Make Your Face Glow!

There are some products to make your face glow by reflecting the light in your face. This is called iridescent powder. Iridescent powder often comes in a big container, and since you only need a very small amount, it will last you a very long time.

What you want to do is apply the powder wherever the natural light hits your face. These places are...
-the apples of your cheeks, apply it all across towards your hairline.
-the bridge of the nose.
-a little on the chin.
-the forehead.
-on the brow bone, underneath the eyebrows.
Use a highlighter brush such as the 187 Brush by MAC (the one with the natural and synthetic blend).

You will see the difference once you apply the powder. Your face will look healthy, young, and fresh. My favorite iridescent powder is by MAC (Silver Dusk) but a cheaper alternative is the Revlon Skinlights Loose Powder. Again, these might be a little expensive but they will last you a very long time. Have fun and enjoy your glowing skin!

Eyeshadow That Lasts

     Does your eyeshadow last as long as you would like it to last?  There is a trick to make your eyeshadow last all day.  The trick is simply water!  Grab a Q-tip and wet it.  Then apply it to where you will be applying your eyeshadow you don't want to wet it too much.  Finally, grab your eyeshadow brush and apply your eyeshadow.  The results, a more pigmented, richer eyeshadow application that will last all day long! Be careful not to wet your eyeshadow itself, because it may ruin it and don't wet your eyelid too much.  Another alternative is a primer, I like the to use one by Urban Decay, but if you can get the same results for free then why waste your money?!

Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are one of my favorite things in my makeup case.  I have a brush for EVERYTHING, to include one to wash my face, an eyeliner, blush, powder, bronzer, and many others! They make a huge difference when it comes to makeup, so unfortunately this is one of those things you will have to splurge on, but trust me it's worth it!  

There is a brush for everything, you have Powder brushes, Contouring, Eyeshadow, Concealer, Foundation, Eyeliner, Lipliner, and the list can go on and on; and all these have subdivisions, which means you can end up with an endless amount of brushes you will hardly use on a daily basis. 

So, this post is to get you started on which brushes are essential and which ones are just for the luxury of having them.  

When you do decide to get yourself a set of brushes, you need to remember most brushes need to be made from natural hair, not synthetic.  Synthetic brushes can be used for the lips, foundation, Eyebrow (definer brush) and concealer, all others should be made from natural hair, otherwise they won't blend as well.  

I will separate them in different parts and you can decide which one is best for you.  First, you have the Survival Package, which are all the essential brushes.  The next one is the Standard Package, which is the normal level package and last the makeup artist package, for those of us who need it all!

The Survival Package:

Powder brush- I have two of these, one is for translucent powder and the other is for pressed powder.

Eyeshadow brush (medium)- I know sometimes the eyeshadow applicators that come in the compact might seem like enough, but it is much better to get a special eyeshadow brush!

Blush brush- invest in a good blush brush! There is nothing worse than seeing some girls with a miniature synthetic brush that is all matted by overuse! In order to blend well, you need good brushes, synthetic, or not well taken care of brushes will leave streaks and you will end up wasting time trying to fix it.

Flat Definer brush- This brush can be used for eyeshadow, for a more precise application such as the eyeliner line.  This brush is very dense, so it gives you lots of control.  I also like to use it for eyebrows.

The Standard Package

The Survival Package plus...

3 Eyeshadow brushes (small, medium and large)The large one is used for all-over eyeshadow, medium for lids, and small for more precise application.

2 Blush brushes (one flat, and a regular one) I like to use the flat one for blending the contouring lines in the face and for bronzer, and the other for blush.

Angled brush (small)-  This brush works wonders when applying eyeshadow to the crease of the eye.

Lip Brush- For mixing and applying different shades of lipstick or lipgloss.

The Makeup Artist Package

The Survival and Standard Package plus...

Angled Blush Brush-  Used for contouring and blush for a more precise application.

Concealer Brush-  This brush is necessary for getting a perfect concealer application.

Highlighter Brush- This brush has a combination of synthetic and natural hair brush, it can be used for many different things such as foundation (for that lightweight cover) bronzer,  or iridescent/translucent powder.

Kabuki Brush-  You will immediately fall in love with this brush if you've never used it, you will want to use it for everything (powder, blush).

Eyeliner Brush- This one is used for cream eyeliners or this eyeshadow lines.

Eyelash brush- This can be a dual brush/comb brush that can be used to separate eyelashes or to groom eyebrows.

Foundation Brush- Great way to apply foundation.

Smudge Brush- This one has a sponge tip and is essential for a smokey eye look.

As you can see, there are many different types of brushes and I have not list them all, the point is, if you don't take much time doing your makeup, go with the survival package.  Don't have one single brush for everything, I know it can be convenient but you don't want to mix powder with blush for example, otherwise you will end up with a pink/orange toned, glittery face.  I will be writing another blog on how to maintain your brushes.

Powder

The golden rule is that for every liquid or cream based makeup, you apply a powder to seal it; otherwise it won't last very long.  Originally, I used the Napoleon Perdis powder, which is great.  However, if you use a translucent powder (finishing powder), it will have many other uses other than a cover-up powder that you are used to.  

You can use translucent powder to seal cream blush, cream eyeshadow, foundation, eyeliner, etc... Since it is translucent it won't cover the other product.  This powder looks completely white but when you apply it, it is almost colorless.  

I like to use one by MAC but I recently discovered one at Target by Sonia Kashuk (Barely There Loose Powder, $9), that works exactly the same, which saves you about $15!  If you like your powder with color, there is also a lightweight loose powder option by Sonia Kashuk that works wonders.

Shiny Lips

I can never go on a day without having something on my lips, lipgloss, lipstick or lip balm.  I love a glossy lip, and for that I use Physicians Formula Plump Potion Needle, it is a clear gloss without any glitter and gives the perfect plump.  I have tried many different types of plumping glosses including some pretty pricey ones like the LipFusion XL and this one works much better at only $8.50 at . target.com so get yours now!

Favorite Foundation, and Tips for Choosing the Right One!

I like a foundation that can cover-up but it's not so heavy that creates a plaster on your face (medium coverage).  This foundation lasts all day and makes your skin glow Make Up Forever HD foundation.  It is meant to be used for the spotlight, which tells you your face will look flawless in any situation; it is also great for pictures.  The foundation is a bit expensive at $40 but it lasts a long time and it is totally worth it.  When you are purchasing foundation regardless of the brand; always remember this...

-Test it before you purchase it, you may not like how it looks on your skin.

-Always do a color match.  Different brands look different once you put them on, so just because the color matches when you put it against your skin, it might look different once you put it on.

-Don't trust the reps completely, although they are very helpful, they might not give you what you are looking for.  If you see that it is too white, but they tell you it is a perfect match, don't be afraid to tell them you don't like it!  I always do color match myself, but the rep came by and asked if I needed a color match and I thought why not?  I had already chosen the color I liked the most and I let her know, but she took many different shades except the one I had told her.  She tried about 5 different colors and for each one told me that they matched, but didn't.  I kept telling her I didn't like it, until she finally went to get the one I had told her at the beginning and then said "oh, you were right, this is a perfect match"  Duh! Also, when color matching, remember to match it to your neck rather than your face, and never match it to your hand since your hands are not the same color as your face/neck.  When you color match make sure it's on the lowest part of your cheek, towards your neck.

-Look for alternatives, if the foundation you like is too expensive, ask the rep if they have a more budget friendly version of the foundation you like, chances are, they do!

-Take your time, don't rush this process, finding and matching the right foundation might take a little longer than you think.  So plan to stay a little longer than expected.

-Know what you are looking for. What I mean by this is, have an idea of what you want, a tinted moisturizer, medium coverage, or high coverage.  There are also sheer foundations, that add a sheer glow to your skin.  If you don't know what looks best, turn to a rep or trust your own judgement.

Favorite Hairspray

I have two favorite hairsprays.  One is for when I want maximum hold and the other for flexible hold.  For maximum hold I like to use Osis by Schwarzkopf.  This is a mega hold hairspray that will last all day long.  The other one is Chi Magnified Volume.  This finishing spray is great for when you want hold but still want to be able to move your hair around.  I like to use it for windy days or when I simply want to set my hair and it works great!

Styled Hair

For styling products, I personally like using pomades or serum. and for this I have a couple of favorites.  One is Molding Mud by Sebastian to actually style my hair.  I also use Grease by Sebastian as well, just to give shine to the hair.  And the last one, which you can get at Sally's is called Wax it Up by Beyond the Zone, I love this one because it molds and it gives shine at the same time.  They all work well, but just make sure you don't overuse the products, otherwise you will end up with extremely greasy hair.

Hair + Good Blowdryer= Volumized, Silky Hair

Your blow dryer is very important if you want volume in your hair so make sure you get one with positive and/or negative ions, with a ceramic plate, and with hot and cold settings (the cold to lock in your style). 

 Also, look at the watts, you want as much power as possible, so don't settle for less than 1875 watts.  My favorite one is by Bed Head, but there is many, many choices to choose from. You can read my last blog about volume for another great product.

Healthy Hair

 I discovered this product thanks to my hair stylist.  It is called Due Faccetta Massimo by Tec Italy.  This is a magical product, it completely restores damaged hair! This product (actually, a combination of all these products) is what kept my platinum hair alive and healthy.  Unfortunately, you cannot find this product at the stores (I get mine every time I get a chance to see my stylist) you can get it online.  It smells great, and leaves your hair silky smooth.

Conditioned Hair

I love this conditioner.  I always make sure I have a mint shampoo or conditioner available for when I feel stressed out, it is very relaxing!  My favorite one, which I get at Bath and Body Works, is Mentha Hair by C.O. Bigelow. (you should also try their body wash!).  This conditioner is invigorating to your scalp, and after you use it your head will feel very fresh, it is great!

Favorite Lip Balm

If you want the best lip balm in a super cool container think EOS (Evolution of Smooth).  I first saw this in a hair salon magazine, and didn't know what it was because of the sphere shape.  When I found out it was a lip balm, I immediately got online and ordered all of the different flavors!  Now they are available at most stores, including Wal Mart, Target and  Walgreens.

This lip balm gives you super soft lips for only about $4, not to mention the sphere shape will make you look super chic.  It is made with 100% natural products, and it is 95% organic and is also very practical and easy to find in your purse.  They actually have some of the flavors on clearance right now at Target.com, so go get yours now!  To see more of their products go to evolutionofsmooth.com.