With the summer heat in full swing it can be tempting to cut out the beauty regime completely and opt for some SPF 45 instead.  But don’t! The hottest beauty trends for summer ’09 looks are actually pretty simple. You can get that face looking flawless in no time, whether you’re heading to that summer job or off to the beach.

This summer the ideal face is neutral with eyes that burst with color.  Bright color. You may think it’s hard to pull off, but with these quick tips and products, anyone can do it:

Flawless Matte Bronzer: Start your summer look with a clean matte face.  Skip the moisturizer, which will add shine, and instead opt for Sephora Brand’s Anti-Shine Primer; it will moisturize while providing a shine free base (yep, it really works).  Then, swipe on Bare Essentual’s bronzer in Faux Tan.  This summer is all about having a natural looking tan and a shine free face and the light minerals in this bronzer won’t make you look cakey.  Plus, if you have a sunburn it’s safer and much more natural to even it out with a mineral bronzer than to try and use concealer to even out those lines.
Extra bonus: It has SPF 15 built in to help prevent a sunburn to begin with!

Natural Nude Lips: Nude lips are all over models, celebs, and fashion magazines.  Unlike bright, bold lip colors, you can sport nude lips during the day or night, even at the beach.  Try Bobbi Brown’s Lip Gloss in Buff, Beige, or Nude, depending on your skin tone. It’s a little pricier than your usual drugstore find, but the color is beautiful and totally worth the splurge.

Slightly Rosy Cheeks:  Put away your bright cheek stains and choose a cheek color that will add a natural flush.  To really get the look of the summer, steer clear of just swiping the blush on the apples of your cheeks, and instead sweep up lightly towards your temples. This gives your face an all over glow that is fresh and rosy.  Try LORAC’s Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed.  Read More »

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 »

There are thousands of makeup products out there, but the truth is that most of us fall into a rut and wear pretty much the same thing every day. There are so many fabulous things to try and the holidays are the perfect excuse to try something unique and daring. Parties with friends, family get-togethers, or wild New Year’s all nighters are the perfect time to try something bold and festive!

False Lashes

Oh so fun and glamorous but a little too drag queeny 11 months out of the year, December is the perfect time to have fun with false lashes. Make Up For Ever has dozens of styles to play with. If you want something subtle, try the individual lashes to add a little fullness and fill in sparse areas. If you are feeling extra festive, MUFE has really over-the-top lashes with red or green tips, or even white feathers!

Make Up For Ever Eyelashes – $14 sephora.com Read More »