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Beauty Stylist

May 17, 2013

Bikini-Ready Beauty Secrets


To give you that extra boost of confidence, our Beauty Stylist Tannah Ives from Thousand Oaks shares her favorite skincare tips to get ready for bikini weather.
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Tone. Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control Treatment targets cellulite before it starts, leaving your skin looking smoother and firmer. Pair the treatment with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Body, which enhance your natural curves by adding a golden, tan touch.

Remove unwanted hair. The Bliss Poetic Waxing At-Home Hair Removal Kit is amazing! It comes with its own microwavable cup, along with a calming pre- and post-waxing oil, making at-home head-to-toe hair removal simple, comfortable and convenient. Also by Bliss are Ingrown Eliminating Pads, which fix lumps and bumps on legs and bikini areas.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream is perfect for the lady who doesn’t want to wax. Its rich and creamy formula contains moisturizing essential oils and herbal extracts. The brand’s Gentle Exfoliating Body Scrub contains aloe vera and chamomile to help calm skin, smooth, and exfoliates dead surface cells for after a shave.

Exfoliate. Do this regularly with Clinique’s Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream. It ‘s oil-free and stimulates, invigorates and refines rough skin. Use in the shower; the refreshing menthol scent will stay with you all day!

Be sure to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. L’Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter comes in a beautiful tin that travels easily. This wonderful product glides onto skin in one swipe, and it replenishes moisture and calms skin in no time.

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May 15, 2013

Your Quick Guide to a Radiant, Sunless Tan

This year, it’s all about getting the perfect summer tan without the harmful sun damage. We consulted Beauty Stylist Cassi Coulter at Nordstrom Mission Viejo, and she shared her favorite products for looking perfectly sun-kissed—with no sun required.

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Self Tanners

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Tinted Self Tanning Gelée gives a heavenly tan as well as a soft bronze shimmer when applied. Its color starts to develop in under an hour.

Xen-Tan Mousse Intense is a great weekly self tanner for face and body that gives a more natural-looking olive undertone. It’s streak-free and oil-free, and it smells delicious.

Last but not least: Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel. One of the first self tanners to hit the market, this gel is quickly absorbed, and it’s beautiful on both the face and body.

Expert tip: be sure to exfoliate before any self tanning application, and always apply to well-dried skin.

Bronzers

Perfect your glow with Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, one of my favorites—a little goes a long way. I use the ‘Golden Light’ shade for fair skin and the ‘Medium’ shade for warmer skin with cinnamon undertones.

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder (in shade 03 or 04) is also a beautiful way to give the face, neck and décolletage a warm summer glow.

Expert Tip: You can also use bronzer to color-correct. If your face and neck are lighter than your body, you can even out your skin tone by applying bronzer with a large fluffy brush—like the Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush—on your neck and all around the edges of your face (jawline, hairline and sides of face).

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May 10, 2013

3 Trending Beauty Looks for Spring and Summer

We asked 3 different Beauty Stylists to create a face chart to complement the looks our Personal Stylists put together on The Thread. The common theme in the beauty looks that came back? Eye color that POPS!

If you haven’t tried colored eyeliner, now is the time. Easily rock this look from the office to happy hour! Here are a few tips on how.

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“When applying a striking colored eyeliner, make sure to keep the rest of your eye makeup simple (think mascara and soft shadow on top only) and try lining just the bottom waterline of your eye with the pencil. Blend it into your lashes with a blending brush to make sure there are no harsh lines.”—Elyse Reneau, South Coast Plaza, CA

“I smudged Stila Eyeliner in Periwinkle on the bottom lash line for a simple pop of color and an effortless, chic look.

“Black mascara on the upper lashes keeps the eyes looking lifted while blue or colored mascara below gives your lashes a flirty butterfly affect. Try YSL ‘Volume Effet Faux Cils’ in #3 Extreme Blue.” —Joy Schmitz, Mall of America, MN

“I applied Laura Mercier Caviar Crème Eyeliner in Indigo using an angled eyeliner brush. The creamy consistency of this product, combined with the angle on the brush will give you a perfect line every time. For a softer look, you can smudge the eyeliner a bit, but once it sets, it’s water resistant! Start with a small amount; you can always add more.”—Elina Dugan, The Village at Corte Madera, CA

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May 1, 2013

Stylist Spotlight: Victoria Levy Talks Shop

Meet Victoria Levy, a Nordstrom Beauty Stylist of two years, based at our Seattle flagship store. Victoria is on a mission to help you love what YOU see in the mirror.

BEAUTY 24/7: What is the best thing about your job?
VICTORIA LEVY: The best thing about my job (by far) is the opportunity I have to make women LOVE what they see in the mirror. Many of my clients come to me when they are going through a major life change—a new job, marriage, divorce—and playing with makeup and skincare allows them to recharge their batteries and refresh their looks. Being able to inspire confidence and heighten a client’s self-esteem is incredibly rewarding.

BEAUTY 24/7: How can we break out of a makeup rut?
VICTORIA: Visit your favorite counter and challenge the beauty advisor to teach you how to use the colors that you’d typically never wear. One of my favorite low-risk ways to play with color is eyeliner. A deep teal or emerald green is incredibly on-trend right now, but it looks clean and daytime-appropriate with neutral shadows.

BEAUTY 24/7: What other hues do you love for makeup this season?
VICTORIA: I am obsessed with rich plummy browns and deep greens! I love a monotone look with emphasis on eyes, lips and cheeks. To keep it from looking too “done,” use multitasking matte colors with the same undertone. Use your peachy blush as an unexpected crease color, as well as on the apples of your cheeks. Emerald green is huge. For a subtle eye-brightening effect, I press M·A·C Eye Kohl in Minted into the lash line.

BEAUTY 24/7: Tell us about runway makeup trends for spring that we can try at home.
VICTORIA: Contoured cheeks are huge this season. To enhance contours, layer highlighting powder on the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the cupid’s bow of your lips and the top of your chin. M·A·C. Mineralize Skinfinish adds a glow to even the palest winter skin.

BEAUTY 24/7: What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
VICTORIA: Too often, we see women who don’t take care of their skin and try to remedy the resulting issues with makeup—great age-appropriate skincare is imperative! Recently, I seem to have a lot of clients who avoid using eye cream, which is a HUGE mistake, as often the eye area is the most revealing of someone’s true age. In terms of color, I think the biggest issue for women to overcome is the fear of trying something new. In the words of François Nars, “Don’t be so serious—it’s only makeup”.

BEAUTY 24/7: Which five beauty products can’t you live without?
VICTORIA: My Clarisonic! For skin, I’m addicted to any (and every!) thing by La Mer. Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara has been a fixture on my vanity since it launched a few years ago. I also always have a couple of tubes of YSL Glossy Stains in the bottom of my bag—#8 and #29 are my current favorites.

Live chat with a Beauty Stylist today. Our experts can guide you through the wide world of beauty, from makeup to skincare to fragrance.

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April 17, 2013

Beauty Basics: 5 Must-Have Brushes

Brushes—concealer, brow, lip, cheek, finishing, angled, face, contour—the list goes on and on. There are so many brushes out there (we have over 400 online), how’s anyone supposed to know where to even start? Our Beauty Stylists (meet them at the end) are ready to help with a makeup brush breakdown; here are their top 5 essentials.

1. FOUNDATION. I use the Shiseido Foundation Brush for perfect liquid foundation application. This brush pushes the foundation into the skin and is a miracle worker for anyone suffering from the dreaded “light dots” that happen when foundation settles on top of their pores. —Megan


2. POWDER. Nordstrom Powder Brush is my new favorite powder brush! I use this to set my foundation, and sometimes when I want a little more coverage, I use it to buff my full-coverage powder on. The bristles are silky soft, and it doesn’t scratch my sensitive skin—even after constant washes it still feels like a new brush. It gives a flawless finish to even the most textured skin. Tip: use it in a circular buffing action. —Candace

3. VERSATILITY. Smashbox Crease Brush #10 is my ‘can’t live without’ brush; I use it for everything! I use it to blend my creamy shadows (as well as powder shadows) and to set my concealer under my eyes, but most important, it allows me to give definition to my nose! It’s the perfect sized brush to contour my not-so-flattering nose and give it that slimmer and defined look. End of story! —Candace


4. BLENDING. M•A•C 217 Blending Brush is the essential eyeshadow brush that everyone needs to own. An entire eye look can be created with this brush alone. Pat it to apply color, use in the crease to make the perfect defined eye, or use it clean to blend colors together. —Megan


5. CONTOUR & BLUSH. I can’t say enough about the NARS Kabuki Artisan Brush. It’s amazing for contouring and for blush application! Used on its side, it cups the cheek just right and diffuses color in all the right places. —Rachel

Meet the contributing Beauty Stylists:



Megan Dugan, St. Louis Galleria in St. Louis, MO
Candace Duong, South Shore Plaza in Braintree, MA
Rachel Valdez, The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio, TX

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April 16, 2013

Make the Best of the Face You See in the Mirror

Are you armed with everything you need to put your best face confidently forward? As we transition into spring, let our beauty stylists expertly curate the products specific to your seasonal and long-term needs—and make your beauty routine a breeze. As Frédéric Fekkai says, “Spend less time in the mirror and more time feeling wonderful.”

Get to know your beauty stylists! Stop by your favorite Nordstrom, call 1.800.7beauty or chat online.

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March 21, 2013

Get to Know Nordstrom Beauty Stylist James Webb

Meet James Webb, a man on a mission to help you put your best face forward.

BEAUTY 24/7: How long have you been a Nordstrom Beauty Stylist?
JAMES WEBB: Since the beginning (going on three years). I was excited to sell across all brands, and I love that I’m able to be honest with all of my clients by showing them the products that work especially for their needs.

What can customers expect when partnering with a Nordstrom Beauty Stylist?
JAMES: They can expect an expert across all brands to guide them through their makeup needs. It costs nothing to get started; it’s a free service we offer! You can make an appointment by coming in, going online or calling our beauty hotline.

Describe your personal approach to beauty.
JAMES: I love giving a luxurious touch to all of my clients’ experiences by remembering the simple things: their names, the products they love, past purchases of theirs so I can follow up. I treat my clients like they are my oldest friends—making them feel beautiful by showing them that less is more.

Who is your style inspiration?
JAMES: I work in a high-end, fast-paced mall, so I love to people-watch. In between helping clients, I sit at our eBar and watch the good and the bad walk past. Sometimes I see a technique of makeup I would never think of trying, but this person is wearing it so well that I run back and try my own interpretation of that very same look. In the land of cosmetics, life can get a little mundane, so it’s nice to shake it up.

Which five beauty products can’t you live without?
JAMES: 1. The Hydrating Infusion by La Mer is a product for every person, regardless of age or skin concerns. This infusion instantly promotes hydration. Over time, skin will become softer and pore size will reduce. My favorite part is that it works with any other skincare system and will enhance the results of your current routine.

2. Chanel VITALUMIÈRE foundation goes on amazingly smooth. It’s made to mimic your own skin tone and texture. The result is a gorgeous finish.

3. Laura Mercier Radiance Primer has all of the best qualities of a primer without the heavy silicon feel. It keeps your foundation on longer and goes on smoother with the added bonus of a beautiful, radiant finish. Most of all, it’s at a great price.

4. Yves Saint Laurent Effet Faux Cils Mascara gives such a dramatic and fluffy lash, transforming a natural lash to a voluminous one with ease. This is the best mascara for any event. It’s long-wearing but washes off easily.

5. M·A·C Eye Kohl in Teddy is great for a woman or man looking for a smoldering eye look without a lot of work. It’s a soft bronze that’s suitable for day or night, truly making your eyes glow.

What are five non-beauty-related things you can’t live without?
JAMES: I can’t live without my iPhone, my iPad, my Apple TV, my dog and my car.

Want more expert tips and advice? Drop by the Beauty Counter at your favorite Nordstrom store (James works at our #360 Fashion Valley store in San Diego, CA) or check out our Beauty Stylist page for more info on booking an appointment and live chat.

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January 15, 2013

Ski-Bunny Beauty: Ski-Slope Skincare Essentials

How to maintain your glow while making the most of cold, harsh weather conditions? Whether you’ll be swishing down Aspen Mountain or lounging in the lodge, we’ve got expert tips from Heather Baker, one of the Beauty Stylists at our Park Meadows store in Lone Tree, Colorado.

It’s that time of year when we switch scenes from high-glamour holiday to the effortless radiance of après-ski! If you want to look (and feel) your best when you hit the slopes, here are a few tips for a healthy, radiant look.

1. Protect & Prep: First things first…protect yourself with CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 50. Next, prep your skin for foundation with Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer (this will not only help your makeup last all day but will also keep your skin hydrated in the dry mountain air).

Looking for a lightweight and waterproof foundation? Look no more: M•A•C Face and Body Foundation is the answer. I love to apply this with a M•A•C 187 Brush.

2. Rosy Cheeks & Lips: To give your cheeks a flushed look, I recommend NARS ‘The Multiple’ Stick in ‘Orgasm’–you can use this awesome product on the cheeks, lips and eyes!

For cute and hydrated lips, apply Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in your favorite shade, then top with Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner to stay smooth and moisturized!

 3. Eyes with a Touch of Shimmer: Trish McEvoy Eye Base in ‘Demure’ is perfect for a quick, easy eye. Sweep some of this primer (it has just a touch of glitter) all over the lid for a natural, effortless look.

Eyeliner is optional on the mountain, but if you want your eyes to stand out, try the stila ‘stay all day’ waterproof liquid eyeliner in dark brown for a more natural look.

Lastly, make your lashes long and beautiful with Dior ‘Diorshow New Look’ Mascara, then finish off with the Anastasia Waterproof Topcoat–it will make sure all that melting powder doesn’t give you raccoon eyes.

Now, my ski-bunny friends, you are ready to hit the slopes!

Ski slope and vintage skier via Stowe Mountain Resort and Ski Vermont.

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