Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Brighten Up

     Recently, I was feeling not well. I was tired and achy and I looked like a professional boxer with a sleep disorder, but despite my not feeling tip-top I had things to do and people to see. So I used every trick I know of to appear living...and now I'll share some of those tricks with you! And, no, there is not a "before" picture...I burned it.
   
FACE: Before applying foundation it is always a good idea to apply a primer. If your complexion is a tad on the deathly side a brightening primer with a pink tint will add back some of the color you've lost. I used Benefit's "That Gal" Brightening Foundation Primer

EYES: To conceal dark under-eye circles use a salmony pink concealer. Under-eye circles have a blue-ness to them and the peachy-pink color counters that blue. Apply the concealer, using a fingertip or brush to just the circle itself and not above it and don't forget the outer corners of the eye too. I used Max Factor's Erace in the color Natural. Also, a hint of soft pink shadow across the brow bone adds warmth to tired eyes, check out my post Lovely Eyes for more! To finish, curl your lashes to open your eyes and add 1 - 2 coats of mascara.

CHEEKS: When a quick pick-me-up is what you're looking for then blush will definitely do the trick. Brush on a peachy-pink color right onto the outer apples of your cheeks then use a cool toned pink to blend out the edges. Try CoverGirl's Cheekers in Pretty Peach with Ulta Eyeshadow in Love to blend over it.

LIPS: Whiten your smile without a trip to the dentist or spending your summer Slushie funds on whitening kits. Line your lips with a brow pencil...crazy said whuh? Yes, that's what I said - lip colors with a brown undertone to them make your chompers look brighter and whiter. So a brow pencil has neutral tones and won't throw off the rest of your makeup. Lightly line your lips then pull the color inward with short strokes. Pop a petal pink lip color or gloss on top and you're ready to grin and bear it. I used the Ulta Ultimate Brows Shade & Shaper Pencil in Brunette with a subtle daytime pink over it.

Next time you're looking like Death, use these tips and tricks to warm you over so no one will know that you pulled an all-nighter, have a highly contagious virus or that you are actually a zombie. Ewww...zombies.