Purple Moon-Fantasy Nail Art Tutorial From Sephora

HAPPY FRIDAY!  Today's post is all about the latest trend-Fantasy Nail Art. While I'm not big on nail's these days due to my own kitty claws always being quite brittle and short, which is why I love wearing them slightly shorter as not to fuss because high strung people like myself don't need the added aggravation of maintaining claws on a weekly basis. But after checking out the latest fantasy art from Sephora and one look in particular-Purple Moon, I just may be swayed to jump on this fabulously fun trend. And it's purple! By the end of this year when I do a blog roundup of my likes, I will calculate how many purple products in my possession and post about them.

If your not a fan of this look, Sephora has other options for you to choose from that best reflects your individual style. There's the Giraffe & Pink Cheetah for you wild animal lovers. Distressed Metal for you industrial fashion night owl party goer's. Cherry Blossom for the romantics and Glitterati for all you divine diva's.

For every style you love Sephora has a handy Get The Look Guide to help you DIY as well as video's and all the nail colors/products you need available to buy all on the site.

Love The Purple Moon Look

Sephora's Guide Get the Look:
1.Starting at the base of the nail, paint on SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour in Iris I Was Thinner, making a symmetrical crescent shape that goes one-third of the way up your nail. Let dry.
2. Apply two coats of SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour in Domestic Goddess from the top of the moon to the tip of the nail, and let dry.
3. Seal with SEPHORA by OPI Top Coat, and let dry.
4. Place SEPHORA by OPI Nail Designs in Gold Metallic Flowers just above the half moon, following the curvature of the shape.

Or you can get inspired and be creative with your own designs but hurry up and enjoy it because the trend for Fall 2011 Nails are super short, minimalist clean and with the boldest pop of color. What fantasy nail art style are you?  Have a great weekend!  Stay beautiful! XOXO

Note: You guys still have 3 days remaining to enter my Hold Me Bag Giveaway, click link below. Thank you to all of you who have already submitted a photo, I love them and appreciate you participating with your private beauty stashes. I also want to mention there are more recipes which will be updated on my foodie blog either later tonight or tomorrow-visit Project Lucania. Next week's post will be filled with reviews on skincare, mineral makeup and more fashion merchants who have sent me some great cruelty free products to review. And I still have the Tarte Trueblood Cheek Stain I haven't gotten around to swatching so that will be featured next week as well. Have a great weekend.

Availability:Sephora Nail Polish & Trim $5 to $22

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Guest Post: How To Choose Your Eyeshadow

 GUEST POST

ALEYA- EDITOR OF SPONTANEOUS CHICK  

SHARES HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RIGHT SHADOW

For today's post, Aleya who is the editor over at The Spontaneous Chick website- will be contributing to the Beauty Tips & Tricks feature on how to choose the correct shade of eyeshadow that best suits your natural eye color. These useful hints will make sure to enhance your own natural gorgeousness. After all beauty is skin deep, we just need a little help to bring out our own unique features. Be sure to check out all the amazing cruelty free cosmetic brands that are out on the market in the link provided for you guy's on this blog and from my reviews. And head on over to the Spontaneous Chick for ton's of amazing advice. Let's stay cruelty free, let's Stay beautiful! XOXO

How To Choose The Right Eye Shadow For Your Eye Color

When choosing eye shadow colors there are a few things thatyou should consider, including the kind of look that you want, your hair colorand your skin color. More important than all of these however is your eyecolor. It’s important to choose a color that brings out your eyes and makesthem look beautiful rather than tired and dull. Here are some easy tips to helpyou select eye shadow based on your eye color.

Brown Eyes

If you have brown eyes you’re lucky because you can wear anyeye shadow color and it will look good on you. To see which colors look thebest on you, make some time to play with different colors and don’t be scaredto use two or three colors together.

Hazel or Green Eyes

The colors that look best on hazel or green eyes are taupe,browns, deep purples, lilac and dark green. These colors will make your eyespop without overpowering them.

Blue Eyes

Taupe, charcoal, pink, lilac, copper and brown are thecolors that work best with blue eyes. If you have blue eyes and want to applyblue eye shadow, be sure to use a shade that is darker than your eye color.

The best way to find colors that work well with your eyecolor is to experiment with many different colors. This is your chance to actlike a child in her mom’s makeup drawer so be sure to roll up your sleeves andstart coloring.

This post was written by Aleya who is the editorof Spontaneous Chick which offers beautyproduct reviews and health tipsfor women.

Visit Spontaneous Chick Website 

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Guest Post Summer Pantyhose From The Panty Drawer

GUEST POST
THE PANTY DRAWER BLOG
SUMMER TIPS ON KEEPING COOL WITH PANTYHOSE

Happy Monday Bloggers! I have a great treat for you today, the fabulous editor over at The Panty Drawer is guest blogging for the beauty/fashion tips and tricks section about wonderful tips on choosing the right pantyhose for summer weather. We all need some help on choosing tights to help up beat the heat and staying glamorous while doing it. While some of us are abandoning pantyhose for bare beach legs others may still have to work the office with that dreaded required dress code and I'm sure you ladies will appreciate this post the most! Enjoy! Side note-tomorrow's post is Tarte's Trueblood Palette Swatch and review while there are more sponsored giveaways and surprises in the works!

Hello Venus Loves Virgo readers.  For those of you who don't know me, I am Tights Lover from the most awesome lingerie and leg wear blog The Panty Drawer. I am very grateful to have been asked by Maria to do a guest post.

This past winter and spring, I was loving all of the different leg wear trends that I had been seeing around.  But just because the hot weather is here, you don't have to put the leg wear away for the summer.  There are plenty of great options that will keep you looking great and feeling cool all summer long.  And you can trust me.  As I sit here typing this, the temperature is getting dangerously close to 100 degrees.

The other thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to spend a lot.  Finding a few inexpensive brands that deliver on quality is the most important thing.  I have a few favorites that I know I always can count on.  I've tried to pick out a few different things that span across different price ranges, to help you find what's best for you.

Tights

The key with finding cool tights is looking at denier count.  The lower the count the more sheer the tights are.  And just as opaque tights can keep your legs warm in the winter, sheer tights can help keep your legs cooler in the summer.

Expensive

Wolford Aura 5 -- The '5' in 'Wolford Aura 5' is, of course, for denier count.  5  is about the sheerest you can get, which means these will look and feel like your bare legs.  The only difference is that these tights will give a subtle shimmer to your legs, making these perfect if you've been a bit lax on the shaving and/or moisturizing.

Moderate

Max Mara Origami Tights -- MaxMara might be better know for their clothing lines, but their tights are among the best I've ever tried.  These here are sheer throughout and ultra lightweight, making them perfectly comfortable in the summer.  Their 9 denier, so again, your legs are going to have plenty of chance to breath.

Inexpensive

Charnos Simply Bare Tights -- These tights were created with the summer in mind.  Not only are they sheer at 7 denier, but they come in a variety of skin tones that can give your legs a more tanned look, which is great if you're like me and are stuck in an office all day long.

Footless Tights

Footless tights are a necessity in the summer.  They allow you to combine the fashionable leg wear with the open-toed shoes perfectly.

Expensive

Falke Aquarel Leggings -- Falke is another high quality brand.  Anything I've bought from Falke has lasted forever.  These leggings give the look of a flower tattoo on the thigh.  They also go great with open-toed shoes.

Moderate

Levante Chevron Footless Tights --  These tights are made of net so they're perfectly breathable for the legs.  The net is done in a chevron pattern, and again, they're perfect for open toes.

Inexpensive
  

Pamela Mann Waterlilly Footless Tights - Again we have footless and open-net.  But what makes these tights even better for summer is their gorgeous floral pattern and bright colors that go great with so many different looks.

Open Work

We've touched on it already, but fishnets or open work tights are a great way to dress up your legs in the summer without making them unbearably hot.

Expensive

Fogal Flamenco Tights - Fogal is another luxury brand that is both long lasting and durable while looking and feeling amazing.  The Flamenco tights are just a basic fishnet pattern that can go with so many different looks while keeping the wearer stylish and cool.

Moderate

Oroblu Eclatant Fishnet Tights - Oroblu is another brand that has quality high above its price point.  I like the Eclatant tights because they're a bot of a wider fishnet than you normally see.  The best part about them, though, is that they feel amazing on.

Inexpensive

Hue Sheer Micro Mesh Pantyhose - These tights are like the opposite of the Oroblu tights.  The net pattern is so small, that you almost can't notice that these are net tights.  But at the same time, these tight are allowing your legs to breathe and stay cooler.

I hope you enjoyed today's guest post.  If you did, feel free to drop by THE PANTY DRAWER for many more posts like this.  Thanks again to Venus Loves Virgo! STAY BEAUTIFUL! XOXO

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Beauty Pro Sponsored Q&A Your Questons Answered!

Happy Friday bloggers! Today I was sent an email from my contact who sponsored Venus Loves Virgo Blog's Members Beauty & Hair Questions which can be read here. Your questions have been answered by professional instructors from the Long Island Hair And Beauty Institute. I'm adding links to the websites below this post for anyone who may be interested in taking courses at any one of their schools. I would also like to make a quick mention that no compensation was made to me for having this Q&A answered as it was only for a blogger outreach program. I would like to thank the institute and the writer of their blog's for contacting me and allowing my subscribers to have their questions answered. The original questions will be posted with each answer below. Hoping this helps solve some of your beauty and hair issues and have a lovely weekend. Stay beautiful! XOXO

YOUR BEAUTY & HAIR QUESTIONS

ANSWERED BY PROFESSIONAL'S

Blondeblush said...

woweee! how nice of them to do this. i want to know how i can get my fine hair super straight without damaging it. xx

RESPONSE Straight By Redken Gets my Fine Curly Hair Very Straight! Also it protects from heat and Humidity!!! Also Use a Heat Protector!

La Mode En Rose said... so cool!

Skin Care: I have some little marcs that the acné gave me... 1) Do I have an option to eliminate them for good?? they're not so much. 2) Could you please recommend me a good product that helps to cover them the most?? thanks! Kisses from La Mode En Rose = )

RESPONSE Vitamin E is Great for Acne Scars! RESPONSE If your  scars are More Red in Color Use a Green Concealer , the green cancels out the red! 

 

Ansa said... Oh this is so cool. I want to know how to get my hair in a better shape. It's fried.

 

RESPONSE  Treatments! CAT by Redken is Amazing! Use that then Follow it with a Moisture Treatment, All Soft Heavy Cream AMAZING, these are at home products you can use! If you really want a deep treatment, you will need to consult with your Stylist for a treatment that is not sold to the Public! Redken Chemistry Shots Are Amazing and they last for  30 days!

 
JuicyJuice said... Oh this is super!

It would help me so much knowing how to exfoliate my face without being burned or irritated badly and what product to use. Hope your weekend goes great :)

RESPONSE  My Favoite Exfoliator is Pumice Peel by Bioelements! I have Acne Sensitive Skin and it is very Gentle and works amazing! Also Only Exfoliate your Face Once a week! Also Baking Soda is an At home exfoliator that works Great as well!

 

 
Cretia said... Uhh...any help on getting relief from ingrown hairs? Fun idea on helping us!

 RESPONSE Deodorant! Crazy Sounding but it works! Also Only Exfoliate once a week!  

 

 
fashionKaren said... Awesome!

Got any ideas for really quick and simple summer hair styles? It's hard to fix up my hair when it's terribly humid out and I end up wearing a ponytail all the time. Hope you weekend is great <3

 RESPONSE  Ponytails cause Distress on our Hair, Try a clippie rather than a pony! Or loose beach curls is fast and easy!!!

Fresh Garden said... Absolutely fantastic!

I need a way to take care of my hair, it's almost deeply fried......

RESPONSE Treatments! CAT by Redken is Amazing! Use that then Follow it with a Moisture Treatment, All Soft Heavy Cream AMAZING, these are at home products you can use! If you really want a deep treatment, you will need to consult with your Stylist for a treatment that is not sold to the Public! Redken Chemistry Shots Are Amazing and they last for  30 days!

 

Honeycast said... Fantastic idea!

Can I possibly make an at home chemical peel myself only using household ingredients?

 RESPONSE Sorry, Not Chemical Peels,! Chemical peels are made with chemicals that can cause damage if being left on too long. Licensed Estheticians are the only ones who can put on chemical peels! But there is a Great Website for at home Facial masks that I love!

"http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com"www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com

 

Tights Lover said... This is great! What is the best product to hide gray hairs? Also, what is the best product for dry skin? 

RESPONSE Love Shades EQ by Redken! It is a Demi Permenant Color that Blends the Gray with no definite Line of Regrowth when your hair grows out! Also, what is the best product for dry skin? Bioelements and Repisage are two great Skin Care Lines for Dry Skin!

 

 cristanbanks said... Great post!

What ways can I protect my skin this summer without using heavy products?

RESPONSE When you use a sunscreen, Make sure you have two different ones, a Facial Sunscreen and then once for your Body, Copper tone I feel is not as Heavy!

 

 aidaartois said... Wow! Thanks!

Is there a moisturizer that actually fades or lightens dark blotches? Is there something I can do for this?

RESPONSE I Have found that Lemon Juice is a natural at home product that will help reduce the dark spots! It is acidic and will “bleach” your dark spots! I have noticed a HUGE difference and its cheaper! Just put a little on a cotton pad and dab on your face after you wash, tone and before you moisturize!

 

 Jennifer Fabulous said... Awesome!! I have a couple questions:

What is the best eye cream for girls in their mid-20s? Should I be using anti-aging eye cream right now? Also, best moisturizer for girls in mid-20s? Oh, and what products, or techniques, should I be using on my hair to keep it healthy? I'm worried about having straw hair like my mom 20 years from now. Haha! :P

RESPONSE It is never to early to start with the Anti-aging creams! If you are or have been in the sun a lot then most definitely start using it!  I love Advanced Vita Mineral C Complex by Bioelements! Our Face Needs Vitamins C  and E! Also Drink Lots Of Water!

and what products, or techniques, should I be using on my hair to keep it healthy? I'm worried about having straw hair like my mom 20 years from now. Haha! :P

RESPONSE My Favorite moiturizers for my hair Marrocan Oil! AMAZING! Also if you Highlight or Color your hair, have your stylist ALWAYS do a Conditioning treatment before and After!  

  Barnabus said... Nice post :)

Any suggestions on boosting a man's metabolism in midlife?

RESPONSE Drink More Water  When researchers measured people's metabolic rate before and after downing about 16 ounces of water, they found a rise in calorie-burning capability. The water had a lasting effect as well: Even after 30 minutes, drinkers were using 30% more calories than those who stayed dry

 

 wingsshimmery said... Awesome!

I'm on the market for a great pair of sunglasses, what styles are trending right now ? :)

RESPONSE Retro, vintage, active all kinds of doable good designs have been included in their collection to satisfy the needs of the customers. Each example comes with glitzy influence options to advantage you up on your sunny day jaunt.

 

 owlsscream said... Any help for lightening elbow & knee areas?

thanks :)

RESPONSE The appearance of dark skin on the knees and the elbows is very common in many people. There could be several factors that cause the skin on the elbows and the knees to become darker. Some of the most common causes for dark elbows and knees are excessive exposure to the sun, heredity, extra friction on the knees and elbows, dryness, improper skin care, certain diseases and the reaction to some types of medication. Exfoliate the skin regularly, especially in case of dark elbows and knees. There are several mild, but effective scrubs that are easily available at most stores, which could be effectively used to get rid of the dead skin cells, which is one of the main causes of darkening skin.

 

 ThisIsAlx said... Hi! I would love to know wat is the best drugstore hairspray that holds curls for my frizzy hair type but one that will leave hair soft and flowy not hard and crunchy?

I would also want to know if you would suggest any products or ways to remove razor bumps or ingrown hairs...yuk i hate mine!!! Please help...Thanks a Million :)

RESPONSE Tre semme

I would also want to know if you would suggest any products or ways to remove razor bumps or ingrown hairs...yuk i hate mine!!! Please help...Thanks a Million :)

RESPONSE Tend Skin

 

 JuicyJuice said... I have a couple more :)

Any way to completely rid yourself of cellulite and how to lighten elbow and knee area's?

RESPONSE Add two drops each of rosemary and fennel essential oils to three teaspoons of almond oil and massage into the affected areas. - Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. - Mix caffeinated coffee dust with any hand cream and apply on the areas for a minute, everyday. - Avoid alcohol, as it affects the detoxifier machine (Liver)! - Follow a low fat and high fibre diet. - Using a soft body brush on the area proves beneficial. - Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, as it flushes the toxins from the body cells.

 

Anonymous said...

Any relief for ridding yourself of varicose veins or spider marks

 

RESPONSE It’s due to the inefficiency of the vein in bringing the blood back towards the heart. They look like tree branches or spider webs and the walls of the veins are thinner and weaker than the walls of the arteries. The most simplest way of preventing spider veins is to avoid standing still, as it encourages the venous blood to pool.

 The external application of vitamin E oil, witch hazel, cider vinegar, horse chestnut, and rosemary oil, or a compress of the marigold herb in the affected area can be extremely effective. Mud pack may be applied in the affected area and left overnight. Regular sunbathing, cold packs, hot Epsom salt baths, and alternate hot and cold hipbaths are also useful. Dietary changes like inclusion of grains, seeds, nuts, raw vegetables and fruits are among the natural remedies for spider veins. Starchy foods like potatoes and white flour, condiments, and stimulants like tea, coffee and alcohol should be steered clear of. Remedial doses of Vitamin C and E help soothe the painful cramps. Some yoga postures, flex exercises and deep breathing also help reduce the pressure on your veins and are effective spider vein remedies. 

The responses to these beauty questions were given by the instructors at

"http://hairdesigninstitute.com/"hair stylist school  and 

"http://www.libeautyschool.com/"NYC cosmetology school 

that have locations throughout New York and Florida.

Guest Post: "One Romper Four Ways" With Nicole

 

Happy Thursday bloggers. I have an amazing treat for you today! The most adorable Nicole has created a fashion tutorial for my blog and it's a first Venus Loves Virgo Video tutorial guest post!  I'm looking forward to providing more guest post's  in the future while still looking for ways to make the blog better.

The tutorial: One easy versatile romper

The mission: How to wear it four different ways

About Nicole:

Nicole is the most fabulous sassy young little woman I have ever met. She is planning on taking her love for fashion to another level and pursue studies in merchandising/marketing possibly at Kent State University now that she has graduated from high school. Nicole only recently starting vlogging and she was so nervous about doing this but what I see is a pure natural television personality! She scores major points for her fearlessness.

I think we may possibly have the makings of a future style hostess because of Nicole's easy going and warm manner in all her videos. She's a little bird who's ready to fly out into the big scary world of fashion but don't let her cuteness mislead you for underneath it all she has a clear head on her shoulders and knows what she wants. I love that she is so untainted and untouched by the industry and you can feel her genuine desire to share herself with the public. Hold on to that pure passion Nicole because it's what people will love you for when you put yourself out there. Please show Nicole your love by visiting her You Tube channel and enjoy all her amazing videos as I have.Great job Nicole! I'm off to buy a romper... Stay beautiful! XOXO

Visit Nicole's You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/SpeakNoww17

Beauty Alert-Triangle Eyeshadow + Mini How To

The Cat eyes angry sister?  The Triangle Eye Shadow first made a splash on the New York Fashion runways and backstage at designer Derek Lam. For Spring 2011 it's trending red hot right now moving the focus on shadow placed on lids to the outer corners of your eyes way up to the brow bones. This funky trend accentuates your eyes to an almost three dimensional profile effect. A slight move away from the glamorous softer focus shadow  showing a hint of an almost futuristic alien, this is a look for the more playful pioneering woman. 

A quick tip on how to get the Derek Lam Triangle Look:

Apply red shadow to the lid of the eyes rather thickly like an eyeliner, then take a white silvery metallic shadow starting from the inner corner of your eye near the bridge working your way all the way up to the brow bone forming a triangle pattern. Viola your done!  Change up the colors if you like and for a bolder nighttime look use dark black (or any other deeper tone) shadow for funky graphic looks as seen in the third and fifth photo. You can even soften this look up by applying shadow only into the side corners of the eyes leaving the rest of the lid untouched as in the fourth photo. Get creative and have fun!

Although it's not a look you may want to carry into the office environment (depending on your workplace) if you use subtle muted neutral colors as Derek Lam did (see first two photo's) you can definitely pull this off for a daytime look. At best, it's a look suited for the nighttime when all the stray kitties come out to play (or pounce-meow) allowing you to go bolder and more experimental for a club/party look.  Do you likey? Have you tried this yet?  How bold will you go these summer nights?  Stay beautiful! XOXO

Exclusive! Beauty & Hair Design Institute Professionals Want To Answer All Your Questions

I'm skipping the flashback video segment this week to bring some exciting news for my members-subscribers! More details to surface in the future but for now it's my pleasure to announce to you all that I was contacted by a lovely website writer for a New York Beauty School And Hair Design Institute offering to sponsor as blog outreach opportunity to have all and any questions in beauty, hair, nail or skincare answered exclusively for my members by professional cosmetologists and such. How awesome is that!

Please ask anything you would like to know in regards to this, such as how to create a certain style of hair look, need any skin advice for skin issues or perhaps a makeup tutorial. Anything you need to know! A real trained professional will be providing you with your answers. Please post your questions in the comment box below and feel free to let your friends know as well so they can ask for advice or tips too. I don't have a set deadline as of now so you can take your time coming back to this post by bookmarking it still try not to take too long because I have to find out when the questions must be sent in. I will be sure to let you know the cut off date and am working on posting a graphic on my side bar for everyone to access the post easily. They have also offered to do guest posts in the future which should be nice as well.I will add the sponsors links when the questions have been posted, sent and answered.

Bloggers, think about what question you would like answered or any other tips or advice you need in regards to beauty, skincare, nail, hair and even fashion accessories then just type it up in the comment section or email me if you want privacy or don't want your username associated with your question, it's not a problem. I wish you all a safe and happy weekend. Start asking your questions and ask as many as you like. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Cropped Pants:How To Wear Them

I realized that I've been neglecting the blog's tips & tutorial feature lately which made me jump on doing this post of helpful how to trick's on wearing cropped pants and capri's this summer. Whatever your body type may be you can use this handy little guide when searching for that perfect cropped summer pant. It makes no difference if you choose a casual day pant or a more dressier evening pair because using these helpful hints will ensure you get that right fit to suit your body. And with such a popular style in demand during warm weather season, retailers offer cropped trousers at every possible price point. I live for lounging in my cameo flared crops during the lazy days of summer. What's your fave pair? Stay beautiful! XOXO

Additional tips to keep in mind:

High waist styles fit better on a slim waist

Tunic tops with this style pant are better proportioned for taller women 

If your 5/5 and under wear a top that sits slightly on the waist.

You can take a casual crisp cotton crop pant from day to night just by switching up your shoes. Add a pair of strappy golden pumps and your good to party!

Shopping Destination Tip:

Old Navy- here you'll find the largest selection of crisp, casual but more importantly affordable summer crops & capris in various styles. You can afford to buy some extras! Happy shopping!

Beauty Without Cruelty Cosmetic Color Chart

click then double click chart for larger view

Hey lovelies! The publicity team was excited about all the interest in their cosmetic line that they sent over this helpful color chart for lipsticks and nail polish as a reference guide for my members to use.So if you generally shop by color tones such as warm, cool, naturals and so forth this chart will help give you an idea of the shade. That was very nice of them to send over and hope it is useful to you guys. Stay tuned for more beauty without cruelty reviews plus the best product they sent me I'm saving that for last! Have a great weekend. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Beauty Without Cruelty

Foundation Application:To Brush Or Not To Brush?

It's about that time for another girl talk forum post and today's' topic, liquid foundation application. There really is no right or wrong way but merely a question of personal preference because some of the top make up artists in the industry all have their own unique take on how foundation is applied. I'm going to add some comment on what various artists had to say on how they prefer to apply foundation to models and clients. I'll  first start with the top guru make up artist extraordinaire which is non other than Pat McGrath. Pat McGrath has worked with top fashion and beauty houses and was behind Dolce & Gabbana's line, Giorgio Armani's high end cosmetics, adviser for CoverGirl cosmetics and so forth. If your a beauty and fashion addict then you already know who she is. I was actually surprised to  read how she likes to apply foundation when reading an article years ago. I figured all the top runway artists love their brush. Not... McGrath uses her fingers resulting in the most flawless face application. She feels the natural oils in your fingers help smooth and distribute the foundation more easily while blending with more precision. She's not against using a brush either though sometimes in conjunction such as using the brush for a base product application and then fingers for the foundation itself. I'm with her on this one. I find foundation brushes whether their expensive or not are better suited to more perfect skin without any imperfections. I guess it just takes more practice with a brush and I find my fingers work faster. First I apply little dots of liquid foundation all around my face then blend it all in and finish off the spots with a make up sponge for those little spots by patting the sponge lightly over the area. After that I like to set with powder brushes. I haven't given up hope on getting a professional looking application with my foundation brush though. On the other hand, make up artist Ken Boylen would be lost without his brushes swearing he could never achieve a flawless look with his fingers. Celebrity make up artist Ashunta Sheriff believes a foundation brush helps the product go on more smoothly and covers up imperfections without looking caked. She feels using your fingers can cause irritations and that your brush should also be made of synthetic fibers such as nylon for a better finish. For liquid foundation Sheriff suggests using a brush such as Dermablend Foundation Brush #7 for powder foundation she suggests using M.A.C. #134. Make up artist Scott Barnes has a useful tip on how to properly use a foundation brush when applying a liquid make up below:

How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Brush

Pour a quarter size amount of foundation onto the back of your hand or into a small clean bowl. Then dip the brush into the product just enough to cover the bristles because you don't want to drown them. Then smooth it onto your skin with smooth even strokes. Begin on one side of your face underneath your jawline and work your way up to your cheekbones. Then continue to just below your brows and across your forehead. Repeat on the other side of your face and be sure to blend, blend, blend! Look in the mirror after the first layer is applied and decide if you need to add some more coverage.

So what I'm curious to know is what you preference in liquid application is. How do you apply your foundation and why? Is it because your not handy with a brush or find a sponge or your fingers cover up spots better? Would you be willing to give up your usual technique to try out a different method? I will be looking forward to reading everyone's opinions. As for me I will definitely be trying Scott Barnes trick above to see if I can get a flawless look done right. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Fructis Hair Guide

I got this bonus hair styling guide inserted in one of my beauty magazines and thought I would grab a snapshot and share it with you guys. It's sponsored by Fructis Hair Care and it's printed on this clear vinyl sheet that you adhere to your mirror making it handy to have while your fixing your hair.You get tips for three different simple hair styles:Super Sleek-Boho Braid & Undone Chignon. I made the photo large but if anyone needs help reading the instructions drop a comment and I'll type up the words. Stay Beautiful! XOXO

Diva Bright Smile Tip: Blue Based Red Lip

Since the red lip is trending like crazy for fall I thought I'd share a runway/red carpet ready tip  used by professionals on creating a sexy red pout which gives your lips dimension and makes your smile super bright. It's also a little secret celebs use for getting their teeth to appear blinding white. Gwen Stefani has been using this trick for years and her favorite red shade is Urban Decays Gash which is also one of my fave UD lip colors. I added a photo of this shade below.You have to start with a lip color that's a deep vamp shade of red but most importantly it has to be in the blue pigment family. Blue based lip color will be deeper in shade such as a lush berry or deep scarlet color. Orange based red are much warmer in tone such as cherry,brick or poppy reds. You can tell just by looking at the lip color because your more than likely to see the difference between the two tones. Blue based red's usually work best on cool tones or fair skin complexions where orange based reds work best on warm skin tones. Dark skin complexions should also work nicely with blue based reds.Finding that best shade of red begins with a color that compliments your own natural skin tone. A really great true red has a combination of blue & orange pigments that work on any one's skin complexion. 

these shades of red are universally flattering on all skin types

If you purchased red lipsticks that ended up looking horrible on you don't throw them out because you can always mix them with other lip colors to get a unique color that matches your tone. You can do this by layering with a lip brush or mixing different tubes in an empty lip pot which can be purchased at any beautiful supply store for a small cost. Now back to getting that super bright vixen lip.The lipstick I swatched is from my Kevin Aucoin collection in shade Bloodroses. It's not new I purchased it last season but it's one of my fave blue pigmented red shades for creating the perfect winter weather diva lip looks. After you select your perfect blue based shade then you'll need to get yourself a blue lip gloss. I use Kevin Aucoins Blue Diamond Gloss pictured above because it really has a nice deep blue. While it looks like glitter it actually has diamond dust blue flecks in the formula. If you can't find something like this or designer brands cost too much you can purchase a holographic blue gloss at any drug store for less like the one I have pictured above without any label on it. It cost like $3 while this one has no flecks in it-it has a high holographic dimension that my camera couldn't capture but it's real pretty. The flash also didn't capture the lipstick shade accurately so here is an up close shot of it. It's a gorgeous blood stain red called Blood Roses.

Kevin Aucoin Blood Roses

My Urban Decay Gash works great with layered blue gloss-a Gwen Stefani fave!

Other blue glosses in my collection that works well for this look:

Christian Dior Gloss Show:Urban Decay Sparkler Pen & Estee Lauder Lip Vinyl

The blue lip gloss works over the blue based lip color by adding full dimension to your lips as well as making your teeth appear super white giving you that dazzling bright smile. The secret to this is using a blue gloss as the top coat over your lipstick as you wont get the same brightening effect with clear gloss. I find this always makes my lips look like a coat of sleek vinyl was applied as a top coat,it's really sexy on your lips and perfect for accessorising your winter fashion look. This trick is amazing on fair skin because it will make your light tone pop even more so if you have dark hair. The swatch above from left to right is the Blood Roses lipstick followed by the lipstick applied with Kevin Aucoin Blue Diamond Gloss then third swatch is the blue holographic gloss on it's own with the last shade is the KA Blue Diamond gloss on it's own. You can tell how subtle both the blue glosses are on there own. They are not childish looking glosses at all-they just amplify the blue based red lip color of your choice. You girls try this out and let me know how it works on you. Stay beautiful!  XOXO