How To Tuesday: Wedding Day Beauty

So my lovely sister is getting married next week and I couldn't be more excited. Not only am I lucky enough to be her maid of honor and stand by side her while she marries an awesome guy, but I also have the privilege to do her makeup and nails for the big day! I have been spending the last few weeks pondering ideas, plowing through books and playing with different looks. I have a running check list of do this, don't do that and I have decided to share it with you. So here it is my Wedding Beauty Dos and Don'ts.

Primer, it's a must! Even if you think your makeup stays all day, trust me it doesn't. You want your makeup to hold up through dancing, toasting, selfies, up until the last photo of the evening and a primer will help you achieve that.

Stay Natural, your wedding day is not the time for electric blue shadows or the latest purple lipstick trend. You want your makeup to look timeless on the big day and in your photos.  One look that never goes out of style: radiant skin, rosy cheeks, pink lips, and a softly defined eye.

Glowing Skin and shiny skin are NOT the same. To control shine, dust translucent powder onto your forehead, your chin and sides of nose. 

Waterproof Mascara is non-negotiable! If you are adventurous add a few clusters of false lashes to really make your eyes pop.

Get a manicure and pedicure, this is self explanatory. Your hands are going to be in pictures and feet are joining the photo group more and more. So do yourself a favor and get your fingers and toes pampered, you can thank me later.

Keep nails simple.  Nothing sticks out more then bright colored nails against an ivory or white backdrop, or in this case wedding dress. Stick with soft shades that are more sheer then chalky. 

That's the list, nothing too overwhelming right?  Also these Dos and Don'ts can work for bridesmaids, moms, and guests too, not just the bride.  I can't wait to hear what you think of my list.

Love|Makeup|Nails,

Alexis

How To Tuesday: 5-Free is the way to be!

The nail world, it's constantly under a microscope or in the news. Should you breathe acrylic dust? Should you have a gel manicure? Is that implement sterilized? The newest topic up for debate: is that polish "5-free"?  What does that even mean?

5-Free is a polish that is completely void of five known toxic ingredients: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toulene, formaldehyde resin and camphor.

Formaldehyde is a commonly used chemical to preserve and embalm dead animals (and humans). It's vapors are also irritating and can trigger asthma. Formaldehyde is also a known human carcinogen, a factor directly involved in causing cancer.

Dibutyl Phthalate is a commonly used plasticizer and has been linked to cancer. DBP has also been connected to birth defects in studies involving lab animals.

Toluene is a liquid that is used as a solvent and has the familiar smell of paint thinner. You can be exposed to toluene by breathing it in or getting it on your skin, causing irritation. Unfortunately, inhaling high levels of toluene is said to be harmful to your nervous system and can cause light-headedness and nausea. Toluene is a toxin that may also cause birth defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have had extended exposure.

Formaldehyde Resin is a derivative of Formaldehyde, mainly used in production of coatings and adhesives. It is not as toxic as Formaldehyde but can be an allergen.

Camphor is a poison that can cause seizures and disorientation if used in large doses. This chemical acts as a cover on your nails, depriving them of nutrients and causing yellow staining on your nails.

While the odds are slim that polishes containing these ingredients will hurt you (polish sits on top of your nails, which aren't made of living tissue, so it's not likely to be absorbed into your bloodstream), you are still breathing it in. Also it is good to know what exactly is in the products that you're using.

So which brands are 5-free? Here are my top 5 favorite ones:

Zoya $9 (zoya.com)

Deborah Lippmann $18 (deborahlippmann.com)

Julep $14 (julep.com)

Chanel $27 (chanel.com)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics $10 (occmakeup.com)

Are any of my readers 5-Free? Are you going to start? What brand is your favorite? I can't wait to hear from you.

Love|Makeup|Nails,

Alexis