David Zyla - Color Your Style

For those who think that colour analysis is an 80's thing - THINK AGAIN!!!  David Zyla is an Emmy Award-winning Stylist and works with celebrities and on a regular basis.  He has writen a best-selling book 'Color Your Style'  where he teaches women and men to find their best colour archetype and how to find their best colours.  If you think that Hollywood doesn't use the secrects of knowing their best colour season, you are mistaken - not only do celebrities seek out experts like David Zyla, they know something that many women don't - and that is that knowing your best colours will literally change your life.  Once you start wearing your best colours, people will be in awe of how you radiate and glow with a special aura of beauty and charm.  In David Zyla's book (and website http://www.davidzyla.com) David outlines the specific colours that every woman should know - the following is an excerpt from his book/website:

You have 8 basic colors. Here’s what they are.


And here’s how to find them.

THE 5 THAT EXPRESS WHO YOU ARE

Essence: Your vulnerable color, your version of white, a skin tone that harmonizes the colors in the palm of your hand
Romantic: Your passion color, your version of red found by gently pinching a fingertip—or the color of when you blush
Dramatic: Your “look at me” color, your version of blue, found in the color of the veins in your wrist
Energy: The color that supports you when you need a pick me up, taken from the darkest part of your iris (but not the ring around the iris)
Tranquil: Your peaceful color, taken from the lightest part of your iris

3 NEUTRAL BASE COLORS

First base, formal, your version of black, taken from the ring around your iris
Second base, less formal but still serious, your version of brown, taken from the darkest part of your hair
[tips in the book for where else to look if you color your hair]
Third base, casual, your version of khaki, taken from the lightest part of your hair (tips in the book for where else to look if you color your hair)

This has inspired me to take a closer look at my eye and see if I can't find my best tranquil and energy colours.  I know that my best dramatic colour is True Autumns warm teal shade.  My romantic colour is a warm coral and I'm still working on figuring out my essence colour.  With the 3 neutral colours, my first base colour is TA's deep grey shade, my second base colour is a medium to dark golden brown and my third base is a warm 'golden' toned khaki. 

What I'm having a bit of a difficult time with is discovering my Energy colour, which is supposed to be the 'darkest part of your iris' but NOT the ring around the iris - perhaps you can help me figure it out - check out the following pics - I'd love to hear what you think:

I'm thinking that my energy shade might be a warm grey-green??? And my tranquil colour is a warm amber, light golden brown/honey shade?

Please check out my most recent post where I tried an 'eye colour harmony' swatch test - Its kind of a PART 2 to this post: http://renata-beautyandelegance.blogspot.ca/2012/09/eye-colour-harmony.html

NARS Autumn Leaves Lipstick

NARS Autumn Leaves is part of NARS new fall collection, but its a permanent addition to the lipstick line.  This colour is very unique - its a mix of orange, red and brown and its sheer, so the colour is buildable.  Its also the type of shade that looks great with various lip liner shades - spice, chicory, brick, auburn (all MAC lipliners) would look amazing with this colour!  In this photo, I'm wearing Autumn Leaves on its own -I wanted to created an elegant day makeup look, so I stayed natural and neutral with the rest of the makeup, leaving the lipstick as the 'pop of sophistication' element of the look!  Check it out:

Here is the makeup that I used to create this look:

 

Mineral Fusion Foundation in Warm

MAC NC 30 Concealer

Gingerly Blush with Melba as a pop of colour (MAC)

Make Up For Ever #10 gold shadow as a highlight

MAC Soba from lid to crease, Woodwinked in the crease, Coffee eyeliner with NARS Galapagos smudged into the upper lash line, Zoom Lash mascara in Loft Brown by MAC

NARS Autumn Leaves Lipstick

Back to Work!!!

Its almost here - time to go back to work, after a fun filled summer.  Being a teacher is amazing and rewarding - I love so many things about my job and I have to admit that I'm very lucky to be able to have my summer off.  This summer I had an opportunity to really re-evaluate whats in my closet and makeup bag - I decided to take some time and really study the styles I love and what kind of 'look' I want to create for this coming school year.  I have some great basic and timeless peices and I've decided that I want to 'build' on this - using what I already have and creating a functional and working wardrobe.  I've really settled into True Autumn as my best season.  I've always tee-tottered between Soft Autumn and True Autumn as my best colour palettes, but really feel that True Autumn is my ultimate best, not to mention that I've been drapped twice, each time as a True Autumn, so I'm officially making it my 'home season'.  This is awesome for me because it makes shopping for clothes all that much easier, as I instinctively know what colour to get.  Chocolate and dark brown, teal, rust, mahogany, cream, ivory, orange, bronze, olive and moss greens, there are my go-to shades, the shades I want to build and expand on.  I decided to create a collage that illustrates how style and colour come together - check it out:

This year, I'm going to focus on building on and purchasing some essential clothing items, such as: a classic pencil skirt, brown pants/skirts, trench coats, work-appropriate dresses, jackets, blazers, classic cream-nude pumps and brown knee high boots.  This year, I've decided to live more simply, but at the same time, I'm going to make use of my best colours and knowing my best style!!!

In my last post, I wrote about being 'Mad for Mocha' - outlining my favourite everyday lipstick and makeup look - this will be my go-to everyday work look, which I love - I love the simplicity and elegance of this look:

Mad for Mocha!!!

Honestly, I think I annoyed myself today when I stood in front of the mirror and decided what lipcolour to wear - I actually said 'Mocha, Mocha, Mocha' in a semi 'Brady Bunch' Marsha voice - lol
Well, I have to say that choosing a lipcolour has become so easy for me these days, I've really settled into having a signature everyday lipstick look and Mocha is definitely my #1 favourite!!!  Today I also made a discovery with my eyeshadows - I mixed Soba and Amber Lights by MAC and created the most unique golden-brown-amber shade - I really love this look for everyday and am sticking to it as my favourite work/business look - check it out:

Here is the makeup that I used for this look:

Foundation: Mineral Fusion in 'warm'

Concealer: NC 30 - MAC

Powder/Contour - MAC Bronzer in Matte Bronze

Blush - Gingerly

HIghlight/Eyeshadow base - Make Up For Ever #10 gold

Lid to Crease shade - I mixed MAC's Soba and Amber lights

Liner - Teddy liner by MAC smudged with NARS Galapagos

Mascara - Zoom Lash Mascara in Lofty Brown

Lipstick - Mocha by MAC (my fave #1 everyday lip shade

So Chaud + Amber Lights by MAC

I always get excited when I feel I've discovered or invented a new and interesting colour combination.  THis time, I mixed a bright orange-red lipcolour (So Chaud by MAC) and topped it with an amber-gold shadow called Amber Lights (also MAC) - I love how the colour morphed into the ideal pumpkin orange shade with just enough gleam and shimmer seeping through due to the shadow!  I think this is such a pretty look for the upcoming fall/autumn season - this look would be superb for an evening out with a little 'brown' dress and touches of gold jewlery or warm cream pearls!!!

Here is a list of the makeup that I used to create this look:

Face:

Mineral Fusion Foundation in Warm

MAC NC 30 concealer

MAC Matte Bronze Bronzer (as powder)

Make Up For Ever #10 gold shadow highlight

...MAC Gingerly BLush

Eyes:

#10 as base, MAC Saddle from lid to crease blended with Amber lights (also lid to crease), Teddy eyeliner smudged with NARS Galapagos shadow (also on brows), Lofty Brown - Zoom Lash Mascara - MAC

Lips:

MAC So Chaud lipstick topped with Amber Lights Shadow

Happy Birthday Duchess!!!

I had to pay a little tribute to my faithful companion Duchess.  I adopted Duchess when she was about 14 weeks old and now I can't even imagine my life without her!  Today she is 2!!!  From what I know Duchess is 1/2 russian blue, not sure of the other half.  She is a bit of a scardy cat, hiding from people, but we've developed an amazing report together- she loves to play, chase around her favourite toys and loves when I pet her and rub her tummy.  When I first got her, someone said, she looks so regal, you should give her a special name, so ever since then, she's been my 'Duchess'!

Here is Duchess, in her favourite spot in the apartment, looking out over her Kingdom - lol:

And this was the picture that was posted on the Humane society website that won my heart - as soon as I saw this photo, I just had to have her:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUCHESS!!!

Cozy, Autumn Comfort Look

One of the things that I love the most about the upcoming Autumn the season is all the cozy, warm, comforting things that are on the way - warmer sweaters, cravings for hearty soups and stews, making apple crumble with friends, enjoying nature trails and starting to notice the leaves changing colour.  Its also a time when I like to play around with a warm, yet natural autumn makeup look.  Every person has a certain makeup product that they obsess about - for me, its lipstick.  However, I've noticed through the years that there are certain colours that I keep returning to over and over.  The #1 lipstick that I 'always' seem to come back to is 'Mocha' by MAC.  For me, this lipstick is 'comforting' and so its the perfect pick to create that cozy. comfy autumn look.  Not only does it bring a natural warmth to the table, its a 'comforting' colour for me - its like a trusted friend that I always seem to come back to and rely on!  Here is my 'Cozy, Autumn Comfort Look' - Hope you like it:

I took two photos of the same makeup look in two different rooms where I find I get the best natural lighting - I want the photos that I post to be really accurate of what the shades really look like.  Here is a list of the makeup that I used for this look:

                                                                                                                                                                       

Mineral Fusion Foundation in 'Warm'

NC 30 concealer - MAC

PYW blush in 'Hot and Spicy' as contour shade

#10 - gold Makeup For Ever shadow as highlight/base

Gingerly Blush - MAC

...Soba eyeshadow from lid to crease - MAC

Teddy eyeliner - MAC

Galapagos shadow smudged into upper lash liner - NARS

Zoom Lash mascara in Lofty Brown by MAC

Mocha lipstick MAC

Amy Adams - Makeup Inspiration for Warm Springs

Amy Adams has starred in some of my favourite movies - she has this amazing ability to be this siren mixed with a 'girl next door' appeal.  Her look is both feminine, classic, yet sultry and seductive.  Amy Adams is such a classic 'Warm Spring' colour type - she rocks colours like warm peach, copper, rust, ginger, amber and gold.  I always find her makeup looks such an inspiration - Here are a few of my faves:

I find this makeup look to be very elegant and pretty on Amy - I love how her lipstick has just the right around of brown and warmth, while her eyes are defined and sultry, but not over done.  I find that Amy is very delicate and aristocratic in her appearance - she needs the right balance in her makeup or it can very easily morph into an over-done or under-done look.  As a warm spring colour type, its also important for her to stay true to her warm, bright colours!

One of my favourite looks for Amy - her hair is deepened just a bit and is a stunning copper-red shade.  I love how she has balanced the look with a similar copper-rust lipstick shade.  One again, balance is so key for Amy, as she is such a unique and feminine woman.  I love when a red-haired woman isn't afraid to rock a red lip.  The key is find the right red - many warm toned red-heads look amazing in shades like: brick, copper-russet, orange-reds and tomato, yellow-toned reds.  THese shades harmonize so well with the warmth that is so natural for these women!!!

For a very glam look, Amy is lucky enough to be able to balance this deep defined eye with a warm light peach lip-shade.  Since Amy has that natural warm peaches and cream complexion, warm peach shades are wonderful on her.  THe defined eye works here for a glam look, but for day, I think she would look amazing with this lipshade and shades of golden brown and sheer gold on her eyes.  A warm golden brown eyeliner would be amazing on Amy, as its a perfect shade to harmonize with her complexion!  If you have similar colouring to Amy or think you may be a warm spring colour type, definitely try a golden brown eyeliner in place of black!

In terms of staying true to colour harmony and making the best of being a warm spring, this makeup is absolutely stunning!!!  I love that Amy has opted for a true copper toned lip and complimentory blush shade.  Amy rocks these makeup shades!  Very few women can honestly pull off copper tones in makeup.  For cool toned women, they look sick with copper toned makeup.  For women in the neutral category, copper is too warm, causing the skin to turn slightly on the yellow side.  Amy Adams is lucky to have that perfect combination of true warm peaches and cream skin and light auburn hair.  On Amy, Copper tones bring her complexion to life and she looks elegant, sophisticated and regal!  This is why I think women need to take the time to find out what their best colours are.  Colour Analysis is not an 80's thing - its a look your ultimate best thing, regardless of what decade you are living in!!!

I just had to include this photo of Amy because she looks so amazing with this bright orange red lip.  One thing that is great about warm springs compared to an autumn type woman, is that springs rock the 'brightness' scale.  In fact, this bright orange-red is the ideal red for Amy.  Her eyes are also perfectly balanced, they are not 'over' done - she looks the ultimate in Hollywood glam with this makeup look!!!

Amy Adams is one actress that I adore, both for her talent and acting skills AND her unique look and style.  Amy has that certain something special and I look forward to seeing what she stars in next!!! 

  

A little bit of Autumn

I hate to admit it, but I've noticed sitting outside lately that its starting to get a little bit chilly, which only means one thing - fall is slowly creeping up on us.  I started thinking about what kind of look I could create that was a pretty, yet soft respresentation of 'autumn' makeup - I decided to use some brown, orange shades with a hint of gold and copper - here is what I came up with:

I started these looks with my favourite new foundation Mineral Fusion in 'Warm' that I picked up at Whole Foods - it feels amazing against the skin.  I then used MAC's NC 30 concealer and Makeup For Ever #10 gold shadow as a highlight powder.  I used #54 (Makeup For Ever) blush on my cheeks.  For the eyes, I used MUFE #10 gold shadow as a base, MAC Saddle from the lid into the crease and also applied an orange blush shade (from FACES, not sure of the colour as the name has worn off) into the upper lid into the crease.  I used Laura Mercier's Copper Brown eyeliner and used NARS Bengali to smudge into the upper lash-line.  For the lips I used MAC Spice lipliner with Cover Girl's Temptation lipstick!!!

Can you Guess Which Season???

I have had some interesting feedback about my last post with the light seasonal palettes - its a definite 'Nea' Response!  Its interesting when you can see just how 'wrong' the wrong colour season is on you!  What I know for sure is that I tee-totter between Soft Autumn and True Autumn.  I definitely have that autumn influence and through trial and error, I've determined for sure that I am not a deep autumn.  I decided to try a different type of collage - one where I am wearing both soft and true autumn makeup - I've mixed up the photos and haven't labelled any as soft or true - I'm wondering just from comparing the photos, can you tell which season is SA and TA and which do you think looks the most natural???

The Light Palette Collages - Light Spring and Light Summer

I decided to have a little bit of fun and return to some colour harmony collages.  I created 2 collages with me surrounded by the light palettes - light spring and light summer.  I still think that the Soft Autumn palette is my very best, but I can't help but love the light palette colours - or perhaps its just light palette envy!!!!  Anyhow, here are the collages, I'd love to hear what you think???  Is this 'yea' or 'nea'???

LIGHT SUMMER

'Wild Rose' Herbal Detox

Much of this blog has been an expression of my love and passion for makeup, elegant looks, styles, home decor etc etc - but one thing that I've never really written about is the importance of healthy and beautiful skin and impact that diet has on our bodies and skin.  This summer has been FILLED with bbq's, birthday parties, backyard patio dinners, family get togethers etc etc etc - its been great to see so many wonderful people, family, friends etc, but it hasn't been so great on my skin - burgers, chips, hot dogs, cakes, cookies, birthday cakes loaded with icing, ice cream etc etc etc - I have noticed blotches, rashes, hives, pimples on my face and I know 100% that its from eating foods that I wouldn't normally go near.  Its difficult when you eat away from your own home, don't have control over what you're being served and sometimes not wanting to offend the host, you try that 3rd cookie- lol.  Well, I don't want to wake up anymore and feel 'blah', without energy, saying 'sorry' to my poor body for feeding it crap loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats.  I decided to try the Wild Rose Detox Cleanse:

I heard about this cleanse from a fellow 'yogi' - we have been practicing yoga together for years and when she tried the Wild Rose Detox, she seemed to have so much energy and kept mentioning how amazing she feels.  I decided its time for me to try this cleanse.  The entire detox plan comes in a kit (pictured above) with both herbal tablets and a liquid tincture that you have to take both at breakfast and dinner. The kit also includes a copy of the recommended diet, which is basically an 80% alkaline, 20% acidic balanced diet. The key is that you must eliminate wheat, dairy, sugar and all yeast forming foods. So basically, its a return to most fruits, vegetables, whole grains (not even grain flours are allowed - it must literally be the whole grain), nuts, seeds, fish, lean poultry, lean beef, lamb - all meats being lean, organic, hormone and anti-biotic free.


I have to admit that I am uber excited to start this cleanse - I can't wait to start feeling 'amazing' again. I have also always suspected that I have a sensitivity to dairy, gluten, sugars (if not all three), so it will be interesting to see what happens when I start introducing these foods back one at a time. If I find that I am truely sensitive to these foods, I plan on drastically reducing if not eliminating these foods from my diet. Its more important for me to feel and look good than it is to wake up with that 'blah' feeling.  Most importantly, I want my skin to be free of all those impurities and toxins.  I want that natural, healthy glow to my skin!!!

Wild Rose detox, here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!