Tuesday Tip: Be Patriotic

In honor of the Fourth of July (one of my favorite holidays) being yesterday, I have for you my favorite red, white and blue products. There are so many things I love about July...the intense heat, the season, having barbeque's and going to the beach...why not celebrate the Fourth of July all through the wonderful month of July?!

Red:

There's nothing better than a fabulous shade of true red lipstick...while there are many out there one that has been worn by celebs and looks awesome on is MAC's Russian Red. Remember to line your lips (I prefer to use a neutral color) so that your rockin red lipstick doesn't go anywhere!

Pair that lipstick with these adorable red shoes...I definitely can't resist red pumps.



White:

When it comes to white what else can I talk about but my Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream?! I'm such a fan of Kiehl's. This face cream is light enough for daytime use, but rich enough for night time...I really couldn't live without it!

Once you've applied your moisturizer and fabulous makeup you are going to need some amazing accessories. When it comes to accessories there are two items I am obsessed with...scarves and watches. I got my white Michael Kors watch a couple of years ago and it is still one of my favorites. Whether you choose a bulky watch (like mine) or a thin band, Michael Kors, Fossil, or ToyWatch a white watch during the summer is a must. You can pair it with a casual sporty look to dress your outfit up, or wear it with the perfect summer dress for night time.



Blue:

Blue nail polish, whether dark like OPI's Russian Navy, or light like Essie's barbados blue can be so fun during the summer. If you feel a little silly with it on your fingernails just use it on your toes...remember with dark colors or fun colors like blue sport it on shorter nails.




What would go better with blue nails than a fabulous pair of blue jeans...since jeans are another obsession here are some of my favorite brands that you should check out the next time you are at the department store or at your favorite boutique: Paige Premium Denim, J Brand, True Religion, Easy Money Jeans, Hudson and Miss Me....yes I do love jeans!

Happy Fourth of July, and happy summertime!

Tuesday Tip: Make Gel Liner Easy to Apply

I went to use my Bobbi Brown gel liner (in espresso) this morning and it was looking a little pathetic. There are just a few clumps of gel liner left in the jar, but I am bound and determined to use it all and not let any go to waste. Well, as I began to apply it I couldn't even get the product on my brush....major problem...so, it was time to figure something out to make it work, eyeliner to me is a must. What I discovered is a little trick everyone can use to make their gel liner apply smooth and perfect.

First, I cleaned my brush, you can't apply makeup with brushes that have makeup on them or are dirty. I put Neutrogena eye makeup remover on a kleenex and rubbed the brush in swirl motions on the kleenex to remove the product, you wouldn't believe the amount of gel liner that was on the brush (yuck!). Next I used my perfectly clean brush to apply the liner, I realized that by having a little bit of eye makeup remover on the brush it helped break down the gel liner that has dried out some with time. My liner went on in a perfect line thanks to my brush being clean so there were no clumps of product on it and it went on easily since the eye makeup remover made it more of a liquid consistency.

Try this trick out if you have gel liner that is drying out or is a dry consistency. I know that Bobbi Brown and Maybelline's gel liner is great but a drier consistency than MAC's liner.

Tuesday Tip: Lovely Lips

Lip color is such a fun and easy thing to change up depending on the day and your mood. I find when I do makeup that a lot of people don't wear lipstick and stick to a neutral gloss or chapstick...there is no need to be afraid of lipstick or adding color to your lips! Here are a few things to know about when it comes to making your lips look lovely...

If you have small lips use a neutral or lighter color and gloss, if you do a dark color your lips will appear smaller. Don't feel like you can never wear a dark color, now you just know the effect it will have on your lips.

Lipsticks come in many different textures....a lot of people steer clear of lipstick because they assume it is heavy and something people wore twenty years ago. You can find sheer lipsticks, shine, shimmer, or matte...my point, there is one out there for you!

If you want to stick with gloss at least pick one with some color to change things up.

To make your lip color, whether lipstick or gloss last longer use a lip liner first, line and fill in your lips. Choose a neutral lip liner that will match your lips so you can use it with all lipsticks you use.

My favorite lines to purchase lip products from are MAC (tons of color and texture options), Bobbi Brown (lots of great neutrals and everyday colors), Giorgio Armani (classic colors and I love their sheer and shine lipsticks), Smashbox (awesome glosses). One of my latest cheap finds is 99 cent lip gloss from Sally Beauty Supply. The glosses are mini and found right by the counter.

Tuesday Tip: Polished with Primer

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 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.

Tuesday Tip: Bring on the Blush!

In these winter months it's easy to feel washed out or drab...so, bring on the blush! Here are a few ways to brighten your look:

1. If you feel like your skin is dry or looks dry during cold months switch to a cream or liquid blush. It will give you more of a natural and hydrated look. Try MAC's cream blush, Stila Convertible Color (can be worn on lips or cheeks), or Tarte cheek stain. You will apply this after foundation before powder. You can always add a little powder blush later if you feel like you need more color.






2. Carry your blush with you...most people keep lip products and powder with them to touch up. Start carrying your blush and a blush brush. There's nothing that adds life to your tired face like a little more cheek color. If I'm going to be out all day blush touch ups are a must!

3. Add a little more. Don't skimp on the blush...you don't want to look like a clown, but you also don't want to look washed out. Pick out a great pink tone for these winter months. I LOVE the colors Nars offers.

Tuesday Tip: Red Lips

The holiday season is the perfect time to do a red lip. Red lipstick goes perfect with a black cocktail dress or a great pair of jeans, pumps and cute top. You can do red lips year round, but there is something about flawless looking skin with a neutral eye and clean eyeliner and red lips during the winter. So here is the thing about red lipstick...you have to try out red lipstick before buying it, which means you can't just go to the drugstore and pick one...it's a disaster waiting to happen, trust me, I've tried!

When buying a red lipstick go to a makeup counter and try a few out, or go somewhere like Ulta or Sephora where you can test them yourself. Know that you'll probably have to try a few before you find the right one. Since lip color, especially red, can change a little as you wear it I suggest when you find one you like you wear it around for awhile. This way you can make sure it doesn't run, turn pink, or orange...and that you like the color on yourself in different light. If you're like me and your lips turn lip color pink go with a brown based red. I can put on brown lipstick and it looks red--really! If your lips turn color more orange or brown go with something more pink based.

Are you a little afraid of bold red lips? Then get a red gloss, it will go on sheer and add a little pop of color. While I love a bold matte red lip, I also like a sheer subtle red.

A few lines to go to for red lipstick: MAC, Nars, Bobbi Brown (for brown or plum reds), Make Up For Ever...let me know any other lines YOU recommend for red lipstick. Remember there is only one more day to comment on a post from this week (12/7-12/15) so you can be entered in the holiday giveaway!

Quick tip: to make sure your red lipstick stays in place line and fill in your lips with a lip pencil. I use neutral lip pencils even with red lipstick, that way it doesn't conflict with the red.

Tuesday Tip: Brushes

I have had many readers and clients ask me what brushes are the best ones to buy...so here it is!

Brushes you need for basic everyday makeup:
Foundation Brush (unless you use your fingers or a sponge)
Powder Brush (for powder and bronzer)
Blush Brush
2 Eyeshadow Brushes (one that is densly packed for applying color, one that is fluffier to blend and apply lighter colors with)
Lip Brush (only if you use glosses in pots or want a more sheer look from your lipstick)

Brands:
If you want to invest a good amount of money:
Trish McEvoy (she's known for her brushes)
MAC (lots of choices)
Bobbi Brown (great brushes, two options for handles-long or short)
Giorgio Armani (their blender brush is the BEST foundation brush, the other brushes are comparable to other lines)

If you want a steal:
Ecotools (you can purchase at Walgreens or Ulta, sold individually or in sets and green friendly)
Sephora (you can spend a little or a lot of money here, lots of good options)

The main thing when purchasing brushes is to feel the texture of them...you want a soft brush touching your face everyday, right?! If it feels crunchy put it back on the shelf. While more expensive brushes will last longer, inexpensive ones will do the trick and last if you take care of them. Remember, you don't have to be loyal to one line when it comes to brushes unless you want all of yours to match perfectly, mine are from all different lines!

Tuesday Tip: Fall Into Fall

I'm all about the current season we are in...cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors...and all things pumpkin! I literally go crazy over anything pumkin. Pumpkin candles, colors, pie, bread, cookies, I could go on and on! So, with all of the pumpkin around me I've realized this is the perfect time to integrate golds and red browns into your eye shadows. Now is the perfect time to play up brown shadows and make them glow with gold. Here are a few of my favorite fall eye shadow colors...

Urban Decay's Roach- the perfect red brown, its pigmented, so it gives lots of color!

Smashbox Ambient- a true gold, it shimmers and sparkles! Use on your lid to add a glow, or use under your eyes to brighten and blend eyeliner.

MAC's Amber Lights- The perfect orange brown, this will make blue eyes stand out!

Everything You Need To Know About Concealer

Concealer is a small thing that makes a huge difference! Since I've had a few readers ask me about it I've decided to share my favorite brands and what you should look for when purchasing one here. A little concealer can cover those unwanted blemishes, cancel out redness or darkness under your eyes, and brighten your skin. If you don't use concealer I hope that this will inspire you to find one!

First, when looking for a concealer decide what your main goal is. Are you wanting to hide dark circles under your eyes, or to cover blemishes? There are two different types of concealers, so you need to get the one that will solve your main beauty delima, and then know that the one you buy can work anywhere on your face. For example if you only have an under eye concealer and a blemish shows up one day you can still use that concealer on it, and it works the other way around.

If you are looking to cover dark circles under your eyes and some redness on your face go with a creamy/liquid consistency of concealer like Trish McEvoy Correct and Brighten. I love this product, it was my lifesaver last winter when my eyes were looking dark and tired thanks to being in my mid-twenties and artic temperatures! Once I added this little treasure to my makeup collection my skin looked brighter and more even. It is limited in colors, and mine exploded last week so I'm feeling a little betrayed by Trish, but I'll get over it and will soon buy a new one! The Flawless Concealer in Trish McEvoy's line has more color options if you want to stick to that line. Two other under eye concealers that work great are: MAC Select Cover-Up or Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch. By having a liquid or creamy consistency you will not dry out your eye area.



If you are wanting to cover blemishes go with a thick concealer that has a pancake consistency (something that is solid and packed into a container). By using a thick consistency it will stay in place and adhere to the blemishes you are trying to cover so that they stay covered. Try Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream.



A few extra tips: Remember less is more...the more concealer you cake on the more obvious your imperfections are. Take a minimalist approach and add more as needed.

Make sure your concealer matches your skin, it needs to blend in, not be lighter or darker. If you can't find one to match perfectly, go with the one that is barely lighter.

You can apply concealer with a synthetic brush or your fingers, it's up to you.

When applying concealer under your eyes bring the concealer out to the far corners of your eyes and also apply a little on the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the shadows that can happen where your nose bridge is.

Remember to use concealer after foundation- it will stay in place better and you will use less because your foundation does cover quite a bit.

In addition to concealer you can use a color corrector to cancel out discoloration on your skin. I will share more about this in a later blog.

Have fun finding a concealer, once you get a great one and see the magic that can happen with it you'll be hooked...I promise!

Tuesday Tip: Make Your Eyeshadow Pop

The general rule with eyeshadows is that the more money you invest in them the more pigmented they will be, meaning they have more color. Lines like MAC, Stila, Make Up For Ever and Nars are known for their bold colors that have great textures. If you want to make an eyeshadow stand out like those that you bought for less money here are tricks to make the color pop. Try one or all of these to see which one works best for you. You can also use these tricks with your pigmented shadows for extra drama, and who doesn't love a little drama?!

- Use an eyeshadow base like MAC Bare Canvas(it comes in a squeeze tube)

- Use a cream eyeshadow underneath your powder eyeshadow like Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow (use a neutral color so it doesn't conflict with your eyeshadow)

- Apply concealer on your eyelid before applying eyeshadow

By applying a cream base to your lid it allows the eyeshadow to stick on to something...try one of these tricks and see the difference!

Tuesday Tip: How to Make Eyeliner on Your Inner Rim Last

When lining your inner rim (water line) do one of two things to make it last longer:
1. Use an eyeliner brush to apply powder to your inner rim to help dry the area, then use your eye pencil to line. The powder allows the pencil to apply and stay on better.
2. Use a water resistent gel liner on your inner rim. I find that these stay in place all day or evening. MAC and Bobbi Brown have amazing gel liners!

MAC Fluidline Eye Liner Gel Blacktrack (Black)


Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

My favorite Bobbi Brown color is Espresso (dark brown)