3 Ways a Bold Lipstick Makes Life More Fun! (Makeup.com Feature)

I started wearing bold red lips over 20 years ago and it's become my signature look...so much so, that my logo is designed with that in mind!  I often stick to shades of red, but vary between brands and tones...a bright fire-engine red, cherry red, a deep crimson. It makes me feel confident and ready to face the day, and it helps people remember me too.

Nyx Simply Red Lip Cream in "Candy Apple"

When I got a call from Makeup.com asking for my thoughts on wearing bold lipstick shades, I definitely had an opinion or two to share! Clients often say that they "just can't" wear a bright color, especially red....not true!  ANYONE can wear a bold red lip....you just have to experiment to find the shade that works for you, as well as the formula....some are easier to wear than others.  For example,  even if they are the exact same color...a sheer gloss can be easier to wear than a highly pigmented matte shade applied straight from the tube. My advice?  Start with a bright berry (works on everyone) and then work your way up to the fiery, intense reds, gaining confidence as you go.

"Hellbent" by Kat Von D

One thing is for sure, be ready for attention....if you choose to wear a vivid red....people WILL notice!  A few of my favorite reds are: Hellbent by Kat Von D, Infrared by Smashbox and the classic Ruby Woo from MAC....all are intense, matte shades that last all day and are true reds, not too orange.   A current affordable favorite is Nyx Lipcream in Candy Apple....easy to apply, it's a gorgeous shade and it's only about $6.50 too!
Click here to read the Makeup.com feature for three reasons I think wearing a bold lip makes life easier and more fun....and then go shopping and find your perfect red!

Are you brave enough try out a sexy red lip for Valentine's Day later this week?  I can't think of a better time.....  ; )

Secrets to Making your Forehead look Smaller...really! (Daily Makeover Feature)

Ever heard the term "fivehead" in reference to someone with...ahem...a lot of real estate north of their eyebrows?  As someone who actually has a fairly high forehead.... I completely get that!  When my hair is pulled back, I just feel like there is a LOT of space between my eyebrows and hairline.  Tyra Banks is one notable celeb who has commented on her acceptance of her high forehead..she's so down to earth, and beautiful, of course!  If you feel your forehead is too high and aren't quite ready to just embrace it, what can you do? Recently, I got a call from popular beauty blog Daily Makeover wanting tips to share with their readers on how to utilize tips and tricks to minimize the forehead area....here they are:

Cut Bangs - #1 tip and the quickest solution!

Bangs easily cover forehead surface area and bring the focus back down to your eyes... the best feature on most faces.  Bonus?  A soft, modern fringe can make you look years younger, and can totally negate the need for Botox!  Make sure your stylist cuts bangs in a flattering shape that blends into the rest of your hair, and get frequent trims to keep them in shape.  Check out the before after on Christina Ricci below....when she ditches the center part and wears bangs, her eyes command so much more attention, and her overall appearance is much more balanced. 
Since your

eyes really will be the main attraction, so be sure to play them up with plenty of shadow, liner and mascara! A soft bronze or shimmery taupe shadow with classic black liner and mascara looks good on everyone and works for any situation.  Feeling bold? Go for a smoky eye in plum or gray....universal shades that work on anyone and are easier to wear than black.

Subtle Contouring -  

The key is to use two shades of foundation...the first one should be just 1 shade above your natural skin tone, the second one should be 1 shade darker than your skin tone.  Let me repeat...just one shade difference!  You're looking for a very subtle trick of the eye, so don't go too dark or too light, or it will look too harsh.  Dot the lighter one in the center of your face nose, forehead, cheeks chin, and blend well with a dampened Beauty Blender or foundation brush.  Lightly dot the darker one

around the perimeter of your face...very top of forehead, temples, jawline, under chin....dot on sparingly and blend well, so that the two shade are blended perfectly.  There should be no obvious lines or streaks on your jaw!  This technique is a more subtle version of highlight and contour, but when done correctly, it results in a soft and flattering "halo" effect that will pull the eye towards the center of your face and minimize your forehead.

Eyebrow Love -  brush those babies up

If you have a larger forehead, it's vital that you ensure your brows are shaped, properly, defined and brushed upward. Brushing your eyebrows up and into place can lift your face and minimize the distance between your eyebrows and hairline, plus it opens your eye area and creates a balanced look.  If your brows are sparse, fill in a bit with pencil, powder or pomade....just be sure to use short, hair like strokes in a shade that matches our brows for the most subtle look, and keep it all in place with a dab of brow pomade or clear mascara on a spoolie or eyebrow brush. Brows frame your entire look!  If you don't do anything with your brows now, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes when you give them a little attention....

Wear a Bright Lip - 

If you have medium to full lips, this technique works especially well. Wear a bright red or berry lip (tip - a sheer berry works on every skin tone) to pull focus from your forehead and call attention to your rosy pout and pretty smile.  Color on your lips prevents a "monochrome" look....If your face is all neutral, your forehead will really stand out. Remember, it's all about creating balance in the face and calling attention to features you like, while distracting from those you don't!

Some of my tips, plus more from other beauty pros were featured in Daily Makeover...click here to read this article, plus tips on everything beauty from A to Z!