Beauty Bonus - Tips for the Holidays

Hey Beautifuls!

I can't decide what I want to share with you today so I might just give you a potpourri of sorts. Hope its helpful and fun. :-)

1) Out with the old, in with the new:
Now is a great time to replenish your make-up stock. It's cool to catch the holiday sales, the limited edition colors and palettes available now. Look for coupons and promo codes for additional savings. If you're a make-up maniac like Penny, sign up for any rewards programs and rack up your points; the savings are worth it! There are a plethora of new technology, colors, formulas, and products that debut during the holidays. You may also have more 'expired' make-up in your bags than you know.  Remember that expired cosmetics usually don't perform well, but can also cause break-outs and allergic reactions. Here is a link to Sephora's blog with a great answer on how long you should keep some of your products (i.e. Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Mascara, etc).
http://community.sephora.com/t5/Eyes-Q-A/How-long-to-keep-your-eyeshadows/qaq-p/231221

2) Glam it Up:

CG LipPerfection in Euphoria

It's the holiday season and many of us have seasonal events to attend. If you want to get glam for the holidays but your not quite sure how to amp up your look, try some of these tips:

• Try a bold, bright lip and slightly shimmery eye. Don't overdo it with the sparkly eyes if you're wearing a bold lip; you want the focus to be on your lips.
• Try a smokey eye (especially if you're not used to wearing one) and nude or light pink lip. This is easier than it looks and is always a good sultry 'go to' for a festive occasion.
• Wear your hair down  or partially down if you always wear it up (and vice-versa). You want to change up your usual look to get heads turning. Wear heels if you normally wear flats, etc.
• Accessorize with jewelry, a statement purse, or funky shoes. Step out of your comfort zone and try something with a pop of color, texture, or both. If you normally wear small earrings, then try something larger. If you're not used to chunky necklaces, then try one with your comfortable small earrings. 



We all notice that red lips are classic but especially hot this time of year. Believe Penny when she says there is a red out there for everyone! Ask the cosmetic rep at the beauty counter to help you find one you are comfortable with. Don't be afraid. If you're not used to bold make-up maybe try a sheer red like Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet or Candy Apple (love this stuff). If you are comfortable doing bold, wear a bright true red color like NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (goes w/ almost every skin tone; looks great on darker skin tones)...or Covergirl Lip Perfection in Passion. Or try Covergirl Lip Perfection in Smitten or Euphoria for a deep wine/plum color.


Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet

To keep bold lips from smudging or feathering outside your lip line, use a lip liner in the same shade or slightly darker shade as your lipstick. Line your lips then blend the color in toward the center of the lip. By filling in the lip with lip pencil it will help your lip color to last through lots of eating and drinking. After applying lipstick, blot it with a tissue, then apply one more coat for staying power. If you make a mistake when applying your lipstick or liner, you can always clean up around your lips with foundation or concealer and s stiff brush, but be sure to blend it out so it is not obvious. NOTE: If red is not your color, try a deep fuchsia or bright pink; they still make great statements if they match your skin tone.

 

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3) Staying Power:

Hanging out for the holidays and getting your dance on can wreak havoc on the mug. Be sure your make-up has staying power and be prepared for photo ops at all times (damn Facebook! Ugh!). :-) Penny recommends using the following:

• Primer - Use foundation primer and eyeshadow primer. This will help your foundation to last all day/night.  Tip: If you don't want to buy eyeshadow primer, use a cream shadow or pencil shadow first, then put the powder shadow on top to make the color pop and the shadow last.
• Setting w/ powder - Set your foundation/concealer with powder. It could be translucent powder, foundation powder or oil blot powder. Just be careful not to use too much or it can look cakey and settle in any fine lines your might have. Penny also suggests patting powder on with a dry sponge or soft powder brush. A sweeping motion may disturb the foundation underneath if the brush is not super soft.
• Setting spray - Although I'm not too certain what the ingredients do to make my make-up lasts, I definitely notice that my make-up stays put all day. I like Kat Von D's Lock-n-Load Makeup Setting Mist ($24) or Urban Decay's All-Niter ($14-$29). The Kat Von D spray bottle isn't the best so I poured it in the old Urban Decay bottle).
• Blot papers - Blotting papers can fit in any clutch, are inexpensive, and are a quick and easy way to get the shine off your t-zone before your photo op. (Sephora brand, $8-$10). MAC's Oil Blot Powder is my staple for touch ups.

Be careful with High Definition micro powders like Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder; the white powder can show up in flash photos.

 

NOTE: After cleansing your face and applying moisturizer, let each product set for 30-60 seconds on your face after you apply it before putting on the next product (i.e. primer, concealer, foundation, powder, etc). This will help the products to work best together.

 

Ok...Penny's tired of writing. More to come later. LOL! Please let Penny know if you have questions or want more details on anything mentioned here.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

 

Be blessed. Be beautiful.

P