What's Cooking? The Dish on Face "Baking" Powders

We girls love a hot new beauty trend, but careful you don't get burned! "Baking" the face, especially the under eye area has been all the rage but if misapplied, this method can leave you looking overcooked (and older and not in a good way). 

What is Baking? If you've been living under an easy bake oven and haven't heard of it, baking is the method of piling on powder and letting it sit. The idea is that when you sweep it away it leaves behind a super set, highlighted effect. However, if powder is piled on top of a foundation that already sets itself or on normal to dry skin it will leave skin looking crinkly - which is fine for potato chips, but NOT for our under-eyes!

Want a beautiful bake? This method can potentially work well on a crème foundation or on some oily skins. But in my pretty opinion, simply setting lightly where needed is still the most beautiful way to finish makeup. Powders that are smooth and/or finely milled work best - for example:

NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder: http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/light-reflecting-loose-setting-powder/0607845014102.html

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural: http://www.maccosmetics.com/products/13849/Products/Makeup/Face/Powder



GLITTER LIPS! The Latest Sparkling Makeup Trend

Glitter and Lipstick - aside from diamonds, they're definitely some of a girl's best friends. So how thrilled are we girly-girls about the latest trend of glitter lips sparked by none other than the original Makeup Guru, Pat McGrath! Click for Pat Mcgrath Labs

Glitter is the word (and beauty product) on everyone's lips thanks to Pat's sparkling new release of the Lust 4 collection of lipstick, pigment and glitter. To further light up our lives the legendary Naomi Campbell set the red carpet on fire when made an appearance in her lit lips!! Click for the Lust Lip Collection

Are you a beauty on a budget? Don't worry here's a live video tutorial on how to recreate the look for less. Keep shining, keep smiling....


Hugs,
Crystal

WATCH THE HOW TO GLITTER LIPS VIDEO

ColourPop LIPSTICK LIVE SWATCHES!

POPPIN' LIPS!

Few things make a girl feel more INSTA-PRETTY than a pretty popping lip color! And thanks to the ColourPop brand, we can be pretty for pennies with their gorgeous, affordable lip colors (available in an array of textures). 

As a bonus, they're just as pretty on the lips as they are in the tube! Enjoy this live lip swatch video and see for yourselves! 

Until next time,

Keep it Pretty!

Hugs,

Crystal

Click to Visit ColourPop!

FLAWLESS CONCEALER SECRETS!

FLAWLESS CONCEALER SECRETS

Is your concealer revealing more than it's concealing? Don't fret, you're finally on your way to flawless with these professional secrets to concealer. This how-to video will reveal how to select the right concealer to beautifully banish those under-eye circles, darkness and blemishes once and for all!  

Now Go Forth and be Flawless!

FLAWLESS CONCEALER RECOMMENDATIONS

Bobbi Brown Concealer

NARS Concealer 

MAC Cosmetics Studio Finish Concealer

Makeover Monday - You GLOW Girl! Facial Peels 101

 

PEELING SKIN FOR APPEALING SKIN!

 

By now, most of us know regular exfoliation is the way to GLOW! But professional peels may have the ability to make your beauty more than skin deep! Crystal's here to help you clear up confusion about the various types of peels and perhaps even clear up your skin in the process!



·        Superficial peels are the mildest, and like their name get primarily surface results. These include; glycolic acid and the popular alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).  They can promote the skins natural exfoliation process resulting in smoother, clearer skin.

·         Medium peels are performed with trichloroacetic acid in various strengths (and should be performed by a professional). They penetrate more deeply and can remove damaged outer layers, facial blemishes, wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. BUT, don’t plan any events for about a week or two because you’ll peel like a beast before you become a beauty!

·         Deep peels (usually phenol) must be administered by a medical professional under an anesthetic. They penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn. They are used only on the face. Deep peels may not be used on darker skin types and may even bleach lighter skin. This can only be done once in most cases.

 

A professional should always be consulted

 

At Home Options

Peter Thomas Roth Triple Acid Peel http://www.peterthomasroth.com/p-330-preview-40-triple-acid-peel.aspx

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Alpha Beta Peel https://www.dgskincare.com/products.cfm?cid=31&CFID=9992537&CFTOKEN=110da973bf1522b1-C90C52D1-EC77-0792-DA589DBF60488AEC

 

Philosophy Microdelivery Peel Kit http://www.sephora.com/the-microdelivery-peel-kit-P387134?skuId=1616309

 

 

 

MAKEOVER MONDAY: 3 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE!

MAKEOVER MONDAY: Taking Mondays from Drab to Fab

Give Your Beauty a Boost!

We all have our favorite ways of “keepin’ it pretty” but sometimes what “works” isn’t always what “WERKS”! To keep your beauty routine from becoming a beauty rut here are 3 ways to perk up your pretty.

 

1.  Give ‘Em Some Lip!

It’s one thing to have a signature shade of lipstick; it’s another to be a slave to it. Everyone has multiple shades that flatter them, so have fun finding yours and switch it up (and please let the black lip liner and brown & maroon lipsticks go). 

   2.  Put POP in your Pedicure! 

A great pedicure puts a pretty pep in your step, but don’t trip up by wearing the same old drab colors. The burgundy, fuchsia and fancy French Pedi were fine the first few hundred times, but now it’s time to “step” out on faith with brighter shades (they don’t have to be neon…you may pace yourself ;-)). Color enlivens the complexion and is particularly important on feet that aren’t …the”prettiest”.

 

   3.  Wear Eyeliner!

If you want to look more finished-in-a-flash, eyeliner is the way to go! This small step packs a big punch! It instantly makes your baby blues (or browns etc.) look beautiful and lashes appear thicker too. Soft black is universally lovely and royal blue makes the whites of your eyes pop (use navy if you’re conservative).

RED LIPS: Make a Statement Without Saying a Word! Milani Color Statement Lipstick, Lipliner & Brilliant Shine Lipgloss

Nothing makes a face look well-dressed like a red lip! So the perfect red lip colors are essential to your makeup wardrobe. 

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in "Best Red" and Color Statement Lip liner in "True Red" are gorgeous, long-wearing options that will break hearts without breaking the bank! 

But don't stop there! Just like a perfect pair of patent pumps complete a well tailored pencil skirt, Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss is the perfect way to polish your red lip.

"Keep it Pretty"
Crystal

Check out other gorgeous Milani Cosmetics at: www.MilaniCosmetics.com 

P.S. I am pleasantly surprised by the lovely pigmentation and lasting texture of this Milani Brilliant Shine Lipgloss!