Beauty Secrets From Real (Cool!) Girls
We're big believers in the art of experimentation: Spot a look that catches your eye? Give it a whirl! Don't think you can pull it off? We beg to differ. And we're not just talking fashion: Switching up your hairstyle, nails, or makeup is truly one of the easiest quick-change options out there. But gleaning a little insider, how-to candy always helps make a style swap more manageable. Plus, we find it just as compelling when non-experts share their picks, too—because real life endorsements go a long way. So, we tracked down three lovely ladies—who consistently look amazing—to take us on a spin through their beauty routines and all the products and magic goodies that get the most mileage. From skincare to makeup to hair, this trio reveal some extra cool, beauty building-blocks that everyone can get in on.
Bliss Lau, 30, Designer
Where do you get your beauty inspirations?
"For nails, it depends on what I've seen the week of my appointment. In January, I came home from Hawaii and was inspired by Polynesian tattoos. I read 'The Polynesian Tattoo' by Patricia Allen and found it so interesting that each tattoo tells a family history forever imprinted on the skin. So, I decided to do a temporary version on my nails for a month with calgel. Some of my other recent inspirations are color-blocking and linear shapes."
When did you start wearing your signature braids and why?
"I think it's been a couple of years now; I've fallen in love with the braid! At first, I didn't know how to braid, but I decided to learn, so the beginning was not so fashionable. Then, I decided I would try something different each day. I love experimenting with how the shapes I create with my hair affect my face, and it's interesting how many connotations there are to even just parting it down the middle versus on the side."
What products do you use to help achieve your look?
"Since the water is so hard in New York, I use Bed Head leave-in conditioner everyday and Ted Gibson hairspray in the morning—just a touch. In terms of skincare, Tata Harper's line has changed everything for me. I have an oil allergy and had such a hard time finding something that didn't make me break out. I use the whole gamut—cleanser, floral essence, replenishing nutrient, eye cream. I love that Tata has her own farm where she grows the ingredients; it makes me trust her and the product so much more."
What's your favorite quick-fix trick?
"Ted Gibson Hair Sheets. I ride my bike everywhere, so my hair goes to shit by the end of the day. This little sheet puts it back into place and solves my fuzzy, little Asian flyaways."
Name one of your secret weapons:
"I started using Carmindy's Sally Hansen natural spray-on foundation. I like it in the summer because it magically lasts all day, but is so light on the skin you don't feel it. And, to transition from winter to spring, I switch to all neutral makeup: I stop wearing color on my face and start wearing it in my clothing instead."
What's one of your favorite places to shop for products?
"I go somewhere for a specific product, not the other way around. But when it comes to fragrance, I think some of the most amazing boutique fragrances don't advertise and are hard to find. MiN is by far my favorite. I love how they respect the scents and follow a certain tradition of experiencing each one individually. The process at MiN is on par with a tea ceremony."
What do you think your look will be when you're 70?
"I hope to become extremely eccentric."
What's something you'd never try?
"Pink nail polish. No, no, no."
What's your position on plastic surgery? Yay or nay?
"It's hard to say. Can you come back and ask me when I'm 50?"
What colors are you excited to incorporate into your nail art this summer?
"Flesh tones, transparency, color blocking, and layered tones."
Bliss Lau, 30, Designer
Where do you get your beauty inspirations?
"For nails, it depends on what I've seen the week of my appointment. In January, I came home from Hawaii and was inspired by Polynesian tattoos. I read 'The Polynesian Tattoo' by Patricia Allen and found it so interesting that each tattoo tells a family history forever imprinted on the skin. So, I decided to do a temporary version on my nails for a month with calgel. Some of my other recent inspirations are color-blocking and linear shapes."
When did you start wearing your signature braids and why?
"I think it's been a couple of years now; I've fallen in love with the braid! At first, I didn't know how to braid, but I decided to learn, so the beginning was not so fashionable. Then, I decided I would try something different each day. I love experimenting with how the shapes I create with my hair affect my face, and it's interesting how many connotations there are to even just parting it down the middle versus on the side."
What products do you use to help achieve your look?
"Since the water is so hard in New York, I use Bed Head leave-in conditioner everyday and Ted Gibson hairspray in the morning—just a touch. In terms of skincare, Tata Harper's line has changed everything for me. I have an oil allergy and had such a hard time finding something that didn't make me break out. I use the whole gamut—cleanser, floral essence, replenishing nutrient, eye cream. I love that Tata has her own farm where she grows the ingredients; it makes me trust her and the product so much more."
What's your favorite quick-fix trick?
"Ted Gibson Hair Sheets. I ride my bike everywhere, so my hair goes to shit by the end of the day. This little sheet puts it back into place and solves my fuzzy, little Asian flyaways."
Name one of your secret weapons:
"I started using Carmindy's Sally Hansen natural spray-on foundation. I like it in the summer because it magically lasts all day, but is so light on the skin you don't feel it. And, to transition from winter to spring, I switch to all neutral makeup: I stop wearing color on my face and start wearing it in my clothing instead."
What's one of your favorite places to shop for products?
"I go somewhere for a specific product, not the other way around. But when it comes to fragrance, I think some of the most amazing boutique fragrances don't advertise and are hard to find. MiN is by far my favorite. I love how they respect the scents and follow a certain tradition of experiencing each one individually. The process at MiN is on par with a tea ceremony."
What do you think your look will be when you're 70?
"I hope to become extremely eccentric."
What's something you'd never try?
"Pink nail polish. No, no, no."
What's your position on plastic surgery? Yay or nay?
"It's hard to say. Can you come back and ask me when I'm 50?"
What colors are you excited to incorporate into your nail art this summer?
"Flesh tones, transparency, color blocking, and layered tones."
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