Summerize Your Makeup

This summer is all about a "pop" of color.  Whether it"s your lips, eyes, cheeks or even your hair, you can pay tribute to the season by adding a bright splash of color to your makeup wardrobe!


THE EYES HAVE IT
They may be the windows to the soul, but sometimes our eyes need a little help getting noticed.  Sweep a neutral color all over your lid  and then outline your eyes with a bright blue, green, or purple. Sephora's Jumbo Liner 12Hr Wear Waterproof ($12) can be smudged as an all-over eye color or used just for outlining. Waterproof, heat-proof and humidity resistant they are the perfect  addition to your summer color collection.


                                                      POWERFUL POUT

When it comes to summer lip color, lip stain is the name of the game! The newest formulas will last all day long and not make your lips feel like a dried prune. Corals look good on virtually all skin tones and are always a safe choice for summer. If your're feeling a bit more adventurous, pinks and fushias look great on olive and tanned or brown skin tones, while orange and orangy-browns work well on those who are more fair.  Red is always on and poppin' on any complexion.. One to try, Lancome Rouge In Love 6hour Long Wear Lipstick($25) in 381M Violette Coquette



GREAT SUMMER SKIN IS ALWAYS IN
That healthy glow of summer always starts with great skin. Exfoliate your skin on a regular basis to help ensure an even tan and to enhance the appearance of your summer makeup look. Two of my favorite things:
Exscrub Me? Beautisol Citrus Face Exfoliant($16).  This gentle yet effective exfoliant and cleanser is also paraben-free and will leave your skin feeling clean, fresh and moisturized.  

Clarisonic Mia Sonic skin Cleansing System($119) Cleans your skin 6 times better than just using your hands alone in only 60 seconds.  This one-speed wonder gently removes makeup, dirt and impurities that can get trapped deep inside the pores. Its gentle massaging action will leave your skin feeling softer and  smoother and looking fabulous! And it comes in a fun assortment of colors to boot!

Until next time. Stay beautiful!

SPRING BEAUTY BREAK!

Hello Makeup Mavens!

Well, it's time once again time to put our spring faces on. And what better way to begin than with a clear, bright complexion? So before you rush off to your favorite cosmetic counter to try on the newest foundation formula or the latest lip color, here's a little refresher course in Beauty 101.

Exfoliate and Hydrate
You know by now that the two most important steps for good skin are to exfoliate and hydrate. I found a great product that will cleanse and exfoliate your skin all in one step. Olay Pore Minimizing Cleanser + Scrub ($6.99) gently exfoliates and deep cleanses your face, all while smoothing out the look of large pores. Great for all skin types and you can use it day or night to jump-start your skincare routine.

Brighten Up
Want that youthful spring glow? Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate from Lancome (.68oz $60) boosts your skin's radiance, improves its clarity and tone, and makes it softer to the touch in just 7 days! (no joke, I've tried it). Just a couple of drops under your moisturizer and you'll get that youthful glow back in no time.

Hydrate
Bliss Triple Oxygen +C Energizing Cream ($54) This cream-gel formula brightens and revives dull, stressed skin instantly while it moisturizes. It evens out your skin tone and helps promote collagen but contains no parabens, sulfates, etc that can be harmful to your skin. What more could you ask for?


Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag
Out with the old and in with the new! Now's the time to get rid of old mascara, out-dated lip and eye colors and that teeny, tiny pencil that you have such a hard time finding in the bottom of of your bag. It's time to stock up on some new spring shades! Put away that deep plum blush and opt for a soft coral one instead. Ditch the deep brown lipstick and switch to a sheer pink gloss. Think Spring Break in Palm Beach. Your wardrobe changes with the seasons, why aren't you doing the same with your makeup?

Until next time!

-Karol

COMPLEXION PERFECTION!

Minimize pores, wrinkles and uneven skin texture with these tried and true makeup primers

Some people just seem to have picture-perfect skin. You know who she is... girlfriend's makeup looks perfect every time you see her! Or the latest "it girl" on the pages of your favorite fashion mag with the impeccable skin. But often times its not about the kind of makeup she's using, but what she puts on underneath it. Foundation primer can make even the largest pores look smaller, make your skin appear smoother, and help make your complexion look flawless. The products below have stood the test of time for my clients whether on the red carpet, on-camera, or out on the town.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Voted best makeup primer three years running by "In Style" Magazine, this primer has set the standard for all others. It not only fills in your pores and fine lines like nobody's business, but also helps your makeup look fresh and flawless for hours. And it works great on all ages and skin types. The original silicone based formula has given birth to seven additional formulations--from oil-free to color correcting -- even one that targets your fine lines and fills in pores the size of the Grand Canyon.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Clarins has created the perfect marriage of makeup and skincare with this product. The name says it all. This light-weight veil makes your skin perfectly smooth in an instant, filling in large pores and even acne scars. If you're concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, it works on those too. It won't cause pimples (although I find it works best if you have normal to dry skin) and is opthalmologist tested so you can even use it around your eyes. Mix it with your favorite foundation or wear it all alone for a beautiful looking complexion.

Cargo Blu Ray Activating Face Primer

For you ingredient-savvy gals, Cargo's primer is a triple threat. This one will refine and minimize your pores and is silicone-free, paraben-free and oil-free. Their Blu Ray line was designed for high-def film, so this primer makes your skin look natural yet flawless. It also promises to improve the overall condition of your skin with daily use. Not sure if that part is true,but its lightweight texture and superior performance has me hooked.

Laura Geller Welcome Matte Skin Enhancer

Put this one in the "must have" column if your skin is oily. This lightweight gel not only smooths out and "shrinks"your pores, but also controls shine for hours. Use it both under your makeup and to touch-up on top of it throughout the day for impeccably smooth skin. Goodbye oil slick, hello perfect complexion!

Last Looks

FYI, you can use all of these primers with or without foundation (liquid or powder) and over tinted moisturizer to minimize the appearance of large pores and enhance the look of your skin overall. Apply them on clean, hydrated skin using a brush or a sponge and beginning in the T-zone. And be sure to share your pore-knowledge with the fellas so they can give good face too!