Bathing Beauty: Sarah Howard

Perhaps the question I am asked the most is "what are your favorite products?" That's like asking someone who works at Willy Wonka what is his favorite candy - next to impossible to answer. As a beauty writer, I am constantly testing new products so I have a new favorite every few days. For example, my love for mascara is a constant, but the mascara I use is ever-changing. I go from high-end to drugstore back to high-end -- and I've found many that are must-haves!

But, alas, here it is. Not necessarily my favorites, but my beauty staples. The products that will forever remain in my beauty arsenal, despite the other favorites that come and go... So, have a peak --

What are your top 5, can't-live-without products?
1 - Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 in Sand- I write about this product often, and I use it even more frequently. It is, by far, the best tinted moisturizer I have found on the market. It evens out my skin tone and doesn't make it look like I'm wearing a face full of makeup. Plus, oil-free is a major bonus.
2 - Tarte Hotel Heiress Mineral Bronzer - I like the look of a sun-kissed face, but learned in my 20's that sun on my face is the enemy. That's when I fell in love with bronzer. I use many bronzers but always return to Hotel Heiress. I think it gives the perfect golden hue; the closest color to actual sun.
3 - MAC Brow Set in Mynx - I received this in a PR mailing. At the time, I was using Anastasia's tinted Brow Gel. That changed the moment I tried Brow Set. The brush gets into my hairs, covering the sparse areas with the tinted, brownish hue. The result: fuller arches that stay in place. I believe good eyebrows really frame the face. Brow Fix is the one product I use every day, without fail, even if I'm going totally bare-faced.
4 - Bioderma Crealine H20 - This is a relatively new product on my radar (about 3 years old), but I cannot live without it. It's a French find, used in France as a waterless face wash because the Parisian women believe the water is too harsh for their delicate faces. I use it as a makeup remover. It takes off everything from waterproof mascara to HD Foundation. And it's so gentle, you don't feel it or smell it. It leaves no residue and I've never had a break-out from it, ever.  I JUST discovered that you can purchase it on amazon.com (click on the link above to redirect to the product), but, of course, it is more expensive than in Paris.
5 - Make Up For Ever Star Powder in Bronze Brown #930 - I've been using star powder since I was a teenager and, while I've tried other products that are similar, nothing compares to the pigment of star powder. Bronze Brown is my favorite and a staple in my beauty bag as I am a sucker for a gilded eye (always have been) and this color is the perfect gold to cover the entire lid. If I just want a hint of drama, I use my pinky finger, dab it into the powder and apply only into the inner corners of my eyes. You can never go wrong with gold.

What is your all-time favorite product?
I definitely don't have an all-time favorite product. There are just too many fabulous products to choose from and too many more being made. But I'd say good brushes are crucial. And one tool that every beauty lover needs to own is the Beauty Blender. It will change the way you apply makeup. At the very least, the way you apply foundation and cover-up. It leaves your skin with an air-brushed effect while still giving you full coverage. It's a genius product!

What product do you buy in bulk?
 Nivea Cherry Tinted Lip Care. I have been using it since it was Labello (Nivea acquired them a few years back) and you could only buy the balm in Europe. It's my ultimate lip balm - moisturizing - never sticky -, with a hint of natural redish hue (my lips are quite pale, so I need a pop of color to make them stand out).

Favorite hair product?
Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist. I used to live for John Frieda's Ocean Waves and when the product was discontinued, my hair - and I - had a mini-meltdown. Then we found Reactivating Mist. It does the trick - gives my wavy hair a kick so that I can have just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean-and-off-the-beach hair all day, everyday if I choose.

You moisturize your face with...
AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free in the summer. Has a very light, gel-like consistency and is so refreshing yet hydrates without leaving the slightest bit of shine or grease. In winter I use AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Vitalizing Creme which is a bit thicker but just as amazing. And for those brutally cold and dry days, I slather on a tiny amount of Weleda Skin Foods. It's like medicine for the face - it'll fix any cracking problem!

Favorite body product?
My obsession with body products is out of control. I love a good exfoliator, body wash, body lotion, bath soak - you name it. But a staple is Jurlique's Rose Shower Gel and Body Care Lotion. Rose is one of my favorite body scents and Jurlique nails it! Not too perfumey, not too mild - it's just the right amount of rose garden. The shower gel seriously lathers and the body lotion is light and fluid yet moisturizes and keeps my skin feeling incredibly soft.

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way?
Aquaphor fixes any beauty problem you have - from zits (yep, put it on your pimple!), to cracked cuticles, to eye makeup remover, to unruly eyebrows. It's also great as a quick fix to use as a highlighter on cheekbones, mix it in with your favorite shadow to create a cream consistency (fab for the "gilded" look), add some foundation - a shade darker than your natural skin tone - and apply to legs and arms as your very own, DIY tinted body oil (models use Aquaphor and the likes on their limbs on photo shoots because the sheen adds a thinning effect). But my favorite use for Aquaphor has to be as a faux mascara... that you can sleep in! It'll add sheen and length (although not color) to your lashes. So, if you have a boy spending the night, apply some Aquaphor to your lashes, cheekbones, lips and brows and you'll look fresh and naturally made-up - without makeup!

Beauty icon you admire?
I'm really into Jane Birkin these days. There was such an ease to her beauty and she was quite comfortable in the nude, which I always find beautiful - when it's tasteful. She's my summer beauty muse! For all of my beauty inspirations, click here!

All About MY HAIR: A Sarah Howard Hair-istory

If you are an avid reader of this blog, then you are well aware of my deep-rooted obsession with my hair. When people ask me what I think is my best feature, I answer without pause, "my hair." Needless to say, I'm very proud of my mane.

But these locks take work to maintain. And many of you have asked what I do for hair maintenance, so I've decided to devote this entire post to MY hair. Self indulgent, I know.

Feel free to stop reading at any time... but, for those interested in a few tips, read on:

 

While I don't wash my hair every day, when I do wash, I always use a sulfate, paraben and petrochemical-free Shampoo and Condition. Most importantly, is sulfate-free. Click here to learn why sulfates are the worst thing for your strands.

Shampoos and Conditioners that I like: Enjoy Haircare, Pureology, Reken Nature's Rescue, L'Oreal EverPure.

I am also working on my own line of sulfate, paraben, and petrochemical-free products which will include an all-natural Shampoo and Conditioner and will launch in the coming months... more to come on that soon!

On a daily basis, I allow my hair to dry naturally. In the summer, I like to spritz Bumble and Bumble's Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist (see image above) to add some emphasis to my already wavy hair. I can reapply throughout the day, and even next day.

I also like a good oil. I feel that it controls frizzies and adds some bounce and separation to wavy hair. I use a variety of hair oils (whatever I have in my beauty cabinet) but favor Kerastase Nutritive Oleo-Relax Serum.

If I am hitting the town, I may throw in a few curls with a 1 1/2 inch curling iron (I rarely ever curl my entire head - I like the messy curl look - see images below) and then I'll finish the look with a few spritz's of hair spray. I am obsessed with L'Oreal's Elnet, but again, I use whatever is around.

 

I ONLY BRUSH MY HAIR AFTER I SHOWER WHEN MY HAIR IS WET. I DO NOT BRUSH MY HAIR WHEN IT IS DRY!!! I find that it pulls and breaks the hair.

Second and sometimes even third day hair looks better than just washed hair because it has natural oils. However, I loathe an oily front section, so I will pull the back area of my hair into a bun and keep my bangs out and JUST WASH MY BANGS WITH SHAMPOO. I then dry my bangs with the Vidal Sassoon Professional Styling Hair Dryer, Model VS540. It has 3 brush attachments. I use the thinnest comb attachment. It straightens the bang area a bit so that it doesn't go all puffy on me. This is a very cheap blow dryer but I LOVE it and have turned every single one of my friends on to it. It also straightens your entire head in minutes, it's like brushing your hair.

However, I hate straightening my own hair and prefer to go to a salon and have a professional do it for me. I do this about once a week. Sometimes, I feel a bit too prissy with straight hair (see below image). I like the look better for winter when you're meant to be all done up.

COLOR/ CUT/ TREATMENTS

On the east coast, I get my hair cut and colored at The Pierre Michel Salon (my father owns it, so I'm slightly biased). I switch up people often. For my cut, I like Mitch, Gilda and Terry. For my color, I like Reynald, Ludavic and, most recently, Ida. And I'm really into having natural roots and just coloring from about 3 inches from the roots down with extra light tips - it's called the "ombre" effect and is more of a natural, sunkissed look.

I do, however, love Marie Robinson for color as well. She's a genius.

On the west coast, I always go to Jen Atkin for cut and George Papinikolas for color at the Andy Lecompte Salon.

I ONLY DO BALIAGE FOR COLOR - NEVER FOILS! Foils frighten me - they are used for cooking, not for hair color.

A deep conditioning treatment is vital. I like to use a hair masque every few days. You can also get a salon treatment - like keratin - if your hair is considerably damaged. But make sure that it is color-safe.

For hair masques I like Pureology Essential Restorative Hair Masque, Davines Natural Tech Nourishing Hair Building Pak, L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Deep Restorative Masque

That's about it! Anymore questions, leave them in the comment section below...

A Tulum Beauty Treat: Mayan Clay

I'm back from my vacation. I was in Tulum, Mexico where the beaches are white and the ocean is turquoise. Truly picturesque. They have this clay in Tulum, indigenous of the region, that is mean to heal, purify, rejuvenate and detoxify. It's the most amazing experience.

Mayan Clay, as it's called, was, by far, my favorite part of the trip. I used it several times over my 5 day stay and it helped with a variety of concerns from sun exposure to eye bags to a hair conditioning mask to aging and expression lines to acne. All in one vat of clay!

Depending on what your specific skin care concern is, depends on how you actually use the clay. For example, if you are treating a sun burn, you wouldn't actually let the clay dry completely on your body, but rather slather the clay on your skin and allow it to purify and heal.

For acne and as an overall body mask, you'd apply the clay all over and allow it to dry for 10 min for acne, 45 min for the body. This will absorb the skin's toxins and acids and balance the electromagnetic field.

For eye bags, you'd apply a thick layer around the eye area, mix with chamomile tea for 20 minutes adn do this 2 times a week.

For a hair conditioning treatment, you can apply a layer to your hair mixed with honey and leave on for 20 minutes. Again, this can be done 2 times a week.

For aging and expression lines, you can use the clay as a CLEANSER! The woman who founded the Mayan Clay company told me to mix it with water, apply wet and rub with fingers for 1 -2 minutes. Never let it dry, always keep it wet. Then rinse off. Do this for 6 weeks and you will notice glowing skin with a vast improvement in expression lines.

I covered my body from head to toe (including my hair) in the clay and let it bake in the sun. Then I ran into the beautiful luke warm ocean water to rinse off. It was a truly spiritual experience!

I brought home a small jar to use in my bathroom for weekly cleansings. Definitely won't be the same as running into the ocean, but it'll be a slice of Tulum in my bathroom.

While the website seems to be under construction, if you'd like more information on Mayan Clay, contact this email address for questions: mayanclay@gmail.com

I highly recommend the experience!

TREND ALERT: HOT PINK IS THE NEW RED!

We've seen it on the runway, Nicki Minaj just pursed her lips in it at Vogue's Runway2Green Charity Event the other evening. But still, Fergie's hot pink lips, barely there eyes and flawless skin exemplifies the classic Spring 2011 bold lip look for me.

I decided to test out Spring's hottest hue - these are "real deal" images, taken on my computer with nothing but the lipstick and a click of my mouse. NO OTHER MAKEUP IS BEING WORN!

Love one, love them all, you decide what's your favorite pink lip because come Monday, you better own at least one of these gems in your beauty arsenal. A hot pink lip is the "it" look to duplicate all season long.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture 07 - This was the closest the the shade that Fergie wore. It felt moisturizing, not totally matte, which is nice for Spring, and while it definitely played up the fuchsia, it wasn't an overpowering fluorescent. It had even the slightest hint of a berry tone to it.


“As we all witnessed on the runway this season, the bright lip with clean skin, clean eye and strong brow is a great representation of the best Spring trends. A look so universal it goes from day to night and from the beach to the board room." - Dell, YSL Makeup Artist

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani #600 - Out of all the lippies I tested, this one has the most berry and the least fuchsia. But I still liked the color, perhaps better for those wanting something a bit richer and less bright. A great in-between for people still unsure of the hot pink lip. The creamy, moisturizing formula had a nice sheen for Spring.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #36 -  Highly pigmented, it has the satin effect - a mix between matte and a pinch of shine. I love how intense the color is. If you're looking for bright, look no further.

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color SPF 12 in Cosmic Raspberry #3 -A creamy color that is, again, not very matte, but, again, incredibly and intensely bright. This would be my second choice to the closest Fergie lip. It, too, has the slightest bit of berry tone dosed in with the fuchsia which completely takes the fluorescent edge off.

Nars in Schiap -It's a semi-matte, again not totally matte (but more matte than the others) so you'll get a hint of creamy sheen. This one was a "hot pink" and definitely was playing with a hint of fluorescent. It had the bold factor completely covered.


"Hot pink is always a great accessory either for day or night, especially going into the warmer seasons... When using bright pinks, let the lip be the focus and stay away from blush that will conflict. Try a more bronzed and neutral shade on cheeks." - Madge Ogbe, NARS Makeup Artist

MAC Candy Yum-Yum - A totally matte lipstick that has zero sheen and is 100 percent fluorescent. This one appears to be the closest to Nicki Minaj's lipstick that she is wearing at the Vogue event. It is the boldest out of all of the lipstick I tried (and probably the wildest to carry off!).

STYLE WATCH: ROARING 20's

My friend celebrated his 40th birthday this weekend with a fabulous fete fashioned in a roaring 20's theme. Guests went ALL OUT with incredible gowns, fishnet stockings, and head pieces galore. Theme parties can be SO fantastically fun!

What I found so interesting was the amount of red lipstick. Almost every mouth was painted with some hue of red. And the hair: either pencil straight (not quite 20's, but we went there) decorated with a head piece, or pin curled and tucked under. Eyes were mostly dark and subtly, a sign of the times, with lots of lashes and liner.

Here, a few pics from the evening:

The birthday boy and hostess of the evening

hostess

Zani and Ali - Zani is wearing a wig and false lashes, Ali has her hair tucked under, both have heads adorned with head pieces

Valerie and Sara - Val is wearing red lips, dark eyes and a head piece, Sara has pin curls and hair tucked under with dark, sultry eyes

Ali and Jen - Jen has the pencil straight hair and head piece

Alexi and Me - I look like I stepped out of the 80's and took a time machine back into the 20's. I did the pencil straight hair, head piece, red lips AND dark eyes!

FAVORITE BLACK EYELINER - Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in Mat Black

FAVORITE BLACK MASCARA - Chanel Inimitable Mascara

FAVORITE RED LIPLINER - Nars Jungle Red Lipliner Pencil

FAVORITE RED LIPSTICK - MAC Russian Red, Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color Red Revival

Get Roaring!

I DYE...

While I lamented that lighter hair is more fun for winter, I, in fact went dark again (after going light first). I just can't seem to make up my mind. Do you ever have that problem?

Here is my new dye job.... WHAT DO YOU THINK? Does dark become me? Or should I go back to lighter lockes?

(same color in different lighting)

TO ACHIEVE THIS COLOR: My colorist at the Pierre Michel Salon, Ludavic, used a semi-permanent toner on top of my already-highlighted hair.

This is the look I was trying to achieve....

Isn't this hair color amazing?

So, my beautiful readers, PLEASE LET ME KNOW:

It's HALLOWEEN Time!

So, I had an amazing Halloween and I never even left my house! My friend, Jen Brill, and I were on call to paint the faces of 3 of our friends: Chrissie Miller, Charlotte Ronson and Hilary Rosenman.

Here's how it all went down, in pics, of course.

Chrissie Miller

Charlotte Ronson

Hilary Rosenman

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT CHRISSIE, CHARLOTTE AND HILARY WERE FOR HALLOWEEN?

THE FIRST PERSON TO GUESS CORRECTLY WINS A PRIZE!

Special thanks to Make Up For Ever and their 12 Flash Color Case for being so instrumental in the Halloween festivities!

This is really all you need to create any Halloween look! (PRICE TAG: $95.00)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Yes, today is my actual birthday, but don't even think about asking me my age. A lady doesn't share such intimate details :)

I had a fabulous birthday party on Saturday night at the Soho Grand and the highlight for this Beauty Whore was hanging out with the wonderful Pat McGrath (for those not in the know, she could quite possibly be the best makeup artist on EARTH!).

(me, Pat McGrath, Jessica Stam)

So, that's all I have for you today. I'm taking the day off from beauty... until my birthday dinner tonight. See you back here bright and early tomorrow!

xo,
Sarah

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Tied Up And Tousled

Accessories really make the outfit. Hair accessories are no exception. I've just been introduced to the most fabulous line of hair gear -- Tied Up And Tousled -- and I literally haven't taken the band off of my head since receiving it.

SEE: 3 different nights, 3 different outfits, all with my fab Tied Up And Tousled goddess band.

Wear them low or high, across your forehead or in your hair, these headbands are the best. They are self-adjusting (with an elastic or string back) and one size fits all. They have lace ones, metallic ones, string ones and even blinged out ones. Seriously, anything that you fancy. And some of the headbands are one-of-a-kinds! Check out the site by clicking here and live on the wild side.... start to accessorize that head of yours!

PRICE TAG: The one I'm wearing is called the "Angela" and is $24.00

5 Minute Makeover

Every now and then I become obsessed with how quickly I can put on a face of makeup. I've gotten it down to a science, really. Not quite five minutes, but close enough, so I am calling this look the 5 minute makeover.

Here are the products that help to cut down on the makeup time:

A tinted moisturizer combines hydration with even coverage. I, of course, love Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Sand. It's life changing.

LipSense Long Lasting Liquid Lipcolor in Sheer Berry is a God sent. It stays on ALL DAY LONG and gives the most beautiful sheer burst of color. I finish by applying the LipSense Moisturizing Gloss.

Jouer's Tint in Amaryllis is the best red I've found for the apples of my cheeks. To apply, I dust on the cream color with a blush brush for an airbrushed effect. Fast and effective.

For eyes, I am obsessed with the Senna Contouring palette. It contains light and dark colors to give eyes depth. Light highlights, dark shades in crease. Makes a smokey eye tres tres simple and quick!

Mascara finishes the look. I'm loving Make Up Forever Smoky Lash. Looks great on a sultry eye.

And there you have it. Just enough time to really freak out over outfit changes. 

What are some makeup tips you use to quickly apply your face?

Mid-Day Poll

Speaking of hair -- and color -- I need YOUR help!
I'm desperately itching for a hue change. I was gold last year at this time and am currently a brunette.
Should I stay brown or switch it up back to gold?

last year

this year

And here is a picture of a woman on the street who had the exact hair color I think I want. She had it done in Brazil. It's that dark roots, light tips baliage look...

So, what'll it be? Vote below or leave a comment in the comment section. Merci!

Hair! 2 Easy Spring Styles

My 2 current favorite hair styles:

the messy side braid - very in-trend, easy to style. Pull hair to one side of your head and make a loose braid. Don't worry about pieces falling... that's the point! You can use bobby pins if too much falls down.


Here's Jessica Simpson from the May issue of Marie Claire sporting the messy side braid:


the hair piece - again, hair accessories are very in-trend. I wear a lot of black so I love this specific piece as it really livens up an outfit. I simply tie it on to the crown of my head, hair can be wet or dry. VERY EASY and looks tres Grecian.

TIP: Use old necklaces or ribbons as hair pieces!


Here's Beyonce at Coachella wearing a head piece, this one is worn on the forehead - more hippy, less Grecian.

What's your go-to spring 'do?