The Smart Bride Blog’s Beauty Expert

Lashes and Mascara

I don’t have the greatest lashes so I am always in search for products that can help me achieve my best lashes. 

With so many brands and formulas to choose from I know choosing a mascara can be overwhelming.  Also I have noticed a lot of advertisements for mascara with fine print lately.  It often discloses that false lashes were used to achieve the model’s look. Most of us will never have those fabulous lashes you see in print ads.  We just need to find the right “fit” that will give us the each our best lashes.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

  1. Decide whether you would prefer to use waterproof or water-soluble mascara. Water-soluble is easier to remove without eye makeup remover, thus minimizing the amount of rubbing around the eyes, which can lead to saggy skin.  Waterproof  is a better choice for those who are prone to tears and also can be a great choice for the physically active.
  2. Choose a mascara color according to your hair color; brunettes should use black to bring out their eyes, while black/brown or brown mascara will have a more natural effect on red or very fair-haired women.
  3. Choose the type of mascara brush according to your preference. A straight brush is good for coating the hard-to-reach corner lashes, while a curved brush makes it easier to coat more of your lashes at once.

 And the must have for every make up bag? An eye lash curler!  Curled lashes help open and enhance the eyes. 

You can choose from a standard metal curler or a battery operated heated curler.  If you decide on the standard metal be sure to use it prior to applying your mascara.  If you choose the heated curler you can use it before or after mascara.

I personally use Mary Kay’s Ultimate Mascara in Black and JAPONESQUE® Heated Mini Eyelash Curler.   It lifts and curls my lashes with heat.  I find that I get the best result when I use it after mascara application.  I love the results I get by using these two products together!

The Smart Bride Blog’s Beauty Expert

Serious Care for Sensitive Skin

 

Many of my clients have sensitive skin.  I recently decided to research this topic further.  I found that there are steps you can take to help reduce your skin’s sensitivity.

Aging is one of the major causes of skin sensitivity.  Another cause is dryness.  Our skin is on average, 10% driereach decade after 20′s.   The bad news is we are constantly losing moisture through out the day. Women lose the most water from their skin at night!

As we age, we typically start using more and stronger antiaging products therefore you will tend to have more reactions.  To help skin be more resilient we can to follow a few steps.

  • Look for products that are fragrance free as scent additives can often irritate. 
  • Hot showers are a huge source of moisture loss so avoid long hot showers.
  • Wear mineral based make up or look for make up that is labeled hypoallergenic.
  • Moisturize after you shower, this step is best done on damp skin.  Don’t be afraid to layer on moisturizer.  And be sure to apply a night cream before bed, they are formulated to prevent water loss and add moisture.
  • Try to minimize touching your face throughout the day.  Any bacteria on your fingers can irritate your skin.
  • Look for products that are formulated using the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.
  • Use harsh scrubs only once or twice a week. 

 

If you do notice a reaction be sure to discontinue use of the product. If you used multiple products and are not sure which one is the culprit. Reintroduce the products one at a time.  You can also test the products on your inner forearm.

If you do have a reaction that persists for more that a week or two then see a dermatologist.

The Smart Bride Blog’s Beauty Expert.

Spring 2010 TRENDS

This spring think lush tropical beauty.  Makeup hints at a dew-kissed petal.

Spring’s trends are wonderfully wearable and fabulously fun!

A dewy, glistening face is the must have look of the season.  Use highlighting powder on your cheek  bones and over your blush.  This will create a complexion that looks like it has been kissed by light.

With more emphasis placed on the cheeks, a transparent and naturally rosy glow is key. Use a Pink or Berry toned blush depending on your skin tone.  

Lips are luscious in Berry toned hues.  Or to really keep emphasis on cheeks use a nude lipstick with a Sparkling Bronze lip gloss. 

Hair is styled away from the face so the cheeks can be more of a focal point. Slicked back into a bun, cascading into curls held back by a head band or combs or swept into a flowing or braided pony tail. 

Colors are vibrant and energetic, Wood, metal, feathers and fabric are crafted into more than just accessories; they are transformed into organic works of art. Mixing textured pieces with bright fabrics adds dimension and interest, while adding solid wooden pieces to an eye-catching print keep it from feeling frantic.

The Smart Bride Blog’s Beauty Expert

How to Fake Fuller Lips

Full lips are definitely “in” these days.  But just because you weren’t born with full lips it doesn’t mean you can’t fake them.

As a rule I usually recommend using a lip exfoliating product to be used a couple of time per week, this keeps lips looking smooth and soft. Not to mention it will make your cosmetic application much easier.

Any woman’s lips can make a statement with the right color application, even if they are on the thin side. Just follow these 6 steps:

  1. Apply lip primer to lips and surrounding lip area.  Yes, go outside the lines!
  2. Erase existing lip line by applying concealer or foundation.
  3. Use lip liner to draw a line slightly above the natural top and bottom lip lines. Fill in lip with liner to create a matte base.
  4. Now the “real trick”. Place a dab of light concealer in the center of the top and bottom lip.
  5. Apply lipstick as usual.
  6. Finish with a dab of lip gloss in center of the top and bottom lip, to the same area as the light concealer.

 See photo illustrations above…

The Smart Bride Blog’s Beauty Expert

 

 Creating your “Do it Yourself” bridal beauty touch up kit.   

Unless you are hiring your professional make up artist for your entire wedding and reception, you should make a beauty touch up kit. 

First find a medium size make up bag for your kit.  Arrange to have a bridesmaid be in charge of getting the kit to the reception.  If you are working with a professional make up artist pre-wedding they will be able assist you in making your touch up kit.  When possible, pack travel/sample sizes of your cosmetics to keep the size of the kit manageable.

Basic touch up kit:

  • Concealer
  • Pressed powder
  • Lip Liner
  • Lip gloss
  • Lip stick
  • Mascara (Use waterproof)
  • Beauty blotters
  • Blush
  • Eye shadows
  • Eyeliner

Don’t forget to add a sample/travel size oil free make up remover, cotton swabs, cosmetics sponge and applicators.

 

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