2013: The Year of Glowing Skin

Happy New Year, Beauties!  I know, I'm a little late, but I'm here with an exciting declaration - I am so happy to announce that flat, matte skin is out!  Thanks to a bevy of new releases from some major brands, the beauty counters are now flooded with brightening and illuminating powders that work to correct skin discoloration or texture issues while reflecting light in a way that gives the skin a lit-from-within glow.

Hallelujah!  I have been waiting for this moment for so long! *Tear* I'm being a bit dramatic, but seriously, I hate the look of traditional mattifying/setting powders that leave a flat matte finish on the skin, which often photographs terribly and has a tendency to look muddy.  Not to mention the fact that traditional powders tend to settle into lines and pores, exaggerating the problem they're supposed to hide.

Combining the optical diffusion technology provided by industry favorite HD powders, these new brightening powders kick things up a notch with the inclusion of light reflecting ingredients like mica and even tiny flecks of diamonds, and skin hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, seaweed extracts and vitamins.  Available in both translucent and color-correcting formulations, these powders are the perfect addition to any makeup routine, and even look great dusted over bare skin.

Read on for some of my favorites and application tips:

Drugstore Faves

As much as I love a good Sephora haul, I always find myself going back to (and recommending) some drugstore makeup and skin care finds that work great and rival their pricier counterparts.  When taking clients shopping for makeup and skin care, we almost always start somewhere like Ulta or Target for some of these products before venturing into a department store.  Here are some of my favorite products, found at any local drugstore, that work amazingly well and create a look that dupes many pricier department store products.

Skin Care:

 

POND'S Deep Cleanser & Make-up Remover with Cucumber Extract, 10.1 oz

This cooling cleansing cream by Pond's has a higher water-to-oil ratio than its "classic" cold cream counterpart, meaning it rinses off clean without the need to tissue off.  Using the same idea as oil cleansers, this cold cream dissolves all makeup - even long-wearing/waterproof formulas - for a clean complexion that isn't left dried out.  I've been using this on and off for years, and always find myself reaching for it when nothing else is working.

Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash, 6 fl oz

I only wash my face with a foaming cleanser in the shower, with my Clarisonic (which there definitely is not a drugstore dupe for!).  This pH balanced face wash by Phisoderm is super gentle, and is formulated without sulfates or dyes, so it won't irritate even sensitive skins.  With the added benefit of salicylic and lactic acids, this cleanser helps keep pores clean and acne at bay, all without stripping the skin of natural oils or throwing off pH balance.  What else could you want in a cleanser?

 

Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Organic Aloe Vera Formula Toner, Rose Petal, 12 fl oz

I LOVE this toner.  I'm kind of a toner addict, having tried at least a hundred others from all kinds of brands, and I always come back to this one.  It contains so much goodness: vitamin e, witch hazel, aloe, glycerine, and rose water - and doesn't contain alcohol!  This toner always leaves skin soft, toned and never dry or stripped.  While many people don't consider toners a necessary step, I deem this a staple in my routine for removing anything my cleanser may have missed, and for adding an extra little dose of moisture to the skin.  Also, I may be addicted to the heavenly rose scent.

read on for my makeup faves!

Love Lip Color? All you need is Lip Liner.

I'm a little obsessed with lip color... in all kinds of shades, finishes, and wears.  If you have a similar addiction, you could go broke buying balms, glosses, lipsticks, lip glazes, stains, lip liners, etc.  For a much more economical way to experiment with all those fun colors, all you need is these three items to get the different finishes created by the products mentioned above:

• lip liner in color of choice
• clear lip balm
• clear lip gloss

Here are instructions and pictures to show you how:

Perfect Springtime Blushes

I am suffering from the worst case of spring fever EVER! Those 70 degree sunny days are such a tease!! I find myself refusing to wear coats on the colder days as a sort of weird denial of the fact that it isn't totally warm-weathered yet. At least I can fake that warm-weather flush with these blushes, that promise to brighten even the most confused winter-into-spring complexions:

Powder Formulas

NVEY Eco Organic Powder Blush in Pale Pink

This blush looks way too pale to do any justice to my olive complexion in the compact, but as soon as it makes contact with the skin, it turns into a gorgeous natural shade of flushed pink that I love! It is perfectly matte and looks really natural, not streaky or chalky at all. With natural oils and Vitamins E and C, it's good for the skin too!

$30 at http://www.ecoenvybeauty.com/

Alima Pure Satin Matte Blush in Apricot

The perfect color for warming up the complexion, this blush works on all skin tones and imparts a sheer, natural glow. Again, it has no shimmer, which I prefer, and blends into the skin beautifully. I even like this on eyelids and lips for a no-fuss look.

$17.50 at http://www.alimapure.com/

Cream Blush

Smashbox Creamy Cheek Color and Blush

This is the perfect pink color for all skin tones and types. The silicons in it allow it to glide over the skin for a smooth wash of color, while the brush makes sure you can blend it in well. I love the bright pink color for really perking up the complexion, and it has really the perfect consistency: not too silicony, oily, or dry. It leaves the cheeks looking dewy and radiant.

$21.75 at http://www.smashbox.com/

Cheek Stain

Origins Pinch Your Cheeks in Coralberry

This gel stain is the perfect way to get long lasting color without looking like you have any makeup on. Just a tiny dab will do both cheeks - just make sure to rub it in quickly or you'll get a splotchy stain that only comes off with makeup remover. But, stay away from stains if you have any complexion issues, like large pores, scarring or rough texture, as the stain will just catch onto and magnify these issues - not pretty! Otherwise, give it a try - it looks gorgeous and can be used on lips and cheeks. $11.50 at www.origins.com

Hopefully these blushes will give you that touch of springtime that we're all craving!!