Don’t Want to Be a Glamour-Puss…Or Do You?

Once upon a time — a long, long time ago in the ‘90s — we had a dream. It began at the top of our noggins with an ice-straight blowout and then we worked our way down to the D&G dress, Gucci purse and the fabulous jewelry that we couldn’t afford, but our benefactor Visa seemed to support.

No matter what the cost, we wanted one thing: To be glamorous. Even if we worked at the local mall stocking Haines tighty whities, we wanted to look like a movie star.

A funny thing happened after the economy collapsed. My clients are saying words that could have sent you to style penitentiary a few years ago.

“Tamara,” they lean in and confide. “I want to look good, but I don’t want to be too glamorous.”

This is an interesting phenomenon because while women want to be pretty – or even very pretty – they don’t want to be too much.

This leads me to ask you: When it comes to looks and style, what do you want? Do you want to be pretty or glamorous? A head turner or a heart breaker? Or are you still humming that U2 song when it comes to style -“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for?”

I think I can give you some resolve on this issue even if your own style has been in flux since you turned five. You do want to be pretty, but more importantly, you really need to step into who you are as a woman. Then the rest will fall into place.

Style isn’t an exercise in looking like Demi, Michelle or any number of these Jennifers or Jessicas floating around out there. Style is about finding the best shapes for you along with the best colors, best hair style, best clothes, best shoes… the best everything for just you. It’s not about what Reese is doing. Again, it’s about how you are as a woman.

Just a little side note: you might just get a little glamorous along the way when you figure this one out. Sorry, it’s the fallout of finally finding your unique style. Glamour is that little pouch of makeup samples they offer you with the big purchase. You could turn it down, but why would you?

When you finally figure out the real you,  how to pull it all together and polish up what you have..you just can’t stop it. The glamorous, gorgeous, glowing version of  YOU will be on display for all to see.

You will become that woman.

You know that women.

She’s the one who shows up at the PTA meeting in the black pants, simple white shirt, the great layered haircut and looks absolutely stunning.

Everything she’s done seems right. Her skin glows; her eyes shine and that damn hair swings in the right direction even when she sits by the air-conditioning vent. She isn’t worried about buying 10 pairs of black pants (because they all fit differently). One really is enough.

She is confident in her body. Even if it’s not perfect.

This blog is dedicated to you finding your best self. It’s not about vanity because there is a vast difference between vanity and beauty. Vanity is standing in front of a mirror and getting so lost that you can’t come up for air. The type of beauty we’ll find here is the type where you say, “This is what I have to work with in life. I’ll do my best with it. I’ll own it.”

Look at Jackie O. She was never the most gorgeous, but with those trademark sunglasses, classic cardigans, slim Capri’s and that perfect dark bob, she was stunning and classic.

Look at Michelle Obama who looks so much different since she has moved to Pennsylvania Avenue. During the campaign, she was beautiful, but now she has a new rock-solid confidence and has transformed into gorgeous. What could possibly be different other than she sent out change of address cards?

Answer: She owns her beauty.  She wears clothes from J. Crew and looks like she just stepped off a runway.

She’s not a perfect beauty, but most of us would be happy to feel that good about ourselves.

By the way, she looks quite glamorous to me now.  It’s just part of the deal.

One Coat is Not Enough

There are many things in life that are singular sensations: Your first kiss, hiking the Great Wall and that one-time-only amazing dream where you’re in a love tryst with George Clooney who announces to the global media, “I found The One. It’s Sally from Wisconsin.”

Okay, wake up now.

Sometimes, you need more than just one time. This brings me to your eyelashes because they need three times the love on the daily basis.

Many letters pour into this website asking me, “Tamara, how can I get that look of false eyelashes without the pain of trying to put them on or the expense of going to a professional makeup artist?”

First tip: The key is great mascara and three coats of it. Not one or two…but three.

That’s not the only way you can achieve those delicious thick lashes that all the movie stars have as their most fabulous accessory. Here is the way to have luscious lashes on a daily basis:

1. Most Important: Buy a Great Mascara

One of the best is Dior’s Diorshow in basic black, which retails for about $35 and will last at least eight months. It’s worth it because it’s thick black mascara and the wand is beyond amazing because it’s long, sturdy and will hit every little lash. It’s one of my favorite products for creating major lash action.

Tamara TIP: Often the applicator in the more expensive mascaras makes the price point worth it. Wash and save it when you use your cheaper brands.

2. Apply Mascara Before Anything Else!

Yes, I’m serious here. I promise,  you will use far less eye makeup and it will be a better look. In the studio, I always do lashes first and then the shadow. Plus, this will also save time on cleanup. There’s nothing worse than spending forever on shadow only to ruin it by missing your lashes and hitting your lids with mascara. It’s 6 a.m. and you’re on the way to work. No blame.

3. Use a Wet Q-tip Remove Fallout

My favorite are those pointed little q-tips! I think there so cute, but  don’t under estimate their power! While swiping on three coats of mascara before your shadow has been perfectly placed might just lead to a false sense of  “I don’t need to think about this anymore!” And, you really don’t, but when you find little black specks on your lid; here is your solution. Add a little water to the q-tip to dampen first.  ( This will  get rid of all fuzzies before you make another move) Then, gently glide over your eyelid where ever fallout has occurred.  Ick fact: Eye boogers should also go at this point.

4. Guidelines Baby, Guidelines!

Take a black liner pencil and go really tight onto the part of your lid that touches the lashes. Apply on the top of your lash line.

Tamara TIP: Lift your eyelid up to make sure you’re really getting to the L-spot where you’re almost jamming (I use this term loosely. Please don’t injure yourself ) the liner into the spaces between your lashes.  This is a key technique when you’re applying false lashes. It will save you the naked crack line that may appear if you don’t get the glue in tight enough to the lash line. We all know no one needs to see that, now do they? If you feel confident enough, then use a liquid liner on this spot. This one step will make your lashes appear super dense and ultra lush.

5. Curl Those Lashes Ladies

I’ve read magazine articles that say you should curl after you put on mascara. This becomes a big mess and can even break off your lashes. Always curl before you put on mascara.

Tamara TIP: Once I got a hysterical call from friend who curled while the mascara was still wet and all her lashes stuck to the curler. Permanently. There is no 911 for this tragedy. Only tears.

6. Walk This Way

Here’s the technique the pro’s use. Apply like this…. Go up and then out. Up and out! Do this fast and don’t let the mascara dry between coats or it will get all gunky. If the gunk does accumulate, grab a trusty lash separator….not a pin! Use it to  brush and comb your lashes to separate and get rid of any lumps & clumps. Make sure your lashes aren’t sticking together.

7. Save Yourself from Black Eyes!

Grab  the waterproof version of your favorite mascara when the heat starts risin’. Remember … always wash off all the mascara at night. You’ll not only save your 500 thread count Calvin Klein pillowcases, but when you don’t wash off mascara and sleep in it then your lashes have a good chance of breaking off.

Oh, you might want to save face when you roll over and see George Clooney cuddled up on the pillow next to you.

FAB FIX: So now you have the fab false lashes from just using mascara. One of my favorite stunning looks is to use a neutral, almost skin tone color  eye shadow and blend it into the crease of your eyes and the outer edges. (Don’t use shimmer, but a matte that’s a bit more than nude, but not dark enough to be brown) This tip is how you can achieve that amazing movie star look where it appears as if Gwyneth or Jennifer Garner are not really wearing shadow, but we know they did something. This is that something! I’d add a fuchsia or red lipstick – matte or sheer-  with a bit of clear gloss over it. Fabulous!

Spotlight Interview with Krista Hearty, Energy Coach

Join me,  and listen to RLR’s January Spotlight Interview with Energy Coach and Body Brilliance Master, Krista Hearty. Krista reveals how you can focus  and tap into more creative energy in your life and business. She teaches actual breathing and grounding techniques during our interview and how you can start tapping in right now! Krista also shares a special offer for RLR readers that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the audio interview. After you listen to Krista’s wonderful advice, you can reach her at www.yoga4entrepreneurs.com/discoverytamara.

7 Simple Style Strategies

Busy women, with businesses and families, still want to look great, but may find it hard to juggle it all and still look fabulous. The don’t want to spend too much time thinking about their looks, but they know it makes a difference when it comes to their business. First impressions do matter, but spending time on their wardrobe, isn’t a priority. Building a solid wardrobe can help you feel more confident and in the lng run, save you time and money.

1. Purchase the best quality you can afford. Good quality clothing will last longer and over the long run save you money.

2. Go for shapes and designs that are flattering on your body type. Stay away from trendy pieces that don’t do anything for your figure. Spend money on pieces that will be staples. Pick up a trend piece to add to your wardrobe for a season, but don’t break the bank on this item.

3. Look at color in a new way. If you usually play it safe by wearing only black and other shades of neutral, add color into the mix buy using your eye color. Buy a shirt in your eye color and notice how people compliment  you and listen to what you have to say.

4. Edit your closet. Get rid of anything that doesn’t speak to your soul, makes you feel sloppy, or doesn’t represent who you really want to be. Be ruthless. Too many clothes hanging in your closet can actually make it more difficult to get ready when you’re in a hurry.

5. Create a Style File. Look through magazines and catalogs and pull images of items you would like to own or ensembles you could duplicate on your own. Keep your Style File in your closet, in a binder, and flip through it whenever you need a little inspiration putting together a chic new look.

6. Be Creative. Mix and match pieces in a new way. Add a pair of texture tights, accessorize your outfit in a new way. Think outside the box. Outfits don’t have to be matchy-matchy. An unusual piece in the mix can add flair and interest.

7. Layer pieces to add interest to an outfit. A dress you’ve worn before will have an entirely different feel if you pair it with tights, add a short fitted jacket and a pair of boots.

Keep in mind that it should be fun to play with your style. If it’s not, you can hire a Wardrobe Stylist. Nordstrom’s Department Stores have a wonderful personal shopper system set in place.  Give them a call; make an appointment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have great style. Wear your clothes with confidence and remember, style is an every evolving process.

Loving Lip 20 Treatment for Spring

 

A New Favorite

How many lipsticks do you have in your purse?I usually have about five at any given time.  A nice variety of lipsticks, glosses, and my good ol’ standby DCT lip treatment.

I was recently tried Lip 20 Treatment in Natural by kaplanMD and I’m in love! Not only does it feel great on your lips and add a dash of color; it conditions and protects all at the same time. It doesn’t have that “sting” like other lip treatments and yet it promotes fullness, sunscreen and anti-aging benefits. Wait to you see the case. Every time I pull it out of my purse, some says, “Wow! That’s gorgeous.” I just smile and say, “Yep. And it feels incredible too.” (available in four shades, Clear, Natural, Sheer Berry, and Sherry Ruby. www.kaplanmd.com $30)

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