Looking for a new way to apply blush? Try the “C” motion. Instead of applying blush to just the cheekbone continue the sweeping motion up along the temple to the edge of the eyebrow in a “C” motion. The “C” motion highlights the temple and warms up the whole face.
It’s been said that eyes are the windows to one’s soul – but in actuality eyebrows are the true gateway to the soul. Eyebrows frame the face. Set the tone. Tell a story. Maybe it’s because they are the one thing on a face that can be manipulated (without surgery, of course!)? They can be skinny or full, blond or brown, [...]
Coral lips are all the rage this summer but who can actually pull this trend off? Answer: You can! Yes, the orangey hue can be intimidating but there is a perfect match for any skin tone. Those with warm undertones should focus on a coral color that has a peach base such as Revlon Colorburst Peach Lipstick. [...]
There’s nothing I love more about summer than pulling out the ole white pants, shorts and capris. Though the rules on “no white after Labor Day” have become lax, crisp white garments are the epitome of any summer wardrobe. Lately I am loving the trend of white-on-white. Pairing white jeans with a white men’s shirt. [...]
Generally I shy away from bright, rich colors on my lids gravitating towards neutral tones but the look this spring is all about vivid eye makeup – luscious lilacs, glimmering greens and boisterous blues. So, in an effort to embrace the trend I busted open my Christmas gift, Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. 3 [...]
July 6th, 2011 
rstephens Looking for a new way to apply blush? Try the “C” motion. Instead of applying blush to just the cheekbone continue the sweeping motion up along the temple to the edge of the eyebrow in a “C” motion.
The “C” motion highlights the temple and warms up the whole face.
June 29th, 2011 rstephens It’s been said that eyes are the windows to one’s soul – but in actuality eyebrows are the true gateway to the soul. Eyebrows frame the face. Set the tone. Tell a story.
Maybe it’s because they are the one thing on a face that can be manipulated (without surgery, of course!)? They can be skinny or full, blond or brown, arched or sloped, plucked or awry. OR – my favorite new way to “wear” my brows…threaded.
I had to try the latest in eyebrow sculpting after hearing positive feedback from loyal customers. Brow Threading is a technique which originated in India and is also commonly practiced in the Middle East. Threading involves twising a piece of thread into a double strand and using it to pluck out hair along the brow line. And trust me…the double strand picks up hairs I didn’t even know existed!
I’m a repeat customer at Brow Art 23 at Westfield Great Northern. Brow Art 23 has their own store front so you aren’t sitting in the middle of the mall while shoppers stroll by. It’s private, comfortable and affordable ($12).
I’ve never felt more confident about my ‘windows to my soul’ before!
June 23rd, 2011 rstephens Coral lips are all the rage this summer but who can actually pull this trend off? Answer: You can!
Yes, the orangey hue can be intimidating but there is a perfect match for any skin tone. Those with warm undertones should focus on a coral color that has a peach base such as Revlon Colorburst Peach Lipstick.
And for those with cool skin tones a pinky coral like Maybelline Coral Pink lipstick would work wonders. As for the rest of the face – I prefer to leave it neutral and let the lips speak for themselves.
My favorite combination is the 1-2-3 combo of MAC products – Chicory lipliner, Vegas Volt lipstick, Lychee Luxe lipglass all available at www.maccosmetics.com.
June 22nd, 2011 rstephens There’s nothing I love more about summer than pulling out the ole white pants, shorts and capris. Though the rules on “no white after Labor Day” have become lax, crisp white garments are the epitome of any summer wardrobe.
Lately I am loving the trend of white-on-white. Pairing white jeans with a white men’s shirt. Or combining white shorts with a classic American Apparel tee. The combination looks effortless and chic.
And if you’re looking for a great way to showcase statement jewelry or a killer pair of shoes the white-on-white look is the perfect canvas – seen here below on Beyonce.
January 26th, 2011 rstephens Generally I shy away from bright, rich colors on my lids gravitating towards neutral tones but the look this spring is all about vivid eye makeup – luscious lilacs, glimmering greens and boisterous blues.
So, in an effort to embrace the trend I busted open my Christmas gift, Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. 3 ($54, Sephora) an ode to New York City. The colors – like the city – are bold, vibrant, glittery and with 16 shades to choose from the combinations are endless. Seeing the colorful palette was the equivalent of opening a box of Crayola…the 64 pack.
The combo I’m loving at the moment: “Bordello” over the entire lid with “Rockstar” smashed in the crease and lining the lower lash line. Quick, easy and so Spring 2011.
January 23rd, 2011 rstephens Ah! Yet another fun, fashion-forward boutique in Northeast Ohio where I spend my hard earned paycheck. Figleaf Boutique – located on Main Street in downtown Kent is the perfect mix of trend and affordability. Great selection of basics such as tank tops, jeans and leggings but also the place to find party threads and work attire. Nothing in the store is over $50.
I was instantly drawn to the shoes which lined the perimeter of the store. High heels, open toe, tall boots, red, nude, black – and the pair I bought…glittery! Okay, maybe at little frivolous but at $34 I couldn’t resist. Bonus! The sales staff at Figleaf Boutique are super knowledgeable and helpful when trying to put together an outfit.
January 23rd, 2011 rstephens Style maven and mega talented performer Rihanna will release her first scent, Reb’l Fleur Tuesday, January 25th at Macy’s. Joining a long list of celebrity based fragrances, the name “Reb’l Fleur” comes from the childhood nickname Rihanna’s grandmother bestowed upon her.
Reb’l Fleur has nodes of red berries, purple plum and peach. The base of the fragrance boasts vanilla, patchouli, amber and musk. Want to smell like Ri-Ri? Reb’l Fleur ranges between $49-$59. Generally a skeptic of celebrity perfumes, I’m a huge fan of Rihanna’s rebellious style which makes me interested to test Reb’l Fleur for myself.
January 6th, 2011 rstephens Ohio-based company, Art of Beauty, producers of the nail polish line Zoya were proud to announce their recent appearance in the critically-acclaimed movie, Black Swan.
The color titled “Bela” was used by Nina (Natalie Portman) in her dressing room prior to her first public appearance as the Swan Queen.
Zoya can be purchased online (www.zoya.com) or at salon locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
January 6th, 2011 rstephens One step in the door of Charming Charlie (Crocker Park) and it’s easy to see why this jewelry haven is one of my new favorite stores.
Look to the left – accessories. Look to the right – accessories. To the back – accessories. They are everywhere, in every color, metal, style. Watches, rings, necklaces, bangles, shoes, clutches, watches, sunglasses – and it’s affordable.
In order to make shopping a bit easier Charming Charlie separates their accessories into color groups. Looking for black accessories head to that area in the store. Need to add purple to the wardrobe? They’ve got it covered in the purple section with earrings, clutches, rings, necklaces – even clothing.
My first trip to Charming Charlie resulted in four pairs of shoes at about $30 each. I couldn’t say no. I also got an amazing black watch embellished with faux diamonds around the face for $15.
Charming Charlie (Crocker Park) is located near Sephora and Cheesecake Factory.
January 4th, 2011 rstephens In my never-ending quest to find volumizing products that work Aveda’s Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($24) ranks right up there with the best. The small 0.7 oz. bottle of “powder” packs a huge punch when applied and worked into the roots of hair.
The Hair Potion works with the natural oils in hair to create texture and bulk – up to 17% thicker than before. The Pure Abundance leaves a matte finish so hair looks polished in a natural way.
