Monday, April 13, 2015

A little Norstrom love!


The Best-Fitting Jeans For YOUR Butt


Butt Type: BubbleTake a look at your backside in the mirror: If your butt is round all the way around, then you've got a bubble butt. Your derriere likely has a very full shape, and will be best complemented in dark-wash skinnies in a stretchy fabric or boyfriend jeans. Flares aren’t out of the question, either. Mother designer and co-founder Tim Kaeding suggests, “mid-rise skinny jeans in a clean wash and with minimal details on the back pockets.” He explains that low-rise denim could potentially reveal more than you’d like when you're sitting or bending down.

Paige co-founder and creative director Paige Adams-Geller echoes Kaeding, adding, “darker indigo washes or black denim (with no hand sanding) will help in balancing your proportions.” Adams-Geller also suggests a boyfriend jean for anyone who prefers to downplay their assets. Oversized silhouettes might seem counterintuitive for women with shapely rears, but, she explains, "the looser legs of the jean will actually shift the focus off your tush."

Madewell's jean boasts a special denim with tons of stretch, and its high waist has a slightly '70s vibe.
Madewell High Riser Skinny Skinny Jeans in Atlantic, $125, available at Madewell.
 
A nonchalant, dark wash with simple pockets is ideal for bubble butts.
Paige Hidden Heels Straight in Lex, $189, available at Paige.
 
These skinny jeans are made of a super-stretchy denim for a super-soft finish.
Hudson Shine Mid-Rise Skinny, $116, available at Hudson.
 
3x1's amazingly stretchy indigo denim is calling your name.
3x1 The Mid Rise Skinny in No. 3, $195, available at 3x1.
 
Butt Type: FlatFlat-butted women (very official terminology, people) have rears that are, well, flat. The key to jean shopping is searching out styles that help better define your butt region (or lack thereof, in this case). Adams-Geller recommends choosing "denim that has pockets with details, like zippers and welts, that add extra thickness to the back pocket." Look for sanding on the butt of the jean, she adds: “The sanding acts as a highlighter and gives the illusion of volume.”

Higher rises will also “promote the idea of a fuller silhouette, since they cinch in at your natural waist,” Kaeding says.

The well-defined pockets and mid-rise are a great combination if you want to bump up a flatter shape.
Gap 1969 Curvy Boot Jeans, $29.99, available at Gap.
 
Cropped jeans are perfect for rising temperatures. If you're petite, they also have the added bonus of saving you on tailoring.
3x1 The Straight Leg Crop, $325, available at 3x1.
 
The jean starts at your natural waist, creating the appearance of a much shapelier bum.
MiH The '70s Body Con Flare Jeans, $225, available at Shopbop.
 
The light sanding on the butt of the jean creates a highlighting effect.
3x1 The High Rise Skinny, $235, available at 3x1.
 
Butt Type: Low “If you have a low butt, try lifting and separating the cheeks a bit,” Adams-Geller says. “A jean that acts like a butt bra will do the trick.” How's that for a mental image? The point she's getting at is that low butts can sometimes benefit from a little boost.

Fabric choice actually plays a more important role for this butt type than for others. DL1961 creative director Sarah Ahmed advises “steer[ing] clear of fabric that will sag out with wear.” Instead, she adds, “look for denim with less stretch and a little more structure” — this will help with lift.

Other details, like contoured waistbands and pockets, are also worth considering here. Adams-Geller continues, “I would also recommend a jean that has wash-detailing at the top of the pockets or right above them to help draw the eye up. Pocket placement is critical: Ideally, you want the bottom of the pocket to sit where the cheek meets the thigh.” 
 
This bottom-pocket situation is right on the money.
Mango Push-Up Uptown Jeans, $69.99, available at Mango.
 
“The new Vixen fit would be perfect for women in this category, because it has a contoured waistband that lifts and shapes the backside with gravity-defying fabric,” says Joe Dahan, founder and creative director of Joe's Jeans.
Joe's The Vixen Ankle in Adeline, $169, available at Joe's.
 
"A skinny jean or high-rise legging is a versatile closet staple that transitions easily throughout different seasons," Dahan adds.
Topshop Tall Moto Pretty Mid-Stone Joni Jeans, $68, available at Topshop.
 
"DL1961's revolutionary fabrics DLX and dlpro have 98% retention rates, so your jeans won't ever sag, bag, or lose shape," Ahmed says.
DL1961 Florence Instasculpt Skinny, $178, available at DL1961.
  
Butt Type: WideYour widest measurement is around your butt and hip region. You might assume styles that are roomier around the hips and more tapered around the leg and calf are your best bet — and they’re a great option for your shape — but, you certainly shouldn't feel limited to just one jean style. Adams-Geller and Kaeding both suggest experimenting with flares and boot cuts: “The extra volume at the bottom can add balance to your body’s proportions,” Adams-Geller explains.

Consider keeping your back-pocket situation minimal. Genetic’s founder and creative director Ali Fatourechi suggests staying away from oversized pockets. "The cleaner, the better," she says.
 
The straight leg (not quite tapered!) adds a little extra width around your ankles for a more balanced proportion.
MOTHER The Siren - Hot Rod, $176, available at Mother.
 
For those who feel comfortable in tapered styles, these H&M skinny jeans are a great pick, with simple pockets to boot.
H&M Skinny High Jeans, $29.95, available at H&M.
 
"The Coco fit is great for girls who have a little more booty to love," Ahmed says.
DL1961 Coco Curvy Straight Cut Jeans, $178, available at DL1961.
 
The flare past the knee lends some volume to your lower legs.
J Brand Flared Slim Jeans, $216, available at Farfetch.
Butt Type: TriangleTriangle-shaped butts are widest where your hips meet your thighs. “I would go for a low-rise or boyfriend jean that hangs from your hip-bone area,” Adams-Geller recommends. “The lower rise will broaden the look of your higher hip, and offer the illusion of straighter hips.” Similarly, a wide-leg jean will complement the fullness of your bum. Paired with heels or a wedge, flares will elongate the line of your legs.

If you're opting for more tapered denim, you may want to think strategically about pocket placement. Look for pockets that are set high toward the waist of the jean; this draws focus up from your thighs toward center of your bum.

Boyfriend jeans are a favorite silhouette right now — wear J.crew's classy version to brunch.
J.Crew Broken-In Boyfriend Jean in Walker Wash, $125, available at J.Crew.
 
Let the jeans sit low on your hip; the shorter rise is flattering for triangle-shaped bums.
Genetic Gia Distressed Boyfriend Jeans, $270, available at Moda Operandi.
 
The slightly oversized fit is mad comfy.
rag & bone The Boyfriend Distressed Low-Rise Jeans, $265, available at NET-A-PORTER.
 
The straight-through-the-hip fit and lived-in look of these Levi's will take you through spring.
Levi's '501' Boyfriend Jeans, $98, available at Nordstrom.
 
Butt Type: No ButtSo what if you have a less-endowed backside than others? Embrace it! The designers we talked to all seem to agree that high rises and flares are great options for this butt type. “A high-rise jean that sits above your hips and hugs your waist is a great way to mimic curves,” Ahmed says. Genetic’s Fatourechi agrees: “A high-rise flare is a great option for girls looking to accentuate and lift their butt.”

Adams-Geller adds that the same details she suggests for flat butts will work here, too. “I like the idea of very vintage washes. The more washed-down the denim on the derriere, the better!” Since you’re not worried about over-emphasizing your rear, unexpected washes, rinses, and other details are all welcome.

Throw caution to the wind and apply all the sanding and pocket details you want to your look.
MOTHER High Waisted Looker in Rough It Up, $210, available at Mother.
 
High-waisted and cropped? This might be your new spring go-to.
DL1961 Bardot High-Rise Cropped Jean in Eyre, $168, available at DL1961.
 
We can really get behind these pockets from American Eagle.
American Eagle Outfitters Kick Boot Jean, $54.95, available at American Eagle Outfitters.

 
At the end of the day, jeans should make you feel good. Buy what you love!
AG The Stilt Cigarette Jeans, $225, available at Shopbop.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

The 15 Best New Contouring Kits for Newbies and Pros

 The 15 Best New Contouring Kits for Newbies and Pros

 

Whether you like a little shading under your cheekbones—or want to map out your face like you have a hit reality show on E!—contouring really comes down to great products (and even better blending). Here, 15 kits for every skill level.

Clinique Chubby Sticks in Curvy Contour and Hefty Highlight

Clinique Chubby Sticks in Curvy Contour and Hefty Highlight

EASY

Clinique Chubby Sticks in Curvy Contour and Hefty Highlight

Ignore the cheesy names: Just scribble the matte brown crayon right under your cheekbones and the pinky highlighter above them. Blend the color with a makeup sponge for the easiest, most subtle contour ever. 
 

 Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Stick Trio

EASY

Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Stick Trio

These three skinny sticks are perfect for contouring detail work: You can easily draw lines down your nose or around your mouth without getting your whole face involved. Plus, the formula is creamy, leaving behind no harsh lines. 
 Lancome Le Duo Contour & Highlighter Stick

EASY

LancĂ´me Le Duo Contour & Highlighter Stick

This dual-ended stick, which comes in five shades, makes quick work of contouring. And the slight gray tinge makes shading look believable—not like orange paint. Just don't push them too hard against your face: The formula is so creamy (a good thing) that you can easily snap off the crayons (a bad thing). 
 Dr. Jart+ BB Mate Contouring 1.2.3. Kit

EASY

Dr. Jart+ BB Mate Contouring 1.2.3. Kit

If you have dry skin, meet your new contouring BFF. The creamy shades are supermoisturizing thanks to hyaluronic acid. Just dab them on over tinted moisturizer or clean skin for a soft, subtle, non-drying contour. 
 Sephora Collection Contouring 101 Face Palette

INTERMEDIATE

Sephora Collection Contouring 101 Face Palette

That pretty pattern isn't just for decoration. The palette is mapped out like a face to eliminate any guesswork (highlighter on forehead and cheeks, contour on cheekbones and chin). Dip your brush into whatever brown shade is a touch darker than your skin tone (there are three to choose from). Repeat with a clean brush for the highlighter. And blend, blend, blend. 
 BareMinerals California Bronze Multi Effect Bronzing Trio

INTERMEDIATE

BareMinerals California Bronze Multi Effect Bronzing Trio

If you're the kind of girl who contours her face before going to the beach (no judgment), this is the palette for you. There are two matte contour shades and a shimmery golden highlighter. It makes for a pretty—albeit sparkly—glow when swept on with a fluffy foundation brush.
 Marc Jacobs Beauty #Instamarc Light-Filtering Contour Powder

INTERMEDIATE

Marc Jacobs Beauty #Instamarc Light-Filtering Contour Powder

Even if you're not typically a fan of powder, you have to give this palette a chance. The dual powders are so soft and silky that it's impossible to make them look cakey; they give definition without settling into fine lines. 
 Too Faced Cocoa Contour Chiseled to Perfection

INTERMEDIATE

Too Faced Cocoa Contour Chiseled to Perfection

Let's start with the most important thing: This palette smells like chocolate. Seriously. But what we love more than the smell or variety of shades is the tiny Kabuki brush that's included in the kit. It's the perfect size to sweep the color into the hollows of your cheeks and along your forehead. 
 Stila Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo

INTERMEDIATE

Stila Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo

This matte cream contouring duo has absolutely no shimmer, yet leaves your skin looking dewy. Freaky, right? It's because the cream blends right into skin and enhances your natural glow (so those cheekbones look like they really could be yours). 
 Tarte Park Ave Princess Contour Palette

NTERMEDIATE

Tarte Park Ave Princess Contour Palette

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when contouring is forgetting to apply blush. (Hello, Skeletor.) That's why this palette is great: It nestles a matte bronzer and highlighter next to a peachy-pink blush so you'll always remember the most important step. 
 Laura Mercier Flawless Contouring Palette

INTERMEDIATE

Laura Mercier Flawless Contouring Palette

The contour shades in this palette have the perfect amount of gray and brown undertones, so they look like real shading but don't look muddy or dull. The three contour shades and two highlighters (a matte cream color and a shimmery bronze) cover a range of skin tones. 
 Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Book The Art of Sculpting + Defining

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Book The Art of Sculpting + Defining

If you're a die-hard fan of contouring, you probably own a few of the products in this palette already. It's full of some of Aucoin's best hits (he was the king of contouring, after all). Even better, it includes a step-by-step book with detailed instructions on exactly how to use each product. The pots are small but pigmented, so a little goes a long way. 
 Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit

ADVANCED

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit

If you love the Anastasia powder kit, wait until you try her new cream version. These six shades sink right into skin but can be layered for a more dramatic effect. The undertones differ in each of the three palettes (for example: the light palette's shades skew a little pink) for the most flattering and believable contouring. 
 Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette

ADVANCED

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette

There are six shades in this palette—three highlighters and three contour powders— and they're all matte (great if shimmer isn't your thing). Plus, we love that it comes with a massive mirror so you can check your shading work in all lighting. 
 NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

ADVANCED

NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

"Pro" is in the name. Don't ignore it, because you kind of need to be one to handle this palette. There are eight—count 'em, eight—powder highlighting and contouring shades. The powders are soft and majorly blendable and pigmented, so dust them on with a light touch. And the pots are refillable, so you can pop in a fresh one should you gravitate toward one shade more than others. (You know you always do.)
http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/2015/best-contouring-kits?slide=11#slide=1