The New Nude Face via Harper's Bazaar

I recently saw a tweet about "The New Nude" face which intrigued me because I really don't like to wear much makeup anymore when I do. I just focus on a clean face with a few accentuations. This post by Harper's Bazaar was on point and exactly what I've been doing more or less so I thought I would share it.



photo credit: ImaxTree


A clean, flawless look is what we want from our makeup this spring. Achieving this chic, minimalist effect requires a light hand, a few expert pointers, and the right neutral and blush shades, says makeup artist Fiona Stiles. Here are 7 ways to appear au natural, only better. For the full post click here.

1. Prep skin with a primer
2. Make foundation invisible
3. Blush softly
4. Erase lines
5. Draw attention to eyes
6. Enhance lip
7. Nude polish on nails

As I previously mentioned, recently when I've been doing a full face of makeup I've been going for what most people call the "no makeup makeup look" or nude face. I wear almost no shadow or something light with a slight shimmer to draw attention to the eye with many layers of mascara and just liner or my water line and tight line of my eye. I use a blush that gives just a natural flush or glow, and bring attention to my lip with a pop of color. Making your foundation invisible is very important to a nude face to ensure it appears as if you have nothing on. I achieve this by using a liquid foundation and a stippling brush and buff the foundation into my skin blending out any harsh lines.

Here is an example of a nude face that I've been doing recently.

Hope these were helpful tips for a nude face!

xo

Candice Olivia

Couture Tip: Purse Storage

photo via Design Indulgences

Have a hard time storing your handbags? Why not use shower curtain hooks to hang your handbag in your closet.

How do you store your handbags?

Couture Tip: Used Dryer Sheets

What do you do with your dryer sheets after you have taken your clothes out of the dryer? Do you simply throw them away after one use? If you do, you absolutely shouldn't.

If you didn't know, after only one cycle in the dryer, most dryer sheets still have some life left in them. Instead of throwing them away why not use them until they can't be used any more. What I often like to use dryer sheets for are dust cloths! They pick up dirt and dust like nobodies business. My father shared this with me many years ago. They are perfect for window sills and base boards, along with desk tops and televisions. But my favorite thing...picking up hair off the floor! My father is a germaphobe, and hated when my hair would shed. I even had to use a separate vacuum cleaner for my hair. My hair sheds often, especially when I blow dry my hair. Few swipes with a dryer sheet and you're good to go.

Another use for dryer sheets is inside of your shoes. Have a pair of shoes that you don't wear socks with? Put dryer sheets in your shoes at night to keep them smelling fresh. For more alternative uses for used dryer sheets click here.

*peace love & couture*

Couture Poolside Pretty Tips

The sun is blazing and the pools are open. Thank the heavens! I don't think I could take another day of this heat without the relief of some water to dip my entire body in and out of.

Now I know there are some women that just absolutely refuse to leave the house without a stitch of makeup, but honey let me tell you its just been too hot these days to even fathom wearing makeup. But for those of you have just have to wear something and vow to be the hottest think laying next to the pool, here asre some poolside pretty tips for you via Huda Beauty and what she does in the blazing sun in Dubai. For the full post click here.

1. Apply Cheek Stain to the Apples of your cheeks


2. Apply a Liquid shimmer to your cheekbones and cupids bow of your lips

3. Use your favorite Chapstick to keep your lips protected and soft (look for one with SPF)

4. Opt for a Waterproof Mascara, and apply a slight amount, (if you need to curl your lashes)

5. Make sure to use some Leave-In Conditioner to your hair and reapply every time you exit the water

Remember, the sun can be very damaging, so take a lot of SPF with you!

*peace love & couture*

Makeup Monday: Concealer and Foundation Tips from Sam Fine

Here are some tips via the amazing Sam Fine for applying concealer and foundation. These are very helpful and every woman who wears makeup should know these things.

*peace love & couture*

Make Up Monday: Concealer

Hey there Couture Cuties! Today's #MakeupMonday post is dedicated to concealer. It's a wonderful product if you use it correctly. I think there are so many women that don't know how to use it to enhance their face and how they think they are supposed to use it. To help you out I have a few tips and tricks along with some do's and don'ts.

1. Concealer by definition is meant to conceal dark spots or areas on the face. You don't need to put it on your entire face. That's just way too much. If you feel you need to conceal  your whole face, then you need to find a new foundation.
2. Your concealer should be 1 to 2 shades lighter than your complexion depending on where you intend to place it.
3. Always apply concealer with a brush and not simply your finger. Brushes provide a better application and blending than fingers.

Consistency
The consistency of your concealer depends on the coverage you need and where you will be wearing it. If you're putting concealer under the eye you should use a liquid. When using concealer to highlight the brow bone and provide shape definition use a concealer that is heavier. A heavier concealer will cover stray hairs (if you have any) better than a liquid.

Brushes
When applying concealer under the brow bone or to blemishes you a stiff concealer brush to allow for more control and precision. When applying concealer under the eye as a highlighter or to conceal dark circles, use a fluffy brush to allow for better blending. It will give a more buffed and polished look.

Until next time....

*peace love & couture*

Tutorial Tuesday: Eyebrow No No's

If you don't know I'm going to tell you now....I DESPISE BAD EYEBROWS. Let me clarify what bad eyebrows are. To me bad eyebrows are:

-over plucked
-pencil thin
-too short
-too dark (not complimenting hair color)
-crescent shaped
-highlights that aren't blended

Today's tutorial comes from MakeupbyCMichelle is an example of what NOT to do when filling in and highlighting your eyebrows. I hope this helps someone and stops them from committing cosmetic travesties.

*Peace Love & Couture*

Eyeshadow Finishes and Textures

I just wanted to post a guide for when you are choosing eye shadows. Every eyeshadow has a finish or texture. Many women make mistakes when applying eyeshadow because they only pay attention to the color and not the finish or texture of the eyeshadow. Other women are disappointed in the way their look turns out because they weren't aware of how to best work with the shadows that they chose.

This guide will give a complete description of the most common eyeshadow finishes and textures that you will see. These descriptions are found on MAC's website and many of the finish/texture names are unique to MAC and not used by other brands, but still helpful when understanding eye shadows. This is not all of the finishes/textures that are out on the market but the most commonly used. I hope this helps. If you want a more detailed description check out this post from a fellow blogger.

Make Up Tip of the Day!

MAKE UP TIP OF THE DAY

Hello my couture cuties. I just wanted to drop in and give you a quick tip for when you are applying your eyeshadow.

Have you ever  had a problem with color distribution and intensity of your eyeshadow? Here is something that I have learned along the way to help with that. The solution is not only the type of make up brush  you use to apply the color but the manner in which you apply the color.

Whenever you want to intensify a color and really pack it on the lid you should PAT the color onto the lid. The best brushes to do so are flat shader brushes like a MAC 239 or 252 or something similar.

To achieve a light wash of color (best when blending colors) you should WIPE the color onto the lid. The best brushes to use when washing a color on the lid are fluffy blending brushes like a MAC 224 or 226.

So remember when you pack you pat and when you wash you wipe!

I hope this helps! If you ever have a make up question feel free to ask. You can email me your questions to mycouturelounge@gmail.com

*Peace Love & Couture*

**Disclaimer*** I don't only use MAC make up brushes. It is just an easy way to reference numbers because many women do use MAC brushes. I also have brushes from Sephora, ELF, Beauty Essentials and Sonia Kashuk. Just keep them clean and take care of them.

Lost Art of Letter Writing

picture courtesy of Moxie

We blog, we text, we tweet, we email, and we post on facebook. We send evites and facebook invitations. When is the last time you got a card in the mail? When is the last time (other than for a wedding) that you received an invitation in the mail.

I really think there is something to be said about taking time out and putting your thoughts or expressions of gratitude on paper. Whether neat or messy, there is something comforting to me about seeing someones handwriting and knowing their essence is in the letter.

To add a couture element to writing a letter, I think all ladies (and gents for that matter) should have stationery. Add some personality to your notes. You can even design your own stationery to have your name on it or a logo that you have created yourself. As much as I love to write notes and letters on my own stationery, I really appreciate opening couture little notes with custom prints and colors that remind me of my friends. More than anything, when someone takes the time to write me a note I want to write one back. Let's all start writing letters again!

To create your own stationery here at Zazzle or at Vista Print. They have a vast array of designs that you can customize and order in bulk. Another great site is the Seattle, WA based company Moxie.

Happy writing!

picture courtesy of Elum