How to apply under eye concealer

So the blogosphere has been buzzing on what is the

best way to apply concealer. The traditional method was to dot it in a half-moon under your eyes and then blend with a finger or brush. The new method, made popular by make-up artists advocating contouring of the face, involves applying the concealer in dots or streaks under the eye in an upside-down triangle.

Here are the results: on the left, half moon, on the right, triangle. We can all agree that the triangle method adds light to her whole face, not just the under eye area. What an easy technique to brighten your look.

Half Moon vs. Triangle

Here is a splurge vs. steal for concealers:

SPLURGE:

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer

$70.

This concealer is used widely by stars and beauty editors alike. It is editorially well received season after season.  

Steal:

L'oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer

$7.60

Revlon Color-stay Under Eye Concealer

$10.

The Red Lip

The red lip, behind the scenes at J.Crew, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, means drinking soda through a straw. 

The red lip continues to be a  prominent look in the fashion world. It pairs beautifully with all the blacks, navys, and neutrals for Fall. What an easy and inexpensive update to your make-up routine. Be bold!

New Make-Up Obsession

My latest make-up obsession are these slim palettes from Urban Decay Naked. I love palettes because they offer everything in one hand. As a bonus, the palettes always include a shade or two I would not have chosen ultimately become my favorites.

I prefer natural looking make-up with very little shimmer (ideally I would look naturally flushed and energized, i.e. not dead and tired). These are just the ticket. With no further ado...

Naked Basics Palette, $30. Six shades (I rarely wear more than two simultaneously) that neutrally highlight all the right contours. The illustration below shows you just how to wear it:

Next is the blush palette, containing Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter in one brick. TV style expert Jenn Falik, said of the palette, "I am not a fan of sparkly bronzer, so this shimmer free version was right up my alley." I agree.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed, $30.

This palette comes in three color choices for the perfect sun-kissed look. This one is great for me as I am fair skinned but the darker choices are gorgeous. Again, here is an idea of how to use the palette for contouring:

Key: B=Blush, C=Contour/Bronzer, H=Highlighter

Urban Decay can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, and many department stores. Make-up can be fun when you have the right colors and tools!

Stylist Tip: The Best Brush

The Best Brush on a Budget

Secretly, I have been coveting a Mason Pearson hair brush (or four).  But the price tag gives me such guilt!  Mason Pearson brushes are the top of the line and used by most professional hairstylists . They are paddle brushes made from boar's head bristles and nylon. This mixture makes your hair feel and look soft and silky.  But what makes them my absolute favorite: it does not hurt to brush your hair- even when it is full of tangles. 

Mason Pearson "Popular Mixture" Brush

$170.00

**But do NOT rush out to Nordstrom or Saks and buy a Mason Pearson brush!!**

Instead, try the Sonia Kashuk equivalent from Target. It is $16.  I want to buy ten of these beauties! It has forever changed our morning routine with two daughters!! Fixing hair has become a happy task again instead of a game of hide and go seek!! I hope you will have the same results!

The Strong Brow

Think Brooke Shields, 1980s Jordache Jeans: the strong brow is back. And why not? A strong brow provides a beautiful frame for your face. 

There is a whole natural beauty trend going on now; more natural brows and hair.  It's time to rock what your Mama gave you.  Really, what could be more budget friendly?!? 

Put down the tweezers and try a fuller brow. A few tools  will help you enhance what you have while keeping it neat. You will need an eyebrow pencil (try a neutral shade or a close match to your color) and brush. Beauty editors love brow pomades. They give hold and color simultaneously. This will definitely be my next beauty purchase.

Try Anastasia Beverly Hills

Dipbrow Pomade

Ulta, $18.

My Lazy Beauty Routine

It's a NO NO!!

Let's face it, after a big night out, or really any day of the week, it's easy to get lazy.  Sometimes I think it's a feat to have made it into my pajamas. But we all know that we should not go to bed with make-up on our faces.  Ideally, dermatologists recommend washing and moisturizing every night.  So here are my favorite budget-friendly products that save time on my bed-time routine:

When I had my first child I discovered a true love of baby wipes.  They are a delightful multitasker! I swear, I will never be without them in my life.  I use for everything from cleaning cars, children's faces, and wiping down baseboards.  But, I digress.  I have found the best wipes for faces.  No need for a wash cloth, soap, or running water!  It's all built right in there.  I have tried so many kinds.  Both of these brands  are hypo-allergenic, and have the perfect amount of moisture without leaving any residue. 

Boots No. 7

Quick Thinking Wipes

Target, $6.50

These are my everyday go-to item.  

Yes To Tomatoes

Blemish Clearing Towelettes

$5.99

These handy wipes have salicytic acid.  They are great for adults with break-outs and wrinkles. Add these to your pre-teen's toiletry items.  It cannot hurt!

Sonia Kashuk REMOVE

$10., Target

This eye make-up remover is so useful and moisturizes as it goes on.  It feels the same and works as well as Clinique's Take the Day Off Make-Up Remover ($18.). 

NARS The Multiple

Nars 'The Multiple' Stick
$39 - nordstrom.com






         A definite must-have for your make-up bag.  NARS The multiple in orgasm (color), is a top selling make-up item.  It garners awards from beauty editors season after season.  You can use it on your eyes, lips, and face.  I think it is best used as blush.  The color is so versatile; it is equally flattering on all skin tones.  It gives you that dewy, young look that comes from creme blushes.  As a consumer, you cannot go wrong.  I love a sure bet and am a long-time devotee.