April 19, 2019

Makeup artists on demand, skincare-inspired haircare, the app that organizes my closet and why you should try Skin Design London.

Want a makeup artist on standby? There’s an app for that.

One of my greatest joys (and indulgences) is calling on a makeup artist when I need one. Usually reserved for really special occasions (which don’t come along that often), nothing makes me happier than serving as a living canvas (and giving a little direction as to the look I’m going for, of course). So when I was offered the opportunity to try the new NIYA Beauty app, I (almost literally) jumped at the chance.

Here’s how it works… You book a session with one of more than 20 artists (you can check out their portfolios beforehand), and at your designated time, they video-call you and you have 30 minutes to do whatever you please (or 60 minutes if you book back-to-back sessions). You can show them the makeup you have and get suggestions for how to use it (and anything else you should have) or get step-by-step instructions for creating a look if you’re getting ready for a night on the town.

Before my chat with Kimm DiCato (who rocks, by the way), I made a little list of a few things I wanted to discuss. First was my Soleil Tan de Chanel, because I simply love this cream-based bronzer so much, and I wanted to make sure I was maximizing it’s potential. (BTW, I am.) Second on my list was how to use the gorgeous colors in Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new Riviera palette. I explained to Kimm that I rarely step outside my neutral comfort zone, and she suggested I use the vibrant colors along my lashline for a pop of color. (Can’t wait to try that one!)

Then she asked me to demonstrate my every-day look so she could make some tweaks along the way. I applied my It Cosmetics CC Cream, M.A.C powder bronzer, and since I had shown her some of my stash, she suggested I layer two of my Charlotte Tilbury cream shadows. (I never thought to do that before.) Then, she recommended I apply my brown Pat McGrath eyeliner on my upper waterline—and although I never wear eyeliner during the day, this small step really made a major difference. As a final touch, she prodded me to apply a bit of bronzer on top of my eyeshadow to help tie everything together and keep everything in place. Game changing! From there, she told me to layer two stick-based colors on my cheeks (the NARS Orgasm Multiple all over and my Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in “Formentera” on the apples for an extra pop). At this point the clock was counting down, so we ended with me dabbing the Formentera on my lips and topping with the Orgasm. After our call ended, I looked in the mirror and was wowed how I looked like myself—but better.

Seriously, we could have chatted all day (at least I thought so). It was so nice to talk “shop” with a pro, without the pressure of dealing with an artist in a department store whose “real” job is to sell. And best of all, I can hit up Kimm via text chat in the app if I have any questions—and pay only $35 the next time I want more face-to-face time. My only regret: I had to fly out the door to pick my son up from school right afterwards, so I totally forgot to take a picture. [Insert sad emoji here.]

Skincare-inspired haircare is a thing now

The line between haircare and skincare has gotten much more blurrier in recent years, especially with the newfound focus on our scalps (which is skin, after all). Ingredients that were once reserved for our faces are now being repurposed for our strands as well, and one brand-new example is IGK’s Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner.

Just in time for the inevitable rise in humidity (which is already happening here in South Florida—ugh), these products are infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, but it’s not the same H.A. you’d find in your facial moisturizer. The pros as IGK actually set out to create and patent a totally new form of hyaluronic acid that is suitable for (and effective on) the hair. With coconut milk as well, these ingredients work together to keep your strand smooth, soft and free of fluff without weighing it down—and I imagine they smell heavenly as well.

After you Kondo your closet, Cher Horowitz it

Anyone who knows me well understands how seriously I take my closet. Hyper-organized by clothing type and color with labeled baskets for hats, scarves, small bags and such, divided drawers to keep lingerie and socks neatly in place—I could go on and on. It’s an ongoing process that requires constant editing as new pieces come in. After a thorough purge in anticipation of spring, I decided my closet was in such a good place that it was time to digitize it. Although it was more of an undertaking than I ever expected (and I almost quit several times), I can now scroll through my favorite and most-worn pieces on my phone, make outfits and record what I wear on a calendar. In a nutshell, it’s amazing.

Before I got started I did some major research about these types of apps, and ultimately went with Stylebook. At first I started taking photos of my clothes and using the editing tool to remove the background, but this got really annoying. (That’s the first time I almost threw in the towel.) Then I started going through my past orders on the sites I shop most and it was super-easy to get those photos. Now that all of my most recent purchases and favorites are in the app, I only have to photograph vintage or obscure pieces and I’ve been doing this as I wear them. Now when I buy something, I immediately save a picture of it and I’m good to go.

Other fun features include making lists for vacation, saving inspiration photos and putting together outfits as I think of them. It’s even possible to keep track of cost-per-wear if that’s your thing. There’s also “shuffle” option that picks pieces for you if you’re feeling uninspired, but I haven’t had the need to use it—yet.

So here’s the big question… Do you think I’m crazy—or the sanest person ever? (Actually, don’t answer that.)

An under-the-radar skincare brand to know about

Living in Florida, I miss my NYC days when I could hop on the subway (if necessary) to “meet” just about any product I was interested in. Now, I usually discover products online and either take a risk and order them, or add them to my running list that comes with me every time I travel to New York. But in recent months I’ve been finding some of these formerly-elusive products just a few miles from my house, because in case you haven’t already noticed, Neiman Marcus has majorly stepped up their indie beauty game.

I was recently introduced to a brand called Skin Design London, which was created by Fatma Shaheen. One of the U.K.’s most famed aestheticians, Shaheen’s “angle” is coming luxury and performance, and this easy-to-navigate line offers cutting-edge ingredients in each of the results-driven products. I’ve been using the Volume Serum to help give my skin a boost in plumpness—and although it comes in a bottle with a dropper, it has a thicker (almost lotion-like) consistency than most other serums I’ve used in the past. P.S. It’s been shown to increase collagen production by 6.8% in 11 days—and it’s a great way to prep your skin for makeup, too. (You can also add a few drops to your moisturizer if you’re short on time.)

I’ve also been using the Retinol Fresh Skin Treatment and it’s been a wonderful addition to my evening skincare regimen. It has a lovely texture that feels deeply hydrating without feeling too heavy—and I have absolutely no complaints about how my skin has been looking lately. It’s also a great multitasker that addresses breakouts, dark spots, and dullness as well as lines and wrinkles.

Unfortunately Skin Design London isn’t available at my local Neiman Marcus (at least not yet—but it is at the Bal Harbour store). If you can’t check out the line in person either, go ahead and “add to cart” anyway. You won’t be disappointed.