Tuesday Tip: Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Every year, in July to be exact, Nordstrom has their Anniversary Sale. This is a sale like no other...their brand new fall merchandise is marked down for two weeks and then the prices go up on August first. You can find boots for fall, cute tops, jeans, accessories and more for great prices. One of my favorite things to check out during the sale are all of the beauty products. Most lines launch a limited edition item or set for the sale. Other lines pull their best selling products and put them in a set together...this is a GREAT time to buy products you love at a marked down price, or try something new.

A few of the sets I'm loving are:

Bobbi Brown 'Tortoise Shell Beauty Kit: this set includes a shimmer brick and gel liner (two products I mention here and use often) in addition to other great items



Kiehl's Powerful Moisture Restoring Set: This set has five items, two are favorites of mine, Avacado Eye Cream and Ultra Facial Cream. It is a $116 value and is only $76 during the sale.



Estee Lauder's free gift with purchase is full of products you will actually use and the bag they are in is adorable! The gift with either eye shadows or blush (and other fun things) is yours with a $35 purchase.

To see all of the beauty exclusives click here. Happy shopping!

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: 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!

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!

Pretty In Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this is the perfect time to find a pink inspired beauty product and you can know that your money is going towards a good cause. Below are a few products I have discovered that are worth sharing!


Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks are one of my favorite products, and this month they have a limited edition Pink Ribbon Shimmer Brick. From the looks of it and the reviews it will give your skin a gorgeous glow just like the other Shimmer Bricks.




I love Philosophy's products, it is a simple line and once you try one product you will definitely want another. My first and probably favorite product from this line is a fragrance, Falling In Love...the name alone drew me in and the fact that it smells like cotton candy has kept me wearing it! This month they have a new bath and shower gel called Shower for the Cure.




I don't wear a lot of Shiseido, but sometimes they suprise me, like right now with this too cute to be true pink lip gloss! Remember with brighter tones lip gloss is the perfect way to brighten because it goes on more sheer than a lipstick.



I'm obsessed with Michael Kors watches and purses and also love his fragrance Very Hollywood. This month he has a travel size roll on fragrance and lip gloss (coral) duo. Perfect for travel or touch up at the end of the work day. I will definitely be getting this!



This is just a glimpse of what is out there right now in the beauty world, check out In Style's website to see 39 products created for Breast Cancer Awareness month...everything from clothing and accessories to beauty and home. Enjoy all things pink!

Five Fall Favorites

I love fall...the weather cools down, fashions change and new makeup trends and products emerge. Here are five things I'm loving about fall right now!

1. Essie's fall nail polish collection. They have a wide variety of colors from soft pastels to bold dark shades like my personal favorite- Little Brown Dress. For those of you that are obsessed with dark nail polish like me, it will be love at first sight!



2. Bobbi Brown's Denim and Rose Collection. It's fall, so what's better than a great pair of jeans and a new shadow and liner to match? The lipstick colors are also rocking in this collection, they're dark but sheer so they aren't overwhelming.



3. The fact that Loreal's Telescopic Mascara now comes in waterproof! This may not be new for fall, but it was new to me last week when I discovered it at Ulta! I'm loving the definition and control the mascara wand allows me to have, the only drawback is it takes a little extra time to apply, which isn't always an option before work in the morning! I may just stick to my all time favorite, Loreal Voluminous.



4. I am loving that my Elle September edition is an inch thick, full of fashion, makeup ads and information...it will take me all fall to read it, so fun!



5. Maybelline's new gel liner. This gel liner goes for about $7 verses Bobbi Brown and MAC's price of about $20, and it comes with a brush. I purchased this product last week at my local grocery store and I'm loving it! It is just as great of quality as MAC or Bobbi Brown. I am loving the eggplant shade, and it really does stay on all day!

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.

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)

Glowing Skin Every Day

I visited my good friend Kara last fall in New York City. We went to the original Bliss Spa in Soho one morning for facials, and for the record it was one of the best facials I've ever had. If you ever have a chance to use Bliss products or visit their spa I highly recommend it. The spa was fun and relaxing and their products are quality, reasonably priced, and of course fun! After our spa excursion we were off to brunch in Soho with one of her friends Jeremy. After a few minutes of conversation and placing our orders with the waiter, Jeremy mentioned that our skin was glowing. He kind of stared at us for a minute and turned to me and asked if it was the Oklahoma humidity causing the gorgeous glow. Kara and I burst into laughter and explained how we had facials earlier that morning. While we can't all live in southern humidity or visit Bliss Spa everyday, there are a few products that can create that fabulous glow.

Benefit High Beam- apply to cheekbone on top of foundation and set with a loose powder


Armani Fluid Sheer- you can mix these with your foundation for an all over glow or apply to your cheekbones and forehead for more of a highlight. These come in a wide range of colors which allows you to choose what works best for your skin tone or the time of year. Also set with a lightweight loose powder.


Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick- apply at the end of makeup application on top of powder to cheek bones, you can use on your forehead and nose for an extra glow. These are great and come in a variety of colors, I use my gold toned one on all of my brides!