One of the most important ways to have great skin is keeping it clean and rejuvenated.  This means protecting your makeup and keeping it fresh and bacteria free.  Here is a very important article written by Leslie Baumann, MD.  Please read!

Here’s to great skin!

Cheers,

Jennifer

When Is It Time to Toss Your Makeup?

After spending half your paycheck at a department store makeup counter, the last thing you want to think about is throwing your hard-earned treats away! But when it comes to beauty products, it’s important to learn when to let go. Past its prime, the makeup that you love can actually cause acne and skin irritation.

First things first: Storage is half the battle. The less oxygen your makeup is exposed to, the longer it will last, so always screw those caps on tightly. And keep your cosmetics in cool, dark places – heat and light can cause makeup products’ preservatives to break down.

Get ready!  Makeup trends for fall 2009 are rich and classic. Dark greens, browns, and other earthy forest colors are used to complement the ever-popular smoky eye. This trend continues to emphasize a heavy accent on the eyes. Look for matte, velvety shadows to complete the look. Smokey eyes and dark eye shadow will continue to be popular, so be sure to invest in some matte black eye shadow. If you want to add a touch of shimmer, a luxurious gold can be used as a hot accent.

Carrying over from the spring, the look for the face is still a fresh, natural finish.  Using foundations that give a soft matte texture with slightly dewy accents provides for healthy, moist skin. Blush complements the foundation trend by being soft and light. Pink tones are used to create an angelic flushed look.  

There are two strong choices for your most sensuous asset, the lips. To compliment fresh skin, nude colored lips paired with rich, smoky eyes are a sexy way to go. But if you prefer a more mature look, bold, classic red is as strong as ever. Just be sure and balance them with very natural eyes. Think pin-up or Marilyn Monroe and your look will be in trend. 

Say goodbye to pencil thin brows! Brows are still very natural, full, and well groomed. And if you need help getting that perfect shape, brow templates are very helpful.

 Now that you are ready to be gorgeous for fall, go express yourself and have fun!

Jennifer Campain is a professional makeup artist and owner of Jennifer Campain Makeup Artistry: jennifercampain.com. 

Need to get ready in a flash? You can do it in four fast steps:

1. Dot concealer under the eyes, around the nose, and around the mouth.

2. Swipe bronzing powder over the eye lids, cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

3. Dot lips with a neutral-toned lip gloss or lipstick.

4. Bend lashes with eyelash curler. Go!

Photo by John Falocco

What is blot powder? Blot powder is a unique pressed powder designed primarily to provide shine control without adding any noticeable color or texture to your face. When your face produces too much oil, your makeup will slip, smudge, and fade. Because blot powder absorbs excess oils, your makeup then stays in place longer. Most women are accustomed to using standard loose or pressed powders; however those types of powders contain color that will build and cake. By adding more layers of powder, your original makeup application will become heavy and “cakey”. Blot powder is invisible, therefore it doesn’t cake or build, it only absorbs. For years, blot powder was only available to professional makeup artists for use on film and television sets. It is and was the superior product for frequent touch-ups and shine control on the set. Now many cosmetic brands have made blot powder available to the public to satisfy the growing demand of professionally minded products. Blot powder comes in pressed, loose, and throw away sheet form. These brands carry blot powder or blot sheets: Almay, Laura Gellar, MAC, Tarte, and Avon.

Jennifer,

I never have time to do my makeup.  What can I do quickly?

Simone Perry – Federal Way, WA