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Berry Christmas
One of the winter lipstick shades I’m currently having a love affair with is Mary Kay’s “Berry Kiss.” A friend gave this to me after receiving it as a sample and I couldn’t be more obsessed. A rich berry, I’ve found it’s the perfect holiday choice for my western European coloring (blonde hair, fair skin, and green eyes). Typically, I remain fairly loyal to my standards: glossy bubblegum, raspberry, and strawberry pinks (this color family suits my skin well). However, the yuletide spirit and wintery chill always warms me up to the idea of sporting a deeper red for festive occasions, especially during the holidays.
Amanda Seyfried sporting berry-stained lips. (via here)
And here, Mary Kay’s “Berry Kiss:”
Model wearing “Berry Kiss” by Mary Kay. Another added bonus, in additional to a beautiful pout? This color brightens and whitens your smile! This is my go-to shade for holiday festivities and gatherings. ($13) Images via here
What are your favorite lipstick shades for winter? If you’re looking to make a departure from your norm and spice things up a little, let me make another suggestion: the ever-chic berry (which happens to be red’s sister).
Here are some of my picks:
Lancolm L’Absolu Rouge in Berry Noir, $29 (creamy and rich)
Chantecaille Damask Lip Chic, $32 (balmy, sheer, effortless). Burgundies also look great on darker complexions.
Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tint in Moody, $24 (a gel tint)
Berry emanates warmth, adding just a touch of glamour for the holidays: why not give it a try this season instead of your classic red standard?
Ashley Olsen rockin’ a sumptuous berry pout. (image via here)
Stay chic,
Annie
No Party Like a Palette Party
I’m all for makeup palettes – they’re compact, convenient one-stop-shops. When I’m doing bridal makeup, it’s much easier to bring eyeshadow palettes as opposed to hundreds of smaller, individual eyeshadows.
Here are two of my go-to’s.
I couldn’t live without my Urban Decay “Naked” Palette ($48), with it’s panoply of browns, golds, mochas, and taupes. I love the blend of matte and metallic eyeshadows. With lighter shades for brow highlights, darker matte shades for liner and adding depth, as well as shimmery tones for your lid and inner eye corners, this set is both versatile and dynamic. How gorgeous are those 12 colors? Plenty of day-to-night makeup looks can be achieved, and I promise – it’s universally flattering on a variety of skin tones (and eye colors).
Another recent obsession is Bobbi Brown’s new Tortoise Shell “Sand” eyeshadow palette ($60).
I’m an avid supporter of all things Bobbi, especially her shimmer bricks and concealer / corrector. This palette is no exception. The terra cotta and apricot buff/matte shades (middle left) are beautiful on the eyelid, and although natural-looking, add depth to the eye. The colors are meant to be layered upon, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. My favorite part of this compact? The deep, chocolate matte brown which can be used as a liner: it’s rich, pigmented, and really pops against my green eyes. Chocolate brown is an ideal alternative to black liner – much less harsh and overpowering. Again, this palette can easily take you from day to night. (Note: if you’re fair or light skinned, I would suggest the “sand” tortoise compact. However, if you have olive or dark skin, I would suggest the “bronze” tortoise palette).
What are you waiting for? Go out and get one: you won’t regret your purchase. I used the Naked Palette on a test run for a bride last week, and plan on using both palettes at a wedding I’m doing the makeup for this weekend. Get gorgeous!
Stay chic,
Annie
Springy Nails
J’adore la ligne de printemps 2011 d’Essie de couleurs de vernis à ongles.
What, you may say? Let me introduce you to Essie’s Spring 2011 line of nail polish, entitled “French Affair” and inspired by 1960’s glamour and the French Riviera. 
Each polish has been dubbed with a flirtatious and exotic name, and the cheerful, feminine and sweet pastel palette flatters a variety of skin tones. What I love so much about these colors is that they’re thick and opaque, as opposed to sheer. Just a couple of coats and your nails are color-concentrated and ready for Easter!
“I think every woman has a little Brigitte Bardot in her, and this palette coaxes her out,” says Essie Weingarten, founder of the eponymously-named brand.
Essie “French Affair” Collection nail polishes Nice Is Nice, Coat Azure and French Affair. Courtesy of Essie
Essie “French Affair” Collection nail polishes Topless & Barefoot, Sand Tropez and Kisses And Bises. Courtesy of Essie
‘Topless & Barefoot’ and ‘Sand Tropez’ work as simple neutrals, while ‘Nice is Nice’ and ‘French Affair’ will compliment a sun-kissed complexion with their bubble-gum tones. I bought French Affair last week, wore it when I went out Saturday night, and literally received a multitude of compliments on this pepto-bismol shade of pink.
One pair of espadrilles, a pair of over-sized sunglasses, a vintage Chanel scarf, and a plane ticket to Nice, please. Dreaming of the French Riviera…
Stay chic,
Annie
Concealer 101
“Hi Annie! Can you recommend some of your favorite concealers? I’ve yet to find one that isn’t runny or cake-like, and the problem at my age is that concealer starts to set in lines underneath my eyes. Help!” ~ Beth, Nashville, 54
If you know me, you know I can be a bit anal retentive about concealing: especially my under-eye area. I’m vigilant about covering up the purple-ish tones I have, and am constantly scouring the market for a product that does the trick. It’s rare I find concealers that don’t cake, or don’t give me that “white” look underneath my eye (mismatched skin tones).
ENTER: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, $40 (pronounced “two-shh ee-claw”)
What it is:
A luminizing pen that brings light and radiance to the skin, immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion.
What it does:
Loved by models, makeup artists, celebrities, and women everywhere, the award-winning Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ÉCLAT Radiant Touch is like eight hours of sleep and an instant pick-me-up in a magic wand. With a few strategically placed strokes of TOUCHE ÉCLAT, the complexion immediately looks rested, rejuvenated, and radiant.
What else you need to know:
TOUCHE ÉCLAT banishes shadows and tired-looking eyes by adding light and creating an instant lift to the eye area. TOUCHE ÉCLAT widens eyes when used between the eyebrows and along the sides of the nose, and creates fuller looking lips when used in the hollow of the chin and around the contour of the lips. It’s formulated for all skin types and for anyone who wants instant radiance, luminosity, and lift. ~ From the Sephora Website
Ladies, I couldn’t have said it better myself. This product is goddess-divine. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but I have found myself recommending it relentlessly – and for good reason. It’s lightweight, yet manages to provide the perfect amount of coverage underneath the eyes without the dreaded “caking” effect. Who wants to use an under-eye concealer only to find it further emphasizes fine lines and wrinkles? No, thank you. The T.E. also acts as a highlighter, brightening your eyes and giving you that coveted “wide-awake” look, while simultaneously camouflaging blue-ish/purplish under-eye tones. This is, hands down, an ACC favorite, #1, highly-recommended product.
Other Honorable Mentions:
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, $22
From the LM website: Laura Mercier Secret Concealer is a moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for under and around the eye area to conceal discolourations and dark circles.
A great, all-around, all-over concealer – for those problem areas, redness, blotchy skin, or a break-out. A bit thicker for moderate to maximum coverage. Creamy and gentle underneath the eyes – apply with a concealer brush or gently blot with your finger.
Bobbi Brown’s Essential Foundation Stick, $40
From the BB website: Bobbi’s innovative Foundation Stick is designed for portability and adjustable coverage. Easy to apply and blend all over the face or just where you need it. For all skin types, except very oily.
I’ve been using the BB Foundation Stick since high school, and it still remains a favorite; this was my “original” under-eye concealer. I never saw an ounce of blue or purple peek through when using this stick! Again, it’s an excellent all-over concealer, and a bit more matte than the Laura Mercier.
These are my suggestions and favorite products. What are your go-to concealers? Have you tried any of the products above?
Stay chic,
Annie
Spring 2011 Makeup Trend: Corals & Oranges
Bright coral-oranges were ubiquitous at New York Fashion week this year. From Alice + Olivia and Marc by Marc Jacobs to Jill Stuart and J. Mendel, this fresh & flirty color has made it’s way into spring 2011 makeup color palettes. Youthful and vibrant, corals and oranges have a way of making your skin look luminous and bringing out the highlights in your hair. Surprisingly, this is actually a color that is universally flattering and easy to pull off – regardless of your age or skin type!
Orange lips on the Spring 2011 runways of J. Mendel, Ohne Titel, Imitation, and Milly. Photos: Amy Sussman, Getty Images | Astrid Schwiarz, Getty Images| Andy Kropa, Getty Images| Frazer Harrison, Getty Images (clockwise from top left)
According to Charlotte Tilbury, makeup artist (and Jill Stuart makeup colorist), “This color suits most people. It’s more modern than last season’s red lip and it complements every skin tone and makes your eye color pop. It’s incredibly effective!” says Tilbury.
Orange lips on the Spring 2011 runways of Jill Stuart, Isaac Mizrahi, Lela Rose, and Luca Luca. Photos: Thos Robinson, Getty Images | Frazer Harrison, Getty Images | Jemal Countess, Getty Images | Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
- To pull off this look for day-time, use a semi-sheer lipstick or gloss; this keeps the color from looking too harsh & overwhelming. Matte colors are appropriate for nighttime.
- Not sure which shade of coral is for you? Fair skin tones should look for shades with pink or blue undertones. Medium-to-dark skin tones can go with a more concentrated wash of color with warmer undertones; these colors really pop against dark skin tones.
ACC picks & suggestions:
Fair
Stick with cool corals in pinkish shades if you have porcelain to light skin.
Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip Stain in Jive, $19
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Shimmer, $6
Medium
Jemma Kidd Makeup School High Shine Silk Touch Lipgloss in Coral, $32
Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain, Coy Coral, $7.28
Olive / Dark
Enprani Dear Nature Lightsome Lip Gloss in Shine Coral, $20
Sue Devitt Microquatic Lip-Enhancing Gloss in Coral Sea, $22
Spring is on the horizon – more previews to come.
Stay chic,
Annie
Lady in Red
You might as well call me “the pink lady” – my makeup bag is filled with shades of raspberry, blush, hot pink, strawberry, and bubblegum lipsticks. Although these shades suit my cool undertones well, I’m always up for trying something new. Red lipstick is the exception, however; I’ve been reluctant to try it because who wants to look matronly, washed out, or goth? It’s so easy to get it so wrong.
Oh, but I’ve changed my mind.
image via here
I am head-over-heels for red lipstick right now, and to all my chic, stylish readers and clients out there – you can pull it off. Trust me. Here’s how to wear one of fall’s hottest makeup trends and make it work for your specific skin tone:
- A red lip speaks for itself. As such, keep the eye makeup minimal: a defined brow, some black liner on the upper lashes, and a couple of coats of black mascara will balance out the dramatic lip. I like a simple bronzed cheek to go with the look. Don’t overdo it with a smokey eye. Let the red lip speak for itself. (Notice how Hayden does this perfectly above).
image via here
- The key is finding the right shade of red for your coloring. Keep these tips in mind while shopping for the perfect shade. Blondes with fair to medium skin tones should look for a cherry red with blue undertones. Brunettes with medium to olive skintones should look for more of a true red (think fire engine or apple red). Lastly, if you’re very dark-skinned, you want to go with more of a merlot or brick red (very deep, rich, velvety undertones).
image via here
- Another trick: bring a piece of white paper with you to test the colors. You’ll really be able to see the undertones this way.
My picks:
Givenchy 39 Absolutely Irresistable Red (classic red), $28 (I’m doing a bride’s makeup in October, and this is what I’m using on her. She’s blonde/blue-eyed, with fair to medium skin).
Mac Russian Red, $14.50
Nars Jungle Red, $24
Red lipstick is tres’ chic and perfect for the urban sophisticate. A classic, yet modern, look.
Stay chic,
Annie
Nail Alert
If you’re like me, one of the most-anticipated rituals about summer is the pedicure! To keep those fingernails and toes looking polished and pretty, try one of this season’s hottest color palettes.
For toes, blues, teals, and turquoise are the ‘it’ colors for warm summer days – breezy, bright, and totally unexpected.
NARS Blue Lagoon, $16
OPI Torrid Turquoise, $8.50
The trend in finger-nail color is towards blush tones, nudes, and other putty-colored shades. These colors elongate your nails, almost as an extension of your fingers: sweet, simple, and completely natural.
Chanel La Vernis Nail Color: Inattendu, $23
You still can’t go wrong with oranges, corals & hot pinks (my personal favorite) for summer – bold, electric & oh, so fun.
POP Beauty Nail Glam, $10
Sephora by OPI Caliente Coral, $9
What are your favorite nail polish colors this season? What are you wearing?
Stay chic,
Annie
Makeup Must-Haves
Many times I get asked what favorite makeup products are. Where do I begin? There are simply too many to list, but I’ll begin with those that come with my highest recommendation – my daily go-to products and essentials.
My #1, must-have, can’t-live-without-it product is Bobbi Brown’s Rose Shimmer Brick Compact (image via Nordstrom).
I often get compliments on my skin, but ladies, I cannot tell a lie: Bobbi Brown takes ALL the credit for anything happening there. I was introduced to the Shimmer Brick in 2006 after I graduated from college. My girlfriend’s skin was constantly glowing, and she always had this beautiful sheen across her cheeks and cheekbones. Needless to say, I was converted, and I’ve been having a love affair with the BBSB ever since (and I’m oh, so faithful).
The BBSB comes in five color palettes: rose, pink quartz, nectar, bronze and beige. I have pink undertones in my skin, so I use the rose (right) compact, but if you have golden or yellow undertones, the nectar would be beautiful. If you have olive skin, the bronze or beige would be complimentary.
The brick is great because it comes in shades of five different colors – blended together, this makes for a beautiful flush of color on your cheeks/cheekbones. First, I put blush on the apples of my cheek, then I rub my brush in a circular motion on the BBSM, and then brush the shimmer over my cheekbone in an upwards motion. The result is a subtle pinkish, shimmery sheen on my cheekbones and under my eyes (note: not glittery – we don’t want to look like we went crazy at Clarie’s in 2000).
The shimmer brick highlights your cheekbones and provides a flawless, glowy effect on your skin. I love it.
For $38, the brick lasts about a year – not bad! You can buy online or in person at Nordstrom, or online at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. For you Nashville gals, you can buy Bobbi Brown products at Woo Skin Care & Cosmetics on Bandywood in Green Hills. (2154 Bandywood Drive, Nashville, TN 37215-2703 (615) 383-2170). Tell them Annie Heyward sent you.
My second must-have is BADgal lash mascara (I just like the name). You can buy online at Benefit Cosmetics, or online or in store at Sephora. This is what Carmindy (love.her.) uses, too, and I have to say, I’m quite an avid fan.
I’m always searching for the best mascara, but when I met BADgal, I never looked back. Virtually clump-free, this mascara both lengthens/extends and volumizes your lashes. I don’t have particularly dark or long lashes, but this gives them that come-hither look.
A Chic Critique tip: always use an eye-lash curler. If you don’t now, get one. It doesn’t matter if you use $45 Chanel mascara: if you don’t curl your eyelashes, the mascara will do very little for them.
Benefit makes fabulous products that I find myself suggesting all the time to friends and clients. These two are Annie’s makeup bag staples. Want to make your eyes appear larger and less tired? Want that wide-awake look?
One makeup tip I suggest is to highlight the inner corners of your eyes (think where the tear duct is) with a pale shimmery white, pale pink, or pale shimmery gold color. Doing this brightens your eyes, makes them appear larger, and gives you a fresh, wide-awake look. Perfect for those on-the-go mornings where you have five minutes to put on your makeup!
Dab a little High Beam ($24) on the inside corners of your eyes, put on two quick coats of black mascara, and you instantly appear bright-eyed and ready to go. High Beam also doubles as a skin brightener, with it’s luminescent sheen – rub a little on your brow bones and cheekbones for a beautiful highlighting effect. Another great eye brightener is the Eye Bright ($20) pencil – I have both products, and either one will widen & brighten your eyes.
You can buy both at Sephora or order online at Benefit Cosmetics.
Stay chic! Annie