What We Want for Christmas

Here at the glō office, all we want for Christmas is….. "Intense eye lashes"—Juli, marketing assistant Lash Thickener & Conditioner + Water Resistant Mascara "Shiny hair"—Kristin, educator Infinite Shine Smoothing Oil "Moist hands"—Mary, vice president of sales Luxury Hand Cream "An awesome look for New Year's"—Lucia, web and electronic media specialist Alloy Eyes Collection "Soft lips for under the mistletoe"—Cat, director of marketing Cherry Balm "Skin that glo's"—Erin, marketing assistant Brightening Polish + Brightening Serum "Shimmer"—Toni, graphic designer Shimmer Brick

Kate McCarthy on NBC Miami

Last week our go-to makeup guru, Kate McCarthy, got to escape the winter cold at our Denver office and travel to Florida where she showed off her makeup skills on NBC Miami. The segment focused on how to create three simple looks that anyone—that means you—can master. Here are her tips: Day Look: The model's skin was a little dry so McCarthy decided to use Loose Base which gives a dewy finish perfect for reflecting light. Then she blended the dusty rose, mauve, and silver shades found in the Eye Shadow Trio in Napoli to create a natural look suitable for a 9 to 5, or a Saturday running errands. A touch of Blush in Bellini and the first model was good to go! Hyper-pigmentation: The second model struggled with skin pigmentation irregularities, so McCarthy used first applied a light layer of Camouflage on the areas that needed to be lightened followed up by Pressed Base on top. Once there was a smooth canvas, she used the Eye Shadow Trio in amethyst for a fun evening look. Holiday Look: For the final look McCarthy chose to do a twist on the classic smoky eye using the Alloy Eyes Collection. "Instead or pulling the 'smoke' [aka darkest shade] all the way up to the crease," she says, "I just smoked out her liner using the Micro-Precision Eye Pencil and the darkest shimmer from the [collection]. The rest of the model's look was kept pretty natural and bare to give "a fun sultry grunge type of smoky eye for the holidays." Lipstick in Bali and Liquid Lips in desire topped it off creating a perfect "Bordeaux-wine" lip color.

How Sugar Effects Your Skin

Making sure your body gets enough of the right kind of nutrients is easy during the summer months when bikini season has everyone focused on health and fitness. But if you're like most people, by the time November rolls around, your diet is less about salad and more about sugar cookies! And who can blame you? During the holidays sweet treats like cakes, cookies, and candy are everywhere. And on top of that, holiday stress caused by doing too much, indulging too much, and spending too much can easily make you break the good habits you spent all year cultivating. But throwing caution to the wind when it comes to your diet can negatively impact how you feel (sluggishness anyone?), and how you look. Consider this: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2007 Americans consumed 84.3 pounds of high fructose corn syrup and sugar combined per capita—that's about a 15% increase since 1982 A diet high in refined sugar increases glycation, or the process of sugar attaching to proteins in your blood stream to form new molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGES) AGES damage proteins like collagen and elastin which are responsible for keeping skin plump and firm. AGES also deactivate your body's natural antioxidant enzymes, making you more vulnerable to sun damage. So for more supple skin this holiday season, think less gingerbread men and more antioxidant rich foods like berries, nuts, and sweet potatoes.

Make the Most of your Lipstick

Did you know that your favorite lipstick can double as a cream blush? Follow these simple steps to try something new or make your products multi-task the next time you run out. Start by washing your hands to remove bacteria and pore-clogging oils Choose a matte lipstick in flattering shades of pink and peach Take your index or middle finger and lightly rub it across the lipstick Apply the cream to the apples of your cheeks and blend upward and out towards your hairline *Avoid using shades of burgundy and plum as they are densely pigmented and might appear unnatural *Do not use gloss We Recommend glō•minerals Lipstick in blush, willow, and tulip.

Winter Skincare Tips

Winter weather is notorious for wicking moisture away from your skin, and like Cathleen Tatman, gloProfessional's vice president of marketing, says, if you haven't pumped up your hydration yet, now's the time to start. Here are her tips for a flake-free season. Tatman's Tips Make sure you are using a product like the Advanced B5 Hydration with hyaluronic acid in addition to your moisturizer because it will help your skin stay balanced. Hyaluronic acid attracts and maintains 1,000 times its weight in water while preventing trans-epidermal water loss, and protecting against environmental aggressors. Select a slightly heavier moisturizer that will help seal in your skin's natural moisture, protects against dehydration, and provides a buffer against temperature extremes. Transition from a gel cleanser to a cream cleanser if you tend to have dry skin Incorporate a hydrating mask into your weekly regimen Before heading out into harsh conditions for say a ski trip, use a heavy moisturizer like Barrier Balm. Continue using Vitamin C Serum and sunscreen to maintain healthy skin all year round. We recommend glo therapeutics Advanced B5 Hydration, Barrier Balm, Conditioning Milk Cleanser

The Brightest New Year's Eve Trends

Have you thought about how you're going to usher in love, happiness, and prosperity this New Year's Eve? Maybe it's by eating twelve grapes at midnight à la Spain, or watching the ball drop in New York/your living room. Or maybe, it's by adding a pop of color to your ensemble that has a special symbolic meaning like people in China, Venezuela, and the Philippines. We just love how these countries around the world have found bright ways to show their local pride—and create a bit of luck. Seeing Red in China From crimson to burgundy, red is the color of choice for many Chinese who are deeply attached to its association with courage, loyalty, honor, success, fertility, happiness, and passion. With so many positive meanings, we might be seeing red ourselves! Spot on in the Philippines In this hot and humid Southeast Asian country, there is a longstanding belief that circles attract money and fortune so what better way to ward off poverty than by wearing polka dots? Feeling Optimistic in Ecuador & Venezuela On New Year's Eve, people in these Latin American countries love to look sun-drenched in shades of yellow that symbolize fertility and abundance. Yellow also happens to be a dominant color in their national flags. What color will you be wearing?

Travel Skincare Tips

It's no secret that the holidays are the busiest travel season of the year. And between finalizing travel itineraries, packing, and making sure your pets get fed in your absence, it's easy to forget about finding room in your suitcase for the things that make you look and feel your best. But because long-distance travel is notorious for its physical effects on the body, it's important that you give your skin a little extra TLC during the trip. Pack Smart Know what you can and cannot bring on the plane before you get to the airport or risk having to leave your new facial scrub at the gate. And when it comes to liquids that would be no more than a few 3 oz. bottles sealed in a one quart clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Anything else belongs in your luggage wrapped tight. Pack Light We know you like to have options, but now is not the time to drag your entire makeup drawer on the plane. Instead, only bring those items you absolutely need like a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and an overnight treatment. Pack for your Destination Traveling to Miami? Load up on a high SPF sunscreen. Same goes for moisturizer if you're heading to a dry climate. Pack H20 In most planes, the amount of moisture in the air is only 10% which is about 30% less than what your body needs to feel adequately hydrated. So in areas of low humidity, make sure to drink plenty of water, and moisturize frequently.

What's In the Bag Body Travel Collection Refreshing Mist Moisturizer

How to Pick the Perfect Gift

Everyone knows that gift-giving during the holiday season can be overwhelming when it comes to the makeup mavens in your life. Because while you may be an expert in choosing the latest glistening products for yourself, finding a gift that perfectly fits the needs, tastes, and color preferences of your friends and family is often a different story. Don't give up. Keep these tips and mind and we're sure you'll be able to find something that will make your loved ones' eyes light up.We've even made it easier by creating a gift-guide that covers just about everyone on your list. DO: Pick Something Fun Practical gifts are nice, but why choose an unscented moisturizer, when you can choose something fun like honey sugar butter Body Butter? DO: Have Options The reason that kits are so popular around the holidays is because they are loaded with great products that give your loved one the option to create any look her heart desires. So invest in a kit for months of colorful creativity. DO: Spoil Them Now's the perfect time to pick up that Alloy Eyes Collection your friend has had her eye on or choose a luxe serum to make her skin glow. DO: Let Her Choose for Herself Sometimes the best option is to put the purchasing power in your loved ones' hands by buying an electronic gift card to use on whatever catches her eye. DON'T: Pick Something Skin-tone or Skin-type Specific Unless you know for a fact your loved one's skin tone or skin concerns, it's probably best to shy away from giving foundations or specialty-products to avoid waste or exchange hassles.

Beauty Resolutions

It's that time of year again when people start reevaluating their lifestyle habits and setting new goals for the months to come like growing their pocketbooks and shrinking their pocket-sizes. But finances and fitness aren't the only things that could use a makeover. From the moment you started experimenting with mommy's makeup, to the moment you matured and lost a lipstick to a child of your own, chances are you picked up some makeup or skincare habits that need to be broken as well. So while you're thinking of your list on the night the ball drops, consider adding a few of our top ten beauty resolutions. In 2012, we promise to…. 1.Always wear sunscreen, regardless of weather 2.Never pick at blemishes 3.Make sure the color of our faces match the color of our necks 4.Trade clear gloss for a bright bold lip every once in a while 5.Treat ourselves to a spa service like a wax or chemical peel 6.Always cleanse our skin before bed—no exceptions! 7.Sleep more, exercise more, and drink more water 8.Use eye cream 9.Pay more attention to our hands, neck and shoulders. 10.Choose a bronzer or highlighter over tanning Have any more to add? Tweet #beautyresolutions to @gloProfessional.

Seeing Orange in 2012

Tangerine Tango (above) pictured with previous winners, Honeysuckle, Turquoise, Mimosa, Blue Iris, and Chili Pepper
Next year will look a whole lot brighter now that Pantone LLC—the world's foremost color authority—officially announced last Thursday that Tangerine Tango is 2012's Color of the Year. The "vivacious, enticing hue" comes after years of muted colors with Crayola-worthy names like honeysuckle, turquoise, and mimosa and is expected to make an appearance on everything from couch covers to catwalks and of course, color cosmetics. So how does one go about choosing a color to encapsulate the mood and feel of the international design community as well as inspire millions in creative industries? Well you might be surprised to know that it is no easy task. Once the color is announced, Pantone representatives travel the world searching for next year's shade in art, technology, textiles, entertainment, and even sports—basically anything that attracts a great number of diverse people. And so after plenty of discussion, not to mention debate,a winner is chosen to make its way into those well-known swatches and soon enough, into your sense of style. Sounds like a fun job.

Spring 2012 Beauty Trends

The snow has barely started to fall but we're already looking forward to trying these Spring 2012 looks from the fashion world. See one you like? Photo credit: NYMag.com

Lacoste, Fresh Face Pressed Base

Alexander Wang, Smudged Eyeliner Precision Eye Pencil

Donna Karen, Berry Lips & Nude Lids Lipstick in spiced rum

Anna Sui, Cherry Lips Gloss in poppy

Sprinkle on the Sparkle for the Holidays

Use a little, use a lot be it bronze, silver, or gold. Star Dust 24K Kit

The holidays are your time to shine.

Play with Color for the Holidays

What We're Wearing: Lipstick in siren

The holidays are a perfect time to play with color and play up your pout.

2011 Beauty Recap, Part 2

L.A.M.B,Spring/Summer Glitter

Nanette Lepore, Spring Red Lips

Michael Kors, Fall Nude Makeup

Elie Tahari, Fall Etheral Eyes

2011 Beauty Recap, Part One

Derek Lam, Spring Graphic Eyeliner

Oscar de la Renta, Summer Crayola-inspired Eyeshadow

Thakoon, Fall Neon Makeup

Jean Paul Gaultier, Winter Thick Eyebrows

What We'd Bring to the Mountains

WHAT’S IN THE BAG
Barrier Balm
Mint Balm
Shimmer Brick in gleam

Get the Look: My Week with Marilyn

Blush in sandalwood

Eye Shadow in opal and diamond and twig: Layer opal & diamond. Keep diamond in inner corner of eye, keep the lid shimmery white. Lightly contour with twig in crease.

Cream Eyeliner in black:Apply thick on lash line and make a “micro” cat eye. Keep lower lash line clean. 

Lipstick in vixen: Load up

Get the Look: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Models Emanuela de Paula, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Liu Wen
Photo Credit: CBSNews.com

A few nights ago more than 9 million people around the world tuned into CBS to watch supermodels Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and more strut the pink carpet at the 16th annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show taped in advance at the Lexington Avenue Armory in Manhattan, New York.

While Hollywood’s heavyweights looked on—and got in the action with performances by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Adam Levine, and Nicki Minaj—the angels put on a show in sparkling, scene-stealing lingerie with Spanish, space-age, and neon accents.

But while the looks were sultry, the makeup remained sweet, with subtle sweeps of shimmer that even an average angel—that means you—can recreate.

Here’s how to get the look, no personal trainers required.

1. Start by using Primer to fill in fine lines and large pores for an ideal canvas

2. Use a matte foundation like Pressed Base or Protective Liquid Foundation Matte II to create a flawless complexion

3. Swirl your favorite shades in the Shimmer Brick to illuminate key features like cheek bones, and eyes.

4. Line your eyes with Precision Eye Pencil in black then follow up with a your choice of black Mascara.

5. Apply a Sheer Lipstick in a natural shade like Aruba, Capri, or Bora Bora.