Articles By Amber Milt
SUPERMODEL SECRETS: DIY FASHION GOES 1-ON-1 WITH ERIN WASSON
To the fashion world, Erin Wasson is not just another pretty face.
Her prevailing taste and trend-setting ways have made her a true sartorial icon - even landing her a job as the in-house stylist for Alexander Wang.
We hit New York's trendiest neighborhood to chat with the new face of Rockport who turned out wearing a killer pair of gray suede and black cap toe shoes with an added leather boot-strap she incorporated to make the shoes "her own."
The leggy supermodel dished on everything from kissing Justin Timberlake, to why she decided to endorse such a non-traditional fashion brand.
On her initial impression of Rockport and current love for the brand:
Rockport was very much off my radar. I just kind of thought that they were, you know to be honest with you, Rockport was kind of the shoes that your dad would wear. I had no idea what was sort of going on internally with the company - the way that they were repositioning themselves in the market place and pushing designs in their women's sector - and so when I went to the showroom [and saw] the Presia Boot with the Leopard print, and the Lola Oxfords with the cap toes, I was like, 'Wow, this is so cool!' And then finding out about the technology [and their partnership] with Adidas - that's where the comfort comes in - so the fact that I can wear a pair of shoes that I would beyond a shadow of a doubt buy at a store anyhow, and the fact that they can be so comfortable ... it's that perfect combination.
On her personal style preferences:
For me [fashion is] really about tailoring ... if I buy a pair of leather pants off the rack then I'm taking them to my seamstress to have them really honed in and well fit to my body. I'm a big fan of leather and denim [although] I wear mostly black and white ... I keep it pretty basic. I like a really nice button down, but not your
classic button down - I always say I'm channeling a version of a feminine Johnny Cash at all times.
On her big fashion splurge for the season:
I don't know. I haven't decided yet. I haven't decided what's worthy and I think I'm smart enough to know that you have to take a beat - because I think that we're too quick to covet something and want to acquire it. So I think I need to think about it, and as the season progresses [think] do I have to have it.
On her secret to looking so good:
I'm lucky enough to get to try a lot of products but my skin is really sensitive and I don't like to rock the boat. I use Ayur-Medics for most of my skin care regime. I also use oils - I used to be really afraid of putting oils on my skin because I thought they'd break me out - but they are super soothing.
Erin's also believes in a holistic approach to skin care, getting regular facials from LA based Terri Lowten, and says part of looking radiant on the outside is healing from the inside. And perhaps her ethereal radiance helped her land the part of Justin Timberlake's love interest in his William Rast campaign - and a kiss from the sexy superstar.
So how exactly was that kiss?:
[The kiss] was really awkward because I had just broken my foot about three hours before we did that scene. I was in a cast for four months after that shoot. So between the pain and 30 people standing around in that moment it's just awkward. But the good thing is that he and I are very self-deprecating and we definitely kept it light and had a good time with it.
Her prevailing taste and trend-setting ways have made her a true sartorial icon - even landing her a job as the in-house stylist for Alexander Wang.
We hit New York's trendiest neighborhood to chat with the new face of Rockport who turned out wearing a killer pair of gray suede and black cap toe shoes with an added leather boot-strap she incorporated to make the shoes "her own."
The leggy supermodel dished on everything from kissing Justin Timberlake, to why she decided to endorse such a non-traditional fashion brand.
On her initial impression of Rockport and current love for the brand:
Rockport was very much off my radar. I just kind of thought that they were, you know to be honest with you, Rockport was kind of the shoes that your dad would wear. I had no idea what was sort of going on internally with the company - the way that they were repositioning themselves in the market place and pushing designs in their women's sector - and so when I went to the showroom [and saw] the Presia Boot with the Leopard print, and the Lola Oxfords with the cap toes, I was like, 'Wow, this is so cool!' And then finding out about the technology [and their partnership] with Adidas - that's where the comfort comes in - so the fact that I can wear a pair of shoes that I would beyond a shadow of a doubt buy at a store anyhow, and the fact that they can be so comfortable ... it's that perfect combination.
On her personal style preferences:
For me [fashion is] really about tailoring ... if I buy a pair of leather pants off the rack then I'm taking them to my seamstress to have them really honed in and well fit to my body. I'm a big fan of leather and denim [although] I wear mostly black and white ... I keep it pretty basic. I like a really nice button down, but not your
classic button down - I always say I'm channeling a version of a feminine Johnny Cash at all times.
On her big fashion splurge for the season:
I don't know. I haven't decided yet. I haven't decided what's worthy and I think I'm smart enough to know that you have to take a beat - because I think that we're too quick to covet something and want to acquire it. So I think I need to think about it, and as the season progresses [think] do I have to have it.
On her secret to looking so good:
I'm lucky enough to get to try a lot of products but my skin is really sensitive and I don't like to rock the boat. I use Ayur-Medics for most of my skin care regime. I also use oils - I used to be really afraid of putting oils on my skin because I thought they'd break me out - but they are super soothing.
Erin's also believes in a holistic approach to skin care, getting regular facials from LA based Terri Lowten, and says part of looking radiant on the outside is healing from the inside. And perhaps her ethereal radiance helped her land the part of Justin Timberlake's love interest in his William Rast campaign - and a kiss from the sexy superstar.
So how exactly was that kiss?:
[The kiss] was really awkward because I had just broken my foot about three hours before we did that scene. I was in a cast for four months after that shoot. So between the pain and 30 people standing around in that moment it's just awkward. But the good thing is that he and I are very self-deprecating and we definitely kept it light and had a good time with it.
He Says You Stink! Perfumes That Men Hate - Fox News MAgazine
If you’re a woman who accessorizes with perfume, consider this: According to men, you might stink! Since Americans spend close to $5 billion on fragrances a year, it’s time to make sure we're getting our money’s worth.
We decided to ask men what they like and don’t like about women’s perfumes. Check out our tips for picking a scent before you hit the fragrance counter.
Avoid “grandma scents”:
Certain scents trigger memories, and your scent certainly shouldn't bring up memories of grandma. As eloquently put by one man, “I hate any pungent smell that, with my eyes closed, makes me feel like I'm hugging my grandmother. It’s a concoction somewhere between potpourri and church incense.” Another told us, "Tea Rose smells like Grandma at a quilting bee. Whenever a younger woman is wearing it, she immediately looks like my Nana to me."
Flowery perfumes failed the test:
Across the board, men were against floral scents. One even said that “Overly flowery and sweet is a turn off.” A few other men said that floral perfumes remind them of old women (see above). However, the current aversion to flowery perfumes could be due to factors beyond the nose’s knowing. According to Sue Phillips, an expert in “scentology” and president of Scenterprises, “In the same way that socio, political and economic trends fluctuate over the decades, the distinctive fragrance trends have gone from the bold, heavy, robust florals of the 1980s (reflecting the strong economic boom), to the watery, transparent, ozonic notes of the 1990s, like L’Eau d’Issey (depicting the economic retrenchment and less extravagant financial times)." She added, "The new millennium brought about a nostalgia for the ‘good old days’ and many 'oldie' fragrances enjoyed a resurgence — Shalimar and Chanel.”
Try these trendy scents:
The latest fragrance trend for both men and women is oud or sandalwood, which can be found in many new fragrances such as Creed,Tom Ford and Bond no. 9. A safe bet? Vanilla and fruit scents: According to Phillips, many men enjoy a perfume that reminds them of their childhood: a time that was uncomplicated and sweet. She suggests finding a scent with warm vanilla notes, like Angel by Thierry Mugler. One man told us that he loves the fruity perfumed products from Victoria’s Secret, however, you should be careful not to combine too many sweet scents. “The worst thing a girl can do is put perfume on and then different scented lotions. I don’t want my girl to smell like a tanning bed.” We couldn’t agree more — use scented body products sparingly.
And always remember, spritz lightly: No matter which scent you choose, don’t overdo it. According to one guy, there’s few things less sexy “than the overbearing smell of perfume.” No man (or woman) wants to taste your perfume in the air. The safest way to apply perfume is to spray it in front of you, then walk into the mist. If it’s a roller-ball applicator, dab (don’t roll) it behind the ears and on the wrists. Women should take caution spraying perfume on their décolletage; It can actually cause discoloration of the skin over time.
We decided to ask men what they like and don’t like about women’s perfumes. Check out our tips for picking a scent before you hit the fragrance counter.
Avoid “grandma scents”:
Certain scents trigger memories, and your scent certainly shouldn't bring up memories of grandma. As eloquently put by one man, “I hate any pungent smell that, with my eyes closed, makes me feel like I'm hugging my grandmother. It’s a concoction somewhere between potpourri and church incense.” Another told us, "Tea Rose smells like Grandma at a quilting bee. Whenever a younger woman is wearing it, she immediately looks like my Nana to me."
Flowery perfumes failed the test:
Across the board, men were against floral scents. One even said that “Overly flowery and sweet is a turn off.” A few other men said that floral perfumes remind them of old women (see above). However, the current aversion to flowery perfumes could be due to factors beyond the nose’s knowing. According to Sue Phillips, an expert in “scentology” and president of Scenterprises, “In the same way that socio, political and economic trends fluctuate over the decades, the distinctive fragrance trends have gone from the bold, heavy, robust florals of the 1980s (reflecting the strong economic boom), to the watery, transparent, ozonic notes of the 1990s, like L’Eau d’Issey (depicting the economic retrenchment and less extravagant financial times)." She added, "The new millennium brought about a nostalgia for the ‘good old days’ and many 'oldie' fragrances enjoyed a resurgence — Shalimar and Chanel.”
Try these trendy scents:
The latest fragrance trend for both men and women is oud or sandalwood, which can be found in many new fragrances such as Creed,Tom Ford and Bond no. 9. A safe bet? Vanilla and fruit scents: According to Phillips, many men enjoy a perfume that reminds them of their childhood: a time that was uncomplicated and sweet. She suggests finding a scent with warm vanilla notes, like Angel by Thierry Mugler. One man told us that he loves the fruity perfumed products from Victoria’s Secret, however, you should be careful not to combine too many sweet scents. “The worst thing a girl can do is put perfume on and then different scented lotions. I don’t want my girl to smell like a tanning bed.” We couldn’t agree more — use scented body products sparingly.
And always remember, spritz lightly: No matter which scent you choose, don’t overdo it. According to one guy, there’s few things less sexy “than the overbearing smell of perfume.” No man (or woman) wants to taste your perfume in the air. The safest way to apply perfume is to spray it in front of you, then walk into the mist. If it’s a roller-ball applicator, dab (don’t roll) it behind the ears and on the wrists. Women should take caution spraying perfume on their décolletage; It can actually cause discoloration of the skin over time.
Time to Clean Your Makeup Bag: What to Keep, What to Toss - Fox NEws Magazine
Seasonal cleaning isn’t just about the closet. Don't get me wrong, nothing makes me happier than trading in my sweaters for sundresses, but the changing weather is also a reminder to clean out the beauty cabinet too (and that holds true for all seasons)!
Like that wool trench coat, the heavy moisturizers and makeup need to be put away, or better yet, thrown away! Chanel might never go out of style, but old cosmetics certainly do. Here’s a list to help you decide what to keep, what to store, and what to toss.
Mascara: The beauty fanatics say to replace your mascara every three months, but I’ve used them for up to six months without any problems. The trick is to avoid “pumping” the wand. The only thing it does is introduce air into the mascara, and if pumping is the only way to get more mascara onto the brush, it’s time to go to the drugstore and buy a new one. Another thing I've learned is that most of the high-end mascaras work so well because of the brush design, so if you bought an expensive brand that you love, try washing the brush off and then using it with a less expensive mascara (this can be messy, but after a good scrub it should look as good as new.) Stick to the same type of mascara though — for instance, if the brush you saved was for volumizing, use it with a volumizing mascara. Also, never share any eye products — eye infections aren’t pretty.
Eye and lip liners: These can last up to three years. Just sharpen them often to help them stay sanitary and fresh. If they start to crumble, toss ‘em. Most likely, you’ll use it up before it goes bad, but if the wood begins to splinter, toss it. Also, avoid sharing these for sanitary reasons.
Lipsticks and gloss: These last about a year, although I’ve found that the “long lasting” lipsticks tend to dry out faster.
Foundation: The shelf life for these varies according to the formula, but in general, cream-based foundation lasts about six months to a year, and foundation with SPF tends to go bad even quicker. Most people use foundation daily, so it generally runs out before it expires, but if the color or smell changes, it’s time to buy a new one.
Eye shadow, blush and powder: In all honesty, I recently found the eye shadow I bought with my first New Kids on the Block album, and like my old cassette tape, the Wet n’ Wild shadow needed to be tossed. Eye shadow, blush and powder usually last about two to three years, though. If the powder starts to cake sooner, you should get a new one. Also, using clean makeup brushes and sponges will help these cosmetics stay bacteria-free.
Nail polish: These can last up to a few years. When the color starts to separate, shake it. If it doesn't completely mix, it’s gone bad.
Moisturizers: Because of the vast differences in formulas, it depends on the brand. You should check online to see what the company recommends.
Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines. A great way to tell if your makeup is past its prime is the good old “see and sniff" test: If it looks “off” or starts to smell, it’s past its prime and should be replaced. If you’ve had an eye infection or another type of viral infection, it’s safest to throw out any makeup you use to avoid re-infecting yourself. And, for goodness sake, stop storing makeup in the bathroom! Keeping it in a cool, dry place will ensure that it lasts longer.
One last beauty "do": Wash your makeup brushes! You can buy brush cleaner, but I use baby shampoo and conditioner for my natural-hair brushes and dish soap for my nylon brushes — Palmolive is one of my favorites.
Like that wool trench coat, the heavy moisturizers and makeup need to be put away, or better yet, thrown away! Chanel might never go out of style, but old cosmetics certainly do. Here’s a list to help you decide what to keep, what to store, and what to toss.
Mascara: The beauty fanatics say to replace your mascara every three months, but I’ve used them for up to six months without any problems. The trick is to avoid “pumping” the wand. The only thing it does is introduce air into the mascara, and if pumping is the only way to get more mascara onto the brush, it’s time to go to the drugstore and buy a new one. Another thing I've learned is that most of the high-end mascaras work so well because of the brush design, so if you bought an expensive brand that you love, try washing the brush off and then using it with a less expensive mascara (this can be messy, but after a good scrub it should look as good as new.) Stick to the same type of mascara though — for instance, if the brush you saved was for volumizing, use it with a volumizing mascara. Also, never share any eye products — eye infections aren’t pretty.
Eye and lip liners: These can last up to three years. Just sharpen them often to help them stay sanitary and fresh. If they start to crumble, toss ‘em. Most likely, you’ll use it up before it goes bad, but if the wood begins to splinter, toss it. Also, avoid sharing these for sanitary reasons.
Lipsticks and gloss: These last about a year, although I’ve found that the “long lasting” lipsticks tend to dry out faster.
Foundation: The shelf life for these varies according to the formula, but in general, cream-based foundation lasts about six months to a year, and foundation with SPF tends to go bad even quicker. Most people use foundation daily, so it generally runs out before it expires, but if the color or smell changes, it’s time to buy a new one.
Eye shadow, blush and powder: In all honesty, I recently found the eye shadow I bought with my first New Kids on the Block album, and like my old cassette tape, the Wet n’ Wild shadow needed to be tossed. Eye shadow, blush and powder usually last about two to three years, though. If the powder starts to cake sooner, you should get a new one. Also, using clean makeup brushes and sponges will help these cosmetics stay bacteria-free.
Nail polish: These can last up to a few years. When the color starts to separate, shake it. If it doesn't completely mix, it’s gone bad.
Moisturizers: Because of the vast differences in formulas, it depends on the brand. You should check online to see what the company recommends.
Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines. A great way to tell if your makeup is past its prime is the good old “see and sniff" test: If it looks “off” or starts to smell, it’s past its prime and should be replaced. If you’ve had an eye infection or another type of viral infection, it’s safest to throw out any makeup you use to avoid re-infecting yourself. And, for goodness sake, stop storing makeup in the bathroom! Keeping it in a cool, dry place will ensure that it lasts longer.
One last beauty "do": Wash your makeup brushes! You can buy brush cleaner, but I use baby shampoo and conditioner for my natural-hair brushes and dish soap for my nylon brushes — Palmolive is one of my favorites.
Do Your Eye Makeup Like a Pro - Fox NEWS Magazine
Anyone can get flawless, professional-looking eye makeup at home, but you need the right tools — four of them, to be precise.
FOR EYELINER AND BROWS: A SLANTED EYELINER BRUSH
This is a great two-in-one brush for applying powdered eyeliner and brow powder to enhance sparse or uneven eyebrows. The slanted edge will help create clean, thin lines along the eyelid. For a more defined line, wet the brush before dipping it into the powder. For a smoky look, use a dry brush and blend outwards.
FOR ALL OVER LID: EYE SHADOW BRUSH
Find a smaller brush with a rounded edge to apply your main eye shadow colors; this will allow you to “press” color in. Use a light tapping motion when applying the eye shadow (rather than rubbing the brush across your lid) to deposit a richer color.
TO BLEND OUT: A BLENDING BRUSH
A soft, fluffy brush that’s tapered and rounded at the tip can be used to gently shade and blend the crease line with shadow powder.
FOR DRAMATIC LOOKS: A DEFINING BRUSH
Use this pointed brush to define the eye crease with a darker shade of eye shadow.
One final suggestion: Invest in a good set of makeup brushes now, and they will last you ten times as long as their cheaper counterparts. Bobbi Brown, MAC and Make Up For Ever all have brushes loved by the pros. If you're on a budget, Sonia Kashuk has an amazing and affordable line at Target.
FOR EYELINER AND BROWS: A SLANTED EYELINER BRUSH
This is a great two-in-one brush for applying powdered eyeliner and brow powder to enhance sparse or uneven eyebrows. The slanted edge will help create clean, thin lines along the eyelid. For a more defined line, wet the brush before dipping it into the powder. For a smoky look, use a dry brush and blend outwards.
FOR ALL OVER LID: EYE SHADOW BRUSH
Find a smaller brush with a rounded edge to apply your main eye shadow colors; this will allow you to “press” color in. Use a light tapping motion when applying the eye shadow (rather than rubbing the brush across your lid) to deposit a richer color.
TO BLEND OUT: A BLENDING BRUSH
A soft, fluffy brush that’s tapered and rounded at the tip can be used to gently shade and blend the crease line with shadow powder.
FOR DRAMATIC LOOKS: A DEFINING BRUSH
Use this pointed brush to define the eye crease with a darker shade of eye shadow.
One final suggestion: Invest in a good set of makeup brushes now, and they will last you ten times as long as their cheaper counterparts. Bobbi Brown, MAC and Make Up For Ever all have brushes loved by the pros. If you're on a budget, Sonia Kashuk has an amazing and affordable line at Target.
3 Solutions for Sagging Skin - Fox News Magazine
Sagging skin is a problem that all of us will face as we get older. (Thank you, gravity!) But isn't there anything we can do to fight back?
We asked three professionals —makeup artist Bobby Wells, esthetician Fini Leijssius, and cosmetic surgeon Victoria Karlinsky— who all agreed that preventative care is one of the best ways to fight this inevitable process. Using sun protection and good facial and body moisturizers can help to minimize some of the effects of aging. Here are their other suggestions for retaining a youthful appearance.
THE MAKEUP ARTIST: Go for routine facials! The cleansing of the skin will strengthen its elasticity and prevent sagging. In addition, Bobby suggests the Opal from Clarisonic: a vibrating massage tool that can strengthen the thinning skin around the eye area. You’ll also want to find a firming cream that works for you. The most effective will be one that contains ceremides, peptides and collagen boosters. Splurge on a good night cream too, as they are heavier in texture, and generally more rich and active on the skin. Two of Wells’ favorites are MyChelle Pumpkin Renewal Cream and Epicuren Enzyme Moisturizer.
THE ESTHETICIAN: Sagging skin is caused by chronic dehydration. A common complaint of those who experience dehydration is that their moisturizers aren’t doing the job. A regular exfoliation will help with the permeation of the product and will improve overall results. Leijssius recommends adding a rejuvenating or lifting serum to your regular skin care regimen to further the results.
THE SURGEON: If you are faced with sagging skin that is beyond moisturizer, sometimes a more aggressive approach, such as a facelift, may be needed to fix the problem. A facelift (rhytidectomy) or a mini facelift provides significant improvement to the aging face by eliminating excess skin and tightening facial muscles that have lost their tone and elasticity.
Be sure to see how our experts deal with wrinkles and sun spots. And if you're considering plastic surgery, read our tips on the 8 things you need to know before going under the knife.
Bobby Wells (the makeup artist) is a Makeup Color Specialist for Koh Gen Do, based in New York City. He has won the “Best Makeup Artist” award in “Best of L.A. Magazine” in 2005, and his work has been featured on E! Entertainment’s makeover show "How Do I Look?"
Fini Leijssius (the esthetician) opened The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York. Leijssius has worked in the field for nearly 22 years and studied advanced esthetics in England, France, Germany and Italy. She is often invited to train internationally on her spa therapy techniques.
Victoria Karlinsky, M.D. (the cosmetic surgeon) is a nationally-recognized board certified surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery in New York City. She has extensive experience working with all aspects of cosmetic surgery and treatments including post-bariatric/weight loss body sculpting, breast augmentation and reduction, non-surgical facial contouring treatments as well as additional invasive and non-invasive procedures.
We asked three professionals —makeup artist Bobby Wells, esthetician Fini Leijssius, and cosmetic surgeon Victoria Karlinsky— who all agreed that preventative care is one of the best ways to fight this inevitable process. Using sun protection and good facial and body moisturizers can help to minimize some of the effects of aging. Here are their other suggestions for retaining a youthful appearance.
THE MAKEUP ARTIST: Go for routine facials! The cleansing of the skin will strengthen its elasticity and prevent sagging. In addition, Bobby suggests the Opal from Clarisonic: a vibrating massage tool that can strengthen the thinning skin around the eye area. You’ll also want to find a firming cream that works for you. The most effective will be one that contains ceremides, peptides and collagen boosters. Splurge on a good night cream too, as they are heavier in texture, and generally more rich and active on the skin. Two of Wells’ favorites are MyChelle Pumpkin Renewal Cream and Epicuren Enzyme Moisturizer.
THE ESTHETICIAN: Sagging skin is caused by chronic dehydration. A common complaint of those who experience dehydration is that their moisturizers aren’t doing the job. A regular exfoliation will help with the permeation of the product and will improve overall results. Leijssius recommends adding a rejuvenating or lifting serum to your regular skin care regimen to further the results.
THE SURGEON: If you are faced with sagging skin that is beyond moisturizer, sometimes a more aggressive approach, such as a facelift, may be needed to fix the problem. A facelift (rhytidectomy) or a mini facelift provides significant improvement to the aging face by eliminating excess skin and tightening facial muscles that have lost their tone and elasticity.
Be sure to see how our experts deal with wrinkles and sun spots. And if you're considering plastic surgery, read our tips on the 8 things you need to know before going under the knife.
Bobby Wells (the makeup artist) is a Makeup Color Specialist for Koh Gen Do, based in New York City. He has won the “Best Makeup Artist” award in “Best of L.A. Magazine” in 2005, and his work has been featured on E! Entertainment’s makeover show "How Do I Look?"
Fini Leijssius (the esthetician) opened The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York. Leijssius has worked in the field for nearly 22 years and studied advanced esthetics in England, France, Germany and Italy. She is often invited to train internationally on her spa therapy techniques.
Victoria Karlinsky, M.D. (the cosmetic surgeon) is a nationally-recognized board certified surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery in New York City. She has extensive experience working with all aspects of cosmetic surgery and treatments including post-bariatric/weight loss body sculpting, breast augmentation and reduction, non-surgical facial contouring treatments as well as additional invasive and non-invasive procedures.