Get Holiday Party-Ready in Five Simple Tips (with Bare Minerals International makeup Artist Alex Sklavos)

Hey beauties! I am so thrilled to share this post with you today!! Recently I was on Instagram, and stumbled across THIS account. I instantly clicked follow, and scrolled through probably her entire picture feed. I tried not to click 'like' on all of her pictures, for fear of seeming like a creepy stalker, but honestly who could have blamed me if I did? Ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you: Bare Minerals International makeup Artist Alex Sklavos. 

On a whim, I emailed Alex to see if she'd be interested in sharing five tips to help get you party ready, especially since this is THE time of year for holiday parties (we have one the next two Fridays and Saturdays in a row, including our Annual Christmas Cocktail party!) She was kind enough to say yes, so without further adieu...

I really believe in beautiful skin and it all starts with how you prep & prime. When you look after your skin it will look glowing & beautiful which means your makeup will look even better!

1)      Exfoliate! Start by exfoliating to get rid of any dead skin cells and reduce any dry & rough patches (Try bareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser)

2)      Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. It’s so important to keep the skin moisturized & hydrated, particularly in this winter weather (Also make sure you drink lots of water! Your skin will thank you! (Try bareMinerals Mineralixirs 5- Oil Blend)

3)      Prime. Before applying any makeup to the face, start with a good Foundation Primer. It will help to absorb and excess oil, smooth out any dry & rough patches, fill in any fine lines & open pores AND your makeup will last longer & look better (bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer is awesome)

4)      Choose the right foundation for your skin! When choosing foundation THE most important thing is to make sure it’s the right shade. There’s nothing worse than having a white neck & and brown face. Also make sure the foundation you choose isn't full of harsh chemicals & parabens. You don’t want to spend all your time & money looking after your skin and then cover it up with unhealthy ingredients. It’s also really important to make sure your Foundation contains an SPF! Even in winter, your skin needs protection. (bareMinerals Pure Brightening Foundation, Broad Spectrum SPF 20 gives you great coverage, without looking or feeling heavy.)

5)      A good under eye concealer! For all those late night holiday parties followed by an early morning meeting… you NEED a good under eye concealer/eye brightener (bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener does the trick beautifully.)

Thank you, Alex!!! You can find Alex here: WEBSITE  *  FACEBOOK  * INSTAGRAM

My own two cents when it comes to getting beautified for a party? Go for a bold lip! I recommend Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Risk It All - a gorgeous, creamy hot pink. Or if you just want to dip your toes into the world of bold lip, go for a boldly colored lip gloss, like Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lip gloss in Game Changer, a gorgeous, sheer red.

Do you guys have any parties coming up? Anything special you do to get ready for them? Let me know!

Women I Admire: Linette Kim

Happy Wednesday, friends! I am so excited for the first "Women I Admire" post of 2014 because it features a friend of mine! Today I am introducing you to Linette Kim. I've known Linette since middle school, but she now lives in New York in the beauty industry. I'm so grateful to be able to keep in touch through Facebook! :) Linette work for the Luxe Division of L’Oreal (the Luxury Product Division which includes Lancome, Kiehl’s, YSL, Armani, etc.) and is one of the sweetest, most kind people you could meet. 

Onto the interview:

Glitter and Gloss: What did you study in college? 

Linette Kim: I studied Psychology and Sociology at UCLA.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in the cosmetics industry?

LK: I always thought I would be working with children and I did for a few years after college. After some time, my affinity for fashion and beauty consumed me so I began the transition. I never thought I would make a career out of it!

G&G: What is your specific job within L'Oreal? Do you work 100% for Em, or are there other L'Oreal companies you work with?

LK: I work for the Luxe Division of L'Oreal, and currently work on em Michelle Phan - a new makeup brand in the L'Oreal Luxe portfolio. My role is Assistant Manager in Global Marketing. I also assist our VP of Product Development. It's a 'start-up' style brand so we each wear a lot of hats at em - from creating seasonal beauty looks and shade names, to developing the marketing strategy behind new product launches. It's a lot of work, but it's so fun to be at the heart of it all!

G&G: Knowing that you're good friends with Michelle Phan, how did you feel when she was approached to start her own cosmetics company?

LK: I was thrilled when Michelle announced her new venture with L’Oreal. It was a huge step for a digital innovator like herself. She truly deserves the opportunity because she always has the best intentions for her YouTube community. The line is literally a reflection of the needs of her fans, and to me, it's so exciting to see such a refreshing approach to beauty.

G&G: What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in the cosmetics industry?

LK: Figure out what kind of role best suits your skills (do you like creating looks, have ideas for new products, or love the marketing aspect of cosmetics?) and get an internship with a beauty company early on. There are so many facets to this industry so you just have to understand what kind of career path you want to take!

G&G: ((Linette very recently got married in Hawaii!)) What was your makeup look on your wedding day? 

LK: My bridal makeup was very natural and a little dewy since it was during the day and on the beach. I just wanted to have a beautiful, healthy glow that would withstand the warm weather, tears, and excessive dancing. (P.S. - A little secret: Michelle was a bridesmaid so she helped me create a flawless face!)

G&G: What's in YOUR makeup bag? 

LK: I always have different shades of concealers. I mainly use two shades from our concealer palette - one

is a peach corrector to neutralize dark circles, the other is my skin tone.  Then I lightly apply IOPE Air Cushion BB Cream all over my face and use my pointed foundation brush to blend. Next I use Nars Multiple in Orgasm for my cheeks, em michelle phan Waterliner in Black Night, and Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me. If I have time in the morning or I'm going somewhere after work, I use em Shade Play Eyeshadow Palette in Seoul Sweets (which I named!)

G&G: And, finally - what is ONE product you absolutely cannot live without?

LK: I can’t go a day without concealer!

Thank you, Linette! I recently tried out Em Cosmetics for the first time and am absolutely hooked! The quality, colors and textures of the products are outstanding! The "makeup mood enhancer" (in Pink Flush) has been added to my everyday routine, and people are noticing. I've been complimented on my "glow" so much lately! 

Women I Admire: Maureen Kelly of Tarte Cosmetics

You guys, I am THRILLED to kick off 2013 with a Women I Admire interview with the founder of one of my very favorite brands out there! I remember buying my first Tarte item - it was their lip exfoliator (back then it was in a lipstick-like tube with a little mirror on the top, love!!!) Anyways, I was working at Nordstrom for Stila at the time. My boss kept getting mad at me, because I'd always recommend the Tarte lip exfoliator, but we didn't carry it. I didn't care, I kept recommending it and do to this day! My love of TARTE has been mentioned a time or two (or five or six) but it's just because I love it that much! I truly cannot recommend these products enough.

Tarte is a wonderful company, started by an an equally wonderful women, Maureen Kelly. I'm so thankful that Maureen took time out of her busy schedule to answer some of my questions....

1.) I know you started Tarte just a little over ten years ago, in your one room apartment. From humble beginnings you've created quite the beauty empire! What would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far?

That's tough because there have been so many major milestones, like the recent launch of our tarte forum on QVC to our trip to the Amazon where I discovered what Amazonian clay and maracuja oil could do for my skin and then there's the growth of our team. When I started the line it was just me and my family members packing boxes in my apartment and spending countless hours and late nights researching ingredients and now I have a whole team in the office who share the same mission I do and it's been incredible to watch them grow at tarte as their families grow (engagements, weddings, babies). We launched our new  website last year and that was a major milestone and most recently I'm beyond proud of our launch ofBB tinted treatment primer. We believed in creating a BB that could outperform all the others but we refused to compromise on formula. Then there is our  instagram account which is new and allows us to connect with amazing bloggers, like yourself. It's been a way for us to get to know our tartelettes more and more which probably one of my favorite parts about my job.


2.) Out of all your amazing Tarte creations, what is your favorite? Something you absolutely cannot live without!

Right now, BB tinted treatment primer and our new mascara, which launched in Fall 2012.

3.) There are so many fun beauty trends right now - from boldly colored smoky eyes, to totally insane nail art...but are there any that just make you cringe? (For me it's crazy, huge, over-exaggerated brows. Why, why, why??)

I have to say that while I know all the funky colored sorbet hair colors are having their moment right now, they are not for me and it very well may solicit a cringe from me. I can't help it, I just love naturally colored hair and preach to my team to keep as true to their roots as possible (pun intended) or splurge and see a really amazing colorist.


4.) In a down economy, why do you think women continue to splurge on Tarte Cosmetics?

We've always been a very vocal brand. From the very beginning tarte had a voice and our tartelettes knew what we believed in. I think there are a lot of options in the marketplace and women are buying tarte because the makeup performs for them like they need it to but they also buy what we believe- and that is to be the leader in makeup and skincare that is formulated with the highest quality ingredients so they are good for their skin and the environment.

5.) Any sneak peeks of what's to come in 2013?

Follow us on instagram @tartecosmetics to be the first to know when this set becomes available.

The amazing Tarte team:

Women I Admire: Kelsea Slade of K. Slademade

One thing I love about the handmade business is all of the amazing people I've "met" (in real life, or just connected with online.) Kelsea Slade of K. Slademade is one of those people I'm so glad I found! She is kind, helpful, beautiful and beyond talented! I've mentioned my love of her clutches many times (here, here and lots of times on Instagram and Facebook!) I love that Kelsea's line is handmade, but high end. I truly can't say enough good things about her products, and I get stopped just about every time I'm carrying one of her clutches, by people dying to know where it came from. For those of you who don't know about K. Slademade yet, I'm excited to introduce you......

HG: How did K. Slademade originally start? Were you always doing your gorgeous clutches, or has your business evolved into the beautiful bags you're most known for?

KSM: After a year of a standard 9-5, and hating every minute, I began brainstorming ways to marry my love for fashion and owning my own business. Something that would allow me to leave the corporate world and give me the freedom and flexibility to create and grow my passion along the way. And thus, K.slademade was born. It's definitely been an evolution and I'm excited about what this next season holds for us! I hope to continue to grow and evolve over the years. 
HG: Take me through a typical day at K. Slademade.....

KSM: My mornings start with 2 cups of coffee in the living room while me and my over-sized Chocolate Lab check emails, catch up on our favorite blogs, and make a "What to Accomplish Today" list. The rest of the day just depends; sometimes its meetings, other days I'm designing and dreaming up new products, and other days I find myself behind the sewing machine all day!  

HG: Out of all the pretty things you've ever made, what is your favorite? 

KSM: Oh gee! How could I ever choose just one?! Of course I love the Fold Over, but you know right now I'm really into the Pony Tote, it's just so practical and sturdy and it's such a unique design. Word on the street is that it will be making a re-appearance this Fall! shhh.

 HG: Do you own one of everything you make?? Every time you come out with something new I think "Ooh, I *need* that!" and "pin it" on my Wishlist board.  If not, how do you resist?

KSM: You know, I tend to have a pretty classic wardrobe which doesn't lend itself very well to some of the neon colors. So no, I'd say I stick with the browns, and neutrals, and pastel colors. Every now and then I get an itch for something crazy bright and fun, though.  

HG: What is your favorite color? Do you find yourself incorporating that color into a lot of your designs? 

KSM: I love navy. It's just so classic. It's funny you should ask, because I find myself trying to pair almost every leather with a navy zipper!

HG: Tell me where you find inspiration. 

KSM:Of course I love to stay up on the latest trends, but truthfully, the classic heritage of the United States is so intriguing and inspiring to me. We're looking forward to seeing more of a classic Americana influence in our upcoming product line. 

HG: Do you have any employees or is it a one-woman show?  

KSM: One of my very talented and  gorgeous sister's actually just joined the K.slademade team in the last couple of months. She's amazing and has been so helpful keeping me on track, she's great at everything! 

HG: What do you do to unplug after a busy work week? 

KSM: I'm thankful for a husband who is so supportive of my work but also really encourages downtime. We find ourselves escaping to a lake house in the woods away from everything or we just enjoy being at home, turning off our electronic devices for the weekend, and lounging around the house with our sweet Lab.

HG: Any advice for someone thinking of starting their own business?

KSM: You should love this idea so much that it consumes your thoughts.  You lay your head down at night and wake up each morning and obsess over it.  You should be passionate about it and believe fully in yourself because if you don't believe in you then no one else will.  Be brave, take risks and work hard, work very hard.  If you believe in something and work hard at it, nothing is beyond your reach!

          You can find K. Slademade:

SHOP  *  BLOG  *  FACEBOOK  *  TWITTER  *  PINTEREST

Women I Admire: An interview with Kendra Scott + a fabulous GIVEAWAY

Hi Friends! Today I am thrilled to be kicking off a new series of interviews with Women I Admire! I couldn't be more excited that my first interview is with the über fabulous jewelry designer Kendra Scott! Without further adieu...

Your jewelry is so fun and colorful! What is YOUR favorite color?

I love color, which is why I infuse it into all of my collections, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be yellow. Yellow is gorgeous, radiant and can truly brighten up anything,  from an outfit to a room. I branded my company with yellow, after all, and I absolutely love wearing it.

How do you manage being a super successful business woman and a mama?

My most important job is being a mother to my two precious sons, so I always

make my family my priority. Being a mom and a business woman definitely

takes dedication and determination, but when you maintain a positive, optimistic attitude and surround yourself with a great team, it’s absolutely doable. I feel so blessed to get to do what I’m passionate about for my job, so it doesn’t feel like

work!

I'm so inspired that you started your business with only $500 and some serious passion! What advice do you have for anyone hoping to start a small business?

First, find something that you are passionate about, then use your talents

and passion to create a business that utilizes them. Once you figure out your

direction, delete the word “no” from your vocabulary and never take it as an

answer. Once you get started, if you keep this attitude, it will take you places you never dreamed of being!

Personally I'm a beauty junkie. I can't live without lip gloss and mascara. What are your beauty essentials?

I am right there with you – lip gloss and mascara are undoubtedly on my beauty essentials list. A glossy lip and voluminous eyelashes can be beauty lifesavers. Chanel lip gloss tops my favorite list and Dior Show Mascara is my go to for gorgeous lashes. Another beauty product that I always have on hand is Renee Furterer dry shampoo – it is a total miracle worker and time saver!

Your Pre-Fall 2012 line is just amazing! How far in advance do you plan each season's jewelry?

We are continuously looking for design inspiration for our jewelry, but we start

designing for a line around six months before it is released. It’s a long process, but it’s so rewarding and fun to see our ideas and sketches come to life as we

progress with each step.

Where do you find most inspiration?

I find design inspiration in everything from the breathtaking architecture I see

during my travels, to the people I see walking the streets of South Congress at

my Austin headquarters. I’m also inspired by other designers, in fact, I was so

inspired by Tom Ford’s incredible return to fashion Spring 2011 collection that

I used it as major inspiration for my Fall 2012 collection. You can check out the amazing collection HERE.

What is your most favorite piece of jewelry you've ever created? (I'm guessing it will be hard to choose!)

This is very hard to choose, but I think my favorite piece would be our Ignacia Necklace, which is part of our amazing feather collection. Design wise, this piece is absolutely breathtaking with its intricate feather detailing and ghost frames that let the brilliantly colored stones take center stage. It’s one of those pieces that can completely transform an outfit. This statement necklace can take a plain t-shirt from drab to fab and that’s the kind of jewelry I’m most proud of.

What is one piece of Kendra Scott jewelry you think every woman should have in her jewelry wardrobe?

Without a doubt, our signature Danielle Earrings in any of our kaleidoscope of colors! Whether worn on a casual shopping day with your girlfriends or a special night out with your man, these earrings are so versatile. While turquoise is our most popular color, you’d be surprised at how much wear you’d get out of the

Danielles in any color.

Kendra loves the Danielles so much that she wants one of you to have your own pair - in ANY color, or design your own with any color and any metal from the Color Bar. (Luckies!!) To enter, just use the rafflecopter below. Lots of different ways to enter so enter as many or as few times as you'd like. Best of luck!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway