IN THE BAG: MOISTURIZERS
Somehow, out of nowhere, it became December in New York and with the New Year comes colder days and dryer air. The indoor heating of my little apartment strips moisture from the air — and my skin, leaving it dry and red. With winter comes snow, proven to reflect sunlight causing my skin to sunburn, become dry and damaged over time without the correct hydration and protection. Over time the exposure to these harsh conditions adds up. So to prevent dry, cracked skin for a fresh makeup application in return — keep in mind, that well moisturized skin is best for that celebrity flawless finish. Here are 5 moisturizers that are currently working in my kit right for these harsh winter conditions ahead! :)
HEAL GEL
Created to aid the repair of post-operative scarring to soothe, repair and protect skin. It is highly moisturizing but it’s light, non-greasy gel consistency is suited for all skin types. It provides a perfect primer for all my dry skin make-up applications and you only need to use it sparingly.
EMBRYOLISSE BAUME SECOURS
Before BB creams (beauty balms) there was, and still is a balm in the Embroylisse Moisturizing Line that helps me when a client skin is “extremely dry”. I use this as spot treatment, a little goes a long way on dry patching on the on the skin. Looove this stuff!!
LA ROCHE-POSAY REDERMIC FIRMING MOISTERIZING FILLER
This face cream contains pure vitamin C that is great for my more mature clients. Excellent as a makeup base because of its lightweight, non-greasy consistency.
EPICUREN BRAZILIAN PROPOLIS LOTION
A body moisturizer that helps build immunity and resistance toward infections, ulcers, viruses, stress, burns, fungi and other harmful agents and is primarily for the body and is an excellent every-day after-bath or shower moisturizer.
CIRCADIA LIGHT DAY CREAM SPF 15
A excellent everyday moisturizer for those who like a light, velvety textured lotion that is hydrating, brightening and protective. My sister is an esthetician and swears by this stuff!
★ What are some of your favorite moisturizers -or- balms this season? ★
FRESH, VIBRANT, ROMANTIC
instagram: @emarzmakeup
No matter the season, I live for vibrant colors! Just looking at the beautiful different blends of pink bridemaids dresses makes me smile. What I loved about my brides choice in dressing her bridesmaids is that she was not afraid to mix and match styles and colors – and she did them so well.
Photography: Casey Mackenzie Photography
Makeup: Erin Marzilli
IN THE BAG: SMOKEY EYE 101
Meet my dear friend and fellow Makeup Artist – Veronica Nunes! I met Veronica in college and we immediately connected on all things beauty and business and the rest is history. We love makeup and we certaintly let the beauty we love – be what we do ♥
A common question I frequently get asked is “How do you do the ‘smokey eye’ look?” My common question back is “Define smokey eye.” The “smokey eye” look can be dressed up or down- intense or casual. There isn’t really a standard smokey eye look out there. Everyone has his or her own interpretation on how to nail the look- and it all seems complicated, but I promise you, it’s easier than you think. It may look like you put a ton of time and effort nailing those sexy eyes, but really, all you took was around 5-10 minutes and voilà- HELLO gorgeous.
TOOLS:
Rich Caviar Eye Palette / Shiseido Eyelash Curler / Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer / ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Lengthening Mascara
First and foremost, I went with a great palette, the Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Palette. The colors work on almost any eye color and there are many options with this palette. You can use simply two colors or even all six to create a great look. For this look, we’ll be using 5/6 colors for a dramatic smokey eye. I have labeled the colors I have used 1,2,3,4 (in no particular order).
1. First I moisturized and primed my lid with Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. It is very important to use eye primer before applying the shadows for your Smokey eye. The primer prevents the shadow from creasing, fading and flaking.
2. Apply color number 4 all over the lid. Do not go past your crease or beyond the end of your eyebrow.
3. Take a round dome brush and apply number 3 in your crease. Do not go beyond the end of your eyebrow and past your iris.
4. Blend in small circles upward.
5. TRICK Take a tissue, wrap it around your pointer finger and angle it at the edge of your eye to the end of your eyebrow. Wipe upward toward the end of the eyebrow/temple. You have yourself a fabulous shadow-cat eye!
6. Apply number 2 in the top and bottom inner corner of your eye- this will make you look wide-awake!
7. Line your waterline with a waterproof black eyeliner. The waterline is the lower rim if your eye. If you have sensitive eyes, make sure to use a pencil with a creamy formula, such as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil. You can apply this twice, depending on the intensity you desire.
8. Apply color 5 to the middle of the eyelid. This color is an intense olive color that has glitter. I also applied this color to the outer corner of my bottom lashline.
9. I personally can’t walk out the door with liquid eyeliner on and this adds a bit of glamour to a smokey eye look. You can also just apply a black liner to the top of your eyelid. Start lining as close to the lash line as possible, then go back and apply a heavier line, continuing to follow your natural eye shape. I start slim toward the inner corner then go heavier toward the outer edge of my eye. Then I flicked out the end of the liner to create a cat eye.
10. Curl your lashes.
11. Apply 2-3 coats of mascara. Wait 30 seconds between coats to avoid clumping.
And you are done beautiful! Remember to keep practicing and don’t give up! Achieving a smoky eye isn’t as hard as you think!
MEET JONA
Like many recent college graduates, I graduated with a strict budget in order to be able to afford paying back my loans. I quickly learned that eating well could be expensive and I made it a personal challenge to eat as healthy and local as possible, without breaking the bank. This is when healthy foods and beauty found me. I discovered that if I added a variety of ingredients fresh from the earth’s soil in my daily diet, then I wouldn’t have to spend a fortune keeping my skin clear. A great face wash and moisturizer paired with good food gives me that healthy glow, from the inside out.
Drink a ton of water. Take your weight and divide it into two. Convert that number into ounces and that’s how many ounces you should be drinking each day. Add a squirt of fresh lemon to each glass for a little variety, especially if you’re use to drinking flavored drinks throughout the day.
Eat what’s in season. Every season brings new variety to one’s diet. Choose local famers to reduce the carbon footprint and fully enjoy what is the freshest.
Eat a lot of color. The more color, the more nutrients. I personally love to try and get all colors of the rainbow on my plate, emphasizing on shades of green. It can be difficult in the cooler months to get all the vibrant reds and oranges, but root vegetables come to the rescue. Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and radishes are all great veggies that keep the skin clear during harsh conditions.
Sushi can be a year-round healthy meal adapted to what’s in season. Making sushi may seem overwhelming but trust me, it’s simple and any mistakes that are made will be delicious!
Makes enough for 3-4 rolls
INGREDIENTS.
1 cup quinoa (white, black, red, or a combo)
2 cups water
*Autumn vegetables – use anything you like and that is in season.
*Sesame seeds – roast them in a dry pan until they smell fragrant.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Rinse your quinoa to ensure that the finished product won’t be bitter in taste.
2. Boil your water and add the quinoa. Like rice, do not stir! Cook for 15-20 minutes until the water has been absorbed.
3. When the quinoa has cooked, transfer it to a large bowl to halt the cooking process and cool it down. When it is no longer piping hot, you can add 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp. water, 1 tsp. honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir and taste for seasoning. Let the quinoa cool completely.
4. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare all the filling ingredients. Blanch or bake the vegetables you want cooked and cut everything into long strips for ease of rolling.
TO ROLL THE SUSHI:
1. Place a sushi mat down on a clean cutting board with the slats running horizontally. Place a nori sheet, shiny-side down on the mat. Spread a thin layer of quinoa evenly over the nori sheet, leaving about half an inch border along the edge furthest from you. Arrange the fillings across the center of the quinoa. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
2. Use your thumbs and forefingers to pick up the edge of the mat closest to you. Use your other fingers to hold the filling while rolling the mat over to enclose. Gently pull the mat as you go to create a firm roll.
3. Continue rolling until all the quinoa is covered with the nori and you have a neat roll. Shape your hands around the mat to gently tighten the roll. Use a wet sharp knife to cut into pieces. Arrange sushi on a serving platter and serve with soy sauce and fresh pickled ginger if you’d like.
Please check out Jona’s blog here
