Posts Tagged ‘complexion’

Get me some scissors…I think I want Anne Hathaway’s hair (and makeup and dresses!)

By Melody Iafelice on December 13th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Anne Hathaway is just stunning-fabulous-elegant-gorgeous (yes I’m gushing) with her short hair. Over the last couple of months we are seeing more of Anne as the press releases, interviews, her magazine covers and now the red carpeted premieres are in full swing for the new Les Misérables Movie.

My favorite look so far is the sleek side parted hair in that hot Tom Ford S/S 2013 outfit and sexy gladiator sandals in the left hand image below. Just look at her deeply shaded and shiny hair and how well it pairs against her creamy complexion.

Wenn; AbacaPress; Landov

I adore those deep berry/red lips, which are so on trend right now and the makeup is balanced with a well groomed brow, leaving the rest of the eye simple.

Not ready to crop the hair just yet? (me neither) Let’s try her makeup look instead.

   Start by creating a flawless complexion regardless of your skin tone. I’m a huge fan of the Graftobian HD Creme Foundation ($23.99US) as it is easy to apply, light weight and finishes beautifully without looking over done…a perfect canvas. (palette shown, also available in single compact)

The dark lip is seductive, however if you are intimidated by going dark, ease into this trend by trying the shade in something sheer, like this nourishing tinted lip balm… Clinique Chubby Stick ($19 CAD)  in ‘Grandest Grape’ (shown) a deep raspberry hue that’s halfway between sheer and opaque.

Finish it off with superb brows…you want them to be well shaped and evenly filled in with both of them matching each other.  Try this  IT Cosmetics Brow Power Pencil ($24 CAD)  in Universal Brow, works on all hair colors. To get your shade use light strokes for lighter tone, heavier strokes for darker tones. I got mine from the The Shopping Channel and can go from day to dramatic with this pencil!

Ok gals, let’s go get gorgeous!!!

Ciao Bellas, Until  Next Time

~Melody XO

 

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Wish List~New Beauty Faves

By Melody Iafelice on November 29th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Here are some new luscious online discoveries (plus some of my all time faves) that are absolutely “Want It,  Need It, Gotta Have It”  items just in time for your Holiday Wish List. I’ll be sharing them this morning on CTV Morning Live Ottawa…but if you are reading this, you have the first peek.

I’m a huge fan of online shopping, especially for beauty  products. You can almost shop the world and get global beauty delivered right to your door.

Laura Mercier Artist’s Palette $60CAD  “A palette of a dozen eye shadow colors, hand-selected by Laura Mercier, in shimmer and matte finishes”  I tried it out on a client recently and loved it so much for myself. I think it’s the best collection of elegant neutrals in great textures and it includes several matte shades that will have this collection working overtime for you. From work day to evenings out, you can mix and match as well as make some of the darker matte shades into eyeliners when you use a wet brush. This is a classic selection of shades and a palette that will be well used and loved.

 

BITE Beauty Bite Size Discovery Kit $29CAD “Bite is beauty for lips that’s good enough to eat. With highly pigmented, trend-forward color palettes, Bite’s hydrating formulas are infused with food-grade ingredients—so your lips feel as gorgeous as they look”  The colors in this discovery kit are super wearable for anyone, ranging in a nude, neutral daily wear shades to a party ready red, the texture is lovely and look how adorable these are. They’ll fit perfectly into any evening clutch, pocket or makeup bag.

 

Royal and Langnickel Makeup Brushes  (assorted prices, $US)  You just can’t have great makeup, you have to have great tools. Many of my go to brushes come from this manufacturer for both my pro kit and personal use.  They have amazing quality brushes and fab pricing (much better than your fave department store brand)  My personal faves are the Silk Pro  line as well as the new Revolution line created with Kevin James Bennett celebrity makeup artist. The prices are amazing however there is going to be some extra fees to get it to Canada. I still feel that I get more product and quality with my $ even shopping cross border.

 

 

Clarisonic Plus Face and Body Cleansing Brush $225US.  I L.O.V.E. my Clarisonic Mia facial cleansing brush, it does such an amazing  job on the look and feel of my skin. Better clean and better radiance with it.  Think it is time to indulge the rest of my skin and go for this dual version (separate brush heads for  face and body) Secret: Head to SpaBoutique (Canadian) and get it for $225 CAD plus they have additional offers so look for them before you place your order and get a great deal and it’s where I bought my first one.

 

 

 

Julep Nail Polishes (varied pricing, $US) “trend-setting toxin-free colors and products”  I’m just discovering these and  have to say what a great find, a superb quality nail polish with a great selection of shades to mix, match and play with. Plus they can be found in Sephora…you’ll also love that they are free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde resin. 

 

 Ciao, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

*Online shopping tips: always check the FAQ’s page of the site to get your questions answered. Will there be an additional charges such as taxes or duties, return policy, special offers and of course any fine print so you are not surprised. If in doubt you can always contact their customer service.

 

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Beauty Shopping ~ The Shopping Channel Picks

By Melody Iafelice on September 2nd, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals,

 

I know you are a beauty lover-gotta have it gal just like me. I shop all over the place from the high end department stores to the only store in town that offers up any form of beauty as well as on-line boutiques from North America and overseas.  I even have friends overseas in which we swap in order to get brands to our door that we couldn’t otherwise get our pretty polished nails into!! One place I still shop at is The Shopping Channel (Canada’s shopping network)  They must have known that I was a fan, because they sent me a package with some of their new brands and products to test and try out ; )

Here are just a few items that I personally selected from that package to share in a TV segment.

Shopping Links for brands shown:

Carol’s Daughter (shown was the Monoi hair collection)   Pretend Tan  (self-tanner)     Jurlique  (skincare)      Cargo Cosmetics  (makeup)

Where are you favourite places to shop?

Gotta a link so I can check it out?

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 
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Back to School Beauty w/ ~Urban Decay, Seanol, Clean Well

By Melody Iafelice on August 31st, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Hello Gorgeous Gals,

It feels like all of  September is prep for the new school year.  With all the shopping,  you have to make sure that you are truly getting the best deals. Here are a few great products and brands that deliver on the results and give you more bang for your buck.

Seanol Canada brings in something new and unique to the beauty market and I’ve been lucky enough to have been sent a few items to try.  What makes Seanol special is that the products are made with ecklonia cava. “With what?” you ask.  Ecklonia Cava ~an extract of brown sea algae that is found off the coast of South Korea (over the past few years result oriented skincare from Korea is hitting North America by storm…um, the BB Cream craze)  Seanol is rich in sea polyphenols (antioxidants) that help to boost natural healing,  rejuvenate, protect and improve skin cellular activity.  

SEANOL®

Deep Clean~   It takes very little of it vs. other brands to get the job done.  A fluffy-foamy texture while cleansing, rinsed easily and didn’t leave my skin dry or tight feeling like others do.

Creme Cava ~ A light weight, non greasy moisturizer that absorbed quickly yet left my normal-dry skin feeling hydrated during the summer humidity.

Procava Shampoo and Conditioner ~ I’m not normally into 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner items but was pleasantly surprised on this one.  I felt like my hair and scalp was clean, yet not weighed down with conditioner (I  do have to use a leave-in conditioner/detangler to comb through post shower) This is a great 1 bottle product for guys and to grab for that weekend away.

Seanol Toothpaste ~ Honestly, I was a bit nervous of using a toothpaste with brown algae extract and giving up my leading brand of sensitive teeth formula.  There is less minty/burning sensation when using it. But what was really amazing was how long my mouth felt clean afterwards. (Traditonal toothpaste give me the pasties within 30 minutes…so much for freshly brushed right?) As for the teeth sensitivity issues…none.

 

Urban Decay @ Sephora

 

Urban Decay is a brand of cosmetics with a cult following, you’ve heard of the Naked & Naked 2 eye palettes right? A brand with innovative formulas, great colour selections and daring shade names that really allow for one to be creative and express individuality.

NAKED SKIN -Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup   A peptide infused (good for skin protection and antiaging) Light diffusing (blurs out imperfections) and paraben free formula that will change the way you literally see your skin in the mirror and change your mind on wearing foundation. It feels like nothing is on and skin look natural and illuminated, like it’s been professionally retouched yet not covered in makeup!! With 18 shades, you are sure to meet your match for year round gorgeousness.

Apply it in under a minute with the Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush  (Love, love, did I say LOVE? this brush) One pump of Naked Skin on the back of your hand, dip the tips of the bristles into the foundation (DO NOT sweep up all the foundation at once, that whole pump can do an entire face for natural coverage, more product for more coverage) Dot that on the nose and now in small circles you will buff it from the centre, moving it around the face. Continue to dip the brush tip in to foundation and buffing till it’s gone…less than a minute to amazing looking skin!  Use a little more product to hide dark circles, blemishes and dark spots instead of reaching for the concealer.  I can also use this brush for cream blushes and finishing powders, making it a very versatile tool to own.

Playing up the lips is fun and one of the easiest ways to jump in and try trends. Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color pairs amazing opaque pigmented shades with super high shine gloss and luxurious texture in a chubby pencil. Tip: blot color to reduce shine for a different finish. 8 shades to choose from or mix to make your own.

Lip Junkie Lipgloss  Love the look of lipgloss but  shy away because most are sticky and gooey? This formula goes on with a velvety feeling and with 14 amazing shades, including sheer, pretty neutrals, knockout brights, and a shimmering black (looks AMAZING over nude lipsticks) in a range of textures,  you are sure to find a new love for gloss.

 

Clean Well Hand Sanitizers

 

From the perspective of a makeup artist, there are times I am on location for a shoot and don’t always have the necessities I would like on hand i.e. soap and water. So I need to carry hand sanitizer to help me out. Traditional hand sanitzers are loaded with chemicals. I kill the germs, only to load up skin with chemicals!! Not anymore. CleanWell antibacterial cleansers and soaps harness the antiseptic power of thyme which nature has been using to fight off germs for millennia, making them perfect for my kit but for kids at school or people on the go.

-Antibacterial   -Kills germs    -Alcohol-free     - Gentle on sensitive skin    -Benzalkonium Chloride free    -Readily Biodegradable    -No harsh chemicals   -Fresh pleasant scent    - Kid safe formula  -Never tested on animals                   -No gloppy gels      -Won’t sting cuts   -4x more uses per oz. than  alcohol gels.     -Leaves skin soft

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

*while companies and websites provide product info, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.

 

 

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My Top 3 Recommended Beauty Devices/Tria & Clarisonic

By Melody Iafelice on June 23rd, 2012   /   Uncategorized, Videos   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals,

Here are my Top 3 picks for Beauty Devices worth owning that I shared on a recent visit to Rogers Daytime TV.

Part of the silly intro to me, and me saying I was afraid I would forget things was because for that show I was also given the fab opportunity to be more than just a beauty expert.  I was invited to be the guest co-host with Derick, so also had to remember the guests and their subjects plus my own. Guess it went well ; ) because I’ll be baaaack to guest co-host the show for this Monday June 25th.

Anyways on to the Best Beauty Devices….watch away Gorgeous Gals

Ciao Bellas

Until Next Time ~ Melody XO

 

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Video for $plurge or $ave? ~ Summer Beauty Essentials

By Melody Iafelice on May 31st, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Hello Gorgeous Gals,

Here is the CTV Morning Live TV segment that features yesterdays blog post items.

I confessed admitted to a personal choice in the video after saying I wouldn’t (I’d squeal under a bright light in a cold interrogation room LOL)

So here’s the rest of my picks:

  • Clarins Suncare ($34 CAD)for myself  but I would take the L’Oreal Ombrelle ($13.97 CAD) for the kids, as you use way to much every summer to pay top dollar for it ; )
  • Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Bronzer Blew the budget on this one ($82 CAD) but the matte finish and multi-shades truly made it an ‘adjustable’ (use light or dark shades depending on season/level of existing tan) year round item. You can always add a hi-lighter on top to give a subtle shimmer.
  • L’Oreal Voluminous waterproof, I don’t like to pay high prices for mascara and for an item that I may use a handful of times during the summer, that would be $$ down the drain! It’s was under $7 CAD.
  • Maybelline Baby Lips, feels great on, love the subtle tint and can’t beat SPF 20, the price (under $7 CAD)  made it easy to own several shades and always have one on hand.

 

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

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Fun & Frivolous Friday’s ~ a past hair do

By Melody Iafelice on April 20th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals & Beauty Lovers,

It’s FRIDAY…let’s have a little fun. As I was going though some past TV show segments I came across some with my pixie haircut, oh my, the ever changing hair of Melody, made me smile… That’s my Friday fun!!
Join myself and hostess extrordinaire, TL Rader as we chat skincare facial treatments at Murale. It was filmed quite awhile back, however the basic information has remained the same.

*Murale now offers online shopping

Ciao Bellas,
Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

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TRIA Skin Perfecting Blue Light ~ A highly effective acne treatment

By Melody Iafelice on April 19th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

PIMPLES, ZITS, ACNE, BLEMISHES, SPOTS, BLACKHEADS, WHITEHEADS.

What a headline and not a pretty topic.  As a makeup artist, it’s the #1 skin issue I work with and it’s not just for teens, I have a high number of adult clients that deal with it too! In some cases, acne can be downright emotional, affecting confidence levels and self-esteem.

It’s my job and mission as a makeup artist,  to conceal it and disguise the scarring and discoloration. Makeup can really help restore confidence and comfort to get through the day. However, when the makeup is removed there is the same skin underneath that needs help. If you are in a constant state of frustration due to trial and experiment after another of harsh products and methods of treating acne and breakouts, then I think you should take a look at this…

This is my honest to goodness opinion of the TRIA Skin Perfecting Blue Light  $245CAD (I own their Laser Hair Removal device too that gives fantastic results.)  I have occasional breakouts, but it was my teen (who is less bothered by it than I am) with breakouts and patch of acne that could benefit from it and heck, why not guinea pig the teen right? Plus it would be easier to study, view and report my findings. Here’s how it went down…literally! Let’s start the 2 week  introduction:

1~Two weeks is the time frame that TRIA promotes you will see changes. My teen uses a well known acne skincare line, but only the exfoliating cleanser and 1x/day (anything more is very drying/irritating to the skin) Less gentle formulas didn’t help with the blemishes.

2~His skincare routine was not changed. He washes his face every night and pats dry. It’s so easy to use. I simply touched  the TRIA to the skin (it turns on) and gently glided it all over the face for the full 5 minutes (you can use 2x/day at 2.5 minutes) giving a little extra time to the patch of acne. It shuts off at 5 minutes.

3~Ah yes, busy lives means there were a couple of days missed using the TRIA during the 2 weeks. Yet the changes were noticeably better.  There were a few active blemishes at the start, and instead of continuing to flare up I could see them shrinking. The lone breakouts were not happening as much and even the ‘angry’ redness of the acne was reduced. The skin over all had a much better, fresher appearance.

4~There were considerable changes within the first 2 weeks, just as TRIA had promised. Definitely worth continuing. Life is busy and he forgets to use it sometimes, but you can pick it up right were you left off. The acne patch has never gone back to what he started with and continues to improve. In my humble opinion, this was the first acne ‘treatment’ that showed such great changes without the torture of experimenting with another skin care line or prescription.  Truly a superior product towards winning the fight against acne.

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

 

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{ GLAMGLOW Mud Mask ~ I like the Tingle }

By Melody Iafelice on April 7th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 Hello Gorgeous Gals,

Want Super Sexy Super Radiant Skin(tm) Well it’s time to get your GLOW on.  I had wanted to try this talked about GLAMGLOW mud mask for awhile but was hesistant on the $78 CAD price tag, until…the lucky day I came across a single box on the shelf at a Winners store for $39.99CAD, what a deal!  (stock of anything at Winners is not regular, I suggest finding this item at ebeauty) Read on to see the findings of my ‘study & research’

from the site: “…Dredged off the coast of Southern France, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. GLAMGLOW is an amazing rapid gentle exfoliant mud mask for men and women, high in ancient volcanic pumice rock, super antioxidants and minerals.

…revitalizing complexion for illuminating, brighter radiant skin. Penetrates and softens wrinkles and fine lines leaving the skin smooth, supple, Glamorous and Glowing. GLAMGLOW helps correct discoloration and improve skin’s texture.”

You had me at  “Hello Sexy”!

The jar comes well packaged, but the original outer box makes it look like there would be a larger jar inside. The jar is 50ml/1.7 oz. the size of most moisturizers.

Ah yes the fresh and clean smelling clay and Green Tea, and you can actually see the bits of green tea leaves in it.

HOW TO:  On washed, patted dry skin, pick up small amounts of the mask at a time. Spread it over the skin but be gentle as it has granules in it.  Add a little more for an all over layer. You don’t need to use a lot to feel the tingle that is about to happen as the mask dries.

Finding out I didn’t have to use much of the mask made me feel better about my first impressions of  the jar size. Do you feel the tingle? I like the tingle!  In about 10 minutes the mask is dry. Now wet your fingers and slowly wet the mask. Not a full rinse off, you’ll use the wet mask as a scrub. Gals, this is your skin, not dirty pots and pans…so easy on the scrubbing.

Am I glowing and radiant yet?

Rinse off. Pat dry and follow with your fave moisturizer! I’m not kidding when I say your skin is soft and glowing for a few of days afterwards. I found that for a ‘clay/mud’ mask I wasn’t left feeling dry and tight which was pretty unique. Love the idea of the mud mask and exfoliator in one product. I was happy with the results and even happier that I got it at a great price! Would love to see it in pak-ettes for travel, trial or passing some on to your BFF.

*Sensitive Skin: There really is a tingle, my suggestion: test a small area first. If you like it then I would skip the scrubbing part and just rinse off the mask the first few times you use it.

 

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

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Belmaica’s ‘Be’ Activewear ~ behind the scenes

By Melody Iafelice on March 29th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals & Beauty Lovers,

Come on in…take a look at a ‘behind the scenes’ photoshoot I worked on this past Monday. It was a crazy, busy, and frosty cold day for the photo shoot for Belmaica‘s yet to be released Be Activewear collection.

The team was made up of the designer Merritt and her entourage, 3 Fab models (who braved the windchill)  from Models International Management (MIM) Heather, Natasha and Crystal.  Tina Picard was the official photographer, fashion styling by Erica Wark, hair by Kirsty MacDonald and myself, Melody taking care of makeup and nails. (I snapped a few pics with my iPhone during the process so the work you see is not finished)

I exclusively used nail shades from the Essie Spring 2012 Collection (coming April 2012) On Natasha I used ‘Ole Caliente‘- a hot reddish coral shade.  For Crystal and Heather, the Orange, It’s Obvious‘, a beautiful brilliant sunset orange.  The colors are vibrant and juicy and like magic they perfectly worked with each models skin tone.

'All about Essie'

'Orange, It's Obvious' shade from Essie Spring 2012

'Ole Caliente' nails. Look at the luscious shades of Natasha's cheeks and lips. Gorgeous! Lips -a mix of 3 colors of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic Lip Tars.

 

The idea and inspiration for the makeup and nail color choices come from several sources such as: pictures from the designer with added notes, the feel and vision the designer wants to portray, the actual collection, the story being told etc. For this shoot I also took inspiration from Merritt herself, the designer of Belmaica. She arrived on set with the brightest smile and the prettiest, fresh and vibrant shade of blush…it became the base idea for all the layering of blush I did on the models. A lot of pink, some orange, maybe a bit more orange and a dot of pink and so on, to achieve the brilliance and shade we were happy with. I also used it on the eyes. I blended and layered several shades of blush from the Coastal Scents 10 Blush palette. You can see the color on Natasha above, and below on Heather and Crystal.

Heather in the makeup chair, we are not quite finished...

 

The lip shades were all customized to each model. I blended 3 colors of Lip Tars from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, a real fun way to create any lip color. For this shoot I kept lips in the same color family, but choose to go a bit darker in tone than the eyes and lips. Lip tars are truly an amazing way to get the color you want, and a little of the pigment rich formula goes a very long way, and you can see I like to use the back of my hand as a palette.

Crystal's custom shade of coral/orange lipstick. Mixing 3 shades of the FAB (OCC) Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic Liptars

Thanks for stopping by.

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody x0

 

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