Pro'fresh'ional

     A new year means a fresh start, so here's a fresh and polished look to get you from school to work to that special night out or anywhere this brand new year will take you. This particular look is one that is friendly to all ages and varying facial features because it's simple and clean.

     To a clean face I applied Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer, then my own custom tinted moisturizer. See my Tinted Moisturizer post to make your own! Next, I covered up my dark circles and any blemishes with a concealer and put some on my brow bones, on the tops of my apples (a.k.a. cheeks), around my nostrils and down the bridge of my nose. By putting concealer on these spots you brighten up your face and enhance its natural dimensions! Last, I set with a finishing powder.

     On the cheeks I kept it super natural brushing on a coral blush with a hint of shimmer to it to give a radiant glow. Now a fresh face must have well-groomed brows to frame the look and give it balance so fill in any uneven areas with your choice of powder or pencil. Onto eyes! Lightly sweep a taupe shadow into your crease and then up to the brow bone. The shading should keep your eyes looking natural but with a bit of definition. With a small angle brush apply a matte black shadow to your lash line. Don't smudge or blend out the line and keep it as close to your lashes as possible. Line the entire top lash line and the outer half of the lower lash line. Curl your lashes and add mascara. I lined my lips with a lip pencil that was similar to my natural lip color and then topped it with good ole' Cherry Chapstick. And that's it!

     

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!