If you get your nails done regularly, you have probably heard about the phenomenon that is the shellac manicure. This debuted in nail salons about 6 months ago, and it is amazing!
I recently had a shellac mani done, and it was awesome. I got my nails shaped and cuticles groomed, like a regular mani, and then my nails were painted with the special shellac polish. I chose a neutral beige shade. In between coats, my hands were put under the UV box to "fix" the polish. After a base coat, two coats of polish, and a topcoat, my nails were good to go. They were dry immediately, and perfectly shiny and intact for nearly two weeks. The price was a bit more than a regular mani, but it also lasted a lot longer than a normal mani. There aren't as many colors of shellac polish yet, but you can always buy your own and take it in to your nail salon.
One of our favorite make-up artists, Luba Samrick, demonstrates how to create the perfect fall make-up look, using the lovely Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger as her model.
Like a lot of women (and especially pageant woman), I have long hair. If I don’t feel like going through the ritual of flat ironing, teasing, etc. I opt to put my hair up in a bun. Most days, this involves a couple of hair bands and about five bobby pins. That is, until I discovered Goody Spin Pins. These little darlings spin right into your hairdo and keep it in place, doing the work of a handful of bobby pins in one little doodad. I love them, and you will too! They come in two sizes (small and large) and a few colors to match the shade of your hair.
It's no secret that the fourpoints team are big fans of MAC cosmetics. My current favorite in their lineup is Cremesheen lipstick in Creme D'Nude. It's the pefect neutral for fall, for the fair skinned ladies like me and the darker complected among us. What i love about this lipstick is the full pigmentation, the shiny but not too glossy finish, and the way it feels. It's like a gorgeous chapstick, essentially—very moisturizing and comfortable to wear. There are other shades in the Cremesheen line, however, if nudes are not your thing. Check out all of MAC's lipsticks.
Bonus: If you collect 6 empty make up containers (eyeshadow, lipstick, powder, etc.) you can turn them in at any MAC counter or store for a FREE lipstick!
Image courtesy of www.maccosmetics.com
One person we like very much is Kasey Staniszewki, Miss Maryland's Outstanding TEen 2007 and stylist for La Casa Hermosa. Kasey was kind enough to give us a style tip!
This isn't technically a product you can purchase, but still - I really like this and you have to try it! Artistry has an online tool where you can upload a photo of yourself and try out different make-up looks. It is incredibly easy to use and the make-up looks very realistic. I had such fun playing with this tool and now I have a whole list of items I want to buy for in person use! Take a look at my makeover! You can do your own makeover at:
http://www.amway.com/Shop/Product/VirtualMakeover.aspx
The thorn in my side every winter is my dry, damaged hands. I was at my wit's end when I discovered Mircle Hand Repair. And let me tell you, it really is a miracle. Within days my hands were soft and smooth again. This lotion is made of 60% pure aloe and leaves a light, fresh scent while giving my hands the moisture they crave!
About a year ago, my normally straight hair started to inexplicably curl. Thanks, mother nature! While I am loving my new curly 'do, sometimes I miss my straight hair. That's when I turn to my aveda smooth infusion straightener. I only bought a sample tube, because I was skeptical, but wow! You only need a tiny bit of this product smoothed in your damp hair to make it just about stick straight and very sleek looking. I follow up with a flat iron myself, but you woudln't have to. And when I get up the next morning? My hair still looks basically perfect. This stuff packs some power!
You can purcahse this product at Aveda salons (we have a training school here in Grand Rapids) or on the Aveda website.
Check it out:
http://www.aveda.com/product/CATEGORY14959/PROD15116/Styling/Smooth_Straight/index.tmpl
Photo: www.aveda.com
“I use this in the morning or if I’ve had a long day before I go out at night, it visibly makes a difference and reduces dark circles and puffiness. Plus, it has a nice sensation when you apply it,” says Julie.
You can buy this product online or at your nearest Origins store.
Check it out:
http://www.origins.com/products/3855/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Eye-Care/index.tmpl
I absolutely love the Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick. It comes in 3 colors- yellow, green and flesh tones. Yellow hides under-eye circles so you don’t look tired after a late night out and an early morning. Green conceales red blemishes and scars. And the flesh shades cover any other minor skin imperfections. The color of the concealers is easily covered up by a face powder, bronzer or other liquid foundation. And now it comes in Gentle Cover, Powder Finish or Cream. I love it!
You can buy it at most drug stores, Target, and beauty stores like Ulta. Or buy it online by clicking here!
Pureology products are made of 100% vegan ingredients and contain no parabens or sulfates. What does that REALLY mean? Basically, that Pureology products are only made of good things that will do good things for your hair. I like the anti-fade complex because it makes my hair color last longer and look better. A little bit goes a long way with this stuff - whether it is shampoo, conditioner, or styling product. I use the PureVolume shampoo and conditioner, plus the Texture Twist to give my fine hair a little oomph. It smells good, and it's good for the environment! Love love love it!
You can find Pureology products at licensed salons and major retailers like Ulta and Sephora.
Check it out: www.pureology.com
I swear by this peachy blush. I have fair skin and it adds a lovely flushed look to my cheeks without being too sparkly. And even better, this color would look great on all skin tones, from fair like me to those of you with darker skin.
It smells wonderful and comes with a quality brush for application. It is a bit pricey, but I've been using it for roughly a year and I am only halfway through the box.
You can buy this blush at speciality stores like Sephora or Ulta.
If there is a beauty product you swear by, let me know! Send me an e-mail to julieanne@spmags.com.