In an effort to offer thoughts and insight into my real-life experiences and trials and tribulations, I decided to reveal a rather sensitive subject. I’m 24 years old and my skin and I have maintained a love-hate relationship for the last year or so. It has gone through what I like to call a metamorphosis of sorts, and quite frankly I wish it would just settle down already.

Hello everyone!                                                       

If you were able to watch me on May 13th  on the WFMZ morning show, I talked about doing the bronze look for summer and specifically pool parties. It’s very easy. To recap, simply start out with a SPF 15 moisturizer all over the face. Next, conceal lightly around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Then sponge on a thin layer of a water-based foundation or tinted moisturizer all over your face.

Using a blush brush, gently dust your hairline, cheeks, nose, forehead with a bronzing powder. Both loose and pressed versions works just perfectly! Next, prime your eye lids all over with a matte shadow in the color of vanilla (or caramel if you are darker toned). Follow this by taking an eye shadow in the tone of warm cocoa and smudging it into the outer corner of your upper eyelid and crease. If your skin tone is dark, then use a deep coffee or light charcoal color. Gently blend over. Finish the look with a dot of a creamy pink-biege toned lipstick.  You’ll want to forgo mascara in case you want to jump in the water!  This is a fun, fresh look for being active and enjoying the sun!

There has been quite a buzz about mineral makeup. What is it? Mineral makeup is a cosmetic that lists inorganic pigments (minerals) such zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and iron oxides as primary ingredients. These are pigments with natural color derived from the earth. How is it different from standard formulation cosmetics? From a makeup artist’s perspective, it is primarily differentiated by its more sheer nature. Also, since it is powder-based, there are less binders than standard makeup formulations typically have.

Photo by John Falocco

The leading theme for spring is fresh and neutral skin. This is always a priority for me when working with my clients, but now it’s the look! Light, water-based foundations and tinted moisturizers are powerful tools in achieving this light, yet effective result. If you have some “high traffic areas” or blemishes to conceal, simply spot treat them with color correctors, then gently blend with your foundation. To finish, there are many bronzing powders, blushes, and luminizing products available on the market to add a glowing freshness to the face. This can be done quickly and easily and the effect is beautiful, flawless skin.