I don’t really bother with waterproof mascaras anymore.  Most of them aren’t truly waterproof, and even if they are, I always find that I don’t like the texture of them.   For a girl like me who doesn’t feel “put together” unless I have mascara on, the absence of waterproof mascara in my life is a little limiting in the summer.

One of my favorite summer memories is from a trip I took to the beach last year.  My friends and I took tons of photos, but every single one of us has raccoon eyes in all of our beach pictures.  This year, I plan on looking amazing in my photos by using the Femme Couture “Get Waterproof” Top Coat.

It’s genius—you can use whatever mascara you want all summer long and just top it off with a clear, reliable, heavy-duty top layer before you go someplace where you’ll be in danger of getting splashed!  This tiny tube is a lifesaver for vacations, pool days, or even for movie dates to see romantic tear-jerkers.  It’s only available this month, so stock up!

At the beginning of a new year, we all resolve to live differently.  We vow to treat ourselves better, work harder, and kick our vices to the curb.  As for me, it’s day 15 and I haven’t done much yet.

One thing I have done is given myself (and my makeup routine) a makeover.  I have always been a little self-conscious about my skin.  Whether I wake up to find a breakout, excessive redness, or new wrinkles that have appeared out of nowhere, I am always at a loss as to how to conceal my flaws and make myself look natural. However, I have recently discovered some amazing products for creating a flawless face and a fresh, healthy glow.  Femme Couture has launched a new line of products that make my routine easy and fast.  Their “Get Flawless” 8-in-1 Foundation is a true gem.  It saves time by acting as a primer, concealer, moisturizer, foundation, color corrector, and more.  It leaves my skin looking perfect, which is really saying something.  I also picked up a Bronzer/Blush Duo from their new “Velvet” collection, which comes with two perfect shades for faking some color.  I finish off my look with the “Get a Glow” Finishing Powder, which gives just the right amount of subtle shimmer to highlight my non-existent cheekbones.  I’ve noticed that when your skin looks good, you don’t need to put on much else!  I add a little mascara and finish my morning routine in no time…and actually feel good about the way I look!

If you’re anything like me, you may not have signed up for a new gym membership yet, but maybe all you need is a little confidence to kick-start your year!

Have you ever heard of  “The Lipstick Rule?”

What’s “The Lipstick Rule,” you ask? It’s simple. Any two shades of lipstick worn together creates a fabulous, flattering color. I don’t know why it works, but trust me when I say it’s amazing.

If I have two lipsticks  I feel kind of “meh” about, I’ll try wearing them together and it’s always instant love.

What about you? Do you follow “The Lipstick Rule” and wear multiple shades of lipstick at once? What’s your favorite color combo?

You might have noticed that the packaging for some eye shadows state they can be used wet or dry.

Have you tried wet application of your eye shadow?

Take a look at the picture. The shadow on the left is dry, and the shadow on the right is wet. See what a difference a little water can make?

STEP ONE:

Check the packaging to make sure your eyeshadow can be used wet. We LOVE Femme Couture Mineral Effects Eye Shadow!

STEP TWO:

Wet the brush, not the eye shadow. A brush with stiff bristles is best to keep control over the application.

Run the bristles under water from the faucet. If a sink isn’t nearby, water in a cup will work fine, too.

You want a damp brush, not a wet one. Use a tissue to blot off the excess water.

STEP THREE:

Rub the brush in your eye shadow, then apply it just as you would with a dry brush. If you’re using more than one color, rinse the brush between colors.

STEP FOUR:

After you’ve created your makeup masterpiece, rinse your brush thoroughly.

That’s all there is to it!

If you’ve never done this, try it and let me know what you think!

We know that a lot of you are huge fans of false lashes. Well, lash lovers, get excited! Ardell Professional has taken it to the next level with their new Double Up Lash collection.

Love the looks of those famous reality show sisters? Then these are for you. They’re two sets of regular false lashes on one band, and they give your eyes MAJOR oomph and twice the flair and drama, with half the effort it takes to apply two sets!

Ardell Professional Double Up Lashes are available in 6 different styles, exclusively at Sally Beauty.

Lately I’ve been busier than ever juggling all of the things I need to do during the week.  I think we can all agree that there simply aren’t enough hours in a day. That’s why I jump at any opportunity to multi-task.  Working while eating lunch, reading my emails while talking on the phone, and even applying mascara while driving —I’m guilty of them all.

One thing I don’t have to feel bad about is spending money on one of the many 2-in-1 products that seem to be everywhere lately.  I’m obsessed with Femme Couture’s Get Rosie Lip and Cheek Stain Duo.  This product is a true lifesaver if I’m running low on time in the morning.

Not sure if I’m alone on this, but I’ve found most other “stains” to be really difficult to use—though I’ll admit that it may have something to do with the fact that I’m the messiest/clumsiest person ever.

The idea of trying to blend a runny liquid onto my cheeks or lips before it stains (and, by the way, I’ve learned that they’re called “stains” for a reason!) is a little terrifying.  That’s why this product is a nice surprise.

One side is a twist-up blush stick, the other, a lip gloss wand that perfectly applies a gel-like stain that smells delicious. The best part is that both look completely natural and last through my whole day—from running out the door for work to sweating my buns off at the gym.

Now all I need is a product that will help me sleep and burn calories at the same time!

Sadly, my favorite holiday of all, New Year’s Eve, has come and gone.  I think one of the reasons I love it so much—aside from the champagne—is the excuse it gives me to get all dressed up and to try out some fun glitzy make-up!  In my opinion, there is no way to over-do the sparkle on this special night.  But just because it’s January doesn’t mean the party has to end! Here are a few ways to keep the sparkle going the whole year ‘round, regardless of your make-up style!

Dramatic:  If you’re like me, you love trying out fun new make-up trends, and you’re never afraid of a little color…or sparkle.  Femme Couture’s new Eye Drama Glitter Eye Pencils are just the thing for you!  They come in a variety of colors (yes, even black and brown if you don’t want to get too crazy) and give you just the right amount of sparkle for a special night out.  And, for the whole month of January, you can get 2 for only $5—a steal!

Unexpected: Another fun way to try out sparkle is on your lashes!  It may sound a little wild, but it’s actually a pretty understated way to shake up your normal look.  Try swiping on some Femme Couture Lightening Lash in “Black Tinsel” over your regular black mascara.  Now go on and bat those beautiful lashes—the boys won’t know what hit ‘em!

Subtle:  Over-the-top glitter not your thing?  Don’t worry, there is even a way to make the most demure girl shine.  Try Femme Couture Lip Luster in “Pink Sparkle”.  This gorgeous light pink gloss will give you shiny, irresistible lips with just a hint of shimmer.