Watching the faces of models as they strut down the catwalk can make the idea of wearing model-worthy makeup a little scary.  But there are several classic designer makeup trends that look good on nearly everyone, and you can do them yourself at home with just a little practice.  Whether you want a great date night look or simply want to update your everyday makeup, the following are three beautiful but wearable makeup trends that you will want to try:

1. The Red Lip- Red lips have been popular for years, and they are a truly timeless look that is beautiful on everyone.  The first step is finding the right red- go to a department store where you can sample different reds to find one that looks good on you. You can then buy a similar shade at a discount store if you don’t want to pay department store prices.  You will also need a lip liner in a shade that is similar to the lipstick color you pick.  Line your lips, then fill them in with the deep red shade.  Remember, lipstick looks best on moisturized lips, so be sure to keep your smile soft.  Keep the lipstick from getting on your teeth by making an “O” with your mouth, then putting your finger in your mouth and closing your lips around it.  You can also try the model trick of putting a bit of Vaseline on your teeth.  Keep the rest of your look minimal to avoid looking too made-up.

2. The Natural Look- To achieve that perfect “I’m not wearing any makeup look”, you’ll need to start with a flawless complexion.  Start with foundation, applying it lightly using a large foundation brush.  Dab a bit of concealer on any blemishes, then finish with a loose powder.  The look should be glowing, not caked on, so make sure to blend away any lines carefully.  Next, try lining your eyes with a brown liner, and then finish eyelashes with a coat of brown or black mascara.  Lips should also be neutral, try using a lip stain rather than a lipstick.  This look is beautiful for work or to wear on the weekend, and it is ideal because you can quickly intensify the look for night by adding a dramatic eye look and a few coats of mascara.

3. The Smoky Eye- Today’s smoky eye isn’t all black and white.  You can create a smoky eye with nearly any combination of eye shadow colors.  The trick lies in practicing the method for contouring your eyelids- start with a light shade from lash line to brows and blend well.  Add a darker shade over eyelids, and finish with an even darker shade in the creases of your eyes.  Looking at pictures of different smoky eye looks will help you get the technique just right.  Remember, if you are wearing a smoky eye, you will need to keep the rest of your look simple to avoid a scary, overdone face.

Trying out different makeup looks is fun, and many of the hottest trends can be incorporated into your daily makeup routine for an instant style update.  Remember that evening looks are the perfect time to really go wild with different makeup trends, so try anything from a dramatic cat’s eye to glitter and fun eye shadow looks.  No matter which makeup style you try, you will love the way a new look can make you feel.

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Disclosures: Girl Gloss at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Coulter

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you are one of many lucky women that has a Valentine, then it is important that you look your very best on the date. Since the holiday is filled with the color red, many might consider having a red makeup theme. But take care! Never go over board on the color red, as you don’t want your Valentine to think you look like a tomato. Makeup is all about compromising with the holiday and at the same time trying to keep your personnel makeup style, and more subtle look can often be the best one for a romantic occasion. Want a great makeup look this Valentine’s Day? Try the guide below for something soft and romantic.

A Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Achieve The Perfect Valentines Day Makeup Look

-Foundation and concealer

Before you apply any makeup, make sure that your face is clean and that you apply base so that your makeup will last longer. On this romantic holiday, you want to have perfect radiant skin not only to impress your Valentine, but to also look and feel your best. When you are applying foundation, make sure that you go in a downward stroke, because the hair on your face is facing down. By applying your foundation in a downward stroke, it will appear more smooth and natural. With your concealer, make sure to conceal all of your imperfections and of course any eye bags. Once your skin is completely flawless, make sure that you apply press powder all over your face and neck so that the foundation and concealer doesn’t slide around and to create a pretty matte look.

-Eyebrows

Your eyebrows may not seem like such a big deal, but it’s actually one of the most stressed out part of the face. Make sure that the eyeliner or eye shadow you use on your eyebrows is three shades lighter than your hair so that it’ll soften your entire face.

-Eye makeup

The eyes are one of the first things people look at the moment they first glance at a person, which is why you need to make sure that your eyes are perfect. First, apply a light pink, champagne, or neutral eye shadow all over your lids and brow, then apply a slightly darker and complimentary eye shadow on your lid to the crease. Afterwards, apply a brown, gray, deep plum, or other deep shade of eye shadow in your crease and on the edges of your crease. Make sure that you apply eyeliner to line your eyes and demi lashes to make your eyes appear more romantic looking, but avoid black as it can look to harsh. A soft brown is a usually a good choice. Line your water line with a light  eyeliner, and then make sure to carefully mix the eyeshades together. Never mix the eyeshades too much because it will end up looking a bit muddy and messy.

-Lips

With your lips, consider wearing a light red lipstick or a sheer red instead of a strong red, as too right of a red can make you look a bit strong. Or, try a pretty berry pink shade. After you apply your lipstick, apply a little bit of shimmer on the top and bottom part of your lips, for a nice pout.

if you want to look and feel your best on this romantic holiday, try going soft and easy with your makeup look, as it’ll make you appear even more beautiful and romantic.

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The below article has some great makeup and hair looks that are easy to do and fun to try. I especially like a couple of the messy bun/twist looks in it. Click on through below for more!

9 Natural Makeup and Hair Looks You Should Try

Let your natural beauty shine this year with these simple hairstyle inspirations and makeup techniques that’ll perfect what your momma gave you

This is a TotalBeauty.com natural makeup article Celebrities’ flawless complexions and perfectly tousled hair take a lot more effort than they’d like us to believe. But while they may not roll out of bed looking that good, they know how to fake like they rolled out of bed looking that good. The secret? Hair and makeup that plays up their natural beauty. Get the tutorials to highlight your own natural beauty now. Get tips

Valentine’s Day is coming up and no matter if you have a special date or if you just want to have some fun with your style, a good place to begin is at your fingertips. Get inspired by the colors and themes of Valentine’s Day for your next manicure. There are thousands of looks out there, but here are a few ideas.

1. Reds
One of the first colors to come to mind when you think Valentines Day is Red, of course. It’s the color of roses, hearts, a symbol of passion and a stunning color that anybody can pull off. There’s an array of reds to choose from, from ones with blue undertones to fiery orange-reds. Certain shades will look best depending on if you have cool or warm undertones. Cool or blue-reds look best on people with cool undertones and red-oranges look best on those with warm undertones. When you find the right red that’s right for you, it’ll pop against your skin.

2. Pinks
Sweet, girly pinks are another fun color for Valentine’s Day. They’re always flirty and can range from a darling ballet slipper shade to a punchy fuchsia. Light pink would be great for a romantic date in the park whereas its bolder cousin would look amazing for a fun night out on the town. Keep nails filed short when wearing hot pink since the color is so bold already. Coral-pinks can be another fun way to decorate your fingers for Valentine’s Day.

3. White
White nails are striking, modern and unusual. They’re great for Valentine’s Day and the winter season in general. You can go for a brilliant snow white or white mixed with a nice silver or gold shimmer. A French manicure is a classy look to consider that always looks good with white. Since a solid white nail is so striking, keep the length short. Anybody can pull this color off.

4. Glitter
Whether it’s tiny, big and chunky or even shaped like hearts for Valentine’s, glitter is a fun way to punch up your nails. You’ll want to go for something in the pink or red family to stay in the Valentine’s Day spirit. Try festive heart shaped glitter for a cute holiday look. You might even want to try applying one heart and leaving the rest of the nail a pale color or even clear. Get even more creative with glittery polish by doing a shimmery French manicure or maybe even stripes.

5. Nail Art
One trend that’s very popular right now is kiwai nail art. This trend comes from Japan and uses acrylic nails as well as clay and various materials to get a unique look. Nail artists can sculpt hearts for Valentine’s Day out of the gel or Fimo clay they’re using as well as an array of other shapes. If you don’t have the time or money to get a professional manicure you can always paint your own designs with fine brushes that can easily be found in craft and beauty supply stores. For example, paint the base of the nail pink then paint on a deep red heart, Cupid’s arrow or some angel wings. Get creative and have fun. Lack time? Look for nail stickers and press on art at your local drugstore.

Overall, be imaginative with your Valentine’s Day manicure. It’s a great holiday to get playful and try designs that you might not normally wear. Have fun with the colors and let everybody know that your fingertips are holiday themed by sporting pinks, reds, or some of the other colors that have been suggested.

Shop for Nail Supplies and Nail Art at Sephora and Beauty.com

Eye Shadow is the staple of a makeup collection that accentuates the eyes and gives them depth. With the right shade and proper application your eyes can eyes can look fabulous. For achieving the best eye shadow look try these tips:

1. Choose your eye shadow keeping in mind your skin tone, complexion, hair color and eye color. On a warm skin tone, brown, gold, bronze, coral, soft green, pink etc look good. On cool or fairer skin tones, lilac, pale blue, silver, turquoise, gray and darker greens are colors which stand out.

2. It is not always important to match your eye shadow with your clothes, eye color or hair. Try contrasting shades as they are attractive and tend to grab attention more.

3. Brunettes often can carry all colors well; from the dark range of black, browns and purples to neutral tones of gold and beige to the lighter shades of green and yellow.

4. Be creative and try out various colors before your mirror. The best eye makeup happens when one is willing to be experimental and not follow strict guidelines. Trial and error is the best way to discover colors that suit you and enhance your windows to the world!  Eye shadows are available in a multitude of colors and textures like powder, cream, pencil, liquid and mousse form. The market is flooded with great brands which offer a practical range of eye makeup. Shimmer options under various brands are wonderful for party scenes and uplift the face like never before.

5. The secret to a long lasting and beautiful eye shadow is the blending technique. Eye shadow is applies in three steps, first comes a light colored base followed by the main, medium tone lid color and finished by the highlighter for the crease of the eye. Blending well using your finger or a brush does the trick.

6. For soft color, use gentle, light color strokes and for deep creases, use a heavier hand and multiple brush strokes.

7. Use good brands.  Not all shadow is created equal. Brands such as MAC, Nars, and Urban Decay are known for great pigment concentration and many shade choices. The more pigment, the better the shadow will wear and last.

8. Primers or bases are important as they help set your shadow, keeping it staying on for a long time and preventing creasing. Urban Decay Primer Potion is a great choice!

9. Gold shimmer for the brow bone is a great evening or party look for the eyes.

10. Smoky eyes with dark color on the lid is enticing, but the color should be kept limited to the lid and under lower lash line. Don’t take too dark of a shade all the way up to your brow bone. Highlight there instead.

11. Contouring the crease of the eye lid with a dark shade gives good results and creates a deep set eye look. Dark shadows also work great as an eye liner. Use a press brush to push shadow along the lid to line the eyes.

12.Take care when applying shadow. Choose the right tool kit for your eyes and don’t forget to remove all eye makeup at night with an eye makeup remover. Also remember to tap off extra shadow from your brush before applying!

So ladies, time to gather compliments and party, with eyes that charm all the way.

Sometimes you need a quick, but good look. The below article provides ten quick and easy celebrity makeup looks that you can do in under five minutes.  Click on through to see the different looks and how to get them.

10 Makeup Looks You Can Do in Under 5 Minutes

Don’t have time to dilly dally in front of your vanity every morning? Check out these timesaving looks

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article We know when you get busy, sporting the latest makeup trend becomes the last thing on your To-Do list. That’s why we found pretty celebrity makeup looks that you can do in under 5 minutes. (We timed ourselves to make sure!) Plus, we boiled it down to the looks that’d be just right for your specific skin tone, so you can save even more time. Save time

With the Super Bowl coming up, you might have the need for a sporty look for a party, but yet still want to look feminine. Here is a guide on how to pull off a football party look. Click below to see the the full article.

Look Appropriately Girly for Football Sunday

Just because you’re hanging with the boys for the big game, doesn’t mean you should look like them. See how to look pretty without trying too hard

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article Step away from the CheeseHead and sweatpants. Here’s how to look appropriately cute for that football party, without being called a girly girl. See tips

Today brings a couple of quick swatches form the MAC Naturally Collection. This collection has a natural look focus, but also features metallics in the mineralized eye shadows. It rather reminds me more of a summer type collection than one for January!

Anyway, these arrived while I was out of town and had prescheduled lots of other things for the bogs, so I didn’t get much chance to spend a lot of time on them. But here is a swatch of a couple of the eye shadow shades: Cloudy Afternoon and In The Sun.

These are decent enough basic metallic shades. I rather like In the Sun. The MAC Naturally collection also has some nice mineralize skin finishes, blushes, and a variety of lip shades. It is in stores and on counters now!

Disclosure: This review is based on a product provided by a representative of the company. For more, please see our disclosure page.

The Nars spring collection has a number of nice items. I put a swatch of the Lhasa eye shadow up on Beauty and Fashion Tech, along with a photo of the full collection. Here, I am covering the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Mexican rose.

Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils are always nice delightful items. They are thick, full of pigment, and wear very well. I tend to prefer thick crayon type pencils such as these over standard lipstick. The Mexican Rose shade for the spring collection is a nice bright rose that gives a good pop of color, without going overboard. Below is a swatch:

The shade is very pretty, would work well on many different skin tones, and has good pigment, yet is still on the sheer side.  Definitely a good choice for spring!

The Nars spring collection is available now. Get it at NarsCosmetics.com.

Disclosure: This review is based on a product provided by a representative of the company. For more, please see our disclosure page.

Good makeup brushes are essential for proper makeup application. This is even more true if you use drugstore makeup, because it often is not as well pigmented, making good application rather important. Drugstore items are also often packaged with cheap applicators that don’t really cut it for proper makeup application.  If you purchase more expensive makeup, there often will not be any applicators included, as the companies assume that you already have decent makeup brushes.

So, choosing the best makeup brushes is important. Fortunately, quality makeup brushes do not have to break the bank. While some pricey brushes are also very high quality and provide excellent results, there also are some pretty good inexpensive makeup brushes available at your local dig box retailer or drugstore.

There are four primary differences between lower end, affordable makeup brushes and the more expensive professional makeup brushes

(1) Price: the most obvious difference is price. Drugstore quality makeup brushes are often under $10, while professional brushes can run $20-40 or more. But before you scream at the difference, pro brushes are made to last. You will replace even the best of the drugstore quality makeup brushes more often, as they simply do not hold together as well or for as long.

(2) Materials: Professional makeup bushes are generally made of animal fibers, which holds and applies pigment more evenly. This allows for the best possible look. For liquid makeup application, animal fibers tend to work the best at providing a streak free look. For the nest eye shadow application, pro makeup brushes also are often preferable.

(3) Durability: Professional makeup brushes last longer. A pro brush will not lose bristles to the extent that a cheaper brush will.  They also will last longer overall, as they are less likely to break. Inexpensive makeup brushes often lose a few bristles, especially when they are new. But often once they are broken in, they usually can work nearly as well as the pro brushes. Some brands are better than others though. For example, Eco Tools tend to hold up pretty well, but Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes have a history of losing a lot of bristles.

Below are some choices of great brushes across several price points.

The Best Drugstore Makeup Brushes

Low on money? One of the best cheap makeup brush brands is Eco Tools.  The Eco Tools line of makeup brushes are very affordable, and they are quite easy to find in both drugstores and big box store.  Eco Tools brushes also tend to hold up pretty well. They don’t lose bristles all that much. the brand is also ecologically sound, with the brushes constructed out of recycled materials. The brushes come packaged in natural cases and the brushes themselves have attractive bamboo handles.

Sephora also makes a line of fairly good makeup brushes. These run a bit more in rice than Eco Tools, but there are a wider range of options and kits, and generally the line is still quite affordable.

The Best Professional Makeup Brushes

There are numerous excellent choices in professional makeup brushes. Probably the most popular and widely respected are the  MAC Makeup Brushes. MAC makeup brushes are always quality and when it comes to price, they actually are fairly reasonable for the quality that you get from the brush. For a good deal on MAC brushes, watch for the MAC holiday brush sets that come out every year. The brushes in the sets are the same high quality as the standard brushes, but they are made with shorter handles, something I personally prefer anyway. Buying one of the MAC holiday sets can be an excellent opportunity to purchase quality brushes while saving quite a bit of money.

There are numerous other higher end brushes, and just about anything from one of the top department store brands is going to be a quality brush. Lancome makes nice brush sets, as does Laura Mercier and Trish McEvoy.  To view a number of excellent brushes, take a look at the Nordstrom Makeup Brush Sets.  As with the MAC brushes, finding travel sets can be a nice way to save money.

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