Fresh Skin and Natural Brows: The Less is More Aesthetic

Hello Beautiful Ones! Spring is upon us and I wanted to take a moment to push some beauty trends in makeup that are often overlooked and discounted in the quest to create the perfect "flawless" face. I was recently on vacation in my home state of California and was able to enjoy the awesomeness of California sunshine every day! When I'm in work and business mode, I usually wear makeup every day, not because I don't like myself without it, but because I love creating new looks on a daily basis and sharing my love for the art of makeup with the world. However, when I'm on vacation I tend to not wear anything on my face except moisturizer, mascara, and lip gloss. I really enjoyed this break from makeup as much as I enjoy wearing it!

The idea of less being more is definitely a theme this spring in makeup. If you check out the makeup looks in high fashion magazines, beauty work, and on the runways of some of the world's fashion capitals you will discover that the looks of the season are fresh, dewy skin and natural eyebrows. A nicely shaped, well-groomed eyebrow is essential to framing the face and pulling your whole look together, however lately I've been embracing a more natural brow aesthetic that finds the beauty in imperfection. Some days I may sculpt my brows to an extent, and on others I may just groom them with an eyebrow brush and go. I've found that both looks are just as complementary. A naturally groomed brow that is not overly highlighted and contoured is great for a natural beauty look that features glowing skin. Don't be afraid to go with a more natural looking brow as an alternative. There is a time and place for crisp lines but your natural brow shape without additional concealing and "carving" can be just as beautiful.

Glowing skin is, of course, always in style and with the many different makeup formulas on the market this is definitely achievable. Of course, the first base is your skin care routine, which should always involve cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing. Also, remember that you are what you eat and drink! If you want clear, beautiful skin be sure to drink lots of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis and minimize the junk food and processed stuff. You may also want to invest in regular facials to rectify any skin challenges you may have. Foundation always looks better on skin that is healthy, and also allows you to use less product to achieve a flawless look.

For the spring and summer you want a makeup routine that lets you achieve a fresh look that doesn't look flat and matte, but allows your natural skin texture to show through. I recommend the MAC Mineralize Foundation line coupled with mineralized concealer and a highlighter like MAC strobe cream on the temples and high planes of the face. Another great "less is more" foundation is Urban Decay Naked foundation, which comes in a wide array of shades. Cream blushes rather than powder ones are also great for a natural flush of color on the cheeks that doesn't look flat but builds on the natural skin texture and can be worked into the skin for a natural glow.

Makeup's possibilities are endless so play around with products and see what works for you! Remember, less can definitely be more. Don't be afraid to pare down your makeup routine and let your natural beauty shine through!

Winter Skin Care, Spring 2014 Makeup Trends, and My Top 3 Foundation Recommendations

Hello Beauty Buffs! With cold winter temps in full effect, it is no surprise that your skin can suffer from dryness, itchiness, and general discomfort. Not only is it important to treat the skin all over your body with tender loving care, but to give your facial skin the same attention. Since your skin's needs change with the seasons, it's important to know your skin type, how the weather and elements affect it, and take the necessary steps to ensure a flawless complexion in the winter time.

I've probably gone over this before, but it never hurts to review the essential steps to skin care which are cleanse, exfoliate, tone, and moisturize. My skin definitely gets drier in the winter time so I switch to a creamier cleanser rather than a gel formula. I use the Clarisonic to cleanse my face with a deep pore cleansing brush attachment for maximum exfoliation. After that I tone with a softening lotion and then follow up with an extremely hydrating moisturizer. Here are some tips for winter facial skin care:

• if you have really dry skin, find a cleanser that is creamier instead of a gel, which typically is great for oily skin in the summer time. Creamy cleansers that I recommend are Origins Checks and Balances cleanser or MAC Lightful cleanser.
• Moisture is the key! Find a moisturizer that is more emollient than your summer moisture products. Be sure to use it at night and after cleansing in the morning. And also make sure to use a deeply hydrating eye cream to moisturize your delicate eye skin. MAC Comfort Creme is a great choice. 
• Still use a sunscreen in the winter time. Even though the sun is not shining as much, harmful rays from the sun can still damage your skin. Find a moisturizer with an spf to use either as your main moisturizer, or after applying your first layer of hydration after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning.
• Be sure to keep your lips moisturized and protected from harsh winds and cold, drying temperatures with a hydrating lip balm before stepping out. 

Spring 2014 Makeup Trends

Spring is a few months away but it's definitely not too soon to start preparing your spring makeup "wardrobe" and think about how you want to dress your face in the days ahead. I don't know about you but thinking about spring and the amazing beauty looks I can create gives me something to look forward to as we transition out of winter. I'm definitely excited about two trends that are generating buzz: graphic, geometric eyeliner and lips drenched in various shades of vibrant orange! 

Graphic, geometric eyeliner is a great way to uniquely accentuate your eyes and put a modern twist on the classic winged eyeliner look. Experiment with triangular and even rectangular shapes. Check out http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--geometric-makeup-graphic-lined-makeup-69075.html for examples of this exciting beauty trend!

Orange lips are also the rage for the upcoming spring season so don't be afraid to experiment with color. Focus on fresh, clean skin with a subtle sun-kissed glow and a vibrant orange lip that can't go unnoticed. Some of my favorite orange lipsticks include MAC Neon Orange, Lady Danger, and Dangerous, and Melt Cosmetics Lipstick in Bang! Bang! Wear matte or layer on a clear gloss for an extra pop of shine.

My Top 3 Foundation Picks

As a makeup connoisseur, I am always experimenting with products and trying new ones. My foundations are always changing and I have several in rotation that I wanted to touch on. I am currently obsessed with three foundations that give my skin an absolutely flawless finish: MAC Studio Fix Fluid, MAC Face and Body Foundation, and MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation. I sometimes like to mix foundations and I have found that Studio Fix Fluid and Face and Body Foundation, when mixed create an absolutely flawless finish that stays put all day. I typically use more of the Fix Fluid than the Face and Body when I mix the two, but the staying power is amazing with these two foundations. MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation also delivers a beautiful, dewy finish that imparts a subtle glow and just melts into your skin, adding much needed moisture during the cold winter months. I don't think I would wear it in the summertime, but it is a definite must for the winter and fall. I highly recommend all three of these foundations so be sure to check them out when you have the chance! As always, skincare is so important. When your skin is already healthy, clear, and smooth, your foundation will look so much better and you won't have to use much product, which will translate to he product lasting longer. 

Stay tuned for more beauty tips, trends, and tutorials!