My Beauty Wishlist

Less than a week ‘til Santa comes shimmying down my chimney- and I’ve finally put together my Beauty Wishlist.  Weeks in the making, Santa. This took quite a few trips to Bloomingdales and hours of online procrastination.  You’re welcome.

1) Pigment, please.  Lately, I’ve been struggling to find a shadow that packs a punch when it comes to pigment (say that 10 times fast).  I can’t afford to spend 2 minutes layering subtle shadow until I see more than a hint of shimmer. After dipping my little finger into countless palettes- I found it! BY TERRY OMBRE BLACKSTAR (Blond Opal).  A little goes a long way here, and I’m smitten.  

2) More than mauve.  Anyone who knows me can attest that I'm not very daring when it comes to lip color, but I know I need to branch out from mauve (just saying the color ages me 40 years).  The LauraMercier Mini Lip Glacè Collection, Bold Brights is my attempt at taking baby steps towards color.  They’re small so I don’t feel terrible if one or two just don’t suit me, and the variety is most certainly there. 

3) NARS does nails. Ob-sessed with every single color.  Especially Manosque (deep smoky lavender).  There’s a polish for every season- and since Chicago manicure prices don’t seem to be dropping anytime soon- this is a must-have!

4) In my dreams.  16.5 ounces of La Mer Crèmede la Mer decadence (at $1900- ouch).  There isn’t a soul on this earth who would buy this for me.  Not even Santa.  But, it wouldn’t be a wishlist if there wasn’t something totally unattainable on it.  Can you imagine having this bad boy sit on your bathroom counter!?  You’ve made it.  Period.  Should we also talk about how it’s on back order?! Who are these women, and how do I get invited over for lunch?

5) Brows are the new botox.  I just took a blogging break to get my annual skin check (Julia 1, skin cancer 0), and I got so much more.  The dermatologist politely informed me that the time has come to consider botox.  It’s a dark day, folks.  Since I’m not ready to begin paralyzing my forehead muscles, my new plan is to create a diversion.  Zack Morris taught me that a diversion is usually the solution to any real problem.   If I groom and darken my brows with benefit gimme BROW, no one will notice my “dynamic” wrinkles (that’s what he called them).  Thoughts?

6)Clean & Clear got it under control.  I’m going to officially give up the pre-teen acne cleanser I’ve been using since the late 90’s and shift to something a bit more mature (I'm a botox candidate now.  It seems appropriate.).  As a Caudalie devotee, why stray?  Let’s sub the benzoyl peroxide for this luxurious Gentle Buffing Cream.

7) I like my hair like I like my Christmas trees: thick.  I’m a sucker for anything that promises my thin strands a brighter tomorrow.  Challenge Extended, Bb thickening conditioner.

Photos courtesy of Bloomingdales.com

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More Beauty Tips from Nail & Skin Expert Dr. Dana Stern

We promised that we would share more beauty secrets from dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern (remember the fantastic information she gave us in You Gellin’? ), and now we have her take on a few everyday beauty concerns!

Your skin is beautiful, what is your daily regimen?

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           Thank you! I am a low-maintenance dermatologist.  Most of my patients are busy, hard-working New Yorkers with small bathrooms.  You really don’t need a million expensive “miracle” products.  I use a gentle cleanser—[pump-style containers have] always been my favorite and what I recommend to my patients.  The most important thing that you can do is use a good sunscreen or moisturizer with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30, and use it 365 days a year.  I don't care if it’s snowing in February!  I love Anthelios Tinted [Sunscreen], because it serves as a moisturizer/sunscreen and gives me a little color so that I don't have to wear much makeup.  Last tip, I’m a huge fan of glycolic peels! You can see your dermatologist for a professional strength peel a few times per year.  Avon Anew makes an amazing at-home version.  I like to use it before applying my makeup, gives an amazing (I slept 12 hours last night) glow!

At what age should women start using an under-eye cream and retinoids?

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There is no hard and fast rule with this one.  Under eye aging is secondary to sun exposure and genetics and both of these factors will determine when you need to get started with preventative measures. 

Where do you stand in the great Essie vs. OPI debate?

Love them both.  Both companies make quality nail products and have 3-free polishes.

We have to ask, do you prefer square or rounded nails?

Love the squoval—nail file square and then round the edge slightly.

 

Dr. Dana Stern is an Assistant Clinical Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She is in private practice in New York City.  Dr. Stern can answer all of your nail and skincare questions on Facebook and Twitter (@DrDanaStern)!

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The Sincerest Form of Flattery

Have a party coming up, but you have no idea what to do with your hair and makeup?  Celebrities are a great source of style, so book your 'Stylisted professional and show them one of the following celebrity hair and makeup looks!

Hair

Emma Stone

Emma’s beautiful red hair is pulled up into a messy updo.  In order to get Emma’s style, try a bouffant or bun.  Make sure to add some volume at the crown and keep bangs piece-y with a texturizer.

Photo:  Emma

Lily Collins
Lily looks so polished in this picture.  Blow dry hair so that it has some volume at the crown and flips out at the ends.  Pull out a section of hair in the front so that the style looks effortless.

Photo:  Lily

Connie Britton
Luscious waves are Connie Britton’s go-to hair style, and why wouldn’t it be when her waves are so gorgeous?  A wide-barrel curling iron creates these pretty curls.

Photo:  Connie

Makeup
Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington’s makeup is always flawless, so this is just one example of many.  Use a nude or slightly pink lipstick or lip-gloss.  Use a light grey eye shadow and lots of mascara or false lashes.

Photo:  Kerry

Ginnifer Goodwin
Black liquid eyeliner and magenta lipstick go well with Ginnifer’s spunky short hair.  A light peach blush completes the look to make Ginnifer ready for all of her paparazzi photos!

Photo:  Ginnifer

Jennifer Lawrence
This look is stunning!  Dark ruby lips give Jennifer a dramatic style, which is balanced by a more natural eye.  Use a light silver, metallic cream, or shimmery light brown eye shadow.

Photo:  Jennifer

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What We Love This Wednesday

In this week's installment, we share a glimpse into our new lives in New York. We moved back to NYC temporarily to launch TheStylisted here, and we're slowly reacquainting ourselves with the place we used to call home. Changing cities almost always elicits comparisons, and when you're a bit homesick like we are, those comparisons aren't always flattering. But, the last 24 hours have proven that there's a lot to love in our new/old city.

M.I.A took the stage

1. A warehouse party that starts at 10pm on a Tuesday: Last night we ventured into Bushwick for the very first time. Soho House hosted a launch party for Satellite Nights, and it was truly a good time. The space was incredible, the cocktails were free, and M.I.A. performed. The empanada truck waiting outside the venue at the end of the night was a serious bonus. Drawback: taking the L train home at an ungodly hour.

2. Running into some old favorites: Given that most of our friends from growing up and from college are in New York, you really never know who you'll bump into walking these mean streets. In the last 24 hours I've run into two good buddies from college that I hadn't seen in years. Another reason to always look your best (do as I say, not as I do). Did I mention TheStylisted can help with that?

My lunch date

3. The power lunch: Man this city has lunch down. My friend Alyssa and I had a lovely sit down udon lunch today in 45 minutes. I returned to work in the afternoon feeling full and refreshed.

And Midtown East does a Japanese lunch like no other. We went to Onya, but old favorites include Sakagura and Soba Totto. There's also Dainobu,  a Japanese market on 47th, if you need a quick and cheap fix. Today nothing but udon would do (it's my hangover food of choice - see "warehouse party that starts at 10pm on a Tuesday"). 

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Tips on Preparing for Your ‘Stylisted Appointment

You've booked your first appointment.  Congratulations!  You're about to look even more amazing than usual.

Your stylist will be ready for anything, but if you were wondering if there was anything you could do before he or she arrives (besides pop the champagne, and celebrate that you're not sitting in traffic), here are a few tips:

Photo Credit: Gerber + Scarpelli

         Find a photo of what you would like your hair or makeup to look like: Choosing a picture will give your stylist an idea of exactly what you want.  Whether it’s a celebrity or an old personal photo, have some inspiration on hand!  You could even choose several pictures and then explain what it is that you like from each of them.  This will help a stylist understand what your personal style is and try to match that in your hair and makeup.

       

      Prep your locks:  If you are getting your hair blown out, this means washing it right before your stylist arrives so it's wet. If you are having your hair dry styled, especially if you are getting an updo that needs to last all night, it's easier for your stylist to work with hair that's gone unwashed a day or two. Obviously, some people feel they have to wash their hair daily, and if this is you do what you must. Regardless, whenever you choose to suds up, use a deep conditioner to ensure that your hair is healthy and easy to work with.

       

     Use face cream and lip balm the night before: If you are planning on having your makeup done, don’t cut corners on your nightly skin routine.  Your makeup will look even better when applied to fresh, healthy skin.  Lip balm will make your lips smoother so that lipstick goes on flawlessly.

    

     Know what colors you feel best in: If you are able to describe which colors you feel your very best in, you eliminate room for error.  Don’t stress about this one too much, because your stylist can always recommend makeup suited for your complexion and eye color!

     

     Let your stylist know if you are allergic to any products: If you have ever noticed that you have a reaction to any makeup or hair products, don’t be afraid to let your stylist know!  They can avoid those products so that you don’t have to worry!

Happy styling!

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