One area of 'skincare' that gets commonly overlooked is our lips. But just like any area of the face, our lips age and can often feel less plump, hydrated and youthful as they once did. I notice that when I am consistent in my lip care routine, my lip makeup applies so much nicer, I feel less parched and I am not in need of applying balms all day long.
Read MoreOne thing I know a lot about is getting my photo taken. ha! But it’s true… I have a professional photographer that I work with twice a month to grab photos for the blog or social media, and I am on TV every other week too. And like most of you I try to get a family photo taken once a year as well to document my kids at each age. Before that, earlier in my career, I did hair and makeup for at least one hundred brides and also worked freelance on many TV, commercial and magazine shoots. So after all of that- I like to think I have learned a few tried and true tips for better makeup in photos. I want to share 5 of those tips with you- and I hope they come in handy next time you find yourself in front of a camera lens.
Read MoreRounding out our year of STAR SIGN BEAUTY the CANCER gal was lovely to learn more about. The CANCER gal is all about loyalty, home life and instincts. She uses her gut feelings to make decisions and to advise her on friendships and relationships. She is creative and has a great imagination too! Learn a little more about the Cancer and see how I created this golden makeup look inspired by her.
Read MoreThere are some products that just stand the test of time- and even when you venture out to try something new, you find your way back to those oldies but goodies. The products you are in a long-term relationship with, the ones you are committed to! I have quite o few of these favorites, but I narrowed it down to 5… the criteria being that I must have used them for at least 3 years and/or repurchased them 5 times. So take a look at my list, and be sure to share your own with me over on IG
Read MoreIf I am honest I am not a huge Nordstrom shopper… I’m more of a Target gal, but I do love a good sale on luxury items of course. The other thing I’ll note, is that the products included in the beauty sale are almost the EXACT same every year. I don’t really get that- like why aren’t they offering more variety? Anyone?
But- that being said there are a few things that make me excited, so I’ve rounded them up for you if you want my opinion or to know what I am buying for myself- Let’s go!
Read MoreI guess quarantine finally got to me because I joined Tik Tok… Ha! But honestly it is so much fun over there- and it’s not just for teens. It is an app full of creativity and inspiration, and I feel like I learn more there than I have anywhere in years. I know there’s a lot of buzz about it being shut down (not going to happen) and about it being a cesspool, but ALL social media can be that way if you choose to look for it. This post isn’t about Tik Tok though, it’s about the game I made up to play on Tik Tok, and to inspire others to have fun with their makeup too: MAKEUP ROULETTE
I had the idea that I would let fate choose the color that I have to use as my main inspiration when I put on my face. I roll the camera, spin the wheel, and then come up with some sort of way to use that color in my look.
Read MoreSummer is the perfect time to take a break from the hot tools, and instead focus easy quick styles that embrace the texture of your hair while making your morning routine a little more relaxed. I took on the challenge of an entire week with no heat, and documented each day- to give you some ideas and some encouragement to try it as well!
Read MoreThis month we feature the traits of the TAURUS gal! I was definitely a fan of the colors in our Zodiac palette that were assigned to Taurus because they are warm, grounded, and romantic. Which makes sense considering that the Taurus is a sign ruled by Venus- so LOVE plays a big role in their needs and personalities. Find out more about the Taurus and watch as I create this look inspired by her.
Read MoreDealing with dark circles is pretty standard for most women- there are genetic factors for many, but also stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and thinning skin play a part. My technique for treating and covering will help tackle this issue, but be prepared for daily and weekly commitment for best results. And chances are, you’re missing a key factor when it comes to covering dark circles each day…
Read MoreIf quarantine has re-racked your priorities a little, and you’ve decided to embrace the less is more approach- you may be part of the large number of women deciding to keep their beauty routines more simple. Recently Studio 5 did a poll on their IG feed, asking followers if they were going to ditch their lash extensions for good? Almost 80% of responders said ‘YES!’ and we couldn’t help but take notice of that large amount. So I thought it might be helpful to give you a few tips for enhancing and brightening the eyes daily, giving yourself a little less to commit to when it comes to your lashes.
Read MoreCan you say ‘PINK’!? Wowza… this months color from our Zodiac Palette is bold and bright- but I guess that makes sense when you learn that the ARIES gal is super enthusiastic, ambitious and competitive. Sound like you or an ARIES you know? Learn a little bit more about her traits, and see how I created this look dedicated to her in the video below. And don’t forget links to everything I used are listed, plus your chance to win this months Zodiac necklace.
Read MoreIt’s Sephora Sale season again, but only the 27th in your are an Insider and the 29th of you are a VIB (free to sign up if you haven’t already) So here’s a quick round up of the things I would recommend to you all… my most loved favs from Sephora. If you want to see some of them in action be sure you watch my Story over on IG called ‘GREEN/SEPHORA’ saved to my profile highlights. To get the sale prices you’ll need code: SPRINGSAVE
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a little something fun to do with your girls (and boys!) while you’re on lock down, it might be a fun time to try out some of those crazy hair colors!? Our regular rules have gone out the door- no dress codes to adhere to and no photos to be worried about… might as well let them express their style and have some fun bonding while you do it. Here’s a look at what my girls chose, and links to some product ideas.
Read MoreThis is a strange time in the world, and everything feels upside down. Spending weeks at home is tough for sure, but there are some unseen benefits of these ‘less-busy’ days. One of which is wearing less makeup- not only because it saves us some time, but also because we can truly let our skin breath and heal.
It’s no secret I have dealt with my fair share of acne woes. I’ve documented that here for years. But in the last 16 months my skin has taken a major turn for the better… so I wanted to share with you how and why I believe that has happened.
Read MoreThe Pisces gal was so fun to study. She is a dreamer with a creative core!
This look was created with her in mind, I love the mixture of metallic finishes and the sheer glossy lip. Find out more about the Pisces personality, and get the details from this look in my latest episode of Star Sign Beauty.
Read MoreHere’s the thing- you spend a LOT on your hair color, not only money but time! So I always recommend you protect that investment with an at-home routine that will keep your color looking better longer. Why only get 5 weeks when you can get 8+ of rich color and shine!? Here’s how:
Read MoreFinally! That’s the best word to describe my office [aka the Beauty Lab] makeover. It has been years in the making… er I mean, WAITING! But as you all know big home renovations take time, and this one was no exception.
The main main goal was STORAGE for all of my beauty products- and there are a lot, I know. I was tired of the room looking messy even when it was clean, because there was simply too much clutter exposed with a lack of covered storage. So we went hard with the storage and I am so happy with how it all turned out. I can put everything away behind closed doors, and that is worth a million bucks!
Read MoreRecently a viewer wrote in to the show asking for a little guidance. Her name is Claire and she is 59 years old- she told us that she wanted to buy some new makeup for herself and was actually given a gift card to Ulta, but hadn’t yet spent it because she felt overwhelmed knowing what products were best for her maturing skin.
I am sure that Claire didn’t expect to be thrust on camera when she wrote into the show, but I knew that the best way for her to get over her fear shopping at Ulta, was just to actually take her into the store and help her navigate. I wish I could do this for more of you, but hopefully this will help you if you’ve ever felt this way too!?
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Recently on Studio 5 my friend and host of the show, Brooke- shared her favorite palette the Morphe Nature Glow. After her share a viewer commented that she too loved the palette but needed help reaching beyond the same 3 colors every time she used the palette. So we decided to extend the challenge to you all- to push beyond the brown, and explore the rest of the colors- ones that you may have never touched.
I’m breaking down may favorite ways to do this- by suggesting you look at the palette as families: lights, midtones, and darks. When you go to apply your makeup, reach for one color in each family. They will all work together nicely because they are neutral. The trick is to rotate which tone you pick, and keep intermixing different variations of three.
Once you’ve mastered neutrals, I would suggest you bring in a companion palette full of bolder tones. On their own they may seem overwhelming, but using them as an accent to your neutral base makes them much more wearable and gives you unlimited combinations to try. See how I do that here. [video]
PRODUCTS USED:
So, here is your invitation to go beyond brown- don’t waste valuable money or product by sticking to your comfort zone. BE BRAVE! xo
