Tuesday, December 27, 2011

COLOR ANALYSIS


What is Color Analysis?
Basically, color analysis is all about your natural coloring (hair, skin, and eyes), and how that combo complements or contrasts with the things you choose to wear (makeup colors, clothing, or even jewelry).
Color analysis breaks people’s colorings down into the four color seasons — Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. These color seasons are broken down even further, into 3 different categories per season. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s really helpful if you want to get a basic idea of what shades work for you.
How to find out which season you are:
So which season are you? Find out with the quick quiz below, courtesy of Cindy Busch Color Analysis.

Getting more specific:
Now that you know what general category you are, there are three types of coloring within each “season.” Sound confusing? I promise, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. You might land under two of the subcategories of your season and some might fall into two separate seasons. Don’t worry, this just expands your complementary colors! :)
DON’T GET OVERWHELMED, find your season below, (don’t worry about anything but yours) read the descriptions to find out which type you are to see your best colors. This in-depth list is courtesy of the book Color Me Beautiful.
Types of Springs:
1. Light Spring:
•Eyes: Blue, green, turquoise, or light hazel.
•Hair: Light to medium golden blonde, ash blonde or light to medium brown.
•Skin: Ivory with peach tones, pink beige.
Best colors for Light Springs:

From Left: Camel, khaki, light gray, blue charcoal, taupe, warm pastel pink, baby pink, clear salmon, coral, watermelon, fuchsia, clear red, creme, light green, bright golden yellow, moss green, blue green, clear aqua, powder blue, light purple, periwinkle, violet.
2. Clear Spring:
•Eyes: Turquoise blue, green, golden brown or topaz.
•Hair: Medium to dark brown, or brown-black. May have red highlights.
•Skin: Bronze, deep warm brown, brown-black, light ivory, light peach, or porcelain.
Best colors for Clear Springs:

From Left: Navy, gray, charcoal, black, light grey, turquoise, yellow, marigold yellow, mint, green, dark green, clear teal, hot turquoise, true blue, purple, purple-gray, peach, salmon, true red, warm pastel pink, hot pink.
3. Warm Spring:
•Eyes: Topaz, olive green, light hazel, or warm turquoise.
•Hair: Light golden brown, red, strawberry blonde, or deep golden blonde.
•Skin: Bronze, golden beige, ivory, or porcelain. May have freckles.
Best colors for Warm Springs:

From Left: Camel, bronze, golden brown, dark brown, stone, gray green, peach, light orange, coral, tomato red, rust, buff, green, light true green, evergreen, emerald turquoise, jade, teal, moss, deep periwinkle.
Types of Summers
1. Light Summer:
•Eyes: Blue, gray or green.
•Hair: Light to medium ash blonde or light to medium ash brown.
•Skin: Pale beige, porcelain, ivory or pink beige. (Usually pink-toned.)
Best colors for Light Summers:

From Left: Light gray, gray blue, cocoa, taupe, powder pink, rose pink, rose, coral pink, clear salmon, clear red, light lemon yellow, light aqua, blue green, spruce, light navy, sky blue, medium blue, lavender, violet.
2. Soft Summer:
•Eyes: Gray-blue, hazel or soft turquoise.
•Hair: Light to medium ash brown, mousy brown. May have blonde in it.
•Skin: Light to medium neutral beige, ivory.
Best colors for Soft Summers:

From Left: Medium gray, light gray, taupe, cocoa, rose, raspberry, rose pink, deep rose, baby pink, soft fuchsia, burgundy, light lemon yellow, light green, turquoise, jade, green, forest green, navy, periwinkle, lavender, dusty purple, teal.
3. Cool Summer:
•Eyes: Gray, blue, or slate.
•Hair: Medium to deep ash brown. Little to no red tones.
•Skin: Ivory, pink beige, gray beige, or neutral beige.
Best colors for Cool Summers:

From Left: Light gray, gray blue, cocoa, buff, light brown, taupe, icy pink, soft fuchsia, deep rose, burgundy, turquoise, jade, green, aqua, light aqua, true aqua, lavender, dusty purple, warm dusty purple, periwinkle, navy.
Types of Autumns
1. Deep Autumn:
•Eyes: Dark brown, dark hazel, black, or dark green.
•Hair: Medium brown, medium to deep auburn, dark brown deep chestnut or black.
•Skin: Warm beige, neutral beige, golden brown, dark brown, olive.
Best colors for Deep Autumns:

From Left: Black brown, black, light yellow, marigold, peach, terracotta, salmon pink, tomato red, deep red, true red, dark rose, lemon yellow, camel, jade, moss, lime bronze, hot turquoise, cerulean, chinese blue, evergreen, dark purple, purple.
2. Soft Autumn:
•Eyes: Light brown, soft hazel, blue, or gray-green.
•Hair: Golden blonde to medium brown or mousy brown. May have blonde or red highlights.
•Skin: Ivory, neutral beige, warm beige, golden brown.
Best colors for Soft Autumns:

From Left: Mahogany, brown, medium gray, camel, khaki, gray, light peach, deep rose, light coral, dusty pink, coral, terracotta, buttermilk, mint, emerald turquoise, turquoise, jade, evergreen, purple, dark purple aubergine.
3. Warm Autumn:
•Eyes: Brown, olive green, hazel or topaz.
•Hair: Medium golden brown, red, auburn, strawberry blonde or golden blonde.
•Skin: Bronze, golden brown, golden beige, ivory, or warm beige.
Best colors for Warm Autumns:

From Left: Camel, khaki, coffee brown, cream, medium brown, dark brown, light salmon, dark peach, salmon, pumpkin, rust, terracotta, aubergine, light yellow, light moss, evergreen, marigold, emerald turquoise, teal, forest green, deep periwinkle, purple.
Types of Winters
1. Deep Winter:
•Eyes: Black, black-brown, or dark hazel.
•Hair: Black-brown, medium brown, steel gray, or salt & pepper.
•Skin: Black, medium beige, black-brown, or olive with no pink or peach undertones.
Best colors for Deep Winters:

From Left: Black, charcoal, black-brown, red-brown, icy gray, gray, hot pink, true red, rust, aubergine, blue red, mint, lemon yellow, light green, emerald green, olive, purple, clear teal, bright periwinkle, blue, navy, chinese blue.
2. Clear Winter:
•Eyes: Bright blue, hazel, violet, or green.
•Hair: Black, chestnut, medium brown, or dark brown hair.
•Skin: Black, deep brown, neutral beige, pale olive, milky white. (Usually translucent.)
Best colors for Clear Winters:

From Left: Medium gray, charcoal, black, dark taupe, icy gray, taupe, icy blue, icy lavender, lavender, icy pink, clear red, raspberry, raspberry pink, aubergine, icy yellow, bright golden yellow, hot turquoise, emerald turquoise, purple, dark purple, royal blue, navy.
3. Cool Winter:
•Eyes: Charcoal gray, blue, dark brown or violet.
•Hair: Blue-black, silver, salt & pepper. No red tones.
•Skin: Cool brown, olive, or neutral beige.
Best colors for Cool Winters:

From Left: Light gray, medium gray, dark gray, black, charcoal, taupe, rose pink, hot pink, purple, blue red, deep rose, burgundy, icy blue, icy pink, lemon yellow, emerald turquoise, hot turquoise, bright periwinkle, royal blue, purple, navy, dark purple.

That wasn’t too bad! I hope this helps you in finding makeup and clothes that compliment the beautiful individual that you are!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Loving the "Naked Palette" from Urban Decay

I wanted this a palette for SO LONG, and my amazing, glorious best friend - you know who you are , bought this for me as a christmas gift!!! I love this. I love love love love this SO MUCH!

All the shadows are buttery and smooth, and beautifully pigmented. There is a selection of matte, satin and shimmer textures. I love the range of eyeshadows, and the amount of different looks that can be created with it. Overall this is a wonderful product and i highly recommend if you are looking for some neutral shadow colours that you can wear from day to night...perfect christmas present..... my favourite shades in this palette are: Virgin, Naked, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse and Toasted.

I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING FRIEND EVER :) :)  PURE LOVE XO

Preparing skin for wedding day.....



Every bride wants to look beautiful and radiant, and although I can definitely hide those blemishes, nothing beats having beautiful, glowing looking skin for the big day. There are many ways to achieve this


 NOTE: it is important to start thinking about your skin at least 3 or 4 months in advance of your wedding.


Eat healthy foods
Eating healthy nutrient rich food makes a huge difference. Eating loads of fruits and vegetables, and foods which are high in anti-oxidants – like berries, nuts and legumes – help to repair your skin. Avoid foods high in salt and sugar, as well as alcohol (making an exception for your stagette, of course!). It is also a good idea to take a multi vitamin on a daily basis.


Drink lots of H2OThis is the most important thing you can do. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water cleans your skin improving its texture and quality, and eliminates blemishes and imperfections.


Exercise
Daily exercise is really important. The increase in circulation keeps your skin looking radiant (not to mention your body in shape!)


Sleep well
Your skin rejuvenates while you sleep. If you are not getting enough sleep, it will show on your skin! Try to get 8 hours of sleep a night, if at all possible....this is an exciting time...but you must try ;)


Develop a strict skin care regime
It is so important to cleanse, tone, and moisturise twice daily (in the morning, and in the evening). You don’t have to use expensive products. The main thing is that your skin is clean. Never go to bed with makeup still on your face!!! This is a big no-no! Your skin needs to breath, particularly when you sleep, so even if you are extremely tired, wipe off the eye-makeup and cleanse the skin before bed. If you really have no energy, invest in a packet of makeup remover towelettes from the supermarket and use those to clean your face after a late night. Again, it’s better than nothing!
It is important to GENTLY remove your eye makeup. You can use an eye-makeup remover for this. Little sneaky trick which is do is get a few drops of EVOO (extra virgrin olive oil) and remove eye make it....it literally comes off in one sweep, then wash off....If you have any questions on what type of skin care regime you should be using please feel free to contact me for a skin analysis.


Exfoliate at least twice a week
It is important to exfoliate at least once or twice a week. Micro-dermabrasion is very effective, and these days you can buy at-home kits relatively cheap. Remember to always do a patch test first and always follow with a good moisturiser/ emollient.  If you have a bit more money to spend, professional micro-dermabrasion might be a good idea.


Use an eye crème
It is important to use an eye crème with your daily skin care regime. For those with puffy eyes, try using an eye gel. Cucumbers work well too, and there is that new brand "say yes to cucumbers" at shoppers drugmart


Acne
It is so much better to flush out your skin of acne, rather than suppress it. Exfoliate regularly, and start months before your wedding to allow your skin to repair itself in time for the big day. If you are using Acne products like Pro-activ, make sure you do a patch test first, and start using the product at least a few months before your wedding in case you have any reactions. These products are really strong, and it’s important to take these precautions.
If your acne is severe, see a dermatologist at least 6 months before your wedding to enable time to treat the problem.


Facials
If you are steadfast about getting a facial before your wedding, remember this….. the purpose of a facial is to draw out impurities… and often lead to break outs. If you have never had a facial before, please schedule one in at least a few months before your wedding, and get them done regularly right up until the wedding. Do not take a risk by getting a facial done for the first time a week or two before the wedding. Chances are it will not go as planned and you’ll end up with skin you would rather not have on your wedding day! Some people react terribly to facials (especially those with acne problems). However, then there are some people who say the results are fantastic! I wouldnt risk it though.



Use a sunscreen
Apply sunscreen to your face and neck daily. Many moisturisers and day crèmes come with an in-built sunscreen, which is useful, like neutrogena which i love!
Sun exposure can be harmful to your skin - even in the winter there is still sun, so avoid long periods unprotected, and also avoid tanning. If you are having an airbrush tan it is important to have a ‘trial’ at least a month before your wedding.


Good luck with your skin preparation, and remember if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, i am more than  happy to help and make you feel the VERY best you can possibly feel on your special day :D


xo Lana

Dr Oz flawless skin home remedy

I saw this on doctor oz the other day, Doctor Oz said that this Flawless Skin Home Remedy is a great way to clear your complexion. The aspirin has salicylic acid which helps to remove acne and pimples since it is like a chemical peel. The lemon juice has vitamin C and helps minimize sun damage to your skin. Baking soda works great at the end to neutralize the salicylic acid.
1. Mash up 6-12 non-coated aspirins and combine with freshly squeeze lemon juice.
2. Let the aspirin dissolve until it turns into a paste.
3. Apply the mask to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the face mask by dipping a cotton round in some baking soda and some water

YUM - COCONUT SCRUB

Anybody who knows me well enough knows I LOVE COCONUT....i love eating it, smelling it, wearing it - its my absolute favourtie thing in the whole world! I found this scrub recipe and can not wait to try it this weekend.


1 cup organic cane sugar
1/3 cup celtic sea salt
1/2 cup organic coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons almond oil
1 tablespoon Vitamin E
Lavender Essential Oil

Add a little bit of the salt, sugar, coconut oil - one at a time so you can control the consistency and then add the rest of the ingredients.

You can also make a nice sugar scrub with 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and essential oil.  For a brown sugar scrub, try 2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

Scrubs are awesome ways to slough away away any dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth :)


Thursday, December 8, 2011

BENEFITS OF AIRBRUSH TANNING






































Millions of people around the world turn to the art of airbrush tanning each year to ensure they maintain their sun-kissed look regardless of the weather outside. Until recently, sunbeds were the most popular form of getting an all over tan however recent studies have shown that the overuse of sunbeds can pose as many health risks to the skin as sitting in the sun all day does. Hence the increasing popularity of airbrush tanning.


BENEFITS!


The main benefits of this particular tanning process are varied, the main ones of which are listed below:

- Because the tanning solution used during the process is airbrushed onto the skin as a fine mist, it is easy to get a smooth, streak-free finish. .

- You can literally get an all over tan if you want this type of tan is virtually impossible to get by lying in the sun - unless you're sunbathing nude - and most people go a shocking shade of red before turning brown when their tan is naturally sun enduced!


- Airbrush Tanning is a great way of getting a tan regardless of where you live and what time of the year it is. If you live somewhere that doesn't see a lot of sunbathing weather (Like in the Rockies) it doesn't matter - you can still get a perfect sun-kissed tan. The same goes for the winter months when the sunshine isn't strong enough to cause natural tanning, or if you work indoors throughout the day and rarely get to bask in the sunshine.


- The results from airbrush tanning are much better than applying creams and lotions by hand or by yourself, plus the application process is a lot less messy.


Overall, airbrush tanning is an easy way of getting a flawless tan whenever and wherever you want one. They pose no health risks (apart from the odd mild allergies to certain botanicals) and you can choose the shade you want before hand. They fade naturally over time and can be topped up as often as necessary. Airbrush Tanning isn't an expensive process either and in most cases a single application is sufficient to get the tan you want - unlike sunbeds where you often need numerous sessions to achieve your perfect tan. So, you get an even, all-over perfect tan in one session without the sun shining - what more could you ask for?


Call or email Complexions Makeup Artistry & Airbrush Tanning today to book your custom airbrush tan. One session will last 10- 14 days, if you look after your tan by moiusturising daily you will help prolong it longer. 2 sessions could keep you glowing all month.


CHERISH YOUR SKIN :)


BEAT DRY WINTER SKIN IN THE KITCH



Itchy, dry, flaky skin can be very unpleasant. And with winter upon us, this is one common problem! Those over-the-counter products seldom work, and also leave a hole in your pocket....We need that money for christmas presents, right? So what can you do to soothe that cracking skin? Try out these home remedies that are sure to take you closer to the smooth skin you desire.

Oil therapy: Rub on some olive, almond or coconut oil and massage lightly on to your hands, legs and the rest of your body before heading for a shower. If time permits, heat the oil and then apply. Post shower, use a light moisturiser/sunscreen, because winter sun isn’t any less harsh.
Scoop some milk cream: Milk cream makes for a very good moisturiser. Mix a few drops of lime, a tsp. of milk and two tsp. of milk cream and rub onto your hands and legs. Leave it on for a while before you head for a shower. You’ll see the difference immediately.
The good ol’ curd: Curd makes for an excellent skin hydrant, and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties will help soothe your dry, itchy skin. Apply curd just as it is or mix it with some honey and a few drops of lime. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before you wash it off. It is sure to do wonders for your skin.
Honey! Honey helps lock in moisture, has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, which makes it a sought after ingredient in many over-the-counter skincare products. Why shell out money on those, when you can buy yourself a bottle of honey (which is cheaper) and use it to treat your skin. Lightly heat 2 tsp. of honey any apply it onto your skin (face, hands, legs) while warm. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off. There’s nothing better your skin can ask for.
Dab on some aloe vera: If you don’t have an aloe plant at home as yet, then make a trip to the nearest nursery when spring is back and get one, because aloe is super duper good for your skin! (I would know i used to slather it on after being BRUTALLY burnt from that hot aussie sun!) After a bath, slice a piece of aloe, squeeze all the gel out and apply onto your face, hands or legs. It will not only moisturise your skin, it will also form a protective layer that will keep impurities from entering your pores. Although aloe is a good skin hydrant, it can leave your skin feeling tight. So you might want to dab on some moisturiser. (Obviously an easier alternative to the plant, and seeing as though it is December and all, is to head down to your shoppers drugmart or pharmacy and pick up a bottle with the pump on it of gel aloe vera)
Go the milky way: 4 tsp. milk, Add a few drops of rose water/ lime and rub it all over your body and wash with cold water. Do this twice a day. And your skin will feel baby soft.
A vitamin-E boost! Make a trip to grocery store pharmacy (in canada) if in Australia just the pharmacy - I am not sure if they have pharmacys in them YET..anyway buy some vitamin-E capsules (they don’t cost much at all!). Poke a hole into 2 capsules, squeeze out the oil, mix a few drops of lime juice and apply all over your body. Take a shower and feel the difference.
Stock up on glycerine: Glycerine helps absorb and retain moisture, so it would be a good idea to buy a bottle again from Grocery store, Shoppers Drugmart, Rexall etc. Mix a teaspoon of glycerine with a few drops of lime and massage onto your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes before you wash it off.
A serving of coconut milk? Coconut milk not only reduces skin dryness, but also helps combat dark spots and blemishes. If you have time to spare, make some fresh coconut milk at home (Of course not in Canada but for all you Aussies who are lucky to be close to the beach) or buy one of those canned ones (I know Safeway sometimes sells the whole coconuts but they are expensive i think). Rub it onto your face and body, and leave it overnight.

Top tip for dry skin:
Once you’ve done either of these treatments a couple times, you must pay attention to exfoliating dead cells. Use a loofah or buy a body scrub that isn’t very rough on your skin (apricot or walnut) and scrub your body at least once a week.
Do not use any exfoliator until your dry skin heals a little, else it gets worse!

AND before i forget DRINK LOTS OF WATER :D

xx Lana (complexions)

LOVING EYELINER

Fun photoshoot this past weekend.....right before the mini blizzard....



WELCOME ............

WELCOME TO.....PRETTY LITTLE THING.

I am so excited to be launching this blog, here i will be blogging about EVERYTHING "Pretty" - Makeup & Fashion, obsessions and inspirations. I will also be updating this blog with my makeup jobs.

I hope you enjoy :)

xo Lana