September 19, 2015the Magazine stuff., the Review stuff.

An Open Letter to People StyleWatch Magazine

McKennaRishmawyAriel Foxman, fashion magazine, Lisa Arbetter, Lucky magazine, magazine going all digital, newsstand sales, People StyleWatch magazine, SELF magazine, Stephanie Sladkus, street style, StyleWatch magazine, StyleWatch new design, StyleWatch relaunch, StyleWatch September 2015 issue, Susan Kaufman, Time Inc. Leave a comment

Oh, People StyleWatch. Or StyleWatch. Or whatever you’re being called these days. We need to talk.

What are you doing?! What. Are. You. Doing. I know I don’t exactly do well with change (ask me about my 2015 in its entirety; it’s not even finished yet), but the editing, formatting, and content changes that your team are currently making to one of my most beloved magazines are, I believe, a mistake. Or maybe I’m completely off and the changes you’ve set in motion aren’t a mistake and will cause People StyleWatch (PSW) to skyrocket into the stratosphere of newsstand success against all the odds that print publications have working against them these days. Or maybe I’m just sad, and I need to vent.

PSW, I know you ousted your founding editor in chief, Susan Kaufman, back in January of this year after Ariel Foxman was promoted to editorial director of both InStyle and PSW. I know you felt that the magazine needed to hit the refresh button as issues have gotten slightly slimmer over the past two years or so, having peaked around 2013 from what I can tell. It happens. I mean, we’ve watched once-adored fashion magazines starve, implode, and literally go to the grave over this past year (RIP Lucky magazine) so I get it. I really do. We’ve all been watching Self magazine struggle through a similar quest for self-realization for about year now. The need for a comeback, the need to secure more ads (which, for my readers, is how magazines basically make their revenue [and not newsstand sales as you may think]), the need for a lifeline. I get it.

I also know, however, that as of 2015 you’ve decided want to change your longstanding focus of celebrity fashion to street style, because bloggers and street style stars are getting everyone all hot and bothered these days. I know you have decided that the magazine needs an increased focus on inclusivity, the younger kiddos, and their “millennial passion for discovery” (and just so we’re clear, I’m a millennial). I know you’re aiming for something close to a brand overhaul, with younger cover stars (hello Gigi Hadid, good bye Jennifer Aniston?), trendier language (You so fancy!), and changing the cover design (three cover stars instead of one), with the intent of “dirty[ing] up the magazine’s design a bit”. Again, currently watching Self do the same thing, about a year or two in front of you guys. Ahem.

However, I humbly submit that these changes you are making are a frightening case of lost identity. The new content, the new language, the new focus- none of it is in line with the long-standing brand of People StyleWatch magazine. This new direction the magazine has taken is so vastly different from the original vision that it’s beginning to feel a bit bait-and-switch, with a nearly unrecognizable product once you turn past the cover. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that choosing to drastically toy with your brand and identity can either resurrect you a’la J.Crew under Jenna Lyons (and even that era has come to a close) … or it can start dragging you toward the point of no return, straight to Lucky land.

You, PSW, are the magazine that I have been reading faithfully since the summer of 2006. I remember my mom handing me an issue with Jessica Alba on the cover that summer, and anxiously anticipating each issue since then. I had never thought fashion could be so easy, so consumable. You featured fashion and beauty trends with a main focus on what celebrities are wearing. You were unique for your “Get the Look” feature, showing desirable outfits on our favorite celebs and then where to purchase similar pieces at a fraction of the price. You were an expert at spelling out the trends for the season in an easy-to-comprehend way that used celebrities as models, but never expected the reader to have a celebrity budget. Love Katie Holmes’ outfit? Great! Here’s where to find a look-alike item for half the cost. Want jeans like Beyonce’s? No problem! Here are ten different options in a variety of price ranges. Oh, and here’s a list of petite sizes for types similar to Eva Longoria, some great finds for plus-sized girls like Rebel Wilson, and styles that work well for tall girls like Charlize. Everyone wins, no matter size or budget.

This was all done in an extremely straight forward way without being verbose and silly, with plenty of beautiful pictures and close-up images of great celebrity makeup, hair, and outfits. Because that’s what we want- we want pictures of great celebrity makeup, hair, and outfits and we want to copy them. We can get everything else online or in a different magazine. Helping you achieve that celebrity look at a better price- that was your niche, PSW. And no matter how much of a sheep it made me feel like, it was really, really fun. People StyleWatch, you had a well-established niche that was all your own and you inspired nearly a decade of nonstop shopping and inspiration.

Now, did your magazine pretty much show me exactly what to buy? Sure. Was I really thinking for myself as far as what I wanted to wear? Not really, or at least not for the first two years of reading until the “style training wheels” came off and I could discern for myself what I liked and didn’t like. But that’s exactly what you helped so many readers with- to learn which celebrity’s style we enjoyed most, what pieces worked for our bodies and preferences (never again, bubble hem or overalls), and how to keep our eyes peeled for items that looked similar to expensive ones that we liked. You were not simply a magazine; you were a shopping experience. You were a very fun, very helpful, and very unique shopping magazine that provided a niche experience for your readers.

So what do things look like now?

Well, for starters, the new covers and font change-ups are lovely. I like them, I really do. The continued use of a single cover star in a predictable smiling shot was admittedly feeling tired, and so the change-up of three cover celebrities, whether shot on the street, red carpet, or runway, is a refreshing and welcome change. The graphic design and font changes look modern, as well. No problem. However, I believe there are greater problems at hand.

1) Cut the millennial nonsense and stop limiting your readerbase.

Let me describe my first major issue with your editing changes (and readers, there are two). I think the first tip-off that something was definitely going wrong with the tone of the magazine was the change in cover language. Readers, notice the difference between saying “Amazing Outfits for Every Body and Budget” circa 2013 and “15 Ridiculously Cool Ideas!” just this month. Which one feels straight-to-the-point and relatively ageless? Which one feels juvenile? I mean, “ridiculously cool“?! Who else says stuff like that with a serious face?! Derek Zoolander. And maybe Miley.

Below, I’m listing other phrases found in a couple of these new issues since the editing change-up. This new kind of tone and diction has been creeping up in the content since this past April. Now tell me if they make you feel your age … or if they make you feel sixteen with a melting frappuccino in your hand while drenched in Ariana Grande’s new perfume that smells like candy and Treasure Trolls:

“street swagger”
“Stress city!” (in reference to trying to find the right outfit for a Tinder date … yes, PSW is now referencing what to wear for Tinder-versus-Grouper-versus Match.com-date)
“Go for a look that’s as hot as your profile pic”
“Talk about a #tbt!”
“Even good girls have a naughty side!”
“Don’t be scurred– it’s way more wearable than you think!” (in reference to colored mascara)
” … pick a vibe, any vibe!”
“Designer duds minus the ka-ching price? Score!”
“Girlfriend is busy” (in reference to Jessica Alba)
” … the pimple struggle is real“
“You so fancy!”
“Yep, it’s pretty badass” (referring to graphic eyeliner)
And just a generous use of hashtag(#) phrases in general

I don’t know about you, but I can’t read any of this verbage without gagging. Maybe it makes sense on Kylie Jenner’s Instagram, but not in print, attempting to make a true sales pitch. What’s more, this is the kind of language we read in teen magazines such as Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour (yes, I consider those teen mags because their target readership is teen-based). It changes the mission of the magazine from that of informing and showing, to oh-girlfriend-high-fiving and telling. I also personally feel it overlooks the intelligence and adaptability of millennials when we’re forcing the use of every buzzword, buzzphrase, and pop culture trend to try to “connect” with them. It’s busy, dreadfully unsophisticated, and borderline condescending. But more than that (and perhaps more importantly), it excludes every other age category from being able to relate to your content.

I can guarantee you that language like this will severely alienate readers from about 33 years and up. I feel alienated and I’m more than five years behind that. However, from what I’ve researched, I understand that “twenty somethings” are now the official target age for PSW, so if that’s the case then I guess you’re doing your job correctly (even though, again, I am a twenty-something and I find this type of print language a nails-on-chalkboard kind of irritating). I guess I just lament the fact that you’ve decided that the magazine is no longer meant for those outside of that age bracket. PSW, you are severely limiting your range of readers by changing the tone to what it now is, and that means loss of potential revenue over time. I don’t have to graduate from this magazine if you don’t force me, you know. I could keep reading for another ten years and continue to be a loyal customer, along with my friends in their thirties, and my mom and mom-in-law in their sixties. Get rid of all the millennial-obsessed pop culture lingo and reach out to younger readers by simply including younger stars on your covers and in your content, continuing your use of interactive music and shopping apps, and stepping up your own game on Instagram and Snapchat.

2) You are trading in what made you unique for what I can find anywhere else in the digital world.

Again, let me reiterate why we all started reading PSW in the first place- celebrity style. Descriptions of celebrity style. Pictures of celebrity style. How to get celebrity style. There was a clear mission- bringing celebrity style to the reader at a price that suited the reader.

Now, however, celebrity sightings are becoming much more scarce within your pages. This October’s featured denim section? Not a single star in sight. In fact, all of the faces featured in this denim section are bloggers. The September Fall Runway Report? While typically showcasing celebs modeling their own interpretation of the latest trends, this feature now merely showcases runway shots. And in your “Cheat Sheet” section this month, images are one-hundred-percent comprised of street style shots.

Right, because I can’t look at street style photos, looks from the runway, or hear the thoughts of bloggers anywhere else … except maybe on Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Snapchat, and on the bloggers’ own blogs. You’re putting content in your magazine that’s already accessible digitally, which is a much, much faster way to get it as opposed to waiting for a monthly. In the case of bloggers and street style, I get the desire to bring the “normal girl” to the forefront but that’s not what your brand has been. Your purpose was to uniquely connect the reader to the celebrity in a way that other media avenues didn’t. I don’t want to come to you for what bloggers are wearing and recommending. I don’t want to come to you for what’s come directly off the runway. If I want to read up on those things, I’ll go the digital route where the content is available at a millisecond’s notice (or in the case of runway shots, I can also read any other magazine that you’re competing with like Elle or Marie Claire that has been doing features like this for years). Why read your once-a-month publication when I can have the same content everyday, at a moment’s notice, on my iPhone? Why purchase a once-a-month magazine when I’ve already seen everything in it during the past thirty days I spent waiting for it? As stated earlier, you had a unique way of providing a niche experience for your readers, and now that is being lost.

Notice how in the first picture from a 2013 issue, celebrities are modeling their interpretation of trends. In the second shot from this month’s issue, there isn’t the same kind of unique experience for the reader because there are no celebrities in it. Notice the juvenile language and font in the second picture, as well.

Additionally (and I feel silly for confessing this so openly, but it’s true), I’m not nearly as compelled to purchase anything I see on a non-celeb girl. I remember when picking up a copy of PSW was the equivalent of getting a shopping list ready, largely thanks to the excellent way the magazine marketed to the reader via celebrities. I see Kate Mara wearing a certain sweater; I’d like to find that sweater. I see the picture of Sienna Miller’s pants; I want those pants (or at least the cheaper option you provide). Perhaps others work differently than I do, but bloggers and other “street style snaps” aren’t a selling point for me. They’re just not; the same part of my brain isn’t tapped into as a long-time reader. Or at least, I constantly see blogger and street style images on my digital feeds and I count on PSW to point me to something different. There are still fairly affordable options featured in the magazine, but what has changed in a negative way is the strategy you are now using (or not using) to market these options. I might buy the dress if PSW features Kerry Washington wearing it and it looks good; I probably won’t buy the dress if PSW features some unknown wearing it and it looks good. I don’t think I’ve been inspired to purchase an item seen in PSW since May of this year, and I used to purchase something from nearly every issue. At least I’m saving money.

See the difference between 2013’s beauty feature with Emma Stone, and 2015’s that just pictures still shots? What makes the older feature unique and compelling is how it associates the makeup with a celebrity.

Because I know this is totally a TL;DR post, let me wrap it up- I’m pointing out that the current team at People StyleWatch magazine is trading in what once made it special for a look and feel that is both alienating and reminiscent of almost everything else that’s out there. I was excited for the changes at first, but I no longer believe that this new vision is a sustainable one, and I am sad to predict that it will tire out quickly.

I used to take a good twenty minutes for myself to carefully scan the pages of PSW for great finds; now I’m done in twenty seconds. I have kept every issue that I’ve collected over these past nine years and have re-read many of them over and over. I have not picked up any of the past five issues of PSW beyond a single browse-through. And finally, I’m not sure why such a drastic amount of changes have been employed during such a short time, even with an editor change-up. Last year’s September issue was only down ten pages from the year prior, while this year’s September issue was down a full sixty-two pages from 2014. Maybe there’s a good reason for that that I’m overlooking or failing to understand, but it’s lost on me and the rest of your readers.

People StyleWatch, choose small-but-powerful changes over a brand modification. Keep your unique purpose and keep your readership that has the potential to span across generations. I know you can do it. xo, MR

April 6, 2015the Hair stuff., the Makeup stuff., the Me stuff., the Review stuff., the Skin stuff.

An Autobiographical Top Shelf

McKennaRishmawy#ITGTopShelfie, aveda, Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation, beauty, best balm stain, best black eyeliner, best curling iron, best drugstore makeup, best drugstore skincare, best gloss balm, best mascara, best moisturizer with SPF, best natural moisturizer, best natural shampoo, best nude lip color, best powder blush, best powder foundation, best texture spray for hair, bob haircut, Bumbleandbumble Cityswept Finish, Bumbleandbumble Dryspun Finish, Caudalie SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, Christian Siriano for Victoria's Secret, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, davines cutting team, davines momo, davinesus, Desert Essence Daily Defense SPF 15 moisturizer, Dior Addict lipstick Tulle, Emily Weiss, graduated bob, hair trends 2015, Hot Tools, Justin Kamm, kerastase conditioner, Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation, Living Proof Instant Texture mist, loreal colour riche balm, MAC Eye Kohl Feline, MAC eyeshadow Embark, MAC eyeshadow Sketch, NARS blush, NARS velvet matte lip pencil, oil cleanser, Old Town Orange, Orange County salon, oribeapresbeach, Origins A Perfect World, Origins Clear Improvement, r&co, r&cojackpotstylingcreme, Rahua shampoo, Salon 9, uniteeurotherapy, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Vice, www.intothegloss.com, Yes to Cucumbers facial wipes, yves saint laurent rouge pur couture rebel nudes 1 Comment

This post is done in the style of Into The Gloss’s Top Shelf feature, which I’ve been obsessed with for about five years now. So basically, I’m pretending I’m being interviewed by Emily Weiss on all the products I love, in my own home, complete with “professional” photos/selfies. Fake it ’till you make it, right?

My routine is hard to explain briefly. I’ll say this, though- I am not low maintenance when I don’t have to be. There’s no shame in that. I’m addicted to haircare, skincare, makeup, all that, but I really don’t afford myself much time to enjoy it on a daily basis. I either want to spend an hour getting ready just the way I like, or I want to be out the door in five minutes. All or nothing. It’s part of how I appreciate beauty- I hate doing any of it halfheartedly. One of my least favorite things is when I try to quickly wiggle on some mascara in the morning on the way to work and then it turns out all sloppy and incomplete by my standards. It’s not worth it. I’d rather bite the bullet and go bare.

SKINCARE

So, what I do depends on the day. If I have time, I start from the bottom layer and work up, though I try to make the skincare thing happen every day. I typically begin with a serum, and I’ve decided Caudalie’s S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum is the best. I tried Shiseido’s Ultimune, but I like Caudalie’s better for the money. It feels so fresh on my skin, sometimes I forget to put on moisturizer afterwards. It’s been hard to pin down a great moisturizer for me because I’m always looking for something natural, but effective and with SPF that doesn’t leave a weird residue. I’ve been using Origins A Perfect World Moisturizer these past couple months. It smells amazing and has SPF 25. I’ve also like Desert Essence’s Daily Essential Defense Moisturizer from Sprout’s or Whole Foods, but it wouldn’t absorb well when it was hot out so I continued my hunt. When I checked out Origins, the lady helping me gave me a quick facial and she talked me into the toner from the same line. I haven’t used toner in forever because I feel it’s unnecessary and drying, but this stuff felt tingly and actually left my skin moisturized. There’s a lot of white tea in it. We’ll see if I keep it up.

For face wash, I alternate between Origins and Desert Essence, which is entirely made of oils and some castile soap. It sounds basic, but there’s a ton of random stuff in it like bladderwrack extract and goldenseal root extract that I hadn’t even heard of before using it. For a night cream, I’ve been using Acure’s for a couple years and it’s really rich with lavender and chamomile. It’s very calming. I think they sell it at Target now, but it’s been at Whole Foods forever. For zits, I’m pretty faithful to Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. My husband loves it too. I try to just leave zits alone for the most part these days; I find that doing anything to try and “heal” them just aggravates them or doesn’t quicken their disappearance. Sometimes I’ll do a mask if I’m just watching Netflix late at night. I’ll use Lancome’s Hydra Intense Masque. It’s super cooling and smells amazing; I love putting on some I Love Lucy and having a late-night snack when I do a mask. Best ritual ever! I’ll also use Origins’ Clear Improvement charcoal mask for porous areas; the lady who gave me the facial at Origins gave it to me for free! I like face wipes too, and my favorite are the Yes To Cucumbers kind. I can’t tell you how many packs of those my mom has jammed into my Christmas stocking over the years. I buy them in bulk at Target.

The one thing that’s still sort of a mystery to me is eye cream. I like ones that are cooling and depuffing, and I like rollerball kinds best because they’re more sanitary than dabbing your finger into a jar of cream and then putting it on your eye. Simple Skincare makes a good one, as does First Aid Beauty, but I don’t know. I’m just not there yet.

HAIR

My hair stylist knows I’m a major product addict. The funniest thing has been when I’ve asked him about products from lines that he uses before they’re even out yet or before he’s heard about them! I read about hair stuff in magazines and then I want to go out and try it. New hair products are what I get most excited about, so I’ve tried a lot but I can finally say I have favorites. I wash my hair every three or four days, and I alternate between two shampoos. I’ve been using Rahua’s shampoo for over three years now, and it’s pricey but I feel absolutely no guilt using or purchasing it because it’s so natural. There’s really no soap in it. It’s another product made up mostly of oils. I’ll use another shampoo every other wash, typically an Aveda one like their Color Conserve or Dry Remedy. I’ll try anything for conditioner. I’ve been obsessed with conditioners since my late teens because I was always trying to find ones that would make my hair grow or repair it, but I don’t really believe conditioner does that anymore. I’ve used one from Davines for a long time called Momo; I love it. I’ll also ask for Kerastase samples from my friend who works at a L’Oreal salon because I can’t afford Kerastase, but their deep conditioners have the craziest reputations so I’m always desperate to try them. I also like Alterna, mostly their treatments from their Caviar line. They’re good for when I want to grow my hair out. I use Unite’s 7 Seconds Leave-In Conditioner to detangle with a wide-tooth comb after I wash, but I think I like Bumble and Bumble’s Prep spray better for this. I’ll go back to it after I run out of the Unite. The Prep spray has hops and rosemary, the latter of which is good for lice prevention. I work around kids, and lice is one of those things that you can’t really avoid if you’re in that environment. It’s part of life, so you just have to do what you can. Tea tree oil works well for this too, by the way.

For styling, I’m a sucker for anything to do with texture. Living Proof’s Instant Texture Mist is great for giving that pliable “chunk” feel that I love for hair, and I also like Bumble And Bumble’s stylers like their Dryspun Finish and Cityswept Finish. If it mattifies, gives texture, or extends a blowout, I’ll try it. Anything for the second- or third-day hair look. I like Oribe’s Apres Beach Wave And Shine Hairspray too, though my hair does “beachy” really well on it’s own. I love Oribe’s products for their scent. And the best dry shampoo in the world is Klorane’s, hands down. The non-aerosol kind has stretched out so much time between washes for me. It can make your scalp itchy if you put too much on and don’t brush it out, but it’s still the best. The drugstore kinds suck. If I want a smooth or blown-out look I’ll use R&Co’s Jackpot Styling Creme. The scent is intense but it stretches out my hair beautifully, and the effect lasts around three days.

I got into the R&Co stuff because my salon started carrying it. I go to Salon 9 in Orange, and I’ve been going to Justin Kamm for nearly ten years! He’s a genius. He teaches workshops and is part of the cutting team for Davines. We finally, FINALLY cut my hair past my shoulders just this weekend. I’ve always had my hair long or mid-length, because I love long hair and I love playing with it. I miss topknots and ponytails and long waves, but the bob that Justin gave me feels so right. It’s good to do at least once, and I’m surprised at how comfortable I feel with it. I feel reeeeeally French. And the best part is, all those texture products work so well with this cut. I still put a bit of wave in it with my Hot Tools iron, but roughing it up with some kind of product gives it that grit that I’m always after.

MAKEUP

Makeup is tricky. I’ve tried a ton, but over the years I’ve come to find that I’m actually really picky and haven’t tried quite as much as other people (which is encouraging). Makeup is expensive, and I take forever to run out of anything so buying too much is a really wasteful choice for me. I don’t use primer much, but I like BeneFit’s The Porefessional when I do makeup for brides. It feels silky. I like to use Clarins’ Beauty Flash Balm on myself and then immediately put on powder or foundation once it absorbs. I prefer this to primer. It sort of gives skin a brightening effect. For foundation, I love Bare Minerals’ Original SPF Foundation because it still leaves a glow. I don’t like a matte skin finish; I’m all about dewy skin and mattified hair. The opposite feels too Vegas or Miss America for me. If I want a liquid foundation, Lancome’s Teint Miracle is nice but I still haven’t landed on a favorite. I just don’t think I like liquid foundation. I even have a BB Cream that I like but I just don’t use it too often. You can’t escape the feeling of liquid makeup on your face, which I hate. I immediately want to take it off. Concealer is nearly always Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat in Luminous Vanilla. I used to hate it, and I’m not sure why. It’s the most lightweight formula I can find that still gives coverage. However, I’m not too concerned anymore with getting rid of dark circles anymore because for some reason, I like them now. They seem to give a touch of character. A heavy concealer under the eyes looks too finished for me. You need that bit of wear in your face.

NARS Bronzer in Laguna is pretty standard, and I’ll try almost any blush. NARS has the best ones. I’ve liked their creme formula in Lokoum for a long time but I think it’s discontinued. Their other powder shades are bonkers; I love Exhibit A and Liberte. MAC has a gorgeous one from their Mineralize line called Warm Soul. It super pretty for everyday, but mineral blush on top of mineral powder it can make your skin look funny. I like it on bare skin. MAC’s Plum Foolery is also good; I wore it for my wedding day and my mom wears it, too. I have a couple Chanel blushes too, but I hate to admit that I bought them because they were honestly just too expensive and frankly, MAC and NARS make better ones. The Chanel ones have perfume in them. You feel glamorous putting them on, but they’re a murderous, stupid splurge. Spend that kind of money on groceries or not at all, for God’s sake.

Eye makeup is a journey for me. I take forever to decide what I’m going to do with my eyes. Eyeshadow feels like such a commitment, which is probably why I wear it the least out of anything. It’s takes me a lot of time and concentration, and I always need to put shadow primer on if I’m going to do it because it makes such an undeniable difference. I think I like purple shadows on myself best. It’s just enough of an interesting color to feel special, and it does wonders for brown eyes. MAC’s Sketch and Embark are good. I bought the Embark because it’s the closest thing I could find that matches this special edition Victoria’s Secret eyeshadow I have. Christian Siriano from Project Runway did a collection for them a long time ago and it included this eyeshadow that is literally perfect. It’s matte, smooth, has amazing concentration, and is this deep purple-brown shade called Royalty that, of course, ended with the collection. I’m going through it really slowly, but I love using it for smokey eyes. A lot of that stuff with a ton of MAC’s kohl liner in Feline, and boosh- I feel like Catwoman. If I’m really going for it I’ll use Urban Decay’s eye pencil in Vice, too, and smudge it out. The best is when a smokey eye looks sweaty and sparkly, like a hazy night at Studio 54 in 1978. This pencil does that. Oh and my mascara is pretty much exclusively CoverGirl. I swear, theirs are the best.

Lips are simple. I do very little, unless it’s something like a red lip. I like lip colors that look like just a bit of something, because I usually like to focus on my eyes. A lot of times it’s just a few swipes of Burt’s Bees. Everything I like tends to be pinky-nude. I’ve liked Dior’s Addict lipstick in Tulle, L’Oreal’s Colour Riche Balm in Nourishing Nude, and Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in Nude Provocateur. I guess I gravitate toward balm stains, or gloss balms, or all those hybrid formulas we see these days. Nothing too lipstick-y. An exception would be NARS’ lip pencils. Those are brilliant.

Oh! I almost forgot about brows. I use one thing- CK One’s Brow Pencil and Gel Duo in Crafty Raven. I like thick, groomed eyebrows, but I hate how many rules and standards there are with them these days. They have to be perfectly shaped, tapered, filled in, not too thin, all that. I’m not into it, and same goes for the contouring craze. It’s just too much, too Kim with all the banana powder and shading and all that. I’m not into tricks that transform your face into another face, though it’s cool that it can be done. I like to look like myself, but with a bit of a wink I guess. That’s the best for me, at least. xo, MR

September 10, 2014the Friends stuff., the Makeup stuff., the Review stuff.

In need of new makeup brushes? I got you covered.

McKennaRishmawybest makeup brushes, BreLuxe Beauty Fluffs, locally made beauty products, Old Towne Orange, Orange County florist, The Dizzy Daisy Leave a comment

So, I currently live in a town that I really love. And I love that I feel comfortable calling it a “town”. There’s even a part of this town that’s actually referred to as “Old Towne Orange”. Yes. With the “e” at the end of “towne” and everything. It’s cute and trendy and beautiful and all Leslie Knope-y, small business-y, Main Street U.S.A-ish. And that part about the small business- I’m really not kidding.

Amazing local fare in restaurants with two hour waits (lookin’ at you, Gabbi’s!), antique malls that you can get lost in (I see you, It’s About Time Antiques!), and sweet, delicate apparel shops (hey-yo, Laurenly!) are just some of the places I love to wander in on a Saturday morning in Old Towne. I know that I will look back on these years and think so affectionately of all the time I spent at Provisions, or LinX, or Haven Gastropub, or even the Starbucks that I spent hours developing my Master’s thesis at. And you should know- my salon is here, too! Yes, the ever-famous (well, in my head at least) Salon 9 is in Old Towne Orange, along with the ever-famous Justin Kamm who’s been doing my hair fooorrrr-ehhhh-verrrrr. It should be clear that this is just a good place.

Another sweet and wonderful addition to this area is The Dizzy Daisy floral shop, located at 262 S. Tustin Street. I’ve been lucky enough to have been contacted by the folks at Dizzy Daisy to share about a line of new, beautiful makeup brushes that they are carrying exclusively- BreLuxe Beauty Fluffs. Now, as we all know by this point, makeup brushes are tantamount to quality makeup application, and I won’t vouch for just any cheap brush! Watch the brief video below for a run-down on what brushes are offered in this line that’s only sold locally at The Dizzy Daisy, and if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by to pick up a new set of brushes and some flowers for your mama because you love her! Cheers!

xo, MR

August 19, 2014the Makeup stuff., the Review stuff.

On nude lipstick, and why I’m not sure it actually exists.

McKennaRishmawyAlek Wek, best beige lipstick, best nude lipstick, drugstore lipstick, Joan Smalls, L'Oreal Glossy Balm, L'Oreal Lovely Mocha, Lancome Colour Design, Lancome Natural Beauty, Lindsey Wixson, Liu Wen, Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Lip Gel, Marc Jacobs Moody Margot, sheer lipstick, worst shade of lipstick, Yves Saint Laurent Lush Coconut, Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy Leave a comment

One of my greatest weaknesses is my poor ability to cope when reality does not match up to my expectations. I mean, I am bad at this, in the most acute sense. For instance, if plans change (and I mean like just weekend plans), I’m shattered. Or if you’ve given me long enough to get excited about something and build up a picture in my head of how it will turn out, and then it looks completely different … shattered. Just a couple weeks ago some friends and I had plans to go to LA. We had reservations at an amazing place, with plans to get dressed up and all that good stuff. But then on that morning, as nothing more than a sad result of being awesome and taking care of her body, my friend threw out her back after spin class. She could barely stand straight, but all I could think of for a good hour was BUT LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Yes, that’s how horrible a friend I am. But we ended up dancing our butts off for the locals that evening anyhow, and if you happened to look right inside the Tuscany Club in downtown Fullerton that night you might’ve seen a sight for the ages in the form of me doing my “I’m going to make you feel very uncool for being here” dance, but that’s beside the point.

All you need to take from this is that I don’t react well when what I expect does not match reality.

So then, because you know me so well, you can imagine my never-ending frustration with the vague world of so-called “nude” lip colors. OF COURSE YOU CAN, IT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT OF! But really, when someone mentions a “nude lip”, the first thing I think of is this. Or this. I have expectations of hues that tend to range from light beige to tan, and they’re always brown-based and lean more warm than cool. But actually finding this so-called nude color that works on my own lips has to have been one of my most challenging feats in beauty. I’ve found almost nothing that matches what I’ve seen in various pictures over the years. Sometimes I believe that my lips, being very pinkish-grey, tend to off-set the tone of “nude” lip colors that I try. Other times, however, I am fully mislead by what magazines or makeup companies will identify as “nude” and I give in to trying something that is nowhere near what I’m looking for.

The four lipsticks seen above have all been identified as belonging in the “nude” category, whether by name, by recommendation of another party, or simply by the naked eye. The top shade is by Lancome and is called Natural Beauty. It’s creamy and comfortable, with the greatest likeness to Ashely Olsen’s shade featured in the hyperlink. I think I like this one best. The second is Marc Jacobs and is called Moody Margot. It’s described as a “brownish nude” by Sephora. The third is from Yves Saint Laurent and is called Lush Coconut. It’s shimmery, sheer, and smells like mango. Finally, the last one is a “Glossy Balm” by L’Oreal and is called Lovely Mocha. The latter was my most recent purchase, from two days ago. I bought it on recommendation of People StyleWatch’s latest issue and its “Best Fall Beauty Trends” feature, which depicted the product as a “nude lip” color to try “for fair and medium skin”.

Oh. And did I also mention that it’s bright pink?

Aside from my wrist looking like a blotchy red mess, check out that shade at about 11 o’clock at the top there. Yep, that’s our “lovely mocha”, recommended as a nude lip shade for fair to medium skin. Talk about reality not matching up to my expectations- I literally gasped as I watched this color glide across my lips. It’s the perfect shade of, um, rose, and nothing near what I’d hoped it would be. That’s the Lancome on the far right, the sparkly YSL in the middle, and the Marc Jacobs at the bottom. You be the judge of what’s the most classically “nude”; I can tell you that I’ve stopped taking the category seriously almost entirely by now.

It’s funny how when you think about it, it’s hard to define what a “nude” shade of lipstick should look like anyhow. Nude according to who? Nude in reference to what skin tone? Because an Alek Wek shade of nude is entirely different from a Lindsey Wixson shade of nude. Or a Joan Smalls shade of nude is probably not entirely the same as a Liu Wen shade of nude. Yep, you get it. Fifty shades of nude ~~coming soon to a theater near you, complete with seventeen-year-old girls and all their moms on the weirdest mother-daughter dates you’ve ever seen~~. I guess that’s why we try to say things like “nude for fair to medium skin”, but then you somehow end up with bright rose. Maybe if you’re going for a nude lip, you just leave your lips … nude. xo, MR

April 2, 2014the Hair stuff., the Review stuff.

Now Trending: Luxury Hair Goods

McKennaRishmawyAlterna Caviar Anti-Aging Photo Defense, best celebrity hair products, best conditioner, best hair treatment, best shampoo, Bumble&bumble Cityswept Finish, celebrity hairstyles, Frederic Fekkai PrX Reparatives Intensive Repair Mask, Laguna Beach salon, luxury hair products, Orange County salon, Oribe, Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, Oribe Dry Texturizing Mist, Sephora, Serge Normant Meta Silk Shampoo, Vogue Salon Newport Beach 2 Comments

One thing I tend to tell people when I get into discussions over careers and such is that if I could “do it” all over again (meaning go back to school and choose another path of study), I’d major in journalism or communications and push for a career in fashion and beauty journalism. I’d specifically pursue a career in writing for print magazines, but of course, digital magazines and blogs aren’t exactly inadequate these days either. It’s funny, because most folks know that I love to do makeup and play with hair, but what I actually love most is just talking about it and researching it. I have an incredibly talented hair stylist friend that recently returned from doing her first rounds at New York Fashion Week, and it sounded like it was as crazy as I’d imagined it would be. But the thing is, she’s made for this kind of craft and can completely hack it in that kind of hectic environment that demands talent and skill. Now, while it would be a dream of mine to attend any Fashion Week in any part of the globe, I can’t actually say that I’d want to do makeup or hair for it. I love doing makeup, but I think what I’d rather do is get all the details on what the makeup artists did, take a couple photos, and then write about it. I’ve been reading IntoTheGloss for years (way back when it was a well-kept secret of die-hards!), and Emily’s blog has perfectly captured my dream job- playing with beauty, with the ultimate goal of writing about it.

Now, a huge part of my love for beauty discussion revolves around product knowledge. I tend to be known among friends as a sort of research guru that’s familiar with almost any product out there. Like, any product. Whether it’s hair, makeup, skin, perfume, or nails, I know about it. I’d say it’s about a 98% guarantee. Whether it’s from reading countless magazines, perusing countless reviews on MakeupAlley, or from one of my countless trips through a department store or drugstore beauty section, I have developed a vastly extensive comprehension of the stuff that’s out there. I sometimes even know about products before salon stylists are familiar with them and then have to deal with the reality that I can’t buy them for at least another month or so. The worst.

However, the downside of having this love for product is the inability to be satisfied with something that works. I may manage to land on a blush that looks very pretty, but I can’t stick with just one. Why would I ever do that?! And hair conditioner has to be the worst- I don’t know when I’ve ever purchased the same conditioner twice, no matter how great the first bottle may have been. I always seem to think that I might, just might be able to find one that works even better. So, I’m terrible at being a brand loyalist, but I’m great at trying something new (for the most part).

So, here’s my latest batch of hair products that I’ve been giving a go. Rest assured that I only paid full-price for one of these babies with my own money. Each were purchased with giftcards or were given as swag!

I’ll address the Bumble and bumble Cityswept Finish first. This full-size bottle was given to me for free at a party that I recently attended as a reward for receiving 500 points at Sephora. The party was held at Vogue Salon in Newport Beach, and each guest was given a dry hair consultation with one of the stylists. I was in and out of the chair in probably less than seven minutes, but somehow she managed to get four products on to my locks and curl all of my hair with a flat iron. You can imagine my split-end hypochondria kicking into overdrive; I was clinching the chair with white knuckles. However, the results were quite fun albeit VOLUMINOUS.

Now, the Cityswept is difficult to define. It’s “a supple hold finishing spray to create lived-in “street-styled” looks with separation and sheen”. Because Manrepeller is so in right now. It’s true, though. The shiny, voluminous, perfectly coiffed blowout isn’t really the trend these days. Kate Middleton’s hair is timeless, but it isn’t “of the moment” (not that Princess Honeybadger Kate really needs to give a damn). Things are looking a little more Kurt Cobain than Kate Beckinsale when it comes to current hair trends, and Cityswept is meant to accommodate that. I haven’t played around with it much myself, but the stylist advised to spray it in your hands and sort of scrunch it into your hair for separation and “chunkiness”. Just think second- or third-day hair and you get the idea.

On to the Fekkai, which I purchased with an Ulta giftcard. Thanks to my hair hypochondria, I think that my hair is always damaged. Not just dry, but damaged. I’m constantly looking for quick sources of protein and moisture for my scalp (which is just sad because I hardly ever drink water). The Frederic Fekkai PrX Reparatives Intensive Fortifying Mask is meant as a hard-core recovery mask with keratin and silk proteins, and it smells like vanilla and feel like the thickest, butteriest sludge you’d ever find at Bath and Body Works. It leaves your hair feeling very slippery and moist, and I can run a comb right through it post-treatment, but I actually have detected a bit more breakage than usual in my hair lately. It may be because I use the mask twice a week and, combined with another keratin spray and protein-rich treatment I’ve been using, I’ve actually got too much protein action going on with my hair. Did you know such a thing could happen?! My friend (and some extra research!) has informed me that you need the right balance of protein and moisture to keep locks healthy and growing, and too much protein can actually cause more breakage in the long run. So, I may need to lay off the protein-rich mask and stick with just once a week, while focusing more on moisture replenishment for the next month.

The Serge Normant Meta Silk Shampoo was a fun find. I found it at Costco! I’ve mostly known Serge as Julia Roberts’ hairstylist, and his hair line is something I’ve only seen sold at NKSpace at Bloomingdale’s. His products are typically over twenty bucks each, but I found his shampoo at Costco for something like fourteen! It’s sulfate free, great for color, smells luxurious, and is loaded with all kinds of interesting, natural ingredients. Unless I get antsy as usual with hair products, I hope to purchase this again.

As far as beauty splurges go, a fancy beach wave spray has to be the silliest for me. Especially considering the fact that I have natural waves. Dumb. However, what has sold me on any Oribe product, including his Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray, is the scent. Oribe’s stuff (and this being the man who regularly styles red carpet folk including Jennifer Lopez) smells like luxury. It’s the scent of your night out to a fancy dinner in your best garb, wearing your priciest perfume (or cologne in you’re a dude, and guys- I think you should spray your hair with this stuff). I seriously picture myself in leather pants with a cozy sweater, sipping a glass of Cabernet in a giant, buttery-soft leather chair with a cashmere blanket on an outdoor patio when my hair has been misted with Après Beach. It’s just that kind of experience. Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray also comes with a similarly magnificent scent. I do a lot of hair flipping when I use these products because I just can’t stop smelling myself! Oh, and the wave creation ain’t so bad either. The product is truly amazing for those I’ve-got-bedhead-and-I-need-to-be-intentional-about-it days. Le freak so chic.

Lastly, we come to what may be a culprit of my recent split-end resurgence. I purchased Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Photo Age Defense at the suggestion of Maria Menounos and once I’d acquired a Sephora giftcard. I’d been looking for a true treatment product that didn’t just temporarily smooth hair and “conceal” split ends. I wanted something that actually defended and repaired. While I have stretched out my time between hair trims enormously (one quick trim over the past six months) and was seeing a difference during the first couple months, I think the combination of a few protein-heavy products has backfired as I mentioned earlier. One of the main ingredients in Caviar is hydrolyzed soy protein, and so I’m thinking I’ll use this after every other wash as opposed to every one. On every other wash, I’m trying my best to just get out of the shower after conditioning and not put anything else in my hair. I want it to rebuild on its own, naturally.

Now, seriously- I want to know what you use. Really. What have you splurged on? What’s the one treatment (hair or skin, anything!) that you won’t compromise on? You’ve had enough of me yammering on and on- I want to hear from you. So I can write about it. Oh, and for more fun bits on hair and the like, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest; the handle is mcrish. xo, MR

March 3, 2014the Fashion stuff., the Hair stuff., the Makeup stuff., the Review stuff.

Best of the 2014 Academy Awards. And this year, I’m a satisfied customer!

McKennaRishmawyAcademy Awards 2014 dresses, Best Dressed Oscars 2014, Charlize Theron Oscars 2014, Christian Dior Haute Couture, Diane Kruger Oscars 2014, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection, Jared Leto hair, Jared Leto ombre, Jared Leto Oscars 2014, Lupita Nyong'O Oscars 2014, Lupita Nyong'O Prada, Naomi Watts Oscars 2014, Olivia Wilde eyeliner, Olivia Wilde Oscars 2014, Oscars 2014 makeup, Poppy Delevingne Oscars 2014, red carpet Oscars 2014, worst dressed Oscars 2014 Leave a comment

So, I’d say last night turned out well. I’ve never watched the Academy Awards from start to finish, red carpet to curtain closed, and I feel very satisfied with my experience. I first feel the need to give major props to Ellen DeGeneres as perhaps the only person having any business as an Oscar host ever again. Can she just do it every year? Please? I need to see Kevin Spacey handing out paper plates to the Hollywood elite again. Or can we at least compromise with a guarantee that Seth McFarlane will never, ever come back?

But let’s face it- The only reason that I really started watching the Academy Awards to begin with was for the styling. I can’t just say the gowns because there’s so much thought put into an entire look. Everything worn to the Oscars comes from a strategic plan: the jewels, the shade of lipstick, the dress, the tan or lack-of-tan, everything. And so when I choose my favorite looks, I’m choosing whole packages. Oh, and one thing that makes the Academy Awards personally exhausting for myself is the fact that the red carpet is honestly about one-third of all the show-stopping looks that will be seen throughout the night. It’s the Oscars after parties that have all the guests changing into something usually more playful, and that also bring out all the you’re-not-invited-to-the-main-thing-but-you’re-still-hip-enough-to-be-seen-here-people. The “Best Dressed” list can get a whole lot longer after the actual show is finished. Just sayin’.

Alright, so let’s get to it.

Best Overall

Yeah. Duh. She can do no wrong. But seriously, Charlize just gets it right every time. It may be the fact that her FACE just gets it right every time, but there’s just no denying that Charlize carries the red carpet in gowns that are nothing short of magnificent. The sheer overlay on the skirt of this Christian Dior haute couture gown adds such an ethereal, fantasy-like element, and the neckline is feminine and powerful with just a single necklace (not that there’s anything shy about that rock she’s wearing!) accessorizing the whole picture. The makeup and hair are just elegant enough to look sleek on Charlize (not too much eyeliner!), but without competing with the gown. This was the look that had me squealing.

Best Details

Naomi Watts’ gown by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection was good enough on its own with its modest neckline, alluring slit up the side, snow-like texture, and slightly bold shoulders, but again, it’s the whole picture that makes me fall in love. The extras of Naomi’s look include: a metallic, graphic Bulgari minaudiere clutch with a “Serpenti” closure (meaning the clasp looks like a snake!), strappy black sandals, sleek, modern hair, red lips and painted toes, and beautiful, bold jewel designs adorning her wrist and neckline. There are so many little details that make this single look a work of styling art, and I feel that if I had to choose one head-to-toe look to wear myself to the Oscars, I’d choose this one.

Best Fantasy Moment

I’ve been following Lupita Nyong’O on Instagram for a couple months now, and she’d been on my radar since October when 12 Years A Slave premiered. I’m not one for trying to predict how other people feel, but I feel I could wager a guess that these past couple months have felt like something out of a dream for this girl. She’s worked hard for a career in acting and theatre (Yale School of Acting!), she’s emerged as a fashion and beauty darling with a front row seat at New York Fashion Week and designers clamoring to dress her, and the day before she was given an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her work … she celebrated her birthday. I mean, what a ride, right? And so, this beautiful baby blue Prada gown, reminiscent of Cinderella (and Nairobi, in her own words, where she grew up around a lot of blue), just seemed perfect for the moment. The way it twirls, the way it seemed youthful and princess-like, and the way she worn the dainty headband almost like a delicate crown … glorious. I also love that the makeup wasn’t anywhere near as bold as other looks she’s previously gone with; it wouldn’t have worked with this look. Some have felt this dress needed a necklace, or that the headband was a bit “twee”, but I found it unique and delightful that the obvious choice of a necklace (or diamonds at all) was forgone in favor of something different. Lupita’s face was able to take center-stage, and she got to walk around in a sparkly Nairobian waterfall all night. Bravo.

Best Makeup and Hair – TIE

In case you hadn’t noticed, I have a thing for eyeliner. And Olivia was WEARING IT. Makeup like this is my very favorite: emphasis on the eyes, some great false lashes, a touch of peach on the cheeks, and a nude lip. And the up-do was so not-up-do-ish. It was soft with face-framing pieces, with just enough volume. Nothing crazy, with an illusion of effortlessness. But then there was this …

Yes, I’m blogging about my obsession over Jared Leto’s hair without batting an eyelash. I’ll admit that I’d been hoping for a more polished man-bun for the Academy Awards, but the flowing, ombre’d locks of a caucasian Jesus are just alright with me. I’ve just got to find out what conditioner this guy uses. He literally has my dream hair. Well, perhaps my dream hair is a bit longer, but seriously, for about five months now Jared has been rocking THEE hair that I’ve wanted for years. But hey! I think I’m finally there!

I hope he sees this. I really hope he does.

Best Dresses That You Didn’t See at the After Parties

I’ve come to the conclusion that I love weird, lacey things. For instance, this. And this. And yes, I’m determined to see this happen on people other than Kristen Stewart, and so this lovely Valentino creation on Diane Kruger was exciting to behold along with Poppy Delevingne in Chanel. Dark and romantic, just perfect. I also love the length of Diane’s gown; it feels so breezy and un-stuffy. Black lace can veer into old lady territory, and the cut of her particular version keeps it from doing so.

And now, because I can’t bear to discuss them all in detail, enjoy some brief comments on the other looks that the internet is a-buzz about:

Jennifer Lawrence – The dress and jewels were stunning; the styling of the hair made her look much older than necessary. Her hair honestly ruined the whole look for me. Supremely frustrating.

Kate Hudson – Gorgeous, yes. But too reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Tom Ford perfection from last year’s awards, for my taste.

Cate Blanchett – Beautiful, but honestly, just not exciting enough for me. I think I just wanted to see color on her really badly.

Kerry Washington – Pretty! By far her best look during this awards season. I haven’t been happy with how designers have dressed Kerry’s bump these past couple months, and if Jason Wu had to basically just take a plum bedsheet and drape it around her to one-up all the designers who’ve tried, then more power to him. Kerry’s hair, I will also add, was beautiful.

Amy Adams and Sandra Bullock – I was bored. Sorry.

Jessica Biel – Amazing, and that HAIR. SHEESH. But I feel like I always drool over her so I’m trying to give it a break.

Angelina Jolie – It’s hard to make her look bad, but the cut of her Elie Saab gown looked a bit matronly on her. That was one problem a few ladies seemed to have last night; some folks looked older than they should have.

And there it is! Of course, I’m always curious to hear your own thoughts and I would absolutely love to know how you felt about the red carpet (and the after carpet!), so please, leave a comment or two. Alright alright alright, that’s it for now. xo,MR

** Absolutely none of these photos belong to me or were taken by me, save for the one Instagram image (which contains an image that does not belong to me either).

October 2, 2013the Fragrance stuff., the Me stuff., the Review stuff.

Scents 2.0: On dudesmells, why I’ll never buy a Marc Jacobs fragrance , and my guiltiest perfume pleasure

McKennaRishmawy30 Rock jokes, Axe, Axe advertising, Balenciaga Florabotanica, best colognes, best perfume for women, FiFi Award winners 2013, Frederic Malle, Jour d'Hermes, Liz Lemon, Marc Jacobs Honey, Mariah Carey fragrances, Marni perfume, most popular fragrance for women, One Direction Our Moment, sexist advertising, Thierry Mugler Angel, Tom Ford, Victoria by Victoria's Secret, Victoria's Secret Bombshell, Victoria's Secret fragrances, VS Fantasies, worst colognes, worst fragrances for women Leave a comment

So, I had a little extra free time tonight, and instead of watching Honey Boo-Boo and eating a whole bag of Trader Joe’s white popcorn in one sitting, I thought I’d do something ~~barely~~ more productive. I decided to wander around Nordstrom in search of inspiration for writing. And my, how the waves came a’crashin! It seems the first thing I gravitate toward when I wander through a department store is fragrance. I’m always too worried that I’ll commit to something out of my budget if I look at the clothes a little too long, and as for the makeup department, well, I honestly have everything I need. But there’s always something new to experience in fragrances; it’s rare that you’ve familiarized yourself with all for them. And with the turn of the season usually comes a few new gems that designers and fragrance houses have tirelessly worked on to create a completely unique sensation. Perfume has got to be one of the most fascinating things ever to me. How something that’s virtually invisible on your skin can manage to evoke such strong emotions amazes me. I’ve said it before, but while I know folks who refuse to listen to particular songs because of the memories associated with them, I am one who refuses to come near certain fragrances because of the memories encapsulated in them. My brain can’t take it.

But anyhow, back to my adventures in wasting time. I’ve come to realize that I’ve been trying to really “grow up” when it comes to fragrance. I can’t go for anything too cloyingly sweet anymore, and any kind of cutesy packaging will be enough to detract me from purchasing a fragrance that smells delicious. The bottle of a perfume that I purchase these days can certainly be feminine, but it cannot be cute. It cannot have jewel adornments, it cannot be too colorful, and it cannot look as if it belongs on college girl’s nightstand. Highly mature nightstands only! I think it comes with my obsession with trying to be a forty-year-old French woman. For this reason (and practically this reason alone) I shun the fragrances of Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, and nearly all celebrity names (because seriously, have you seen celebrity fragrance bottles? I didn’t realize Katy Perry’s target buyer was a two-year-old who also enjoys the Woggles and a fresh diaper.). And when it comes to the others like Marc Jacobs, well, his latest called Honey smells undeniably pleasant, but it simply cannot be seen in my home. But just hide it, you say! Um, no no. I absolutely have to display my fragrances. I don’t know why it’s such a thing with me, but leaving my perfume out on display is just a weird necessity of mine. It’s something I always envisioned doing once I moved into a place of my own; that and lighting candles when company comes over. And offering them Cheetos only to be happily turned down so I can have them all for myself. I think I have this weird fantasy of people smelling my perfume in my bathroom when I’m not looking and thinking, “Ohhhhhh, McKenna, she’s sooooooo mysterious and sophiiiisssssticated. I’m overwheeeeeelmed by her myyyysssstery.” And then I offer them more Cheetos.

See Balenciaga’s Florabotanica located in the center shelf? Here’s a counterexample of my previous point: the bottle is everything I want in perfume design, but the fragrance is just meh. Boo. It’s that perfect blend of awesome bottle and captivating scent that gets me, and it has to be just right.

I’ve been eyeing the new Marni fragrance up top for some time now, as I’m crazy about the bottle and very intrigued by the scent. And yet, I’ve debated that the scent itself (a little rosy, a little woodsy) isn’t too friend-friendly as I like to call it. That’s my other trouble- I always worry about others appreciating my perfume selections. I mean, a perfume is honestly there for others’ enjoyment as much as yours, no? It’s one thing to wear too much of a good perfume; that can always be remedied. But wearing any quantity of a perfume that’s just plain ick? No fixin’ that, and it can do a disservice to those around you. Some scents are universally wonderful (and those I patiently search for), but others are very subjectively appreciated. I’ve literally stopped wearing perfumes that I’ve purchased on account of realizing that they just weren’t friend-friendly enough for my taste. When you wear a fragrance that others appreciate, they compliment you. This really is the case. People consistently ask you what you’re wearing. I’ve had one or two in my time though where that has not been so, and it has left me wildly insecure. I hate for this to happen, and so in the past year or so I’ve vowed to take my sweet, sweet time searching for the perfect scent that others will love as much as myself.

I’ll also take a brief moment to address that otherworldly blue and silver bottle you see on the shelf, Thierry Mugler’s Angel. The concoction is almost unbearably sweet, and yet intoxicating all at once. You cannot stop smelling it. It seriously invokes this sense of infinity and overwhelming nostalgia in me. With notes of dewberries, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, red berries, and honey, I am not kidding- it is cloying, and yet powerful. I once had a friend who used to wear it all the time, and for that reason alone I cannot wear Angel. I can’t think of anyone but my old friend when I smell it, but it is a true masterpiece of a scent.

A brief word on men’s fragrances- WHY DOES THIS NOT HAPPEN NEARLY AS MUCH AS IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN?! Males (especially the younger set) seriously underestimate the power of a sophisticated fragrance. A couple spritzes of a Tom Ford something-or-other seems to carry the potential to change Tracy Jordans into Ushers, Judah Friedlanders into Jon Hamms (not that those men can’t clean up, but you get it). How this all occurs in terms of biochemistry is lost on me, but I’m a believer. Don’t have the money for something, dudebro? No worries, but save for something tasteful. Do not wear Bod. Do not wear Axe. If you choose to wear Axe, I will personally pray for ladies to hiss at you as you pass by on the streets. As wondrous as fragrance may be, do not buy into advertising that says that women will suddenly be happy to serve you as your playthings simply because you bought a cheap, albeit cough-inducing, body spray. Axe carries the subtlety of a garlic sandwich, and consider it the male counterpart to Mariah Carey’s Lollipop collection. And yes, if you’ve been searching for the snob in me, you’ve found her. And yes, I’ve familiarized myself with an Axe fragrance or two so that I may pray for hissing.

But you know, I really shouldn’t talk too much. I mean, we all tend to have those guilty pleasures when it comes to things like scent. That ginormous birthday cake-scented candle? Or the Bath and Body Works four-for-twenty deals, or whatever they are? You know how it is. While I dream in my heart of hearts of being a forty-year-old French woman that only wears Jour D’Hermes or a Frederic Malle’ elixir, I know my weakness for Country Apple and Love Spell. And speaking of Love Spell (WHICH I KNOW YOU KNOW), can we be honest in naming my absolute guiltiest pleasure when it comes to fragrance? I seriously just spent twenty minutes trashing on Axe for their sex-based advertising (though I do think its problems go beyond just being “sex-based”), and yet I’ll come clean and say that I have major difficulty resisting the following brand when it comes to perfumery, and their entire name is built on sex and the idea of a human “angel” (which would consist of no less than a full C-cup, mile-long legs, a six pack, and hair with extensions).

Awwww yeeeeeeee. You know what I’m talkin’ about! You’ve stood at this table! You’ve smelled that smelly stuff! AND YOU LOVED IT! You KNOW you loved it. Victoria’s Secret might carry some of the best fragrances I’ve ever laid my sexy Angel nosehairs on, and their popularity is testament to that. Fragrances like Dream Angel’s Heavenly and Bombshell have won countless awards, and I’m always impressed by the brand’s ability to tow the line of girly-femme and bold modernity with their scents. Save for the sticky-sweet teeny-bopper VS Fantasies collection (featuring the likes of Love Spell), nothing here seems to ever veer too far into berry-bubblegum One Direction Our Moment territory, which is exactly what keeps me interested in VS fragrances as a customer.

The place might be far too pink and sparkly for my taste, but it’s the smelly stuff that keeps me coming back! Victoria’s Secret Bombshell is my personal favorite, though I have to say, the bottle itself is very, um, French can-can dancer Barbie? And I’ll admit that there are times when I look at the posters and photos of VS models around the store and think, Good God, Lemon! You wearing one of these fragrances is like trying to make a cucumber spicy. It might not work.

Victoria’s latest offering is called simply that- Victoria by Victoria’s Secret. And I’ll admit it, I’m smitten. The scent is DEEEEEEE-lectable. It’s sparky-sweet and very gourmand, and it reminds me of a more grown-up version of a Harajuku Girls fragrance I used to wear (oh yes, the ones with the little Gwen Stefani dolls on them). However, LOOK AT THAT FREAK OF A BOTTLE. The thing makes me gag! I see poodles and cherries and Louboutins and pearls and nearly EVERY OTHER THING THAT I DO NOT WANT IN MY LIFE (and yes, I do not desire Louboutins; different discussion, different blog). THE BOTTLE ALONE is stopping me from literally BATHING in this heavenly stuff. Ughhhhhhhhh. I know! If you love how it smells just buy it and stop worrying so much about the stupid packaging! But for whatever superficial reason, I cannot help but believe that the items I purchase say something about my taste, my aesthetic, my identity. And I DO NOT identify with that bottle. Sorry, Vicki. Lose the bow, and then we can talk.

So anyhow, my trip into the Great Beyond of fragrances this evening turned out to be quite a … trip. I’m currently using Flora by Gucci, and while I’m highly satisfied, and I have to say that I’m not much of a signature scent gal so I know that once the Flora runs out I’ll be gettin’ along to the next thing I find (and I’m realizing that sentence just made me sound like some vagabond heartbreaker cowboy). I’m still searching for my next olfactory love, but in the meantime, I’ll leave you with a shot of some old favorites.

Lancome rarely does wrong when it comes to perfume, and that pretty little thing sitting in the front is what I was wearing this time last year. La Vie Est Belle, if we must name it. That might’ve been the fragrance that earned me the most compliments out of any that I’ve worn. Shall I return to The Beautiful Life? Je ne sais pas, mes amis! Alright, time for bed. Forty-year-old French woman is now demanding too much attention. xo, MR

July 28, 2013the Makeup stuff., the Me stuff., the Review stuff.

Target and Kittens- Is there anything better?!

McKennaRishmawybest cheap makeup brushes, best drugstore eyeshadow palette, best drugstore eyeshadows, best drugstore lip color, best drugstore makeup, best drugstore mascara, best L'Oreal products, best Maybelline products, best Revlon products, CoverGirl LashBlast, kitten pictures, kittens, L'Oreal Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow, makeup brushes, Maybelline Color Tattoo eyedshadow, which makeup brushes to use Leave a comment

One of my most favorite things about my amatuer-ish makeup “expertise” is that I get asked lots of questions. I love taking questions about anything, such as inquiries about which products I use to remove makeup (got that one last Sunday from a friend!), or a recommendation on a great, natural lipstick (got that one last Tuesday from a family member!), what my experience is with makeup setting spray (got that one on Friday from a coworker!), or what half of the makeup products in existence are even for in the first place (got that one last weekend from a dude friend!). It’s a joy knowing that folks can count on me for some help, but it’s also fun seeing others grow in their own knowledge of beauty products. As someone with a background in education, I really enjoy, well, educating people. A couple days ago I accompanied one of my dearest friends to the MAC counter where she proceeded to choose four awesome eyeshadows for herself, including some super-fun contrast colors (and she hasn’t owned much product before this). I’ve done her makeup a few times over the past year, and by having it done for her, she’s told me that it’s helped her understand the importance of certain products (like eyeshadow primer and highlighter) and that it’s helped her see how she’s capable of doing her own makeup quite well, too! Sometimes you just need someone to tell you that you can do it on your own, or show you how to do it just once, or insist that you don’t have to follow “the rules” of makeup as closely as you may think.

One of the questions that I’m asked frequently concerns drugstore makeup. I believe I may have posted on a similar topic already, but another go-round can’t hurt! Many folks want to know what items they can save on at a drugstore, or at least which particular drugstore items are good finds that are hidden beneath the rest of the not-so-quality makeup. I always like to say that face makeup and blush should definitely be held to higher standards, and skincare and haircare should be as well (and these should be held to the most natural standards possible, too). But there are a couple goodies that I’ve recommended to everyone that you can purchase for ten bucks or less at your local Rite-Aid, Target, etc. A couple of these picks are just different neutral eyeshadows, but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve been asked for recommendations on a universally-flattering eyeshadow that can be worn easily. So here, a compilation of my favorite finds as shown at a local Target:

Maybelline’s line of Color Tattoo eyeshadows consist of an extremely pigmented and long-lasting cream-to-powder color that gives great shimmer. I’d honestly compare the quality of this line to Chanel’s Illusion D’Ombre, though with not as multidimensional shades. “Bad to the Bronze”, as seen here, is particularly well-known for being a great choice for any skin color and any eye color. This very shade been praised in Allure magazine, and what’s great about cream shadows in general is that they’re so easy to use. You don’t even need a brush- just use your fingers to swipe this stuff on to your lids and up to the brow bone.

Revlon’s Colorstay quad palettes are the best budget-friendly answer to the eye palette question. The one shown in “Addictive” is, like the Maybelline shade, a good, foolproof choice for anyone. Revlon recently gave their eye palettes a makeover so they used to look a little different (and they had different names, as this one was previously named “Coffee Bean Quad”), but they seemed to upgrade the range of shades offered, as well. Revlon’s Customeyes palettes are also great if you’re searching for a more avant-garde selection, and their PhotoReady shadow and primer palettes are equally creative in color range. The PhotoReady palette in “Pop Art” has always looked fun to me for a more dramatic look.

Some of the more frustrating experiences I’ve had with makeup artists or counter employees is their insistence that if you purchase one product, you simply have to buy this other product that will make the first one much more effective. For instance, if you purchase a new face powder, you simply must buy the setting powder to apply for a proper finish! Gah! One thing at a time! Unless you’ve specifically stated that you’re out to complete your whole kit from top to bottom, don’t worry about nabbing everything suggested to you. Buy items as you realize that you need them. However, sometimes such advice from experts is, in fact, merited. Case and point: proper makeup brushes. Please, please, PLEASE do not believe that a single eyeshadow brush will help you achieve any desired look you have in mind. There are, in fact, different brushes for very different purposes. I won’t go into detail here on which ones do which things (though I’ll just say that for eyes, you should probably own at least three different brush types if you want to be really effective with your shadows). Now, I always try to encourage folks to stick with higher-quality brushes as they’re denser, softer, and tend to last far longer, but the Sonia Kashuk line at Target has a surprisingly strong line of cosmetic tools to choose from. Her brushes (especially those that are black and labeled as “professional”) are very precise and efficient in application. I’ve even purchased some of her application sponges (See the blue precision sponge? A great BeautyBlender knock-off!) with great results. So my point is, if you don’t have the time to mosey on over the the nearest Sephora, head to Target instead and snag a couple of these brushes. They’re affordable without skimping on effectiveness.

I think I’ve talked about these puppies before, but here’s an innovative lip product from a drugstore that you can count on: Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. Quite the mouthful, huh? These are Revlon’s answer to Clinique’s Chubby Sticks, a product meant to provide sheer color and lasting hydration. Ever since Gucci Westman assumed position as the global artistic director of Revlon, the colors offered by the brand in everything from eyeshadow to nail color have seemed to take a high-end turn. This Just Bitten Kissable shade in “Darling” is a perfect example. It’s not a typical bubblegum pink- it’s got hints of lavender in it. It’s about as close to purple as my lips will ever get, but it’s a fun choice for something a little more unexpected.

You’ve heard me talk about these before, but proper doctrine need not be preached in limited quantities. CoverGirl’s LashBlast line makes the best budget-friendly mascaras. Period. Take special note of the blue, green, and orange tubes. I’ve used all of these for years. I’ve used others in between such as Maybelline, Dior, L’Oreal, and Stila, but none manage to compare to CoverGirl’s. I understand that people tend to want different things when it comes to mascara (because how Maybelline’s Great Lash still manages to sell well, I’ll never know), but if you’re looking for a buildable, slightly tacky formula with a brush that can be easily controlled, these are perfect. The only one I really haven’t liked is the “24 Hour” kind, in the black tube. Too messy, goopy, and not enough build. But as for the rest, knock yourself out.

First things first: sorry for the dirty nail. I literally covered myself in clay yesterday and have yet to scrape off every bit of it (but whether it was at the spa or for an art project, you’ll never know). Second things second: L’Oreal’s Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow line is the boooooommmmmmmmmb. That sounds like it says “is the boom”. Well, it’s the boom and it’s the bomb. This line is your best choice for a dramatic, “going out” look for under ten dollars. These have incredible color payoff comparable to Urban Decay’s shadows, but if you don’t like shine be sure to stay away as these will draw some serious attention to your peepers. This shade in “Bottomless Java” might be one of my favorite shadows of all time, and I taut it as my absolute favorite drugstore find beyond all the aforementioned. This whole line is completely reliable, though. I posted a video from IntoTheGloss a while ago that showcased my hero Emily Weiss using the “Eternal Black” shade for a super-smokey glam-rock look. So before running over to MAC for one of their pigments, check these out first. They may have what you’re looking for.

Welp, there you have it. If you’ve read, I know that the next time you’re at Target, it’s highly likely that you’ll be picking up one (or all) of these. But I hope you’ve found this helpful, as we’re often overwhelmed by the choices given to us by makeup manufacturers (and that’s actually part of their strategy). So fear not! Play it safe and play it beautiful with one of these Old Faithfuls. And here, to make your day even more special, two pictures of a kitten with my makeup brushes:

Now go die happy. xo, MR

June 28, 2013the Hair stuff., the Me stuff., the Review stuff.

Vacation all I ever wanted.

McKennaRishmawy1329 Salon and Spa, beachy highlights, best salons in Orange County, best salons in Santa Barbara, best salons on State Street, bronde hair, Davines, golden highlights, Jessica Biel hair, Justin Kamm, Kerastase, midlength hair, ombre highlights, Salon 9, salons on State Street, summer 2013 hair trends, summer hair 1 Comment

I’ve just returned from a near-perfect vacation. What I love is the fact that I barely had to travel to really feel a sense of escape for this getaway- I live in Orange County, and we traveled no more than three hours at a time for a four-day trip to Santa Barbara.

The first 48 hours consisted of beach camping at the El Capitan State Beach with my husband’s college students, and then it was a stay in town on State Street for our anniversary (with just the two of us … don’t worry). One of the week’s most glorious moments consisted of our day on the shore with the college group. It had been foggy and gloomy for the previous twelve hours on the campgrounds, and we feared that our time on the beach later that day might bring more of the same. Don’t get me wrong- I think dreary beaches are actually gorgeous. However, I’d packed my swimsuit (and not my coffee mug and blankie) and it had just been so, so long since I’d had one of those quintessential California beach lay-outs. Well, maybe that’s a lie. I had gone to the beach near home by myself one week earlier, but unbeknownst to me I had only enough quarters for an hour! *sobs* Help me I’m poooooor!!!! So needless to say, I was ready for the kind of sunshine that doesn’t fool around, and I was ready to plant my patooty in the sand and not budge for a good while.

And, come one-o-clock in the afternoon, that’s exactly what we got. The skies didn’t have anything to offer but pure, unmitigated supply of Sweet D for a good five hours, and I was in heaven. But let me ask you something … What is heaven without hair color to go with it? Tell me! TELL ME!

I only wish I’d gotten a picture of the out-of-control awesome braid my friend Jourdan whipped my hair into for our beach day, but alas, I was too distracted pretending to be a mermaid. Thanks Jourdan! I was only too excited to play around with my hair this week because the color had just been refreshed in the most delightful of ways thanks to my trusted stylist Justin at Salon 9. And I’m at the point where I can conclusively say that I do indeed prefer my hair with some lightness to it. It’s just happier.

But regarding this image specifically, here are my locks as they were after I had them blown out at the 1329 Salon and Spa on State Street. I have this vacation tradition that I started during my honeymoon that involves hunting down a random salon and having either a pedicure or my hair blown out. I just love meeting different stylists and checking out how different salons do their thing. I remember the salon I stopped by on my honeymoon was super swanky and only used Kerastase products, and the staff had recently styled hair for New York Fashion Week as a team. But then, on a different occasion, I stopped by somewhere a little out of my way for a blow-out around Christmas and the salon I happened upon was really old. The product selection was a little piecemeal, the floors were checkered black-and-white, they had oldies playing on a radio, and I honestly couldn’t understand what my sweet stylist was saying half the time. But I walked out with the most incredible blow-out! You just never know what you’ll find. And that’s the fun of it.

1329 Salon is only two months old, and my stylist, Jenna, had only been there for about five weeks (and they’re looking to hire four more stylists, so if you’re licensed in the SB area, here’s your chair!). I’d been walking up and down State Street doing some shopping and I literally just walked through the door and asked if anyone could take a walk-in client for a blow-out. Jenna used a flat-iron to create loose waves in my hair, and she tried to tutor me as best as she could so that I could mimic the technique myself (and we used my favoritest picture EVER of Jessica Biel for inspiration). Jenna got me blushing though when she kept going on about my new precious highlights. That’s always a major win for both you and your colorist: when another stylist takes a moment to look through your whole head of hair while saying “Oh yeah. Oh yeah. These are great.” *happy squeals* So needless to say (because the shameless selfie says it all), I was more than happy with my experience. Cheers, Jenna! I hope you read this!

So, I’m home now. And my vacation is now nothing more than memories and Instagram files. But part of me feels like I get to keep vacation with me in the form of my hair as it is now (I know, that sounds creepy like I constantly have something hidden in my hair … Don’t worry, the most you’ll find is probably some bobby pins or a bird). And tell me, who doesn’t want vacation hair?! xo, MR

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