Must Have or Must Sell?!

                                                         

Hi Nicciknows,

So talk to me about brushes...  I was at the LM counter last week and I decided to test out the secret camouflage.  The make up artist was aggressively suggesting that I HAD to buy the brush- that there was no other brush that would do the same job and without it the camouflage would not work.  I know brushes are important but did she push me into a sale that I did not need?

-Brush Bullied!

Hi Brush Bullied,

Well I'm really glad you asked. I think that this is a common situation. The real answer is, that its not a simple yes or no. For certain products, its imperative that you use the recommended brush to get the desired finish. At the same time, sometimes the brush is not necessary but rather just an add-on.  For this reason, I'm glad you have me! Since I am not vested in selling you anything, I'll give it to you straight. I would say that with the Laura Mercier product you are referring to, Secret Camouflage ($28 at Nordstrom), the brush in this case IS a necessity ($26 at Nordstrom) The reason is because this is a unique product with really think consistancy. You truly won't get the desired coverage and finish without the brush. If you have a very similar brush at home, my suggestion would be to take the product home and try it without the brush. If you are finding that its not looking the same as when they tried it on you in the store, then go back and purchase the brush.

Hope this helps!

xo,

Nicciknows

Dewy Dilemma

                                                

                                                

                                                   

Hi Nicci Knows :-)

I love the dewy look and I have been struggling to find the right foundation, something that is really lightweight and doesn't grab onto the fine lines on my skin and that can also maintain the dewy look that I love.

Do you have a product/products that you can recommend?

Best,

Kylie

Hello Kylie,

I think I've got the answer to all of your dewy dreams! The Bobbi Balm!!  More widely known as Bobbi Brown's Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($50 at Nordstrom.com), this product feels delicious on your skin, and smells ever so fresh and clean. This ultra-luxurious feeling product, which has a luminous and glowing finish, is like a drink of water for dehydrated skin and also reduces the appearance of fine lines!

If you are going for extra glowy, try mixing a touch of Stila's All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer ($22 at Sephora.com).

Let me know how it works out for you!

xo,

Nicciknows

               

Frizz Control

Dear Nicciknows,

My curly hair frizzes every time I brush it or leave it down after a shower.

Can you recommend a product that will allow me to leave it down after a shower, without leaving it frizzy or poofy?

Thank you!

-Candice

Hi Candice,

The answer to your hair woes lies in two yummy smelling items! After you get out of the shower, take a quarter-sized amount for BedHead's Control Freak ($12.99) and distribute evenly through your hair. Once your hair has dried a bit more, spray BedHead's Spoil Me ($14.99) spray and your hair will dry smoothly and without frizz! Both of these products are available at Amazon.com.

Best of luck!

Nicciknows

Secret Camoflauge

Hello Nicciknows,

I am in desperate search of a magical concealer. Specifically to cover the redness of my morning eyes and dark circles. I am looking for your direction and expertise to help me shuffle through all the products in the marketplace and find the best one!

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,

Thanks for your query....never fear, help is here! Choosing the right concealer can be tricky...there are several factors to consider. The good news is that there are some amazing new products out there. Here are the things to remember.

1) Because the area around your eyes is delicate and the thinnest skin on your face, you want to choose a concealer which both gives you the coverage that you need but also doesn't look think or heavy on your skin.

2) The other important factor to consider is the color you are trying to conceal. For instance you refer to your dark circles. Typically dark circles are a dark blue shade. So you want to choose a concealer shade which will color correct the dark circles. To do this, you will need a peach-toned concealer. On the other hand, if you were trying to cover blemishes or redness, you would want to choose a yellow-toned concealer.

There are two concelaers that I suggest trying. The first is Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer ($45 at Kevyn Aucoin.com) . This is a creamy product that is extremely concentrated, a little goes a very long way. You'll want to take a tiny bit and warm it up on your hand before using your finger to apply sparingly to the eye area and blend! It gives maximum coverage. To get matched to your perfect shade, go into youre local Neiman Marcus store. If you find this too heavy, the other concealer that I love is Laura Mercier Secret Eye Concealer ($22 at Nordstrom) with Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22 at Nordstrom) over the top.

Hope this helps!

xo,

Nicciknows

Blushing Bride

Dear NicciKnows,
I am in the midst of planning the wedding of my dreams. It will be in the summer months and outdoors and sure to be very hot. I want a glowing look of radiance on my special day, but I don't want to be covered in shimmer. What advice do you have on achieving a glowing (not oily) complexion that lasts all day? Can you also recommend a soft, but bright pink blush? I loved caprice by Chanel, but it was limited---any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Bride-to-be

Dear Bride-to-Be,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! How exciting. Yes, achieving all day radiance during a warm summer wedding can be tricky. My suggestion is to avoid glittery looking products and use something that provides a soft subtle glow. Also, avoid using the luminizing product in your T-zone and just stick to the outer planes of your face (ie your cheekbones, the outsides of your forehead and your decolletage). The product that would give you the flawless, luminous look you desire is the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in Shades #2 or #10 ($55 at Giorgio Armani Cosmetics.com). Apply after foundation and concealer.For the perfect finishing touch, carry Lorac's Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder($32 at Sephora), in your bridal purse along with some Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control blotting papers ($16.50 at Sephora).

In terms of a soft, but bright pink blush for your special day, try Benefit's Blush in either Thrrob or Dandelion (both $28 at Sephora).

Hope this helps!
xo,
Nicciknows

Hand-y Advice

Dear Nicci

I LOVE your website. I always feel like I am on a bit of a road trip when I read your updates. I live on the East Coast and I really do pride myself on being in the know about taking care of my skin....on my face. However the cold weather is terrorizing my hands and they really look aged. Do you have any favorite hand treatments that can help a girl out in the cold?

Dear Elizabeth,
First, thanks for your feedback. I hear you about feeling a little in the dark when it comes to caring for the skin on your hands. Since our hands are exposed to sun and environmental damage as much, if not more so then our faces, they do need lots of moisture and sun protection etc. I've seen plenty of women who have taken great care of their faces over the years but their hands have aged much more obviously because of the lack of moisture and overexposure to sun. I love a product from Deborah Lippmann, the celebrity manicurist. Its the Lippmann Collection Rich Girl Hand Cream SPF 25

It has shea butter and avocado oils for supreme hydration as well as anti-aging fade botanicals and SPF 25. It addresses damage that has already been done and protects against future damage. Enjoy!!!

Aging Gracefully (and staying glamourous!)

Dear nicciknows,

I will be turning 60 in a couple of weeks and am faced with new challenges regarding my beauty regime. I'm finding that I can no longer wear the products that I wore at 40. My skin has gotten nore crepe-y and doesn't hold powder products well. As a young woman, I had quite oily skin and it has gotten much more dry in the past few years. Despite what this may sound like, I don't mind getting older, I just want to look my best and wear products which are appropriate for a woman of my age. Can you please give me some suggestions of what I might want to look for?

Thank you!

Anita

Hello Anita!

Thanks for your letter, and for being so candid about your concerns. I have no doubt that there are many woman out there that can benefit from your questions. You are exactly right....as we grow older, our skin changes in many significant ways-it gets drier, fine lines (I love the ones that soften a woman's face and express wisdom and life experience) start to appear, skin texture changes as well. There are however, ways to change your routine and continue looking like your glamorous, fabulous self! For questions like these, I can give you more specific recommendations if you send me a picture!

However, here are are some suggestions for you. First, start using (if you aren't already) a great moisturizing cream at night and lotion with SPF during the day. For night I like Kiehl's Abyssine Cream ($40 Nordstrom) and for daytime, try Neutrogena Illuminating Whip Moisturizer ($14.99 Walgreens).

Beyond keeping your skin very hydrated and protecting it from the sun, you'll want to use emollient products such as Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (Pink Truffle is a great shade, $22 at Saks Fifth Avenue) on your cheeks and lips. The only place you'll want to use powders is on the eyes...try soft matte shades-I have to say that Bobbi Brown makes the best matte eyeshadows on the market and there are great sets on sale right now. Try Bobbi's Neutral Eye Shadow Palette ($40 at Saks Fifth Avenue as pictured above). To use it, apply the Ivory shade all over as a base shadow and then Cement on the lower part of your eyelid and then Slate in your crease. Then take Mahogany, the darkest shade and line your eyes for a soft, everyday look. Finish the look off with a pop of color on the lips, and don't forget the lip liner to keep your lips looking youthfully defined! Hope this helps! xoxo

My skin is SO oily!

Q:
Dear Nicciknows,
My skin is SO oily. How do I control the oil but still maintain a natural look with my foundation?
Signed,
Carrie

A:
Dear Carrie,
Help is here! Use an oil-free moisturizer with SPF to both protect and hydrate. Oily skin that is deprived of any moisture can tend to overcompensate with more oil. Next, take an oil-free primer (I love Laura Mercier’s oil-free foundation primer) and use about a thumbnail amount for your whole face. A foundation I recommend for you is Stila’s oil-free natural finish foundation (www.sephora.com).