Summer Shimmer

I must admit that I've been in sort of a rut lately. Not sure if it's the schizo weather, which has managed to wreak havoc on my tresses (am still bravely embracing the au naturel air-dried look), or the fact that Jason Gore didn't win the Open, but something has me so far down that even The OC repeats can't boost my spirits. (I know the obvious response/answer you're waiting to give is that I miss she she me. While that's true, it's not got me down so low that the Last Call at Neiman's Sale is ignored.) I took a quick inventory of my life to see what I had, what I'd accomplished and so on (bank account not included). That sort of exercise usually gets me to higher ground.

Let's see:
Prada in my closet? Check.
Chic wedges that are the envy of many? Check.
Party dresses ? Check. (Sixteen checks, actually.)
Been to Britain? Check. (But not back since, so maybe a check minus.)
PJ's that are fashionable enough to be seen wearing? Check.
Exercise regimen? Pleading the 5th.
Been tan? Check. Thanks to a healthy willingness to try several self-tanners, bronzers and other goddess-making cremes. Though I promise none are as amazing as Jergens Natural Glow . If you can get your hands on it , buy in bulk. I promise on all that is fashion-forward this stuff works wonders!
Denim? Check. Enough to clothe an army in fact.
Date for Saturday? Check.
Fresh mani? Check and it will stay that way with this cuticle cream from by Terry . Am loving my new color - Delux Beauty Nail Polish in Salty Dog

Still feeling a bit out of it (pity party, anyone?), but realizing the importance of 'putting your best face forward,' I found myself in the capable hands of my favorite make-up guru. It seems that my slump was due to the fact that I had not 'officially' (apparently a spray tan does not count) updated my beauty regimen for summer. Still maintaining the notion that during summer, less is more, she gave me a few tips on how to transform my look.

• The 'dewy' look is not reserved for supermodels and newly-engaged Katie Holmes. A touch of BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector and you're set. I can not believe I lived nearly twirty years without this in my cosmetic bag. Apply on the apples of your cheeks and a bit on your forehead or wherever you want a little shimmer (also great for the decolletage). Do try to avoid the nose area and overapplication anywhere.
• When it comes to the eyes, go shimmery. Dior bronze tones, pinks and greens; switch to deeper colors like purples and greys for night. (Much like last summer, but more subtle.)
• To give mascara - the most important thing on the face, in my opinion - a more natural look, apply a coat to the back of your lashes, then to the front. (Can be very tricky and a lot of practice and patience are necessary.) Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes to thicken the look. Sensitve eyes should try Blinc Kiss Me Mascara (supposedly it's a Hollywood staple). It actually makes tubes around your lashes and promises (and keeps its promise) not to flake. Other favorites are Lancome's Hypnose for its plumping effect and Bella's Starlet Mascara - the name says it all.
• Blush, in truth, has never interested me. I mean, I got excited about the creme sticks and such, but I guess I never fully understood the necessity of blush. Mystery solved. Thanks to a quick 'how-to' on applying a dusting of lilly color to my cheeks, I now have cheek bones (as well as dance moves) to rival Cameron Diaz. Like shimmer, it's important not to over-do blush (no one likes streaks). The key to looking natural is being light with the wand or stick and blending it in with your fingertips.
• And finally, the lips. Banish the stains and super-matte tubes; this summer is about natural (that pesky, hard-to-achieve word again), glossy lips . You can't go wrong with a berry (great on all skin tones), a coral (great on most) or a classic (not over-the-top) pink. I love, love by Terry's Multicare Lip Gloss in both Coral Pearl and Crystal Rose. And while we're on the lips, don't overlook the teeth. Seems like models and regular fashionistas alike (myself included) swear by GoSmile, the tooth whitening method for girls-on-the-go.
  

I'm completely over my doldrums now. (Pretty hard to cry with a perfectly-made-but-natural-looking face.) I recall leaving; plastic securely back in my wallet, bags in hand, lips glossed and lashes mascared (both sides), and pratically feeling my mood lift.

Chat soon.

xox,
Shop Girl

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