The Top 5 Most Luxurious Miami Facials...Plus One You Can DIY!
The heat is on. No, we aren't talking about our boys in black and red (though, they are quite hot these days, too), but literally, the Miami heat. The temps are really rising, bringing muggy days and steamy, steamy nights. Pores are clogged, T-zones shine, and your skin produces enough oil to make BP envious. Never has a facial been more appropriate, and we've got five super luxe treatments — tackling everything from hot temps to anti-aging properties — you've got to try ASAP.
And, if you are feeling particularly enterprising, we've got an added treat: A facial you can DIY in your house, on your own. Facial obsessive Annie Vazquez combined her favorite ingredients for a completely luxurious (and wallet-friendly) gift you can give yourself. Sorry ladies, you are officially out of excuses to put off self-pampering any further.
Click through to check out Miami's five best facials, plus one you can do on your own!
Photo: Courtesy of Bliss Spa
And, if you are feeling particularly enterprising, we've got an added treat: A facial you can DIY in your house, on your own. Facial obsessive Annie Vazquez combined her favorite ingredients for a completely luxurious (and wallet-friendly) gift you can give yourself. Sorry ladies, you are officially out of excuses to put off self-pampering any further.
Click through to check out Miami's five best facials, plus one you can do on your own!
Photo: Courtesy of Bliss Spa
All You Need To Know About Waterproof Mascara
We’ve all been there. You head to the ladies room after running around in the 90-degree heat and discover, to your horror, you now resemble the face of a late night LIV adventure. Except it’s only 3 p.m. Or worse: Your BFF is finally getting hitched to the man of her dreams and you are a big ole softie who quickly gets raccoon eyes as she walks down the aisle. How to solve this ongoing debacle? Waterproof mascara, of course!
While that seems like a no-brainer, the intricacies of the water-insoluble mascara world are actually quite complex. For instance, waterproof mascara is thicker than the regular stuff, wreaking more havoc on your lashes than water-y eyes do on your ego. So in the middle of wedding, allergy, and swim season we turned to the pros at Bal Harbor's Gee Beauty. Natalie, the expert makeup and skin care partner at one of our favorite shops, gave us the lowdown on waterproof mascara and healthy lashes, all from a convenient Miami perspective. Boat day? Pool party? Gym sesh? Psh, no problem. Get ready to look all sorts of smudge-free and beautiful.
Photographed by Nina Westervelt at Marc Jacobs fall 2012
While that seems like a no-brainer, the intricacies of the water-insoluble mascara world are actually quite complex. For instance, waterproof mascara is thicker than the regular stuff, wreaking more havoc on your lashes than water-y eyes do on your ego. So in the middle of wedding, allergy, and swim season we turned to the pros at Bal Harbor's Gee Beauty. Natalie, the expert makeup and skin care partner at one of our favorite shops, gave us the lowdown on waterproof mascara and healthy lashes, all from a convenient Miami perspective. Boat day? Pool party? Gym sesh? Psh, no problem. Get ready to look all sorts of smudge-free and beautiful.
Photographed by Nina Westervelt at Marc Jacobs fall 2012
Crowning Glory! Two Headband Projects To Top Off Any Look
Your outfit is perfect, your makeup flawless, and your hair is pinned and sprayed to absolute perfection. But something's missing. You need an extra zing to top off your desired look. A sparkly oversized ring? A collar necklace? Before you panic, we’re here to help. Our crafty Miami intern Nicole Valdez whipped up some hair accessories to top off your topper. Read on for Valdez' easy guide to two DIY headbands to help you primp up that do. Do it.
Photo: By Nicole Valdes
Photo: By Nicole Valdes
You Totally Got This: 4 Easy Braids For Rookies
While some girls learn to braid hair by practicing on their dolls, others learn by practicing on their, um, horses. Like Audra Billingsley, who loosened up her fingers by working with ponies. That’s right; Before becoming a sought-after Miami hair pro, Billingsley was known in her hometown of Walla Walla, Washington as the best mane artist around. True story.
And with a resume like that, who better to talk to about perfecting the braid than Billingsley? We caught up with the Sean Donaldson Salon stylist and had her teach us how to master 4 simple braid styles. Her techniques are so easy that even a rookie can duplicate the twists. So make like Billingsley and pony up, and click through our step-by-step tutorial. Then, get ready to give Miss Conrad a run for her money.
And with a resume like that, who better to talk to about perfecting the braid than Billingsley? We caught up with the Sean Donaldson Salon stylist and had her teach us how to master 4 simple braid styles. Her techniques are so easy that even a rookie can duplicate the twists. So make like Billingsley and pony up, and click through our step-by-step tutorial. Then, get ready to give Miss Conrad a run for her money.
A Makeup Pro Teaches Us The Dos and Don'ts Of Liquid Liner
We’ve all fallen victim to the raccoon-eyed look as a result of our experimenting with liquid eyeliner. It just looks so easy in the magazines, right? Well, it’s not. And there are definite dos and don’ts when it comes to the dramatic look. But this time, we’re leaving the advice to a local pro, Rocio de la Cruz. This celebrity-adored makeup artist shares her tricks of trade — which happen to include a tip on makeup remover, too. In case your hand slips, ya' know?
Why use liquid eyeliner?
“To emphasize the eyes in a dramatic way, and it makes the lashes appear fuller. It's not an everyday product unless it's done very subtly. But it does last longer than a regular pencil. It’s also great to wear over false lashes to cover that plastic rim.”
What should we look for when purchasing a great liquid liner?
“The most popular color is black. It comes in several shades and also with glitter. The latest formulations come in a cream/gel form (for those with a steady hand) and in a pen form (which is easier to control).”
What are your tips for applying?
“When using the traditional liquid liner, make sure the brush is very thin and go as close as you can to the lash line. Then, hold it sideways, don't put too much pressure on it, and let it slide. If the line is crooked, it can be corrected by dipping a very thin Q-tip on matte black eyeshadow. Use the Q-tip to smudge the eyeliner.”
How can we avoid the raccoon eyes?
“When doing your makeup, always do your eyes first. This way, you will be able to clean up any residue that falls under the eye with makeup remover. And make sure to apply concealer at the end!”
Photo: Via Nordstrom.
5 Mind-Blowing Massages You Need To Book Now
Valentine’s Day is about spoiling the ones we love, right? And you should definitely include yourself on that list. You love you, and since we love you, too, we decided to round up the best freakin’ massages in town—because you deserve it. With all the spa options around (so many with crazy-expensive price tags!), it’s hard to separate the “meh” from the "ohmygod-I-die." Well, these five treatments are most certainly of the latter variety. Get your phone ready, because once you're done reading, you're not going to be able to resist booking one of these mind-blowing deep-tissue sessions.
Massage Under The Stars at The Betsy Wellness Garden
Champagne oils, music, candlelight, and rose petals complete this couple’s massage, which takes place on The Betsy's oh-so relaxing rooftop underneath the moonlight. If you’re an early bird, beware: this treatment only happens at 11 p.m. ending at midnight with a new day.
Massage Under The Stars, $325, available at The Betsy Wellness Garden, 1440 Ocean Drive; 305-531-6100.
Massage Under The Stars at The Betsy Wellness Garden
Champagne oils, music, candlelight, and rose petals complete this couple’s massage, which takes place on The Betsy's oh-so relaxing rooftop underneath the moonlight. If you’re an early bird, beware: this treatment only happens at 11 p.m. ending at midnight with a new day.
Massage Under The Stars, $325, available at The Betsy Wellness Garden, 1440 Ocean Drive; 305-531-6100.
5 Nourishing Eye Creams For 20-Somethings
Oh, you bright, young thing. You’re tanning on the beach with no sunscreen and you fall asleep with your makeup intact — and you still look damn good. So, why spend time and money on an eye cream, right? Wrong. Puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles don’t care about your age. They'll sneak up on you, and the abuse you're inflicting on your skin now can't be undone.
Unlike those unkind skin woes, though, we do care about you, so we handpicked five great eye creams that are perfect for 20-somethings. All of these beauty products are lightweight, non-greasy, and totally eye-popping. Yup, for real.
Get Your Detox On With These Safe Tips From A Local Pro
Hey you, stop right there. Put down the lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Seriously, if you’re thinking of ridding your body of all the
1. Drink Water
“This may sound very elementary, but a lot of people don’t drink water. It’s really amazing. There’s a great book called ‘Your Body’s Many Cries For Water,’ which teaches you why it’s so important to hydrate. So before you start any detox, ask yourself how much water you drink and look into how much more you need to stay hydrated.”
2. Go Vegetarian
“Before any type of cleanse, I recommend switching your diet to a completely vegetarian one for at least five days prior to your detox. Going raw is optional, but at least do your best to keep it vegetarian.”
3. Juice
“I believe the safest way to detox is by doing a vegetable juice cleanse. The reason for detoxing is to improve your overall health. And what happens when you’re drinking all this green juice is your blood becomes oxygenated and toxins are pushed out.
"We offer an affordable juicing program at our shop SuziSqueeez, but you can also do this at home if you have a juicer, or visit your local health store. Juicing slows down your digestive system and gives it time to rest. Did you know that 90% of our energy is used by our digestive system breaking down food? That’s why after Thanksgiving dinner everyone is ready for a nap! So juicing gives our system a much-needed break, which allows our body time to push out the unwanted toxins while still absorbing the nutrients from the vegetable juice.”
Update Your Beauty Routine With These Tips From The Gee Beauty Trio
It’s a new year and we’re thinking about getting a little lift. No, not that kind of lift. We’re envisioning the kind that comes from the right beauty routine. When it comes to glowing skin, there’s no better resource in Miami than the trio behind Gee Beauty. So, we caught up with Miriam, Natalie, and Celene Gee, to soak up their advice on how to achieve that lit-from-within look. Read on for their thoughts on mud masks, mascara, and cold-weather maintenance. Yeah, we figured you might need a little help in that arena.
When your day consists of meetings and social gatherings, how do you keep your skin looking its best, on the go?
Natalie:With that kind of lifestyle, you always want to be camera-ready. First, I’d recommend investing in a really good mask — either a clarifying mask or some sort of volcanic mud mask. That's going to hydrate your skin even if you’re partying, drinking, eating a lot, and not sleeping much. Also, a really good serum is important. At Gee Beauty, we use Serum Repair from Dr. Sebagh, which leaves the skin feeling cool and hydrated, and always adds a glow. Lastly, you can’t forget the eyes. We love this eye contour patch from a company called Talika. The patches help to bring the collagen and skin fibers together so that your eyes don't look tired. Put the patches on 15 minutes before you go to a party and you’ll see how lifted and firm your eyes will look.
What makeup trick can help us stand out from the crowd at said party?
Miriam: I'd recommend fake lashes, or if you don’t have time for that, then just a coat of good mascara. Also, go for a winged look with eyeliner. That, plus good mascara will make your eyes pop.
How To Apply Fake Lashes Without Gluing Your Fingers Together
Ever since Kim Kardashian stepped onto the scene with those long, full lashes, we’ve been itching to go the distance. But there’s no need to envy the reality star. Or splurge on lash extensions. A good pair of false eyelashes can cost you less than $15, and you can apply them yourself. No, really, you can. Just follow our how-to guide for fake lashes, compliments of Miami makeup artist Aileen Quintana. Your batting average is guaranteed to improve.
Step 1: “Fake lashes are always the last step in your makeup transformation process. Pull out your fake lashes from the case it comes in and begin to move them around, pulling and bending them slightly, so they become a bit more flexible.”
Step 2: “Next, you’ll want to measure the fake lashes up against your real lashes. Sometimes the fakes are just the right size, but most of the time you'll have to trim them a bit. (You want to be extra-careful when you measure, because you only get one shot at cutting them.)”
Step 3: “After you’ve sized your fake lashes, it’s time to add some glue. I personally like to use the pigmented Duo glue because it adds definition to the look. Pour a little bit of the glue on the back of your hand. Then, with a cut Q-tip (snip it so there’s no cotton on one end) dab some glue and spread a little on the fake lashes. In adition to the glue you just applied, add a small bead of glue to each end of the fake lashes, so it stays on better.”
Step 4: “Wait about a minute, to give the glue time to oxidize. While you're waiting, grab an eyelash curler and begin to curl your real lashes. This will give you a more natural look.”
Step 5: “Use tweezers to grab the fake lashes in the middle. Bring them up to your eyes and press the middle of the lashes to the middle of your own lash line. Once you've secured them to the middle of your lash line, press them down at each end.”
Step 6: “After you’ve let the fake lashes dry, apply mascara to the top lashes to help them blend. Et voilà! Simple, long, and full lashes!”
Step 1: “Fake lashes are always the last step in your makeup transformation process. Pull out your fake lashes from the case it comes in and begin to move them around, pulling and bending them slightly, so they become a bit more flexible.”
Step 2: “Next, you’ll want to measure the fake lashes up against your real lashes. Sometimes the fakes are just the right size, but most of the time you'll have to trim them a bit. (You want to be extra-careful when you measure, because you only get one shot at cutting them.)”
Step 3: “After you’ve sized your fake lashes, it’s time to add some glue. I personally like to use the pigmented Duo glue because it adds definition to the look. Pour a little bit of the glue on the back of your hand. Then, with a cut Q-tip (snip it so there’s no cotton on one end) dab some glue and spread a little on the fake lashes. In adition to the glue you just applied, add a small bead of glue to each end of the fake lashes, so it stays on better.”
Step 4: “Wait about a minute, to give the glue time to oxidize. While you're waiting, grab an eyelash curler and begin to curl your real lashes. This will give you a more natural look.”
Step 5: “Use tweezers to grab the fake lashes in the middle. Bring them up to your eyes and press the middle of the lashes to the middle of your own lash line. Once you've secured them to the middle of your lash line, press them down at each end.”
Step 6: “After you’ve let the fake lashes dry, apply mascara to the top lashes to help them blend. Et voilà! Simple, long, and full lashes!”
Score Semi-Precious Peepers With This Jewel Eyeliner How-To
So, maybe you’re a little black dress kind of girl. Or perhaps, a hair-pulled-back-in-a-ponytail gal. Simple and classic. We love it. But sometimes it's nice to think a bit outside of the basic box, especially when it comes to makeup. Lucky for all of us, New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, which is the perfect opportunity to give jewel-toned eyeliner a try — it's festive, eye-catching, and the perfect touch to get you noticed on NYE. We asked one of our fave makeup artists, Anais Guerra, to teach us the ins and outs of this luminous liner look. Click through for the five-step how-to, plus a few insider secrets that'll guarantee you don't screw it up. Not that you would, of course.
Photographed by Jose M. Luciani
Photographed by Jose M. Luciani
Pucker Up With This DIY Glitter-Lip Trick
From shiny pumps to shimmery tops, there’s no doubt sparkle is having a moment this season. But if the idea of sequin-covered shorts gives you the willies, try adding subtle shine to your look with glitter makeup.
We know, we know. There's the potential for disaster here. So, to help you master the look (and to make sure you don't end up looking like a lost Mardi Gras reveler), we called on Fred Vellon (of beauty boutique A-ttak) to help complete our holiday vision. The former senior artist for MAC welcomed us into his newly opened Miami Beach studio and shared an easy lipstick technique, complete with a step-by-step explanation. Read on to learn how to recreate Vellon’s glittery look — which is sure to add some glimmer to your smile.
Step 1: This perfectly balanced, bold lip is all about symmetry. With a red lip liner, start by making an imaginary line from each nostril to the lip. Where the lines end, draw two dots on both the upper and bottom lips.
Step 2: Connect the two top dots creating an M-shape. Then connect the bottom dots by making a straight line. Continue by outlining the remainder of the lip.
Step 3: With the red lip liner, pencil in the entire lip. If your lipstick falls off, your lip liner will save your lips from looking bare.
Step 4: Next, grab a big brush and with one stroke add your choice of red lipstick (Vellon used Chanel’s Rouge Allure).
Step 5: Dip a small brush in red glitter (this can come from the craft store) and dab onto lips, starting at the center and working your way to the outer part of the lips.
Step 6: Clean any excess red off with a slanted eye shadow brush covered in moisturizer and concealer.
Voilá! An easy dash of drama that sparkles in the light’s reflection.
Photographed by Nikki Novo.
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