Wisdom From The Glow.Com

Don't fret Ethel, help is on the way! She looks like an Ethel right? =)

I was introduce to the Daily Glow website about a week ago and I must say that I am in LOVE!!!!! I get an email from them about everyday and I can honestly say that not one topic hasn't had me HoOkEd. Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist to the stars) talks about how to wash your face (I'll be sharing soon), how to de-frizz your hair, how to get red carpet skin, how to "feed" your face, etc. It even has a quiz to see which beauty icon YOU are. I'm Sophia Loren, who are YOU???
(pssst take it here) 

It's just PACKED full of goodies. I think that I am going to share some pearls of wisdom for them once a week for your listening pleasure. I think that Mondays are PeRfEcT because we can start the week off with an awesome tip that will get us going and keep us confident! Are you excited??? I am!!!!!

Sweat Proof/ Water Proof

Don't Sweat It...please!!!

Let's be honest ladies, most of us don't want to leave home without the extra coverage, or safety, of a foundation. Something to even out your skin making it look effortlessly and beautifully smooth and silky. But in the beautiful yet rather warm summertime, because of the humidity and high temperatures, the foundation does not really last and it just feels heavy. I want to sweat just thinking about my skin gasping for air through a thick layer of makeup on my face when it's hot outside. I just received a text this morning from my friend Summer at Tres Chic Boutique wondering about waterproof/sweat proof makeup. She was going to be going to a youth camp out and wanted to be ready. Could I EVER relate. I had gone to a young women's camp as a counselor during that awful breakout just about a month ago. So fun but didn't want to go anywhere without makeup....which I hated because had I not had that reaction I would have gone the whole week makeup and carefree. Alas that wasn't on the menu so I had to switch up the routine a bit. Here are some of the things that I have learned through the years..I gotcha covered =) ( pun intended). Feel free to click on any of the links for suggestions on products described.

For Starters:

Wear a primer. Should I repeat? WEAR A PRIMER! Don't skip this cuz it makes a big difference!!! Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula and apply after your moisturizer and/or sunscreen and before the rest of your makeup. A pea-size amount should be enough (don't get crazy). This step is essential for your foundation and color to last all day.

Concealer:

Less is more when it comes to makeup in the summer but if you feel you need coverage, like I did and occasionally still do, be picky!!! Choose a sheer silicone-based formula for your concealer because it acts as a barrier from humidity. Avoid liquids as much as possible, choose a cream concealer and spot treat dark circles and blemishes using your ring finger to pat and blend the color onto skin. To avoid a shiny complexion make sure and look for oil-free products always, summer or not.

So Many Choices:

Makeup has come a looong way from one general formula for the entire face. Thanks to stains, tints, gels, balms, and creams designed for the lips, eyes, and cheeks you can achieve the look you want with the same color pay off and even better staying power. Not to mention a lovely sheen finish that will give your skin that coveted glow. These formulas work wonders in the summer and are great alternatives to powder because they won’t mix with sweat, smear, or run. Avoid kohl liners that will smear, powder blush that will fade, and chalky powders that will cake when you sweat. But if you tend to be oily and need the security of a powder, choose a talc-free

translucent formula and apply lightly with a large fluffy brush to the t-zone. The talc-free, color-free formula stops shine and sets makeup with out appearing dry or changing colors.

Water-proof=Melt-proof:

Don’t underestimate the power of water-proof mascara and eyeliner. It’s great for daily use when you need to go from work to dinner to a night out and there’s no exception when it comes to swimming, sweating, or working out. Choose a water-proof mascara with a creamy, smudge-resistant formula that won’t flake off or make lashes brittle. As for eyeliner go with a smooth, smudge-proof gel formula that glides on easily, sets quickly and lasts all day. These two products, which come in tons of different colors, are enough to play up the eyes so it can cut your makeup time in half by not having to do shadows.

Don’t leave home without it:

*Sunscreen. It’s so important to start the day off with sunscreen for several reasons. Sunscreen (choose a broad spectrum one that protects against both UVB and UVA rays) is the best way to prevent skin from aging, wrinkles and sunspots caused by UVA rays, how could we pass on that?? Along with ranging in SPF (15-70) there are formulas that include antioxidants that work double-time by protecting from free radicals and UV damage, while others come in a wipe form that make it quick and easy to freshen up as it protects. Luckily most are designed with different skin types in mind (from acne-prone, sensitive, to normal, and oily) so there’s no excuse, girls! In the past it was hard to reach for the sunscreen because of its tell-tale smell and the way it felt on the skin but now most formulas on the market are so lightweight and fresh smelling that you won’t even know it’s there.

*Oil-absorbing sheets. These thin little papers absorb surface oil without smudging makeup, rendering the mid-day compact touch up useless and avoiding all that product build-up, yuck.

*Tinted lip balm with SPF. Choose your favorite color in a wax formula to avoid it melting on your lips. I love the ones from MAC.

Here are some ideas for products:

FACE

Product: Era Face Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics ($55)

• Water-resistant, sweat-proof, oil-free aerosol foundation
  
• Mists a wash of color onto the skin for a "airbrush" finish with no blending required
  
• Many surgeons recommend this product for people that might have newly healing skin, gives everyone the opportunity to remain covered up
  
• Can help freckles, moles,birthmarks,scars,tattoos,varicose veins,stretch marks, skin discoloration to remain under cover
  
• Comes in 10 shades for all skin types
  
• Included is cosmetic puff and headwrap
  
• Found in Fred Segal, Bendels, on Amazon, specialty stores & exclusive department stores

Product: Clinique Almost Makeup ($17.50)

• Waterproof, sweatproof, streak-proof - its not going anywhere
  
• Good for ANY activity including swimming
  
• Ultra-sheer
  
• Won't clog pores
  
• Comes in 4 shades
  
• SPF 15 as an added incentive!

Product: Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Under eye Concealer ($21)

• Blends in completely and is crease resistant
  
• Has soothing chamomile extract and honey to hydrate and condition your eye area which is a very delicate area especially in older skin
  
• Crease resistant. As we get older and eyes get heavier and more wrinkles appear, this product is great at adding a softer look to the fine lines that might start to see.

EYES

Product: L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara ($8)

• Thickens your eyelashes up to four times their normal size
  
• ONLY $8!

Product: Cynthia Rowley Natural Long Mascara water resistant ($16)

• Comes in a spectrum of brighter and not your typical colors like bright blue and burgundy.

Product: Clarins Fix Mascara ($16.50)

• For people that are so attached to their regular mascara that they don’t want to make the switch -this product waterproofs your mascara!
  
• Waterproof sealant for use over your favorite non water proof mascara
  
• It is a transparent microseal that is long-lasting and resistant to water, heat, and oily substances

EYEBROWS

Product: Clinique Brow Keeper ($14.50)

• Brow-grooming tool
  
• Water resistant, smudge resistant, and long-wearing
  
• Deposits a sheer, subtle layer of color that can be built on coats to make it darker or more intense looking
  
• The tapered brush on the other end of the pencil allows for easy definition, blending, and control

Eyeliner

Product: Christian Dior Aquadior Waterproof Eyeliner ($21)Product: MAC Fluidline ($15)

I really prefer the fluid line by MAC. It comes in so many different colors and won't smudge or run. It can be put on with a super tiny angled brush.

Eye shadow

Product: Trish McEvoy Waterstix ($20)

• Applying eye color in seconds
  
• Portable easy to use swivel stick designed for women on the go
  
• To apply just draw across eyelids and blend it in
  
• 6 colors

Product: Finish Line or Benefit Shelaq ($15)

• Water-proofing elixir that converts your non water proof eye color and makes it waterproof
  
• Pour one or two drops into bottle cap, dampen eye liner brush in liquid, then fill brush with color stroking along outer edge of pressed eye shadow

LIPS

Product: Max Factor Lipfinity ($12.75)

• 2 step process: "paint for lips" that last eight hours which goes on first. Then there is the "moisturizing top coat" that keeps lips feeling moist, smooth, and keeps lips looking shiny
  
• Has PermaTone, which is a semi-permanent color
  
• The paint is waterproof and to restore the glossy look you can apply the top coat through out the day
  
• 25 flattering shades

Product: Clarins "Sun-Kissed" Colour Gloss

• Long lasting and water resistant, very glossy
  
• A comfortable texture that will not run
  
• Perfect for the summer and being outdoors

BLUSH

Product: Nars Color Wash ($24)

• This will not come off without soap and water
  
• Makes it look like the color is really coming from within
  
• Gives you a very natural glow
  
• Since it is so sheer it is good for all skin tones
  
• Paint it on with the brush in the cap and blend it in with fingers and then wash your finger b.c it will dye!
  
• It will not come off of your face once it dries on your face

Product: Loreal Sheer Gel Blush

• Long wearing and water repellant
  
• Convenient, fits into pocket
  
• Casual and subtle look
  
• Available in 5 shades

Product: Stila Sport Color Push-Ups ($20)

• Activity proof
  
• Simple as a glide of a stick
  
• Gel based and oil free
  
• They are hydrating, they are great for dry or flaky skin
  
• 3 colors
  
• Portable and small

Product: Stila Color Courier ($20)

• Activity proof, water repellant, great for working out!
  
• Simple to use: Just pencil it on your face and blend it with fingers or sponge

MAKEUP REMOVERS

Product: Nivea visage eye make-up remover ($5.19)

• A greaseless formula
  
• Formulated for your eyes but can also work on lips and face
  
• Don't even have to rinse - wipes off with tissue
  
• Feels really clean after use

Product: Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover ($15)I am SUCH a fan of this makeup remover. It takes everything off so completely and it leaves a non-greasy fresh clean feel on your eyes. To make the product last longer I use Q-Tips as opposed to cotton balls or pads. To order from a GREAT girl click here. Lindsay and I have been friends forever and she goes WAY out of her way to make sure you get what you want. Tell her I sent you and she'll take even bEtTeR care of you!!!

How Do I find My Color Of Foundation?

Kat asked a great question in regard to finding your perfect shade and I want to help all I can so

HERE is a link to helping with MAC shades. It's really thorough and informative. Also, here are some basics for any foundation brought to you from Epinions.com (my comments/add ons are in red):

Consider Your Skin Type:

The first thing you need to consider when selecting a foundation is your skin type and the needs you have, like sensitive skin & allergies. Do you have oily, dry, combination or normal skin?
~Oily Skin – Make sure you select a foundation that is oil-free and controls oil and shine. Foundations with a matte or powder finish are very popular with people that have oily skin.
~Dry Skin – If you have dry skin, you need a foundation that has moisturizers in it. Dry skinned people have better results with a creamy foundation rather than a matte or powder finish makeup. These types of makeup can appear caked on dry skin.
~Combination Skin – If you have combination skin (like dry skin with oily T-zone) than you need a makeup that has moisturizers in it, but it’s oil-free and controls shine in your oily spots. There are many makeup choices for combination skin.
~Sensitive Skin – People with sensitive skin need to select a makeup especially for sensitive skin. Probably something that is oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy tested for skin irritancy. Check makeup labels to be sure about these things before you purchase a foundation.

Consider Your Skin Color / Tone:

Selecting the perfect color foundation is SUCH an important part of buying makeup. If your foundation does not match the color of your face, hi, you won't look that great =). You need to be sure it's not too dark or light. I used to think it was impossible to find a makeup that was the “perfect” color, but I now know that there is a color match for every skin tone and color.

Normally all brands of makeup are grouped into something like “Ivory”, “Beige or Tan” and the “Natural or Neutral” colors. So you need to figure out what your skin coloring is. Ivory would be fair skinned, Beige or Tan would be darker skin or suntanned skin and Natural or Neutral would be darker than fair or pale skin, but not dark skin.

If you have ever looked at all the color selections available in foundations, you’ll notice that there are always several to choose from. Usually there will be several colors in the “Ivory” group and several colors in the “Beige” group. The reason there are so many to choose from in the same group is because everyone has different skin tones. You and your best friend may both have Ivory colored skin, but you may have different skin tones. Think about a medium colored Caucasian person (maybe part Indian), a light skinned African American person and an Asian or Oriental person…they all have about the same color skin, but obviously the skin tones are very different.

What are skin tones? Well, if you look carefully at the different colors in the “Ivory” or “Beige” groups, you will notice that some are very neutral or natural colored while others have a pink, yellow or peach tint to them. This is to coincide with different skin tones. My natural skin tone is a bit on the pink side, so I need a foundation with yellow or neutral tones in it to even out my skin tone. I would never purchase a foundation with a pink tone or else I’d look like a bottle of Pepto Bismol! LOL Make sense? So you need to be sure about what the color of your skin is and what skin tone you favor before selecting a foundation.

When trying to decide on a specific foundation color, once you have determined the above criteria for your needs, you should then test the foundation on your skin to make sure that it is a match. I have seen so many people test makeup on their hands, but your hands are not always the color of your face. The best place to test a makeup is on your neck. The neck is where your makeup will meet your natural skin color, and it has to be the perfect color in order for it to blend smoothly and evenly, not leaving a noticeable line. So test the makeup on your neck or bottom of your face and blend it in well. The way you can tell if the color is just right is if it blends into your skin so well that you cannot even tell where you applied it. If this is the case, then you have found the perfect color for you.

Consider Your Climate and Environment:

The above criteria are definitely the most important in selecting a foundation, but you should also think about where you live and your climate, your everyday environment and your lifestyle. If you work in an office environment, you can use just about any type of makeup, but if you work outdoors or in very hot and humid conditions, you may need to be careful about your foundation selection. Some foundations do not hold up well in high humidity climates or very hot weather. Also take into consideration if you sweat and perspire a lot while wearing your makeup. There are special makeup formulas for this type lifestyle.

If you are outdoors a lot while wearing your makeup, you need to consider a foundation with SPF in it. Also think about whether or not you may need a foundation that is waterproof and/or sweat-proof. If you sweat or get wet, you don’t want your makeup to run off your face and leave it unprotected from the sun, or look like an idiot with half your face done...I'm just sayin =).

If you live in a very cold environment, and your skin tends to dry out in cold weather, you should make sure you select a makeup with moisturizers in it. If you have oily skin and the cold weather still dries you out somewhat, you can select a foundation that's oil-free but still has other moisturizers in it.

Consider the Look You Want to Have While Wearing Makeup:

There are so many different finishes in foundations today, so you need to decide what works best for you and your needs before selecting a foundation. This criterion may also be determined by your skin type needs mentioned above.
~Sheer or Natural Finish – This is the foundation for those natural beauties and people that do not need much coverage due to smooth, clear, even skin. Just for your information, I despise these people ;-) (just kidding) If you are not a “makeup person” but you want a foundation that is light and sheer, you should go with this type of finish. These foundations are usually in liquid form and are almost the consistency of pure water.
~Medium Coverage – These foundations are thicker in consistency and provide some coverage for people with blemishes, discolorations or just uneven skin tones. They go on thicker and can be purchased in liquid form or compact form (like creams, sticks or cream to powder).
~Matte Finish – These foundations are typically for those with oily skin. A matte finish is great for helping to control oily shine and breakthrough shine later. Matte finish makeup is also available in several forms (liquid, creams, cream to powder etc.) Matte finish makeup usually has a good bit of coverage to offer.
~Powder Finish – These foundations go on creamy and dry with a powder finish. These are wonderful for those with oily skin or combination skin because they tend to be thicker and the powder helps with shine. This type of foundation can be used by anyone, however, if you have dry skin, you will definitely have to apply a good moisturizer first.

Getting the Most Out of Your Foundation:

Selecting the best foundation for your skin care needs and wants is important, but if you have the best makeup in the world it won’t matter if you don’t prepare your face first. You should always use a good cleanser, toner and moisturizer before applying your foundation. Check out the skin care post link for more info on this topic!!!! It's pretty thorough.

Compliment Your Foundation:

Consider using concealer and/or powder along with your foundation for a completed look. Concealers can be purchased in different tones and forms (sticks, pencils or creams) and they are very easy to apply. I personally LOVE the camo palette from MakeUp Forever!!!! Concealers are great for blemishes or discolorations that are not totally hidden by foundation alone. I will be posting my new daily face routine soon!!! Powders are great for setting your foundation. The two work together to give you the ultimate coverage and duration. Powders also come in coinciding color tones and you can get them in loose or pressed form. If you are using a cream to powder foundation, you may not need to apply a separate powder unless you have very oily skin.

Hope that helps Ladies. Now, go get your founDATION on!!!!! =)

Skin Care Skin Care Skin Care!!!!!

I will be the FIRST to tell you that I am TeRrIbLe when it comes to advise on skin care. I am learning as I go but there is SO much I don't know. There IS, however, a guy on YouTube that is GREAT and has some amazing tips for ya'll!!! Click HERE and soak it all in!!! I learned a TON!!!

Getting Perfect Skin

So, no I do NOT have perfect skin but this is how I go from AAAAAAAHHHH to, okay, not too bad.