Wednesday, October 20, 2010

WAH Nails & Barry's Tea Invite You...

Every day should have it’s golden moments.

Today, this email from Barry’s Tea was my golden moment:

“Dear Caroline, I wanted to let you know about an awesome event that’s happening next Wednesday, 27th October 2010. Sharmadean Reid, the founder of WAH Nails will be the star guest at next Wednesday ‘Barry’s Tea With…WAH Nails’ at The Loft, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin. She will be talking to Aisling and Kirstie from Beaut.ie about all things WAH, plus the latest trends, over delicious cups of Barry’s Tea.”

Ah, if ever an event was made for me; I love Barry’s Tea, and nail polish, and Beaut.ie, and Powercourt House, AND next Wednesday is my birthday! Serendipity eh. AND, the best bit about this news is that all Style By Caroline followers are invited too! If you would like to attend, simply pop an RSVP email to barrystea@thinkhousepr.com.

We’ll have the kettle boiling for you.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Ciaté Nail Polish

I’m a fickle glossy magazine reader, so much so, that my purchase is generally based on who’s offering the best freebies.

This month, Marie Claire won out, with a free Ciaté Paint Pot in “Dangerous Affair” (pictured right).

I had never come across Ciaté before so I was keen to try it out, especially when they claim “long lasting, full-coverage” results. Big promises, which to be honest, I wasn’t expecting them to fulfill given that this was a freebie. However, Doubting Thomasina here was well and truly proven wrong. Genuinely, I was extremely impressed by how well this product performed.

  • Application: The brush (a 250 bristle flat brush I’m told) is sturdy yet malleable, for easy application. The polish didn’t take an age to dry either, and, importantly in my book, the smell of the varnish wasn’t overbearing.
  • Coverage: The coverage is very good; if I was in a hurry I probably could get away with one coat, but I prefer 2 for a polished polish, so to speak.
  • Long-lasting: Well, today is day 9 of wearing it and my toenails are still looking as neat and shiny as they did last week, with NO chips! Even wearing sandals for 5 days didn’t seem to unsettle it. Impressive eh! I’ll be keen to see how long it lasts on my fingernails. I’ll be giving it a go this weekend and I’ll report back.

Have you ever tried Ciaté products? If so, let me know in the comment box how you got on.

You can buy Ciaté nail polishes on-line for €10.24 (13ml). Otherwise, but the October issue of Marie Claire.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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7 Day Skin Recovery

Like many women, my skin can be a bit contrary. I’m pretty good when it comes to skincare and diet; however, it’s been years since I can honestly say that I’ve had a blemish-free face…until today that is.

I was lucky enough to grab a last-minute holiday in the South of France last week, and upon returning to my home mirror yesterday, I noticed that my face was clear, bright and entirely blemish-free. In the hopes of keeping it that way, I’m going to continue with a few ifestyle changes that I made last week.

  • Double cleanse instead of single-cleanse: I double-cleansed my face every evening with a Dermalogica cleansing oil, followed by my usual cleanser.
  • Muslin cloth instead of a facecloth: Usually I only cleanse once with a facecloth, but I found that a clean muslin cloth works far more efficiently. You can buy a pack of 3 in The Body Shop for around €6.
  • Massage skin with moisturiser: Instead of slapping on my moisturiser in a hurry, I massaged it into my skin for at least 60 seconds.
  • 2 litres of water per day: In Autumn/Winter, I usually only drink 1 litre of water. In the warmer weather, I drank 2+ litres of water a day, which really hydrated my skin.
  • 8 hours sleep: At home, my sleeping patterns can be a bit chaotic. Whilse in France, I got 8 hours sleep every night, and felt all the better for it.
  • Antioxidants & Omega 3: I ate plenty of fresh oily fish and drank loads of fresh fruit juices whilst away. Not only does my skin look better, I feel better too.
  • Sunshine: I really believe that the sun on my skin did it the power of good. In Ireland, I spend a lot of my time indoors and rarely see the sun at it’s highest. Did you know that many Irish people are deficient in Vitamin D (which is the only Vitamin that you can get from the sun)? I’m going to start taking a Vitamin D supplement, which will also help in the absorption of calcium, thus preventing osteoporosis in the future.

The Body Shop Muslin Cloths | Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse Cleansing Oil

Dermalogica Pre-CleanseBody Shop Muslin Cloths

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Style Class: 13th Nov

Caroline will be hosting a half-day Ladies Style Class at Woodlands House Hotel and Spa, Adare, Co. Limerick on Saturday, 13th November 2010 (10am – 1.30pm). The class will incorporate incorporate tuition and demonstrations on dressing for your body shape, choosing colours that flatter wardrobe maintenance and shopping skills, plus skincare and make-up. Suitable for all ages, shapes and styles. Small class size and individual attention guaranteed.

iStock_000005213640 (M) Women Shopping

Booking Details: Class costs €50 per person (including tuition, course materials and refreshments). Click here for more information and secure on-line booking, or contact Caroline. Booking is essential.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: Foundation Basics

Due to popular demand, here’s a video dedicated to foundations!

Click here to view: SBC Make-up | Foundation Basics

(Sorry I look and sound a little poorly in this video – I’m just getting over a headcold!)

FOUNDATION BASICS
1. Preparing your skin for foundation
2. Choosing the right product
3. Application techniques
4. How to make your foundation last longer

I forgot to mention in the video that foundations should be replaced every 12 months (or beforehand, if you notice a chance in consistency / odour). Be sure to store your foundation per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Caroline's Guide to Tights

Continuing with the theme of warm Winter woolies, I’ve decided to dedicate today’s blog post to the topic of tights, as these are my number one wardrobe staple during the Winter months. Obviously I wear them under skirts and dresses, but I also wear them under jeans and trousers for extra warmth during the cold weather. As well as being cozy, a good pair of tights will also streamline a wobbly tummy and thighs – no mean feat eh!

There are a couple of common questions that I get asked about tights, which I’ll address here. If I haven’t answered your query, simply add your question to the comment box below.

“What does ‘dernier’ mean?” Dernier refers to the weight of the fabric. The higher the number, the heavier the material. Sheer stockings might be 15 for example, and heavy opaques can be 100 or more. Winter opaques generally start at dernier 40; however I prefer to purchase opaques with a dernier of 100 as a heavier weight will hold its shape better, and is less likely to ladder or ‘bobble’.

“I want to wear opaques but I don’t know what colour to choose?” Be very careful when choosing the colour of your tights. Remember the golden rule; dark colours are slimming. It doesn’t have to be black – grey, navy, purple etc. can all look great. Bright colours make your legs look bigger!

“What size should I go for?” In my experience, tights are generally quite small in size. Read the size guide on the label carefully before selecting your size. I generally prefer to go for a larger size, for comfort’s sake!

“How do I wash my tights?” Technically, you are supposed to wash your tights by hand; however, I certainly have no time or inclination to do so, so it would be very hypocritical of me to preach otherwise! I wash my tights in the washing machine at 30o on a low spin. Sometimes tights can get tangled up in a huge knot in the machine, so to avoid that, simply seal them in a pillowcase before putting them in the wash. Afterwards I let them dry naturally. I don’t tend to use a tumble dryer as I find that they can be very ‘staticy’ afterwards.

Will expensive tights last longer?“ In my experience, no! I’ve bought €1 tights in Penneys that have outlived €25 from Brown Thomas. Generally, more expensive tights will have a nicer fabric/finish, but they’re not ladder-proof – more’s the pity. Marks and Spencer apparently has new ladder-proof tights but I’ve yet to try them myself. My favourite opaque tights are €3 in H&M and are of extremely good quality. For sheer tights, I generally head to Dunnes Stores.

“I can’t find tights to fit me?” Check out MyTights.com, which has tights for every shape and size, including; extra-long leg, maternity, plus size, bridal, support and more.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Winter Coat for Your Shape

There’s a real chill in the air today which has got me thinking about Winter coats. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new Winter coat but are unsure of what style to go for, check out my guide below:

Best for Pear Shape

Features: Narrow shoulders, neat bust, slim waist and broader around the hips/bum/thighs.

DO draw attention upwards towards your narrowest features with detailing, pattern and colour. Show off your neat shoulders and collarbones with a broad labels. Enhance your bust with a dramatic collar, frills, embellishments or a double-breasted fastening. Draw attention to your slim waist with a fitted waist or an eye-catching belt. Conceal your tum, bum and hips with an A-line cut (a style that flares out gently from the waist down). The hem should finish at a slim point on your leg (i.e. above or below the hips)
DON’T wear a baggy or loose style. Similarly, avoid coats that finish just at the hip (your widest point).

Monsoon Ada Belted Coat

Pear Shape Example: Monsoon Ada Belted Coat £160

Best for Top-Heavy Shape

Features: large bust, undefined waist, may carry weight around the tummy & upper arms. Slim bum, hips, thighs and legs.

DO choose a sleek, well-cut, single-breasted design. Keep the colours and patterns quite plain and sophisticated. (Dark panels on either side of the torso can be very slimming.) Favour slim lapels and open necklines. Enhance your waist with a gentle belt, or slim-fitting cut. Most lengths suit you.
DON’T wear anything puffy, baggy or tight. Similarly avoid double-breasted styles, high necklines or bulky embellishments.

Acne Wool Blend

Top-Heavy Shape Example: Acne Galactic Wool-Blend Belted Coat (€490)

Best for Athletic/Rectangular Shape

Features: Body shape is straight up and down with very little waist definition.

DO try to create the illusion of curves with gathered fabric, asymmetric detailing and a skirt that emphasises the hips. Try to highlight the waist also with an eye-catching waistband or belt. Also, opt for soft feminine colours and fabrics. The best length for you is anywhere between mid-thigh and above the knee.
DON’T wear boxy shapes (such as trench coats or macs). Also, avoid muted colours and patterns, or linear detailing (which will only enhance your naturally straight proportions).

Phase Eight Dolly Coat £160

Rectangular Shape Example: Phase Eight Dolly Coat (£160)

Best for Curvy Shape

Features: Body shape is voluptuous.

DO choose plain, tailored designs with darker colours and plain patterns (if choosing a pattern, make sure that it is small). Single-breasted or button-less styles with a gentle belt fastening are very flattering. Ensure that the hem finishes at a flattering point (anywhere above the knee).
DONT wear styles that are bulky, puffy or shapeless. Avoid loud or bright colours and large patterns.

LK Bennett Funnel Coat

Curvy Shape Example: LK Bennett Event Coat (£295)

Best for Tall

Features: 5’8” or taller

DO have fun! With your height you can pretty much get away with anything. Look out for bright colours, unusual patterns or eye-catching detailing. Break-up your height with a double-breasted fastening, angular zip, asymmetric lengths or peplum-style hems. Most lengths suit, but be sure that your hem finishes at a flattering point.
DONT wear anything boring! Avoid vertical detailing or boxy styles. Avoid very long styles, which will only add to your height.

Karen Millen Draped

Tall Example: Karen Millen Soft Draped Coat (€350)

Best for Petite

Features: 5’4” or shorter

DO choose structured styles. Try and find a coat with some vertical detailing (e.g. vertical pin-stripe, vertical rib), which will elongate your figure. A high neckline and high waistline will also stretch out your torso and make you look taller. Avoid loud or dramatic patterns which might swap you; instead, opt for colour-blocking or interesting embellishments / detailing which will draw the eye. Anything at or above hip-length is best (widest part of the upper thigh).
DONT wear anything big or bulky as this will swamp your neat frame. Similarly, avoid long coats, which will serve to make you look like a hobbit!

Coast Bella

Petite Example: Coast Bella Coat (£180)

Yours in style,
Caroline

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What Hairstyle Suits Me?

Like dressing our bodies, it is important to consider balance and proportion when it comes to choosing a haircut or style that will suit our face shape.

hair

OVAL FACE

  • Features: Perfectly symmetrical , gently rounded hairline, slightly wider at the temples than at the jaw.
  • Objective: Show off your perfect proportions!
  • Choose: Most hairstyles and lengths suit an oval face.
  • Avoid: Ensure that your cut doesn’t hide your facial features.
  • Celebrity examples: Cindy Crawford, Jessica Alba and Julia Roberts.

OBLONG (LONG) FACE

  • Features: Face is quite long, with similar with at temples, cheekbones and jaw.
  • Objective: Your haircut should create the illusion of a wider and shorter face.
  • Choose: Short-to-medium length (above the shoulder), layers (fullness at sides of face), volume/body, side parting, wispy fringe.
  • Avoid: Long hair, straight styles, centre partings, no fringe.
  • Celebrity examples: Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler and Hilary Swank.

HEART FACE

  • Features: The face is widest at temples, narrowest at chin.
  • Objective: Balance out the wider forehead/temples area by adding visual interest or volume around the jaw/chin area.
  • Choose: Chin-length, fullness at jaw-line, soft or curly styles, side parting, wispy fringe.
  • Avoid: Short or pixie crops, volume at the crown / upper half of face, severe cuts.
  • Celebrity examples: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Charlize Theron.

ROUND FACE

  • Features: Rounded hairline and chin. Face is widest at cheekbones.
  • Objective: Lengthen the face for a slimming effect.
  • Choose: Longer than chin-length, height at crown, sleek cut that is close to the face, side parting.
  • Avoid: Very short or very long styles, straight fringe, middle parting.
  • Celebrity examples: Cameron Diaz, Kate Bosworth, Drew Barrymore, Mandy Moore.

SQUARE FACE

  • Features: Strong square jaw and hairline.
  • Objective: Soften the hard angles of the face.
  • Choose: At or below shoulder length, layers, waves or curls, side parting, side-swept fringe.
  • Avoid: Square or geometric cuts (e.g. bob), very long styles, middle parting, straight or heavy fringe.
  • Celebrity examples: Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock, Calista Flockhart.

DIAMOND FACE

  • Features: The face is widest at the ckeekbones.
  • Objective: This is a particularly attractive face-shape so your objective should be not to hide your great features!
  • Choose: Any length (a graduated bob looks especially good), nearly all styles, volume around the neck area.
  • Avoid: Bare neck, hiding facial features.
  • Celebrity examples: Linda Evangelista, Sophia Loren.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: Hide Sickness/Tiredness with Make-up

I’m feeling a little under the weather at the moment, but, rather than sit on the couch watching trashy day-time tv, I decided to do a video on make-up products and techniques for when you’re feeling ill / tired / stressed or run-down.

Click here to view: SBC Make-up | Make-up for When You’re Feeling Sick / Tired /Run down.

FEATURED PRODUCTS

  • Anti-Redness Colour Corrector (pre-foundation): Armani Colour Corrector in “Yellow” (now discontinued) / Benefit “You’re Bluffing”
  • Concealer: Catrice Concealer Palette / Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in “Warm Ivory”) / Bobbi Brown Colour Corrector (“Light Bisque”)
  • Powder: Bobbi Brown Loose Powder (“Pale Yellow”) / Benefit “Bluff Dust”
  • Blush: Barbara Daly Cream Blush in “Rose” and “Whisper” / MAC Compact Blush in “Strada” / “Harmony”

OTHER USEFUL PRODUCTS

  • White eye-liner pencil (waterproof)
  • Brown eye-liner pencil (waterproof)
  • Brown Mascara (waterproof)
  • Neutral lip gloss

Yours in style,
Caroline

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