Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Beauty Masters: Jason Hoffman for Date Night Make-Up

Welcome back to the Beauty Masters, a four-part NuyBeauty.com exclusive interview series that combines the most useful tips on hair color, make-up and brows with step-by-step guidance from some of the industry’s top experts.

I'm thrilled to finally unveil the first of my two how-to videos. Join me, and make-up artist Jason Hoffman as we dive into genuinely relaxed and simple glamour -- for date night! You'll see that with Jason's approach, stepping up your look from basic to bold will take less time and energy than you ever imagined.



Many thanks again to Jason for his artistry and advice. And to find out more about him, click here.

What makes a woman beautiful according to Jason?
"When a woman feels good about herself she gets a certain twinkle in her eye, and to me to me that's what it's all about."
Product Picks from Your Best Date Night Video 1-2-3:

1) M.A.C. Cosmetics Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer ($17).
2) Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, ($32).
3) Serge Lutens Refillable Lipstick in color 1- Mise a Mort ($75).


MORE THANKS:

A huge amount of gratitude to Malcolm Lam, a filmmaker and director, who filmed the masters videos and offered invaluable advice and support throughout. You can see some of his work at Wabisabifilms.com.


-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

NuyBeauty's Holiday Gift Picks

Beauty treats are the perfect, last-minute gift.
While the finishing touches are being applied to the expert how-to videos  of the Beauty Masters series (hint, hint!), I thought I'd share a last-minute holiday gift guide. Beauty treats are perfect as stocking-stuffers or presents for special teachers, mothers, childcare providers, and really anyone who appreciates pampering and grooming. Here are some of my favorites for receiving as well as giving:
Who wouldn't like aromatic holiday gifts nestled in pretty, glistening packages?


NuyBeauty's Holiday Gift Picks 1-2-3:

1) I love all things coriander, and Kiehl's Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser "Coriander," ($16 for 8.4 oz.) is one of the most spa-sensational ways to get up in the morning. The scent is just the right balance of crisp and smooth.

2) I've always been a huge fan of Diptyque candles. Their aroma is never obtrusive, but soft and inviting. And they are quite nice to look at, with their understated and minimalist packaging. Try Diptyque Paris's Baies "Noire"/ Berries Candle ($80 for a 300 gram candle), which has a bouquet of roses and blackcurrant.

3) My daughter and I have been enjoying a lot of clementines of late, as they're in season and delicious right now! And so I've been a l'orange, which brings me to my final recommendation: Annick Goutal's NĂ©roli Eau de Toilette ($115 for 3.4 oz.). This fragrance is all about the orange flower blossom and its elegant earthly essence.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Beauty Masters: Tina Turnbow for Eco-Friendly Make-Up

Eco-Friendly Make-Up, Easy as 1-2-3 at NuyBeauty.com with Tina Turnbow

Welcome to the Beauty Masters, a four-part NuyBeauty.com exclusive interview series that combines the most useful tips on hair color, make-up and brows with step-by-step guidance from some of the industry’s top experts. Over the next several weeks, I am unveiling new interviews as we talk our way into easy, (always!) achievable beauty, one topic at a time.

This week joining us is New York City-based make-up artist Tina Turnbow, whose diverse work can be seen on the pages of American Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Nylon, as well as on the red carpet and, most recently, film. She just wrapped up shooting an indie film starring Anne Heche. I first met Tina when I was at InStyle magazine, and have always appreciated her grounded approach to beauty.

Something that Tina is a big supporter of is eco-friendly cosmetics and skincare. And as a mom, being conscientious about the environment is one way I'll try to teach my daughter about responsible living.  Also, you can't help but be more concerned about the ingredients in the creams and such you're applying when you've got a little one involved. When it comes to going green with make-up, I've felt in the past that it can be challenging to know how to do it right -- like struggling with limited product selection. Here, Tina offers us straightforward but sensational advice on eco-friendly beauty.

Effortless Eco-Friendly Make-up with
Tina Turnbow’s 1-2-3:



What makes a woman beautiful according to Tina?
“Of course it is in the eye of the beholder, but to me it's when a woman has a comfort in her skin that radiates confidence. It’s when a woman takes care of herself and makes the most of her positives, and doesn't get hung up on being perfect."

1) WHY TINA CARES
I am of the belief that we should try to do whatever we can to protect and care for our health. We are bombarded by so many things we can’t control, so why not opt to control whatever you can? And since our skin is the largest organ, constantly absorbing and soaking in what it comes into contact with, why not keep as much of it clean -- free from chemicals, artificial colors and contaminants? How about nurturing and caring for it, since you can't change your skin suit? Like you would with a change of clothes! Eco-friendly skin care and makeup that is chemical free, which is good for both your skin and health, makes sense to me.

2) IDENTIFYING THE ECO-FRIENDLY AND SAFE
To avoid animal testing, look for the rabbit logo. Buy U.S.D.A. organic and biodegradable products. Right now there is a crack down for more control with the campaign for safe cosmetics, but do check the ingredients on beauty products: steering clear of parabens, phthalates [synthetic chemicals used as preservatives], petrolatum, and fragrance.

3) TINA’S FAVORITE GREEN THINGS
I love my Mineral Fusion Eye Pencil in Coal ($15) because you never know when you want to smolder! And, I like a fast, smudgy line, where the line is blended out and softened with your fingers. It gives the illusion of a bigger eye. You can also try using two colored eyeliners, like a blue-gray one (try Volcanic by Mineral Fusion, $15) from the inner corners of the eye to the middle, and then a black pencil from the middle of your eye to the outer corners. The blue-gray color will help to brighten your eyes.
Also handy is my Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex ($45), which I like to roll onto anywhere that’s dry. Or you can rub it onto the top of your cheekbones for a little sheen. It even can even go onto the top of the lips. 

Thank you Tina, for your green glamour guidance!
To find out more about her, click here.

And for more information on environmentally safe beauty care, check out this comprehensive resource, the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.