Tuesday, June 23, 2009

SPF (Staying Pretty Forever)

In case you missed the email, here is a little press re: sarimotley from www.julib.com (houston)

sun set
"it's been a little more than four years since H-town-based sari motley launched her clean skincare collection (read: recognizable ingredient list) chock-full of toners, facewash and moisturizing prods. now, motley is adding an antioxidant-packed, non-greasy, non-whitening sunscreen to the mix ($21). available online at www.sarimotley.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Brow Coiffure

As I continue in my 2009 series of "before & after" stories, I want to introduce you to lovely Laurel. Laurel came for a "brow lesson" tonight, let me share.
First off, there aren't many women who feel complete, without paying a little attention to the brows; so Laurel, you are not alone.

Powder is a great and natural looking way to fill in (sparse) brows. I like the mineral matte shadows in sand, dusk, cashmere or twig. The powder is more likely to stick to the skin, not the hair. If you don't have a lot of hair, shading in the skin where you want a fuller brow is ideal. I picked two shades for Laurel to find the most natural look. One color was very similar to her own brow color, and the other was slightly deeper.

After we had the shade selections, we prepped the brows. You can do this with a brow comb or clean mascara wand. Next, I showed her how to fill in the scant areas using a combination of our two colors and an angled brush. Short, feather-like strokes applied in the same direction the hair is growing gives a more natural appearance — think of it as creating a feathery line to mimic hair.
Last, we finished with a clear brow gel to help keep brows and color in place.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

From Girl to Girly

I had a makeup lesson with Jena earlier this week, the results - nothing less than perfectly beautiful.

Jena came to me for a "how to" on just about everything. Since her present routine entailed sticking her head out of the car window for a blow dry, we started with the basics. First, the importance of skincare. Next, lash curling - this is a step often neglected, but so worth doing. I think Jena now agrees. Then we covered foundation all the way to finishing touches. It's a lot of information when you are new to makeup, yet seeming crucial when you really want to put your best face forward. See Jena before and after.

To schedule a makeup lesson for yourself or someone else, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit my contact page.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Summer's Must-Have Makeup

With Summer comes longer days, lighter fabrics (weight and color) and LIGHTER makeup. Try these tips for sizzling summer days or sultry summer nights:

I find that most gals like to keep their makeup simple when it's hot outside. Try this easy-as-pie routine for a day-time look, it's perfect.
  • Sheer foundation. I love this one with spf 20, and it's packed with antioxidants as a great-for-your-skin bonus.
  • Bronzer. This is a "must-have makeup", it will enliven any complexion. Swoosh a little over the areas of your face where the sun would naturally highlight your features – forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin.
  • Lips. Try your favorite color in a sheer shade or gloss - somethings that says "airy smooth", not "barely moves".
  • Mascara. You can add definition to your eyes without color. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Black mascara works for most, but fair should opt for brown. Sweep the mascara brush back & forth (like a windshield wiper), then one horizontal swoop to evenly distribute the color.

For Summer nights it's OK to "glow" for the glam, here's how:

  • Eyes. To create gorgeous eyes that speak for themselves, apply a medium-toned shadow lightly over the lid, and blend a darker color into the crease.
  • DO NOT forget mascara at night. Remember, mascara is your WOW factor for the eyes.
    Curl lashes with an eyelash curler. I like black mascara at night. Start at the lash base and move up beyond the tips to lengthen, wait a few moments then add another coat. If need be, use a lash comb to remove clumps.
  • Highlight. Glow ahead, you can do it... my favorite sheer mineral skin treat will have you literally luminous.
  • Cheeks. Look for blush colors that say, "I love to vacation" sans the sun damage.
  • Bronzer. When bronzing for evening, follow the same steps you would for day, but add a little extra on collar bones, back, etc. go on now, get glowing...
xo, sari sari@sarimotley.com