  A shade which flatters many women AND is appropriate for all ages, coral is THE color for lips this spring.  A moisturizing, color-rich lipstick formula ensures high-impact, lip-loving pigments that last and last.  Be sure to choose a shade appropriate for your skin tone.  Fairer-skinned gals should stick with pinkish hues while those with deeper skin tones can experiment with bolder, warmer shades.

EXPERT PICK:  For a stay-true, stay-put lip color in a universally-flattering shade of this season's hottest hue, try Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Mandarino Coral. 

BEAUTY BLUNDER #5:  Heading to bed without washing your face...

Photo Courtesy of Collegecures.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Leaving makeup, dirt and oil on your face while you sleep clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can exacerbate acne conditions, cause eye infections, and leave skin looking dull.  What's more, by not cleansing skin properly before bed, you allow the free radicals from the day to sit on skin overnight, potentially contributing to cell damage and premature aging.

QUICK FIX:  First remove eye makeup and lip products using a makeup remover designed especially for those delicate areas.  Now, using circular motions, massage a gentle cleansing gel onto wet skin for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities without drying your complexion.  Be sure to rinse cleanser off thoroughly with water and pat dry.

EXPERT PICK(S):  Beat hard-to-remove eye and lip colors with Arabella Stuart Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips.  Follow with Princess Livia Gentle Cleansing Gel with Bee Pollen to unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities.  

   

There you have it ladies, our expert tips and recommendations to help you banish beauty blunders for good.  Don't forget to check out the rest of our blog @ http://www.cosmetiqueblog.com/, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter(@CosmetiqueUS) for all sorts of tips, tricks, trends and more! 

The 5 Sexiest Hairstyles for Spring... PLUS, Expert Styling Tips!

By now, you've probably heard that spring fashion and makeup are all about bold, vibrant color.  Assuming you're up-to-speed on the color situation (if you're not, be sure to check out the following posts for the low-down on how to wear this season's brilliant shades: Spring Color Explosion: Shake Up Your Makeup With Oscar 2011's Hottest Hues and  Spring Color Burst: Get This Season's Brightest Runway Looks With a Little Help From Your Friends at Cosmetique!) the question becomes... what to do with your hair.  Well, there's no need to worry your pretty little head about such things because we're running down the 5 sexiest hairstyles for spring - PLUS, expert styling instructions so you can keep those heads a-turnin' all season long!

Sexy Hairstyle #1: Super-Sleek Strands

Who's Wearing It: 
Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo Courtesy of Blog.thelasttangle.com

Jennifer Connelly

Photo Courtesy of Dailymakeover.com

Supermodel Bar Rafaeli

Photo Courtesy of Prohaircut.com

Get the Look: 

To get truly sleek strands a la Gwyneth Paltrow, prep hair with a smoothing conditioner in the shower.  Before blow-drying, be sure to use a frizz serum to minimize fly-aways and add shine to tired tresses.  Once hair is completely dry, finish with a flat-iron for the ultimate super-sleek look.  Remember, flat-irons actually smooth and flatten the hair cuticle as they straighten for high-shine, manageable locks. 

For a more voluminous, low-maintenance look, blow-dry hair straight using a round brush and skip the flat iron.  Finish with a conditioning shine spray.

Sexy Hairstyle #2:  Bodacious Bedhead
Who's Wearing It:
Models on the Derek Lam Runway

Photo Courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Models on the Peter Som Runway

Photo Courtesy of Marieclaire.com

Models on the Cynthia Steffe Runway

Photo Courtesy of Marieclaire.com

Get the Look: 

The easiest way to get this sexy, undone look is to wash and dry hair before bed.  Apply a texturizing spray or pomade to damp hair before blow-drying with a diffuser for a tousled, wavy finish.  Go to bed, get a good night's sleep... and wake up to one of this season's sexiest hairstyles!  If your hair goes truly haywire while you're getting your zzz's, wake up and shake hair out by flipping your head over and finger combing.  When you're right-side-up again, loosely position strands for a perfectly bodacious bedhead! 

If your hair is ultra-straight and/or fine, use a large barrel curling iron after applying texturizer and blow-drying with your diffuser.  To add volume and achieve the ultimate in undone chic, only curl random 1 inch sections of the hair before finger combing.  Et Voila!  The Bodacious Bedhead! 

Sexy Hairstyle #3:  The Sophisticated Chignon
Who's Wearing It:
Amy Adams

Photo Courtesy of Onsugar.com

Zooey Deschanel

Photo Courtesy of celebhairstyle.com

Carrie Underwood

Photo Courtesy of Fancypromhairstyles.com

Get the Look:  

To get this season's most sophisticated hairstyle, wash and condition hair with volumizing shampoo and conditioner.  These products will add volume (shocker, right?) and give the hair a bit more texture for a long-lasting look.  Add volumizing mousse to damp hair before blow-drying upside down.  For the sleekest chignon, flat-iron only face-framing strands and those at the crown of your head.  These will be smoothed over the top for a polished result.  Do not flat-iron the rest of your hair, as this will rob tresses of the volume and texture required to secure this hairstyle.  Tease hair at the crown for added drama before smoothing flat-ironed pieces over the top and gathering hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.  Use a large-barrel curling iron to add soft waves to hair - this will go a long way towards making the look last.  Using the curl of the hair, loosely wind 1 inch sections and secure near the base of the ponytail using bobby pins.  Be sure to position strands all the way around the base of the ponytail to cover your elastic band and create a rounded shape.  Finish the look with a medium-to-firm hold hairspray. 

Make this look even hotter by adding a jeweled barrette in an unexpected spot... You've never looked so sophisticated! 

Sexy Hairstyle #4:  Braided Beauty
Who's Wearing It:
Blake Lively

Photo Courtesy of Allhairstyles.info

Ashley Greene

Photo Courtesy of Shortlonghairstyles.com

Jessica Alba

Photo Courtesy of Shortlonghairstyles.com

Get the Look: 

For a bohemian-chic style like Blake Lively's, begin by applying a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-drying upside down for a minute or so (aiming the dryer at roots only).  This will give hair a slightly mussed look and add volume at the roots, where you need it most!  Braid random sections of hair (2-3 1/2 inch sections are all you need) and secure at the ends with an elastic band.  Either leave braids loose or, for a more subtle style, use bobby pins to secure braids behind your ear.  Arrange loose hair over the braids to hide pins.  This way you're left with just a peak of bohemian-chic!

To add interest to an updo like Jessica Alba, style as usual and then braid (french is best, if you can manage it) right at the hairline.  To keep this style from looking too little-girly, braid one side only.  Gather hair as desired - a low bun or chignon makes this look polished and sophisticated, while a teased ponytail just below the crown is super-fun and very of-the moment! 

For Ashley Greene's low-key look, simply gather hair near the nape of your neck, slightly to one side and loosely braid the hair, securing with an elastic band.  Leave a couple inches of hair loose at the end and pull out a few face-framing strands - That's how all the cool kids are wearing it these days!


Sexy Hairstyle #5:  The Undone Side Bun
Who's Wearing It:
Taylor Swift

Photo Courtesy of Onsugar.com

Kerry Russell

Photo Courtesy of Hairstylezine.com

Eva Longoria

Photo Courtesy of Stylebakeryteen.com

Get the Look:

To achieve this oh-so-pretty, ultra-feminine updo, begin by applying a texturizing spray to damp hair, from roots to tips.  Blow-dry hair upside down for added volume at the roots.  Separate hair into 1 inch sections and curl with a medium-barrel curling iron, starting 1-3 inches below roots.  After misting hair with a shine-enhancing, light-hold hairspray and letting it dry completely, shake curls out with your fingers.  Now, pull hair into an ultra loose side ponytail near the nape of your neck.  Create a super-loose bun and secure with bobby pins.  Pull a few pieces out for that perfectly imperfect finish.  If desired, you can also pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look a bit more.

For added panache, attach a soft flower or ribbon to the side of the bun with bobby pins.

Accent spring's vibrant, colorful makeup looks with these super-sexy, easy-to-achieve hairstyles as seen on runways and celebrities alike.  Keep your admirers guessing by trying them all... OR, if you're a creature of habit, choose your favorite and perfect it for a signature style that's all your own.  Either way, you're sure to be right on trend this season... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balms

This week we've chosen to focus on an amazing product that is loved by socialites and celebrities alike.  Sold in some of the finest spas, these are truly unique balms that blur the boundaries between fragrance, skin care, and hair care.  Want to get in on the action?

Behold, perfumery's oldest tradition!  Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balms are highly fragrant, solid perfume balms, hand-poured into unique solid stone cubes (which are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS in-person!) They contain aromatherapeutic, floral extracts and essential oils in a conditioning shea butter & beeswax formula.

Unlike traditional perfumes, these can be used in a number of new and exciting ways!  Try them as a fragrance on your pulse points, for deep conditioning on dry areas (such as cuticles, feet & elbows), or as a pomade to add scent and brilliance to hair.  Imagine the possibilities!

Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balms are available in the following, positively dreamy scents:

WATER - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Water embodies all that is refreshing and restoring with notes of Linden Blossom, Coriander, Lemon and Mint. It's about reenergizing the mind and body. It's about giving into the urge to submerse yourself in...WATER.


 
 
 

 

 

 

SUN - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Sun embodies all that is warming and gentle. Sun blends notes of Vanilla, Sweet Orange, Sandalwood and Pink Grapefruit in tribute to the kindness and warmth that radiates from a mother's beautiful heart, like the rays of the ... SUN.

 
 
 

 

 

 

PETAL - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Petal is about complete innocence, loving yourself, and the rebirth of femininity. Petal blends notes of Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Lemon and Fresh Rain Accord to create a light floral scent that celebrates the very essence of being a woman, soft and gentle like a flower... PETAL.

 
 
 
 

 
 
FRESH - Zents Concreta Solid Perfume Balm in Fresh is about about feeling young, energized, beautiful, feminine and ... FRESH! Fresh has top notes of cucumber and green apple, with linden and heliotrope blended to create a euphoric fragrance that is soft and feminine.



 
 
 
 
 
Renew your body and mind with these multifunctional, deep-conditioning fragrance balms from Zents.  Deliver a one-two punch to the winter blahs: aromatherapeutic oils help to improve your outlook, while high quality conditioners help to improve the look and condition of your skin and hair!  What could be better than that?

3 Smokin' Hot Red Carpet Looks for a Swoon-Worthy Valentine's Day!

Make your sweetheart swoon this Valentine's Day with one of 3 Glamorous, Red Carpet-Inspired Looks!  

STARRING....

Who:  January Jones

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Glossy Red Lips and Peachy Cheeks with Super Sleek Hair

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Get a peachy glow like January Jones by applying Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach to the apples of your cheeks, blending color towards your hairline.  

Mimic her luscious red lips by first applying a fully pigmented lip color to the lips as a stain.  Use Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Roma Red to create a stain by dabbing the color onto lips and blending out with your ring finger.  

Follow with a high-shine, plumping gloss in a similar shade.  Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Color Shine in Sexy is perfect for creating this glossy, red pout. 

Then get super-sleek tresses by working a quarter-sized dollop of styling gel through damp strands.  Blow-dry hair with a round brush, aiming the air from the blow dryer down the shaft of your hair for sleekness and shine.  Flip ends under with a 1" barrel curling iron to complete the look. 

Who:  Mila Kunis

Where:  The 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards

What:  Well-Defined Smoky Eyes with Nude Lips and Soft Waves

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Create some Mila-esque V-Day drama by first sweeping a smoky shadow onto eyelids, blending from lash line to crease.  Try the smoky, dark shadow on the right-hand side of Sistina Tre Bella Colori Eyeshadow Collection for just the right effect.  

Bonus?  The other two shades in this palette are perfect for creating subtle daytime looks!

Define upper and lower lash lines with a deep, black pencil.  Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx creates maximum drama and can be easily "smoked-out" by using the handy smudger on the end!  Finish off those sexy eyes with 2 coats of your favorite mascara!

Lips should be neutral so eyes can take center stage.  Try Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Sugar Berry for just the right amount of universally-flattering color.

Then get tousled waves like these by first working a volumizing mousse through towel-dried hair.  Blow-dry hair upside down for maximum volume.  Next, use a 1.5" barrel curling iron to create loose, sexy waves.  Spritz with a medium-hold hairspray for staying power.  After hairspray has dried completely, rough up the look a bit by running your hands through it a few times.

Who:  Olivia Wilde

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Warm, Glowing Skin and Straight, Minimally-Styled Tresses

Photo Courtesy of Socialitelife.com

Copy Her Look:

Get a gorgeous, glowing complexion a la Olivia Wilde by first prepping the skin with a high-quality, color correcting primer.  Peach undertones lend a warm, healthy look to the skin while skin-loving ingredients create the perfect canvas for makeup.  Try Pur Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach.

Conceal dark circles and blemishes with a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone.  Each Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo comes with 2 shades in a silky, split bullet so you can customize the perfect color for you!

Glow forth and prosper by finishing your skin with a complexion-perfecting shimmer powder.  Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder adds a gorgeous warmth and luminescence to the skin.

"Low-key" is the name of the hair game!  Begin by smoothing a lightweight styling cream through damp hair to minimize frizz and give soft hold.  Blow-dry hair using a paddle brush to create a straight, shiny look.  "Touch-up" by running a flat iron over any areas that need a little extra straightening.  Skip all-over flat ironing for a loose, "un-done" look like Olivia's.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to borrow a little sparkle from the red carpet, and take your cues from today's hottest stars!  

Expert Tip:  Experiment with the looks AHEAD OF TIME to determine which suits you best.  Try executing your look a time or two before your big date to work out any kinks.   

Once you're satisfied with your hair and makeup, all you have to do is relax and SMILE! 

Staying Power: Great Tips for Looks That Last!

Photo Courtesy of celebrityblog247.com

Ever spend an incredibly long time on your hair and makeup only to discover at the end of the night that your look has fallen flat?  It's hard enough figuring out just the right hairstyle and makeup look to wear to a party without having to worry that your hair's drooping, your face looks like an oil-slick and your eyes look like those of a raccoon.  This is why I've put together these stay-put tips for makeup and hair that look just as beautiful on the way home as they did on the way out!

Use a foundation primer.

I know I've said it before and I'll say it again now: Primers are extremely useful because they create an important barrier between your skin and your makeup.  This allows your foundation to wear perfectly because it isn't disturbed by any activity on the skin's surface.  Foundation will apply more smoothly and last longer than you ever dreamed possible!  Try Pur Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach for a flattering, skin-enhancing glow.

Use an eyeshadow primer.

Perhaps this seems repetitive, I mean, a primer's a primer, right?  Well, yes and no...  An eyeshadow primer is designed specifically to be used on the delicate eye area and will help to keep both cream and powder shadows from creasing.  It also ensures that your shadows don't lose impact over time.  I like Too Faced Shadow Insurance for long-lasting eye makeup looks.

Apply powder eyeshadow on top of liquid and pencil eyeliners.

This trick sets eyeliner so it's on for the long haul!  You'll be absolutely amazed at how effective this is.  You can match the shadow to the eyeliner for a seamless look or add a pop of color to spice things up a bit.    Either way, you need a small, angled brush to apply powder shadow flawlessly over your pencil or liquid liner.  Japonesque Angled Brow Definer Brush allows you to apply just the right amount of product and creates very little "fallout."

Make friends with powder.

You may have heard that powder absorbs light, robbing you of your dewy, glowing complexion.  The first part is true...  You do want to use powder sparingly, and heed its placement if you're going for dewy-looking skin.  Sequester powder and it's light-sapping properties to your t-zone for the most dimensional look.  For maximum staying power, however, I recommend a light but thorough dusting of powder over the entire face.  For a more natural, glowing finish, try Arabella Stuart Candlelight Finishing Powder.  Its subtle sheen will add dimension that other powders don't.  Although skin may look a bit flat initially, you'll find that over time your natural oils will begin to come through and return your skin to it's glow-y state.  The best part?  This application will stay perfect all night long.

Layer powder blush over cream versions.

Cream blushes can give beautiful color and depth to cheeks and are easy to blend.  By applying a thin veil of translucent powder over cream blush, followed by a powder blush, you've created a look that will really go the distance.  In addition, the layering of products creates a more dimensional effect.  Too Faced Brightening Blushes give great color without making skin look flat.

Give styling mousse a try.

I was hesitant to put mousse in my hair at first...  I avoid hair spray like the plague and am typically very skeptical of hair products in general.  Because I hate sticky, stiff-feeling hair, I use very little "holding" product in my hair.  One exception I make is mousse.  A good, soft-hold mousse gives weightless, touchable shape to your style without feeling "product-y."  Apply mousse to damp hair from roots to tips and style as usual.  You'll be pleased with your hairstyle's new found longevity.

Take it easy on the eye cream.

Mascara smudging on you?  One of the main culprits is eye cream.  Incorrect application of eye cream can cause a whole host of eye makeup snafus.  Be sure to apply eye cream at least 15 minutes before you begin your makeup routine.  Also, avoid getting it on lashes - this can keep mascara from going on properly and result in mid-evening smudging and flaking.  Still having problems?  Try an eye gel.  These can be just as hydrating, and they tend to absorb more quickly than heavier creams.  I love Princess Livia Soothing Eye Gel with Bee Pollen.  It soaks in instantly and creates a heavenly cooling sensation that always makes me feel more awake.

Fill in lips with lip liner.

Although you've likely heard this one before, it bears repeating.  Your lips will look better for a longer period of time if you fill them in entirely with a lip liner before applying lipstick or gloss.  Not only does lip liner help to keep lipstick and/or gloss in place, but it also ensures that should your lipstick come off over the course of your evening, you will NOT be left with that dreaded ring-around-the-mouth!  Try it.  It works.  I like Jean-Michelle Stylo Pour Levres Duo - Double-Ended.  It has two great neutral shades and stays right where you put it!

Layer your fragrances.

Finally found your favorite scent?  Feel like it has disappeared by the end of the evening?  Get fragrance that lasts by layering different versions of the same scent.  Invest in the coordinating body lotion or oil for your favorite fragrance and apply it immediately after bathing.  Once your lotion/oil has absorbed into the skin, spritz or dab the perfume/eau de toilette onto pulse points for maximum payoff.  These points include wrists, throat and backs of knees.

There you have it.  My best tips and tricks for longer-lasting beauty.  Armed with these easy, stay-put techniques, you have the power to make your exit just as glamorous as your entrance. 

Happy Holidays from your friends at Cosmetique!