You know those times when you’re just about to walk out the door and you look in the mirror and think, "Ehhh"? You just don’t like your makeup but you’re not sure why. It seems bland, or maybe you’re tired of the usual and need a change. Little changes can make a big difference. This month we chose one of our readers to show new ways to energize her look.
Before and After
Meet Shelley M. Sullivan, counsel for Ochsner Health System!
When I asked her about her makeup concerns, she expressed pretty common ones: concern about her under eye circles, how to keep her skin looking fresh, how to get rid of shine – all the while keeping a simple makeup routine.
My mission was to find three products that would best address Shelley’s concerns and revitalize her routine. To help me choose the right products for Shelley, I enlisted the help of my friends at Beauty 101: resident makeup artist Danielle Singleton and Adrienne Getka-Sales. I left with a bag full of new products and some innovative tips, too!
Since Shelley wanted an easy makeup routine that looks clean and not shiny by mid-day, I decided on an I.D. Bare Minerals Foundation Kit. I like this mineral foundation because it’s fast. Besides having SPF 15, minimizing imperfections, balancing and being nearly undetectable, it actually improves your skin. (You can sleep in it guilt-free!) 100 percent pure mineral foundation buffs on like silk, free of everything, making it ideal for skin – particularly Shelley’s combination skin.
I showed Shelley that all she needed to do was tap a little mineral powder in the lid of the container, swirl it with the brush, tap the brush and apply the powder in swirl-like motions over her face. Done! (If you require more coverage than that, repeat.) Let me add that I find applying mineral makeup immediately after apply moisturizer helps create a more beautiful look. Inside the kit are also a beautiful mineral blush called Warmth, Mineral veil powder, brushes and an instructional DVD for her to review on her own later.
Shelley’s concerns over under eye circles are really a common dilemma. First I applied a little Smashbox’s PHOTO OP Under Eye Brightener, then a little concealer. Right away it awakened and brightened the area under her eyes. I also applied PHOTO OP on the outer and inner corners of her eyes to highlight and add radiance. Double fabulous, this product contains lots of skin-boosting ingredients to help disguise and repair fine lines. Tip: You can even fake a plump pout by dabbing PHOTO OP on the top of the Cupid’s bow!
Next I intensified Shelley’s eyes by creating a quick smoky eye. First, I used a soft camel color eye shadow all over, then a soft mushroom/mauve shade in the crease. Then, to really heat up her look, I used a wet brush and mixed purple and deep gray eye shadows to create a “cat eye” line that I softly blended and smudged into a softer line. To finish, I applied two coats of Christian Dior’s Diorshow Black Out Mascara (available at Saks), focusing on the outer lashes and pushing them out to create a more almond eye shape. Subtle, yet sophisticated, it immediately “popped” Shelley’s stunning blue-green eyes out from under her bangs.
Shelley actually has a great deal of natural color to her lips and, as I often do with models, I would normally use a clear shiny gloss. (My absolute favorite is Givenchy’s POP GLOSS.) She had mentioned earlier that her brother’s wedding is coming soon, so I wanted to show her a lip color that would be perfect for her as a bridesmaid. For this I chose again from Smashbox Cosmetics – a beautiful pinky-plum color called Glamorous.
Certainly a beautiful person both inside and out already, Shelley was a delight to work with: smart, witty and fun. Still, it was enjoyable to show her how to take her look to a “sizzling” level with little effort.
When I followed up with her the next day to ask her how she liked the new makeup and makeover, she replied, “Well, I went to dinner last night when we were done and the first response from my friend was ‘Wow’ so, I’m thinking it works!”
Makeovers are fun to get and do – but you alone can try freshening your look with a new foundation, bumping up the color or using a highlighter in a different way. It really is that simple!
