Jen's bridal party

Jen's bridal party
Most Beautiful Day Ever!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

skincare

ok, let's talk a bit about what is going on underneath that makeup that you are learning how to do.  that should really be our jumping off point.  it is definitely the most important element to your makeup application.  if your skin isn't well hydrated and polished, it won't matter how much you do or spend.  i recommend using an exfoliant twice a week to remove dead skin cells (yuck!) and using a retinol product every night.  then making sure you moisturize and apply sunscreen during the day.  Philosophy makes 2 products that i love that have dramatically changed my skin. They make a great daily exfoliating wash so your washing and exfoliating at the same time. How great is that for us busy women?  The crystals are small enough that they won't tear the skin but active enough to buff fine lines. The other product is their "help me" retinol cream for night.  Talk about resurfacing!!  Then moisturize and wait a couple of minutes before applying any makeup.  If you take care of your skin you'll be surprised at how little makeup you actually need.  Remember, beautiful, natural skin is prettier than anything out of a bottle!

Monday, April 13, 2009

My favorite piece of makeup-concealer

often underrated, concealer should be your bff.  I NEVER leave the house without it.   My question is-why don't more women wear it?  The only answer I can surmise is that they are afraid of it.  Crazy but true.  Concealer is so easy to use and it is the one piece of makeup that probably makes the most difference to your appearance.  It gives you the illusion of looking like you've had a solid 10 hours of sleep.  No kidding.  The key is finding a concealer that matches your skin color enough to keep you out of the raccoon eye zone but is still bright enough to give your eye area a lift.  When testing concealer, look for something creamy, and go a shade darker than you think.  Apply it to the back of your hand first to warm it up, then apply to under eye area with a small brush or my favorite tool-a finger. Tada! Beauty.  One more trick, tilt your head down slightly looking in the mirror.  Those pesky dark circles will really show up and you can see exactly where you need to apply the product.  Start from the lowest, darkest point and blend upwards to keep the product from creasing.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Wrinkles

Sooooooooo many women ask me how to cover wrinkles. It is the one question I get asked probably more than any other and the answer to that is, you can't.  Sorry ladies but there is no way to cover them.  That is the cold hard reality.  If you apply too much makeup to try to cover them that doesn't work because the makeup sits deeper in the lines and they appear deeper.  My advice would be wear less foundation.  Lighter coverage, like liquid as apposed to powder. Also, try using foundation which diffuses the light.  They actually make foundation and highlighters that have little sparkles in them to bounce the light off the face.  They're great.  If you're still not convinced, try using a  primer before applying your foundation.  Philosophy makes a great one called "The Present"  which actually has silicone in it so it lays on the skin to create a barrier and smoothes the skin out.  Ultimately, one needs to embrace their  own beauty, wrinkles and all!