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Dear Readers,
Is it or is it not astonishing how makeup and hair have transformed Jennifer Aniston in this photo? At first glance, I was certain it was
Barbra Streisand. So, if
ever you doubt that details like hair and makeup can make a difference in your appearance?
Doubt no more!
I remember back in high school when one of my favorite nuns, Sister Maureen Therese, stopped me in the hall and asked, "Nancy, what on earth is your hair doing?" and not in a friendly way. Uh oh. Gathering my courage, I responded in my most confident voice. "Sister, I just fixed my hair with lots of height so that my face will look slimmer!" Then, hoping to make her laugh, I added "And, you know, I wanted to be like the song . . . Nearer My God To Thee." She did not smile. "Go comb your hair, Miss. From the back, it looks like you have a giant rat's nest on your head."
I was mortified. It never occurred to me to look at the back of my hair. Lesson learned. Details. Got it.
Here are some makeup and hair details that just might help you look good every day and from every angle!
Hair
Our hair should look great because we spend a fortune on haircuts and color, right? But here's the rub. We have to keep it up! Oops. Detail note: please consider buying high quality hair products, especially shampoo and conditioner. All the experts agree that you can use drugstore brands but they are uber harsh on both the color and the texture of our hair. After switching to salon brands like Frederic Fakkai and Kerastase, I am a believer! And after styling my hair, I check the rear view mirror, Sister!
Eyes
Blend, blend and then blend a little more! That's the secret to beautiful eyes and effective eye makeup. That and using quality brushes. Not those little white pad sticks that come with the shadow. I am talking about honest to goodness professional makeup brushes. Brushes can do all the blending work for you! And just so you know? Wearing eyeglasses does not mean that you can skip the eye makeup. Oh contraire, Mon Cher. You need it more than most! We want to be able to see your eyes when we gaze upon your beautiful face. Not just your glasses!
Foundation
Once again, I urge you to use a professional makeup brush. Not only will it ensure a smooth and easy application, it will also give you much more control over where it goes! And here's the best thing. One small jar of foundation will last a very, very long time...would you believe 10 months? I am absolutely serious. It's all about the brush!
Blush
Please use a crème formula blush for dry skin, say I, the Queen of Dry, or a powder blush for oily skin. Use the same brush you use for foundation, and always apply sparingly! But for heaven's sake, please do apply it! A little makeup goes a long way. No makeup goes nowhere.
Lips
Oh, how I love my lip liner. I started using liner when I was having trouble seeing where my lower lip ends and my chin begins! May I also suggest a makeup mirror with a magnified flip side and a selection of light settings? Sometimes, I skip the lipstick and just fill in with liner. Mission accomplished. Lips have both color and definition. And it's fast! I like Estee Lauder's automatic lip liners in Spice and Fig. I hate sharpening pencils.
Finally, how would you like to have some crazy fun with hair and makeup on a dreary March afternoon? Just go to www.taaz.com. It's an on-line free website where you can experiment with makeup and hair colors without spending a dime! Ever wonder how you might look as a blond? Check it out!
Best regards and as always, I am at your service.
Nancy
PS. I am planning to offer a series of small group workshops [no more than four people] here in my studio in La Grange this summer. Each session a different topic, and each 90 minutes long. Good friends, good fashion talk and of course, good advice! Any suggestions for topics? Any interest in participating? Send me an email asap and we will get this ball rolling!
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