Photo Op! The FACE THIS Guide to the Best Instagram Style and Beauty for Winter

It’s that time of year again when everything you wear, every pumpkin spice latte, every holiday décor, and every makeup look becomes an “insta-moment” begging for the perfect photo.  If you want this year’s photos to one-up last year’s pics then it is time for an update.  Here is the Face This guide to the top beauty and fashion looks that will garner lots of likes and not have you stressing out rather than enjoying the holidays.  Consider this your cheat sheet shortcut to Instagram-worthy style.  

Makeup:  last year was all about contour, sharp-edged eyebrows, and ombré lips.  If you don’t want to be called out as an “Insta-victim” embrace a more natural look, using “non-touring”, soft full eyebrows, blended eyeliner, and choose either a smoky eye or deep berry-toned lip, but not both.  Leave the harsh edged lines and unnatural skin tone to last year’s feed and let your own authentic beauty and uniqueness shine through.  No more clones – or clowns.  The holidays are too busy for a 10 step, time-consuming beauty routine.

Hair:  the biggest hair crime of the holidays is spending too much time one it when you could be doing one million other things.  Make sure you have your hair cut and colored in advance so there is no last minute panic.  Commit to easy styles that aren’t trendy so that you look like the best version of yourself and not some trend-aholic.  You don’t want to look back in years to come and be horrified by your hairstyle.  Instagram is just that – instant gratification, but these photos are your life and are today’s photo album, so err on the side of classic great taste and veer away from the trendy - your future-self with thank you. Unfussy buns, loose braids, sleek ponytails, and side parts with touchable hair that moves is romantic, chic, and most of all easy to achieve.  For a little something extra, try hair embellishments for some sparkle and drama. 

Read my post about holiday hair embellishments for inspiration:

Party Style: Choose one amazing color to stand out and feel festive, ground it with black, and add well-placed bling that doesn’t compete with the holiday lights.  A sexy, fitted sheath dress in deep red with a jeweled neckline means you don’t have to look for the perfect necklace.  If jeans are your uniform, no need to leave your comfort zone to dress for the festivities.  Look for jeans that are embellished with rhinestones, pair with a silky shoulder-baring blouse and sequined pumps and you will be the envy of everyone who overdressed and can’t eat or move – and what’s the point of a holiday party if you can’t enjoy yourself?? 

Baby, it’s cold outside!  No need to bulk up to be warm and cozy on the weekends.  Skinny jeans in over-the-knee suede boots, chunky striped sweaters, and cashmere scarves won’t have you drowning enormous layers.  When the temperature dips throw on a great parka in a neutral color over top and pop on a beanie.  You don’t hibernate all winter, so neither should your sense of style!

You better WORK! You work hard and so should your accessories. Investment pieces like classic watches and handbags go the distance all year round and are instagram gold.  This year scarves are a fresh addition and can give a chic update to any outfit.  Worn on the wrist, tied to purse handles, as a neck scarf or pocket square, they are luxurious and feminine and beg for a photo.  Embellishments elevate the classic sweatshirt to profession level and are just about the most comfortable item to wear to work.  Athleisure wear hits the boardroom - that’s a trend that can hang around, thank you very much!

Follow these style and beauty tips and be Instagram-ready for all your photo ops - no Instagram regrets this year! 

                                                                                    XOXO Shelley

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Model Crush Monday – Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel

You know that face, but you REALLY know that body!  South African-born Candice Swanepoel has been a Victoria’s Secret star for years, and one of the brand’s most bankable Angels, so much so, that her career has largely been defined by her bombshell body mixed with girl-next-door looks. 

Growing up on a farm in South Africa and scouted at a local flea market at the age of fifteen, Candice worked throughout Europe for the first two years of her career before taking a giant leap of faith at age eighteen, embarking on solo trip to NYC.  She was quickly booked by Victoria’s Secret standing out for her wholesome looks, her athleticism, and amazing curves.  No one could – or still can to this day –pop a hip and sway her back like Candice. She is the golden girl on the beach with the light blue eyes, long blonde hair, and lean muscles.  A quick change and she is sultry and suggestive in lingerie.  She has become quite possibly one of the most recognized models in the world due to her phenomenal success as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. 

Crossing over into editorial and campaign work was natural for Candice, shooting with Bruce Weber, Gilles Bensimon, Mario Testino and Steven Meisel.  During an era of unrecognizable clone models without a hint of a curve or personality, Candice harkens back to the era of the supermodels who strutted the runaways as powerful women, not androgynous teenagers. 

Taking a break to become a first-time mom, Candice recently gave birth to her first son Anaca. We know it won’t be long before she is back in front of the camera, creating beautiful images and making us all try just that little bit harder to push ourselves at the gym.  Not a bad thing at all.  Who doesn’t dream of being a boho beach goddess with a rocking body?  Come back soon Candice! 

                                                            XOXO Shelley

Candice’s Instagram:  @angelcandices

#supermodels #top ranked models #Candice Swanepoel #Victoria’s Secret Angles #top swimwear models #top lingerie models #Shelley Goodstein #Model Crush Monday #facethis.blogspot.com #Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Ski Bunny Chic: The New Beauty and Style Guide

Winter getaways aren’t always about the tropics, beaches, and bikinis.   Escapes to snowy destinations, mountains, adrenalin-filled skiing, cozy fireplaces, and chalet-chic are just as desirable, and call for a whole different beauty routine, not to mention style update.  Let’s face it – you are there as much for the après ski as for the skiing, and looking good both on and off the piste is crucial and non-negotiable. 

Just because practicality dictates that you have to be warm and comfortable to really enjoy yourself, don’t throw style to the wind.  Athletic wear has evolved to be warmer and sleeker than in the past, so no one needs to look sloppy, or puffed out like a Michelin man in a big duvet.  Keeping to a crisp white or sharp black palette allows you to mix and match your ski wardrobe and make a graphic statement on and off the slopes.  Choose leggings and turtlenecks that are meant for winter sports, that hug your curves and are designed using high-tech fabrics, silks and wool blends for ultimate warmth without the bulk.  If you are temped to accessorize with fur, be kind and wear fake fur. The best designers of winter wear now offer amazing fake fur options that are indiscernible from the real thing.  Large metallic reflective ski goggles and eyewear give a chic, futuristic touch.  Bare your skin like the models in fashion editorials at your own risk. Being frozen is not chic.

 

Speaking of skin, adjusting your beauty routine for colder, drier air, for mountainous elevations, and glaring reflective sunlight is a must.  Start with a hydrating serum or a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump with moisture.  Apply your sunscreen liberally and make sure it offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage.  Keep a small tube or stick handy to reapply during the day.  Don’t forget your lips as they show the first signs of being dry and affected by the sun.  Look for a super hydrating lip balm with a high SPF and a touch of color tint and reapply often.  Use a neutral palette for the your eyes, lips and cheeks to set off the bright whites, blacks, and metallic accessories that you are wearing. 

While it makes sense to have your hair up or back while you ski, après ski is the perfect time to let your hair down and be sexy and natural.  Leave your hair extensions off while you ski and put your hair into braids under your hat or headband.  When you let the braids out you will have natural waves in two seconds flat.  Add your hair extensions, give your makeup a quick touch up by brushing your brows, use a little highlighter on your cheekbones to set off the rosy, healthy glow you got from skiing, and apply lip color. Nothing says glamorous winter fun like ski bunny chic!

xoxo Shelley

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