What Would Kate Moss Do?
For your Knowledge,
Because someone’s ears are burning…
So listen and learn!
The Truth is Hard as Nails
For Claire,
Because she is a witness to the strength…
So this is the truth behind the strength at hand!
A Razor Thief in the Night
For the Future,
Because everyone has a lesson to learn…
So this is what I have learned!
It’s Monday and that sucks. Let me tell you a story to make it better. Several years ago after a bad breakup I found myself sharing a bed with my friend Claire and sharing an apartment with my friends Megan and Claire. While most nights were filled with way too much wine to drown my sorrows, the mornings were filled with me doing my best to at least shower. As I stayed there for almost six months and much exceeded my welcome, I took a very valuable piece of knowledge with me from what should have been dark times but were actually pretty fun in retrospect.
Fake It Till You Make It
For the beautiful ladies missing an eyebrow or two,
Because eyebrows are important…
So beautiful brows can be yours too!
As told to Behind the Mirror by ClaireOverThere.
Eyebrows convey emotion…suspicion, excitement, fear…. We need them.
If you are like me, your eyebrows have always been non-existent. I have (what I like to call)
“eyebrow squares”, which means that I have two little squares that look like tiny “Hitler-style” mustaches where a full eyebrow should begin. It is unacceptable. Now you may think this was a plucking festival gone wrong, but I assure you, they have been this way my entire life. So, at an early age I began experimenting with different ways of drawing eyebrows on my face. I’ve tried everything from liners to colored wax. It has been a learning process to say the least. After all these years I am pretty damn good at it. Often people are surprised to learn that I don’t have eyebrows. **If you are questioning whether or not people are just “being nice”, please know that I live in NYC and we don’t do that here.** Okay, so here’s my mini-tutorial on creating the most beautiful fake brows a girl could ask for.
There are so many details to remember when drawing on an eyebrow. To start, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
1.) What is your best/most natural shape?
I found looking at magazines helpful. Once you start to notice people’s brow shapes you will never stop. Look at celebrities you think are beautiful. Trace outlines of their face. What shape is it? Is it similar to your face shape? Try to find someone whose brows you like and also has a similar facial structure to your own. Use this picture as a visual guide.
2.) Do I live in an area with high heat and humidity?
3.) What color is most appropriate for you?
4.) Which side of the face is higher than the other?
Very few people have a perfectly symmetrical face and you want to make sure one eyebrow isn’t higher than the other. People will think you are giving them the stink-eye and that’s no way to make friends.
Now that you’ve established the basics, which product or products should you buy?
These are my favorites:
Smashbox Eyebrow Tech.
Why this product is awesome…
1.) The angled shape of the pencil helps to draw a more natural shape.
2.) It has a creamy consistency when applying and dries to a matte finish.
3.) It goes on light, which allows you to establish the shape before fully committing.
(Add more when you like what you see.)
4.) Because it goes on lightly, I can wear these brows without any other makeup, which is not usually the case. Until this product came into my life, it was all or nothing. Sometimes you just want to go to the store without spending 25 minutes on your entire makeup routine, but you also don’t want to scare the small children with your eyebrow squares.
5.) It comes in two shades “Brunette” and “Taupe”.
6.) Again, the shape of the pencil makes all the difference.
I like to use this product by itself for the day time and casual wear. When I am going for an evening look or I know I will be photographed I add this next product to add longevity and a bit more punch, but don’t get carried away!
Wet & Wild Ultimate Brow Kit.
Why this product is awesome…
1.) It comes with a setting wax to keep what few eyebrow hairs you might have in place.
2.) It has a medium shade and a darker contour shade. This is perfect for creating the most natural color. Also, when used lightly the darker shade can pick up on any tiny blonde hairs, which creates the illusion of actual brow hair. The majority of my brow area is made up of these tiny blonde hairs, so this product is perfect.
3.) It comes with a perfectly shaped, stiff-bristle brush and tiny tweezers. (If you don’t have brows, throw away the tweezers…out with temptation!)
4.) It only cost four dollars!
Things to remember and a few extra tips:
– The natural look is always better. When in question, less is more.
– When first learning to apply, start by applying a little at a time (the first half—bridge to arch). Step back from the mirror and ensure they are even. Finish each brow, and again, step back from the mirror. Looking at your brows from a distance will help to avoid having a constant look of suspicion.
– During the more humid seasons, I like to very lightly go over the brows with a brow pencil, as well as the above mentioned products. Its waxy consistency helps to resist the heat. Just be careful to avoid drawing distinct lines…short and light strokes are the key. If you have a heavy hand, try holding the pencil at the far end.
– After finishing your eyebrows, clean up around the edges with some powder to prevent smudging.
– Choose a color that is closer to your hair color. When drawing eyebrows, it is more obvious that they are drawn-on when the hair color is dramatically different.
You must PRACTICE! Don’t think you are going to get this right on the first or even second try. It’s not just going to happen miraculously. It takes dedication. Don’t worry or be discouraged. You will get the hang of it, and you will be so glad you did!
**Special note: If you are creating inverted parenthesis on your face, you are doing it wrong. Your eyebrows should not EVER resemble a type of punctuation.**
Keep working on those Brows!
***beauty always comes from within, photos from here , there, and everywhere, xoxo, behind the mirror***
**Amanda + Claire back in the day, yo**
The Home Stretch
For Leslie,
Because we’re past the last corner…
So it’s straight to the finish line from here!
Something Bigger Than…
For the sake of wrapping up the season,
Because the show is over…
So it is time to move on!
Backstage Beauty at Catherine Malandrino
For Amiram,
Because New York Fashion Week isn’t easy…
So admire the hard work behind the scenes!
In the vein of Valentine’s Day this week’s post is for Amiram. It is also fashion week. No traditional Valentine’s post like “most kissable red lips” this week. Sorry. Instead I took an adventure Sunday morning in the aftermath of Nemo to learn the backstage secrets at the Catherine Malandrino show with the Design Director of the label famous for bringing the style of Paris and energy of New York to the stage.
Backstage was, as one would expect, super crazy! It seemed like 3000 things were going on at once… when I arrived hair and make-up was already underway.
Neatly hung in front of an enormous area to complete over 35 model’s looks was a beauty board with the inspiration, model’s photograph, and names.
Backstage was, as one would expect, super crazy! It seemed like 3000 things were going on at once… when I arrived hair and make-up was already underway.
Neatly hung in front of an enormous area to complete over 35 model’s looks was a beauty board with the inspiration, model’s photograph, and names.
The over all look for the models was very minimalist, allowing the clothes to take the spotlight.
THE HAIR –
Didier Malige for Rene Furterer formed hair that was flat, stick straight, and flowy. The look incorporated a strong middle part with long hair neatly kept behind the shoulders.
THE MAKE-UP –
James Kaliardos and the MAC pro team created a look that was barely there using a variety of beige tones.
The cheek bones were illuminated with a high shine created with what seemed like a mini facial. The make-up artists put Tata Harper revitalizing oil on the girls faces to enhance the shine for a luminous finish.
THE NAILS –
Michelle Class at CWM for Morgan Taylor polished the model’s nails with a very beige minimalist shade. I was told Rita Ora’s manicurist created the color and it will be released with the new line this Summer.
THE PRODUCTS –
Rene Furterer Paris products were used on Hair, Mac Cosmetics on the Face, and Morgan Taylor on the nails.
The design team was relaxed and confident in the collection. Nothing ever seemed to be unorganized or out of control back stage. Amiram was cool, calm, and collected while getting the girls ready for the installation.
(I know, I think he is sexy too!!)
Then it was SHOW TIME! Hit it!!!
Inspired by French Art Deco elegant line of Ruhlmann, Catherine Malandrino presented clean and graphic shapes for Fall 2013. Elongated Silhouettes were illustrated by funnel neck collard coats to mid calf pencil skirts and glove sleeves in a marriage of leather, cashmere, knit, rubberized wool, and double silk satin crepe. Black velvet ribbon wrapped the body and created the illusion of movement. Proportions were ample and comfortable with dropped shoulders, generous cape jackets and hooded trench coats, while dresses were lean and followed the body’s curve. The combination of black velvet with nude tulle, tones of absinthe, burgundy, and midnight blue induced a warm color combination. A soft, yet graphic celebration of geometric shapes and craftsmanship were manifested throughout the collection.
The “installation” was amazing!
If you’re interested in what I wore to the show, New York Daily News captured a great shot of me in my hopscotch Malandrino trousers.
Next up – Marc by Marc Jacobs & the Marc Jacobs After Party!
***beauty always comes from within, photos are 100% mine this week bitches . xoxo, behind the mirror***
Where Motivation goes to Die
For Eight Tiny Reindeer’s,
Because it is the holidays…
So let’s do the best we can!
It Doesn’t Matter, I Love It
For Below the Sink,
Because good advice never goes bad…
So from my ears to yours!
♥ Connect
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