Beautifully Real Beauty
Color Me Happy!
Spring might be 6 weeks away. But spring makeup shades are in full swing. I’ve already gotten into the color craze by wearing my tangerine gloss (according to Pantone it’s the IT color for 2012…woot-woot!). Brighter colors can work for anyone, too. From green to yellow and orange. If you have a light skin tone, try a green or purple shade. For darker skin tones, you can go orange or pink. Try Ilmasqua Nail Varnish in Colide, $14, or OPI Nicki Minaj in Pink Friday, $11.25. Don’t choose a polish that also has sparkle and skip brightly painted long nails…not a good look!
If you’re not one to get all jazzy with your nails, bright makeup can also look very good this time of year — at least, when it’s done correctly. I say, keep your skin matte, and use neutral, coppery tones on cheeks and lots of black mascara. Then, go for a pop of color on one area of your face — line lids with a brighter blue liner, add some pink to the apples of your cheeks, or use a tangerine gloss to draw the attention to your mouth. #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; }
Airbrushed to Perfection
When I go on television, I usually have the treat of having my makeup professionally done. Most of the time, the makeup artist uses an airbrush gun to give you practically perfect skin. I heart those days! Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation newest foundation gives you a similar effect to airbrushing with a light, second-skin kind of finish. It doles out similar to a mousse and then you blend into skin like a lotion. I also recommend applying to a makeup sponge and gently pressing into your skin for even lighter, more natural coverage. Be sure to use light coats for a barley-there look. 
Yup, I Love Bronzer in Winter!
When I say bronzer, you probably think a summer makeup staple. But I am a big fan of bronzer, even during the winter. Well, for one, it can help give you that Kim Kardashian glow. But bronzer also helps smooth and even out your skin. So, if you’re dealing with a cold and the red nose that comes with it, a swipe of bronzer can help hide it better than any concealer. Why? Well, the coppery tones help neutralize and cancel out redness. If you’re skin is extremely dry, try a creamy, liquid formula for an extra dose of hydration. Whatever formula you choose, be sure to layer it on in light coats for the most natural look. Now you’re golden!
My 2012 Beauty Resolutions
When it comes to my beauty routine, I’m pretty good at following the rules. After all, it is part of my job! But, there are a few things I let fall through the beauty cracks from time to time. Here are a few resolutions I have for this year.
1. Use Renova regularly: With my travel schedule, I sometimes let a few nights go by with applying this cream. I’m making it a point to buy 2 of these creams. It’ll be pricy but better that than wrinkles.
2. Cut my hair: I hate cutting my hair. In fact, the only time I get a trim is when my stylist forces me into it. I know it’s healthier for your hair so I am planning on the every 6 to 8 week rule.
3. Clear out the clutter: I seriously could be on a episode of Hoarders with all the beauty products I keep in my home. The truth is, you don’t need everything out there (as tempting as those pretty lipstick packages can be!). Plus, products expire – making their ingredients less effective. So, I’m making it a point to get rid of everything old, outdated, or products I am never going to use. Any new, unopened products can be donated to a local women’s shelter, too.
So, how about you? Tell me your 2012 beauty resolutions.
Stocking Stuffer Scents
Lush Cocktail Solid Perfume, $14 Think French 1930′s perfumeries and that’s what you’ll get with this solid fragrance. It’s packed with floral essential oils like ylang ylang, rose, and jasmine (yum!). Simply lovely for day or evening.
Stella McCartney Solid Perfume Necklace, $36 This is a two-fer: You get a Stella-designed necklace to add panache to any outfit and a fresh rose/sophisticated amber scent to entice with. Plus, since it’s around your neck you can add more anytime you’d like.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Fragrance Duo, $30 I’m a huge fan of Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath & Shower Gel and am beyond happy that the same scent is available in a rollerball collection. It comes as a set so you can be fully stocked (or give one to a friend.) Plus, the rollerball packaging eliminates the risk of spills. Brilliant.
The Gift I’m Giving
Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume IV, $64, available at Ulta.
From a super-smoky eye for a big night out to a soft, nude look for college game days, this kit comes with everything you need to create the latest eye makeup looks — including primer to help the look stay put. Plus, it comes with both a portable speaker and a USB plug, so you can listen to tunes or even watch makeup tutorials as you attempt to master the looks yourself.
Bejewelled Vaseline Mini’s
Who doesn’t love Vaseline Lip Therapy? Now you will love it even more. Introducing their new mini collections – which stand about 2″ tall. Perfect for your bag, or when you’re on the go. Even better? They are giving away 100 limited edition bejewelled mini jars designed by Mad Fashion’s Chris March. Just log on to www.vaselineliptherapy.com by December 19, 2012 for your chance to win. Otherwise, you can pick up a regular mini for just under $2 at Walmart. Score!







