Debs/Prom Make-up

I remember my Debs* with great fondness, for my Debs was pretty much the first time that any of my friends/family/classmates had ever seen me wearing make-up, not to mind all dressed up in a fancy frock! (How things have changed eh!)

*For non-Irish Readers, ‘debs’ is short for Debutantes’ Ball, which is akin to one’s Prom Night in the US.

Fast forward 10 years and I now have the pleasure of sharing in many other debs’ transformations.

If you are heading to your debs over the next few weeks, here are some make-up considerations to bear in mind:

• Fake Tan: Don’t overdue it, no matter how much you are tempted. You do not want to look back at your photos in a few years time and see that you resembled a tangerine. Get it done 2 days before the debs and it will have faded to a lovely natural, even glow by the time the big day arrives.
• Foundation: If wearing fake tan, ensure that you opt for a slightly darker shade of foundation than you would normally. Otherwise there will be a stark contrast between your head and shoulders, especially on camera (flash photography makes your face look whiter).
• Powder: Prevent your face getting shiny by wearing plenty of powder over your foundation.
• Blush: Add a sweep of blush to the apples of your cheeks for a soft, feminine look. Blush also looks great on camera!
• Highighting products: Avoid wearing too many highlighting products as these can make you look shiny, even sweaty (heaven forbid!) on camera!
• Lips: Be sure to bring your lipstick/lipgloss in your bag with you. Avoid wearing lip gloss if you are wearing your hair down.
• False eyelashes: Nothing turns a look from glam to gorgeous quite like some false lashes. My favoutites are the Kimberly Walsh lashes by Eylure (followed by the Nicola Roberts lashes), which really open up the eyes, without looking or feeling heavy. (It’s best to cut them in half, as the full strip can look a little OTT.

Kimberly Walsh lashes for Eylure

Finally, and most importantly, be sure to enjoy every second of your Debs/Prom!

If you would like to find out more about Style By Caroline Make-up service for Debs and other occasions, click here.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: Aug Hair Faves

In this video, I talk you through the haircare products that I have been using most this Summer.

VIDEO: SBC Hair – August 2010 Favourite Hair Products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

• Shampoo: Pureology Shampoo
• Conditioner: Vichi Dercos Conditioner
• Conditioner: Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave In Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo: Batiste Dry Shampoo
• Serum: John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum Finishing Spray
• Hair Accessories: Scünci No Slip Grips

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video; Truth About Black

In the first of our “Truth or Myth” series, Caroline examines the age-old question of whether black is a slimming colour to wear.

VIDEO: SBC Style – Black is Slimming, Truth or Myth?

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: Style Classes

Find out more abut Style by Caroline Style Classes in this information video.

VIDEO: SBC Style – What to Expect at a Style Class

For more information or to book a place on an upcoming Style By Caroline Style Class, click here.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Make-up: Blue Eyes

READER’S STYLEMMA

“Hi Caroline, I tend to use the same make-up every day – I’m not that adventurous when I come to it at all, because I often find I’m just wasting money on products that don’t really suit me. Plus I don’t like the feeling of wearing too much make-up; I like to keep it simple. In particular, I tend to go for the same eye-make up all the time, the eye shadow is always some sort of nude/taupe colour, and brown eyeliner and brown mascara because I find black too harsh. I’d love to wear something a bit different that would enhance the colour of my eyes, but at the same time is not too showy and not too time-consuming to apply. I’d like to be a bit more adventurous! Any tips perhaps on colours that would be suitable for daytime wear?”

- Galway Reader

CAROLINE’S SOLUTION

This is a really common dilemma. So many people speak of becoming ‘stuck in a rut’ with their make-up – which is entirely understandable. When you find a look that works for you, it can be a little scary to try something different, plus, as our reader rightly mentioned, the high cost of cosmetics is prohibitive to experimentation!

The Brief:

Our reader has blue eyes, porcelain skin and medium-brown hair, lashes and brows. She has beautiful, delicate features and enviable bones structure so the challenge for her is to find a looks and colours that will complement and enhance her features, without looking dramatic. Plus we want to keep it simple.

Blue-Eyed Beauties – What to Consider:

• Flattering colours: Generally, the most flattering eye-shadow colours for blue eyes are as follows: taupe, camel, browns, greys, khaki, golds, coppers, rusts and purples. L’Oréal do lovely eyeshadow trios, specifical designed for each eye colour; click here for my review.
• Intensity of colour: The rule of thumb is; the stronger your features, the deeper the colour you can take. However, if you have delicate features like our reader, you might be advised to go with softer or more muted tones.
• Pigmentation: In many cases you have to offset quality for price, so I do suggest where possible, to buy the best quality that you can afford. Do a swatch on your hand before you purchase to get an idea of the depth of the colour and the quality of coverage. If the colour is weak, or the pigmentation is lumpy or has loose particles that spill all over the place, then it’s best to leave it on the shelf.
• Have fun with Eye-liner: Eyeliner is one of the easiest and cheapest way of mixing up a look. Instead of using brown, why not try grey, navy, plum, teal or bronze, for a fun yet polished look. Bloom offers gorgeous Cream Shadow Liners in a myriad of colours, which are super-easy to apply.

Bloom Shadow Liners

Eye-Make-up – Easy Application:

Here is where the colours you choose really come into their own. For a natural daytime look, Sweep a neutral shade (e.g. MAC “Shroom”) all over the lid and brow bone using a clean fluffy brush (e.f. MAC 217). Then, using a blending brush (e.g. MAC 239), blend a small dab of a darker colour into the outer crease / socket (e.g. MAC “Patina” or MAC “Woodwinked”). Blend away any harsh lines using the 217 brush. Finish the look with a sweep of eyeliner and a lick of mascara.

Try a New Look, without Spending a Fortune:

• Substitute shopping with swapping: Instead of splashing out on new products every time you want to experiment with a new look, why not organise a make-up swapping party with a few friends, where you can trade unwanted products with your mates. Alternatively there are a number of trustworthy Irish websites that run swapshops, such as Swapsies by MakeUpAndBeauty.ie or Swap Siopa by Beaut.ie.
• Store Makeover: Go to a make-up store that offers a wide range of make-up brands. Browse the colours and textures on offer and ask the resident make-up artists to try out a few looks on you. I suggest that you try Blush Make-up Boutique in Galway or Brown Thomas Galway.
• Model: As you live in Galway, why not enquire about being a model at a beauty school, such as The School of Make-up Artistry. They regularly have top Irish make-up artists such as Derrick Carberry and Natalie Kinsella running masterclasses. So, not only will you discover new make-up looks, you will also get expert tips for free!

Thanks a million for taking the time to email me with your query and I hope this information helps!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Wobbly Tummy Solutions

Want to your tummy to look slimmer, without setting foot near a treadmill? Here are my top ‘tummy tuck’ styling techniques!

• Colour: Dark colours are slimming. Wear darker shades on any area that you are conscious of. Dark panels along the sides of your torso are also very slimming.
• Pattern: Busy patterns confuse the eye! Wearing a small, busy print is a sure-fire way of concealing any wobbly areas.
• Gathered Fabric: Wear gently gathered, draped or ruched fabric over the tummy area, which again, will confuse the eye of the beholder into thinking that you have a smooth tummy underneath the fabric.
• High waistband: A high, thick waistband in a skirt or trousers will offer great support to the tummy area.
• Underwear: Choose knickers with a high waistband, again, to offer support to the tummy area. There is a wealth of ‘control pants’ on the market if you want extra support.
• Draw attention elsewhere: Avoid drawing attention to the tummy area. Instead, draw the eye upwards towards your decollete and face e.g. with a pretty necklace, scarf, beading, pattern, frills etc.

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Style Class, 11th Sept

Style by Caroline, will be hosting a Ladies’ Style Workshop at Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick on Saturday, 11^th September 2010 (10am – 1.30pm). The class will be hosted by Style Coach® Caroline Ryan, and will incorporate tuition and demonstrations on dressing for your body shape, choosing colours that flatter wardrobe maintenance and shopping skills, plus skincare and make-up.

Booking Details: Class costs €50 per person (including tuition, course materials and refreshments). Click here to book on-line or contact Caroline directly on 087-8365230. Booking is essential.

Dressing a Petite Frame

READER’S STYLEMMA

“In magazines and on websites, I’ve seen a lot of longer length skirts, about calf-length. Now this just looks like an absolute disaster for short people – I tend to not buy anything below the knee for fear of looking even shorter! Is this a style short people should avoid altogether or is there a way to wear it successfully?”

CAROLINE’S SOLUTION

This season, mid-length styles are very much en vogue, but as our reader rightly pointed out – they’re simply a disaster for ‘non-tallies’! For some reason calf-length skirts can look extremely dowdy, plus they make the leg look really short.

Take heart though, you still have plenty of options. Here are some stylist’s secrets on how to ‘dress taller’, from head to toe!

Optimum skirt length: I usually suggest that the longest skirt length for someone who is petite is just at or immediately below the knee. For occasions when longer skirts are required, I suggest that you go for a full length and wear a pair of decent heels underneath! Avoid the dreaded mid-calf length, as discussed above.

Vertical detailing: The key to looking taller is to draw the eye up and down, rather than widthwards. Choose vertical stripes, vertical buttons, unbuttoned cardigan/blazer, pin-stripes, crisp trouser folds, long scarves, drop necklaces etc. Avoid horizontal patterns & detailing, for example, a chunky belt will chop you in half and make you appear shorter.

Choose simple colours and patterns: Wearing the same colour, shades of the same colour, or similar colours from top to toe gives the illusion of a taller silhouette. Monochromatic doesn’t have to be boring – mix shades, textures and fabrics for a coordinated yet interesting look. You can also incorporate colourful accessories for a brighter look.

Scale down on size: It is important to keep your attire proportionate to your size. Avoid the oversized accessories (that unfortunately are so in style right now) and instead, choose smaller prints, patterns & accessories (necklaces, earrings, handbags).

Banish trouser cuffs: Avoid trouser cuffs as they visually reduce the length of the leg. Elsewhere, go for trousers that cover your shoes (without trailing on the ground), which will make your legs will look longer, and you, taller!

Clever shoes: Wear a heel (wedge styles are particularly comfortable) which will give you added height and the illusion of a longer leg. ‘Nude’ colour footwear is great for giving the impression of a longer leg. Another tip is to match the colour of your shoe, with your stockings/tights and trousers/skirt. Avoid footwear with ankle straps as they will make your legs look much shorter.

Hope this info helps. Happy shopping!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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BeautyCouture.ie Interview

Ireland’s leading beauty and fashion web magazine, BeautyCouture.ie, talks to Caroline about ‘behind the scenes’ at Style By Caroline, as well as ugg boots, skinny jeans and bumping into Catherine Zeta Jones! Click here to view.

Video: Contouring

In this video tutorial, I teach you how to contour your face, using shading and highlighting make-up products:

SBC Makeup – Contouring

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Video: July Make-up

In this video, I discuss my favourite make-up purchases in July 2010.

SBC Make-up – July 2010 Product Haul

FEATURED PRODUCTS

• Foundation: Chanel Lift Lumiere
• Concealer: Catrice All Round Concealer Palette
• Lip Gloss: Revlon “Coral Reef”, “Pink Pop” and Peach Pearl”
• Blush: MAC “Peaches”
• Cream Liners: Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Palette

Yours in style,
Caroline

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Information contained in this blog post may not be copied or reproduced without permission from Style By Caroline.

New Youtube Channel

Style By Caroline is delighted to announce the launch of our new YouTube Channel. here, you will find videos tutorials on style and make-up topics, as well as information on the services offered by Style by Caroline. If you would like Caroline to cover a particular style or make-up topic, please send us an email.