May 10, 2019
Viva Glam turns 25, the latest strand-strengthening from Olaplex, how to save money on skincare basics and the products a makeup artist recommended after she peeped my product stash.
Happy 25th birthday, Viva Glam!
It seems like just yesterday RuPaul made a monumental splash as the face of M.A.C’s inaugural Viva Glam lipstick, and it’s hard to believe the first shade created to raise AIDS awareness is now 25 years old! Viva Glam II (the pinky-nude shade fronted by k.d. lang) from 1996 is my personal favorite, and the years since have given us hues associated with Chloe Sevigny, Dita von Teese, Fergie and Sia.
But the 25th anniversary campaign might be the most exciting of all… To commemorate this milestone, model Winnie Harlow recreates RuPaul’s iconic original imagery (complete with the red patent leather bustier and over-the-knee boots). The best part: To celebrate, M.A.C is re-releasing the original Viva Glam I, II and III shades so you can fall in love all over again (or pretend it’s still the 90s).
Don’t even attempt to style your hair again until you get this
We all know that some sort of styling product is an essential for achieving our hair goals, whether striving for a smooth, sleek look or tousled texture. I usually use the first thing I touch when I stick my hand in my haircare drawer (be it an oil or a frizz-foiling serum), but I’m always light-handed when applying to maximize the time between shampoos. When I went for a haircut on Saturday, my stylist was excited to use the new-ish Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother on my freshly-trimmed tresses, but when I saw the creamy consistency I was sure my blow-out would only last a day or two. Boy, was I wrong—and in fact, I made it to Wednesday (and probably could have gone one more day if I didn’t get sweaty.)
Even better than the lack of greasiness was how soft and my hair felt after my coif was complete. It was also beyond shiny and in a nutshell, looked healthier than it has in years. I sat down to order a bottle of my own as soon as I got home and came to learn that it also helps speed up drying time for less heat damage, and it will keep the unavoidable Florida humidity-induced frizz and bay. I used one of my other styling products when I washed yesterday (since my Olaplex hasn’t arrived yet) and the difference in my end-result is insane—and not in a good way. If I had to pick one styling product to stick with for the entire summer, this would be it. It’s that good.
Want to pay less for skincare basics?
I may have a penchant for expensive skincare products—but I’m also fortunate in that many of them are sent to me gratis for review purposes. In many cases, I don’t necessarily believe that spending more translates to a better product, especially when it comes to basics like cleansing wipes, or even a sunscreen (as long as it’s a broad-spectrum formula that plays nicely with other products applied beforehand). I’m not even all that picky when it comes to eye cream, and all I ask is that that the product absorbs quickly and glides on easily.
This is why I’m really into the new range of skincare essentials from Brandless. If you’re not familiar, this site offers a wide variety of products under their own private-label umbrella—ranging from organic and GMO-free pantry staples and “green” cleaning supplies to must-haves for babies and pets.
In my opinion, there’s no reason to spend more than $4 on cleansing wipes or $5 on a rosewater facial mist, and I’m totally down with trying an $8 eye gel that had 94% of users see improvement in wrinkles. Want to try a bunch of stuff? You can even get a bundle of seven products for $35—and be sure to check out the makeup tools, protein and superfood powders and SO much more while you’re at it. You’ll either love me or hate me once you see how much stuff they have that you use on a daily basis (and how cheap it is).
The latest pro-recommended additions to my makeup collection
A few weeks back I shared my amazing experience with the NIYA Beauty app, which included a few suggestions of items I should get after the makeup artist got a peek at my current stuff. I’m not surprised they were both from Charlotte Tilbury, so when I found myself at the mall last weekend I popped into Nordstrom to scoop them up.
I have four of Charlotte’s Eyes to Mesmerize cream eyeshadows, and I love, love, love them because they are so versatile. I can apply them with my finger to with a dense brush for more intense color—and I never have to worry about them creasing or sliding down my face. The NIYA makeup artist I worked with, Kimm, suggested I add the olive-grey shade “Veruschka” to the champagne, amber-gold and oyster-gold hues I already have—and I’m so glad she did. I can dab a little over my shimmery “Jean” for extra dimension by day, or layer “Verushka” with a brush and add a bit on my lower lashline for an easy yet impactful smoky eye. (It’s a winner.)
When my conversation with Kimm turned to tools, I asked about her favorite eyelash curler, because this is definitely a step I tend to skip. She recommended Charlotte’s version here too (because apparently the perennial favorite one by Shu Uemura got an update that doesn’t live up to the original). I have to say, not only have I been using it more, it really does add eye-opening curl to my lashes.
So just when I thought I didn’t need anything else to round out my makeup collection, I did—and this is further proof that a pro (not associated with a brand) is the way to go for unbiased advice.