Most of us are now into April with stay-at-home orders still in effect due to the global health crisis. Stuck inside for a month now, we've come up with all sorts of activities to do to keep us busy and stave off the boredom like as as playing cards, streaming video, doing puzzles, or consuming way too much social media. But just like any other skill, if you're looking to perfect your look for when the health restrictions are lifted, practice makes perfect. So why not get our your pallets out and spend a couple of hours getting you ready for you first outing when the stay-at-home order are lifted? Supplies can easily be ordered online, so no need to worry about running out of base or foundation and liner while you practice you technique. Just don't use too much toilet paper for clean-up!

Here are a few tips for a fun makeup practice session:

Find a good Spot to Work

A good mirror and good lighting are the keys to properly applying makeup. The bathroom usually has good light, so that is a good option. Or, if you have a dedicated makeup station in your room with a good mirror and a place for your supplies, then do it there. You want a place where you can work quietly and effectively.

Set the Mood

Sometimes listening to your favorite podcast or music playlist can get your creative juices flowing. You phone and decent speaker are great tools you can add to your makeup kit. Just make sure the batteries are charged up! Some people find doing their makeup and skincare therapeutic. If you are doing your makeup in the morning, maybe have a cup of coffee or tea. Maybe even FaceTime, Zoom, or call a friend or family member to get feedback and opinions.

Make Sure You Tools are Clean

Clean brushes are always a great way to start a practice session, so make sure your makeup kit is in order and your brushes are clean and you products are not broken or expired. To tell if your products are expired, simply smell the product. If it smells odd, then maybe it is time to throw it out. Also, check the expiration date on the component or the outside package. There should be a little container symbol that will tell you how long it lasts (example: 12 months).

When pandemic and health crisis over, we'll have regrets about not getting six-pack abs or writing a novel, so don't waste this valuable opportunity. You've got some extra time on your hands, put it to good use by working on your make-up skills!

 

 

 

Whether you’re a brand-new mama who equates showering with insta-chic or a veteran parent who can’t so much as pee alone, it’s hard not to look at put-together moms like Gwyneth Paltrow and Michelle Obama and wonder how they find the time to look so amazing. Answer: an entourage of stylists and makeup artists. But even if your entourage only consists of little ones, these quick tips will help you look paparazzi-ready in a flash.

Set up a beauty station by the front door.
Ever dash out of the house only to catch your reflection later and wince? To the rescue: Set up a mommy beauty station by the door. Simply hang a mirror and fill a basket (ideally out of reach to your kiddos) with your get-ready-quick essentials. A few suggestions: a hairbrush and dry shampoo to instantly upgrade your locks, concealer to mask any under-eye circles, blush or bronzer for a sweep of color, mascara to open up your eyes, and a box of facial tissues for quick beauty touchups.

Add stylish accents to your go-to outfits.
Guess what? You can maintain a uniform of cotton shirts and jeans as long as you accessorize smartly. A colorful, patterned scarf can add interest to a V-neck and boyfriend jeans (not to mention mask any spit-up or food stains). Skinny jeans and a plain top are instantly date-night-ready with a touch of costume jewelry and glam heels or fun flats. Invest in easy statement pieces, like a bright blazer, you can throw on before a parent-teacher conference that will instantly elevate your ensemble.

Streamline your makeup routine.  
Ah, if only you had the time to labor over creating the perfect cat eye. But you’d be surprised how far a minimal look -- with minimal products -- can go toward boosting your confidence. Opt for multitasking makeup, like a BB cream, an above-and-beyond tinted moisturizer that also contains SPF, antioxidants and other antiaging components. Instead of stressing out about perfectly applying lipstick, opt for a simple tinted lip gloss or stain. If you’re constantly on the go, an eyelash curler can do wonders to instantly give eyes a lift without the mess of mascara.

Borrow from Baby.
If your beauty budget has given way to a college fund, take note: There’s a treasure trove of goodies already in your nursery. Use your little one’s lotion for the eau de bébé that everyone absolutely loves. Your baby’s chemical-free shampoo will leave your hair super-soft without stripping it of essential oils. Can’t find time to shower? Even if you don’t use baby powder at the changing table, dabbing it on your scalp and the shiniest areas of your hair can hold you over in between washings.

Have a signature style. One of Gwynnie’s biggest chic secrets? This mama has confidence. But if the baby drool on your shoulder has you feeling not-so self-assured, here’s a quick trick: Add something to your look that’s only yours. Tie a fun kerchief to your purse that you rotate every so often, and never leave the house without swiftly applying a bright lip color. Crumbs all over your clothes? Check. Signature statement necklace? Hey, you’ve got something going for

Photo by Nojan Namdar on Unsplash

All too often, I catch glimpses of women with unknowingly smeared lipstick and raccoon-like eye makeup on the street. Hey, it happens -- but it doesn’t have to! As a makeup artist for Good Morning America, it’s my job to make sure the anchors and reporters look perfect from the show’s start to finish. With those hot studio lights and high-pressure scenarios, it’s a challenge to make their makeup smudge- and budge-proof.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really work. With these following tips, you’ll look flawless for hours.

1. Choose the right foundation.
Finding the right foundation that won’t look caked-on after a few hours is essential. The best product depends on your skin type. Experiment with drugstore concealers to find the right one. Sephora-brand concealers are also dependable. They come in a variety of shades for all skin tones and rarely require reapplication throughout the day. I like how they sink into the skin, leaving a nice, natural look.

2. Finish with translucent powder.
Television anchors are constantly under bright studio lights. My trick for keeping them shine-free: I use a translucent powder, which leaves skin with a matte finish. I recommend doing a touchup through the course of a day. Use a facial tissue to gently blot the skin and remove excess oil. Then reapply the translucent powder.

3. Go waterproof.
How often have you looked in the mirror to see smeared mascara or a black under-eye smudge? To prevent this from happening, use waterproof mascara. Some can leave your eyelashes looking brittle or clumpy, so test out a variety of brands.

4. Prime your lids and lips.
Creased, smudged eye shadow is one of the biggest beauty blunders I see. But one simple step can prevent this from happening: First, prime your lid with concealer. Without a primer, the makeup has nothing to hold onto -- and the natural oils in your skin will cause it to slide off and crease. So gently dab a little concealer onto your eyelid before applying any eye makeup.

You can also use this same trick for your lips. Using a finger, blend your concealer right onto your lips. If you find that this causes your lip color to look too light, try filling in your entire lip with a natural-colored lip liner. Then blot with a facial tissue before slicking on your lipstick.

Photo by Angelos Michalopoulos on Unsplash

After a long winter, you’re ready to toss the extra layers. But while the spring brings longer days, you won’t get any color from the five-minute walk from your car to office. Besides, you know that spending too much time in the sun can expose you to harmful UV rays.

The solution? Self-tanners are a safer option, and you can apply them at home. Whether you’re a self-tanning pro or novice, our guide will help you achieve an even golden glow without the streaks. Get ready to transform your complexion from ghostly white to a sun-kissed glow.

Step 1: Get prepped.

For the self-tanner to set in evenly, your skin should be as fresh as possible. Shave your legs and exfoliate any area that you’re self-tanning, with a liquid exfoliating scrub.

Step 2: Apply self-tanner from bottom to top.
Wearing latex gloves, gently apply self-tanner onto your skin. Start at your feet and slowly move up your body to avoid awkward positions, and make sure everything goes on smoothly and evenly. Keep a box of facial tissues on hand to wipe away any excess.

Step 3: Smooth out streaks.
Areas with thinner skin -- your feet, knees, elbows, wrists and ankles -- are susceptible to streaking. Go over these areas carefully to ensure the tan doesn’t look patchy. To avoid streaks on your palms, wipe them down with a tissue after you’re finished.

Step 4: Wait and see.
You need to give the self-tanner the chance to seep in and do its thing, so avoid showering or sleeping (unless you want streaked sheets) for at least six hours afterward. To avoid getting the product on your clothes, wear a loose, old T-shirt. Once your tanner has set, be sure to moisturize each day. Keeping your skin hydrated will extend the length of that gorgeous glow. 

You may have been up all night running tissues and cold compresses to your child, but you’ve still got to show up to that staff meeting this morning looking a little more human. In between dispensing doses of cough syrup and medical advice to the babysitter, you can pull off a sophisticated, office-appropriate look in five minutes. Bonus: You may even have time to brew yourself a cup a tea. 

Step 1: Get Glowing

Tinted moisturizer camouflages a red nose and dark circles. With your fingers, smooth an illuminating formula over any inconsistencies, patting a little extra at the under-eye area. Do the same on any stress blemishes that may have popped up overnight.

Step 2: Wake up Tired Eyes

First, line the upper lash line; use a deep brown shade for a more natural finish. Then curl lashes and apply two or three coats of volumizing mascara to the upper lashes. (Tip: To avoid clumps, circle the wand as you take it out of the tube, which removes excess formula.) Dab a light-reflecting concealer at the inner corners of your eyes for a wide-awake look.

Step 3: Add a Rosy Flush

Trust me when I say this: A peachy blush stick is every woman’s best friend. The color adds a bit of glow to any skin tone. Choose a formula with a hint of shimmer for extra radiance. Apply it to the middle of the cheekbones and at the brow bone; blend in with fingers.

Step 4: Consider Bold Lips

Deep red lips scream confidence. Slick on a lip stain for serious stay-put power. Plus, a true red with blue undertones will also brighten a dull smile.

Step 5: Get Slick

No time to fuss with your blow-dryer or curling iron? Sweep your hair in a chic chignon for instant sophistication. Part your hair down the middle, gather it at the nape of the neck and fasten with a non-slip holder. Divide the ponytail in two sections. Coil the first around the base and fasten with a bobby pin. Repeat with the second section, tucking the ends underneath the elastic. Spritz with a stronghold hairspray.

Step 6: Accessorize

Nothing says pulled-together like a well-cut jacket. Place a black or navy blazer over any top for instant polish, and add a scarf for a pop of color.

Photo by Nojan Namdar on Unsplash

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