Natural Makeup Application for Women of Color

Looking completely together involves some sort of makeup application. Even if you don't like wearing makeup or feel as though you don't need it....enhancing your best features is a great way to feel better about your look.

It can be tough for women of color to look natural wearing even a little makeup, but there is a way! I found a great article on lovetoknow.com. Here are some of those tips.

When you're ready to apply your makeup, make sure it's makeup for women of color, so that it matches your complexion as closely as possible. When going for a natural look, you can either forgo foundation or choose a lightweight one.

In general, liquids and sprays provide sheer coverage and don't camouflage your skin. Instead, these light bases just even out your complexion and create a smooth, uniform canvas. Another option you have for a light base is to mix your liquid foundation with your moisturizer. This way, you moisturize and apply a base at the same time. The addition of your facial lotion makes the foundation even more sheer.

Apply a light dusting of loose powder in a shade that matches your face as closely as possible. Blush, if you choose to wear it, can either match your skin or imitate the shade of flushed cheeks. Cream blushes should be applied beneath face powder, while powder blushes should go on top of it. Whichever blush you choose, make sure you blend, blend and blend some more for a natural look.

When it comes to eye makeup, you can get some ideas from brown eye makeup pictures or even from makeup colors for hazel eyes since these are the predominant eye colors for women of color. You can skip eye shadow if you like, or go with a light layer of shadow that matches your skin.

However, for women with lighter skin, a pale dusting of pink or peach eye shadow can still look natural while adding some color, while women with darker complexions can go with chocolate or taupe shadows. If your eyelashes are naturally long and thick, just curl them with an eyelash curler. Otherwise, apply one to two coats of black mascara and your look is nearly complete.

For the lips, you have a range of options, especially with the availability of sheer and glossy lip colors out there now. Wear lip colors in these shades:

•Clear
•Pink
•Peach
•Bronze
•Gold
•Chocolate

Now your natural look is complete!

Gretta's 5 Basic Dress Styles for Everybody Type

Whether you're looking for a party dress, casual dress, spring dress, Boston native Gretta Monahan annouced on the Rachel Ray show.... it all boils down to five basic dresses! Some of the more popular ones are: the A-Line Dress and the Sheath Dress.

A-LINE DRESS
"It's always going to be fitted in the bodice and it's going to flare from the waist to the hip for an A-shape, says Gretta. This style is good for women who are bottom heavy or a pear shape, which is more than 85 percent of women."

THE SHEATH DRESS
"The sheath is straight from shoulder to bottom," Gretta explains. "Typically, there are darts either in the breast area or in the curve of the waist. This dress is about creating curves and has become classic because it gives us what we want."

Lots of great information for all body types, I added a link for those who may want to check out the other three dresses.
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/five-dress-styles-every-body2/

#1 Factor of Style

The best way to look and feel your best is to be physically fit. True fitness embraces women of all shapes and sizes. On the other hand, you should discriminate against certain foods in your diet. All those great, sometimes greasy, delicious dishes and treats cannot be apart of your diet everyday. For example, many people use the 80/20 rule; eating well 80 percent of the time, so when you want to have your favorite treat you can have it without feeling to guilty.

Suprisely, some of the foods we assume are low in calories, are quite the opposite. A recent article on MSN named several popular choices that may surprise you.

Look Healthy, But High in Fat!
Sushi Rolls, Dried Fruit, Granola, Brand Muffins, Half & Half, Sandwich Wraps, Bottled Teas, Rice Cakes, Veggie Burgers, Juice, Diet Microwave Meals, Salads

Think Light!

Lots of people get to see the light fluffy stuff during the winter time. But those snowflakes can pack a mighty punch. Good thing Spring is right around the corner! Springtime for most isn't super warm, so before you break out the flip-flops and tanks... here are some great tips for transitioning from one season to the next.
Start by paying attention to the fabrics you wear. Instead of a wool trench coat, try a light weight cotton or a nylon/rayon blend pea coat.
Also, re-arrange your closet a bit: take out lined garments and long sleeve knit sweaters and replacement them with lighter fabrics.
But, keep in mind temperatures in the Spring can be a little unpredictable remember to travel with extra garments such as a light weight cardigan or scarf. The key is to look like a lighter version of winter. Hope this helps.

BellaMae

What's the Big Deal?

Everyone loves a bargin, right? But, just because its on sale... doesn't mean its a good deal.

So how do you find the real bargins? I'm glad you asked! After working for years as a merchandiser, I learned the saying is true... "good things come to those who wait."

Everything goes on sale sooner or later... just keep checking your favorite stores.

On the other hand, department stores tend to have really good sales throughout the year, and particularly at the beginning of a new season. And its not what you're probably thinking... buying winter clothes in the summer and spring items in the fall. For example, you can find some pretty great deals in February... when folks are tapped out from Christmas and stores need the floor space for new Spring merchandise. And guess what? The clothes on sale... that's right, you got it, are winter clothes. And where I live, it's still cold in February.

Also, remember to shop smart! Don't buy it just because its on sale; 3 or 4 good buys can turn into a pretty expensive shopping trip, if you're trying to watch your pennies.

Another great tool is the internet! Hallelujah, for technology. If you're looking for a specific item... browse for that item on the web first. There are several websites that specialize in bargins like: http://www.shopittome.com/

Hope this helps. Love Yourself :-)

BellaMae

To Trend or Not to Trend?

We've all had a love affair with trends! Whether you teased your hair to no end in the 80's, laced up those infamous leather KEDS or L.A. Gear tennis shoes, or tight rolled your favorite jeans... trends of the times never stick around. However, there is a way to stay current and look great without becoming a victim. Here's the secret: mix trends with classic pieces... sounds easy enough right!

Take an item that's all the rage right now: leather knee high boots.

Instead of wearing light wash skinny jeans, with a belted cardigan, and hoop earrings... OMG! Strike a pose in a boyfriend cardigan, crew neck tee, dark wash straight leg jeans and stud earrings. Someone out there is saying, why not go all out? I'm glad you asked. You want to spend your hard earned money (or somebody else's) on items that will stand the test of time. All the items in the second example, can stand alone... plus you can dress them up or down. That's four ways to wear one item... how awesome is that!

You probably hear the word classic alot... it doesn't have to mean boring. It's just another way to say timeless. A timeless look is the best way to save yourself from having anymore blackmail pictures of you posing in head to toe trends. Don't let trend define who you are... use them to exude your unique self. There's only one in the entire world... own it!

Love Yourself

BellaMae