Makeup 101: Stop. Primer Time.

makeup2There’s always ways to make things better. Sprinkles make ice-cream better.  A diamond ring makes an outfit better.  Vodka makes…well, anything better.  But what if there was a simple way to make your daily makeup routine better without revamping your whole collection?

I’d say, count me in.

Well many makeup brands want you to think that a simple use of a primer will enhance your makeup and make it last all day and night.  So do we believe it?  Well it’s prime time so here’s the lowdown on all the many different types of primers:

Face Primer: Facial primers are meant to go on a clean face before you apply either foundation or bronzer.  It’s meant to make your makeup go on smoothly, whether you wear liquid, pressed, or loose powder foundation.   There are a couple of facial primers; some are designed to avoid grease, and others are designed to help your makeup last throughout the day. I use Sephora Brand’s Tricks of the Trade Anti Shine Primer, and have got to say I’m pleasantly surprised.  My skin tends to be oily in the summer and it is noticeably less shiny when I apply this cream before my makeup.  Not all shine is eliminated, but I think it’s worth it, especially when I know I’m going to be waitressing all night.
Conclusion: Splurge, it’s worth it. Read More »

Candy Dish: Heidi Klum’s Fashion Miss

heidi-klumApparently the impossible is possible.

Britney’s got a new boyfriend.

Should you be wearing SPF lipgloss?

Ashton Kutcher puts his foot in his mouth.

Save money in college. It’s possible!

The most important makeup tool you’ll ever have.

Makeup 101: Save your Skin from the Sun

sunscreen

So yesterday I got my first sunburn of the year. (At least, I think it’s a sunburn – it may also be a result of my drunken face-plant…) Honestly, though, I’m not gonna complain ’cause Syracuse hasn’t seen the sun in months. I am, however, going to dust off the sun products that have been under my bed for the past 8 months.

If you want to prevent painful burns, wrinkles, sunspots and , most importantly, cancer, you really need to remember to preserve your skin. And preserving your skin means more than slopping on some SPF 4 when you lay at the beach. The sun can harm your skin at any time, so learn from my burned mistake (I was drinkin’ a beer outside) and protect yourself.

Below are some makeup products that include SPF built right in! I’m not suggesting this is a substitute for using sunscreen, but if you’re just going outside quickly, or want to add some extra protection you gotta try these great finds. Unless, of course, you want to look like this when you’re 30. Read More »

Makeup 101: Have a Fling with Spring Makeup

dior-springSo if you live in a normal part of the country, it’s probably starting to get nice and sunny outside (note to Syracuse: please stop snowing). You’ve brightened up your wardrobe and bought some peep toe pumps, so now it’s time to brighten up your face.

In honor of what April is supposed to bring, and as a reminder to Syracuse to get with the program, I decided to research some bright makeup products to create rosy cheeks, stunning eyes and chase out winter gloom. These goodies are sure add a little spring to your step, so pick em up and dare to be bold!

Bare Escentuals: Destination Ensenada: This kit includes four powdered shadows and comes in a lime green case. The colors can come out muted or super bright if you’re feeling extra springy. The kit includes a rose pink, baby blue, bright green, and a gold/tan hue. It’s like spring in a compact.

Dior 5 Color Spring Bouquet: This palette of spring colors is a little more muted, and includes floral pinks, whites and browns. This is perfect for a daytime spring look that is still bright and fresh.

Benefit Poisetint: This little bottle looks like a nail polish but it is for lips and cheeks. It is a liquid see-through tint that stays on all day. It’s easy to apply and create a warm sun-kissed glow. Read More »

The Love List: I Love Lookin’ Like Spring

daisyIf it’s there is one thing I love more about spring than trading in my hot drink for it’s iced sibling, it’s trading in my winter makeup for springy hues. Namely bright pink lips, bright fresh faced blush and shimmery gold shadows that give even the palest of pale (ahem, me) that sunkissed glow.

So here are my 5 spring makeup l-o-v-e-s.

1) Every season Bobbi Brown comes out with amazing limited edition lines and this Blushed Pink collection takes the cake. The shimmery shadows are a must-have. Seem pricey? Well, Bobbi’s shadows last so long that its totally worth the splurge. Hell, sometimes (when I pass out before I can wash that stuff off!) it even lasts through brunch…the next day. (What? I also love sleep!)

2) I l.o.v.e. Loreal’s HiP line. And color is not just a trend in clothes this season; it’s also a trend for your cute little punim (that’s Yiddish for face). The good news is you can add a pop of color without looking like you are wearing your old school Wet and Wild shadows circa 1998. I love the Kohl liners, especially in gold, for that spring time look. Read More »

Candy Dish: Gossip Girl on Girl

gossip_rolling_small.jpgBlake Lively and Leighton Meester: girl on girl on ice cream on Rolling Stone.

Jessica Alba makes me hate myself in Elle.

Is David Beckham cheating on Posh?!

Rihanna takes a break from Chris Brown.

Exercise to make the best of your body shape.

Beware of the reality TV scam.

Who said there aren’t any jobs out there?

Read More »

All Made Up: The Perfect Gloss

lipgloss.jpgDragons, leprechauns, centaurs, fairies, a lip gloss that’s long lasting without being sticky – they just don’t exist right? It’s a fantasy.

Well, we had Pterodactyls on this earth, is it really such a stretch to think that maybe they could breathe fire? I choose to believe that flying fire breathing lizards once existed, so the lip gloss thing doesn’t seem so far fetched now does it? Yes, I believe the perfect lip gloss exists.

First we have to define what a gloss would need to be perfect.

1. Not Sticky. Who hasn’t had their hair blown into the sticky stuff on your lips? Gag. Now your lips look weird and your hair is sticky. Bad.

2. Long Lasting. What’s the point of spending the money and taking the time to apply if it’s totally gone by the time you get to where you were going? The perfect lip gloss has to survive the commute and the first drink/kiss/cigarette.

3. Look Pretty. This is why you use it. The perfect gloss has to come in beautiful flattering shades that everyone can use.

4. Good for Your Lips. You know what sucks? Putting on a lip gloss that dries out your lips or tears them up with glitter. The perfect gloss would leave your lips feeling amazing.

So is it a myth? Do you have a better chance of finding a Unicorn in your backyard? Well ladies, I am proud to present to you, the PERFECT lip gloss:

Tarte Vitamin Infused Lip Gloss powered by Borba ($21 tartecosmetics.com)

Read More »

Candy Dish: Holiday Make-up for you and for all!

philosophy_mistletoe002.jpgThe perfect gift for all your girlfriends…

…and perfect make-up for you!

Be ahead of the game: hair trends for Spring ‘09!

Ok, iPhone lovas…here are some tips to keep your battery going

Would you rock these to Thanksgiving with the folks?

Posh Spice will always be hot…always.

Angie vs. Jen: will it ever end?!

Hugh Jackman is the Sexiest Man on Earth…seriously.

Baby cockfights… so wrong.

Merry freakin Christmas!!! Vince Vaugh on the cover Esquire and he is lookin mighty fine!

Sticky Lip-Haters Rejoice: The Stain Is Here

p12674_hero.jpgI hate lipstick. I hate the way it wears off about two minutes after you put it on, I hate how it leaves stains on your coffee cup or your wine glass, and I really hate how my hair always ends up sticking to my lips on a windy day.

I had pretty much resigned myself to a life without lip color–I’ll play up my eyes, I thought–and figured I’d just never be as glamorous as those gals with a deep slick of ruby red on their lips.

But then, like a blessing from heaven, beauty companies everywhere introduced me to my saving grace: the lip stain. Neither lipstick or lip gloss, the stain does as promised–it actually stains your lips, so you get a really deep color that says “oh yes, I just wake up looking like this.

The color sinks into your lips and doesn’t rub off, plus it rarely needs re-applying. Sound too good to be true? It gets even better–most lip stains can double as cheek color as well, for a really natural flush that stays put. Read More »