Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer

     Tinted moisturizers are a great option for foundation, especially for those of you don't need full coverage. Another advantage of tinted moisturizers is that they are much more wearable in hot summer weather than a liquid foundation would be. There are a variety of choices available in a wide price range. At your local drugstore you can purchase one for as little as $8 (check out Covergirl's Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15) or if you wear tinted moisturizers all the time and are looking for the very best money can buy, then try Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer. I've always used a liquid foundation because I usually need the full coverage, but as of late, my skin's been behaving better and it's been super hot and muggy so I decided to try a tinted moisturizer. I had some liquid foundations that I've been trying to use up and a great moisturizer that I really like...sooo...I made my own tinted moisturizer! If you decide to make your own just remember that it may take one or two attempts before you figure out just the right amounts that work for you.
     To create your own tinted moisturizer you'll need a face moisturizer (with or without SPF) and your liquid foundation(s). I personally need two different foundations to achieve the right color. Squirt one pump of moisturizer into the palm of your hand, the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette. It should be about the size of a dime. Next add the liquid foundation. Start with half of the amount you'd typically apply and go from there. Thoroughly mix the moisturizer and foundation until well blended and then apply with fingers/brush/dampened sponge. Make sure to work it into your hairline, back to your ears and down your neck. This technique gives you less coverage but your skin will look super natural and dewy fresh. Set with a finishing powder to lock it all in and then do the rest of your makeup as usual. I've really been pleased with the results I've gotten from doing this. My skin doesn't look like it's got makeup on it and even when I break into a sweat my foundation holds up and doesn't budge. Plus my skin feels more breathable, as if I didn't have any foundation on at all!
     Give this a try and please let me know how you like it. Have a beautiful and blessed day!

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.

Brown n' Out

Over the past few months I've discovered a new appreciation for brown mascara. Before, I would never even have given it a second glance. I only happened upon my discovery by sheer accident. I mistakenly bought one thinking it was black but decided to try it out. All of my makeup life I've only ever used black mascaras. Once I believe I tried an electric blue but that can be a little festive for daily wear! Like a lot of women out there, I have a deep love for mascara. Well, I suppose it's not the mascara that I love but the long, thick lashes that I love. I've tried so many different brands, formulas, brushes...you name it. But never once did I try brown. Brown mascara. Egh. Why would I? It's just brown, right?
But the truth is brown mascara is actually wonderful. Although it might seem boring or that its defeating the purpose of mascara it really does have some good qualities. For starters, brown mascara is terrific for women who have light hair and fair skin. On these people, a black mascara looks unnatural and can wash you out. If you have light blond hair with soft blond brows and jet black eyelashes people are going to notice that something is not quite right. A brown mascara is dark enough to give your lashes the same definition without looking fake.
But brown mascara isn't just for the blonds. It's also for you ladies out there who aren't all that into makeup. It's a user friendly beauty product and is so subtle but is still very effective in opening up your eyes. Also, you can change up your eye makeup looks with this much neglected product just as you can change up your look by changing the color of your lips or the shape of your eyeliner. Brown mascara is great for a "no-makeup makeup" look or when you're trying to achieve a sun-kissed, beachy look or just to add a subtle softness to any look be it daytime office looks or a whimsical evening look.
When you wear brown mascara you still get long, thick lashes...they just look like they might be the lashes you were born with. And nobody needs to know otherwise...

Trina's Current Favorite: CoverGirl Lash Blast in Brown