Putting Together Your Pre-Wedding Beauty Arsenal

The time between when you get engaged and when you get married can be the most exciting, exhilarating and stressful time of your life. There's so much to plan and so many events and opportunities to celebrate with your loved ones. Between all the engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette weekends and photo shoots, you'll want to look your best. The memories and photos will last forever and you'll definitely want to look back at that time fondly, not stressed over your appearance.  

Unfortunately, it's not always possible to have a professional makeup artist or beauty advisor on hand for each event. Sometimes it's hard to know what you need and what's gonna be essential to your beauty routine. Luckily, you CAN have a celebrity makeup artist dispensing some helpful advice on what products to put together for your pre-wedding beauty arsenal.    

Celebrity makeup artist Julie Harris has worked with some of the most beautiful celebrities around. From Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore to Eva Mendes and Jessica Alba. I spoke to her about the products and tools every bride should use to get ready for the all events surrounding the big day. There's no better time to revamp your makeup wardrobe than immediately after you get engaged. Restock your favorites and find out here what new gems you're gonna need to look your most glamorous.  

Beauty Tools:

Harris recommends investing in a great set of brushes. She has three favorite brands: M.A.C., Shu Uemura and Sephora brand. 

She recommends the following brushes:

-A large powder brush and blush brush that are soft and full. 

-A fluff brush for blending in the crease.

-A small fluff or shading brush for close to the lashes to give a soft shadow line. 

-An angle brush for applying shadow close to the top lashes or shading the eye brows to give more arch. 

-A lip brush.

-A liquid liner brush, which you want to be thin and pointy.

Skin Products:

"Bridal makeup should be natural and have a healthy glow," says Harris. She recommends using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer such as Fresh Soy Cleanser, Rose Marigold Floral Water and Soy Face Cream. Harris also loves their Black Tea Eye Cream because it's soothing and moisturizing.  

Makeup-Foundation: 

Harris says to use a foundation that will work well to combat shine and smooth out your pores. 

She recommends: 

-Make Up For Ever Foundation. Celebrities love their HD formulas because they look great on camera and make your skin look flawless.

-Giorgio Armani Foundation. Another celebrity favorite because of its creamy formula and full coverage. 

Makeup-Primer

"I would also recommend using a primer to keep the skin looking flawless all day and to make your foundation last," says Harris.

She recommends: 

-Giorgio Armani Fluid Primer, a luxe liquid solution and makeup artist favorite.

-Lancome LA BASE PRO Perfecting Makeup Primer, a light formula with a velvety texture.

-Tarte Clean Slate Primer, an all-natural and paraben-free option.

-Jouer Mattifier, which works well under makeup or over top of your foundation to combat shine in the T-Zone.  

Makeup-Powder:

"I love Laura Mercier powders," she says.  She prefers their translucent formula because it's finer and lighter on the skin and likes the color tone selections available. Their brightening powder is great for under the eyes to make you look like you've had a good night's sleep.

Other powder recommendation:

-Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder which look great on camera and video (a bridal must). 

Makeup-Blush:

"For blushers I would recommend softer colors for wedding events," says Harris.

She likes:

-Cargo, which has an HD line with a great, subtle blush hue that goes on soft. 

-Bobbi Brown, which has a nice collection of pretty, punchy colors that make you look like you've just come back from a workout. 

Makeup-Concealer:"My favorite concealer is Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage because it has the two tones that are great for mixing to get a perfect skin tone match. The warmer is good for blue undertones and to match the skin's depth of color and the lighter is meant to match your undertone," says Harris. Harris loves the blendable concealer palette so a bride can mix her perfect shade depending on the day and her current skin tone.  You're skin tone might be lighter one month and darker the next depending on your sun exposure and time of year. 

Makeup-Mascara:

Harris recommends using both waterproof and non-waterproof mascaras. She uses a non-waterproof mascara first to get the fullness of the lashes and then seals it with a waterproof mascara for the last coat so the formula won't run if you cry. 

Her favorite: -Lancome Custom Volume Hypnose. 

Makeup-Eyeliner:

Harris swears by Kanebo Sensai Liquid Eyeliner because it has a great felt tip liner that is so exact and fine, you can get really close to the lashes. "I can't live without it and use it all the time," says Harris. 

She also likes Smashbox Waterproof Cream Liner because it doesn't smudge and gives a great line that makes the lashes look fuller. 

Makeup-Lips:

Harris recommends applying a lip balm like Fresh Sugar Balm first to moisturize the lips.

She says to use a soft liner color depending on the lip color you chose and recommends shading the lip first with a pencil, then applying a lip color and finally blotting the lips with a tissue and then applying again. Smashbox The Nude Lipliner is great liner option and YSL lipsticks are luxurious, pigmented and have a great satin finish. "I would stay away from too much gloss, frosted lipsticks or glittery colors. They don't photograph as well. The more matte the lips the better it will stay and the better it will look in photographs," she says. 

Final Touches:

For evening weddings or candlelight settings, Harris recommends applying a little highlighter on the cheek bones or in the inner corner of the eye which will reflect nice in the lighting. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, NARS The Multiple or Benefit High Beam are all great options. She also recommends investing in blotting papers to help keep the shine at bay for pictures and help from keeping the foundation from looking too powdery. 

Don't Let "Bacne" Keep You From The Beach

Summer may be winding down but there are definitely a few more beach/pool days on the calendar and getting your beach bod together is as important now as it was on Memorial Day. The key to looking great (besides keeping the body as tight and toned as possible or in my case sucking in for dear life) is having great, clear skin. Unfortunately for many people (especially dudes) back acne is a major problemo.

Causes of Bacne

According to Dr. Susan Evans, chief of dermatology at Skincare Physicians of Beverly Hills, "facial and back acne develops in a similar manner and expresses itself in similar lesions".  Dr. Evans (a health and beauty expert on shows such as Oprah, Dr. Oz, and The Today Show) does say that the "sebaceous glands (glands that secrete oils) on the back are larger and produce more oil than those on the face. These larger glands can produce more severe lesions such as nodules and cysts more frequently. The skin on the back is also much thicker than that on the face". That means that if you're already prone to acne on your face, you could find yourself with some less-than desirable large and in charge cystic-acne like zits on your back. Who feels confident with those around?

Dr. Evans, says back acne or "bacne" can also be caused by irritation of the skin and aggravated by anything that rubs against it such as tight fitting clothes, bra straps or back packs. Unfortunately, this type of acne, also known as "acne mechanica", will get worse with moisture. So, if you're sweaty (especially in the humid weather) and mix that in with repeated rubbing against an irritant, your condition will likely worsen. Frustrating right?

Treatment Options

-Your first step is to make sure your clothes aren't the culprit and you aren't specifically allergic or aggravated by particular fabrics. Make sure to cleanse your skin with an antibacterial wash that will remove surface bacteria. Try Dial Clean & Refresh Antibacterial Body Wash in Mountain Fresh ($5.99, Walgreens). 

 

-Then, invest in a good back scrubber ($6.99, drugstores) and loofah ($2.99 drugstores). Not only should you be using an antibacterial wash and acne products that contain Salicylic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy acids, you should be scrubbing and exfoliating the surface area daily to slough away dead skin and prevent your pores from clogging which causes breakouts.  

-Next find a body wash and/or exfoliating scrub that targets acne issues.

I'm a fan of Neutrogena's Body Clear line that includes their Pink Grapefruit Body Wash, regular Body Wash and Body Scrub ($6.99, drugstores).  The scrub and washes contain the maximum strength dermatologist recommended amount of Salicylic Acid (a proven acne-fighting ingredient) and none of them will dry out your skin.

Other Favorites:

Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish ($18.00, Sephora.com)- This super gentle yet super effective scrub uses rice bran and walnut shell powder to slough away dead skin on your face and body. I swear by this stuff and it's transformed my skin.

AHAVA Pure Spa Dead Sea Liquid Salt ($22.00, Skinstore.com)- The formula, a 2008 CEW Beauty Insider Finalist, contains an intense concentration of Dead Sea minerals that regenerate the skin and detoxify its tissues (like a regular scrub would). For many people, sea salt (like ocean water) is a great remedy for clearing up acne. This will mimic those effects. Be careful to not use this on your face and keep it away from your eyes and open cuts. The high concentration of sea salt will make open wounds burn. 

Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar  ($38.00. Sephora)-A  purifying treatment bar for the face or body. Sephora reviewers LOVE this versatile tool, which can be used as a deep cleanser, an instantly detoxifying mask, or a spot treatment to heal blemishes and irritation. The high mineral content soothes irritations and reduces breakouts.

 
Anthony Logistics For Men Glycerin Cleansing Bar  ($8.50, Sephora)- A gentle, vegetable-based cleansing soap for the body and the face that's suited for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It contains orange extract, a natural alpha-hydroxy acid and smoothes the skin thanks to its natural antiseptic qualities.

-Once out of the shower use a toner that will get rid of any other oils, impurities and dirt left behind. Try La Roche Posay Effaclar Toner Astringent Lotion ($20.90, CVS & drugstore.com). The effective toner might be too harsh on the face (if you have especially sensitive skin) but the thick skin on your back will benefit from its pore de-clogging treatment ingredients.

-Finally, if you need immediate treatment for an already erupted mound, find a spot solution that contains benzoyl peroxide. I'm a fan of B. Kamins Medicated Acne Gel 10% Benzoyl Peroxide ($28.00, skinstore.com). It effectively treats moderate to severe acne and won't dry out the skin. Plus you only need a tiny amount per blemish, so the tube lasts a long time.

So, if you want a blemish-free back this summer take these treatment tips to heart.

*A home remedy I've heard works but haven't tried is putting vinegar in a spray bottle and spritzing it all over your back. Not sure how it works or how effective it is but could be a good home-remedy option! If you don't mind the potent smell!

The Beauty Buff Reader Q & A-Dry, Uneven Skin Tone

A reader recently asked me about some common, yet undeniably annoying skin concerns. I was happy to give her my two cents and even enlisted the help of renowned dermatologist, Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd and celebrity makeup artist, Carola Gonzales.

Here's what she asked: "My skin is uber-dry, and recently I've been having problems on my face and neck with patches of dry skin. My skin color/ tone is also very uneven, and even though I am 26, my skin still bares the scars of teenage acne. I am in desperate need of a recommendation for something that will smooth my skin, heal away all the scars, improve the tone, and moisturize it and I wondered if you had any good recommendations?

Here are my answers:

   

Acne Scars Treatments-

-Get Mederma Scar Cream Plus SPF 30. I had a dark scar underneath my lip and regularly applied Mederma on it and it's basically disappeared. Make sure you get it with SPF or use SPF regularly because you don't want the scars/skin to darken since they're already a different shade than the rest of your face. It really works well.

Or try Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector and/or Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector which also addresses acne scarring. Celebrity makeup artist, Carola Gonzales (who works with The Office's Mindy Kaling and Kerry Washington) says she loves these products and has noticed a big difference in her own skin after using them.

Facial Cleanser-

Drugstore Brands-I love Neutrogena cleansers. For uneven skin tone try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser. It works really well but avoid using it daily if you have dry skin. It's gentle and mild on the skin but does contain exfoliating beads. Too much exfoliating will strip your skin of its oils and makes it feel even more rough and dry. I'd recommend something like Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser for daily use. It's removes dead surface skin that can roughen your complexion and it doesn't make your skin feel tight and itchy.

On a side note their hand cream is my absolute obsession and truly works miracles on super dry skin.

Department Store Brands-I also really like Skinceuticals Cleansing Cream. The brand is highly recommended by many dermatologists (and me) and they have a full range of products for every skin issue. I really like this brand as a whole and their face washes in particular really do what they say they're going to do.

 Other options: I love Estee Lauder products. I really trust the brand.

Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser feels moisturizing on dry skin. It's super creamy and very gentle.  They've been in the beauty business forever and their skincare line is tried and tested amazing.

Toner- 

A good toner will remove the dirt and impurities from your skin that a cleanser can't get to. I always use it after I wash my face and before I put moisturizer on. I highly recommend adding a toner to your nightly beauty regimen. Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion is a great option. It's effective and affordable. I also like Estee Lauder's Soft Clean Silky Hydrating Lotion but it's definitely more pricey.

Exfoliators-

I can't get enough of Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant. My complexion has definitely improved because of it. I only use it once a week because I don’t want to over scrub my already dry face. Limit use to once a week or dilute it with water if you have super dry skin. Also apply the scrub onto dry skin first and then wash it off. It's more effective that way. So put it on before you jump in the shower and then wash it off.

Or try Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, a gentle scrub and that's great for dry skin.

Moisturizers-

Try Clinque Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20. It's effective for uneven skin tones and will nourish your skin. To make your moisturizer as effective as possible, apply it immediately after you jump out of the shower or wash your face. Slightly damp skin locks in moisture and helps prolong the effects of your moisturizer. So with your face cream and body lotion (if you use it) apply it as soon as you get out of the shower. You can even use a moisture-locking spray like Evian Mineral Water Spray to replicate the effect.

Was any of this information helpful to you? Let me know and let me know your other beauty concerns! Thanks to my loyal Beauty Buff reader for her important and extremely relatable questions!

The Beauty Buff's Lip Balm Hall of Fame!

For me having dry lips is like having chapped, moisture-hungry hands; not to be over dramatic, but it's excruciatingly uncomfortable. I need soft, happy lips at all times. I've tried a lot of balms in my day and some work wonders while others make my lips feel even more dry. How is that even possible? Here's a collection of my favorite lip treatments. The balms I swear by, can't live without and am borderline addicted to. They each provide a unique texture, scent, and feeling on the lips and all work mini-miracles. Check out my top Beauty Buff-approved beauty balms to silken even the roughest lips in the business.

Rosebud Lip Salve-This perennial favorite can be seen tossed in the handbags of most young ladies and with good reason. This old school salve satiates even the driest lips and makes your pucker feel glossed and smooth for hours. It not only gives your pout a healthy flush but it also relieves dry skin, rough cuticles and hands in desperate need of moisture.

EOS (Evolution of Smooth)-This futuristic looking balm is more than just aesthetically appealing. The geometric shape actually helps when applying the sweet mint flavor on your lips. The roundness of the solid balm and firm grip of the container smooths effortlessly over the lips. The wallet-friendly lip treatment is also eco-friendly and ridiculously relieving on the lips. It's one of my most fav. new beauty finds.

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is a soothing potent petroleum skin protectant with a dash of SPF. This no-nonsense balm is perfect for dry weather when skin is cracked and chapped but also perfect to apply all year long. It coats the lips with a thick cooling solution that tingles the skin and keeps moisturizing all day so you don't have to think about reapplying for hours. Plus it's very dude-friendly-no frilly smells here!

Julie Hewett Camellia Lip Balm is a delicate blend of mostly organic ingredients including essential oils like rose, camellia and orange. Camellia Oil is closest to our own natural oils which makes it absorb quickly and refresh the skin in a unique way. The addictive balm comes in a easy to use pot or lipstick application and is heavenly on the lips.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 is made with reparative oils, waxes and real sugar for a sweet taste and cushiony texture. The SPF provides important protection against damaging UV rays but the balm isn't sticky and gently exfoliates as it softens. Overall a fantastic treatment option.

Labello Lip Balms-I first tried Labello when I was on vacation in Italy five years ago. Their lip products are very much a European mainstream staple. I've been OBSESSED with the brand ever since and can't get enough of the balms that have a cult status across the pond. I've raved about the tinted lip hues-They are my absolute favorite ever-but I can't speak enough about their collection of lip treatments. The formulas are creamy, smooth and smell amazing. Try their Milk & Honey Lip Balm, available online, you won't regret your purchase but be warned you might end up taking a European excursion just to stock up on these addictive lip savers!

Elemis Lip Revive is a petroleum free balm. It comes out looking a little gooey but isn't sticky at all and makes your lips supple and soft. Japanese wild mint and peppermint oils keep your breath fresh and lips tingling. A great addition to any makeup bag.

Kate Hudson Debuts A New Look

Kate Hudson looked head-to-toe glamorous at last night's gala celebrating Chopard's 150 years of excellence at the Frick Collection. The actress exuded her usual bubbly charm and dare I say radiated a new found confidence in her clingy body-hugging lavender dress and cream colored Casadei heels.

Celebrity makeup pro, Julie Harris dished what she did to achieve Hudson's subtle yet gorgeous look. The makeup artist started by applying Fresh Rose Marigold Tonic Water on her skin, Fresh Lotus Eye Gel around the eyes and Dr. Perricone Intensive Moisture Therapy all over her face and neck.   

Skin: Harris then applied Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 6 on the face. "I only used a little with a foundation brush to give sheer coverage," says Harris. She then used Laura Mercier Camouflage Concealer #3 under her eyes. To add a warm flush to her cheeks, Harris shaded the cheekbones with NARS Tuomota and applied Bobbi Brown Pink Blush on the apples of the cheeks.

Eyes: "I wanted her to look dewy and fresh with the emphasis on the eyes," she says. She did that by applying SENSAI COLOR Liquid Liner close to the upper lashes and two coats of Clinique High Impact Mascara on the top and bottom lashes. To highlight Hudson's features, Harris applied NARS Multiple Copacabana Highlighting Cream on the brow bone, cheek bone and the inner corner of the eyes. She used NARS Maracaibo Cream Shadow with a fluffy brush to blend on the lid and in the crease and Lancome's Prune Eyeliner which was smudged close to the lower lashes and blended the Maracaibo shadow over the top of the liner closer to the lashes. 

Lips: Hudson had a beautiful, soft pink tint on her lips. Harris outlined her pout with NARS Tonga Lip Liner and filled them in with Giorgio Armani #11, a pink mauve hue lipstick. Finally, she added a hint of glimmer with Armani's #1 lip shimmer in a soft pink.