Must-Have Winter Makeup

Happy Thursday, everyone!  As I packed my makeup bag for a holiday trip, I had a really hard time deciding what to bring and realized many of you may struggle the same way!  If you're a beauty product stockpiler like me, you are probably a chronic over packer; if you have been wearing the same makeup for over 3 years, you are likely bored with your makeup routine & in need of a beauty overhaul.  (not to mention you should probably throw everything away - including your makeup bag...) 

Whether you're one extreme or the other (or somewhere in the middle), I hope you enjoy my winter 2012 faves!

1.  Korres  QUERCETIN & OAK NIGHT CREAM: I've been wearing this cream both morning and night since November.  The key ingredients in this cream target elasticity and moisture without leaving an oily residue on the skin.  

2.  LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT BY YVES SAINT LAURENT: this foundation is PERFECT for wintertime.  I actually purchased it this summer and found it to be too moisturizing in this humid Virginia climate, but now my skin is soaking it up!  Everytime I wear this foundation I get compliments. (and it has SPF 19!) 

3.  LavishTan Organic Micromist Tanning Spray:  I've been sunless tanning for almost 10 years and after using Lavish Tan I will never use anything else.  We provide professional airbrush tans at our salon, but I keep this micro mist aerosol spray at home to touch up.  Since the main ingredient in this product is brown sugar, you never have that awful "spray tan" smell, and it bronzes every skin tone without looking orange.  Seriously, you'll fall in love. 

4.  Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder:  Okay, we're all familiar with mineral foundation, thank to bare minerals.  My biggest complaint with mineral foundations has always been the fact that it left skin looking chalky or it emphasized the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  NOT THIS ONE!   It's advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver dynamic anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day. (Be aware that the powder runs dark, so make sure you buy one shade lighter.  - Beige skin tones should buy 'Fair" instead of "Medium")

5.  YSL ANTI-CERNES MULTI ACTION CONCEALER - this concealer is too heavy for summertime but will soak into the skin during the fall and winter months. it is densely pigmented for coverage of blemishes, yet lightweight enough for use under eyes.  

6. By Terry  Touche Veloutee highlighting concealer- OMG if there is one product I can't live without, it would be this.  Everytime i put this product on a client, they order it.  If i could order it from Paris wholesale, I would...  By the truckload.  Worn by Kim Kardashian, this product instantly depuffs and wakes up the eyes with a wash of light.  It dries crease free and even covers blue, red, and purple undertones.  AMAZING. 

7. Bobbi Brown long wearing gel liner in black - this liner not only lasts all day, it doesn't turn blue, like most "black" liners.  Just make sure you don't leave the top off or you're out of luck. 

8.  Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in DIGITAL - I can create almost any look with this trio.  The soft matte pink is great for everyday, yet the deep plum can be built into the smokiest of smokey eyes.  The silvery-granite color is perfect for drawing under the lower lash line to brighten any look.  

9. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara brings a makeup artist to every woman.  For years, makeup artists have used the technique of layering mascaras for volume, length and waterproofing.  Smashbox has brilliantly created an all-in-one mascara that lengthens, volumizes and locks in color for a smudge-free, flake-free, INTENSE lash line. 

10.  Smashbox Shades of Fame "High Shine" Lip Gloss in "Star" - No matter who you are or what look you are going for, a high-shine clear gloss is a staple.  This particular gloss is long wearing without being overly sticky and it looks amazing.  Wear alone or over your favorite stain or lip color.  

11. MAC powder blush in "I'm the one" - I am in love with this blush.  Layer it on the apple of the cheek to intensify color, or dust on the cheekbone and nose for a subtle everyday flush.  It doesn't have shimmer so won't leave those with visible pores looking shiny or fake. 

12.  Smashbox Soft Lights highlighting powder in "Prism" - Since skin can appear dull during winter months, this powder can be worn alone or as a finishing touch to a complete makeup look.  I like to dust it over the cheekbones, brow bones and bridge of the nose to give an irresistible glow that will have everyone begging for your secret to perfect skin.  

XOXOXO 

-Natalie

Real Weddings: Lindsay & Blake

Hello lovely readers! 

We have been so busy at the salon with Holiday hair preparing for Christmas! Have you finished your shopping yet? If you need a break from those long lines, come in to the salon for Happy Hour everyday from 3pm-7pm: You can get a blowout AND airbrush makeup for only $75! Treat yourself and look your best for all those holiday parties coming up. Call us at the salon (804-303-3139) to make an appointment now through New Years!

Today we wanted to share a very special wedding we were apart of. We do a lot of traveling down to OBX for our brides and bridal parties (and we absolutely LOVE doing it!) and this wedding was certainly a standout because it happened when our little friend Hurricane Sandy was in town. Even through all the craziness of preparing for the storm, Lindsay was such a blessing to work with and the pictures prove that she and everyone else had a great time despite the nasty weather (photography by Keepsake Memories Photography), Hair by Welsy at Ave 42 and Makeup by Natalie at Ave 42)!:

Are you having your wedding in or near OBX? Contact us at Diane@ave42.com for rates and availability. We would love to be apart of your special day!

xox!

Why We Love Mario: Results & Other Solutions

Hello again!

Remember when I posted about my breakout the other day? Like I mentioned, I used Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion and I wanted to show you guys the results because it's one thing to try a product, but it's another when it actually WORKS! Here is the Before & After shot:

I added in Mario's Glyconic Toner and Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap (as used by the amazing Marilyn Monroe). This Sea Mud Soap has been a favorite of acne sufferers for years! It cleats the skin without over drying which is the Holy Grail for all who suffer. 

My biggest discovery this week (other than Mario Badescu) is the benefit of baking soda in a beauty regimen. Yes, that's right, baking soda! Acne sufferers are encouraged to avoid scrubs because the bacteria in acne can spread, but because of the cleansing properties of baking soda and the refined nature of the product, it is the PERFECT scrub to minimize pore size and accelerate skin healing and renewal. It's also amazing for exfoliating the lips and brushing teeth. Just add water, it's that easy!!

xoxo,

Nat

Why We Love Mario

Hello, hello beautiful readers! 

I can't believe I'm doing this... I can't believe I'm about to post a photo of my cystic hormonal acne.  Today, I put makeup on before I went outside to exercise, yet now I'm uploading a photo of my most recent breakout for all the world to see.  My struggle with cystic acne began around my 24th birthday.  It started with an occasional hormonal breakout in the form of a deep knot (or cyst) which would linger for about two weeks, leaving behind a scar that would usually fade over weeks or months, but not always.  These breakouts became more and more frequent as time progressed, and today - two years later - I suffer with cystic acne on a regular basis (two weeks per month).  

Here is a photo of my most recent breakout:

Even my Mom couldn't believe it when I showed her this picture at Thanksgiving!  

My Dad, who also suffers with the same acne even in his mid 50's, has been using topical antibiotics for nearly half his life to keep these kinds of breakouts at bay.  

In an attempt to use my current struggle to help others, I have given myself a little mission...  I am going to review as many acne products as possible in hopes of giving those who are similarly suffering the best directions from my personal experience and as a makeup artist.  

Here is the first product:  

Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion.  

This is an interesting product.  It contains Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and calamine lotion.  You are instructed NOT to shake the bottle, even though the ingredients naturally separate and it is compelling to do so... 

Dip a q-tip completely into the bottle and pull it out.  Apply the mixture directly to the cystic breakouts before bed and sleep with the product on the skin. 

Okay- I gave it a shot and I am impressed.  I've used Benzyl Peroxide in the past with little to no results, but I've never actually used Calamine lotion or rubbing alcohol on my skin... Despite my skepticism, this product actually reduced the size and redness of the breakout areas.  

I'm a fan- I give this product a 5 out of 5.  

What products are you guys using to cure your breakouts? We'd love to hear! xoxo!

Real Weddings: Allison & Gunther

Happy Monday, lovelies! 

We have been so lucky to this year to be able to work on the most amazing weddings! This fall has been weekend after weekend of beautiful brides & wedding parties and we are so excited that photos of early fall weddings are starting to pop up! Today, we wanted to share Allison & Gunther's wonderful September nuptials that we were so happy to be apart of for hair and makeup! Photography by Little White Dress Visuals:

We loved doing a simple, yet elegant pulled back hairstyle for Allison that really brought out her personality and also meshed so well with her STUNNING gown!

Thank you so much, Allison & Gunther! We wish you all the happiness in your new journey together!

xoxo!

Introducing: Welsy Mourino

Hello lovely readers! Phew, have we been busy! Fall wedding season is our busiest time of the year so pardon us on the lack of blog posts for everyone! To get back into the game, we wanted to start spotlighting our newest Ave 42 ladies that we have been so lucky to have on our team. We thought it would be fun to get them to take a quick little survey so you can learn their experience in the beauty world and also some fun facts:)

This week, we are introducing the lovely...... Welsy Mourino!

Photo by Katie Stoops Photography

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va 

Beauty/Biz Expertise: Editorial hair and make overs!

Why you love working at Ave 42: I love the creativity and passion we all bounce off of each other. At Avenue 42 we are truly a team with tons of ideas and we can't wait to share them with the world.  Oh and how can you forget about the chandeliers!!

Current trend you are loving: The slick low ponytail, it fits any personal style.

Current product you are loving: Icon

Product you will always use: Terax's deep conditioner Crema and finishing hairspray. 

Beauty trick that will never go out of style: Doing a roller set!!! Seriously, if you want your style to hold all night or for a couple of days do it and use the right products in your hair.

Guilty pleasure: Eating a box of cream puffs while watching while watching one of these shows:

#1 The Voice, I always cry during the show because the contestants stories. Darn it, they always get me! 

#2 The Vampire Diaries, EYE CANDY!!!! Seriously, have you seen the actors in this show? Sexy SEXY sexy!

#3 Once upon a time, Who doesn't want to live in a fantasy world? I know I do!

#4 Revenge,  I know in a pass life I was a bad ass like Amanda Clark.

#5 Glee, If I could sing...I would never shut up. 

Favorite Date Night spot/activity: One thing I love about Richmond is the restaurant scene, who doesn't love to treat themselves and get waited on? Hmmm...Let see I have a couple... 1) Ballicueax for the nightlife and Sunday brunch and Family style dinner, 2) Selba for their Garden Room, it's romantic but easy, 3) Ipanema, best vegan/vegetarian spot in Richmond, hands down! Very rustic and easy, I love this place <3

Your reason why girls have more fun: My type of girls have more fun because we are open minded and we don't take things too personal. So of course we have more fun, who wouldn't!  

Your favorite style decade and why: I like the decade that we are in now because in this decade you can mash all the decades in one look. The elegances in the 20's -50's and the rebellion in the 60's-90's. This is how I would describe my personal style sweet but rough. 

If you could give any celebrity a makeover, who would it be?: Hmmmm..... Any reality "celebrity", just pick one.

Some work by Welsy for Ave 42:

Fall Hair Trends: The Faux Bob

When I was researching trends for Fall this year, I saw a lot of faux bobs during Fashion Week and it is one of my favorites styles for this season. There are two ways to wear it,"runway style" The Couture Faux Bob or "ready to wear style" The Faux Bob. 

Get the Look:

The Faux Bob: Loosely curl the hair with a 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inch curling iron (depending on how long your hair is, the longer the hair bigger the barrel) , then loosely backcomb all of the hair. Next, take medium-sized sections and roll the hair up and under, pinning it section by section at the nape. Make sure to keep the top layers of the hair soft and airy to make the bob look more believable. 

The Couture Faux Bob: Curl the hair with 1/2 or 1 inch curling iron, section out the hair from your temple to temple and clip that section out of the way. Next backcomb the hair that isn't sectioned out, join both sections together and with a brush or your finger (I like using my fingers) soften the curls that was sectioned out. Finally, take medium-sized sections and roll the hair up and under, pinning it section by section at the nape. Make sure to keep the top layers of the hair soft to make the bob look more believable.
  

xoxo,

Welsy

Fall Trends: Oxblood

Finally fall has arrived, bring on the pumpkin spiced lattes, sweaters and leggings and deep lip colors! 

Image: Source

Image: Source

Image: Source

Well, The Wall Street Journal predicted it and from everywhere from the VMA’s, the Emmy’s and fall fashion week, oxblood is in out in full force, no bull! This trend translates from clothing to accessories to of course cosmetics. This trend is anything but carnal, despite its brutish name. Although I do love the effect on my lips after a few glasses of red wine, here is what you will need for every day application:

1.     A deep red, burgundy or Bordeaux lip color. My favorites include: This timeless red by MAC, a nice deeper shade (Bobbi Brown's Crimson) for your vampire-esque moods or a more affordable option (Try Sparkling Wine for the Oxblood effect). Try to pick a longwearing formula, for day to evening wear.

2.     I can think of nothing less attractive then a beautiful red lip turning into a feathery bleeding mess (no pun intended). In order to prevent this, try using a liner like this one by Chanel (We love Rouge Noir for the Oxblood effect). Always fill in your lip with a liner after your lipstick is applied, this prevents a dramatic line left after you eat, or your lipstick wears away. I love the nineties, but a bold lip liner is not one thing I want to remember. Another tip to prevent smudging and enhance wear, is using a lip brush. This ensures precision and increases the wear. I like a retractable brush or a brush with a cap. Try either of these. 

3.     The matte lip look is very in this season, however if you’re like me, a nice gloss is a must. I like this one (Triple X-Clear Shine) by Nars, because it’s clear, looks great over anything and isn’t sticky.

4.     A clean smooth lip is vital to any lip color looking its best, especially a dark red. Try exfoliating your lips before application. Use your toothbrush to lightly clean off dead skin, or a specific lip exfoliator, such as this. Lip primers also help the wear and appearance of your bold lip. Use the lip primer before color is applied.

Pro tip:  to further prevent bleeding of color take a small face brush and trace the outline of your lips with your foundation, this acts an eraser for any mistakes.

Now let's see some Oxblood lips, ladies!

xoxo,

Gracia

Fall Inspired Palette

Today's makeup palette is inspired by fall.  The colors used are copper, gold, amber, and red.  Set off your comfy cableknit sweater & leggings with this makeup look and you'll be sure to turn some heads!:

Products used: 

1.  Mary Kay Timewise Matte-wear Foundation in Beige 4, & Beige 3 (under the eyes and on bridge of the nose)

2.  Napoleon Perdis - NP for Target eyeshadow duo in "St. Barts" (I wet an angled brush and rimmed the lower lashline in the peachy gold)

3.  Mary Kay mineral blush in Golden Copper on apples of the cheeks- well blended using a powder brush

4.  Mary Kay mineral eyeshadow in Truffle on the lids and used a wet angled eyeliner brush to turn the color into an eyeliner, upper and lower.  

5.  Mary Kay lash primer (cannot live without this product)

6.  Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black - 2 coats to upper and lower lashes

7.  Mary Kay cream lipstick in Amber Suede

8.  Mary Kay Nourishine Plus lip gloss in Rockin' Red

9.  Set the whole look with Sonia Kashuk Brightening Powder (just sweep a tiny bit over the face focusing on the T-Zone

xoxo, 

Natalie

Cold Weather Quick Fix

Happy Monday!  

Is it cold enough outside for you? Apparently we skipped Fall and went straight to Winter between Saturday and Sunday.  

As such, today's post is going to be about one of my favorite beauty products to lock in your skin's moisture during these cold, dreary days.  

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

This product was a phenomenon to me until recently.  Many of my favorite makeup artists and beauty bloggers were swearing by this product; most of them swore it to be a kit necessity.  In the beauty world, there is often quite a bit of clutter, so to have this product highlighted in such a way made me curious.  Finally, a couple weeks ago, I gave it a try.  Nonetheless, it has traveled between my purse and my kit ever since.  

Classified as a skin protectant, this product has the consistency of Aquaphor, but in my opinion is much, much better.  

Scented with herbs like thyme and rosemary, it wakes up the senses gently (like breathing in the steam of a fresh cup of tea).  

Not only does this product work great on lips to moisturize, it can also be dabbed on the cheekbones or patches of dry skin for instant hydration and glow.  

My FAVORITE thing about this product is the way it can be used as a mixing medium for color cosmetics.  I dispensed a drop of the 8 hour cream on the back of my hand, then using my finger like an eyeshadow brush, I picked up a little of my favorite powder blush. I swirled the blush into the 8 hour cream and voila!  Cream blush!  I then tapped the concoction onto the apples of my cheeks and blended for an ultra natural, gorgeous, and easy pop of color.  The best part is the way your skin will absorb the cream and the pigment, leaving behind no trace of makeup lines and other annoying beauty blunders.  

Hope you'll give it a try!  The 8 Hour Cream is available at Red Door, online, and occasionally at TJ MAXX (shhhh!!)  

xoxo,

Natalie