Your Life ( and Style) IS American Idol!

YOUR LIFE AND STYLE IS AMERICAN IDOL

by Tamara Gold

Do you go through your day feeling kind of pitchy?

Or perhaps no one is listening to you and you want to yell out, “Hey dogg, listen up, listen up, listen up. Okay, dogg…..”

You even go to your favorite store, touch a few tubes of the new Tom Ford lipstick line and think, “I’m just not feeling it.”

Your husband hums in the shower and you find yourself saying, “Honey, I love you, but I’m worried about your song selection. With all the great pop songs out there what were you thinking by humming ‘Yellow Submarine?”

What I’m thinking is that life mirrors “American Idol.”

Think about it a moment: Just like on “Idol,” we wake up every morning, style ourselves in the best way possible and then go out on that great stage of life to put on our best performances. Sometimes we win; other times we’re stuck in the bottom three. A detractor can makes our lives miserable. Other times, our personal Simon says, “You went from zero to hero. Well done. ”

What are the deeper lessons of Idol that apply to your life, business and personal style?

Just like Simon tells us on Idol, please stay true to who you are.

It’s time to recognize your own unique talents and stay true to the best vision of you. Think about the singers on Idol who are some mish-mash of what they think everyone else wants them to be as an artist. Suddenly, they’re schitzo!  One week, they’re crooning a country song and the next they’re doing some Zeppelin. It’s confusing because everyone else wonders, “Who is this person?” Just like on Idol when you figure out the best version of you then stick with it. Think about Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry who were always true to their unique visions. No one had either of them singing show tunes. Those songs just didn’t fit. People who are true to themselves can’t be anything else but beautiful and authentic.

Just like Paula used to tell us on Idol, show us a little more personality.

Don’t hide out. Your personality makes you magnetic and unforgettable. This is true when it comes to your personal style. Perhaps you’re like Crystal Bowersox this season and you dress like you live in a Seattle coffee shop. You know what? She’s perfect because her clothing reflects her true personality. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she would feel if they forced her to wear a tight mini skirt and low-cut shirt? Don’t let others dictate how you will present yourself to the world.

Do it your own way – because the world has enough cookie cutter types.

Your goal is to stand out from all of those who are simply auditioning. You don’t want to look like that cookie cutter girl with the same outfit, the same hair and even the same makeup. Your individuality will make you rise from the pack, and often this does start with clothing. Siobhan Magnus might wear a short tulle skirt with legwarmers and cowboy boots next week, but somehow it all works because she has style to stand out for the rest. Look at Adam Lambert. Like him or not, he commands the room from his ever-growing hair to his pointy-shoes.

Realize that everyone isn’t always a fan.

You can’t go through the day worrying if everyone will vote for you. There will be people who don’t like you or those who judge you harshly. Remember that Simon was rude to Jennifer Hudson and basically told her that she stunk. She was low in the top ten when she got kicked off “Idol,” disappeared and came back to win an Oscar and have a hit CD. Your detractors can and will be wrong. I’m sure Daughtry isn’t still upset that he didn’t win Idol or even come in as the runner up.

Make sure to appreciate the Ellen in your life.

There will always be someone who desperately wants you to win and sees the positive in you. He or she will make you laugh and smile like Ellen does on “Idol.” Cherish this person and let their compliments sink in.

Realize that we all make bad song choices.

Big Mike, I feel your pain on Beatles week. But realize that we all make a bad decision or two in life. You might even do it in front of a lot of people like those Idol contestants. But the key is you put yourself out there and someone will “get” your tune.

Finally, just like on Idol, polish yourself, grow and evolve as you go on.

Think about the Idol contestants on week one vs. the finale of the show. Of course, they’ve had major makeovers from top industry pros. They’ve been polished up and the gold has been tumbled until it shines. Most of the ladies begin as regular people and look like beautiful stars when it’s over. You can work on your own hair, face and clothing in the same manner. Realize it’s not an overnight fix. Heck, it takes those idols all season to really look fabulous.

Oh, one more. Everyone is a winner.

Yes, if you put yourself out there, stay true to who you are and focus on doing your best then how can you not become a winner?

Right, dogg?

The 5 Deadly Makeup Sins

The 5 Deadly Makeup Sins
By Tamara Gold

Thou shalt not cheat on your husband. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not wear the wrong color foundation!

Okay, that last one might not be Biblical, but it should be known to all women because a bad coat of face is one of the 5 Deadly Makeup Sins. I’m using a word as strong as SIN because these mistakes take all the fabulousness right out of your day.

Below are a collection of several beauty sins. Please repent now!

First Sin – Wearing the Wrong Color Foundation.

You’ve seen the woman at the mall or in a restaurant who is wearing someone’s else foundation color. It looks SO fake or as though she’s starring in a revival of “Cats.” Stop the insanity!  Instead, throw out that bottle and find what’s right for you. How do you know if your foundation color is wrong?

The Golden Rule: You will see that your neck and cheeks don’t match . This is called the line of demarcation. When you try on foundation at a makeup counter, don’t buy it right away. Walk around and go out in natural light so you can see if the color really matches. You won’t test it on your arm or hand, but on your jaw line. The right color dries clean and the line between the makeup and your skin disappears completely.

Remember that foundation that’s too heavy or opaque will make you look older because, it won’t blend into your skin, but sit on top of it. Your foundation should also feel like silk on your skin while it hides all your flaws.

Second Sin- Wearing Concealer That’s Too Light Under Your Eyes — Or Too Much.

Hello, raccoon eyes! Concealer that’s too light for your skin tone will look like you’re on your way to your own heavyweight boxing match or your child took a yellow crayon and colored under your eyes.  Instead of hiding your fine lines or wrinkles, you will be shining a spotlight in that direction.

The Golden Rule: Make sure that your concealer blends perfectly with your natural skin tone. Before buying from a makeup counter, ask for a sample, bring it home and try it out for a day or two in different lights. Test it under your foundation to make sure everything blends. Buy a concealer that’s creamy with a nice neutral tone. You can also add a drop of your foundation to your concealer before you put it on to make it appear unnoticeable. Make sure the foundation is not too white for your skin. My favorite comes from Kevyn Aucoin called The Senusal Skin Enhancer $31.50 (www.kevynaucoindirect.com)

Third Sin – Clumpy Mascara.

You need three coats of a mascara for that perfect look, but make sure you don’t create clumps because you put it on the wrong way. Clumps are often created when you “take a little break” to let each coat of mascara dry.

The Golden Rule: Put on your three coats of mascara quickly and one after each other, so it doesn’t dry sticky and create clumps. If it clumps do happen, use a tiny little eyelash comb to separate the lashes. Remember that my rule is to put on the mascara before your shadow, so you can easily do a quick fix if the mascara ends up in the wrong place.

Fourth Sin – Lipliner on the loose!

You know what I’m talking about here…the solid line that somehow sneaks outside your lipstick.

The Golden Rule: Find a good nude liner like my favorite from Chanel (www.Chanel.com). The next step is to color the entire inside of your lip, blot with a Kleenex to take off any excess and then apply lipstick or lip-gloss on top.  The nude liner is key because it will give you definition even if you use a red lipstick. If you’re doing on-camera work, be careful with the gloss. In this high-definition age, a little lipgloss can look like an oil slick on film and it’s distracting. Try a nice nude liner on your lips with  cream lipstick instead.

Fifth Sin - Too Much Bronzer.

Ooompa loompa, doopity don’t, indeed! Been there! Done that! Go easy on the color. And, make sure you blend.

The Golden Rule: First, don’t put bronzer everywhere. It’s not necessary. Use it to add a little sun-kissed look just where the sun would naturally tan your face.  Second, make sure to find a great blush brush and lightly dust your bronzer on your cheeks. You can use a bit of it to go down both sides of your neck and use a little swirl on your chest. If you’re going sleeveless then hit the top of your shoulders with a bit of bronzer.  For my ladies on camera, skip the  sparkling bronzer, which is distracting when filmed. Use a matte powder bronzer if you need a little more color.

9 Easy Ways to Create Your Beautiful Life

By Tamara Gold

Start creating the life of your dreams by first looking at the “Bigger Picture.”  Step back and look at your day-to-day habits, they are forming the foundation of your life. What is the end result you’d like to see? Discover how 9 Simple steps can start you on your way to creating the beautiful life you’ve always wanted.

1. Living On Purpose

Are you living on purpose? Once you discover your deepest desire and follow this one thing, you’ll find your life gets easier. Yes! Easier than you’ve ever imagined. Just think. You know that you are going “Right.” Would you turn Left? Nope. I didn’t think so. What is it you have always wanted to do with you life? Maybe you are already doing it. If so, you’re a very lucky person. Now it’s time to stop worrying about all the rest of the options and just follow forth with your purpose. If you’re a little confused, search out the options. Find your passion, discover your purpose…and then stick to it.

2. The Power of No

Do you hear yourself saying “Yes!” to things you really don’t want to do? Not only does it cause anxiety and frustration, but it takes away from YOU. We sometimes have a tendency to say “Yes!” just to make others happy. We have to realize how important it is to be able to say “No.” Not as easy, but you’ll find it can be very empowering. You’ll free up the time you need to follow your dreams, your passion and your true life purpose.

3. Focus On  One Thing at a Time

Multi-tasking is part of our culture. Especially for women, juggling families, businesses, and other commitments. Try turning off your email. Have one project on your desk or laptop at a time. How about this one? Try to concentrate on grocery shopping….instead of talking on your cell phone as you throw the banana’s in the basket. You’ll find you get things done faster, more efficiently, and without the frustrating little mistakes which happen to all of us when we aren’t present. You’ll may even begin to realize the “Art” behind doing one thing at a time. It can be very Zen.

4. Don’t Try to Do It All

Do you think the President of the United States does everything himself? Of course not! And, neither should you. Ask for help when you can. Hire help if you can afford it. Trying to do everything yourself leads to burn out, irritability and whoooo….a whole lot of unrealistic expectations. Act like the President….Ask for the help you need.

5.  It Starts with Self-Care

If you don’t take care of yourself, no one will. We’ve all heard, “Put Your oxygen masks on first before helping others.” We need to be at our best to run our businesses, take care of our families, and stay healthy. Eating healthy, finding time for exercise, and relaxing with friends are all part of the mix. This is the combination for a beautiful life.

6.  Enjoy the Silence

If you meditate, great! You’re one step ahead of the rest. If not, find a time in your day, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, to sit, and just be. Get quiet, listen to the sound of nothing. It is in the silence where you will actually “hear” the unexpected. The silence is the portal between who you are and who you are becoming. You might be surprised at the inspired action the silence reveals.

7. Clear Your Mind

If you’ve got a highly creative or busy mind, it can be chattering all day long. Not only does it make it hard for you to stop and enjoy the life you have, you may even have a hard time remembering all your brilliant ideas. Carry a small “Idea Book” with you wherever you go. Leave it by your bedside if you’re the type of person who wakes in the middle of a night with the plot line to the next blockbuster movie. Write your brainstorms down in your little idea book and let it go. You’ll be able to refer back to it any time you need inspiration and rummage through the treasures of your mind.

8. Live in the Moment

Your beautiful life is happening NOW! Don’t miss out. Stop and take a deep breath. Look around and see your life as it is, right now. There are so many incredible things we missed, because we are on overdrive, or thinking about the future. Stop and smell the roses! Hey, didn’t some else say that?

9. Give Thanks

You already have more than most people. You may not be where you want to be in your career or even have the relationship of your dreams. But, you already have a lot. Be grateful for your health, your creativity, for your friends, family and for the promise your future holds. The more grateful you are in the moment, the more you receive in the future.

You can create your life any way you like. It’s up to you.  Set the intentions and let your Beautiful Life Blossom.