This blog tackles the quest for natural beauty in Alaska. From hair color and styles, to make-up artistry, to skin treatments that nurture despite winter's chill and summer's all-day sun. Bring us your questions and take away news you can use.
With 16 years as a stylist and over a decade as a master colorist, Geneva finds inspiration in her environment, from the urban culture of the street to the raw open spaces of Alaska, where she was born and raised. She believes fashion happens organically, with influences that can come from anywhere.
Molly Hutchins has been doing makeup professionally for the past five years. Born and raised in Alaska, she has worked in print, bridal, runway, film and editorial mediums, as well as for a large cosmetics retailer.
Spring is in the air... and on our lips! - 1/15/2009 10:14 am
Holiday sets on sale at MACCOSMETICS.COM - 12/15/2008 3:41 pm
Staying Pretty in an Ugly Economy - 11/15/2008 12:33 pm
Huge sale alert! - 11/7/2008 4:32 pm
Product review: Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express Mascara - 10/27/2008 10:24 am
Right on TARGET! - 10/7/2008 9:35 am
The Scents of Autumn - 9/29/2008 3:42 pm
Nail Trends, Fall 08 - 9/18/2008 10:23 am
DRY HAIR ALERT! - 9/8/2008 9:52 pm
Runway Makeup Trends, Fall 2008 - 8/24/2008 3:31 pm
Big Weekend! - 8/14/2008 11:36 am
Beauty Survey - 8/1/2008 11:27 am
Givenchy reinvents the wheel - 7/24/2008 10:17 am
FREE makeup alert! - 7/11/2008 5:06 pm
Taking a Good Drivers License Photo - 7/10/2008 3:57 pm
IMATS Los Angeles- A Makeup Artist Paradise - 6/24/2008 4:51 pm
Battle of the Self Tanners - 6/16/2008 1:56 pm
Mascara Innovation- what will they think of next?! - 6/13/2008 5:04 pm
Botox it baby!! - 5/31/2008 10:19 am
MY HAIRDRESSER DOES IT BETTER - 5/30/2008 7:06 am
Lulu E. Bebe Runway Show - 5/29/2008 5:41 pm
Beauty comes from our life-Style - 5/28/2008 10:19 pm
JANUARY 15, 2009 - 10:14 AM
Lilac Lips for Spring '09It seems appropriate to give a little Spring sneak peek today, as mother nature is doing the same! I was doing my best not to curse the weather while I slid all over the road during my morning commute, as I do appreciate the break in the cold snap very much.
Looking back on the lips of Spring '08, we saw technicolor mattes and semi-mattes, giving an almost Warholian effect. Lipsticks toppled gloss in popularity, and the playful brights ruled the runway. This season, we're keeping with the bright, fun colors but losing the rich textures. Translucent, gelly glosses are back- think Popsicle lips! Fruity stains will be dominating in the upcoming season. I'm glad to have gloss back, as lipsticks are a little high maintenance for my personal tastes in warm weather. If my style prognostication is on key, I'm forseeing lavendar being the "it" shade for Spring. Here are some products to give your lips a fun, lilac hue that is wearable yet on-trend.
Lancome Juicy Tubes in Dreamcicle or Exquisite, $18
Nars lipgloss in Revolt, $24
MAC lustreglass in Morning Glory, $14
NYX Sheer gloss in Lavender note, $5
DECEMBER 15, 2008 - 3:41 PM
Yes, you heard right. MAC cosmetics has had one other 'sale' to date, so this is rare form for the beauty mega-brand. You can find their holiday gift sets on sale for 25% off their original prices. Snag their travel sized brush sets while they last! Their color sets are divided into 'warm' and 'cool' for easy buying, and the shades are generally universally flattering.
MAC Holiday Brush Sets
Head to maccosmetics.com and shop to your heart's delight- no code required for this discount! Also, free shipping until 8:00pm Alaska time!
NOVEMBER 15, 2008 - 12:33 PM
Much like many Americans these days I have been doing my best to tighten my belt with unnecessary spending, although sometimes it's difficult to have a big picture perspective. Part of me says, "Don't ignore the state of the economy! Be frugal!" and the other side says, "Your paycheck is steady and the same as it was last year, quit worrying!" Beauty spending always seems to be the first on the chopping block when it comes to cutting corners. This naturally saddens me, as cosmetics are like cupcakes for my soul - a fantastic beauty buy can brighten up even my worst mood. I feel it's important to not cut spending so deeply that you compromise your happiness. Think about what makes you smile- going to dinner and a movie with your honey? A new pair of shoes? A CD from your favorite musician? Try to budget appropriately, allowing yourself a little splurge to keep your spirits up during hard times. Get creative- head to a matinee instead of seeing a movie on Friday night. Check out some of the amazing local consignment and second hand shops for fashion buys. Find music on the cheap through online vendors such as Amazon.com or iTunes.
As I mentioned, cosmetics are my ray of sunshine, so I've found a few ways to enjoy makeup and beauty without breaking the bank.
NOVEMBER 7, 2008 - 4:32 PM
Okay, stop what you're doing... Sephora.com is in the midst of their 'Friends and Family' sale and I'm about to give you, my dear readers, the golden ticket.
By golden ticket I mean coupon code.
FF2008 will grant you 20% off your entire purchase! Now go shop to your little heart's delight!
OCTOBER 27, 2008 - 10:24 AM
Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express Mascara
Does it deliver?
Sure, although I say that unenthusiastically.
My frustration started at the store when trying to decide between 'Classic Black' and 'Glam Black.' Glam is a very poor adjective when describing color, as it didn't give me a hint as to which was a darker, truer black. I opted for Glam Black, and as it turns out the darker of the two was Classic Black. Consider yourself warned.
That aside, the packaging was fun, and it's easy to find in my makeup caddy as the bright yellow tube stands out like a... well, bright yellow tube. The brush lived up to its claim of being 'MEGA,' and the tube cleaned off enough product that the brush felt saturated without being gloppy.
Coat #1 proved to be reasonable. No clumps and decent coverage. It separated very well, and my lashes seemed to multiply as it coated many of my hidden smaller lashes. Volume? So so.
Coat #2 helped in the volume department, and for the most part, my lashes were minimally clumpy. Again, the quantity of my lashes seemed higher than usual.
Coat #3 finally got me to where I felt comfortable with volume and length, especially once I concentrated on getting the tips. Keep in mind I prefer dramatic, slightly clumpy lashes so someone who prefers the natural look could have been rather satisfied with coats #1 or #2.
Overall, I'm satisfied, but I probably wont repurchase. I may give it one more shot in Classic Black, because I feel like the lighter black color is leaving me a little empty, but the formula doesn't wow me. The large brush is nice, but the need for three coats takes too long for my liking. I get better drama out of my L'Oreal Voluminous in Coal Black.
Beauty Blog Rating: B+
OCTOBER 7, 2008 - 9:35 AM
Target!
Well dear readers, the day has finally arrived. Target's VIG night. VIG- or Very Important Guest means one needs an invitation to this exclusive event, and fortunately for myself, I happen to be married to an employee! Fear not though- the Grand opening is just around the corner on Sunday, October 12th.
Obviously, I'm most looking forward to the beauty aisle. Target has recognized that beauty purchases are stemmed in emotion, and has redesigned their aisles to reflect a more tactile purchasing experience. Also, they boast a new prestige collections of brands- you'll find products by Keihls, Philosophy, MD Skincare, and Lumene just to name a few. They also have exclusive lines with such upper echelon Makeup Artists such as Sonia Kashuk, Napoleon Perdis and Jemma Kidd. This is bringing affordable quality to the Alaskan beauty arena, and I couldn't be more excited.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 - 3:42 PM
By know my love of the fall is no secret, not only are the textures and rich colors inviting and cozy, the scents are spicy and familiar. My summer scents have been put away for the year- no more citrus, fruit or floral. It's time for the likes of vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin and cranberry and my cozy little condo has been smelling like a sweet treat since the first time I saw my breath outside (which was admittedly a little sooner than I had hoped for).
Vanilla Bean NoelOne of my favorite self-indulgent fall traditions is my annual Bath and Body Works order. This usually occurs around the same time that Starbucks switches to their festive red cup, and my drink order ceremoniously defaults to a Soy Peppermint White Mocha. Every year B&BW has some of the most decadent scents that I wait for with bated breath. I always stock up on my all time favorite- Vanilla Bean Noel. It's only available around the holidays and it's a hot commodity around my house. It's a vanilla scent, but to it's hedonistic maximum with notes of caramel, burnt sugar, tonka bean and musk. Also give the Twisted Peppermint and Winter Candy Apple a try! Layer the lotions with a coordinating body splash to keep the scent lasting all day. I'm anxious to try their new Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin as well!
SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 - 10:23 AM
OPI Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not
Nail colors are a relatively new obsession of mine, but it's struck me full force. I didn't realize that they have their own trends that follow the seasons just as makeup and clothes do. I've learned a lot about nail polish over the past few months, and have gotten great help from a few blogs and websites such as www.alllacqueredup.com and www.makeupalley.com.
Nail colors are an inexpensive way to keep your fall looks cohesive. You can pick up a new bottle of polish for sometimes under $1- a beauty splurge just about anyone can afford.
This fall, the nail trends have the same underlying theme as what we saw on the runways for fashion week- structured classics twined gracefully with feminine mystique. Office-ready blazers meets lace and cable tights. This fall, nails are dark, short and well manicured.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 - 9:52 PM
The first line of defense for winter hair is a moisturizing shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. A few of my choice picks are Redken’s “All Soft” shampoo and conditioner. Both are fortified with avocado oil. We are so dry here in Alaska it can be used even by clients with fine hair. If your hair is coarse you may want to try Redken’s “Smooth Down” shampoo and conditioner. It has macadamia oil and is lovely for the thicker, unruly locks. Purology Hydrate is another great pick. It is vegan, and keeps your color locked in place. Try to only wash your hair every other day to keep your hair from being stripped of its natural oils.
AUGUST 24, 2008 - 3:31 PM
It seems like just yesterday I was excited for the turn of Spring in it's light, shimmering dewy looks. Here I am already, recapping the runway shows of Paris and Milan boasting the looks that will be interpreted into the trends of Fall 2008. Although it feels like we've been cheated out of some of the sun and fun that we Alaskans look forward to each summer, I am still embracing the turn of the seasons as nothing is quite as comforting as the richness and luxury of the fashion of Fall and Winter. My boots and sweaters have even gotten a sneak peek this year, usually not unpacked until after Labor Day, the bite in weather has called for long sleeves and knits more than once.
The Spring and Summer trends in makeup have been reborn into a richer, more luxurious version of themselves. We see a lot of similar looks with a bold reinvention and a deeper vein in Fall glamor over Spring's delicacy.
AUGUST 14, 2008 - 11:36 AM
It's going to be an exciting weekend in our little fashion bubble here in Anchorage! Dust off your fineries and wear those open-toed shoes one last time before winter closes in on us.
Friday the 15th kicks off the weekend with a Masquerade Party celebrating the launch of the third issue of AKX Magazine. This little shindig is being held at the newly remodeled Rum Runners, and you can enjoy free appetizers from 9-11pm and tunes courtesy of DJ James till closing. Don't have a mask? Don't fret! They'll be handing them out at the door. Just bring yourself, a date, or a pack of friends and get ready for a great party.
Fashionistas rejoice! Saturday the 16th brings us a fashion show at Bernie's Bungalow Lounge that will be sure to please. Come see a bevy of local boutiques such as Stage Left, Pink Conkrete, Anchoritz, and more strut their stuff on the runway and debut some of fall's must-have pieces. I will be doing makeup for Stage Left, so come see me and my work and enjoy the show. Doors open at 2:00pm, pre-shopping starts at 5:00 and the runway gets hot at 7:00! Don't miss it!
Come show your sense of community and Anchorage pride by supporting these two local events, put on by hard working Alaskan entrepreneurs!
AUGUST 1, 2008 - 11:27 AM
What are you wearing today?
Face:
Guinot Longue Vie Cellulaire Moisturizer
Makeup Forever High Definition foundation in #140
NARS blush in Orgasm
NARS bronzer in Laguna
BeneFit highlighter in 'Moon Beam'
Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Shadestick in Beijing
MAC Pigment in Jardin Aires
Lips:
MAC Lustreglass in Love Nectar
Fragrance:
Escada Ibiza Hippie
Beauty item you're dying to try:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (I'll blog on this later!)
Spa treatment you could really go for right now:
I would simply adore a really hydrating body wrap! My skin is feeling unseasonably dry with the weather being what it has been.
Readers- I want to see your answers! Copy this survey and post it in the comments!
What are you wearing today?
Face:
Eyes:
Lips:
Fragrance:
Beauty item you're dying to try:
Spa treatment you could really go for right now:
JULY 24, 2008 - 10:17 AM
Just when you think there are no more ways mascara can possibly be innovated- Givenchy comes along and ups the ante with it's revolutionary new Phenomen'eyes. Looking somewhat like a medieval weapon, this wand holding a spiked ball supposedly delivers 360 degree lash coverage with a soft, and glossy formula. Reviews online are glowing so far. I'm excited to try it regardless of the $27 price tag. Available at Sephora.com
Givenchy Phenomen'eyes
JULY 11, 2008 - 5:06 PM
One of my personal favorite brands, Tarte Cosmetics (www.tartecosmetics.com), is offering a free 'Sunburst Face Beaded Bronzing Lotion' with any $50 purchase! Just add the lotion to your basket along with your other products, use the code BRONZE at checkout, and you'll get it for free.
Tarte Sunburst Bronzing Lotion
If you need some stuff to try, their signature cheek stain is a summer essential for the makeup minimalist ($28). Also, check out their new enbrightenmint: this double duty gloss has BriteSmile® whitener on one end, and tarte lipgloss in a blue-based, tooth brightening shade on the other ($26)
Enbrightenmint by Tarte
JULY 10, 2008 - 3:57 PM
Not many photographs (aside from a police mugshot) are approached with more trepidation than the dreaded Drivers License photo. It seems to have a way to look unflattering on even the most attractive of individuals. I spent an entire year apologizing for a horrible picture and feeling ashamed every time I got carded. Why didn't I just get the picture retaken? I really hate going to the DMV, and had a hard time justifying spending an afternoon in line for the sake of vanity. Eventually I lost that card- perhaps it was subliminally intentional, but I happily had the picture redone and got a new photo taken that I have yet to feel ashamed about.
So how can you help beat that tiny digital camera of doom? Well, if you lived in New York City it would be much easier, as the makeup artists at Physician's Formula Cosmetics camped out at the entrance of the 34th street DMV and did Drivers License makeovers as a marketing campaign last week. Unfortunately, we aren't so lucky so I'll give you some pointers on taking a good ID photo.
JUNE 24, 2008 - 4:51 PM
IMATS Convention Hall
Perhaps I'm a small town girl, but walking into a convention center in Pasadena packed wall to wall with all things makeup and beauty made my heart skip a beat (or twenty). This past weekend I attended the International Makeup Artist Trade Show and it certainly didn't disappoint. The convention ran Saturday and Sunday and offered a expansive menu of classes and lectures as well as nearly 100 exhibitors selling and demonstrating their wares. It was a very tactile experience, with most vendors allowing us artists to play with the products which ranged from cosmetics to silicone body parts to airbrush compressors.
JUNE 16, 2008 - 1:56 PM
Sometime during my freshman year in college, I was preparing to compete in a small beauty pageant. I worked out a little harder, freshened up my hair color, whitened my teeth and unfortunately decided I should get a booth-style spray tan. Even more unfortunate still was the fact that I chose to do this the night before the show. I spend the better part of the pageant morning scrubbing feverishly with a loofah hoping the splotchy, stinky, day-glo orange layer would come off in the shower. I wasn't so lucky. I graced the stage looking like a pumpkin and smelling like a gym sock. Ever since then, I have been terrified of sunless tanning products, spray on or otherwise. Flash forward an unmentioned number of years to this February, when a dear friend got married. She offered to pay to have her bridal party spray tanned, and as you can imagine I was a bit apprehensive. She assured me that there had been considerable advances in spray tanning world so I nervously agreed. After one of my friends left the room in the back of Extreme Tan in Wasilla looking naturally bronzed, even and gorgeous, my mind was put much more at ease. I got my airbrush tan that evening, and thoroughly enjoyed the glow I had for the next several days.
JUNE 13, 2008 - 5:04 PM
Lancome Mascara: Lancome Mascara
Just when you think you've seen it all...
Lancome, who is known for constantly raising the bar in the field of mascara innovation, just announced a new product will be hitting the shelves this fall. It's called Ôscillation, and the brush moves at 7,000 vibrations per minute ensuring a 360 degree coat around every lash. There are four separate US patents for the technology and formula! You know I'll be first in line at our local Lancome counter for my pre-order.
MAY 31, 2008 - 10:19 AM
Have you ever wanted the furrow on your forehead gone? Feel like the little wrinkles around your eyes are giving your age away? Perhaps a shot of botox is what you need.
Botox is commonly used these days for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Chronic muscle twitching, migraines, hyperhidrosis (super sweaty pits) are treated with botox injections. Generally though we think of botox as a wrinkle reducer.
What the heck is botox? It is a purified protein that comes from the botulinum bacteria. Yes it is related to botulism as they both come from the same toxin, but no it is not botulism being injected into your muscle. Botox does work by temporarily paralysing the muscle it is injected into. It wears off in about 3 months.
MAY 30, 2008 - 7:06 AM
One of the top things we hear in the salon is that you can never style your hair the same as we can. The reality is that most hairdressers have top of the line styling tools, mastered skills and use on the average three styling products to sculpt your coif. Here are the top things you can do to have fabulous hair at home. Invest in a great blow dryer. A good quality dryer will run you $120.00 to $300.00. “Ouch”! Believe me I know, however, a great dryer will dry your hair 40% faster, and leave it healthy and shiny. For the cost of a Latté everyday for a month you will have an amazing tool that will save you time and frustration every day.
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