ATE- A Good Foundation

Q: I want to try a new foundation but I don’t know which one to choose. What should I look for?

A: Foundation is a trial and error experience. In the store, you think you have a found a fabulous formula or the perfect shade and a few hours later your face has smudges and is an awkward color. Don’t fret! Your perfect foundation is out there, but it may take a few failed makeup relationships to find it.

First, consider your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a foundation with moisturizing properties. Try You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer by Benefit Cosmetics or Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, both found at ULTA stores.
Also, try to stay away from very powdery formulas because they can make your skin look dryer.




If your skin is oily, don’t use a lot of heavy makeup because this will cause your complexion to look thick and globby. Try brands like Make Up Forever Mat-Velvet foundation, Sephora, or Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup by Urban Decay, ULTA.

If your skin is very sensitive, try brands that are all natural and organic. Use a calming moisturizer before applying the foundation to help smooth your skin and reduce redness, which will reduce the amount of foundation you will need. Test out Mineral Wear by Physicians Formula, drugstores, or Smooth Operator by Tarte, Sephora.




Once you find the right formula, the next step is choosing the right shade. Most women need two shades a year because your skin gets lighter in the winter and darker in the summer. You want the foundation color to disappear into your skin because you want the application to look natural and you don’t want a line of demarcation on your jaw.

When testing colors, use the product on your jaw line so you can see if it smoothly transitions from your face to your neck. After applying a little to your jaw, walk away from the makeup counter for a little while.

You want to give the foundation time to interact with your skin to make sure it doesn’t change shades or consistencies.

The best idea is to stand in bright sunlight for the most honest view of your foundation.

Photos: sephora.com

BTT: No Makeup Tuesdays

These girls are a breath of fresh air.

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I am a makeup junky, but I love this idea of going bare for a day and letting your spirit and personality show through.

More and more young girls are turning to the pages of magazines for their definition of beauty...but celebrities in magazines are not true beauty.

They have makeup artist spending hours and hours applying layers of makeup.They have photographers who know what angles look best. Mostly, they have digital producers who are wizs at photoshop and with the click of a mouse, they can create a completely different person.

I love that these young women have taken a stand...not against makeup but against hiding behind makeup.

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween I was a flapper! It was one of my favorite costumes ever!



The makeup for this look was really easy. Smooth, light foundation. Very smokey eye with black eyeshadow and 2 coats of black mascara. Finish off with a bright red lip.

For an extra pop, I added a beauty mark on my chin (it was hiding a blemish and worked pretty well) and under my eye.

Halloween Makeup- Edition 5

Halloween is only a few days away!

The Alice in Wonderland characters have some of the most creative makeup. All the characters have very light foundation and no blush or bronzer.




For the Red Queen, apply a bright blue eye-shadow from lash line to eyebrow. Line the upper and lower lashes with black liner and brush on two coats of black mascara.

Use your foundation to neutralize the lips, and then draw a heart in the center of your lips with a bright red lip liner. Fill in the heart.




For the White Queen, line your eyes with a dark eyeliner and two coats of mascara. Lightly brush a brick color eye-shadow in the crease of your eye.

Use an eyebrow kit or dark brown liner to create the dark and angled brows. Apply a deep red lipstick.




Alice’s makeup is very simple. Line your upper lashes with a light brown liner.
Lightly apply a reddish-brown shadow from lash line to the crease and along the bottom lashes.

Curl your lashes but don’t apply mascara and use a neutral or bronze lipstick on your lips.

Happy Halloween!

Photos: google.com

Halloween Makeup- Edition 4

Halloween is a week away! Still wondering how to turn an "ok" costume in to a "wow" costume? Pull out all the stops with great makeup!



This edition: Vampiress




Vampiress makeup is dark and sensual. Start with natural foundation but skip the bronzer and blush.

Line the upper and lower lashes with a dark brown or black liner. Smear the liner and apply a dark eye-shadow from the lash line to the crease of your eye and brush two coats of jet black mascara.

Apply a deep red or plum lipstick to your lips. For an extra dramatic look, brush on fake blood in the corner of your mouth.

photos: google.com

Halloween Makeup- Edition 3

Halloween is right around the corner and we are all frantically narrowing down our costume ideas. After you decided what to be, your next obstacle is how to make it beautiful.
Make-up is the best way to take a generic costume to a wow-factor level.

A second popular and quick costume is a devil. For a “devil”, a bright red lip is key.

Like with the cat eye, applying foundation to your lips before lipstick will help the color last longer and keep the red from smearing outside the lip line.

When choosing a red lipstick, look for a “long wear” formula so it will be sure to last through pictures, food, and drinks. Keep eye make-up simple because the focus is your lips.




Line your eyes with a dark brown liner and apply a coffee color eye shadow from the lash line to the crease of your eye. Use a lengthening mascara to make lashes pop.

Photo: fashionclothingtoday.com

Halloween Makeup- Edition 2

Halloween is right around the corner and we are all frantically narrowing down our costume ideas. After you decided what to be, your next obstacle is how to make it beautiful.
Make-up is the best way to take a generic costume to a wow-factor level.

To get the perfect cat eye, apply your foundation over your face including your eyelids. Foundation on the eyelids helps the eye make-up stay in place longer and helps the colors look stronger. Now you’re ready for eyeliner.

Use a freshly sharpened, black pencil for the best definition. For a smoother application, warm the liner tip with a hairdryer for a few seconds or twist it between your fingers.

Begin in the inner corner of your eye and draw a line following your lash line. When you reach the outer corner of your eye, extend the line slightly out.

The line should end in the same place your eyebrows end.



It is fine if the line is not perfect because this line serves as a starting point for the rest of the look.

Now, the bottom lash line. Begin in the inner corner of your eye and follow the lash line under the eye and connect it to the top line.

For more definition, use a dark eye shadow and trace over the liner. Apply the same dark shadow on your eye lids, stopping at the crease. Just add a volumizing mascara and your perfect cat eye is complete.

Keep the rest of your make up light with a light pink blush and pink lipstick.

Halloween Makeup- 1st Edition

Halloween is right around the corner and we are all frantically narrowing down our costume ideas. After you decided what to be, your next obstacle is how to make it beautiful.
Make-up is the best way to take a generic costume to a wow-factor level.

A first in a list of simple costumes is ‘60s glam. To rock this look try a long printed dress, a head band, and make-up based on an icon like Twiggy.



For this look, the eyes are the focus and fake eyelashes are a must. Line your top and bottom lash line with a black liner, but don’t extend past the outer corner of your eyes.

Apply one layer of black mascara on the top lashes. Sweep a dark brown shadow from the lash line to your crease.

You will need two sets of false lashes for the top and bottom. Apply lash glue using a toothpick to the band of one set of false lashes. Gently apply these to the top lash line and let dry for a few seconds.

For the bottom lashes, you will want to trim the second set of false lashes short and then cut the band in half. Apply the glue to the band and gently apply the lashes close to the bottom lash line.

After the glue is dry, apply another layer of mascara to the top and bottom lashes.

To make eyes really pop, gently apply a white liner to the inner rim of your bottom lash line.

Use a pale pink lip stick and a light stroke of bronzer to complete this groovy look.

ATE- Trends for Fall

Q: What are the top beauty trends for this fall season?

A: The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp and this season’s trends are cooler than ever. Trends this season are taking a color cue from nature with bright orange and yellows, dark purples, warm browns and deep greens.

Eggplant-purple eyeliner is a great way to draw attention to your beautiful eyes. Try EmphasEYES Aqua-Gel liner by Tarte Cosmetics in plum. The purple is deep enough to look subtle and the aqua-gel formula glides on easily.



If you’re feeling more daring, try Maybelline Eye Studio gel liner in eggplant. It comes with a small brush so you can apply a thin line along the lashes or sweep the line out for a winged effect.



Nails will sparkle this season with emerald green nail polish fit for a royal. Choose a super dark shade with a hint of glitz like O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Here Today…Aragon Tomorrow.



A second option for nails this fall is a neutral taupe that looks polished and sophisticated. Try out polish from Essie in Merino Cool.

All these products can be found at ULTA.
http://www.ulta.com/

Beatiful Thing Today: Inspiration!

If you haven’t picked up a copy of Allure Sept. issue, I highly suggest you do! It’s full of gorgeous trends, brilliant skin tips and a very motivating and powerful story of weight loss and self-discovery. Oh, and did I mention Kim Kardashian is on the cover (I know people have many mixed feelings about her, but the girl is a business genius. She could sell tires and make them look sexy.)



The inside story is about Jen Ramey, one of the world’s top model managers, and how she went from unhealthy and obese to healthy and slim. With the help of Angelo Sorrenti, a seventh-degree black belt and health/fitness guru, she starting shedding pounds and gaining muscle at hyper-speed.

Ramey talks about her Sorrenti designed personal fitness plan that addressed her unhealthy lifestyle mind, body and spirit.

This article, written by contributing editor Rory Evans, is one of the most inspirational articles I have read in a beauty magazine in a while. I have been struggling with my new paleo-lifestyle change (I fell off the wagon a couple of days ago) but I feel rejuvenated and ready to continue on my journey.

I am trying to look at food as fuel, not therapy, and desserts at special treats, not after meal snacks. The biggest issue was carrying containers of food to school every day because even though they were in my Tiffany’s shopping bag (the thought of using a lunchbox was too much), I still felt watched and judged by people.



No longer! If a top model manager in NYC can still be seen as glamorous with her GladWare, so can I!

ATE- Covering Up

Q: I have acne scars, blemishes and dark circles! What’s the best way to cover them and keep them covered?

A: It seems to never fail. The morning of a presentation, interview or first date you look in the mirror and staring back at you is a huge zit. Now you have two options, try to pop it or try to cover it. The best decision is to cover the blemish.

If you try to pop a pimple too soon you will cause redness and inflammation, making the blemish that much harder to cover.
The first step is to apply a nourishing moisturizer and then wait a few minutes before applying any makeup. This gives the moisturizer time to be absorbed into the skin. Next, apply your foundation. Your foundation goes on first because if you apply it over concealer, you will end up wiping off the makeup.

Now you are ready for concealer. Apply a yellow-based shade under the eyes to help counter-act dark circles. Apply a highlighter under the circles to help reflect light up.

For the face, choose a concealer that matches your bare skin perfectly. Using a small brush, gently apply and blend concealer on the blemishes and scars. To make your cover up last all day, you need to set your makeup with powder. Instead of a loose translucent powder, use a pressed powder that matches your skin tone because translucent powders will make you look washed out and powdery. Use the compact sponge to gently press the powder onto your skin.



If the blemish is not fully covered, repeat the last two steps only to the problem area. However, you want to be careful how many layers of concealer you use because you don’t want to make the area look dark and cakey. Repeat these steps three times at most.

Another clever technique to help take the focus off your blemish is using color strategically. If your blemish is on the bottom half of your face (from the nose down), create a dramatic eye with this seasons eye shadow colors and keep the lips neutral. If the blemish is on the top portion of your face, try a sexy red lip and remember to keep the eyes light and natural.



You may need to do a quick touch up during the day, especially if you have oily skin, so keep your compact, concealer and brush ready to go in your makeup bag.

The most important thing to remember is confidence. I know it feels like the blemish or scar is the only thing people will see when you go out, but you think it is worse than it really appears. Keep a big smile on your face and remember this too shall pass.

Beautiful Thing Today- Getting Over a Sugar Withdrawl

Yay! Sweet potatoes have been approved!! (But that’s later ….)
These past few days have been hard for me and Kathleen. We didn’t realize how dependent we are on sugar and how many products have sugar in them. Yesterday and today have been the hardest days. I have felt so tried and mentally foggy…

Last night I picked up some food at KFC for Kathleen…a grilled chicken breast and green beans. I was trying to be a good friend so I opened the container to get rid of the biscuit that is so tempting. Instead, I sat at a traffic light smelling the biscuit and imagining the taste! I felt so silly sniffing food that I rolled down my window and threw it out as I was getting on the interstate. That has been my lowest moment!

That brings me to today…today has been exhausting! Maybe my body is still in shock from all the exercising and diet changes, but I feel like I could sleep for years. I made it though work this morning and all my classes this afternoon but still had to make it through boot camp with Rachel.

Kathleen assured me the boot camp class wouldn’t be too intense, “similar to the Jillian Michaels DVD” she said….she was mistaken. This boot camp was like Jillian on crack…like kick boxing in hyper speed…it was HARD! But, somehow (through sweat and tears) we finished the class.



After class we talked to Rachael about how rotten we are feeling and she said that is normal for a few days. She told us to be sure we were getting enough calories and suggested we write them down in a journal. Then the best news ever….she told us we could have sweet potatoes! Finally, I feel like I can survive this “lifestyle change”…I know I CAN DO THIS!

BTT- Healthy Starts

The beautiful thing today is saying goodbye to bad habits and hello to a fresh, clean start! After my doctor suggested I lose weight because of a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease, I decided it was time to rethink not only my diet but also my lifestyle.

I am 23, hardly ever sick, I love fruits and veggies and yet my doctor is concerned about my cholesterol levels. This is a stark dose of reality. If I don’t change my bad habits not, I may never change.



So, my roomie and I have decided to try a paleo-diet combined with daily exercise. A Paleo-diet, also called a caveman diet, consist of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. No dairy, no sugar and no processed food…so basically all my favorite things.
Tonight we had our “last super” so to speak and tomorrow begins withdrawals…it’s like being a drug addict and my drug is food.

There will be bad moods, tears and lots of venting (some of which may be on here) but I know a month from now I will feel 1000 times better and never look back! (well, maybe once for my birthday cake…)

Yumberry takes a stand!

Introducing a new branch of skincare from Murad! The new products use an exotic Chinese wonder called Yumberry. Yumberry is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals (skin damaging enemies) and encourage clean, balanced and smooth skin.



The packaging is what caught my eye. I love the bright colors and clean lines. The names are cute and catchy (Down for Defense & Craving for Clean) and the ingredients are new and innovating.
There are five products: a cleanser, scrub, spot treatment, moisturizer and protective moisturizer.



Available exclusively at Sephora & mycleanscene.com.

#2- Brighten Up

Want to look young and fresh-faced? Like you're blushing?



Bright blush- this item is a throw-back to the 80’s, but we are copying the idea NOT the technique. In the 80’s, blush was overdone and over exaggerated causing women to look like Bozo the Clown’s crazy sister. Now, 20 years later, we are applying our favorite colors with a much lighter hand. Lightly sweep blush on the apples of your cheeks. For a gorgeous flush, my favorite choice is Bobby Brown Peony. The color looks intensely bright in the compact, but with the light-handed technique, you will have a beautiful “I just talked to my crush for the first time” flush.

photo: bobbibrowncosmetics.con

#1- Concealment

This last week has been crazy...lots of stressful deadlines and sleepless nights. To help cover my tell-tale signs, I found a new best friend! Good concealer! This is the product that will help hide dark circles from all nighters and pesky blemishes from stressful studying. Since I know I'm not the only person with this problem, I'm offering my concealer advice.



For those deep, dark circles, find a yellow-based concealer. The yellow tint will help balance out the purple tones under your eyes. When applying the concealer, use a small brush or your ring finger because the skin under your eyes is very sensitive and thin…you need to be very gentle.

Apply the concealer over the dark circles and a little below…this helps reflect light up and better camouflage the shadow.

Find a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone perfectly. If you get one that is too light, you will end up highlighting your blemish and if you get a concealer that is too dark, you will end up with a brown spot on your face…you need a concealer that is just right. Also, be sure to check the color in the sun because it offers the most accurate lighting.

Photo: thebodyshop.com

BTT- Strawberry Shortcake!

I’m keeping this post short and sweet. Strawberry shortcake, shared between two friends, is the beautiful thing today! There is nothing better on a Monday afternoon than a casual lunch with a great friend…especially a friend who loves desserts like me!

Photo: Delish.com

The Beautiful Thing for Today

I’m going to take a walk on my nerdy side today….the beautiful thing today is school supplies! I can remember getting soo excited when my mom would take me back-to-school shopping for news clothes, a new backpack and most importantly, new notebooks and pencils. I would wonder up and down the aisles at Office Depot and be mesmerized by the large selection of pens and notebooks.



For me, there is nothing better than that new book smell or the feeling of writing on the first blank page of a notebook. Nerdy? Yes….but I have embraced that part of my personality…I love school, I love learning, and I love my type-A personality! So all my fellow nerds out there, crack open that new textbook or planner and enjoy this new school year!

The B-E-A-U-tiful Thing of the Day

The most beautiful thing today is…PASSION! Not ooy-gooy, lovey-dovey, boyfriend-girlfriend kinda passion but passion for what makes your soul happy! I have spent this week interviewing and researching new businesses in my area for my university paper and I have learned passion for what you do is what will make you succeed.

I interviewed a woman who started a café after working for large restaurant corporations for most of her life. She said she couldn’t be happier! Then I spoke with a young college graduate who, with the help of her mom, started a photography and print studio…she is following her passion and couldn’t ask for more!

Passion is a beautiful thing because without it, we are merely worker-bees. I think Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) said it best, “It is with passion, courage of convection, and strong sense of self as we take our next steps into the world!”

The B-E-A-U-tiful Thing of the Day

Today begins a new segment called, "The Beautiful Thing of the Day". This thing (or person or place) could be literally anything that makes you and your day a little more beautiful! Monday through Friday I will post my beautiful thing for the day...feel free to post your beautiful thing for the day in the comments section. I look forward to hearing about your "B-E-A-U-tiful Things!"



Today’s “Beautiful Thing of the Day” is kickboxing! I took a class last night and it was amazing! Even though I am super sore today, I greatly enjoyed the 45 minuets spent in the class. With all the kicking and punching, I was able to really work out any frustrations created over the past week.

I won’t lie, the class is intense (I felt like I was sweating buckets), but if you just push through the pain and sweat, you will end the class feeling strong and empowered. I left last night feeling like I could take on the world…if only I wasn’t so sore!

Scrub Away the Blues

For me, there is nothing better than soft, glowing skin and the best way to gorgeous skin is with a great scrub.

My favorite scrubs are homemade with poppy-seeds, oatmeal, or citric juice as the main stars, but the St. Ives Apricot Scrub is just as amazing! It’s affordable, made with natural ingredients, and best of all… you won’t dirty up your kitchen in the pursuit of glowing skin!

It’s made with water, walnut shell powder, and apricot extract. The grains are similar to the feeling of sand, and although they are great on the body, they may be a little rough for the face…so if you have sensitive skin I would avoid using the scrub on your face.

The consistency is very thick so it’s perfect for use in the shower and the smell is great! It smells refreshing, clean, and (as the jar says) invigorating….perfect for an early morning jolt!

Use the scrub 2 – 4 times a week and you will see and feel the results!

Happy Skin in Chicago

When traveling, some people enjoy finding good sales, great local food, or tours through history…I love all these adventures, but my favorite is finding a hidden local spa that can help calm and rejuvenate my tired skin.

While visiting Chicago this past weekend, I found just the place that could help me and my skin relax after a long trip north. Allyu Spa…their slogan says “a place for healing” and it truly is. This spa is healing mind, body and spirit!

My travel companion and I walked about a mile to the spa Saturday morning for our 10 am appointments. We both booked their signature facial which is designed around your specific skin type and needs.

The atmosphere in Allyu was great…peaceful, serine, tranquil…all things a spa should be. The motif was centered around a South American feel with earthy furniture and decorations…the most interesting aspect was the walls leading to the facial rooms were created out of rocks nestled behind iron rods.

The treatment rooms were softly lit and a calming CD was playing…and maybe I was just super tired but even the treatment bed was comfortable enough to take a serious nap!

My esthetician was amazing….professional, insightful, and friendly. She had a great touch (not to soft but not too hard…Goldilocks would have been thrilled!) and she really customized my treatments to help my skin get the most out of the facial.
I told her I wanted a really good deep clean because my skin felt so congested and gross. She started with a gentle deep cleanser then applied a papaya mask that helped open my pores and release any debris that was clogged.

After an amazing upper back massage, she began extractions. Extractions are never pleasant (let’s face it…you’re squeezing out all the stuff trapped under your skin) but she was gentle and didn’t force out gunk that wasn’t ready to go so the process was not unbearable.

Next she applied a calming mask to help my skin return to a nice balance and did a great hand massage while the mask was setting. Finally she removed the mask, applied a softening moisturize, eye cream, and lip balm and left me to slowly get dressed.

After my 60 minute facial, I joined my travel buddy in the “meditation area” which was a large space with several couches and pillows and beautiful curtains draped over everything in a way that made the space look like a Moroccan tent in an oasis.
While sipping some relaxing chamomile tea, my friend told me what an amazing facial she had received. She was thrilled with the results on not only her skin but also her mind and spirit.

Check out the Allyu Spa website and if you’re in the Chicago area, set up an appointment!

www.allyuspa.com

photo: allyuspa.com

A Beautiful Book

One of the most beautiful things about summer is being able to curl up with a good book on a stormy afternoon. My book of choice is usually junk-food literature…amazing locations, sexy characters, and a hereon that conquers all…I like the feel good, guilty-pleasure books!
I was drawn toward one at Barnes and Noble last week called Face Value by Kathleen Baird-Murray. The book follows a simple magazine writer from her lonely life in the U.K. to an exciting yet strange new world of beauty in New York City.
The book is written with a witty attitude that makes reading a cinch…this is a book you can finish over a long weekend. Although it is a light read, don’t let the British sarcasm and numerous product references fool you. This book opened my eyes to serious issues in the beauty industry.
One of the main issues in the book is plastic surgery. Has our view of beauty been completely skewed by constant bombardment of overly perfected celebrities?

Do we, as a culture, even know what beauty is anymore?

My personal opinion is no…we don’t know true beauty anymore. Differences are what make us beautiful because they make us unique. Although there are movements to broaden the beauty box we have put ourselves in, nothing will change until our minds change…until we can look at differences as beautiful.
So, with inspiration from Baird-Murray’s book and in honor of unique beauties around the world, I want to propose we end every day acknowledging a beautiful moment….be it a budding flower, a mother hugging her daughter, or you seeing beauty in your eyes!

photo: focusonstyle.com

Product Review- Spray Tans

My First Spray Tan

I love the sun! I love how it warms my soul, brightens my day (literally) and gives my skin a golden glow. However, the sun is not without its evils…it burns, blisters and can cause cancer if you don’t take precautions and wear sunscreen. It also causes less harmful but equally un-attractive issues like brown spots and dry patches.

Since I have chosen beauty reporting and all things involved as my future profession, I feel the need to stay on top of trends, information, and my looks….after all, I wouldn’t get my taxes done by someone who neglected their own.

I had heard a lot about the Mystic Spray Tanning System and how wonderful it is, so I thought I’d give it a shot. Let me just say, the first time can be a little over whelming. The tanning system is a large booth that you step into and follow the directions of the recorded voice. The machine sprays you head-to-toe with the tanning mist.

The booth is a little loud and the mist is cold, but once you adjust to the process, you will find this to be the quickest and easiest tan of your life. The tanning product is safe for every skin type and the color will adjust depending on your skin’s proteins (therefore, you will not be the same shade of bronze as a friend).

Once the cycle in the booth is complete, you simply air-dry for about 60 seconds and then pat any remaining product off with a towel. If any tanning solution gets on your clothes, it will wash out in the washing machine. The tan last anywhere from 7-10 days and if you moisturize regularly, the longer the color will last longer.

Dos & Don’ts

DO exfoliate before the tanning application (it helps the color go on smoothly)
DON’T shower, swim, or even exercise for at least 5 hours after the process (the color will wash off or get streaky)
DO use the blending cream LIBERALLY to keep palms and soles from tanning (go especially heavy on the soles of the feet because you are barefoot in the booth and the soles accumulate a lot of product)
DON’T wear heavy foundation, lotions, or even perfumes before application (heavy foundations and lotions will keep the tanning solution from reaching the skins and a lot of perfume can cause the color to end up splotchy)
DO remove all jewelry (you don’t want weird lines or bronzed jewelry)
DO go nude (you are alone in the room and booth and it helps give a flawless coverage)
DO wear lose clothing to the salon (you don’t want anything tight rubbing against your skin after the session)
DON’T use toners/ astringents or swim in chlorine (these chemicals will strip off the color)
DO wear sunscreen if you go outside (just because your skin is a bronze color, doesn’t mean you won’t get sunburned….you NEED sunscreen!)

Life

I am a slacker…I’ll admit it (but, mind you, this will be the first and last time). My last post was three months ago and the closest thing to an acceptable excuse is Life….
Life got in the way. I’ve noticed Life has a funny way of doing that sort of thing. One minute you have everything under control then the next you are thrown a curve ball or a fast ball or whatever you want to call it and things are sent spinning in every direction possible. Life can be a bitch!
Over the last few months I have learned laziness, anxiety, and self-doubt do absolutely NOTHING to help a girl’s (or guy’s) complexion. Instead it makes it dull, puffy, and bland….much like your goals, social life, body and personality after spending all that time sitting around being unproductive. But, great news, this CAN BE FIXED! How? Do something…anything…

My something is taking back control of this blog and, in theory, Life. For those of you grammar sticklers, I’m sure you’ve noticed and wondered why “life” is capitalized. Easy…Life is in essence a noun. It can get out of control if not tended to, it can grow when properly feed, and it can control us if we don’t learn how to control it.

So, take back control of your Life…and while you’re at it, try out something new. I think I’m going to try a new lipstick color!
Kisses (in Ruby Red)!

Spring Cleaning

Q: How often should I clean out my make-up bag?

A: The cleaning of one’s make-up bag is a personal affair. You find things you once couldn’t live without and things you didn’t even know you were missing.

I like to clean mine out at least twice a year. Now that spring is here, you can add your make-up bag to your spring cleaning list.

It’s important to keep your make-up and the bag you keep it in clean so it doesn’t store dirt and bacteria next to your favorite lip-gloss. The easiest way to start fresh is to dump everything out onto your counter.

Divide the contents of your bag into two piles, products that are still fresh and products that need to be thrown out. Here are a few ways to tell if make-up needs to be thrown away:

1- You don’t remember when you purchased it or where it came from.
2- The product, especially mascara, has a weird smell.
3- The original color has changed.
4- The consistency has changed.
5- The product is broken or crushed.

In addition to cleaning out your bag, be sure to clean your make-up brushes. Over time, brushes can collect dirt and bacteria that can be spread if not properly cleaned.

It’s a good idea to clean your brushes once a month to keep them fresh. After washing them, lay them flat to dry so water doesn’t drip into the handle and loosen the bristles.

Stores like Ulta sell brush cleaner, but you can also use baby shampoo to remove any build up.

After a good spring clean, your brushes will feel like new again and there will be more room in your bag for new products.

Choosing Cleasers

Finding a great cleanser is like finding a great friend. You may have to go through several until you find something you love.

Cleansing your skin is the most important step in a good skin-care routine, next to moisturizing. You have to find a product you enjoying using; otherwise, you won’t use it twice a day like you need to.

The best cleansers are gentle and remove all the dirt and debris from your skin completely without leaving a film behind. One of the best is Purity Made Simple by Philosophy. It removes not only dirt and foundation, but also eye make-up without irritating your eyes. You can find Philosophy products at stores like Sephora or at philosophy.com for around $20.

Another great cleanser is the Enzyme Cleansing Gel by Mario Badescu. This product is all natural and has a pleasant, fresh sent. It uses papaya and grapefruit extracts to breakdown debris in your skin. You can find this product at Ulta for around $15.

A third great choice is Origins Never a Dull Moment. This product promises to brighten your skin with fruit extracts. You can find this cleanser online or at department stores for around $20.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a cleanser is to choose one that you can’t live without.

Red Lips

Q: With Valentine’s Day coming up, I want a sexy evening look. What is the best way to choose a red lipstick?

A: A romantic Valentine’s date is the perfect time to unleash your inner movie-star. When looking for the perfect red lipstick, choosing the right shade is the most important step.

Girls with fair skin or pink undertones should choose a red with a bluish color. The blue tint will keep from washing out the rest of your face and will make your teeth look whiter.

For girls with tan or olive coloring, look for a red lipstick with warm tones like orange. On olive skin, the orange undertones will warm up your complexion.

If you have a deep skin coloring, choose a plum-red lipstick. The purple undertones look classic and sophisticated on your skin.

No matter which color palette you choose, be sure to pick a texture you like. Beautiful red shades come in stains, mattes, glosses, or moisturizing lipstick.

The stains will last the longest, but the glosses will look the sexiest.

Top 5 of 2010

photo: Philosophy.com

This year is filled with new products and technology to have you looking amazing from January to December. I have five new products that have already been making headlines.

5th place: L’Oreal Lash Boosting System. This serum will help strengthen and enhance lashes and is similar to Latisse. Although L’Oreal’s version will not help lashes grow like Latisse claims to do, L’Oreal’s serum is affordable and available at any drugstore without a prescription.

4th place: Philosophy’s The Supernatural, a hybrid foundation and sunscreen. This product is easy to apply with fingers and goes on much like a tinted moisturizer, but offers more coverage. Philosophy is available on-line or at Sephora.

3rd place; Brow Beauty Brow Fix Mally Beauty. This brow stick comes in one color guaranteed to match any shade of hair. It’s quick and easy to use because it glides on smoothly and does not require a stencil to make it look perfect.

2nd place: Pangea Organics lip balms. These lip balms come in three different flavors and offer intense moisture without harsh chemicals. These balms will quickly become addictive.

1st place: Stila Makeup Player. This innovative train case is built with i-pod capability so you can download makeup lessons and watch them as you follow along using the mirror inside the case. This product is connecting beauty with technology to help you always look your best. Although the case is a pricy, around $70, it comes with the most popular Stila products and free makeup tutorials.

These are my top five products, but there are many more that did not make the cut. Let me know what products you love and why.