Motel Rocks Pre-Memorial Day Blowout: 135 Handpicked Pieces To Steal For Less
What’s better than shopping on Memorial Day weekend? Shopping before Memorial Day weekend! So, we teamed up with hot indie label Motel…Read More
Shop It Now6 Must-Try Beauty Trends To Freshen Up Your Look This Spring
Sure, the temps may stay steady in S.F., but the seasons must go on. Spring has officially arrived, signaling an about-face (literally!) in our makeup routine. So, we sat down with Pati Dubroff, Clarins celebrity beauty artist (her clients includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Mendes, and Charlize Theron) when she was in town for the skinny on the best and buzziest spring beauty trends.
From staying fresh-faced to rocking bold eye color, this season is all about lightening and brightening up. So, read on for her swell tips and prep yourself to get gorgeous!
Beauty DIY: Work The Sun-Kissed (And Fog-Proof) Look
Nothing beats the first taste of a warm summer glow. Something about it just makes you feel better, healthier, and, who are we kidding — hotter! Lucky for us, S.F. was blessed with some serious sunshine last weekend, illuminating the entire city from Dolores Park all the way to Ocean Beach. But let’s be real, days like those are few and far between, and in this city, even July 4th can be blanketed in fog, leaving our skin anything but sun kissed year round.
That's why learning how to fake the "summer" radiance is essential. And we're not just talking bronzer, people. Having really stellar summer sparkle means mastering a back-from-the-beach look cheek-to-cheek and forehead-to-chin. Thankfully, we've tapped makeup artist (and Herringbone bags designer) Shawn Burke to show us how to get that golden look on your eyes, cheeks, and lips, even on the dullest of days. Check out her eight simple DIY steps (modeled by local blogger Maria Morales) and get ready to glow, rain or shine.
Photographed by Christine Ting
That's why learning how to fake the "summer" radiance is essential. And we're not just talking bronzer, people. Having really stellar summer sparkle means mastering a back-from-the-beach look cheek-to-cheek and forehead-to-chin. Thankfully, we've tapped makeup artist (and Herringbone bags designer) Shawn Burke to show us how to get that golden look on your eyes, cheeks, and lips, even on the dullest of days. Check out her eight simple DIY steps (modeled by local blogger Maria Morales) and get ready to glow, rain or shine.
Photographed by Christine Ting
Real Girls, Real Beauty: 4 Local Babes Show Us How They Get Gorg
Who runs the world? Girls. Specifically (if we do say so ourselves), San Francisco girls. Seriously though, it’s no secret that we love supporting our local ladies. And for the latest installment of Real Girl, Real Beauty, we’re bringing you the prettifying secrets of not one, not two, but four S.F. lovelies who are killing it career-wise and looking oh-so stunning while they're at it.
We’ve asked our bevy of successful Bay Area beauties what products they can’t live without, how they turn a basic look up a notch, and even a few things they might have been embarrassed to admit. This city may be a hot spot for natural beauty, but don’t get it twisted — these local stunners put in the work, too! Along with beautiful portraits of the ladies themselves, we've got all their get-gorgeous secrets for you to copy, stat. Because while we know it's what’s on the inside that counts, looking hot on the outside definitely doesn’t hurt, either.
Angelica modeling some fuchsia lip color (and a matching scarf) out in her garden.
Angelica Benjamin, HR Generalist, Co-Founder of Digitally Chic
Where do you find your beauty inspiration?
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I really admire unique, confident women. It takes a lot of courage to stay true to who you are, and not conform to what you are told you should look like. There is something to be said about how effortlessly Queen Latifah radiates confidence and individuality. Everything she does is so graceful. She definitely gives me the strength to accept and embrace my differences — and be proud of who I am."
A few of Angelica's go-to products!
What beauty products do you absolutely swear by?
"Clinique’s 3-step System (or pretty much any skin care product they make), MAC products (I live at the counter), Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Nivea’s Firming Lotion Q10 Plus is literally heaven in a bottle, Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub, and Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm With Pomegranate Oil."
What’s your go-to beauty look?
"Something light and pretty always does the trick. I prefer to use MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish. It has very minimal coverage, and a hint of color. So, your face can breathe throughout the day. On top of that, I add black eyeliner with a thicker winged edge, matte peach blush with an added layer of shimmer, defined brows, and a pop of color on my lips. MAC has an amazing finishing spray called Fix+ — after my makeup is done, I spritz to set, and I'm ready for the world!"
Angelica's array of amazing lip products. Wowza!
What beauty trends do you steer clear of?
"I steer clear of anything that alters my natural self — like tanning, plastic surgery, lip injections, or Botox. Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?"
Smile!
What’s one thing you splurge on in the name of beauty?
"Mascara! I’m pretty sure I go through a tube of MAC’s Haute and Naughty Lash every week. It can get pricey, but you can’t put a price on fabulous lashes."
Photographed by Christine Ting
We’ve asked our bevy of successful Bay Area beauties what products they can’t live without, how they turn a basic look up a notch, and even a few things they might have been embarrassed to admit. This city may be a hot spot for natural beauty, but don’t get it twisted — these local stunners put in the work, too! Along with beautiful portraits of the ladies themselves, we've got all their get-gorgeous secrets for you to copy, stat. Because while we know it's what’s on the inside that counts, looking hot on the outside definitely doesn’t hurt, either.
Angelica modeling some fuchsia lip color (and a matching scarf) out in her garden.
Angelica Benjamin, HR Generalist, Co-Founder of Digitally Chic
Where do you find your beauty inspiration?
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I really admire unique, confident women. It takes a lot of courage to stay true to who you are, and not conform to what you are told you should look like. There is something to be said about how effortlessly Queen Latifah radiates confidence and individuality. Everything she does is so graceful. She definitely gives me the strength to accept and embrace my differences — and be proud of who I am."
A few of Angelica's go-to products!
What beauty products do you absolutely swear by?
"Clinique’s 3-step System (or pretty much any skin care product they make), MAC products (I live at the counter), Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Nivea’s Firming Lotion Q10 Plus is literally heaven in a bottle, Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub, and Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm With Pomegranate Oil."
What’s your go-to beauty look?
"Something light and pretty always does the trick. I prefer to use MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish. It has very minimal coverage, and a hint of color. So, your face can breathe throughout the day. On top of that, I add black eyeliner with a thicker winged edge, matte peach blush with an added layer of shimmer, defined brows, and a pop of color on my lips. MAC has an amazing finishing spray called Fix+ — after my makeup is done, I spritz to set, and I'm ready for the world!"
Angelica's array of amazing lip products. Wowza!
What beauty trends do you steer clear of?
"I steer clear of anything that alters my natural self — like tanning, plastic surgery, lip injections, or Botox. Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?"
Smile!
What’s one thing you splurge on in the name of beauty?
"Mascara! I’m pretty sure I go through a tube of MAC’s Haute and Naughty Lash every week. It can get pricey, but you can’t put a price on fabulous lashes."
Photographed by Christine Ting
Get Your Brows Waxed, Help Set A Guinness World Record
Think having really nasty long finger nails is the only way you can make it into the Guinness Book of World Records in the "beauty" category? Turns out, no. It sounds like there might be other less disgusting methods available to you, including teaming up with S.F.-based Benefit Cosmetics, which is looking to set the world record for the most eyebrow waxes executed in a single 8-hour period. That translates to a whole ’lotta wax strips!
Taking this feat 100% seriously, Benefit will have almost every brow bar worldwide waxing away like crazy to reach a grand total of 300 brow waxes. And for formality's sake, Benefit will invite Guinness World Record officials to witness this hairy saga unfold in London.
Of course, San Francisco’s Macy’s boutique will be in on the action, too, so you have a chance to make history and get dolled up at the same time. Plus, you’ll walk away with an exclusive tote bag that reads, “I made brow history.” We suggest securing your spot by making an appointment to be a part of the most well-groomed record ever made. Mark your calendars with the deets below.
When: Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Benefit Brow Bar at Macy’s, 170 O’Farrell Street (between Stockton and Powell streets); 415-397-3333.
Photo: Via Benefit Cosmetics
Check It Out! Sephora Gets A Digital Facelift
With spring-cleaning on everyone's minds these days, out with the old, in with the new is the sentiment of the moment. And it's especially true over at Sephora, as the beauty behemoth is unveiling a digital facelift to its online, mobile, and in-store experience today!
Over at Sephora.com, the company's S.F.-based, tech-savvy staff has been hard at work creating a new-and-improved search engine that is reminiscent of another Bay-based company, Polyvore. Basically, to help you find exactly what you're looking for, each product on the site has been tagged with over 25 attributes (anti-aging, color, ingredients, etc.), making it easier for you to search based on your needs. Once you've got the item you want, you can either check out online in half the time as before or search in-store availability at one of Sephora's 274 stores.
Other cool new features on the site include an online magazine, dubbed The Glossy, (just click on the Trends tab), loads of integrated how-to videos, advice at your fingertips over in the Beauty Talk forum, and Pinterest "Pin It" buttons on every single product page.
The techy upgrades also continue to twenty of Sephora's larger stores (S.F.'s Union Square and NYC's Times Square included), which will be stocked with iPads, making it especially easy to navigate the free makeover offerings of the Beauty Studio counter — you can peep videos of the treatments before you commit — and check out the full range of features on each product before you buy (just scan the bottom and you're good to go!).
Plus, in addition to improvements on the Sephora iPad and mobile apps, by the end of the year, Sephora staffers at over 100 shops will be toting iPod Touches so that they can check out customers on the spot, à la the Apple store model. Because, let's face it, long lines are never a pretty sight.
Check it all out and then report back with your thoughts on the new site, in the comments.
12 Must-Read Wedding Makeup Tips For The DIY Bride
Any bride-to-be knows there are a million decisions to be made, leading up to the big day. And one of the biggest ones involves figuring out how you'll keep your face radiant all day and night long. Think about it: Coupled with a killer photographer, amazing makeup will result in perhaps the most gorgeous pictures you will ever possess of yourself. No pressure or anything.
And that's where beauty guru Katie Nash comes in. This local lady is not only a pro when it comes to supremely cool and modern bridal hair, she's also a master of matrimonial makeup. So, who better to tap for a DIY bridal makeup tutorial? Whether you're going for a natural glow or a dramatic, sexy look, Nash's tips and step-by-step guide (shown on her own mug) are a must read. Oh, and we're pretty sure there are quite a few tips in here for cocktail party season, too. Now, get your mirror out, and let's go!
Photographed by Molly DeCoudreaux
And that's where beauty guru Katie Nash comes in. This local lady is not only a pro when it comes to supremely cool and modern bridal hair, she's also a master of matrimonial makeup. So, who better to tap for a DIY bridal makeup tutorial? Whether you're going for a natural glow or a dramatic, sexy look, Nash's tips and step-by-step guide (shown on her own mug) are a must read. Oh, and we're pretty sure there are quite a few tips in here for cocktail party season, too. Now, get your mirror out, and let's go!
Photographed by Molly DeCoudreaux
13 Sweet Pink Lipsticks And Glosses That Work For Every Pout!
Sure, classic red lips will undoubtedly stand the test of time, but there's really nothing more flirty and playful than a pink pucker…especially around Valentine's Day. We scoured the aisles of our favorite beauty haunts to bring you this roundup of 13 of the coolest pink lippies. And thanks to the wide variety of rosy shades out there, we can assure you there's a hue here that's just right for you (and your budget). There are fashion-forward matte versions, perfect for spring 2012, and lighter glosses for ladies who just want a hint of color, plus everything in between. We'll warn you now: You're going to have a hard time picking just one.
Take 20% Off All Your Fave Union Street Boutiques!
Another week, another giant holiday party, folks! The shops in the Mission already celebrated themselves over the weekend at the Mission Block Party, ad now it's Union Street's turn. Enter, tomorrow night's Boutique Shop Crawl for all of your last-minute shopping (and boozing) needs. Our fave stores on the Cow Hollow strip, including Conifer, Chloe Rose, Marmalade, and RGB Gallery + Shop, will be dishing up a 20% discount all night long, along with free wine, champagne, and nibbles from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13. Check out the full info here and get ready to get your stroll on. Photo: Via Facebook/Chloe Rose
The Top Holiday Beauty Picks Of S.F.'s Chief Makeup Fiend
Ever Google a beauty product you’re on the hunt for, only to find a site called Temptalia instead of the brand’s site? That would be the doing of one Christine Mielke, an S.F. local who’s the face and voice behind the powerhouse beauty blog responsible for hundreds of in-depth reviews of just about every makeup product to hit the market. Who better to go to, than, for a solid list of must-haves to make your face dazzle this holiday season? For Mielke’s hands-down top five faves, click through and prepare to tack a few worthy additions onto your growing holiday wish list.
A Holiday Makeup How-To That’s As Easy As It Is Festive…
Naturally, our favorite part of the holiday season is all the dressing up — from flashy brocade minis to sparkly jewels, we love it all. But, just as important as jolly garb is having a statement-making beauty look to tie it all together. And, who better to show us how to get a winter-worthy holiday glow than Benefit Cosmetics’ makeup artist Lisa Wasylychyn? She invited us into the company’s Chestnut Street shop to school us on how to achieve one super-easy holiday look that’s got it all: bold festive hues (hello red and green!) and major glitz (sans the disco-ball effect). Take a peek at the step-by-step, and get ready to conquer the holiday party circuit in style.
How To Wear Fall's Hottest Lip Hue!
Halloween has come and gone and your sugar rush might be fading, but that doesn't mean you have to forsake all things orange. The easiest (and most on-trend) way to brighten up a gloomy autumn day happens to be a swipe of vivid orange lipstick. Not sure how to rock the bold and beautiful hue? We gathered 7 of the hottest citrus shades to try right now, then recruited the one and only Lipstick Queen, Poppy King, to serve up three must-read tips on how to master the on-fire trend.
First and foremost: Matte lips can be tricky if you've never tried the look before, so start out with sheer shades and glosses, and work your way up. Also key: Keep your eye makeup neutral so as not to look like a crazy clown lady. And the golden rule: Look for sheer tones with a little blue in them (they tend to be easier to wear than yellow-ish shades) that blend with your natural lip color. Now, you're all set. Click through, find the perfect hue for you, and then pucker up!
First and foremost: Matte lips can be tricky if you've never tried the look before, so start out with sheer shades and glosses, and work your way up. Also key: Keep your eye makeup neutral so as not to look like a crazy clown lady. And the golden rule: Look for sheer tones with a little blue in them (they tend to be easier to wear than yellow-ish shades) that blend with your natural lip color. Now, you're all set. Click through, find the perfect hue for you, and then pucker up!
DIY Halloween Makeup! Your Guide To Three Awesome Looks
For a legitimately killer Halloween look, you need more than just an awesome costume. You also need to put a little bit of thought into your fright night beauty routine, if you really want to turn heads at that costume party. To help you get inspired before the big day (with plenty of time left to scour supplies), we’ve tapped MAC’s masterful Senior Makeup Artist Victor Cembellin to create some awe-inspiring (and entirely convincing!) looks for a roster of Halloween characters that will be a welcome change in a sea of Snooki and Charlie Sheen wannabes. He'll give you the step-by-step lowdown for a sultry Black Swan, bubble gum-y Nicki Minaj, and, for the fashionably fearless, the one and only Daphne Guinness! Take a look at Cembellin’s impressive transformations, learn how to recreate your favorite at home, and prepare to put your best face forward, come Halloween night.
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Shoe Stalking! 14 Hot Sole Snaps Straight From The Streets Of S.F.
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5 Perfect Interview Outfits For Every Kind Of Gig
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1 Girl, 4 Looks: S.F. Designer Anette Nyseth Shows Us Her Go-To Summer Garb
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Boo Announces New Based-In-S.F. Book, We Collapse From Cuteness
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Motel Rocks Pre-Memorial Day Blowout: 135 Handpicked Pieces To Steal For Less
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