Eat for a Healthy Complexion

We’ve all heard the age-old adage “you are what you eat”—that folksy caveat about the impact of dietary choices on the body. But could this kernel of conventional wisdom also apply to the skin? According to skin care experts who view the skin as the body’s largest organ (you read correctly), the answer is a resounding “yes”. So, is it possible to eat your way to fewer lines or blemishes? Maybe not entirely, but you can certainly give your skin a push in the right direction. Here’s a look at the top skin smart contenders vying for a spot in your shopping list.

Avocado
A powerhouse of vitamins and monounsaturated fats—the “good” fat shown to help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol—avocados help nourish the body’s cells and prevent moisture loss. For your skin, that translates to healthy hydration, which can mean fewer visible lines and wrinkles down the road.

Salmon
Salmon is a dieter favorite for a reason—it’s one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids on earth. Omega-3s have been shown to boost brain function, lower triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels and enhance immunity. In the skin, omega-3s help lock in moisture and may even aid recovery from UV exposure, according to recent studies.

Beans
Good news for vegetarians and chili fans—the legumes you love also love your skin. (Try saying that five times real fast.) Rich in isoflavones—powerful antioxidants—beans help ward off the free radical damage largely blamed for the appearance of premature lines and wrinkles.

Grapes
Another skin care favorite, grapes—along with blueberries and pomegranates—are an excellent source of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Like isoflavones, polyphenols help fight damaging free radicals in the body and skin. However, this berry-bound antioxidant may also help improve elasticity in the skin by nourishing strong collagen.

Introducing the iPür Beauty App!

Ever wanted to try a shadow or lipstick but the closest beauty store wasn’t close enough? With the iPür Beauty App, you can! Sample new shades or mix and match different products for a whole new look—anywhere, any time.

The first handheld application of its kind, iPür Beauty turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a virtual makeup studio with you in the model’s chair. Simply take or upload a photo of yourself (or choose a model from our gallery) and choose the products you want to apply—iPür Beauty’s facial recognition software will keep your application flawless.

Layer on the colors and increase the intensity to dial up the drama. Share with friends on Facebook or locate the nearest retailer to bring your look to life. Giving yourself a makeover has never been easier!

Download the iPür Beauty App today!

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Summer (in the Nude)

Summer is in full swing, and even though most people here in the ATL are complaining about the heat, I love this season. It is my favorite time of year by far. Maybe I’m just used to the temperature and humidity, since I’ve lived here most my life, but the thick, warm air feels great to me, like the atmosphere is a down comforter wrapped around me. It may flatten my hair a smidge, but I’ll still take it over winter!

My skin always looks and feels great at this time of year, with a healthy glow, and I become a cosmetic nudist, especially on the weekends. It’s like a vacation for my face after a long week of work and eyeliner (though I wear a lot less make-up at work this time of year, too). It’s therapeutic to waltz about with a naked face, knowing without all the bells and whistles I still look and feel wonderful.  The humidity, outdoor activities and extra do-it-yourself projects make applying all those lovely colors seem pointless. They will just melt away in the heat of the day.

While I claim to be a cosmetic nudist, that doesn’t mean I have nothing on my face. I still have  to protect and care for my skin, especially if I want it to look and feel this good in the future. I   wear a moisturizer with SPF, like Day Complex, and if I’m going to be out in the sun, I most definitely use a sunscreen. If I do have a blemish or two, or if I just want to lock-in the moisture and reduce shine, I’ll use a powder brush to lightly dust a fine layer of 4-in-1 on my  face. The stuff is just too great not to use, even on a naked day.  A carefree look can be empowering and fun, but remember to take care of that skin you’re in. A fresh face is beautiful, but sun damage and dry skin can spoil this simple pleasure. 

What Goes Around Comes Around

If you’ve ever uttered the phrase “they don’t make them like they used to” (at least in reference to fashion), then we’ve got a site for you. Based in Sydney, Australia, The Vintage Dress is an online boutique boasting a vast array of amazingly versatile one-off pieces from the better half of the past century. From fab sixties florals to vintage Vuitton, the site’s ever-changing menagerie (they update their stock weekly) is part museum, part bazaar and totally hip. We like this 80s button dress and leather-and-canvas twist belt for a fun, fresh summer look that plays well with nude lips and island-inspired coral eyes. Forget the thrift stores (TVD’s stylists have already picked them clean), and go straight to the source.

True Blue

I’m a girl who likes experimenting with color, and being the adventurous, cosmetic connoisseur I am, I love to dabble in blue magic. What a great way to make a statement on your face, am I right? On Monday I wore my favorite, blue and teal, leopard print sweater. I can never wear the garment without accessorizing my eyelids to match, and I assure you I did not look tacky or gaudy. I understand many women’s fear of blue eye shadow, terrified they will end-up looking like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show, but be not afraid, ladies. With the right shades and techniques, you’ll no longer have the blues for blue.

The two biggest mistakes women make when attempting a blue lid is choosing the wrong hue and applying it too liberally. Though a peacock effect or dramatic, blue, smoky eye can be stunningly gorgeous, the adage “less is more” is a good rule of thumb for everyday use, especially if you’re not yet comfortable with wearing bright colors.

I absolutely love Pur Mineral’s Blue Lazulite eye shadow, a lovely, glistening shade of powder blue. Blue Lazulite is a very versatile shadow, its intensity ranging from a subtle cerulean shimmer to an intense, eye-popping, sparkly sky blue. Simply dust the powder on your lids one layer at a time, until you obtain your desired look. Play with the color and have fun! To create a darker look for evenings, I like to add a little Graphite eye shadow to the outer corner of my eye and blend it with the Blue Lazulite. I also use the Midnight Sapphire Mineral Eye Defining Pencil. You can pair it with blue shadow or rock it out in place of your typical brown or black liner, just to add a hint of blue to your lash line.

Once you’ve faced your fear of blue eye shadow, the sky is the limit for your color palette! Still afraid to take the colorful plunge? Test out your wildest eye ideas (or eye-deas, if you like puns as much as I do) with Pür Minerals’ Virtual Looks. For even more detailed instructions on how to utilize bold eye shades without going overboard, take a few tips from my buddy Tamra in her Pür Minerals instructional video, Color Pop, and let your hesitancy fade with each awesome shade!

Has Pollen Got You Bawlin’?

So, I don’t know how everybody across the US is coping with allergy season, but here in Atlanta the pollen is out of control! We’ve had the rainiest winter I’ve ever seen,  and as a result, spring has most definitely sprung, flinging yellow dust all over my cat, my car and my face.  As I write today, I am staring out the window I can see from my desk, just hoping for rain to wash this mustard monstrosity away.Until then, we have to deal with all the nasty symptoms of seasonal allergies, including my focus point of the day, eye irritation.

Your eyes are the most expressive part of your face, and itchy, watery puffiness is the cosmetic kiss of death to most of us. Then we lose hours of sleep worrying and sniffling over it, adding dark circles to our new, unsightly look. I have been lucky enough to not suffer much from this bio-hazardous, pollen attack, but I had a cold a few weeks ago that had similarly gruesome effects. Sinus pressure made my left eye water constantly, and it was swollen and pink. On top of that, the skin on my face became dry and flaky, after I overdosed on an entire box of tissues. I looked like I was on the brink of death. Is pollen doing this to you? Are your eyes crying for help?

So many articles I read about allergy treatments focus on how to get well. That’s fine and dandy, but what about making those red, swollen bloodshot eyes look better in the meantime?

Just like many other minor ailments, the basic regimens for irritated eyes are simple. Drink plenty of water and try to get sufficient sleep. Proper hydration and rest will make you look and feel significantly better. Also, boost-up your vitamin C. I know allergies are not an illness, but vitamin C can still help fight your symptoms, act as a natural antihistamine and help prevent a case of the sniffles from evolving into an infection.

Placing a cold compress over your eyes can reduce inflammation and puffiness. A damp cloth, spa-style cucumber slices, chilled teabags or a cold compress bottle will also do. Be sure to protect your delicate eyes and face with sunscreen and sunglasses while you spend time outdoors. There’s no need to exacerbate your allergy symptoms, and if you’re having an especially hard time dealing with pollen this year, you may want to limit your time outdoors.

Cosmetically, there is much you can do to improve your allergy-stricken eyes. Use a make-upremover every night, like Mineral Melt or Quick Clean, paying especially close attention to your eyelids and lashes. When applying make-up, start with a good moisturizer and eye treatment, like Day Renewal Complex with SPF 20 and Tone-up.

Using a primer or our Mineral Eye Prep that help to neutralize skin discoloration and make applying eye shadow easier. And remember less is more, especially when your eyes could become agitated from excess make-up. I know allergy season is tough, but don’t let pollen cramp your style and put a damper on this beautiful spring. Soon enough we can toss away the tissues and eye drops and bust-out the bikinis and sun block for summer!

Oscars 2010: Red Carpet Fashion Report

While Kathryn Bigelow’s gritty war thriller The Hurt Locker may have swept the Oscar count (including the first ever female Best Director), as far as the red carpet was concerned, it was anybody’s game. From perennial favorites like Meryl Streep to first-time nominees like Sandra Bullock, Hollywood’s hottest stars lit up the night with bold statements and classic sophistication. Here’s a look at some of 2010’s top celebrity standouts.

Best Dressed
Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to taking bold fashion risks, a fact that paid off big on this year’s red carpet. A fashion maven in her own right, J. Lo took to Armani for her Oscar night look and dazzled audiences with an elegantly textured strapless gown in a pale lilac with a long, cascading train.

Most Improved
Two months after being universally panned for her less-than-flattering Zac Posen ensemble at the Golden Globes, Tina Fey stunned the Hollywood set in a glamorous one-strap gown by Michael Kors that featured glittering, jet-black leafing over a form-fitting lacy frame.

Fan Favorite
With her charming wit and all-American-girl good looks, Sandra Bullock has long been a darling of the Hollywood scene. Fresh off of receiving a Razzie for worst actress in All About Steve (in which the good-spirited star poked fun at herself in a tongue-in-cheek acceptance speech), Bullock took home Oscar gold for her role in The Blind Side and wowed the audience in a fitted, metallic silver gown with floral embroidery by Patricia Field.

Put Some Pride in That Stride

Do you have Happy Feet but sad shoes? One of the best parts about spring is the footwear, but those sexy, knee-high boots and classy, leather pumps can look drab after a while. Unless you’re looking for an excuse to go shoe shopping, don’t retire your favorite pair just yet. You can easily revive that glossy sheen with a little polish. Shoeshines are not just for men, nor are they just some outdated thing your dad use to do. Polishing your shoes is a simple and inexpensive way to make them last, and you owe it to yourself (and your loyal loafers and heels) to help your footwear go the extra mile.

You can buy shoe polish and supplies at any shoe shop or convenience store. Purchase a color that best matches your shoes. (There's even neutral polish for those funky, hard-to-match colors.) Do not use polish on patent leather or suede! You will need a couple rags or special brushes. When you’re ready to shine, create a workspace, spreading out a newspaper or old towel to protect your work surface. While shoe polish is great for your shoes, it's terrible for most other surfaces and fabrics.

Remove any laces if your shoes have them. Clean dust and debris off the surface with a damp cloth or cleaning brush. Then wrap a dry rag around two of your fingers, dip it in polish and apply liberally in small, circular motions. Use separate cloths for each step and for different colors. Don’t forget to cover the back of the heel and straps.

Give the polish a few minutes to dry, and then buff your shoes until you are satisfied with the luster of your leather. After that, you’re done, and your shiny shoes are ready to take you anywhere!

Nail the Look

When it comes to runway fashion, most of us look at the big picture—the outfits, the makeup, the hair—but often it’s the attention to detail that really nails the look. With this spring’s less-is-more attitude, it’s the little things that really make the difference. And if the view from the catwalk is any indication, fun, fresh nails are the finishing touch du jour.

In the Nude
Nude and neutral polishes are a springtime no-brainer. While still fresh and fun, they’re the least in-your-face and go with just about anything. Find the perfect shade for your skin type (or outfit) at RescueBeauty.com, home of New York’s premier nail boutique, Rescue Beauty Lounge.

Mad for Mint
Mint green made serious inroads into this spring’s designer palette. From the catwalk to the boardwalk, expect to see this cool, crisp shade in everything from jackets and cardigans to beads, bags and beyond. The best accessory? An equally cool polish, like Essie’s Mint Candy Apple or the NYC landmark-inspired Liberty from Knock Out Cosmetics.

Lavender Love
Pastels have long been a mainstay of spring fashion, and this year looks to be no different. Save the peach and coral tones for the summer and slip into something a bit more sophisticated like lavender. Color connoisseurs will love Wink, a soft lilac gloss from London-based Illamasqua. Gorgeous in its own right, this cool, confident color is a must-have for the months to come.

Pop Culture’s Perfect Storm: Fashion Week Meets “Jersey Shore”

I’m all for combining guilty pleasures. That’s why I was thrilled when the New York Post hinted at a possible merger of two of this year’s arguably biggest pop sensations—Fashion Week and MTV's “Jersey Shore.” Alright, so Fashion Week isn’t exactly a guilty pleasure, but the fake bake boardwalk crew certainly is. And with their indulgently un-PC first season at an end, fans everywhere are looking for their next fix.

According to the Post, the cast is demanding tickets to shows for the weeklong fashion preview, which starts February 11. While celebrities—even pseudo-celebs—pining for ground level access to fashion’s biggest event isn’t anything new, what is exciting—and some would argue frightening—is who’s pulling for the reality stars.  Michael Schweiger, a manager for several of the cast members, says at least three designers approached them with offers to attend and even—gulp—model in a few of the Bryant Park shows. Just imagine JWoww strutting down the runway in all her orange-dipped glory.

Designers were understandably divided on the issue.  While some welcomed the publicity and encouraged the crew to come as they are—gelled bouffants and all—others worried that “the situation” (pun definitely intended) might distract viewers from the collections they’re trying to promote.

Whatever the outcome, however, thousands of fans (this one included) will be on the lookout for any excuse to keep the party alive while the gang gears up for another season of drama, debauchery and delightfully lowbrow mischief.