High-def makeup: Not just for TV

Get ready for your close-up.

A category of cosmetics hitting stores now is designed to achieve a flawless-looking face under the microscope of pore-magnifying, fine line-focusing, high-definition television.

The products are popular with Hollywood makeup artists, and now brands such as Cargo and Christian Dior are being marketed to the everywoman who wants to look like a perfectly porcelain-skinned Nicole Kidman, whether she's under the harsh florescent lights of the office or in the soft focus of an outdoor patio.

HD foundations claim to provide full coverage without feeling or looking too thick. They contain photochromatic particles that reflect light instead of absorbing it, blurring fine lines and imperfections, explains Jessica Wu, a Los Angeles dermatologist.

"The trend in makeup is to have clean, real-looking, less-made-up skin, so HD techniques and the way we wear makeup in everyday life go hand in hand," says Smashbox Cosmetics makeup artist Lori Taylor.

Go wns that wont let you down

While a strapless gown is still classic for the stylish bride, this is the year of new up-top options -- from halters and spaghetti straps to short, sassy cap sleeves and even elegant full-length ones. That means support, shoulder coverage and a precious sense of security are suddenly chic.

"A lot of customers say they don't want a strapless gown," said Linda Shaps-Shanin, a vice president at David's Bridal. "Whether it's for religious reasons, or to have their shoulders covered, or they're afraid of lifting it up constantly, they want to feel comfortable that it's not going to fall down."

You may now kiss the bridal industry.

They finally get it -- and now they've got oodles of cool alternative necklines.

Here's how to pull it all together, with the year's hottest wedding-fashion trends:

Beauty products for a better planet

A group of beauty companies (including Estee Lauder, Aveda and L'Oreal) recently announced the creation of OASIS, the first "organic and sustainable industry standard" for certifying organic cosmetic products.

Critics contend it's not strict enough, ignoring animal-testing and packaging. Look for OASIS seals on goods within the next year.

In the meantime, other brands are greening in their own way.

One example: Physician's Formula's new Organic Wear 100 percent Natural Origin Blush, $11.95, and Bronzer, $13.95, come in all-paper compacts -- when done, simply toss out with your recycling. Certified by Ecocert; available at drugstores nationwide.

Style signatures

What makes a fashion item part of someone's signature style? Is it the way that item makes them feel or look? Does it dress up a dreary outfit or make it casual chic?

We asked WichiTalk readers to tell us about the items that help to define their style when it comes to fashion or image.

These women were among those who responded, pointing to that piece of jewelry, that accessory, that certain something they must have on to make their own personal fashion statement.

Janet Studnicka, 39

In 2005, Studnicka mentioned to her husband that if she had a pair of diamond earrings she wouldn't have to worry about finding just the right pair to go with various outfits.

OTHERS WHO MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT

Blast from the past

Iris Worthington, 70, has an elegant gold cross with diamonds, which she made into an ankle bracelet. The cross came from a blast from her past as a way to renew a friendship, which began as puppy love in late 1949.

When Worthington was a soda jerk at Tepe's Sundries in Potwin, a handsome guy from Arizona, who was visiting his cousins for the summer, asked for a lemon root beer. For the next three summers, they would share several lemon root beers, usually on Saturday evenings.

Two and a half years ago, Worthington received a surprise phone call from him. The man had tracked her down using the Internet. Soon after the phone call, a package arrived with the cross.

Embracing a style