Get the Look: Channel Charlize Theron's Classic Glamour this Season!

Photo Courtesy of Glam.com

With holiday parties in full swing, it's the time of the season where we find ourselves searching for a new, special look.  We've talked about little tweaks we can make to amp our everyday look for all those holiday fiestas, but what if you want to channel the simple, classic glamour of old Hollywood?  No one has done a better job of this than Charlize Theron.  She has the classic beauty, and the clean, defined features that characterized screen siren-glamour in the golden age of film.  It is THE perfect look for holiday parties, and is super-simple to achieve!

Get the Look:

For a sultry, doe-eyed stare a la Charlize, sweep a soft bone or taupe colored shadow from lash line to crease, blending upwards.  Mix the left and center shades in Arabella Stuart Petal Soft Trio Eyeshadow for the perfect look.

 

Next, line upper lash line only with a black pencil.  Try Jean-Michelle Le Stylo Pour Les Yeux in Noir.  Be sure to keep line thin, and as close to lashes as possible.  Use a cotton swab to soften and blend the line for a soft, sexy look.

Now, coat lashes with two generous coats of a mascara designed to lengthen and define lashes.  I like Too Faced Lashlight Mascara in Black.

Softly define brows with a powder close to your natural brow shade.  Too Faced Brow Envy Kit has everything you need to get perfect brows at home!

After you've cleaned up any spillage under the eye, pat a cream concealer under eyes to brighten and camouflage circles and redness.  Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo has two colors so you can customize the perfect shade for you.

Mimic the subtle, matte perfection of Charlize Theron's skin by dusting a mineral makeup over your entire face, beginning at your t-zone and blending outward.  Pur Mineral 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15 gives great coverage and has a natural, matte finish.

For a warm glow, apply a peachy-pink blush to the apples of cheeks.  Try Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach for a flattering, light-reflective pop of color.

Now for the lips!  Carefully define lips using a neutral lip pencil.  The "cool" end of the Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Duo Lipliner gives great definition without looking too "pencil-y."

Apply a rich, cool-toned red to add instant glamour to this classic party look.  Blue-based reds are universally sexy and make teeth look whiter.  Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Red Glorioso is one of my favorites!

...And, you're done!  See how easy that was? 

Now, to complete this classic, sophisticated look, consider adding chandelier-style earrings or a nice strand of pearls... and enjoy the party!



It's Party Time! 10 Simple Tips & Tricks to Transform your Everyday Look

Photo Courtesy of lyricsdigger.info

The holiday season is upon us and that means more stress, more expenses and... MORE PARTIES!  Holiday parties call for an "extra special" version of your everyday self.  I think we'd all like to look a bit more glamorous for the parties this season, but how?  Who has the time and money to create a whole new look?  This is why I've put together a list of simple tips and tricks for taking your usual look to the next level.  This way you'll still look like yourself...  just more fabulous!

1.  Get your glow on.  Adding a little luminosity to your look can really get you into the holiday spirit!  Look like you're glowing from within with some well-placed shimmer.  Dust Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder anywhere the light would naturally touch.  Try applying to cheekbones, forehead, nose and collarbones for a natural, radiant sheen.

2.  Have your brows professionally shaped (or at least look like you did.)  If you can swing it, nothing beats having your brows professionally shaped.  Well-shaped brows can take years off, and make you look more awake, instantly.  If circumstances do not allow for you to have this service done professionally, do not despair!  We have just the thing.  Too Faced Brow Envy Kit can help you to achieve the brows of your dreams!  It has everything you need to get salon-perfect brows at home.  Whether you do it yourself, or have someone else do it, get those brows in shape!  It is one of the simplest things you can do to get yourself party-ready.

3.  Pump up the volume.  Add some oomph to your 'do with a little volume at the crown.  Whether wearing your hair up or down, this tweak adds glamour to ho-hum hair.  Try a volumizing mousse or one of the new root-lifters for touchable, weightless volume.  Apply the product to damp roots and blow-dry upside down for maximum impact.

4.  Gloss over it.  Nothing has a more beautiful effect on lips than a little bit of festive shine.  Glosses can add moisture to dry lips and help them to appear fuller.  To make lips appear their plumpest, dab a high-shine, plumping gloss like LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen - Color Shine onto the center of lips.  This placement creates the illusion of a fuller mouth while special ingredients work to plump instantly for your most gorgeous lips ever.

5.  Define your lash line.  Make lashes appear richer, thicker and more beautiful by defining your lash line with a black pencil.  Sistina Eye Crayon Definire in Carboncino never needs sharpening, for effortless glamour.  For a modern look, apply pencil to top lash line only and smudge a bit before applying two generous coats of your favorite mascara.

6.  Try shimmery nude nails.  Be holiday-festive and work appropriate all at once with this gorgeous take on the neutral manicure.  A bit of pearl adds some well-deserved glamour to this classic look.  Sara St. James Easy Color Nail Enamel in Sugar Berry is a universally flattering shade with just the right amount of shimmer!

7.  Add some color.  Need a quick and easy way to change up your eye makeup?  Try a new shade of eye liner!  This subtle change will instantly update your look and requires no new makeup skills.  Deep purples and blues are the most flattering and help to make eyes look brighter.  Try Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Midnight Sapphire or Black Amethyst.

8.  Wear a piece of "statement" jewelry.  Nothing ups your glamour quotient like a large bauble with plenty of sparkle.  A large cocktail ring or dramatic necklace can take an everyday look from so-so to spectacular with a minimum of effort.  Inexpensive cocktail jewelry is available everywhere you look and can really spice things up for the holidays.

9.  Try a bold lip.  It worked for the screen stars of the 1950's and it can work for you too!  A bold lip creates drama in moments and can add life to a lackluster complexion.  If red is your thing, nothing says "holidays" like a rich, true red.  If you're not into red, try a striking fuschia or saturated rose-tone.  Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Red Glorioso is one of my holiday favorites!

10.  Say it with Sparkle.  If you need to get your wardrobe ready to party and are at loss for ideas, try this easy fix:  Add at least one heavily sequined or beaded piece to your repertoire.  These can be added to almost any outfit for a instant injection of holiday spirit.  If you're the understated type, try an accessory like a belt or clutch.  More of a drama queen?  Wear a sequined top, jacket or dress and truly make an entrance!

With these simple updates, you can take your look from average to amazing with very little investment.  Try any or all for an easy, holiday update to your usual look.  You'll be happy you did! 

Be sure to visit http://www.cosmetique.com/ for more beauty tips and tricks and some fabulous gift ideas!

The Season's Hottest Makeup Trends: A History Lesson

Isn't it funny that in our never-ending quest to look current, we sometimes need only look to the past?  That's right, some of fall and winter's hottest trends are inspired by the glamorous looks of yesteryear.  I've done a little sleuthing and narrowed it down to these 5 trends from days of old that should make their way into your beauty repertoire...NOW!

1950's - Red Lips

Photo Courtesy of eyeshadowlipstick.com

This is a trend we've talked about over and over again.  The bold lip is most notably seen on 50's screen sirens, but is a trend that never seems to go out of fashion.  There are two things about this particular trend that really appeal to me.  One, the right color red brightens up the complexion in the most magical way, and can even make your eyes pop.  Two, it is the easiest makeup look in the world to execute!  All you need is a little concealer and mascara and you're ready to walk out the door.  Of all the looks for fall, this one requires the least amount of other makeup which makes it one of my favorites!  Besides, who doesn't want to look like a 50's screen siren?

1960's - Intense Eyes

Photo Courtesy of connect.in.com

This look is timeless because it positively oozes sex appeal.  They've even done studies about makeup looks that men find most attractive, and this one is always a winner!  Dark, sultry eyes draw you in and bring attention to one of women's most beautiful features.  Although, it is a look that requires a little finesse, it is well worth the time spent to create it.  The payoff is huge.  Just look at Brigitte Bardot!

1970's - Shimmer

Photo Courtesy of shoponline2011.com

Think Studio 54 with a modern twist.  More shimmer, less glitter is the key.  This alluring look can be used on the body as well as the face.  Today's shimmers are much more subtle than those of the disco-era and provide a beautiful incandescent glow to the skin.  This mimics the dewy, healthy look of very young skin and is, therefore, universally appealing.  A nice bronze, gold or soft rose are the most flattering shades with which to experiment.

1980's - Bright Blush

Photo Courtesy of bellasugar.com

It is truly amazing what a pop of cheek color can do for your look!  The right shade applied correctly can take years off and even make you look happier and healthier.  The key to making this trend work for present-day is to apply blush directly to the apples of your cheeks and blend up and out towards your hairline.  To avoid looking dated, skip the racing stripe variety made popular in the 80's.

1990's - Strong Brows

Photo Courtesy of essence.com

Just as a beautiful frame can bring out the very best in the artwork it surrounds, a strong, well-shaped brow can bring out the very best in you!  Brows frame your face and create structure and interest.  They also draw attention to your eyes, which is a huge plus.  Today's brows, much like those of the 90's, are full and well-defined.  If you can swing it, have your brows shaped regularly by a professional.  It is SO WORTH IT!

Keep your look current this season by embracing your past.  With these 5 killer trends from days of yore, you'll be looking "so right now" in no time!



Look Younger! Top 5 Tips for a More Youthful Makeup Look

Image courtesy of bostonherald.com

And with out further ado...  Here they are!

1.  Because skin tends to lose moisture and wrinkle as we age, you don't want to use too much powder on aging skin.  For a younger look, begin by mixing a primer created for mature skin with your foundation.  This will sheer it out a bit so it doesn't settle into fine lines as much.  Then, lightly powder with a large brush just to set the makeup.  Need a great primer?  Try Too Faced Wrinkle Injection.

2.  Choose a feature to spotlight - either eyes or lips, but not both.  If you're experimenting with a red lip, a little undereye concealer and mascara should be enough for eyes.  If it's a sexy, smoky eye you're going for, pair it with a subdued, neutral lip that has just a touch of color.  I like Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Sugar Berry.

3.  If you're experiencing drooping in the eye area, minimize it by drawing the focus to your lash line with a nice, soft-edged eyeliner on top only.  Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger does a great job of defining eyes without looking harsh.  The smudger allows you to soften the line for a beautiful, well-blended look.

4.  Well-shaped, defined brows are very important but be sure they're not too harsh.  Brows should be just strong enough to create a frame for the eye.  A nice, soft taupe works best for almost every hair color.  Try Pur Minerals Mineral Brow Perfection for a great, universal brow color accompanied by an awesome shaping wax.

5.  Lips should also be well-defined.  For the most youthful lip look, begin with a liner that is a close match to the lip color you're planning to wear.  To avoid the dreaded "ring around the mouth," fill in lips thoroughly with the lip liner before applying lipstick or gloss.  Madeleine Mono Viva Diva Duo Lipliner has a neutral warm shade on one end, and a neutral cool shade on the other.  One of these two shades should work well with any lip color you choose to wear.

And there you have it.  No matter what your age, these 5 simple tips will work wonders toward creating a fresher, more youthful appearance.  Leave a comment and let us know how it goes!

The Top 3 Fall Makeup Trends and What You Need to Get Them!

One of the best things about the change of seasons, is the change of clothing and makeup!  Just when you start to get bored of whatever look you've been sporting, the seasons change and you can start all over again. 

One of my favorite seasons for fashion is fall.  It's cold enough to wear a jacket, but not so cold that you have to hide your awesome outfits beneath a mammoth winter coat.  The makeup is always great for fall too!  We get to start experimenting with deeper colors and more dramatic looks without worrying they'll melt down in the warm weather.  Luckily, this change of weather affords us much more flexibility in the makeup department!

In fact, despite the dropping temperatures, it is time to turn up the heat!  So, without further ado, here are the top 3 makeup trends for fall, and what you need to get them...

Trend #1 - Purple Mania

Photo Courtesy of picsdigger.com

From clothing to makeup to jewelry, purple is turning up everywhere this fall!  From the dustiest lilacs to the most saturated eggplant, every shade is en vogue.  The easiest way to wear this trend (for those of us not walking the catwalk) is minimally.  Although the runways are showing lilac-laden ladies strutting their stuff, it is easiest to incorporate purple into your look in small doses.  When it comes to makeup, I would either do an entire look of muted plums and violets, or I would choose one feature to play up, and make it purple! 

If you'd like to add a little purple into your makeup wardrobe, here are some options:

Cinema Beaute Sparkle Eyes in Vampy Violet

Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Black Amethyst

Diandra Super Moist Hydrating Lipstick in Plum Passion

Trend #2 - Bold, Red Lips

 Photo Courtesy of Supernaturalbotanicals.com

Strong red lips are a timeless trend that's been worn by almost all of the great beauties at one time or another.  My favorite thing about this trend is that it requires very little other makeup to finish off the look.  A little concealer, powder and mascara are all you need to execute the bold, red lip look flawlessly.  To avoid looking garish, I recommend choosing a red with a bit of depth to it, so it doesn't "jump" off your lips.  You also want to be sure to use a liner, for a neat, well-defined look.

Luckily, we have one set that contains everything you need for a perfect red lip every time:


Jean-Michelle Moisture-Riche Lip Set in Red



Trend #3 - Strong Brows

                      

Strong brows create a framework for your beautiful eyes!  Full, well-defined brows are HUGE this season.  If you have naturally thick, dark brows, be sure to keep them neat and tidy!  No matter what your brow issue is, this kit has everything you need to give the rest of us major brow envy!

Too Faced Brow Envy Kit

And there you have it folks, the 3 Fall makeup trends you just can't live without.  Trust me, there are other trends out there, but none as prevalent (or as wearable) as the ones you see right here.  So choose one, or try them all, and go out there and enjoy your new look!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Pur Minerals Mineral Brow Perfection

Pur Minerals Mineral Brow Perfection comes with two tools to shape and define your eyebrows!  No more carrying around a bunch of different products -  this little compact has everything you need for killer brows (except for the brush, but we'll get to that.)  Here's what you get:

Eyebrow Wax - This eyebrow shaping wax works to condition, form and smooth your natural eyebrow hair.  Use it to groom unruly brows, intensify arches, or just to set the brow powder...

Mineral Brow Powder - The unique mineral brow powder contains micronized mica, which mimics the natural highlights of your hair, avoiding the "drawn on" look of other products.  Create fuller-looking, more defined brows in a flash with this amazing, universal shade!

As with all Pür Minerals makeup products, Mineral Brow Perfection is free of oil, alcohol, talc, fillers, fragrances and chemical dyes.

And now for the brush... We have just the thing!  Japonesque's Angled Brow Definer Brush is just the tool you need to make proper use of this amazing two-for-one eyebrow compact.  This brush will apply both the powder and the wax flawlessly, for the brows you always dreamed of having.

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Rapid Lash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

Want long, full, sexy lashes?  Look no further...

We have an awesome new product on cosmetique.com!  Rapid Lash Eyelash Enhancing Serum! 

This incredible formula is designed to enhance the appearance of lashes and brows. Rapid Lash uses polypeptides to improve the length, thickness and volume of the hair while protecting against breakage. Moisturizing agents enhance shine and suppleness by locking in hydration, leaving lashes and brows elastic and durable. Proteins and vitamins fortify the hair to encourage the appearance of growth while adding strength and shine.

Not only can Rapid Lash help you achieve the appearance of big, sexy lashes, but it also does wonders for brows!  Simply apply the product to the areas where hair is desired. 

Rapid Lash is free of prostaglandins and parabens, and is suitable for contact lens wearers.

So I guess the only question is...What are you waiting for?

Get the Look: Elizabeth Taylor

Photo courtesy of a-movie-to-see.com

I did a Marilyn Monroe how-to a few weeks ago, and a reader suggested I do one for Elizabeth Taylor. Stunningly gorgeous, Elizabeth Taylor is an American icon who has her own sense of style and her own look. This makes her an excellent subject for a how-to. In this post, I will show you how to re-create her look, and what you’ll need to do it!




FACE:

Start by applying Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15 to your entire face, keeping the coverage light. You can pat a bit more product onto blemishes, dark circles, or any areas that need extra coverage.

BROWS:

Elizabeth Taylor has the most prominent brows of any screen siren I know! That makes this a very important step. Too Faced Brow Envy Kit has everything you need to get the brows you’ve always wanted. While the brows for this look should be thick and well-defined, make sure you use a brow color that’s within a shade or two of your hair color. You don’t want to end up looking like Groucho Marx!

EYES:

We’ll use Too Faced Duo Shadow in Ooh and Aah to begin creating this doe-eyed look. This is not a sparkly, heavily shadowed look, so be sure to use the shadows sparingly. Start by dusting a small amount of the darker shade from lash line to crease using Japonesque Medium Eyeshadow Fluff Brush. Next, apply the lighter shadow (the tiniest bit!) onto your brow bone directly under the arch of your brow.

Line eyes, top and bottom, using Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx. The line on top should go from the far inner corner to the outer corner. The bottom line should connect with the top at the outer corner, just slightly above the natural corner of your eye. This gives a slightly lifted look. The liner on the bottom should stop just shy of the tear duct at the inner corner. Use the smudger to soften the line a bit.

Now apply two generous coats of Jean-Michelle Mascara Magique in Noir for dark, thick lashes.

CHEEKS:

For a soft peachy flush like Elizabeth Taylor, use Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don’t Peach with Japonesque Blush Brush on apples of cheeks.

LIPS:

Time to get that fantastic, coral-y red pout! Begin by lining lips with Jean-Michelle Le Stylo Pour Levres Duo, using the warm end. Now, for the ultimate finishing touch, apply Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Rustic Red directly from the tube.

Give this look a try and be sure to let us know how it goes by leaving a comment. Do you have a makeup how-to you’d like to see, or a technique you’d like to learn? Don't be shy…we’d love to hear from you!