Smoky Eyes - Get the Look!

Get a Smoky Eye look by following this simple step-by-step instruction.


1. First step to a smokey eye look is to be sure your under eye concealer is in place. I also like to use an eye primer and also a thin layer of concealer on the lid.

2. Next you will need to use a soft self sharpening black eyeliner. Using the eyeliner pencil, line the top and bottom lashes as close as possible to the lash lines. If you prefer using liquid liner, stick to using this on the top lashes only, and use pencil on the bottom lashes.

3. Next take a light color shadow.... it can be silver, grey or a light beige eyeshadow and blend from the top lash line up to the brow bone. The color should be sheer.

4. Now it's time to build color on your eyelid. Brush a mid-toned color from your lash line to just above your eye crease and blend upwards. It can be plum, light grey or brown.

5. Apply a dark grey or charcoal eyeshadow over your eyelids only (avoid the crease), making sure to blend any hard edges. You'll see the "smokey" eye makeup effect starting to take place.

6. Now using the eyeshadow applicator or a small flat brush, use the dark grey eyeshadow to create a soft line below your lower lashes.

7. Finish your smoky eye makeup with 2 coats of volumizing mascara.

8. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Try a nude-colored lip shade and just a touch of blush or bronzer. Remember when you eyes are dramatic the rest of your makeup shouldn't compete with your eyes.

When it comes to creating a smokey eye makeup look that will "wow", the trick is to blend, blend, blend!

Try this on your own and let me know how you made out!

Until next time!

Cheryl

Mary Kay Remains Strong in Weak Economy

Just reflecting on all the recent news in the world of beauty and cosmetics. You may or may not know that Perscriptives (owned by Estee Lauder), Max Factor (owned by Proctor & Gamble) and Arbonne are all shutting down their doors. Arbonne who has been in business for over 50 years has filed for bankruptcy with rumors of the company being $800 million in debt!

I'm blogging basically because I feel very blessed to be part of Mary Kay Cosmetics. It affords me the opportunity to earn 50% commission and a license to buy wholesale and sell retail. It affords me the opportunity to help others build their business and earn the use of a free car when they choose to advance to higher levels in the company. Mary Kay Cosmetics is increasing in strength and revenue even in this economy!

I've been building my business for over 10 years. Seven of those years I worked a very stressful & demanding job. When I was laid off I had my business to fall back on; something no one could take away from me.

So, if you are reading this and need additional income on a very part-time basis, looking for a total career change or a stay at home mom looking for 'something more' please check out my website and click on "Sell Mary Kay". There are video profiles of women just like you! Pick a profile, get inspired and start your business today!

http://www.marykay.com/calexande62

Microdermabrasion - Should I do it?

Many, people have asked me about microdermabrasion. They ask me "What exactly is microdermabrasion?" They wonder if they should go to a Spa to have the procedure done, go to a dermatologist or if they can do the procedure at home. My answer is... it depends. If you do not have any deep acne scars or deep set wrinkles then my opinion is you can do the procedure at home and get great results!

Here are the basics:
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. Microdermabrasion also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance. Microdermabrasion is much gentler than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more intensive procedure used to treat deeper facial lines, extreme sun damage, and scars. I would suggest an Esthetician or Dermatologist for these concerns.

Microdermabrasion can also improve:
Oily or dull skin
Enlarged pores
Clogged pores
Fine lines
Mild acne scars
Mild complexion problems (such as uneven pigmentation or poor skin texture)

In general, good microdermabrasion candidates are adults who are in good physical health, with realistic expectations for the outcome of their treatment. People who do not have enough available time to undergo more invasive skin resurfacing treatments such as dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels may also be good candidates for microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people who have deep scars, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, a recent herpes outbreak, warts on the face, active acne (stages 3 and 4), an auto-immune system disorder, or unstable diabetes. Pregnant women should not undergo microdermabrasion. Candidates who have had a recent chemical peel or other skin procedure such as collagen injections should wait a two to three weeks before undergoing microdermabrasion. Prospective candidates should also refrain from waxing or tanning the skin to be treated for a few weeks before microdermabrasion treatment.

My personal opinion is this, if you do not have severe scaring from acne you can do microdermabraison at home. There's no doubt that from time to time it may be nice to have the Spa Treatment and pamper yourself to the tune of $100.00 - $200.00 per visit. However a good microdermabrasion home system will range from $50 - $100 and the product should last about 3 - 6 months with regular use!


Part of what I love to do is help others and answer questions about skincare and solve skincare problems. I feel so fortunate to be able to offer you my TimeWise® Microdermabrasion Set by Mary Kay. It will immediately fight fine lines, refine pores and achieve beautifully smooth skin. Check out more on www.marykay.com/calexander62

Until next time!

My last post concentrated on the importance of great skincare. That is the basis of beautiful skin which will give you the canvas for beautiful makeup. But guess what you must have the right tools. It’s All About the Brushes!!!!!

When it comes to applying makeup like a professional, using the right tools can make all the difference. High-quality brushes can help you achieve a smooth, even look. Here are a few makeup artist tips and techniques you can use every day to get a polished look. It’s all a matter of using the right brush to get beautiful results.

A Powder Brush is a full, fluffy brush designed to evenly distribute powder to the face. Sweep brush across pressed powder or dip into loose powder; tap gently to remove excess and apply to the face from forehead to chin using long, light strokes.

A Cheek Brush is used to accentuate bone structure or add a healthy blush to cheeks. Use the tip of this soft, angled brush to apply color to the apples of the cheeks and stroke upward along cheekbones, stopping just below the temples, then blend. This brush is also a great tool to use for applying bronzer. Apply across the bridge of your nose, temples, cheekbones and shoulders for a gorgeous, healthy looking glow.

An Eye Definer Brush has bristles that are tapered and rounded at the end to shape and define eyes and blend color evenly. Sweep color softly across the eyelid and then lightly above the crease for a natural, yet polished look.

An Eye Crease Brush has long, thin, pointed bristles and is used with midtone and darker shades of eye color to add depth to eyes. Begin by placing the brush at the outer corner of the eye and then sweep inward following the natural crease. This brush can also be used to create a smoky eye look. Using the brush tip, sweep softly along lower lashes from the outer corner inward.

An Eyeliner Brush is used to line eyes and enhance sparse brows with eye color. This flat, angled, short-bristle brush makes it easy to apply a thin line of color along top and bottom lashes. It's also a great tool to use for blending your eyebrow pencil.

Use an Eyebrow Brush to brush brows in the opposite direction from which they grow to remove any excess foundation. Gently brush back, following their natural shape and direction, as a finishing touch to your makeup application.

I highly recommend the professional brush set I offer through Mary Kay.
Visit my website at "http://www.marykay.com/calexander62"
Then click on
- Makeup
- Compacts & Applicators
- Mary Kay Brush Collection

Until next time!!!
Cheryl