NYFW S/S 2014 GET THE LOOK: Rose Gold Eyes at Jason Wu

A deep but single-toned rose-gold eye set a pretty but bold theme at Jason Wu's show
on Sept. 7, 2013, by makeup artist Diane Kendal. Image via http://modelsofcolor.tumblr.com/

NYFW S/S 2014 GET THE LOOK: Rose Gold Eyes at Jason Wu

During fashion week, one of my priorities is to spot killer makeup. It's part of my job as a makeup artist and your beauty expert, but it's also nice to see the standout artistry amidst the standard nude/bare faces we've been seeing so much the past few years. Not that there's anything wrong or simple about a great and pretty bare face -- it's actually quite hard. However, it's fun on the runways, to spot the theatrical and original. My favorite so far on this fall's catwalk is a gilded take on a smoky lid -- the stellar rose gold eye done by makeup artist Diane Kendal at the Jason Wu Show for #NYFW Spring/Summer 2014.

To me, this eye sets itself apart because it's one color, but done with a hue chosen so aptly. The pinkish gold (she used a 5-toned eye shadow and liner palette by Lancôme in Bronze Amour) beautifully complements so many skin tones w/ its lush earthy undertones. And the gentle and non-obtrusive sparkle effect done with a rose gold dusting powder (also by Lancôme) creates a soft, shimmery, sunset feel.

To get the look at home, start by lining your eyes with a dark espresso kohl eye-lining pencil -- doing both top and bottom. Then also line the outline of your upper eyelid (as you can see in both models photos). Follow the lines gently with the crayon and use your finger or a Q-tip (I recommend the Precisions Tips for makeup) to soften the lines so they look not hardly drawn but finely shaded.

Then fill in the eye shadow color with a bronze eye shadow like Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadow Duo in Bronze Blowout (a steal at $6). Make sure the color is nice and even all over your lids.

Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadow Duo in Bronze Blowout (a steal at $6)

Then dust a very fine layer of  M.A.C.'s Pigment powder in Tan ($21)(a muted pinky bronze) all over the lid.

M.A.C.'s Pigment powder in Tan ($21)

And lastly draw a second, fine line on your upper eyelid using a good black liquid liner --  I recommend Hourglass's Script Precision Liquid Liner ($32). This will help outline the whole look and bring out the rose gold, as some of the eyeliner may have gotten lost in the addition of the eyeshadows.

Hourglass's Script Precision Liquid Liner ($32)

Complete with a couple coats of your favorite mascara, and a touch of soft, peony or rosy lip stain. A tinted lip balm will suffice, like Burt's Bee's.

Model Hilary Rhoda, with rose gold lids.
I've had the pleasure, as a NYC makeup artist of working on
her quite perfect face ;-). Image via Vogue.com/Taylor Jewell

 -- N.C.

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

Create a Logo Chanel Accent Nail w/ Zoya's Pixie Dust Nail Polish

My Chanel Accent Nails with Zoya Nail Polish Pixie Collection

I love the fourth finger accent nail. It's a subtle way to have a design and it's both delicate and edgy without being too in your face. It's also something you can do fast at home, but impress in a big way - and why not go with a designer logo that you adore or, if not that you can pick a simple nail decal of your choosing. I went with the classic Chanel camellia flower, which actually came in a Hello Kitty nail design set purchased at a Sanrio store in Honolulu for about $7, but here's one available online. It may not be authentic Chanel, but with a design so tiny, I hardly think it matters!

Zoya Nail Polish, one of my absolute favorite companies for nail color, b/c it's toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate free (so I feel safer applying it on my almost five year old daughter and friends -- not to mention that they've always got the edge on hues and texture) just came out with their Pixie Dust collection. The sparkle on this polish is sensational and superbly saturated. It's great for lifting your spirits for spring.

So do a Chanel Accent nail, or a logo accent nail -- just pick two contrasting colors from the Pixie set, and some decals. EASY! ;-)

THE HOW-TO:

At HOME MANI BASICS:

Have your logo decal ready on hand for the fourth finger. You can even do the index finger if you want. Have an extra decal handy just in case you lose or mess up the nail. Also have tweezers on hand to apply the tiny decals as they are miniature.

1) Start as you would a normal home mani. The basics being that you would soak your hands in warm water, wash them, and moisturize with your favorite lotion. Then hydrate your cuticles with the best balm ever -- Qtica's Intense Cuticle Repair Balm ($18)

The best editorial manicurists use this on set when I'm doing makeup for actors and models on shoots. Trust me, it's amazing.

2) Push or cut your cuticles. Cut, trim, file and smooth your nails -- whatever you need and desire to do.

3) Apply a base coat.

The Accent Nail with Logo

4) Apply two coats of one color to finger 1, 2 ,3, and 5. In my case I used a periwinkle, Zoya's NYX.

Tip: It's good to have a hand towel underneath, and all your tools w/in hands reach so that you can fix a mistake w/ remover -- and be mess-free. My handy, travel-ready, cute nail kit w/ buffer, file and zip case was found at H&M for $3.

5) Apply two coats of the accent color to finger 4. I used a red, Zoya's CHYNA.

My Chanel camellia decals ready to go with my Rubis Tweezers

6) Apply a coat of base coat to finger 4. Quickly grab your logo decal with your tweezers (my favorites are Rubis Slant), applying on an area of your choice (I picked the upper middle section) and press down evenly on your nail all over the decal so that it adheres well. Here's my quickie video on how to do it:

7) Apply a top coat quickly and press down again with the tweezer to seal the layers.

8) Apply a top coat to all nails. Allow ample time to dry -- 20-30 minutes.

Have a blast! And let me know how it goes - I'm sure you'll have plenty of ideas yourselves! xo

-- N.C.

Pro Makeup Secrets from a NYC Set: 3 Tips & Tricks for Everyday

Caption: Zuzanna Bijoch in the Devi Kroell Spring/Summer 2013 campaign

Ever wondered what it’s like to be on-set as a makeup artist? It’s fun, exciting, hard work, and you may be faced with big waiting periods between takes while the photographer does his work during looks, but you’ve always got to be on your toes ready with the baby oil (to shine the legs) or the right brush or lip-liner to get right in there to fix something in a millisecond.

Being a professional makeup artist is terrifically artistic but it’s also about knowing how to take the right direction from the team and theme you’re working with (the stylist, the photographer, the inspiration) And it’s not just about  picking the correct eyeliner and mixing the right shade of lipstick. You’ve got to chip in sometimes and help when there’s a fire to be put out (trust me it happens on any set - sets are chaotic and full of running staff and moving parts and people, and Balenciaga halter’s and Gucci heels - diamond teardrop earrings and Prada gloves flying everywhere;-)!)

But it’s also about following your instinct. When I have my model in my chair and my tools and makeup laid out, I focus. I concentrate on what will reflect the clothes and fashion theme the best, and hone in on what’s been discussed with the creative team, and then the world and set melt away and I paint and smudge and work away. Of course, input comes in here and there, but in the end I trust myself let the art flow. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s about struggling to get it perfect, but in the end, it’s the process that makes the whole thing worth it. My motto? En Art n’est pas d’erreur.

Zuzanna Bijoch and I, mugging for our iPhones post-shoot

Pro makeup tricks/tips from the set:

I recently had the pleasure of working with model Zuzanna Bijoch, who has the most beautiful round eyes and lush lips for the Devi Kroell Spring/Summer 2013 campaign and it was great gabbing with her and working on her fairytale like face.

1- The makeup was kept natural and beautiful to showcase the accessories, with a browner smokey eye (hot for spring) and a nice matte nude lip, also trending this season. Matte lips are hard to pull off in a nude color so I recommend you exfoliate your lips with a hot wet washcloth by rubbing gently to get the dry skin off. You can alternate with the wash cloth by applying my favorite lip treatment by Qtica (Intense Lip Repair Balm $12) to help moisturize the lips and soften the dry skin for easier exfoliation. This balm is always in my kit to act as a hydrating base for lipstick. It's the absolute best. It's also a great gift for both men and women.

Zuzanna getting a Facial Treatment Paper mask to soothe her skin after a long day of shooting.

2- Another pro tip is to use disposable paper face masks to soothe stressed skin post lots of makeup or a long day. This is an Asian skin secret and SK-II makes the best ones ($90-125), in my opinion as they are treatment oriented. They are great for stressed out skin, and when I feel a model’s skin has been taxed during a long shoot, I will pull out a mask from my kit and apply it to quickly moisturize and rejuvenate her skin (usually for 15-20 minutes is the average time you leave them on). I recommend doing paper face masks once a week to maintain a great complexion. One of my budget faves are the Masque*ology Facial Masks - the Pore Minimizing ones with Mushroom Extract, only $24 for 3 at Sephora.

3- And lastly, always carry straws (I like the neon colored ones from Target, which I also buy for my daughter  :-)- the models and actors get a kick out of the colors), so that while your subjects are drinking their Perrier or having their lunch, they don’t ruin the lip color you so painstakingly applied. Same for you if you don’t want to ruin that perfect red lip on your night out! Haha!

For the nude lips I did on Zuzanna try CoverGirl's LipPerfection Lip Color in Kiss 275 ($7) YSL's Rouge Pur Couture Pure Color Lipstick in 24 Blond Ingenu ($24) 

 

-- N.C.

Trimming Facial Hair was Never Easier! Panasonic's New Precision Facial Hair Trimmer

I loved using Panasonic's new Precision Facial Hair Trimmer. I usually use Japanese mini scissors for the little straggler brow hairs, but this did the job way quicker. And who doesn't want to save time!

Brows are my thing. They supremely design your face. They can even make or break your look, I believe this wholeheartedly. I've always used a combo of my fav Rubis tweezers and little Japanese mini brow scissors to keep my brows neat and in check (see my video with Brow Guru Soul Lee for tips on how to get amazing brows at home) -- but then I found out about Panasonic's new Precision Facial Hair Trimmer ($30).

Needless to say, I LOVED it. The little hairs in between my lids and my brows I didn't have to meticulously pluck!!! And, hey those tiny embarrassing hairs around the corners of your mouth, in your nose (yes, gasp! I said it) -- all gone in seconds w/out any ouchy plucking or scissoring. No nicks! And it comes in a cute hot pink, handy pen-like casing. What's not to adore? And it's waterproof. Yay!

Love that it looks like a sophisticated pen in your bag. Always gotta look good -- even in your purse!

Go get yourself one and put it in your purse to be prepared for those days you find that funky hair poking out of your nostril. Haha! Mine is going in my purse STAT!

xoxo
--N.C.

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

DIY Nail Art: From Feathered to Bejeweled

Nail Art is the latest accessory craze. Every day we see new materials, patterns, 3-D sculptural effects on fingers of women -- so much that it's dizzying. I'm a big fan of DIY-ing just as a creative project, as long as it's not a headache, and hey - sometimes it does save you some money. So here are two ways to simple translate some of the more intense design nails into your everyday home nail routine: one using jewels, and the other just playing with brush strokes and color, that I did for StyleUnited. Happy Results!

A Quide to DIY Nail Art: Opalescent Tip Effect & Ombre/Feathered Effect

5 Steps to Bejeweled Nails

--N.C.

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

How to do a Quick Smokey Eye with Anne Fritz

I recently sat down for a coffee with my good friend Anne Fritz of the JetSetGirls.com to dish about happenings in the beauty biz, as we are neighbors (yay!), and I found out that she does a killer 6-minute smokey eye. Now who wouldn't want to learn how to do that? It's perfect for when you're in a pinch and need to look super dressed up for any occasion for the evening. I was totally impressed, and had to have her share her skills for all of us to see and have fun with.

Hope you enjoy the video and please let me know what you think! And thank you to the fabulous Anne!

Here's Anne's Smokey Eye in Completion:

In just 6-minutes, Anne did this excellent, smokey eye look!

Anne Fritz's Quickest Smokey Eye Products:

1) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($20)

2) Urban Decay Black Eyeshadow Palette ($36)

3) Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition 3-Piece Brush Starter Set, ($25)

--N.C.

Applying Smudge-Proof Mascara: An Easy How-to Video

How do you apply your mascara? Do you apply two coats? 15 coats? Maybe you have a tried and true method that works for you every single time. Or maybe you are still struggling to find a fool-proof way to get your mascara not to smudge on you -- giving you those funny dots on the skin beneath, or panda eyes? You know what I mean :-). 

Well, here's a quick how-to video I did for StyleUnited.com on what I think is an effective way to keep your mascara motionless. Please let me know what you think, I'd love to hear!

Check out more of my style and beauty how-to's and blogging on StyleUnited.com.

--N.C.

Mixing Colors: Lips

Painting and mixing colors aren't just for when you're hanging out with you're kids. Try it with your lip color and expand your inner artist, as well as your existing make-up selection with this easy video guide.

-N.C.

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

The Beauty Masters: Soul Lee for Your Best DIY Brows

Welcome back to the final chapter of 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.

Thank you for being patient in waiting for this last piece. Here, tada! (as my daughter would proudly say) is the grand finale, an in-depth tutorial, covering one of my favorite and most definitive parts of the face: the brow! And to elucidate us on the ease of achieving our lovely arches is Soul Lee, a highly sought after New York City-based brow- and lash-specialist for Kiehl's. Come join Soul and I in our special video as she reveals several of her never-before-seen techniques and tricks. After watching this, you'll be your own brow pro -- in less than ten minutes!

Many thanks to Soul for letting us in on the nitty gritty of her brow prowess. If you want to find out more about her, and how to contact her, click here.

What makes a woman beautiful according to Soul? "Confidence. Find your own individual and personal style and make it work for you. If you feel comfortable in who you are, it makes you beautiful.

Product Picks from Your Best DIY Brows:

1) These tweezers are a must-have: Rubis Stainless Steel Slant Tweezers ($35).
2) For filling in the gaps: Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Des Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil ($28), with a handy groomer on the other end.
3) These types of reusable cold packs are great to have for when the little ones have their falls and bumps, or for Soul's pain-free tweezing tip! 

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.

And big, big thanks to our beautiful model Bronwyn Barnes for volunteering her face, arches (of course!), and support.

-N.C.

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

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.

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.

The Beauty Masters: Marie Robinson for Hair Color

Covering the gray at home is entirely possible

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 will unveil a new interview as we talk our way to easy, (always!) achievable beauty, one topic at a time.

First to join us is celebrity colorist Marie Robinson, whose star clients include Rachel McAdams, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Uma Thurman, among others. She most recently opened her own salon this past spring, the Marie Robinson Salon, in the Flat Iron district of New York City.

I first visited Marie, years ago, to correct an at-home-blond-attempt that was just not pretty, and she quickly turned my stressed-out mane into silky hair the color of liquid caramel. To date, it remains one of my favorite hair identities thus far.

I labeled this mini polaroid: 3.06.01 colored by Marie.
A glimpse at a color correction Marie did for me, which I ended up loving!

It’s easy to be unsure of home color treatments, so I asked Marie to share some words on a question that has come up again and again with busy moms and women I know, which is whether or not it’s possible to cover one’s grays at home, and have it look good. And trust me, Marie’s advice is a quick ticket to your best color!

Getting the Grays Out at Home with

Marie Robinson's 1-2-3:

What makes a woman beautiful according to Marie?
"A confident smile, that she feels good about herself, and that she knows a style that's right for her."

1) MARIE SAYS IT'S A GO:  

I think a first timer for hair color can successfully cover their grays at home if, a) you want to stay within two shade ranges of your natural color and, b) if you have 50 percent or less grays to cover. Home hair color kits such as Clairol Nice N' Easy covers grays up to 100 percent and come in numerous shades to help you select your desired color. For those of you who are more than 50 percent gray and/or want to go two shades lighter or darker, I suggest you see a professional. Once you've achieved your desired shade ask your colorist to suggest a matching home formula for you to do at home.

2) PRODUCTS & THE PRO HOW-TO:  

I love Clairol Nice 'N Easy ($8) for brunettes and Clairol Perfect 10 ($12) for blondes and redheads. Virgin applications are fairly easy to do by just following the mixing instructions and applying everywhere. If your hair is shoulder- to long- in length, or if it's dense, you should buy two boxes to ensure even and thorough saturation. If you are a brunette, I suggest choosing two colors -- one shade for the overall desired color and one lighter shade that will be applied 1-inch through and into your hairline. Professionals do this as our hairlines are naturally lighter in color, and we try to replicate this.

If you are re-touching your roots in between professional visits, try Clairol Nice `N Easy Root Touch Up ($7). They come in numerous shades similar to professional colors and match most shades in home hair color. It comes with an easy tool to use for application but you can also try dipping a cotton swab in color and applying to your part and around the face. Whether it’s a virgin application or a re-touch, sometimes it can be confusing to pick the best color. I suggest you try two shades that are closest to what you're looking for and do a test swatch on either side of the head close to the ear. It will help you see how the color will look and if you don't love it, the swatch will not be in such a visible place.

3) FINALLY, MAKE YOUR COLOR LAST:  

Use shampoos and conditioners formulated specifically for color-treated hair. There are many wonderful products to choose from that are not only good for color, but are also good for particular hair types such as fine, frizzy, or curly, or that provide volumizing. Hair color takes better and is preserved better on healthier hair than damaged hair, so condition, condition, condition! Avoid excessive salt water, chlorine, and sun as it can fade the color molecules. If you have hard water and don't have a water softening system get a showerhead with a filter. They provide better water pressure than they used to and can look great too.

A big thank you to Marie for her color counsel!

And to find out more about her you can visit her website at marierobinsonsalon.com.

-N.C.

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

Conceal Me Pretty!

My daughter shows me her eye patch.

I wonder how handy a face patch would be for this Mommy
those days I feel like giant pimples are taking over my life.

 Upside down, on the nose, lopsided: eye patches make for lots of giggles.
Thanks to our good friend L. for the party favor!

Oh, the woe of adult acne. Not to mention the appetizer plate of blemishes, scars, et cetera, one would like to cover up so they look somewhat fresh off the shelf when walking out the door. Some days I wake up and there are so many monstrosities on my face, I feel like I can't bear to leave the house. But of course I can't do that. Duty calls.

My daughter was playing with a pirate's eye patch the other day, and it occurred to me that sometimes that I wish I could just cover up those teen-aged red-dotted parts on my face with a big old piece of curtain and call it a day. But of course there's a better way that's not so Halloween. I mean spooky is good when you're doing it on purpose. But for everyday, let's show off the pretty and hide the pimply.


Concealer 1-2-3:

1) When you're dealing with light scarring and/or blemishes, try any of these of these concealers (from budget to splurge): Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Concealer ($5), M.A.C. Cosmetics Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer ($17) , and Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer ($70). You can't go wrong with any of one of these. The Maybelline is a great, overall buy and product; the M.A.C. has the added benefit of sun protection and a slightly heavier finish, and therefore coverage; and the Cle de Peau is the Rolls-Royce of concealers -- its finish is superb.

2) It is okay to use concealer on top of pimples, just use ones that won't clog pores. None of the above recommended ones should. Also, I like to apply a little treatment on the area before the concealer goes on, e.g. something with benzoyl peroxide like Clearasil. This way, I know the pimple is being treated while being covered.

3) Make sure the concealer is blended well with your skin or foundation. Use disposable sponge wedges or rounds so that you don't transfer any unnecessary bacteria from your fingers to your face and/or affected areas.

-N.C.

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

Fabulous in a Few for a High School Reunion

Everyone wants to look amazing at their high school reunion. Years may have passed, but inside we always essentially feel somewhat the same. We may have kids and responsibilities now, but those teen-scented memories never do quite go away. We remember all the crazy things we did, the goofy things -- the things you only do when you're that young, and of that mind.

My friend Jessica called me for some beauty help in preparation for an upcoming reunion. I thought it'd be fun for you to see how it all came together (and all the make-up we used was what she had at home). And when you're done, you can find the links to the products below.

Jessica before, with a clean face and just moisturizer

Jessica after, reunion ready.

Fabulous in a Few 1-2-3:

1) Eyes: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Honesty ($15)

2) Cheeks: Nars Blush in Dolce Vita ($26)

3) Lips: Sephora Collection Lip Attitude-Glamour Lipstick in Rosy Frivol 06, ($12)


-N.C.

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

The Brilliance of Braids

I love braids. I was the girl in the room that begged to braid your hair back in the day, and I'm the woman in the boutique who loves the single braided detail on a long, jersey dress. Braids are brilliant and ultimately romantic. They're the one thing that keep me from chopping my hair off when my daughter playfully but painfully tugs on my loose strands, or when I accidentally zip my ponytail into the over-sized zipper on my purse. Yes, ow! But the long, interwoven "works of art" you can achieve make it worth your while.

The Savvy Sideways Plait 1-2-3:

I braid when I feel like my hair isn't lying properly, and I want a quick up-do. Yesterday I did a sideways-three, meaning:

1) I took my hair to one side and did three separate braids, tying them off with small elastic bands.
2) Next, I braided the three individual braids into one big braid.
3) The effect was something I was quite happy with. Have a look, try it if you will, and tell me what you think!

The three-on-one braid

A close-up of the braid that took me five minutes to do.
I used one of my favorite hair-ties to finish (you can get a similar one here).

-N.C.

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

Healthy, Long Hair 101

For whatever reason, my hair was never long as a child. It never went past shoulder-length. I asked my mother once why this was so, and she insists that I was the one who always wanted it cut. I remember being suspicious of this response at the time. However, being a mother myself now, I realize that longer hair on a child can be harder to maintain. There are more tangles to be dealt with, more hair to wash and primp. Shorter hair is plain simpler.

Me, at age 3 perhaps, with my perennially shoulder-length hair.

Long-hair-story short, after countless hairstyles (some being entirely regrettable of course), I’ve settled on lengthier locks as a more permanent adult, look in the last few years.  And keeping the hair healthy is easy. Just make sure to get a haircut every three to six months to keep your shape and ends in good standing, and then follow my 1-2-3 in this quick two-minute video, and you’ll be on your way!

Healthy, Long Hair Tool Kit 1-2-3:

1) Conditioning: Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Conditioner ($6).
2) Detangling with a wide-toothed comb: Mebco Tortoise Shower Detangler ($2).
3) Dry-brushing: Frederic Fekkai Classic Brush ($95). Wet-brushing: Denman Paddle Brush ($12).


-N.C.

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

The Mommy & Me Pedi

My daughter attempts to touch-up Mama's pedicure with a marker.

As a child I wasn’t allowed to wear nail polish. It wasn’t that my mother didn’t allow it per se, it was that I played classical piano, and you don’t usually find serious piano students flaunting painted nails. But I wanted the colors, trust me.  As a mother, I now of course love the indulgence of getting manicures and pedicures, but the manis are completely impractical. With all the sippy-cup washing I do, my fingernail polish chips in seconds.  However, in the summers, having spectacularly colored toes makes me supremely happy. It’s a simple, but sometimes hard-to-achieve pleasure, because getting to the nail salon isn’t always easy as a busy mom. But when I’m there, it’s fantastic. And as my daughter’s been getting older and showing interest, I’ve wanted her to partake in the fun.

Given how young she is at just barely two years old, I wanted to avoid using chemical-laden, adult, nail lacquer on her. She still puts things in her mouth, and obviously I can’t hand her a People magazine and have her be content to sit and let three coats dry.

Last week, I decided to give Piggy Paint, a non-toxic, water-based nail color made specifically with children in mind, a try. We sat side by side outside, where she could be free to run around while the nails dried in fresh air, and I applied one quick coat to each toenail as she watched with delight. I made sure there was very little polish on the brush before I applied it (to provide for optimally fast drying), and told her to help Mommy blow after I finished each foot. It took all of three minutes to the complete the whole pedicure.

After all was said and done, she smiled, satisfied, declaring repeatedly: ”Look! Look!”  Then, alternately pointed at my toes and hers, reveling in the mommy-daughter matching yellow toes. I also tested the Piggy Paints on myself to get a sense of how durable they were. They do dry pretty quickly: one thin coat dried in about a minute, but the polish doesn’t last very long. I noticed, on my thumbnail, as well as my daughter’s toes, that the polish started fading/chipping away within the next day. Applying more coats helps with longevity, but it's dependent on how much you and your child can manage together -- more coats = more sitting still. I would recommend, that even though they are advertised as non-toxic, it’s a safer bet to keep the Piggy Paint polish limited to the toes for those young ones who still, like mine, eat a lot with their fingers or put their fingers in their mouths.

And there you have it:  a kid-safe, totally doable, mother-daughter pedi!

Piggy Paint's Project Earth: Solar Power on my daughter, and China Glaze's Nail Lacquer in Solar Power on Mama.

The Itty Pedicure 1-2-3:

1)    For trimming tiny nails, I personally love the ease Pigeon Baby Safety Nail Scissors ($15) provide.  These scissors are designed wonderfully by the popular Japanese baby brand to deliver speedy cutting in a secure and precise manner. It takes me twice as long to cut my daughter's nails with any other nail clippers or scissors. I also like the Tokidoki Sandy Nail File ($5) for both my daughter and I. It's easy to find in the beauty cabinet and adorable.

2)    Before we were ready for a full-blown pedi, I opted for a few nail stickers when my daughter was younger. It’s the perfect way to involve a very young child into your at-home pedi without getting messy with liquids. You can pick up nail art decals from your local dime or drugstore, or here’s a nice one dozen variety set ($5).

3)    Piggy Paints are a solid option for a Mommy & Me pedicure. The biggest test it had to pass with me was the “fume-test,” and upon opening the container the polish merely smelled like kids’ school paints.  There are some great colors. We like: Piggy Paint's Project Earth: Solar Power Nail Polish (neon yellow) and their Ice Cream Dream shade (metallic green/teal), $9 each. And to match with Mama? Try China Glaze’s Nail Lacquer in Solar Power ($6), and Sephora by O.P.I.’s Nail Colour in Teal We Meet Again ($9), respectively.


-N.C.

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

The Beauty Clean-Up 101

Life’s messy. Before my daughter A was born, I spent what felt like weeks with my husband throwing out unnecessary things and deep-cleaning. Only for a whole new type of mishmash to enter our home: what began with countless diapers and stacks of bibs turned into Legos and doll accessories running rivers through our apartment two years later. My vanity used to be set up like a make-up playground, but now that I’ve got my hands full with the bee that is my daughter zigzagging about with broccoli bits in her hair, my beauty housing is now all about function.

Before child, I liked to either have my vanity down low so I could sit cross-legged in front of it, or at standard waist height, but without a chair. Overall, I’ve always preferred to stand and apply makeup because it allows for the most freedom of movement. And so when my daughter was born, in order to keep all the cosmetics and such out of her reach, it was easy for me to move the showcase- and most-used items to the top of one of my chests, which is at shoulder height,  making everything conveniently eye-level.

When I start spending more time digging through piles of eye-shadow dusted products to find the right mascara, than it would take me to actually apply the stuff, I know this Mama's gotta start pickin' up after herself.  But with the right organizational tools, involving merely a few simple containers and an easy-to-follow strategy, you can keep your vanity’s clutter at bay -- and the mess will be minutes from away.

Vanity Sanity 1-2-3:

1)    Only while putting together this story did I realize that I use the same, basic system to organize my cosmetics as I do my daughter’s toys: bins. For her, I’ve got big canvas ones with handles. And at the end of every day we sing the "Clean-Up, Clean-Up" song, throw the toys in, and then the bins get tucked away. For make-up, I favor rectangular or square trays for most beauty products, and a cup-like container for brushes, as a simple ways to keep things neat. I keep the items I use the most, in a single everyday tray, which rests closest to where I stand (see photo). I recommend these Stackable Acrylic Drawer Organizers ($3-$5), as they are nice and minimal in their design. For brushes try Sephora Collection’s Makeup Brush Box ($20), or even a tall and heavy ceramic or plastic cup will do.

2)    For items that I don’t use daily, I keep them stored away in special boxes (e.g. my “Lash Box” in the photo) or in drawers – ensuring that my little one can’t and won’t be tempted to go exploring. Within the drawers, I use the same tray system to separate the cosmetics by genre. The container store, in general, is a great place to find things like a 24-Lipstick Acrylic Organizer ($7), where you can put the sticks upside down to see the shade names (this lovely tip courtesy of my good friend, make-up artist, Jason Hoffman).

3)    Every couple of months I go through my make-up, as I would with clothing and shoes, and I do a super cleanse. Part of an easy tidy-up is not having that much around. Go through your beauty supplies and purge all those items that haven’t been of use to you. Don’t hold onto something just because the box it came in a year ago told you you’d be scar-free in seconds.  If you didn’t wear that eye shadow six months ago, chances are, you’re probably not going to wear it today.  Only keep what you use and need, around.


-N.C.

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

A Gaga Night Out

On Independence Day, I went to see Lady Gaga in concert for her Monster Ball Tour with friends. I had been looking forward to this for months, and as a busy mom to a 22-month-old, this type of night out was a rare opportunity for me. It was a chance to don some super fun make-up (my fave type of über dress-up), sing and dance, and let loose.

Recently, I've noticed my daughter enjoy and practice dressing, be it clumsily. Pulling clothing on and off of herself, she is beginning to enter the world of practical and fantasy fashion. As adults, we have our everyday dress-up, and when we go out for a big night on the town, we pretty ourselves by puckering up with that pouty lipstick or blowing out our hair. This reinforces our inherent beauty and encourages our confidence.

For the special Gaga occasion, I had my good friend, make-up artist Jason Hoffman do an inspired look for me. I gave him free reign to play, and the results involved two sets of false eyelashes on the top and bottom (one set mimicking spider webs), as well as daring eyeliner strokes, and a hot, pink lip. Batting my make-believe lashes with “Just Dance” beating in the background, it was this Mama’s music-meets-maquillage moment.

Make-up by Jason Hoffman. Photo by my good friend B!

Next time you're out to celebrate, try the five-minute version of this look, which Jason and I built around a strong, matte lip.

And, hey, turn the music up while you’re getting ready. 


Five-Minute Glam 1-2-3:

1) Start out with an even complexion; using some sort of foundation/concealer if needed. Make sure your lips are well hydrated with lip balm, as the matte lipsticks you’ll be using require a smooth surface.

2) Jason used Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Schiap ($24) on me. You can also try Wet n Wild’s Mega Last Lip Color in Smokin’ Hot Pink ($3). For a fully saturated lip, use either a lip brush, or the stick itself and start applying the color from the middle of your lips, staying within your lip lines. If you’re feeling color-shy, you can always choose to smudge some onto your index finger and start, little by little. Blend, blend, blend, with either or your fingers or tissue paper. Many times gorgeous make-up is about what you end up removing.

3) A beautiful, bold lip is a fantastic statement, in and of itself. And the look can be that simple. However, if you want some eye flair, Jason suggests taking an eyeliner brush (try e.l.f.'s Small Precision Brush, $3), and using it wet, with a highly pigmented black eye shadow, like M.A.C.’s Eye Shadow in Carbon ($15). The trick is to dip the brush in a little bit of water, which makes for a great, liquid eyeliner. I suggest doing a thick line, with an upward slant, right above your lash line.


-N.C.

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