Back-to-School Beauty
As summer draws to an end, a new school year ushers in. Whether you are going back to school as college student, teacher, or just need a post-summer beauty change, the following tips will have you ready for September.
Freshen Up Your Cut: Summer days may have resulted in some wear and tear on your hair. Book an appointment to have those split ends cut off, or experiment with a totally new style. Peruse magazines and websites to find a picture of your ideal cut, in order to help your hairstylist give you exactly what you want. The “lob,” short for “long-bob,” is a fun way to tryout a shorter style without sacrificing too much length. Stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Alba have recently showcased this style, which is flattering on a variety of face shapes.
Refine Your Color: Your post-summer hair color may be beautifully sun-kissed, or bleached out and brassy. If your hair falls into the latter category, give your strands an upgrade with color-depositing and color-balancing shampoos and conditioners. I was a long-time fan of the Artec line of color depositing shampoos and conditioners from L’Oreal Professionnel, but to my sadness they were discontinued! Finally, there is a similar line, called Pure Blends Color Depositing Shampoos by American Culture. This line offers color depositing shampoos in nine shades, and a luxurious color balancing shampoo and conditioner (to use on alternate days). The depositing shampoo is sulfate and sodium chloride free, and features an herbal blend that is infused with keratin and collagen to maintain hair condition. This hydrating, at-home formula eliminates color fade, reduces color washout, and adds vibrancy to hair. Visit www.pureblendshaircare.com for purchasing information.
Improve Your Pony: Want to squeeze in an extra few minutes of sleep? Save yourself time (and avoid damaging heat styling), with a sophisticated ponytail. Replace your standard elastic hair band with a J.Crew Hair Elastic with Square Italian Tortoise. This piece features hand cut Italian tortoise that has been shaped and polished at a special French mill. Visit J.Crew in East Hampton or the www.jcrew.com to purchase. Go metallic and look chic with a brushed gold or silver Cuff Ponytail Holder by L. Erickson. Visit www.nordstrom.com for more information.
Select Your Makeup Essentials: As a teacher, I know that my makeup tends to wear off after lunch and as the afternoon goes on. It is important to pick a few cosmetic essentials for your bag, in order to keep makeup touch-ups quick and efficient while at school or work. In terms of retouching dark circles or blemishes, Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit provides the perfect combo of concealer to lighten under eye darkness or skin discolorations, and a sheer finish pressed powder to lock the concealer in place. Choose a dual bronzer/blush duo for the best value and convenience. Ciaté London has teamed up with socialite/style icon, Olivia Palermo, to create The Cheekbone Cheat Blusher Bronzer Duo by Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London. This bronze and coral combo also features oil-controlling bamboo extract, for an added bonus to reduce excessive shine. Touch-up your lips only once or twice, with a long-lasting formula such as Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. This product stays for up to 6 hours, is available in matte or shimmer finish, and is enriched with Vitamin E and Avocado Oil. Visit www.sephora.com to purchase the makeup listed.
