Glam Spotting!: April 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

To Tweeze or not to Tweeze

By: Heather Polyi, Owner/Lead Artist Glam Spot NJ

Brows! They frame your eyes, and add interest to the overall look of your face...

Don't let this be you...

All dressed up, ready to go, and your brows look like they have never seen love! This is an actual professional application!

For the love...

Let's discuss options!

Waxing!

Should I have my brows waxed?

Well.... Not if you are an Individual with extremely sensitive skin or sensitive to pain. If you have unsteady hands you will not want to wax your own brows... for fear of noticeable mistakes or accidents with the heated wax.

Waxing should also not be attempted if the skin is sunburned or if there are ingrown hairs, cuts, or blemishes that could be painfully exacerbated by the wax.

In addition, numerous internal medications can take your skin off along with the hair, even certain topical treatments like Retin-A can have EXTREME adverse effects...

SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE PRIOR TO WAXING

If you are a Waxing candidate... Wax to remove the bulk of the hair, Do not "shape" brows with Wax!

Shaping is an art and needs to be done with precision...

Threading?

Threading!

There is an UP side to threading...

You can remove it all and get precision shape!

Make sure the threader, uses the method where, one end of the thread is not in her mouth! This has been deemed unsanitary by the FDA, and is not approved to be practiced, however is still being done! YUCK!

I am not a threading fan, I had it done, and I had a burn (similar to a "rug burn") under my brows from the rubbing back and forth!

SO... Tweezing!

MY BEST FRIEND!

The leader in Tweezers is the MAN... Tweezerman! Click here to see all they offer... Every slant, tip, style, shape, kit, color etc...

Check this out!

Move over Tweezers, There's something BRIGHTER

These are AWESOME... Never miss a hair, and get professional tweezing results!

Tips for Eyebrow Shaping:

There are five basic shapes of eyebrows, "curved, angled, soft angled, round, and straight." Please consult a professional for the best shape, Glam Spot NJ is available for Brow Shaping.

Basic Eyebrow Shapes

You can test the shape of a brow look by selecting a shape and using an eyebrow pencil to draw the shape you like over your brows as they are, or utilize a famed Anastasia brow stencil.

The Tried and True: Perfect Eyebrow Shaping Rules

The beginning of the eyebrow should align with the center of the nostril. The arch of the brow should fall at the back third of the eye. The eyebrow should follow the length of the eye but it should not extend to the temple.

Many without a professional brow consultation have a tendency to over pluck.

Eyebrows take forever to grow back and, in some cases, don't grow back at all.

Recently style has dictated that the overall look of eyebrows has returned to a fuller, more natural look, away from the thin, highly arched brows.

If you have naturally thick eyebrows, play them up. Many would love to have them, and there are even products out there to regrow, over plucked hair.

Bleaching?

Really? It needs to be discussed!!!!

I have seen it... Not pretty!

If you lighten your hair don't be tempted to bleach your brows. This is not a good idea since the resulting color is usually orange.

There's nothing wrong with having your eyebrows a shade or two darker than your hair.

This is usually flattering for example... Marilyn Monroe!

Eyebrow mistakes are fun for people watching, but not when you are the "don't" in glamour magazine.

Too Filled in, filled in with the wrong color, Permanent brows that have turned Green over time! :(

Consult with us at Glam Spot NJ if you need brow advice!

With Love and Glamour

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Tan- Fastic!

By: Heather Polyi, Owner & Lead Artist Glam Spot NJ

Let's talk about TANS!

Tis the season everyone is tanning!

(Believe it or not this look was achieved with "sunless tanner" and bronzer!)

I get it, you want the healthy summer glow!

Here is the Skinny, on Tanning!

I am sure you have heard people say: "You only get the healthy rays in tanning beds," or "Tanning beds give you a 'base tan' to keep you from burning." The tanning-salon industry told this story to many of us, when UVA rays — the ones tanning machines mainly use — were thought to be safe and only UVB rays from the sun were believed to be harmful.

Since then, we've grown wiser. Definitive research has now proven that both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. (UVA rays have been specifically linked to melanoma.) Still, about 30 million people go tanning every year, about 70 percent of whom are young women. Tanning salons outnumber even Starbucks and McDonalds in some of the largest U.S. cities, according to a San Diego State University study.

Still don't want to kick the habit? Here's why you must kiss the bed good-bye:

1. Your risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent when you use tanning beds before the age of 35.

2. Last year, the International Agency for Research on Cancer shifted indoor tanning devices to the highest cancer risk category: "carcinogenic to humans." (They were formerly classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans.")

3. Tanning can be addictive. For some people, UV radiation can have a druglike effect; they feel dependent on it and can experience withdrawal symptoms, says David Fisher, M.D., Ph.D.

4. Not only are tanning-bed users more vulnerable to melanoma, they're also 2½ times more likely to be diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and 1½ times more susceptible to basal cell carcinoma.

Solutions:

Live Sunless... Click HERE to check it out!

I use: The Mystic "Sunless Tanning Booth" Love the result!

Everyone asks... "Where did you go?"

I go to Beach Bum in Saddlebrook NJ for my "Mystic" TAN!

For Your Home, and to maintain your sunless tan...

Here are our favs.

New In-home Spa Treatment for Healthy, Greek Sun Kissed Bronze Tan.

Adonia Bronzing Glow (for the body) is an innovative In-Home Spa Treatment that employs a proprietary, unique, time-tested combination of 12 Organic Essential Oils from the Aegean eco-system. These gentle Greek Botanical Oils have been micro-blended and balanced to give you a healthy, Greek, sun kissed bronze tan; without ever setting foot in the sun.

(Pamela Anderson uses it) - Just sayin'

Clarins Sunless Tanners win awards EVERY Year! They carry a selection of Sunless products, This is my favorite!

A silky, lightly scented self tanner for the body that is infused with pure cocoa extracts.

What it is formulated to do:
This lotion combines a natural-looking tan with lasting radiance, while the caramel color helps provide mistake-proof application that ensures even results. It moisturizes as well, thanks to nourishing properties that provide numerous skin benefits to help maintain the skin's youthfulness while you indulge.

A kit that includes a gradual self-tanner and mitt.

What it does:
This two-in-one, vanilla-scented lotion creates the immediate bronze, transfer-resistant glow of a body makeup and the long-lasting tanning results of a gradual self-tanner. DHA helps to safely build natural, rich color gradually, while antiaging ingredients Camu Camu, Maracuja, and pomegranate seed oils help keep skin smooth, healthy, and protected.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

A deeper, darker shade of Bronzing Luminizer for the body.

What it does:
This quick-drying, long-wearing body makeup instantly gives your body a sexy, deep, dark, better-than-natural red carpet tan —without streaking.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

Those are SUNLESS TANNERS!

There are also BRONZERS!

These look great over your sunless tan, or if you just want a golden Glow!

A body bronzing oil infused with coconut oil and mangosteen extract.

What it does:
This nourishing bronzer body oil gives the skin a sexy warm glow. It absorbs quickly, hydrating dry skin with an innovative combination of mangosteen fruit and coconut oil that nourishes and protects skin with easy-to-absorb anti-oxidants.

A bronzing stick that gives legs a gorgeous beach-worthy faux glow.

What it does:
Tarte Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick will have gams looking taut and tanned from summer through fall. It's infused with Tarte's t5 super fruit complex™, a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate and has a delightful natural fragrance.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates

Remember these products provide the LOOK of a tan! WEAR SPF!

With Love and Glamour,

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Pastel pastel everywhere!

Posted by Bridget Hudzik

This blast of super hott weather here at Glam Spot NJ is really making us break out all of cheerful colors - including bright eye palettes. The Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Ombres 5 Lumieres No.13 has springtime shades that are super springy and festive, radiating with youth and casual flair.

Too Faced Romantic Eye Classic Beauty Shadow Collection has a perfect palette of choices for all occasions with a feminine and romantic twist. It even comes with three easy-to -follow, How-To Cards for simple looks.

Check out these mineral, pressed shadows! Great pigment no mess, and no "Kitchey" packaging! This is the Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow Palette. Its chic patent leather case contains 4 shades in buildable shimmering color in a vivid, waterproof formula. Paraben free with Vitamin E.

Kat Von D's True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Mi Vida Loca has eight bright eye shadows and a mini eyeliner for creating a variety of looks. These sassy, pastel and neon colors are formulated with rich, long-lasting pigment inspired by 80s colors - and Kat's back tattoo. This can be seen in use on our you tube video with Grant Leduc at Eagles Nest Studio NYC!

Click HERE to view!

Urban Decay is all about highly pigmented colors! Their Deluxe Shadow Box contains 9 shades plus a primer for added staying power. (not a huge fan of this primer... just sayin')With the top of the palette window being irresistibly touchable shiny silver mesh, you'll never loose it in your bag.

Glam Spot NJ can help you explore color you never thought of wearing before! Come on in for a consultation today and let us show you how it's done!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Take it all off...

Posted by Bridget Hudzik

You spend hours getting your makeup to look just right.

And then you spend hours trying to get it off!

Let's talk makeup removers...

Instead of taking a bar of soap to your face at night to remove makeup, try NARS Makeup Removing Water to cleanse and tone your skin. It removes makeup and everything else that absorbed into your skin during the day.

Contact lens wearers can benefit from an eye makeup remover that has been ophthalmologist tested such as Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. It lifts off all types of eye makeup, even waterproof mascara without a greasy residue.

I will also add, It is Heather Polyi's favorite!

Clinique has a wide variety of removers for all types of skin in different formulas.

Their Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips does exactly what it's name implies.

An all-in-one bottle.

Non-irritating, non-stinging. Ophthalmologist Tested.

Appropriate for contact lens wearers.

You're clumsy with liquid that might spill and need something that will hold still? (That rhymes!) I love a package of wipes when traveling!

Try Korres Pomegranate Cleansing & Make-up Removing Wipes.

They smell SO good while infusing skin with the pore-toning benefits of pomegranate and Vitamin E for moisture.

A best-selling Korres product, it is dermatologically tested, ophthalmologically tested, mineral oil free, silicone free, and ethanol amine free.

Mac has a program called "back to MAC" it's a recycling program, that when you bring in 6 empy packages, you can pick out a lipstick for free!

This package is included in that program... :)
Overall, these wipes smell good, and remove makeup easily, but be prepared for the oily residue on your skin!

And we can't forget about the original classic Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser. This stuff has been around longer than I have been alive!

That says something for and about a brand!

It is actually 50% moisturizer and hypoallergenic with Mineral Oil and Beeswax for clean, soft, and glowing skin.

You have a ritual for cleansing, make sure you have a ritual for removing makeup - especially before you sleep! Think about it, makeup has ingredients that were not made to be on your face forever and ever. No one wants to wake up with raccoon eyes or have them sealed shut with mascara. And lipstick can be a pain to remove from fabrics. So take it all off when you are done - just like your clothes...

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Throw it out!

By Heather Polyi, Owner/Key Artist Glam Spot NJ

Admit it:

You know you still have a stick of MAC's Pink Freeze from 10 years ago (yes, the one Lindsay Lohan wore in Mean Girls)... I know, you Only use it for special occasions.

STOP!

We all hang on to makeup long past it's expiration.

I get it....

It's expensive, and they always discontinue our favorite shades!

After my most recent allergic reaction to an old lip gloss (blisters all around my lips) I am now taking a vow to start fresh for my face's sake.

I constantly buy new products for my kit, and my clients...

But myself...

I still had Prescriptives Lip laquer in VOODOO...

No MORE!!!!

Follow this timeline to see if you should keep or ditch your everyday products. Your skin will thank you!

Let's start with the product that kicked off this discussion...

Lipstick and gloss!

24 MONTHS!!!!! That's right, not 24 YEARS! That smell, is the lipstick/gloss going bad.

The taste, is usually "OFF"

If it was limited edition and very cool to look at, put it on display!

Just don't Put it on!

Mascara:

3 months!

This is THE MOST ABUSED PRODUCT!

Buy cheaper mascara if you don't like to replenish a $22.00 tube that frequently!

Throw it out! The eye infection from the bacteria the tube holds is UGLY and hard to get rid of!

I love Voluminous for this reason.

I buy them when they go, "buy one get the second for 50% off" and then store one for when it's time to say good bye...

Eyeshadows and blush...

These can last longer depending on weather or not you put your fingers in them, use dirty brushes on them and how you store them...

If you use your fingers 9mos. to a year

dirty brushes... 5-6 months

clean brushes, and always closed 12-18 months

I WAS A HUGE OFFENDER... I FOUND TRISH McEVOY SHADOWS FROM WHEN THEY WERE LARGE ROUND PANS!!!!

WOW!

Foundation:

Truthfully once you open a foundation after 6 months it starts to "turn"

Don't keep the same one for a year...

The color oxidizes, and besides your skin changes within that time anyway!

DON'T DO IT!

Powder:

Pressed and loose 12-18 months (Use clean brushes, and don't ever use the powder puff in a pressed powder... You will just be pressing bacteria into your skin!

Liners:

Liquid liners, same rule as mascara!

Pencil liners... Keep them sharpened and closed and they can last up to 2 years (if they melt from heat exposure, the wax separates... Throw them out!

Skincare:

Follow the bottle... you never know how long it has already been on a shelf, in addition there are so many organic products now that have short life spans, don't ignore this date!

Rule of thumb though...

If there is an SPF in it, throw it out after 10 months..

Keep your SPF FRESH!

So the Moral to the story is...