Conceal/Reveal: An Update

Last month I had the privlege of working on the NBC sitcom, "Go On" with the fabulous, Ms. Kymber Blake, (a dear friend and extraordinary makeup artist). Stepping into that trailer was an utter joy, and I wanted to take a moment to share some great, new products I picked up along the way, (as well as answer some questions I've been getting from friends about makeup application). So for the next few days I'll be bringing you makeup tips, products, and How-To's to get you prepped for some Thanksgiving glam!

To begin with, I wanted to quickly update my former concealer blog, Conceal/Reveal, which you can check out to see some of my standbye, favorite, dark circle banishers. However, I picked up two fantastic, new products that are making their way up my list. The first was introduced to me by Kymber, and that's the Amazing Concealer, which you can purchase at Sephora, (or if you're in LA) Nigel's in Burbank. 

Amazing is a full coverage, stay put, absolutely opaque concealer which looks phenomenal when blended out with a little eye creme, (or if you're in the biz--244 fluid). This tiny tube is a little pricey at 27$ and $42 a pop, but one tube will certainly go for about 4-5 months. It's ultra thick and rich and a tiny dab lasts all day. This is one I really recommend for new moms or those with truly dark circles that the average concealer won't fully cover. This is also great for scar coverage, melasma, and other discolorations. You can even wipe out a tattoo with it!

The second is one I discovered while actually shopping for "Amazing". This is Inglot, a beautiful, Polish line manufactured entirely in the EU.

 

I stumbled across it last week at Nigel's Beauty Emporium in Burbank. Inglot concealers come in an extremely wide range of colors, and they're very moist and malleable with a bit of shine to pop the skin. You can check them out at Inglot.com and find a location near you, or you can shop them directly at Nigel's if you live in LA. What I like about the line is the ease and portability, (everything is modular and can be popped in and out of palettes). What also drew me to test drive a couple shades was the fact that the refill concealers were only $5.00 a pop!

So I began. I applied my test colors literally onto bare skin. No moisturizer, no base, no primer. Just me and the product. Because there's mineral oil in the these I wanted to see how they laid directly on the skin with no help at all--for those quickie days when you're truly on the go!

After having placed a full layer on the top of my lid, my undereye, and al the way out to my cheekbone, I went in again and popped a bit more in the inner corners for coverage.

I pressed gently to pat the product into place. A gentle tap and then a quick set with a powder brush to set.

And this is it. Full disclosure: there is no other makeup is on my face except for mascara. Just Inglot concealer and me.

I may have to add this bad boy to the regular arsenal. So for those of you looking for fun and cheap, head over to Inglot.com to check out all their US locations. And for those crazy, sleepless night, invest in Amazing. You won't be sorry!

With Love,

Noa B

Morning Coffee Rock & Roll Style

Apologies for the lapses between blog updates. With crazy shooting schedules, trips back and forth to the airport, and a new kitty in the house, I feel as though I'm never in front of my computer.

 

But today I finally have a (semi), day to myself. Even though I have to race about on supply runs, I've got time for a much needed, morning coffee date with a bestie that I've really been missing!

Finding that my life has been a little over-schedued, I've taken to some light, online shopping. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE studs and grommets. These pants by ASOS just arrived on my doorstep!

Lots of brass is one of my favorite elements right now. 

 Hat: H&M, Pant: ASOS, Booties, 7 For All Mankind, Top: Splendid, Jewelry: Mixed, Boutique & Abbott Kinney StreetVendors

It's great to be out on my own today, even if it's to run returns, shop prosthetics, and grab a ton of refill items for my kit. Anything to get out into the beautiful, LA sunshine.

With Love,

Noa B

Racing Out in a Fashion...

It's getting to be cool at night, but absurdly hot shooting in the valley by day. Layering is entirely practical when filming.

And so are really good flats. I'm always in the market for flat, working boots. And I keep all my oldies and goodies by having them refurbished annually. These Kelsis have made it through several seasons thanks to Shoe Lab's overhauls.

 I love cutaways, but I'm a little hesitant to wear them in dresses or tops. For now, I'll stick with backs only.

I'm routinely surprised at how much warmer a simple scarf can keep you.

Scarf: Francesca, Boots: Kelsi Dagger, Microprint Jeans and T: H&M, Jacket: ASOS

With any luck, I'll be shooting indoors a lot more now that our extended summer has truly fled.

With Love,

Noa B

French Connection Meets Renuar

I'm a really big fan of French Connection's clothing, and I've had this Columbine dress earmarked on ASOS for the past month.

Imagine my excitement when this weekend I happened upon this incredibly similar dress as my favorite thrift store, (Out of the Closet) for a buck! Best yet, it happened to be Renuar, a well known, Israeli brand, so I felt lke I'd really scored a hit!

I love the soft interplay of colors, and since it's an easy neutral, I can pair it with any number of scarves and accessories for fall, like warm, chocolate tights and slouchy boots with an oversized coat or granny sweater.

I'm also in love with this trumpet hem. I find that being blessed with hips, I may not be able to rock a trumpet in a peplum, but a hem is up for grabs on any body type!

You just never know what you'll score if you keep your eyes open. I can't wait to throw this on, layered and accessorized for the season. And if I need some inspiration, I can check out more items from Renuar's catalog right here. A few favorite items I might try ordering from abroad include these maxi dresses, and this great, suiting look.

With Love,

Noa B

A Working Wardrobe on Set

For the past few weeks my life has been in a perpetual state of motion. Film, tv, print shoots, and so much more. I'm delighted to be working this week with the most amazing cast and crew on a delightful, NBC sitcom, but my 14 hour days are making blogging a little challenging.

However, this morning I had a couple of hours before heading off to set, and I'm breaking my usual code of "all black" for some much needed color. 

I LOVE caftans for work. They're the easiest thing in the world for staying comfy, loose and limber. 

Can't completely shed the black, but I'm keeping it fixed on my head today...

'Tis the month for pumpkins and squash, whether it's in your Starbucks, or your jeans.

Tunic: Michael Kors, Boots: Sam Edelman, Jeans: Rag and Bone, Hat: H&M, Necklaces: Boutique and Jewelmint

With Love,

Noa B

Gearing up for Fall

It's been great to finally begin layering some fall duds. And with the ritualistic cleansing of my closet came the realization that I now have to begin restocking it all over again.

However, while figuring out what I needed to fill the gaps, I delved into some rarely used pieces that had been confined to the back of the closet until recently.

This simple, light wool blazer with the chain detail.

 

Booties with fuzz.

Frilly, tunic shirts.

Grey denim: my new staple.

Blazer: Charlotte Russe, Booties: Dolce Vita, Blouse: Joie, Beads: Bedouin Vintage, Jeans: Re-sale

There's so much fun in putting together women's wear that looks a bit like men's wear.

With Love,

Noa B

Halloween Fun

Since I'll be working through Halloween this year I was expecially pleased to be able to attend my friend Jen's annual, pre-Halloween bash last Friday. However, coming in from out of town I found myself arriving back to LA with less than an hour to create a costume for said gathering.

Thank goodness for my vintage collection. I rummaged through my closet and at the last minute, decided to commit to a little Barbara, (Streisand that is).

 

Of course, it wouldn't be "vintage" Babs if I didn't channel a little Funny Girl style.

 

The hat came in especially handy...

Dress, Bag and Duster: Vintage, Heels: Sigerson Morrisson, Pearls: Vintage

I didn't have time to sew or paste or construct. But I had one hour of makeup, hair, and a closet ready to roll. Occasionally that's all that is required.

With Love,

Noa B