I spent much of my holiday time off reading the newest makeup book.  This one is About Face by makeup artist Scott Barnes.  I haven’t seen a makeup book like this since the likes of Kevyn Aucoin’s collection of books.  He doesn’t just apply makeup to most of the models in the book to make them pretty, he transforms their looks.  

Heavy on the importance of highlighting and contouring, it’s what he sees as the way to transform the face.  He also talks about the importance of having moisturized skin, because your face won’t accept makeup as well without it.   And relax the face by applying pressure at your jaw joint by your ears – hard pressure.  By relaxing the face it makes you look younger.  

There are many models photographed throughout their application of the makeup, and they are many different age ranges including celebrities.   And of course, Jennifer Lopez is on the cover.  He does most of her makeup applications for her cover shots.

Most of the makeup applications shown are not a quick morning, getting ready for work process.   These appear to be more time consuming and detailed with all the highlighting and contouring.  But, I think it would be fun to try some of these techniques when getting ready for a date night.   Then maybe after a lot of practice, some of the techniques could become quite easy.

At $24.99 it’s a great value in a large, detailed book with several photographs.   If looking for a makeup book that’s not your normal,  run-of-the-mill makeup book this is one to check out.

I’m on a book kick lately and although I haven’t checked out this new book from Harper’s Bazaar “Fabulous at Every Age”, it will definitely be on my to-do list while I have some time off from work this week.    I subscribe to Harper’s Bazaar and I like it better than many beauty/fashion magazines.   Why?  Because most of the fashion that is shown is actually wearable.   But the main reason for me, is that it’s for women of every age.    They have this great fashion section called “Fabulous at Every Age” and it shows great looks for each generation from the 20’s up to the 70’s.   How fabulous is that!  If you haven’t checked it out, I highly recommend you do.

A few months back Harper’s Bazaar had a party to honor women that they selected as “Fabulous at Every Age” to coincide with their book release.    Elizabeth Hurley (age 44) along with Glenda Bailey, Editor in Chief of the magazine were there to honor these women for being simply fabulous!

The women chosen were:

• 20’s  – Nicole Otero in the blue skirt
• 30’s – Trinette Faint in yellow dress
• 40’s – Kariza Chan in the red suit
• 50’s – Valerie Duva in the pink skirt
• 60’s – Mary Lou Stockwell in the black and white top

Congratulations to all the women for being “Fabulous”!

Have you gone through life, or at least several busy years of it, not paying attention to what your body needs?   Is your body internally screaming for attention – the kind that grabs you by the shoulders, sits you down and says “STOP”!   Stress and how we treat ourselves on the inside can determine how we look on the outside.  Author Helen Noble helps us to realize that we deserve a life that treats our bodies well and in doing so keeps us young.   She offers suggestions on how to be mindful of all of this in her new book called Being Simply Beautiful. 

 

 

“When you take care of yourself inside and out, you become a role model for other women.   Leading by example is the best way to make your contribution to others” – Helen Noble

 

 

 

I know I am guilty of trying to accomplish too many things,  trying to be the best at whatever I do, not being mindful enough of what my body is trying to tell me, never saying “no” and it has started to take its toll.   In fact, this summer my physician “ordered” me to learn how to relax and do meditation.   This book is like having that person, but without the “orders” and demands, teaching us to simplify our lives – learn how to listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us and enjoy what life has to offer.  

Helen has written Being Simply Beautiful in a manner that is entertaining, educating, gives you those “aha!” moments and really makes you realize what you might have been missing out on life if you aren’t mindful of what your body is telling you.   For example the other day when I was reading the chapter about skin care and Helen explains how you should apply moisturizer to your face daily.   No, I don’t mean how you should just use it because it moisturizes your skin, but how to apply it to your face so you can maintain the elasticity in your skin keeping you younger looking, and how to do a lymphatic drain and the benefits of doing so.  She educates us on menopause, exercise, meditation and so much more.

Being Simply Beautiful is available December 1.   I highly recommend this if you want to educate yourself in a simple and entertaining way and keep your life simply beautiful.

Have you heard about The September Issue?   I can’t wait to see it!  It’s an intriguing documentary into the behind-the-scenes look at Vogue and the woman behind the pages of the oh so coveted magazine, Anna Wintour.   

Take a sneak peak.   It opens in New York August 28 and nationally on September 11th.

Did you see him?   Were you in Chicago last weekend and catch a glimpse?   Did he sign your book?   If you were at Barneys New York in Chicago last week, I’m sure you were part of the excitement!   If you were lucky enough to see the rare appearance by Francois Nars I’d love to hear all about it – please do tell!

Here are a few photos from the event to enjoy. 

Francois book signing

Window at Barneys dedicated to Nars

Book signed by Francois Nars

Makeovers at Nars counter

Reinvent Yourself With Color Me Beautiful is an updated version of this book that was, oh so popular in the 80’s. In fact, I remember going to class to learn my season and get fabric swatches that were for my skintone, making shopping for “my colors” easier.

We all can benefit from colors that look better on us. In fact, you know when you’re in the office or out and about and someone says to you “you look great today!” it could very well be that you are wearing a color that enhances your skintone. Days where you look extra tired or washed out? Think about what color you are wearing – is it the color of your blouse or even the shade of eyeshadow and lipstick you’re wearing that makes you look washed out or enhances your look?

This book has updated photos and current tips on accessories as well. If you didn’t take advantage of learning “your season” in the 70’s or 80’s and aren’t sure what colors look best on you, maybe now would be the time.