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

Ask Michelle

Dear Michelle,

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthy and lose weight.  I’m proud to say that I am starting to exercise and I am slowly but surely learning how to eat better.  I’m not obsessing over losing tons of weight, but I could stand to lose a couple (okay 20) pounds.

I’m trying to eat healthy by cutting out fast food.  I might have it once in a while, but for now I want to be healthy.  My problem is that when I hang out with my friends, they only want to eat fast food. We don’t make a lot of money, so eating on the cheap is usually food that’s bad for us (e.g. fries, fried chicken, and cheesy pizzas). 

How do I tell my friends that I want to hang out with them, but I don’t want to eat junk food all the time?  How can I do that without offending my friends?

Signed, No More Grease!

Dear No More Grease,

That’s commendable of you that you want to live a healthier lifestyle. I’m sure that you can do it as long as you stay focused.

Your friends on the other hand, might stand in your way of achieving your goal.  I’m not saying that you have to ditch them and find some healthy friends (that might help or at least hang out with like minded people), but you have to tell them that you’re watching what you eat and that you don’t to be tempted by unhealthy choices.

I know it’s kinda scary confronting your friends, but it might help you in the long round.  The next time your friends ask if you want to grab a quick bite, just say to them, “I would love to, but I’ve given up fast food for a bit; would you mind going for something light?”  Okay, I realize that they might mock you for that, but you need to inform them of your path to healthier living.  Either that or you might need to limit your time you hang out with your friends.

Hope that helps!

If you would like Michelle to help you with any of your work, relationship or friend issue,  e-mail her at michelle at happygrrls.com

Michelle

Happy New Year!!

I’m a tad bit late, but I didn’t want to start the year without wishing my online friends a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  Let’s hope 2012 is great!

As usual, when a new year begins, I like to reflect on the year that just passed.  I typically write about the artists, songs and videos that that left a mark on the previous year, but this time around I would like to focus solely on the artists that impacted me.

When I think of the insanely awesome music that was released in 2011, there are 2 artists that come to mind right away—Adele and Bruno Mars.

I am a fan of other artists—Rihanna, Usher, Kanye West, Drake etc., but Adele and Bruno Mars not only produced music, they created art.

Artist of the Year- Female

Truth be told, I jumped on the Adele bandwagon way later than most.  A few years back I heard that the talented songstress was the second coming of Amy Winehouse, but I was happy with Amy, so I didn’t seek her out.  I appreciated Adele’s throwback, Motown-y voice and style, but just one Amy was good enough for me.

When I heard the song Chasing Pavements, I thought to myself “who sings this song cuz it’s freaking amazing!  ” I still didn’t call myself an Adele fan when I found out that she was the incredible singer behind the song.  Even when her widely beloved single, Rolling in the Deep hit the airwaves and was embraced by all, she still didn’t get me.  No, I’m not proud of my stubborn ways.

What was the song that finally got me you ask....?  Someone Like You. 

The first time I heard the emotionally charged song (a song I could sadly relate to) was when I sat down to watch some TV.   I got comfy on the couch to do some serious channel surfing and I landed on the 2011 BRIT Awards. She wore a black dress, hair pulled back, and stood with a microphone in hand and accompanied by her piano player. Then, she belted out a larger than life song with intense honesty and vulnerability. I froze. I was mesmerized by her power.

It was magic. I have never witnessed such artistry in all my life. She killed the performance! Her voice was so damn amazing she didn’t even need the piano man.  It was real, deep and melancholy.  I was overcome with emotion. I couldn’t help but tear up.  Adele finally got me.

From that day on I became an Adele fan.  

Artist of the Year- Male

Unlike my initial hesitant feelings for Adele, I liked Bruno Mars from the very beginning. He appeared on the scene when I was getting sooo sick of hearing mindless drivel and longed to hear music that made me feel something...anything!   And listening to his soulful, Motown inspired ditties, was like the answers to my prayers.

I previously declared my undying love for Bruno Mars—née Peter Gene Hernandez, last year with his unrequited love anthem, Grenade.  I enjoyed his earlier releases- Just The Way You Are, Nothin’ On You- B.O.B  f/ Bruno Mars, but Grenade solidified his talent.  Anyone that can make gut wrenching heartache sound so endearing was okay in my book.

Just when I thought that I couldn’t love him anymore, he released his ode to slothfulness – The Lazy Song.  As surprising as it sounds, it was actually very good! (Classic line- I’ll be lounging on the couch just chilling in my Snuggie, Click to MTV so they teach me how to Dougie...”) C’mon, you know you liked it too!

To me Bruno was one of the best artists of 2011 because he didn’t sound like everyone else.  He created a distinctive nostalgic style that made him one of the coolest artists to work with.    

I’m not the only one that thinks he can do no wrong.  At the 2011 MTV VMA Awards he was asked to pay tribute to Amy Winehouse by performing her song, Valerie.  And of course, he did a great job.

Just like Adele, Bruno’s music captured the sound of Motown with lush orchestration and doo wop melodies.  Even his look is a throwback to the 50s and 60s.  Seriously, can anyone else can rock a pompadour quite like Bruno? 

Honourable Mention- Nicki Minaj

I had to add Nicki Minaj to the mix.  She may not be the best Emcee ever, but she gave us something we never thought we wanted with our rap:  entertainment.  What other rapper would wear multi-coloured wigs (BTW, I’m would soooooooooo love to rock any one of them!), crazyass get-ups and from time to time, would speak with a British accent? Um, Nicki would! 

As side from her eccentric behaviour, her music took an introspective tone on some of her songs.  In her hit single Moment 4 Life - f/ Drake, she was able to speak about her impending fame and embracing her popularity. 

Nicki was definitely the golden girl in 2011 as her music stayed on the charts for the entire year. Hits like Super Bass, Your Love,  Fly- f/ Rihanna ruled the airwaves and iTunes. 

My fave thing about Nicki is how she injects her crazy persona throughout her music and videos.  She’s one of the handful of people that can truly embrace different personalities in song without being committed. Thanks for the fun, Nicki!

Those are my picks for 2011.  Who were your fave artists?

Michelle

My early Christmas present

Mark &  Jem on the radio

(Photo credit: Wayne Williams / W2 Images)

I fell in love with radio personalities Mark & Jem aka - the dynamic duo, in 2001.  I thoroughly enjoyed their hilarious banter and outrageous antics on their early morning program – The Morning Rush on that other radio station that shall remain nameless.  I loved the show so much that I sought out Jem (pssst... she’s my bff, okay, in my head that is!) and begged for an interview.  Being the sweetest and nicest person ever, she agreed and I had the pleasure of interviewing her.

For the past 5 years I have waited with bated breath to see Mark and Jem return to radio.  I was always upset that they were abuptly given walking papers from their previous employer in 2006 without informing their very loyal audience as to what happened to our fave hosts.  Even though I knew they were gone from the station, I would tune in periodically and hope and pray that Mark and Jem’s voice would emanate from the radio.

My heartfelt prayers were answered in late November 2011 when I heard that they would bless us all with their new morning radio program on the new station G98.7fm. Soooo happy! 

G 98.7 fm is the first ever Urban Adult Contemporary format serving the Greater Toronto Area, encompassing a broad and mature mix of new and old R&B, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop, Gospel and Smooth Jazz music.

I tuned into Mark and Jem’s show (Mon- Fri 6am - 10 am) on my morning trek and I fell in love all over again.  They are what the airwaves needed.

This is the best Christmas present ever. Thanks for coming back to radio.

Michelle