Solessence Beauty Blog | All The Looks That Are Fit to Print: Nails, Makeup, Interviews » Right Now

Cover Girl Outlast All Day Lip Color

Hillary — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:40:17 +0000

Last week was a crazy one! Monsoon-like rains hit Milwaukee the day before our filming for AOL’s Stylelist.com and wreaked havoc just streets over. It made the national news. Thankfully, everyone is okay (except for a few good stories I’ll share later) and the salon didn’t suffer any water damage. We have definitely sent up the prayers and help for friends and clients that have had some very bad experiences.

With all that happened it seems trivial to mention I couldn’t make it to Sephora because I was essentially trapped in the salon until around 8:30pm. Then it took me 2 hours to get home. I was doing makeup for Peggy and our model Anne, and they had dutifully picked up the Makeup Forever HD Foundation the day before. I really needed to make sure they had some lippy and Diamond Shine, mascara – you know the drill. What’s a girl to do in a panic?

I went to Walgreens.

One of the first things I loaded in my basket was Cover Girl Outlast All Day Lip Color. I had never tried this product before, but the colors and packaging were great. A promise to last 16 hours? Yeah, that works too. I had a mix of lighter colors/complexion matches already pulled so I tried a plumier color (name was only on packaging, but tube reads #555). As I suspected, both were better with the lighter colors. I decided to try it for myself.

I am in love!

This has apparently been on the market for years, undergoing one or two formulation changes. The set comes with two tubes: One color, one clear overshine. The color is applied with a doe-foot applicator, and looks very glossy. When lightly applied, it dries very quickly to a matte shade. The overshine is a simple balm that adds back moisture and sheen to the lips – “comfort” as the packaging states.

I’ve used this type of system before and had mixed results. Often the product would dry to the point of pain. It would begin peeling off. It didn’t really last all day.

This product does it all! The coverage is even and beautiful. The color is flattering (I even press my lips after applying). Obviously the shine takes a beating, but my preference was for the color, and I actually like the matte version. A little too dry to wear solo, but I can put up with a lot.

Does it last all day? The color lasted through meals, drinks and I didn’t make great effort to remove it going to bed. In the morning, there was still some stain left. In a way the staying power is better than my Chanel that I love. The Chanel keeps the shine, but I’m all about the color.

Have you been able to outlast Outlast?

MTV’s “Hired” Bags Beauty for theBalm

Hillary — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 05:25:02 +0000

In a final twist, contestants are asked to pitch a product to impress.

MTV’s “Hired” airs tonight, June 3rd at 6:30pm Eastern (check local listings for correct times)

Do you remember sweating blood and tears over your first interview? MTV wants to bring it all back, and for some, to document for eternity on film. The new series “Hired” follows college grad hopefuls through the interview process to see where things go right, and where they go terribly, shockingly, wrong. Focusing on lifestyle, fashion and beauty companies, watch tonight as makeup company theBalm sorts through a bevvy of hopeful office assistants to bring on board.

Hair Trends: Celeb Stylist Hallie Bowman Predicts

Hillary — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:53:45 +0000

Hallie Bowman, Celebrity Stylist for Pantene, shares an inside look at what to expect.

“Last season, we saw a lot of conventional looks – super sleek, tamed texture, perfect twists and classic chignons. When I think spring, I think unexpected playfulness, so I’m excited that the hair trends I’m seeing are in sync with the essence of the season. Classic styles will go to the extreme or, as I like to think, depressed winter hair is finally ready to be exposed again, yet looks will still maintain a genuine romantic feel that reflects the positive mood of warmer weather.”

Expect to see classic looks, deconstructed. Everything from deeper, more oddly angled side parts to random messy strands off to the sides will be added to enhance those been-there-done-that styles.

My term for a favorite trend I’m seeing – “Urban Romantic.” Hair is tightly pulled back in a pony with lots of wisps in front to frame the face. Instead of a completely sleeked-back method, adding texture can show off your personality. Crimp for attitude, wave for elegance or spiral for romance – style how you feel!

Lots of frizz will be in, frizzy curls included. Don’t bother repressing wild texture: embrace it, live it, love it. Free your frizz with intention and purpose, but don’t forget to polish your ends, try the Pantene Pro-V Smooth Serum, as you don’t want to lose total control.

Bows will be out in full force for spring, think huge 80’s-style Madonna bows. To counter an angelic sentiment bows usually portray, it’s time to be clever with your bow style. Disheveled, punky hair surrounding the bow gives a carefree, yet put-together look all at once.

Be prepared for the relapse of the thick, heavy eyelash touching bangs…it’s coming back.

The most playful trend I’m seeing – especially with the younger crowd – touches of pastel colors in hair. Take a section of hair underneath your nape, bleach it a pastel color and, voila, it’s a hidden treasure! Ashy colors like lavender, blue and purple tones will be popular.

You Need This: The Fuffy and The Sunflower

Hillary — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:59:15 +0000

It’s always the little things that count, and when doing nails, it doesn’t get much smaller than nail dust. Filing leaves minuscule particles that float in the air as well as tuck into the sidewall/cuticle area. An even greater issue is the often unspoken occupational hazard. When filing nails, client’s arms are usually extended out and visits are every 3 weeks or more. Compare this to the nail technician, who has a 2 foot space between hands and face, and multiple clients a day. If dust is not handled, sinus issues or worse can become a reality.

Here are two tools that help remedy each problem:

OPI The Fluffy
When nail dust lands in the cuticle area it can ruin the manicure or nail enhancement service by adhering back onto the nail surface. The result will be a less than smooth appearance.

OPI’s The Fluffy is an effective tool in that it brushes across the entire surface of the nail and can reach down sidewalls to remove buildup. It also pulls apart for easy cleaning and sanitizing. Last but not least, it is very soft, and my clients often comment on how they like the feeling as opposed to a bristle brush.

Flower Power – The Sunflower

BAUUSA manufactures the Sunflower, a highly powered intake fan that pulls up dust and odors as you work. It also comes with a 20w bulb on the latest version, providing light as well as air purity.

We’ll explore other options in upcoming posts, but I like the Sunflower because it works directly overhead and is quite powerful. Possible cons? Watch the accidental knock or like a bad DustBuster you could have all of your work regurgitated.

Purple Lab/HSN Launch Party

Hillary — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:35:59 +0000

It is a beautiful thing to see dreams come true, and Karen Robinovitz’s beauty brand launching on HSN was a personal peak for her. I didn’t get a tally on final numbers, but an update to Thursday is that 4400 Silk Sheets had sold up from 600 just the day before! That number has certainly pushed up and over that at this point.

I call this the Purple Lab Tower of Power.

Comments on the packaging:

“This really stands out.”

“Purple is my favorite color, I love it.”

We were plugged into Skype and had HSN rolling live. There’s Karen Robinovitz now!

Comments on Cheek Implants, shade Backstage Pass:

“This color has a touch of pink, and would be flattering on most everyone.”

Comments on Silk Sheets Foundation:

“It feels so soft!”

Luvah provides a natural, berry stained look.

By the end of the evening samples were being checked again for wear.

“I love products that have multiple uses.”

(yes, the tagline is even Double Duty Beauty!)

We had to put the kibosh on sponsored snacks by Figenza Vodka and Pop Chips, but not before at least one bag was sampled:

Pop Chips are seriously yum and unique! Available here at Target, Sendiks, Sentry, Outpost.

Figenza Premium Vodka will be shared soon. It is a beautifully packaged, smooth, fig flavored vodka. I made up my own fruit filled concoction I call Figenza Fruit Cocktail.

Purple + Vodka + Women = WIN

Imported from Greece and sold in NY/NJ, Figenza Vodka needs to become available nationwide.

A huge MUWAH and love to Purple Lab, HSN and Karen & Sharon and everyone for a successful launch! People were still calling and asking how to order – you can still pick up the special price at HSN.

Other beauty happenings:

Coveted hair of the night

One guest’s lipgloss stash (did not include two she just received!) There is a Huge Lips fan in the making:

BRIT Awards 2010 – Lady Gaga Wins All Nominations

Hillary — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:56:25 +0000

Congrats to America’s Lady Gaga who came away with awards in all categories of nomination:

Best Female
Best Breakthrough Act
Best Album (The Fame)

Billy B was onhand for makeup. Philip Treacy designed the elaborate lace mask she wore.

Gaga dedicated her performance to fashion designer Alexander McQueen who designed the Armadillo shoes she wore predominantly in the “Bad Romance” video. He committed suicide last week.

Minnesota Event: Dior Holiday Collection, makeup & fashion

Hillary — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:12:38 +0000

Where has the time gone? The holidays are descending and now is the time to perfect your looks for the season. Plan to attend this event Thursday.

If you are near Minneapolis you must RSVP for this free event hosted by Kari and DIOR on Thursday, November 19. Located in the prestigious Oval Room of Macy’s downtown Minneapolis

Specialists will be on hand to:

Show how to take a Dior palette and your wardrobe from work to party
Demonstrate Dior holiday collections
Model fashions from the Oval Room

Holiday drinks and appetizers for all on the guest list. Again, this is a free event but due to demand, RSVP is required. To RSVP:

Contact Justin or Anya at Dior Macy’s at 612-375-2360, or email kari@faboverforty.com if you’re interested in attending

Event starts at 5:30pm, Thursday, November 19. Third Floor Oval Room.

EXCLUSIVE EVENT DEALS:

For any purchase over $50 in fragrance or beauty you’ll receive a Dior makeup bag with goodies inside. But for only the first 9 people who spend $300 or more in Dior product, you’ll receive a beautiful custom Dior bag with goodies inside! Hope to see you there!