Holiday beauty tips from Philadelphia's style experts
The holidays are here and we all know what that means: our social calendar has kicked into gear.
The holidays are here and we all know what that means: our social calendar has kicked into gear. Everyone loves a good party, but it can be a challenge to get Instagram-ready after all of the cookie-baking, décor-hanging, and gift-buying that comes along with the holidays.
Dig that party invitation out of the trash, because your Philadelphia experts share their must-have beauty trends—from radiant hues to glamorous dos— guaranteeing you'll be ready to sparkle and celebrate this season!
MAKEUP
Celebrity makeup artist, Rodney Jon shares his expert advice on his classic approach to beauty. "This season's most memorable looks are very classy, sexy, and daring," he says. "And better yet— they're easy to achieve at home!"
Metallic Eyes are the #1 trend of the season. Be bold and mix metals by pairing silver and coppery shades for a more modern, mysterious look. Want to switch it up for a party the following night? Just grab your liner because the classic smoky and flirty cat eyes never go out of style.
Products to try:
Dark, dramatic lips are the statement of the season. Vibrant red and deep burgundy lips have been spotted all over the runways. Try the Cherry Red from the "DIVALICIOUS Lipstick Collection," which is pigmented, paraben-free and infused with essential oils and antioxidants. The bullet point tip on this lipstick enables precision necessary for a symmetrical application—vital with this impactful trend!
Product to try:
A fresh face is an integral part of winter beauty. It's imperative to keep your skin hydrated during the colder, winter months. Prep your skin with moisturizer and primer, then opt for a foundation with a natural finish. To warm up the skin and contour the face, apply bronzer to your cheekbones.
Products to try:
HAIR
'Tis the season to treat your tresses! "Whether its smooth and silky like Eva Longoria or messy like Kate Moss," Artur Kirsh, owner of Studio CL on 19th street in Rittenhouse Square reveals that "hair should be flexible to what you feel that day." We turn to him for his expert-approved opinion on what's hot for our hair for our holiday hoopla!
Cuts are very individual, however sexy layers are one of the most spellbinding and sought-after looks of 2013. Layers create movement and are easy to reproduce. Hair should be cut to fit your personality and accentuate features. Need hair inspiration? We're loving bangs or fringes like Zooey Decshenal, long to short, like Pamela Anderson's new pixie, or a longer bob like Natalie Portman— all very hot right now.
Now is the time to have color that shines! Our favorites are reds with strawberry blonde & dark brunettes with warm, chocolate highlights or cool shimmer. There is much love for natural blondes with painted highlights or light-honey blondes with cool, natural & sunkissed dimension.
Styles with loose, messy waves top our list! If its up; loose braids or fishtails. Buns are big this season; and can be worn loose and romantic or elegant and classy. (Reminder: To really turn heads— have the professionals style your hair prior to your party.)
SKINCARE
Is your hectic schedule leaving your skin craving some attention? Dr. Susan Hughes from The Hughes Center with locations in Cherry Hill, Center City, Glen Mills, and Bala Cynwyd comes to our rescue with some skincare saviors!
Micro-needling is what your skin is needing. With its recent improvements in technique and technology, micro-needling is the quick procedure that naturally stimulates collagen production to help you "get back your glow" before your New Year's Eve bash. The results are smoother, firmer-looking skin with little downtime.
Growth factors are the hottest craze in innovative skin care products, responsible for increasing the production of new cells, resulting in younger, healthier-looking skin. They can be found in multiple products and formulas developed for various skin types. Products containing growth factors are the perfect gift for your "beauty-obsessed buddy" or a well-deserved treat for yourself this holiday season.
Product to Try:
Neocutis Bio-Serum Intensive Treatment- Regularly priced $199, holiday special $159
NAILS
It's the perfect time to dress-up your digits! Nail fashion has become the must-have accessory to polish off your final party look. Snow Tran, owner of the Nail Lounge on 20th & Samson in Rittenhouse Square dishes on the up-to-date nail trends.
The right color is everything! From an array of matte shades to shiny lacquers, the hottest colors are dark with personality.
OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection: All I Want for Christmas- Marvelous Maroon
OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection: Sleigh Ride for Two- Dark Hot Chocolate
Shellac Forbidden Fall/Winter 2013: Blue Rapture
Shellac Forbidden Fall/Winter 2013: Dark Dahlia
The most popular shape: squoval! A hybrid of square and oval; this shape rounds off the edges of a square nail. Whether you're feeling naughty or nice, squoval nails are a classic on the style scene.
The party-nail says it all: you're here for a good time. Nail design is best not overdone. The ring fingers are a popular choice. From snowflakes to Santa suits, rocking your favorite signs of the holidays on your party nail will definitely show off your jovial spirit!
BODY
Ice your holiday look! Sure, diamonds are a great accessory to any outfit, however adding a little 'bling to your skin' is the final touch to holiday hotness! Susie Celek, (my business partner), at Skin Palette Airbrush Studio located at the Sporting Club at The Bellevue reveals that "Glowy Skin with some well-placed shimmer contours and adds dimension for an enhanced sense of tone and symmetry. Give yourself the gift of glow with a simple 2-step process that guarantees you'll attract attention."
Step 1. Warm it up with a neutral palette. An airbrush tan, not only covers up cellulite, veins, and skin tone imperfections, but it can also boost your luminosity by taking skin from drab to fab. Master Skin Palette Technicians custom blend formulas that allow you to chose the intensity of your color. I like to going a shade or two above my natural tone. Stop in for some holiday dazzle & like magic— skin is flawless for days.
Step 2: A dash of flash makes an "illuminator" the must-have product of 2013. Special occasions become show off situations, with this light-reflecting, sultry-skin secret that leaves skin irresistible. To give the illusion of longer legs create a straight line of shimmer from your shin all the way to thigh and blend out evenly. Also use to highlight cheekbones, cleavage and collar bones for a sexy touch.
Product to try: Benefit Cosmetics Watts Up! in Luminous Champagne $30