Welp, I'm trying to not complain but this Antarctic weather is getting quite old. My hips aren't especially appreciating it either. Why is it you want to turn into a hibernating bear when it's below zero? I'm starting to get to know the staff well at both Whole Foods and Wegmans. I've been hitting them up weekly for their prepared foods and bakeries. For not only do I want to eat - but I do not want to cook.  I think it's the kitchen in our sorority house apartment. Cheap appliances, lack of counter space and cabinets do not make cooking fun. So in the meantime I'm developing quite a friendship with the comfort food/salad bar. Oh and then there is wine- that always gets me through too. So that's where I'll be until Spring gets here. The food bar and the liquor store.

Crave the dewey glow you see on the red carpet? the gorgeous cheekbones and perfect skin? As a makeup artist there are some absolute must haves needed in the old bag of tricks.  The best way to create a flawless face just takes a few simple steps:

 Step 1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! There is nothing worse than dry flaky skin for foundation to sit on top of.  Not pretty.

 Step 2. Primer: If you are not a fan of your own skin texture or color such as too many little bumps, pimples, (that you are working on of course- but I digress) or you have redness that comes through anything you put on you need to Prime.  It's like setting your skin up to win all the time. A nice silicone based primer will let your foundation glide onto your face. Tip: To conceal redness try a green tinged primer on those spots to counteract the red.

 Step 3. If after your primer you like what you see, then you may need only a little coverage instead of full coverage.  The newest BB creams are perfect for this.  I like Garnier's Nutrioniste BB Cream. It gives you extra hydration, a nice glow and is usually build able without getting cakey.  It also has added vitamins and ingredients that help your skin while giving you a little color and sheer coverage.  One of those glorious two for one deals. However, If you feel you still need more coverage then a regular foundation is key.  Choose one for your skin type- oily girls need more of a matte finish and normal to dry can get away with ones that give a little glow.

 Step 4. Concealer.  My preferred concealer  you can actually find in a drugstore.  Though I never really met a concealer I did not like.  For heavy duty concealing, Laura Mercier makes a great one called Secret Camouflage that you can find at any luxury cosmetic boutique or department store.  I like to conceal after I apply my base.  Only for the fact that when putting on concealer before  foundation you wind up wiping off what you put on.  With concealer last- you can blend a little where you need it such as under the eyes and around the nose (like for those pesky tissue blowing red rings) and on any blemishes that may still peek through your base.

 Step 5. Lastly, highlighter and bronzer for a shimmery glow.  NARS makes a lovely highlighting cream that can double as a blush too.  Lancome's bronzer is just the right shade to contour and givea subtle tint.  I like placing my bronzer in the hollow of my cheeks, across my forehead and chin.  Highlighting cream or powder instantly lifts your cheek bones when you place it right under your temple to halfway under your eye- like the shape of the letter C following your orbital bone.  Down the bridge of the nose helps slenderize it as well.

After these five steps your face will be ready for whatever you want next, mascara and gloss for a natural look or for a more glam look smokey shadows and black liquid liner. Either way I guarantee you will look fabulous and flawless!

One of the perks of working with cosmetics is getting to know the best of the brands.  The best for your money and the best of the up and coming.  These are goods you want in your medicine cabinets, your nightstands and on your vanities.  If not for function, just for the sheer delight of it.






1.  An instant EYE LIFT  2. BATH Gel yummy enough to eat  3. A Spa retreat for your SKIN  4.  A sexy looking Candle   5.  A funky EYESHADOW palette  6.  Make HIM over 

Inspiration Shimmer: All things glitter, sequins and shine.  Maybe it's the sunshine, the new season, the fact that I feel better...I don't know.  But I am finding little ways to sneak it into my outfits and into my home.  Not trying to be the crazy glitter lady or anything.  Just trying to add a little extra sparkle in my life...