The Best Longwear & Dewy Blush

Today I wanted to share my favorite way to get long-wearing blush! This technique allows you to achieve a dewy and skin-like finish for the perfect, natural, flushed look. This is the only way that I wear blush now, and it lasts me up to 10 hours! This technique is suitable for dry, normal and slightly combination skin; (if you get very oily on your cheeks I would recommend setting it with a powder blush). Make sure to watch the video tutorial at the end!

I use the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine lipsticks for this technique, as I find that they work the best. They were already my absolute favorite lipsticks, and were pretty much the only formula that I used on myself (besides the amazing Dior LipGlow). At $37 for a tube, they are a little easier to swallow when used as a lipstick and a blush, plus they'll last you forever! They are by far the best and longest lasting 'cream blush' that I've ever tried and don't break out my sensitive skin like many other cream blushes do. 

Step 1: Run a few strokes of the lipstick onto the back of your hand. You want this to serve as your palette to warm up the product.
Step 2: Use fluffy brush and work the lipstick into the bristles by running over the stroke marks on the back of your hand. You want to create a stain inside the bristles, not just have the lipstick sitting on top. The pink brush in this Real Techniques trio is my favorite for applying cream blush and you get 3 brushes for $18!
Step 3: Use circular motions to lightly stamp and buff the color onto your cheeks. Build it up slowly because it will stain your cheeks wherever you place it. Now you have fresh, long lasting blush!

 Watch the tutorial!

Here are a few drugstore alternatives, I haven't tested the 'blush wear time' on these, but they have a similar texture and formula!

Maybelline Baby Lips
Maybelline Color Whisper
L'Oreal Color Caresse
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter 

Would you ever wear lipstick as blush? Comment with your favorites!
 

Heat-Free & Effortless Summer Hair

Today I partnered with the talented Deanna Mackenzie of Asanda Spa in Manhattan to bring you this super cute and easy-to-achieve hair tutorial. 

Deanna is a Senior Stylist at Asanda and has been in the hair industry for eleven years! She specializes in coloring, styling and cutting, and if you're looking for a fresh & modern short style, there is no one else you should turn to! Deanna says: "Being greatly influenced by both my mom and my sister, I had a love for hair at an early age. Lucky for me, I was able to pursue it as a career that I absolutely love. Doing hair for me is one of the many outlets that I'm able to express creativity."

Read on for the instructions, and follow Deanna on instagram: @colorcreatedesign

 

1. Create an ear to ear headband parting & clip away back center hair.

2. Grab hair from front sides, pull back and tie into a knot.

3. Let clipped hair down

4. Grab hair from sides and tie another knot on top of the hair just let down.

5. Tuck and secure ends underneath with a Bobby pin or hair pin.

6. Finish with Aveda Air Control for light to moderate hold or Aveda Control Force for a strong hold and humidity defense. 

What are your favorite effortless summer hairstyles?

 

The Ultimate Concealer Handbook

Not all concealers are created equal! They come in a variety of options for coverage, consistency, finish and texture and it's important to know their differences in order to choose the right concealer for the job. I was inspired after reading Into the Gloss's best concealer article to write my own post discussing my favorite concealer tips and tricks. I knew I had to really dive into the subject, because choosing the right concealer out of the hundreds of available options can be pretty intimidating!

Choosing the Correct Formula
Formula is everything, it is what determines the texture and opacity and how the product will lay on the skin. Under eye concealers should be silky, emollient and moisturizing. The formula shouldn't crease or set into fine lines and it needs to be able to move with your natural facial expressions. Concealer used to cover acne or areas of redness and discoloration on the face should be denser, a bit drier and more opaque. They should almost feel like they are drying or 'setting' on their own after a few minutes. Here are my Top 5  favorite formulas for personal and client use:  

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Mac Pro Longwear

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Givenchy Mister Light

Kryolan Dermacolor 

I go more in-depth about each of them further on in this article, so keep reading!

Concealer Prep
'Prepping' your under eyes before concealer may seem like too much work, but trust me, it's simple and it makes a huge difference in the texture and longevity of your products! For many people it may be common sense to always start off with an eye cream to smooth out fine lines and plump up signs of dehydration, but I'm about to share a secret about a special star product that works overtime so that your concealer doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting. So please let me introduce...

Benefit Stay Don't Stray 360 Degree Eye Primer 

Eyeshadow primer did you say? Besides being a perfect primer for the eyes, this product is amazing to use as concealer prep, hence '360 degrees'. It is one of my all-time favorite products, it helps neutralize dark circles, prevent under eye creasing, and it acts like a concealer magnet, locking everything in place and making sure your under eyes stay fresh and bright all day long. I apply it to the entire orbital area after foundation and before any main concealer, and then I tap it in with a Beauty Blender. It's also pigmented enough to use on its own as a lightweight concealer, so I urge any of you who are even a little bit curious to go out and try this!

applying Benefit's Stay Don't Stray

Color Correcting
Color correcting is the quickly becoming the new buzzword in beauty. People will soon be obsessing over color correction to the same extent as the brow and contouring crazes that have taken over the internet in the past few years. In truth, color correction is nothing new, it has been something that makeup artists have been doing forever in subtle ways. Color correction can be immensely handy as long as you don't over do it. Salmon/peach tones will correct the under-eye darkness of blues and purples, green will correct redness and a pale lavender with brighten sallow complexions. My favorite green and lavender toned correctors are by Becca, while Eve Pearl, Bobbi Brown and Make Up For Ever make great peachy correctors.

Tools
The way that you apply your concealer also has a big impact on its final coverage and texture. My favorite tool for under eye concealing is a damp sponge, specifically the Beauty Blender or the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. A dampened sponge will add hydration, and the patting/pressing motion will smooth the concealer down into a delicate and imperceptible layer.

A small, stiff, slightly tapered brush is crucial for concealing acne or discoloration with precision. This type of brush will lay down the product only where you need it, preventing excess concealer build up which leads to the dreaded 'cake face'. Because this concealing technique still allows the clear areas of your skin to peek through, you will end up looking more natural and polished. Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge has a great video demonstrating this technique here.

A flat shading brush can help lay down product in specific areas. I'll usually use a brush like this to place concealer in hard to reach areas, like the sides of the nose or the innermost corner of the eyes before I'd blend it out with a sponge.

Fingers! Your fingers are the free tool that you carry with you everywhere! As long as your hands are properly sanitized there is nothing wrong with using your fingers to apply makeup. It actually helps heat up the formulas, allowing them to quickly blend into the skin for a very fresh and natural appearance. When I use my fingers for concealer I like to use a tapping motion rather than a dragging or gliding motion for the best finish. One of my favorite concealers for a 'hand application' is by Maskcara Beauty. It's an easy to use highlighting concealer, so it's extremely brightening and perfect for days when you don't have much time but still want to look pulled together. Another plus is that it's only $10.50 and comes in an adorable little tin that's perfect to pop into your handbag. Maskcara Beauty also has other great products to go along with this one so check out their whole line; the owner Cara also has an awesome blog that you can read here.

Concealer Application
The number one rule for application is 'less is usually more'! Don't get too heavy with it, it's always easier to build up the product then take it away. Apply concealer only in the spots where you actually need it, don't slather it on all over or you can risk looking mask-like.

without concealer  /  with concealer

Setting Concealer
Setting your concealer with powder is super important if you want it to last throughout the day. Finding a good face powder to set spot concealing with isn't too tricky, but under-eye setting powders can be finicky. You need something that is light weight, won't crease and will brighten underneath the eyes. My personal favorites are the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders. They have been staples in my kit since they came out, and they play a huge role in keeping my under eye concealer looking perfect. My favorite shades for this purpose are 'Ethereal' and 'Diffused', and I also love their Strobing Powder in 'Incandescent' for a more glowy look. This shade also comes in their 3 color palette (one of my favorite products EVER). I also enjoy the Laura Mercier translucent and secret brightening powder and the Ben Nye powders are a good cost-effective option. Again, I like to use a slightly damp sponge to apply my setting powder; usually the same one that I have just applied my foundation and concealer with. I do not employ, nor would I recommend the 'baking' method where you pack on a ton of powder, I simply press a little bit of it into the natural crease under my eye and the slight dampness of the sponge really helps melt the powder into my skin.

Fail-Proof Concealers

Drugstore
* Maybelline Fit Me: Smooth & creamy, great for undereyes and light spot concealing. 
* Maybelline Coverstick: Great for quick touch-ups, this thicker consistency covers well and resists creasing.

Full Coverage
* Kryolan Dermacolor: Intense coverage and insanely long wear-time makes this concealer a must have! Just use a little bit at a time for flawless skin.
* Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer: This little pot can be used as foundation or concealer and can be mixed with moisturizers and primers to create a custom level of coverage. It is silky smooth and has a perfected dreamy finish on the skin.
* Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage: Great for spot concealing, this product has great coverage and a stiff consistency that wears well all day.

Undereye
* Benefit Stay Don't Stray: An eyeshadow primer and concealer in one, this super long-wearing and lightweight formula color corrects and is the perfect base for any other concealer.
* Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer: Super smooth and velvety finish with a great color range and minimal creasing.
* Mac Pro Longwear: Slightly sticky as it dries, this is water resistant and my personal go-to concealer. It comes in a great shade range and can be easily sheered down or built up for customized coverage.
* Givenchy Mister Light Correcting Pen: Super smooth and hydrating, this is the most 'natural looking' concealer and is great for mature skin. I have a review on it here.

Brightening
* Maskcara Beauty 3D Foundation: Meant to be used for highlighting and sculpting the face, they really do brighten! 

Spot Concealing
* Kryolan Dermacolor: Intense coverage and insanely long wear-time makes this concealer a must have! Just use a little bit at a time for flawless skin.
* Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage: Great for spot concealing, this product has great coverage and a stiff consistency that wears well all day.

Multipurpose
* Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer: Super smooth and velvety finish with a great color range and minimal creasing.
* Mac Pro-Longwear: Slightly sticky as it dries, this is water resistant and my personal go-to concealer. It comes in a great shade range and can be easily sheered down or built up for customized coverage.
* Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer: This little pot can be used as foundation or concealer and can be mixed with moisturizers and primers to create a custom level of coverage. It is silky smooth and has a perfected dreamy finish on the skin.

What are you must-have concealers?

Professional Makeup Artist Interview - Arel Quintese

I am happy to present LaToya Quintese Santos of Arel Quintese as the first artist in my Pro-Interview series. LaToya is an on-location makeup artist based in Connecticut and travels throughout New England for jobs. She is also a representative for Anastasia Beverly Hills which naturally makes her an eyebrow master! 

I met LaToya when I first started working at Sephora years ago, she was the first person to reach out to me and make me feel welcome. At that point I was still a bit of a newbie, so I would go to her with makeup questions (like how to do a smokey eye on my client who was in her 50's) and she would always have great advice (start by smudging a smokey pencil into the roots of the lashes and blend up). Her passion for her work is so evident, and she was instrumental in helping me to believe enough in myself to pursue makeup artistry as my own career. So without further ado, please enjoy the interview.

Q: How long have you been a working professional and how did you get started in your career?

A: I have been working professionally as a Certified Makeup Artist since 2010. 

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

A: Being creative has always come easy to me. Whether it was sculpting, arts and crafts or sketching I HAD to take an art class every year in grade school. As I got older, I discovered that I was interested more in watching the fashion shows on TV or when it was time for people to get a makeover on certain shows, I just loved to watch the expression on their faces when they would reveal their new look. It became clear to me that makeup is an art, whether it is natural or avant garde, it is still art. 

Q: What do you love most about makeup and about your job?

A: I get so lost in doing makeup. It's very therapeutic for me. I love the process from start to finish and discovering how certain products blend and their specific finish. My career is so special to me, whether I'm helping new clients discover how to properly fill in their eyebrows working as a representative for the Anastasia Beverly Hills brand, or sculpting their face with her coveted highlight/contour kits. I love being able to make 'applying and understanding' makeup for people that much easier. I love being able to spend those special moments with my personal clients, their trust in me before their 'big event days' mean so much to me, I wouldn't trade it for the world. My TOP favorite thing about my career would have to be creating looks for shoots, I would wake up and do photo shoots every single day if I could. 

Q: What is your signature makeup style and what trends/looks have you been loving?

A: To be honest I don't know what my signature style is. I would love to one day discover it. I've had people notice my work and mention to me, but I still don't seem to see it (haha). Trends and looks? Trends are forever changing, but I will forever love a nice sculpted smokey bronzed eye. Color trends have been more eye catching to me as of recently; metallics, reflecting sparkles, sea green/blue shades. Color always attracts me! 

Q: What are some of your go to, must have, all time favorite kit products?

A: Okay get ready for my list, these are some of my 'Pro Kit' go to's: 

1. M.A.C MatchMaster Foundation (Great on every skin type, photographs beautifully! NO FLASH BACK!)

2. BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Primer (This primer is everything! It will keep your makeup on all day.)

3. BEN NYE Banana Powder (I used to hate this product, but I have learned to love it! It isn't as smooth as other loose translucent setting/baking powders, but if you learn to work with it and apply the proper amount in a tapping motion you will learn to love it! It's mainly the color that I'm obsessed with.) 

4. NYX Brow Gel ( I use this on EVERYONE! It's like a dupe for the Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow (Retails $22), but this is cheaper (Retails $7).  

5. ANY brand of liquid lipstick (I have started to only use liquid lipsticks on my clients, I have a few favorite brands: Coloured Raine (my top favorite formula), Anastasia Beverly Hills, Stila, NYX, Milani, BH Cosmetics. Liquid lipsticks stay on the longest so it's less touch up time for my clients, and if they want a creamier glossy lip, all I do is add on a gloss on top and wah la! Long lasting, and customizable to everyone's wants!

Q: What products have you recently discovered and can’t live without?

A: I would say Colourpop Cosmetics, as a whole line. I started buying from them last year and I cannot imagine myself not buying from them in the future. They have innovated a whole new formula of products I have never felt before. They are becoming the HIT brand with very inexpensive products they truly understand pigments like no other 'drugstore brand'. 

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: I draw my inspiration from everywhere, paintings, movies, TV, other artists, scenery and my own imagination.

Q: Who are some people that have inspired or influenced you throughout your career?

A: So many artists inspire me on a daily basis, but two so far in particular; Megan Martinez (IG: @chaosmakeupartist  www.chaosmakeupartist.com) I have been following her for a few years now and she blows me away every time. Her artistry is so inspiring! She has really inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone. The second artist is Camille Thompson (IG: killahcamz http://www.camillethompson.com) Talk about jaw dropping work! I discovered her late last year, and I am so happy I have, she is Art. I've been so moved by her work, I personally sent her a private message to let her know how much of an inspiration she is. I thrive off of artists who think outside the box and understand makeup as an art and who aren't afraid of being 'too creative'.

Q: What is your most important piece of beauty advice and/or makeup tip for women?

A: My best beauty advice for women is to love the skin you're in. Makeup is art and if you're using it as your creativity there is nothing wrong with that. People judge what they cannot understand. Wear what you love!  

Q: What is your most important piece of advice for aspiring professionals?

A: My best beauty advice for aspiring professionals is to stand firm in your gift! Have new goals every time you accomplish the old ones you've made. Stay focused on what YOU want out of life and don't be distracted by everyone else around you. It's never an easy thing to build your business up from scratch, but there is no easy way to be successful except through faith, hard work, dedication, consistency and patience. If your work as an artist isn't built on a solid foundation, when you reach the top it will crumble. Think of the saying, 'the turtle wins the race'.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had known starting out?

A: I honestly wish that someone would have told me through the hard times to stay in love with your passion. There has been quite a few times along this journey that I turned against my gift during hard times when I should have learned to use it as an aid. Be your own encourager, starting this career was never easy, but thankfully I have strong supporters around me lifting me up on a daily basis. Recognize your strong supporters and keep them close, as for everyone else, learn to use them as stepping stones towards your successful future. 

Q: If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be doing instead?

A: I get asked this question a lot and I honestly would have loved to be involved in helping the youth somehow. I have such a strong connection with teenagers, specifically the young girls who are growing up with no hope for the future or any confidence for what they want to be in life. There's nothing that lifts me up more than the joy in their eyes when they speak about what they love to do. No one should ever feel like they're nothing in this life. Sometimes growing up in unhealthy situations causes failure in life, and it doesn't have to be that way. I still will find a way to give back to the young girls, to instill confidence in their hearts, so they never have to feel like they're not worth it. 

www.arelquintese.com

IG, PINTREST, FB, TWITTER:  @arelquintese 
***

If you are a professional makeup artist and would like to be a part of this Pro-Interview series, send me an email at nicolemariemakeupartistry(@)gmail(.)com

Turn Any Lipstick Matte

Here is a quick and easy way to mattify any lipstick. This trick will turn any of your glossy shades into classic mattes and will help prolong the wear of any lipstick. Read on to find out how to do it in less than a minute, and watch the video at the end to see how easy it really is!

1. Apply your favorite shade of lipstick

2. Peel apart a tissue so that it becomes single-ply and see through.

3. Place the tissue against your lips and lightly dust them with a silica based powder.

 4. Watch the video below for a visual explanation :)

Have you tried this trick? What are your other favorite ways of making lipstick last?

Controlling Oily Skin

Consumer Health Digest recently reached out to me and asked if I would make a video on tips for oily skin. I had already been working on this post so it was a perfect fit! After you watch the video, read on for specific product recommendations!

 


1: Prep
A common misconception with oily skin is to try to strip the natural oils and 'dry up' the skin. This is dangerous because the more you try to rid the skin of oil, the more it will produce to over-compensate. It is important to balance the skin by finding a skincare routine that works for you, this will help you makeup-wise in the long run because you will have better behaving skin! While it may take a little while to figure out your perfect personalized skincare routine, always make sure you moisturize before you apply your makeup. Look for items that say 'oil free', 'lightweight' or 'gel' on the bottles. Some of my favorites are:  

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer
Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel
Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion for Oily and Blemish Prone Skin

2: Primers
Mattifying primers not only extend the wear time of your foundation and keep you shine-free longer, but they also smooth over the skin and fill in pores and fine lines! My two favorites are the Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector and the
Smashbox Oil Free Pore Minimizing Primer. A word of caution with the Becca one, it is the most matte primer I have ever tried and a little goes a long way, so start out with a tiny amount and thoroughly blend it in to avoid patchiness.

3: Base Products
Some people think that a liquid foundation will just melt off when you have oily skin, but that is not true at all! You just want to look for something mattifying and/or free of added oils. Some of my favorites, in no particular order are:

Hourglass Immaculate- a medium coverage that includes cashmere kaolinite clay (which can absorb 75% its weight in oil) leaving a matte finish and an airy feel.

Make Up For Ever Face & Body- a light-to-medium coverage that is made up of 80% water for an invisible look and feel to the skin. This foundation is good for ALL skin types and it is one of my personal favorites.

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Plus- a full coverage foundation providing a silky, breathable matte finish. The color selection has also expanded making color matching much easier.

Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof- a creamy feeling (perfect for combination skin) medium-full coverage foundation that is great for those with golden undertones.

Urban Decay Naked Skin- medium-full coverage and great for combination skin as well. It leaves a natural matte finish and looks like real skin. 

4: Powder 
This is a crucial step in making sure your face stays as matte as possible, and most people do it wrong! The best way to use powder on oily skin is to press-and-roll it on with a sponge or a powder puff. You don't want to dust powder on with a brush because it will not absorb your oils throughout the day. My favorite high end mattifying powder is the Make Up For Ever Duo Matte and my favorite drugstore mattifying powder is the Maybelline Dream Matte. And remember, press and roll people, press and roll.

5: Setting Spray 
This is a finishing product that is like a hairspray for your face! That might sound gross, but I promise you it's not. My favorites are by Urban Decay, they have a hydrating, oil control, and normal skin version. I use a setting spray on all of my brides because it only takes a few seconds and it works wonders, especially for those with oily skin. It also cuts down on makeup transferring onto your clothes or cell-phone which is always a good thing!

6: Touch ups
When you have oily skin you will need to touch up your makeup throughout the day. The best way to do this without caking on more makeup is to use a blotting product. 

*Blotting Sheets: these are meant to absorb oil without disturbing the makeup underneath. They lift the oil off of the skin while leaving all of your foundation, blush, bronzer, etc behind. Boscia makes my favorites, I love the 'green tea' ones as well as the 'pink peppermint' ones. You can find Boscia blotting sheets at Sephora but you can find other brands at the drugstore as well.

*Blotting Powder: this is different than a regular foundation powder or setting powder because it is not meant to add color or coverage, just to absorb oil and shine without adding heavy layers on to the skin. This means you can re-apply it throughout the day without it getting thick and gross. My favorite is the Becca Blotting Powder Perfector because it it so smooth and finely milled, plus it comes in two colors: 'translucent' for light to medium skin tones and 'tinted' for medium to deep skin tones.

What are your favorite products for oily skin?

Can the Beauty Blender Get Any Better?

You all know that the Beauty Blender is my favorite tool for applying liquid & cream foundations or concealers. It gives the most natural finish and the options for coverage are endless, making it the perfect multi-use tool. But many people don't realize that the Beauty Blender is amazing for applying powder products as well! 

The trick for applying powders is to have the sponge be dry or almost dry. I personally don't want to use two different ones, so I just wring out the extra moisture after I apply my liquid foundation and it works just as well. I find that using the Beauty Blender for powder lessens the creasing under my eyes, which is always an issue I have. I usually use it with my Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders and it has been the perfect combination!

Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried the Beauty Blender for powder and how you liked it!

My Skincare Secret... shhhh don't tell!

“Once upon a time, there was a book of spells found on the banks of the Seine, in Paris. Doctor Hertzog, who was renowned for his mesotherapy treatments, found a recipe in it for the youth elixir used by Queen Isabella of Hungary in the 17th century. It is said that she charmed the king of Poland, thirty-five years her junior, with her radiant complexion. The dermatologist entrusted his discovery to Mathilde Thomas, who was just launching Caudalie. In 1996, Beauty Elixir was born. And what is the recipe for this versatile natural cocktail? Benzoin to soothe the skin, myrrh to renew, rosemary essential oil to purify, lemon balm to calm and peppermint to stimulate, along with orange blossom to soften, rose for radiance and, of course, moisturizing grape pulp 
extract, Caudalie’s signature ingredient.” ~ Caudalie


Now that you know some of the history behind my skincare secret, let me tell you a little bit about how I use it and why I love it so much!

Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a multi purpose spray, part toner and part serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients. It is my morning energizer, my midday pick-me-up and my nighttime de-stressor. I will spray it on my complexion in the morning & throughout the day and my favorite part is that you are actually supposed to inhale the mist as you spray it because it's revitalizing for the skin and for the body. It really does refresh me inside and out and it is something that I will always repurchase. It soothes and brightens the skin when worn alone as a treatment and it also makes foundation and powder sit more naturally when sprayed over makeup. It is formulated to smooth the skin, tighten pores and provide an instant burst of radiance, as it stimulates microcirculation.

Formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I really do suggest it to everyone (except if you are sensitive to plant oils) and the great thing is that it comes in two sizes, a 1 ounce bottle for $18 and a 3.4 ounce for $49, so it's affordable to try and see if you like it.

If you have tried the Beauty Elixir, or if you have your own skincare secret, let me know in the comments below!

Fresh Faced & Natural Makeup

Not all makeup has to look like makeup! In fact, sometimes I think staying natural is the prettiest of all, and it's super easy to do. I love working with cream products for these types of looks because they leave a beautiful skin-like finish. I used two cream foundation sticks, one in my color, and one that was darker to contour with, but you can absolutely use a tinted moisturizer and bronzer if you wish.

1. Tinted Moisturizer
Apply a light base of tinted moisturizer (or cream stick) with your hands to create a soft canvas.

2. Concealer
Conceal lightly where needed (for me this is under the eyes) but don't cover up any freckles!

3. Cream Blush for Lips and Cheeks
Using your fingertips, pat on a light cream blush to your cheeks and lips. Blend the color into your skin until it looks naturally flushed.

4. Bronze
If you used cream sticks for your complexion, you can use the darker shade to bronze the skin. If you used a tinted moisturizer just sweep a bronzer over the highest planes of the face to get a sun-kissed glow.

5. Eyes
Sweep a light golden, shimmery shadow onto the eyelid. Add mascara and lightly fill in the brows if you wish.

***

Now you have a super natural look that is perfect for spring!

Winter Skin Savers

Photo by Michele Shirley

The cold, blustery, winter weather can stress out the very best of skin, and living in Connecticut, I've seen my fair share of harsh winters. But what happens when moisturizer alone isn't enough? You shouldn't have to deal with irritated, red, dry or dull skin! Great makeup is only as good as the skin that lies underneath, so you need to take care of yours and protect it from stressful conditions. 




Oils
Face oils are a great add on to your beauty routine, especially in the winter time. They add extra hydration and boost radiance while still feeling lightweight and clean. Oils are true multi-taskers and if you choose the right one and apply it correctly, it won't make you greasy. The correct way to apply oil is to put about 3 drops into your hands, then massage your palms together to distribute it. Then press your palms onto your forehead, cheeks and chin and let it absorb. Everyone can wear an oil, it is just a matter of finding the one that works for you. As an example, many people LOVE Josie Maran's Argan oils but they make me break out like crazy! What works for one person might not for another, so take home some samples and figure out what helps your skin feel its best. My two personal favorites are Boscia's Tsubaki Beauty Oil and Fresh's Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil.

* Boscia's Tsubaki Oil works well with any skin type. It absorbs immediately and leaves zero greasy residue but truly imparts baby-soft skin. I have dry skin and I love it, and friends with oily skin love it for morning and evening use too! It has a pleasant, faint floral smell and helps combat oil, shrink pores and improve fine lines. If you only try one oil, this would be it!

* Fresh's Seaberry Oil is the most hydrating oil I have tried, yet it doesn't weigh down my skin. Sea Buckthorn is its hero ingredient, and it is a very interesting one because it has been used to treat a multitude of skin issues ranging from eczema to severe burns. It soothes, moisturizes and repairs the skin, leaving it healthy and glowing. Being dry skinned, I can wear this in the morning or evening, but those with normal/combo/oily skin will probably only want to wear it at night.

Masks
Masks are my favorite skincare category hands down. I love to use them all year round, whether for clearing toxins, minimizing pores or adding radiance. Masks are great for soothing and hydrating as well. My top three picks are the Glam Glow Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial, and the Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask. All of these masks are meant to be left on while you sleep, which is great because they can penetrate deeper into your skin, but it also might mean that your pillow could stick to your face (haha). I've never used a silk pillowcase, but one is recommended for treatments like these because they will glide a little bit better against your skin instead of sticking to it.

* Glam Glow is famous for their deep cleaning and anti-aging masks, and they recently added a hydrating mask into their lineup. It is meant to be used overnight to lock in moisture and sooth the skin. It smells absolutely delicious, like cinnamon and sugar, and it leaves your skin feeling silky and hydrated. Just know that this mask stays wet on the surface of the skin, so you might wake up with your hair or bits of fuzz stuck to your face.

* A step up from your nighttime moisturizer, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial soothes redness and adds proteins, minerals and vitamins to stressed skin leaving the complexion soft and hydrated. It is supposed to be used every so often as a 'facial in a jar' but it is gentle enough to use every night if you wish. Unlike the other two masks, this one will absorb completely into your skin like a moisturizer, so you won't have to worry about it getting onto your pillowcase! I love its subtle scent and soft texture, and I sometimes even use this during the day when I'm feeling extra dry.

* Boscia just released another mask, sure to be a favorite just like their peel-off Luminizing Black Mask. This one is also meant to be left on overnight and promises a smoother surface, smaller pores, a bright glow and hydrated skin. This mask delivers with a subtle flowery scent that is pleasant and not overwhelming. I love how soft it leaves my face and how creamy the mask texture is on my skin. Again, this mask stays wet on the surface of the skin, so you might wake up with your hair or bits of fuzz stuck to your face.


Lip Products
Don't forget about your lips, they get ragged this time of year as well! The best way to combat dry, chapped lips is with a lip scrub and an intensive balm. 

* My favorite lip scrub is by Bite Beauty, it tastes like cherry and it's all natural, made with food-grade fruit butters. 

* When I want a tint, I love my Dior Lip Glow and my Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in 'Rose'. The Dior one changes to a girly pink that suits your individual skin tone, and the Fresh one adds a subtle, natural looking hue. (Dior just added a coral color as well!)

* For intense overnight repair you want to use a product without SPF, and the Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy balm is the best I've ever tried for deep hydration.

UPDATE: I had written this post before I found this next item, but I wanted to share it because it is better than anything else (even the Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy) I've ever tried for deep hydration!

* The Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is incredible! This antioxidant packed treatment is comprised of agave nectar, jojoba oil and vanilla CO2 extract that will intensely hydrate the lips and get rid of cracks or dryness. It's natural, free of gluten and petroleum, and it smells and tastes amazing! It's thick in the tube but it feels like a soothing lip balm once applied, so I like to wear it throughout the day and at night.

Stay warm!