Essential SUMMER Makeup Tips from Bare Escentuals!

30 May

Craving that sun kissed summer glow?  

I turned to Bare Escentuals (Level 4) to get some tips on how to achieve a sunless bronzed look with staying power in the heat.

In case you’re not familiar with Bare Escentuals’ collection of bareMinerals makeup and skin care products  — they are made up of natural minerals and antioxidants and don’t contain harsh chemicals.

Here’s a play-by-play on getting a summer glow. You can do the full routine or even just take a few of these steps.

Before applying any makeup, it’s important to start with a moisturizer. Bare Escentuals has a gentle Advance Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer ($30), so you can protect your skin and hydrate at the same time.

SPF 20 Moisturizer

Add the Prime Time Foundation Primer ($23) to help your makeup stay in place. Primer is a key step year-round and extra helpful as the temps rise. Top the primer with your foundation; bareMinerals makes an SPF 15 one.   If you don’t wear foundation, primer will still give your makeup staying power.

Prime Time Foundation Primer

Foundation with SPF 15

Add some bareMinerals READY Blush ($22) and bareMinerals READY Bronzer ($24) to look like you’ve spent time in the sun.  The blush has a cold-pressed camellia oil, which is nourishing for the skin. The bronzer contains cold-pressed carrot oil, which gives the skin a firmer look.

bareMineals READY Blush

bareMinerals READY Bronzer

Bare Escentuals just launched a new eye shadow line called bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0. To add to the summer glow vibe,  go for something in the bronze or gold family. This 4-color set, called The Soundtrack, is $30 and includes buttercream, burnished copper, burnished gold, and shimmering gunmetal colors. Add definition with a bareMinerals Round The Clock Waterproof Eyeliner ($15) and finish with the Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara ($18).

bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0

bareMinerals Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner

Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara

The hydrating bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss ($18), seen here in Rebel, adds a lightweight sheen.  It has a minty tingle when you apply it and comes in 10 shades.

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss

Lock your makeup in place with the Mineral Veil finishing powder ($20).

Mineral Veil

Now for a GURU tip! I  just purchased the bareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen powder ($28). It’s compact and incredibly easy to apply. You can brush it on over your makeup and also use it on your body.  I never knew until this year that sunscreen comes in powder form. It is available in three shades. I’m addicted!

SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen

 Want more summer makeup and skin care tips? You can stop in Bare Escentuals to get customized suggestions for your skin.

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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The PERFECT Jeans for your Body! Tips from Levi’s

29 May

When I went into Levi’s (Level 2) to ask what styles of jeans work best on different body types, I couldn’t believe what I learned!

I think I must have asked three times just to be sure that I heard correctly what I’m about to tell you ….

Located on Level 2

According to store manager, Zach Deal, “All jeans can look good on ALL body types!”

Zach explains that’s because Levi’s takes a customized approach when it comes to a woman’s curves.

Let’s say you want a pair of skinny jeans. Whether you’re a size 2 or 12, you can select from a Slight Curve, Demi Curve or Bold Curve design.  Here’s a look at the Modern Skinny style in each Curve cut.

Modern Slight Curve Skinny Jeans

Modern Demi Curve Skinny Jeans

Modern Bold Curve Skinny Jeans

Levi’s also takes the guesswork out of figuring out which curve cut is right for you. You can get measured right in the store. It only takes a couple minutes. An associate will measure your waist and hips over the top of your clothes. The difference between the two numbers helps to determine which curve you should try.

Someone wearing a Slight Curve style will have the least amount of difference between waist and hip measurements and have more of a straight shape.   Zach says most women fall into the Demi Curve category.

The Demi Curve

The Bold Curve is cut smaller at the waist and left roomier in the seat.  Sometimes women who wear this cut will find that their jeans are typically too tight in the seat and gap at the waist.

The Bold Curve

Zach says that women will often assume that they should wear the Bold Curve if they have a thicker build. That’s not always the case. It’s not about size but instead is based on curves.

The three curve designs are available in store on skinny, boot cut skinny and straight jean styles.  If you pop into Levi’s, check out the new ankle length skinnies. They’re perfect for summer and can be cuffed and worn as capris. The white ones are calling my name.

Perfect for Summer

Men can also select from different styles and fits.

Beyond finding out about the three curve cuts for women, I also learned something else new! Zach explains that Levi’s, which are made from a durable cotton, can be worn many times before washing. If you get a small stain on your jeans before you’re ready to wash them, he recommends a spot clean. If they need just a little freshening, Zach suggests hanging them outside for a bit or putting them in a plastic bag in your freezer. When you do wash your Levi’s, wash them inside out in cold water and never put them in the dryer.

Built to Last

Now is the perfect time to head to Levi’s! Levi’s Memorial Day Weekend sale runs through TOMORROW (5/30). If you spend $250 or more, get $100 off your purchase!  If our spend $150 or more, get $40 off. Plus, for a limited time, you can also take an extra 30% off on women’s clearance. The promotions can be combined. 

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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Finding the Right Bra for your Body: Wait until you see the selection at Soma Intimates!

28 May

When is the last time you were measured for bra size?

Six months ago? Two years ago? Back in college or high school? Never?

Diane Faulkner, the manager at  Soma Intimates (Level 4) recommends getting measured every year and emphasizes that size does shift over time, depending on lots of factors including weight loss, gain, stress and more. Plus, sizes can differ from store to store and from one bra style to another!

So how do you know if your bra fits and what styles are most flattering for your shape? Those are just two of the questions I asked during a recent visit to Soma.

Diane says that you want to make sure your bra fits in three places — The band should be snug but not too tight. You don’t want spillage out of the cup. Or, if there is a gap between your body and the cup, the bra is too big. The apex or center of the bra should lay flat against your body.  Diane says a majority of women are wearing the wrong size.

Finding the right fit is more important than you may think. A well fitting bra is slimming. An ill-fitting one can have the opposite impact. Take a too tight band. That can create spillage in the back.  In this case, moving a band size up can mean a slimming silhouette!  The band should be parallel to the floor and sit below the shoulder blades for optimal support.

Diane recalls  a client who had never been measured and  came in wearing an old bra. “The bra was so old, it gave her a sagging look,” she says.  “Once I got her fitted, you could see the clear definition in her shape.”  It’s a story that Diane can tell many times over.

Here are some tips from Diane on what styles can work best for different body types and needs.

Let’s say you want a smoother appearance from the back and the front. Soma has a special Vanishing Back style.  “It’s all about troubleshooting,” says Diane.  “If you’re concerned about bulges on your back, this bra is the one for you.”

Vanishing Back Style

Diane explains that the band is wider and the material itself is thicker on this supportive bra.

A smoother look

A push up bra is an instant solution for smaller busted women seeking a larger bust size. Take the Ravishing Push Up. Its demi cup style not only adds lift, but it also creates the appearance of more cleavage.  Some push up bras will even boost your cup size.

Adds Lift and Enhances Cleavage

If you want full coverage, check out the Allura Collection. The Allura bras are good for all body types and perform well under tee-shirts.

Allura Animal Lace Bra for Full Coverage

Do you want to minimize?  You’ll find lots of solutions that create illusions of a smaller bust. According to Soma, you can go down by up to 3” in cup sizes C-DDD. Some bras minimize more than others.

The Lace Susana Bra takes away up to 3”

The Verona Bra can minimize up to 2”

With summer coming, you need a go-to strapless bra.  With the Multi Way Allura bra, you can go strapless or use the straps in a criss-cross or regular style.

Bra of Many Hats!

A Closer Look at the Multi Way        Allura Bra

There are even more styles available at Soma. No matter what you choose, Diane encourages her clients not to get stuck on a given size.

Plus, be sure to check out the sleepwear, loungewear and summer dresses!
 
*Please note that that the tips in this post are from Diane and do not represent the opinion of Soma Intimates.
This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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Self-Tanners & Sun Protection at Sephora!

25 May

Looking for that bronzy summer glow? 

 

A quick solution: The Kate Somerville self-tanning face pads give “an incredible sunkissed look in just one step.”

Sephora (Level 2) has many self-tanning solutions along with an arsenal of products to help limit the impact of sun exposure.  More on the protection side in a moment.
 
No matter what self-tanning product you choose, there are some important steps to take to get the best results possible.  Sephora assistant manager, Rachel Gonzalez, tells me the first step is to always exfoliate.  The Alpha Beta Glow Pads by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare have exfoliating properties.
 

This tanner by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare also exfoliates!

Rachel says the most common complaint about self-tanners is that they are streaky.   “The streaks show texture differences in your skin so the easiest way to fix that is exfoliate,” she explains.  If your product doesn’t have an exfoliator in it, you want to be sure to take this step.
 
When applying a self-tanner, Rachel recommends using the washable St. Tropez application mit. This helps achieve a smooth application and leaves your hands clean.

Many self-tanning options

 
Another key to a lasting self-tan is keeping your skin hydrated. “A simple body lotion will keep your skin hydrated and keep your tan looking fresh,” reports Rachel. For daytime, she suggests a lotion with SPF.  ”You need an SPF because a self-tan does not count as a base tan and will not protect you from the sun. You can burn your skin under a self-tan.”
 
Sephora carries a wide range of sunscreen products to help you protect your skin.  It’s what you do with the products that will make the biggest impact. Your application strategy is key.
 

Ask an associate about what sun protection products will meet your needs.  Sephora carries many choices including lotions, creams and powders.

Sephora skincare consultant Vanessa Pike suggests applying sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours after that.  Even if the product is labeled as being water resistant or water proof, she says you need to always reapply when you get out of the water.

When selecting a sunscreen, look for a PA+++  rating. That means the product protects against UVA and UVB.  Vanessa explains that the UVA helps with aging and UVB  helps prevent burning.

In addition to suncreens for your body and face, Sephora carries hand creams with SPF, which can help protect your hands from the rays that hit you even when you are driving.  There are also SPF lip balms and glosses formulated for the delicate skin on our lips. Don’t forget your hair. The sun fades color. There are products that have UV protection for hair color.

Something else to remember: Let’s say you layer a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and a foundation with SPF 30. Vanessa says the result is NOT SPF 45. The protection still equals 30.

Want to learn more about summer skin care and self-tanning?  Sephora is hosting a Haute Summer event on 6/3 from noon until 5 pm. The event will feature makeup artists from Laura Mericer, Too Faced and Nars.
 
This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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GURU Style Star: Tanya McCluskey!

24 May

Meet this week’s GURU Style Star….

Tanya McCluskey’s hot pink and white graphic print sundress caught my attention as I was buzzing around the mall the other day. I live in dresses during the warmer months. There is nothing easier than throwing on one piece and being good to go.

This Sparrows Point mom of three topped her dress with a shrug from Nordstrom Rack and finished her outfit with cute t-strap braided sandals, another Nordstrom Rack find.

Tanya even gave me a lesson on how she styled her hair. She took two sections of hair, twisted them around to the back of her head, gave the twisted portion a lift up and sealed it with a barrette.  I’m planning to attempt this look today!

Luckily, Tanya’s youngest daughter, Faith, didn’t mind me stealing mom’s attention for a few minutes to ask her about her style.

Tanya, what’s your secret for looking great when you don’t have much time and have to get out the door?

Describe your style… 
Easy, whatever I can get away with — with no ironing. Sundresses are the best.
If I gave you $1500 to spend on anything at the mall, what would you buy?  
I would want to buy a maxi dress that ties around the neck. I would want a pair of Joe’s Jeans.  I’d say a Kate Spade bag. Skinny jeans with a tunic top with a great pair of strappy sandals.
What is your favorite store at the mall and why? 
I like Nordstrom because you can get everything there. They have the Rack where you can get good deals. It is one stop shopping.  

If you could dress like any celebrity, who would you pick and why? 

Gwyneth Paltrow. She just looks so elegant and classic all of the time.
 

Here is a look back at all of the GURU Style Stars!

MAY

5/17 Kate!

5/10 Rasmita Subedi

5/3  Carrie

APRIL 2012

4/26  Melissa Lazarofsky

4/19 Julie Bruce

4/12 Kate

4/5  Naomy Ramos

MARCH 2012

3/29 Tina and Crystal Tringali

3/22 Lexi

3/15  Kimberly Brown

3/8  Nadine Nerrette

3/1   Dawn Richardson

FEBRUARY 2012

2/23  Alissa Mandanici

2/16  Six Little Girls

2/9   Abigail Eder

2/2   Lindsey Barnaba

JANUARY 2012

1/26  Michael Poole

1/19  Laquita Carrington

1/12  Lindsay Lopez

1/5    Sisters, Ryleigh and Ashley

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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Protect your Eyes in Style at Sunglass Hut

23 May

When it comes to protecting your eyes in style, this season has you covered like never before!

“It’s pretty wild in the world of sunglasses right now. Now it’s easy for everyone to express their personal style,” finds Becky Rifkin, a Sunglass Hut manager. She says there are multiple on-trend styles with an emphasis on oversized cat eyes, ’80s looks and bright colors!

No matter what style of shades you select at Sunglass Hut (Levels 3 & 4), every pair has 100% UVA and UVB protection. That’s what prevents burning and slows aging of the eyes.

If you’re spending time this summer by the water, Becky suggests going for a polarized pair as a defense against the glare that comes off the water.  A polarized lens has an extra filter that eliminates polarized glare. She reports that this glare is three times harder on the eyes.

Here are five fashionable picks, including some polarized choices!

1.  This oversize cat eye style by Versace ($220) exudes a Hollywood glamour feel. This Versace pair is exclusive to Sunglass Hut and comes in multiple colors.

Old Hollywood Glamour Versace Style

2.  Now for a retro style — The Ray Ban Meteor ($194.95) can be for him or her. This is the polarized version.

Let’s go Retro

3.  The classic Oakley Frogskin style ($100-$140) has just been re-released in lots of colors including kelly green, purple, black, white, and more.

Be Bold with Color!

4.  Check out the Ray Ban Folding Aviator ($195 and up), another Sunglass Hut exclusive. Scroll down to see how small they fold up.  This unisex style, seen here in a non-polarized version is also available polarized.

The Classic Aviator

Folds Up Fast

5. Now for another glam look — This Tiffany & Co. oversized cat eye pair is neutral with a twist. The frames have a subtle shade of blue mixed in with the black.

Classic Tiffany & Co.

So, which pair would you pick?  I can’t decide between the Tiffany & Co. pair and the Versace ones.

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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GURU’s Top Tips to Looking GREAT in a Swimsuit!

22 May

With so many of us heading to the beach for Memorial Day weekend, everyone will be looking for a new swimsuit!  But how can we get the ideal swimsuit for our body type?

I can help!

Here are my TOP 10 ways to find the perfect swimsuit this season, just in time for beach season! All of the styles below are featured at Macy’s, but styles and selection may vary so check the store for pricing and availability.  Also, be sure to talk to a sales executive.  They’re a wealth of knowledge and always have great advice.

  1. 50′s-style panel swimsuits have a very slimming effect and are VERY in right now. But if you’re short, don’t choose a low-cut leg brief as this can make you appear dumpy. Many styles have low-legs, so make sure they curve up at the front to lengthen those gams! Retro-inspired styles are perfect for fuller busts too as they provide lots of support.

    A tropical floral print makes a stylish statement on this Swim Solutions retro-inspired 50′s style one piece swimsuit. Allover ruching and tummy control streamline the silhouette!

  2. Underwired tops and halter-necks and those which are molded are particularly good for busty figures, but make sure the straps are sturdy enough — thin, spaghetti-style straps just make your chest look even bulkier. Beware of bandeau-styles which can make you look top-heavy.

    A tropical floral print makes a stylish statement on this Swim Solutions retro-inspired one piece swimsuit. Allover ruching and tummy control streamline the silhouette!

  3. Small-busted women should go for a style which has a lot of detailing around the bust. There are plenty of embellishments to choose from this season, from oversized ruffle to super sized bows. You are one of the enviable few that can get away with wearing small prints and look great in a triangle-top bikini.

    Make a splash at the beach or pool with this ruffled Kenneth Cole Reaction swimsuit in a fresh silhouette for standout style!

  4. Women who are long in the torso need to find a style which is elongated enough in the body not to appear too tight and short, and therefore has a widening effect.

    Get spotted with DKNY’s one piece swimsuit, finished by a dot print and flattering shirring.

  5. Boy shorts are great for giving definition to a boyish shape and look GREAT on an hour-glass figure, but avoid if you carry weight around the hips and waist.

    Kenneth Cole Reaction Swimsuit, Halter Printed Ruffled Bikini Top & Adjustable Mesh Overlay Printed Bottom.

  6. Dark colors will flatter a more ample frame as they have a slimming effect, but lighter colors tend to show up every lump and bump. Baby pinks, pastel blues and yellows are okay if you are on the right side of 30, but you may wish to go for darker colors as you age, and nothing looks chicer (and more slimming) than a little black number, especially with a tan.

    All strapped in: MICHAEL Michael Kors’ swimsuit features a sexy, strappy back that’s sure to turn heads!

  7. Do some color blocking!  It’s one of the season’s hottest fashion styles, so use it to your advantage! Mismatched bikinis can have a camouflaging effect. Wear a single block color on the half you want to disguise, and a print or pattern on the other. These are also great if your body might be proportioned differently. Then you can buy a bikini top and bottom of different sizes.

    A.B.S. Swimsuit, Mix & Match Bikini Tops & Bottoms!

  8. When it comes to patterns and prints, go for a less fussy, medium-sized print or strong swirling ones to achieve a silhouette effect. They can hide all kinds of figure faults. BUT BEWARE: Big floral patterns can sometimes have the effect of enlarging your frame and small busy prints can be aging, so choose what is right for you. Sometimes, a well chosen, clever print can be more camouflaging than a single-block color!

    Tommy Hilfiger Swimsuit, Halter Tie Front Floral Print Bikini Top & Belted Brief Bottom

  9. Vertical strips and diagonal ones create a great slimming effect.  But avoid horizontal stripes like the plague, unless you’re very slim… or you want to widen your figure!

    A Macy’s exclusive, graphic diagonal stripes lend a slimming shape to DKNY’s one-shoulder swimsuit — perfect for seaside-chic!

  10. Cover up the dreaded muffin top with high-waisted briefs or a slimming, dark toned one-piece.

    Bleu by Rod Beattie Sweetheart Hardware Bandeau Bikini Top & High Waist Hardware Brief Bottom.

Let me know how I can help or if you have ANY questions.  It’s all about feeling confident and comfortable this summer.  I would also love to hear any of your tips or swimwear “victories”.

And above all else: USE SUNBLOCK!

 
This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211
 

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Make a Splash with The Children’s Place Swimwear!

21 May

Looking for swimsuits for the kids? Wait until you see all the colors and designs this season at The Children’s Place (Level 3)!

You’ll find dots, ruffles, florals, stripes and more for the girls and no shortage of pattern play for the boys!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

See store for availability and pricing.

The Children’s Place is one of my favorite go-to stores for my kids’ swimsuits and clothing!

Be sure to sign up to get emails from The Children’s Place at the register. You’ll get great coupons!

Did you catch my post spotlighting Everything But Water. Here is a link.

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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Spotlight on Everything But Water!

21 May

Everything But Water (Level 2) makes it easy to dive right in to swimsuit shopping. Many of the designs come in multiple styles so you can create a look customized to what flatters your body!

Take this watercolor floral bikini from the Sweet but Wild Collection by Becca. The top also comes in a tankini style along with three other bikini top styles.  There are also multiple bottoms and a coordinating cover up with butterfly sleeves.

From the “Sweet but Wild” Collection

“Sweet But Wild” Cover Up

You can’t go wrong with a slimming, solid black suit. This one is by Robin Piccone. I love this tankini top. You can pop in a fun color with a necklace and a patterned Pareo.  Everything But Water has Pareos in many eye-catching patterns. Click  here for a video on how to wear them!

Nothing Basic about this Black Two Piece

Hand Screened Graphic PareoPareo Style!

Love this head turner from La Blanca! The “Feel the Pleat” top has a removable halter strap and can transform into a bandeau style.

“Feel the Pleat” Bikini

Here’s another fun and flirty floral pattern. This one is by Betsey Johnson.

Dayglo Mesh Floral

Before I sign off, you have to see the Deux Lux for Everything But Water sparkly totes and makeup case.

The “Weekender”

Striped Sequin Tote

Makeup Bag

What is your favorite look featured in this post? Let me know. As always if you have any shopping questions, just ask! I’m here to help.

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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See my Preakness Fashion segment from WBAL-TV and get last minute ideas!

18 May

Looking for a last minute dress to wear to Preakness or to a Preakness party?

I featured three fab frocks from around the mall recently on WBAL-TV. Just click play to see the segment.

 Here is another look at the outfits I featured.

Preakness Fashions

Samantha’s single shoulder, black and white dress is from White House Black Market.  The blue flower pin, cobalt clutch, shoes and jewelry are also from White House Black Market.  The hat is from Macy’s.

Danyette’s colorblocked dress with a cascaded, pleated hemline is from BCBGMAXAZRIA.  The clutch, cuff and shoes are from BCBGMAXAZRIA as well.  I’m also wearing a dress and belt from BCBGMAXAZRIA.

 Elizabeth is wearing a bold floral dress from Macy’s by Guess!  We added an extra pop of color with her hat, also from Macy’s.

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

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