Makeup Must-Haves

One thing I love about make-up is how you can bond over it with other ladies, exchanging tips, and testing each others favorite products. Makeup is definitely not my specialty. In the morning I apply my makeup very quickly. I have it down to a fine art and it usually only takes me ten minutes. I would recommend going to a department store and asking a sales associate to sit down with you and explain the proper colors and shades for your skin tone. I have found that the employees at MAC are usually very good and quite honest. I had an artist from MAC do my makeup for my wedding, and I specifically asked for it not to be too drastic. If you communicate to the artist what you want, they will usually comply. Be aware of the current trends because if you are stuck in trends from years ago your makeup will date you.



MAKE-UP BOX

FOUNDATION:
*MAC Mineralize Satin Finish SPF 15
*Prescriptives Traceless- Completely smooths your complexion

FACE HIGHLIGHTERS:
*MAC Strobe Cream- Gives your skin a healthy glow with very subtle shimmer
*Nars Multiple in Copacabana- I use this to give my cheek bones a life.
*Bare Minerals Pink Posey- An eye shadow I use on my cheek bones which also doubles as a blush.

LIP GLOSS:
* SmashBox O-Plump- Lip plumper that transforms to the perfect color on your lips.
* Lancome Juicy Tubes- So many amazing flavors it is hard to choose.
* Philosophy Supernatural- They make your lips look really plump and glittery.

CONCEALER:
*MAC Select Cover-Up- Camouflages blemishes with ease
* Jane Iredale Active Light- Conceals and treats dark circles and puffiness with advanced skin ingredients and great coverage.
*Neutrogena skin-clearing oil free concealer: Treats acne as it conceals.

POWDERS:
*MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder- Comes in a compact and slips easily into any size purse.
*Jane Iredale Facial Blotting Sheets- Great alternative to packing on the powder, and a perfect touch up.

EYES:
* Shu Uemura eye lash curler- You should always curl your lashes before applying mascara as that opens your eyes.
* Lorac Mascara- Two sided with an amazing primer.

Whats The Deal With Under-Eye Circles?

One of the main causes of dark circles under your eyes is rubbing provoked by allergies. Allergies can be induced by season changes or various foods. If your dark circles are because of allergies, use a very gentle cleanser and be sure to avoid rubbing your eyes.

The second main cause is genetics. If your parents suffer from dark circles, it is very possible you will also.

The third reason for dark circles, is visible veins as a result of thinning skin! This is why you may notice that dark circles increase with age. Use a little retinoid around the eye area to increase collagen production, and thicken the skin.

If your dark circles seem to be on top of the skin, as in pigmentation of the skin, you should use a skin lightening product. Hydroquinone, arbutin, or kojic acid are a few ingredients that can aid in lightening hyper-pigmentation.

Use a gentle eye cream daily, and tap it very gently into the eye area with your middle finger. Avoid tugging or pulling at the eye area. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can increase blood pooling under the eyes. Try to sleep on your back, if at all possible.

Top Tips:
1. Take two green-tea bags and soak them in hot water. Put them in the freezer until they become very cool. Place them on your eyes and sit with them on for 15-20 minutes. The caffeine in the green-tea will help with dark circles around the eyes.

2. Look for an eye cream that also contains caffeine, and keep your eye cream in the fridge for added benefits.

3. Try a good concealer. Visit your local high-end makeup counter and ask for advice on concealing dark circles.

Image Courtesy Of: Hylexin