Eye Candy

Years of reading fashion and beauty magazines have trained my eye to admire a particularly polished kind of makeup look.  Perfectly groomed brows, softly blended shadow and flawless skin have become the air-brushed norm, making anything outside of this set of standards seem strange.  That's initially the word that came to mind when I flipped through this book at the library.  I could actually see real skin, eye shadows appeared to need a bit more blending, and brows were perfectly wild.  And after some time reading the artist's bio and learning her tips and techniques for different looks, I became intrigued and gave one try.  Let me say one thing:  never have I gotten more compliments on my eye makeup in one day.  It was astounding...  and flattering... and gave me the perfect opportunity to tout my latest beauty find.  So of course I had to share it here too.  Check out some of my favorite looks below...

famous makeup artist and author Linda Mason

this is the look I tried, called 'Lucky'

My favorite look from the Gap Holiday 2012 Lookbook

Fall doesn't seem too far off around here.  Like many summers in years past where I live, actual summer has yet to start.  Typically we get somewhat of an Indian Summer, with the weather really perking up mid-August thru the end of September... or beginning of October if we're lucky.

All the overcast has got me thinking about upcoming seasons, and since the holidays really are just around the corner I'm going to resign waiting for summer to start and just look forward to crisper days ahead.

This chunky sweater look above is what I anticipate wearing to keep warm, and it's my favorite from the Gap Holiday 2012 collection.  Check out the rest here.

Julia Robert's Mirror Mirror Beauty Treatment

While watching Mirror Mirror, the comedy fantasy film based on Snow White, with my son on our typical movie night, I couldn't help but take note of the Evil Queen's beauty ritual performed before she hosts a kingdom ball. 

What's called a 'treatment'; insects, bird droppings, and some strange goo at the end, seemed like the appropriate routine for someone of her ill-will... but most clever are the 'bee-stung' lips. 

This scene takes the cake for just how far you sometimes must go in the name of beauty (especially if you're a wicked storybook character).

The Body Shop Deep Sleep Pulse Point Balm

Summer evenings can be challenging when it comes to winding down and getting to sleep.  With darkness not coming until nearly 10pm, and a 3 1/2 year old little boy who likes to keep going until the last drop of daylight, my bedtime routine takes a bit of a beating.

Typically I like to be in bed early, giving my body time to relax and decompress from the day before feeling tired enough to close my eyes.  This usually takes about an hour, and with a later bedtime these days I've often wished I was one of those who just crashes the moment my head hit the pillow.

Suffice to say, with the Body Shop's Deep Sleep Pulse Point Balm, I actually become that person.  From nearly the moment I apply it to all my pulse points, behind my ears, and a little above my lips, I'm dozing off to dream land.

My son has discovered it's natural relaxing properties as well, and has begun requesting I apply it for him each night too.  If you or your little ones have trouble getting to sleep at night, I highly recommend giving this product a try.

Purple Beauty Looks

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I'm required to wear purple as part of a theme day at work.  Here is some inspiration I found while searching for purple beauty looks.  I especially like the purple lip, and Rachel McAdams looks especially pretty in smoky purple eyes.

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Runway Beauty Inspiration: Michael Kors

The runway looks created each year for Michael Kors Spring Collections never let me down, and 2012 was no exception.  Inspired by words like 'safari' and 'Africa', renowned makeup artist Dick Page explored the different sides of bronze.

I especially love the strong brows and flushed cheeks, while lips stay muted in caramel and skin is bronzed to perfection.  Using brown instead of black mascara, eyes are kept fresh and literally seem to sparkle. 

This is a runway look that can truly be translated into a daytime (or summer evening) beauty routine with little variation.  Outside of the strong brows that look great in photos, I'd change little else and still feel comfortable whether going to work or going out.

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Shiseido Bronzing Powder

When summer finally rolls around where I live, the absence of sunshine requires us locals to resort to other ways of getting the healthy tan we all crave. There are lots of bronzing powders to choose from out there, and many of them will leave you looking like a glimmer-y bronzed babe.

But if you're interested in looking like you have a more natural, radiant glow, check out the bronzing powders from Shiseido. There are three shades to choose from, and instead of leaving a shimmery sheen all over your face, these will leave your skin looking like you spent a pleasant afternoon by the pool.

My skin tone runs on the light-olive side, and for an everyday glow I find the Dawn Light 1 shade to be the most flattering with daily wear.  Comments from others on me looking like I've been on vacation have flowed so regularly- that I wish I could say 'Yes, I just got back from the islands'...