MID-SUMMER PICK ME UP: FACIAL MISTS! (AND WHY YOU NEED ONE!)

 It always seemed kind of odd for me to see skincare and makeup companies marketing what I had thought to be just fancy water in a spray bottle. I never really took the time to investigate what exact purpose these concoctions served, and really just let the idea of them serving any purpose go altogether.  Even after reading some of the ingredients on most of the these "mists" of the past, I was still turned off by the idea of spending $20-$40 on something that I thought moisturizer could fix; in my mind, moisturizer fixed everything!

Recently my skin has started to feel tight and often dry, even though it is the middle of summer and I have slathered super-rich "tan extender" on every square inch of my body including my face multiple a few times. Day time moisturizer just does not seem like the best option for hot + humid weather - I know my makeup would surely slide off my face by mid day. So, after a little bit of research, I was right back where I had once strayed away from: debunking the myth of the facial mists.

In the past I had tried Evian's mineral water spray, and I felt like it really did nothing except for drain my pockets and confuse my boyfriend as to why Evian was in a spray bottle hanging out in our bathroom ("Isn't that stuff like, for drinking?"). This was my first tango with a facial mist, and it didn't exactly go as smoothly as planned- and ultimately was probably what turned me off from learning about any other brands or types of mists as well. It was just recently brought to my attention that I was NOT using it right. Thermal water or mineral water sprays are slightly different than some of the newer mists on the market. These sprays actually need to be blotted off after initial application due to the fact that they are indeed just WATER, nothing else. SO, after you spray yourself down and the water dries, it will actually leave your face feeling even more dry than before. Mineral and Thermal water sprays have no ingredients to "bond" the water to your face and deliver moisture-so these are sadly just for "refreshment" and really deliver no added benefits.
However, some of the newer products on the market are still in fact just water; but they've been pumped up with exceptional bonus ingredients like essential oils and botanical extracts. Some of them deliver enough moisture to forgo lotions and creams during the day in warmer and more humid months-just what I needed!

How to Use

Apply under moisturizer. It's always recommended to apply body moisturizer on damp skin for the best result, so why are we not doing this with our faces? By spritzing your mist on damp skin you will actually trap moisture left from cleansing, especially when applying your moisturizer on top. 
For Dewy Skin: Plump & Hydrate. Start with your skin fully saturated in your mist of choice, apply your foundation. For every layer, mist in between! By repeating in each layer, skin will appear more plump and hydrated than normal-YES!
Set Makeup & Remove powdery finish. If the "dewy" look is a little too much for you, try simply setting your makeup by misting before foundation, and once again after applying a finishing powder. By applying after your final layer this will remove some of the "cakey" or "powdery" finish you may often see. 

A few we love:

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Perfecting Water Moisture Mist, $38, dermatologist tested, Ave42 approved; M.A.C. Fix +, $21, use to perfect a "dewy skin" look.
Josie Maran, Lavender Calming Mist, $24 lavender scent helps lull you to sleep while your skin is hydrated-pair with a moisturizer at bedtime for ultimate results.

  Have you tried a facial mist you love and can't live without? Tell us about it! 

XO,

AVE 42

PRO PICKS: 5 FAVORITES WITH NATALIE GORDON

We are extremely excited to have Natalie contributing to our blog this week! In case you didn't know, Natalie is the founder & genius behind Avenue 42, and works with brides and clients on a daily basis as our lead make up artist. She's also our spray tan & eyelash extension guru, just to name a few of the many skills under her belt. You would think she grew up dreaming of being a makeup artist with how much success and skill she has gained in the beauty and bridal industries alike, but Natalie actually was planning a career in law before getting started with makeup! Check out her beauty must-haves below!

1) Trader Joe's 'A Midsummer Nights Dream Cream': "People who know me know I am a moisturizer fanatic. There is nothing worse than a body lotion that leaves you sticky or greasy; equally annoying is a lotion that disappears and leaves your skin feeling thirsty. This product has been a favorite of mine for about 5 years. It's fragrance-free and super moisturizing all year round! It is great for eczema sufferers too!"

2. Kevyn Aucoin Brow Pencil: "This superfine mechanical pencil lets you define the brows without looking overdone. It's better than using an eyeshadow to fill in brows because it lasts without smudging or smearing. (That's an extra bonus in this 100 degree heat!)"

3. Temptu AIRpod Collection: 'An at-home airbrush system that requires zero cleaning and is user friendly? A makeup that lasts for hours through sweat and rain? Need I say more?"

4. Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Cleanser: "I suffer from rosacea, cystic acne, and have uber-sensitive skin. YUCK! I need a daily cleanser that can remove makeup and oil gently, exfoliate without scrubbing, and kill bacteria. Voila!"

5. Carmex Lip Balm: "I know, I know. People either love it or hate it. Like I mentioned before, I am prone to acne. Many lip balms contain waxes and oils which can cause breakouts around my mouth. Gross! Carmex contains salicylic acids which kills bacteria. I don't think I could go without this product for very long!" 

Natalie at the Avenue 42 studio!

A big THANK YOU goes out to Natalie for providing us with some insight on a few of her favorites. Make an appointment with Natalie at our Richmond location for make up, lashes, or spray tanning for a special night out or just to treat yourself! You will not be disappointed! 

XO,

AVE 42

NEW AT AVENUE 42: TEMPTU AIRpod COLLECTION!

The Temptu AIRpod collection hit our shelves this week, and we could not be any more excited to bring this amazing brand to Richmond! Temptu, the industry leader in Air-Brush makeup, launched its consumer brand in 2009 and more recently updated this amazing system in the fall of 2012. We still can't get enough of it! 

This system offers easy, camera-ready results in just minutes, with absolutely NO MESS, and minimal steps. Each formula is encapsulated in a "pod" which can easily be popped on and

off the application wand. Bacterial contaminations that typically occur when using brushes or sponges for a traditional make up application are essentially eliminated through using their perfectly pigmented foundation, blush, and highlighting pods. AIRpod makeup is also oil free, dermatologist reccomended, and hypoallergenic. Traditional foundations can settle into pores and crease, but this patented SILKsphere technology sits on top of the skin creating an absolutely flawless finish. Did we mention it also packs up nicely for travel?

Find tips and tricks, and a ton of great video how-to's on their website, www.temptu.com. Their website is jammed packed with useful information, including the "get the look" feature that is updated frequently with new, exciting looks for you to try at home, which includes this pretty face from the BCBG S/S 2013 NYFW show!

Drop by our studio today to check out this beautiful collection, as well as our other new additions! 

xo,

AVE 42

Sunless Tanning: Your guide to a gorgeous glow!

Just when you thought things couldn't get any more hectic in your life, you've realized summer is in full swing and your still have not had time to work on your tan! Be it a BBQ or a beach day, if you are getting ready for a summer trip or get together and haven't had time to catch some rays like the rest of your friends-it's time to give what was once considered a scary solution a try!

Self and sunless tanning have become absolutely huge over recent years. From celebs to skin care gurus, it seems like just about everyone is trying their hand at obtaining that perfect formulation of sun in a tube! With research constantly surfacing about detrimental damage to our skin from tanning beds or from spending time in the sun, these alternatives are a major game changer when trying to get that radiant glow most of us ladies (and men!) secretly desire. The days of looking orange and streaky are long behind us with many of the products on the market today using superior technology thus eliminating us from the sunless tanning nightmares of the past.

Always plan ahead when using self tanners or getting a spray tan! Use our helpful tips and tricks as well as check out our picks for self tanning at home. Avenue 42 has carefully sought out the best professional spray tan products on the market today and proudly offers Lavish Tan organic tanning, and Xen Tan spray tans! 

Tips for Self & Spray Tanning

Prep: Exfoliate! Exfoliating will rid you of any dry skin that will create an uneven tan.

Moisturize:Use oil-free moisturizer on areas of the skin that are typically dry (knuckles, elbows, knees, ankles). These parts of the body will often grab the self tanner & spray tan more quickly than smooth skin. Moisturizing will prevent these areas from appearing darker than others. Let your moisturizer dry thoroughly before applying the tanning product or going to have a spray tan done.

Apply:When using self tanners always apply the from top to bottom. Applying on the stomach and upper body first may create creases when you bend over to apply to your legs and feet. Use enough product! Streaks are typically created from not using enough. Keep track of the areas you have already applied to and work in an upward motion.


Dry: Stand in front of a fan, or even use a blow dryer on the cool setting to speed up the drying process. If you are unsure you are totally dry, wait it out!
Be sure to wait at least 15-20 minutes before putting clothes on or laying in bed. If you are getting a spray tan, always bring loose fitting clothing to put on after.

We love: (from left to right ) St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $32 www.beautybar.com; Dior Dior Bronze Self Tanner Natural Glow (face), $33 www.sepohora.com; Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe, $40 www.ulta.com; Lorac Tantilizer Body Bronzing Spray (with puff) $32 www.loraccosmetics.com

Mention this blog posting when booking your next spray tan with us for $5 off! Offer valid from June 28-July 3, 2013. Appointments are subject to avalibility!

xo,
Ave 42

Pamper your Pops: Fathers day product picks!

What does one get for the man who has everything? The man whom has used the same shaving cream and bar soap for the past, oh, 30 years? Surprise your special guy with a medicine cabinet overhaul! We did some serious searching for the perfect product lines for whatever type of guy your Dad (or husband) may be.  The are sure to give your Dads "beauty regime" (or lack there-of) a serious makeover. 

{The Classic Man}

The Blind Barber combines modern luxury and versatility with the simplicity of classic mens grooming products for the discerning man of any age. Their NYC and LA locations offer the feel of an old-school barber shop & lounge with a new-school twist.  http://blindbarber.com

{The Hunter & Angler}

For the Dad who spends his time in the woods or on the water, or for the guy who just believes in protecting the earth from which he came. Ursa Major combines earthy scents and uses highly effective ingredients while providing a serious solution to natural skin-care. These products come straight from Vermont & their philosophy is to create products from sustainable resources.
www.ursamajormen.com

{The Active Dad}

Recipe for Men believes in carefully thought out products to suit men's needs. Easy to follow instructions and simple packaging make this product line perfect for those minimalist guys on the go. However simple these products may look on the outside, the ingredients and carefully thought out formulations contained inside are sure to deliver powerful results. Perfect for the man who enjoys the elements and an active lifestyle. 

http://www.recipeformenusa.com/

 If your Father just needs a day of relaxation, Red Door Spas offer a variety of services specially designed for pampering men! This is always a great gift for the guy who would typically not splurge on himself. Red Door Spas of Richmond (for all of our local readers) is located at Short Pump Town Center. http://www.reddoorspas.com

We hope you enjoy a happy and healthy Father's Day with the man (or men!) in your life! 

xo,

Ave 42

PRO PICKS: Five Favorites

We are really excited to introduce one of our new blog features for this summer: Five Favorites. Over these next few months we will be introducing some of our favorite Stylists, Make-up Artists, Skincare specialists, and Bridal Guru's as well as their favorite, must-have, will-die-if-they-can't-have-it products for the summer! It was hard to limit it to five products, however, for all of us girls (and guys) on the go, we really wanted to tailor it down to simply the best items for this hot and sticky season.

We caught up with makeup artist Daniel Alvarez to find out what his Five Favorites for this summer are. Daniel has trained under famed artists including Steven Arturo, Mitzi Druss, and Brigette Reiss-Andersen, and has also worked on campains for fashion icons such as Vera Wang. He is currently working with Brooklyn, NY based beauty industry trendsetters Woodley & Bunny. His eclectic,  fearlessly creative style and personality have us seriously interested in trying out these products!

1) Christophe Robin Moisturizing Hair Cream, $39, 

"it has SPF, and suits fine as well as coarse hair types,"

2) Christophe Robin Chamomille Shampoo, $39,  "it is clarifying and actually helps lighten your hair!" 

3) Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipsticks, $28 each, (his favorite shades were Muse & Icon) "they are matte and long wearing, and these shades are great for summer" 

4) Clarsonic Brush, from $149+, "great for exfoliating and balancing skin"

2)  Herve Heraux Cream Gel $138,"nourishing and non-greasy, and it is also paraben free" 

All of our shopping for this post can be done here:

www.christophe-robin.com/en/

www.sephora.com

www.woodleyandbunny.com

                                                  Daniel at Woodley & Bunny, Brooklyn, NY

Thank you Daniel for your Five Favorites! 

xo, Avenue 42

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

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!