Category: eyes

“Summer-ize” Your Makeup Routine On FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

There are so many factors that play into changing up our makeup routine as the months warm up. Depending on where you live, humidity can play a huge factor. And to an even greater degree, lifestyle changes. We spend our summer evenings wearing breezy maxi dresses and a messy bun. This calls for a tone down in makeup (with some glowy and bronzy wattage).

Personally, I like switching to a more subtle eye and using a few more liquid formulations. My favorite of these liquid gems actually come from a brand new line from Perricone MD that I am wild about. Launched just this month, Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare restores skin’s health, protects from environmental factors and uses pigments to enhance facial architecture. This makeup doesn’t cake on coverage but adds radiance. My favorite of the bunch is the new No Foundation Foundation Serum which just subtly adds pigment with a suede finish and nourishing formula. No Mascara Mascara contains anti-aging lash treatment. And No Lipstick Lipstick not only smells amazing but adds a natural color with SPF 15.

If you are anything like me, you’ll log some serious pool time (with lots of SPF of course). Some days, we proceed immediately to a BBQ dinner or casual Mexican fare straight from the pool. To add just a bit of glam, I love the newest of lip formulas – Lip Crayons. Boots No. 7 Lip Crayons not only offer a budget price point but also a conditioning shine. I love Berry to compliment post-pool sun-kissed tan.

I can’t really think of a summer color collection that does glowy bronze better than NARS. A new launch coupled with a newly discovered classic is now a permanent staple in my rotation. First, I admit to being a Laguna devotee. But I was gently coaxed to try the slightly slightly deeper and more golden Casino and I am smitten. There is something about the formula that is so authentically bronzed that I can quickly sweep over my cheekbones, temples and nose and hit the road. And talk about a launch with a splash from their summer ‘Adult Swim’ collection: Hot Sand Illuminator is a limited edition peach champagne liquid that provides a shimmery blush. I also love to use it on brow bones and if you are feeling indulgent, add a dab to your decolletage.

Who said dark polish is only for cooler months. This summer, change things up with inky digits but swap out vampy blacks and browns for navys like Essie’s After School Boy Blazer or a deep purple like Sally Hansen Vanity Flare. If you are a diehard light shade buff, opt for a classic white (my current choice is Deborah Lippmann in Amazing Grace).

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Early Summer Makeup Essentials

Well, we’ve hit the 90s over the last couple weeks down here in Oklahoma and pool season has officially begun. Here are some of my favorite summer beauty buys I’ve discovered over the last couple of weeks:

Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara: this curved brush gets the “wide open” look that really awakens my complexion and I never have had any smudging and flaking, even with the non-waterproof formula

bliss fat girl slim arm candy: not only does this firm arms but eliminates redness making sure I’m ready for “sleeveless” season and I love the massaging dispenser for a little mini-spa moment

Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque: even though I have fine hair, I’ve discovered my dry ends really crave moisture and this mask does just that without weighing strands down (not to mention, I love the beachy scent)

Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Kiss Me: the gloss/lipstick hybrids that have been all the craze lately can sometime be drying on me, but this beautiful and feminine nude keeps my lips moisturized

Weleda Skin Food: even with the more humid weather, my skin remains dry and this rich and natural moisturizer doesn’t clog my pores, plus I love the herbal scent

Mother’s Day Beauty Gifts on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Well, I know many of you are beauty junkies but do you have a Mother who shares your passion? I’ll be on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country again this morning chatting all about Mother’s Day Beauty Gift ideas that will thrill the one who fostered your very own love of makeup and skincare:

First up is the new fragrance from Sofia Vergara, Sofia. This is especially perfect if your mother is also a celebrity fan. Sofia channeled her home country’s (Columbia) native gem, the emerald, in designing the bottle for an elegant and angular vessel. The juicy scent is wearable with notes of blackberry, Colombian rose, orchid, earthy woods and vanilla.

I know it sounds trivial, but my personal belief is a luxe lip balm is something you can savor and enjoy multiple times a day. One of my favorites, By Terry Baume de Rose, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. To celebrate, Terry de Gunzburg has designed a new limited-edition jar of the classic Baume de Rose included in a set along with the gloss form. Usually not a rose scent fan, I actually love this creamy but not sticky formula. I keep it by my bed and use it on my cuticles as well!

You probably have been under a rock if you haven’t heard of Urban Decay NAKED eyeshadow palettes. The third edition, Urban Decay NAKED 3 Eyeshadow Palette, hit shelves a couple months ago but still thrills. I finally took the plunge and picked this up at Sephora’s Friends and Family. And I am smitten. These nudes can accomplish virtually any look. The handy packaging which includes a dual sided brush is perfect for the mother on-the-go.

Okay, I know it sounds a little weird to give your mother a foundation. But this breakthrough formula is so exciting that any beauty junkie would love to have it on their vanity. bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is both a tone-correcting liquid mineral foundation and a skincare serum in one. The ultra-thin texture actually has fabulous coverage. Splurge on accompanying Bareskin Perfecting Face Brush because it is shaped with a special well where you can drop the foundation and then buff into skin. I literally need one drop for a full face of light coverage – two drops for more medium to full coverage. Lilac plant stem cells work over time for a brighter, youthful appearance. Fragrance, water, silicone and oil-free.

Now for the mother who needs a little relaxation. Aveda’s newest collection might just be one of my favorites. The Aveda stress-fix formula contains lavender, organic clary sage and lavindin (a hybrid of true and spike lavender). The effect isn’t cloying or overwhelming but rather balanced and soothing. My favorite is the body cream which moisturizes with sustainably harvested sea algae, doesn’t leave skin greasy and honestly alleviates any feelings of stress.

For the mother who loves unique and elegant at the same time, Mai Couture has packaged makeup in paper form that is so exotically stunning. I honestly love all their products, but the Femme Forever Gift Set is a great way to discover these specialized products. The bronzing paper offers a mattifying effect along with a glow. For the blushing papers, just rub the sheet on apples of cheeks. The blotting paper delivers vitamin C and E while eliminating excess oil. And gloss gives lipstick a boost in color and hydration. Or pass along to her the Mai Couture Glow-Geous Trio with the 2-1 Bronzer/Blotting papers, Highlighter and Blush – all you could ever need!

stay tuned for the segment – i will post as soon as it is available online or tune in here locally at 10AM!

Prom Prep On FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

After a little break last week, I’m back on Great Day Green Country this morning and it is all about prom season. I attended prom twice and loved the pomp and circumstance of prepping as much as the actual event. My fashion was always just a little bit edgy, but like these days, makeup was neutral and easy. My picks for favorite prom prep reflects that same aesthetic.

I’ve filed bliss fatgirlslim arm candy under “Why didn’t I think of that?”. I’ve been using this caffeine powered gel to tighten and firm my arms in anticipation of this evenings fundraising event (I am finally getting to wear my new favorite dress). Much like the Bliss Fatgirl Six Pack, the applicator massages. Aside from the tightening effect, you’ll find your skin is less red and soother – huge when you suffer from keratosis polaris like I do.

Talk about something perfect to throw in your clutch. The FLOWER Eye to Eye Double Take Eye Marker & Crème Eyeshadow has one end with an inky marker, perfect for lining eyes. The marker shades are specifically paired to the accompanying shadow on the other end but all are fairly close to black. The cream shadow has excellent staying power and blends well. Poolside Kiss offers a fun twist on a green but I am equally smitten by Lovely Lilac and Steel a Kiss. Available at Walmart.

Another FLOWER Beauty favorite is the Glisten Up! Highlighter Chubby – perfectly suited for a teenager, this sheer illuminating stick can be used on cheeks and eyes. The sheen gives the perfect natural glow. At under $10, you’ll want all three shades: Pearl Shimmer, Gold Coaster, Honey Bronze. Also available at Walmart.

I might be the last person on earth to have not tried Proactiv. Not only am I ashamed as a beauty blogger, but the founding physicians come from my alma mater, Stanford University. I have heard over and over again how the entire line of treatments have been a godsend to those who suffer from acne. My skin lately has been acting like an angst-y teenager, so I was thrilled to have Proactiv+ Emergency Blemish Relief land on my desk. The formula contains prescription-quality benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria but also soothe and calm skin. Even my sensitive skin doesn’t get angry or red using this on those pesky pimples.

Another “Why didn’t I think of that?” is PRIME TIME SMILE Smile Fresh Pen in Sparkling Mint – I’m not sure I will ever not have this in my purse. It does double duty: removing surface stains and also freshening breath in a handy twist up pen. Just apply to the suface of teeth and enjoy minty breath. Available at Walmart.

Last but not least: Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. Like my friend Amber says, “why didn’t this exist when I went to Prom?”. This spray locks in makeup, ensuring it will last through hours on the dance floor (or tears over a terrible date). Formulated with SKINDINÄVIA, it actually lowers the temperature of makeup keeping it in place. Not to mention keeping shades vibrant. Suitable for all skin types and expect a full 16 hours of fool-proof makeup with a soft focus finish. Available at Sephora.

Boots #ArchMadness

My go-to brow products have been part of my vanity routine for years. I have been faithful to Anastasia Brow Gel and the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor together for over two years. So imagine my glee when these affordable pencils and treatments from Boots delighted me to no end.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been using the conditioning Boots No7 Lash & Brow Perfector to tame my brows. It also makes for a great clear mascara if you prefer the “no makeup makeup” look. While I haven’t had the full eight weeks to test the Boots No7 Fanomenal Lash Serum, I am always willing to give something a whirl that promises fuller lashes and brows! So far, so good. I also appreciate it doesn’t irritate delicate skin around lashes.

For color, both the Boots Botanics Eyebrow Pencil and Boots Beautiful Brows Pencil are soft with natural looking color. The Boots Botanics Eyebrow Pencil contains Jojoba Oil and applies slightly softer. The Boots Beautiful Brows Pencil has denser pigmentation and stays put all day long. And major bonus points for a high quality spoolee to brush and tame before filling in. I’ve been using Brown in the Beautiful Brows and Medium Brown in Botanics Eyebrow and both are fabulous matches. The Medium Brown is slightly lighter.

Want to join @BootsBeautyUSA and @BeautyJunkies to chat about all things brows? Tune in tonight at 7pm EST for the #ArchMadness twitter party. See you there!

Spring Color on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

It is Friday and you know what that means… I’m back on Great Day Green Country and it is time to ring in spring. After a frigid and icy weekend, we have 60s and 70s for the next four or five days (yes, there is a patio in my near future – likely around happy hour today). And what better way to celebrate the warmer weather than some spring shades. Today, I am rounding up the six products to warm things up on your vanity: