Mandy Hale: November 2011

Christmas Gift Ideas: Beyonce Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4

Hey so the holiday season will soon be upon us have you started looking for Christmas gifts or even close to completing your list? Whenever this season comes around, I'm guilty of waiting too long and always end up having trouble deciding what gifts to get my family, friends, and associates/clients. So this year I thought I would be pro-active and make a huge list of several, reasonably-priced ideas to choose from before I do my shopping.

DVD sets - You know someone who loves movies or musical documentaries? The Web is one of the perfect place to shop. There are a million DVD titles on Amazon.com to choose from, increasing the chances that you’ll find something valuable for your recipient. There are actually quite a few movie and TV sets for less than $25 (if you are on a budget) .

Now if you have a recipient who is say a fan of Beyonce, well they are in in for a treat.

On sunday Mizz Beyonce was on stage at the upscale Paris Theatre in New York City where she shared her new project with the world: "Live at Roseland: The Elements of 4" performance DVD. She hosted the screening to a packed theaterical debut and in addition to having had her fans see the video for free along with a Q and A session...she made everyone know the DVD is exclusively available at Walmart starting November 21st. The DVD features 26 songs including almost every cut from her most recent album 4 plus bonus offstage footage, a 20-page booklet and a video anthology. Other stores will begin stocking Live at Roseland on November 29.

Tip: Shopping online is available with Walmart, you may research companies that can enable you to attain this DVD for example Global Couriers and Mailpac.

Beyonce give fans an opportunity to see her life her way, I say opportunity because she is known to be always very private. At no charge exclusively at her Vevo Youtube account last night, the premiere was aired which I had a chance to watch and it was indeed a spectacular performance!. The 26-song DVD Live at Roseland isn’t the typical video, it is over an hour long and features sections of her life that have been previously off limits to fans all based in her music. This DVD release is proving once again who is hardest working dama in the game.

Check out her pics from the premiere:

She also revealed a clip of her wedding dress on the DVD, peep it below:

How adorable is she?

xxo

Nicky Minaj and Ricky Martin gets Lippy Loca for MAC Viva Glam Campaign

The woman of a thousand faces including that of Barbie, is baring the fruits of her labour alongside Ricky Martin. Nah its all in the pose no music collaboration for these two. Mizz Nicky Minaj gave one fierce glare for the new MAC Viva Glam 2011 campaign. Dressed in a pink latex dress, pink hair and pink neon makeup she poses on a bike alongside her fellow MAC spokesperson Ricky Martin. Ricky poses manically, holding up a giant pink lipstick all tatted up. The unlikely duo was perfectly matched and shot by photographer David LaChapelle in his often comical, ironic and pop art style he's known for. The two pop superstars have joined forces with MAC as the faces of their always A-list, socially aware MAC Viva Glam campaign. A 1oo percent of the sales of both pink lipsticks will be entirely donated to charity; to help fight HIV and AIDS...I love that :)

So what do you think Kens and Dolls, did they beat Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper?

Nicole Ari Parker for DENIM magazine

41-year-old actress Nicole Ari Parker, you may remember her from the television series Soulfood as ice-cold-I-dont-live-in-your-world-you-live-in-my-world attorney at law Terri, is being featured in the December 2011 issue of DENIM Magazine. She is styled in a cute conservative chic white button down and flower inspired folded skirt with a tuxedo bowtie for the cover.
In the issue the actress discusses motherhood, her marriage to actor and model Boris Kodjoe and what she’s got in store for the future.

Peep inside shot:

That dress is the business not the mention the shoes! She is looking great...
The issue hits shelves on Thanksgiving.

Bonus pic for you damas, the husband:

Beautiful Couple...

Are you feeling Nicole's pics?

G

How to build your makeup kit: Eyes

Nicky Minaj: wearing bold eyeshadow.

As a makeup artist, I can definately tell you that apart from in the wrist it's the tools that I use and most important of them all are my Brushes. These enables me to achieve great results.
I could go ahead and write a long and comprehensive article but for the novice/women with no aspirations of becoming a professional makeup artist this article is a guideline on how to make the most of your cosmetic brushes and the basic brushes to get. Here's hoping this will abate any confusion ;).

So let's start with the eyes.

Becoming familiar with the art of makeup application and being equipped with the best makeup products available in the market; will make it easier for your application to look fabulous. Your eyeshadow brush will help in blending your eye shadow correctly and also give an even and smooth look. There are many types of eye shader brushes available and I'm going to break down the 4 main brushes that should reside in your kit.

Flat Shading Brush: This is a flat dense brush used to sweep eyeshadow across the lid. Although its primary purpose is to pack on eyeshadow, it could also be used to blend, highlight, smudge and used to apply makeup on the lower lash line and in the crease.
There are 2 types of brushes synthetic and animal hair. Some high end brands make their individual brushes from goat-hair, so this will make them appear super soft and densely packed But this particular brush needs to be stiff enough so it is able to pick up color and pigments.

Jennifer Hudson: wearing pigmented eyeshadow

Rihanna: lower lashline rimmed with red eyeshadow

Stiff Dome Brush: This brush is perfect for blending or shading and is also great for creamy eyeshadows. Perfect in creating the smoky eye, feathering in darker eyeshadows and applying more color to the crease. This brush makes it so much easier to blend. I guarantee you'll have a love/love relationship with this one.

Keri Hilson: wearing Smoky Eyes

Katy Perry: wearing a pastel look

Soft Dome Brush

This brush is really very similiar to the stiff dome brush only softer. It allows a more controlled eyeshadow application and is ideal to create a much softer blended look. Ideal for blending shadow under the brow and applying a softer amount of color in the crease.

Tip: Can also be used to apply powder under the eyes to prevent creasing throughout the day.

Mary J. Blige: wearing soft bronze toned eyeshadow

Eva Pigford: wearing neutral eyeshadow

Pencil Brush: This too can be used to create shadow on the outer edge of the eyes and also to create a very defined crease. Can also be used to smudge eyeshadow under the lower lashline. The smaller tip allows for more precise lines and can smoothen out eyeliners that looks to harsh.

Nicole Ritchie: grey cat eyes with heavy wing tip eyeliner

Go flaunt your look confidently which I'm sure you are already doing ;).

xxo
G

Wedding Tips: Photography and Inspiration: Cassie

Since the year had started, the planning for your December wedding went into full gear. The dress, the reception shopping for family and friends (holiday gifts) and so much more...oh be sure to start shopping for Christmas gifts...by the first of the month if your wedding is late December and the ending of November if your wedding is the first of December. Holidays and especially Weddings combine the two you are guaranteed times of high stress, high sugar (all those goodies!).

This is the time where you will be coming in contact with lots of other people....in other words, a December wedding is a recipe for sickness. Keep your immune systems strong by getting enough rest, drinking enough water, going easy on the sugar, eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and exercising cheerfulness. Do everything you can to prevent the spread of illness.
Be prepared to make sickness as painless as possible also be ready with home remedies, have lots of tissues, etc. ;)

In August of this year I had seen in the sphere, that Idol magazine had announced that Model and Singer Cassie will be featured on their fall/winter cover. Well the pics are out and their is one particular image that I find could be used as inspiration for a wedding album.

Cassie for Idol Magazine: Fall/Winter 2011

Loves this....

There are different styles of photography which is dependent on personal style and how one would like to be documented, for future years of rocking chair bliss....is all up to the individual ;).

Below I'm listing just 2 styles of many, that could be used for your photographic needs.

Contemporary wedding photography: involves having the cutting edge in photographic techniques and styles. Currently this involves informal photojournalism (whether posed or not) that gives more genuine emotions and reactions. From here artistic styles may or may not be applied to the original image to enhance the effect of the photograph. Most of contemporary wedding photography aims for candid shots from a distance, usually catching original moments.

Posed photography, such as in formals, are usually only for family portraits. Even bride and groom pictures are done using posed photojournalism, where the photographer instructs the couple initially and then captures the couple being natural in that position.

Artistic wedding photography: involves artistic angles and lighting that pull more out of the picture than usual. This also involves more post production to stylize the photos, such as with black and white, sepia, glows, selective colors, and vignetting and props. The crystallized veil Cassie is wearing lends to this style.

Black and white is not necessarily artistic photography (since it is the original medium of photography) but can be used in varying ways using digital techniques to create something more artistic than the original image.

Well I have also added the full spread of the magazine pics below, peep them:

This young lady knows how to serve.

Hope my tips helped!

xxo
G

How to age proof like a Star...30's and Fab.

Hello....how are yah? Been away from the bloggie for a few and it feels good to "pen" something today ;).

So, today this post is about how to "turn back the clock", by maintaining a regime to make you NOT look older than you actually are. I'm no Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein and I cannot formulate the fountain of youth by any means...these tips are just guidelines on how to keep you looking gorgeous throughout your 30's and way beyond. As always I will give optical references to guide you and please rememeber references are always based on personal opinion ;).

Just like our national heroes...Celebrities and Reality Stars are the new Idols and Demi-Gods. We look to them for everything, from: Style Tips to Makeup Looks, Hairstyles, Cars they drive, Where they eat, Who they wear, Houses they live in, How to do the 'perfect' Boyfriend/Girlfriend rotation and God forbid they should expose themselves by seeming Human by showing they do have flaws...oh boy!

Well one thing that is definately not out of reach, are their stay-young strategies. Every year we get a virtual seat at the plethora of awards show that happen each year and this year the best looking skin award goes to? *drumrolls* nahhh there are quite a few, to only bestow this accolade to one.

Here are some products that are available on the market and will give you that Star glow...Your all-access guide starts here:

Gabrielle Union, 39: circa 2011

The 30’s are one of life’s crueler jokes. It's often the age when you start to see your looks changing….and not for the better. You’ve built your respectable shoe and bag collection, finally have a handle on your relationships, got that promotion you wanted or seeing your buisiness bloom and probably bought a new car too…BMW perhaps? With all of those achievements, life throws you a beauty loop ahhh shucks!

Once-charming crinkles are emerging as deep wrinkles/full-on crow's-feet. Not to mention high school-style acne may decide to make a comeback, or pop up for the very first time. The days you spent on a beach chair in your 20's with a glass of red wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other, those vices will begin to show, quite literally, on your face. Cumulative effects of hard living, and Hormones are the main culprits for all these maladies. Human growth hormones: HGH peter out, which makes cells lose the ability to turn over as quickly and puts the brakes on collagen production, giving way to dull, slack skin. You could somewhat look like a shadow of your younger self. Have you gotten the not so pretty picture yet?

1. Stick to products that have proven anti-agers. Moisterizers containing Hyaluronic acid is one of the best, also operating as wrinkle-plumpers. The only hitch is that how well it works depends on how concentrated it is and it's hard to pack enough into a cream to really do the job well.

Retinoids are necessary for collagen stimulation, be careful when using products with these agents. They can be drying, so in the beginning start with a low percentage then work your way up.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are best for sloughing dull, dead skin: Glycolic acid, works best on oily skin and hydrating lactic acid if your dry.

2. Invest in a cleansing brush. Owning one of these will make your cleansing products work harder, by giving you better absorption of the ingredients.

Not to worry the steps are quick and simple, and the rotating action, cleans skin more deeply and gently exfoliates too. This will reduce your daily wash routine and is about 6 times more effective. Company-sponsored studies (olay and clearosnic) have also shown these also help moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients penetrate the skin better too. You will definately get that big screen glow.

Zoe Zaldana, 33: circa 2011

3. Treat your skin from the neck down. Whatever you do on your face, practice to do the same on your neck and chest too. From exfoliating to sunscreen. Having the perfect face and a sun damaged spotty or wrinkled cleavage can be a bad look.

Megan Good, 30: circa 2011

4. Speaking of Cleansing: always cleanse before you snooze. Most women had already taken the art of face washing pretty seriously, even before their 30’s. Now the 30’s are here or approaching...carefully selecting skin care products and practically giving a facial in the a.m. and p.m is definite must. One of the most golden glam-girl rule is: Going to sleep with your makeup on will never make you have good skin. Skin renews itself overnight so no matter how exhausted you are, try to cleanse and apply the most important ingredients before bed.

Tip: Try to always take at least five minutes before going to bed to practice this regime. Turn on your Ipod or CD player and play your best ‘spa-like’ music and cleanse away.

Kristen Bell, 31: circa 2011

5. Becoming a fan of facials is also a plus and a great investment too. Look for treatments that includes enzyme and acid based exfoliation, for smooth and glowing skin. Serums loaded with AHAs: Alpha hydroxy acids are also a great follow up when receiving this procedure. Be sure to ask questions so you know you are getting your dollars worth.

6. To combat hours spent outside and being exposed to environmental elements...using products with heavy doses of Vitamin C is ideal in protecting and repairing skin. Your skin and complexion will be brightened tremendously. Products with vitamin C are always great t0 layer on before applying sunscreen.

7. Swear by sunscreen. Most will find that the best protection always feels heavy… But the newer sunscreen formulas are truly fast-drying, hydrating fluids without a greasy finish. Some are a transparent, mattifying formulas that tackles oil-control and sun protection in one hit—a rare feat.

Tip: There are also foods that will give you maximum benefits in aging gracefully, yo-yo dieting should not be practiced to prevent sagging of skin and looking aged. Fish, Fruits and vegetables, and large intakes of water should do the trick.

Hope my tips helped!

xxo
G

Homemade Dry Shampoos

Everything that was worth inventing, was created in the 70's. The Internet was created and not only did it advance into the new millennium, Dry Shampoos did so as well.

Peep this ad from the 1970's by Psssst! Shampoo... hmmm I think it may be the only cosmetic/product ever to include a punctuation mark in it’s name.

Designed as a "miracle" product, and just like most novel inventions it was lil "flawed"...Dry Shampoos had stringent requirements on a persons hair/hair colour and the PRICE was not conducive to most; so it fell off the market. Well fast forward forty years later and it’s an entirely different ball game. Formulas are made for just about every hair type, colour, and style. It’s a quick and easy way to make sure you’re looking and smelling your best at home or on the go.

I believe in proper hygiene BUT sometimes time may be a HUGE constraint and you are not able to maintain your hair regime as always. And you know what? everyday cleansers and shampoos, can dry out and damage your hair...yup believe it. Home made remedies are best to lean on in...especially when wanting to preserve or treat.

Sometimes to change up my aesthetic or try another style, I wear extensions and to all my extension wearing damas, you know washing of the hair can be a task especially when schedule is tight or you're just plain tired. tan tah da dah! Homemade Dry Shampoo to the rescue.

Open your kitchen cupboard and go look....its right in there! many different ingredients you can use to to make a great dry shampoo.

Ingredients: corn meal, oatmeal, cornstarch, powder milk and from your bathroom vanity table or baby bag, talcum/baby powder. These are tried and true recipes I guarantee yah ;).

Talcum Powder and Powdered Milk

Grease build up? Talcum Powder is one of the best absorbers of grease. As the base ingredient for this blend: add powdered milk (lil baking soda can be added too), you will not only get cleaned hair but you will achieve a shiny luster too.

Tip: This is the formula I adhere to but instead of powdered milk, I use cocoa powder as an alternate...which is better for persons with darker hair.

Cornmeal and Cornstarch

This dry shampoo blend I saw online 3 years ago and its perfect for oily hair and is as follows: Mix one tablespoon of salt with half of a cup of cornmeal/cornstarch, grounded almonds (if you cant acquire almond powder) and one part oatmeal/cornmeal. This combination is a great way to keep your hair from being weighed down. Do make sure you don’t have any tree nut allergies before using this blend ;).

Oatmeal

One of the best materials to start making dry home made shampoo, is Oatmeal. Start with 2 tablespoons of oatmeal as a quick pick me up, but if you’re going to be mixing up a larger batch you may want to include some baking soda in your mix. Use one part oatmeal and one part baking soda, and mix well. The oatmeal is great at handling oil and dirt while baking soda deodorizes.

Tips: By adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil this could lend as a deodorizing agent.

If you have dark hair, a quick blow dry will get all the white remnants out of your hair.

Use your home made formula in conjunction with a good regular shampoo, less is more.

I researched YouTube and found this young lady giving home made tips...sorta like a visual to back my post ;)....Check it out below:

xxo

Q & A: Blue versus Black for the perfect LBD

Hello...So today I'm taking the opportunity to answer my first question for the bloggie, lets call her "Marilyn" (like one a ma fave starlets). She is seeking my counsel on the LBD: Little Black Dress and her question is as follows:

"Hi Gigi, What other dress can be worn apart from black but still gives me the little black dress feel?."

Ok so in answer to that lets stroll down memory lane, and grasp how the term got coined in the first place ;).
The LBD/Little Black Dress, has been ascribed to and considered by most fashion historians and designers as essential to completing every woman's wardrobe. Coco Chanel made this dress ubiquitous in the 1920's, by making the style available to women of ALL social standing...loves her!
In 1926 she published a photo of a model wearing a dress of this design in Vogue. The fashion bible then stated that the LBD would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste." Which is still being proven up to this date.

Audrey Hepburn's promotional picture for Breakfast at Tiffany's

Now fast forward to the 1960's, Audrey Hepburn cemented the style of the little black dress as being ideal. She appeared in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's in a Hubert de Givenchy design. Epitomizing the standard for wearing the LBD, she was never seen without pearls, glasses and sometimes a hat. Audrey is the queen of the little black dress and still is today. The look is very achievable and teaming your LBD with pearls, creates a timeless and elegant look.

So in answer to "Marilyn"....Discover the colour Blue: Just as slimming as Black and sophisticated on everyone. Check out some of my picture references:

Port

The architecture of this dress is perfect for a day in the office to a night on the town. The design will also give the illusion of broad shoulders, if apple shaped.

Micheal Kors

This can be worn to the office (blazer or cardigan as outerwear) and can easily transition into evening wear...if being paired with the right heels and evening bag (clutch). The ability to cinch your waist with a belt is also a plus.

Stella McCartney

Wanna be a little sexy but still be sophisticated and chic? A design like this will definately give you that. The corset bust will show off your "assets" yes but the slimming pencil bottom will make you appear classy and give you a fashionable over all look.

Here are some other options you could add as staples to rock your look:

Forever21

A Deep Dark Blue Nail polish, can give you the same rock and rolla vibe. Be sure to keep tips short and ultra glossy.

Laugh, Love, Live: Dark Blue coated denim.

Beyonce in J Brand

The new skinny are stretchy coated jeans. These jeans are heavily coated with resin giving them a shiny unique leathery look and will make even the girl next door wanna cop one ;). Allowing you to channel your inner rocker chic and your inner fashionista, they combine the comfort of jeans with a hint of leatherette feel (I'm a fan of these).

Chloe

Owning a jacket/blazer is essential to your wardrobe. I opted to use the classic peacoat as reference. Wide bands of blue take this classic style from boring to brilliant. Do not fear the horizontal stripes ;) This cropped style will definately shrink you.

Eve

Swipe on a shade of blue and wear loads of mascara. Wearing makeup has no rule of thumb BUT the idea is to find a shade of blue that best compliments your skin tone. There are countless shades of blue, some warmer and some cooler. This shade also looks great with all eye colours.

Tip: Whenever purchasing a LBD my advise is that your LBD should be as simple as possible. A short black dress that is too clearly part of a trend would not qualify because it would soon appear dated.

Well "Marilyn" I hope I was of help...thank you for reading and happy monday!

xxo,
G