Do you wish your foundation lasted longer or looked smoother on your skin? Are you using a primer? If not, now is the time! Primers can help control oil, make your makeup last longer, and make your pores and fine lines less visible. The primer I use in my makeup kit on clients is Smashbox Photo Finish. I use the original clear formula. Basically it glides on the skin so that the skin appears smoother and helps foundation last. Smashbox now has many different formulas so that you can have oil control, cancel redness or add a glow.
A couple other ones to check out are Laura Mercier (once again many options to match your needs) and MAC (also lots of different types).
Some people use primers everyday, other people use them when their makeup needs to look extra polished for an event...just know that primers are something worth checking out!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday Tip: Beautifully Bronzed
Winter has been here too long and with this week of warm weather my mind is fast forwarding to spring and summer and being out in the sun. During warmer months the only place I want to be is by a pool or beach soaking up the sun...of course I ALWAYS wear sunscreen and you should too.
So what's a girl to do in these last few months before fun in the sun can begin? Use a bronzer! My favorite powder bronzers are MAC's Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden (great color for most skin coloring and has a tiny hint of shimmer). Another favorite is Arbonne's Bronzer. One of my favorite cheap finds is Bonnebell's Gel Bronzer and also their Loose Glimmer Bronze.
Don't forget, in addition to bronzing your face you can use your bronzer on your neck, chest, shoulders and arms....yes, really! It looks a little strange to have a bronzed face and then the rest of your body look pale...it's all about blending! One trick I've used to bronze my arms and legs is mixing loose powder bronzer with lotion, it creates a nice glow with a hint of color.
So what's a girl to do in these last few months before fun in the sun can begin? Use a bronzer! My favorite powder bronzers are MAC's Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden (great color for most skin coloring and has a tiny hint of shimmer). Another favorite is Arbonne's Bronzer. One of my favorite cheap finds is Bonnebell's Gel Bronzer and also their Loose Glimmer Bronze.
Don't forget, in addition to bronzing your face you can use your bronzer on your neck, chest, shoulders and arms....yes, really! It looks a little strange to have a bronzed face and then the rest of your body look pale...it's all about blending! One trick I've used to bronze my arms and legs is mixing loose powder bronzer with lotion, it creates a nice glow with a hint of color.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Bridal Beauty Guest Post
One of my best friends is a wedding planner and has a fabulous blog that is about all things wedding and more...this is a blog worth visiting whether you are plannng a wedding or not. Stephanie is full of great ideas! Visit her blog, Aisle With Style to see my guest post from last Friday on bridal makeup. Her blog has recently been nominated for the Perfect Bridal Blog Writing Contest and voting takes place until March 15....so stay awhile and read, if you like what you see you can go here to vote for her blog. The winner will receive $500 for the charity of their choice.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I Left My Heart In New York
I love the energy of big cities...I especially love New York City. I love the fast pace, the fact that people are going places and getting there quickly. I love the style, the fact that you see anything and everything when you are walking the streets, shopping, or dining out. I love the inspiration I gain every time I go there. Inspiration from the city, the people, the arts and the places. I'm always on a high for weeks after visiting, that is of course after the brief low I experience from having to leave the fabulous Big Apple. Each time I visit I fall in love with the city more, and each time I leave it's harder to do that the last time. I was there during their most recent big snow with 19 inches in Central Park. Even though schools shut down for a day (which never happens there) that didn't stop me from exploring the city and having the time of my life...I will have a series of blog posts highlighting different parts of my trip to New York City, the most recent love of my life. And of course, there will be makeup tips intertwined!
Broadway
I absolutely love musicals...I've seen everything from classics to comedies to rock opera, which is how the most recent show I saw this time around is classified. American Idiot is a musical set to Green Day music, which I feel like anyone in my age range can relate to. I loved the look of the makeup...very punk. It made me want to paint my nails black (which they normally are) and smudge the eyeliner under my eyes...in a major way! To brighten the grunge look there were bright pops of color mixed into the eye makeup and lipstick and wardrobe. The girls' hair had volume rather than being flat. One of the highlights of the show was the fact that the lead singer of Green Day played one of the characters and led the closing song, Good Riddance along with the rest of the cast strumming guitars and harmonizing. This was definitely a dark musical with a realistic ending rather than a happily ever after ending...but it left me wanting more!
To get a smudged look on your eyes use a black pencil liner to line your upper and lower lashline, then smudge with a q-tip. Also line your inner rim for a dramatic effect. To soften the look of smudged black eyeliner use a plum eyeshadow on your outer lower corners.
For dark nails go for my all time favorite OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. It's a dark plum that leaves people giving your nails a second look...from afar they may look black but up close its actually plum. The best look with dark polish is short nails.
For voluminous hair use my favorite hairspray (thanks to one of my Orange County friends introducing me to it) Kenra Volume Spray. This works great to lift your roots.
More to come on my New York Adventures....just look for the title "I Left My Heart In New York!"
Broadway
I absolutely love musicals...I've seen everything from classics to comedies to rock opera, which is how the most recent show I saw this time around is classified. American Idiot is a musical set to Green Day music, which I feel like anyone in my age range can relate to. I loved the look of the makeup...very punk. It made me want to paint my nails black (which they normally are) and smudge the eyeliner under my eyes...in a major way! To brighten the grunge look there were bright pops of color mixed into the eye makeup and lipstick and wardrobe. The girls' hair had volume rather than being flat. One of the highlights of the show was the fact that the lead singer of Green Day played one of the characters and led the closing song, Good Riddance along with the rest of the cast strumming guitars and harmonizing. This was definitely a dark musical with a realistic ending rather than a happily ever after ending...but it left me wanting more!
To get a smudged look on your eyes use a black pencil liner to line your upper and lower lashline, then smudge with a q-tip. Also line your inner rim for a dramatic effect. To soften the look of smudged black eyeliner use a plum eyeshadow on your outer lower corners.
For dark nails go for my all time favorite OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. It's a dark plum that leaves people giving your nails a second look...from afar they may look black but up close its actually plum. The best look with dark polish is short nails.
For voluminous hair use my favorite hairspray (thanks to one of my Orange County friends introducing me to it) Kenra Volume Spray. This works great to lift your roots.
More to come on my New York Adventures....just look for the title "I Left My Heart In New York!"
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday Tip: Wear Waterproof
Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is a must. Let's be honest, we don't all cry everyday, but many of us do have eyes that end up watering due to cold weather, wind, or allergies. By wearing waterproof products you can ensure that your makeup will stay where it belongs rather than smudging and running under your eyes in an unattractive way. My favorite waterproof eye wear is Loreal Voluminous Mascara in waterproof and Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner (water resistant). These are two products I wear everyday. Currently Ulta has a special for buy 2 get 1 free with their Loreal products, it's the perfect time to stock up!
Remember to use an excellent eye makeup remover like Neutrogena's when removing your waterproof eyewear!
Remember to use an excellent eye makeup remover like Neutrogena's when removing your waterproof eyewear!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Blizzard Blues
I'm not going to lie, this Oklahoma blizzard is starting to get me down. After a foot of snow the other day I woke up from a nap today to see MORE snow falling....please, tell me how can there be more?! I beginning to feel like I'm being held hostage by snow! So, when I looked at my tired face this morning that has a lack of life from being shut in the past few days I decided I needed a pick me up...immediately!
What I needed was a little Bliss in my life. One of my favorite products for a tired looking face is the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask by Bliss.
This is basically their spa's famous Triple Oxygen Facial Treatment in a bottle. This product has a higher price point of $52, but it will last you a long time. All you need is a pump or two. The product looks like a gel when you pump it out, spread the gel on your face, do not rub it in, it will turn to a foam over the next 2-3 minutes, then simply rinse it off with water. When you look in the mirror your skin will look brighter and tighter, which means younger! I only recommend using this in the morning or before you go out for an event...after all, why would you need to have younger looking skin when you are falling asleep, you want the world to see it!
While I know those of you who are like me, snowed in, can't make it to a Sephora right now, you can order this fabulous product online and it will give you something to look forward to...in addition to the sun shining, temperatures rising and this snowy world melting away!
What I needed was a little Bliss in my life. One of my favorite products for a tired looking face is the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask by Bliss.
This is basically their spa's famous Triple Oxygen Facial Treatment in a bottle. This product has a higher price point of $52, but it will last you a long time. All you need is a pump or two. The product looks like a gel when you pump it out, spread the gel on your face, do not rub it in, it will turn to a foam over the next 2-3 minutes, then simply rinse it off with water. When you look in the mirror your skin will look brighter and tighter, which means younger! I only recommend using this in the morning or before you go out for an event...after all, why would you need to have younger looking skin when you are falling asleep, you want the world to see it!
While I know those of you who are like me, snowed in, can't make it to a Sephora right now, you can order this fabulous product online and it will give you something to look forward to...in addition to the sun shining, temperatures rising and this snowy world melting away!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tuesday Tip: Use an Eye Cream
If you are reading this blog then you need to be using an eye cream. I started using an eye cream at age 21 and as far as I'm concerned I should have started at 20...the skin around your eyes is thinner and dryer than the rest of the skin on your face. There is more wear and tear around the eyes, just think about when you tug on your eyes to apply eye makeup or remove it, or when you just rub your eyes because you are sleepy.
Using an eye cream keeps this delicate area hydrated. By using an eye cream at a young age you will be preventing wrinkles. As you get older and see fine lines and wrinkles you can switch to a more intense cream that will reduce the appearance of those lines. No matter what your age you need an eye cream. I promise once you get in the habit of using one you'll be hooked. Here are a few great options that will moisturize (I use eye cream at night year round, but in these extra cold months I apply it in the morning as well.)
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream (this was my first eye cream to use)
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado (my current favorite)
Dermalogica Total Eye Care (great skin care line, can be bought at Sephora and some department stores)
When applying you only need a pea size amount, use your ring fingers to lightly apply the eye cream around your eyes. Start under the eyes and go around to the inner part of your eyebrows.
Using an eye cream keeps this delicate area hydrated. By using an eye cream at a young age you will be preventing wrinkles. As you get older and see fine lines and wrinkles you can switch to a more intense cream that will reduce the appearance of those lines. No matter what your age you need an eye cream. I promise once you get in the habit of using one you'll be hooked. Here are a few great options that will moisturize (I use eye cream at night year round, but in these extra cold months I apply it in the morning as well.)
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream (this was my first eye cream to use)
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado (my current favorite)
Dermalogica Total Eye Care (great skin care line, can be bought at Sephora and some department stores)
When applying you only need a pea size amount, use your ring fingers to lightly apply the eye cream around your eyes. Start under the eyes and go around to the inner part of your eyebrows.
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