I don't normally blog about myself, but today my inbox was full of magazine pieces I have either done or contributed to, which is fun!

This one is in the Daily Makeover (linked here)and is all about figuring out when it's time to make changes in your beauty regimen: 

3 Signs It Might Be Time to Break Up with Your Makeup

by Aly Walansky

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Photo: Milena Boniek/PhotoAlto/Getty Images

Take a glance at your phone. Do your last ten selfies all look exactly the same, down to the same lip shade? Go back a little further—do they look the same as they did six months ago? A year ago? Six years ago? We all know the old adage that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, and while that’s certainly true in some cases, it’s not always the best way to go when it comes to our makeup. It’s possible for your beauty look to go stale, which means it may very well be high time to freshen it up.

Break out of the rut.
Wearing one particular color can be your signature, like if you’re the type of girl who always wears red lipstick, but if you only wear one particular brand and shade of lipstick, then it’s a beauty rut, not a signature, says celebrity makeup artist and brow expert Ramy Gafni. One sign of a rut is when you overwhelmingly tend to stick to the same colors rather than trying something new. A good way to shake things up is to have your makeup done by a makeup artist, and don’t hinder them by insisting they only use certain colors. You may not like everything they apply, but you may discover a color or product that looks amazing on you that you had never considered. Another good way is to experiment with sheer formulas—for example, if you always wear neutral lipsticks, try applying a sheer bold red gloss on top. It looks bright in the tube, but will add a subtle pop of color when applied. The most important beauty tool is an open mind.

Accept that you may have outgrown your former self.
You’ve definitely purchased new clothes since high school, and it’s pretty likely that your overall style and taste has changed a lot, but some people are wearing the same makeup they did a decade or more ago. “We often ask clients if they are using the same brands of foundation, mascara, and lipstick that they used in high school. If the answer is yes, it’s time to move on. Your skin changes as the telomeres shorten [with age], the skin gets drier, the lips change in color, and the makeup needs a little refresher,” says Nancy Reagan, a master esthetician and makeup artist. In addition to getting older, the formulas for makeup are getting better. There are killer ingredients with botanical extracts, vitamins, liposomes, micronized minerals, and even kosher glycerin. Updating your makeup is not only about updating your look when it’s time—it’s also about getting better quality products that look and feel natural on the skin.

Your makeup has changed, but so have you.
As your skin changes over time, you need to change your makeup, too. These changes can be seasonal, like when skin gets drier in the winter and oilier in the summer, but as you age your skin needs different formulations of foundation, concealer, powder, says makeup artist Corinna Cooke. As you get older, you may want—and even need—to make changes, too. For example, your dark lips may not look as good now as they did ten years ago, and those ultra glossy lips that look fun on a teen look immature on a girl in her twenties. “You need to evolve your look so that it’s always fresh, current, and age appropriate. Think of Madonna—she’s always evolving,” says Cooke. If your complexion starts looking flat or lifeless, or if your eyeshadow now makes your eyes look heavy or lackluster, it’s definitely time to change things up.

If you're on twitter follow Aly @alywalansky and also follow Daily Makeover @dailymakeover. While you're at it make sure you are following me @CorinnaMakeup, and check out all my social media ---->

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The Gift List ~ Love Looks Not With The Eyes

Oh how I love Alexander McQueen!

When the runway schedules post each season

I rearrange my life so that I can watch the live feed

of the Alexander McQueen show.

I also love coffee table books, both to have for myself,

and to give as the perfect chic gift, be it for birthdays,

holidays or as a hostess gift.

Love Looks Not With The Eyes ~ 13 Years With Alexander McQueen

Now at the top of my list is this beautiful, beautiful book

that celebrates the sheer brilliance of the designer.

Love Looks Not With The Eyes.

For 13 years, from September 1997 until his final show in 2010,

Alexander McQueen only allowed one photographer, Anne Deniau, backstage at his spectacular and legendary runway shows.

Love Looks Not With The Eyes chronicles the torture, the toughness and the tenderness of Alexander McQueen (quoted from New York Times) as we watch him working behind the scenes with his close circle of collaborators to create his senstational shows.

For those who love McQueen, or for those who love fashion,

this book is a visceral experience. 

The reviews below lend credence to my feelings when slowly, slowly turning the beautiful pages.

I love him still.

To order Love Looks Not With The Eyes online, click here

Un-Fallen Angel

Alexander McQueen backstage with Kate Moss

Backstage with McQueen

Praise for Love Looks Not With the Eyes: Thirteen Years With Lee Alexander McQueen:

The pictures are evocative of the torture, the toughness and, most of all, the tenderness of Mr. McQueen.” —New York Times

“Deniau’s close connection to McQueen and her appreciation for his formidable talent is like many of the pieces he created: breathtaking.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“Thekinetic color and black-and-white photographs document the fantastical,shocking spectacle of a McQueen show in action: hairdos trussed up with birdsof prey; hubcaps strapped to foreheads; faces enhanced by extraterrestrialcheek prostheses. The images are sensual, spooky, and whimsical, playing up thedrama of McQueen’s vision; like one of the designer’s fabulous garments, thephotographs transform fashion into high art. The book is both an homage and amemorial; this celebration of McQueen’s vast, unique talent is also a eulogyfor his tragic loss.” — “Haute couture has a reputation for spectacle, but Anne Deniau’s photographs remind us that it’s also the last bastion of craftsmanship in fashion—or it was, as practiced by designer Alexander McQueen (1969–2010).” —Wall Street Journal

“Lush, previously unpublished backstage photographs from many of the late designer’s provocative fashion shows.”—The Los Angeles Times

“The kinetic color and black-and-white photographs document the fantastical, shocking spectacle of a McQueen show in action: hairdos trussed up with birds of prey; hubcaps strapped to foreheads; faces enhanced by extraterrestrial cheek prostheses. The images are sensual, spooky, and whimsical, playing up the drama of McQueen’s vision; like one of the designer’s fabulous garments, the photographs transform fashion into high art. The book is both an homage and a memorial; this celebration of McQueen’s vast, unique talent is also a eulogy for his tragic loss.” —Publishers Weekly

“Love Looks Not with the Eyes document[s] the intense work and equally intense emotions that played out behind the scenes of McQueen’s poetic, passionate, and provocative shows. . . . The intimacy is evident in the pictures.” —Vogue

“The haunting images offer a rarefied glimpse into the designer’s inner world.” —Harper’s Bazaar

“Deniau, in the process of documenting 26 McQueen presentations, captured images which, too, transcend photography—matching the decadent and grand world created by the hands of McQueen.” —Time.com

“Haute couture has a reputation for spectacle, but Anne Deniau’s photographs remind us that it’s also the last bastion of craftsmanship in fashion—or it was, as practiced by designer Alexander McQueen (1969–2010).” —Wall Street Journal
 

Iconic Women ~ Happy Birthday Jane Birkin

Can you imagine being so iconic, having such a timeless style, that Hermes named a handbag after you?

A handbag known worldwide and coveted as the ultimate expression of luxury, the pinnacle of chic??

British actress and singer Jane Birkin came to fame during the swinging 60's in London, before moving to France to star alongside Serge Gainsbourg in the film Slogan, in 1969.

Gainsbourg became the love of her life. They recorded many songs together including "Je t'aime... moi non plus" (I love you... me neither) a song banned in several countries at the time due to sexual explicitness.
The couple had one child together, french singer Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Birkin is frequently cited as being celebrities' style icon, which is somewhat unusual as her personal style has been so laid back. She is known for wearing her jeans until they frayed, often bare foot, carrying a wicker basket, even after Hermes designed perhaps the most expensive handbag in the world for her.

Victoria Beckham is frequently seen with Birkin bags

I love the story:

In 1981, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. Birkin had just placed her straw bag in the overhead compartment of her seat, but the contents fell to the floor, leaving her to scramble to replace the contents. Birkin explained to Dumas that it had been difficult to find a leather weekend bag she liked. In 1984, he created a black supple leather bag for her: the Birkin bag,^[4][5] based on a 1982 design. She used the bag for herself for quite some time until developing tendinitis, switching to other types at that point.^[6]

Jane Birkin's Style

Today, December 14th, fellow sagittarian Jane Birkin turns 68.

Happy birthday Jane.

Iconic Brigitte Bardot

Essentially the blueprint for every blonde bombshell to follow,

Brigitte Bardot may just have been the ultimate sexy blonde.

From 1957's And God Created Woman, this french actress, singer and model became iconic.
Her look has never dated. 
She is the epitome of 1960's iconic style.
Don't you think the 60's women were amongst the most timeles ever??

The Hangover Beauty Remedy

How To Look Good With A Hangover

Woo hoo!! Its party season again.

Endless fab outfits, endless fun to be had.

And if you haven't exercised moderation,

hangovers to wake up to.

charming...

Before we go any further you have to know that there is nothing hot, sexy or cool about a drunk girl.

She's just a drunk girl.

And to everyone who's not drunk, she looks stupid. 

Stupid drunk girl.

However...

There are times that you wake up on the wrong side of a good time, feeling the pain, looking like the devil, and you still have to get up and go to work/meeting/a shoot 

and you need to look good, fast.

I've done about a million early morning shoots/breakfast TV segments

with girls who've partied their hearts out the night before, 

and now need a high speed trip to gorgeous-land,

and I've got the roadmap for you.

So here's the recipe:

How To Look Good With A Hangover

1. Drink water and poweraid.

Tons of water and poweraid.

You absolutely have to get your system rehydrated. 

Otherwise you will look like a worn out old bag all day. 

2. Exfoliate.

Even if you did it yesterday, do it again.

You need tons of moisturizing, and the extra exfoliation will help your face to absorb it.

3. Hydrating Face Mask & Eye Gels

Take 10 minutes to lie down (you probably want to anyway) and get a mega infusion of help.

Skyn Iceland skin care products are solutions for stressed skin, and believe me, work wonders.

4. Shower

You're smelly, so make it a good one.

5.Use Eye Makeup Remover

Get rid of last night's mascara and liner before you go even one step further.

Trying to pull off a slick eye makeup maneuvre over the remnants of last night's products just looks skanky.

Not the look we're going for.

6. Eyedrops

You need them. Clear your bloodshot, itchy eyes with a dousing of drops.

Blue eyedrops will make your eyes look super white again

7.Hydrating Serum or Grape Seed Oil. Or both.

Your skin will need it, and will soak it up like crazy.

8. More water, more poweraid. B12 if you have it.

9. Depuffing Eye Cream

In my kit I carry Kiehls Facial Fuel Eye Depuffer just for clients who've been on the boogie the night before.

10. Moisturizer.

Your liver and your brain will have soaked up every available drop of moisture in your body, so you have to keep adding more in.

A moisturizer with caffeine and menthol will get your skin invigorated again. Try Nickel Day Spa Morning After Recovery Gel. Designed for dudes who played it too hard the night before, it works wonders on the ladies too.

11. Drink More Water and Poweraid.

12. Use A Good Primer. A Really Good Primer...

Give yourself a couple of minutes to sit down (you'll want it) while your moisturizer soaks in, then apply a really good primer, such as Makeup Forever HD Primer. (the violet one will cancel out that sallow, hungover look). Your skin will be thirsty and will eat off your makeup, so you have to help it out all you can.

13. Don't Use A Matte Foundation, Or A Powder Foundation, Or A Crushed Mineral Foundation

Instead use something dewy and light reflective. All of the above will make you look like an extra tired version of the Crypt Keeper. You have to pull out every trick possible to make your skin look luminous.

14.Use A Cream Blush

I recommend them everyday anyway, but for the girl with the hangover a cream blush will help infuse love and light into your cheeks and your complexion. Powder blush will make you look old and hungover.

15. Use Bronzer

Preferably a lightweight rose champagne that is slightly reflective. 

You need to warm your complexion and help it to glow. 

Otherwise you will look half dead. 

Especially if it was a big night out...

16. More water, More poweraid

17. Flesh Roned Liner Along The Waterline

Don't be fooled into using a white liner. It looks ridic.

Flesh toned liner will open the eye and make it look lighter and brighter.

Assuming you worked wonders with your color correcting concealer, we now need to lift and open your eyes.

Avoid lining the lower lid if possible, and focus liner on the outer corner of the upper lid.

Curl your lashes, and go all out with a ton of mascara. As in, create a major diversion with it.

18. Use A Juicy Gloss

Hungover lips look less than luscious. Frequently they look parched and cracked, so a heavy lipstick looks awful. Instead opt for a colored gloss. 

Choose one thats good and juicy, so that your lips look alive. 

But don't go for a porno-gloss. 

Anything too glossy will make you look like last night's good time. 

Which maybe you were.

19. Perfume.

You smell. Put something good on. 

That fresh out of the shower loveliness will have worn off about, oh, 5 minutes after you dried off. 

Opt for something fresh and lively. 

This isn't one of your sexy, spicy moments.

20. Breathmints

Even if you brushed your teeth 20 times, be advised that she who is hungover has raunchy breath.

Chewing on a wad of gum not only makes you look bovine, but it also looks so cheap and 

tacky. Which is the exact opposite of the look we're going for.

Most importantly, whatever you did last night, own it.

Walk tall, head held high. You can get away with almost anything with a good lip gloss and a sexy slice of confidence.

Go girl.

Sara Sampaio Is Gorgeous In Jewels For Vogue Spain

Isn't she beautiful??

Portugese stunner Sara Sampaio is just sensational as she celebrates baths, wet hair and jewels in the new issue of Vogue Spain, for photographer Alvaro Beamud Cortes.
I especially love this makeup by Luciano Chairello.
Your thoughts?

20 Beauty Themed Stocking Stuffers

Its always fun to find beauty items in your Christmas stocking.

Here are 20 perfect pieces to give (or to receive!)

with online shopping links where possible.

xo

1. Skin

Stocking Stuffers For Your Skin

Starting at the top left Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming eye Gels order online here
Neal's Yard White Tea Facial Mist order online here
La Mer Travel Size order online here
Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture mask. Order online here

2. Face

Stocking Stuffers For Your Face

Travel sized Makeup Forever Sens'Eyes eyemakeup remover. Gets even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Order online here
Diorshow Blackout Mascara still my absolute favorite. Order online here
Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler. Order online here

3. Lips

Stocking Stuffers For Your Lips

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish order online here
Julie Hewett Camellia Lip Balm order online here
Makeup Forever Longwear Lipsticks
MAC Cherry Lipliner. Order online here

4. Brows

Stocking Stuffers For Your Brows

Tweezerman Tweezers. Order online here
Anastasia Dipbrow. Order online here
MAC Eyebrow Pencils. Order online here

5. Bath

Stocking Stuffers for Your Bath

Jo Malone Bath Oil. Order online here
Bath Bombs. Order online here
Bath And Bodyworks Paris Bubble Bath, Travel Size.
Fresh Slices Of Luxury Soap

6. Hands and Nails

Stocking Stuffers For Your Hands And Nails

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream, Order online here
Gwen Stefani for OPI Just BeClaus, Order online here