eHow Style: Too Cool For School

“eHow Style” Video

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Vanessa Elese and eHow StyleRemoving Highlighter Ink From Skin

When any type of pen or ink, highlighter ink in this instance, is accidentally marked on your skin, what you have essentially done is stained your skin. With a few simple steps the pains of a leaky pen or your toddler’s struggle with a highlighter can safely and easily be removed! You’ll be surprised what household product I use in this video!

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Let Freedom Ring!

LAST MINUTE PICKS FOR FOURTH OF JULY ON-THE-GO PERFECTION

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Try my Three LAST MINUTE GRAB AND GO items set to provide you with a killer tan, all-in one hydration, and sun care, of course!

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Courtesy: Living.msn.com

Sun Burn Beware :  SPF is a must have item while on-the-go and especially essential while frolicking in the sun. Transition from day to night with the assurance of a burn-free day. Try a broad-spectrum sunscreen that delivers sun care, antioxidants (also helpful in fending off the sun’s rays) with shine-free protection. La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Spf 45 comes in slim bottled versions, easily packed away in any bag, and can be reapplied without looking like a total grease ball! Chic and Undercover, literally!

Fake It Till’ You Bake It : Forget the last minute bake, leave that to the barbecue. Tout a killer glow and be the envy of all without ever setting foot in the sun. Try a spray tan product delivering soft mists of bronze to immediately achieve a Tropicana glow. You’ve seen it on the red carpet on your favorite stars, you too can share in the smear proof / water resistant glow. Apply either by airbrush or it can be self applied with a powder puff saturated with the formula. Take a look at your local drug store for Sally Hansen’s body makeup that’s affordable and easy to grab on-the-go!

 Lift up your Eyes : Keep your eyes bright to share in the firework lit sky. Captivate the party with simple makeup and wonderfully defined eyes. Mascara is key and why not play a bit with some color and really let your eyes pop. Choose your favorite mascara, switch it up, ditching your beloved black, for deep navy or burgundy colored vresionsto really make your eyes pop! These colored mascaras illuminate your eyes and compliment every eye color so they really pop without wearing loads of makeup!

 

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July! 

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Di$mond’s Are a Girl’$ Best Friend

DEDICATED BEAUTY QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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bfd blog 18a For the truly adventurous, amazing drugstore beauty finds can be such a treasure! Find your diamond in the rough right where you’d least expect it!

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I love to shop the latest in beauty products, but is it possible to find all of my essentials at my local drug store? With a new job and move, my wallet is feeling the pinch-Help! –Jennifer

I’m always up for the challenge of finding those seemingly irreplaceable items I love at my favorite store with equally mentionable if not more desireable items from right at my corner store. 

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 * Do-it-All-Balm: Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment Skin Protectant, duo box comes with two mini tubes perfect to pack into your purse and keep one at home. Use for : cuticle treatment, lips moisturizer, gloss, on the fly (literally airborne, dry spot treatment: try this at the corners of your mouth, and along the orbital bone for added eye moisture during flight!)

Nails: Sally Hansen’s Salon Insta-Gel Strips-Starter Kit Shelac nails done in the comfort of your home and for a fraction of the price. Make use of the multiple colors and designs they offer with a beautiful, like new finish for up to two weeks.

* Mascara: Love Dior and Givenchy? There’s a brush tip and formula similar for you. Try Maybelline “Full n’ Soft”  and L’oreal’s “Voluminous Volume Building Mascara” for a dramatic feathery lash in its original and oh’ so fabulous formula.

Lips: $1.99! luscious lip luxury from Wet and Wild’s “MegaLast Lipstick” Yes, I said it, hark back to the days, when you were dying to have the latest color on your lips and could only afford pennies, Wet n’ Wild was your answer and still can be! These shades are to die for and for a total steal! Trick: Dot some Aquafor on your lips for added hydration and a light glimmering gloss effect-use it in the center of your lip!

* SPF: SPF is most effective in broad spectrum products. Look for La Roche Posay’s Anthelios SPF for your go to skin shield that is fragrance- free, paba-free, shine-free! With antioxidants packed into it, its good for your skin too!

* Lashes: Ardell & Andrea create the most incredible lashes for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking for a full set or simply individuals to thicken up your lash line, these are my favorites and never cease to amaze me with their staying power! Try applying them with Duo’s “Lash Adhesive” in “Clear White”, the white actually disappears for a completely flawless application. Try: Full Set:  #105. Try: Hall Set: #301.

For individual’s “medium” length lashes are usually the perfect amount of drama, ….unless that’s the look you are going for is maximum drama, then by all means go “long” ….mmmhmmmmm my dashing divas!

* Coupons:A truly adventurous gal will not stop at searching for the ultimate savings…try resourcing the pages of your beauty mags or your favorite brands’s website for insider promotions and printable coupons! All the sudden your bag full of goodies just became that much more attractive! Gold Mine!

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It’s Raining Men, Hallelujah!

CELEBRATING DAD!
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Sometimes singing along with the nursery rhyme “head, shoulders, knees and toes”, Eyes, Ears, Mouth and Nose are forgotten! So… Dad’s seem to naturally forget them too! DAAAADDD! Gross! Let’s resurrect the neglected areas and pay some special attention just in time for Father’s Day!

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Image Courtesy: Zazzle.com

 Eyes: “Eye goo” is not a cute way to say “I do”! No way! Make a habit, get rid of the gunk! Take a Q-tip and lightly wet it with warm water, then trace the inside tear duct for a truly refreshed perspective.

 Ears: Teen Wolf may be the new primetime TV sensation however, we do not want Dad to become one. Grab a gadget and start to excavate. Ear and Nose trimmers are handy little things that come battery operated, no strenuous machinery involved here! Grab one at your local drug store or department store. 

 Mouth: Dad’s often forget lip care is not just for women. Chapped lips be no more! Try a product that moisturizes without the slippery feel,  glossy finish or strawberry taste: Peter Thomas Roth’s Matte Lip Balm packs antioxidant care into a flavor-free antioxidant lip treatment. Plus-with their no fuss packaging they will really become hooked. 

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 Nose: “Two for the price of One!” Dad’s love saving a pretty penny-An ear, nose, and brow trimmer has multiple functions making it a “good investment”! ( I use this on all of my guys! )Go ahead take it for a spin, Wahl’s ear, Ear Nose and Brow Trimmer

17_side_1 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY 

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Memorial Day Pool Party Kick off with Trina Turk and Chandon!

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Photos Courtesy of BFA/Will Ragozzino

What an AMAZING night it was celebrating Chandon’s American Summer Pool Party with Brittany Snow AND Trina Turk!!

Trina Turk, who is famously synonymous with colorful summer prints and luxuriously feminine pieces, celebrated with an exclusively designed collection, including the cutest dress, inspired by the limited edition bottle. With an expertly executed homage to our patriotic Red, White and Blue and the nautical theme of the night.  Wearing this dress, you’ll be ready to celebrate!

Trina gave me the exclusive scoop on what her favorite makeup look is for the season and what she thought would be the trend setting look to go with the Chandon design inspired dress!

TRINA’S MAKEUP INSPIRATION: LUMINOUS SKIN AND SIMPLE GLOWY MAKEUP

(Become irrisistable with this simple three-step approach to summer beach beauty!)

* Bronze : Wash bronzer across the face for the perfect glow.

Sweep Bobbi Brown’sFace and Body Bronzing Duo” across your face. With soft strokes start on your forehead and create a “C” curve from the middle of your forehead and sweep down your hairline to just below your cheek bone.Repeat on each side and blend. Next define your jawline with the same “C” curve outlining your jaw and gently blend down your neck. Wha-La! Glowy, fresh, naturally bronzed skin!

* Natural Lip : Create a defined lip with a neutral shade that is one degree darker than your natural lip tone.

 Makeup Forever’sAqua Lipsin shades 2C (light), 3C (medium), or 6C (dark). Lightly trace and fill in your lips, then apply your favorite lip balm on top for an ultra moisturizing, lasting look. Another one of my favorites:  Fresh’sLip Sugar” in Honey or Plum to deliver a maximum moisture treatment with an spf and subtle tint. 

* Mascara :  Define your eyes with the simplicity of fabulous lashes.

 Maybeline’s “Full n’ Soft”- one of my absolute favorite’s- for an all natural fluffy lash look or try top rated MaybellineVolum’ Express Mascara The Mega Plushin Blackest Black, plumps with soft supple volume that is also gentle on your lashes with it’s new gel-mousse formula!

Honestly there’s no better to way sip in style and indulge in opulent spirits. Sweet, tart and saucy, that’s the way I like mine…My Cocktail, that is! Whether sipped in its perfect simplicity or mixed in one of Chandon’s expertly mixed cocktails, you can’t go wrong. My favorite of the night, ….the “Cabana Boy“…Say What!  MMMHMMMMM! Oh yes, with Chandon Riche, St. Germain and fresh Pomegranate Seeds these really made this cocktail my favorite!

 

Now that we have our cocktail and a sensational look to sport…who’s up for the beach!
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School’s IN!

The neverending pursuit to refine our beauty bags continues. How do you transport without worry, and travel in consistent luxury without diminishing one iota of your fabulousness? Try some of these tips, tricks and my product picks to help navigate your way through security with your beauty — and beauty essentials — intact.

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* Multi-Range Creams

* Multi-Use Products

* Multi-Tasking Compacts

 

 

 

For more of my tips, tricks and product picks for paring down your travel beauty routine, check out

“Beauty School”

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Happy Mother’s Day!

bfd 13a Whether it was as an infant suffering for attention or as a toddler urging to show her your latest and greatest with the supreme urgency to celebrate it… “Right Now”, or the withered phone call longing to just to hear her voice, somehow she imparts you with renewed strength (it must be true, you CAN conquer the world). Mom’s have a special place in all of our hearts. Some are lucky to have one or even luckier to have more than one…whether they be natural, adoptive, honorary, celebrated legacies, or extensions thereof, Here’s to ALL Moms!

 

* Under Eye Resilience is Key!

A Mom’s work is never done. Sneak in a little at-home beauty pit stop with these eye masks, the key to quickly reinvigorating those tired eyes. Try gifting these handy little eye treats and see her smile. It forces Mom to kick back in a mini spa treatment. Relax and Enjoy!

Shiseido’s “Benefiance: Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask” is a fabulous 15-minute beauty rejuvenator. Packing retinol to help gently resurface superficial lines, hydrating properties to plump and protect, as well as alleviating dark circles, jump start your eyes with these little sensations! You’ll feel refreshed in mere minutes. I love these and love using them on clients! Try placing the eye masks on while you are getting ready, apply your eye makeup and remove when finished. The patches will catch makeup fall out leaving you bright eyed and super moisturized. Whether lying down for a quick nap, or continuing the multi-tasking run, these under eye sheets adhere and will stay put while you are on-the-go!

 

* Treat Mom to a Personalized Manicure Compliments of You!

Mani/Pedi’s built to last: Sally Hansen’s “Salon Insta-Gel Strips” are a one-stop shop to a professional mani, that looks fresh each day. Built to last up to two weeks, this handy little at home system can ensure a spotless mani and is a fraction of the price of a spa gel manicure. Have fun and do your nails together! With the incredible colors and designs, you’ll have a blast. Mom’s always love their children’s handy work…BUT if it’s a real stretch…go ahead, grab your wallet, spring for the spa!…

 

* A Fresh Pucker is Always Something Nice!

With the latest introductions of fabulous colors, come the lasting and moisturizing versions primed to stay put. Here’s some of my favorite colors sure to dazzle for hours of fun.

Guerlain’s “Rouge G” comes in 4 new sensational Limited Edition Spring shades, “#72 Rose Innocent” is one of my favorites! The lipstick radiates brilliance with the ruby powders reflecting light and plumping the lips with an ultra smoothing effect. The beautiful packaging includes a mirror tastefully built into the side of your James Bond-esque super lipstick case.

*Take a moment to have the lipstick monogrammed just for Mom, she will truly feel like a star! Try your local mall for those personalization shops, that can add that added special touch.*

 

Nothing is more moving than a note telling her how much you love her! Mom’s never hear it enough….or so I hear…Yeah, Loud and Clear, MOM!”

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Hair Bare, There!

 

 DEDICATED BEAUTY QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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If there is one note of advice I desperately wished my Mom had passed to me, it would be the admonition to keep an eye out for those pesky strays. Who knew!?!

Sure, I keep a keen eye on my clients as well as myself. But has there been a moment, or two, when I’ve caught sight of a new suspect emerging on my terrain….ooh, YA! And let’s just say, I take swift action so as not to get caught by the hair on my chinny chin chin. I mean SERIOUS BUSINESS!

THIS MONTH’S FAN QUESTION TARGETS THIS VERY ISSUE!

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I recently noticed some hairs growing on my chin.  What is the best way to get rid of them? Wax, threating, plucking? HELP! – Shana

 

 

 

 

Let me first say this…hair, placement, amount and disposition is factored in by genes (sigh), age (larger sigh), and hormones (uggghhhhhhhhh). Yup, it’s not pretty, however there’s no need to fret the new comers or has been’s when you come equally equipped with an arsenal of trouble shooters to help Nip those Nubbins in the Nub.

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT SOLUTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AND WHICH WORKS BEST FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO DO!

Laser: My personal fav! Love the idea of cutting your morning hustle down to a minimum? Try laser on for size. Depending on your complexion and hair color (fair haired and light skinned beauties may not apply to this particular method), this life-saver could be yours to forever tackle those distressing areas! The laser targets melanin (naturally occurring dark pigmentation in skin and hair) and when applied destroys the hair in the root. Whether it be bikini, underarm, legs, chin, back, or what I like to call, “the chia”, (the ever lingering nape of the neck)…laser can erase signs of life in mere visits.  Make sure you consult with a seasoned/licensed professional who will honestly tell you “NO”, where it won’t work for you, and” YES”, where it will. These services are more costly than your average wax or threading visit, but when looked at over time, it is much more cost effective, since the hair will eventually be obliterated into thin air. Ever dreamed of never shaving your legs, under arms? Find a trusted source…take the referral and run with it. For the daring-try consumer friendly at-home versions like the NO-NO!

Electrolysis: Targeting each individual hair follicle with an electrically charged needle, ultimately destroying the growth and production of hairs can be an option for you. This works great on intricate areas such as ears, as well as larger surfaces. There may be significant irritation for those with sensitive skins. Consult a referred professional for their assessment of your areas and the efficacy of the treatment as this is more specific for darker hair, however a combined treatment of laser and electrolysis may work for grey, peach fuzz and lighter hair, offering an alternative approach. An additional cost at first, but over time, the hair is destroyed, Hooray!

Waxing: Waxing comes in two forms: Hard wax and Soft wax. Not ready for the commitment or to forever say goodbye, waxing is a great option and a GREAT vacation prep. Wax removal results last two to eight weeks. I prefer the hot wax method and even more preferable, bees wax. Hot wax is applied thick, left to cool, then removed. This practice is much more gentle on skin than Strip waxing. With Soft wax, strip wax, a thin layer of warm wax is applied followed by placing a piece of paper/muslin on top, then the area is removed with a swift pull.  Whether it be large (back, abdomen, face) or smaller areas, with Hot wax you can wax and repeat to ensure a perfectly bare result with minimal irritation. Those with super sensitive skin, plan ahead and secure these services with post-visit down time to alleviate any temporary redness that may result.

Threading: What a cool talent to watch! Originating in the East, this method uses a single string of cotton thread, tactically gathering the finest of hairs row by row for a precise and targeted approach for brow shaping and more. Some profess this method catches the tiny razor thin hairs much better than tweezing. The string quickly encases each hair pulling the hair from the follicle. It is gentle on skin and with minimal contact with the skin itself is often the option for clients who use topical resurfacing agents or Accutane type acne treatments. Preference is the key. Usually reserved for smaller areas: eyebrows, chin, and cheek, plucking or threading, the choice is yours. Routine maintenance is advised with monthly or bi-monthly appointments necessary to keep the areas in check.

Tweezing: I find tweezing the way to go for smaller areas (brows, chins, bikini touch-up) or general self-maintenance. This option pulls individual hairs one at a time and is gentle on the skin without any chemical contact or resurfacing agents. This is also a safe way to trust a professional to shape and create your brow arch, especially if you are nervous. Usually appointments are booked in 15-minute intervals, you’ll be able to influence the shape as well as your comfort level with how thin or thick you may want them to be. This is a quick solution and is consistent maintenance. Take note of your areas, keep an eye and always pluck in the direction the hair is growing.  This helps reduce the tug of the surrounding skin, which over time may result in droop and irregular hair growth.

** NOTE TO SELF! **  

Be a “Beauty MacGuyver TM“: slip a tweezer in your handy beauty on-the-go-bag plucking pesky strays on the fly. You never knew how handy a tweezer can be!…

Lastly:  Referrals are always key! Remember the artist/technician usually has a pattern of results and a pattern of happy clients. If you like what your friend has, most likely you too will walk away a happy camper!

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vanessasig

Give Back!

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Arizona’s Child Crisis Center was a loving refuge for my sisters and I almost thirty years ago. Now it’s my turn to return their grace by honoring three lovely ladies, who are part of the organization’s “RAP” gals (Relatives as Parent’s) who foster and adopt some very special children into their loving homes.  I have the opportunity to appreciate each one of them with the gift of a MAKEOVER in preparation for their attending the Charity Gala in beautiful Scottsdale – my hometown!! 

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Details:

12th Annual Child Crisis Center Charity Gala

Saturday, April 20th 6-10 pm

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch

Check in with me on Twitter and Facebook with action shots of their transformations!

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No Bags Allowed!

DEDICATED BEAUTY QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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makeup q LINE Hi, I’m in my mid 40’s with oily skin. My biggest beauty conundrum? I have both puffy under eye bags AND under eye circles!  I’ve never been able to find a cream and concealer technique to combat both things at the same time. Can you please help?
Thanks so much! – K.A.

 

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FIGHT BACK UNDER EYE PUFFINESS, FATIGUE & CIRCLES WITH A FEW KEY TIPS & PRODUCT INGREDIENTS KNOWN TO SUCCEED IN THE BATTLE! 

KEY TIPS:

– Hydrate:  

*Water is essential to flushing out toxins in our body, sustaining bright, clear skin and helping to de-puff our eyes so they can remain bright! 

– Avoid: 

*Sodium is a key component of our diets, but whether we realize it or not, excessive amounts of salt can be found in foods we eat throughout the day, creating ample opportunity for the plump puff below the eyes, usually compounded in the morning!

*Avoid excessively salty foods like chips, preserved veggies and grab n’ go foods. By adding high water content foods, you’ll reap the benefits of great nutrition and fight the puff!  Try cucumbers, water chestnuts, celery, and dandelion (all great in salads)!

– Prop and Snooze:  

*Elevated pillows can aid the morning puff! Even the slightest elevation while sleeping can really assist in alleviating fluids collecting under the eyes helping reduce swelling and circles! There is no other miracle than sleep, beauty REST is a MUST!

NOW THAT WE KNOW THE THINGS WE CAN DO FROM THE INSIDE OUT, HERE’S SOME PRODUCTS TO HELP AID THE FIGHT FROM THE OUTSIDE IN!

– Freeze:  Try taking a cosmetic cotton puffs and cutting it in half (the Oval shaped ones work best!) Then soak the pads lightly in whole milk and freeze. Place the frozen treatments over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes and watch the miracle of the chill reduce swelling and bags. 

– Aid:  2 Essential ingredients to look for in your under eye cream/gels:  Caffeine, Vitamin K and Vitamin E !

– Try:  Two of my absolute fav’s! Arcona “Eye Dew” – Under Eye Circles, it’s official, it’s a match made in heaven. If the name alone doesn’t lend you to believe, this powerful under eye cream fights aging, lines, and darkness with its hyaluronic acids and has botanical anti-inflammatory blue berry extract and vitamin E. The effect is addictive!

Arcona’s “Peptide Eye Serum” targets under eye with coffee to reduce the puff and hydrates the area with peptides revitalizing while also gently alleviating lines.  

– Conceal:  Targeting under eye circles also involves concealing. The surest way to hide any residual darkness is with a fool proof product that counteracts darkness, conceals and stays! 

– Try:   Lancome’s “Effacerns” Waterproof Protective Under eye Concealer”  This little tube delivers buildable coverage that won’t budge. Perfect for dark circles while escaping the “falling into lines” syndrome.  I love it!

* Eve Pearl’s “Dual Salmon Concealer® & Treatment w/Astaxanthin”  A creamy blend of two complimentary tones of concealer to mask under eye circles and minimize puffiness. Choose your unique shade and blend to personalized perfection! Did I mention this also has an skin care treatment packed into it?

* Kanebo Sensai “Concealer” Pen delivers concealing, micro reflective properties and a touch of reparative skin care in every click. Use this as an on-the-go touch-up resource. 

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