Beauty — Page 16

Beauty Pick: Essie Winter’s 2013 Holiday Nail Polish Collection

November 29, 2013 by admin 3 Comments

A nice set of beautiful nails is always a must for the trendsetting woman. When it comes to beautiful shades for your fingertips, Essie is the go-to choice for fashionistas everywhere. As the seasons changes and the cold weather begins to settled in, it’s important to have your nails look the part to complete that chic winter ensemble to battle the chilly temperatures.

“Shearling Darling and “Parka Perfect” images courtesy of imabeautygeek.com

For their winter 2013, the talented beauty maven decided to shake things up for her holiday collection with six gorgeous shades of vivid colors that stand out with any outfit. From the dark teal blue of “Mind Your Mittens” to the sky-blue shades of “Parka Perfect,” each color has it own shimmer and sparkle for the holiday season. “Toggle to the Top” is a glittering raspberry tone that has the holiday glisten, and is ideal for the office holiday party or your grand New Year’s Eve blowout celebration. “The Saber Collar” absolutely glows with a rich tone of reddish brown for a sophisticated look and the “Shearling Darling” stands out from the rest of the pack with its tempting dark red hue.

Image courtesy of beautezine.com

Whether it’s a causal day at the office or you’re celebrating the final moments of 2013 with your loved ones, your nails will be on point this season with Essie Winter. The Essie Winter 2013 collection is now available at your local beauty store. For more information, go to essie.com.

—Dana E. Givens

Beauty Pick: EcoGenics’ Active Botanical Skin Care

November 23, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

The quest for flawless skin care can be an arduous journey filled with abortive attempts to achieve great-looking skin, trying an array of products that never really produce satisfactory results. You have to take the time to access the ingredients are in your skin-care products and figure out what works best in achieving glowing skin. Beauty specialist Ann McDonnell has spent over 25 years working in the cosmetics industry helping women achieve beautiful skin. “I’d been getting valuable feedback for years,” said McDonnell. “It was clear that there were needs that weren’t being met.” Accessing the overwhelming demand from her clients and realizing that there was a need that wasn’t being met, McDonnell developed the holistic skin care system that combines scientific research and natural ingredients that renders great results and also doesn’t harm your skin.

Ann McDonnell courtesy of ecogenics.com

The name EcoGenics gives light to the scientifically advanced system that utilizes of the cryolitic process and natural plant ingredients to create a unique skin care process that produces effective results. According to McDonnell, this technology both extracts the maximum volume that also preserves the highest percentage of the beneficial plant enzymes in each product. “These are two of the things that make EcoGenics so unique.” she goes on to describe her botanical beauty regime. From the nourishing skin serum to the redefining herbal facial bath, EcoGenics will leave your skin radiant so when you step outside your door you’re positively glowing. “The woman using the system will find that her complexion becomes brighter, softer, and more even-toned,” details McDonnell. Another benefit of the line is that it contains no animal ingredients, nor involves any testing on animals and it is also paraben-free.

Images courtesy of ecogenics.com

EcoGenics products help protect, repair and regenerate the skins collagen and elastin composition. This results in increased firmness and elasticity as well as accelerating the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. EcoGenics’ unique system is formulated with high concentrations of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help skin retain moisture to keep your complexion looking fresh and radiant. This unique combination of natural ingredients and scientifically advanced technologies work in synergy to support skin’s collagen and elastin structure to bring a beautiful new life to you skin.

To know what products to choose, McDonnell has customers fill out a seven-question profile. This profile helps determine which regimen is appropriate for each customer.

Image courtesy of ecogenics.com

The EcoGenics line is now available on the online store. The products range in price from $20 to $85. Gift sets are also available just in time to make the perfect for the holidays.

For more information, go to ecogenics.com.

—Dana E. Givens

With GlyTerra You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

October 8, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

“Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of.” Or so the adage goes. But guess what? The wrinkles on your face are also the result of sugar.

Surprised? You should be, but it’s not only the white granular sugar or the sugar you get from candy bars and soft drinks. We are also talking about the glucose in your body that is the result of a bowl of pasta, a slice of bread, fruit; even excess protein. But that is not a bad thing; all these foods need to turn into glucose in our bodies to give us energy. Still, through a process called glycation, creating glycotoxins that produce wrinkles on even the most religiously sun-screened skin, sugar ages the skin.

Huh, doesn’t make sense? Let’s examine more closely. “When a sugar molecules binds to a protein it creates advanced glycation end products (AGEs). That bound molecule has a fluorescent property. We now have a diagnostic measure that can tell have much fluorescence there is in the skin and how many of the AGEs have built up. If you look at the skin of a baby using these diagnostic measures, there is no fluorescence, but if you look at an adult, they light up like a Christmas tree, full of these AGE,” explains Dr. Amy Heaton, director of scientific affairs for SanMedica International.

When the protein fibers in your skin link up with AGEs, discoloration occurs and the skin becomes less supple which results in wrinkles and sagginess. Even Dr. Oz concurs, “With the glycosylation of collagen, the collagen in your skin becomes less elastic and stiffer than a happy-hour martini.”

Wouldn’t it be great to have a product that scientifically dealt with one of the main causes of wrinkles, AGEs, and but also help shield your skin from further damage? And wouldn’t be great to be able to keep eating pasta, carbs and the cakes and pies we all love without thinking about how those processed and natural sugars are aging us?

GlyTerra to the rescue!! “In multiple clinical studies we take the AGE readings from these diagnostic tests and apply these tests to your chronological age. I can take these reading and accurately tell your skin’s chronological age, without actually looking at you. With this database of information, we have developed a product, theraglycan-3, that can reduce sagginess, lines and wrinkles by 8 to 10 years in 2 months by helping to eliminate AGEs,” details Dr. Amy Heaton. “Studies show that by using a product that contains theraglycan-3 twice a day, women saw an 8 to 10 year reduction in sagginess, jawline curvature, and wrinkles.”

GlyTerra contains theraglycan-3 and also has all the other anti-aging ingredients you will find in top-line brands. The GlyTerra night cream contains 4% theraglycan-3 and the day cream contains 2% theraglycan-3 cream. “GlyTerra also has a cactus moisturizer that helps keep moisture in the skin, also ingredients for deep wrinkles, lines and sagginess. In a nutshell, you will not need any other ant-aging products. For the first time you will not only see results on your skin but we actually have diagnostic tools that can measure the results” further explains. Dr. Heaton.

SanMedica International, one of the fastest growing research-based cosmeceutical companies in the world, has exclusive rights to this product, under the trademarked name GlyTerra, and has made this product available to consumers at $135 for more one-month supply. This affordable price is a fraction of the cost of high-end, anti-aging product that purport to do the same thing.

A stand-alone, topical product that is affordable, easy to use and you can still devour those delicious cookies and cakes; within moderation. Sounds like a win-win!!

Sugar and spice and everything nice [fewer wrinkles], that’s what little girls [and big girls] are made of!!

GlyTerra is available at Ulta stores and online. For more information, go to glyterra.com.

—William S. Gooch

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Editor’s Pick: Take Control of your Skin with Own

September 3, 2013 by admin 3 Comments

The eyes maybe the window to the soul, but your skin is a reflection on your overall health and on how the world may perceive you. Though you may have some great ensembles for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week paired with the right accessories, unhealthy skin can bring down even the most dynamic outfit.

Since 2012, Own has taken an innovative approach to skincare through combining pure formulations, enhanced by clinically-proven technology, with content and a revolutionary diagnostic app designed to measure, track and manage skin health, as well as offer anti-aging solutions at multiple levels.

Own’s foundation is in developing unique, innovative formulas that are effective in improving skin’s overall health, but without the need for harsh or toxic ingredients. Own’s clinically proven anti-aging results are achieved by using ingredients that trigger cell behavior for visible improvement in skin without the irritation, redness or flakiness that is commonly associated with retinol products.

Own products activates the body’s natural ability to simultaneously treat the main causes of aging—loss of firmness, dullness and dryness. Rather than address these concerns at a superficial level, CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) penetrates all three layers of the skin. As a result, Own’s Renewing Line has been clinically proven to boost collagen production, enhance cell turnover and improve skin’s moisture barrier for firmer, more even, softer skin.

Images courtesy of Susan Mangino PR

Still, Own goes beyond products that you apply to your skin. Own understands that maintaining healthy skin is deeply connected with nutrition and overall wellness. Based on that premise, Own has come up with an innovative app that synchronizes the user’s skin with personalized information that helps them make wiser choices to realize their potential for their best younger, healthier looking skin.

Free to download from Apple’s iTunes store, Google Play, and www.ownproducts.com, My Own App analyzes a photograph of the user and provides a clinical evaluation of the major signs of aging—fine lines, deep lines, eye area wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation—along with nutrition, wellness and beauty recommendations based on individual aging results.

Own products are currently available nationwide at Ulta, select Whole Foods, Amazon and www.ownproducts.com. Own is also distributed in other major natural independent distributors throughout the country. Products retail between $12.00 and $24.99.

—Staff

Beauty Tip: Achieve a Sculpted Face with Contouring

August 5, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Image courtesy of makeupbymario.com

Let’s face it, most women desire higher check bones, a slender nose and a well defined jaw line; well you don’t have to visit a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon to make that dream a reality. Skip that dreaded six week recovery time; with makeup contouring you can give your face a mini makeover without resorting to plastic surgery!

Makeup contouring has been one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets to achieving a visually stunning and natural appearance. From old Hollywood bombshells like Gene Tierney that used the technique to enhance her features on black and white film, to Salma Hayek that relied on makeup contouring for a slimmer facial appearance after the birth of her daughter. Even Claire Danes, who appears on the August cover of American Vogue, has employed contouring to make her cheekbones more prominent and give a classic strength to her jaw line. And, if you want to achieve a more angular, dramatic visage to match the “Punk Chic” trend, that’s so evident on fall/winter catwalks from Milan to New York, facial contouring is just the technique to assist in achieving that look.

Image courtesy of makeupbymario.com

Honestly, we can’t think of a more perfectly symmetrical and sculpted face than Kim Kardashian’s. The truth is she isn’t lying on daily tanning on Tahitian beaches to achieve the sun kissed glow that many envy, but she does rely on a popular industry makeup artist with the Midas touch.

Fashion Reverie recently caught up with celebrity and editorial makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, who has worked in the beauty industry for over a decade to discuss his signature contouring technique. “Contouring is a technique used to slim facial features, which is normally done together with highlighting; I love when a face looks clean and flawless,” says Mario Dedivanovic.

Have no fear, despite the fact that contouring was once only executed by industry pros; Mario assures that you can achieve the look on your own, but there are a few things to consider. “The texture (cream or powder) and the product shades. It’s best to not contour with very dark shades, instead opt for a color a couple of shades deeper than your skin tone,” details Mario. A very important element to remember is that anything that is lighter than the skin tone will make an area more prominent, whereas anything darker will give the area depth, providing more of a sculpted look. Mario encourages creating your own shade, “I always mix different concealers, try Laura Mercier … it’s one of my favorites.”

Image courtesy of kimkardashian.com

As you know, everyday makeup often has the ability to rob your skin of its natural shading, leaving that dreadful ashy appearance, contouring comes to the rescue by manipulating shadows to resurrect your skin. The reality is that we’re introduced to so many new products every season that it leaves us with a monumental decision… “save or splurge,” well splurge, splurge, splurge on quality primers, concealers, foundations, and powders! “I love so many different products and I’m always trying new things. Shiseido powders, MAC eyeshadows, Armani foundations, and the all over highlighter I created for Giella Cosmetics called Eye M Glam,” says Mario.

Image of Mario Dedivanovic courtesy of makeupbymario.com

Mario’s Picks

Winning the ‘Perfect Match’ #1 Makeup Artist’s Choice” for 10th year in a row, Giorgio Armani ‘Luminous Silk’ Foundation’s hydrating fluid glides on seamlessly with a silky texture and all-day, buildable coverage. Honestly, Armani can do no wrong! Giorgio Armani ‘Luminous Silk’ Foundation’s retails for $60 at Nordstrom.

Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

Singlehandedly one of the most important products to own, Shiseido Translucent Loose Powder Maintains a satin smooth finish that keeps pores and uneven surface texture concealed provides a satin smooth finish to your skin.Maintains a satin smooth finish that keeps pores and uneven surface texture concealed Shiseido Translucent Loose Powder retails for $35 at Shiseido.com.

Image courtesy of shisedo.com

Mario is not only known for making celebs beautiful, but also his editorial work in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue, and Allure (to name a few,). It comes as no surprise that the makeup master himself would create a highlighting crème for contouring. Eye M GLAM is made with mineral pigments that diffuse light and make the skin look more luminous. Eye M GLAM is available for$35 at Giella.com.

Image courtesy of makeupbymario.com

Without a doubt, whether you want the appearance of stunning check bones at a black tie gala or you desire a golden glow for your vacation in Capri, makeup contouring is a versatile and timeless technique.

—Chandia Brennen

Bold Lipsticks that Protect and Moisturize

July 18, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Summer is in full effect and to stand out in this heat wave, your look has to be flawless. There’s nothing better than a pop of color added to that trendy summer ensemble to make you stand out in the crowd. Entice onlookers with luscious lips covered in bold shades of vibrant color. “If I walk outside without lipstick, I feel naked … Lipsticks brighten your face,” says bombshell actress Sofia Vergara. Fashion Reverie agrees. Whether it’s a girl’s night out or a casual day at the office, loud lip color can take any look from memorable to absolutely glamorous.

Image courtesy of MAC cosmetics

Lipstick comes in a variety of shades but the ones that grabbed Fashion Reverie’s attention and leaves the most memorable impressions are vibrant summer shades that take your look to the next level. International pop star, Rihanna created a frenzy when she released her first lipstick from her collaboration with beauty giant, MAC affectionately called ‘RiRi Woo’ that sold out in 2 hours when it was released earlier in the summer. “Whatever color you want, it’s like ‘Let’s go to MAC.'” explained Rihanna in a recent telegraph.co.uk article about her collaboration with MAC. “I’ve been using MAC on tour for such a long time it was a natural fit for me. I have always loved make-up, and I always said that if I do it, I want to do it with a credible brand.” Well, Rihanna did it, and the classic bold red lip color was only the first of a fabulous trio of chic lipstick featuring a vivid shade of lavender called ‘RiRi Boy’ and brilliant berry color called ‘Heaux,’ all retailing at about $17.

If these three lovely shades of infallible lip color aren’t enough to fill your beauty cravings, Fashion Reverie has you covered. Smashbox ‘Be Legendary’ comes in an array of matte shades ranging from vibrant pink, and electric coral to elegant magenta, starting at $29.

High-end luxury labels usually known for their signature fashion collections have also latched onto the vivacious beauty trend with their own stylish interpretations. The Rouge Volupté Shine collection from Yves Saint Laurent features an assortment of luminous colors to choose from, ranging from deep strawberry red to vivid fuchsia to impertinent orange and berry rose . Rouge Volupté Shine is formulated to seal in moisture for up to eight hours and protect from free radicals. And who doesn’t need protection and moisture in this extreme heat. Rouge Volupté Shine retails at $34.

Christian Dior’s Rouge Lip color collection channels an haute couture aesthetic with dynamic shades of daring color perfect for fashionable beauty lovers who want a piece of that runway glam in their daily lives. Rouge Lip is priced at $32.

Summer aint over yet!! And with Dior’s Rouge Lip, YSL’sRouge Volupté Shine, Smashbox’s Be Legendary or MAC’s RiRi Woo there’s lots to choose from. What shade will you rock!!

—Dana E. Givens

Mineral-based Cosmetics: The Answer to Sweat-Free Beauty

July 12, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

OK, it’s humid and it’s hot. And other than hiding out in air-conditioned buildings and homes, the hot weather coupled with humidity is going to cause you to perspire. In spite of steamy days and nights, there are cosmetics that are waterproof and not absorbed by sweat.

Women are constantly searching for new beauty products that are not only waterproof, but also conceal signs of aging and provide a flawless finish. However, this type of skincare is often limited to regimens that consist of expensive serums and creams. The good news is that you can maintain healthy skin, even with a full face of makeup. Beauty companies have revolutionized cosmetics by integrating the most natural element … minerals.

Mineral-based makeup typically has few ingredients. Ingredients in most mineral-based makeup include mica (a mineral), zinc oxide (a sunscreen), titanium dioxide and bismuth oxychloride (another mineral). Unlike most makeup brands, mineral products do not contain harmful chemicals that agitate the skin. Women with acne or Rosacea are said to experience phenomenal results from mineral products that doesn’t clog their pores. Los Angeles‒based, celebrity dermatologist Dr. C. Gustave explains “The reality is that no makeup brand is 100% perfect. However, mineral makeup frequently eliminates classic ‘irritants’ like fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives It is considered ‘purer’ and can be kinder to the skin. Typically most of my patients with acne use mineral makeup to avoid chemicals found in some other brands.”

Beside a flawless finish, mineral makeup also has added benefits. It’s hypoallergenic due to the absence of silicones, fragrances, chemicals, or dyes, ingredients found in other brands that cause reactions. It also absorbs oil, which is from the finely grounded mineral powder that prevents the skin from being oily.

Despite the fact that years ago this fantastic product was only offered in luxury spas, today some of the biggest makeup brands offer mineral-based makeup in an array of products.

Image courtesy of Bare Minerals

Foundation ‒ Like anything in life, having a good foundation is important! Mineral foundation is a finely ground, flesh-toned powder that is applied to the face and neck. Currently, one of the most popular and highest rated foundations is by Bare Minerals. The talc and preservative-free foundations helps to minimize any skin imperfections. Bare Minerals i.d foundation retails for $27.

Image courtesy of e.l.f.

Eyeshadow ‒ Eye makeup is one of the most important factors when achieving a youthful appearance. The wrong eyeshadow can cause the lids to appear heavy and tired, so it’s essential to opt for colors that flatter your complexion. Long-time brand, e.l.f provides quality mineral shades in an array of colors, and fits a variety of budgets at just $5.

Image courtesy of Avon

Lipstick ‒ Lip care is also extremely important, especially transitioning throughout the seasons. It’s important to not only have a lipstick that provides moisture but also SPF protection. Avon currently offers vibrant mineral lipsticks with full SPF 15 protection for $7.

“Healthy skin starts with skincare. No matter what type of makeup you decide to wear, you have to develop a regimen to rid the skin of daily toxins.” says Dr. Gustave . So whether you decide to purchase high-end mineral products or drug store brands, mineral makeup has an array of benefits that not only contribute to immediate beauty, but also helps to preserve and protects your skin for years to come.

— Chandia Brennen

Beauty Alert: Award Season Glam Looks

February 3, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Charlie Green image courtesy of Charlie Green

With awards season in full effect and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on the horizon, it is essential for the confident woman to have her makeup look alluring and glamorous. Fashion Reverie has teamed up with celebrity makeup artist, Charlie Green to give you that perfect red-carpet look. From award-winning actresses Penelope Cruz and Angelina Jolie to the vibrant looks seen on the runways of Betsey Johnson and Monique Lhuillier, Charlie Green has mastered the perfect glam look.

Jessica Alba Golden Globe image courtesy of Getty Images

“I am loving the fresh clean take on the classic Hollywood red carpet bold lip paired with Jessica Rabbit hair waves! … I adored the bold, tangerine lip hue worn by Jessica Alba that complimented her coral dress at the [Golden Globes],” says Green. Jessica Alba showed off a clean face highlighted with bold lip for a pop of color to flatter her amazing awards outfit. Sometimes less is more and the perfect bold shade of lipstick against a fresh face with the right accessories can emphasize your natural beauty by adding a touch of glamour to your lips. To find that shade of color that makes show-stopping lips, beauty connoisseur, Sephora, can serve all your needs with a selection of high-end brands.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

For an intense pop of color for your lips, Smashbox Love Me Legendary Lipstick offers you a daring shade of red and luscious coral. For a more luminous satin finish, the Monica Voluptuous Lipstick by Dolce & Gabbana offers a highly pigmented color palette of red and pink shades to make those lips the center of attention.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

If you’re looking to dramatize your eyes, some luminous eye shadow highlighted with black liner and mascara can do just the trick. “For glam eyes, I can’t resist combining black pencil with coppery eye shadow, and lashings of black mascara. This creates a deep smoldering gaze and also makes the color of your eyes really pop! I also do love deep purples and eggplant shades combined with charcoal gray…,” says Green. For those lovely coppery shades, Charlie Green adores the “In the Nude” Moonshadow Backed Palette by the Sephora Collection, which offers a sparkly finish to your eyes.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

If you want something more intense, Urban Decay velvety collection features vamped-up purple shades. To complete the look, add the Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Liner/Shadow and Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara to create stunning finish with full lashes that extend and lift with succulent volume. “This is my favorite eye to create for Penelope Cruz and Angelina Jolie,” says Green.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

In addition to gorgeous plump lips and spectacular eyes, a red-carpet look is not complete without a radiant, flawless complexion. “For a flawless complexion everyone [loves]BB creams! Used in place of foundation you get a dewy ethereal effect,” says Green. The Stila ‘Stay-All Day 10-in-1’ HD Beauty Balm is an all-in-one balm that can visibly improve your complexion and make your skin look unblemished.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

“Cream blush with a hint of shimmer creates a seamless natural flush and for those not brave enough to follow the dark eyebrow trend I am seeing a lot of use of eyebrow gel used to train eyebrows into a more bushy style,” Green adds. The Highlighting Crème Duo by Anastasia illuminates and hydrates your skin for a subtle glow.

—Dana E. Givens

Beauty Trend Alert: Shimmering Nail Art

January 22, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Women commonly accessorize their outfits with fabulous handbags or a trend-setting pair of pumps in an effort to transform standard apparel into ensembles that have more pop and sizzle. While this attempt may have an immediate effect, there are other things that can be done to add that high-fashion glam to your overall look.

Image courtesy of Peter Rosa

Nail art is quickly becoming a fun, creative way to compliment a glammed-up outfit, as well as express your own personal style. From polished high-fashion magazines to beauty campaigns, your nails are now front and center to help top off the perfect look. “I think it’s great! Nail art is so diverse that I think any woman can rock it and feel confident and beautiful,” explains Rose Fleury, celebrity manicurist to supermodels Chanel Iman, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Irina Shayk. Fleury’s background in fashion and beauty has handily qualified her as nail expert that has a pulse on the current nail art trends.

Nail expert Rose Fleury

If you’re getting ready for an award-worthy celebration, red carpet event, or just a hot night out in the town, make your nails shimmer with glittering jeweled topcoats. Jewel tones have become a popular look that can make your nails shine and give you red-carpet appeal just in time for award season.

Images courtesy of essie.com

Essie’s LuxEffects and Sephora by OPI collections filled with shiny flakes can take any basic shade of polish and transform into a glistening accessory for a festive party outfit. For extra luxurious flare, the Ciaté Caviar and Sequined Manicure sets create a luminous 3D effect with a caviar pearl topcoat to make your nails ready for a fashionable affair. If you really want to make a statement, accessorize with some crafty combinations and contrast for a more unique look. Combine a bold deep shade of color with precious bejeweled coat from Nail Jewelry by Nails Inc.

Images courtesy of sephora.com

Whenever you need some inspiration on what beautiful look you can create on nails, beauty experts and nail artists love to post their work online and share their tips on how to achieve a set of beautiful nails. “You can learn the best DIY tips by following your favorite nail artists on tumblr, and youtube! I post tutorials all the time, and love seeing what everyone comes up with,” says Fleury, who also has an online fashion site where she gives tips and showcases all her nail designs.

Sephora by OPI, Essie’s LuxEffects, Nail Jewelry by Nails Inc., Ciaté Caviar, and Sequined Manicure can be purchased at Sephora stores nationwide. For more information on Rose Fleury’s nail designs, go to fleuryrosenails.com and fleuryrosenails.tumblr.com.

—Dana E. Givens

Beauty Exclusive: Napolean Perdis, the Australian Makeup Guru

January 3, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Australian makeup expert Napoleon Perdis has been collaborating with Target on a beauty line, NP Set, for the last four years. Bold colors and beauty on the go are two of the Perdis hallmarks when it comes to beauty. Recently, Perdis and Target introduced several new items to the line. Fashion Reverie recently caught up with the Australian makeup king to offer some beauty tips as well as to get his views on beauty trends.

Fashion Reverie: Tell us about what you’re known for in makeup? Why are you such a big fan of color?

Napoleon Perdis: As a working makeup artist, I am personally involved in every product we create. I make sure that every product is infused with skin-supporting ingredients, silken textures and a feel-good message of female empowerment thanks to built-in educators and pro-tips. I believe that makeup tells a story and empowers women to play with color, and that was what inspired me to become a makeup artist and start my own brand.

FR: You must be happy with the current trend towards bright colors in makeup. But are there some dos and don’ts when working with bright, bold colors in makeup?

Napoleon Perdis: I love a bold pop of color on the eye or the lip, and while many women are intimidated by bright colors the trends we’re seeing right now are really easy to wear. I always say try any trend at 20 percent. On the runway the look may be bright blue shadow all around the eye, but in reality a dash of bright liner is all you need. At the fall shows we saw liner that goes beyond the smoky eye or cat eye and incorporates graphic color. In addition to black, my new NP Set Day-to-Night liners ($15 at Target) come in deep blue or copper, which are easy colors to add in to amp up your everyday look.

A bold red or orange lip can flatter anyone if it’s the right shade, but if you’re still not onto the bright lip trend, ease into it with a stain. My NP Set Lip Balms with Benefits ($10 at Target) offer the best of both worlds-they go on sheer but you can layer the color if you want to turn up the volume.

All images courtesy of Napolean Perdis

FR: In your years as a makeup expert, are there some common issues that you see with regards to women and their makeup?

Napoleon Perdis: Not priming may be the most common mistake, followed by not choosing the correct shade of foundation. Another common mistake I run into is women applying foundation all over the face—apply only where needed and keep foundation on the forehead to a minimum, as it can accentuate fine lines! Last but not least is overbronzing—apply your bronzer as a contour to the apples of the cheek, lightly on forehead, cheek and nose … and don’t forget the decolletage!

FR: What’s new about this set of Jet Set Beauty Essentials?

Napoleon Perdis: My fall 2012 NP Set collection is made for the glamour girl on-the-go who wants to live a color-full life. My Gorgeous to Go Palette ($27 at Target) includes 12 eye shadows, three lip glosses and two glowing blushes. It’s lightweight and portable, allowing women to create a variety of looks. The fall collection also includes Lip Balm with Benefits, which are packed with vitamins and shea butter, leaving lips plumped and moisturized with a pop of color. My Day-To-Night Liner Duos are dual ended—the liner side delivers bold color and the glitter side adds a subtle sparkle for maximum impact.

FR: Are there some items that are must-have beauty items for traveling?

Napoleon Perdis: Pack multitasking products that allow you to build your look throughout the day and into the night. Compact palettes like my new NP Set Gorgeous to Go Palette ($27 at Target) can deliver endless options without taking up too much space for girls on the go

FR: I know that a big part of your business is in Australia. What are some differences between Australia and US in terms of the beauty business, available products, and concerns that women have?

Napoleon Perdis: Australian women always want to achieve that fresh face beauty while Americans are inspired by a dash of Hollywood glamour. But I’ve found that each state within Australia and the US have their distinctions. California girls love a flirty pink lipstick, while the ladies of Sydney love a sweep of bronzer.

Napolean Perdis

FR: What’s the number one piece of advice you would offer to women in US when it comes to beauty and makeup?

Napoleon Perdis: Always use primer! Not enough women do. The perks of primer are amazing: skin appears instantly smoother, foundation lasts the distance and hydrates your complexion.

Primer is an NP Set specialty and we’ve got every skin concern covered from redness and dull skin to prominent pores. I’ve recently added two more to the lineup: Calming Pre-Foundation Primer ($29 at Target) to minimize redness and Brightening Pre-Foundation Primer ($29 at Target) to brighten up dull skin. The after-effects are truly amazing-you may find you don’t even need to use foundation.

—Karyn D. Collins