Q. Last week you answered a question about fall styles for a student. My son is a college student and he wanted me to write in and ask you what’s hot this year for men’s hair?
A. That’s a fun question because I get asked far less about men and men’s styles. According to Fashion Trend’s Website young college age men are opting for fringe (or bangs) this season. All the runway shows have young men in a more masculine version of the ladies long front fringe (or long front bang). This look features a shorter back and side cut with front fringe. The length of these bangs varies so it’s an easy style to customize to a specific face shape. Most of the time the bangs are side swept. The other key item in men’s hair for the fall is texture. Cutting in texture and even embracing some wave are all popular. Using hair styling product properly will give these trendy men’s styles the right mix of texture and ease. Be sure to have your son ask his stylist to give him a quick lesson in how to use product (like gel, paste or spray) to best manage his hair texture and style. Another really popular look this year for men of all ages, young and not so young is the slick back. This year’s Ralph Lauren catalog shows nearly all its male models in this classic look. Its fun and upkeep and styling are very easy which makes it a good choice for a busy student, a top executive or just a man with an eye for style. Guys with straight hair will want their slick back style with more length on top while men with wavy or curly hair will want a shorter more textured version. This style can have a definite part line or can be nearly part-less with a slick back from the forehead and sides. Men are getting color more and more as well. Color helps bring out the look of layers and texture and adds some kick to any hair cut. All-over blonde for men is very popular this season but is usually best with a polished style like the slick back while color layering and tips are best for the fringe or textured styles. No matter what style your son chooses it’s great to see men take an interest in hair and fashion. In the past, the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s men paid great attention to clothing, hair, fashion, even their hats. Its fun to see men involved in there appearance again. One only needs to check out the pop music stars or TV shows to see men are wearing hair again. The just buzz it off look is a thing of the past, unless you take it all the way off to bald and that is still hot.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Fall Hair
Q. My daughter and I always fight about her hair and the styles that she wants to wear when to school. What do you suggest for back to school hair styles?
A. I will assume since you are arguing with your daughter in the mornings about her hair that she is not a college student. Beyond that assumption I have no idea from your question how old your daughter is. Hair style is an age appropriate issue. I can only give you some broad advice and suggestions on this topic. Elementary students have energetic days. They also usually require some help getting ready in the mornings. Keeping her hair from restricting her ability to work at a desk with her head looking down, being able to actively play and looking fun are all considerations for young girls. Right now ponytails and pigtails are all the rage, even for older girls. These are great choices for younger girls as well. Make her hair fun with hair accessories. Barrettes, headbands and shorter bangs are all popular options as well. If your daughter has curly hair or hair that is difficult to brush in the mornings keep a spray bottle ready with a mixture of water and a small amount of hair conditioner. Spray the hair until it’s damp and combing or brushing will go smoothly. If you need to blow dry the style it will be easier and quicker if you shampoo the night before and simply use the spray to dampen it the next morning. Junior High girls are a different story. These tween girls want to look like the older girls but still need some help in the mornings and still have very active school days. Teach her how to do a pony tail with some height on top. It’s easy you just tease the top and crown then smooth the hair into a pony. Right now it’s popular to wear a thin headband and a ponytail. If you daughter is looking for a fun new hairstyle have her try layers and some bangs (or fringe as we call it in the biz). Girls in this age group are often very active and busy with after school activities as well. You’ll want to be sure whatever she wears can last through the long school day and post school activities. High School girls tend to know what’s in style and they all want to look like most of their friends. They fall into one of two categories. The girls who want to sleep as long as possible and get up and get ready fast, these gals may also be athletes who need quick easy hair or the girls who want to play and fuss and can be a bathroom hog. I suggest to make morning easier with a teenager you assume they will need a lot of time and space to get ready. A simple purchase of a vanity mirror and a place to do their hair in their room could save you a lot of morning stress. If your daughter is taking up a lot of time attempting new styles invest in a salon visit and let a stylist give her instruction on quick and easy ways to get “the look” she’s after. All hair styles at any age have three major considerations. The time it takes to style, the money it takes for upkeep, and the personality of the wearer. In the end, like so many things preparation ahead of time and the proper tools and supplies all make the job easier. Good Luck, have a great school year.
A. I will assume since you are arguing with your daughter in the mornings about her hair that she is not a college student. Beyond that assumption I have no idea from your question how old your daughter is. Hair style is an age appropriate issue. I can only give you some broad advice and suggestions on this topic. Elementary students have energetic days. They also usually require some help getting ready in the mornings. Keeping her hair from restricting her ability to work at a desk with her head looking down, being able to actively play and looking fun are all considerations for young girls. Right now ponytails and pigtails are all the rage, even for older girls. These are great choices for younger girls as well. Make her hair fun with hair accessories. Barrettes, headbands and shorter bangs are all popular options as well. If your daughter has curly hair or hair that is difficult to brush in the mornings keep a spray bottle ready with a mixture of water and a small amount of hair conditioner. Spray the hair until it’s damp and combing or brushing will go smoothly. If you need to blow dry the style it will be easier and quicker if you shampoo the night before and simply use the spray to dampen it the next morning. Junior High girls are a different story. These tween girls want to look like the older girls but still need some help in the mornings and still have very active school days. Teach her how to do a pony tail with some height on top. It’s easy you just tease the top and crown then smooth the hair into a pony. Right now it’s popular to wear a thin headband and a ponytail. If you daughter is looking for a fun new hairstyle have her try layers and some bangs (or fringe as we call it in the biz). Girls in this age group are often very active and busy with after school activities as well. You’ll want to be sure whatever she wears can last through the long school day and post school activities. High School girls tend to know what’s in style and they all want to look like most of their friends. They fall into one of two categories. The girls who want to sleep as long as possible and get up and get ready fast, these gals may also be athletes who need quick easy hair or the girls who want to play and fuss and can be a bathroom hog. I suggest to make morning easier with a teenager you assume they will need a lot of time and space to get ready. A simple purchase of a vanity mirror and a place to do their hair in their room could save you a lot of morning stress. If your daughter is taking up a lot of time attempting new styles invest in a salon visit and let a stylist give her instruction on quick and easy ways to get “the look” she’s after. All hair styles at any age have three major considerations. The time it takes to style, the money it takes for upkeep, and the personality of the wearer. In the end, like so many things preparation ahead of time and the proper tools and supplies all make the job easier. Good Luck, have a great school year.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Summer Makeup - Part 2 Eyes
Q. What do you suggest for eye makeup for the summer?
A. One of the fun things about summer is how bright and sunny everything looks, including the face and skin. Everything is sun kissed and bright. To brighten up your eyes try this technique. Hughes of white, pale pink or pearl deflect the appearance of darkness around your eyes. A sheer brush of soft color like lavender or soft green will have the same effect. Always remember that a flat finish on your eyes will absorb light and a shimmer will reflect light. As you age, you’ll find that the shimmers are not always best because they do draw more attention to your fine lines. If you are a person worried about fine lines around your eyes try the shimmer color on the brow bone and use a flat color on your lids and near the laugh line area. During the day in the summer keep it simple. You can even use some bronzer on your brow bone and a simple brush of mascara on your lashes. Use waterproof if you’ll be in or near water or be out in the heat.
In the evening go for more vibrant color and use the fun shimmers on your entire eye if your eyes are young enough or opt for the lighter fun shimmers on your brown bone right under your eyebrow. Here’s another important eye makeup tip you’ll want to know for the summer. To avoid eye shadow creases start with a concealer or foundation on your lids. Dust your entire eye area with powder then use a powder eye shadow and avoid the cream shadow. Summer is about fun, so play with colors and shimmers and have fun!
A. One of the fun things about summer is how bright and sunny everything looks, including the face and skin. Everything is sun kissed and bright. To brighten up your eyes try this technique. Hughes of white, pale pink or pearl deflect the appearance of darkness around your eyes. A sheer brush of soft color like lavender or soft green will have the same effect. Always remember that a flat finish on your eyes will absorb light and a shimmer will reflect light. As you age, you’ll find that the shimmers are not always best because they do draw more attention to your fine lines. If you are a person worried about fine lines around your eyes try the shimmer color on the brow bone and use a flat color on your lids and near the laugh line area. During the day in the summer keep it simple. You can even use some bronzer on your brow bone and a simple brush of mascara on your lashes. Use waterproof if you’ll be in or near water or be out in the heat.
In the evening go for more vibrant color and use the fun shimmers on your entire eye if your eyes are young enough or opt for the lighter fun shimmers on your brown bone right under your eyebrow. Here’s another important eye makeup tip you’ll want to know for the summer. To avoid eye shadow creases start with a concealer or foundation on your lids. Dust your entire eye area with powder then use a powder eye shadow and avoid the cream shadow. Summer is about fun, so play with colors and shimmers and have fun!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Summer Makeup Tips - Part 1
Q. Last week you gave us some summertime hairstyles do you have tips for summertime makeup? I always feel like my makeup does not look right in the summer.
A. Great question and to answer it properly will take more than this week’s column. I could, in fact, write an entire book on subject but I will attempt to give you a break down of summer makeup tips over the next 3 weeks. I’ll dedicated this week to giving you tips about the face, next week I’ll elaborate on the eyes and finish with the lips the following week. The face is the most challenging element for summer. Summer changes your skin. The same foundation that worked in the winter won’t usually work in the summer. Foundation rule 101 your color should match your skin. It should blend and almost disappear. If it doesn’t you have the wrong color. You need to know your skin type. Are you Normal – Dry – Oily – Combination – or Sensitive? If you have some special needs like battling oil or dryness you can choose makeup that helps. Dewy moisture-rich foundations are great choices to help with dry skin, mineral or powder based combat oiliness and leaves your skin looking cool and non-greasy. People with sensitive skin types should prime their skin with an appropriate base or moisturizer providing a protective barrier before applying their foundation. It’s most important for these skin types to avoid any product containing alcohol or fragrance. Tinted moisturizers are a wonderful alternative to base foundations in the heat of summer. They are lighter and provide less coverage but most are infused with a protective SPF providing some sun protection. For the most professional application of foundation use a triangle sponge wedge. Apply your product in a thin layer and blend well around the jaw line. I am often asked about powder foundation vs. liquid and how to choose between them. If you want a dewy or sheer finish, choose liquid if you want a thinner finish that will help control shine and oil choose powder. Even if you choose liquid foundation you should have a great powder ready to use in the summer. Loose powder will give you more coverage than pressed, but pressed is easy to toss into a purse and use for mid day touch ups and to keep your face looking fresh in the summer heat. Here’s an extra tip, humidity can cause pressed powder compacts, eye shadows and blush to cake and clump so avoid storing them in the bathroom. The final element for the face is blush. I could do an entire column on the proper application of blush, and probably will at some future date, but the basics for summer are color choice and finish. The key’s to making blush look natural are matching your color to the natural way your face will flush and getting the blush in the proper location, the apples of your cheeks. You can lighten up your blush for the summer with just a kiss of color or you can opt for a great bronzer in place of a blush. If you choose to use a bronzer apply it to the areas of your face that the sun would hit, the nose, across the forehead, and high on the cheekbones. The most important summer tip is keep it simple and sheer and pack a few touch up items like compact powder and bronzer. Next week Summer Eyes.
A. Great question and to answer it properly will take more than this week’s column. I could, in fact, write an entire book on subject but I will attempt to give you a break down of summer makeup tips over the next 3 weeks. I’ll dedicated this week to giving you tips about the face, next week I’ll elaborate on the eyes and finish with the lips the following week. The face is the most challenging element for summer. Summer changes your skin. The same foundation that worked in the winter won’t usually work in the summer. Foundation rule 101 your color should match your skin. It should blend and almost disappear. If it doesn’t you have the wrong color. You need to know your skin type. Are you Normal – Dry – Oily – Combination – or Sensitive? If you have some special needs like battling oil or dryness you can choose makeup that helps. Dewy moisture-rich foundations are great choices to help with dry skin, mineral or powder based combat oiliness and leaves your skin looking cool and non-greasy. People with sensitive skin types should prime their skin with an appropriate base or moisturizer providing a protective barrier before applying their foundation. It’s most important for these skin types to avoid any product containing alcohol or fragrance. Tinted moisturizers are a wonderful alternative to base foundations in the heat of summer. They are lighter and provide less coverage but most are infused with a protective SPF providing some sun protection. For the most professional application of foundation use a triangle sponge wedge. Apply your product in a thin layer and blend well around the jaw line. I am often asked about powder foundation vs. liquid and how to choose between them. If you want a dewy or sheer finish, choose liquid if you want a thinner finish that will help control shine and oil choose powder. Even if you choose liquid foundation you should have a great powder ready to use in the summer. Loose powder will give you more coverage than pressed, but pressed is easy to toss into a purse and use for mid day touch ups and to keep your face looking fresh in the summer heat. Here’s an extra tip, humidity can cause pressed powder compacts, eye shadows and blush to cake and clump so avoid storing them in the bathroom. The final element for the face is blush. I could do an entire column on the proper application of blush, and probably will at some future date, but the basics for summer are color choice and finish. The key’s to making blush look natural are matching your color to the natural way your face will flush and getting the blush in the proper location, the apples of your cheeks. You can lighten up your blush for the summer with just a kiss of color or you can opt for a great bronzer in place of a blush. If you choose to use a bronzer apply it to the areas of your face that the sun would hit, the nose, across the forehead, and high on the cheekbones. The most important summer tip is keep it simple and sheer and pack a few touch up items like compact powder and bronzer. Next week Summer Eyes.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Q. What hairstyles are popular this summer? I feel like I need something new.
A. Hairstyles are part of the fashion industry and are therefore always posting new trends. Last summer the hottest trends in hair were the pony tail and the precision (sharp edged and angled) cuts. This year the pony tail returns; big and fluffy with a top bump-up in the crown or sleek and tight to the head with a straight ponytail. The bob is still popular but the blunt, angular precision cut version has given way to a more easy-care version. This year the asymmetric bob is popular, with one side longer than the other. The bob also is going softer with more gradual lengths being cut in to add volume. The fringe or bangs are wispier and the whole look is more relaxed. Fringe (bangs) are hot hot hot this year. Long side swept bangs, short baby bangs, and wispy chopped fringe are all making the fashion cat walks. Layers are also popular on the model circuit this season. The look is layers and textures with a natural almost unstyled feel that’s free and full of movement. Pay attention to all the stars and shows this summer and you’ll also find that short hair is everywhere. There will always be long hair and thus the continued popularity of the pony tail but short hair is really in this summer. For awhile all the celebs were growing out their hair or opting for hair extensions to get instant length but not this summer. This summer all those long tresses are being cut short. You’ll see short hair on magazine covers and on many of your favorite actresses. Color trends have changed for this season as well. Wild hard edge color has given way to softer and more traditional color options. Blonde and golden brown highlights as well as soft strawberry reds are the trendy choices. The possible exception to this trend is platinum. This white blonde color is everywhere and is one of the most popular with summer short cuts. Remaining in style is the color combination of blonder or lighter on the top and darker or browner around the base line of the hair. Overall, the word for the summer of 2010 is, “easy”. The look is carefree and easy with softer edges, softer color and more free-form cuts. Personally, I think taking it easy for the summer is a great trend. I plan to embrace it.
A. Hairstyles are part of the fashion industry and are therefore always posting new trends. Last summer the hottest trends in hair were the pony tail and the precision (sharp edged and angled) cuts. This year the pony tail returns; big and fluffy with a top bump-up in the crown or sleek and tight to the head with a straight ponytail. The bob is still popular but the blunt, angular precision cut version has given way to a more easy-care version. This year the asymmetric bob is popular, with one side longer than the other. The bob also is going softer with more gradual lengths being cut in to add volume. The fringe or bangs are wispier and the whole look is more relaxed. Fringe (bangs) are hot hot hot this year. Long side swept bangs, short baby bangs, and wispy chopped fringe are all making the fashion cat walks. Layers are also popular on the model circuit this season. The look is layers and textures with a natural almost unstyled feel that’s free and full of movement. Pay attention to all the stars and shows this summer and you’ll also find that short hair is everywhere. There will always be long hair and thus the continued popularity of the pony tail but short hair is really in this summer. For awhile all the celebs were growing out their hair or opting for hair extensions to get instant length but not this summer. This summer all those long tresses are being cut short. You’ll see short hair on magazine covers and on many of your favorite actresses. Color trends have changed for this season as well. Wild hard edge color has given way to softer and more traditional color options. Blonde and golden brown highlights as well as soft strawberry reds are the trendy choices. The possible exception to this trend is platinum. This white blonde color is everywhere and is one of the most popular with summer short cuts. Remaining in style is the color combination of blonder or lighter on the top and darker or browner around the base line of the hair. Overall, the word for the summer of 2010 is, “easy”. The look is carefree and easy with softer edges, softer color and more free-form cuts. Personally, I think taking it easy for the summer is a great trend. I plan to embrace it.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Q. What is the best way to keep my child from getting sunburned?
A. The best way is to keep your child out of the sun but that is certainly not the most practical. If you can have your child avoid the harshest times of day, 10am to 4pm for direct sun exposure that is very beneficial. Use a broad spectrum, UV A and UV B protection, sunscreen daily. According to an article by Pediatrician Dr. Iannelli, M.D. children are still getting sunburned and suntanned with the primary cause not being that parents forget to put on sunscreen but that many don’t put it on correctly. It only takes a few minuets to put sunscreen on properly. It should be applied 30 minuets prior to sun exposure because it takes time for sunscreen to work. If you apply the protection prior to your child going outside you can do it before they even get dressed. Dr. Iannelli suggests you follow the same routine each time you apply sunscreen. You’ll develop a consistent way of application and won’t forget places on your child’s body and your child will get use the routine. Apply sunscreen generously. Most parents don’t apply enough. The amount of sunscreen that could fill up your child’s hand is usually enough. Larger children have larger hands so this is a good measure. Use whatever form of sunscreen you and your child tolerate best, lotion, gel, or spray. Start with one area of the body, like an arm, and apply a thick layer. Rub it in or spray it on completely before moving on the next area. Go from area to area and take special care not to miss spots like the back of the neck, ears, feet, the backs of arms and legs. Dr. Iannelli also suggests you save the face for last. Children tend to dislike this application the most and it’s best left for last. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF of 15 or 30 and re-apply every two hours. Be sure not to use sunscreen on babies under the age of 6 months. Many companies have sunscreens designed for kids. They are usually more hypoallergenic and easy on children’s sensitive skin. While you are taking care of the kids don’t forget about yourself. Have a fun summer!
A. The best way is to keep your child out of the sun but that is certainly not the most practical. If you can have your child avoid the harshest times of day, 10am to 4pm for direct sun exposure that is very beneficial. Use a broad spectrum, UV A and UV B protection, sunscreen daily. According to an article by Pediatrician Dr. Iannelli, M.D. children are still getting sunburned and suntanned with the primary cause not being that parents forget to put on sunscreen but that many don’t put it on correctly. It only takes a few minuets to put sunscreen on properly. It should be applied 30 minuets prior to sun exposure because it takes time for sunscreen to work. If you apply the protection prior to your child going outside you can do it before they even get dressed. Dr. Iannelli suggests you follow the same routine each time you apply sunscreen. You’ll develop a consistent way of application and won’t forget places on your child’s body and your child will get use the routine. Apply sunscreen generously. Most parents don’t apply enough. The amount of sunscreen that could fill up your child’s hand is usually enough. Larger children have larger hands so this is a good measure. Use whatever form of sunscreen you and your child tolerate best, lotion, gel, or spray. Start with one area of the body, like an arm, and apply a thick layer. Rub it in or spray it on completely before moving on the next area. Go from area to area and take special care not to miss spots like the back of the neck, ears, feet, the backs of arms and legs. Dr. Iannelli also suggests you save the face for last. Children tend to dislike this application the most and it’s best left for last. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF of 15 or 30 and re-apply every two hours. Be sure not to use sunscreen on babies under the age of 6 months. Many companies have sunscreens designed for kids. They are usually more hypoallergenic and easy on children’s sensitive skin. While you are taking care of the kids don’t forget about yourself. Have a fun summer!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunscreen and breakouts
Q. I have not been able to use sunscreen because it breaks me out. What do you suggest?
A. As I mentioned in last week’s column, I am often asked about how to navigate the summer and protect your skin. I am devoting several weeks of the column to these types of questions. One question I do get asked frequently is the question about skin that reacts to sunscreen. Many people have sensitivity to popular sun protection products. The most common allergic reaction to sunscreens is a reaction to papra-aminobenzoic acid or PABA. This is an active ingredient in many products. Fortunately, with the increased awareness of the dangers of over exposure to the sun the market place has responded and many choices of PABA free sunscreens are available. Preservatives, perfumes and alcohol can also provide problems for some people. The choices are not as vast when you are looking for preservative free products or fragrance free products but they are out there. You will most likely have to pay a little extra for these products but the benefit is worth the price. If you can’t find a product that works for you over the counter, ask your dermatologist to prescribe a sun protection cream for you. There are many options available. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding the worst times of day, 10am to 4pm are additional ways you can protect your skin. It’s worth repeating some of the tips I gave about sunscreens in last week’s column. Adults should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, with 30 being more preferable. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream or lotion. If you have oily skin, try a gel product or an oil free lotion. If you are going to have long exposure time in the sun or are out during the most dangerous times of day then consider using a complete sun block like zinc oxide. It will stop all sunlight from reaching your skin. Think about the white sun block you see on the nose and shoulders of lifeguards. Apply all your sun protection 30 mins. prior to going in the sun and reapply every 2 hours. If you are perspiring or are in the water, reapply more often. Children under the age of 6 months should not use sunscreens without the advice of their doctor. These young children need to be covered and kept out of the direct sun. Next week I am going to deal with a question about protecting children from the sun so look for this information then. Summer time is about having fun in the great outdoors. Take the time to protect yourself and your family and enjoy.
A. As I mentioned in last week’s column, I am often asked about how to navigate the summer and protect your skin. I am devoting several weeks of the column to these types of questions. One question I do get asked frequently is the question about skin that reacts to sunscreen. Many people have sensitivity to popular sun protection products. The most common allergic reaction to sunscreens is a reaction to papra-aminobenzoic acid or PABA. This is an active ingredient in many products. Fortunately, with the increased awareness of the dangers of over exposure to the sun the market place has responded and many choices of PABA free sunscreens are available. Preservatives, perfumes and alcohol can also provide problems for some people. The choices are not as vast when you are looking for preservative free products or fragrance free products but they are out there. You will most likely have to pay a little extra for these products but the benefit is worth the price. If you can’t find a product that works for you over the counter, ask your dermatologist to prescribe a sun protection cream for you. There are many options available. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding the worst times of day, 10am to 4pm are additional ways you can protect your skin. It’s worth repeating some of the tips I gave about sunscreens in last week’s column. Adults should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, with 30 being more preferable. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream or lotion. If you have oily skin, try a gel product or an oil free lotion. If you are going to have long exposure time in the sun or are out during the most dangerous times of day then consider using a complete sun block like zinc oxide. It will stop all sunlight from reaching your skin. Think about the white sun block you see on the nose and shoulders of lifeguards. Apply all your sun protection 30 mins. prior to going in the sun and reapply every 2 hours. If you are perspiring or are in the water, reapply more often. Children under the age of 6 months should not use sunscreens without the advice of their doctor. These young children need to be covered and kept out of the direct sun. Next week I am going to deal with a question about protecting children from the sun so look for this information then. Summer time is about having fun in the great outdoors. Take the time to protect yourself and your family and enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)