Fall make-up collections pushed the limits this year. Dior’s look was very “Goth,” Gucci’s, “Rock” and Versace’s indefinable, but startling with “sapphire” eye shadow heavy on the lids. Not to my taste! To my relief, one trend that appeared everywhere that’s always great and works at any age was RED LIPS. A source of seduction, lips have become the source of attention. Nothing is more attractive than a wonderful laugh and a big smile. My best advice is to focus on creating a stunning smile with well-hydrated, beautifully contoured, glossy lips. Stand out, be bold, GO RED! For a fair skin chose a red with blue undertones; for a medium skin chose a warm red, for an olive skin chose a brown-based red.
Eyeliner is hot too. But there is no need to blacken your eyes like Gucci’s rock stars. Rather outline eyelids—upper and lower—with a soft eye pencil to extend or lift the external corners of the eyes. If you like to match your eyeliner with your eye shadow, simply wet an eyeliner brush and use your powder eye shadow as an eyeliner.
But remember before applying make up, skincare is of the utmost importance. Say good-bye to bar soap and the washcloth and embrace a daily skin care regimen appropriate to your age and skin type. Never go to sleep without cleansing your skin beforehand as going to bed with make-up is damaging. A thorough cleansing removes oils and pollutants that build up over the day and clog the pores during the night. A balancing toner that protects the skin from dehydration should follow the deep cleansing. A day moisturizer helps protect the skin from harmful environmental factors, and a night moisturizer helps soothe and regenerate the skin. You will be surprised what an effect fifteen minutes—morning and evening—of pampering will have on your skin. There will be a visible difference!
These days there is a wide range of products to choose from - inexpensive drugstore brands to designer skin-care lines. All are effective. So no more excuses!
Think of make-up as a tool that adds allure to your natural beauty. A touch of color correctly applied can make cheekbones appear more sculpted, eyes larger and lips fuller and more sensual.
I know the vast choices out there can be confusing and we all have made costly mistakes. When I work with a client, we have a great time. I listen to her personal and professional needs, what impression she would like to convey, and in many cases, I take her right to the appropriate vendor and make sure she gets the products that best suit her skin, color, and pocketbook. I am passionate about helping women to see how wonderful they can look and watching their self-confidence grow in the process. Visit me at http://www.michelebenza.com.
The following are my personal preferences: [most are available at department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom; specialty stores such as Sephora, Bare Escentuals, L’Occitane; and, in many cases, on-line]
- Eye makeup remover: L’Occitane – IMMORTELLE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
- Cleanser: Cle de Peau – LOTION DEMAQUILLANTE (in the PM)
- Facial Cleansing Gel: Nuxe – GEL NETTOYANT VISAGE (in the AM) http://www.nuxe.com
- Toner: Guerlain – ISSIMA SUCCESS MODEL SMOOTHING TONER (AM & PM)
- Day Moisturizer: Guinot – 777 – available at http://www.guinot.com
- Night moisturizer: Guinot - CRÈME ENERGIE LIFT
- Eyecream: Revive – INTENSITE LES YEUX
- Makeup base: Clarins – BEAUTY FLASH BALM
- Concealer: Nars - LIPSTICK-LIKE TUBE
- Foundation: Bare Escentuals – BARE MINERALS FOUNDATION
- Cream eye shadow: Nars
- Powder eye shadow: Nars
- Eye liner: Chanel – PRECISION EYE DEFINER
- Mascara: YSL – INTENSE LENGTHENING MASCARA
- Blush: Nars – POWDER BLUSH
- Lipstick: Nars – VELVET MAT LIP PENCIL
- Lip-gloss: Chanel – LUMIERE INTENSE
Believe in your own beauty, be well.
Michele
