Mastering Subtle Summer Makeup

Summer is the perfect time to master subtle makeup!  It looks effortless yet polished and is perfect for almost any daytime or outdoor event.  Whether pool party, bbq, or strolling through a street fest, you won't sweat your face off, but you'll still look perfect in all those Instagram snaps.

Here are ways to master the subtle makeup look:

• Pick the Right Base: Nothing says "I have on a LOT of makeup" like melting foundation and caked in lines.  Go with as light of weight foundation you prefer.  Many ladies love swapping out full foundation for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  If you're blessed with perfect complexion you can probably get away with concealer only.
• Buff in your Cheek Color: Cream blush is the best choice when it gets warm as it will last longer and not cake up if you sweat.  Try one with a hint of shimmer for a purposeful glisten, I like E.L.F.'s Shimmering Facial Whip in pink and applied with a stippling brush.  No matter what your blush, make sure to buff in your color using small, circular motions and a buffing brush so the edges fade seamlessly into the rest of your makeup.
• Less is More Eyes:  For wide open eyes, just a touch of shadow is all you need.  Sweep on a beige-y nude from lash line to brow then gently shade in your crease with a light taupe or brown.  If you want to line your eyes, do so with a wet eye liner brush and stamp on a brown (or playful purple) color as close to lashes as possible.  Mascara and filled in brows is still a must for definition, just use a waterproof kind if you'll be by water or are prone to sweating.
• Pick Lip Balm for Lip Color:  Lipstick can be too heavy and melt-y while gloss can get sticky when it gets warm, so opt for a tinted lip balm.  They go on easily and add just the perfect pop of color, plus most contain spf - a summer must (lips can get burned too).  I'm loving a bright, punchy pink right now.

Want to see the products above?  Click here.

My Favorite Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

If you haven't heard, I'm pledging to go cruelty-free with my makeup!  There are so many fabulous beauty brands out there that make high quality, ethical products and they need your support.  As Yes to Carrots says, "beauty shouldn't hurt any living thing."  Since I don't want to support companies that hurt animals, I'm going cruelty-free!

Will you go cruelty free too?  Start small, there's no need to throw out your current stash, but when you go shopping for replacements or new products, look for a cruelty free label or symbol on the product.  Need a place to start?  Here are some products I've tried and liked!  See the full list and links here.

Do you have a favorite cruelty free product?  Leave a comment and let us know or share on our facebook page!

I'm Trying It: Going Cruelty Free with Makeup

Ever since I adopted my adorable puppy, Ella, I've been thinking more and more about the kinds of products I've been using...mainly, are they tested on animals?  I couldn't imagine my sweet little puppy being subjected to the horrors of painful tests just so I could put color on my face.  Then when the European Union banned the whole of cosmetic animal testing (read more here), I thought why not me?  Hopefully the US follows suit, but until then I'm trying it: going cruelty free with my makeup!

Going cruelty free is easier than you think.  While you will have to swear off big box brands that are available everywhere and take out glossy full page ads in your beauty magazines...there are a lot of brands out there that ARE cruelty free!  Good news for your wallet, they're not all expensive.  Using PETA's Beauty without Bunnies site, I rounded up as many brands as I had heard off.  To be on this list, companies have to take the pledge to not test on animals and not purchase ingredients tested on animals.  Unfortunately, some brands don't test on animals themselves, but buy ingredients that have been.  PETA's list is updated frequently, so check back often and encourage brands to take the pledge.

Makeup Companies that DON'T Test on Animals
Arbonne International
Bare Escentuals
Bath & Body Works (select brands)
Burt's Bees
CO Bigelow
Carmex
E.L.F.
Hard Candy
Jane
Kiss My Face
LUSH
Mehron
NYX Los Angeles Inc
Physicians Formula
Pur Minerals
Smashbox
Tarte Cosmetics
The Body Shop
Too Faced Cosmetics
Urban Decay
Victoria's Secret (select brands)
Whole Foods 365
Yes to Carrots

Do you support any of these brands already?  Check back on Friday for a few of my favorite cruelty free products!

~Kirsten

My Love/Hate Relationship with Primer

By now you've probably heard how fabulous primers are for your skin and your makeup routine.  Why use one?  Glamour Magazine lists six reasons:

• Smooths the skin's surface and evens out the skin tone
• Helps to better disguise blemishes and lets you blend your concealer/makeup in more evenly
• Makes your foundation stick around for longer
• Fills in fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces shine
• And finally, like I said before, it doesn't clog pores!

I've tried a handful of primer products, some I love and some that were relegated to the bottom of my stage makeup kaboodle.  I don't use one everyday, I find I have to remember to use it, and the good ones are expensive, BUT it is great for days when you have to go from 8am to 11pm and need your base to look fabulous.  Selection isn't limited though, there's everything from generic face primers to primers for eyes and lips and color correction, you name it.  Primers have become increasingly popular and more readily available, most drug store makeup lines (as well as prestige brands) have one now.  If you're looking to try a primer, here are four facial primers and one lip primer I tried and my thoughts:

1. e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer: I tried this one in the clear color, but it also comes in green, purple, and beige.  I wasn't a big fan of this one, it was a bit overly greasy and made my cream foundation more difficult to apply, but the $6 price tag was what lured me.  I normally love the e.l.f. products (they're cheap and cruelty free!), but this one I wouldn't buy again.
2. L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur: It's not quite a primer, but it works really well for smoothing skin.  It makes your foundation go on super smooth and now comes in a small .05 ounce trial size for under $10, full size $24.99.  Read more of my thoughts on this product on my "I Tried It" post here.
3. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance: I tried this great primer after winning a Pinterest Contest and loved it!  The pearlescent tint gives it a flattering look on the skin, and the super silky formula goes on smoothly and has a matte finish.  Of all the primers I've tried, this is my favorite. It made my foundation and blush look great all day.  A full size tube is $32.
4. Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer - Adjust:  I picked up a trial size of this great primer in an attempt to correct some of the redness on my cheeks.  The green color helps cut redness a tiny bit, but it doesn't take the place of concealer as I had hoped it would.  It goes on smooth and lasts all day, but is a tad more greasy feeling than the Laura Mercier one.  $38 for a full size bottle, or $15 for a trial/travel size.

And finally, a lip primer.  I tried Mary Kay's TimeWise Age-Fighting Lip Primer, which worked wonders when paired with a lip scrub for making lipstick stay on a little longer.  It's super smooth and slick to put on and you barely notice it's there.  Just let it sit for about 30-60 seconds before slathering color on top.

Have you tried any primers?  Did you love them or hate them?  Leave a comment and let us know!

3 Brushes with Multi-Tasking Power

Buffing is a makeup must - after applying product, buffing it into the skin (with small back and forth or circular motions) helps skin look radiant and keep product looking natural and well blended.  Instead of using a separate brush, save time and use a brush that applies product and buffs at the same time.  Here are three of my favorites that I use everyday:

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: Perfect for applying foundations and blending effortlessly.  It works fabulously with a cream foundation and is great for sweeping flakes out from under your eyes.   Bonus: it's flat base lets you stand it on the counter between uses.
2. EcoTools Buffing Brush: The dense, flat head is thicker than a Kabuki Brush but easier to use than a powder brush.  I love mine for applying powder and circling over the apples of the cheeks after blush for extra blending.
3. Real Techniques Stippling Brush: This brush changed my life in regards to apply blush!  It works great for cream foundation and cream powders when stippled on (small tiny dabs) and then buffed into place with small circular motions.  It's bristles are duo fiber, which means it can be used with powders, creams, or liquids.

Try one - it may just shave time off your morning makeup routine.

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Full Disclosure: I also work for a company who has both these brands as a client, but I purchased these brushes all on my own!

Makeup & Beauty Rules it's Okay to Break

Photo Credit

I'm a pretty straight forward, rule following girl...but when it comes to makeup, there are a few rules I break on a fairly consistent basis.  While some rules are good: save the black smokey eye for evenings and weekends.  Some are okay to break: like the following four makeup rules that I tend to break:

1. Never Wear Full Foundation: Since the advent of the BB, CC, and now (yes!) DD creams, full foundations have been getting a bad rep.  Especially this time of year, magazines and beauty blogs tell us to ditch the full foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.  Well guess what, I don't!  I proudly rock my full foundation year round.  As long as you apply it with a great brush (See my current fave here) and blend, blend, blend, you can wear it all year round!
2. Always Use Primer: Unless I have a really long day, I usually skip the primer.  I still haven't found the perfect one and while it is great for creating a base for makeup to stick to and helps makeup last longer, it's not a necessity for me.  I will use it on days I want my makeup to last longer or look a touch better, but there's no need to prime for day to day makeup if you don't want to.
3. Apply Concealer Last: Convention and makeup gurus all say to save concealer for the very end so you don't over use, but confession time.  I apply some of my concealer first!  To cover up redness that just won't go away or if you have a pimple, it's okay to use a thin concealer under your foundation.  It saves me some foundation!  I do save the thick, creamy under eye concealer for last as it helps cover up any tiny smudges left from fall dark eye shadow.
4. Always Put On Blush Last:  Blush should always be a graceful transition from your eyes to your lips, but on days when I'm feeling my skin looks a bit sallow I'll apply my blush first.  Or or if I'm not sure what kind of eye makeup I'm in the mood for, sometimes applying blush before eyes can help inform your decision.

What beauty rules to you break?

Lipstick Tricks to Try

Photo from Tumblr

Take it from someone who hasn't always taken care of her lips...to make your lipstick look extra gorgeous, you have to take care of your lips and apply a few tricks.  Here are some lip tricks that have worked for me:

• Exfoliate: Use a gentle lip scrub to keep lips smooth and flake free.  You can also use a soft tooth brush or wash cloth, but a scrub works wonders, especially in the winter and when you'll be wearing a really bold, matte color.  A favorite of mine? Mary Kay's, pop it on, let it set, and then wipe it off.  
• Pick a Pretty Color: If you're going nude, make sure the tone matches your lip color, if you go lighter it could look "off."  For colors, berries are always a safe bet too.  When in doubt, try it one.  Just make sure to use a q-tip at a makeup counter than sterilizes their samples or shop from someplace like Ulta, that will let you bring back opened products you don't like.
• Create a Custom Color: This is a trick pro makeup artists use all the time.  Use more than one lip color!  Blend one, two, or even three colors together to create the perfect lip color for you.  
• Skip Summer Gloss: Shiny gloss can look great, but in the summer it's more hassle than it's worth.  Glosses can also magnify UV light, eek!  So avoid a sticky, hot mess by opting for a balm instead.  Bonus: matte lips are in this season.
• Use a Brush: If you want your lipstick to look extra thick and more detailed and crisp, apply it with a lip brush and use a liner.  Pick a matching color or try one of those new fancy clear liners. Another lip brush tip?  It's a handy gadget to have for getting that last bit of color out of a worn down tube of lipstick.  I like this new one by EcoTools since it comes with a cover for purse popping potential.  

What's your favorite lip color?

Flower Inspired Makeup and Beauty Buys

Happy May 1st!  Since April showers bring May flowers, I thought it only appropriate to oogle pretty, spring floral inspired makeup finds on the first day of May!

From left to right:
MAC 'Pearmatte - Baking Beauties' Face Powder
EcoTools Fresh & Flawless 5 Piece Brush Set
Viktor and Rolf Flower Bomb Perfume (My go to scent!)
Makeup Forever Pro Mushroom Flower Brush
Stila 'Awesome Blossom' Lip Glaze
NARS 'Cactus Flower' Cheek Color
Paul & Joe Pearl Foundation Primer

What are your favorite spring and floral inspired products?  Want clickable links?  Check out the Polyvore Page here.

Color of the Moment: Turquoise

Need a little color inspiration?  Try turquoise.  It was Pantone's color of the year in 2010 and brings to mind frothy oceans, summer time, and robin eggs.  Wear it as a pop of color on your eyes with a liner or easily on your nails.

Not feeling turquoise makeup?  Use it as an accessory!  Ulta put together a cute collection of turq-cessories complete with lip balm, makeup brushes, card cases, and oh, what's that...one of our favorite products: Healthy Sexy Hair!   Who knew your hair products could double as color of the moment accessories!  

What are your thoughts on turquoise makeup?

Want to learn more about the products shown above?  Click here.

I Tried It: L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

One of my favorite things about subscribing to beauty magazines are the beauty product coupons and new product samples that come tucked inside.  When flipping thorugh a recent Allure issue, I came across a sample of a new product: L'Oreal Paris Miracle Blur.  What is it?  I had to look as I had no idea, but it sounded fun.  The postcard the sample was attached to claimed it was a "30 second miracle."  Here's what the L'Oreal site says:

What is Miracle Blue?  It's NOT a moisturizer, it's MORE than a primer; it's the first of-its-kind Instant Skin Smoother. 

What does it do?  Miracle Blur instantly erases the look of lines wrinkles, and pores.  Skin instantly looks and feels smooth, leaving a velvet soft matte finish.

When should I use it?  Apply daily after moisturizing as the final step in every woman's skincare routine.  Wear alone for a matte finish, or wear under makeup for smoother application and wear.

My review?  Their description is surprisingly accurate.  It's thick, really thick, silky and leaves a velvetly finish that sits on top of the skin (even more so than a primer.)  It's smooth and not at all greasy and was indeed matte.  Although it didn't help with my redness at all, it seems like it would be great for wrinkles.

My verdict?  The $20-$25 price tag seems a bit steep, but I like the product.  If I was looking for a new priming or line filling product, I would definitely pick this up.

Have you tried it?  What products do you use under your makeup?
~Kirsten

Color Inspiration: Grey Makeup

Spring is right around the corner, but in Chicago we still have a few gloomy, cold days ahead of us.  Beauty blogs and magazines are all touting the new must have spring colors, bright pink, aqua, etc.  Anyone else think it's not quite time for those yet?   I think nothing goes better with a dreary March day than a sophisticated grey palette.  Here are some of my favorite ideas for going grey with your makeup.

• Try grey liner as a fresh alternative to traditional colors.  It's less harsh than black, but more interesting than brown.  Pair it with a subtle nude on the rest of your eye for subtle polish.  Make sure to amp up mascara too.  Since grey is subtler than black, you can wing it out during the daytime.  Pair it with pale pink cheeks.
• For a slightly more dramatic look, apply a cream grey color from lash line into your eye crease and line lids with a black pencil liner.  Want to amp it up even more?  Blend in a slightly darker grey or light black into your crease.
• Try grey nail polish!  It's a professional hue that also looks a little fun, much better than boring beige.
• Things to stay away from?  Grey lips and anything too sparkly or silvery.  Save the sparkles for nights out on the town or that bachelorette party.

Have you gone grey?  See the products shown above here.

I Tried It: Covergirl BlastFlipStick Lipstick

A well known makeup artist trick is to apply more than one shade of lipstick, creating a custom blended color.  I do this a lot, so I was pleased to be invited to try the new CoverGirl Flipstick for free as a part of BzzAgent.  I received three different colors (Perky, Minx, and Stunner.  The last of which I gave to my coral loving mother in law).

Each tube comes with a color on each end, one matte-ish and one with a pearl-iscent shimmer.  It's awfully convenient, having to only flip the wand back and forth to mix colors.  Although I found the shimmery color too shimmery for my taste.  The best look I found with them was to apply the matte color on the whole of the lips and then the shimmer shade on the cupid's bow and very center of the bottom lip (it makes them look a bit more plump).  The quality is what you would expect from Covergirl: decently intense color, smooth application, although not overly long lasting.  And the taste (because let's be honest, we all end up eating our lip color accidentally) isn't offensive.

The verdict?  Not a do over for me as I prefer an uber matte look for lips (on tap for Spring 2013 trends), but if you like playing with colors try them out.  They'd also be perfect for travel or schlepping back and forth in your bag to save space.

Have you tried the flipstick?

I (won) Tried it: Laura Mercier Makeup

I won a Pinterest contest!!!  My first ever from Laura Mercier and Marie Claire.  I "Pinned it to win it" from their Project Runway Allstars Season 2 board and they gifted me with makeup from the winning look of the Project Runway Finale!

Not going to lie...I was pretty pumped, and it was really exciting to open that box full of makeup when it came in the mail. I've had limited experience with luxury makeup brands, save from the occasional Lancome and Elizabeth Arden, and  I've never tried Laura Mercier, so I was looking forward to giving it a go.

Here's what was in my winning package:
moisturizer with spf, primer, foundation, two types of concealer, powder, blush, eye liner, eye shadow, and a tube of lipstick.

My thoughts? It's great makeup!  The foundation is rich and creamy, the concealer colors are great and easy to apply, and the powder disappears perfectly.  I found myself using less powder eye shadow than I usually did, but I was most impressed with the primer.  I'd only tried a couple primers and didn't care for them, but Laura Mercier's primer went on like a dream.  It was creamy, but not overly so, didn't feel like I was smearing silicone on my face, and let my foundation slide on easily.  I can definitely see its appeal for long days and keeping makeup in place, although it does take a little getting used to as it's an extra layer I wasn't used to applying.

At left, my new stash!  The potted concealer and lip color are my favorite.  Their packaging is also extra lush, it has a nice weight and texture and almost all of the compacts come with mirrors.  It looks like the eye liner could be refillable too.  No doubt I'll be looking for upcycling ideas when all the makeup is gone, it'd be a waste to recycle such gorgeous packaging.

Check out the look I created with my Laura Mercier!  Not included for my daily makeup look was mascara and an eyebrow tint/wax, so I added those and the only other makeup I added to my look was prepping my eyes with a shimmery nude shadow.

I'd definitely recommend their makeup.  I'm not sure if I'm ready to spend $43 on foundation, but I am tempted to try out some of their other products.  If you're looking to start with their line, check out their awesome Flawless Face Finder, an interactive quiz to match you with their products.


A huge thank you to the ladies at Laura Mercier for all the makeup!  More looks sure to come.  Have you tried Laura Mercier?
~Kirsten

I Tried It: Using Blush as Eye Shadow

I've read a couple of times that you can double blush as eye shadow in a pinch and was always skeptical, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I used my Heather Pink blush from Laura Mercier (that I got free in a Pinterest contest) and applied it with my normal eye shadow brush.  It worked...alright.  It took several layers of color.  The formula was a little crumblier than I was used to, so I had to sweep fallen blush out from under my eyes a couple times and rinse out my contacts that had gotten little pink flecks stuck on them.  But the end result looked good.

The verdict?  Not a fabulous idea, but works okay.  If you're in a pinch or desperately need a color it would work, but I'll stick to eye shadow from now on.

How'd I create this look?  I swept on a shimmery nudish-pink shadow on my brow bone from nose to outer corner, then applied a couple layers of the blush powder on each eye from lash line and into the crease.  Then I wet the brush and applied 2-3 more layers to get a really poppy pink color.  I lined my lids with a wet angled eye liner brush dipped in grey shadow and piled on mascara.

Have you ever tried blush on your eyes or multi-tasked a makeup product?  Leave a comment and let me know how it went for you!

I Tried It: The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

I'm always in search of the perfect mascara...and I've tried a lot.  My most consistent favorite has been Lancome's Hypnose, but I only buy it on occasion as a special splurge.  I've tried and found flaws with lots of mascaras...Covergirl's Eco Mousse version (too smudgy), Maybelline's Great Lash (didn't give me enough volume),  Lancome Defininils (again not enough volume), that big orange Lash Blast tube by Covergirl (the brush was just way too big), NYC's Show Time (actually not too bad).  So it was a shock to me to pick up this weirdly named tube of mascara and actually like it.

Correction.  I love it: Maybelline's The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara.  It applies effortlessly, it's easy to apply a coat or two and doesn't flake or get too crusty.  The large brush has lots of tiny bristles that make wiggling it to coat the base of your lashes super easy and it works on bottom lashes really well.  A small feature that's actually really cool?  The top of the brush is actually flat, so when you pull it out of the tub and have to wipe off the excess, it's really easy and mess free to do.  I opted for the waterproof version since my eyes tend to water a lot and all the non-waterproof mascara I've used just end up messy.  Oh, and did I mention it's easy to take off at the end of the day?

I think this will be my new go to mascara for a while.  What's your current favorite mascara?

Valentine's Day Makeup

Whether you love or hate Valentine's Day, there's no better excuse to look fabulous and spend a little more time on your makeup than a holiday.  Valentine's Day gives us the perfect excuse to look a little extra feminine and glam it up in pink, whether you've got a hot date at a fancy restaurant or are drinking champagne and catching up with Downton Abbey on your DVR.  Here are some great ways to indulge your feminine side:

• Today is the day to try the monochromatic look - go for pink from eye shadow, cheeks, and lips, just keep it in similar tones and pick one feature to amp up the intensity.
• Try a blush with a bit of shimmer built in or mix in a luminizer/highlighter in with a cream blush for extra glow.
• Play up your pout with a crayon like lip stain.  While it will rub off on your champagne glass, it has great staying power even after cocktails.
• Want a more subtle eye look?  Shade your eyes with a shimmering nude and then use a poppy pink liner on top paired with black on bottom.  Follow it with a couple coats of mascara or false eye lashes if you're feeling extra fancy.
• Show off your decolletage by sweeping on some bronzer or shimmer powder.  Use a small setting brush or a fan brush for the best coverage. 

What are your Valentine's Day plans?

Want to know more about the products above?  Click here to see the polyvore board complete with links.

~Kirsten

Historical Beauty Icon Inspiration: Marie Antoinette

Femme fatale of the 1700s, Marie Antoinette was renowned for her fabulous style and trend setting beauty.  She picked her fashions for the day with a pin in a special book and changed the trends in France forever...what better inspiration for a real life beauty look.  You can copy the bright pastel trends of the Sophia Coppola movie staring Kirsten Dunst, but if you're looking for something a little more down to Earth, try these ideas:

• Jazz up your beauty space by converting vintage looking frames into gorgeous counter top trays and stack your prettiest beauty essentials there to start your day on a sweet note.
• Create luminous skin (especially in the winter when you need extra oomph) by mixing a highlighter in with your foundation or applying it directly to your face after foundation (on areas that need shimmer like your brow bones, cheek bones, nose, cupids bow).  I like Tarte's Illuminating Moisturizer.
• Define your eyes.  For an ultra glam look, play up your eye line by finishing and filling in your brows, apply a neutral beige from brow to lash line, contour the socket area with a darker nude, and then apply a heavy eyeliner.  L'Oreal's HIP Studio Secrets gel liner is one of my favorites for making an impact.  Apply it with an angled eye liner brush and apply several coats of mascara.  Keep lips a pretty, neutral pink.  (I've always wanted to try this pretty eco-friendly color by Juice Beauty).
• Create a volume rich bouffant.  Marie Antoinette was all about the hair, so grab your teasing comb!  Start by spraying dry shampoo on the underside of your hair, then flip it up and apply Sexy Hair's What a Tease: Backcomb in a bottle to the top layers around the crown of your head.  This gem of a product is made with a special combination of resins that give hair instant height.  Backcomb to get more height and then sweep everything to the side with a chic black ribbon.

Who's your historical beauty inspiration?

Winter Beauty Tips

Cold weather brings on all sorts of problems when it comes to hair and makeup.  Instead of looking glossed and gorgeous we turn into a dry, static-y, and frizzy mess!  Don't let winter win though, fight it with the right products and a few tricks!

• Wear a hat!  If you'll be out and about running errands and dealing with wind and the changing temperatures of inside and out, pop on a hat.  It's an instant way to look chic and put together.  I'm currently digging the 20s style cloche.  If you like to wear your hair up a lot, buy a hat that's a touch larger or try on your hat with your hair pinned up.
• Embrace the texture nature gives you.  If it's snowing and you know wet snow makes your naturally wavy hair frizz like mad, start with your hair that way.  Or pop a bottle of a beach spray or mini flat iron in your bag so you can change the texture and look of your hair if your style starts going south.  Feeling the frizz before you walk out the door?  Start your style with an anti-frizz product, run a dryer sheet over your hair, or finish with a shine spray to tame frizzes.
• Hydrate!  The best way to ensure you have shinny hair and smooth skin is to hydrate.  Start from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.  For skin, use a moisturizing cream on any dry spots before applying your makeup and wear a night cream to bed!

Do you have any tricks for looking fabulous in the winter?

See the product links and photos from Polyvore.

Update your Makeup Bag

The new year always has me thinking about updating my makeup bag!  It's a time for fresh starts and trying new things, so while you're still thinking about the word "new" with your month of January, grab your makeup bag and freshen it up.  Make 2013 all about looking and feeling beautiful...and that starts with your makeup bag.  Try these five tips:

1. Dump out everything in your bag and give it a good wipe out with an anti-bacterial wipe.  Then assess the contents and toss out anything that's broken, expired, or generally icky looking.  The general rule of thumb for tossing: mascara/liquid liner after 3-4 months, lipsticks and glosses after 2-3 years, powders like eye shadows and blushes after about 2-3 years, foundation after 2 years.  As you put things back in your makeup bag, wipe them all off and make sure they're clean.
2. Assess your brush situation.  Clean all your brushes and make sure they're in good shape.  If you're missing something or have always needed a specific brush, now's the time to buy it.  Feeling playful?  Check out EcoTools new Fresh, Flawless Face Set with cute printed handles.
3. Add some fun into your collection.  I'm big believer that makeup should make you smile, so when it comes to basics, I always vote for picking the product that is more fun like Physician's Formula Glow and Mood Boosting Blush.  This goes for your makeup bag too!  If it doesn't make you smile, get a new one or swap with a friend.
4. Pick a couple trends to try.  Add a few trendy items into your collection.  This spring will be all about matte lips, so pick a bright, fun color to keep you out of the winter doldrums like Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage.  Another trend to try?  Grey nails, they're the perfect neutral.
5. Pick one item to simplify your routine.  Whether that's an eyelash curler, a two in one cream stick, or new eye brush, pick one gift to yourself to help you in the morning.  Not good with eye liner?  Try one of the new eye liner markers like Stila's Stay All Day.  Bored with black?  Try grey, it looks fresh and modern.

Trust me, cleaning up your makeup bag and freshening up your routine will definitely jump start your morning makeup routine.  What new products are you looking to try?

~Kirsten

Luxe Beauty Lust List

from Pinterest

It's officially the season of gift giving...and wish listing!  Someone on Instagram said jokingly, it's never to early to put out a wish list so people can start saving to buy things for you."  So in the spirit of wishing for little gifts to improve your day to day makeup routine, I put together a list of my luxe beauty wants.  All things that I think look fabulous but wouldn't buy myself.  Leave a comment if you'd like my address to send a gift :) or take note for the fabulous lady in your life that might enjoy some of these products.

Starting clockwise from the top left: Nars Orgasam Blush which all the beauty blogs and magazines sing the praises of.  It's one of those elusive "looks good on everyone" blushes.   Coach Sunglasses, because nothing says "I don't want the paparazzi to notice me" then a pair of fabulous sunglasses on a winter day.  Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover - this is one of the best eye makeup removers I've ever used.  Yes, I even like it better than Lancome's and Elizabeth Ardens.  Clinique Chubby Stick I love these cute as can be sticks and would love to try out the real deal.  They look like they go on as smooth as butter.  Speaking of smooth, I haven't tried many primers, but the Smashbox Photo Primer is said to be a good one.  I love that they have several different colors to solve different problems, but at $17 for a sample size, it hasn't made it into my collection yet.  Flower Bomb Perfume by Viktor and Rolf is my signature go to scent.  I bought a mini bottle for my wedding day and haven't worn another perfume since.  I'd love to add a full size bottle to my collection.  Moving onto eye liner, Tarte Smolder Eyes Eyeliner comes in a variety of colors, uses natural ingredients, and is completely cruelty free.  Of course what eye look would be complete without mascara?  I love using my luxe Lancome concealer (a once a year treat), the tube I"m currently crushing on is their Hypnose Mascara.  And lastly, to round out my luxe face, the Naked 2 Eye Palette, a gorgeous mix of neutral, brown, and pink eye shadow colors all together in one chic set.

Check out all the products and links on Polyvore

What products are on your luxe beauty wish list?
~Kirsten