Melanie Engle: Beauty Expert
For over a decade, fashionistas have sought after Melanie Engle for her expert beauty advice. Specializing in makeup and eyebrow design, she helps bring out the natural beauty in her clients.
Melanie’s love of the beauty industry began as a national makeup artist for a global cosmetics company. After years of traveling, she settled in New York and received her esthetic training. As one of Manhattan’s top eyebrow designers at the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, she quickly became an integral part of the fashion scene and worked with many celebrities in their quest for perfection.
While earning press mentions including Vogue, Self, and InStyle magazines, Melanie also made many appearances including MTV, E!, and TLC television networks.
After making Philadelphia her home, she earned many “Best Of” awards including Allure magazine’s Best of the Best award for eyebrows. In addition to dividing her time between Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon’s Rittenhouse Square and Main Line locations, Melanie proudly serves as a state judge for Donald Trump’s Miss USA Pageants.
To book an appointment with Melanie, please call Adolf Biecker at (610) 687-4750. To reach her directly, email melanie@mixnyc.com.
Melanie’s love of the beauty industry began as a national makeup artist for a global cosmetics company. After years of traveling, she settled in New York and received her esthetic training. As one of Manhattan’s top eyebrow designers at the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, she quickly became an integral part of the fashion scene and worked with many celebrities in their quest for perfection.
While earning press mentions including Vogue, Self, and InStyle magazines, Melanie also made many appearances including MTV, E!, and TLC television networks.
After making Philadelphia her home, she earned many “Best Of” awards including Allure magazine’s Best of the Best award for eyebrows. In addition to dividing her time between Adolf Biecker Spa/Salon’s Rittenhouse Square and Main Line locations, Melanie proudly serves as a state judge for Donald Trump’s Miss USA Pageants.
To book an appointment with Melanie, please call Adolf Biecker at (610) 687-4750. To reach her directly, email melanie@mixnyc.com.
REVIEWS
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Fake the Bake:Read More »
There’s no denying that that tanned skin will make you look younger and skinnier, and with summer always just around the corner, everyone will soon be vying for that well-rested, healthy summer glow. Before you head to the nearest beach or tanning bed, consider today’s UV-free alternative: the self-tanner, which will leave your skin a golden color without the damaging and wrinkle-causing effects of a real tan.
Self-tanners were developed in response to the link between UV-ray exposure and skin cancer, first discovered in the 1960s. And while self-tanners have been around for years, today’s self-tanning products are a far cry from their stinky, orange glow-producing ancestors. Today’s best self-tanning products are easy to apply, won’t look streaky or runny on your skin, and will have leave an ultra-natural glow that will last for days.
Maid In The Shade - Choosing Your Perfect Self-tanner:
Let’s face it, your best friend’s favorite self tanner may be the wrong color when applied to your skin tone. This is where reading directions on packaging is critical: most products darken over time, and it can take as long as 24 hours for the color to fully “develop”. As a rule of thumb, it is always easier to start out with a lighter self-tanner than change a color that looks too dark for you. Most products will continue to darken your coloring with each application.
In addition to the products which promise a rich-looking tan, or those that will only get you glowing a few shades darker than your natural skin color, your skin type can dictate the best product for you. Those with dry skin should choose a hydrating formula, while those with oily skin types can go with a gel, lotion, or spray that is formulated just for them.
Application Is Key:
No matter which self-tanner you choose, your results will depend on how the product is applied. Here are some helpful steps to make sure that your first experience with sunless tanning won’t be your last:
1. First-time users should apply a test-patch of product on their skin and evaluate for 24 hours for possible contact dermatitis.
2. Exfoliate in the shower with a loofah or an exfoliating scrub, and dry your skin completely.
3. Divide your body into sections and work the product into your skin one section at a time
4. Apply a consistent amount of product everywhere
5. Rub in small circles rather than long strokes, and be consistent with the amount of product used in each area.
6. Go lightly around feet, hands, and elbows! These thicker-skin areas absorb product quickly, resulting in color variations.
7. After application, avoid contact with clothing or water for any where from fifteen minutes to six hours – or until product is completely absorbed by the skin.
8. Faux No! Don’t worry if you get a streak: simply cut a lemon in half and rub over darker area. The natural citric acid will exfoliate the skin and correct the mistake!
Here are the best self-tanning products on the market: -
Science has proven that the most basic key to healthy looking skin is the ability to retain and acquire moisture. As the skin care market seems to overflow with new products using the latest technologically advanced ingredients, women continue their endless search for their ultimate moisturizer.Read More »
The first documented skin care formulas date back to 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt, and some natural ingredients such as extracts of sesame and rice, green tea, and shea butter are still used today. But if your idea of hydrating is not bathing in donkey’s milk all day like Cleopatra, you may choose today’s high-tech formulas that contain key ingredients such as Epidermal Growth Factor or moisturizers with DNA repairing functions. And since we love luxury in every aspect of our lives, even the essence of gold, silver, and sapphire has made it into these miracle jars.
Sexy Skin:
Irwin H. Blank, PhD, is credited to discovering the need of hydration in the horny layer of the skin in the 1950s. Today’s moisturizers not only smooth out the skin’s outer layer, but also utilize key ingredients that may penetrate the top layer of the skin. Using a proper daily moisturizer is your number one defense against the look of premature aging, as lack of moisture can cause superficial lines, redness, and flakiness with a rough texture. Your perfect moisturizer is an easy way to help you achieve that ever elusive youthful, healthy glow you’ve been after.
High Maintenance:
For optimal results, moisturizers need to be applied twice a day: once in the morning and again at night-time. And while all of the products I’ve reviewed are “day moisturizers,” you can definitely use your day moisturizer at night, with some women preferring to use a separate “night cream” with additional treatment properties.
Turn Back Time:
Many moisturizers now have added ingredients that are multi-purpose such as lightening dark spots, firming, and wrinkle reducing. As your powerful cream penetrates the layers of skin, it helps to fill in the area between the layers providing a smoother, younger appearance. Sunscreen is also an excellent added benefit of some of the daily moisturizers that will reduce future damage. Moreover, certain moisturizers increase the skin’s cellular production, which naturally decreases as we age. These ingredients, which stimulate your cell turnover, diminish the skin’s signs of aging.
Choosing a Formula:
Before choosing your moisturizer, first you must assess your skin type. Keep in mind that at different times of the year your skin may change as the seasons do. Some women may need to have a lighter version and a richer version of these creams in their arsenal to alternate as their skin changes throughout the year. It is important to use a formula that improves the texture of your skin and does not feel heavy.
What’s your skin type?
Dry skin may feel tight and look flakey due to the lack of oil production. Choose a rich formula.
Oily skin will appear shiny and feel greasy. One of the biggest myths in skin care is that oily skin does not need to use a moisturizer. A lightweight or oil-free formula that will not clog your pores is best for the oily skin type.
Combination skin may be normal to dry on cheeks and have an oily t-zone. A formula with a high hydration level that is not too heavy is best.
Best of the Best:
Moisturizers will not only add hydration to the skin but will also prevent moisture loss. Taking care of your skin now can improve your look today and save a fortune in plastic surgeon’s bills later to repair damage that could have been prevented. High-end skin care can cost a lot of money but is well worth the investment.
The best moisturizers will offer not just the addition of hydration to quench your skin’s thirst, but may also be multi-functional. Some of my top picks include anti-aging properties and sunscreen protection. By using products with more than one function you will save time and money by not having to use separate products. -
If you are one of the many of women suffering from lash envy, an instant cure is as simple as finding the right mascara. Mascara enhances your eyelashes creating the super hot look of long thick lashes for which every woman is looking. Armed with professional knowledge, you can easily find the ultimate mascara that will give you the super sexy lashes you deserve. After weeks of product testing, I have discovered many amazing mascaras that exceeded my expectations.Read More »
Mascara Formulas:
What is the secret to finding the ultimate formula for you? It ultimately depends on the lashes you are starting with. An honest evaluation is your first step. Examine your lashes to determine the qualities you will need to look for. Do you need to make your lashes longer, thicker, or darker? With so many mascara formulas on the market, your possibilities are seemingly endless. You will find formulas such as water resistant, lengthening, thickening, conditioning, tubes, or smudge resistant that will end all of your lash woes.
Colors:
Although black is the most popular color, you have many options to choose from to make your eye color pop. Brown black and brown are the most natural looking. Fashion colors come and go, but the current trends are plum, navy, and green. Some lines even have clear mascara that works well for beginners.
Your perfect prescription:
Short lashes - Look for a lengthening formula that will make your lashes appear that they go on for miles.
Thin lashes - A thickening formula will make your lashes appear full and luscious.
Dry or brittle lashes - Conditioning mascaras will stop the breakage that can make lashes appear shorter.
Contact wearers - A gentle basic mascara is your best choice. Water resistant or lengthening formula’s can get caught under your contacts and cannot be broken down by your tears.
Athletes and those who may tear - If you plan on crying or perspiring, water resistant is always your best formula choice.
Oily skin - Try one of the new tube formulas that won’t be broken down by your bodies natural oils.
Brown eyes - Black, Brown Black
Green eyes - Plum, Forest
Blue eyes - Navy
Application:
After applying your eye makeup, use mascara as your finishing touch. Always remember to curl your lashes before applying the mascara to prevent breakage. Coat both sides of your lashes for the fullest effect. Do not try to go all the way to the root or you’ll end up with mascara on your lids. Then, gently sweep the brush up through the lashes. This will help evenly coat the lashes and stop clumps. For longer looking lashes, concentrate on the tips of lashes. For thicker looking lashes, apply more color from the base to the midpoint of lashes. You can apply up to three coats to enhance the lashes, but do not let dry between coats.
Removal:
Most companies recommend using a separate eye makeup remover at night to remove all traces of eye makeup. If a water resistant mascara is your weapon of choice, you will need to use one specifically formulated for that type. The new tube type of mascaras simply need a combination of water and pressure and the tubes glide right off the lashes.
Eye Do’s:
Remember to discard your mascara every three months. An easy way to remember is to purchase a new one with the start of every season.
Keep your mascara to yourself. Never share your mascara with anyone.
Twirl the wand in the tube instead of “pumping” the wand in and out of the tube, you will add air and dry the product out.
Best of the Best:
Women tend to be completely obsessed with their mascara. And after trying these mascaras, I can certainly understand why. The perfect mascara is like your best friend, always there when you need it, and will never flake on you. Department store divas be on alert: these are the best mascaras money can buy. -
The tweezer, the invention of which dates back to the Stone Age, is now a universally-used tool as common in operating rooms as it is in home medicine cabinets. And even though your needs may be quite different from those of a skilled surgeon, there are literally hundreds of tweezers on the market claiming to be your perfect partner for any need. With so many choices, how do you pick the perfect one for you?Read More »
IT’S IN THE TIP
With endless combinations of shapes, colors, and materials to pick from, how do you find the right tweezer to fit your needs? First, choose the right shape for the job: the most popular tips feature a slant, point, or round-shaped tip.
Slant-tip tweezers, with its ends machined to an angled tip, are the most common because they are easier and safer to use on eyebrows and other facial hair. Point-tip tweezers, with the tips honed to a sharp point, are much more precise for removal of splinters, very fine hairs, or whenever precision is required. Be very careful not to dig into your skin. Round-tip tweezers may lack precision, but are the safest option for teens, those with shaky hands, and the far-sighted.
A great pair of tweezers will grab hair with the first pull eliminating the frustration usually associated with a bad pair of tweezers. While most tweezer tips are formed in stainless steel, manufacturers recently introduced gold, high tech polymers, and even diamond particles to further improve the tip’s gripping ability. Regardless of your choice of tip material, a factory-mitered edge will also go far in improving your “grab”.
THE BODY
The body of your tweezer should always be metal to assure a long life for your trusted tool. Stainless steel is a long-time favorite for its durability and ease of disinfection between uses, while nickel-plated tweezers offer the surest grip. Gold and gold-plated metals are some of the high-end tweezer body finishes with a designer touch. A virtual rainbow of fashion color choices are also available to match any whim.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
While the need for tweezers hasn’t changed since the ancient times, the latest high-tech advances now bring you such options as on-board L.E.D. illumination to hone in on your target, and special polymer tips that never wear out. With features like these, even the novice can achieve expert hair removal results in the comfort of their own home.
Before settling on your perfect pair of tweezers, consider the guarantees and other special incentives offered by the manufacturer, such as free lifetime sharpening.
TWEEZER CARE
Like any professional tool, your “new best friend” will serve you for many years with minimal care. Simply wipe it with an alcohol-saturated cotton ball to disinfect after each use. Always store your tweezers in their case or with their tip side up. Finally, dropping or using your tweezers as a screwdriver will result in misalignment, rendering them useless.
BEST OF THE BEST
The best of the best tweezers are made of the highest quality materials, offer ergonomically correct form, and are hand-finished by expert craftsmen for perfect alignment and ease of use. Most importantly, the tweezers in this group are the best at grabbing hairs with style.
