Beauty Posts at HandbagHeaven.com

December 3rd, 2012

From the Makeup Counter:Tips on Achieving a Photo-Ready Face

makeup tips for getting photo taken

Are you preparing to get your photo taken for work or for school? Maybe you have something more glamorous going on like engagement photos or a swanky event that will be photographed. Or, perhaps you’re a style blogger who poses for the camera frequently.

When it comes to applying makeup for photos, there is a whole new list of rules that apply. You don’t want to look washed out or shiny, but you also don’t want to look like a clown!

I took a class a while back that taught me how to apply photo-ready makeup. Here’s what I learned:

Skincare:

Make sure you start with a clean face!
Don’t use irritating products like Retinol or “cleansing” masks.
When preparing to apply makeup for photos, SKIP moisturizer unless your skin is VERY dry.
Instead, moisturize your face with a primer.

Foundation:

Use a foundation with NO SPF. SPF will reflect in the flash, giving your face a white, washed-out look.
Make sure your foundation matches your skin right-on. It should not be lighter or darker.
There should be no oil in your foundation.

Powder:

Unless it is a translucent powder, skip it. Other powders will leave a white cast on your face with the camera flash.
Mineral powder is a definite no, especially when it comes to getting photos taken! Mineral powder + flash photography = face white-out. There have been numerous celebs make this mistake, including Ashley Judd.
Make sure you use a clean puff when powdering your face. Use a “press and roll” technique for the best results.

ashley judd mineral powder

Eyes:

Despite popular belief, less is more.
Line your eyes precisely. Be sure to practice this beforehand.
Use waterproof eye makeup.
Use a primer as your base and matte eye shadows in natural hues.
Fill in your brows for a polished look.
Use setting powder over your lids to keep everything in place and more matte.

Cheeks:

Go natural by applying blush to the apples of your cheeks.
Use a swirl motion with your brush to get the most natural look.
If you stand back in the mirror and your cheeks don’t pop, you need more blush.
If your skin is dry, use a creme blush.
Only use a bronzer if it’s matte.

Lips:

Use a little more color than you’re used to.
Skip bold colors, unless you’re going for a vamp or period look.
Gloss over color is great!

Finishing it up:

Look at yourself in the mirror from a distance. Does anything stand out too much? Does anything need more emphasis?
Finish with another dusting of translucent powder.
Lightly spray a makeup setting spray.

And the golden rule when it comes to photo-ready makeup: Don’t OVER apply!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be posing pretty for those flashing bulbs in no time!

By Sarah B. in Beauty | Permalink | No Comments »

February 23rd, 2012

At Home Beauty Tips

From a young age, girls are taught that “Beauty is pain,” and after a run-in with a curling iron at age nine, I won’t argue that. But what our mothers and grandmothers forgot to mention is that beauty is also money — lots of it! You name the body part, and I guarantee there’s a product on the market that promises to tighten, tone, and beautify it. The monetary cost of these products, not to mention the environmental effect, is rather absurd. When I logically consider the amount of money I dedicate to beautifying, it’s hard to justify the expense.

In an effort to pinch a few pennies and save the environment from a few extra plastic bottles, I’ve decided to try a few of these at-home beauty tips. Bonus: using natural ingredients, like those featured here, is much better for your body. So get a little adventurous with me and give a few tricks a try!

Totally Tropical Deep Conditioner

If you have curly or relaxed hair, try this home remedy for dry hair. Melt about a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave then run it through your dry hair using your fingers to distribute the oil. Pay special attention to the ends, and avoid putting it directly on the scalp. Leave the coconut oil conditioner in over-night, and shower it out in the morning.

Shiny Hair Cocktail

Add a shot of vodka, yes vodka, to your normal deep conditioner. Stir a few drops of your favorite essential oil and spread through your hair. Let this mixture sit for about 20 minutes and then rinse. The alcohol will lower the pH of your hair, and the oil will add instant shine!

Winter Skin Remedy

Dust the cobwebs off your blender and make yourself a rejuvenating facial mask. Blend together a little cold cream, plain yogurt, honey, aloe vera gel, and avocado. Smooth the mixture onto your face and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off and enjoy your moisturized and totally refreshed skin!

Get Glowing Mask

Mix one tablespoon of orange juice with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to create a paste. Spread the paste on your face and leave on for 20 minutes — if you feel tingling, that’s good! After 20 minutes, dampen your fingers and scrub the mask in small circles to exfoliate. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.

Sugary Body Scrub

Mix together one cup brown sugar, one cup raw oatmeal, and one cup olive oil. Stand in your bath tub (this will be messy!) and apply the scrub on dry skin with your hands. Rub all over your body in slow circles. After a full scrub-down, rinse off in a warm shower.

Razor Burn Cure

Apply one to two drops of honey to wet fingertips and massage into the razor-burned area. Don’t rinse. Pat to dry. The honey will help your skin retain moisture and calm the irritated area.

Nail Saver

If your nail polish addiction has left your nails yellowed, scrub your nails with an old toothbrush, then some whitening toothpaste. Soaking your tips in lemon juice for 5 to 10 minutes will have a similar whitening effect.

Long-Lasting Lip Color

Exfoliate your lips and pat them dry. Grab yourself a packet of Cherry Jell-O and lick your lips. Dip your fingers in to the powder packet and apply to your moist lips. The color will stain your lips giving you long-lasting rouge. Layer a moisturizing red lip gloss or lipstick on top for a perfect pout.

Photo Credit:

SheKnows.com & RedBook.com

By Maggie V. in Beauty | Permalink | No Comments »

January 23rd, 2012

Think Pink!

If you want to feel beautiful, romantic, and girly this Valentine’s Day, then simply think pink! Whether you’re headed to the movies with your sweetheart, out to dinner with your bestie, or going dancing, there’s a place for pink in your Valentine’s Day ensemble. Read on for tips on how to pull off a perfectly pink ensemble.

pink outfit valentine's day

Take your pick of pink. From demure and feminine blush shades, to bold and bright hot pink, there’s a shade for everyone. Consider the trendy Clara Structured Satchel for sophisticated class, or this bright pink patent crossbody bag for a bold statement.
Don’t let yourself look like a flamingo! We’re all for the color, but we advise against head-to-toe pink. Instead, color block your look with white, citrus hues, or even red.
If you don’t have much pink in your wardrobe, sport the shade through your accessories. Pink handbags will stand out during February when most are carrying black. Some pink gloves might be just what your dark coat needs, and how sweet would your braid look with a pink bow holding it tight?
And when it comes to makeup, there’s a shade of pink for every skin tone. Add some flush to your cheeks with pink blush, or paint your nails your favorite hue.

By Sarah B. in Beauty, Fashion | Permalink | No Comments »

September 13th, 2010

Easy Style Update: Dos and Don’ts of the Middle Part

Kim Kardashian with oversized bag

Forget the bold bangs and side parts of past seasons, middle parts have had a huge presence in Hollywood and on this year’s runways.

Celebrities from the Kardashians to the Olsen Twins have consistently sported the middle part, however, the style can be difficult to pull off. I myself sported a middle part until the age of 14 when I came to the realization I looked like the actor Barry Watson of 7^th Heaven.

A middle hair part is currently bolder than a side part and can instantly update your look for fall. With a few tricks this fresh style can be worn by any one.

Do: Keep locks soft and away from the face. Try slight waves or curling hair with a large barrel curling iron for a more polished look.

Don’t: Keep your hair completely straight. The look is rarely flattering unless you have the face of Coco Rocha. You could also end up looking like a hippie or a guest star on That 70’s show.

Do: Part your hair slightly off-center. If you’re not ready to try a dead center part try parting hair slightly off to the side. An off-center part is more flattering for all face shapes.

Don’t: Slick your hair back with spray or gel. The look can be extreme. If you don’t want to deal with loose strand, you’re better off parting your hair down the center accompanied by a loose bun.

Do: Pair your new center part with an oversized bag! Follow Kim’s lead.

Hopefully, you too will take part in this trend. (No pun intended).

Photo: leatherhandbags4sure.com

By admin in Beauty | Permalink | No Comments »