Makeup Tips/Tricks/Favorites

I know I shared my whole makeup routine in The Skinny Confidential book but today I’m showcasing some products that are game changers. In the book, I talk application. Today I’m talking specific products plus a couple of other tippity tips.

Here’s my deal with product: I like companies who have been around a long time. Companies who have a proven formula & specialize in women’s needs. Some of my needs?

Hold, lemme pull out my scroll.

Ok, ahem…

♡ A flawless finish— this is muy importante. ESP with foundation.

♡ Foundation that gives a dewy look, none of that flakey/cake-face/ clown crap for me, thanks! Also, a good brush makes a world of difference.

♡ Pigmented lipsticks…seriously though. If a color’s called Purply Purple, then I want it purple (!!!). For bright red, I want a striking, sultry red, not light reddish-pink. The more pigmented, the better.

♡ A damn good highlighter that makes enhances certain features AKA makes my cheekbones appear higher.

{{ Note: I’m also big on anti-aging anything, obvi }}.

Honestly I feel like I’m not asking for much…but apparently there’s a lot of companies who just don’t ‘get it.’

Elizabeth Arden totally gets it.

Their product came into my life a la recommendation by my stepmom, Julie AKA Burlap & Crystal. She introduced me to the products & said she’s been using them forever. She looks fab so naturally I ran out & bought their anti-aging products/makeup. & lemme tell ya: no wonder the company has been around for a while. They understand women’s needs.

First off, I fel in love with their lipsticks because they’re all striking colors. Check out some of my favorites:

I’m LOVING a berry lip for Summer 2014. It’s fresh & different without being too overwhelming.

Next topic: foundation. A good foundation is key.

It evens out skin tones & gives you that red carpet, sexy look.

I like to mix foundation with a dime size of moisturizer ( << one that includes sunscreen is ideal ).

P.S. putting on foundation without a brush makes absolute no sense. Why? Glad you asked:

1.) Dirty hands/bacteria on your face= pimples.

2.) The brush gives you a clean finish.

3.) No brush= uneven finish.

So invest in a good brush ( & don’t forget brush cleaner!! ).

This foundation is literally perf. It’s not too heavy but gives great coverage & it lasts. No one wants to reapply ever hour. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Also, I’m not too into powder so I need a foundation that has an amazing finish.

Drumroll please…my number one makeup trick?

Highlighter.

A highlighter stick is probably like, the best thing ever.

Ever, ever.

If you’re not using a good highlighter, you’re missing out BIG time. I also like this highlighting pen for when I’m on the go.

Some of highlighter’s benefits? It can shrink the nose, immediately lift cheekbones, give off the appearance of the perfect brow, &/or pout anyone’s lips so they look all Angelina-ish.

º To shrink your nose: put it on the bone of the nose.

º To lift cheekbones: add a stripe of highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.

º To perfect your brows: add a bit to the bone under your brow.

To pout lips: put a little highlighter in the dip above your lip ( << seriously though this is the BEST tip ever, you won’t believe what a game changer this is ).

{{ Also, FYI: Kim Kardashian lives for highlighter!! }}

So. This a ride or die product. Thank me later.

Also, in the next couple of months I’ll do a YouTube video of makeup application so it’s easier to visualize.

Now spill: what’s your biggest makeup tip? Would love to hear!

xx. lde

{ Shop my outfit: white sweater & black jeans }

{{ Photo cred: Samuel Montfleur }}