Fall into Beauty Favorites

When fall rolls around, I am all about getting the essentials, and I am not talking about wardrobe. Last year, I took a big trip to the MAC makeup counter at my local Macy's and called it my “fall wardrobe,” because really, as long as your face looks amazing, nobody is going to notice if you’re wearing a sweater from last year!

Meet Matte:
This year, matte nails are all the rage. Big time brands like OPI, Orly, and Zoya are all releasing the hottest colors in new matte formulas, or you can pick up a new matte top

coat to make your favorite shade that isn’t matte to appear so (check out the one by Orly). I haven’t embraced or even tried the new look, since I adore all things shiny, but for all the newest matte shades and what’s hot right now become a follower of my favorite nail polish blog All Lacquered Up! Or to order your favorite matte shades for a great price check out 8ty8Beauty, or Head2Toe Beauty. Who wouldn’t want the epic summer shade, LaPazitively Hot to carry over into the fall!

Rockin’ the Red:

Red lipstick is a beauty trend that never goes out of style; fall is especially a great time to rock a strong scarlet lip. It is indeed a daring feat that must be approached with caution but when properly executed can complete a look. Last year I picked up So Scarlet by MAC and got so many compliments when I wore it out with a simple bronze eye look. To prepare your lips to take on a red color your first step is to properly exfoliate, either with a toothbrush or washcloth to make sure there is nothing that will make the color look cakey. Then use a liner, either the same shade as your lip color, or clear to gently outline your lips to make sure the color doesn’t bleed. Depending on your preference and specific desire for accuracy you can then apply the lip color directly from the tube (my personal preference) or with a lip brush. Using a brush may also ensure more lasting color. Once the color is applied, blot on a tissue to prevent the color from getting on your teeth and apply a clear, or gold tinted gloss if desired.

Spoil Your Skin:

If you’re like me, the cold air can take a serious toll on sensitive skin. When the seasons change, so does my skin routine. In the summer I can get away with washing my face and just

using a light SPF, but in the fall and winter I have to keep up with moisturizing to keep it from being dry. The only moisturizer I have found to keep my skin soft all day is Mary Kay timewise age fighting moisturizer (in normal to dry). In the colder seasons, I also use a hydrating mask a

couple times a week just for that extra boost of moisture. There are many out there, but my favorite that I have found is Drink Up, hydrating mask by Origins.

Switch Up Your Scent!

One of the things I love about fall is that it’s time to switch out the lighter beachy scents (which will always come back next year!) for warmer, richer scents that remind me of cozy times by a fire, and chilly evenings. I find that these scents tend to cling more to most body chemistries and last longer (so be sure to apply with a lighter hand). Some of my favorite scents for fall are Burberry Brit, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (from Bath and Body Works), or Angel by Thierry

Mugler, but to find your own perfect fall scent, the scent finder at Sephora.com is a great tool!

(previously published on www.associatedcontent.com)

Staying fabulous through February!

HOW TO STAY FABULOUS EVEN IN THE HARSHEST WINTER:

With a new year, comes resolutions. So many of us (women and men alike) make resolutions aimed towards "bettering ourselves" with things like eating healthier, working out more, quitting smoking and the list goes on, but then winter happens. How can you prevent getting into that winter slump and still feel like your fabulous self? Here's a few tips!

Don't let winter win. Stay Active!
Although we have great intentions with these resolutions, when the cold weather hits, our primitive instincts seem only to want to eat or sleep. "It's too cold. I'll do it tomorrow." or "but this holiday food looks so good!" Are some of the excuses we use when surrendering to the force of winter.

It may take some extra effort to take care of yourself in the winter but it's essential that you do! With the short days and grey skies, it's too easy to fall into a slump and forget what it's like to feel good about yourself.
It may be true that it's too cold to go for a walk or run outside, but take the extra time to go to the gym or run on the treadmill during your favorite show. you'll be surprised at how quick it goes by and how much better you feel!
Plus- when spring comes, you'll already have a jump on fitting into that new bathing suit!


Take care of what people see:
I had a realization this year after being a total high maintenance diva last summer, that when winter comes I totally STOP taking care of myself. Because- in the winter, it is just too easy. i've heard people talk about how they haven't shaved their legs in a month, and really, as much as that would not be my personal choice, it's so much easier to get away with come December and January because they're buried under long pants, and not taking center stage. however, when you do make such a choice, it doesn't mean you have to throw all personal maintenance to the blustery winter wind.

What about what people DO see? Put the few extra minutes you do have into filing and painting your nails (or get them done), or doing your hair or makeup. With all the monstrous layers, the focus will be on your face, so make sure it's what you want to show the world! Maybe even treat yourself to a new hair style to represent the change in the coming year!

Live for You:
Now, although people may not be seeing your legs in the winter, and for some people that is enough reason to not shave them, I cannot STAND if my legs are prickly and rub together when I go to bed. This for me is enough reason to continue to shave regardless of the season. We spend so much time as a society primping to "look good" for other people. What about just doing it because we want to, and it makes US feel good? Taking a hot bubble bath or treating yourself to a facial does not have to be reserved for a special night. Indulge in a little pampering when you just plan on staying in, or need some time for quiet reflection. Focus on what makes you feel good, not just what other people think you should do!

Moisturize!
One cruel power the winter cold has is zapping the moisture from everything. This is what causes every beauty annoyance of the season- rough skin, staticky hair, chapped lips, cracked heels. To stay sleek and smooth don't forget to moisturize! Use a moisturizing shampoo (like Herbal Essences Hello Hydration ($3.99 drugstore.com), and deep condition your hair whenever possible (Alberto VO5 hot oil weekly deep conditioner $5.99 drugstore.com).
This will make hair healthier and stronger and less likely to get frizzy and fall victim to static!

Use a moisturizing lotion daily (not just the scented kind that provides a thin veil of moisture on the top of skin) preferaly right after showering, when the moisture will be locked in. My most recent favorite is Dove Cream Oil intensive body lotion for very dry skin.

At night, slather on an even more intense cream (or I use a solid moisturizer from LUSH- see my last post) and sleep with socks on! You'll be surprised at the results! but you have to keep it up! Consistency is key in keeping your skin soft and healthy! And don't forget- LIP BALM, LIPBALM LIPBALM! My absolute favorites are from My Lip Stuff. They're all natural, come in hundreds of flavors and make your lips shiny while providing moisture! You can't beat that!