Makeup That Still Looks Great in the Summer

During the summertime, you may want to spend less time on your makeup, and more time with other activities, but still look great while doing them. Weather you are going to an outdoor event, or to the beach/pool, you can keep your look fresh. If your skin is clear, or has slight imperfections, you can use an oil free tinted moisturizer. This gives some coverage, and gives a glow to the skin. Oil free products stay in place much better, and allow the skin to breathe. If you need more coverage, try using some concealer, or oil free foundation. You can also use Suzanne Somers Spray Foundation. If you can't find it on SuzanneSomers.Com, you can try an Internet search. It goes in cool, gives great coverage, and feels light.  It also has great staying power. Local drugstores sell a puff with a satin ribbon that you can use after application to absorb excess moisture from makeup. Be sure to set the makeup with a light dusting of loose powder. You can then use either a sheer shadow on your lids, or a touch of bronzer. If you choose to wear liner, look for one that is waterproof, and set with a shadow. You can wear mascara (waterproof, optional) on the top lashes, and be sure to comb/brush them so they will dry. Apply bronzer, and a touch of blush, then follow up with gloss, or sheer lipstick. Be sure to check your makeup near a window during daytime, so you can avoid a blotchy look. Be sure to always blend.
Maintaining your look is simple. You can carry a compact, such as Aqua Smoothe by Covergirl (sponge is included.) Use the sponge to wipe any possible smudges. You can also use blotting paper (optional) to absorb moisture.

Current trend colors are: 

Eyes: Dusky colors, such as Brown, Pink, Gold
Alternative: Sheer Gold, Bronze, Peach

Blush:
Peach
Alternative: Rose, Pink

Lips:
Orange Gloss (with bronzed skin) 
Alternative: Peach, or Rose Gloss, or try a sheer hydrating lipstick. 

Nails:
Turquoise 
Alternative: sheer Pink, Peach, Bronze/Gold, or try a French Manicure for the fresh clean look.   

Great Hair Care

After you have achieved great skin, and flawless makeup, you'll want to achieve a hairstyle that stays, and works for you. What better way to achieve great styles, or maintain your look from the salon than with great haircare?
Some great haircare lines I like are by Nick Chavez, John Frieda, Alagio, and BedHead. They have excellent products for ever hair type.
My favorite products from Nick Chavez are his volumizing collection, espcially the Plump N Thick line! These products range from shampoos, conditioners, thickening spray gel, a leave in thickening mist for your roots, and of course the hairspray that holds your style.  Each of the products from the Plump N Thick line contain collagen, which helps plump up the hair. You can combine the gel, thickening mist, and hairspray in your hands, and work it throughtout your roots to give you fullness. Nick has products to help you create various looks from  Body, Curls/Waves, Nourishing/Hydrating, Shine, Straightening,Thickening,Volume. 

You can view/purchase Nick's products here:  

https://store.nickchavezbeverlyhills.com/ 
and
http://www.qvc.com/CatalogSearch?langId=-1&storeId=10251&catalogId=10151&keyword=NICK+CHAVEZ&x=0&y=0

Styling Tips from Nick Chavez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w1_H7gxld4&sns=tw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNb61MWhTJo&sns=tw


From John Frieda, I love Sheer Blonde hairspray. You don't have to have blonde hair to use it. You can manage your style without your hair turning sticky, or white.
I also love the Frizz-Ease Clearly Defined gel. It shapes, and holds the style. You don't need a lot of product, and it doesn't feel gooey, or flake up in your hair. 
The volumizing Brunette shampoo smells great, and works well. You can view/purchase John's products here, or in most pharmacy/retail stores.

http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/ProductDetail/Hair-Care/Sheer-Blonde/Crystal-Clear-Shape-And-Shimmer-Hairspray

From the Bedhead line, I love Catwalk Strong Mousse (Extra strong mousse works just as well). I also love Small Talk, which can be used three differen't ways, and Queen For a Day hairspray! They smell great! These products work well, and leave your hair soft, and shiney! I love this line when I set my hair, and alway finish with Nick Chavez Plump N Thick. The products are available in some salons, some pharmacies, some grocery stores, and at beauty supply stores. You can view them here, and also find out where they ate sold near you.
http://www.tigistore.com/p-693-superstar-queen-for-a-day-102-oz-canada.aspx

From the Alagio Professional Haircare line, I've tried Crazy Curl Balm. It has a shimmer to it, and helps eliminate frizz. I use it after I wash my hair, and while styling. They have a balm for straight hair as well. (Silk Obsession straightening balm) 
The Crazy Curl shampoo was voted "Most Wanted Hair Care" by In Style Magazine. 
This line can be purchased at some grocery stores, and you can check which retailers are available near you, as well view the ingredients for the entire line.
WWW.Alagio.Com

The Perfect Makeup Tools

This article is based soley on my opinion, and my professional 
experience as a makeup artist/skincare specialist.



 These are some of the best quality brushes. I have 2 sets that have 
lasted me over 14 years.

I use this style brush to apply medium/light shadows to entire lid, 

and under brow. This brush can also be used for applying contour cream

This is the brush I use for applying darker shadows, and for filling 
in color on eyebrows.

This is the brush I use to blend my shadows

I use this brush for liquid, and cake liners.

I use a similar brush for both brows, and lashes.

I use this type for applying powders, loose, or pressed.

I use this brush for light contouring before applying bronzer/blush.

I use very similar brush for bronzer/blush

I use a similar fan brush for applying shimmer to eyes, and body. It 

can also be used to apply blush to cheeks.

There are a few other Makeup Forever brushes that I use, but do not 
see listed.

For more info about these brushes and where to buy:

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/tools.html
Next to tools, click choose a catagory. You will be able to see each style brush they have for eyes, lips, etc, or you can see the many different products that are used for creating different looks.

Selecting a Great Foundation

Selecting a great foundation isn't as difficult as you might think. There are many to choose from, and new ones constantly surfacing, but don't let it overwhelm you. I custom blend foundation for my clients, and the first thing you need to do is look at your skin in good lighting. Sunlight works best. 
Take note of the colors of your skin. (Redness, sun spots, etc). Women with fair  skin (those with red/pink undertones who tend to burn in the sun) can use the lighter shades of foundation with a hint of pink in them. Women with medium skin tones (olive tone) should look for foundations with a peach or bronze tone. Women with darker skin tones with red/gray undertones should look for foundation with a hint of red, or mauve. For darker skin women with medium undertones, you should look for foundations with a hint of red, or blue undertones. Darker skin women with yellow undertones can look for foundations with a hint of yellow, or gold undertones. 
If there are testers available, apply about 3 shades of foundations to the jawline, and blend slightly, not all the way.  If there is a whitish patch the makeup is too light. If there is a blotchy, or dark patch, then the makeup is too dark.  The foundation should blend in completely, or have slight color showing for those that want a healthy color. 
Some great foundations I use are Your Name oil free foundation (private label manufacturer available in some beauty supply stores, or salons, I'm currently wearing this foundation, and use this brand when I custom blend for my clients). Suzanne Somers spray foundation, and Christian Dior.  Dior's newest foundation (haven't tried this yet, but I've used, and sold Capture for the eyes, and it is excellent!) available this Spring is called Capture Totale Foundation with SPF 15.  (Description is from Neiman Marcus website)
A unique blend of Capture Totale anti-aging ingredients, Alpha Longoza™ and Centuline™, optical correctors and HD Liquid crystal Pigments ™, this revolutionary serum foundation gives skin a radiant "high definition" perfection in every dimension. Includes a broader band of multi-toned pigments more subtle, real and natural than the 4 (red/yellow/white/black) usually used in foundation. Treats all the signs of aging. Boosts collagen, nourishes, replenishes, re-plumps. Ideal for mature skin, dry skin or dull, "flat" skin lacking radiance. Available in a wide spectrum of shades.

All of these foundations are long lasting, and help the skin to look radiant.  The liquid foundations can be applied with a brush, or sponge. Be sure to shake the bottle before using. Start by applying a small amount across forehead, on cheeks, on, and around nose, and chin.  Be sure to blend from center of your face, outward, and down. Set with powder, and you can add bronzer/blush, depending on your preference.  Use opposite side of sponge to gently blend over your face, into the hairline, and down the neckline to remove excess makeup, so it doesn't look like a mask.
Suzanne Somers Spray Foundation can be sprayed directly onto your face, or on a sponge.  You should skake the can first. Be certain to spray from a distance from top to bottom, (or spray in a Z motion) and close your eyes when spraying the lids. You can blend with a sponge, and/or pat with a puff. Some people may need a little practice spraying, buy once you have the hang of it, it really is a great product, and doesn't feel heavy. There are suggestions on the website for selecting the shades, as well as a link to match your current shade of Foundation. http://www.suzannesomers.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1897

For those that want extra moisture in their foundation, or just want either sheer coverage, or a hint of color, you can use a  tinted moisturizer. Your Name, and Lancome have excellent tinted moisturizers. You can also apply them with a brush, or sponge. Set with a touch of powder, (I use Jane Mineral Makeup, still in some drugstores, or available online) and apply bronzer/blush.

Apply powder, and bronzer/blush on the declotee area so the skin is all one even shade. Depending on the neckline of what you are wearing, that is how far down you should go with the powder, and bronzer/blush.  

Choosing the Right Concealer:

For blemishes, and moderate dark circles, you can use concealer in a wand, which gives medium coverage.  Maybelline makes a great one called Age Rewind.  One side has a wand for correcting imperfections, and the other side has a highlighter brush for dark circles around the eyes.  For those that have deep set lines, and wrinkles, you can use the highlighter on those areas as well.  Use two fingers to space the skin, and then apply the highlighter into crease/wrinkle.  Blend lightly with your finger, or sponge, and follow with foundation, and a touch of powder to set.
For those that have deep pigmentation on skin, or want to cover a bruise, tatoo, etc. you can use a stick foundation.  You can use either a concealer, or foundation brush to apply. (These types of brushes contain longer, firmer, smoother brissles/hairs than other types of makeup brushes). Be sure to blend gently with a sponge using a stippling motion (tapping makeup into skin, not rubbing it). You can use a little foundation over it, and be sure to blend the makeup, and set it with a touch of powder.

Whatever type of concealor/foundation you need, be sure it is creamy, but not greasy.  Look for oil free products. Makeup containing mineral oil/petroleum can settlle into pores, lines, and wrinkles.  They tend to smudge/crease after a while, and can make you look aged, not to mention cause allergies, or other health risks.

Makeup Looks For Spring/Summer 2011

The fashion runways in Italia are showing a variation of looks for Spring/Summer of 2011.  Collections range from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.
As for makeup, the currents trends are nude (neautral) face, bold stained lips with gloss, and metalic shadows.
In NYC the makeup is ranging from pale violets to bold violets/purple shadows, and metallics. You can do bold shadows, and nude colors on the lips.
There are many ways to achieve these looks, and variations for those who want their own current style.
For those of you that like metallic shadow, you may know that Maybelline has a variety of metallic shadows.  For those of you that don't want the metallic look, you can try a shadow with a touch of shimmer. Bronze, soft gold, light gray (instead of silver) pink/peach, violet, and plum look great.  The difference between metallics, and shimmers: Metallic has more of a bold shiney look, and not many women can wear this look, or may not want to wear it. Shimmer is softer, and may not enhance lines, and creases on the eyes the way metallics can. The brand Jane has great violet, and plum shadows. You may still find the products in some drugstores (RiteAid) or you can search online.  I use Rose Quartz shadow. (It contains about 5 colors) Feel free to use what you like. I mix the pale violet with a touch of white shadow from Rose Quartz, and a touch of Vanilla (shimmer) from Maybelline. I mix the same colors with a little more of the Vanilla for under the brow. I then mix the plum shadows (Rose Quartz) with a touch of brown from Jane (Browny Points) for the outer corners. You can also try Sugar Daddy (pale violet) mixed with Vanilla, for center of lid, and Dazzle mixed with Browny Points (optional) for outer corners.  Be sure to blend colors after applying.
Liners are being worn in a natural look, and also extended a bit.
Lashes: you can follow this:
http://makeupbyteresa.blogspot.com/2010/12/great-lashes.html
Some are using lots of mascara, or even lash tips, extentions, and strips. (Depending on the look you are going for).
You can use a softer amount of bronzer, and blush on your cheeks.
For lips: Try exfoliating them gently with either a light scrub, a mixture of
sugar, and water, or even use a toothbrush gently in a circular motion.  Apply vitamin E, or a balm that you prefer.
To get a lip stain look, Cover Girl has Outlast Lipstain (haven't tried it), or you can use a lip brush, and lightly apply lipstick, or a softer gloss, and blot.  You can also try a soft amount of pencil, then blend with a lip brush, blot lips, and apply balm.
For those that don't want a stained lip look, you can just use a bolder lip color.

Keeping Skin On Body Smooth All Year Long

Regardless of where you live, you shouldn't have to have dry skin.
There are lots of great products out there to keep skin smooth all year long. I like to use this simple mixture of a tablespoon of olive oil, and a tablespoon of brown sugar. (you can use more than a tablespoon of either if you want). Rub the mixture together into your hands, and rub into the dry skin. This can be used anywhere on the body.  It also works well on your face. The longer it's left on, the better the results. In addition to the face, this works well for dry hands, knees, elbows, ankles, arms, legs, and feet. For additional smoothing of dry skin on the body, use a pumis stone. Rinse skin in tepid water, and you will immeadiately feel the difference. (when water is very hot, it can take moisture away from the skin). Follow up with your favorite moisturizer, or even a touch of olive oil. You can do this once a week.