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.

Product Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

     I began testing this foundation primer over 2 months ago. I've definitely been able to put it through its paces. I wore it when it was below freezing and dry, to the gym, when its been hot out, for photos and I've worn it for literally an entire day. Now, I have annoyingly oily skin. I should probably work for BP or something (but I don't want that kind of bad press) because within an hour of putting on my makeup I'm shiny enough to be seen from space. Which would be enough trouble in itself, but then, I also have very acne prone skin with scarring and ginormous pores. Ugh! So, as you can imagine, I've tried all sorts of things to try and solve this these problems. From oil absorbing toners to face powders; from foundations designed for oily skin to varying primers - nothings worked. Until...dun-dun-dunnn...anyway...
     Foundation primers are used to create a more even-toned, smoother surface on which to apply the rest of your makeup and to keep your makeup in place longer. There are primers in different colors (pink for brightening, green for reducing redness, lavender for balancing yellowness) and they come in different finishes (matte, luminescent, etc).
   
     Packaging: I personally love simple, black packaging. I like the professional look of it and that's what I like about this product. Both the full and travel size are clear and black. I personally have the travel size (.5 oz.) which I think is plenty big. I do think that the full size bottle might be a bit big if you're the kind of girl who travels with her kit frequently, so that's something to consider.
   
     Formulation: This primer is silicone based. (If you have a sensitivity to silicone then this is not the primer for you) It is clear and feels silky smooth. When you apply it to the skin it feels "frictionless".
    
     Scent: None
    
     Application: When you apply it to the skin it feels "frictionless". A small amount about the size of a pea will easily cover the whole face. You should put on a moisturizer on first, let it absorb into your skin for 5-10 minutes and then apply the primer with clean fingers. I really like the way this primer feels on my face.
    
     Longevity:  I was pleased with the way it felt. I definitely noticed that it minimized my pores and smoothed out the appearance of my skin. As I was checking it out in the mirror after wearing it for the day, I was trying to figure out what else looked different...and that's when I realized that I wasn't reflective and covered in enough oil to make a batch of fries! Smashbox Primer seriously mattified my usually shiny, oily skin. It combats the oil and prevents it from disturbing your makeup.
    
     Price/Quantity: Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer can be purchased at Ulta and Sephora, in store and online. A 1 oz. bottle ranges in price from $36-$38 and the .5 oz. travel size sells for $16-$17 and if you absolutely fall in love with this stuff they sell a jumbo 2 oz. container for $49. It comes in a variety of colors including clear, green, lavender, apricot, bronze and one with an SPF of 15.
   
     Shelf Life: This product should be discarded after 2 years.

IF YOU ASK ME
I really love this stuff! It seems pricey, but this primer will last you a good long time and it does the job, especially if you have oily skin. This will also be great for summer when you're going to be exposed to the heat and humidity. It kept the shine down to almost nothing after 8+ hours and it made my pores and uneven skin texture much less noticeable. This is without a doubt my new favorite primer!
    
     
     
     

Your On-the-Go Makeup Kit

     What does every girl need to keep in her bag to always look her best? Despite what you might think, you don't need to bring your entire makeup kit just to look as sensational as you did when you stepped out this morning (or afternoon!). Here's a simple list of the basics you need to keep on you to freshen up on the go and a few bonus items for those of you who just can't cut back.

• Blotting Paper - These little things work wonders! They soak up the oil that builds up on your face during the day without taking off or moving your makeup. And with warm weather on the way they're a must. My favorite's are e.l.f.'s Shine Eraser's,

• Q-Tips - Not very glamorous, I know, but Q-tips are perfect for cleaning up smudged eye makeup and blending away those areas where your makeup has creased (around the nose, mouth and outer eye area). Plus, if you're planning on taking your eye makeup up a notch for night, they can double as eye shadow applicators so you don't have to tote around your makeup brushes.

• Concealer - Concealer is pretty standard issue in a girls touch-up kit. Use it to up any blemishes or to cover those under-eye circles that are showing up because you're running on 4 hours of sleep. And, you can also use it as a highlighter to brighten up your face after a long day. Just apply it to the top of your cheekbones, under your brows and on the bridge of your nose for an uplifting affect.            Check out L'Oreal's True Match Concealer                 

The Extended List

• Your Go-To Lip Color - This could be a lipstick, a gloss or even a tinted balm. Choose a color that is similar to your natural lip color, something that could be dressed up or down. I like to keep a translucent gloss with me that has a hint of pink to it. It adds a healthy shine and a flush of color that isn't overbearing even when I'm in tennies and a ponytail, but gives a sweet rosiness to my pucker if I'm in a dress and an updo.

• Brow Pencil - Not all brows were created equal. If you are one of the many women out there who has to touch up your brows, either with powder, pencil or both, then you'll want to keep a brow pencil on hand for insurance purposes. It doesn't often happen that one of your brows goes MIA but if it does you'll want to be prepared. This can also double as eyeliner in a pinch.

• Mascara - I suggest you purchase your favorite brand in a smaller sample size if it's available. Adding a little length to your lashes is an easy way to glam up a look for evening.

• Cream Blush - If you look a bit pallid, then having a cream blush on hand is the answer! You'd be extremely surprised at the wonders a touch of color can do. If all you do is add some glow to your cheeks you're face will look lively and youthful without any other products at all. A cream blush is best because you can apply it with just your fingertips. No need for brushes! Maybelline's Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum will add a lit from within glow because of it's mauve tones.