• Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your entire eyelid. You don’t want your eyeshadow running down your face after a couple of pints. Then sweep the lightest color in the palette all over your eye. I like to use white or a variation of a light opalescent color. Dab a light amount of sheer shimmer shadow under the brow bone.
• Next, apply a medium eyeshadow shade from your lash line to the crease of your eye and blend well. Gray blends well with blue. (Team USA)
• Finally, use your crease brush to gently apply the darkest color (blue) to your crease. Again, blend well. Line your lashes with eyeliner, smudge and apply heavy mascara.

Like the idea but a smoky eye intimidates you?

• Use a colored eyeliner or mascara to add color to your eyes without going overboard.

Source: Flickr User Socceraholic

Remember, natural skin with a touch of bronzer and pale blush finish the smoky eye look best. Your eyes will speak volumes so be sure to downplay your lips by using a light gloss or nude lip color.

Colorescience:  Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30

I love this sun care/skin care product for its application ease, light feel and portability- not to mention it has received the Seal of Approval from the Skin Care Foundation of America. It provides SPF in an easy brush applicator which is perfect for reapplying throughout the day. The Sunforgettable brushes come with or without color making it ideal for women, men and even children. You can stick one in your purse, your child’s backpack and don’t forget your husband’s golf bag!

PCA:  Protecting Hydrator SPF 25 – pHaze 7

A favorite among dermatologist and estheticians, this emollient moisturizer is formulated to provide extra protection from UVA and UVB rays. It absorbs quickly, is fragrance-free and leaves your skin feeling soft. pHaze 7 has also received the Seal of Approval from the Skin Care Foundation of America.  I love moisturizer with SPF because it’s a double duty skincare product- it’s easy on your wallet and makes practicing safe sun care effortless. If you use this every morning, you won’t ever leave the house forgetting to apply sunscreen. Stock up for summer now!

Kinerase: PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System

I just started using this morning and evening regimen of skin care products to reverse the sun damage I have from spending my summers at the beach. So far, so good!  The 3 step process (exfoliating wash, daytime and evening moisturizer) uses Kinetin to attack wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and uneven texture caused by UV exposure. A clinical study showed that 89% of users saw an improvement in only 4 weeks. I’m on week 2 and my skin does feel smoother. I really like how evenly the moisturizer goes on and how light it feels. I’m optimistic for the final results!

Spread the word and be sure to practice SAFE sun exposure this summer.

Flickr User: jasonpaluck

Finally, spring has sprung. We’ve put the sweaters away and pulled out the flip flops. Now we need to update our skincare routine with the latest spring beauty trends. Hello sun dresses and tank tops!

Spring Update #1: Exfoliate.

Thick winter moisturizers and dead skin can leave your complexion drab and dull. During spring, make sure exfoliation is part of your skincare routine. Once or twice a week, exfoliate with glycolic or salicylic acid to uncover new vibrant skin. I love DDF – Glycolic 10 Percent Exfoliating Oil Control Gel with Salicylic Acid 2 Percent.  Show off your fresh face with a low pony and cute spring headband.

Spring Update #2: Throw out old cosmetic products to make room for new spring beauty colors.

Yes, I know you paid good money for that mascara and lip gloss but do you really want to hold onto it for 2 years? Old cosmetic products breed bacteria. The shelf life for mascara is 6 months maximum and for lip gloss 18 months. Consider all the money you’ll save by not getting a gross eye infection. By the way, natural beauty products have an even shorter shelf life. Reward yourself for the time spent spring cleaning by buying a new blush in a trendy spring color like coral or light peach.

Spring Update # 3: Incorporate an allergy friendly under eye cream into your spring skincare routine.

Blooming flowers are beautiful but puffy allergy eyes are not. Look for an under eye cream that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea and aloe to help reduce signs of puffiness. I love SkinMedica’s Uplifting Eye Serum. For a more natural beauty product, Juara’s Sweet Black Tea Eye Crème is fab. This spring, going “green” is a major beauty trend!

Spring Update #4: Fake it – a tan that is!

Although we have to wait a few months before taking a summer vacation, we can look like we spent a week in Hawaii with a little help from self tanners. Self tanner is the perfect addition to your spring skincare routine because it helps you look like a golden goddess without any of the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Plus, a tan is the perfect compliment to all spring beauty trends.

What are your favorite spring skincare additions and trends? Please share.

Recently my life changed when I joined a new club called “mommyhood”. Time management has taken on a whole new meaning and as cliché as it sounds: there are simply NOT enough hours in the day. Feeding, changing, entertaining, and holding your little bundle of joy leaves you without much time for a beauty regimen. To be honest, some days it feels like there is barely enough time to shower! Here are a few beauty product lifesavers that I’ve come to rely on day in and day out.

1. Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo – I can’t think of any new mom who has time to wash her hair every day. For a busy or new mom, dry shampoo is the miracle hair care product! It absorbs excess oils and freshens your hair without the time in the shower. This is one hair care product I can’t live without.

2. Glowology – The Balm – with all the diaper changing, laundry and hand washing “mommyhood” requires your hands are sure to dry out. The natural alpha-hydroxy acids in The Balm, moisturize, soften and exfoliate even the driest hands. I love that among other great ingredients, it has organic shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe that .

3. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream – This beauty product is the ultimate all-in-one skin care lifesaver! Some of its many uses are cuticle conditioner, lip balm, stretch mark treatment, scar solution, face moisturizer and eye crème. The list goes on and on since it’s antibacterial, non-greasy and toxin-free.

4. Frais Hand Sanitizer – l am not exaggerating when I say there is a bottle in every room of my house. I love that Frais doesn’t irritate my hands the way most other anti-bacterial hand sanitizers have in the past. The essential oils act as a moisturizer and are a key component in keeping my hands soft and germ free.

Another new mom lifesaver I’ve come to rely heavily on is on-line shopping. Luckily, all of these beauty products are available at glow.com!

flickr user: seanmcgrath

Deciphering “green” skin care ingredients can be as difficult as taking a Molecular Biology exam. Let’s be honest – who wants to do either?  I certainly don’t!  However, since your skin is your body’s largest organ, protecting it from environmental pollutants and pathogens does make sense.  Here are 3 easy to identify ingredients/preservatives that should be avoided.

Parabens:  ”Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels and personal lubricants. Parabens have been found to cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, or allergic skin reactions,” according to Wikipedia.  When possible I try to buy paraben free products. Currently, I’m in love with Verdure Botanoceuticals.  All Verdure products are made without parabens, propylene glycol, or triethanolamne.

Phalates:  Phthalates, which are often found in artificial fragrances, are a class of hormone disruptor known to cause birth defects, sperm damage, infertility, and the feminization of baby boys.  Scary- huh? Luckily, phalate free products are becoming more widely available. Pharmaceutical Specialties’ products are free of perfumes, dyes, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde and lanoline.  I especially like their RoBathol Bath Oil for winter time use. It leaves your skin extra soft and well moisturized.

Perfumes/ Fragrance:  Opt for aromatherapy products that derive fragrance from natural plant essential oils instead of synthetic chemicals. Or, buy fragrance free products to avoid possible irritants all together.  California Baby products are gentle enough to use on a new born baby and thankfully, don’t come with an age limit. The whole line is organic and vegetarian. Yeah Baby!

What are your favorite “green” skin care products? Please share.

flickr user: alasam

Can you believe Thanksgiving  is only 3 weeks away? With the holidays quickly approaching many people can feel their stress levels rising. You may not be able to avoid family, airport or long car rides over the holiday season, but here are some simple ideas that can help fight holiday stress. 

Give Yourself a Gift: Hurry and take advantage of all the great holiday offers out there. So many skincare/cosmetic brands create special holiday sets perfect for gift giving. Who says you can only buy them for a friend or family member? Treat yourself to special savings during the holiday season. Here are a few of my favorite kits.

gloMinerals – gloLuxe Beauty Collection (15 piece kit)  – This kit is a great value and has everything you’ll need for a complete makeup makeover. Plus, the case is a perfect travel companion.

Kevyn Aucoin – The Making Faces Collection Vol.1  – This kit is perfect for the makeup novice. It comes with all the basics and step-by-step instructions. Score!

Tarte Cosmetics – Sunglosses Set  – The denim case is absolutely adorable and can fit easily into any purse. The lipgloss shades are perfect alone or can be layered to create different colors.

 At Home Stress Relief:  One of my favorite ways to fight off stress is by taking a nice long hot bath.  Adding any of these bath products will enhance your bathing experience by helping you to relax and relieve stress.  The following fabulous bath products are all available on glow.com.

Me Bath – Bath Ice Cream (Café con Leche is my fave!)

Pevonia Botanice – Anti-Stress Bath & Shower Gel

Dermalogica – Stress Relief Treatment Oil

 Pamper Yourself:  Go ahead and splurge! Book a facial, massage or manicure – I give you permission or check out a local spa academy, you can get trained estheticians who are back in school to further their education.   You’ll be in better spirits and be a better hostess or guest because of it.

flickr user: mellychan

OK, maybe these are not the most unique Halloween costumes, but if you’re in a pinch and need a last minute costume, here are a few easy ideas to execute.  All you need is a little makeup and about 15 minutes.

Vampires:  If you haven’t already jumped on the Twilight band wagon, now is a good time to go as your favorite Twilight character this Halloween.  To get the look, start by applying a foundation or powder that is lighter than your natural complexion – the cakier, the better! Next, play up those eyes with black eyeshadow and eyeliner. Finish the look with DuWop’s – Twilight Lip Venom.  Fangs will earn you extra credit!

A Baby:  Put your hair in pigtails and draw on freckles using a brown eyeliner pencil. Throw on footed pajamas or a long nightgown and you’re good to go.  Don’t forget to carry a baby doll, baby bottle or pacifier.

Housewife:  Put your hair up in curlers, slather an inexpensive mask all over your face and wear your most comfy robe and slippers. Super cute and super comfortable!

A Cat: Draw a black nose and whiskers on your face using black eyeliner. Wear a tight black long-sleeve shirt and black leggings or jeans. Most Halloween stores have inexpensive ears you can purchase. Or, you can always make some using a black head band and construction paper.  Grrrr..baby!

Check out PopSugar.com for 10 girl powered costume ideas.

If you have an easy Halloween idea, please share.

flickr user: Lif…’s photostream

Fall – The weather is getting colder, leaves are changing colors (everywhere except sunny southern CA) and after months of torturing your hair with sun exposure, pools and highlights, your hair is ready for a change. Good-bye highlights; hello warmer, softer colors and moisturizing hair products. Here are few fall hair trends and tips that are easy to implement and will give you “good hair” as actor Chris Rock says.  

Hair Color: Obvious streaks (think zebra stripes) of color are out and randomly placed soft color to add dimension, depth and texture are in.  Over the past year, I noticed that my hair had become really blonde. Since I have a little one on the way, I wanted a hair color that would be easier to maintain.  My hairstylist recently updated my look by giving me a darker base color, adding lowlights throughout my whole head but for old-time’s sake, keeping a few highlights around my face. The end result was awesome! Not only did the color have great depth and texture (a must this fall); but, I was able to go 8 weeks in between appointments. Woo hoo! In this economy great value is essential.

Hair Care:  Your once gorgeous mane is probably dry, frizzy and static-prone right about now due to temperature drops and wind chills.  During fall and winter months hair care is all about moisture!  A simple tip is to sleep with a humidifier on at night. The humidifier helps keep your skin and hair from drying out by adding moisture to the air. Another way to fight off frizz is to use a deep conditioning or hair treatment mask once a week. My favorite is Frederic Fekkai’s Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask.  My hair feels so soft and healthy after using it.  

Hair Accessories: Hats are the ideal fall accessory. They add instant drama to the simplest outfit; plus, they help protect your hair from the elements. 2Threads.com lists berets, head scarves and knitted hats as must have items this year.

When I think stylish hats, I can’t help but picture Gossip Girl’s Blaire Waldorf.  Who do you picture? Please share.

flickr user: Ryan Coleman

Created in 1999, Kinerase has evolved from a physician only brand to a skincare company with an A-list celebrity following.  Stars such as Courtney Cox, Brad Pit, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna and Kate Beckinsale have used Kinerase to fight signs of aging and keep their celebrity skin looking flawless. Each product contains kinetin, a plant hormone gentle enough for all skin types, yet strong enough to fight against wrinkles, photodamage and hyperpigmentation. 

Wrinkles:  You’re never too young to start fighting the signs of aging. As you grow older, your skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses elasticity.  Kinetin reduces wrinkles  by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. Intensive Eye Cream by Kinerase is great for fighting fine lines and wrinkles around your delicate eyes areas. Women of all ages- rejoice!

Photodamage: Photodamage is defined as damage to your skin or DNA from exposure to the sun, specifically ultraviolet radiation. Kinerase’s new PhotoFacial Sun Damage Reversal System (3 piece kit) is the optimum weapon for fighting years of sun damage and preventing any further photodamage.  This 3 piece kit includes a daily exfoliating cleanser, daily moisturizer with SPF50 and a nighttime moisturizer. These magical potions are easy to incorporate into any morning and nighttime routine. No excuses; try it and you’ll convert.

Makeup:

I have tried several moisturizing tints but LOVE Dermalogica’s Sheer Tint with SPF.  It provides the perfect amount of coverage and is not at all greasy. Plus, since it has SPF, I am always sun safe.

I love the versatile colors in Too Faced Cosmetic’s EyeShadow Quad . I can use this one quad to do both day and nighttime looks. It also goes great with Raw Natural Beauty’s – Tuscany Mineral Eyeshadow.  I love the result I get when I layer a few different colors together.

Hardware:

Good brushes are worth every penny and the Flatbuki Brush by Too Faced Cosmetics barely makes a dent in your wallet.  The bristles are so soft and it distributes powder and bronzer flawlessly.

I always carry dental floss in my road warrior kit. Like my ID and credit card, I never leave home without it.

What’s in your makeup bag? Please share.