Beauty Trends - Beauty Collection Blog

Makeup Tips for Your Office Holiday Party

December 12, 2011 By Sammie Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season for giving and celebrating the Holiday season. Believe it or not, this Holiday season has quickly approached us. Most office parties are after-hours so of course you want to look your best, but you don’t want to be the talk of the party in a negative way. When getting dressed or putting on the final touches to your makeup, you must remember that these are the people that you work with. Keep in mind that you do need to maintain that professional state of mind while socializing with co-workers, so leave the party animal in you at the front door.

I know that you’re probably wondering what is appropriate and what’s not, or how to dress up your makeup without going too far. Fear not! I have acquired the help of our very own professional makeup artist, Jeff, from Beauty Collection West Hollywood. He has some amazing insights on how to dress your face up, without looking like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show. Check out below for some questions and answers from Jeff!

Question: What are the hottest Holiday makeup trends to watch for this season?

Answer: Metallic eyes are the trend, as well as the nude look. It’s very Sophisticated and subtle

Question: We all know that work makeup, overall, is pretty conservative, but what can we do to spruce it up for the Holiday Party without going over board?

Answer: I would try something new or something different with your makeup or even your hair that no one has seen before at the office. You would be surprised how the slightest change can attract so much attention. By simply changing the color of your lips or wearing your hair up or down can make a big difference.

Question: Is there anything we should avoid when doing our makeup?

Answer: Just because it is a holiday office party does not mean you have to stick with traditional holiday colors like red, green, gold and silver. Check your magazines or go online and find out what the trends are for winter of that same year.

Question: What can we do to avoid completely starting over with our makeup?

Answer: If you already have your makeup on and you don’t have time to start all over again, just simply smooth out your foundation with a clean sponge, touch up any areas that need some attention with some concealer and then powder. For your eyes, if you want to go darker, just apply a darker shade or intensify what you have on with more eyeshadow. You can definitely do the same for the lips and blush.

Question: Is there a specific line that you would recommend?

Answer: I recommend Stila for eye shadows. They have a lot of different colors and they can be applied as a subtle touch of color to a dramatic look. Bare Minerals (available in-store only, not online) has a brand new collection of eyeshadow duos and quads. Definitely worth checking out at any of our Beauty Collection stores.

Question: What colors would you recommend for eye shadows?

Answer: Plums and shimmery grays are the trend for this holiday season.

Question: Are there any specific colors to avoid when putting on lipstick, blush and eye liner?

Answer: Just remember to always use colors that compliment your skins undertone. If you are warm, then use earthy colors. If you are cool then use colors that have a blue undertone or cool undertone to them. As for liner, experiment with different looks on your eyes to see how dramatic you can go. Just avoid making your eyes look smaller. Go easy on the bottom liner.

So there you have it ladies! I hope this will give you all some ideas on what to do for that Office Holiday Party. If you are local to Los Angeles, stop by our Beauty Collection store in West Hollywood and give Jeff a visit. I hope everyone has a great and safe Holiday this year, stay warm!

One last thing, Jeff - Do you have any tips for us?

Jeff – Always bring a compact with you to powder your face. If you are concerned about powder building or caking up on your face, use blotting powders. Boscia makes a variety of them and they are convenient and small enough to slip into your purse. Also, don’t be afraid to use products in your hair. Blow has several different kinds of products that will protect your hair from heat when blow drying your hair. If you can, carry a travel blow dryer with you to give your hair a fresh look. I highly recommend using dry shampoos in between washes. They will keep your hair from looking oily. Klorane makes a great dry shampoo. Don’t forget to dress up your nails a little bit too! Essie has a great winter collection and if you want to go with sparkle, I highly suggest the “Muppets” collection from OPI (OPI only avail in-store). Deborah Lippmann’s “Happy Birthday” is also a great way to add a little sparkle to your manicure.

Interested in a telephone consult with Jeff? Call 310.858.8838 during normal business hours, ask for him, or his availability!

Filed Under: Beauty Trends, Cosmetics, Curator Corner Tagged With: Bare Minerals, blow, boscia, Deborah Lippman, essie, klorane, Office Holiday Party, OPI, stila, Winter Beauty Trends

The Look for Less: NYFW 2011 Cat Eyes

October 19, 2011 By Jazzy Leave a Comment

Here it is! Your personal sneak peek at the new season’s HOTTEST makeup trend: dramatic winged eyeliner. Runway beauty manages to set the tone for upcoming hair, makeup and fashion necessities. In the case of Jonathon Saunders’ Spring 2012 runway, makeup artist Lucia Pieroni helped tell the “fabulous yet also deranged” story of a retro-chic housewife who has perhaps taken “a bit too much Valium.” As twisted as the inspiration may be, the results are irresistibly sexy resulting in Fall 2011′s must wear trend. Here is a list I put together just for you, making your ultra-thick liner as easy as pie.

Stila Smudge Pot $22

Stila Smudge Pot is the go-to eyeliner for a sexy thick cat eye. This unique gel eyeliner and shadow is an innovative alternative to traditional powder and liquid formulas. This clever little gel has an inky intensity that leaves powder shadows in the dust. A favorite for the sultry, smoky eye. Apply with a liner brush for razor-sharp precision or smudge it with your fingers for more complete coverage. Black makes a great eyeliner that matches all outfits and accessories but you can take this Fall trend even more unique by spicing up your color palette and using the Stila Smudge pot in bronze, brown, cobalt blue, jade or gray.

JAPONESQUE Professional Eyeliner Brush $13

The JAPONESQUE Professional Eyeliner Brush is expertly created with an elongated handle for ideal leverage & tightly compacted bristles for professional results. The firm brush fibers create dramatically lined eyes. For mistake proof eyes, place the Pro Eyeliner Brush against the lash line and tap color across the eyelid, and at the lash line on the lower eye. This professional brush is excellent with gel, liquid or powder products. Cruelty free synthetic Taklon fibers wash clean with ease while maintaining their shape.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer $20

Create the perfect canvas for eyeliner application. Just like the best selling, award-winning face primer, this vitamin-packed formula glides on and instantly smoothes and perfects lids. Wear it alone for a flawless natural eye or under any shadow and eyeliner to give it the staying power to withstand anything. This revolutionary formula contains Phytomoist™, a plant-based hyaluronic acid for ultimate moisturization plus skin perfecting amino acids. Soft focus pearls help diminish the appearance of fine lines and discoloration on the lids, while the patented delivery system ensures effective results.

Filed Under: Beauty Trends Tagged With: cat eyes eyeliner, how to do winged eyeliner, japonesque pro eyeliner brush, Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, Spring 2012 runway makeup, stila smudge pot

Fall 2011 Nail Trends

October 11, 2011 By Candy D. Leave a Comment

There are so many ways to express yourself in the Nail World today. This Fall, why not make your nails your best fashion accessory!

“The bag you carry makes a statement about who you are, and the same holds true for your nail polish.”

Essie Weingarten on her inspiration for the “Carry On” Collection. In Essie’s words: “I always say a pop of color can feel like a whole new outfit, and you can change it every day if you want”.

So now I ask…how often do you change your color?

Here are a few of our favorite Nail Trends for Fall:

Long Ladylike Nails : For a prim and proper nail look, this demure manicure is for You. Keep nails at an elegant length, and make sure to file tips into a flattering shape. For a perfect curve, just mirror your cuticle shape. Use a Beige or Rosey polish, for a clean and natural look.

Classic Red : This look is Chic, Timeless and Classic. Already have a nice red at home? Apply a layer of high shine topcoat, like Essie’s Super Duper Top Coat to any flattering shade to update your polish look! Want to try out a vivid red, check out Essie’s Fishnet Stockings, I think the name says it all.

Mellow Yellow: Vivid Yellow will give a pop to any outfit. Use two to three coats to make it solid or matte, and don’t forget the base coat to avoid staining the nail bed.

Pop of Orange: An orange nail polish may be the easiest neon shade to try. It looks beautiful against all colors.

Ombre Manicures: Why not mix it up with different colors. Different colors can look spectacular on one nail, just have fun with it! You can also use nail art pens to create stripes, polka dots, and even flowers. There are so many combinations to what you can do bu just googling : nail art!

Sexy Nudes: Afraid of color? Nudes with rosey undertones, are very sexy, yet subtle enough for everyday wear; clean and simple.

Reverse French Manicures: This Moroccan inspired manicure, is a fun way to have a little adventure, without travelling far from home. An update to the classic French Manicure, a Cream and Plum mix is a fresh look for Fall.

Two Toned Manicures: Why double dip? Choosing more than one polish can be daring for some, but if you want to make a strong color statement, this just might be the manicure for you ~ It’s fun and elegant at the same time. Whether you are dipping, or splattering your polishes, this look is always sure to be one of a kind!

I hope you are inspired to go have fun with your Nail Polish, with so many ideas running through my head, I’m not sure which one I will do next! Whats your next polish choice? Do share!

Filed Under: Beauty Trends, Mani/Pedi Tagged With: essie, essie fishnet stockings, fall nail trends 2011, nail ideas, ombre nails, reverse french manicure

This Fall’s Must Have Looks!

October 4, 2011 By Chelsea R. 3 Comments

This fall is all about the POP! Little details that stand out and make you shine. With so many new makeup trends to come with the seasons change, here are a few looks you can swap your summer makeup for. After all, isn’t it time you treated yourself to some new makeup?

Warning…. the following list is for separate looks. Not for an all together look, sccaarryy.

Pop Beauty Lashes – Icon- in Edie $ 12.00 For Sale at Beauty Collection Stores.

Big Voluptuous Lashes

There’s no messing around when it comes to having “fall” lashes–what does that mean? Bigger IS better! To help create a lush lash look, try an extra coat of volumizing mascara. If you want some super lush model lashes for a night on the town try false lashes. Pop eyelashes are perfect for the all night thick lash look.

Too Faced Intense Eye Shadow in Violet Femme

Metallic Eye Shadow

A fall look I could definitely “fall” into is metallic eye shadow. Eye shadow can be very flattering, depending on the color and skin tone of the wearer, but the addition of glitter to a nice metallic eye lid does, you guessed it– POP! For example, I’m a red head, therefore having naturally pale skin. Pale complexions like mine look great with blues and purples, while golds and bronzes are flattering on darker skin tones. One color I’ll be rocking this fall? Too Faced‘s Violent Femme (a metallic shimmery purple).

Besame Lip Colour in Red Velvet

Scrumptious Red Lips

Red lips have been sexy since the beginning of time, but it’s no secret that not every shade works for every person. Although it may take some time to find your perfect shade, remember there is one out there for you! Want to know a little secret? The key is to knowing the undertones of your own skin in combination with your complexion: fair, medium, olive, brown or dark. The lighter your complexion is, the lighter your perfect shade will be. Fair skinned beauties should stick with a coral red. Mediums, stay in the family of true reds. Dark complexions can sport a nice deep red. Want to mimic a brightened smile instantly? Red lipsticks with blue undertones can create a brightening or whitening effect to their teeth when applied. Blue undertones counteract shades of yellow and help hide your coffee addiction. Don’t worry, we wont tell. Which red lipstick do I have my eye on? Besame lip colors in Red Velvet is gorgeous! Not only last does it last FOREVER, but improves the health of your lips with aloe, green tea and botanical oils.

What’s your favorite fall beauty trend?

Product: Pop Beauty Lashes – Icon- in Edie

Price: $12.00

Purchase: at Beauty Collection Stores Locations

Product: Too Faced Intense Eye Shadow in Violent Femme

Price: $18.00

Purchase: All Beauty Collection locations and BeautyCollection.com

Product: Besame Lip Colour in Red Velvet

Price: $35.00

Purchase: All Beauty Collection locations and BeautyCollection.com

Filed Under: Beauty Trends Tagged With: besame lip color, how to choose red lipstick, metallic eyeshadow, model lashes, POP eyelashes, Too Faced, trends 2011

Animal Invasion! How far would you go for beauty?

July 8, 2011 By T.Salvia 3 Comments

Have you ever watched a popular animal network and thought to yourself, “I would love to use that snake’s skin as nail polish or his venom on my face!”? While most of us would probably say “no,” the animal sector of the beauty industry has continued to rise. Brands and spas across the world are catching on to the benefits and unique results that animals can provide, from the weird and cooky to the no-brainers. Check out these six that we found absolutely fascinating.

NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED AS A RESULT OF ANY OF THESE TREATMENTS.

Snake Treatments:

Running out of fingernail polish? Why not have a python’s skin applied to them! Yes, you read that correctly. Python skin that has been shed is now being cut to fit fingernails and toenails to give them a unique, textured look. When you think of animal print, actual snake skin probably wasn’t on your list of prints to try, but with this new technique, it can be!

If snake skin isn’t for you, you could try viper snake venom as a part of your daily regime to diminish wrinkles and fine lines. Rodial’s Glamoxy Snake Serum contains ingredients that carry oxygen to give your skin a radiant glow and your lines an instant boost! Rodial’s serum is one of the ways to get an animal treatment without a visit to the salon.

Fur Falsies:

By now almost everyone has heard of eye lash extensions and falsies, but did you know you could wear mink fur on your lashes? The mink are brushed to remove excess hairs, which are then collected and turned into lashes! The fur gives your lashes a thick, natural appearance that can’t be obtained with a majority of false lashes.

Bird Droppings?!

The last few treatments we found were shocking to us. Everyone has had bird poop on their car before, but I doubt you thought about having that poop on your face. Yes, bird poop facials. The bird poop actually exfoliates your skin. The bird poop contains enzymes to break down the dead skin cells and remove them, leaving your skin feeling refreshed!

Hippo excretions?!

We all know sunscreen is an essential part of caring for our skin, but to what lengths would you go for that protection? Hippo sweat perhaps? Hippos excrete a substance from their skin that contains microscopic particles that scatter light and prevent them from getting burned. Researchers are now trying to figure out a way to bottle this “hippo sweat” and market it to consumers. It could be the next big thing in natural sun protection!

Maggot Makeover:

Last but certainly not least on our list of interesting animal treatments – maggot exfoliation. If you are looking for a natural exfoliant, try soaking in a tub of maggots. Maggots have always been known for their antibacterial properties and used as antiseptics in the medical field, but now they have made it to the beauty sector. They remove the dead skin on your body to make your skin feel silky smooth. Hey, it’s all for beauty, right?

Filed Under: Beauty Trends Tagged With: animal beauty treatments, bird poop facial, fish pedicure, maggot facial, python pedicure, rodial glamtox, rodial snake venom, snake venom mask