Photo courtesy of Refinery 29

It's the ABC's of makeup really, and just when you thought you were in the know about BB Creams, the new improved CC Creams come along. 

The CC (Color Control) Creams promise to provide better coverage with more skin nourishing ingredients than their older BB predecessors. I have been a fan of the BB creams because of the high SPF and tinted skincare benefits, but my complaint is that they are a little too heavy to wear especially on hot humid days. Well, someone else must have thought so too because the new CC Creams include the high UVA/UVB SPF protection with a lighter and less oily formulation that expertly covers uneven skin tone. Plus most include Vitamin C and a skin brightening primer.

Chanel, whose iconic double C's seem especially made for this Cream, launched their own CC Cream in Asia. They have not yet announced the US release of this product but you can be sure beauty bloggers are already looking for an Asian connection to get their hands on it. Interestingly enough, it looks like drugstore brand and long trusted skincare line Olay, first up to bat in the U.S. with their launch of Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer in October - available in 3 shades for less than $22. {BUY HERE}

But if you want to try one of the original CC Cream's, like I did, you can find Rachel K's best selling and highly hyped balm, founded by Miss Singapore Rachel Kum for sale on the ever popular shopping site Ebay. This in demand product is sold in 2 colors - one for yellow undertones (the pink bottle "neutral" color) and one for pink undertones (the black bottle "original" color). Of course this begs the next question ... How do I know what undertone I am?

Undertone is the natural skin coloring that we were born with, notwithstanding the surface color of your skin from weather or skin conditions like acne or rosacea. It's possible to change the color appearance of your skin with makeup or skin products but the idea of finding your undertone is based on the skin you were born with. I think the easiest, fastest way to check is by holding your thumb firmly against your inner forearm for 10 seconds. When you release your thumb, the blood should rush back into the covered area and reveal your true undertone - yellow or pink.

If you have a warm or yellow undertone your skin usually tans and does not burn. And if you look at the underside of your arm, your veins may have a slight greenish tint if you can see them at all.

If your skin has a cool or pink undertone you probably burn first before you achieve a tan and if you look at your veins on the underside of your arm, they will appear blue.

I think whichever  BB or CC Cream you pick will quickly work it's way into your everyday staple because using it corrects uneven face color instantly - tricking people into thinking you have naturally flawless skin without having to worry about the precision of foundation, powder, concealer, primer, brighteners ... All in one! Plus it's good for your skin because of the vitamins, anti aging ingredients and SPF . Remember the big difference between the two is that the CC Creams have a lighter texture.

A little secret about applying the creams ... for areas around the nose or other pigmented areas that need a little more concealing, pat instead of rub to create a layer to cover the redness and even out skin color.

And I couldn't end this post without wondering if a DD Miracle Cream to enhance "you know what"  is on the horizon? Let's hope so!

To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

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Let's face it, we'd all love to have a killer profile photo to use for anything from professional networking to online dating or maybe even a beauty contest! And we all want to know the tricks to taking the best photo - so here are a few secrets to help you get that picture-perfect shot!

Everyone does have a better side. To find it, look through old pictures and pick your favorites to decide which one it is for you! For portraits, you'll want your head facing straight on, but it's important to know which side is your best so you can play to it ever so slightly.

Youthfulness correlates to a fuller face but as we age our faces thin. If you play too much to "a side" by angling your head, the light will highlight the hollows of your cheekbones or a jutting chin. So for a rounder, fuller face go straight on!

Little changes in your posing can make a huge difference in your photos. If you are standing or even sitting for a beauty shot, instead of keeping ALL of you square to the lens, turn your hips sideways and then twist your shoulders the opposite way toward the camera with your face in a 10 and 2 o'clock position. Besides a beautiful face, this will give you a smaller waistline and a longer neck.

If you hold your arm tightly against your body, your arm will flatten out and look larger than you'd like, but if you pull it back or place your hand on your hip, your arm will look thinner.

Be sure that you are showcasing your very best features, but avoid a super close-up. Have at least a part of your body showing, such as your arms or shoulders .... or people will wonder what you're trying to hide. If you do happen to have some body issues, a photo taken from above will add some distortion and be more flattering to everything below your chin!

Don't overlook the importance of lighting in your photos! When indoors, it's best to use natural lighting like a setting near a large window. Overhead lighting can be harsh and create shadows underneath your eyes so stay away from canned lights in the ceiling. No one looks good when the sun is directly overhead like at 12 o'clock noon, so for outdoor shots get under some even shade like a canopy of trees or a porch. For your best lighting outdoors, try the "magic" hour after the sun rises and again before the sun sets.

By following these tips you'll be ready to strike the right pose for your next photo!

To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

The PEPLUM is probably the biggest trend of the YEAR! It's a look that appeared last Spring and it will not be disappearing anytime soon! 

The peplum is more flattering than you might think because it cinches in your waist and accentuates a woman's curves, even if you don't have any! Plus it will hide any signs of a soft belly - BONUS!

The House of Dior first introduced us to this trend in 1947 when it was part of the new look spotlighting women's waistlines. Obviously it has evolved since then, but the hips still have it! You'll see peplums showing up on leather coats, jackets, tops and dresses.

When you wear a peplum you want to think "balance." Because you are adding alot of volume on top this is best paired with something sleek on the lower portion of your body like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.

Celebs like Katy Perry and Jennifer Hudson are often spotted wearing this trend to show off their curves and even the Hunger Games were "hip" to this trend!

The book on everyone's mind might be 50 Shades of Gray, but it's hard to resist a lady in any shade of RED! 

The breakout colors this season are rich berry stains with wine names like Bordeaux, Merlot, Chianti with the darkest red of all being Oxblood Red.

Designers are disagreeing with the old rule, "Don't wear white after Labor Day" by showcasing head to toe Winter White on the Fall runways. Monochromatic dressing is a great way to look taller and thinner - in any color not just black!

Leather is going to be a MEGA trend for Fall 2012! It plays into the Goth edgy vibe and is perfectly paired with the brights you probably have hanging in your closet from last season and it's not just for jackets, boots and bags anymore. You'll see these skins (faux included) on all sorts of details to full on dresses and outfits in an array of colors, cuts and styles. 

Denim has been in fashion since the day it was invented which is why we all own more than a few pair of jeans! Skinny and flares have been the rage for awhile, but this season we will see our ankles once again. 

Cropped jeans are the newest and greatest trend for Fall. Keep it slim, flared just a bit, cut just above the ankle and pair it with a heel to lengthen your leg.

Colored denim has been on trend for a few seasons but for Fall you'll want darker, earthy tones. If I were to pick one it would be a burgundy, in the red-grape spectrum. It's perfectly paired with navy, chocolate and green! Patterned, floral, brocade and animal prints will be showing up on colored denim for Fall as well.

Hilary Clinton will be happy to hear that menswear is trending strong this year since she lives in the pantsuit and for good reason - it's practical, professional and again, dressing in all one color makes us look taller and thinner. 

This year the collections featured loud, colorful geometric prints. Feeling a little dizzy? Well, this year is definitely all about mixing prints, patterns and stripes so start practicing!

You can always count on an economic downturn to cause a little bit of a rebellion from fashion designers craving a return to luxury and opulence. 

Asian influences, baroque, brocades and prints taken from wallpaper shots reined the runway with embellishments like lace, embroideries, feathers, sequins and gilt. Just goes to show not everyone is ready to give in to minimalism!

The Military influence always seems to sneak in come fall, but unlike 2 years ago when it was all about camouflage, the forces are now armed in a dark khaki, metallic buttons and double breasted style, with of course leather accents.

Awww, YES the future looks bright!

Metallics are resurrected and will become stronger as the holidays approach. I'm on board!

To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

TREND ALERT: Gothic Iconic Jewels. 

The evil eye and other symbols.

ARE YOU A BELIEVER?

Ileana Makri

Kendra Scott

Kristen Farrell

Noir Dinosaur Bones

Ilena Makri

August Phoenix Magazine Shoot

Thrilled to have been booked to shoot for Phoenix Magazine's Water Issue at the Biltmore Hotel in Scottsdale with the talented Diana of Diana Elizabeth Photography. Styling, makeup and hair by Shauna Thibault. You can find the August Issue on Newstands now.

Uber-cool necklace by House of Harlow completely on trend and hot for Fall available {HERE} perfectly paired with a 1940's pinup inspired suit!

To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

 

Watching another reincarnation of catwoman I can honestly say ... the catsuit is completely unforgiving so I wanted to know what went into the behind the scenes of making it look so hot! Luckily Shape magazine interviewed Anne Hathaway on the secret to rocking the skintight uniform!

With only one month to get Catwoman-ready, Anne Hathaway enlisted a little help from nutritional coach Jackie Keller and followed a vegan like anti-inflammatory diet which included whole grains to control blood sugar, avocados, almonds (she doesn't like walnuts), sesame seeds, dark chocolate, bright red and orange vegetables that are high in antioxidants (Hathaway loves yams), dark leafy greens, ginger and turmeric. Keeping her protein levels up to build muscle during intense training sessions was the main challenge Hathaway faced.

She had professional help, but if all you have is a few days to get ready for the beach (or you want to slip into a cat suit for Halloween) Keller's number one tip is to cut out red meat as your source of animal protein and, "default to fish particularly salmon, sardines and trout along with legumes to increase fiber and fatty acids. This will help you fill up and reduce saturated fat and, over all you will eat less," according to Keller.

Secondly, the nutrition coach suggests you do what Hathaway did during filming and reverse the portions on your plate. Vegetables should cover half of your dish with other half divided between protein and carbohydrates.

Some of Ann's favorite meals during filming included miso soup, a tempeh club avocado sandwich on gluten free bread, Tuscan brown rice salad, vegetarian chicken fried steak made with seitan, egg white frittatas and vegetarian egg rolls. The actress says she ate every two to three hours for a total of about 1500 to 1800 calories a day. That included six or seven meals plus a soup or sald daily because the goal was to get Hathaway fit and toned while remaining slim so continually fueling her body was a must! Keller made sure her client had a dessert every day so she wouldn't have any cravings and Hathaway admits her love of chocolate wasn't sorely missed because she indulged in gluten free chocolate chip cookies, fudge brownies, and chocolate power smoothies made with almond milk.

Lastly, Keller recommends doubling your water intake. "You need lots of water to keep flushing stuff through your system. Almost all of us, even the most conscientious drinker is probably under hydrated. Water is actually important for metabolism" which is why she encouraged Hathaway to stay hydrated.

Thanks to these three tips, her challenging Catwoman workout which was comprised of stunt training 5 days a week and an hour and a half of dance (let's talk cardio!), and Keller's anti-inflammatory meals ... the actress is in purr-fect shape to pull off that cat suit!

To read the full story on SHAPE click {HERE}

Our skin is sometimes known as the third kidney because it eliminates over a pound of waste a day, but when the skin is clogged with million of dead skin cells and other debris, toxins can stay in the body putting stress on other elimination organs like the kidneys and liver sending them into overload. The skin is the last part of our body to receive nutrients yet the first place to show a vitamin deficiency. Alot of people suffer from cellulite build up which is really a toxin build up that manifests  as dimply skin where we wish it wouldn't show.

Numerous sources report that dry brushing works to remove cellulite. Science does not support this theory however, but even if the underlying cause of cellulite is unaffected, the temporary swelling seen after dry brushing can help achieve the appearance of smoother skin temporarily. Well, it can't hurt ... Plus skin brushing is one of the best and oldest, natural anti-aging technique that you should be taking advantage of to help move lymph fluid, increase circulation and make your skin look healthier i.e. GLOWING!  


WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?

Skin Brushing is the act of gently brushing your skin with a body brush or loofah. Taking only 5 minutes once a day or a couple times a week, you can do this at home to exfoliate the skin removing dead skin cells {super important if you are out in the sun at all because our skin thickens from exposure}, promote new skin cell growth, stimulate blood flow and tighten the skin.



WHAT YOU NEED

To dry brush purchase a soft, natural fiber {vegetable bristle, not synthetic} long handled, bath-type brush from a local health food store for about $10. A loofah or rough towel will also work. As your skin becomes accustomed to the process you can switch to a coarser brush. Keep it dry, don't leave it in the shower.

GET NAKED AND START BRUSHING

The ideal time of the day to do this is when you're body is dry, before showering so you can wash off the impurities from the skin resulting from the brushing.


Start out brushing with light but firm pressure (especially in more callous areas like your soles and elbows) beginning with your feet in an upward direction and working up toward the heart. Some people say you should use long sweeping stokes, or short flicking strokes, but I like to use small circular motions. Avoid sensitive areas and your breasts. Your goal is for pink/flush looking skin, not to irritate your skin so it should not be red.

                                                                                            vega-licious.com

Finish by showering and moisturizing, after all you did just remove all those dead skin cells!

Start today and notice the improvement in the way your skin looks and feels ... Your skin is the largest organ of your entire body!




To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

 

As promised, how to make your own beaded shoe tutorial! And here's what you'll need:

Sandals: These are from Payless on sale for only $14.99 {get them HERE} they are suede which was super easy to glue on. I think sandals are the easiest shoe to work with because you have access between the straps. Keep in mind if you want to use a medallion like these that you will need to choose the right style to be able to that.

Seed beads: These are easy enough to find, but make sure for this project that you get them in a flat matte color and not shiny, transparent. They come in different sizes - for this project I used #11. Seed beads roll around easily so use a piece of felt to keep that from happening.



Thread: There are a few options here, clear or color. I decided to use an orange thread to match my shoe and it can be regular spool thread or embroidery thread. You can also use illusion cord sold in craft stores but make sure it is thin enough for your bead.




Needle: This is a no brainer and you MUST get a beading needle which is long and bends easily. I bought this needle at Michaels in a 4 pack and it has the eye attached to make threading easy peezy!

You'll want to start by making your bead strings that you'll be using. I found that the longer the strand the easier it was to work with. For the multi-color you don't need to follow a pattern but here is a close up to give you an idea how this shoe looks. And you can see my beed string matches perfectly with the store bought beading.

Glue: The best and strongest glue that dries clear to use for these projects is E-6000. It also helps if you can use a glue syringe to apply it so it doesn't become a big mess. You can get them {HERE}for a few bucks. I forgot to order some so I used my own insulin needle and cut off the tip. Sometimes being a type 1 diabetic has it's advantages! HA

To fill the syringe you pull out the plunger and stick the glue nozzle inside and squeeze until it is filled. You will need to repeat this. Be sure to order extra syringes if you are not able to finish the project in one sitting because after you put the glue in they are impossible to clean.

To begin you will glue the beads for the medallion in the center working around. Just cut off the thread after you set it into the glue. I used a kabob stick from my kitchen drawer to fit the beads in but a toothpick would do the trick too.

After you have the solid beading for the medallion finished, use your multi-strand to make the final loop around it. Then you should begin at the front twisting back and forth with the strand.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

My next project? 

 These Giuseppe Zanotti boots, I saw them last year in a resale store .... still asking $400, so I am thinking I could do it myself using old jewelry taken apart, gems from the craft store and finds from unexpected places. Have fun creating!

To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

 

●► BONUS Video: I show you how to make a lip palette from your melted lipsticks in this Melt Proof Makeup interview, and I wore these shoes! Also learn how to wear bronzer, cheek stains and I reveal the biggest secret of all, and often skipped, way to longer lasting makeup in sweltering heat --------->