Back to Basics: Sam Fine's Top 10 Beauty Lessons

Right: Artist Jennifer Hudson, Left: Beauty Guru Sam Fine

He has beat the faces of some of the hottest celebrities in the industry. From A-list clientele like Tyra Banks, Iman and Jennifer Hudson to pop stars like Beyonce and Jessica Simpson, Sam Fine has made a clear mark in the industry as a makeup guru and the go-to man with the magic hands. So just imagine my delight when I was invited to a private event featuring the acclaimed makeup artist dishing personal beauty tips to editors, bloggers and Twitter fans alike. Hosted in NYC at the Duane Reade midtown location on 35th and Broadway, Sam Fine took us on a tour of the typical drug store beauty isle, offering advice on his favorite drugstore products, tips on makeup application and lessons your mama didn't teach you on how to rock a red lip! If you follow me on Twitter, you got in on all the action LIVE from the store complete with Sam's answers to many of your Twitter questions. If not, here's a rundown of my Top 10 Beauty Lessons learned from Sam Fine...

LoveBrownSugar's Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials

Though I’m not a complete beauty guru, working for a women’s magazine has definitely turned me into somewhat of a PJ (product junkie). Considering all the samples and products I’ve come across in my time as an editor, you would think I knew all the answers to my own beauty questions. Well I don’t. What I do know are the products that have come to be my faves this season. When I find something amazing I stick with it, and I rave about it to everyone who cares to listen. I’m also a huge proponent of staying on budget, so products that promote my inner beauty without demoting my bank account are always a win! The following are my Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials this season…

1. Hair Crème: Tea & Honey Blends Curl Definer, $14.99

As I'm transitioning back to my curls and growing out my relaxer, I'm using extensions to help protect and maintain my hair until it gets to a length I can deal with. In the mean time, I was sent this amazing product from new hair care line Tea & Honey Blends. They boast a great line of Tea & Honey shampoo, leave-in conditioners and styling products. I've fallen in love with their Curl Definer! I apply it after I deep condition and it really helps soften my natural hair before and after styling. And in the harsh winter weather, my tresses need all the moisture they can get.

Runner-up: Mixed Chicks Leave-In. Great moisturizer for thirsty curls.

2. Lip Color: L’Oreal Infallible Stars Collection in Beyonce, $9.99

You guys have heard me rave about this one before. I wore it for THIS post and it is absolutely amazing. Aside from my borderline obsession with Beyonce, this particular color from the collection is really the perfect red for a number of complexions. I’m not as light as Bey, but somehow the shade works for me. And the real kicker: it actually lasts! It will NOT come off. Honestly guys, I tried…

3. Fragrance: Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Natural Spray, $27.00

In the winter, I opt for fragrances with deeper, natural notes like vanilla and cinnamon as opposed to fruity florals for spring. I love the way Carol’s Daughter’s Almond Cookie products smell. They leave me sweet-smelling without being too overpowering. The natural spray adds the perfect touch after the shower. And of course the ingredients are all natural.

4. Mascara: Maybelline Falsies Volum Express, $7.50

This might be my all time favorite product this season. Although I have naturally long lashes, I like to take them to the next level with great mascara. Maybelline is hands down my favorite brand for affordable, trusted mascara. They recently released their Falsies Volum Express product which actually coats your lashes with kerafiber maximizing them in width and length. It’s unbelievable. Seriously.

Runner Up: Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto Voluptuous. Maximizes lash length and adds a little oomph to your wink.

5. Cuticle Crème: Carol’s Daughter Lemon & Jojoba Cuticle Oil

One thing I dread about the onset of cold weather – dry hands and cuticles. It drives me nuts when my winter manicures don’t live up to their fullest potential due to Mother Nature. A dab of this on each cuticle in the morning before you head out makes a huge difference in defending your manicure against harsh conditions.

6. Nail Color: Ginger & Liz "Swagger", $12.00

My gals Ginger & Liz created a gem when they crafted this color. I love it because it’s neutral enough to wear in more professional environments but still has a touch of…well…swag! This light metallic rose gold goes great with everything and never goes out of style. Also their “Blowin' Money Fast” pictured HERE is a great one for fall.

Runner Up: Essie Nail Color in “Chinchilly” pictured HERE. Gray nails are in!

7. Hair Oil: Dr. Miracles Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil, $4.99

Part of their new Follicle Healer line, this Dr.Miracles Hydrating Oil is my go-to for moisturizing my scalp and my edges. It has that same Dr. Miracles "tingly" feeling and comes in an easy to apply bottle with applicator. I also use it as a pre-poo treatment before washing my natural hair. Definitely a mainstay product for winter!

8. Facial Moisturizer: Specific Beauty Daily Hydrating Lotion, $17.99

This new skin care line created by an acclaimed female African-American dermatologist out of Miami, was specifically developed to address hyperpigmentation; discoloration of the skin that can affect many of us sisters, especially in the winter time. Specific Beauty provides an array of great skin products and the Daily Hydrating Lotion happens to be one of my favorites.

Runner Up: OLAY Complete All-Day UV Moisturizer. A great year-round moisturizer.

9. Body Scrub: Shea Moisture Organic Red Bush & Sage

 

In the winter, I make it a point to do a weekly body scrub and pamper my parched skin with moisture. Part of my weekly ritual has been Shea Moisture's Red Bush & Sage scrub. It's luxe, smells amazing and is completely organic. Your skin will literally feel like you've taken a milk bath! Shea Moisture hasn't started sale of this product online so price and availability are TBA. Will update you soon on price and purchase details!

Runner Up: Carol's Daughter Jamaican Punch Sea Salt Scrub. Smells like Jamaica in a bottle.

10. Body Moisturizer: Ambi Soft & Even Creamy Oil Lotion, $8.49

Most people know the AMBI brand for their scar removal products, but recently they've launched a brand of products that cater to the face & body with gentle moisturizing properties. I must confess - I've been using the Creamy Oil Lotion faithfully since the beginning of summer and it hasn't failed me yet! Lightweight so it absorbs quickly, but the perfect amount of oil so I stay moisturized all day.

So, what are your winter beauty essentials? List them below! 

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Jasmine's Fall 2010 Beauty Picks

Well lovelies, the fall season is upon us once again. We're sad to see summer go but looking forward to a new wardrobe and all of the new beauty products out this season. This Fall is all about the details; those accents that add a little punch. My bestie & LBS beauty correspondent Jasmine is back at it again. This time with a rundown of her Fall 2010 Beauty Picks. Here's what she's got up her sleeve (or in her makeup bag)...

Jasmine Says: One beauty trend that I'm totally on board with for the season is the red lip. I’ve been fawning over this look since spring and I finally bought my first red lipstick (actually my first lipstick ever!) early this summer. 

The red lip grabs attention and pumps up the volume on any look. It’s classic, but definitely not for the faint of heart. The key to making it work is picking the right color for your skin tone and balancing your other makeup with it. Most beauty experts say that pink and blue based reds work best with cool skin tones and brown based or warm reds go well with warm tones. I don’t really know if there’s a science behind choosing the right red but I personally think you should try 'em out until you find what works for you!  

Top Picks: Kores Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipstick in Red 56, NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio.

Jasmine Says: 90's grunge "slept in" or smudged shadows are in!

Flipping through magazine ads and pictures of the Fall 2010 runway shows, I couldn’t help but notice the explosion of 90s grunge looks. I’m not sure yet if I like it or not, but one look from the trend that I might try is the smudgy eye, a la Kate Moss. It's a good alternative to the smoky eye and you can make it work with different colors. To rock the smudgy eye without looking like you literally just woke up in your makeup, you need:  An eye smudger or Q-tip, a great eyeliner, and maybe even a dab of Vaseline (which I normally use on my eyes when I’m looking for a low key night look).

Jasmine Says: Deep Purple Accents rule this season.

Every season, the fashion and beauty world crowns one color the “It” color for the season. This season, the beauty buzz has been all around purple. From nail polish to lip color and eyeshadow, purple has been popping up in a big way. It can work with edgy rocker looks or elegant red carpet looks. I plan on getting a plum lip stain and definitely the Sephora by Opi nail polish in "Just a Little Dangerous" to give my fall wardrobe that regal feel.

Jasmine Says: The one thing for the fall that should accompany everyone’s wardrobe (and go beyond being a trend) is healthy hair and skin. Your hair and skin are your foundation, and any beauty trend will look better if your base is healthy. 

I’d like to highlight argan oil again. I’ll be using some products made with argan oil to treat my hair, nails and skin this season. I just purchased a Hydrating Hair Mask made with argan oil to use as a new deep conditioner and I’ll be using my Josie Maran oil as my daily moisturizer. 

What are some of your beauty essentials this fall? Soundoff below!

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Best of Beauty: Jasmine's Birthday Treats

So it’s practically the end of summer and the beginning of transition time for fall weather. Though we might be switching up the closet and swapping maxi dresses for chunky cardigans, our beauty products are still in rotation! Beauty correspondent (and my bestie) Jasmine who was responsible for the Spring Beauty Trends lineup, got an amazing gift for her birthday this month. As the beauty junkie of our group, it only made sense that this year instead of money or other gifts, she requested a beauty basket. A personalized gift basket is one of the more creative and thoughtful gift ideas for any occasion because you can combine the items that people want, need and love into one nice package. Another plus: you can tailor it to fit your budget!

Inside Her Basket: A Hanae Mori butterfly roller ball, Essie protein base coat and Essie To Dry For top coat, Josie Maran argan oil and moisturizing stick, Sephora by Opi Chic Prints for nails, True Blue Spa Beauty Booties moisturizing gel socks/soothing socklets, HEMPZ herbal moisturizer, Fresh Sugar Lychee eau de parfum rollerball, Carol’s Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub, Bath & Body Works aromatherapy pillow mist in sleep - lavendar vanilla.

Here's Jasmine’s personal rundown of the standout products thus far…

1. Josie Maran argan oil moisturizing stick: It took a scar on my elbow from scary to barely there! I used it liberally on the scar whenever I remembered, and it reduced the appearance of the scar so much that I almost can’t find it.The mixture of Vitamin E and fatty acids in the oil do wonders for the skin and can help with a number of skin ailments including sunburns, bug bites, and dry skin. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a natural moisturizer, especially one that’s portable and affordable. At only $6 for a mini tube and $22 for the larger lipstick-lookalike tube, who could live without this miracle stick? Shop Josie Maran

2. Sephora by Opi Chic Prints for nails: They are the brainchild of the brilliant people behind Minx for those of us who want to stay on budget. I tried the decals in tiger print and after my first horrible attempt, I got the idea that you have to file them to fit your nails and they ended up looking like this (pictured above). I was definitely pleased with the results and would buy again for those times when I’m not in the mood to go to the salon. And they come in different designs including chrome lace, stars and fishnet. Anyone who rocks these will definitely be getting stopped for compliments. Shop Sephora

3. Carol’s Daughter Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub: It smells like an amazing dessert the second you pop the lid open. The real brown sugar crystals in the scrub made me forget for two seconds that I was supposed to put it on my skin and not in my stomach. And like all of the line’s products, this one is all natural. The oil and sugar crystals slough away the dead skin and leave your skin supple and smooth. I think it’s a great way to de-stress after a long week. Shop Carol's Daughter

4. And finally there was the Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum, which is standing out for another reason. It is the only gift that I am planning to exchange out of the basket. The concept sounded great and it could possibly be the right scent for another girl, but I couldn’t see or smell myself putting this perfume on. If anything, it taught me that when shopping for a scent for yourself you cannot underestimate the importance of testing the scent on your own body. The Fresh line has a number of amazing products that I love but this one did not fit anywhere in my beauty regimen. I’ll probably exchange it for more Smith’s Rosebud Salve or some kind of red lipstick.

So that’s my beauty basket review! What products are must-haves in your beauty basket?