Q & A with Beauty Expert Sandy Gold



Sandy Gold



Although I wrote about stepping up my makeup game all of a few days ago (read previous post!), I'm still a novice when it comes to makeup application.  Instead of suffering in silence, I decided to contact Sandy Gold, a well known Beauty Expert for her expertise on all things makeup.

I was excited to interview Sandy as I’ve seen her how-to videos, visited her beauty blog happiface and watched her on a couple of TV shows (Styleography, Rags to Red Carpet).  I was able to ask her a few questions on how she got into the biz, and what the hot new colours are for Spring 2012.  Enjoy!

How did you learn to apply makeup?

I studied art in high school – so I’ve always looked at the face as a really beautiful 3D canvas.  

How did you break into the beauty biz?

A really exciting moment and a turning point for me was  back in 2007 when some of my how-to makeup videos on YouTube were featured in a segment on Good Morning America and in an article in the New York Times. 

What do you like most about being a Beauty Expert?

I get to meet inspiring women everyday and help them feel confident and beautiful.  How great is that!

What beauty product should a woman always apply before leaving the house?

Mascara—can’t leave home without it  J

What is the biggest makeup faux pas that you would like women to stop doing right now?

Dark lip liner with a light lipstick. I used to do this when I was in high school and it wasn’t a good look ; )

I love visiting your website and your YouTube channel.  I was wondering, do you offer any hands on workshops?

Thank you very much J  Yes, I am currently working on an “Everyday Makeup” class/workshop for April—so stay tuned to happiface.com and Twitter (@SANDYGOLD25) for more information regarding classes, coming soon!

What are the new colours for Spring 2012?

Some of my favourite shades for spring are:

                                   





NAILS

Dior Nail Lacquer in: Water lily (soft green)

L’Oreal Color Riche nail colour in: Tangerine Crush

LIPSTICK

Bobbi Brown neons and nudes collection in: Atomic Orange & Neon Pink

BLUSH

Stila convertible colour in: Gladiola (peachy, orange) & Fuschia

EYES

L’Oreal La Couleur Infallible Eye Shadow in: Sweet Strawberry

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24hr cream gel shadow in: Tenacious Teal

* Bonus: Makeup tip

I’m still trying to master the Cat Eye eyeliner look, but I always end up looking like I have a black eye!  What are some quick and simple tips to help me achieve this look?

Yes, Cat Eye’s can be a bit tricky. Start by drawing a line first using a white eyeliner pencil (it acts like a stencil) – then once you’re happy with the way it looks, go over it with your black eyeliner.

Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions, Sandy! 

Michelle

Beauty 411: Bringing Sexy Back!

Valentine’s Day is looong gone, but I’m still holding on to the vivacious colour of amour. 

I love that red is a very passionate, fiery, audacious colour.  It’s attention getting and exudes undeniable smouldering sexiness. I don’t wear the colour often, but I am slowly but surely sneaking it into my daily wardrobe. 

One of the ways that it creeps into my look is by flaunting a very kissable red lip.

Wearing red lipstick wasn’t the easiest transition for me.  I thought it was too clownish, too brash. I am a nude lip kinda girl, and nothing was going to change that!   I love my fave pink/nude lip gloss sooo much, that I keep an emergency stash in my makeup case at all times.  A little OCD, no?

Starting a new year and wanting to make a change to my “look”, I decided to jump on the red lipped bandwagon. 

I spent hours scouring a variety of cosmetic lines to find the perfect red hue.  After testing a plethora of colours on my hand, I narrowed it down to two shades—Crimson and Ruby, both from Revlon.  I bought both as they were inexpensive and the colours seem quite intense. 

On a night out with one of my girls, I decided to wear Crimson.  It was definitely a bolder lip than what I was used to, but I liked it!  Very va-va-voom!  It was like my face was awakened and I felt an overpowering amount of confidence.  I loooved the jolt of colour. 

The Ruby-coloured lipstick was just as hot, but my fave is definitely Crimson.  I am a convert.  Red is my new lip colour of choice. 

Wearing red lipstick is not for the faint of heart; if you don’t like receiving lots of attention and engaging in harmless flirting than proceed with caution!

Michelle

Book review: The Essentials of Fabulous

The Essentials of Fabulous

Author: Ellen Lubin-Sherman with illustrations by Susan Sugar

I’m not going to lie to you—I wanted to read this book for the simple fact that I thought the title sounded kinda fun and kooky.  As frivolous as it may be, it’s the truth! : )

Although the winsome title suggests a book that unearths the hidden secrets to being oh-so-fabulous—to me, if you dig a little deeper you will find out that this book provides the reader with uncomplicated tools needed to be successful (in your professional or personal life), as well as being a well rounded fab individual.

Unbeknownst to the author, Ellen Lubin-Sherman, this book came into my willing hands on a day that I really needed it.  I was feeling a little un-fabulous, so this lil pick me up totally helped.

The Essentials of Fabulous is compactly comprised of 159 pages and is divided into 11 chapters.  Each chapter reveals how you can differentiate yourself from everyone else and embrace your fabulousness.  This can be done by having impeccable manners (read: holding eye contact with someone that you are speaking with instead of looking over their shoulder to talk to someone more interesting) to delivering on your promises.

All of the chapters give you an essence of what it's like to be fabulous instead of fading into the night. (Fabulous people are passionate about life, Fabulous people are competent, Fabulous people are delightfully authentic etc).  One of the chapters I enjoyed the most was the chapter called: Fabulous people have flair (yes, I know it sounds trivial, but it was quite interesting!). 

This chapter spoke about how your clothes make you stand out.  You don’t need to wear designer duds or trendy pieces—you can wear basics, but you must make it your own! It could be done with jewellery, a beat up leather jacket or whatever piece of clothing you like.  The author firmly believes that everyone who wants to be fab must wear clothes that fit and look good, as it shows that you care and take pride in what you look like.  Even if you are running out to grocery shop, a fabulous person always looks good.  Reading this chapter was similar to watching an episode of What Not To Wear.  Perhaps that’s why I liked it sooo much!  : )

I will admit that I liked this book. It was a short easy read that dispensed good advice on what you can do to set yourself apart from others.  I did promise myself to do a few things that the author suggested. One thing that I will definitely do is put my cell away when spending time with friends. (pssst, I am ashamedly guilty of texting while out with friends).   I will stop....I promise!

About the Author

Ellen Lubin-Sherman

After earning her undergraduate degree in communications and then a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL), Ellen went to work for some of NYC’s top communications firms, advising top tier brands including The Gap, Perrier Water, and Martha Stewart. In 1998 Ellen started her own company, specializing in brand awareness for lifestyle and beauty products.

Four years later Ellen repositioned her eponymous company to become LAUNCH, a coaching and consulting firm for business leaders and corporations who need to craft the visuals and the messages that will burnish their reputation as leaders and differentiate them in the marketplace.

Today, in addition to executive coaching and consulting, Ellen is a sought-after speaker for companies and groups that are desperate to know how they can become fabulous.

Michelle

Rest in Peace, Whitney

I know that when a celeb dies, the first thing you see is an outpouring of love via tweets, Facebook and other modes of social media.  It might seem a little disingenuous, but for some, like myself, who want to express our shock and sadness, it is a very appropriate place to convey our thoughts.

I was completely sad to hear about the untimely passing of Whitney Houston. Just like Michael Jackson, she reminds me of my youth.  Songs like “Saving All My Love”, “How Will I Know”, I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” transport me back to a simpler time.    

She was the singer of my generation.  She was one of the few female performers that were able to cross over various genres- R&B, pop, Adult Contemporary—she was music.  Think about it, everyone of every age group knows, “I Will Always Love You”.  That song will transcend time.

Before there was Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Mariah Carey, there was Whitney. She unwittingly paved the illustrious way for other female performers and gave them an idea of what a real performer is.

Although Whitney was on top of the world, she, like most, had her own battles to face. Unfortunately, she had to face them in front of the world. 

I did not know Whitney personally, but I am definitely affected by her loss.  She was a legend, an icon and human.

Rest In Peace, Whitney.

Michelle