SubhaStar Make-up

I have just the cure...

Blush!

This is a tough time of year; holidays are over, sun shine is few and far between, and summer seems a lifetime ago. 

Now I don't recommend lathering up the self-tanner and bronzer, you aren't going to fool anybody.   And you really do have to watch out for those tanning beds, the environment is aging our skin fast enough with out additional help. 

So what are you to do? 

Go out and get yourself a new shade of blush!  or heck just some blush.  If you are from my era, you grew up post 80s Dallas and Dynasty big hair, and big make-up.  You may have a bit of a phobia about blush, because honestly it can be a scary thing, when applied overzealously.  Following that period we had the paired down grunge look that was the 90s, earth tones were in, blush, along with electric blue mascara, was out.

I am here to take you into the new millenium where we can have fun with color, yet know better than to paint ourselves up as cartoons. 

Now back to the winter blues, blahs, blech etc. 

Without the sun shining we are reduced to ashy ghosts when we venture outside, and office lighting isn't anymore flattering, so I have a tip that will make you look and feel better.

Go out and pick up a blush and not just a shade that is your skin tone with a touch of pink.  Live a little and get a pinky hot pink, fushisa, peach, and/or orange.  Now here is something you probably don't take into consideration when you are purchasing or rather not purchasing those wild bright colors:  You aren't applying to a white canvas... rather your skin is the back drop, so that blush's color is going to drop quite a few decibals.  And trust me it is going to wake up your face.  It is amazing how creamy and clear the rest of your complection is going to be, not to mention how your eyes are going to pop once you add another color into the mix. 

Oh and treat yourselve right and get the fluffiest, most luxurious blush brush out there - note I didn't say the biggest, you want the 2nd largest size so that you have control over where it's going on your face.

Greetings and Happy 2008!

This article will be in response to one of the comments I received on my Holiday Make-up Look article regarding simplifying eye make-up application to save time in the morning.

To keep it simple stick to one eyeshadow color and a mascara.  The application technique I recommend is to do a wash on your eye.  That is where you take one eyeshadow color and apply it evenly and smoothly from the base of your eyelashes up to the crease of your lid.  This is truly a simple technique that produces beautiful results.  

It is best to stick to neutral tones when doing a wash for everyday.  When you do it for a night out or special occasion you can spice it up by using brighter and deeper colors. 

It is also important that you use a make-up brush similar to shape as MAC's #213 Fluff Brush and/or #239 Eye Shading Brush: http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/mp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY15083

You can find similar brush shapes and sizes from different brands at drugstores, Ulta, and Sephora.  But with this brush you will have better control then with the sponge tip applicator that comes with your eyeshadow compact. 

Once you have applied your eyeshadow then curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler.  Now if you haven't ever had your eyelashes curled before don't be intimidated it is pretty simple to do and will really help to open up your eye.  It is good to hold down on the curler at the base of your lashes- don't grip the skin!  hold down for about 5-10 seconds and then quickly apply a few swipes of mascara, that will help your lashes stay curled all day. 
And that's it! 

To recap
#1 apply a wash of eyeshadow
#2 curl eyelashes
#3 apply mascara

This clean and simple look will carry you through the day and at the most will take 5 minutes to accomplish.   Once evening rolls around and you have a hot date just add a little eyeliner and a highlightening shimmer shadow to to the inner corner of your eyelid and you are good to go!