Spring 2015: Makeup in the Nudes (Step-by-step)

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I’m working on a new “What’s New in Foundation” post, and while I was trying on my first sample, I thought, why not share with you a step-by-step makeup look for the spring. Coincidentally, all the major shades are named some version of “nude”, a great fresh palette for this transitional weather period. So that you can really see the effect of each product, I’ve broken down each step. For a simpler application, pick out the steps you find most essential.

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Local Love: Hubalou Hair Wrap

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Hubalou hair wrap in slate, in tube How many of you get out of the shower and immediately wrap your hair up in a regular, old towel? I’ve found something better for you — Hubalou wraps.

Hubalou was founded by Sarah Masciana and is based in Austin, TX. Per her stylist’s recommendation, Sarah began to wrap her wet hair in cotton t-shirts. Terry cloth towels, or even microfiber towels, can act like velcro to textured hair and separate curls and make your hair frizzy. Looking for something more sophisticated than an old t-shirt, Sarah created Hubalou wraps made of bamboo fiber. To me, the fabric feels like modal. It’s lightweight, ultra flexible, and soft. Except, of course, bamboo is a natural fiber.

Sarah was kind enough to send me a wrap to try out for myself. It comes in an attractively packaged plastic tube with an instruction card. There are several color and print options, and they start at $24 each. My wrap is the slate color. Continue reading →

You Smell Perfectly Marvelous! Introducing Diana Vreeland Parfums

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bottles of Diana Vreeland fragrance: Absolutely Vital, Extravagance Russe, Perfectly Marvelous, Simply Divine, Outrageously Vibrant

My new friends at Neiman Marcus in the Galleria here in Houston invited me to an intimate lunch celebrating the launch of the Diana Vreeland Parfums line. What made the lunch extra special (in addition to a certain high-profile Houston socialite sitting across the table from me) was that the creator of the line, Alexander Vreeland, grandson of Diana, was in attendance.

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Golden Globes 2015 Recap

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Thanks to my alma mater playing in the first ever College Football Playoffs National Championship game, I actually missed watching the live coverage of this year’s Golden Globes. After experiencing a disappointing loss by my beloved Oregon Ducks, it took several days to get over my sadness. Alas, the fashion coverage must go on! Time to get down to red carpet business. I’ve reviewed all the scouting reports and game tape and am now ready to share my red carpet review.

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A Night at the Opera: Black-Tie Romantic

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I’m lucky to have a job I love that also allows for many opportunities to get gussied up. And I’m extra fortunate to be related to some really talented people. One such person is my niece, an up-and-coming designer in the Philippines, Aisha Romero. She made a beautiful ball gown skirt for me, and I knew just the perfect occasion to wear it — opening night at the opera. The question was, how do I put it all together?

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I Love the Nightlife: Disco Fabulous Look

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I LOVE DISCO. I have fond memories of dancing to records by Donna Summer and the Bee Gees in our living room. And who doesn’t love that disco look? All the gold and sequins, the rainbow makeup palettes, and the sexy hair. On a few occasions, I’ve gone to disco-themed events, and you know what? Disco makeup is HARD. Seamlessly blending such incongruous colors takes a lot of patience and meticulousness. However, I love the challenge, and I love the end result.

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Indulgence Abroad: Spa Delmar at Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

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Talk about WOW factor – the Mövenpick Hotel lobby certainly makes an impression

I spent most of June in the Philippines visiting my family. It was pretty special — I traveled to new cities, ate way too much, and saw family members I hadn’t seen in decades. During my trip to Cebu, I was completely spoiled with an overnight stay at Mövenpick Hotel on Mactan Island. A beautiful beachfront hotel, this Swiss hotel has created a fresh, contemporary, stylish retreat.

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Judicial Review: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Intense Nude

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I last wrote about my introduction to Estée Lauder color products and alluded to discovering my new favorite lipstick. This Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Intense Nude and Chanel Rouge Coco in Vendôme may be the only two lipsticks I ever need to buy for the rest of my life.

As I’ve shared before, my lips tend to be flaky and dry, so I prefer a creamy lipstick that’s moisturizing. But just because I want hydration, I don’t want to sacrifice big color payoff. If this interests you, read on.

THE GOOD: I had heard rumblings about how great this lipstick was. In fact, it earned an InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys Editors’ Pick this year. One swipe and you’ll see why. Continue reading →

Makeup Session with Estee Lauder & Victor Henao

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Last month, I showed up bright and early at my local Neiman Marcus for a makeup session with Estee Lauder global makeup artist Victor Henao. If you’ve read the posts about my skincare regimen, you know that I’m a big fan of Advanced Night Repair serum. (Seriously, I don’t think you’ll find anything better for the price.) However, Estee Lauder color products have somehow escaped my use. I was exciting to have a real pro show me the ropes.

Estee Lauder global makeup artist Victor Henao at Neiman Marcus Continue reading →

From the Archives: Arthouse Reopening, October 2010 and AEM Gala, March 2014

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In this (infrequent) series of posts, I’ll pull looks from past events and walk through my styling strategy, from hair to shoes.

THE DRESS: The July 2009 issue of InStyle magazine featured a fashion spread with Marion Cotillard. In one photo (left), she wore a black, floor-length Reem Acra jersey gown. I became obsessed. The beautiful draping into a high, middle slit, the plunging neckline, the ruching at the sleeves — FLAWLESS. I had to have this dress! There’s only one small problem. No way can I afford a Reem Acra gown.

December 2009, I traveled to the Philippines to spend the holidays with my family. I would attempt to have my dream dress made. Dressmakers in the Philippines are affordable and able to make dresses simply from looking at a photo. My niece helped me pick a fabric. I selected a matte jersey so I could match the draping, but I opted for a teal color. Typically, I avoid wearing black for black-tie events. Continue reading →