helen loves: edition #11 featuring my makeup essentials

Since I haven't done a Helen Loves column in quite a long time, I thought it'd be fun to chat about makeup this time! I've worked in the beauty industry my entire career, but honestly only in the past year have I started really getting into makeup. My new beauty philosophy is to find my "holy grail" products that are worth the investment, instead of buying a ton of cheaper alternatives but not really being happy with them. From drugstore beauty to prestige products, here are the essential products in my makeup bag. Feel free to comment below and share your favorite makeup products!

Foundation:
I use Makeup Forever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 120 almost every day. It's pricey, but so worth it -- the shade matches my skin perfectly (they have 26 shades in total, so you can't go wrong!). The liquid blends in and "disappears" on my skin, taking any imperfections with it. I also like Maybelline Liquid Mousse foundation in 3.5. I'm also eyeing the Makeup Forever HD concealer -- I've actually never used concealer before, so I'm excited to try.

Powders:
To set my foundation, I use Dermablend's Loose Setting powder in cool beige. This has really helped make my makeup stay put, since I tend to have oily skin that sucks up any makeup within a couple of hours. I also recently learned how to contour (thanks to this video)... it's fun to emphasize certain features, like cheekbones, and actually feel like I know what I'm doing! I use Urban Decay's Naked Flushed palette's bronzer and highlighter.

Brush set:
My friend Liz introduced me to Sigma  (their brushes are comparable to Mac's brushes) and I am so glad that I took her advice and purchased the Sigma Travel Kit! The travel set is an especially great deal (all the brushes you need!) and comes in a cute travel-ready leather container. I have the coral set and it's gorgeous.

Blushes:
I use Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes all the time (my favorites are Exposed- a nice nude/bronze shade and Blissful - a warm peach shade). I also was a sucker and recently bought the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow (a cool pink), although I'm thinking of swapping it out to Radiant Magenta. I really do believe I get a little bit of extra "glow" -- I'm a sucker.

Eyeshadow:
OBSESSED with my Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay. Obsessed. From light mauves to pink gold shadows, I literally use this collection of shadows every day --I mix and match and layer different shades according to my mood and always find the overall look very natural and "me" instead of like a crazy raccoon. I also have the original Naked palette, which I find has more metallic neutrals and colors and is more suitable for evening.

Eyelash Curler and Mascara:
I've tried the "famous" eyelash curlers like Shiseido's and Kevyn Aucoin's, but I still like my Revlon Cushion-Grip Eyelash Curler the best-- it requires less grip and feels so comfortable (I know, shocking term to describe an eyelash curler!). I swear by two mascaras: Urban Decay's Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara and Lancome's L'Extrême Waterproof' Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara.Waterproof formulas are my go-to because they stay put all day and hold curl better than non-waterproof formulas -- really important for someone who has short, straight Asian eyelashes!

Lipstick:
I have a ton of lipsticks, but my favorite daily wear lipstick is Too Faced La Creme.... I love how creamy, light and non-scented Too Faced formulas are. My favorite daily wear pink/nude lipstick is Spice Spice Baby. I'm also addicted to Baby Lips lip balm (Cherry is my favorite).

Extras/Touch Ups:
Sometimes, if I'm feeling super fancy, I'll use an additional highlighter above my brow, on the insides of my eyes, and cheekbones, to add some extra pow. I like using this Jane Iredale eye highlighter pencil and this Borghese shimmer makeup for that added highlight. I also have combination skin, which means my T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tend to get oily throughout the day, so I carry Tatcha blotting papers with me to get rid of any excess shine.

What's missing:
I used to wear eyeliner quite often, but haven't been into it lately-- it feels a little too harsh. Also, my eyeliner always slides right off (raccoon eye alert!), even if I reinforce with an eyeshadow primer and buy a waterproof formula. Any suggestions? Do you prefer liquid or pencil?

PS: Other Helen Loves collections

8 favorite deborah lippmann nail colors

I don't own a single Deborah Lippman nail polish (mostly because I used to work on Essie when I was at L'Oreal and already own a ton of colors). Some of DL's shades though are super pretty and definitely tempting me to make a purchase. Here are 4 of my favorite party-ready glittery polishes and 4 classic colors. Just 'cause.

Party-ready (left side, top to bottom): 

Happy Birthday, Good Girl Gone Bad, Nefertiti, Let's Go Crazy

Classics (right side, top to bottom): 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Daytripper, Fashion, Between the Sheets

thank you, body

I don't know if it's just part of the process of getting older, but I am appreciating my body more, noticing the little miracles-- and not just in a superficial appearance-related way. Like... thank you knees, for helping me climb my 4 floor walk-up multiple times a day. And thanks, skin for not getting winter-dry or really needing any lotion. Thanks hair for growing so freaking fast that botched haircuts can quickly fade away. 

I had been praying to see myself the way that God sees me as: His beloved creation and daughter. What's neat is I am seeing the beauty in my body's small abilities, the gestures I usually take for granted. I can walk for miles and carry bags of heavy groceries. I can do 10 push-ups in a row. I can walk gracefully in 5 inch heels. I'm thinking less of how I'd like for it to change (growing those extra 2 inches, losing 5 pounds) and excited for how it will inevitably evolve in the future (creating children, etc). Little miracles, all God's creation. Pretty cool.

(Photo sources 1, 2, 3)

HOT OR NOT, DO OR DON'T: when did female beauty become front page news?

Every day the articles that I read on blogs and even reputable publications make me a little uncomfortable. The content is always the same, but there has been a lot more of it: an overwhelming focus on the appearance of women -- from actresses like Kate Winslet to politicians like Hillary Clinton-- every. single. day. When I read about Hillary Clinton's new bangs several times today on various news outlets, a vein started throbbing on my forehead, and my uncomfortable feeling turned into fury.

Hot or not. Do or don't.

Every day, amazing women's appearances are being dissected or cut down: what they wore, how big their thighs are, how photoshopped their magazine covers look, their new haircuts, their dramatic weight losses or gains, their cellulite or tummies revealed on the beach, how they look without makeup, how fast they bounced back from their baby weight or not... the list goes on. 

Hot or not. Do or don't. 

Beauty has changed -- it is an obsession that has become a communal property, not a personal pleasure. In model Cameron Russell's TED Talk, she admitted that models are the most insecure people you will ever meet because they have to think about how they look every single day. But really -- what is the difference between the hearts of models and those of normal women? Every single woman has to think about her appearance every day because what she reads online or watches on TV keeps telling her that this is what matters most. Every woman is sold this fake standard of perfection, and reminded: you're not it -- even the models who are commercializing these standards are just products of hairstylists, make-up artists, and photoshop whizzes. 

Hot or not. Do or don't.

Women are reminded again and again of how much we should eat or exercise, of the countless ways that we should be improving our appearances. Our outfits are too revealing/sexy or too boring/not sexy enough.  We need to lose 15 pounds or gain 15 pounds. Our boobs are too big or too small. When you critique the appearance of one woman, you critique the appearance of ALL women. The saddest thing is, women are the harshest critics of each other, regurgitating these ridiculous standards that are so deeply ingrained. 

It's mostly female journalists and bloggers who write the headlines: Hot or not. Do or don't.

The fashion and beauty industry's lifeblood is fueled by consumer behavior, but these behaviors are molded by the media. Consumers decide what they want to buy, but the media tells them why they need them and all the countless things that they need to fix about how they look. Beauty companies market products with good intentions - to empower women to own their unique beauty, to enhance what they love about themselves; yet sometimes their media and advertisements scream: you should look like this. You have a lot of work to do.

78% of 17 year old American girls are unhappy with their bodies (source) -- and every single person working in women's consumer goods is responsible for decreasing that number. We should be on our customer's side and do everything we can to protect her self-esteem.

I've worked in beauty marketing for the past few years from the biggest beauty manufacturer to beauty e-commerce retail. I often feel guilty that the products I help sell are sold at the expense of women's insecurities. But that is NOT what beauty is about.  I pray that feminine beauty can be more and more empowering and sacred and less of a social and consumer commodity. I pray that women will be told every single day that it's what they DO that ultimately matters, not whether or not they should get bangs.

(Photo source from Life Magazine via here)

holiday gift guide #5: 8 gifts for the fashionable trendsetter

We all know her and love her: the most in-the-know stylish lady in our friend circle. Our fashionista friend is a trendsetter who makes looking glamorous look effortless, mixes her high-low wardrobe like a ninja, and somehow always knows what's on our Shopbop wish-list. Here are some gifts that are perfect for her...

 Because she is dying to try this latest nail launch: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, $18

Because she knows that metallics are the new neutral: Tory Burch 'Reva' Flats in Metal Luna Pewter, $235

Because this would make her laugh: Smooch Pillow, $58

Because leather jeans are on her to-try list, but these are on her must-have list: Blank Denim Coated Skinny Jeans, $88

Because she loves a little (okay maybe a lot of) sparkle: Limited Edition Bejeweled Vaseline, $45

Because she advises her friends' boyfriends to buy them this eternal "it" bag: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch, $295 ("But not the mini one, the normal size!" she says)

Because she even shoots vodka in style: Perfect Destination Shot Glass Set, $26

Because she thinks a statement piece can brighten any outfit: Pim + Larkin Multi Disc Statement Necklace, $62 

cute as a button

Brr, it is really getting chilly now -- hello winter! Hope you're staying warm. I have a blanket around my shoulders as I type and fuzzy socks on my feet... Oh, and I'm currently typing as I dry my newly painted nails in this essie's "cute as a button" shade because it reminds me of summer and because it's my all-time favorite nail color. You gotta do what makes you happy!

PS: the essie nail diaries

calling all skincare fanatics: perricone MD giveaway

The folks over at Perricone MD are graciously offering two readers a choice of two star products: Blue Plasma Orbital (a gentle peel for eye) and Photo Plasma (a luxurious, anti-aging moisturizer with SPF 30). I feel like Perricone continuously launches products with the most scientifically advanced ingredients -- I'm always learning about innovations like alpha lipoic acid dosage (not as scary as it sounds) and DMAE.

To enter this giveaway, simply visit the Perricone MD, become a Helen Hearts member by clicking on the Google friend connect to the right, then leave a comment here with your email address and which product you would choose: Blue Plasma Orbital or Photo Plasma. Entries must be posted by this next Friday, November 8th at 11:59 p.m. EST, and two winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!

11/8 Winners Update: Congrats to Anna and Natalie! Sending you both emails shortly. 

helen loves: edition #11 featuring Amazon!

Since working for an Amazon subsidiary, I think my relationship with Amazon has gone to a whole other level of dependency. Beyond purchasing consumables and books, I'm actually doing a fair amount of clothing/shoe/beauty shopping, thanks to the great deals (and free shipping -- thanks, Prime!). Do you find yourself cross-checking Amazon for all of your purchases? Here are a few items from my Amazon shopping cart history...

A simple grey mini-dress for Fall ($13)

Nars Blush in "Orgasm", a must-have classic ($29)

Asics running sneakers with gel cushioning system - so comfy ($45)

Cute printed Baggu nylon tote to carry things to and from work ($10)

I bought these clear drawers for my work desk to store samples and miscellaneous products ($14)

Short fiction is an impulse purchase of mine and Ann Beattie is a fantastic writer. ($9)

A cheapie, but a goodie. This pimple drying lotion really works ($10)

I took the plunge... let's see how these wedge suede sneakers actually look in person ($30)

PS: Other Helen Loves collections

the best mascara for short, straight eyelashes

Working in the beauty industry I've tested a lot of different mascaras, but I am only loyal to one: Lancome's 'L'Extrême Waterproof' Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara. I use it daily because it gives my short, straight Asian eyelashes the most length thanks to its Fibrestretch formula technology, which claims to extend eyelashes up to 60%. The brush is also patented to catch literally every lash. I'm such a loyalist, I don't feel like myself without this product on my lashes.

PS: I always make sure to get waterproof because the formula holds the shape of just-curled eyelashes 24 hours of the day compared to non-waterproof formulas that quickly give you panda eyes when your eyelashes revert back to straight. 

What's your favorite mascara? Check out Lancome's 'L'Extrême Waterproof Mascara ($27) here.

(First photo via here)

summer scents

I'm typically not a big perfume person, but I just found my new summer scent.... Atelier Cologne's Orange Sanguine. I love the fresh citris scent and the fact it doesn't fade away throughout the day, due to the cologne's high concentration at 15%. Basically, I smell like an Orange Creamsicle and I love it.

Also, how beautiful is this description? Orange Sanguine, a zesty and energizing burst of crushed ripe fruit, plays off sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual notes of geranium. Yum. What's your summer scent?

(Source: Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine on BeautyBar.com)

we see beauty/ make cosmetics

One of my favorite new beauty companies is MAKE, a socially conscious cosmetics brand that sets aside one-third of its revenue to help women-led startups in the United States. (Finally!!) MAKE is the first beauty line produced by We See Beauty, which describes itself as "a marketplace of ideas, stories and products that support the cooperative movement."

Love that mission and those beautiful products! Must try the MAKE Matte Finish Blush in Cinnabar. Learn more about We See Beauty and MAKE products here, and let me know what suits your fancy.

helen loves: edition #9

I'd never take off this Baublebar customizable charm ring.

This Kate Spade/Lake and Stars silk chemise is lovely.

Check it out: "Healthy Eatmore Fudge Chocolate Bars" - no refined sugar, flour, or chemicals are included... meaning I can eat as many as I want, right?

Ooh, the Armani Lip Maestro matte lip lacquers sounds luscious - want!

Are handset phones still being manufactured? The nostalgic me would so buy this fun gadget.

Expectations vs. Reality...so true.

Two-sided heart tote from Etsy.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1-8)

on my shopping list: nars orgasm blush

Now that I feel like we're officially in winter thanks to the snow from Wednesday, I'm thinking of purchasing a great blush! Everyone raves about Nars "Orgasm", which is a flattering "peachy pink with shimmer" and such a great name ;) Any other favorites? Do you wear blush?

(Photos: a glowing Leighton Meester and Nars "Orgasm")

helen loves: edition #7

Just ordered this polka-dotted denim shirt, because (as you know) I have an unhealthy obsession with polka dots; how cool is this cupcake-cotton candy combination? (via Real Simple); I would have no problem wearing these Ampersand studs everyday (via Catbird on BaubleBar); yes, Paris IS always a good idea; a hot pink typewriter would be a great incentive to mail letters instead of email; stop it... Polka-dot kitty nails; I haven't played a game of Bananagrams in 4 months -- someone play with me!; quirky Frida Kahlo print iphone case (via Judy Kaufmann Etsy Shop); yowza, Jill Sanders Double Monk Wedges. Too perfect.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1 to 6)

my top 4 favorite lipsticks

Okay ladies. Let's talk about something I consider a beauty secret arsenal: lipsticks! My mom used to always tell me this, and it didn't take me long to believe it myself -- lip color makes you instantly look 100% better. A rosy lip brightens your complexion and awakens your entire face. I am a firm believer in trying any lip color you can get your hands on, and try I have. Here are my Top 4 lip products which I wear on rotation virtually every day.

Clockwise from top left: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor in Fearless Fuschia (145); Lancome Rouge in Love in Rose Boudoir (340); L'Oreal Paris Infallible Stars Collection Lip Color in Beyonce's Red; Lancome Color Design in Fearless (145).

Picking the right shade can be daunting, but rest assured you can look naturally beautiful (yes, keyword: natural) in pink, red, and coral as long as the tone of the lip shade works with your skin tone. So make sure you go to Sephora and try everything on! Do you wear lipstick? What are your favorite shades and brands?

GIVEAWAY ALERT: TATCHA skincare deluxe sampler kit (worth $162!)

Hi friends -- so, so excited to share with you a new giveaway! TATCHA is a recently launched beauty company inspired by ancient Geisha skincare tradition, available at Barneys and in a variety of boutique retailers around the world. Offering the best of Eastern skincare and beauty, TATCHA's products are made with a blend of indigenous Japanese extracts, from the very best green teas to Okinawa red algae and rice bran-- all ingredients that real geishas once used to obtain beautiful, luminous skin!!

TATCHA is offering one Helen Hearts reader a Deluxe Sampler Kit worth $162 (pictured above), which includes travel sizes of their cleansing oil, rice enzyme powders, moisturizing cream, and brightening serum. Also included in the kit are their famous Beauty Papers, which are named by Allure Magazine as one of 12 products that will give you better skin instantly. (I can attest, no more mid-day shiny forehead for me!)

To enter to win, simply follow Helen Hearts on Google Friend Connect (just click on the box to the left) and leave a comment below with your email address. Receive an additional entry if you sign up for TATCHA's emails here-- just let me know in an additional comment below. A lucky winner will be randomly drawn and announced in two weeks on Monday, June 18th. Enter below -- your skin will thank you! 

(Giveaway Disclaimer: The views of this blog post are my own and do not belong to my employers or that of TATCHA, LLC. I do not receive monetary compensation for this giveaway. Cheers!)

-- 

Update: Congrats to Lauren for winning the giveaway! Thanks for playing everyone. 

the nail diaries: 3 months of essie!

I never, ever painted my nails until I worked on essie for a 3 month rotation this winter. Before that, I think I owned like 2 nail polishes. Suffice to say, I am now completely addicted! Would love to share with you my essie colors from those 12 weeks or 3 months (I know, I'm crazy! And Instagram just makes it easier to capture my obsession :)

Bold & Beautiful December:

Clockwise from top left:

ole caliente

luxeffects pure pearlfection + midnight cami comboapertif

luxeffects as gold as it gets + glamour purse combo
Oh So Nude-ish January:

Clockwise from top left:

power clutch

glamour purse

fun in the gondola

master plan

Bright & Ladylike February:

Clockwise from top left:

a crewed interest

navigate her

orange it's obvious

sand tropez

What's your favorite nail color shade? Do you use essie?

hair ideas

Ladies, what do you do to your hair? I am half clueless and half extremely lazy. My routine consists of washing my fine hair with volumizing shampoo every morning and blowing it dry - et voila! My roommate swears by Moroccan oil, which makes her thick locks super glossy. Lately, I've been trying to make more of an effort to change things up. Would love to try making waves and experimenting with braids...

This weekend, I'm going to my parents' home in Philadelphia and stealing my mom's curling iron!

(photos via 1, 2, 3)

Under $30 Gift Guide: for your fabulously creative best girl friends

Hello loves! I'm thrilled to introduce the first ever Helen Hearts holiday gift guide! Since there are tons of amazing products all over the web, I'd love to share some that I found especially charming. Here's a round up of fun gifts for all the wonderful, creative, and lovely women in our lives. Thanks for being our supporters, confidants, and sisters. (PS: This list is all under $30, cause I know we have a lot of shopping to do!)

A 14k gold wishbone necklace for good luck, $23


Pretty scented soap that makes her feel like a lady, $14

Super rad mojave coasters for her coffee table, $10

StickyGram magnets of your favorite instagram memories, $14.99 for 9

Sweet blue stitched notebook to doodle in, $7.95
"Napoleon" box of 6 Macarons to munch on from Laduree, 12.50€

A wise T-shirt to lounge around in, $14.99

Sparkly essie luxeffects nail polish to brighten her day, $8 per bottle


My favorite book from 2011 (if she doesn't already own it!), $15.49

Pom pom mittens to keep her fingers warm, $14.54

Sometimes, the greatest gift is bitch... wines! $9.99 per bottle

A gourmet lunch bag that will brighten up her office, $25

And to help her bring in the new year: a 2012 wall calendar, $30