makeup

Ready for some deep tanning? Let’s help choose your swimwear first!

With so many trends hitting the racks every summer, shopping for swimwear can be a hard chore. To make your life easier, we have listed some basic design styles to look for to help you land the style that flatters your figure the most. Oh and we got you covered all the way to your sunscreen!

Small bust with large bottom or wide hips

 

If you are heavier on the bottom and small on top, you can easily balance your proportions by going for a padded bra in a patterned design, such as an ethnic print in line with the seventies trend. The twist bandeau style is your best friend if you have a flat to small chest. As for colors, bright or light colors are your go to choice to make the area look visually larger- add embellishments, frills or ruffles on top and you’re almost full busted!

Halter styles will enhance a small bust, it's also big on the Seventies trend right now, which makes it an ideal buy. The old faithful triangle style is suited to almost everyone - showing off both what you do and don't have. 

Keep the bottom part quiet by going for a darker solid color with no accessories. Stay away from straps and any design detail that will draw attention to your bottom. A full cover bottom is not always an ideal choice as it may make you look bigger. Look for semi coverage on the back but don’t take all the way to Brazilian bottoms. 

Bigger on top and smaller at the bottom

If you are heavier on top, keep the bra simple and clean, by choosing one that fits you perfectly in a darker solid color. Look for structured styles with hidden bust support for maximum hold.

Choose a bikini bottom with a fun print in a bold color, add frills or fringes if you’re the fun type. Another option is to go for horizontal stripes on the bottom to balance your top part. If you have short legs, stay away from boy short styles and loud colors and designs on the bottom. Take the attention away from your largest part by directing the eye elsewhere. Heart shape necklines, wrap styles and diagonal designs and prints will help to create softer lines around the bust and break up the volume a bit making you look slimmer all over.

#toastwoman #jets #laperla 

#toastwoman #jets #laperla 

Show off your curves in a Fifties silhouette - high-waisted bottoms and a retro bikini top will fit the bill perfectly. A high-waist will also help to hide any insecurities you may have with your stomach. 

 

#soutbeach #jets #plumerias #beach #coverup

#soutbeach #jets #plumerias #beach #coverup

Next, think of the cover-up style that you would like to go for. You can choose from the vast kimono trend to see through tunics. Get one in a neutral color if your swimsuit is already loud or a statement color and design if your swimsuit is basic.

Some accessories add an individual style, but don’t over clutter. Your sunglasses should do the work, an anklet or a dainty necklace if you want to but nothing more. 

Your flip-flops or sandals should coordinate with the style you’re wearing as well. Keep it sweet and simple for the beach. Nude colors will elongate your legs. Platforms may work if they’re not too high. High heels will not, they only look funny and out of place – like in an X-rated movie.

 

#beachmakeup

#beachmakeup

Beach Makeup is not an option as even waterproof will eventually smudge and go greasy. A lip stain can do. Believe it or not, men are not attracted to a contoured made up look by the pool. That goes for any glitter or shimmer on your body as well. Protect your hair with UV hair oils and a stylish hat. Wetting it before hitting the pool or the sea will save it from extra damage, as the strands will absorb less chlorine or salt when wet.

Last, your sunscreen should be your base, as you should never step out of the house without wearing it first and reapplying after swimming or showering. Try a tinted option matching your skin color if you are big on coverage, it works better than chalk white too. Finally, carry yourself in confidence -life is a beach, own it!

 

Nature unleashed: Jimmy Choo SS 2014 Advertising campaign starring Nicole Kidman

I love it when an advertising campaign captures the soul of the brand and the collection, giving you more than an "in your face" preview of the collection or the celebrity endorsement . You can see/feel that in Jimmy Choo's latest campaign starring Nicole Kidman, whom I oddly only recognised after taking a closer look at the model!

With the theme "Nature Unleashed" serving as the inspiration, the mood was set in cubist inspired perspectives, pictured in a modern jungle where neon and foliage are juxtaposed to create an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. The accessories were meant to be worn as "second skin" which I believe is evident in her sensual yet confident posing and minimal styling approach.

You can watch the behind the scenes film here

Credits: Photographer Sølve Sundsbø Stylist Ludivine Poiblanc Hair Shay Ashual Make-up Val Garland

 

 

Time to Sparkle 'n' Dazzle all the way to your finger tips!

The festive season is upon us and it’s the best time to reflect the jolly spirit from your wardrobe to your finger tips. Now is the time to add some sparkle and glitter to take your outfit from basic to glam. With Metallic colours big on the trend list, you can transform any outfit by styling with the right dose of shimmer with your bag, shoes, jewellery and nails. Repeat the sparkle with one accessory like earrings, a statement necklace or arm candy but never wear all at once, as you don't want to go overboard and risk end up looking like a walking christmas tree! Another tip, super shiny nail polish looks chicest on short, naturally shaped nails. If you are sporting those super long nails, then keep the glitter for one nail only, usually the ring nail!

The same goes the other way round, if you prefer to dazzle with an embellished dress, keep your accessories in one solid color and go easy on the bling elsewhere. You can either go loud with your nails and make a statement with the right festive colour from glistening gold to opalescent silver or play it down with a solid neutral from the deep, rich reds and blues to the ever elegant nudes to achieve the perfect balance.

Go loud with your nails, make a statement with the color, and show off your festive spirit  with Sally Hansen Holiday range.

Like all Complete Salon Manicure shades, these opulent new additions deliver seven benefits of a salon manicure in a single formula. In addition to providing a Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color and Top Coat with every stroke, Complete Salon Manicure delivers gel-like shine and chip resistance for the ultimate multi-tasking manicure. And the best feature? Their precision brush is designed to fit the curve of your cuticles and hug the contours of your nails, for better at home application  and superior wear. So even the clumsy can treat their nails to some at home pampering!

OPI latest  range of colours have an amazing variety that will match your festive mood too.

Remember, your choice of colour will either brighten up your look or down play your outfit. Go for off beat colors and try something new for the party but always choose the color that complements your skin tone first. Warm colours like Gold, oranges and anything yellow based goes best for warm skin tones and Cool colours like silver, star white and anything blue based goes best for cool skin tones. Sounds complicated? Get your colours done and be prepared to shine!

Last, add a piece of your own signature Awesome and carry yourself with confidence and style!

 

Addicted to Red!

Once upon a time, I thought red only came in one shade: red. Down the rabbit hole of Color analysis and makeup and now red is a multitude of shades that keep growing! Great news is there is a red out there for each and every complexion, season & flow! Everyone can wear red - You just need to nail the one that suits you and you will be addicted, I promise. What you really need to know is what undertone (warm or cool ), intensity ( soft to clear) and shade (light to dark) to go for. With an advanced color analysis consultation, you will find the color palette that suits you, as the best color in the world is the one that look greats on you!

ICONIC

The ruby collection from  Dolce & Gabbana is my absolute favorite ! The luxurious formulation of this Classic Cream Lipstick provides bold colour with a smoothness that is simply gorgeous. I am hooked on "Iconic", a shade that is a bit on the warmer and brighter side of red. I wear it for the day in a lighter tint by blotting with a tissue after application to help set the colour and create a softer effect. All you need to take it to night is to reapply lipstick for a more intense color effect.

Ruby Collection by Dolce & Gabbana, ICONIC

And then, a few days ago, I met Lip Maestro from Giorgio Armani at the airport... and well, it was love at first pout!

THE RED 400

This is the first lip stain I have tried with such a comfortable to die for velvet texture and a radiant matte finish. What really sold me is the non-sticky texture which offers hours of hydration and comfort with a color so intense.

My experience with other lip stains is dry, cracked lips and color that fades as you go... not so attractive. As Giorgio Armani put it, this is  the next generation of lip color. I got the shade "400 - the red". I wear it more for the night as it's a bit too intense for day.

What shade of red are you?