During the holidays you may want to make some changes to your make-up routine to be camera ready. Here are some tips to help:

• Apply your eye makeup before doing your face so as not to mess up your foundation.
• Use a waterproof liner on the inner rim of your top lashes for a fuller look that defines the shape of your eyes.
• Add extra mascara by blinking down on the brush to get closer to the lash line, and then wiggle the brush out to the end of the lashes.
• Use a sheer foundation.
• Put foundation on your ears after first applying a base. This is especially helpful if your ears tend to get red, especially after a glass of holiday cheer or from hormonal changes.
• Highlight the inner “V” corners of your eyes. Avoid using a champagne colored highlighter or a shadow. Use a concealer.
• Contour your face with a blush brush to add angles which calls attention to your good features and downplays the others. Apply a matte bronzer, sweep along the hairline and over the temples, under the cheekbones and under the jawline.
• Use blush to add a subtle dimension and also to contour if you like. For the camera, go a little darker than normal. Use a powder formula that works on all skin tones. This means it will not have brown, orange, or red undertones.
• Fill your brows to add structure to your face and eyes.
• Moisten your lips for a more youthful look.
• Now here’s a smart trick – dab your face with masking tape, yup masking tape, before applying a finishing translucent powder. This will pick up any residue. Don’t worry, it is gentle enough not to disturb your makeup.

Eye Tips to Look Great in Glasses

• Try a deep burgundy or a sparkly liner.
• Use a tinted moisturizer to help hide those red marks glasses often make on your nose.
• Be sure to blot your makeup so it doesn’t appear on your frames.
• Use an eyelash curler to keep lashes from hitting your lens.
• Don’t go heavy on the tips of your eyelashes with mascara to prevent flaking off.
• Use neutral tones of eyeshadow.
• Use concealer under your eyes to prevent a sunken in look.
• Shape your brows.
• Compliment bold frames with bold lips using a matte, powdery product rather than glossy.

Question and Answer

Q:  What is the best coconut oil to use on my face? A:  When considering using coconut oil for your skin it’s best to use an organic brand, which you will find is now available in most local grocery, wholesale, and specialty stores. Q:  I read your article on shingles and wondered if you could tell me why you think there is more shingles now. I do not remember hearing about people getting it when I was younger. A:  First, I’d like to thank you for being a reader of Bellesprit Magazine. Your question is a good one. It seems that there is more evidence suggesting that since the introduction of the chicken pox vaccine for children in 1995 and the addition of the booster in 2006, the incidence of the disease has fallen about 90% from the pre-vaccine era.  Therefore, with so little exposure currently to the disease we are prevented from the added immunity the booster effect might have afforded us. Q:  What can I use at home for a DIY skin smoother? A:  There are many recipes you can try but here is one that is super easy and pretty amazing:  Mix 2 tablespoons of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 ounces of honey into a paste. The honey will reduce any redness.  Apply this to your skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You will find that this has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The nutmeg increases the adipose tissue under the skin, filling in fine lines and it also diminishes acne scars. Q:  My skin seems more sensitive, what would make that? A:  It is not unusual for the environment people work in and live in to be the culprit.  Cold weather areas certainly contribute to irritated, dry and cracked skin. Aging, health challenges, hormones, and even diet need to be included for consideration. Exposure to chemicals and too much water are other factors. Q:  What basics should I know about treating my acne? A:  You should never pick a blemish, use ice to help reduce inflammation and swelling then apply a topical treatment.  A good rule of thumb is, wash your face twice and don’t forget ice! Views:]]>