BeChicMag.com

This week’s must-have
By Bijoux
We have something in common with celebrities like Beyonce, P. Diddy and Alicia Silverstone: We love the Beauty Blender and you will too.

The pink sponge is by the far the most amazing beauty tool I have been introduced to. It really does deserve all the hype, and the cute packaging has been getting the attention of many. With her product, Rea Ann Silva shares the secret of how the beauty blender helps applying make-up so effortless.

Before actually using the egg shaped sponge, I took a look at a few tutorials. The lessons were well worth it. Moistening the egg causes it to expand and have a bounce effect when dabbed on the skin to give it a non-streak finish. The dampness allows the make-up to actually stay on the skin. I thought it would only work with creamy products, which I am not fond of. The blender is phenomenal and works with blush, bronzer and loose powder.

So why the egg shape? The cornered end makes it so much easier to apply concealer while the rounded edge helps blend make-up into the jaw line and cheeks with a barely there finish. Compared to my brushes which are my absolute favorites for applying make-up, the beauty blender was able to do so much more in less amount of time. The beauty blender should be a part of you make-up application process. You will not regret it. The sponge is re-washable. It comes with its very own cleansing soap and can be sent back to the company to be recycled – not bad for taking care of the earth and staying beautiful at the same time.

Beauty Blender. Available at Ricky’s, Sephora or BeautyBlender.net $20- $35

Our editor met with celebrity make-up artist Jackie Gomez who also uses the Beauty Blender on celebs like Beyonce!

Though bold red lips will never go out of style, pink is the must-have color of the season. I am so excited to share with you the latest FACE Atelier products that I tried out just for you!

LIPS

Much to my excitement I was thrilled to get a hold of their Candy Floss shade. Do not underestimate the power of pink when it comes to your skin complexion. There is a shade to match every woman. I love that FACE Atelier’s Candy Floss is so creamy that you can opt to wear it alone. I personally like extra shine, so I applied a hint of lip gloss right on top. Face’s Candy Floss. $20

EYES

When applying eye shadow, I want the pigments to be bright and stay put throughout the day. Creases and fade aways are my pet peeves. FACE Atelier definitely embodies the look I want when I used their bold colors. They blend so well whether you use your fingers or a brush to apply. Sometimes I love using my hands to mix and blend. My eyes are what stand out most, so  it’s imperative that I use the right eye shadows. My favorite from FACE Atelier is their purple plum color. With my brown complexion, I often have to over apply make-up which I am not so fond of. FACE Atelier stays on with one stroke. Now that’s intense. Eye Shadow. $17

FACE

The FACE Atelier Bronzer is to die for. I am a bronzer junkie. I own all kinds, all brands and it’s my single favorite thing. Face’s Brazilian Blaze Bronzer is phenomenal. You don’t even need foundation. It leaves your skin flawless and radiant. Just enough glimmer without the sunburned or overdone make-up look. It evens out your skin tone leaving you looking vibrant. You’ll glow all day. Now what can beat that? Brazilian Blaze. $30

Xoxo,
Simply Bijoux

Follow me on Twitter @BeChic_Beauty

Every now and then it’s time for another hair trim. Some of us are trying to recover from what the pool and beach water have sucked out of our shiny mane. Only this time around I want to do more than just trim the ends. Maybe some of my beauties have also been pondering a new look. With the new season you could be thinking, “I am bored with my hair and want to decide on a new style” or “my hair tends to look dull with ends that split.”

I opted for some of the best home remedies that have brought luster and health back to my locks.  Salon treatments can be expensive and contain chemical additives. Some of the best ingredients for your hair can be found right in your kitchen or a local supermarket.  The following natural goodies do wonders that revive your hair’s shine and strength: banana, eggs, mayonnaise, avocado, honey, almond oil and coconut oil.

Doing the following treatments at least once a week can do a major transformation to all hair types.

• Remedy 1 Apply enough mayonnaise to coat hair entirely from root to ends. Cover with shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash out with shampoo.

• Remedy 2  Mash half of an avocado, banana and one egg all together and cover hair entirely from roots to end. Cover with shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes wash out with shampoo.

• Remedy 3  Mix one egg and a tablespoon of almond oil, tablespoon of coconut oil and two tablespoons of honey. Again, cover hair from roots to ends entirely. Cover with shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes and wash out with shampoo.

Over all, try to avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet. Instead gently comb out tangles. Allow your hair to dry naturally when possible as hair dryers can damage your beautiful mane and remember to trim your ends. Practice these useful tips and let Bijoux know how your tresses have been behaving. – Bijoux

Xoxo Beauties, Simply Bijoux
Follow my Fabulousness @SimplyBijoux
Questions/Comments email: beauty@bechicmag.com

Today marks the last day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2010, and Bijoux has been keeping up with the looks that dominated the runways. My Beauties, barely-there make up seems to be the “it” look these days! Alberta Ferretti, an Italian fashion designer and dress maker, has owned the look saying it is inspired by the ’60s.

So how do we go noticeably unnoticeable? You can be sure to always count on Bijoux to have the answers.

First, even out the entire skin with the foundation of your choice. I prefer Mac Face & Body Foundation which easily matches your skin tone with an easy-to-blend water resistant formula. Make sure to minimize shine by using Blot Pressed Powder. We must not forget a thin line on the top lid and several coats of mascara.

Finalize the look with a chalky pink lipstick. Apply by using your finger for a matte-like finish. Try Mac Lipstick in Myth.

Until the next Fashion Week in Spring! Bijoux was excited to spill the beans and share some of the runway beauty secrets.

Mac Face & Body Foundation, $32

Blot Powder Pressed, $21

 Mac Lipstick in Myth, $14

Xoxo Beauties,
Simply Bijoux
Twitter me @SimplyBijoux
Have a question for Bijoux, write to me beauty@bechicmag.com

BIJOUX GETS MORE BEAUTY TIPS!

BeChicMag.com wanted to be everywhere. So while our editor was in SoHo, I headed up to Midtown and experienced Fashion’s Night Out with the vibrant and upbeat Too Faced make-up artist crew. They had the crowd going with their bubbly personalities, hourly raffles and music that had you moving to the beat. It was an all around feel-good vibe.

As I sat in the chair for my make-over, I was able to speak with make-up artist Dwight “Allen” O’Neal of Too Faced and he definitely had a lot to share with us. While being pampered, I paid close attention to his great advice and could not wait to share it with all my Beauties.

BeChicMag: Any tips for the everyday woman who may not be so make-up savvy?
Dwight O’Neal: I have learned that New York is all about getting it done in five minutes. My best piece of advice is wear the make-up; don’t let it wear you! Glam it up and do not be afraid of dark colors. The trick is blend, blend, blend.  If you want to step it up a notch, pick one thing and make it pop such as a deep lipstick, intense eyeliner and extra coats of mascara. Or a few extra strokes of blush.

BeChicMag: What is the single most important thing one should not go without?
Dwight O’Neal: For those who are not big on the whole make-up thing, definitely do eyeliner and mascara. It brightens the face and still gives you a fresh look. You can never go wrong.

BeChicMag: What do you suggest are the Top 5 Must Haves?
Dwight O’Neal: Too Faced Make-Up Brushes, Too Faced Magic Wand Illuminating Foundation, Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara, Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder, and Too Faced Mermaid Lip Gloss.

So what did Bijoux learn from this successful Fashion’s Night Out? Mineral water brightens the eye and brow gel works wonders.

For more on Dwight O’ Neal visit his Web site here. - Simply Bijoux

Check out some of our photos below: