COLORFUL SMOKY EYES

Traveling can be an inspiration in many ways. I recently came back from a trip to Hawaii where I was blown away by the absolute beauty of nature there. Everywhere we visited was exquisite. The ocean, sunset and the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The colors are so rich and vivid that every view looked picturesque. I figured that I would incorporate the different hues of the natural landscape into my makeup. I have been noticing the trend of smoky eyes being done with bright and bold colors. Here are a couple different forms of smoky eyes done with a dramatic pop of color instead of the basic black.






PURPLE SMOKY EYES

To create my smoky purple eyes, I first used a neutral iridescent powder called "Fairylite" all over my lid by MAC. On my lower lid I used an intense purple called "Babe" by Kat Von D. Next I lightly applied "Babe" over the crease of my eyes fading upwards. Then I lined my upper and lower lid using a flat brush with a dark shade of purple called "Shiba" also by KVD. I smudged the upper and lower lining with "Babe" to soften the lines. I lined my inner lower and upper lids with a matte black powder to complete the intensity of the look. The last step I did was highlight my brow bone and inner corners of my eyes with an iridescent off-white shadow called "Peanut" by KVD. Most of the shadows I used are available in a palette by KVD called "True Love."






AQUA SMOKY EYES

To achieve this look all I used were 3 different colors. I first used an iridescent aqua shadow called "Surreal" by MAC on my lower lid. To really get that intense pop of color I used my finger instead of a brush. Next I lined my lower and upper lid with a matte black shadow. I blended the black lines with a black and silver combo mineral shadow called "Cinderfella" by MAC. I then used "Cinderfella" in the crease of my eyes. On top of that I blended the crease upwards with "Surreal." I finished the look by applying "Surreal" in the inner corners of my eyes.

NATURAL BEAUTY

If you are into living green there are so many options now when it comes to makeup. There is a myriad of wonderful cosmetic lines available that offer natural products. You have to be careful when purchasing "natural" or "organic" cosmetics because they can be misleading. The FDA does not regulate the cosmetic manufacturers terms and usage of the word natural. While a lot of these companies offer cosmetics that aim at the green movement, they may still contain chemicals. So if you are really specific about non-toxic makeup, make sure you read the labels carefully and do your homework. Here are a few items that promise a less toxic version of some of your favorite makeup products.

Josie Maran Plumping Lip Gloss-Available at sephora.com for $20.00

This lip gloss not only makes your pout plump, but it is also loaded with products that are good for your lips. It contains 100% pure organic Argan oil and uses marine collagen to help plump. This product is formulated without parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances.

Dr. Hauschka Mascara-Available at saffronrouge.com for $25.95 This mascara is plant enriched and it works well for people with sensitive eyes. It promises to be long-lasting and not flaky. It is a great alternative for people who have allergies or use contact lenses. Some of the nourishing ingredients it contains include rose, jojoba wax, and tea leaf extract.

Rosebud Salve-Available at amazon.com for $4.40
This lip balm provides moisture, sheen and emollient protection. My favorite thing about this lip balm is that it is long lasting. It stays fresh for 30 months after it is opened! It does not contain parabens or sulfates and it is not tested on animals.

Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm by Phyto-Available at sephora.com for $26.00This is a non-chemical straightening product that helps you achieve the perfect blowout. This plant-based formula helps soften and protect unruly hair. I have used this product for years and I absolutely love it! It is created without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes.

Natural Lip Stain By Tarte-Available at sephora.com for $24.00 Generally known for there cheek stains, Tarte has now created the perfect stain for your lips. It moisturizes while creating the perfect natural flush stain. It is created without parabens, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, and petro-chemicals.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Valentines Day, also know as Saint Valentines Day is celebrated every year on February 14th. Typically thought of as a "hallmark holiday" this day is often considered something conjured up by businesses to entice people to spend money on chocolates, cards, and flowers. Truth be told, this day traces back to a historical figure that was a patron saint. The history of Saint Valentine is still a mystery but it us said to date back to 496 AD. The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the middle ages when the tradition of courtly love was flourishing. This tradition has held up through the years and has now taken many forms of celebration with our loved ones. In the spirit of the holiday, I have chosen some beauty ideas for this day of amour.




Vanilla Eau De Toilette by The Body Shop-Available at The Body Shop for
$17.oo
This perfume will give your the sweet smell of vanilla mixed with other various notes. I usually spray some perfume in my hair so that the scent can last all day.

Top notes: bergamot, coconut, apricot, strawberry

Middle notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, rose

Base notes: vanilla, sandalwood, amber, musk

FUCHSIA PIGMENT-Available at MAC for $19.50
This loose powder is highly pigmented for use of the eyes and cheeks. To use on your lips, try mixing a clear gloss with the powder for shiny shimmery fuchsia lips that will stand out.


BENETINT BY BENEFIT-Available at Sephora and Benefit for $28.00
This rose colored stain is for the lips and cheeks. It's the perfect 2 in one.





NARS ORGASM ILLUMINATOR-Available at Nars or Sephora for $29.00
Nar's Orgasm blush has been voted as one of the best blushes over the years is now available in a liquid shimmer. This peachy-pink shimmer can be used to highlight your features to give a soft dewy glow.



OOH LA LA SPARKLING BODY POWDER-Available at Victoria's Secret for $30.00
Use this sparkling powder on your skin for a shimmery look all over your body. This powder is scented with a blend of mandarin, cherry blossom and vanilla.

Alexander McQueen (March 16th 1969 – February 11th 2010)

Today marks a sad day in the fashion industry because one of the most talented and innovative fashion designers has passed away. The English born designer made his name known by his unconventional designs and shocking runway shows. He was the head designer for Givenchy for 5 years before heading his own label Alexander McQueen and McQ. Before making waves in the fashion industry, he stood out as a tutor at one of London's most prestigious fashion schools. He was a pattern making tutor for the students of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Apparently he was so talented that the Head Masters persuaded him to enroll in the school. He eventually got his masters degree in fashion design. McQueen was one of the youngest designers to win the "designer of the year award" which he won 4 times between the years of 1996-2003. He was also the first fashion designer to collaborate with one of MAC's most popular promotions, cosmetic releases created by fashion designers. His clothing has been worn by such celebrities as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Penelope Cruz. His legacy will live on in his unique designs and his avante-guard creations. He will never be forgotten and the fashion industry never will be the same because of him. Here are a just a few of his amazing and unique designs.

JEMMA KIDD

Jemma started out her career by being a successful model but later found a second calling. She went to makeup school in 2003. After graduating she has built quite an accomplished business in the world of cosmetics. Her products were at first only sold in the UK but are now available America as well. Her company has grown quite a bit over the years and she now has a book available called Makeup Master Class. Her book claims to "demystifies the art of make-up and shows every woman how to enhance her best features and feel confident in her appearance, whatever her age or lifestyle." Her website is very informative and fun. She has 3 different collections for her makeup line.

1. Jemma Kidd Makeup School-This collection is supposed to have a range of professional standard cosmetics to suit all women's natural beauty.

2. Jemma Kidd Pro-Offers the essential products for every make-up artists backstage kit.

3. JK Jemma Kidd-Claims to have the range of seriously high fashion colour cosmetics, for the beauty junkie in all of us.

http://www.jemmakidd.com/academy.html

BRILLIANTLY BRONZED

I'm pale. There's not too much I can do about it. I don't always mind my pale complexion but sometimes I need a boost in the pigment department. Every once and a while a girl has got to wear a dress and pasty legs doesn't always cut it. I am not one to sunbathe or visit the tanning salon, but I will get a spray tan when necessary. One thing I use more often than not is self tanners. I have definitely tried a few over the years, but there are some that are better than others. If you have light skin like I do, streaking and unnatural orange colors can be a problem if you use the wrong products. Here are a few that work for me.


SALLY HANSEN'S AIRBRUSH LEGS-Available at drugstores for $7.00
I love this spray! It works in a pinch. I use it when I want to wear a skirt or dress and I don't have time to get a spray tan. I put lotion on my legs first, spray a few spots on my legs and rub it in. This spray has a natural color and goes on evenly.




FENIX SUNLESS TANNING LOTION-Available online 4oz for $27.00
This is the best tanning lotion I have found. It looks closest to getting a spray tan without having to leave your house. The color is warm not orange and starts showing up in a couple hours after application. It's a bit more pricey than other lotions but worth it for the effect.




NARS BODY GLOW-Available at Sephora 4oz for $59.00
This bronzer is not best known for its color impact, but it's scent. It gives a hint of color but the scent is reminiscent of summer with notes of coconut and chocolate. This light-weight oil is also moisturizing and feels great on the skin.

TURN YOUR JEWELRY INTO DECORATIVE ART

Do you have your jewelry stuck in a drawer somewhere? Maybe your necklaces are so tangled together you can't separate them enough to wear them. Are your bracelets and earrings in some jewelry box misplaced in your room? It's a fact that if your jewelry isn't displayed properly, chances are you wont wear it. Essentially your trinkets can become lovely embellishments for your household. There are so many ways you can make your jewelry into art, here are a few ideas.

USE YOUR LAMP TO DISPLAY YOUR NECKLACES

You can hang your favorite pearl and chain necklaces around your lamp to create a ornamental feminine touch.

USE YOUR PAINTINGS TO DISPLAY YOUR NECKLACES

I love finding paintings at the flea markets. One thing I keep in mind when I look for art is, how would my jewelry look hanging from this frame? I love getting frames of all shapes and sizes to display my favorite jewelry.

USE PICTURE BOARDS WITH PUSHPINS TO DISPLAY EARRINGS, NECKLACES OR BRACELETS

When I went to Target the other night I found these great picture boards. They are supposed to be used to display pictures but why not display jewelry? You can place the pushpins on the board in a geometrical way so that your jewelry looks organized and decorative.