Byron Lars NYFW Fall 2011 “Native Americana”

March 1, 2011

I was not only blessed with the opportunity to attend several shows, and presentations, during NYFW, but I also did a little work while I was there. My first gig was behind the scenes providing makeup for the Byron Lars Fall 2011 Collection – Native Americana. This was an amazing opportunity as I had a chance to flex my creative muscle and knock out some amazing “non-traditional” makeup.

For those of you that may not be familiar with the designer, Byron Lars has made quite a name for himself in the fashion world. He hit the ground running, and was crowned “Rookie of the Year” by Women’s Wear Daily after only his second season. After a brief hiatus he reemerged with Native Americana, a collection that is all about getting back to basics – in a very “Byron Lars” way. Decadent textures of lace, velvet, sheer paneling, and tweed were layered to create his one of a kind looks. And although each piece was fashion forward, they all contained a soft feminine edge that is sure to appeal to the masses.

For the makeup we were given very specific instructions from Byron himself. It was quite refreshing to see a designer so hands on and engaged. He was right in the trenches with us ensuring that his vision was brought to life. His work ethic truly inspired me. The look was tribal chic – very crisp, clean, and strong. It was all about the eyes as we created thick bands of white, extending from temple to temple. The upper lids were lined with a kohl black liner, while the bottom lash line was left bare. Clusters of false lashes were used to create a more dramatic finish. Instead of  applying blush, we used bronzer to give the models a very “weathered” look. We wanted them to look like that had been out in the sun all day, and that they were perfectly bronzed. The finishing touch was a strong, semi-matte, cranberry lip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ask An Expert

January 21, 2011

Got a question about which mascara is the best? Want to know if someone can show you how to do a smokey eye? Curious to find out how to give yourself a facial. No worries…the Pretty Girl Group is here to save the day.

In an effort to make this blog as interactive as possible WE NEED YOUR HELP! Let us know which how-to tutorials you would like to see us do, if there are any products you would like reviewed, and if you need fashion/beauty advice.

So don’t be shy..speak up! Use the comment section below and let us know how we can best serve you.

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Tom Ford….enough said

September 22, 2010

Anyone that knows me will tell you that my love affair with Tom Ford is a bit obsessive. He is the quintessential example of a fashion icon, and by far my favorite designer…period. I could rant and rave about how he single handedly resurrected Gucci, or how I could bathe in his fragrance…but today we are talking about lipstick.

Finding the perfect lipstick is certainly a challenge. There are so many factors to consider: texture, color, length of wear, moisture, packaging. I could go on but I am sure you get the point, finding a lipstick that measures up is not always as easy as it seems. But ladies hold onto your handbags…I think I have found a winner.

With 12 luxurious shades, Tom Ford’s private blend lip color collection is EVERYTHING! From deep eggplant, punchy corals, and midtoned mauves, there is something for everyone in this line. My personal fav is the Pink Dusk lip color. It can best be described as a fleshy nude, or a pale pink. It is gorgeous, and does not require a lip liner.

What I love about these lipsticks:

The Packaging – The white and gold square tube is beautiful. : )

The Texture – These lipsticks are very creamy. They glide on the lips effortlessly. The finish is more of a natural matte versus glossy (which tickles my fancy).

The Color – Each lip color provides beautiful, rich, opaque coverage. Its lip color that you can put on without a mirror and know, without a doubt, that it looks flawless. With 12 shades to choose from there is a color for everyone.

Wearability – These lipsticks go, and go, and go, and go! Even after six hours my lip color was in tact, and the texture was not in the least bit compromised. Lips felt soft and subtle from the time the product was applied all the way until it was removed.

At $45 a pop I certainly think they are worth every penny….and yes, you need them all. Have fun and Get Pretty!

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White Here, White Now

August 19, 2010

Popping up on runways, sidewalks & in closets all over, white is definitely the go-to color for Spring/Summer 2010. With the neutral palette family having such a demanding presence on the spring runways, white has stood out as the leader of the neutral class by managing to translate on all skin tones & shades while being used in everything from everyday pieces such as tops & jeans, evening wear & even accessories like shoes & bags. White is definitely the hot shade you should be wearing to stay cool this summer!

White is one of those colors that will forever be incorporated into fashion. Certain colors might be the rage one year & out the next but the timeless appeal of white is one that manages to endure. The innocent glow that it brings looks great on pale skin by adding a fairytale-like appeal while the contrast on tanner skin allows the color to pop. No matter your complexion, adding a touch of white to your outfit is a great way to stand out regardless of what other colors you find yourself surrounded by.

If you’re not quite ready to make the big leap & go for an all white everything look, incorporate this hot trend into your wardrobe with touches of white by way of shoes or bags. A white oversized clutch is the perfect accessory to compliment a hot summer date outfit. Even white jewelry touches are sure to be a hit! If you are, however, ready to take it to the max with white, go for it! Try to keep the color scheme of your accessories neutral so that the focus remains on the white but a good combo is  Denim & white; the harder contrasting affect of denim plays on the purity of white. However you decide to wear it, don’t be afraid to go for it with white; the fashionable possibilities are endless with this trend!  Just try to remember to keep a Tide-to-Go pen handy if you’re clumsy like me!

Garmai

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A Spin on Smokey

August 17, 2010

Each and every season we see some version of the traditional smokey eye on the runway, and this fall will be no different. Instead of a basic black smokey eyes, make way for softer, more subtle versions in shades like; pale grey, taupe, and dark brown.  These sassy alternatives are extremely  user friendly, while still managing to pack a powerful punch. This look is one that will turn heads, and help you stay ahead of the pack.


Try it out for yourself by sweeping a soft taupe all over your lid, making certain to blend all the way up to the crease. One imperative key to this look is blending; you want the shadow to look as seamless as possible, so blend belnd blend! Once you have created a sheer wash of color on the lid, making sure to concentrate the color around the lash line, you will want to line the eye. Use a yummy chocolate brown liner to add depth and definition, add a ton of mascara, and viola…you have the ultimate smokey eye! So go ahead, grab your products, and get Pretty Girl. : )

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Purple Kisses

June 16, 2010

Lavender, Eggplant, Violet…nothing tops a plum pout this summer. The perfect purple lip can be found in textures ranging from sparkly gloss to matte lipstick. My current fave is a beautiful creamy lavender that packs an insane punch (try Go For It lipstick by MAC). When attempting to pull off this look, it’s important to remember that the lip color should take center stage, so rock it with a flesh tone liner for a subtle touch of definition. Note: You are trying to achieve a beautifully sculpted lip, so no overdrawn lip lines circa 1996 allowed! Kick the look up a notch by smudging a navy eyeliner into your upper and lower lash line, and finish with as much mascara as your heart desires! Step out of the box, don’t be afraid to play with plums, and as always…. get Pretty Girl!

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Brow Basics

March 9, 2010

Nothing frames the eyes better than perfectly groomed brows. They really can make or break the face. Let’s cease with the eyebrow butchering already. Over-plucking has to stop; this isn’t the 1920’s. Put the tweezers down and put your brows in the hand of a trained professional. There are many ways to get that “perfect” brow…razoring, tweezing, waxing, and my personal favorite threading. But if you must do it yourself; achieving great brows is simple; just follow the technique below.

1. Brows should be natural-flowing arches that look uniform and not “little squares with tails.”

2. Begin plucking the brow from the inside, close to the inside arch of the nose.

3. Draw an imaginary line from the tear duct up to the brow; that’s where a brow should begin. Anything in front of that imaginary line must be plucked.

4. To find the arch, find the center of the pupil and draw an imaginary line a bit diagonally up. That’s where it should arch.

5. Use the imaginary line to follow diagonally up from the outside corner of the eye. That’s where the brow should end.

6. With an old toothbrush or an eyebrow brush, brush the hairs straight up. If any hairs don’t naturally fall back into place, cut them with a small pair of mustache scissors.

7. Look for stray hairs around the brow–on top and underneath– and pluck them away.

8. Check for any sparse areas and fill them in with a brow corrector. You can use a pencil, liquid, powder or whatever you feel comfortable with, but remember that the color you choose should be a bit lighter than your hair color. And less is more, so don’t go overboard or you will look like Groucho Marx.

9. To keep the brow in place you can use a brow gel. MAC makes a great product for this!

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We are live!!!!!

March 9, 2010

I’m so excited to finally be LIVE!!!! This blog will serve as a tool to connect my clients with all things pretty as they pertain to hair, make up, nails, fashion, and beauty. Stay tuned as I share my industry insight with you….

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