trends

Top Beauty Innovations

Of course if you're reading BeautySweetSpot, you want the insider scoop. Thanks to Cosmetic Executive Women, I have the 411 on the top beauty innovations of the year. From your beloved CC Creams to pigmented pouts and a demand for more sophisticated skincare, check out what's hot.

  • Get Masked!:  Masks and peels saw a 66% sales jump in prestige outlets in 2013 and helped meet consumers’ need for immediate results.
  • Size Matters: The mass market was inundated with volume-driven mascaras in 2013, showing that thicker lashes are this years’ must-have.
  • Anti-Aging Hair Care: Fighting the signs of aging moved from skin into hair care with creams, serums and even a color made with anti-aging formulas.
  • Buzz Words: Gentle, Oil-Based, etc. This year exfoliation is taking a back seat to facial cleansers that treat skin gently. Oils, gentle gels and hydrating cleansers were the stars in 2013.
  • Art Inspired Eyes: Beauty companies took an artistic cue by using tints, washes and pigments in their eye formulas in 2013. 
  • All About CC: CC Creams upped the ante in the alphabet soup of skin care with new tints, sticks and sprays.
  • Color Returns to Lipcolor: Glosses and shines were overpowered by deep lip hues with rich, buildable staying power.
  • Professional Lines: Products from industry experts are on an upswing, fueled by consumers seeking credibility from their beauty formulas. “Professionals” range from brands by doctors to items by beauty veterans. 

 

Being Naked is In

Last week I stopped by NBC's New York Live to show my friends Sara Gore and Jaque Reid '5 Winter Beauty Trends to Try.'  Check them out.  I'm sure you'll find one or two you can own this season.  Also, I listed all of the products I featured below. 1. Nude Nails: Clinique A Different Nail Enamel, $12.50 ea. at Clinique.com

2. Matte Complexion: Ponds Luminous Finish BB+, $9.99 at drugstores

3. Mega Volume: göt2b 2sexy voluptuous spray mousse, $5.99 at drugstores

4. Burgundy Lips: Mehron L.I.P. Color Cream, $7.95 at mehron.com

5. Colorful Lids: Wet n’ Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio, $2.99 at drugstores

Spring Hair Color Trends, What to Ask for When You Go to The Salon

I've been in the mood to darken my hair color ever since I cut it into a bob and last week I had the opportunity to work with Ammon Carver, a member of the Matrix Artistic Team, at the Mizu Salon in NYC, who hooked me up.  While in his hands, we spoke about the hottest spring hair color trends and celebs that are rocking them right now.  Lucky for me, my request to go richer, was right on. "When the weather warms up ,hair color becomes about luxurious rich tones and this season we're still playing off of color graduation; deeper bases with lighter ends or soft highlights," Carver explained.

Reds: Think Jessica Chastain

Keep it in the natural feeling auburn and gold-copper tones. Avoid punk or bright red tones that look "fake."  Typically, monochromatic or very very subtle dimension is best for reds as you don't want to see the highlights too much.

Brunettes: Jennifer Lawrence

Soft dimension is everything right now! Gold-violet tones that aren't too brassy or coppery, which balance between warm and cool. Use descriptions like "cool-caramel," or "cool-mocha". This will guide your stylist into keeping the tones away from the orange-scary highlight color that brunettes usually deal with.

I went in asking for a richer, chocolate shade ended up with a healthy cool-mocha color. Carver used Matrix's new ColorInsider Precision Permanent Color, which has no ammonia, but deposits color into the hair through an oil delivery system.

Blondes: Reese Witherspoon and Charlize Theron

Tone on tone highlights. Ask for a combination of neutral-cool toned highlights and a soft-warm lowlight. You want beautifully balanced dimension that isn't extremely contrast-y. Lightest highlight and darkest lowlight should only be 3 levels of separation.  Go in for a quick single process base-adjust in between your highlight appointments to update your darker new growth.

 

5 Celebrity Inspired Winter Beauty Trends, with Wendy Williams!

This was by far one of the most exciting segments I've done.  Picture this – It's 3pm on Friday afternoon right after Sandy.  I'm checking into a hotel room across the city to indulge in a shower and some heat and I received a call from a producer from the Wendy Williams Show. An hour before I went live the segment was finalized.  That's how it works (sometimes) in live TV.  I love my job.  As soon as I get a clip I'll post it, but here's a link to the information for now and a list of the products used after the jump.  Guys, I had my own green room!

 

How to Style Your Hair According to Fall's Hottest Fashion Trends

While I focus on beauty, like any girl, I'm obsessed with fashion and love flirting with trends! This seasons black and white prints, leather whether faux or real, baroque black and gold embellishment and of course oxblood are right up my alley.  I love how oxblood is new simply because of the name... let's face it, we've all been wearing maroon for quite some time, oxblood is sexy maroon.  I spoke with Sebastian Stylist, Anthony Cole, who worked backstage the Alice + Olivia fall fashion show amongst others to get the scoop on how to style your hair to compliment fall fashion trends.

Touches of Leather

Leather is a subtle yet exciting addition to any outfit. Whether it’s gloves, pants, a skirt or the sleeves on your top - it will be everywhere this fall.  According to Cole, “When you’re wearing leather it gives you an excuse to sex up the hair.  Go for messy waves.”

Bold, Colorful Statements

This fall, don't shy away from color.  Mix and match your brights for the perfect bold statement. One way to stand out from the crowd is with a colorful coat. “When transitioning from summer to fall, coats are constantly coming on and off. I recommend putting hair up to avoid any tugging, says Cole.  Try a high chic bun.

Military Tactics

Camo jackets and cargo pants made their way down the runway once again. Cole has the breakdown on how to wear a classic hair style to offset this tough look.  "I always like a look that's clean and sleek," he says.  Here's the how to:

1.      Blow dry the hair using a round brush for added volume.

2.       Then, separate into two horizontal sections, one from the top of the head to the recession and one from under the crown and take the hair from under the crown and slick the sides back into a tight ponytail using Sebastian Professional Shine Crafter Wax.

3.       Take the remainder of the hair on top and spritz Sebastian Professional Shaper Zero Gravity to the roots, backcombing  to create a low pompadour.

4.       While backcombing the top portion of the hair, take one of the longer pieces from the top and wrap it around the low ponytail and secure with a pin for a chic updo.

 

 

 

Celeb Stylist, June Ambrose Dishes on Fall Trends and Styling Jay Z

I was recently asked in an interview who I would go out with if I could have a date with anyone in the world.  My answer – Jay Z.  I believe he's one of the most intelligent, talented and influential men in the world.  Well, I didn't get that date yet, but thanks to Caress, I got to pick the brain of his stylist, June Ambrose, their brand ambassador.  Other celebs she's worked with include Zoe Saldana and Kelly Ripa (someone else I want to do dinner with).  Check out what she has to say about her beauty must haves, what's worth splurging on this fall and styling my main man, Jay Z. What are your top three beauty must haves and how do they help you express your personal style?

1.       A nicely scented body wash. Right now, I’m loving Caress Endless Kiss Silkening Body Wash. The rich blend of creamy vanilla and sandalwood scents helps set the tone for my day and even inspires my mood and wardrobe, while the moisture beads leave my skin super soft.

2.   Lip scrubs! I create my own with sugar and vaseline to exfoliate my lips & leave them moist. It’s also a great primer for matte lipsticks!

3.   Tea bags for puffy and tired eyes is another go-to! I place cold (used) tea bags under my eyes in the morning and evening. It’s my grandmother’s remedy that she has used for years.

Nail art has become paramount to self-expression and personal style.  What are your favorite nail art trends and why?

I love the stiletto nails! They give the appearance of longer leaner finger and bring out the sexy, vampy side of me.

When working with Jay Z how does grooming play a part in his overall image?

A well groomed man always feels like a rocafella in a suit. Manicured hands always make a man’s watch stand out! He's known for the details.

What trends can we expect to see this Fall?

Oh the fall trends are so great! Lots of animal print, gold fit for a queen, color blocking & lots of lace and leather!

What should we save on and what should we splurge on?

Definitely splurge on a strong boot (that you can use every day) and save on metallic pieces (since they are a one-season trend).

You've been given the opportunity to help celebs reinvent their image.  Is there one piece of advice you give to all of them when starting over?

Trust yourself complete, because emancipating you look requires major confidence! If you can “wear” that confidence, then evolving is so much easier!

 

Self Magazine Features My Beauty Look in Their September Issue and It's So Easy You Can Do It, Too

In the beginning of the summer when the beauty editors of Self mag asked me if I'd be interested in being featured in their September I told them they were crazy for even asking! Honored, I jumped at the opportunity and a few weeks later a bag arrived at my apartment with how-to instructions for four different makeup looks along with four jumbo zip lock bags filled with cosmetics for each. While I'm no makeup artist, these looks were really easy to accomplish.  My favorite were the smokey eye and pink lip.  I shot some of the looks in my backyard in Jersey and some on my vacation in Aruba.  Lighting is everything!  The photo they chose was the smokey eye look, which was shot in Aruba on my family vacation by my uncle, Rich Millward, who is a photographer (lucky me!).  I instagramed all of the pics that I sent in to make sure my skin looked flawless (wouldn't you?).

Pick up the September issue of Self to check out the "Less Is More, Beautiful" article about easy fall makeup looks.  Other beauty bloggers from DailyMakeover.com and the blogger behind BeautyBanter.com are featured as well.  I'm telling you, all of the looks are super easy!

From Personal Care to Peacocking, 2 New Don'ts for Your Man

There's something happening in men's grooming that's not attractive – major peacocking. What started off as the modern man wanting to look presentable to be able to compete in the workplace by upgrading their skincare regimen has spiraled out of control (Brotox is even pushing it, does it really need the name?).  Marketers have noticed the spike in skincare sales and are now trying what seems like everything they can to hop on board.  Hence, the latest trends in men's grooming and fashion that make me want to hurl. Alpha Nail

Slogan: Designed by men.  Worn by warriors.

The polish in a pen comes in five matte and five metallic manly shades.  Described as "durable," the brand encourages fighters, muscians and club goers to to apply to their fingers or toes for added swagger.  Swagger?  Really?  Or should it be for an added touch of "you're really corny!"

Brosiery

Slogan: like hosiery for men

Apparently, Italian hosiery designer, Emilio Cavallini, is now selling mantyhose.  He claims he noticed a trend in men wearing pantyhose for design and warmth about three years ago and started catering to them.  Great idea Cavallini... really...

Top 5 Beauty Trends of 2012

What's a better way to start off a new year than to present the predicted top five beauty trends? Get excited because sampling is in!  Free beauty loot?  Sounds like it's going to be a good year already!  Read on as I dissect the top five trends and what you can expect this year will bring for us beauty junkies. 1. Beauty from the Inside 

I've written a whole post about this a few weeks ago, because I've already noticed a ton of new products coming out.  As people continue to become more health conscious, there will be a bigger demand for nutricosmetics, the focus on beauty from within.  To support their normal beauty regimens of anti-aging creams and preventative serums, women will be drinking, swallowing and even eating their skincare to supplement their routines.  Hey, every little bit counts.

2. Men Boost Interest in Anti-Aging

Men care more than most think about their appearance especially when it comes to aging.  I think that a few grey hair and a little bit of crows feet on a man add to their sex appeal, but apparently they too want to look younger, or at least age in the best way possible.  There will be more of a demand for men's anti-aging skin and hair care.

3. Androgyny is In 

When it comes to the idea of beauty androgyny is in.  Men are and will continue to grow out their hair like Chase Crawford and even Johnny Depp and women will be cropping theirs into pixi cuts think Michelle Williams and Emma Watson.  Social ideas of gender roles will be crossed and pushed even further.  Celebrities and runways are beginning to cross lines and commoners are following.  Example: cross gendered models are walking runways, which celebrates who they are.

4. Chemical Free Cosmetics

Because of increased awareness of health concerns, women will continue seek more and more organic and eco friendly makeup.  You are super savvy and know which ingredients to look for in cosmetics just like you do when they shop for food.  Just because a package says, "Paraben free," doesn't mean it's organic and you know that. You're going to start shopping more for pure cosmetics that give you pigment and coverage without the health risks.

5. Free Samples

Sampling is key to purchase in the world of beauty and the free samples will keep coming.  Sounds good to me.  Sites like Birchbox, a membership site which sends you a sampling of beauty products per month for $10 a month will continue to pop up and sampling experiences at stores and online will drive purchase.

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