Shop With Style

Not even the most die-hard makeup artist is completely perfect when it comes to their own makeup habits. We all get busy, forgetful, lazy. But there are some makeup missteps that could end up being detrimental to not only your makeup, but your skin. Thankfully, though, these are all easy fixes, and once you incorporate them into your routine, you’ll be back on track in no time!

• Not cleaning your brushes – Not only can this lead to bacteria growth in the brushes, but it can also end up costing a fortune! As dirt, dust, and makeup accumulate on the bristles, bacteria can thrive there too. And that same accumulation of gunk can cause the bristles of your most loved (and most expensive) brushes to break and fall out (sometimes sticking to your face during application). Yuk! Be sure to give your brushes a good cleaning with a mild cleanser every month or two.
• Blowing on your brushes – You’ve picked up a little too much product? Might as well give the brush a little blow to remove some of it, right? Wrong. Blowing on the brushes can transfer bacteria from your mouth and the air onto the bristles, which grows with each subsequent blow. Try tapping the brush on the side of the product or the edge of some other hard surface instead.
• Not washing your makeup off before bed – You’ve heard this a million times, we know. The reason you’ve heard it so much is because it’s true. Not only do your pores need to breathe, but your skin will have a harder time making room on the surface for new, pretty skin cells while the old, gunky cells are caked there. If you are really, really exhausted, using makeup wipes will do in a pinch, but you’re better off making it a practice to wash your face properly each night before bed.
• Not moisturizing before applying makeup – You might not think you need to follow this little practice, especially if your skin tends to be oily. But moisturizer has nothing to do with adding oil, and everything to do with keeping your skin hydrated. Also, skin that is not moisturized can often effect makeup application, making it look uneven and blotchy. Try adding a light daytime moisturizer with SPF to your routine before applying foundation. That way your skin stays hydrated, receives foundation more smoothly, and is protected from those harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• Using your hand to match your foundation color – Newsflash: your hand is not your face. It’s not even near your face. So why would the skin there be a good indicator of the skin on your face? The skin on our hands is exposed to sun and the elements a lot more often than that of the skin on your face, so it will almost definitely be a different color. If you’re out shopping and don’t want to mess up your makeup by swatching a new foundation across your cheek, try turning your head and applying a vertical line of foundation that is closer to your ear and one along your jawbone area. Those will give a better indication of a true match.
• Pumping your mascara – We admire your thriftiness. You want to get every last drop of that mascara out of the bottle. Or maybe you just want a little extra product on the wand. Either way, the only thing that pumping the mascara wand is doing is pushing air into the bottle…which is making the product dry up quicker. Opt for swishing the wand around the sides of the bottle instead.
• Matching your eye shadow to your outfit – Ok, so we all did this as kids. As far as we were concerned, it was a major cool thing to do. Then. But now, we know better…or, at least we should. Eye makeup, particularly shadow, is designed to make the most of your eye color. And its application is meant to make the most of your eye’s shape. So don’t cut your potential beauty short. You can Google the best eye colors/eye shadow combos, or just check out a color wheel to see what colors opposite your eye color will best make your peepers pop!

Many people believe that they cannot wear yellow at all because of their complexion, skin tone, hair color, or some other reason. However, it is actually one of the most beautiful colors for all skin tones, you just have to know how to wear it. Sometimes it means not wearing it right next to your face and other times it means wearing a slightly different shade.

Here are five simple ways to add this beautiful color to your wardrobe:

In Your Removable Accessories

If you still aren’t willing to commit to yellow, adding something small and distinct can really help you to extend your wardrobe. Something as simple as glasses can draw the eye to your face, but you don’t always have to wear them. Make sure that your glasses fit properly so that they aren’t sliding around your face.

On Your Head

Maybe wearing yellow in a professional setting still isn’t your favorite idea. That’s fine! Instead, adding something with just a good yellow undertone can really help to push you to bring it into your wardrobe more. Start small by incorporating a great, fun beanie into your wardrobe. Beanies are great because we don’t take ourselves too seriously when we wear them.

In Your Jewels

Of course, we all love to wear some bling. However, there is something truly special about a yellow diamond or jewel. It is so delicate and special, adding a bit of sparkle where we just need it. Many people are willing to dip their toes into wearing more yellow when they do it with a great pair of statement earrings, a good ring, or even with some resin bangle bracelets.

Go For Kitschy

Once again, if you aren’t completely comfortable wearing yellow, you can combine two of the other tricks we’ve taught: use something removable and something that isn’t serious. A funny purse or clutch is a great way to attract attention and feel comfortable with adding a color you don’t usually use. There are plenty of options out there in the world of clutches – little bags that will add that pop of color without going too far.

Keep It Away From Your Face

Keeping yellow away from your face may make you more comfortable. In fact, you might even forget that you are wearing it at all. Many people don’t think about their shoes unless they are uncomfortable, so that is a great place to put some yellow. Bright shoes are another way to make your wardrobe seem interesting but still seem professional – so go for something like yellow heels or a good pair of loafers.

How are you going to incorporate yellow into your wardrobe?

Winter opens up a whole new world of amazing and exhilarating outdoor activities for you to enjoy, with snowboarding and skiing being two of the most popular. But, if you’re underdressed or unprepared, you’ll do anything but enjoy your time in the cold…instead, you’ll be spending every shivering minute wishing for the warmth of the indoors and cursing whosever idea it was to invite you to the slopes to begin with! Luckily, we have a list of the essentials you’ll need to enjoy every schuss, slalom, and snowplough in style!

• Base layers – Your parents or grandparents might have called them “long johns” or “long underwear,” but modern day base layers are made from more advanced synthetic fabric. Base layers are designed to be form-fitting, worn close to the body, and made from non-cotton material that wicks moisture and retains heat.
• Ski socks – If you’ve ever spent time in the snow or extreme cold, you know how quickly your toes can start to feel that burning numbness. Ideally, think of snow socks as a base layer for your feet. They should be thin, but made of a moisture-wicking material that will keep your feet warm and dry.
• Ski/snow jacket – Unlike jackets made for ordinary cold weather, ski/snow jackets also need to be breathable and waterproof. Look for ones that provide good insulation and are semi form-fitting but still allow for good mobility. A bonus here is that snow jackets come in all kinds of beautiful and amazing colors and patterns…so you can really find one that is fun and perfect for you!
• Ski/snow pants – These are a must for safety and warmth on the slopes. Proper snow/ski pants need to be waterproof and insulated with a contoured fit, but they also need to be long enough to be pulled down over your ski boots and loose enough to allow mobility in your knees and hips.
• Ski/snow gloves – As with your toes, you will often feel the harsh effects of the cold in your fingers soon after entering the climate, so a good pair of actual ski gloves are best. They are waterproof and offer durability and dexterity. If you find your hands are very sensitive to the cold, you can also add glove liners that will basically act as a base layer for your hands.
• Ski goggles – These will be important for a couple of reasons. Despite the chill in the air, the sun’s rays will be amplified by reflecting off the snow, so your eyes will need protection. Also, skiing and snowboarding create a great deal of wind that blasts your eyes, causing extreme dryness. Goggles will help eliminate both of these…not to mention you’ll look really cool wearing them!
• Snow boots – The uppers of good snow boots should be made from padded or quilted nylon, textile, suede, or leather. The midsoles and insoles should be extra cushioned with good arch support and be well-padded for shock absorption. Finally, the soles need to be lightweight and waterproof, with the whole boot being waterproof overall. If your feet stay comfy and warm, you’ll be able to frolic in the snow for hours!