What's hot right now
New York City makeup artist and La Prairie Colour Ambassador Raychel Wade talks cosmetics:
Q.What are the hot colors for fall?
A. Fall is always a great time to experiment with rich, colorful shades, and this season there are no shortage of those! It's time to give our summer staples of pale pink glosses and shimmery bronze blushes a rest, and whip out something fun and different -- think peacock colors for the eyes, berry shades for the lips. Many of the looks from the fall '09 runways were inspired by the '80s, and while I am not suggesting you pile on bright blue shadow, you can certainly participate with the trend by going for a wash of color on the lid or a quick glide of a colored eye liner lining the top and bottom of your eyes.
Q.One product you cannot live without.
A. Hands down it's La Prairie's Cellular Radiance Cream Blush (left); it will always have a spot reserved in my makeup bag and drawer! My clients run the gamut, from recent college graduates to CEOs, and I say to each and every one of them that blush is the easiest, fastest way to perk up your skin and revive your makeup during the day. As for shades, pick a bright one (or at least brighter than you may initially think) -- a pop of color on your cheeks in pink or apricot can actually help you look younger! The trick is to apply with a light hand for just a bright flush of color. I recommend layering blush. First I apply a powder blush, and dust a light layer of translucent powder over it. At the very end of the application, I finish off the look with just a dab of bright cream blush right on the apples of the checks. I find it not only gives your makeup a multi-dimensional look but also helps make the makeup last a little longer.
Q.Pick one for fall: Dewy or matte?
A. I've been thinking about this question a lot lately, and I believe matte skin is making a comeback! Dewy will forever be gorgeous, but fall is about rich glamor, and gorgeous, matte skin is synonymous with that. There are so many wonderful products out there now that allow for you to have a softer matte look.
Q.Can you share any makeup tricks?
A. With the change of season and weather, not only do I change the colors I use but also some of the techniques. Brown mascara is a great alternative to the traditional black. It gives your makeup a softer look, which is nice with some of the colors we are seeing this season. As for application, the best way to avoid clumps is to apply mascara from root to tip on one eye -- then the other, which allows the first eye to semi-dry before applying the second coat. This equals thicker, fuller lashes without clumping. Also, for women who don't need a full face of foundation but still want some coverage, I recommend [after moisturizer] spot treating redness with a concealer, then blending that color out. It gives you some coverage while still allowing your natural skin to shine through.