Tuesday Tip: Know About Nars

I'm not only a fan of Nars because of their amazing color range, but also the fact that their colors are pigmented....that's right, when you put on their eyeshadow or blush you actually see the color without having to use a ton of product! They have great new colors for the fall including a new duo eyeshadow with plum and a dusty rose. Also check out their nail colors, or look for something similar at your local drug store...we are talking chocolate, plum, gray and taupe for fall....I LOVE it! The colors make me think of an argyle sweater, which is oh so fall!

Engagement Pictures

Click here to see my best friend's engagement pictures done by Benfield Photography a couple of weeks ago. The pictures turned out great despite the crazy Oklahoma weather that day...and the makeup looks fabulous. I used my usual Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Foundation. I mixed 20 and 34 (two of my most popular colors). I love how her blush turned out, especially with the pink dress she wore...I used Nars blush because of how well it shows up. I loved the quarter lashes I used on her, it was my first time to do this rather than a full strip lash or flares...I LOVED the result! I will be stocking up on these! My favorite pics are the ones in the bookstore, such a fun and creative idea!

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: 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!

Makeup Shopping

I met a friend for dinner tonight and we decided to stop by the mall since I needed more Bobbi Brown Gel Liner (in Espresso of course) and she needed more Lancome mascara. Well, two items quickly turned into multiple items. I left the mall with my gel liner, a new Nars blush because I love their colors, and Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Caudalie is a great skin care line, and the Beauty Elixir can be applied before or after makeup to add radiance to skin, I plan to keep it in my purse to spritz on when I need a pick me up. This is sold in the bins by the registers at Sephora, and at $16 it's worth a try. I asked for a sample of Philosophy's Hope in a Jar before I left because who hasn't heard great reviews about it for years, so I'm trying it out and if it's worth your time I will let you know. If you are out shopping this weekend think about trying out a new blush to add a pop of color, finding a new skin care product, or simply asking for a sample of something you have been interested in so you can find out if you actually like it.