DIY Statement Eyebrows

You've seen them everywhere... statement eyebrows that give 1980s Brooke Shields a run for her money. Sure, they're a bit more groomed and a bit more streamlines this time around, but thicker brows are back and here to stay for at least a little while. 

If you want to bolster your brows, without going to the expense of trying to regrow them, I've included my DIY statement eyebrow formula below. 

brow comb || angled brow brush || eyebrow kit || clear brow gel

First, you're going to want to purchase the proper tools. I used this brow comb (the metal teeth are fabulous for detangling lashes, though that is a post for another day) and an angled brow brush, like this one. 

Next, you're going to want to purchase a gel eyebrow kit (I use this one from Target that is $3... seriously $3), because the thicker material helps you to build a thicker brow. To set your brow, invest in a good brow gel. I would recommend using a clear formula unless you have really light eyebrows that you're looking to darken. 

Start by combing out your brows. Dip your angled brow brush in the eyebrow kit and begin filling in your brows. Use swift, even strokes to ensure that the product goes on smoothly and doesn't look drawn on. Work with the existing shape of your eyebrows for the most natural effect. (The point is to amplify, not defy!) Once you've achieved your desired thickness, gently comb through your brows with the clear brow gel to set them. The last step is to comb through your lashes a final time with your brow comb to ensure that the gel is incorporated into your brows. Use the product in your eyebrow kit to touch up any holes and you're good to go! 

From the archives: Eyeshadow 101

Happy Monday, all! Today, I'm focusing on a series that I wrote awhile back called "Eyeshadow 101." (Because who doesn't need a little eyeshadow refresher every so often?)

"Eyeshadow 101" is a four-part series that hones in on the best eyeshadow shades for each eye color, and how to create great "every day eye" and "dramatic eye" looks. I also provide my favorite eyeshadow options. Click on the links below to read the original posts. 

Part One (Brown eyes)

Part Two (Green/Hazel eyes)

Part Three (Blue eyes)

Part Four (Grey eyes) 

(Whew, I used the word "eyeshadow" a lot in two paragraphs. Yay for me?)

DIY Tinted Moisturizer

I'm really fickle when it comes to my foundation. Mainly because, while my temperamental skin usually needs more coverage, I hate wearing a lot of makeup. Thus, I've dabbled in the tinted moisturizer market from time-to-time (my all-time favorite is this) but often find that I'm not getting the coverage I need. 

So I decided to take matters into my own hands. Literally.

I started creating my own foundation formulations with what I already had at home, and what I really love is that I can customize my coverage depending on the status of my skin... without having to buy more products. 

I started with my powder foundation. Since my skin is on the dry side, I created a one-part powder to two-parts moisturizer combination that I really love. Remember that when using a powder, you're always going to want to use a higher volume of moisturizer. Unless your skin is on the oily side, in which case, you might be fine with a one-to-one ratio. I always make sure that I use a foundation and/or moisturizer with SPF for obvious reasons. Since the powder foundation I use has SPF (try this brand to save some major dollars), I pair it with a richer moisturizer with no SPF (that way I can use the same moisturizer at night and save some money). 

After I made the reticent leap to full-blown liquid foundation, I found that mixing it with some moisturizer didn't compromise the coverage, but actually aided the foundation in being a bit more "breathable." I usually mix one-part liquid foundation to 1.5-parts moisturizer, but I'll play with the ratio depending on the day. Since the foundation I use does not contain SPF, I've paired it with a moisturizer that does. 

1 || 2 || 3 || 4

I've yet to find a money tree, so if I splurge on my foundation, I try to save on the moisturizer and vice versa. Don't be afraid to experiment... I find that's half the fun. Happy formulating! 

Primers: A Primer

I have always had an on-again/off-again relationship with acne. Which, to my dismay, got really nasty (and deeply cystic) during my pregnancy. Add that to the fact that I'm in the waning year years of my twenties, and I have discovered that I have quite a bit of scarring on my face. (I don't really like to talk about it.)

Enter primers.

I have always been a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of primers, mainly because I don't like to wear a lot of foundation. Plus, it's just more money to spend on "un-fun" makeup. Well... that was then. Now, I've discovered that the right primer can be the difference between uneven skin texture and tone and a more fabulous, not to mention flawless, face. Plus, a primer helps keep the rest of your makeup in place. (Which comes in handy around the 3:00-4:00 makeup horror hour. You know what I'm talking about.) 

In my opinion, Smashbox wins for the best products in the business. I mean, I would bathe in the stuff if I could. Stila also has a great color-correcting product that would work well if you're looking to lighten up some spots but don't have a lot of scarring. Admittedly, both brands can be a bit pricey (though are pretty reasonable given their effectiveness), so I've included my two favorite drugstore options. Use this if you need more coverage (like me) and this if you want to add a subtle glow. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Makeup questions? Contact me here. 

Makeup on the go

I don't know about you, but it seems like the only moments I need to retouch my makeup are precisely those moments when I realize I've forgotten to throw said makeup into my purse, diaper bag or laptop case.  

I've been that girl who found out I had a last minute meeting with an important client, only to realize that the zit I had thought was sufficiently covered had met it's 3 p.m. makeup-fading demise. (And just so we're clear, cystic acne is no one's best friend.) I've also been that girl who told her then-boyfriend (now husband) to pick her up a half an hour later than planned because I had to "work late" because my face was in desperate need of a makeup intervention.  

My solution? Carry the essentials with you at all times.

My problem used to be that I wanted to take my entire makeup bag with me, which oft times isn't very practical. So I found a small, inexpensive makeup bag that I knew would be unobtrusive in my purse, and filled it with some essentials.

1. Hair Ties - In case of a rainstorm, a bad hair day or just because you're in the mood to switch things up a bit, it's always a good idea to have a quick hair solution.  I like these because they add a little flair, and they're easier on your hair than a typical elastic band. I also like to have a few bobby pins on hand, just in case. 

2. Pressed Powder - A good pressed powder is an integral part of keeping your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. I like this option because, even those it's a bit spendy, a little bit goes a long way. It's perfect to blot out a bit of excess oil in the t-zone, or to set a bit of concealer. 

3. Facial Moisturizer - I have really dry skin, so I like to have a moisturizer on hand at all times that will combat any potential dryness. I love this brand, because it manages to achieve intense hydration without a greasy finish. When need, I can even blot it lightly over my existing makeup for just a hint of a dewy finish.

4. Mascara - A good one (especially at a decent price) is hard to find, which is why I'm currently enthralled with Buxom. It provides me with the volume I love, and doesn't smudge. At all. Amazing.

5. Multi-Purpose Makeup Stick - I love the versatility of The Multiple because I can use it as a blush and as a lip color. And it lasts for a loooong time. (My current favorite is G-spot, which whilst typing it felt a bit awkward, but hey, I didn't make up the name.)

6. Concealer - A must, really. I like this formula because it provides great coverage without being cakey. A little goes a long way.

7. Eye Shadow Duo - In the event that you end up going to an event (see what I did there?) that requires you to amp up your day look, make sure you have a neutral eye shadow duo in your to-go makeup arsenal. Mine consists of a darker brown shade with a hint of luster (that I can also use for my brows in a pinch) and a lighter complimentary color (that can also be used --sparingly-- as a highlighter). Look for a palette that enhances your natural features that is universal enough to go with most ensembles. 

8. Lip Treatment - I find that the use of lipstick (or The Multiple) can be a bit drying, so I always make sure that I have a hydrating lip treatment handy. It's either this (which adds a hint of color) or this, which I'll wear plain or layer with color if I want more of a statement lip. 

7. Travel Size Makeup Brushes - I always include a blush/powder brush and an eyeliner/eyebrow brush, but you should choose the brushes that you use the most. Look for travel sets, so that the brushes will be less obtrusive (and less expensive). I got mine years ago from MAC, and they have served me well. If you don't want to spend as much, try this brand from Target. 

Striped makeup bag: Target (no longer available) // Hair ties: Anthropologie // Powder: Laura Mercier // Moisturizer: Philosophy // Mascara: Buxom // Multi-purpose makeup stick: NARS // Concealer: Smashbox // Eye shadow duo: Stila (no longer available) // Lip treatment: Fresh // Travel size makeup brushes: MAC (no longer available) 

The key is to pare down your typical beauty routine to the essentials. If you have fabulous, clear skin, you might forgo the concealer and just have the powder on hand. If your skin is more oily, skip the lotion and include oil absorbing sheets. If you're not into eyeshadow, but love a great cat eye, incorporate a liquid liner instead. You get the idea. The less bulky the item, the better.

Do you have any makeup questions that you'd like addressed? If so, contact me here. 

Fresh lip color for Fall/Winter

This season we've seen a shift toward a dark, bold lip. Much like the red lip trend, finding the right shade can be a little intimidating. My advice is to look for shades in the bordeaux family. Those purple-red hues are simply stunning, and work with various hair and skin tones.

Application can be intimidating, but if you follow the steps I outlined in this post, you should  be good to go. Remember to keep the rest of your makeup fairly neutral, and have fun! 

1. NARS lipstick in Afghan Red  | 2. Topshop lipstick in Mischief | 3. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Plum Perfect | 4. Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in 109 Rogue Noir | 5. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in 31: Rose Fusain

Makeup application 101

Have you ever had one of those flawless makeup days? You know, the kind when everything you do to your face just works, and you feel like you could conquer the world? It's an amazing feeling.

Have you ever had the dismay of realizing that said flawless face lasts about as long as your daydream about conquering the world? Me too.

I received the following question from one of my lovely readers:

"dear miss l:

my makeup never stays on my face. it looks ah-mazing when i first put it on, but then not more than 20 minutes later you cannot even tell i was even wearing makeup to start with.
am i using bad makeup (inexpensive stuff you can find at your grocery store)? would it be worth it to shell out bigger buckos for the name brand stuff? am i applying wrong?
i NEED your guidance!"

When I read this, all I could think about was how many times this has happened to me. It's frustrating, really, when you find that your foundation hasn't lasted and/or your mascara has made its way to every surrounding area of your eye but your lashes. When your eyeshadow clumps into hideous creases and your blush seems to fade.

Thus, I want to share my little tips and tricks with you all, so that we can band together and say no to the ephemeral makeup that seeks to sabotage us all.

First of all, I do think it's important to get a quality foundation. In an ideal world I think we all would love to frequent the makeup counters at our beloved department stores and indulge ourselves in all the niceties that higher-end makeup can afford us. However, after taking a long, hard look at the economy, this is not always possible.

That being said, I still believe that makeup (and clothing) can and should be an investment. For me, the foundation that I wear is the most important aspect of my makeup application process, so I spend a little more for it. As a consequence, I rarely buy new eyeshadow or liner or other, more "superfluous" makeup products. (Or I wait for a birthday or other special occasion to make my requests. Te hee.) You may have a certain eye shadow color or blush that you simply can't live without, so you might seek to save a little by buying a cheaper foundation. This is all fine and good, so long as you're still seeking for quality products in your specific price point.

But even if you spend more money on certain makeup products, you must be certain you know how to properly apply it. Here are my two steps to properly applying makeup, regardless of the price point, with options that encompass those on a smaller budget, and those on a larger budget.

Step One: Foundation

The single most important aspect of foundation application is to moisturize. I can't emphasize enough how integral this step is to the preservation and maintenance of your makeup as a whole.

When you wake up in the morning (or whatever time you choose to apply makeup) moisturize you skin (and preferably use some eye cream) at least ten minutes before you plan to apply your foundation/concealer. Why, you ask? Because the moisturizer needs adequate time to absorb into the skin. If you do not give it ample time to do so, your makeup will wear off in a matter of hours because it will have leeched onto the unabsorbed moisturizer and fade along with it.

Apply your makeup with some form of an applicator (preferably a brush like this for liquid foundation, or this for powder foundation, but if you have a leaner budget, go with sponges like these). This is ensures a more even, and less cakey, application.

Concerning the "10 minute waiting period" for moisturizer, I can personally attest that this single action makes a world of difference. I conducted an experiment on myself and was shocked at the difference that a few minutes' wait made in the overall staying power of my makeup as a whole.

If your foundation is liquid-based, always use a powder to set your foundation. Depending on your preference, a loose or a pressed powder can be used. (If you're like me and prefer to use a pressed power, make sure to apply it with a large makeup brush to ensure that the powder is dispersed evenly and does not appear cakey.) Take your powder compact with you in case you need to make small adjustments/touch-ups throughout the day.

This firm foundation will set the stage for your blush and/or bronzer and help them stay in place all day.

*If you have a little bit more of a budget for makeup, along with the makeup brushes I mentioned above, I would recommend getting a foundation primer (my personal favorite is Laura Mercier's Oil-free Foundation Primer) that you can use instead of moisturizer (if you tend to have oilier skin) or over your moisturizer (which is what I do because my skin tends to be on the dry side). A primer helps to prep your face to make it an easier canvas to work with by evening the surface of your skin. Also, I would get some oil-blotting sheets like these to carry with you throughout the day. As far as foundations go, I personally use Bare Minerals and love it. I also think the entire Studio Fix line at Mac is phenomenal. It's worth the extra money, believe you me.

Step Two: Eyes

In the past, one of my biggest makeup frustrations has come from the lack of staying power for eye makeup. It seemed like whenever I mastered the perfect eyeshadow/eyeliner combo, it would be a wasted mess in a couple of hours-- creasing and smudging would be the inevitable result, which made me wish for dim lighting or to be surrounded by people who are near-sighted.

I have learned since then that preparation is 2/3 the battle.

Add a light layer of powder and foundation to your eyelids. This will help the eye shadow to stay in place, and reduces the risk of creasing. Add a thin layer of powder to the bottom part of the eye, below the lower lashes. (This helps dissuade rouge mascara or eyeliner from smearing below your eyes.)

If you decide to use a cheaper mascara or eyeliner, invest in the waterproof variety, as this will help eliminate any "bleeding" that can result from the wear-and-tear of your daily life. If you have set your eyes with some powder/foundation, it can help eyeliner from bleeding as well. Just ensure that you select an eyeliner with some staying power. For a more dramatic and reliable effect, go with a liquid liner (it has four times the staying power of a pencil liner). But, if you're like me and don't really like eyeliner for an every-day look, skip the step all together. It's one less thing to worry about.

*If you have a little bit more of a budget for makeup, I would recommend getting a higher-end mascara, because they will not bleed as much as a drug store brand. I have recently raved about Mac's Plush Lash Mascara and Diorshow Iconic Mascara because they don't bleed at all. This is an instance where you really get what you pay for. And a lot of women think it's worth it. As for an extra eyeshadow boost, I would recommend getting an eyeshadow primer like this one, because it primes the lids and provides a smoother texture to work with. It has the same positive effects as a foundation primer, and really lengthens the life of your eyeshadow.

{For tips on lip stick application, please see this post. Though it specifically addresses red lipstick, the same basic principals apply to most other lip colors. A nice prep of chapstick and some powder and foundation works wonders.}

So there you have it my friends. Just a few simple tweaks to a standard makeup routine can engender much better results. I hope it works as well for you as it has worked for me.