STOP THE (MARCH) MADNESS: 5 Beauty Blunders to Banish This Spring PLUS Quick Fixes and Expert Picks!

Spring is a time of awakening... rebirth... and BANISHING THOSE BAD BEAUTY HABITS!  Make this the month you stop the (MARCH) madness and start avoiding these classic blunders.  Read on for our list of the 5 biggest makeup mistakes a girl can make, and our expert advice and product recommendations for changing those habits for good.  Get a jump on gorgeous this spring... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!


BEAUTY BLUNDER #1 :  Applying your makeup with dirty brushes...

Photo Courtesy of Japonesque.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Using dirty brushes to apply makeup means you're transferring bacteria, dirt and pore-clogging oils onto your skin every time you use them!  This can cause acne, dullness and premature aging of the skin.  It's also bad for your brushes!

QUICK FIX:  Use a gentle hair shampoo to lather up brushes once a week.  Be sure to massage bristles from base to tip, and rinse thoroughly.  Reshape brushes and allow to dry flat on a clean paper towel.  Don't you just feel better?

EXPERT PICK:  Try Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Shampoo for a refreshing scent and luxe lather that conditions as it cleanses.

BEAUTY BLUNDER #2:  Poorly-blended foundation...

Photo Courtesy of Isabellagucci.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Poorly-blended foundation sets the stage for poorly-applied makeup!  Just as an artist begins with a perfectly primed canvas, applying your foundation like a pro will ensure an even, smooth surface on which to perform your magic.  


QUICK FIX:  For expertly-blended foundation with no streaks, caking or mask-like lines at the jaw, ear and forehead, choose a natural-looking, semi-sheer foundation with a brush applicator.  The lightweight formula and brush application allow for perfectly-natural, perfectly-YOU coverage, with no tell-tale lines or streaking.  Tap a damp sponge over foundation after application to blend and remove any excess product.  Step back and take a look in the mirror... OMG!  It's Complexion Perfection!!!


EXPERT PICK :  Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation has a built-in brush and delivers light-diffusing, skin-perfecting coverage for perfectly natural-looking skin!

BEAUTY BLUNDER #3:  Skipping the eyelash curler...

Photo Courtesy of Health-beauty-tips.org

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Uncurled lashes appear shorter and make your eyes look smaller and less awake.  Curled lashes look longer and fuller, and give eyes a well-rested, alert appearance.  Because curled lashes allow more light into the eye area, eyes appear brighter and sparklier!  What girl can say no to that?!?!


QUICK FIX:  Use a high-quality, stainless steel eyelash curler with a no-stick silicone pad to curl lashes at the base, mid-way point,  and tips for eye-opening lashes that look ultra-long and flirty!  Be sure to follow with mascara for maximum impact.

EXPERT PICK:  Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler creates dramatic, uniform curl with no sticking, clumping or pinching.  

BEAUTY BLUNDER #4:  Too-Nude Lips...

Photo Courtesy of Prettyobsessed.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  While rich, warm nudes can lend subtle sophistication to an otherwise edgy, smoky eye;  too-nude, too-light lips can sap skin of vital color and make the complexion look sallow and ashy.

QUICK FIX:  Banish lackluster lips and embrace this season's hottest trend!  A shade which flatters many women AND is appropriate for all ages, coral is THE color for lips this spring.  A moisturizing, color-rich lipstick formula ensures high-impact, lip-loving pigments that last and last.  Be sure to choose a shade appropriate for your skin tone.  Fairer-skinned gals should stick with pinkish hues while those with deeper skin tones can experiment with bolder, warmer shades.

EXPERT PICK:  For a stay-true, stay-put lip color in a universally-flattering shade of this season's hottest hue, try Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Mandarino Coral. 

BEAUTY BLUNDER #5:  Heading to bed without washing your face...

Photo Courtesy of Collegecures.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Leaving makeup, dirt and oil on your face while you sleep clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can exacerbate acne conditions, cause eye infections, and leave skin looking dull.  What's more, by not cleansing skin properly before bed, you allow the free radicals from the day to sit on skin overnight, potentially contributing to cell damage and premature aging.

QUICK FIX:  First remove eye makeup and lip products using a makeup remover designed especially for those delicate areas.  Now, using circular motions, massage a gentle cleansing gel onto wet skin for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities without drying your complexion.  Be sure to rinse cleanser off thoroughly with water and pat dry.

EXPERT PICK(S):  Beat hard-to-remove eye and lip colors with Arabella Stuart Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips.  Follow with Princess Livia Gentle Cleansing Gel with Bee Pollen to unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities.  

   

There you have it ladies, our expert tips and recommendations to help you banish beauty blunders for good.  Don't forget to check out the rest of our blog @ http://www.cosmetiqueblog.com/, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter(@CosmetiqueUS) for all sorts of tips, tricks, trends and more! 

Valentine's Day How-To: "The Look of Love" Inspired by Natalie Portman

Photo Courtesy of Examiner.com

With a wedding and a baby on the way, plus a slew of awards and nominations to her credit, Natalie Portman is the perfect face for our "Valentine's Day Look of Love How-To."  Last week, I ran down 3 of the hottest, most current makeup looks to inspire your adventurous spirit and creativity as Valentine's Day approaches.  But, if being SO "right now" is SO not you, try this ethereal, romantic makeup look for Valentine's Day and highlight your innate femininity. 

Here goes...

Skin: 

Mimic Natalie's flawless, glowing complexion by beginning with a pore minimizing serum or primer.  Smooth a thin layer over your entire face following your moisturizer, and wait a few minutes for it to sink in before moving on to the next step.  Pur Minerals See No More will not only visibly reduce the look of medium to large pores, but will smooth and prime your skin to provide a perfect finish for your makeup. This silky serum also helps to control shine and smooth texture to give you the healthy-looking complexion you've always wanted! 

Get that romantic glow and increase your radiance by applying Sistina Radiante Face Tint lightly to your entire face.  The sheer, light-reflective coverage obscures imperfections and creates the glow of a woman in love.

Cover up any remaining imperfections with an easy-to-blend concealer.  Even if there are no visible blemishes, I always use concealer under the eyes (pay special attention to the inner corners where the nose typically casts a shadow) and around the nose to create the look of a well-rested, healthy visage.  The only exception I make is for very young girls (very young... like, under 16.)  I highly recommend Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo for all your cover-up needs.  Each one comes with a split bullet containing two shades which makes it super-simple to get the perfect match for you!

If shine is an issue, dust a soft-focus powder onto your t-zone.  Leave cheekbones bare for a more radiant finish.  Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight sets foundation and minimizes shine while giving a romantic glow to the skin.

Eyes:

Start by prepping lids with a silicone-based eyeshadow primer designed for extended wear and maximum impact.  Using your ring finger, spread a thin layer of primer over lids extending from your lash line to your brow.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance is your ticket to crease-free, smudge-free, shine-free shadow that stays put until YOU decide to take it off.

Using Japonesque Small Eye Detailer Brush and Jean-Michelle Quartette Lumineux Eyeshadow in Plum Fantaisie, blend the bottom two shades in the palette and apply to upper and lower lash lines.  This color combination will yield near-identical results to Natalie Portman's soft look.  Bonus?  Soft, shimmering lavender is a  universally-flattering shade that helps eyes look clearer and more awake.  

Highlight brow bones using the same brush and the lovely, dove grey from the palette.  Just a touch right under the arch of your brow is all you need.

Now, make eyes pop by defining your inner lash line top and bottom with your favorite black pencil liner.  Diandra Eye Crayon in Barely Black works well here as it goes on smoothly and never needs sharpening.

Finish eyes with two coats of Diandra Mascara in Black.

Cheeks:

Try Jean-Michelle Couleur Classique Powder Blush in Mon Cheri for an angelic glow and just the right amount of enlivening color.  Apply product sparingly to the apples of cheeks blending towards your temples.

Lips:

Lips don't get any easier than this, my friends.  No liner required!  A sheer, shimmering plum/lavender gloss is all you need for the perfect pout and Diandra Luminous Lipcolor Collection in Plum Fantasy contains 3 high-shine, lip-conditioning shades.  The most appropriate one for this look (all will work), is the lavender shade on top.  Use the lip brush (included!) to apply this soft wash of beeswax-infused color... your lips (and your date) will thank you!  

So, whether you're planning a festive girls' night out or a romantic dinner for two, if "of the moment" isn't your thing, try this easy, feminine look and be the belle of the ball this Valentine's Day... with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

3 Smokin' Hot Red Carpet Looks for a Swoon-Worthy Valentine's Day!

Make your sweetheart swoon this Valentine's Day with one of 3 Glamorous, Red Carpet-Inspired Looks!  

STARRING....

Who:  January Jones

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Glossy Red Lips and Peachy Cheeks with Super Sleek Hair

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Get a peachy glow like January Jones by applying Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach to the apples of your cheeks, blending color towards your hairline.  

Mimic her luscious red lips by first applying a fully pigmented lip color to the lips as a stain.  Use Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Roma Red to create a stain by dabbing the color onto lips and blending out with your ring finger.  

Follow with a high-shine, plumping gloss in a similar shade.  Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Color Shine in Sexy is perfect for creating this glossy, red pout. 

Then get super-sleek tresses by working a quarter-sized dollop of styling gel through damp strands.  Blow-dry hair with a round brush, aiming the air from the blow dryer down the shaft of your hair for sleekness and shine.  Flip ends under with a 1" barrel curling iron to complete the look. 

Who:  Mila Kunis

Where:  The 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards

What:  Well-Defined Smoky Eyes with Nude Lips and Soft Waves

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Create some Mila-esque V-Day drama by first sweeping a smoky shadow onto eyelids, blending from lash line to crease.  Try the smoky, dark shadow on the right-hand side of Sistina Tre Bella Colori Eyeshadow Collection for just the right effect.  

Bonus?  The other two shades in this palette are perfect for creating subtle daytime looks!

Define upper and lower lash lines with a deep, black pencil.  Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx creates maximum drama and can be easily "smoked-out" by using the handy smudger on the end!  Finish off those sexy eyes with 2 coats of your favorite mascara!

Lips should be neutral so eyes can take center stage.  Try Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Sugar Berry for just the right amount of universally-flattering color.

Then get tousled waves like these by first working a volumizing mousse through towel-dried hair.  Blow-dry hair upside down for maximum volume.  Next, use a 1.5" barrel curling iron to create loose, sexy waves.  Spritz with a medium-hold hairspray for staying power.  After hairspray has dried completely, rough up the look a bit by running your hands through it a few times.

Who:  Olivia Wilde

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Warm, Glowing Skin and Straight, Minimally-Styled Tresses

Photo Courtesy of Socialitelife.com

Copy Her Look:

Get a gorgeous, glowing complexion a la Olivia Wilde by first prepping the skin with a high-quality, color correcting primer.  Peach undertones lend a warm, healthy look to the skin while skin-loving ingredients create the perfect canvas for makeup.  Try Pur Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach.

Conceal dark circles and blemishes with a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone.  Each Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo comes with 2 shades in a silky, split bullet so you can customize the perfect color for you!

Glow forth and prosper by finishing your skin with a complexion-perfecting shimmer powder.  Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder adds a gorgeous warmth and luminescence to the skin.

"Low-key" is the name of the hair game!  Begin by smoothing a lightweight styling cream through damp hair to minimize frizz and give soft hold.  Blow-dry hair using a paddle brush to create a straight, shiny look.  "Touch-up" by running a flat iron over any areas that need a little extra straightening.  Skip all-over flat ironing for a loose, "un-done" look like Olivia's.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to borrow a little sparkle from the red carpet, and take your cues from today's hottest stars!  

Expert Tip:  Experiment with the looks AHEAD OF TIME to determine which suits you best.  Try executing your look a time or two before your big date to work out any kinks.   

Once you're satisfied with your hair and makeup, all you have to do is relax and SMILE! 

Get this Year's Hottest Makeup Look: The New Nude for 2011

Photo Courtesy of make-up.becomegorgeous.com

The 2011 Nude Look, as I shall call it, is quite possibly my favorite take on the nude look yet.  It has a clean, modern, and yet slightly more seductive feel than the nude looks of years past.  This photo from one of Hermes' 2011 runway shows gives us a great look at this fabulous new take on the neutral face.  Like in years past, the lip is nude, if not entirely naked.  And, as in years past, the color palette is composed entirely of warm neutrals.  To me, the defining characteristic of this year's "natural look," is the ultra-clean, ultra-defined eye.  

Get the Look: 

Flawless-looking, matte skin is paramount to executing this gorgeous look-of-the-moment.  Fake complexion perfection in moments by first prepping skin with a pore-minimizing serum like Pur Minerals See No More. This first step not only minimizes the look of large pores, but also mattifies and smoothes skin for a flawless makeup application.

Apply a creamy foundation like Diandra Perfect Blend Foundation to problem areas using fingertips.  This cream-to-powder formula blends seamlessly with the skin for a natural look.  Be sure to eradicate under-eye circles by patting on a cream concealer with your ring finger.

If you have a tendency to get shiny, you may want to try a light dusting of sheer face powder to keep makeup in place and skin matte.  Jean-Michelle Satine Translucent Powder knocks out shine without adding heavy coverage. 

To achieve the warm, peachy skin for this look, choose a soft, peach blush, and dust it onto eyelids and cheekbones.  Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach is just the perfect shade and imparts skin with a soft glow.

Notice, the model is wearing clearly-visible black liner on the top lash line, and barely-there black liner around the tear ducts and the lower lash line.  A basic black mascara has been used to darken and define model's top lashes, while the bottom lashes have been kept mostly bare. 

Use a black pencil, like Diandra Eye Crayon in Barely Black, to apply a medium-width line to top lash line.  This top line should be kept clean, and not smudge-y.  Use the pencil to also line inside of the bottom lash line, stopping at the tearducts.  Unlike the top liner, the line on the bottom should be thin and light.

Finish eyes with two coats of your favorite black mascara.  I recommend Sistina Mascara Maxima in Mezzanotte Black for its clean, defined look.

Keep lips soft, supple and "au naturel" with Energie Vitale Levres Soyeux Hydratante.  This super-balm not only delivers tons of soothing moisture, it also minimizes the look of fine lines for gorgeous, healthy lips.

This look is easy-to-apply, perfect for any occasion, and looks good on everyone.  Be the picture of understated glamour everywhere you go with the refined, new nude look of 2011!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo

I cannot stress enough the importance of concealer.  This is one item that should be in your makeup bag no matter how pared down your look.  It can erase years, add hours of sleep and help to give the appearance of healthier skin.    I often use it in lieu of foundation followed by a light dusting of powder.  


There's no denying that concealer is a powerful weapon in the fight against unsightly wrinkles, blemishes and under-eye circles... but how do you get the color just right?  When it comes to finding the perfect concealer, getting a good color match is more than half the battle.  


That's where Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo comes in.  This simple, yet amazing product contains a light and a dark shade in a single, concealer stick.  What easier way to get the perfect match?  


Your skin will look simply flawless with this silky split bullet concealer. Watch as under-eye circles and imperfections disappear with one stroke. Use each color separately, or blend the two to customize the perfect shade for you!


This creamy, makeup miracle comes in 3 natural shade combinations so you're sure to get a perfect blend every time!  Only $10.50! 


Browse this and other great beauty buys at http://www.cosmetique.com/.

3 Sizzling New Year's Eve Makeup Looks and What You Need to Get Them!

Christmas has passed and New Year's Eve is upon us...  Time to get ready for the biggest party night of the year!  Typically, people like to go all out for this annual celebration - makeup included.  It gives us a chance to be the most glamorous versions of ourselves, and allows us to try clothing, makeup and accessories we might not ordinarily be comfortable wearing.  So let's break out the big guns before the ball drops!  Ready?

To help you look your glamorous-best, I've compiled the 3 most sizzling makeup looks to wear on New Year's Eve and what you need to get them!

1.  The Smoky Eye

Photo Courtesy of Taaz.com

I suppose we could be getting bored with this look by now.  I mean, it's hardly cutting edge anymore.  The thing about the smoky eye is... it works.  It truly brings the focus to your eyes and keeps it there.  It's a sultry, sexy, edgy man-magnet, and it's here to stay!  Wear it if you're in the mood to get noticed.

Get the Look:

Too Faced Smoky Eye Shadow Collection has everything you need to get started on your smoky eye journey.  Don't forget to finish up with black eye liner and two coats of black mascara.  I like Jean-Michelle Mascara Magique in Noir and Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx.  Keep the rest of your makeup subtle so your eyes can take center stage!

2.  The "Vintage" Look

Photo Courtesy of Elle.com

This classic, pin-up style makeup look has been around for ages because it's feminine, festive and is flattering on so many women.  It is characterized by crisp, black eye liner and bright lips.  This is a great one if you need a little help getting into the holiday spirit!  Always perks me right up!

Get the Look:

Apply a black eye liner like Sistina Eye Crayon Definire in Carboncino to upper lash line only, winging it out slightly at the outer corners.  Apply two coats of black mascara.  Next... lips should be bold!  Try Cadette Colorwave Liptint in Admiral Red for a magnificent, healthy pout.

3.  Girl-Next-Door Glow

Photo Courtesy of Gawker.com

If being a femme fatale in the classic sense isn't really your thing, don't worry.  This girl-next-door look will stop fellow party-goers in their tracks!  It is beautiful and sexy all at the same time, without screaming "LOOK AT ME!!!"  This look remains one of my favorites for its subtlety.

Get the Look:

Perfect-looking, glowing skin and glossy, gorgeous lips are essential to pulling this look off.  Try Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15 to perfect your skin.  Follow with Sara St. James Easy Color Bronzing Powder for warmth and glow.  Apply this shimmering bronzer to perimeter of face as well as to cheek bones, forehead and chin.  For lips, try a high-shine gloss in a sunny shade.  I like Madeleine Mono Double-Take Lipshine in Just Peachy.  And of course, mascara is a must!  If you like more drama around the eye area, you can also use eye liner to add definition.  Brown eye liner will add to the warmth of this look while black adds a bit of mystery and sex appeal...  You're the boss.

If looking hot is on your to-do list for this year, then why not start now?  Choose one of these winning, celebrity-inspired party looks, and be sure to make an entrance this New Year's Eve!   Also, don't forget to have fun and BE SAFE.

Happy New Year from your friends at Cosmetique!