cosmetics

January 30, 2017

How to Wear 2017’s Color of the Year: Greenery


	
			[Balenciaga Spring 2017 Ready to Wear; image via Vogue.com]

			
			[Gucci Spring 2017 Ready to Wear; image via Vogue.com]

			
			[Valentino Spring 2017 Ready to Wear; image via Vogue.com]

			
			[Topshop Razzmatazz Facet Mules, $92, available at topshop.com]

			
			[Burberry Small Banner Leather Tote in Pale Pistachio Green, $1,395, available at nordstrom.com]

			
			[Ray-Ban Wayfarer Liteforce Sunglasses, $185, available at ray-ban.com]

			
			[H&M Rhinestone Earrings, $24.99, available at hm.com]

			
			[NYX Cosmetics Vivid Brights Creme Eye Color in True Green, $10, available at nyxcosmetics.com]

			
			[MakeUpForEver Artist Rouge Creme Lipstick in Peacock Green, $22, available at makeupforever.com]

			
			[Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Fragrance, $125, available at chanel.com]

			
			[Sephora Green Tea Eye Mask, $5, available at sephora.com]

			
			[Butter London + Pantone Nail Polish in Greenery, $10, available at butterlondon.com]

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This past December, Pantone, the global authority of color trend information, debuted its newest color of the year: Greenery. Each color of the year choice is a symbolic representation of what is predicted to occur in global culture that year, and usually influences fashion, beauty, architecture, technology, food, and travel. Last year came with the release of not one, but two colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, a pale pink and pastel blue respectively. The pairing was meant to represent the recent blur of of gender norms in terms of fashion and everyday life, coinciding with gender equality movements around the world. The last time we saw a shade similar to this year was 2013’s color choice of Emerald, which was chosen to symbolize elegance and luxury.

Referred to as “nature’s neutral,” this years yellow-green tone carries the lightheartedness of the first days of spring, representing new beginnings, and a refreshing, revitalizing mood. Arriving in the midst of major changes to the social and political landscapes, Pantone wanted to evoke hopefulness, rebirth, and rejuvenation. Although the idea of “going green” is not a revolutionary one for 2017, the color also symbolizes a growing movement to protect nature amidst the ongoing fight against climate change.

Greenery has already made an appearance on several Spring 2017 Ready to Wear runways, like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Valentino. Although this shade may seem hard to wear, new arrivals in the beauty, accessories, and fashion industries are proving the tone to be easily wearable for anyone. Butter London released a nail polish to commemorate the newest color of the year, and cosmetics brands like NYX, MakeUpForEver, and Sephora all carry easy-to-use products in the green hue. In the accessories department, check out Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer Lightforce sunglasses in green and Burberry’s Small Banner Leather Tote in pale pistachio green. Surprisingly, Greenery can be easily paired with a wide variety of color combinations; try pairing the green tone with last year’s colors of pale pink and blue for a more bold look, or with neutral tones of beige, gold-browns, and cream for a more subtle pop.

Click through the slideshow above to see our other top picks for beauty and accessories in Pantone’s newest color of the year choice.

November 16, 2016

The Three Best Beauty Looks for Fall 2016

by Rachael Comeau

[Dark Lip at Marni Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear; all images via Vogue.com]

[Dark Lip at Rodarte Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Dark Lip at Louis Vuitton Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Smudged Eyes at Adam Selman Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Smudged Eyes at Elie Saab Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Smudged Eyes at Givenchy Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Natural Brows at Valentino Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Natural Brows at Balmain Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

[Natural Brows at Nina Ricci Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear]

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This fall season’s beauty trends range from traditional staples to eye-catching statement looks. Looking back on the Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear runway looks, we can easily see that the makeup used within various shows was an accurate prediction of what will be trending in the cosmetic world this fall. On the more unsurprising side of things, the dark lip has returned to its usual spot as a true go-to for the colder months of the year. Seen on runways like Rodarte, Louis Vuitton, and Marni, the dark lip trend in deep plum and red tones was made a focal point. To get the look yourself, try NYX Cosmetics Simply Vamp Lip Cream in shades She Devil and Covet, which are both available online for $6.50. Or, try Urban Decay’s Vice Lipstick in Blackmail or Disturbed, also available online and priced at $17.

More on the side of dramatic statement looks is the smoky, smudged eyeliner, which was also a popular choice on the Fall 2016 runways. This goth-inspired look complemented the collections shown by designers and brands like Adam Selman, Elie Saab, and Givenchy. Going the daring eye makeup route can be intimidating for many, so at first, you may want to opt for a more wearable, subtle version. Try the Marc Jacob’s Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, available online for $25, or NYX Cosmetics Tres Jolie Gel Pencil Liner in Pitch Black, also available online for $12.

Another core trend in beauty that has seemingly been in the spotlight for multiple consecutive seasons now is the natural, bold eyebrow look. Being that it is much easier to get away with darker, bolder brows come fall and winter, it is no surprise that this look also made several appearances on the fall 2016 runways. Valentino, Balmain, and Nina Ricci all opted for easy-going natural brows, rather than heavy filled-in versions. To recreate this low-maintenance look, try Soap & Glory’s Arch Brow Gel, available here for $12, or Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel, available online for $22.

Click through the slideshow above to see more of the best fall 2016 beauty looks, straight off of the runway.

May 17, 2016

The EcoTools Essentials: Makeup & Hair Brushes

by Rachael Comeau

[Starter Set brush kit and Expert Thermal Styler hairbrush]

Calling all newcomers to EcoTools: there are two new great introductory products that may very well have you hooked! The brand prides itself on being a leader in the world of eco-friendly beauty products, and carries a range of bath-friendly items to hair brushes and cosmetic accessories.

Your first foray into the makeup brush side of EcoTools should be the Starter Set brush Kit . The set covers all of the essential makeup categories (some brushes can double up for various kinds of makeup): Blush, Shading, Angled Eye-liner, Concealer, and the LashBand Brow Groomer. At only $12.99, it provides a great value and even comes with a travel sized cosmetic bag to protect your brushes, wherever they may roam.

The second noteworthy brush is the Expert Thermal Styler hair brush. This tool enables professional-looking blowouts a reality for anyone, and comes in two sizes (large and small) for use, depending on your hair length. The brush is designed to create long-lasting style and volume, and even reduces dry time by up to 20%, which also reduces the exposure to heat damage. The large size, for medium-to-long hair, is priced at $13.99, and the smaller size, for shorter hair, is priced at $12.99.

EcoTools products are always available online and in select retailers worldwide, such as Ulta.

April 12, 2016

Soap & Glory Launches Cosmetics Line in the U.S.

by Rachael Comeau

[Glow All Out Luminizing Face Powder]

[Kick Ass Blur and Brighten Concealer Crayon]

[Kick Ass Translucent Mattifying Powder]

[One Heck of a Blot Instant Perfecting Power Primer]

[Thick and Fast High Definition Mascara]

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The beloved retro (and value)-inspired U.K. beauty brand, Soap & Glory, has made a run for the money with the launch of its cosmetics line here stateside. The most recent line of products are super affordable and cover all the bases, including items for your eyes, lips, and all-over face. Noteworthy items include the Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Plumping Gloss, which comes in four versatile colors, and even tastes delectable. The gloss leaves your lips with noticeably more volume while also locking in moisture, and is priced at a mere $14.

Also worth trying is the Thick & Fast High Definition Collagen Coat Mascara. With collagen as a key ingredient, this product adds considerable volume to your lashes, while lengthening and curling them all at once. Start by applying one coat with the V-groove side of the 7-Sided Fan Flare-180º Brush, and finish by rolling the brush from roots to tips for maximum effect. You’ll be all set for all-day wear, again for a nominal price of $14. Other items include the Glow All Out Luminizing Face Powder, the One Heck of a Blot Instant Perfecting Power Primer, and the Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder (pictured in the slide show above).

The entire line of cosmetics is under $20 per item, and is available now exclusively at Ulta stores nationwide and online at Ulta.com.