Pretty in Pastels
When it comes to trends, what says spring more than pastels? Gorgeous pale shades were all over the runways, so we’ve hand-picked the most stylish pastel fashion items, accessories and beauty products for you to try this spring.
Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Dab, $24
This matte cream pigment has amazing coverage as an eye shadow and is super easy to apply with your fingertips or a brush. It’s a perfect way to try out a pastel purple look!
Nars Blush in Gaeity, $28
Nars has become the authority for blush. Get cheeky with this pastel-y pink.
Bobbi Brown Cream Lip Color in Pale Mauve, $23
Pale pastel lips are so mod. For Twiggy-esque lips, try Bobbi Brown’s cream lip color.
Essie Love & Acceptance Nail Polish, $8
This new shade is actually from Essie’s wedding collection, but even if you aren’t tying the knot, you will love this dainty color.
LC Lauren Conrad Platform High Heels, $38.99
Adorable AND affordable, these suede pumps from Lauren Conrad’s line for Kohl’s look great with jeans or a dress…the pale pink easily matches with many outfits.
Diane von Furstenberg Rina Top, $245
DVF’s famous wrap dresses…now in blouse form and in an on-trend pastel purple. Pair it with linen pants on the weekend or throw a blazer over it for the office.
Rag & Bone Midrise Ankle Zip Seafoam Jeans, $188
Rag & Bone just makes the BEST skinny jeans in amazing colors. The zippered ankle adds an edgy detail that looks fab paired with a leather jacket.
cut25 Matte Jersey Cut-Out Dress, $355
How amazing is this shift? In a basic shape with sexy cut-outs and a gorgeous color, this frock is the ultimate party dress.
3.1 Phillip Lim Lark Small Duffel, $875
If you find yourself always wearing black, try the pastel trend with a muted statement bag like this one from 3.1 Phillip Lim.
How to Go Nude
If you’ve ever applied nude makeup you probably know what it means to look washed out, or worse, like you haven’t done a thing. “A lot of women thinks nude means pale,” said Kimberly Soane, Bobbi Brown’s director of global artistry, when nude is actually about highlighting your natural skin tone. Here are some tips on how to get this timeless, goes-with-everything look.
The Best Nude Lipsticks, Glosses and Pencils
Lips
The key to nude lips is choosing a shade with a hint of color. You’re not trying to neutralize your entire face. Needless to say, the color of your skin tone determines what product you choose, but the idea is to brighten your pout.
For pale skin, try a peachy-pink color; for olive skin tones, choose a warm color with gold or caramel undertone, like NARS Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil ($24; available April 15 at Narscosmetics.com); and for darker skin choose a deep honey or light coffee color.
Nails
A nude polish is a universally flattering color that works with every outfit. Yep, all of ’em. The nice thing about a neutral nail is that you don’t necessarily have to wear polish; if you’re happy with your natural nail, just add a glossy coat.
But a nude nail can look very bridal, and while we adore the classic imagery, it might not be ideal on a day-to-day basis. Choosing a good color depends on how bold you want to go; we like the beige-colored Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect polish in Dune ($5.50, Drugstore.com). As long as the color appears natural and makes your nails look healthier than before, you’ve perfected a nude nail.
Editor’s Picks: The Best Spring Lipsticks
Skin
The idea with nude skin is to enhance your natural skin tone and draw out your best facial features. “When you create a makeup [look] based on the tones already found in your face, you will, in fact, create your perfect personal nude,” said Soane. Like choosing the right blush: “If you pinch your cheek, that will be your perfect nude blush,” she added.
Also note that your skin’s nude will change with the seasons. What works in winter may not work in the summer. We really like Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder ($50, Bobbibrown.com). After you’ve applied your makeup, dust this powder across your face lightly to blend colors and add a little evening sparkle to your face.
Eyes
The fantastic thing about a nude eye is that it kills two birds with one stone: hides dark circles and adds a little color to your face at the same time. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can use a nude shadow to conceal a rough night’s sleep. Select a color almost identical to your skin tone and apply generously to your lids.
To draw attention to your eyes and enhance their natural color, follow the same color guidelines that you did for your lips. Try Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Nude ($11, Ulta.com), a product with nine shades to help you figure out which one matches your tone.
Have you mastered the nude look yet?
Photo: Frederic Cirou @ PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections
 DailyMakeover.com from Makeover Solutions, Inc., is the web’s leading beauty information site, providing virtual makeover technology and content for women to create personalized makeovers. DailyMakeover.com’s virtual Makeover Studio enables users to see themselves wearing numerous hairstyles, makeup shades and fashion accessories to create their best makeovers, which can be saved, printed, or emailed. DailyMakeover.com is headquartered in New York City. |
Cornelia Guest on Eco Style & Her New Vegan Accessories Line
Cornelia Guest, the daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest is a well-known philanthropist and entrepreneur. Cornelia’s passion for animals and nature are the sources of inspiration for her business ventures. Her most recent project is the launch of an amazing line of eco-conscious handbags. She also has a vegan catering business called Cornelia Guest Events with delicious and healthy dishes, many of which are made from produce selected at her own garden located in Old Westbury, NY. Named by Donna Karan as “One of the Women Who Inspire”, I am excited to share what Cornelia has been up to lately and of course get some of her green tips and product picks.
MM: Tell us a little about your new handbag and accessories line.
CG: I wanted to create an intelligent alternative; a line of accessories that used no animals, was luxurious, and very wearable, that you can take all day to all night.
MM: Where is it available for purchase and what is the price range?
CG: It’s available at Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdales.com, Target, Tootsies, C.Orrico and boutiques around the country. A list of stores is available on CorneliaGuest.com. All under $350.00.
MM: Three words to describe the collection?
CG: Humane, affordable, beautiful.
MM: Most of the vegan handbags on the market are lacking in style- how did you do it, and so well- I love them!
CG: Thank you. It’s a compilation of all the things I love and I asked lots of my friends for help!
MM: A lot of people hear the words “cruelty-free” tossed around, what exactly does that mean to you?
CG: “Cruelty-free” means “humane.” No animals are ever hurt while making my products. My cookies are also cruelty-free. My book, which is coming out June 12, 2012, “Simple Pleasures,” is a humane, cruelty-free lifestyle book.
MM: What are some of your favorite vegan finds?
CG: Clothing: Stella McCartney
Restaurants: NYC Angelika Kitchen, Organic Avenue
Shoes: I’m working on my own. That’s my next task.
MM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
CG: Badgley Mischka, St. John, J.Crew, Levi’s, American Apparel
MM: How would you describe your personal style?
CG: My style is humane and classic with a twist.
MM: Name three of your eco-conscious staples?
CG: Fine & Raw Chocolate, Juice Press, CleanWell sanitizing wipes, and Dr. Frank Lipman’s Sustain Protein Supplement powder for smoothies.
MM: What’s in your make-up bag?
CG: Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara, MAC VivaGlam because it goes to AIDS charity, lypo-spheric vitamin C.
MM: What type of skincare do you use?
CG: Joanna Vargas — all her products, and I swear by her facials!
MM: What about hair care? Yours always looks so good!
CG: Wen. I LOVE their shampoo and Nikki Ray at AKS Salon cuts it.
MM: What do you do to de-stress?
CG: Pilates, dance, play with my dogs. I love the water. The ocean is the best de-stresser ever!
MM: What tips do you have for someone who would like to transition to a vegan lifestyle?
CG: Find what humane, cruelty-free products you like and slowly start to incorporate them into your daily life. Bit by bit, baby steps grow into big steps.
 Cornelia Guest has been passionate about animals and nature since she was a child. Her passion is reflected in every aspect of her life including her philanthropy, animal activism, and business enterprises.In 2009 she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cornelia Guest Cookies, catering high-end charity and entertainment events with healthy, vegan dishes. Her mission is to encourage and inspire people to be conscious of the diet choices they make in their daily lives.Cornelia is currently designing her own line of jewelry, as well as a collection of animal-friendly handbags, wallets and dog accessories made with a vegan alternative to leather; both lines are scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011.Daughter of American fashion icon CZ Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia has been able to use her media attention and professional contacts to support Humane Society of New York, and was named by Donna Karan as one of the Women Who Inspire. Cornelia is also an advocate for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality and hosted their fall 2010 event with Mayor Bloomberg. |
Rachel Roy: What Every Woman Needs in Her Wardrobe PLUS Travel, Style and Beauty Must-haves
Rachel Roy is a dynamic fashion designer whose pieces have been seen on every leading lady from Michelle Obama, Diane Sawyer, Jennifer Garner, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson. I met Rachel at a recent event and was blown away by her support of entrepreneurial women and charity. The gorgeous native Californian, whose personal beauty shines through every one of her designs has worked in the fashion industry since her teenage years as a sales girl– which she calls her early market research! Before designing her own line, she styled magazine shoots, music videos and was creative director for Rocawear. Since the launch of her Rachel Roy line in Spring 2005, Rachel has had a whirlwind of success including being inducted into the CFDA, appearing on Oprah, and launching RACHEL Rachel Roy, a diffusion line sold exclusively at Macy’s. Rachel shared with me what she has been up to lately and offered some of her best tips and products picks!
MM: You have a very interesting background. How has that influenced you as a designer?
RR: I’ve always loved fashion and taking risks in both what I wear and what I design as this has been a guiding principle for me. I’ve never let fear paralyze me but rather let my passion drive me. One of my goals is to help other women realize this as well.
MM: We are so excited about your new collection, what was your inspiration for FW 2012?
RR: My fall 2012 collection is inspired by the documentary Women in the Dirt which highlights the works of seven award- winning women who have made their mark in the field of landscape architecture and are changing our world. From this, the idea of modern landscape architecture and the influence of nature was really interesting to me– balancing the clean lines of landscapes and natural colors and interesting material combinations and details.
MM: What are 3 items you always have on hand during fashion week?
RR: Yoga mat- I practice yoga two to three times a week. The meditation helps me stay centered. Music- it’s one of the quickest routes to dream and always inspires me. Candles- the comforting and continuous glow of a Jo Malone candle while I work is a must.
MM: How do you unwind after such a whirlwind week?
RR: Take a breath, thank my staff and then off for some R & R. First I sleep and then I have a proper meal since I have been living off coffee and sugar for the past two weeks preparing for the show. I’ll spend some quality time with my daughters, visit the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza Hotel for one of my favorite facial treatments, and lounge at home and watch re-runs of The Office or Modern Family. Then it’s right back into designing the next collection!
Rachel Roy’s Best Summer Beauty Tips
With a focus on summer getaways, we sat down with designer Rachel Roy, and she gave us the scoop on her Summer Beauty Must Haves for a weekend on the beach. Below are her personal tricks to looking bright, fresh and flawless.
What makeup do you carry with you for a weekend getaway?
I always carry Burberry Lip Cover NO.04 in Rosewood and Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
Buy Now, Burberry Lip Cover NO.04 in Rosewood, $30
Buy Now, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick compact, $39
Buy Now, Estée Lauder TurboLash Mascara, $32
How do you keep your make-up in tact during a day on the beach?
I don’t wear any! On the beach I stick with Strawberry Lip Smacker by Bonne Bell
Buy Now, Strawberry Lip Smacker by Bonne Bell, $2
Buy Now, Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne, $60
Buy Now, Clarins Spray- SPF 50, $32
How do you style your hair for a day on the beach?
I usually wear my hair down with little maintenance or pull it back in a pony. One of my fave summer products is KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum– I’m obsessed! It combines natural botanical extracts from India with state-of-the-art technology and makes your hair so shiny and reduces frizz (an essential with beach air!) To me, the perfect beach look is tousled, easy, loose waves- similar to the look that Gisele Bundchen has perfected!
Buy Now, KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum, $26.50
Do you change your makeup and fashion routine in the summertime?
Yes! During the summer I definitely channel my bohemian chic favorites – for example Raquel Welch, Bianca Jagger and Miss Trinidad, all circa the 1970’s. In terms of summer fashions, I love high-waisted denim, men’s style blouses out of sheer cotton and long maxi skirts and dresses.
What do you always make sure to pack when you travel somewhere warm?
My must-haves when traveling somewhere warm are my Indian thong sandals, vintage 501 men’s Levi’s, a perfectly worn in brown leather belt, white tank tops, Theodora and Callum boutique print wraps and sarongs, gold door knockers and always my gold Manon body chain.
What are your three summer essentials?
1. My iPod- such a must for a day on the beach. See my summer playlist- it’s on RachelRoy.com now!
2. Tunics- they are not only easy to wear in the summer time- but also serve as a great beach cover up. There are some in my Rachel Roy pre-fall collection that I am living in.
3. Lotion- I mix Jo Malone Rose-Scented Lotion with Chanel NO. 5 Lotion as my summer perfume – after a tan it’s really all you need!
Buy Now, Jo Malone Rose-Scented Lotion, $65
Buy Now, Chanel NO. 5 Lotion, $50
 Rachel Roy approaches the design of her eponymous collection with a feminine and modern point of view. Her goal is to create clothing for women who embrace fashion and dress with an effortless elegance and confidence. The results encapsulate a fresh version of glamour that evades the standard protocol for dressing today.
Originally from California, Rachel attended college in Washington DC. Upon graduation, Rachel pursued her passion for design, and moved to New York City to work freelance; styling magazine shoots and music videos. Rachel launched her career at Rocawear and quickly rose to become Creative Director overseeing seven licensees and running all of the design departments and their teams for Rocawear Juniors and Girls. Rachel launched her own collection, Rachel Roy New York, in Spring 2005. With striking silhouettes, a sophisticated color palette and inventive pairings which transition from day to evening, Rachel’s iconic and versatile pieces – the trench dress, the dinner blouse, the day-to-night dress – have become must-have pieces in women’s closets. In one of the fashion industries highest honors, Rachel was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2007. A frequent contributor to fashion stories in various publications, Rachel has been featured as a columnist for InStyle magazine, covered Oscar fashion for EXTRA TV on the red carpet, and has appeared on episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s Next Top Model, and Project Runway. Rachel volunteers her time with a number of organizations including New Yorkers For Children and OrphanAid for Africa. In 2009, Rachel was recognized by the Accessories Council with an ACE AWARD for best brand launch for RACHEL Rachel Roy. Roy has garnered editorial acclaim for both her lines in publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Vanity Fair, Glamour and InStyle. Michelle Obama, Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Iman, Halle Berry, Sheryl Crow, Estelle, Jessica Alba and Gwyneth Paltrow among others have worn pieces from Rachel’s collections. |
Buy Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Powder Pink
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Buy Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks in Powder Pink, $22, at bobbibrowncosmetics.com
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Buy Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest Shimmer, $21
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Buy Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Forest Shimmer, $21, at bobbibrowncosmetics.com
Shop the Full Story: |
