Beauty & More - A Series Of Beauty Articles

Beauty and More a series of beauty articles brought to you by IMAGE: NARS BLUSH Copyright 2003 Von Freudenberg Ent. All rights reserved. Table of Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Favorite Makeup Tips Out with the Old, In with the New Beauty On A Budget Beauty Sound Bites How To Look Cool As Ice The Glow is Gone Make the Most of Those Lashes Get Out of That Beauty Rut Red Is My Love What To Toss, What To Keep That Tropical Feeling Hair The Easy Way Top 10 Beauty Products Top 10 Hair Products 5 Minute Summer Makeup Multi-Colored Concealer A New Dew Lipstick Tricks of The Trade Traveling Beauty Warm Weather Makeup Bridal Beauty Favorite Makeup Tips Someone recently asked me what my all-time favorite makeup tips were that I used on models for photo shoots. For everyday life, I probably would only use these once a while, since these are tricks that I do to create a certain look that will last maybe a few hours at best for the duration of a shoot, not all day wear and tear. Here are a few of my favs that I picked up or discovered on my own: Use mascara as liquid eyeliner Using a fine eyeliner brush or a small angle eyebrow brush, apply mascara along the top lashes. It's easier to apply, dries and lasts all day long. And if you make a mistake while applying, easy. Just let it dry, and then with a dry Q-tip, rub off your mistake easily and try again. Also, if you're going to cry anytime soon, use the waterproof mascara! Use Vaseline for a Glow I know, sounds awful, but on camera it looks really good. Just check out some recent music videos. For the camera, we apply a light foundation/concealer as needed, and then a light layer of vaseline over the whole face. For us regular folk? Try spot applying. Like just on the eye bones, or eyebrows, tops of cheekbones, or across forehead, down the nose and across chin....you know, for that I've been glowing all day look. Custom lipgloss Tired, bored of the lip gloss colors you have? Make your own like we do. Grab that super cool multi fauceted eye shadow powder, apply on lips, apply your clear lip gloss on top. Viola. It's a brand new shade (and day!) Eye gloss All the rage right now, but why spend bucks on a special gloss just for the eyes? Make your own with the clear lip gloss that you already have. Just apply on the eyebrows, my personal favorite or right underneath the eyebrows on the eye bone. Mac's LipGlass, Lancome's lipgloss, Wet&Wild lipgloss are all great super shiny lip glosses that look great on the eyes as well. Just make sure it's the clear one. Amazing Lashes Always on the lookout for that perfect mascara, I think I finally found it. Except it's not one, but two. Use two different mascaras for each coat and you'll get fantastic looking lashes every time. Don't ask me why, but it works. And Thicker Lashes Turn a weak, thin mascara into a lash dynamo. Just add powder. Between mascara coats, dust a light coat of loose powder with your fingertip or a Q-tip onto your lashes, and apply your 2nd mascara coat. Instant thick lashes regardless of what type of mascara it was. Long lasting foundation Tired of your foundation disappearing on you? Had it with shiny breakthroughs just minutes into your day? Don't blame your skin, blame the foundation. The culprit just might be a tad too much oil in your base. But don't toss it. Apply your foundation as always, and maybe just a tad bit more. Then with a clean kleenex folded into squares, lightly press into your skin. You'll see oil on your kleenex from the foundation, leaving behind just pure pigment on your skin. Results? Perfect coverage foundation that lasts a lot longer. Blotting is not just for lipstick you know. Cream blush Is your favorite cream blush doing a fading number on you? Ah, it's not the blush, but your skin that's the culprit. If your skin type is on the dry side, or it's a cold day outside, you skin grabs moisture where ever it can: i.e. your cream blush. Just a few hours later and you're left with just a hint of the color that you applied. Fix it by applying a good facial moisturizer in your morning routine, or apply a light layer of vaseline or oil (virgin olive oil works great) on cheeks first. Moisture (as in your cream blush) sticks to moisture, so give it some first, for a long lasting blush. -- Out with The Old In with The New When I think of 'out with the old, in with the new', I don't just mean cleaning your house! I do a cleaning out of sorts with my makeup kit as well. But the makeup artist in me has a hard time throwing makeup items away, no matter how useless I think they are. So instead, I came up with my recycled finds. Here's a new way to recycle makeup items that are this close to getting tossed. Blush Sticks: too dark? don't stay on? don't stain? Don't toss them... If it's a bronzer stick, use on shoulders or legs to add contour, add color and depth. If it's a burgundy stain and it's not working for you, use instead as a really big lipstick. It does work. Crumbled eye shadow: Put in a little tin or plastic container and mix in a dab of your favorite lipgloss. Mix together for a cool lipgloss (if the color works) or a glossy eye shadow/highlight. Outdated lipstick: Use as a cream blush stick instead. Or go through your old lip pencils that haven't been used in years and see which lip pencil/lipstick combination looks updated and hip and use it up! Rubber band them together so you'll remember which one worked with what color. Bronzer Tint: Itching to use that bronzer stain before summer? Use instead as 'eye shadow'. Apply a light shimmer eye shadow to highlight the bone and eyelid, and apply your bronzer in the crease with a fingertip or a small eye shadow brush...it's a great new contoured look! The wrong shade foundation / concealer: A hot look you're seeing on celebrities is the faded into the skin lip color. Have a too light foundation or concealer that's ready to go? Don't. Use it on lips with a glossy clear gloss on top.....viola. A brand new look. Brown eye/lip pencil: Remember when outlining lips were big with that brown lip pencil? Well, first off, if you're still doing that, STOP. Nothing looks more outdated and harsh. If you haven't seen your brown pencil in a while, try this. Apply a moisturizer or gel/vaseline to the eyelid. Apply your eye pencil over it and blend with your fingertip. Apply a light dusting of loose powder to set. For dark eyes, try it with that dark burgundy pencil, for light eyes, try your forest green eye pencil. Shimmer highlighter sticks: Sooooo big last summer, and you'll see them a little bit again in the upcoming warm season. In the meantime, use them on the eye bone to brighten, and over dark, tired lipsticks that could use some cheering up. Apply a gloss over and you have a new color. Blush stains: Tired of staining your fingertips? Use a makeup sponge to apply and blend. Also use to stain lips under your favorite lipstick/lipgloss. You'll find the color lasts a lot longer. Shimmering gold/silver eye shadows: They looked great over the holidays..now? A bit too much. Instead of tossing them, try this new evening look. Apply a brown shadow over the eyelid and then with a large eye shadow brush, apply a light dusting of the silver/gold over it. You should get a soft shimmer/see through effect. Try it also over a bright colored eye shadow like blue or green. Looks really pretty! Too pink foundation/concealer: We all have those sitting around our makeup table. Those foundations that sounded great, but once on, just toooo pink. Don't toss them. Instead, mix a dusting of a dark tan loose powder into your foundation or concealer in a small container. Mix and you have an instant eye shadow/lip color (depending on the final version!) The powder mixed in creates a 'stiffer' texture that will dry a bit and go matte. Just something else to play with! Want to get creative? Mix up your pinky foundation with baby powder, a yellow powder, a cream colored powder...the list is endless. Keep playing until the color and texture work for you. -- Unconventional Beauty Since what you see is not always what you get on a photo shoot, here’s a list of my top five, ‘unconventional’ makeup tricks. 1. Use mascara as eyeliner. When you run out of liquid eyeliner, or you just can't tackle theliquid one more day, just apply your regular (or waterproof) mascara with a fine eyeliner brush. It lasts all day long and looksexactly like the liquid. You can even put your eye shadow on top fora different color. Stays on just as long. 2. Use eye pencils as lip pencil. I rarely, if ever, use lip pencils when I do someone's makeup. Why? Because I feel that the color really doesn't matter. So I use a light brown or sand colored eye pencil instead for any and all lipsticks and use only as a guideline when I"m applying lip color. 3. Use blush stain first, then powder later. I tend to do this trick on myself..if I have a long day ahead of meand I know I won't have much time to look into the mirror, I apply my favorite stain blush (Benefit Benetint shown) first on 'clean' skin, apply my foundation and concealer as normal, and then apply my powder blush after. As the blush wears off, the stain blush remains. And I find that stain blushes tend to stain clean skin much better thanskin that has foundation, concealer, and powder already on it. I also do this on my lips too and then apply my lipstick or lip gloss. 4. Mix up the mascara. To get the greatest lashes on a shot, usually I find that there's not one perfect mascara out there that gives great all over results. There's always that one that darkens the most, another that thickens the greatest, etc. So I tend to use 2 different mascaras on a model. First, the one that darkens, and then the one that thickens or lengthens after that. You get amazing lashes. It's only two coats anyway, just with two different brands. 5. Lasting Lip gloss. I'm a hugh fan of lip gloss. But I"m not a hugh fan of the tacky, sticky variety. And those are usually the ones that stay on the longest, but feel the worst on. So I put a dot of loose powder onmy lips first, and then apply my lip gloss on top. Stays on a few hours longer without the tackiness. Also, I use lipgloss a lot as eye gloss on the eyes. Just keep it underneath the eyebrow bone. (Shown: Bloom Lipgloss) -- Beauty On A Budget Is your budget on overload? Do you have more beauty wishes than beauty dollars? Don't worry. Your bathroom just may already have that beauty item that you're wanting. Here's how to get that sophisticated look on a slim budget. Makeup does double duty: One of the best ways to get a new makeup item is to go through the stuff you already have. Just what are you looking for? Items that can live double lives... Need a new foundation? Look at your loose powders instead. Just apply in sheer layers with a damp sponge, or a sponge lightly layered in your favorite facial moisturizer. Lightly layer on and blend for a custom made foundation. Used to misting your makeup with a final spray of Evian water? Make your own. Find a mini plant mister bottle, or travel size spray water and fill with water. Chill in the refrigerator overnight for a cooling effect. Need a new bronzer? Use that foundation that's 2-3 shades darker than you are instead. Just touch apply where you would use your bronzer. In a pinch? Dig out that warm brown eye shadow. Dying to get that latest eye shadow base? Use your concealer and loose powder. Because that's exactly what eye shadow base is.. use your foundation to evenly apply over your eyelids and set with a touch of loose powder pressed on with a makeup sponge. Then apply your colored eye shadow. Need to buy a new lipstick pencil to match that new lipstick? Don't. Just look for a beige or nude eyebrow pencil. Need to match your favorite blush with a new lipstick? You already have it in your blush. Just apply your blush on your lips with a eye shadow sponge applicator, and then use your favorite clear lip gloss or lip balm over it. Don't spend $$$ on that expensive eye makeup remover. Just find a pretty glass bottle and fill with virgin olive oil, or in a pinch, baby shampoo. There's a reason they say 'no tears'. Looking to store your lipsticks? Makeup kits can range in the hundreds of dollars, so instead, simplify. Try the drugstore to find pill boxes. Available in 7 or as much as 30 slots, just fill with your favorite lipsticks by cracking in your lip colors with a small metal spatula. Is your favorite makeup item just not working anymore? Don't go out and buy a new one. Just customize the one you already have like the pros do. Foundation: Too thick? Thin with a few drops of mineral water or toner. Too oily? De-grease with a few drops of witch hazel. Too dark? Lighten up with a few scrapes of light pressed powder. Too dull? Lighten with a few scrapes of a pearly peach or pink blush. Need a glow? Scrape in a pearly powder highlighter, or a few drops of liquid highlighter. Want to turn your favorite foundation into a tinted foundation? In a separate plastic bottle, mix your foundation 1/2 and 1/2 with bronzer, or self-tanner. Or, mix a darker shade 1/2 and 1/2 with your sunscreen. Shake, and instant tinted foundation. (Shown: Urban Decay Surreal Foundation) Concealer: Too thick or dry? Revitalize with a drop of foundation or eye cream. Mix into the container, or apply first one, then the other. Blush: Too dark? Tap your blush brush into your pressed powder or baby powder first, then your color. Apply for shades lighter blush. Too light? Tap into your bronzer shade first. Too muddy? Use instead as eye shadow. Eye Shadow: Cream shadow dry out? Put a few drops of water or olive or mineral oil. (Shown: Calvin Klein Eye Shadow) Lipstick: Need a lip stain? Rescue that old wine colored blush from years gone by and apply with a Q-top on dry lips. Apply your favorite Chapstick on top. Need a whole new color? Have 2 lipsticks down to the end of the tubes? Don't worry. Just dig out the remaining 1/2" of lipstick in the bottom of the tubes and mix into a metal or plastic container. A brand new shade. Hint: Mix two shades together in the same color family for a painless mix. (Shown: Nars Lipstick) -- Beauty Sound Bites Have a too blue based lipstick? Mix a dot of yellow concealer into your lipstick, or apply a yellow based loose powder on clean lips,and apply lipstick on top. There will be just enough warmth in the product to take the edge off a too blue shade. Want to update your lipsticks to the new cool blue based tones? Apply a navy blue eye pencil, or eye shadow on lips and apply your Lipstick on top ....just a little will do and you'll have a new shade. A soft warm brown eye shadow applied on lips first will darken any too light shade. Make your own deep lipstick color by mixing blue eye shadow and red blush on your lips. Apply a lip balm on top and you're set. The most fun part is that every time you try this, you can experiment and get a different version every time. Use your shimmer highlighter sticks from spring/summer to highlight lipsticks. Apply on a clean mouth first, and then your dull lipstick on top. An instant frosted shade. The color of the moment is the 'bitten' lip look. Just take your rosy blush and apply dry on lips. Apply your Vitamin E stick, or gloss on top with a lip blush. Gel cheek colors work great for this too. A quick dusting of shimmering body powder or an iridescent eye shadow over the high points of the face, (cheekbones, chin, top of nose, eyelids, across forehead..) a quick day to night look. A model told me this trick....she runs a Gold Shimmer stick through her blonde hair for instant shimmer and highlights, especially around the face. Use a Concealer Pencil or concealer cream on your lips first, fill in, and then apply an old, dark lipstick. The concealer pencil lightens up the lipstick by about 3-4 shades.... Remember when Indian Earth was in? A warm brick eye shadow is also the perfect all over color'..for lips, cheeks, eyes......a little lip gloss on top and you're off. Find a blush brush that perfectly fits the size of the apple of your cheek when you smile. Anything bigger than that, and you'll get blush where you don't want it. You really don't need a huge blush brush for color. Those are meant for shimmery powders. Pick up your blush by lightly tapping the blush with the tips of the bristles. If you are sweeping the brush across the color, you'll pick up about 10 x more color than you need, and you waste a lot of product. Just tap the ends of the bristles about 2-3 times onto the color. Shake off any excess. You should barely be able to see the color on the brush. Don't worry, you do have enough on. When applying blush, don't "sweep" or "stroke" the color across the cheeks. You'll usually end up streaking the color on, and then having to go back to 'correct' and 'blend'. Instead, smile, and tap on gently going across your cheeks. By tapping the color onto the brush,and then tapping in onto the cheeks........ you'll avoid excess color, streaking and more. Tapping on blends the color for you and you can always add more if you want. Color too bright? Swipe your blush brush across a Kleenex to clean off any excess, and then pick up some loose powder. Sweep over and blend your blush into your skin. You'll get a softer, more 'real' look to your blush. OOPS. Okay, you look like a clown, wrong color, too much........now what? Easy! With a clean dry sponge, pick up a light layer of loose powder and 'erase' as much off as possible. Too bright or too dark? Take a slightly dampened sponge and clean off as much as you can. The water will pick up and 'dilute' the color.........it just may be enough to fix it and look ok. ---- Beauty Wishes Searching for that perfect beauty cosmetic is like trying to find that perfect little black dress. A million in sight, but you're only looking for one. Here are every women's top wishes when it comes to buying makeup. 1. Foundation: Okay, it has to stay on, be color true and hide all those imperfections without looking like a lot on. A truly tall order. Sneak peak at the newly formulated bases from Aveda and Prescriptives. Offering sheer to medium coverage, their water based foundation offers better color selection in more yellow based tones, and a better feeling, longer lasting product. 2. Concealer: It has to cover, otherwise, what's the point? So stick foundations are a winner, such as Max Factor's Pan Stick (it's been reformulated, so it's much better than you remember), and Kryolan's stage foundation (found only in Beauty or Theatrical Supply Stores). Definitely thicker than your normal concealer, but it's also formulated to 'stick', so it lasts forever without disappearing on you. Also try Loreal Quicksticks. Amazing coverage that goes on like a cream, yet dries lightly to a velvety finish. http://www.maxfactor.com http://www.loreal.com 3. Powder Aveda's and Mac's Loose Powders are both winners. We want powder that sets quickly, has no feel, no fragrance (nothing like scented powder up your nose....cough cough), and not be so heavy that you look caky within minutes. Also, a soft yellow tint keeps red skin tones softened like T. LeClerc's Loose Powder Corrective Shade. Both of these fit the bill nicely. http://www.aveda.com http://www.maccosmetics.com http://www.tinyurl.com/n9g0T.LeClerc 4. Blush The biggest pet peeve is blush that looks great on, than disappears 2 hours later. Mac's blushes have great colors and great staying power, a real reason that they're #1 in most professional makeup artists kits. Also try Loreal's Cheek Stick for a great affordable cream blush. 5. Mascara The winner by a landslide, Lancome's Aquacils and Intencils. In waterproof and non-waterproof versions, their mascaras do a dramatic job in making your lashes look much darker, longer and thicker. Stays on forever,and washes off easily and painlessly. Too pricey for you? I thought so too, until I used them and believe me, it's well worth the $$$. Try Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Mascara, Revlon's Lashful Mascara, Maybelline's Soft & Full, and the new FAST LASH MASCARA for great thick lashes as well . http://www.lancome.com http://www.maxfactor.com http://www.revlon.com http://tinyurl.com/n9h5 Maybelline Fast lash 6. Lipstick Most models are hugh fans of "Jane's" and "Wet & Wild's" Lipsticks. Why? Great natural color selections and long lasting wear without the drying out effects. (#23-Jane is a staple, a great rosy-brown lip-like color) The hardest part is finding them. Try your luck at Target or your local drugstore. http://www.janecosmetics.com 7. Pencils Okay, are we asking too much here? Pencils that go on, don't run and smear and draw on easily without pulling your eyelids. Is that too much to ask? By far the hardest makeup item to find, but try "Makeup Forever" in #25. It's is a bit pricey, around $18 I think, for a pencil, but it's super long and lasts forever. And it's a warm brown that I use for everything, brows, eyelids, lip liner. A great cost-effective alternative is Wet & Wild's soft brown eyebrow pencil. Super long and only 99c. 8. Eye Shadow We love Loreal, Mac and Jane. All stay on super long, easy to glide on and in great colors. If you're trying to find your great basic colors, start here. Looking for crazy, artistic colors? Trucco, by Sebastian is known for their wide array of colors, found in a beauty salon near you. Go crazy at "Makeup Forever's" counter, and Stilla has the most beautiful, wearable shimmers around. http://www.sebastian-intl.com http://www.stilacosmetics.com 9. Lipgloss Okay, we want lip gloss that looks great, stays on, isn't sticky, and doesn't smear all over your mouth like a 2 year old. Bonnie Bell Lip Gloss is a staple, for all counts for a soft shimmer that feels and also tastes good. Also, try Wet & Wild's Crystal Clear Gloss. Super super super super shiny,without the stickiness. Heaven. It's a great cheapie version of Mac's LipGlass, without the tackiness. http://www.bonniebell.com 10. Other Shimmering looks are hot, and two favorites are Toni & Guy's Shimmering Loose Powder,and Mac's Shimmering Loose Powder. Also Revlon SkinLights. Just touch on the high points of the face, and you'll swear you look 10 years younger. A little hesitant? Try it out only at nighttime on that hot candlelight dinner date you have coming up. You'll swear he's falling in love with you. http://www.tigi.com http://www.maccosmetics.com http://www.revlon.com How to Look Cool as Ice Getting a little bored with that same ole shimmer on the brow bone look? Here's some new cool ways to wear shimmers and white shades. 1. Have a old shimmer silver lipstick? You know, from the 60's and from about 8 years ago when they were in. Use it as a face shimmer. Apply on the tops of cheekbones and under the eyebrows as a face shimmer. 2. Have a worn out almost gone shimmering eye shadow? Take about 1/4 cup of loose powder that's at best , translucent, or light in color. Scrape your old eye shadow into the loose powder and mix into another container. Viola, a shimmering body or face powder. 3. Here's a look done for photo shoots. Take a shimmering pearl eye shadow, and with a wet foundation brush, apply on the high points of the face,like cheekbones, chin, eyes, forehead.....then to blend, dampen your brush a little more and blend into the face...........gives a great dewy look and applying it on wet makes it appear more see through. A great new look. 4. Love that white eye shadow? So do I, especially when I'm tired. Apply it underneath your bottom lashes after you're done with your eye makeup. A light coat of mascara top and bottom, and it works wonders at keeping the dark circles away. 5. Too dark or bright lipstick? Put on your white eye shadow with a sponge applicator on your lips,applied dry. Be sure to stay within your lip line, and then apply that lip color over. Bingo, a whole new shade of lipstick. And the best part is that you're not applying another coat of lipstick, which only smears and wears off more. 6. Want to use your tinted moisturizer during the winter? Easy, mix scrapes of white eye shadow into your tinted moisturizer,blend into another container and you can continue to wear. For night, do the same with a frosted color. 7. Want to bring out your bone structure? Apply white eye shadow on bare, moisturized skin on the high points of your bone structure (cheekbones, middle of forehead, under bottom lip, eyelids, between the eyebrows, and if you like your nose, along the bridge of the nose.) Apply with a dry sponge, and then on top,apply your foundation as normal. The white will lightly show thru, enhancing your features. -- The Glow is Gone Oh, the hot humid days of summer are still lingering, but it looks like you're fading. No, not you. It's your summer glow. That bronze tan that you've worked so hard to achieve. (And I do hope it was via a sun-less tanner.) Oh what's a girl to do? Fake it. Bronzer There are a million and one products out there to help achieve that tanned skin, but not very many to keep it. So as any good makeup artist will tell you, just fake it. With makeup that is and a few beauty secrets added, just for good measure. To start of with: Golden face: To keep that tanned face is the easiest. As the nights get colder, we cover up clothes wise, so all we have to worry about is our lovely face. To keep the glow, dilute your bronzer or darker foundation with moisturizer. It'll soften the color a bit so you'll still look tanned, just not as much. (shown: Nars) Want to go to a lighter foundation color? Just go with one that matches your skin color now, but to warm it up, sweep a bronzer powder on the high points of the face. Shimmering ones actually make the skin look dewy and darker. Tops of cheekbones, across the nose, eyelids and the tip of the chin keep it real. And skip the forehead. It's the first sign of a 'makeup' tan. Want to avoid your bronzer? Then just switch to warmer colors in your makeup routine. Any color with a orange brown or tan color will give the 'illusion' of tanner skin. Try it with your blush and lipsticks. To compliment the warmth, add a shimmering eye gloss and glossy lips. Just the thing to remind you of that tropical vacation you should have gone on. remember: Flushed cheeks in cherry blushes are for winter, while bronze cheeks keep the glow going for summer & fall. Want to keep the glow going? Mix a bit of shimmer lotion and a few drops of self tanner into your body moisturizer. Apply, blend well and wait a few hours. Viola, a fresh shimmering body glow. One that looks dewy and slightly tanned. Remember, we're not looking for that bahamas tan here. Don't need to add any color? Then just apply a shimmering bronzer or a shimmer body lotion to your skin. The glow will emphasize the skin making it look a tad darker, not lighter like you would expect. When the sunlight (or candlelight depending where you might be) hits it, your body will look radiant. -- Make The Most of those Lashes Looking for a fast way to get fantastic eyelashes? Well, having the best mascara in the world doesn't hurt, but if you're like me, you know that mascara can be the hardest product to find. Favorites in my professional-kit are Lancome's Aquacils (shown left) for that amazing fake eyelashes look, and the newer Maybelline 'Full 'n Soft' for a great cheaper version. Other top ones are Loreal Voluminous and Clinique and Aveda for some great non-waterproof brands. http://www.lancome.com http://www.maybelline.com http://www.loreal.com http://www.clinique.com http://www.aveda.com Finding the great mascara is one thing, but application is another. The best instant lash plumper around is loose powder. Before you apply mascara, dust on loose powder lightly over lashes, (the easiest way is with a finger tip, or with a Q-tip. Apply less than you think you need. Don't clump it on, just a light dusting so your lashes look pale. Then apply your regular mascara on top. Usually once is enough, but you can also do this between coats of mascara as well. What you get is a thicker lash that works great in a flash. (shown 2000 Calorie Mascara Curved Brush) Another trick is to apply mascara by using the tip of the mascara wand. The majority of mascara usually gathers at the tip of the brush, giving you a lusher look, even from mascaras that are 'thinner' in consistency. After each application, brush through with a mascara brush, a toothbrush, or best, a lash comb, to get rid of any excess. A great way to play is to alternate your mascaras. No, not every other day, but every other application. Alternate between two favorite mascaras as you apply each coat. You'll find you get dramatic results, and it's also a great trick to make your favorite mascara into a waterproof. Just apply your waterproof version as your last coat. Get creative. Colored and shimmering mascaras are in at the moment. Custom-make your very own. What you need is : 1. Your favorite mascara 2. Your favorite loose eye shadow (frosted is best - try copper, gold, metallic browns, reds, etc.) 3. A Disposable mascara applicator (found in beauty supply stores) Fill up your disposable applicator with mascara, and then over a kleenex, either sprinkle or roll the wand into your favorite eye shadow. Make sure you shake off the excess, and apply. The mascara will mix in and you'll get a custom color every time. WARNING though: Do NOT use glitter in any shape or form unless you want to scratch your eyes. Glitter in eye shadow or by itself is painful if you get it in your eyes. Great eyelashes doesn't just mean mascara. FALSE EYELASHES also are a huge part of those great eyelashes in those makeup advertisements. And if you ever see an absolutely perfect and combed lash line, that's called computer applied. But false eyelashes can truly be your best friend. Don't bother spending a lot of money on designer brands. Look for the super short versions . The extra long ones are what turns your look more retro, or diva. Individuals are the easiest to apply overall because you only need to put them where you want them. Want all out glamour? Then strip lashes are for you. Take your strip lash out, and wrap it around your finger to get the band loosened up. Then, with your white glue (get the one that's white that turns clear by Ardell found in your local drugstore) run a very thin line along the seam. Then, rather than applying in one push (the hardest way, and the easiest way to get glue everywhere), apply and lay down from the outer corner to the inner corner. Look halfway down, hold the strip by the tips of the lashes, and in one flowing line, apply from outer to inner. Once in place, push into the base of the lashes to set. Let dry. For single lashes, the easiest is to apply with a tweezer. Run the end of the single lash into the glue. Here's the trick: lightly bring the glue up about 1/4 up the lash itself. Then apply using tweezers. The glue along the lash will help it stick to the lashes itself, thus staying on much longer. For the most natural look, ALWAYS apply your mascara AFTER you've applied your lashes. You'll find that the mascara usually gets in your way if you apply it first, and it helps to blend in the the false lashes for a more natural look. -- Get Out of That Beauty Rut With life getting more hectic with every passing day, I'm always trying to find ways to make makeup time in the morning go quick and easy. Hmmm, quick and easy can be crazy sometimes, especially when trying to wade through that mini mall I call my makeup drawer sometimes. So what I've done is create 'QUICK TRICKS' within my makeup madness. And I've found it does wonders in getting me out the door fast! What kills 'time' in putting on makeup, is usually the 10 minutes or so spent sitting there trying to figure what the heck I'm going to do today. What's my look for today? I don't know. Well, that took 7 minutes. I get bored with my look just as much as everyone else, and yet I tend to fall backwards into the same trap, ah, I mean look, over and over. Here's how I get out of my beauty rut: I've created an inspiration board to boost me out of my beauty boredom. Next to my makeup mirror, I've leaned a mini corkboard against the wall, tacked full of incredible tear sheets from Vogue, Allure, just about any magazine that inspires me. A look, an eye, a makeup color, anything that makes my heart skip and go, "gee, I wish I looked like that." Well, there it is. In front of my face every morning. Don't know what to do? Look at the board and bingo - I get inspired and I create a little mini make over every morning. Off course I change the board every few weeks, but believe me,the inspiration never stops. A 'QUICK TRICK', is to put a small little basket, or box next to my makeup mirror, filled with the makeup products that I KNOW WORK on me. The killer lipstick color that makes my skin look amazing every time I wear it. The blush that makes me look like I've just been running, the light brown eye pencil that works everywhere.............and so forth. Those "I look great in these" colors. In a rush? No time to play? Open your box and there they are. Having to HUNT for colors is what takes all day. Having them in a central location every morning makes those "I wish I had time for another cup of coffee" time crunches seem a little easier. Another 'QUICK TRICK' I use is my 'mixing' box. Another, although smaller pretty box. Full of those eye shadow colors I just can't bring myself to wear, the old tired lipsticks I stopped wearing years ago. The colors that I just don't use, no matter what. But I don't want to throw them away. In this box of fading blush, eye shadow and all, I've also thrown in * a pure oil like Vitamin E Oil or Camomile Pure Essential Oil. * clear lip gloss, * Crystal Clear Lip Gloss * a small bottle of moisturizer. My "mixer" tools I call them. With that moisturizer, I can * Create a cream blush with that weird plumy red eye shadow that I won't use anymore * Create a killer highlighter cream with that cool iridescent cream eye shadow that went out 5 years ago. * Create a cream blush by applying your moisturizer first on your cheeks,and then your 'eye shadow' or lipstick color on top for a better blend. The Vitamin E oil and/or lipgloss? * Create 'lipsticks' out of eyeshadows and blush * Use on top of cheeks, eyelids on top of lips for a going out look, that's shiny and better for your skin than Vaseline. And stays on all night. So there you have it. Simple quick tricks that can turn your makeup boredom, into a morning of creativity. Red is My Love ....like a red, red rose..... The color red is hotter than ever. And what better way to incorporate red than in your makeup? Red is one of the most dramatic makeup colors you can wear. It gets attention, you stand out in the crowd, and it's also the most misused, misunderstood color in the makeup field. Let's take the mystery out of red. LIPS: The first thing we think of is red lips. Yet, it can either look great, or horrible. What red works for you? An easy way to tell is to really look at that shade of lipstick. All lipsticks have an undertone, or a color that is seen underneath the red. In red lipsticks, it can only be an undertone of yellow/orange (warm) pink/blue/purple (cool) or brown (neutral). Yellow and orange undertones make red lipstick warm in tone, and work great for nearly all skin tones. It warms up the complexion, makes the skin tone look clear! Pink, blue and purple undertones make the tone cool, and look best on those with light skin and cool undertones to their hair and skin. Brown undertones are considered universal, because they look great on everyone. What would look best on you? Look at your skin tone, but ignore any red in your skin. Red is considered a discoloration, not a skin tone. The more yellow or brown you see in your skin, the more likely you'll like the warmer tones.Is there an absence of yellow, or are you fairly pale? You'll like the cool undertones. Still not sure? Then decide on the characteristic of the color you like better. Warm colors always look softer, lighter, more romantic. Cool colors will always look dramatic, sharp, clear. The newest way to wear red lipstick? Dabbed on as a tint with a slick of gloss over it, and without that precision lip line. More natural, and more real looking. CHEEKS: (shown: Sue Devitt Blush) Red is also hot for blush, but in a soft, see-through way. Applied on the apples of the cheeks always looks fresh, healthy, happy. Smile, and dab a dot of red lipstick or cream blush. Blend in a circular motion, toward your ear. Set with a dusting of loose powder if needed. Feeling overwhelmed by red? Play it safe. Stick to one favorite feature, and keep the rest nude, soft, shimmering. And pretty soon, red will be your love. What to Toss, What to Keep "What to keep, and what to toss in your beauty bag!" Need to to update your makeup look fast? Here are some key products that you can look for to update your makeup contents in a jiffy. TO TOSS Your pressed powder TO KEEP Your loose powder Yes, the current look is still dewy skin. The wet face is officially over. And what a relief for those of us who don't want to bother with touching up our faces every half hour. TO TOSS Powder blush TO KEEP Cream blush. Cream blush is still the rage , in beautiful cranberry, soft pinky brown and any other color that creates the look you get after a brisk walk in the snow.... TO TOSS Gray, Black, Copper, Burgundy eye shadows TO KEEP Brown neutral eye shadows . Get ready to go through your eye shadow collection and dust off these colors that are slanted to be IT for this upcoming season. The new eye looks? Emphasizing the crease is making a big comeback, and soft browns look great applied over the whole eyelid. A great new evening look is soft gray layered with a dusting of irridescent face or body powder. TO TOSS Glitter TO KEEP Body and face shimmers. High impact glitter is out. Soft shimmering powders are in. But not just for the face. For a softer, more elegant look, try the new face and body shimmer powders that can be used on the whole face, highlight the bone structure, collar bone, shoulders, and anywhere else you want attention. TO TOSS High shine lip gloss TO KEEP Satins. Well, gloss is still in, but the lip balm variety. Soft, muted, but not super high volume shine. What's in for lipsticks are the new satin textures that you'll see just about every makeup line coming out with. It seems matte, but with a touch of shimmer to it. Not frost, shimmer. A nice alternative. TO TOSS Cool colors. TO KEEP Warm colors Don't toss the cool shades just yet, they'll be back next summer. Update your looks into fall with a soft light chestnut eye shadow and/or lipstick. And apply shimmer over your neutrals. You'll immediately update your look into the new warms without blowing your budget on a lot of colors you may or may not want. That Tropical Feeling Ever wanted to bring some of that tropical feeling into your home? When you just can't get away for a vacation, or even a quick break? Here are some quick and relatively inexpensive ways to turn your home into a caribbean paradise which may not be as hard has it seems. So as I turn my thoughts to warm tropical breezes, a Mai Tai by the beach, coconut suntan oil, flirty little sun dresses, (hey, a girl can dream can't she?) I started my plan to turn my little apartment into a weekend oasis. I lite a candle and get to work. Or shall I say play? Experts say that a certain scent can provoke an age old memory. The smell of apple pie baking can bring you back to your grandmother's kitchen. The scent of roses can make you remember the dozen roses you got from your first love. So, maybe we can make scents provoke the memory of a Bahama's vacation. To make my home smell like a tropical paradise for at least one day. Only one problem. I've never been to the Bahama's. So okay, my house does need a little lift. It's musky, damp, dreary. So I start off with a pack of $1.00 incense sticks from the local swap meet. In Vanilla, or Cinnamon or Sea Breezes. You know what I mean. Put one in every room , and call me desperate, but my neighbor in about 10 minutes bangs on my door. Only to comment on "What's that great smell coming from your apartment?" Ah, it's already working, just didn't think it would affect the neighbors too. Okay, feeling a little more like splurging? Try the "Aroma Sticks" by Donna Karan, super chic incense in a black wooden container that inspires that oriental express feel..... http://www.donnakaran.com Next, on to my kitchen. The kitchen you say? Okay, I'm on a mission......I take orange & lemon peels and throw them in my garbage disposal...along with some ice cubes,to sharpen the blades they say, and my kitchen now smells like paradise. Better than the garlic tomato sauce smell from last night. Or, try warming spices that can be simmered in a pot on the stove. Usually found during the holiday season, try your local home 'atmosphere' store... Breath. Breathe deeply. My house and home are beginning to smell heavenly. Now, okay, how about me? My soul could use a little R&R. A tropical spa day it is. I burn some candles from the Attractions Collection from Aroma-Vera in "Attractions"(Orange & Ylang Ylang) and "Bliss" (Orange & Rose), and start.... http://www.aromavera.com As the bath is running, I start first off, with Philosophy's "On a Clear Day" facial scrub. A great facial polisher, just note that you really don't need that much. Then, on to Borgheses "Fango Active Mud" for Face & Body. This dark green slimy mud, slimmed on, then tightened, and left my skin feeling taught and great afterwards! Nothing like slapping on some mud to feel 'tropical'. The bad part, is I chickened out on the 'body' part. What do you do for 15-20 minutes while it's working? You really can't sit down you know....maybe I'll get the guts to try it next time.... http://www.philosophy.com http://www.borghese.com While the mud was working it's magic, I poured some "Citrus Dream" Aromatherapy Bath Salts by Essential Elements. I didn't think I'd like this, with it's quite strong scent directly from the jar, but as the hot water mingled, it actually had a nice tangy, wake up scent about it. Perfect for first thing in the morning. Some other bath salts to try are Sebastian's new herbal and body line, like their "Body Cavier" bath salts, and Avon's Fragranced Bath Sparkles. http://www.sebastian-intl.com http://www.avon.com Next, I lather on the new Rainbath "Awakening Shower & Bath Gel" by Neutrogena. In the "Citrus Marine" scent. I'm a long time fan of their oils and body lotions, so I decided to try this new Shower & Bath Gel. The cool aqua shade made me buy this one, and again, it performed. Lathered great, smelled cool and wonderful. Like a rainforest without the rainbow....well, not yet anyway. http://www.neutrogena.com A hour or so in this bath, and I'm already a new person. Next, "Sheer Lotion Spray" by Parfums de Coeur, in Pineapple....pineapple you say? I know, me too. I'm more a rosy, floral scent kinda girl, but heh, this is a Bahamas bathroom! This creamy lotion actually sprays on, and then you massage into the skin. It left my skin silky, soft, not sticky, and the scent was actually nice! Slightly tangy in that pineapple sort of way...but not overkill...nice. I'm awake now. HEY! WHERE'S MY MAI TAI? WHERE'S MY CABANA BOY? Now, on to the next part of my tropical day. Tired eyes anyone? Yep, that's me, with my 14 hour days sometimes. Noticed the Earth Therapeutics "Herbal Gel Pack"....you can find in beauty supply, natural beauty stores, and some department stores. This is a "cool eye puffiness reducer"...the neat thing about this is that it's in a gel pack shape (you get 2), and you can freeze them, or just put them in your refrigerator for a cooling effect. And they're reusable over and over again. What I don't get is, how does the "herbal" part get to your eyes through the 'gel' coating? Hmmm, for convenience's sake, I'd buy this. For a more "therapeutic" effect, I think I'll just put some chamomile tea bags on my eyes instead. Just remember to run them in warm water, never hot for the herbs to get going.....before placing them on your eyes. Ah, a little Mango tea from the health food store, and I'm as good as new..this has now actually become part of my monthly bill paying ritual. I sit down with my cup, and celebrate that I'm able to pay the bills.....it actually makes me look forward to it, somewhat. OOPS I'm on VACATION here! We won't talk anymore about bills, okay? I look outside the window, and I see blue skies, palm trees blowing, the cool blue aqua of the sea below. Okay, I'm making this part up. It's dark, gray, looming rain clouds,drizzling off and on, and I'm looking at my neighbor's tar roof. My house smells lovely, my body tingles from the tropical ritual it just went through. Now my face. I want that flushed been out in the sun look. Aveda to the rescue. "Color Play" is a great cream blush that can be used for eyes, lips and cheeks. In a warm paprika color or a cooler bluish burgundy, the cream goes on slightly sheer, and has great staying power. It literally stays on all day, and there's no tackiness or stickiness to it. I even like the cool aluminum container it comes in. http://www.aveda.com I top this off with a little of Estee Lauder's brand new "Raincoat Waterproofing TopCoat" for Mascara....just brush over your regular mascara, and viola, it becomes waterproof. I even like this by itself. It gives a soft sheen to the lashes, though there's no building up or thickening effect. Alone it just makes your lashes look shiny, silky and slightly darker. You can even put this stuff on your eyebrows, to keep your eye pencil | eye shadow | eyebrows in place. Just note that you'll need an oily eye makeup remover to remove this stuff. A little lip balm by Khiel's and I'm glowing. http://www.esteelauder.com http://www.khiels.com Well, my home smells great,but what about me? I check out Aroma Vera's 'Mood Topical" in Relaxation, in Lavender & Tangerine. The cool part is that this comes in a roll on dispenser (much like a mini deodorant) and you can roll on pulse points and any where you want direct contact. But my all time favorite, is The Body Shop's "Mango" scented oil for the body. In the same roll on glass container, but this Mango scent is just too heavenly. http://www.aromavera.com http://www.thebodyshop.com Sigh, I'm off to sleep now, dreaming of cool tropical breezes, and starry nights. I want to capture that scent in my dreams. A little "Rainforest" Aroma Mist from Aveda, a spicy scent derived from pepper black oil, cedar wood oil, clove leaf oil, and more. Great because it's one of the few fragrance sprays that's safe for body, hair, and fabric. Be real careful spraying actual perfume on fabric, they can stain and leave lovely brown spots. It's best to find a fragrance that is safe, and formulated for body & home. I spray this into my bedroom curtains, and pillows, leave the window just a tad open to bring in those tropical breezes, and turn the heater on.....it's freezing out there...and I'm off to sleep...did I dream about that cabana boy? I'm not saying! THE EASY WAY TO DO YOUR HAIR Okay, you've tried this and that, and what we really want are super easy fast ways to do our hair. And still look good of course. A lot is in the hair product used, (ever used the hair spray that turned your hair into glue? ) And a lot is in how you do it. Well, we thought we'd give you tricks of the trade. You know, the way your hairdresser does it. Fast, simple, effortless. What DOES he know that you DON'T? First off, get to know your HAIR TEXTURE and what it will and won't do. Is it curly, straight or wavy? Is it kinky? Is it thin, full, inbetween? Is it short, medium, long? Make a mental list of all the things your hair will do on its own without any help from you. A lot of "too-hard" hairstyles are from trying to get your hair to do something it simply will not. Now, what would your hair do with a little coaxing from you? With the curling iron, does it turn into magic ringlets? Can you make it super straight with your blow dryer? We're talking realistically here, not in your dreams. Now, for the hard, cold reality.........what will it not do even if your life depended on it? You know, stick- straight hair that will never see the curls of the goddess of Venus after 20 minutes. Curly hair that will not straighten, but it will frizz? Half the battle is knowing and respecting your hair's limitations. Your hairdresser does. Now it's your turn. Okay, we've figured out what it loves to do, and what you can MAKE it do. Next, we must understand HAIR PRODUCTS and how it helps our hair do what we want. A brief breakdown: Hair Creams -like Khiel's Silk GroomCreams add body to hair, and texture, as in it gives your styling tools something to hold on to. Great for thin, straight, slightly wavy hair. http://www.khiels.com Hair Shines -like Aveda's PomadeA wax, grease, or oil that can weigh down hair, adds shine, and enhances all waves and curls. Great for thick hair, kinky hair, and straight fine hair, if used sparingly. http://www.aveda.com Hair Gels -like Lanza's Curls & Color Liquid GelGels act as memory for your hair when you're trying to make it do something it won't. Like from straight to curly. Gels always respond best to heat in the styling department, like curling irons, hot rollers, and blow dryers. This is pretty much the only way you will get your hair to look different. Whether it's straight to curly or vice-versa. Like your hair in it's normal state? Then apply a small amount of gel to dry hair, but with no heat. Gels enhance your hair the way it already is. Got wavy hair? It'll look even better.... Key note here: Lanza's gel mentioned is perfect for those that hate the FEEL of gel. Your hair stays soft to the touch. http://www.lanza.com Hair Sprays -like Sebastian's Laminates Hair SprayHair sprays lock everything in place. Once it's there, you're pretty much done. Keep an eye on what it says: light hold? strong hold? Which one you use depends on how difficult your hair was to get to this state in the first place. Also, another important note, Sebastian's Laminates Spray is one of the few that you can use with heat, as in hot rollers and curling irons without damaging your hair. A hair stylist's dream. http://www.sebastian-intl.com Okay, products done, hair styles "will and won'ts" down, now on to HAIR LOOKS. Perfection, "every hair in place" is not the look for this season. The messier and looser the better. For WAVY-CURLY hair, Loose curls twisted up is the prettiest look around. Up styles don't stay in place? Take your bobby pins and criss cross them when you put them in. That extra support keeps your hair up better. Heavy hair, use those real heavy long bobby pins. Want to place a few pieces here and there? Take your old-fashioned hair pins and just place a few here and there. STRAIGHT hair? Think of pony tails - use only coated rubber bands, your hair will thank me for it, and twist a slim piece of hair around it, tuck in with a bobby pin to hold in place. An instant hair ornament. Or take some flowers or leaves, real or silk and place around the rubber band. SHORT hair? Curl the bangs and wear off your face. HEAVY curly hair? Twist up the back and let the ends stick up. Pin in place. Hair that works in the style it's born in tends to stay in place better, and is less fuss all around. Less to think about, and less time and hassle to get there. Isn't that what you were wanting in the first place? Elke's Top 10 Beauty Products There are always those specific beauty products that made my heart skip a beat. And let me tell you, it takes a lot for a product to do that. You can call it being in the business and seen this, done that, or just being tired of the overall hype of a miracle product that just does NOT do what it says it will. But there are products that I take my hat off, or wash my face for! Some are new, some are favorite staples. 1. Sebastian's Potion # 7 Call it a styling cream, a hair moisturizer, hand conditioner, cuticle saver....this amazingly moist cream saves my 'colored to within a life of itself' hair. And yes, I do think it's better than the infamous Khiel's Silk Groom. Richer, and a little goes a LONG way. You can apply on damp hair as a conditioner, dry hair has a texturizer, curl enhancer, dryness - flyaway zapper. And the best part, you can reapply with no stickiness or buildup, at a much cheaper price. http://www.sebastian-intl.com 2. Loreal's Quickstick Foundation Lightweight, medium coverage, the "yes I look like this when I wake up' look. I've died and gone to heaven. A small complaint on that it doesn't last for 10 hours straight, though the 4-5 that it does is just fine, and the stick format makes it easy to touch up on the go. Kudos to a Stick Foundation at $12.00 that really works. http://www.loreal.com 3. BeneTint by Benefit Cosmetics Ah,to be 13 again. From a bottle. Yes, it's a bit tricky to play with, but once you've got it down, you'll play every day. That healthy, cheeky flush that looks completely natural. Do my 'all day glow' by applying first on bare skin, then your watered down foundation over.....you'll 'blush' all day long, and it'll look completely natural. http://www.benefit.com 4. Clinique 'SuperFit Makeup' Thanks to New York, and the heat waves we get every summer, this seemingly simple foundation gets my applause. 'Superfit' should read super stay. All day wear with no feel, no stickiness. Sold. 5. CiCi's 'White Lightening Shadow' Eye Pencil Okay, call me a convert, and I'm praying the rumors of this company going under never happen. Want to feel hip? Trendy? This soft white pencil shimmers and glitters with a certain elegance. Enough glitter to feel 'with it', but not enough to feel like an idiot at the age of 35..(not that I AM 35......) 6. Estee Lauder's "Self Action Go Bronze" Tinted Self-Tanner for Face Ah, Bahamas's in a bottle. You look warm, sunny, rested. Small irk is that it lasts only for a day or two, but for that sunny glow, I don't mind. http://www.esteelauder.com 7. Wet & Wild Lip Pencil 714 Ah, you thought I was going to say W&W's #666. #714 is a little more plummy, and a cinch for the "I gotta get outta here fast!" makeup. 8. Lancome's Aquacils Waterproof Mascara in Black. Where have I been all my life? Wandering aimlessly from mascara to mascara....hoping a cheapie would work...when all along I could have......let's not go there. My staple every day, every night..for fantastic "No I'm NOT wearing false eyelashes!" look all day long. http://www.lancome.com 9. Jane Eye Zing in "#28-Rock Star" Your basic boring sand-taupe eye shadow. But so perfect for defining the crease. Looks great on anyone who wants to look awake. Instant definition. http://www.janecosmetics.com 10. Aveda's Love Oil Ah, love is in the air...........scent that is. Talk about the only scent that I can literally breathe in without coughing, gagging, and choking from that excessive alcohol based fumes.....sorry, my little nose just can't take it anymore. Thank god for Love........a pure scent that just calms me down, perks me up, and just overall makes me feel, well, 'lovely'. And the men like it too! Their light body oil spray is perfect for all over. http://www.aveda.com The Top 10 Hair Products The key thing in creating an awesome picture is an awesome product. And on a photo shoot, you have to create amazing hairstyles fast. So how is it done? Rely on the hair products that deliver the best results, in the fastest time. Here are top hair styling products that most pros can't live without plus some new additions. "Firmata Hair Spray" For super, super hold without being sticky. And you can brush through it anytime. Great for those fast changes. Need I say more? "Shine" & "Shine Pomade" Okay, we have a tie. TiGi offers great shine without getting greasy. Aveda offers a less is more approach with a fantastic smell. You be the judge. http://www.aveda.com http://www.tigi.com John Frieda "Frizz Ease Hair Spray" Need the control, but hate the stickiness and smell of a strong hair spray? Here's your answer. A great holding spray, that acts like a light weight. A photo trick? Instead of spraying the whole head to combat flyaways, spray on the palm of your hand, or on a toothbrush and lightly go over the area. Instant control. http://www.johnfrieda.com Lanza "Mega gel" Want amazing, I mean super amazing hold? This gel is by far one of the absolute best You put it on, it dries, and your hair stays. Great for molding styles, slicking hair back, creating waves, and for just telling your hair what to do. And the best part is, no stickiness or flaking. Lanza "Strait" Need to control that curly, frizzy hair? Lanza's new "Strait" line offers a complete line to be used when you're needing to look silky straight. Complete with shampoo, conditioner, and stying cream, all products are made to weigh hair down slightly to create better control. You still have to go through the straightening process with a blow dryer or straightening iron (what, you were expecting a miracle?), but it works without building up or flaking. They recommend to use the products 1-2 times a week to avoid overdoing it. Try the styling cream first and go from there. "Gloss" Want your hair to look wet? I mean really wet? Then check out "Gloss". This gel makes hair look super shiny,without any flaking, stickiness and or tackiness. It also stays 'moist', so you can rework hair later if needed, and you never get stuck with 'bulletproof' hair. From Sebastian "Buff" Want hair to stay in place without stickiness or stiffness? Try Sebastian's new "Buff". Looks like yogurt, but acts like a wax. Apply to damp or dry hair. The secret here is to use your blow dryer after application. The heat activates the product, and gets your hair to shine, and stay in place at the same time. "Molding Mud" Definitely a 'guy' product, but one we girls can use as well. Reformulated, and better than ever, their molding mud works great to define texture on short hair styles. Also works to create a 'dirty' look for hair...just apply a tiny amount on dry hair, then, run over with damp hands....let dry....instant drama. "Potion 7" Khiel's Silk Groom may have a competitor...fantastic conditioning ingredients, that can be applied to wet or dry hair, leaves hair super shiny, soft, without a buildup from repeated applications. Great for everyday, as well as weekly conditioning or right after a perm or color job. "Thickening Cream" Want thicker hair? This is it in a bottle. A white cream that you apply before you blowdry. Amazing. In a pinch, works as a styling cream as well. 5 Minute Summer Makeup Hot, muggy, icky. Humid, sticky, hot, but without the Mai Tai and the Cabana boy....this season's got me revamping my whole routine. Here are some cool makeup tricks that can revitalize your look and help keep your cool. Grab that self-tanner...for the face. By adding a little bit of color to your skin already, you'll find that you don't need to pack on the foundation and concealer as much. And you can go as light or as dark as you want. A favorite: Neutragena's Spray on Tanner . I know it's for the body, but it's one of the few that doesn't cause breakouts....and it's quick and easy to put on. Just spray your hands and apply onto your face like you would moisturizer. Than be sure to wash your hands. Another fav is Neutrogena's Moisturizer SPF 15 in the tinted form. It's 3 steps (moisturizer/sunscreen/color) in 1. http://www.neutrogena.com Apply a light dusting of a light yellow Loose Powder over clean skin first. By applying first before foundation, it helps keeps foundation on longer without melting. It also lightens up redness, and keeps dewy skin looking fresher longer, before it turns into a shiny greasy mess. This step is a must to looking light all day. Apply a Shine Control Product, like Origin's just on the t-zone, and on eyelids as a eye shadow base...anywhere you feel you need a little extra touch. http://www.origins.com Okay, this is an optional step..for the young ones out there, and for those that want perfect skin........Next step is foundation.The key is perfection yet still dewy. Remember that old matte look? It's out. Nothing will outdate your look quicker. The trick? Mix a little bit of loose powder into your foundation on the back of your hand, the same yellow tone if you want. If it's another shade, make sure it's a little bit lighter or the same as your foundation. Anything darker will make your skin look muddy. What it does is 'soak up' any oil and turns any foundation into a matte....apply where needed, but most likely down the t-zone. Remember, a fully covered foundation face is out and will age you by 10 years. Be sure to blend backwards towards the ears, and concentrate down the front of your face. HINT: What are we doing? Applying makeup the OLD way? We used to apply the makeup, and then pack on the powder to keep it matte and keep it on. What can happen is that your skin starts to sweat from the feel of it. Anything that you 'feel' on the skin, your skin will try to 'sweat' off, or get rid of. Normal thing for it to do, but not if you want it to stay on. That's why you see an increase in mineral-oil free and lanolin-oil free products. They're usually the culprit in the 'feel' of the product. You can actually feel the oil sitting on your face, thus, your face is shiny in a few hours. The NEW way? Mix your powder directly into your foundation, and then apply. What this does is 'soak up' the oils and a bit of the waxes which 'melt' in the heat, and summer proofs your look. You can do this into any of your cream or liquid products, lipstick included. By summerizing each product individually, you avoid that "heavy" powdered look, yet the product stays on. Next, color. Cream blush, dotted on the apples of the cheeks "smile" and blended back towards the ear so it looks real. Then dot a little on the lips color permitting of course. And even on the eyelids, blended of course. If you really want to feel healthier and younger, a dewy look that's believable is the key. Are you happier with powdered blush? Then apply cream blush first on cheeks, and then a little bit of powder blush on top....it'll take longer, but by setting with blush rather than powder, you can check off a step. For eyes, apply your eye shadow on wet. With toner that's alcohol free or an Eyeliner Sealer, apply with a sponge applicator or a eyeshadow brush and brush on a light layer of toner across the eyelid or in the crease. Trick is to mist the eye shadow, not drench it. Or dampen the applicator/brush first and then pick up your color. That way, you avoid drenching the product and possibly even ruining it. You'll pick up the right amount of color....then apply waxes which 'melt' in the heat, and summer proofs your look. You can do this into any of your cream or liquid products, lipstick included. By summerizing each product individually, you avoid that "heavy" powdered look, yet the product stays on. Next, color. Cream blush, dotted on the apples of the cheeks "smile" and blended back towards the ear so it looks real. Then dot a little on the lips color permitting of course. And even on the eyelids, blended of course. If you really want to feel healthier and younger, a dewy look that's believable is the key. Are you happier with powdered blush? Then apply cream blush first on cheeks, and then a little bit of powder blush on top....it'll take longer, but by setting with blush rather than powder, you can check off a step. Lips next. Grab a pencil, either eye or lip if the color works. Neaten up the lip line, or even fill in to darken a bit. Rather use lipstick? Dot a bit of liquid powder or loose powder on lips first, then apply color in the middle of the mouth and blend outwards...then apply your pencil. Your pencil will keep it on actually better than if you applied it first. Then take a Kleenex, and press a layer over your lips with the mouth closed. You should get a great lip kiss on your Kleenex. The key to lips staying on. Because it's the 'excess' that will bleed and come off. Lip gloss on the middle of the mouth, just "kiss", and dot on the middle of both lips and even on the cheekbones as highlighter. Try the eyebrow bone for a nice shimmer. You can try a shimmery gold lipgloss for evening. Last but not least, another light dusting of loose powder to 'set' eye shadow and blush. The trick is to take a super duper big powder brush and dust all over the face, either going from the middle brushing out, or brushing from the forehead, down. Then for touch ups during the day, grab the Shine Control, LipShine and Pencil. What's the secret to keeping makeup from fading in the humid summer months? It's the light dusting of powder first. A photography makeup trick for models that's great when they're standing under hot lights, or even in the heat. I know it works. I just got back from a shoot in Arizona, where it was 117 degrees.... Multi-colored Concealer Wheels WHAT DO I do WITH THIS? Most makeup products are pretty much goofproof, but along comes a new twist in cosmetics. The one we have to learn how to actually use. Case in point? The multi-colored concealer wheels that you're seeing in the stores like Physician's Formula & Trish McEvoy. http://www.physiciansformula.com http://www.trishmcevoy.com Just what are these? And how do they work? These multi colored concealers are meant to hide a variety of skin tone colors, in a new way. Here's a guideline as to how to use them. Anyone dealing in color like a painter, hair colorist or a makeup artist know that the best way to hide a color you don't like, is to hide it with another color. Under eye circles got you? A breakout? You'll find that concealers and foundations do a great job at making your skin tone look better, but in actually trying to hide skin discolorations, you'll find that a few hours into it concealing work either looks like it's gone, or went darker and grayer. That's because 'skin colors' (i.e. yellow) do a great job at evening out skin tones. But it doesn't do much to hide or tone down actual colors in your skin that you want to hide. Only other colors can hide color. Here's a color theory used in photo shoots, and now at the cosmetics counter near you. Opposite colors hide each other when applied on top of each other. The Multi-colored concealer purpose is to 'tint' the discoloration, as to not put so much on that you end up with another color to hide. Apply your foundation and concealer afterwards as usual. and you'll find that you'll need a lot less of each. COLOR TO HIDE: RED BLUE YELLOW BROWN GRAY PURPLE COLOR TO USE: YELLOW ORANGE LILAC YELLOW PINK YELLOW Here are what the colors in your multi-colored concealer are meant to hide. Check to see if you have these discolorations in your skin tone: RED DISCOLORATION: COLOR TO HIDE: COLOR TO USE: RED YELLOW As in red cheeks, blemishes, Retin-A, sunburn, acne, Roscea , broken blood vessels BLUE DISCOLORATION: COLOR TO HIDE: COLOR TO USE: BLUE ORANGE As in under eye circles, a bruise, a vein YELLOW DISCOLORATION: COLOR TO HIDE: COLOR TO USE: YELLOW LILAC As in olive or oriental skin tones, illness, chemotherapy BROWN DISCOLORATION: COLOR TO HIDE: COLOR TO USE: BROWN YELLOW As in freckles, bruises, sun damage, pregnancy mask, dark spots GRAY DISCOLORATION: COLOR TO HIDE: COLOR TO USE: GRAY PINK As in under eye circles, shadows around the nose PURPLE DISCOLORATION: COLOR TO HIDE: COLOR TO USE: PURPLE YELLOW As in a bruise, around the eyes severe sunburn A New DEW Just what do I mean? A new DEW, as in Skin. The biggest change in makeup is in the new look of skin. Matte skin is gone, as well that super shiny look. Dewy, perfect skin is in. So how do we get that look? Shown: Moon Beam by Benefit http://www.benefitcosmetics.com Here are a few tricks of the trade. First of all, don't compromise the look by thinking you have to put on 'nothing'. We all have skin imperfections, breakouts, red spots and more that we'd like to hide. So attack those problems first, and then work on the look at hand. Put on your foundation and concealer like you normally would. THEN, change it. (Shown: Sue Devitt Triple C Foundation) Want dewy skin? Put a dab of moisturizer on top of your base, after you've powdered. That way, it'll stay all day, you'll still get the dewy look, and you won't be putting on so much that is ruins the base. You have to try PRESCRIPTIVES "Radiance" Moisturizer. A beautiful shimmer that you see only when the light. hits it. Use alone, or on top of foundation. Though pricey at $45, a little goes along way. http://www.prescriptives.com Want a shimmering look, that's beautiful at night? Put a light layer of shimmering iridescent cream like STILA's 'All Over Shimmer' on top of your base, on the high points of your face. Forehead, cheekbones, eyelid, chin. It'll last forever. http://www.stilacosmetics.com For a newer look, try the new shimmering loose powder that glitters, a silver eye shadow or a kaleidoscope purple/pink shimmer...that changes when the light hits it. So new, you can even try applying a dot underneath your bottom eyelashes, or in the corner of your inner eye. You'll find it wakes up your look, and takes attention away from under eye circles. Lipstick Tricks of the Trade Each fall season always seems to bring a lot of beautiful deep and rich tones in lipsticks. Meaning, we try to find a way to keep them on. While soft, lip tones are always in, it's the more deeply pigmented lipsticks that are difficult to keep on without feathering and fading. Nothing a few quick tips and tricks of the trade won't help. The rub test. To figure out if a lipstick is going to stay on in the first place, do the rub test first. Before buying a tube, run the lipstick across the back of your hand. How did it go on? Very slippery? Greasy? Did a lot of lipstick go on your hand or just a little? The more wax a lipstick has, the shinier and greasier the lipstick will be. And the harder it will be to keep it on. Wax loves to melt, especially in heat, so if it's a hot day, creamy lipsticks take a beating. With a lot of wax, it means that the lipstick isn't 'stiff' enough to keep the pigment on. If it smears on your hand, it will smear on your lips as well. Better bet: find a lipstick that glides on but leaves only a good layer of pigment behind. Are you needing moisture for dry lips? You'll get better results in applying a Vitamin E stick or lip balm in the evening before you go to bed, and sticking to just lipstick in the morning. You'll get better results. Remember, skin care products affect your skin, makeup enhances it. Avoid the lip balm underneath lipstick unless you're dealing with a very matte lipstick. If you don't need it, you won't end up with 2 layers of wax that you have to keep on. Find a happy medium that offers slight moisture, goes on without being too slippery, and doesn't have a ton of wax that will only bleed and feather off. The matte lipstick dilemma. Do you feel like you have to get a matte lipstick for long lasting results? Not really. Matte lipsticks have the reputation of drying out your lips, thus making you lick your lips more. This causes your lipstick to wear off more, especially in the center of the mouth. Go for a happy medium. Prepping With newer formulations in lipsticks now, you really don't need to layer on the foundation and powder before lipstick anymore. Here are a few new ways to keep lipstick on longer. 1. Apply your matte control lotions on lips as well. The Shine Control products and Liquid Powders works on the face to calm oiliness, and it also gives a great base for lipstick without being too heavy or cakey. 2. Lip pencils........well, they really don't keep lipstick on, since both lip pencil and lipstick are made out of wax. Just keep your lip pencil nude in color, like a soft brown, and use to line and define the mouth shape instead. Focus on getting a better lipstick, rather than trying to keep a bad one on. 3. Apply with a lip brush. Yes it's true. When applying directly from the tube, you really are applying about 5-6 layers of color. About 4 layers more than you really need. A brush applies 1 even layer that stays on a lot longer. In this case, less really is better. 4. Blot, but with your lips closed. Press Kleenex over your lips, as if you're kissing the tissue. Lightly press your finger all across the lips. When you remove it, you'll get a definite "lip kiss" on your tissue. When blotting this way, not only do you blot off excess in the center of the mouth, but along the edges of the lip line as well. This is usually where your lipstick bleeds anyway. If you blot the old-fashioned way of 'biting' the Kleenex, you omit the much needed lip line itself. After blotting your lips, lightly take a small eye shadow brush, and brush loose powder over lipstick to set. On top of this, you can apply your lip gloss in the center of the lips. Powder applied after lipstick will keep lip gloss on longer. To even out lips and make them look perfect, as well as keep lipstick on longer, apply a concealer pencil, or concealer with a brush around the edges of the lipstick. This will help clean up any lipstick smudges, as well emphasize the lips. Lighten up any lipstick shade by dotting a concealer on the bottom of the lower lip under your lipstick. Instant lightness as well as a new-found shade. TRAVELING BEAUTY It seems that I've spend more time out of my suitcase in the past 2 months than I have the entire year, with my job taking me everywhere. I've learned a lot about travel do's and don'ts, and one thing's becoming too apparent. I pack WAY too much stuff. Things I think I need, and but really don't . On my next trip, I plan to pare it down to the beloved items I can't live without. Though your personal loves may be different, here's what I found I could and couldn't live without, when living out of a suitcase. It's A Hit! Aveda Pure-fume Brilliant Universal Styling Creme http://www.aveda.com My fine, naturally wavy long hair takes a beating when traveling. Since I live in a pony tail pretty much, how's that for Glamour? Learning to love my long flowing wanna-be tresses lately, on a recent trip, I packed EVERYTHING. A blow dryer, curling iron, hair soft-curlers, hair clips...all on the assumption I'd look PRETTY while traveling and working elsewhere. Yeah, right. Like I have time to work on myself before a 6:00 am call time. So I learned to let go. The only thing I truly needed? Aveda's Universal Styling Creme. The trick was, since I'm a big p.m. bath taker, I usually go to sleep with wet hair. Blow-drying just frizzes the heck out of it and plus, I'd rather sleep. So I apply a dime size amount to damp hair, go to sleep, and VIOLA, wake up with AMAZING, yes, amazing wonderful, flowing, shiny, great smelling, wavy hair . With no frizz in sight. Who knew that the hair of a goddess really is attainable. Banana Boat Faces Plus Sun Block Hypo-allergenic Oil-free SPF 23 for Normal/Combo skin. http://www.bananaboat.com Yep, found at the 99c store and I could not be more proud. I bought 10 of these. My super sensitive, can't stand the feeling of anything on my face can finally wear sunscreen with pride. Works great, and the best part? I swear this is also a bug-repellent. Scenario: shooting on a semi-deserted airplane runway in Palm Desert. The sun goes down, the mosquitoes come out. EVERYONE was getting bit left and right. Except me. And I'm always the one to get attacked first. Next day, as everyone was covered in red dots, I had two. I SWEAR it was this sunblock. Aveda Aroma-Mist Spray http://www.aveda.com I'm a big believer in making my hotel room feel more like, well, you know, HOME. So scents and candles are a big thing with me. As I unpack, I spray the room, bathroom, curtains and bed sheets, and breathe. I light candles (take tea-lights, they take up less space in your bag, and put them into the glasses that you usually get in your room. Fire-hazard free..but be careful anyway...) I also spray on my pillow before I hit the sheets for an amazing sleep. I literally feel the stresses of the day melt away....And Aveda's sprays are one of the few that you don't have to worry about staining fabric . It's A Miss Well, not exactly specific products, but things I REALLY didn't need to bring: Perfume: The Aveda Aroma-Mist spray can also be used as perfume, and a great way to scent your hair as well. Just one less thing to pack. Bottles of Shampoo/Conditioner: Arrgh, are these the heaviest things to carry or what? Forget it, go to your local beauty supply and get those little plastic envelope samples of shampoo, conditioner, gel, whatever. And turn your vacation or trip into a mini-spa. A great way to try out new things as you cruise. And the best part? Toss in the trash when you're done. I feel my suitcase being lighter already. Shoes: Or too many for that case. They weight a lot, take too much space, and no one looks at your feet anyway. Pack tennis shoes for comfort, black shoes for evening and one extra strappy number. That's it. Call ahead: Okay, so you're staying in ultra-chic hotels, where you expect everything and anything. But call ahead anyway. Check if there's a coffee maker in your room, or a kitchenette. Had I known, I would have packed envelopes of instant coffee (International Delights and I are on a first name basis) and packages of Quaker Oats Oatmeal in assorted flavors. That's all it takes to make me happy. At $24.00+ for breakfast room service (that's one meal - one person..) it does NOT make me happy. Too much makeup: You'd think with my professional kit (actually 2, one for hair, the other for makeup, and we're talking the HUGH-bags on wheels sort of thing..) that I wouldn't need to pack hair/makeup stuff for myself. Well, I do. The last thing I have time for is to go through ALL my stuff and sort out what I personally want to bring on a trip. Here's a great fun tip I have. I have a basket on my makeup vanity that I keep just recently bought makeup (you know, when you're still in the 'fun' stage of trying new stuff out) and my all-time favorite, can't live without items. When I pack, I just go through this basket, and pack 3 things of each. Lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, blush...etc. Three of each. That’s it. That way, I have the cool stuff with me, and enough to play with and keep it interesting. 'Specially if you're like me, and you use lipstick for blush, eye shadow as lipstick with gloss thrown over, mascara as eyeliner etc.......then you really have ALOT of things to play with. WARM WEATHER MAKEUP When easing into the warm days of summer, after months of battling rainy weather, I can't wait for the warmth. And I'm also finding myself revamping my makeup look to go along with it. Nothing like warm weather to make you want to redo your image. KEEPING SKIN LOOKING GREAT After you've done the mandatory sunblock, (you do this on a regular basis, right?) warm weather does wonders for how you feel, but it can also make your foundation seem to disappear. After a few hours of wear, it can look as if foundation/concealer or powder were never put on at all. Here's how to adapt. When weather gets warmer, so does your skin temperature. Thus producing more surface oils, especially in the t-zone areas. So combined with your winter base, this can be too much sometimes, and you'll end up with a virtual makeup landslide. The culprit? Just too much oil. But what if you really like your foundation, how it looks, how it covers, how it feels? The last thing you want to do is start shopping for another foundation. So, just adapt the one I have. Start of first with a light dusting of translucent, or yellow loose powder on clean skin first. If your skin gets more irritated in the summer, or you break out more often, a yellow powder does wonders to calm down red skin tones. Then mix 2-3 drops of witch hazel into the base, blending it on the back of your hand. The mild astringent qualities in the witch hazel will 'soak' up oils in your skin as well as your base. Apply as usual. What you get is double shine control. 1st from the loose powder that grabs any excess shine before it can break through the foundation, and 2nd, from the witch hazel in the base, which keeps it one step further. Also play with the a shine control product , and instead of applying on the face first, mix it into your base for more shine control. Since you can usually apply base only down the t-zone to help for a lighter feel and coverage for a summer look, mixing the two also helps with diluting your base a bit. PLAY UP THOSE FEATURES Next is on to the color work, or the eyes/blush/lips. Eye shadow will crease more now, and fade...so use a shine control product (like Origin's) on your eyelids as a eye shadow base, or use cotton or powder puffs to press on loose powder as a base. Then apply eye shadow colors as usual with your eye shadow brushes.# Then, the clincher. Spray your favorite toner, and mist your eyes. Keep closed, let dry, and viola. Your eye shadow is set for the day. Just make sure you avoid toners with any alcohol base to avoid stinging.This technique also saves a ton of time in trying to apply eye shadows on wet....sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Then apply eyeliner pencil, preferably waterproof, and set with a great colored eye shadow on top. A metallic bronze/gold and a shimmering burgundy/wine are two of my favorites right now blended over a warm brown eye pencil. For extra drama, use a black liquid eyeliner on TOP of this, right next to the eyelashes, and a coat of waterproof mascara. SMILE For blush, I'm a big fan of cream blush lately and I've found that it really does wonders in updating your look, and and giving you a fresh healthy glowy finish for summer. And it really does stay on longer than powder blush. Want dynamic staying power? Try the old 70's trick of applying cream blush on first, and then your powder blush over it. For nighttime, and I've also applied it during the day, you can take the new Shimmer sticks, and apply on top of the cheekbones, forehead, eye bone and over lipstick for a shimmering dewy look. Pretty by candlelight! SHINY SHINY LIPS Okay, now to lips. Think fresh, soft, glossy. THE look and the fastest, easiest way to update your look now is to go for glossy lips. It helps in the bad habit of licking dry lips all summer long. Try a Nude colored lip pencil first and apply all over the lip, not just the lip line, then a dot of lipstick on top in the color of your choice. Then, take a lip gloss, in a shimmering gloss, or just clear, and apply in the middle of both top and bottom lip. A top contender? Maybelline's Gloss lipgloss. In a wand form, it's super glossy, wet looking and lasts really well. http://www.maybelline.com THE FINISHING TOUCH To finish off the look, and keeping it looking great for hours, press on loose powder with a powder puff or cotton ball everywhere where needed. Then spray toner on top, to get rid of the 'matte' look, and to get the skin looking dewy again. By pressing powder on first, you set your makeup, then spraying toner over it softens everything and gets skin looking real again. A professional trick? Spray lightly with rose water. To touch up, throw in your bag the cream blush to touch up on cheeks, lips and even eyes sometimes, and don't forget the shimmer stick, lipstick and gloss. Beautiful Wedding Makeup Every bride's dream. Your wedding makeup stays on all day, looks flawless in your wedding photos, manages to make you feel like a model, but still look like you. Sound familiar? On that special wedding day, every bride wants to look her very best and be at her most beautiful. But presenting your best face can be a little daunting for most brides. As a professional makeup artist, I spent years early in my career doing salon wedding makeup. I realized that the best wedding makeup was actually the same makeup tricks and applications that I use on top models now when I'm doing a photo shoot. The dynamics are the same, whether it be a wedding, or a top photo shoot. 1. Pictures are being taken. 2. It must stay on all day. 3. The model / bride wants to look beautiful yet real. Here are some great tips and tricks that I use in photo shoots that you can easily incorporate into your look to make it last. 1. Make sure your foundation is a perfect match. Color blend along the side of the jaw and blend in 2-3 strokes. Is it gone? It should be. If not, or you find yourself blending forever, you have the wrong shade. It's not that it blends in, but how fast. I can make any shade blend in if I blended it long enough. Want an elegant glow? Blend in a dot of shimmer cream into your foundation before applying. Sebastian Trucco makes a product called "Skin light', a face and body glow gel that lightly dries and sets, making your foundation last all day as well. http://www.sebastian-intl.com 2. For under eye circles, the easiest way to lighten them is with a opposite color applied on top first. If your darkness is gray, lightly brush a soft pink eye shadow on clean skin first with a eye shadow brush, or lightly blend with a applicator, and then apply your foundation. If the darkness is more blue, try a matte light peach shadow. You'll find yourself using much less concealer and foundation. Make sure the eye shadow color is light in shade and matte. Use a soft fluffy eye shadow brush to dust lightly over the discoloration. Tip: You want to tint the discoloration, not mask it. This trick should soften the darkness and skin tone by 45%. The foundation and concealer will do the rest. 3. Using concealer is easier when you have the perfect shade. Don't go 1-2 shades lighter than your skin. This actually makes the darkness appear more gray and muddy. Mix your concealer shade with a drop of your foundation and then apply. You want your skin tone to appear one even shade. 4. This is actually an old Hollywood makeup trick, when all there was was Pan Stick and greasy cream-based foundations. Old movie makeup artists would blot foundation to remove the oils and then set with pressing powder to keep the makeup on under hot lights. This trick still works today, even with the lighter, oil-free foundations on the market. By pressing out any oils and leaving just the pigment and color on the skin, this trick also is what makes the skin look like skin, and not a foundation mask. Apply a little more foundation then you think you need. Take blotting papers, or Kleenex folded into squares, and lightly press into the foundation before you've powdered. This removes excess oils from the foundation and leaves pure pigment on the skin. You'll find that foundation stays on hours longer. 5. Lightly brush on loose powder with a large brush to set. This is not the time to press powder into the skin with a powder puff. This actually can make your skin look and feel shinier quicker. A photo trick is, not to apply a lot of powder. This is what makes your skin sweat and appear shiny in photographs. Try this trick at home. Just apply foundation and see how your skin feels. Then press powder on, and within 15-20 minutes, your skin feels tight, and break-through shine starts to come through. Why? Your skin is reacting to the 'feeling' of the powder. Find a light weight powder by trying this test: Lightly blow loose powder into the air. If it appears to float, you have a lightweight, oil-free powder. If it falls to the ground, it's heavy and you'll feel like you're wearing a ton of makeup fast. 6. Apply your blush next. Find a blush brush that is the size of the apple of your cheek for a perfect application. Pick up your color and tap onto the apples of the cheeks, slowly blending back towards the temple. When you have enough on, take a clean makeup sponge and blend. This one step makes your blush look real, rather than just sitting on the surface of your skin. For the prettiest look, you want a natural 'flushed' look. Mac makes a great one in "Mocha". It looks like a dusty pink in the pan, but on, it brings out a beautiful rosy wine shade that looks totally natural. http://www.maccosmetics.com Also, by applying blush first, if you look great with just your blush on, you insure that you have the right amount. If it looks too bright or harsh, lighten it up. Also, as much as you may want to, try to stay away from using bronzer to warm up your skin. You may feel washed out in your wedding gown, but applying too much bronzer can actually make your skin look muddy, and too dark against all that white. Warm up your look by using warm tones in your blush and lipstick. This will be just enough to make your skin look rosy, not dull. OOPS! Okay, you look like a clown, wrong color, too much. Now what? With a clean dry sponge, pick up a light layer of loose powder and 'erase' as much off as possible. Too bright or too dark? Take a slightly dampened sponge and clean off as much as you can. Us either water or moisturizer on your sponge, which will pick up and 'dilute' the color, it just may be enough to fix it and make it work. Still too much? As a last resort, apply watered down foundation over it to achieve a 'see-through' flush. Do you find your blush streaking? Pick up your blush by lightly tapping the blush with the tips of the bristles into the product. If you are sweeping the brush across the color, you'll pick up about 10 x more color than you need, and you waste a lot of product. Shake off any excess. You should barely be able to see the color on the brush. When applying blush, don't "sweep" the color across the cheeks. You'll usually end up streaking the color on, and then having to go back to 'correct' and 'blend'. Instead, smile, and tap on gently going across your cheeks. By tapping the color onto the brush,and then tapping it onto the cheeks, you'll avoid a splotchy blush look. 7. Do your lips next. To last all day, prepare lips with lip base or chapstick, then powder lips before you apply your lip pencil filling in the entire lip. Don't worry too much about the outline of the mouth. Apply your lipstick shade, blot, powder and apply again. Yes, the old 40's trick of powder/blot really does work. By blotting and powdering, you are actually removing the excess wax in the lipstick that causes it to bleed. Once finished, apply a light coat of lip gloss if desired in the middle of the bottom lip right before you walk out the door. The color of the moment is the 'bitten' lip look. Just take your rosy blush and apply dry on lips. Apply your Chapstick, or gloss on top with a lip blush. Gel cheek colors and stains work great for this too. Want lips to last all day? Try the new long-lasting wear lipsticks, like Max Factor's "Lipfinity". http://www.maxfactor.com Apply the color coat first, let dry, and then apply your regular lipstick shade over it before the Moisture Coat. The Moisture Coat gives a soft sheen, and seals in not only the stain, but your lipstick at the same time. Want to update your older matte lipstick shades to the new shimmer based tones? Apply a light shimmer eye pencil, or eye shadow on lips and apply your darker lipstick on top ....just a little will do and you'll have a new shade. A soft chestnut brown eye shadow applied on lips first will also darken any shade that's too light. Use a Concealer Pencil on your lips first, fill in, and then apply an older, dark lipstick. The concealer pencil lightens up the lipstick by about 3-4 shades.... Or apply a dot of concealer on the bottom of your lower lip and gloss over to blend. Want a great shiny mouth? One of the best lip glosses I've ever tried is believe it or not, Wet & Wild's Lip Gloss Wand in Clear. Glossy enough to rival some of the more expensive brands, with great staying power and ranging only around the $1.00 price range. Can't beat that. 8. Brush and fill in eyebrows if needed with a shade that's 1-2 shades lighter than your eyebrow hairs. Too dark and you can start looking a little harsh. Brush through with a toothbrush afterwards for a more natural look. Use a shine gel to set your eyebrows and bring a glow to you eyes. 9. Last but not least, your eyes. A soft shimmering cream or white is beautiful on the brow bone, and the inner corners of the eyes, both above and below the lashes. This wakes up the eyes and creates a beautiful highlight. To make eyes appear larger, apply a sand or taupe in the crease of the eye. Blend so that the shadow fades well. Keep the eyes looking neutral, while the colors emphasize the cheeks and lips. Make the most dramatic part of the eye your lashes and eyeliner. This looks the best in pictures. Take a black or brown pencil and line the lashes on the outer 1/2 or 1/4 of the eye. Blend with a q-tip. Take your mascara and a eyeliner brush, and lightly line the eye with your mascara. Once it's dried, smudge again, and you'll find that your eyeliner will stay on forever. Revlon's Colorstay Extra Thick Lashes is a recent find that works great. And remember to curl your lashes before, not after mascara. If your mascara is waterproof, that's even better. 10. If you're applying false eyelashes, single eyelashes are the most natural looking. An easy way to apply them is to apply one coat of mascara, let dry. Apply a dot of glue on the tip of the lash and along the length. This is actually the part that anchors to your lashes. Then take your tweezers, looking down, and place 2-3 single lashes on the outer 1/4 of the eye. Let the glue dry, and then another coat of mascara to seal the lashes together. False eyelashes go a long way in making your eyes dramatic and the focus of the face. Ardell makes a great eyelash glue that when dry, feels weightless. Make sure to get the glue that's white and goes clear when dry. That way you can easily see where you're placing your false lashes, and the clear tone will not interfere with your eyeliner. I like applying the false lashes after the eye makeup is completely finished. 11. Finishing Touches: When you're done with your look, you may want to apply a little more blush, and then finish with a final brush of loose powder. Make sure everything is blended well. If you feel like you have a lot of makeup on, lightly mist with a soft spray of water to set. This will take away the feeling of makeup on your skin and also helps to set the makeup. If you want your skin to glow, lightly brush on a soft shimmering eye shadow or the new shimmer loose powders, like Revlon's SkinLights. To avoid over doing it, just dust across the tops of the cheekbones and collar bones. For a more over-all glow, you can even go across the forehead and chin. For touch ups during your day, take a little bit of your loose powder and press into a powder puff. Store in a ziplock bag and you have instant touch ups during your day. You want to look beautiful, glowing, soft and romantic. Remember, this moment only happens once in a lifetime.