Make-up Must Haves for Fall 2013

 

Now that school supply shopping for the kids is over, it's time to shift gears away from crayons and make ourselves a priority. If you’re ready for a new look, the beauty trends seen on the fall 2013 runways are full of wearable inspiration. Here are the essential makeup items for the coming season:

- Oxblood Lipstick -

A little bit ’90s, a little bit bad- ass, and a lot chic. Stay-put tip: An invisible lip liner is an absolute must for keeping this color where it belongs.

Try: Forever 21 Creme Lipstick in Burgundy, $3.80, forever21.com; Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Burgundy Shine, $7.29, walgreens.com; Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Rosary, $19, sephora.com.

- Matte Nail Polish -

Matte nails were everywhere at the fall fashion shows, and if all the recent matte polish and topcoat launches are any indication, we’re going to be seeing a lot less shine this season. Choose a matte topcoat rather than buying new matte polish as an economical way to transform your existing nail polish colors. To avoid streaking, apply one thin layer of the matte topcoat, let it dry, then apply a second.

Try: American Apparel Matte Top Coat, $6, americanapparel.net; Essie Matte About You Finisher, $10, nordstrom.com; Deborah Lippmann Flat Top, $20, beauty.com.

 
- Skinny Liquid Eyeliner -

Clever eyeliner swipes and variations on the cat eye were seen on tons of runways from New York to Paris. A skinny eyeliner pen is the most versatile tool to get these looks - you can draw a thick or thin line with it, and it’s more precise than a pencil.

Try: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner, $7.99, ulta.com; Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $19, macys.com; Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc-er, $30, sephora.com

 

- CC Cream -

Last year was all about the BB cream, but CC creams have since taken over. These so-called “color correcting” creams tend to be sheerer than BB creams and foundation, boast a skin-perfecting tint, and usually contain some active skin care ingredients and SPF.

Try: L’Oreal Visible Lift CC Cream, $12.99, ulta.com; Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream, $15.99, target.com; Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream, $35, bonton.com.

- Chunky Eyeshadow Pencils -

There’s no easier way to put a shimmery wash of color on your lids than with an eyeshadow pencil. From a full smoky eye to a subtle hint of color, you’ll reach for one of these all season long. Bonus: No brushes or applicators required. Just swipe on and blend with your finger.

Try: NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil, $4.49, ulta.com; Sephora + Pantone Universe Jumbo Waterproof Eye Pencil, $17, sephora.com; Makeup Forever Aqua Shadow, $20, sephora.com

- Metallic Nail Polish -

Metallic nail polish was a big thing at the Fall 2013 shows, and it’s a look that’s really versatile. Consider chrome, gold, rose gold, and bronze, this season’s neutrals.

Try: Maybelline Color Show Metallics, $3.99, ulta.com; RGB Nail Polish in Slate, $16, otteny.com.

- Orange and Copper Eyeshadow -

Orange-y copper eye makeup was many a designer’s choice this season. Skeptical? Hear us out. When it skews coppery, this metallic shade is surprisingly wearable. If metal isn’t your thing, reach for a subtle peachy shade to open your eyes and make them pop - it’s particularly flattering on blue-eyed girls.

Try: Target Botanics Eyeshadow Duo in Copper, $6.49, target.com; Stila Cosmetics Eyeshadow Pan in Compact-Copper, $18, dermstore.com; NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Alhambra, $34, net-a-porter.com.

 

 - A Beauty Blender -

Foundation should never look like a caked-on mask, but this season natural “no makeup-makeup” is bigger than ever. For that perfect skin appearance, swap your foundation brush for an egg-shaped Beauty Blender sponge. The unique shape helps blend in foundation seamlessly and only where you need it.

Try: Beauty Blender, $28.95 for two, zappos.com; Models Own Acorn Sponge Set, $11.88, us.asos.com; Stila Double Ended Blending Sponge, $12, dillards.com

RAVE REVIEW: A product EVERY girl should own

 

I was fed up. And I mean FED up with my cosmetic brushes. They were MAC. And always shedding. Anyone else annoyed with loose bristles stuck to your face? If so - you need to check out Ecotools make-up brushes. Getting gorgeous, going green, and giving back is what Ecotools is all about!

I am smitten over their Domed Bronzer Brush. Super dense. Never sheds. Incredibly soft. Totally affordable. I got mine for under $10 and now after using it, I would have easily paid 3 times as much seeing how flawless it applies the powder. And did I mention - it NEVER sheds!!

And all their brushes are environmentally friendly, 100% Cruelty-Free, 100% vegan, made of bamboo + recycled aluminum. They have an entire line of beauty products not just brushes; eyelashes, bath products, cosmetic bags. Make sure to check out their 6 piece starter kit for $12.99 that was awarded one of 'In Style's' 2013 Best Beauty Buys.

You can find Ecotools at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Drugstore.com among other places.

Gift Guide: Mail Order Beauty

No time to shop? Stumped on what to give a girlfriend that has everything? Give the gift of a
re-occuring monthly box of high-end assorted cosmetics. Truly the gift that keeps on giving.

For only $10-$21 per month (you can pick how many months you want the box delievered), the recipient will be able to try out in-demand, luxe skin creams, perfumes, makeup, and hair products.

Here are a few beauty bento boxes to consider:

Birchbox: Sidestep dissapointment by testing trial-size luxe beauty supplies that have receieved numerous thumbs-up. My favorite option from the list. $10/month. www.birchbox.com

 

Myglam: Not only does myglam offer it's four or five monthly samples in full or deluxe sizes, it also includes a cute makeup bag with every package. The website offers makeup tutorials too. $10/month. www.myglam.com

Beautyarmy: This sampling program recommends makeup, fragrances, and more based on feedback from customer questionnaires. You can take user's advice or select six goodies on your own. $12/month. www.beautyarmy.com

Eco-Emi: If going green is more your style the Eco-Emi box will include 5-10 samples of natural, organic, green, Fair Trade or eco-friendly products in chic earth friendly packaging. $15/month. www.eco-emi.com

Glossybox: Delivers at least five products in-demand cosmetic products from lines like C.O. Bigelow, Cargo and Burberry Beauty with the occasional full-size item - no teensy-weensy foil samples here. $21/month. www.glossybox.com

Glam It Up: Thanksgiving Day Make-up

Step away from the oven and give yourself 20 minutes to make yourself look fall and festive with this BRONZY SMOKY EYE look on Thanksgiving Day:

Here's how:
 
1. Start out with a bit of foundation on the eyelids and set with loose powder. This will give your lids the perfect base to apply shadows and blend them flawlessly.

2. Take a medium to dark shimmery shade of either copper, bronze or slate and apply all over the lids up to the crease. Try MAC PRO Reflects in Antique Gold.

3. Using a clean soft brush, blend that out towards the temples. I like to blend up as well for a great smokey cat eye. Line all along the upper lash line with a black pencil and go thicker with the line towards the outer corners.

4. Using a small brush or Q-Tip, blend the top line a bit so that the liner blends into the shadow on the lid.

5. Curl lashes and apply a couple of coats of mascara. Try Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara for great volume and length.

6. Clean off the under eye area with a makeup wipe. Apply concealer underneath the eyes. Try Smashbox High Definition Liquid Concealer.

7. Set concealer with a loose powder. Use the black pencil along the inner rim of the eyes and feel free to go outside of the inner rim and along the lower lashes just a bit.

8. Using the copper shadow on a smaller brush, smoke the lower lash line right below the black line. Blend with a clean brush so there are no harsh lines.

9. Finish the eyes with black mascara on the lower lashes as well.

Nailed it: Top 3 fall favorites

Move over, eye shadow, and step aside, lipstick; there’s a new must-have beauty product this fall - dark and dramatic nail polish.

With a new season, comes new colors and with fall upon us, it's time to shake up your roster of go-to nail polish colors. You don't necessarily have to say bye-bye to those bright summer hues, but fall’s hottest nail ideas will definitely have you rethinking a shade or two.

While these aren't all of fall's latest nail color trends, these are my top three that I'll be sure to try:




 | GREY | 


China Glaze, Concrete Catwalk, $6


I love that grey is sticking around, and I'm not talking Fifty Shades of Grey. Consider concrete grey your new favorite neutral. Although it’s more eye-catching than nude or white, it won’t interfere with your everyday style.
 





| CHOCOLATE BROWN | 





Laura Mercier, Cocoa Suede, $18

Could brown become the new black?
Try this shade with gold rings or bracelets for a chic, modern kick.

 

 

| BURNT ORANGE |





L’Oréal, L’Orange, $6

Why not match your nails to the fall foliage?
 


For the entire list of fall's nail trends, click HERE.

What I'm wearing now...

Found this fab find at Target and it's honestly the most TANtastic powder I've worn in a long time. Although Milani carries several shades of this Multitasker Face Powder, I use it specifically as a bronzing powder.

Why do I love it so much? It's a multi-purpose face powder with light to medium coverage so it covers what I need without feeling heavy and caked with makeup. It provides a natural matte finish without any discoball shimmer. I've found it evens out my skin tone from the sun spots on my lower jawbone and aborbs excess oil to reduce any shine. It lasts for hours and alittle goes a long way. For an extreme multitasker like myself, this product, and it's price, lives up to my standards.

The color I wear: Medium Tan - 06.  Available at Target for a whopping $5.99.

See what others are saying about this product HERE.

Paper Pile-up Prevention

Between now and the holidays you might feel more inclined to save magazines to be inspired, discover new trends and find the latest fab products. But I have a better idea - download the no-fee Google Catalogs app to your iPad or Android tablet device and say goodbye to piles of clutter while making catalog shopping more engaging, social and creative.

The Google Catalogs app features digital versions of catalogs across many popular categories, including fashion and apparel, beauty, jewelry, home, kids and gifts. They’ve partnered with a variety of top brands including Anthropologie, Bare Escentuals, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Crate and Barrel, L.L. Bean, Lands’ End, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Sundance Catalog, Tea Collection, Urban Outfitters and Williams-Sonoma, just to name a few of the over 400 catalogs.

In addition they have over 100 top brands including; Barneys, Tory Burch and Trina Turk (Fashion & Apparel); BeautyBar (Beauty); Blu Dot, FLOR, and Ballard Designs (Home); Hanna Andersson, CWDkids, and Serena & Lily (Kids); and Garnet Hill, Uncommon Goods, and Wine Enthusiast (Gifts).

Google Catalogs is an incredibly useful online shopping tool that lets you search through and mark favorite products, and gives you links to make purchases directly from retailers' sites. It also lets you create a collage of your favorite items from across many catalogs. You can even share your collages with friends and family - a visual way to show them what’s on your list for the holiday season!

Love it.

Visit the App Store to download the free Google Catalogs app.

Quick Tip: Luscious Lashes

I'm a big eyelash fan. Never really gotten into the fake lashes thing though. After all, I am a mom and as much as my husband would like me to wear wedges and lash extensions as my everyday attire, it's just ain't gonna happen.

As all you faithful followers know, if there's one thing I'll put on before running out the door, it's mascara. There is something about knock-out eyelashes that can be a game-changer in how you look & feel. For me, it's my attempt to look glamorous in my running shoes and braids.

Sadly, however, not all of us are naturally blessed with Kardashian-like eyelashes, but know this: There’s a fine line between long, lush lashes and Tammy Faye Baker–ville.

The Solution: First, toss out your mascara - it’s probably far too old. Next, gently clamp your lashes with a baby wipe between your forefinger and thumb, and pull lashes all the way through to remove any excess formula. Then put a little Vaseline on your fingertips and lightly run them across the tips of your lashes to separate, darken, and define them. Then if you wish, apply mascara for clump-free, luscious lashes.

If you do one thing this week...

STREAMLINE YOUR MAKEUP.

If your mornings are a race against the clock, give yourself an edge by corralling your toiletries in the smartest possible way. Conquering your cosmetic clutter not only will save you time, but is also the easiest way to start making your looks a priority. Once you downsize to what you actually use - and use it - you will be looking pretty in more ways than one.

So to streamline your makeup, you need to separate your necessities from your nonessentials. Here's some tips how:

1) Designate a spot for your "5-minute face" - aka whatever products you use every morning to get you out the door. A drawer with dividers or a box lets you see everything you need. The goal is to not be digging around for the essentials. If you're tight on space, a makeup bag works too. Especially if you travel a lot or are on the go.

2) Part with the 10th place lipstick. The rest of your makeup (if you're the most of us) needs a serious purge. Dump what's expired of course (anything you've had longer than 18 months or six months for mascaras or other liquids used near your eyes). But don't stop there. Hit the heart of the problem by getting rid of the runner-ups. Lipsticks and glosses especially. Because we are constantly trying to find the right shade or hop from colors between seasons so quickly, we have a stockpile that accumulate. If you haven't used it in the last year, toss it. The same strategy goes for anything else you're prone to stockpile whether it's eye pencils or night creams. Ask yourself, "If all this was gone tomorrow, what would I miss?" Those are the items you should keep.

3) Be your own editor. If you're still attached to the 10 eye shadows or 20 lip colors you've used once each, put them in a covered box on your bathroom counter or toilet tank and apply a sticker dated their months from now. I love the Short Acrylic Box ($10 at The Container Store) which keeps everything in sight. Try a product every day or week and make a decision - incorporate it in your "five minute face"  or occasional items or toss it. Dump whatever you haven't bothered to try by your preset expiration date.

4) Simplify your storage. Anything left, like eye shadows you love for evening looks, can go in a drawer. Tight on space? Usually two sets of stackable drawers can fit under the sink. Divide items by categories  - eyeliners and mascaras, blush and bronzers, extra makeup brushes, etc. The Stackable Acrylic Drawer Organizers ($3-5 each at The Container Store) are very functional for this but I love the Antonius Basket Insert ($3 at Ikea) for drawers too. Heck you could even it up the $1 for plastic baskets. The goal is functional and organized so buy whatever you see fit. If you have a pedestal sink, use a clear shoebox which can double as a portable "drawer" that can fit in a nearby linen closet.

5) Stage an intervention. Often with drawers people start throwing stuff in, and then it's not organized. Beauty of the drawer is that you can shut it so it's out of sight, out of mind right? Wrong. If you're facing a jumble in a few months, take an extra measure and put every category in a small resealable bags and then in it's designated section or bin. That way, you'll be less likely to pile products on top of the bags.

If you want more tips on how to conquer your toiletry chaos, click HERE.

FYI - the Spring Organization Sale is going on NOW at The Container Store so stock up for all those spring cleaning projects.

Party Perfect

Have a few holiday parties on the calendar in the coming weeks? Feeling pressure to look holiday fab? I sure am even though I'm learning in my wise old age that no one really cares - or remembers. But it's the holidays. It's a time to do up your 'do, slip on a sequins dress and dust off those high heels you haven't seen since you had kids.

Not sure about you but when it comes to stepping out of my day-to-day make-up and hair routine (aka -- pony tail, mascara and a dusting of bronzer) I go absolutely brain dead. So when I saw this Glamour tip come to my email this week, it was like God was telling me, "Hailey, DO THIS. Don't spend all week stressing about how you're going to spice it up. Just do this."

If you too are looking for a quick and easy way to take your look from drab to fab, DO THIS:

1) Line under your eye with black eyeliner pencil.
2) Swipe your upper lids with a liquid eyeliner.
3) Apply a gray shadow over the top to soften the dark black line.
4) Dust some sparkly pink over the entire lid.
5) Apply lighter gray into the creases of her eyes for shading.
6) Pair with a peachy lip and don't forget the mascara!

Overall this look is a little friendlier than most smoky eye looks, which means it's perfect for an office party or anywhere you're going for "festive" over "sexy."

Want to shop for a liquid liner or a shimmery pink eyeshadow now? Start your shopping here.

One Sweep Eyeshadow: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE??

The product: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional "One Sweep Eyeshadow"

The concept: Three shades of contrasting eyeshadow and a one sweep brush for application to create an easy, simple, fuss-free eyeshadow look! It’s basically a single contrasting shadow look in a single compact sans the need of major skills for application. I think L’Oreal had in mind that this would appeal to a market that isn’t quite sure of proper application but still wanting a fabulous eyeshadow look. Granted, not everyone can blend well, apply eyeshadow, and create an overall fantastic eye look (I know I can’t) and the idea behind this was to make it happen with as little fuss and application know how as possible.


How does it work? Pretty simple. L’Oreal provides you with a large curved sponge applicator. The sponge is designed in a way that it’s supposed to mimic the curve of your lid and eye area. You simply swipe the applicator onto all three shadows (upwards for your left eye and downwards for your right) and proceed to swipe the applicator over your eye. Presto! This basically applies the shadow shades in the appropriate areas. The light shade is supposed to blend towards the top of your crease and highlight the area, where as the middle shade is supposed to shade your lid, and the last, darker shade is supposed to act as a liner for definition.

The verdict: My first reaction when I saw it on the shelf - simply brilliant. Unfortunately the end result is a total fail. Don't waste your money on this gimmick. The applicator is just far too big. One size does not fit all. Everyone's eye shape and size is different therefore there's no way you can get the shading effect they claim it gives. While the colors are decent, they don't have much pigment so you'll find yourself sweeping over your eye several times. But when sweeping that huge cheap sponge over your eye it starts at the inner corner of your eye and then fades out to the outer. Which then cakes on the color in the inner corner leaving you looked like you got kicked in the face. I personally prefer darker on the OUTER and lighter towards the inner. Essentially for the applicator to work correctly, you have to wash the sponge after every use. No thanks.

Parting words: Save your money. And remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is!

FANCY FRIDAY

Walking through Nordstrom, I laid eyes on a fall makeup palette that I will be splurging on. Did I really just say fall? Sadly yes. The makeup and fashion world already have their sights set on the season of autumn leaves and pumpkin pie.

From Ms. Bobbi Brown, the mistress of muted makeup, comes the new eight-piece Fall 2011 Tortoise Shell Collection with colors that look like they’ll be perfect to wear with cozy sweaters, tweed blazers, corduroy pants and knee-highs. Yep, we’re talking fall.

Inspired by her own tortoise shell glasses frames, Bobbi Brown has created this new Tortoise Shell Collection to complement glasses, not compete with them. I personally only wear my glasses when I'm sitting in my jammies feeding my reality show addiction, but I can see my self wearing the shades of bronze, gold and espresso.

Brown's two palettes serve up a mix of can't-fail neutrals and metallics that keep the focus on your eyes while still complementing your frames. And with a classic tortoise-shell exterior, this collection really is the best of all possible beauty worlds; stunning packaging on the outside, irresistible colors on the inside.

Tortoise Shell Bronze Eye Palette (left; $60.00 - Limited Edition)
A flattering collection of warm neutral makeup for medium to darker skin tones, this palette lets you go from soft to smoky in no time flat. The eight shadows in the Bronze Tortoise Shell Eye Palette are designed to be layered—there’s no blending required. Start with the lightest shade, then layer the darker shades until you get the desired intensity. Tortoise-shell glasses inspire the special limited-edition compact—Bobbi’s muse for this collection. Includes Banana Eyeshadow, Gold Nugget Sparkle Eyeshadow, Amber Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow, Copper Cocoa Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow, Tiger’s Eye Metallic Eyeshadow, Bronze Metallic Eyeshadow, Olive Sparkle Eyeshadow, Espresso Eyeshadow.

Tortoise Shell Sand Eye Palette (right; $60.00 - Limited Edition)A palette for lighter skin tones, with light to dark shadows in flattering warm neutrals. This collection lets you go from soft to smoky in no time flat. The eight shadows in the Sand Tortoise Shell Eye Palette are designed to be layered—there’s no blending required. Start with the lightest shade, then layer the darker shades until you get the desired intensity. Tortoise-shell glasses inspire the special limited-edition compact—Bobbi’s muse for this collection. Includes Ivory Eyeshadow, Gold Bar Sparkle Eyeshadow, Desert Sand Metallic Eyeshadow, Terracotta Eyeshadow, Antique Rose Eyeshadow, Hot Stone Eyeshadow, Sandy Rose Metallic Eyeshadow, Black Chocolate Eyeshadow.

Bobbi's tips on wearing makeup and glasses:

Less is absolutely more -- Wearing glasses draws attention to your eyes, so keep your eye makeup simple. Stick to neutral shades like Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, and save bold colors for your lips. Don't forget corrector and concealer - a must for all women, but especially if you are wearing glasses.

Eyeliner is essential -- Adjusting liner thickness is important when you're wearing glasses - if your frames are thick, apply a thicker line to the upper lash line so that eyes stand out. If your frames are thinner, a softer line works great.

Make sure the brows are defined -- Eyeglass frames draw attention to the brows, so be sure to keep your arches well groomed. Pluck or trim any scraggly hairs, and fill in holes or sparse spots with a brow pencil or powder shadow.

JUST SPOTTED: 7-in-1 Moisturizer

Wrinkles. Puffy eyes. Discoloration. Dark circles. As a woman, it's inevitable that you'll be plagued with one, if not all, throughout the aging process. Having been asked multiple times about the best eye creams to tackle such problems, I'm always on the look-out for the best, inexpensive products that can help my readers. This is one I'm pretty excited to share with you. It's not necessarily new on the market, it's just one that I recently spotted that might be the answer to your imperfections and help cut your cabinet clutter in half.

Let's admit it: We’re all guilty of having too many products. It’s hard to resist trying something new and before you know it, you have product overload. Summertime is a time for lightening up, so why not take the time to simplify your routine?

Multitask the fight against aging on multiple fronts with Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer. Dark circles, fine lines, puffy eyes, loss of firmness, uneven texture, uneven tone, and dryness are no match for this moisturizer which is gentle enough for daily application on all skin complexions. Olay is a trusted name in anti-aging, and this cream is the perfect complement to its over-night products that work to leave you with firmer – i.e. younger-looking – skin.

Product Features:
~Fragrance and color-free daily facial moisturizer that fights 7 signs of aging.
~For the following skin types: Dry, Normal, Combination/Oily, Sensitive.
~Helps with these face concerns: Fine Lines/Wrinkles, Dull Skin, Brown Spots, Dry/Flaky Skin, Sensitive Skin.
~You'll love Total Effects 7X Visible Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex because it: minimizes the appearance of pores, eases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
~Packaged in convenient, easy-to-use bottle.

Dying to get your hands on this product? Buy now for $17.50 on Amazon.com with free shipping.

Question: What is the best ANTI-WRINKLE eye cream?

Awhile back a faithful reader Lisa asked about the best under eye dark circle cream. Now I've been asked about the best eye wrinkle cream. Sorry Christy it's taken me so long. Ok so we've all heard the claims: "Younger-looking eyes in just 24 hours" (Avon Anew Rejuvenate), a "brighter, vibrant, refreshed" eye area (Clinique Repairwear). Americans must really want these boasts to be true since it's said that we spend more than a billion dollars a year on wrinkle removers.

Based on the research I did, I'm not going to tell you not to waste your money as there are some that are worth trying but just don't expect them to turn the clock back to your dewy-skinned youth. There were several studies done that revealed that after testing various creams; 1) results varied and 2) changes were minor. Products tested reduced wrinkle length or depth for at least some people and did nothing for others. Even among the best-performing products, wrinkle reduction around the eyes was generally pretty subtle. After six weeks of daily use, none came close to eliminating wrinkles. Basically showing that they really do not live up to their lofty claims.

A few tips when shopping and applying that I learned;

1) Price predicts nothing. The priciest cream that was tested in one study, Perricone MD, $95, was no better than cheaper drugstore brands.

2) If you apply a hydrating moisturizer daily, you will most likely get the same results as one that claims to reduce wrinkles.

2) If you choose to buy anti-wrinkle eye creams, you do need a little bit of patience. Regularly apply the cream for a few weeks to a few months before giving it your final judgement (unless of course you’re getting allergic reactions).

So to answer to you question Christy, here is a list of marketed "anti-wrinkle" creams that I compiled to help you out:

STEEP:

Perfective Ceuticals Anti Imperfectoin Eye Therapy Cream With Growth Factor
There is a lot of online positive feedback about this anti-aging eye cream. Users are reporting amazing results from fine lines fading to the disappearance of puffiness and black eye circles. Have a look at the list of ingredients and you’ll be amazed. It practically has almost everything you need to look for in an eye cream which includes Matrixyl, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide, Argireline, Vitamin E, Retinol and Olive Squalane. No wonder it helps so much with many eye skin problems.

Read customer reviews here. $90.00, Amazon.com.

Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream
If you’ve been reading a lot of eye cream reviews lately, you’ve probably noticed that Shiseido Benefiance Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream keeps propping up in many online forums. Many who use this cream have nothing but high praises for it and has in fact a 5 star rating at Amazon and many other online shops. This is good for brightening the eye area. It’s not the cheapest of eye creams however.

Read customer reviews here. $52.00, Amazon.com.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD:

MyChelle Eye Cream, Fabulous
This all organic and natural eye cream for wrinkles is so gentle that you will not feel any stinging sensation on application at all. This can also be used for creases around the lips which is great. Very highly rated by many customers.

Read customer reviews here. $29, Amazon.com.

Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless Line Smoothing Eye Cream
I am a big fan of Burt’s Bees products. It’s all natural and their products always smell delicious. Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless Line Smoothing Eye Cream is definitely one I'm a fan of. It’s very moisturizing without being too heavy. Since it is very moisturizing, this is one of the best eye cream for wrinkle prevention.

Read customer reviews here. $25.00, Amazon.com.

CHEAP:

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream with Natural Shitake Complex
This is good value for money and you won’t be disappointed by it at all. Aveeno anti-wrinkle products have always been very popular among customers who buy eye cream over the counter. This one with Shitake mushrooms, believed to slow down aging, is great for firming the eye area and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

Read customer reviews here. $16.00, Amazon.com.

Olay Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
You can't ever go wrong with Olay. They make a great product at an affordable price. They claim it will visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area where signs of aging are most likely to appear. I would agree it's very hydrating but is it any more hydrating than any other Olay moisturizer??

Read customer reviews here. $12, Amazon.com

MUST TRY: Beauty Makeover Tool

OMG. Carve out 15 minutes in your day to try out this new virtual makeover tool on Real Simple's website. Actually let's be realistic, don't dabble on this site unless you have a good 30 minutes. You'll get suckered in. Trust me. This is a free interactive tool that allows you to upload a photo of yourself and "try on" several different hairstyles and colors from short to long, curly to straight, black to blonde. It's so fun to see if that style you've always wondered about would actually look good on you.

In addition to hair, you can try different shades of makeup on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. Once you find a color that suits you, it will list the brand, color and price of what you chose. You can save it to your "favorites" or you can click and buy right there. Talk about amazing!

Click here to get started. I'm addicted. Are you??

BEFORE & AFTER

If you can't view the after picture, click on this URL: http://www.taaz.com/user_images/v41/187/realsimple__550444/P78bdaa561bf2da3c6c1262dc63d8ab53_156495235.jpg

FANCY FRIDAY

When it comes to finding the ultimate long-lasting, color building, eyeshadow that can work alone or as a base, it can be rather complex. Why? Because, there are so many eyeshadow products marketed to a standard, that simply make many promises they cannot keep nor they just cannot live up to. Christian Dior's Eye Show is different. I became hooked on this product after being stopped in my tracks by the sales women behind the Dior makeup counter at Nordstrom. Her eye makeup was A-mazing so I stopped to ask if she'd give me a makeup tutorial. She explained to me that the secret to long-lasting eye shadow is to apply a base. So before applying any shadow, she coated my lids with the Eye Show's "Undressed Beige/#622," a neutral peachy/beige that can be worn alone or as a base. Instantly, I saw a difference.

What sold me on this product is the soufflé texture that created a soft velvety powder effect on my lids. It acted as a color-building base as she applied it to my entire lid, making the shadow on top more vibrant. She also shared that to get an extra bright-eyed effect, to dot the color onto the inner corners of the eyes. Wow, my eyes came alive! So I bought it. Definitely 20 minutes and $32 well spent.

What I love about the Dior Eye Show is that it's long-lasting, blends effortlessly and is very wearable. Most of the time I steer away from all things shimmer but it's just the right amount. Plus I love that shimmer helps hide stray eyebrow hairs if I didn't have time to tweeze. This product's somewhat mousey,wet texture grips to the top shadow and prevents my shadow from ever creasing or fading and it has the ability to collaborate well with other shadow colors. My only beef with this product is that there are only a few colors available. But trust me, you can't go wrong with Undressed Beige.

If I didn't sell you hard enough on this, I did also read this last week on Glamour's website that a "super easy step to looking flawless fast" is to apply a shimmery eye base. They claim that to achieve pro-looking eye makeup in no time, you should apply a wash of sheer, shimmery cream shadow from lash lines to brow bones using your pointer finger. Tip: If your skin is fair, try a silvery white shade. For medium to dark skin tones, opt for a champagne color instead.

MAKEUP MADNESS: Spring/Summer Favorites

Not too long ago I blogged about Spring's IT colors. There's no denying that this spring and summer is all about vibrant, bold, playful, and for some of you, daring, color. Makeup trends change directly proportional with fashion trends as makeup helps complete the look of any outfit, so keeping up with the latest makeup trends is as equally as important as keeping up with fashion. Choosing to be diverse with your makeup can help you constantly change up your look to still suit your personality as well as style.

Because in order to match your makeup to your stylish new spring/summer 2011 wardrobe you need to know what's in and what's out, here are some of the most popular makeup trends from the spring/summer 2011 fashion podiums, so sneak-a-peek at the following hot looks:

NATURAL MAKE-UP: It seems that makeup artists can't get enough of the natural. minimalistic look, as this type of makeup seems to maintain its popularity this season as well. Create a flawless looking skin using concealer and makeup, define your cheeks subtly with a small tough of blush, apply mascara on your eyelashes and allow your lips to remain bare or apply a subtle, natural looking lipstick. And just for kicks, you can apply a neutral colored eyeshadow if you want to look a little more polished off. This look suits all women and all ages so it's no wonder it is oh so popular.

BOLD LIPS: The lip color shades that are attracting attention this season are red, orange and hot pink. As far as the rest of the makeup goes, try to stick to more natural by creating a flawless look using foundation and emphasizing your eyelashes using a black colored mascara and eyeliner for definition.

THICK EYELINER: Being an eyeliner fanatic, this brings music to my ears! Eyeliner is the key tool to defining the shape of your eyes. The black liner is a must but anything goes. Yes, even blue and orange. Liquid or pencil is acceptable; it's whatever you are most comfortable with. Just remember to make it thick and electric.

BRIGHT EYES: Adding bold eyeshadow colors such as orange, pink, green, blue, can definitely help you enhance your eyes and attract a generous amount of attention towards your face. Keep in mind that for this type of makeup you will need flawless skin so create it using concealer and foundation. If going that dramatic isn't your thing, brown is also big this season. Different shades will make it mysterious yet warm. Apply your favorite bright colored eyeshadow, apply a black eyeliner close to your upper lash line and coat your eyelashes with a black colored mascara. You can leave your lips bare or enhance the lips as well using a red colored lipstick.

SMOKEY EYES: It seems that the smokey eye makeup will never loose its beauty and it's no surprise why. Creating a smokey eye is not difficult and with a little bit of practice one can master this eye makeup technique. To look trendy and stylish use black and gray eyeshadow or go for dark blue to make your eyes pop.