Holiday Makeup Must Haves

With plenty of holiday parties to attend, glamorize yourself in no time at all with our list of makeup must haves for this holiday season.

ILLUMINATOR

Illuminator tops our charts for an award winning glow! It hydrates dry looking skin and brings back the luminosity that we so long for during the dreary winter months. Use a pink based illuminator to brighten up your skin tone. Does the weather still have you feeling a bit pale? Why not fool everyone into thinking you spent your holidays visiting the tropics by using a warm bronze illuminator. Add just a drop of it into your favorite foundation, mix it together and apply it to your face.

GEL EYELINER

Gel Eyeliner takes center stage with its unique staying power. This waterproof, smudge proof, greaseproof gel will have everyone talking about how good you look after midnight! Create sharp, well defined, sexy winged liner with this intensely pigmented product and let your inner Audrey or Marilyn come shining through. Use a synthetic angled eyeliner brush, flat liner brush or liquid liner brush to achieve your desired liner look. Don’t forget to close your gel liner after use so that it doesn’t dry out.

RED LIPS

With red lips and glowing skin you will deserve an encore! Go all out this year and wear red; the season’s hottest colour! Be sure to line and fill in your lips with a smudge proof red liner and apply a sultry shade of red lipstick over top. For the longest wear, choose a formula in a semi matte or cream finish. For a softer look rub a cherry colored lip stain onto your lips with your finger and dab a little clear gloss on top.

Georgia, Vicki and Paulina are partners at Wink Makeup Academy and our Makeup Experts at beautyconnexion.com

Styling Tools - Hair Brushes

Over the next few weeks Frank & Violet will be taking us through the most important styling tools for gorgeous hair.Over the next few weeks Frank & Violet will be taking us through the most important styling tools for gorgeous hair.

"The Tools you use greatly affect the desired outcome for your hair" Frank and Violet agree. "A brush is one of your key tools to getting the hair style and finish that you want" Frank purports.

There are a few key types of brushes that you want to look for:

1. Round

"Size does matter, when it come to the shaping hair

that is" says Frank. A larger round brush will give you straight results and is best on medium to longer lengths. While small will provide more curl and is best for shorter lengths.

2. Paddle

For naturally straight hair, will never add volume. Creates a smooth style and it gentle on the hair and scalp.

3. Wide Comb

Used on wet hair to detangle and prepare for styling.

Now that you have chosen the type of brush that you need for your hair type and style, the next step is to determine the bristles and the barrel of the brush.

Mechanics of the Brush or the 2 B's

1. Bristle

Natural or boar bristle is used to make hair straight and shiny. "Look for what we call the Hybrid Brush - a mix of boar and synthetic nylon bristle" says Frank. This combination creates the perfect mix - that is the boar bristles are gentle and the synthetic bristles help dry the hair faster and creative volume.

Also, Ionic nylon bristles (charged with nano-ionic mineral) produce natural negative ions that seal the cuticle to lock in moisture and shine which control frizzies and static.

2. Barrel

The barrel has come a long way. Now you can find traditional (wood) metal or ceramic. Ceramic evenly distributes heat for faster drying and minimizes split ends, controls fly away hair and removes odor.

"We understand that there is a lot of choice out there which causes great confusion. If you really need help just visit your hair dresser and they will always help you find the right brush for your hair" says Frank.

Frank and Violet are our Hair Experts at beautyconnexion.com and co-owners of Bob+Paige Salon

Have a Seat

I’m working on a project right now where we are looking for some chairs – single chairs, not a set, which got me thinking about what a statement the right chair can make. Then I started thinking about what I would buy if the choice were entirely up to me. So, in no particular order, here are three of my favourite, go-to styles. Each is a classic, yet can be tweaked depending on fabric and colour and finish to suit your personal preferences and needs. Make it yours!

The Bergère chair:

French in origin, the bergère dates back to the 18th century, and generally has an upholstered back and seat, with large, loose seat cushion. The wooden frame of

the chair is exposed, and is often (but not always) ornamentally carved. The arms are partially upholstered. While originally the frame would have been painted and often gilded, it has become common to see them today unfinished or distressed. Likewise, though they would be traditionally upholstered in silk, today they can be found with anything from burlap to leather to cheetah prints. This floral one from Anthropologie is a more casual version of what is usually a more formal chair (fabric and finish is all!!), and I just love this velvet electric green one by James S. Duncan.

The Barcelona chair:

Even if you didn’t know what this chair was called, you’ve seen it. One of the most iconic pieces around, Ludwig Mies

van der Rohe (an architect of the Bauhaus school) designed it for the German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona Exposition. The epitome of modernism, copies can be found (at a much much lower price-point) at many

stores and websites, but if you are a purist and want the real thing, it has to come from Knoll Studio! Check out this blue kid-size version from them.

The Slipper chair:

Basically, a slipper chair is a small, armless, high-backed

upholstered chair. It generally has a fairly low seat, and while originally created to provide a place for a woman to toss her clothes (come on, we all do it) or sit while putting on shoes, it has moved into the living room as well. Its small scale and low stature means it can be unobtrusive, but easily pulled out when extra seating is needed. I like it because it’s a great accent piece, and I just like saying “slipper chair”. They can be contemporary in feel, like this Ikat-print one from Urban Outfitters, or more traditional (and girlie) like the “Harlow” from Windsor Smith.

Sophia is principal at Sophia Vayda Interiors and our beautyconnexion.com

5 Easy Accessories To Jazz up your Wardrobe

If you haven’t updated your wardrobe for this fall season, don’t fret. Fight the urge to splurge on those over-the-knee boots or a shiny new metallic blazer to fit this season’s trend edicts. If you’re on a budget or prefer a low-maintenance style profile, opt for any of these easy accessories to add to your existing wardrobe.

Fergie is stylicious in this braided black and gold hair band worn over the crown of her head. It adds a hippy-chic touch to any 70s or 80s inspired look. This new style of hair wear should fit below your occipital bone (a fancy word to describe the lower part of your cranium) and use its elasticity to add volume to the roots of your hair.

The new knit hat serves two fabulous functions – warmth and bad-hair-day cover up! Just like the new hair band, wear this knit cap on the back of your head showing off just the hair framing yourface while covering your roots. Unlike most hats, the slouchy knit offers a more casual look and can be worn with almost anything.

I can’t think of a more fashionable and economical way to update your style than with an inspired belt. Choose one with studs or other embellishments that will stand out and give your outfit just enough flare.

I almost always add a scarf to my looks. It completes my outfit and adds a punch of color when I need it the most. This season, I’m opting for the infinity scarf because it can be worn wrapped tightly around my neck or loosely for a casual look. I love this bright blue infinity scarf from DKNY – it’s the perfect accompaniment especially to one of my fave looks, the monochromatic outfit.

This look could be the most expensive option of the accessories listed here, but the bib necklace is a good investment to make that will not only brighten up your outfit, but like all statement jewelry, it will also significantly transform your style. Look for a well-made piece that will stand the test of time and you’ll look fresh and fashionable for years to come.

Deb Song is the owner of Style Mavens and the author of theparisinyou.blogspot.com and our Style Expert at beautyconnexion.com

Why Hair Colour Should be Darker in the Winter: by Frank & Violet of Bob + Paige Salon

Hair colour goes dark in the Fall/winter. Why?

I liken hair colour to fashion colours for the season. In the summer, we wear lighter colours that bring out our darker/tanned skin. In the fall/winter, colours go darker and richer to offset our paler skin tone. Think of this seasons fashion and make up colours and you will see black, grays and red. If your hair colour and skin tone are both pale you will look washed out wearing these rich colours.

But I didn’t tan this summer?

Even though we didn’t purposely tan ourselves in the summer, we inevitably got some rays, simply by walking outside our house. And as the fall/winter come around and the sun is not as strong and our face sloughs off a layer of skin our natural, paler colour comes through.

You’re saying dark. How dark is dark?

By dark we don’t mean black unless your hair is naturally dark to begin with or you want to go glam for drama. We mean a colour that may be one degree darker than your current summer colour.

But dark usually looks flat.

Right now our colourists are providing our clients with multidimensional looks. This look provides depth and adds dimension to hair. To get this multidimensional look, we incorporate - for example, on brown hair, light and dark brown colour. We place the foil in diagonally so the hair does not look streaked but multidimensional.

What about blondes?

Most women that have blonde hair are very hesitant to go darker for the winter,

So what do you suggest for blondes then?

Our colourist add cool and warm blonde for the added dimension that is needed in the fall/winter. Having blonde hair in the fall is really a harsh look but we understand that most of our clients still want their blonde hair so we compromise and give them the best blonde possible for the fall.

Any last thoughts on colour?

If you want to go a shade darker and are reluctant ask for a demi-permanent dye from your hair colourists or the place where you get hair dye (if you dye your own hair). Demi-permanent colour fades away after about 20-25 washes and it does not change your own hair colour – so the commitment level is not there as it would be with permanent hair dye.

And of course if you live in a climate that is 30 degrees Celsius and sunny all year round then changing your hair colour is for fun.

Frank Calandrino and Violet Volovik are co-owners of bob + paige Salon and Hair Experts at beautyconnexion.com

All photos courtesy of Goldwell Inc.

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Eyes First

Ladies, let us introduce you to a new way of doing your makeup… starting with the eyes first. Doing eye makeup before base and concealer, will eliminate any shadow fall out under the eye area, which can make eyes look more tired.

PREP

Prep the eye area first with a little primer then dab a bit of foundation or eye base onto the eyelid with your ring finger (4th finger) which uses the lightest pressure making it less likely to cause crows feet. Now that’s something to shout about! Follow with translucent powder on your eyelid to set the base and minimize creasing.

WASH OF COLOUR

Next in your application, is what we love to call, a “wash of color”, which is a powder eye shadow that is close to the color of your own skin. Start by pressing, not sweeping this color onto the eyelid and blend upwards to the brow bone in a sweeping motion. Pushing color onto the lid will give you incredibly long lasting wear. Now apply your appropriate lid color so your eyes will pop! If you have blue eyes try peachy bronze shades. Use lilacs and violets for green eyes and anything will go for brown eyes. Press the shadow in, and then gently blend the color over the lid and into the crease for an even, clean, and well blended look.

FINISH

Finish your look with a light color on your brow bone, a little eyeliner if you wish, and a sweep of mascara. Last but not least, clean under the eye area with a cotton swab dipped in moisturizer to remove fallout. You can now apply your foundation and the rest of your makeup.

Georgia, Pauline and Vicki are partners at Wink Makeup Academy and our Makeup Experts at beautyconnexion.com

Small Space - Perfect Space!

At some point, most of us have to deal with living in a small space. And while it certainly presents some challenges, small-space living can also offer a number of benefits if you approach it the right way. There’s less to clean, less to maintain, and since you will need less “stuff” you can perhaps splurge on better quality items. Finally, it also forces you to focus on what is really important to you, both in what you choose to keep around you, and how you use your space.

In small spaces, storage is crucial. Built-ins, shelving, and pieces that do double-duty are necessities, not luxuries. Storage units with doors allow your inner mess-demon to co-exist with the organized face you present to the world (at least until you conquer the beast once and for all). Shelving, where possible, should be floating (e.g. not standing on the floor but attached to the walls) so as to not take up valuable floor real estate, and both built-ins and shelving should take advantage of the one space that is often overlooked – up! Go as high as you can.

When it comes to furnishing your jewel box, don’t think that itty-bitty space means itty–bitty furniture. Too many small things just looks messy and cluttered – fewer pieces that are appropriately large-scaled will make a small room feel much bigger. A fabulous armoire, sectional or perhaps an over-scaled mirror will add style and personality, and you can build fro

m there. Keep a few points in mind – armless chairs will appear visually slimmer, so slipper and parsons chairs are ideal. Lucite tables are great, as are ottomans that can double or triple as table, seating and storage. Side tables or bedside tables that are suspended on the wall give the illusion of more floor space, and as an added benefit make sweeping up a breeze.

When choosing colour, don’t be afraid to go with deeper tones if that’s what you like. It’s a myth that dark colors make a room look smaller - rather, it is extreme contrasts that stop the eye from flowing round a space that create that effect. If you want to go with a dramatic shade, paint out the trim in the same or a similar colour, and don’t forget the ceiling! Wrap the colour all around for a cozy, snug feeling, or use a lighter version of your wall shade. Just don’t leave it glaring white. The same applies if you’re using lighter shades, but since there will be less contrast you can leave trim and ceilings the more traditional white (but you don’t have to!!)

In general, avoid large patterns or changes in colour – think tone-on-tone, and use different textures within a similar colour family to prevent your home from becoming boring. Select some personal items for display, and store the rest behind closed doors. Switch them around periodically, and enjoy your small, perfect space!

Sophia is principal of Sophia Vayda Interiors and the Home Expert at beautyconnexion.com

The Decadent Eighties Takes a Bow

We have witnessed the eighties revival both on the runways and in our own closets, but this upcoming spring season, the decade of bold colors and severe silhouettes is beginning to share the spotlight with the softer silhouettes of the seventies. I can appreciate nothing more than a touch of romance in my wardrobe!

Feminine details like gingham checks as shown here in a Christopher Kane design, are so schoolgirl sweet and simultaneously sexy with its sheer top and cutout sides. It reminds me of something Terri à la Three’s Company would wear (Chrissie’s cousin on the 70s super sitcom).

As quickly as past decades inspire us then leave us, we can always count on a little romance to bring us timeless looks. Some of these include checks and plaids, polka dots, and large floral prints. Take the edge off your style with some pretty plaids or flowy florals and walk into the sleekness of the seventies.

Deb Song is writes theparisinyou.blogspot.com and is out Style Expert at beautyconnexion.com

Holiday Cheer!

With a hectic schedule and little prep time, you can look like a million bucks in no time flat! The key to looking like you’re ready to sashay down the red carpet, is getting your skin to glow like a goddess! Every woman should start with a good cleansing, and then follow though with skin exfoliation to boost skin circulation and leave skin radiant.

For all the girls who may be a little tired from holiday shopping or too much Holiday cheer, apply a skin reviving mask for facial rejuvenation. If your skin feels a little dry, try a soothing moisture mask instead and spritz your skin with a moisture mist before and after applying your favorite face cream.

Start with a primer, and choose foundation with a silicone based formula to help makeup last while you’re dancing the night away. Use a cream blush to keep your skin looking dewy, in peachy pink or vibrant coral for deeper skin tones, for a rosy, fresh and well rested look. Dust some loose powder with a little shimmer in it to lock your makeup in place, add a touch of bronzer and powder blush for makeup that’ll last long after your party is over. Pick a lip color in the same tone as your cheeks and top it off with a shimmering nude gloss for extra flirt power.

For quick but sexy eyes, dust soft shimmer eye color onto the eyelid and make your eyes twinkle mischievously! Add a touch of a lighter shimmer color to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten them up some more. Smudge a little gel liner in a shimmering deep bronze color over the upper lash line, load on some mascara, spray a delicious, decadent scent on your décolletage and…shine like a star!

beauty connexion's Makeup Experts: Wink Makeup Academy

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Hallways, An Amuse-Bouche Between Courses

Pity the poor, lowly hallway - always the thruway, never the destination. One of the most overlooked, underutilized spaces in a house or an apartment, the hallway may not be a place you linger in it, but given you go through it regularly to get to the other rooms in your house, shouldn’t your hallway be fabulous?

If you have a wide, stately hallway, with lots of natural light and architectural details, congratulations, your job is already half done. For those who are not so lucky, a little more work may be required. Happily, a hallway is one of the areas where a little (paint, wallpaper, mouldings) can do a lot.

If you are going for a more traditional or classic style, adding some architectural detail is a simple task. Wainscoting (paneling that covers the lower area of a wall) and/or chair rails can add instant history. You can then play with colour, keeping lower and upper wall portions in similar tones, or have fun with some bolder choices.

Speaking of colour, hallways are great places to experiment, without committing yourself to an entire room. Paint a ceiling pale blue (this looks fantastic) or create broad stripes (vertical or horizontal!). If you are plagued with a chopped-up looking hallway due to many doors, painting the doors and their frames the same colour as the walls will minimize their impact, allowing the eye to flow seamlessly down the hall.

For furnishings, depending on the width of your hall you can pull a chair and table together, or if space is an issue, a console table or wall mounted shelf with a stool tucked under it will look smashing. Add a mirror to bounce light around or artwork. Halls are great places for small pieces that need to be looked at close-up, like photos – but create a grouping, so you don’t have one itty-bitty framed piece hanging on the wall. Whatever you choose, don’t let your hallway be an afterthought – like a wonderful amuse-bouche between courses, this space can be a pleasant surprise.

Sophia is principal of Sophia Vayda Interiors

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