InStyle March 2014

 

 

The March 2014 issue of InStyle took my breath away!!!! I think they out did themselves!!! I loved every page, every ad and every detail from hair to makeup to of course the fashion.

The March issue is one I look forward to after I receive the December issue in the mail mid-November. Don't get me wrong, I like the newness of gearing up for the coming year with their January issue and pics from the latest award show in the February issue, but come on, how can you not like thinking about spring regardless if your under 10 feet of snow, spring just says newness and knowing it’s going to be warmer days ahead seems to help.

I loved this issue. There’s the cover picture and then 2 other pics of cover girl Nicole Kidman. My favorite is the cover pic and the second pic of her, in a lovely shimmery strapless number by Lanvin. 

I liked Behind the Scenes on page 84. My favorite was the Haute Cuisine. It made me want to try new restaurants in my area. Some of the staff members tried out chestnut pudding in London, bruschetta in Italy, and fish on the barbie in Sydney.

On page 90 70% voted that they liked the Sophisticated berry from to carry on into spring. I love that too.  Just my hue! ;  ) On page 92 the lavender polish is in and they like Lilacism by Essie. I’ll have to check that out real soon to see what I think.

I always enjoy Inspired by InStyle on page 120. Ashley of Dallas created a very sophisticated out with a boxy jacket, a turtleneck and slim black pants. I’m loving the look myself. I also liked Lauren from Atlanta’s look, pairing a leather peplum sleeveless top with a soft tan skirt and new strappy heels, making it office worthy wear. Inspired by InStyle continues on page 126.

Kerry Washington shows off a universal flattering dress on page 134. I’d wear it in this spring’s hottest hues, and of course black to keep it timeless and something that with the right fabric can be worn year around! Also on the same page, Olivia Munn shows off a pair of spiky hoops by Dannijo. www.dannijo.com.

On page 158 Designers Get Schooled as some beautiful and unique dresses and tops. My favorite is the Channel printed satin dress, but at $8,000.00 I’ll find something else I like just as well, if not better.  The 3.1 Phillip Lim dress is truly well thought out in design print. The designer dug deep to get this idea of rich bands of geodes to be embroidery at the bottom of the dress.

Just like the March 2014 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Elie Tahari is featured in this month’s issue of InStyle.  In his new 1974 anniversary collection is inspired by his favorite Big Apple neighborhoods, such as Uptown, Downtown, Gramercy and Bowery. I like the cotton dress with elastic side panels from the Gramercy collection, all on page 165.

Mint green is the hue to have on your nails this spring. Spring over to page 168 to check out the polishes they have listed. If they are out of your price range, Essie and OPI have some lovely shades in mint hues as well.

Starting page 182 to 186 you can see the different parties the stars attended and what they were all about.

We’re Loving on page 204 show cases the lovely Keira Knightly in Chanel Haute Couture and Naomi Watts’s in Michael Kors dress with a retro glam feel to it. On page 208 Alexa Chung show cases a Carven dress that even I would wear as well as Mandy Moore’s Chloe dress.  And then on page 214 I’m loving Nyong’o Lupita and Krysten Ritter’s dresses.

In Designer Focus on page 219, Raf Simons for Dior talks about the new look of the company and has lots of inspiration.

Her 10 Best Ever! Show cases Emma Watson on pages 230 & 231. My favorite is No. 7, & 2. She’s all grown up and classy!

Ask A Designer’s Diane von Furstenberg gives advice on a collarless jacket, going bare legged, to spring’s high waisted skirts and that one pair of shoes that will take you from winter to spring in no time, all on page 240.

Page 245 is all about the looks for the Golden Globes!!! I really like Lupita Nyong’o orange Ralph Lauren Collection dress. Then on pages 246 & 247 shows off a slue of celebs in designer dresses. Reese Witherspoon looks stunning in Calvin Klein Collection dress while Julia Louis-Dreyfus looks breathtaking in a red dress by Narciso Rodrguez. On page 253 there’s even more well dressed celebs and then there’s a fold out page of the after parties.

In Your Look, it breaks down the best way to wear a jump-suit page 267 with more  ideas on page 268. I really like the one by Diane von Furstenberg.

On page 271 to 278 in Instant Style, lists the 5 key pieces to build that spring wardrobe.

I actually like the Color Crash Course this month on page 282. Mint is the color of the month and can work all spring and summer long. For a wild card pairing, try putting cranberry with it. I think I would and it can work into fall, especially if it still feels like summer in October.

You Can Do Ruffles on page 288. I like the leather sandals by L.K. Bennett, as well as the Polyester dress from Topshop for just $120.00.

Cindy Weber Cleary and Elyse Maloni show 2 ways you can style a leather shell on page 308. I like Cindy’s the best.

On page 321 You’re a Shoe-In and I’m really loving the shoes on page 328, by Calvin Klein and page 330 is lovely pastel hued shoes and I like Stuart Weitzman suede sandals in blush. If a boudoir shoe is more you liking then you’ll like page 332. I like the silk satin sandals by Balenciaga, the lace and suede sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood. If you live a more sporty life, check out page 334.

As spring comes, its time to clean out those closets and page 341 has some good ideas. It gives you ideas if you are a minimalist, an accessories maven, an investor or you’re a trend-spotter. I consider myself the Investor because I spend good money on nice clothes and I make sure I get my money’s worth and its something I’m going to wear until it fall apart.

Clothes We Love starts on page 353 and goes through page 378.  I like the Petal Pushes in both the tropical and delicate flowers, as well as the Haute Minimalism in black and white, which is always a classic color combination. I could see myself wearing the Robert Rodriguez dress from www.saks.com this spring with black, white or even radiant orchid strappy heels. On page 364 I like the Emporio Armani silk blend slacks in blush.  Jewels of the Season on page 366 makes me want to find something to go with a top I already have to stay on trend and have an excuse to wear it.  The sporty ladies are not left out, check out page 372.

Master of Art on page 380 gives ideas on dresses, tops and skirts for this season. On page 384 I like the wide crop pants, but I think I would also like them to be longer too for a more dressy look in the evening.

In Beauty on page 405 is The Ripple Effect. Giving new ideas on pony tails and how to keep them fresh and chic all the time. 

Actress Emily Browning show cases the seasons pastels on page 406.

For all the makeup junkies, turn to page 417 for The Big Brush Off. Page 418 talks about  blush, powder and eye shadow brushes and those budget friendly ones as well. Their pro fave was Sonia Kashuck Kashuck flat top multipurpose brush for $16 at Target. I have a few of her brushes and I like them. I don’t really see a difference between hers and Sephoria’s. Page 420 shows the difference between a natural and synthetic makeup brush. And when I can I would buy the Sigma brush collection. www.sigma.com. On page 422 are the Task Masters and you can find what blending, fanning, creasing and sculpting brushes are the best and worth the money.

On page 427 You Can Do eye liner like a rock star from Kate Moss to Kristen Stewart. Its simple and easy to do.

There are 10 ways you can tone up for spring on page 431.

Talk beauty with Jennifer Lopez and get the scoop on her latest perfume, J Love, on page 441 & 442.

Getting braiding tips on page 445.

Page 450 is all about perfume from rose scented to Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen’s latest, Nirvana Black and Nirvana White. I personally like Black, and then there’s Joy Forever by Jean Patou.

Check out Jennifer Lawrence’s transformation over the years on page 456.

Get Carried Away with the latest bags on page 480 and find out which hand bag you like on page 482. I love the black and white studded leather Louis Vuitton on page 484. They are $5,200 each at select Louis Vuitton stores. I like the faux leather Bebe tote on page 490 for all my things.

Shop like a Fashion Editor on page 493 is always a good read and helps you see what you might want to add or even take out of your closet.

Steels and Deals on page 516 is all white and I’m loving it for spring and summer!

Read about cover girl Nicole Kidman on page 532. And the pictures are amazing!!! Love them, especially page 534 and 540!!!!

Spring Fling with Shailene Woodley and Theo James on page 554 shows off the season’s hottest looks. Page 556 & 557 is breathtaking and beautiful. I’d wear the Caroling Herrera silk blouse on page 565.

Joy Bryant radiates in Garden State on page 556. I love all the clothes she models and the graphic black n white is sweet.

Downton Abby’s Jessica Brow Findlay looks extra chic in black and white on page 576. I love the Ralph Lauren dress she wears on page 583.

In Life etc. get a peak into design Carolina Herrera’s home in Manhattan on page 591. Her home is as classy as her dresses.

Take a décor quiz on page 600 to find out what your décor style is. . . given you haven’t found a style that you like.

And closing the out the March issue in a look back on all the covers Jennifer Aniston has appeared on. Her first cover was back in September 1999!!!

This year is InStyle’s 20 anniversary year and I would highly suggest to get all the issues this year because it would be a collectors item. You can find the January and February issues on Ebay and Amazon.

Happy reading!

Harper’s Bazaar March 2014



 



 



Beside of the weather, I can't wait to go shopping for spring. I don't plan on going until at least April, May the latest.

The March issue was outstanding in featuring the trends for spring...

On page 106, I'm really loving the Tom Ford sandals in silver. I could see myself wearing these with skinnies, capris, dresses and skirts throughout the spring and summer with a nice lavender pedi.

Page 194 is Ask Karl (Lagerfeld) Anything and he's a woot to say the least. When one asked if there is any reason to wear flats this season, and his reply was Take a look in the mirror. I just had to laugh! Simple as that. Some outfits look good with heels while others look good with flats.

On page 212 I'm loving the Celine sculptural heels. Very art deco, as well as the Tom Binns necklace.

Page 214 & 222 shows some of the best dressed models such as Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell to semi new comer Karlie Kloss. Just a few models to keep your eye for the trends and how they wear them.

I'm really loving the white Velvet by Graham & Spencer. Its such a beautiful sheath. Its lacy and just for $158.00 I'd buy it for the events I have planned for the coming spring and summer. The black and white Dior pump would look perfect with it. And add a touch or two of gold and its just on par for this season. And then turning over to page 240, pale pinks rule. I'm just love with the Carven dress. It nice classy sheath. And there a tropical thunder on page 242 of red and white prints. The Escada pants makes me think of what someone would wear to Cabos. And then my favorite is the art deco feel of the Lela Rose dress with a pair of Fendi sandals. Page 246 has my beautiful fuchsia coat to wear on the cool days of spring. I'm really loving the Mary Katrantzou dress, the Peter Pilotto skirt, the Ileana Makri ring and the Celine cuff. On the following page, 247, I love the Marni jacket. Great for those cool nights, and chilly restraunts. Page 272 (I think there's been a mistake because its page 247 and then it jumps to page 272. Its their error, not mine. Sorry about that.) has a nice bluesy feel with a blue faced watch by Rolex to blue tinted sunglasses by Illesteva.

Again the crop top makes a come back on page 279, but I really love the Glanvito Rossi strappy heels. So classy and chic. Then on page 284 I'm loving the Francesco Russo sandals to go with just about everything.

Jumping to page 314 pleated skirts and mules are in this season. I like a good pleated and they have one featured by Ann Taylor for just $98.

A great nude heel lengths one's leg, completes a loud outfit and very office appreate. Page 330 features a lovely pair by Narcisco Rodriguez.

Check out page 358, All About Elie. I love Elie Tahari. Such a wonderful designer. I love browsing his line at Saks Fifth Avenue. This year he's launching his Elie Tahari Edition 1974. It features updated iconic silhouettes from the past 4 decades, and each is named for a New York City landmark.

Page 375 is the start of Fabulous at Every Age, and my favorite dress out of all is Fabulous at Every Age 40s and 60s, by Etro. A nice exotic feel to it. And then on page 382 its a dress by the lovely designer Diane von Furstenberg!

I'm loving the Tom Ford nail polish in Incandescent. A nice brownish gold, but the real catcher is the coral and pink lipsticks and blushes by Bobbi Brown, Clairns, Nars, Guerlain and Laura Mercier. And don't forget luxe liner and lashes completes your look with liner by Rimmel London, Estee Lauder, Physicians Formula. However on page 400 you have your modern metallics and sheer pinks and plums. I love the plums!!  However, I’m liking the Butter London Wink Cream Eye shadow in Twigged. It’s a lovely brownish-gray is the best to put, or just simply turn to the page to make your own thoughts of what color it is.

We all want great hair and page 408 talks about the best blow out, to perfect waves and easy updos’.

There are Chic Easy Pieces for Spring on page 454, all in a nice summer white. I think its refreshing to wear after wearing black for months!!!

Page 462 to 469 is all about Lady Gaga. I really like her hair on page 463 and 469. I personally I’m not really a fan, as in there are a few songs that I like by her, but as a whole I’m not a fan of hers.  So I’m just going to leave it at that. . .

Throughout this issue, I really enjoyed the different ads for spring fashion. I listed these last because they don’t have page numbers listed, but if you page through from start to finish, you won’t miss a thing.

I want to check out the Aerin, the new fragrance collection at Estee Lauder counters, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and www.aerin.com.

I think the Fendi orange ombre dress would be good to wear when I go to Chicago in July. 

I really like the Marciano blouse for when nice dress-up occasions.

The white flowy Michaels Kors skirt is perfect for those warm spring and summer days.

As always Diane von Fursteenberg never disappoints!!!

I hope you enjoyed my review and just pick up your copy, and enjoy the spring fashions to come!



Lucky March 2014

This is a really good issue to help update your spring wardrobe, but I was somewhat disappointed because it’s not as thick as some of the other fashion magazines such as Elle and Vogue just to name a couple, but it’s not a letdown.

On page 30 I really like the shoes Zooey picked as one of her must haves for spring. A pair of Naree flats by Tommy Hilfiger for just $69.00. They stripes give them a nice nautical feel. They give off that Audrey Hepburn kind of vibe. Just wear them with skinnies.

 

On page 44 I’m just in LOVE with these Tamara Mellon heels for spring and summer. However, at $750 I’ll have to find a slightly cheaper pair! They pretty though. And then on page 58 I’m really liking the Jimmy Choos. They are silver, black and blush pointy toed heels. This style of shoe comes in 3 different colors.

 

On page 64 it seems like crop tops are making somewhat of a comeback, but I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon for this one, however, I do like the idea of pairing a blouse underneath it. It gives it a more preppy feel to it, but it helps you get your money’s worth out of your clothes. I like the ideas they have on page 66 as to how and what to wear with a crop top.

Page 72 is all about red, black and python. It’s the dreamy, draped cuts and sophisticated accents that add a subtly ‘70s feel to the bold combination according Lucky. I would wear a black top, white pants and leather embossed python this season. But you can also do a python embossed cuff in a more neutral tone if that suits you better. I know it would me, especially one trimmed in gold by Ted Rossi.

If some of you are planning on visiting London this summer hop over to page 74 is all about the hot spots such as Primerose Hill, a neighborhood with a village like feel, Brick Lane has a vintage area as well as a flea market. For a truly luxury experience visit the Burberry Flagship store, and then go to The Holly Bush (a pub) in Hampstead. Then for traditional English food check out The Enterprise in South Kingston. If you’re into romantic dinners check out Ffiona’s. Hit up Cirque le Soir to dance all those calories off before heading back either to the US or the place you call home.

Pages 81-85 is all about the New Spring Essentials. My favorite is the soft chiffon skirt in mint green by Nonoo.

If you are planning on getting married this year turn to page 88 for inspiration and ideas to make your big day extra special.

Pages 93-102 is Lucky’s Guide to Spring Shoes, and let me tell you, its just right! Page 96 features kitten heels. I really like the Christian Louboutin’s Paulina Strass. Then on page 97 is the gladiators with some almost knee high!!! For those who are on their feet more check out the Prada suede sport sandals. I’d wear them! Page 99 is all about mules. The ‘90s staple is back with lots of updates! For those who love extra heighth to their frame, check out the platforms is springs hottest hues. And then there’s the statement heel and let me tell you, they do make a statement on page 102.

Spring blush this season will fit all skin tones and likes. From pinks, plums and peaches, shades will not disappoint!!! I for one will go for the plum blush by Clinique in Pop in Plum Pop for $21. You’ll just have to turn to page 110 to see all the beautiful shades!

Selfies seem to be as popular as the latest latte at Starbucks. On page 112 L.A. hairstylist Jen Atkin shares 10 tips on that perfect selfie shot for your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page. I do have to say taking selfies is pretty fun!!! ;  )

Pages 118 and 120 is all about finding that perfect foundation just for you.  Page 120 talks about CC creams and what the best ones are to use for you and then point 3 talks about the Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush for $199, which can be found at Ulta, Sephora, Macy’s and  of course, www.clarisonic.com.

And of course on page 138 is the article with Zooey Deschanel. She a thing for dresses, and I’m just going to leave it at that so then you can enjoy reading the article!!!

Happy reading!

 

Just Some Beautiful Candles

So this afternoon I went to Bath & Body Works and got myself a couple of spring scented candles. I love them. They are not over powering. They are soft floral and fruit scented. These I’ll be burning all spring and summer long. . . until fall and then I’ll get my favorite fall scents, but we’ll talk about that when that time comes.

Tokyo Petals
This wisteria pink angora polish is the epitome of snuggly seduction, but be advised: this pretty pullover is no pushover.




Raspberry Peach Macaron
The ultimate French cookie is celebrated in a unique blend of ripe raspberries, juicy peach and almond cream.

 

A Fantasy of Flowers, MAC Spring Collection 2014

Yesterday (Thursday), MAC launched its one of its spring collections!!! I'm so excited! Next weekend at MAC I'm having my makeup done in the new shadows that come out yesterday. I think spring is going to be beautiful!

What the collection is about:

A glorious garden of irresistible shades unfolds, its hidden pleasures unearthed as delicate pastel Pigments unfurl and the dewy sparkle of Cremesheen Glass casts a luminous gleam. Rose-coloured hues burst from lustrous Lipstick, while a heavenly hybrid of Mineralize Eye Shadows blossoms with natural splendour. Cheeks are kissed with the graceful glow of Mineralize Blush, and vivid pops of colour flourish as Fluidline and Nail Lacquer bring this flowery fantasia to life.

To see all the collections at MAC, click here, http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl

 

Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting. Please note: Pigments are sold by weight not volume. Containers can appear to be less than full due to settling of the product.

 

A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of M∙A∙C Lipglass. Soft, comfortable, non-sticky. Applies with a doe-foot applicator. Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own.

Phlox Garden
Vivid Violet 

 



Phlox Garden 

  Great Beyond
Deep blue/Dusky plum/Icy white lilac/Soft mauve brown 

Great Beyond 

Pink Sensibilities
Pinky brown/Chocolate brown/Yellow pink/Icy blue pink

 



 Pink Sensibilities 

  Golden Hours
Copper bronze/Golden brown/Soft golden peach/Pale yellow gold 

   Golden Hours 



In the Meadow
Icy shimmering white/Dirty olive green/Golden mint green/Pale yellow 

 



 In the Meadow



The End of An Era, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Thursday, February 6, 2014 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno aired it final show after 22 years. After The Tonight Show with Jonny Carson ended Jay Leno took over his spot and it became the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Billy Crystal was his very first guest on Monday May 25, 1992. when Jay took over the late night throne vacated by Johnny Carson on Friday May 22, 1992. And Billy Crystal was his very last guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Garth Brooks was the final musical guest as well.

 

He made us laugh about the stupid things different celebs did from Hugh Grant to Justin Bieber, to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush to Barak Obama to everything in between. There seemed to be nor shortage of jokes nor guests on his show. For some of the ones he featured on his show was just starting out in show biz and now are big name actors such as Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey.

I do have to say I didn't always like Jay and I liked David just because my mom liked David, but after seeing a few people on his show that I liked, it didn't watch David much after that and I find Jay to be more funnier while David bores me to tears, even though he is somewhat funny. I'll miss Jay. It almost feels like a death because you know you won't be seeing him after the nightly news.

His last words final words for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno was, "Watch Jimmy Fallon, I'm coming home honey!"

Here's a clip of his emotional goodbye that even brought me to tears,
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1belq9_jay-leno-tearful-goodbye-final-show-2-6-14_people

Some of the high lights over the years,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFU9j73rHSM

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzoC0abDXb33AUKet4AkrIPw_JDMHQBV5

Facial 101

Apply Scrub: Pull hair back and off the face with a headband. Wash with your usual cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, rinsing the skin well and then lightly patting it dry. Drop four chamomile tea bags into a large saucepan of water, and while waiting for it to come to a boil, apply an exfoliating scrub with fruit enzymes like papaya. Do not rinse.

 

Steam Clean: Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Hold your face more than one foot above it, close your eyes, and create a tent over your head with a towel. After 3-5 minutes, rinse off the exfoliant with warm, not hot, water, and gently blot dry the skin dry. Apply a face mask that’s suited to your complexion-one with hyaluronic acid or glycerin for dry skin, sulfur for acne, clay for oily skin, or antioxidants for normal or combination skin.

 

Moisturize: Relax until the mask is ready to be removed (check the label for suggested time), then rinse it off thoroughly, and blot with a towel. While skin is still damp, rub on a thin layer of your everyday moisturizer – oil free or oily combination skin, a richer formula for dry skin. If possible, wait up to 6-8 hrs before putting on makeup.

~Allure, Confessions of a Beauty Editor~

Brows—The Finishing Touch

Get the shape right, of course, and you’re halfway there – your eyes will look groomed, but (unless you’re blessed with naturally dark brows,) they won’t necessarily have enough impact. Many of us need pencil – or better yet, powder – to achieve that.

Eliza Petrescu explains: "Pencil and powder selection should be determined by hair and skin color. Go one shade darker if hair is light: go one shade lighter if hair is dark." (Even if hair is dark brown, she advises, avoid black.)

The only way to test brow color when makeup shopping is on the brow itself. Either shop bare-browed or remove your color at the counter. (A hand mirror is useful, once again, for judging the color of daylight. If a shade looks natural there, it’ll look natural everywhere.)

 

What you’re really looking for are mousy brown tones of pencil or powder –and check to make sure there isn’t a hint of red in the pencil/powder, even if you’re a redhead. Because brows aren’t naturally one color, you might opt for 2 very slightly different shades. Brow powders are specially designed for use on this area, and have a slightly waxier texture- but if you can’t get the right shade, use powder eye shadow. (M.A.C and Bobbi Brown offer brow-friendly shadow colors.)

Before coloring brows, brush them upwards to make sure they’re even – and then brush out horizontally. (This is something we skip when we’re in a hurry-which is most of the time-but could be a must if yours are unruly.)

Stephen Glass recommends Kanebo’s eyebrow pencil in Muted Brown, "a really natural-looking taupe which works on almost all brows". Another rather miraculous product – recommended by Valentine Gotti, aka the "Makeup Doctor"- is Brenda Christian brow Shaper Pencil, which adjusts to the color of every brow (from blonde to brunette) as if by magic.

We’ll be frank: we feel that of the brow products available, powder gives the most natural look, but if you still prefer pencil, start at the inner corner and works outwards using light, feathery strokes. You’re trying to color the hairs – although when it comes to "filling in" gaps, you can draw directly onto skin.

When using powder, you need a brush specifically designed for brows-which is stiff and angled. Tap the handle on a hard surface (or the back of your hand) to remove excess, then start at the thickest part of the brow and work outwards using feathery, light strokes. Again, you’re trying to get color onto the hairs, not the skin—and be sure that the outer corner ends in a very fine point.

For maximum staying power, Vincent Longo likes to use pencil followed by powder shadow to "fix" the pencil. This is fine for special occasions, but may be too time-consuming on an everyday basis.

There is an increasing range of colored "brow mascaras" on the market but in our opinion, they’re a nightmare to use in a hurry and don’t look natural- brows can appear stiff. In the same way, many experts recommend using brow gel or hairspray to fix brows in place, but, once again—unless your brows are constantly trying to escape – we say skip this, except for the outermost ends if necessary.

If you have the time, sweep brows through with a (clean) mascara wand after you’ve applied your brow color – either one you’ve bought, or one you’ve adapted for the task by first dunking it in eye-makeup remover, then washing it in gentle soap—to give your brows a tended look.

Note: Having brows tattooed with semi-permanent makeup may seem like the ultimate time-saving beauty gesture, but beware: we’ve seen some horrendous results in which all you notice are the brows, not the woman they belong to. (Remember, too, that brows fade naturally as we age—and what works with your hair color now may not work when you’ve gone grey/lighter/darker, in a few year’s time.) If you’re considering having semi-permanent makeup done, ask to see – in person- several people who’ve been treated by the person you’re considering so that you can gauge the results with your own eyes. Do not be fooled by photos, which sometimes show another therapist’s work, or are promotional shots taken by the company that supplies the tattooing equipment. There is also theoretical risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C if an unsterilized needle is used. Meanwhile, never have brows or lashes dyed with hair dye: in many countries it’s even illegal.

Total Beauty by Sarah Stacey & Josephine Fairley