BlushPretty: Make-up Artistry Weblog

loving: the top knot

really simple tips from real simple

If I could, I would spend all day putting makeup on myself, maybe my children - if they were girls, and maybe the dog (if I weren't frightened of being charged with animal cruelty).

Luckily for said children and dog, there is no time for me to chase them around the house, pin them down, and apply lipstick and eyeliner. (Notice I said, "there is no time". I didn't say that "I wouldn't because it is wrong for me to apply makeup to two young boys and a dog".  I'm such a bad mom.)

Since time is always limited, I can appreciate Real Simple's April issue which talks about finding more time.  Real Simple is a great magazine for quick and easy fixes in beauty, fashion, and home.

In this particular issue, which commemorates their 10th anniversary, they had one page dedicated to their top beauty time-savers.  Here are a couple to try as testified by the mag's readers:

"In the winter, my hair is sticking on end with static by the time I get to work. But now, I just tame those flyaways with a dryer sheet. Plus I smell like a fresh load of laundry."
- Natasha S.

My favourite tip is using hair conditioner as shaving gel. It's inexpensive, and it means one less bottle in the shower. Ultimately, shaving is less of an ordeal, and, believe me, everyone is happier when I keep on shaving."
- Christy

"You told me about the beauty of dry shampoo.  It's great for buying more time in between washes."
- Carlyn M.

You can also check out this particular issue for it's reviews on multipurpose products (they review a bp fave: The Multiple by NARS) and also the best and quickest way to blow-dry your hair at home.

Also: shameless plug: if you are intrigued by the idea of dry shampoos, we have two for you to try at The Blush Boutique.  Check out the boutique's options from Cake Beauty and Principessa!

-bp-

it's the kind of denim that always fits!

Denim. It never goes out of style.

But man ... is it ever hard to find the most flattering pair.

If the recent Fashion Weeks were any indication, denim will be the "it" item for Fall 2010, but if you are like me ... maybe your butt isn't ready to be "it".

If you need to jump on the trend but can bear to go jean shopping, then look to where denim will always fit - in your eyeshadow palette. 

While it may seem that choosing to wear a shade of blue for eyeshadow is an accident waiting to happen, shades of denim are totally the opposite. Steely, grey-blues are the perfect answer to a smokey eye that's a hint softer; a wash of shadow over the lid that is slightly mysterious, and a way to line the eye for definition but with a bit of interest.

Here are some denims that are always in style.

Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Stay Matte in Dark Denim: Soft and smooth this shadow has all the intensity you need, but is completely lightweight.  Think of this as your everyday pair of bootcut jeans.

Smashbox Eyeshadow in Ink: This is your traditional denim blue. This shadow is velvety and also nourishing - Smashbox eyeshadows contain Vitamin E. This is like that denim jacket you wore all throughout grade school ... with the collar popped.

Stila Eyeshadow in Azure: This is a new colour from Stila and has the right amount of steel blue, steel grey and more than enough shimmer.  This shadow can be worn wet or dry.  This is the equivalent of a comfy pair of boyfriend jeans.

Get on trend ladies!

-bp-

i cheated (which is probably not the best thing to say after valentines day)

But I did cheat ... on my hairstylist that is.

In a moment of passion ... scratch that ... panic ... I popped into a salon at the local mall to have my bangs feathered and my ends freshened up. You see I was getting all ready for my Crave Toronto photoshoot, and because I left my hair to the last minute, I couldn't get in to see my regular stylist at my regular salon to get my regular style.

I walked away with a hot mess of hair.
(Serves me right ...)

It's too bulky. It's heavy. There is not a layer in sight. My bangs don't lie flat. My hair just hangs. I look like a soccer mom. (Which is actually what I am but who actually wants to look like soccer mom - it doesn't help that I drive a hand me down minivan either - thanks mom and dad).

However, rather than resorting to a ponytail, I've started messing with the part. Instead of doing my regular side part, which looks great with my usual style, I'm tinkering around with the messy undefined middle part. I'm also entertaining the no-part look, where I load up on product and go for the Pauly D. blowout in the front. (Don't act like you don't know who Pauly D. is ... fist pump to you!)

Trending: Going Tropical!

It would be nice if I could say that I actually did go somewhere tropical ...

Especially since the temperatures have dropped ridiculously low here in Toronto.  But what I am actually referring to is Pantone's recent announcement that Turquoise will be the "It" colour for 2010. 

Upon this reveal, COVERGIRL and MS&L Worldwide hooked me up with COVERGIRL and Celebrity Makeup Artist, Greg Wencel, to talk about wearing turquoise and wearing it well. Armed with COVERGIRL's EyeEnhancer Quad in Tropical Fusion, I asked Greg how a girl who may not be used to wearing brights on the eyes can be on trend for 2010.

Greg suggests using turquoise sparingly for the absolute gun-shy and wearing it as a liner. It's a great way to add a hint of colour without letting it wear you! Keep it low to the lashline, and if you wish, apply wet for more intensity. For a nightime look, apply your black liner first, and then the turquoise over it.

If you are a little more daring, you can also take the colour underneath the eye and in the inner corners.  Wing it outward a bit too!

Still willing to kick it up a notch?  Well, you can.  If you want to wear turquoise, or any of the other colours from the Tropical Fusion quad, over the entire lid - the key is diffusion.  Apply your eyeshadow in sheer layers and blend upward and outward.  You want your eyeshadow to look airy and light, not opaque.

Tropical Fusion is a great quad to pick up if you're thinking about going turquoise.  It's affordable, but also provides some great complimentary colours for a cohesive look. You might also want to consider picking up an eyeliner pencil in Turquoise - another great way to be on trend.

Try it Out!

-bp-