Hair Styling Tools

So far all of you natural redheads out there, you more than likely have fair skin.  When applying your makeup using your favorite makeup brushes, “you want to make sure you play up your coloring without looking washed out,” says N.Y.C. makeup artist Nick Barose.   He suggests the following regiment to achieve that most flattering appearance:

• Start out with a light-reflecting foundation that is one shade warmer than your natural skin tone
• Dust a soft pink blush on the apples of your cheeks for that extra healthy boost of color (Spornette Marche Cheek Blusher is great for this)
• For your eyes go with a bronze pencil and an eye shadow that is in the olive green family, and most importantly apply a brown mascara to your lashes as black eye makeup will come across as looking to harsh
• If your eyelashes are naturally light in color, use a tiny applicator/wand (Spornette Marche  Double -Sided Lash and Brow Makeup Brush can work wonders) to be able to get right to the roots of your lashes and thoroughly coat each hair
• Polish off the makeup session with a sheer pink or something in the berry hues as your lipstick color.  Avoid oranges and anything in the coral line to minimize the clashing of tones in your hair

For all of us who are in our 50′s and older, we are at a time in our life when the elasticity of our skin is starting to go south and the place that it is most obviously noticeable is our face.  And, to add insult to injury, the wrinkles are either starting to show up or getting worse.  So, what is the easiest way to counteract these issues?

The strategy involved is to wear a foundation if you aren’t already, but the key is in the application, and how much you use.  You certainly don’t want to cake it on to where it looks like you are wearing plaster,  but by simply and delicately applying the foundation, the results will reflect a smooth and supple looking complexion.

The how-to in counteracting wrinkling and loss of elasticity is to first apply an anti-aging serum as your primer.  Second in the process is using an extremely lightweight, light-diffusing liquid foundation.  To apply, use a flat synthetic makeup brush (I like the Spornette Marche Foundation Liquid Cream brush) to glide the foundation over your skin.  While you are out and about don’t forget to have a powder compact stowed in your purse for any quick repairs that you may need to make.  Press the powder on and do not wipe it on for fear of removing your makeup.

FOUNDATION NOT BLENDING WELL:  a) If you exfoliate a couple of times a week, you will be getting rid of dead cells on your skin.  This will certainly help any cream or liquid makeup that you use to have the ability to glide over your skin more easily.  b) If you happen to be someone who uses powder for their foundation, it is very important that when you are applying your base coat of moisturizer to make sure it has completely been rubbed in and absorbed before application of the powder.

Often times when we are trying to decide what color of blush to wear, some consideration is made as to what you are wearing for the day, just as when trying to select an eye shadow color.   If you go this route, it is best to try to categorize the fashion colors into two groupings, cool tones and warm tones.

Cool tone colors in fashion consist of aquas, blues, greens, lavendars, and plums.  If your selected clothing fits into this category then blushes in the color range of blue-red, crimson, pastel pink, peach, plum, or rose will work best.

Warm color clothing consists of earth tones, olive-greens, oranges, peaches, pinks and reds.  For these colors select a shade of blush in the color ranges of bronze, brown, coral, hot pink, or a warm red.

 The best looking blush on any individual, however, is one that is closest to your skin tone and is not the first thing that someone notices on your face.  Looking natural, yet glowing is probably the best case scenario.  To find out what exactly this shade of blush is, there are a couple of very simple things you can do:

1)  When you have no makeup on at all, pinch one of your cheeks and then using a cheek blusher makeup brush, apply the blush you have on hand to see if it matches the cheek that you pinched.  If it matches, you’re set.

2)  Match your blush color with the shade of lipstick that you will be wearing.  If you are wearing a shade in the coral family, a blush in the coral or bronze shades will more than likely look best.

3)  Another fun way to test out what color blush to use is to bend forward with your hands touching your toes.  Wait a minute or so and then stand erect.  You should have some natural color in your cheeks from this exercise and this can definitely be the right shade to use.

No matter which way you choose to select the perfect shade, please keep in mind that if you have fair skin, less is more.  If you are medium complected, the intensity of the shade should obviously be middle of the road.  And, if you have darker skin, the intensity of the shade can be middle of the road to a little deeper shades.

Courtesy of RealBeauty.com

Yes, believe it or not, Spring is just around the corner.  Looking out the window at the falling snow or stepping outside into the chilly air, makes us want Spring to arrive that much sooner.  Well, there’s a little time left to prepare your eye makeup collection for what is going to be trendy for 2011.

Lavendar seems to be what is on tap for this year’s Spring eye shadow color.  There are many beautiful shades of lavendar and/or purple that can be used to really dress up the eyelid.  There are also so many variations as to how to apply the eye shadow that you can really have some fun using old and new techniques with your different eye makeup brushes to create your own look.

For daytime application, and if you tend to have fair skin, shop for a lavendar shade that has hints of pink or silver in it.  You can also use this same shade at for going out in the evening if you apply it on the inner corners of your eye for starters.  To complete this look you will then take darker shades of lavendar or a plum color and brushing the shadow outwards on your lid.  If you want depth, continue extending the shadow beyond your eyelash line and using a crease definer makeup brush apply a darker shade in the crease of your eyelid.

With so many makeup brushes available in all shapes and sizes, it can be confusing as to which one to select and what to expect from it.  Most of the time when you purchase your powders and blushes, the brush that comes with it do not do the job because they are either too small or not the right shape.  To get that amazing natural look it is best to have on hand the right brush.   Some of the most common shaped makeup brush bristles are featured here:

ANGLED:  An angled cheek contour brush provides you with slanted bristles for precise, concentrated application.  Not designed for an allover application.

DOMED:  This brush typically has soft, tapered bristles that will deposit an even application of blush on the apples of your cheeks.

FLAT:  This brush looks like someone took a ruler and snipped the end of  bristles straight  across.  The densely packed bristle will help blend the color quickly but tend to deposit too much color at once. Tap some of the color off before you apply.

POWDER:  This is usually your staple brush.  Because it has a wider head, the color that you apply looks soft and diffused.

STIPPLING:  For a dusting of light color, this brush works due to the long, feathery synthetic bristles that extend past the natural ones.

For the longest time, makeup artists have been telling us to blend our eye shadow into the creases of our eyes to obtain depth and definition.  It appears that the trend has changed.  Makeup artists are  now using a basic shadow makeup brush to “sweep” the eye shadow along the lower part of the brow bone, just above the crease.  By doing this you should achieve a deeper, more dramatic look.  I say if we are going to the trouble of putting more effort into our makeup, let’s definitely go for the drama!  (Photo courtesy of Nationmultimedia.com)

Are you looking for ways to sparkle?  If you are, there are so many fun things you can do with your eyes that will make them shine and certainly draw some attention.  For starters, why not add some glitter to a creamy base eye shadow.  If the glitter tends to stray, use some scotch tape to pick up the flecks that end up in unwanted places.  If you are wanting to use an irridescent eye shadow, take your basic shadow makeup brush and apply the shadow to the ball of the lid, along the brow line, or in the inner corners of your eye.  This application will be more dramatic.

Then how about those lashes?  You can use false lashes or your natural lashes.  If you are going the false lash route then spray them with some hair spray and then dip them into some superfine glitter.  Avoid the base of the false lashes.  Let the lashes dry and then shake off any excess glitter before you apply them.  Or, for a less dramatic look but still wanting the sparkle then go the route of spraying your false lashes with a glitter-flecked hair mist.  And, if you just want to stick with your natural lashes try topping the tips of your lashes with a glittery gel eyeliner.

There are so many colors of eye shadows available to wear, but have you ever thought about what is really the best color to wear?  Do you base your eye shadow color choice on what you are wearing?  Do you apply your eye shadow color based on what you like, or have you ever considered selecting the eye shadow color based on your eye color?

Many of the well known makeup companies have been developing eye shadow palettes designed specifically for different iris colors.  To try to match up shades that are in the same color family can be considered too safe of a choice.  If you want to be bold and brighten up your eyes the recommendation by many makeup artists is to use contrasting shades.  So, try on the following recommendations for something new and exciting and see what kind of attention you draw.

GREEN EYES:  Green eyes can look more blue or more yellow depending on what you are wearing or what light you’re in.  If you would like to create a truer looking green, use a violet shadow on your lids and add a deep burgundy in the crease.  And, to cap it off try drawing an indigo liquid liner along your top lashes.  Plums, deep browns, and light golden hues will also work for those of you who have green eyes.

BLUE EYES:  Blue eyes can be dramatically affected by changes in light.  If you want to deepen the look, pick a a copper and strong yellow eye shadow to apply on your lids and fade the colors up to your brow bones.  Rim your lash lines with a copper cream shadow.  This combination of colors will pull out the halo of gold that surrounds the pupil.  Did you know that yellow on the color wheel is the opposite of blue?  Taupes, grays, violets, purples, and deep blues will also make your blue eyes pop.  Take it up a notch and try some silver, turquoise, or fuschia.

BROWN EYES:  Brown eyes have a little more in the way of options.  If you have golden brown eyes try some lavender or teal shadows.  If your eyes are dark brown how about trying some silvery shadows for that sultry look?  Coppers, bronzes, champagnes, browns, beiges, and khaki-greens are some great classic colors suited for brown eyes.  Want some contrast, then try tangerine, royal blue, hot pink, or even lime green.

HAZEL EYES:  Hazel eyes have flecks of gold, amber, and yellow.  Hazel eyes are certainly not lacking in the shadow option area.  Makeup artists recommend starting with a neutral base, such as a champagne or taupe shadow and building from there.  If you want to emphasize the green flecks of the eye then use some teal eye liner.  If your desire is to emphasize the gold and brown flecks of the eye then be bold and try an apricot or orange eye shadow.

When applying eye shadows and other eye makeup, it is always important to use the appropriate eye makeup brushes to maximize the appearance of the makeup.  I like Spornette Marche makeup brushes and in particular those designed for the application of eye shadows and liners (Spornette Marche Hi-Lite/Blender, Eye Line and Definer, Basic Shadow Brush and the Crease Definer).

Lastly, some eye twinkling makeup tips:

1)  When applying shadow, apply the heaviest concentration of color near the lash line as the iris will pick up the color closest to it.

2)  If you want a less intense look, try a creamy shadow instead of a powder because it’s more transparent.  Or, you can confine a daring color to the lash line.

3)  Choosing the right accessories can create an optical illusion so pick out some sparkly jewelry that is repetitive of the color in your eyes.

4)  Try using a lengthening mascara instead of a thickening one as the thicker your lashes the eye color you are trying to accentuate will be obscured.

5)  If you want to wear eye shadow that matches your eye color, don’t go so vibrant as it will dull the look of your eyes.

If you are looking for some romance, what are some good tips in the area of applying your makeup?  Well, there have been some surveys conducted and according to one conducted by UCLA, 65% of men say that the first thing they notice about a woman is her eyes.  Obviously, the reason for this is that women often translate their feelings through the expression of their eyes more so than through speaking.  So, if this is really true, don’t we want to show some emphasis on creating a soft, wide-eyed effect?  According to Gucci Westman, “Eye makeup that’s too heavy and aggressive defeats the purpose”.  The key to emphasizing the eye is blending and smudging your eye shadows and eye liners.    Westman says that “ romantic makeup is more creamy than powdery.”  She prefers creamy shadows in neutral hues with a little bit of shimmer.  Also, when it comes to making your eyebrows stand out, she recommends brushing them with brow powder rather than a pencil because the pencil can make the brows appear too severe.

What about the cheeks?  Staying with the creams, a creamy blush that is rubbed on the apples of your cheeks and then applying a very light dusting of shimmery bronzer should do the trick.  According to Westman, powder blushes can easily end up looking like you have stripes on your cheekbones so it’s best to avoid them.  It’s the natural “flush” that we should be going after to set the tone or mood.

Delicate shades of lipstick are reflective of a smiling and happy woman in love, says Westman.  Shades of pink, berry and rose help to portray this look and Westman suggests leaving off the lip liner and just dabbing on the lip color with your finger to obscure any edges.  If you are seeking a dramatic shade, try a rich red lip gloss instead of the lipstick.  Gloss can make lips look juicy.

Last, but certainly not least, the skin sets the stage for everything else.  Researchers at St. Andrews University in Scotland found that women who wear too much foundation might also be covering up their natural glow.  Westman says that “luminous skin is simply more appealing. It’s lush and dreamy.”  To achieve this look, use a foundation liquid cream makeup brush ( I like Spornette’s Marche Foundation Liquid Cream Brush) to apply a lightweight liquid foundation all over  your face and you will end up with that more unified look.

So have you decided what you want to be for Halloween?  Or, if you have children, have they decided what they are wearing out trick-or-treating?  If you are last minute like me, and also don’t want to spend any extra money, check out what you already have in your own home in the way of clothing and props and if you don’t want to wear a mask, making up the face can be fun and the end result can be authentic looking as well as very dramatic.  You might not have everything you need in the way of cosmetics but they can easily be found in your local drug stores, supermarkets, or costume stores. Children who do not like to wear masks may also accept your applying makeup to their face just so they can avoid wearing the mask.

No matter what creation you are going for, get out your makeup brushes and sponges, mascara, eye shadows, bright lipsticks, shimmery powders, and anything else you might have to see what you might still need to pick up at the store.  If you read through the following ideas you might find what you actually need before making that trip.

Clowns are one of the first costumes that come to mind that are easy to throw together and usually you can get by without having to buy too much in the way of makeup at the store.  Mismatched clothing, oversized clothing, and loud bright colors work extremely well for the costume.   As for the makeup you probably will need to buy a couple of items such as some white face paint, setting powder, and a white pencil.  If the costume is for a child, you can probably also skip doing the white face and just apply bright circles of rouge or blush to the cheeks.  You can line the eyes with eye liner and/or paint some fancy designs on the eyelids with an eyebrow pencil.  Using the same eyebrow pencil or a lipstick pencil in any shade you desire, draw on some unusual eyebrows that will raise the brows of those around you.  Use red lipstick to draw on an extra large happy smile or sad expression.  Now….if the clown face is for an adult, let’s not skip the white face.  Outline the entire face with a white pencil.  Outline the lip area and where you are going to apply color near the eyes.  Take your makeup sponge and press it in the white face paint.  Start applying  the paint from the outline and working the paint inward.  Use a circular motion toward the center of the face.  Next, use white or clear setting powder and lightly dust the face.  Now this is when you want to put your creative juices to work.  Perhaps instead of rosy cheeks in the shape of circles, you might want to draw a diamond shape on one cheek in one bright color and a star on the other in a different bright color.  Use some glittery type eyeshadow on the eyes and how about applying some wild fake eyelashes?  I think you get the idea.

What if you wanted to be something that required some nasty looking bruises?  Using purple and blue eye shadows and a damp makeup brush will do the trick.  Take some bits of black and charcoal color eyeshadow and apply it with dry fingertips. Using green eye shadow, smudge some around the edges.  Blend all the colors together with clean fingertips or a clean cosmetic sponge.

So you want to be a rock star do you?   Using foundation that is a shade lighter than you usually use, apply it to your entire face with a foundation makeup brush.  This will cause the rest of the makeup to stand out more.  Apply black eyeliner on both the bottom and top of your lash lines and then using a circular motion, take your finger and smudge the applied eyeliner.  Next comes the eye shadow.  Apply to both eyelids using your fingers to also smudge it on using circular motions. The reason for this is to avoid the makeup looking like it has been put on in layers and it giving a more blended appearance.  Starting at the outer end of your eye crease, apply glitter and using a brush work it around the crease to the inner end of the eye.  Then brush the glitter upwards to your eyebrows.  If you have the same color glitter as the eye shadow it provides for a more dramatic affect.  Next apply several coats of black mascara to your upper and lower  eyelashes.  To finish off the job, use some dark red lipstick to make that rockstar statement.

Last but not least, you can always revert to being a ghost, and I’m not talking about cutting some holes in a sheet for eyes, nose and mouth.  A more realistic ghost is one that never sleeps and thus must have dark circles around and under their eyes.  So, to achieve this affect you will need a navy blue and gray eye shadow, or gray and black eye shadow.  Use an eye shadow brush and apply the darker color of the two under your eye in the inner corner.  Next you will want to blend that application out and down.  Take the lighter color of the two shades and apply it on the outer corner and then blend inward and downward so that it meets the darker color.  If you want your eyes to pop, apply black eyeliner along the upper and lower lash line.  For the lips you have a couple of options.  If you can find a black, blue, or deep burgundy lipstick, this works great.  Another option is to use a nude lip color and then tone it down with a blue-tinged gloss or lipstick on the top.  If you are going for the invisible look apply a very light concealer.  Apply white powder to your hair and its a done deal.