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You Are What You Eat

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Flickr user .craig

Here is some food for thought: what you put into your body is just as important for your skin as what you put on it. The foods you eat directly affect your outward appearance, primarily on your skin. While the beauty industry is constantly evolving and progressing with scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, spending hundreds of dollars on the newest revolutionary product might not be the only solution.  Although proper cleansers and creams are vital, achieving gorgeous glowing skin can be as simple as assessing your diet and adding food for healthy skin. The next time you are tempted to hit the beauty aisle, perhaps you should consider the food section first because beauty really does come from within!

What to consume for healthy-looking skin:

  1. Whole grains- Not only do these healthy starches help whittle your waistline—they can also help prevent acne. Unhealthy carbs, such as potato chips and cookies, affect hormone levels and cause the body to produce excess oil, which clogs the pores. Next time you’re craving carbs, put down the Pringles and pick up some popcorn. The fiber will not only fill you up but regulate your insulin, which keeps your hormones and oil production in check.
  2. Water- There are countless benefits of drinking water. Water is crucial to proper skin hydration. Plus, it carries nutrients to cells, aids in flushing out toxins, and helps your body sweat more efficiently. It sounds gross, I know, but sweat is a natural cleansing mechanism that brightens the complexion and keeps skin looking fresh.

    Flickr user Pink Sherbet Photography

  3. Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries and Plums- These four super fruits contain some of the best antioxidants out there. The benefits of antioxidants are vast, and can play a role in everything from preventing heart disease to boosting the immune system. Lucky for us, these delicious fruits also play a major role in anti-aging. They protect the skin cells from free radical damage.
  4. Green Tea- Another reason to go green! Green tea benefits include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, packing a 1-2 punch for beautiful skin. Studies suggest that green tea, which protects the cell membrane, can reduce the risk of UV damage and thus minimize the risk of skin cancer. Also, the polyphenols found in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for people trying to prevent and reduce acne.
  5. Turkey- Roasted or smoked turkey has a high concentration of zinc, which helps maintain the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Zinc also helps regulate sebum production, putting a stop to shine and helping to prevent pimples. Other foods for healthy skin that contain zinc: chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, baked beans and beef.
  6. Salmon- Get soft, supple skin by adding salmon to your diet.  It’s rich in omega3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy cell membranes—they hold in moisture and help keep skin plump and youthful. Omega3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease clogged pores.

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End of Summer Skin Care

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

By Jenna

It’s here, the end of summer. Woe is me because of the damage I’ve done to my skin. I’ve fried my skin in the sun, swam in chlorine and been in the dry heat of southern California. These past few months have been too hot to handle for my skin and it’s about that time for the end of summer skin care regimen. Because of the damage caused, necessary changes need to be made to keep your skin in tip top shape. After you’re done with the post summer skin care steps, you can say sayonara to ravaged skin.

Step One – Detox and Hydrate

The heat, the chlorine, and the alcohol can take a huge toll on your body and reflect on your skin. As previously discussed, your skin is the window into what’s going on with your body internally. If you have dry skin, moisturize and drink more water. You’ll see a considerable improvement in your skin. To get the toxins of your hard working and partying summer days, a body detox is highly recommended. Take a week off of drinking (at least) and switch to a very healthy diet. These steps alone will help your body refresh tremendously. If you have your own detox diet to follow, go ahead and use it. Getting all of the bad out will prepare you for the new. During and after detoxing, be sure to hydrate yourself. This is the most important step! Drink plenty of water, if you have trouble with drinking 8-10 glasses a day, find ways to help out the process.  A contest with a peer or sending off alerts every few hours helps, so don’t ignore the signs. Your body and your skin are thirsty, don’t deprive them.

Source: Flickr user Savor_soaps

Step Two – Exfoliate and Moisturize

Slough off those dead skin cells! Your entire body has a buildup from sunning, the outdoors and other elements. It needs a good exfoliation to help your cell turnover. It’s easily done in the shower at least once or twice a week. Diana B’s Sugar Scrub is yummy to smell and is a gentle yet effective body exfoliant. Once those dead skin cells are off and not clogging pores, you can nourish with a great skin moisturizer to unveil gorgeous skin underneath. Not only does your body need to rehydrate on the inside—it needs to be nourished on the outside as well. Alligator skin anyone? Yeah, no thanks, my skin will be as soft as a baby’s… you know. :)

Step Three – Add an Anti-Aging Regimen and Sleep it Off

A good majority of you already use a serum or another type of anti aging product. It’s time to switch it up for a month or two. Add an anti aging moisturizer or anti aging cream specifically formulated as a night cream to your skin care regimen. Why? When you’re sleeping, your body is regenerating and working to heal and repair itself. It’s the perfect time to have an anti aging product work its best. The most important part on this step? Sleep. and Make it a point to get enough rest in the next few weeks. Make it at least 6-8 hours. That’s not asking a lot! You’ll be refreshed and revived waking up, guaranteed.

Step Four – Protect With an SPF

Just because summer is going away doesn’t mean the sun is. Always include an SPF moisturizer in your daily skin care regimen to keep yourself protected from the sun’s rays all day long. We’re taking the time to revitalize our skin, but the most important part is protecting it from future damage.

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Blow Dryer Blues- Is the price tag always worth it?

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

flickr user rainpie

I have been without a blow dryer for over three months. This statement might shock you, as it did most of my co-workers, but it’s true. My last blow dryer (not the best hair dryer in the world but a trusty $29.99 drugstore brand) had a good run but ultimately went up in flames. Literally, flames…mid blow dry. I’m just not sure why I went all of three months without purchasing a new one. It could have been laziness, cheapness, or a subliminal nostalgia for my youth, when I was a competitive swimmer and had perpetually wet hair. Whatever the reason, I lived by way of air drying and declared a strike against purchasing a new blow dryer. I would even go as far as making a trip to the gym before a big meeting or event, specifically to use their hair dryers. Weird, I know.

Last weekend, I finally buckled. I had 45 minutes to shower and get ready for a wedding, which meant no time for a quick gym/borrowed blow dryer visit. Facing defeat, I made a visit to the beauty supply store by my house, where I stood in shock, taken aback by the overwhelming variety of blow dryers, features and technology. There were dozens of blow dryers, all boasting breakthrough science and revolutionary patents—and not one of them resembled my previous $29.99 model in any way, least of all in price. In a fit of pure frustration, I selected the cheapest (a mere $119!) blow dryer on display, paid, and left.

Grudgingly, I admit that my hair felt so much better after drying it with my new, expensive (relatively speaking) blow dryer. I began to wonder: is there some actual merit behind all the patenting and revolutionary technology?  Luckily, I have a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips, thanks to my extremely beauty-savvy coworkers (after all, our company is called Intelligent Beauty). For this particular question, I quizzed Jac, our non-official hair care expert.  She informed me that while it isn’t always the price tag that determines the best blow dryers, there are certainly key terms, technological aspects and features to look for when purchasing a blow dryer.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Make sure your blow dryer is at least 1800 watts. This ensures adequate power to blow dry your hair. (Lower wattages = more time to dry, resulting in more heat damage to the hair.)
  • Ionic Technology is a fairly common phrase in the hair care world. It refers to a technology that generates negative ions that neutralize positive ions in the atmosphere. This process allows hair to dry faster, seals the cuticle, and reduces frizz, leaving hair smooth and shiny.
  • A ceramic hair dryer actually has a self-regulating system that senses if the dryer is getting too hot. The air flow is at the right temperature, and the coils are made out of ceramic as well.
  • Tourmaline blow dryers utilize a technology that speeds up the drying process by about 60%, which ultimately reduces damage caused by heat.
  • Another feature to look for in a good blow dryer: different temperature and speed settings, which allow you to adjust your preferences manually.

The moral of the story? There are several different options fitting for several different bank accounts.  The reigning king of the blow drying world is the T3 Featherweight Luxe, which actually nourishes the hair. For a more budget-friendly blow dryer, opt for something along the lines of the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Styler. Just make sure your blow dryer has at least one of the features listed above. It all comes down to amount of time spent drying—less time, less heat, the better the blow dryer!

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Mix it up with Fall 2010 Makeup Trends

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

By Jenna

If you live on the West Coast like I do, then you know: summer has gotten off to a bit of a late start this year. So, now that they’re finally here, how can we keep these warm nights alive? Easy! Enter Fall 2010 makeup trends. This autumn, it’s all about taking the vibrant colors of summer—and the styles that ruled fall fashion shows—and turning them into brand-new looks that are wearable day and night. Don’t go shelving your bronzer just yet—but do have fun finding out which fall makeup trend you like best!

Fall Makeup Trend # 1: Go Grunge

Source: Flickr User Mait Juriado

That’s right—put away the liquid liner. Sure, a classic cat eye is timeless, but smudging it up using pencil eyeliner with a handy angled sponge will infuse your look with a bit of the grunge trend that’s everywhere right now. Hint: the goal here is an I-just-slept-in-my-smoky eye makeup-all-night look. (If you really have, then you get extra points.) To achieve it, reach for an intensely pigmented shade of black, then use the sponge at the end of the pencil and smudge away to get a sexy, edgy must have beauty look.

Fall Makeup Trend # 2: Berry Lips

Lips that scream “very berry” are a definite must to stand out this season. The trick to mastering this fall makeup trend: Don’t shy away from color! Choose a plum, aubergine or berry- red lipstick shade for luscious lips, and try a matte finish if you’re in search of the perfect stained look. Pair this fall makeup trend with fresh, flawless skin and you’re sure to get noticed.

Fall Makeup Trend # 3: Warm it Up

Evocative of gorgeous summertime sunsets, makeup palettes that incorporate glimmering golds and bronzy oranges are here to stay. To harness the inspiration behind bright summer makeup and translate it into a fresh look for fall, look to shimmering bronze eye makeup. How? Use a gold or bronze shadow and line the bottoms of your eyes, or take it a step further by circling both upper and lower lids.

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Caring for your Eyes

Friday, August 13th, 2010

By Liz Franz

The thinnest-skinned part of your face, your under-eye area is often the first to show signs of aging. And these signs—puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and crow’s feet—can add years to your look faster than you can say “Old Maid.” Much like your blood pressure or your cholesterol, how youthful your under-eye region appears is in part a matter of genetics. The good news? By observing a few simple rules, you can mitigate, and even prevent these signs of aging.

Source: Flickr user me and the sysop

Rule # 1: Get a good night’s sleep!

It can’t be overstated: sleep is a core component to your overall beauty. When you sleep, your cells regenerate and repair themselves. When you cut your shuteye short, you compromise your beauty (not to mention your health!) by depriving your body from this essential process. What’s more, a lack of sleep can lead to an increase in cortisol, which further contributes to dark, unsightly circles.  Shoot for 7-8 hours each night—you’ll not only keep under-eye puffiness and discoloration at bay, but will feel better as well.

Rule # 2: Sleep tight, but sleep right

Are you sleeping without a pillow? Worse, are you crashing face-down on your pillow? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes” you could unknowingly be sabotaging your good looks. While an elevated head is necessary to achieve bona fide beauty sleep (nix the pillow and you run the risk of fluids settling in your face and under your eyes, causing inflammation and discoloration) lying on your stomach and scrunching one side of your face into the pillow is a surefire way to acquire more wrinkles and fine lines. Your best bet? Sleep lying on your back, keeping your face away from the pillow at all costs.

Rule # 3: Invest in a quality eye cream with key ingredients

Why eye cream? Why not the same moisturizer you use on the rest of your face? Well, it all comes down to science. Because the skin under your eyes is so different than the skin on, say, your cheeks, it calls for a product with a lighter molecular structure than what’s found in your typical facial cream. Those products will NOT absorb properly under your eyes—and they’ll cause irritation and inflammation to boot. Reach for a peptide-rich eye cream formula designed specifically for the eyes. Why peptides? As we age, our skin produces collagen at a slower pace, causing a loss of elasticity. Peptides help stimulate collagen production, in turn preserving the youthful suppleness we all strive to retain.

Rule #4: Don’t stress your adrenals!

As we mentioned earlier, dark eye circles can be hereditary. But they also can be chalked up to exhausted adrenal glands—and unlike our genetic makeup, this is an issue that’s well within our control! By limiting our intake of coffee, candy and soda—and anything else that contains refined sugar—we can alleviate adrenal stress. We hope you’re not a cigarette smoker for a variety of reasons, but if you are, be advised: cigarettes, too, will stress your adrenals (and sap your skin’s moisture, and speed the formation of wrinkles, and yellow your teeth!). On the other hand, eating foods containing organic sodium, like celery, kale, spinach, sea vegetables and Swiss chard and committing to an all-around healthy diet may help improve the appearance of your under-eye region over time.

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Fall 2010 Nail Trends

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

By Jenna

Hard to believe, but fall is right around the corner. We know nail polish is always a great accessory, and by now you’re no novice when it comes to putting it on. Summer’s bright colors were chic and attention-grabbing, but fall’s nail trends are all about taking a turn for the dark side with a twist of texture. (Plus, OPI’s Swiss Collection is here! You’ve been waiting all summer—I know I have!)

Your Guide To Fall 2010 Nail Trends

The vibe to go with this season when choosing your nail color? Definitely dark and provocative. Autumn’s nail polish trends include jewel tones, neutrals, chromes and even some brights. And the season’s glitter-infused multi-chromatic polishes will spark up your nails in a second. This nail trend is everywhere—in fact, Orly’s Fall 2010 Cosmic FX collection is dedicated to it, with each shade showcasing multiple colors and multi-dimensional levels. I also really like Zoya’s Edyta nail polish, from the line’s Wicked and Wonderful collection. This dramatic nail color is a mix of olive, gold, smoky grey and blue-green, all wrapped up with a sparkling metallic finish.

Source: Flickr user Andrew Starwarz

Jewel tones have been around before, but this season they’re getting a little deeper. To brighten up your week, try infusing your beauty routine with a saucy gem-inspired nail polish. These nail colors are not only fashion-forward, but will make for a smooth transition into fall if you’re still in a summer state of mind. OPI’s Swiss Collection for Fall 2010 offers brilliant jewel tones, of which my top picks are Ski Teal We Drop, From A to Z-urich, Cuckoo for this Color and William Tell Me About OPI.

Army neutrals, as well as peachy-toned beiges, are also hot this season—and they’re great choices if you’re looking for something a little more low-key than fall’s flashier nail polish trends. If uber-chic on the low is what you’re going for, greige is your go-to shade. Yup, greige! That’s a blend of grey and beige, a la Lady Gaga on the latest issue of Vanity Fair.

Finally, the must have nail color for fall 2010 is a deep, gorgeous plum. On the runways, it was seen frequently on nails and as a key makeup color trend. A satin-finish makes this shade perfect for any special occasion. Plus, it complements nearly any skin tone. For the perfect plum nail this fall, go glamorous with Yves Saint Laurent’s limited edition Belle De Nuit.

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Lessons from Lesley. Lesson 2- Seven Easy Steps to Smoky, Sultry Eyes

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Sultry, smoky, come-hither eyes is a look that has been in for decades and some of us (ok… probably just me) have been attempting to perfect it for almost as long. My first attempt at this dramatic eye makeup look resulted in a high school classmate inquiring as to whether I had a black eye. Never one to be easily deterred, I summoned some good old fashioned if-you-don’t-succeed-try-try-again attitude and attempted smoky eye makeup for the second time. This time, causing my younger sister to take me to the MAC makeup counter at the mall and receive a crash course in eye makeup application. My first piece

Smokey Eye Makeup Image by Flickr user dreamglow pumpkincat210

of advice from the makeup pro? Smoky eyes are never a good look for school, or just about any day time function for that matter! Point taken. Her other easy to follow eyeshadow techniques have served me well over the past ten years. However, since it has been a decade (depressing) I grudgingly admitted that it was time to add a few new tricks to my repertoire. Eagerly, Lesley, my outspoken and cosmetically inclined cubicle-mate, offered some Amy-proof eye makeup tips.

Eye shadow techniques for smoky eye makeup

  1. Prep your peepers. Apply a base or primer on the eyelids and brow bone, which will prevent the eye shadow from streaking. If you are in a bind and don’t have a primer, concealer will work too.
  2. Apply a base coat to your lid and brow bone using a light and shimmery color. The trick to creating the perfect smoky eye makeup is to use contrasting colors, so using a light base will help accentuate the darker shadows.
  3. Apply black, charcoal or brown eyeliner starting at the inner corner of your lash line and work outward. Don’t be afraid to go a little thicker on the eyeliner! Once you finish, smudge and blend the liner using a q-tip.
  4. Apply dark eyeshadow onto the lid by beginning at the lash line and extending into the crease of the eye.Remember, the darker the shadow, the greater the contrast and the more dramatic the look.
  5. Blend! The key to creating the perfect dramatic eye makeup effect is to seamlessly blend the colors together, using an allover eye shadow brush and blend upward and outward until there is no distinct line.
  6. The final touch for the perfect dramatic smoky-eye look is serious mascara. Swipe on several coats until your lashes are as long and lush as you like.
  7. Admire! You created gorgeous smoky eye makeup in less than 5 minutes!

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Beach Waves- The Chic Summer Hairstyle for Year Round

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Growing up on the beach in Florida, I spent my days racing back and forth from the sand and school (probably a little too much time in the sun and sand when I should have been in school, but that is neither here nor there).  Summer style was always in, bathing suit tops peeking out from under t-shirts, flip flops, board shorts and wet hair were all too common of a sight at my high school. Looking back at pictures, the au natural beach look was not so cute. However, luckily for the current students at my alma mater and fans of natural beauty everywhere, carefree wavy hair styles and tousled hair are in!

Blake's Perfect Beach Waves

Perfecting the California cool beach waves hair style is as easy as, well, a day at the beach! Trust me, if yours truly can pull this off, anyone can. If only I knew these quick hairstyle tips in high school…

The greatest part about this easy breezy summer hairstyle is that it can be achieved with either wet or dry hair! The most important ingredient is good hair texturizer that mimics the  look from the sun, sand and saltwater and spares your hair the damaging effects from the real thing. I recommend Krystal High Gloss Shine Spray by Kronos or Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.

If you are starting with wet hair, work the product through the hair and either towel dry or blow-dry with a diffuser.  It is best to only partially dry the hair and remember to not run your fingers through it too much; this can cause frizz and accidently remove the hair texturizer. When starting with dry hair, the process is even easier! Just spray the product on the roots and lightly over the hair for added volume and body. If your hair gets oily easily, apply a little dry shampoo first.

Depending on your hair type and texture, a little spray and scrunch might be all you need. If your hair loses volume easily or needs a little extra vavava-voom, there is an optional step two. Use a curling iron, either large or small barreled, to add a few loose waves. Choose sections of hair in varying sizes and alternate the directions of the curls. Once you have finished curling, bend over and shake your head to ensure that your curls create a tousled hair look, not styled, and perform a quick final spray with either your texturizer or a high gloss shine.

The result? A perfectly chic and total easy summer hairstyle that works year round.

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Lessons from Lesley. Lesson 1 – How to apply blush for everyday wear

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

How to apply blush. Flickr user Ritab38315

I’m somewhat of an anomaly within my company, career, and probably most women my age- I know close to nothing about beauty products! My lack of knowledge when it comes to primers, powder, plumpers, serums, sprays and just about anything makeup related has become increasingly evident since I began my current job at a high-end beauty company.  Prior to this job, my bathroom cabinet was constantly stocked with generic lotion, plain soap, one brand of makeup (same shades as in high school!) and whatever drugstore shampoo happened to be on sale that week. Now, I have a plethora of products at my finger tips and no idea what to do with them! As it turns out, I don’t even know how to apply blush properly. Lucky for me, I sit next to Lesley- a cosmetic genius, skin care guru and all-around whiz with a makeup brush. Also lucky for me, she isn’t shy about offering “constructive criticism.”

Lesson One- How to Apply Blush (without looking like the main attraction at a five year old’s birthday party)

I may not have a huge variety of colors and products in my bag, but my favorite cant-live-without item is blush and needless to say, I am slightly heavy handed in the application process. The other day, I received a new Colorescience Blush with a built in blush brush and was so eager to try it out that I applied it right at my desk. After swiping it across my cheekbones, I inspected myself in the mirror. I murmured an approving “mmhhmmm” and thought, “Not bad! Nice rosy color, what more could a girl want from a blush?” Once I looked up over the cubicle divider and saw Lesley’s face I knew that my assessment was slightly off.

After nicely explaining that I had essentially drawn pink racer stripes across my face, she took the time to impart her wisdom and explain the correct way to apply blush.

Step 1. Choosing the right blush -

“Your blush color should match your skin tone. Think about the color of your cheeks when you get out of the shower or after you finish exercising and try and find a blush that matches that shade,” explained Lesley. “Obviously, lighter pinks look better on fair skin and warmer colors look great on darker skin tones.”

Step 2. Best Type of Blush Brush

“There are so many different types of makeup brushes and a lot of people assume just about any cosmetic brush will work for applying blush. Not true! Using a proper blush brush will make all the difference. A real blush brush has long, soft bristle and is either slanted or rounded shape. You should use the slanted brush if you are contouring and the rounded brush is for more even and natural placement of the powder.”

Step 3. Blush Application

“Blush can make your skin look healthier and vibrant with a couple quick swipes, however there is a correct way to apply blush and make sure it looks natural. Your skin naturally flushes on the apples of your cheeks, so that is where the blush should be applied. Look in the mirror and smile, that will help you determine where to apply. After brushing the blush onto your cheeks, make sure that it is blended properly. The key is to enhance your facial features but make sure it looks natural.”

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Summer Makeup Palettes – Go Bold!

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

By Tasha Reiko Brown

Summer Color Palette - Bright Lips

Summer is here! As the days get brighter, so should your makeup palette.  Take a cue from the recent runways ….go bold.!  Choose a bold lip or bright eye — think shimmer, sheer textures and fun!

The key to a brighter palette for summer is knowing which colors to choose for your skin tone.  A good rule of thumb is the darker your skin tone, the brighter the colors you will be able to pull off.  Darker complexions can wear bright colors with ease without going overboard.   Think jewel tones, and for the adventurous, neons.  If you keep the texture sheer, the whole rainbow is yours to play with. Light to medium skin tones should try deep pastels to get their pop of color.  Keep in mind to only choose one feature to highlight.  Choose either bold lips or a bright eye but never both.

For lips, pick up pink and berry shades.  Save the nudes to balance your smoky eyes at the office holiday party.  CARGO lipstick in CeCe is a great summer berry shade.  Bonus points: the package is eco-friendly.  Skip matte textures and use satin or sheer lipsticks.  Glosses are always my number one pick for summer!  The shine makes lips look fresh and you can always find one with a lot of pigment to rival lipstick.  Check out Clearly Pretty from Tricia Sawyer Beauty. It looks like clear gloss in the tube, but turns your lips the perfect color for your own skin tone. For waterproofing at the beach, choose a lip and cheek stain.  You’ll get long lasting, easy-to-apply color.

For summer fun with eyes, choose either a bright shadow or an adventurous liner.  My favorites for summer are bright cream shadows.   Try a royal purple for darker skin tones and a bright lavender for medium skin tones.  Mascara is a must for all seasons but at the beach try a waterproof formula from your favorite brand.  Add ice cream, sand, and enjoy!

ABOUT TASHA REIKO BROWN:

Tasha is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist whose work can regularly be seen on the red carpet and on your favorite magazine covers. She is a member of the Beautyfix Panel of experts. Check out Tasha’s Portfolio here.

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