A Legend

This Sunday {August 5, 2012} marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Marilyn Monroe. I was a few months shy of my fourth birthday when she died, I think about that now and I'm amazed how much her image has influenced me over the years. Truthfully, Marilyn's image is larger than her life itself and it continues to influence to this day.

This is my favourite picture of Marilyn.            source unknown

These two images are my favourite pictures of Marilyn. I am unaware of the source, if anyone can provide photo credit I will update the post.
I like these pictures because she seems so relaxed, especially the first image where she is sitting up. It gives off a vibe that says you could just sit down and start chatting with her as you would with a close girlfriend.

source unknown

Marilyn's estate continues to this day to generate millions of dollars per year. She was ranked third on the Forbes annual list of deceased celebrities for 2011 {behind the earnings of the Michael Jackson estate, and Elvis Presley estate}, with the estate generating 27 million dollars for the year.

The estate was sold to Authentic Brands Group in 2010 who are working on lending her likeness and name to more defined {and hopefully elegant} projects. Jamie Salter, CEO for Authentic Brands notes that "it's women who have kept Marilyn alive", and so the interest in the Hollywood icon is best generated to products that women embrace. The upcoming projects include high end perfumes and cosmetic brands.

So what is it for us as women that draws us in?

She was a sex symbol of her time and there were other women who had just as much sexual overtone to their persona as Marilyn. Elizabeth Taylor, Brigette Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Ursula Andress and Racquel Welch. But Marilyn stood out.

Marilyn oozed sexiness with her curvy figure. For me it is how she displayed a soft feminine sultriness as well, combined with her mega watt smile. It all equates to feminine charm.

There is a 26 foot high sculpture of Marilyn in the 'dress breeze' pose that has been moved from Chicago to Palm Springs. This weekend an Elton impersonator will sit at the foot of the sculpture and sing 'Candle in the Wind' as part of a tribute to the late star. There will always be impersonators and wanna-be's, ugh!
With that note, I hope that Authentic Brands moves quickly on the re-branding of Marilyn's image to help portray the sultry actress as the soft and feminine woman she was.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin's famous song Candle in the Wind became a classic because it depicts the truth.

"Your candle burned out long before, your legend ever did".

Remembering a beautiful legend.

Skin and Makeup Advise from a PRO

The last post with Skin and Makeup Advise from a Pro {here} outlined using lip liners and creating a natural look with cosmetics.

Wilhemina : US Vogue

Today's advise is all about getting started and choosing the right foundation.



Question:

"What preparation do you recommend before applying makeup"?

Answer:

'Starting with a clean palette is important and I will address the cleansing process, types of cleansers and various products on the market in an upcoming post. 

To ready your face for makeup it is important to start with moisturizer. All skin care and makeup products that are developed to work with various skin types, it's important to choose a moisturizer that compliments your needs.'

'Take the time to let your moisturizer set into your skin before applying makeup on top....... UNLESS - you have very dry skin. If your skin is dry it is important to use a moisturizer specific for dry skin. If you are using a foundation, use one that is moisture enhanced and apply it immediately following the moisturizer {otherwise you will get a caked on look}.'  

'If your skin is oily - again, use a moisturizer specific for oily skin and use a primer before you apply makeup. The primer will help 'set' the makeup application.'

'Some of my favourite primers are: Hourglass Veil Mineral {the splurge} or L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base {the deal}.'

canetti

Question:

"I'm confused, TONER or NOT"

Answer:

'This is a personal preference ! But what I will say about toner is that they have evolved a great deal over the years. Long gone are the days of using a toner that is stripping and drying. Today's toners work on the concept of putting moisture back into the skin.'

'If a new toner is on your skincare shopping list, look for one that does not contain alcohol. Instead, choose one that does contain ingredients to revive the skin such as thermal or rose water. My personal favourite is Avene's Gentle Toner. I love the Avene skincare line which is from France in the Languedoc Roussillon region. And let's face it, who doesn't want to have beautiful skin like French women do.'

Question:

"Do I need to change the SHADE of foundation I use from season to season."

Answer:

'YES !  You should invest in a winter shade of foundation and a summer shade of foundation. It's not just about the colour, it's also about the temperature.'

'Always, always choose a foundation with SPF or apply sunscreen prior to moisturizer. Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock goes on smoothly, is non-greasy and offers several levels of protection for various times of the year {spf up to 110}.'

 

'Your winter {or cooler weather} foundation will be need in a shade to compliment your skin tone during the months when you do not have as much natural colour. The proper way to test colour is on your face near your jaw line - not on the back of your hand. Winter foundation could include something with more moisturizer in it to combat the effects of the harsh cold.'

'Summer foundation should be lighter, a tinted moisturizer works well during this humid time of year. Again, test the shade at your jaw line to ensure that it is not too light against your extra summer colour'.

'In an early post I advised readers of something that is worth repeating again:

Keep it Simple. If you think "maybe I should add more to this" - DON'T. Instead put the makeup brush down.'

Next Up .............. using the right makeup tools and how to care for them. 

beauty quote via quotesayings.net

Skin and Makeup Advise from a PRO

canetti

I promised readers back HERE that a professional Makeup Artist would be featured on Glamour Begins at Home and answer your questions regarding skincare and makeup. And since then I have really put her to the test asking a bevy of questions and talking to her non-stop. Well, the truth is that I talk to her all the time - the Makeup Artist is my beautiful Daughter.
But never before has she had me tap into her professional skills and ask so many questions about skincare and makeup. 

Monique has been a professional Makeup Artist for seven years. She has worked with several major makeup and skin care lines specifically, and she runs an independent makeup application business.
For my friends who know me and read my blog, please don't hold my Daughter responsible for my makeup skills. We have sat down twice for her to apply my makeup. It's like having a carpenter in the house and never getting the shelf hung up - we just don't take the time together to do my makeup, or I am away when I need help for a special occasion.
But I do listen to her instructions often and take it in my own hand for application. My Christmas stocking always has new lipsticks and shadows tucked inside, and frequently my Daughter will bring me a colour that she knows will work well for me.

The current makeup trend is to apply a 'natural' or 'neutral' palette. It sounds easy, just wear less makeup. But that is not the way to achieve a natural palette and a finished look at the same time. The natural palette is a technique that not all makeup artists can create well {in my opinion}, but it is a specialty of Monique's.

Meghan at Wishful Thinking asked for help with an updated look, in particular achieving a natural looking lip. Monique has offered two great suggestions - one for lips and one for the natural look of makeup applications.

YOU asked:

'What is the correct way to apply lip liner and then fill it in?'

Answer:

'Stay as true to your natural lip line as you can. If you are filling in your lips too much it is going to look like you had your lips 'done' {and not in a good way}. If you need to wear lip liner because your lips are not full enough, choose a nude lip liner. MAC cosmetics has some great nude lip liners that I love {a few of my favourite liner colours by MAC are SYNC, Subculture, and Naked}'.

'From the cosmetic line Make Up For Ever, I use Lip Line Perfector {available exclusively at Sephora}, it's a great product. This lip liner acts as an invisible lip liner to help with feathering, as well as filling in the fine lines. Feathering on your lip line happens when your lip colour bleeds over your natural lip line.'
'Nude lip liner is great for any lip colour you use, including red. You do not need to match your lip liner to your lip colour. Using a nude lip liner will give you fullness without looking dramatic.' 

'How to properly apply your lip liner : start from the outside corner of your lip and softly drag the pencil towards the center of your lip. Use this technique for both upper and lower lips. To make your lips look fuller apply a small dabble of gloss to the center bottom lip.'

'I apply my lip colour first and then apply the lip liner.'

 YOU Asked:

'I love the soft natural looking makeup applications, how do I achieve this?'

Answer:

'If you are afraid that you are wearing too much makeup, try this trick : 

Start with your base {concealer is a must ........ ALWAYS!}. If you normally wear foundation apply it now. Next fill in your brows {details in an upcoming post on how to fill in a brow properly}.'

'After your base is complete and your skin is looking it's best.......... if you like to wear bright lipstick put that on first before anything else. By putting on your focal point first it will steer you away from adding too much colour anywhere else.'

'Now add a soft {subtle} sweep of shadow across your eye lids - you do not want a buildup of colour {blending brushes help to ensure that the eye shadow is even}. Apply mascara for subtle definition.'

'Bronzer gently brushed across your cheeks acts as a blush, but gives a more natural look {sun kissed glow}.'

'If you like the look of shadow and want more definition to your eyes, apply your shadow first instead of playing up your lips.'

'Keep it Simple. If you think "maybe I should add this too" - DON'T ! Instead put your makeup brush down.'

That is how to achieve a natural look that highlights the focal points.

** more information on filling in your brows, choosing the right colour of foundation, what makeup tools to use........... and more - Coming Soon!

Makeup tricks from the artist's Mom: 

'The vertical groove in my upper lip it very defined in the center. Monique taught me to bring the lip liner softly between the groove to achieve a softer lip line. Just as she instructed above - do not draw your lip line.'

'I wear reading glasses - so I put them on to check my makeup partway through applying and when complete. This ensures that I catch any little brush fibers sitting on my skin and blending of products used.'

 

 

Skin and Makeup advise from a PRO

 

Do I need toner?  What is the correct way to apply lip pencil and lipstick for a natural look?  How do I fill in my brows?  How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

The answers to these and many more questions regarding skin care and makeup applications will addressed by a talented makeup artist here at Glamour Begins At Home.

I've asked an experienced Make Up Artist to she share her knowledge, tips and tricks to helping you look your best. I have given her a long list of questions that I think most women need help with. If you have a specific skin care or makeup application question, please send us a note.

One tip she has already shared with me is : Hard as Hoof that I wrote about HERE - is also available at nailpolishcanada.com {just in case the trek to Walmart is not on your list}.

Stay tuned.......... this feature is coming soon.

Finally, hard nails

I have always had soft nails that split and peeled just as they started any bit of growth. Years ago....... when my Daughter was a toddler, I started wearing acrylic nails. It was my solution to pretty nails all the time. I just didn't intend to wear acrylic that long.
It was back in the 80's when long nails and nail art was a big trend. I look back at pictures of me holding one of my kids and wonder how I didn't stab them in the eye. Sensibly I cut my nails to a shorter more professional length and always wore them with a french manicure finish.
I switched to wearing bio-gel nails over the recent years, which were a bit less invasive {who was I kidding}. I never had fungus or any other nail problems on my natural nails, which can happen easily with artificial nail applications.

via philocaly

I always were a bright colour polish on my toes - all year long, and love getting pedicures.  But I prefer to wear my fingernails natural, without polish - how ironic.

It was back in the late 80's that the owner of the nail shop I went to asked me to train with her. I worked part-time learning about nail applications, pedicures, manicures, and nail art techniques. Later I took a space of my own in a hair shop providing nail services, but most of my business came from a mobile nail service that I offered.
Nail art has recently re-surged and is being presented as a fashion accessory with a variety of colours and applications. I seriously hope that the trend does not include long nails again.

I've tried a couple of times to leave the acrylic off for extended periods of time, but my natural nails broke at the quick {ahh painful} and peeled. No wonder - the poor little nail beds were crying out.
This January I was refinishing a piece of furniture for a friends baby nursery; my nails were in need of a manicure and took a beating via the refinishing project. I left the acrylic off and began a two month project of treating my nails. I tried everything - all of those notable nail products that dominate the market. It was worse - I'm convinced that the products are designed to dry out your nail and send you on a search for more products.

Then I remembered an interview with Shania Twain where she mentioned that her biggest beauty secret was using the cream for horses hoofs on her nails. Off to google I went to find horse hoof cream ..... and I discovered a nail cream called Hard as Hoof.
The reviews were glowing, and this was my last ditch effort to help my now almost non-existent nails. My search for where-to-buy took me to Walmart. I think I paid about $7 and change for this nail cream. And it is amazing!

I love that this product can be applied into your nail bed over nail polish. I massage this into my nails several times a day and always before I go to bed. It is non greasy and smells like almond paste - AND, it works!!
Ta-da, my nails are growing and they are not splitting or peeling like they used to. I've started getting regular manicures and really enjoy wearing a soft blush natural nail bed shade of colour.

It's just one more step to a healthier regime that I've promised myself I'm going to stick with.

via stockart

Beauty Aged

I took this picture in Rhodes, Greece, last year when we visited inside the Palace of the Grand Masters.
This is an arm rest on a bench that is in an antechamber. The beauty of the carved details brought me to stop and admire it for some time. I can't help but think the artists who carved these pieces, how many arms were supported against the rest, how many hands touched the curve of the wood.......... the whisper of the prayers from those waiting.
This is truly the beauty of aging.

Beauty in the glass

image:john rawlings

I was looking at a box of photographs the other day, which proved to be even more addictive than blogging. I dug out pictures of myself holding my new baby daughter {who is now 28} when she was only a few days old. I showed my Daughter the pictures and she noted that I was wearing makeup while in the hospital. And is it any wonder that 'my baby' is now a make-up artist.

At the time makeup was just a part of my morning routine, the habit now continues and seems more 'necessary'. Hmmm, yes - the creeping up of dark spots and dark circles as we age. And yet now I wear translucent foundation and mineral based powder....... so maybe it isn't that bad after all.
I have worn moisturizer and foundation for years. Truthfully I think it is the thing that has helped keep my skin more protected {critics are inserting their thoughts now}. I wear a combination of several products for both skin and makeup, as a I find that no one line provides me with everything.

My cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer is by NeoStrata - a good recommendation from a dermatologist. I was just introduced to Prevage and have started using the moisturizer and night cream, and I'm loving this product and looking forward to trying the spot cream and eye cream by Prevage. My foundation, concealer and powder are Estee Lauder, while I rely on MAC for colour {lips, cheeks, eyes}.

I switched to a very inexpensive mascara about a year ago when I was having problems with some of my lashes drying and coming out. My Daughter recommended Rimmel mascara (with collagen) which has built my lashes full and long almost immediately. The incredible bonus is that this mascara is only about $10, a big difference from the DIOR and Estee that I previously used.
My Daughter is always giving me products to try and recently introduced me to Argan Oil which I find great for the aging neck area.

Nothing Glamourous going on at my dressing table, simple products that work for me.

john rawlings - vogue '47 - conde nast

The image above caught my attention because it is so me.  The makeup brushes and products are all lined up in a little row {so me} and the model is wearing her best jewelery while only in her corset. Trust me, life is not this glam, but it's these silly little things that I do like wear a pretty robe when I'm applying my makeup that let me tip into the Glamour beauty trunk.

I come from a generation that did and still does sit out in the sun. We think we are protected if we are wearing the right spf product. I don't believe that for one minute  ...... and yet I still sit at the beach while on vacation.
As we age the real signs of our neglect to every part of our body begins to show. New routines and products are introduced to help us combat the tired 'flat' look we tend to carry as we age.

ann sheridan

We all want to live longer, but we still want to look youthful and fresh. We get our  anti-aging fix via a miracle cream, botox, fillers or surgery. But a big part of beauty is wrapped in how you live, how you care for yourself.
The fuel you give your body shows through from the inside out. The fuel of foods that are good for you and the fuel of healthy emotions will bring on the glow you are looking for.
Do you wear your stress or do you burn it off with exercise and meditation?  Do you take time to breath deep and dig into your spirituality every day ? .....most of us don't. And yet is taking control of these simple things in our life, the things that no one else can see or help us with, that matter the very most.

carol landis

I recently put a quote on our kitchen blackboard that reads:

"I've decided to be HAPPY, because it's better for my health".

Decide to like yourself enough each day to take care of yourself. The beauty in the glass is the reflection of your happiness and the dedication you give to yourself to be healthier.

Glamour does begin at home - it begins within you.

nina leen

The Wonders of Laduree

 

The house of Laduree, the French pastry shop brand, has developed an elegant cosmetic line just in time for their 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Les Merveilleuses de Laduree {The Wonders of Laduree} is the beauty collection by Laduree debuted last month in Japan. The cameo styled line will be available in Europe in the fall and it is rumoured that it will be on New York shelves before Christmas 2012.

Cheek Colour available in 20 colours

It seems almost unbelievable that there is a calorie-free Laduree product, but these elegantly packaged beauty products are almost sweet enough to eat.

Cream Cheek base

Foundation and concealer

Cheek colour, rose face petals, lip colour.

The elegant packaging is unmistakably Laduree with styling that whispers of the artistic renderings of Jules Cheret. Soft gold cameo's adorn the white cases that close with curl edged clip closures.  The lip colour tubes feature small gold cameo charms daintily dangling from the end.

Face Colour Rose with brush.

Face Powder.

Face Petals

The beauty line will add a collection of eyeshadow this May in Japan, the collection  will be themed around a romantic summer picnic.

via rougedeluxe.blogspot

The Laduree reputation of perfection is sure to deliver on this new line of beauty products. An additional bonus of Les Merveilleuses de Laduree is the classic beauty of the packaging, something I am certain will never be discarded. And if that was not enough, image a Laduree product that is calorie free.

Have a GLAMOUROUS Weekend

Hoping your weekend is filled with special moments and a little bit of GLAMOUR.

houseandgarden

Holiday Shopping Early

Christie's Auction House is preparing for the sale of Elizabeth Taylor's complete jewellery collection. The auction proceeds will go the Taylor estate with some of the proceeds from the exhibition and publications about the vast array of gems going to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

The star's haute couture and ready-to-wear fashions, accessories, 20th Century decorative arts and memorabilia will also be auctioned. 

The treasured collection of extravagant jewels are estimated to raise $30 Million according to the worldwide auction house. But before the bidding begins in New York on December 13th & 14th, the collection will be on tour to Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Paris, Hong Kong and Geneva.

 

"I never thought of my jewellery as trophies. I'm here to take care of them and to love them. When I die they go off to auction, I hope who ever buys them gives them a real good home."

                       
                                                                                   Elizabeth Taylor from the book My Love Affair with Jewelry.


Elizabeth Taylor wore the lavish jewellery items with an easy elegance. The size of the individual pieces and the extraordinary collection requires a woman with sophistication and presence to wear the gems. Elizabeth Taylor evoked a dazzling beauty and glamourous style that highlighted everything she wore. 

Elizabeth Taylor wears the 33.19 carat diamond ring while she feeds 

her Daughter Liza.

The sales begins at Christie's in New York on December 13th at 7 PM; and just in case you need to help Santa with the details from your Christmas Wish List....... here are some images to assist with his shopping.

Emerald Ring estimated at $600,000 to $800,000.

The Granny Suite - A gift from Burton to Taylor upon her becoming a GrandMother. Estimated at $120 K to $180 K.

Charm bracelet with 20 charms. Estimated $25,000 to $35,000.

Bvlgari necklace, bracelet and earring set from Richard Burton.

Taj Mahal diamond necklace - circa 1627. Burton said 'I would have like to buy her the Taj Mahal'. It is inscribed 'to my beloved Mahal'.

Mike Todd Tiara - estimated at $60,000 to $80,000

The famous Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Ring.

 A gift from Burton, the diamond ring is 33.19 carats and estimated at $2.5 to $3.5 Million.

The Amethyst & Diamond piece was created by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimated at $70,000 to $100,000.

Another incredible gift from Burton - by Bvlgari.

Prince of Wales Brooch is estimated at $400,000 to $600,000.

La Peregrina - an early 16th century pearl, ruby & diamond necklace by Cartier. A gift from Richard Burton, currently estimated at $2 to $3 Million. The pear shaped natural pearl was once owned by Queen Mary Tudor of England.

Elizabeth Taylor's fascination with jewellery began as a young girl when she bought a costume brooch as a gift for her Mother.
As the men and loves of her life showered Elizabeth in priceless gems, her maturity of the gift of jewels drew a much deeper meaning. She saw the jewels as an expression of 'God's Workmanship' and said that 'they're all from the ground. We didn't die them. This red is from God'.

With or without the sparkle of her world famous jewellery collection, Elizabeth Taylor was beautiful and elegant.

Elizabeth Taylor without her jewels. Image by Richard Avedon.