Tutorial: Easy Summer Makeup

Generally in the summer, we don't feel like piling on makeup.  Most of us are a little tanner and don't feel like we need as much makeup, plus we don't want to worry about makeup melting and sliding off of our faces.  We also would rather enjoy the nice weather rather than spending a long time getting ready.  Here is a very quick and easy summer makeup look that anyone can pull off.

Just wanted to point out that the eyeshadow pencil I used in this photo is on SALE for $5 on the Urban Decay website!!!  The color I used was "rehab."


1.  Apply your favorite moisturizer (regular or tinted).

2.  Conceal under eye area and any redness on the face.

3.  If you prefer, apply a mineral powder foundation to even out the skin tone.

4.  Apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits the face- around the hairline, on the top of the nose and cheekbones, and along the jawline.  A lot of makeup artists will say to use a number 3 motion on the sides of the face, starting at the hair line then swooping down to the cheeks and then the jaw (on both sides of the face).

5.  Swirl on your favorite blush.  This look is especially pretty with a cream blush.

6.  Apply your favorite highlighter on the top of your cheekbones.

7.  Using a soft eyeshadow pencil in a gold or bronze shade, swipe all the way across your eyelids (lash line to crease) and under the lower lash line.  Then using a blending brush to blend the shadow pencil all over, concentrating on really buffing it into the crease.

8.  Line the waterlines (top and bottom) of the eyes with a waterproof eyeliner pencil.

9.  Curl lashes and apply your favorite waterproof mascara.

10.  Fill brows and use a little gel to keep them in place.

11.  Apply a bright pink lipstick to your lips and blot.  I used Nars Semi Matte lipstick in "Funny Face".  A good dupe is Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in "Fifth Avenue Fuchsia".

Done and done!

A Quick Lesson: How to Conceal a Zit

One of my best friends requested that I write a post about concealing zits, since unfortunately this is a beauty issue most of us face from time to time.

Depending on whether you use a powder or liquid/cream foundation formula, you will change the order of these steps slightly.  If you use a powder foundation (i.e.: mineral foundation), you will conceal prior to applying foundation.  If you use a liquid or cream foundation formula, you will conceal after you apply the foundation.

You will need four products aside from your favorite foundation: a small, pointed makeup brush (like this one), a small blending brush, a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone, and a loose powder.  I personally use Bare Minerals Correcting Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Light 2 and Mineral Veil (original).   If you have spots that are very red, you may also want to use a green color corrector prior to the concealer, which will neutralize the redness.

1.  Dip the brush into the concealer.  You only need a little bit of the product on the very tip of the bristles (no need to waste product!).  Apply directly to the zit using a stippling motion, making sure not to conceal the area around it.

2.  Using your finger, lightly tap over the concealed spot.  This helps to press the product into the skin (so it does not look as if it is sitting on top of the skin) and will give the most natural look.

3.  Using a small blender brush, apply the loose powder directly to the concealed spot to help set it. Use a delicate touch so you do not uncover the concealer you just applied.

4.  Repeat as necessary for additional zits/red spots.  

There you have it- pretty simple.  The most important thing to remember is that makeup will only help conceal the redness or discoloration; it will NOT change the texture of the skin (i.e.: erase bumps/inflammation).  To help zits heal quickly, do not pick and use your favorite spot treatment daily.  You may want to try hydrocortisone cream, which I find helps speed the healing process.  I also rub an ice cube over the inflamed area to help reduce the swelling (for those painful cystic acne spots).

Product Review: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Hello lovelies! I am trying out a new format for product reviews, so please let me know what you think.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, shown in the color "Carina".

Product: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Cost:  $22.00

Where to purchase: www.stilacosmetics.com, Sephora, Ulta

Colors available: Ten colors, ranging from pale pink to deep red and plum

Packaging:  Comes in a lipgloss tube with a doe foot applicator

Feel:  Does not feel thick and sticky like a gloss; kind of a silky, creamy feel when first applied.  After wear for a couple hours, starts feeling dry on the lips.

Finish:  Matte, full coverage

Longevity:  Lasts for up to six hours without budging.  Product may start to fade on the inner part of the lips after eating and needs to be reapplied.

Worth it?  This is probably one of my favorite purchases I have made in awhile makeup-wise.  The color range is beautiful and the staying power is awesome.  My husband likes it because he can still kiss me without getting any lipstick on himself (haha).  I think it is a good buy, but beware- the color clings to your lips, so some scrubbing may be needed when you are ready to take it off.