SAVE FACE

It's been said that you should apply your foundation first, eyes second. The idea being that once you solved your complexion issues you might not need as much makeup on your eyes. But most women are slaves to habit and regardless of the state of their skin, they're applying the same amount/look on their eyes anyway. And no matter how careful you are with your shadows, they inevitably fall on your face. So, given this is the case, apply your eye makeup FIRST. I use this technique on models, brides and everyone in between. Saves time and creates a more flawless look. 

QUICKIE

I'm not a fan of powder foundations. They make my skin look dry, wrinkled and dull. But I'm also not a fan of having unprotected skin, using chemicals on my skin or spending a lot of time getting ready when I'm just dropping kids off at school, so it's been a tradeoff. Quick, easy, protected, but dull.....until now. Just tested out Rodan+Fields ENHANCEMENTS Mineral Peptides foundation powder and shockingly (I'm a powder cynic) not only did I get out the door in 2 seconds but my skin looked amazing AND it was protected (20 non chemical SPF, oh yeah!) It's soft, sheer and undetectable.
If you're on the North Shore and want to get some for yourself, Sparkle readers have been invited to attend an open house at Sally Cioffi's house (3 Chanticleer Dr, Beverly, MA) on September 29th at 6:00 pm or September 30th starting at 8:00 am or order online from the link below.
https://sallycioffi.myrandf.com/

KIT KAT

There's simply no reason lack of technique should keep you from getting catty. How many times have you tried only to be out catty'd by your fellow friend, acquaintance, enemy? Well no more. Dior has come out with a kit you literally sticker on! No more perfect left eye but deranged right eye. No more wobbly lines or bare spots. No, this time you are the cattyest of all.  

http://www.sephora.com

Stila Day ,CORRECTION, THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Join me this Saturday, Sephora, CAMBRIDE SIDE GALLERIA from 12-6.

SOMEBODY STOP ME

Rarely does it happen that I get a great beauty tip from a natural beauty. You know, the ones who can take a shower, throw on some face cream, a dash of mascara and a hint of lip gloss and look absolutely radiant? THAT girl. Well, THAT girl hooked me up recently with Maybelline's Unstoppable, waterproof, smudge proof, last all day eyeliner. They come in your basic colors (for shimmer and a new twist on black, brown, purple, green see Stila's liners) and do their job at a fraction of the cost. The biggest plus is they stay put and don't irritate your eyes like some of the others.

YOU'RE PERFECT

Improving what is already great is no easy feat, but Stila managed to do it. Their new Perfect and Correct Foundation is lightweight but buildable. It hydrates and balances. It minimizes pores and oil control while at the same time minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It's weightless but has medium coverage. In short, it's perfection. A once die hard, tinted moisturizer fan, I have now been converted.
Order it now at:
Making Faces
Portsmouth, NH
603-427-5454

EVENT IN WELLESLEY, MA!!!

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

Finally an all physical sunscreen that doesn't leave a chalky white residue or a greasy texture. All skin types can use it and makeup can be beautifully applied over it. With 9.5% titanium dioxide and 6.0% zinc oxide, your face has never been so protected (and free from chemicals). I just bought my second bottle and summer's not even here yet.
www.josiemarancosmetics.com

OUT OF THE BAG

Stephanie Johnson Katie Folding Clutch

Have you ever seen a makeup bag pretty enough to parade around as a purse? I have, and now you have too. Stephanie Johnson makeup bags are so glam but also so functional, you no longer need to store your touch-up arsenal of liquid liner, Kitten eye shadow and goopy lip gloss in a separate bag inside your purse. This is your purse!
Buy now and enter MOM code at checkout and receive 25% off.
www.stephaniejohnson.com

SUMMER LOVIN'

You may think red lips are best saved for the holidays or special occasions but think again. Red lips in the summer, paired with bronzed skin and very little eye makeup (mascara only) takes red from too polished to perfectly fresh. Stila's Long Wear Lip in "Lover"is the ideal red and texture for the summer season.
www.stilacosmetics.com

EASY ON THE EYES

You honestly don't have to be Angelina to get this look, nor do you have to hire a makeup artist to apply it. Stila created a waterproof liquid liner that glides on so easily, won't smudge or run, is carbon black (that's seriously black) and stays put all day. Whether you're a makeup junkie or a total novice, achieving this look will be a snap.
www.stilacosmetics.com

BEAUTY TRENDS

Check out what Sparkle had to say on stylelist.com!

www.stylelist.com

NO MORE ROCKY

I have been getting a lot of concealer requests lately so I am reposting this. It's still my favorite.

I was born with dark under eye circles. While other children were rosy-cheeked and bright eyed, I looked like I was up smokin' butts in my crib. I'm not kidding. And in grade school, kids would ask me how I got punched. And so, the quest for a really good concealer began. The Everything Pencil answered that prayer. And it not only conceals under eye circles, it conceals scars, brown spots, veins and more. It's sheer but it works. And since it's in a pencil form it's easy to travel with. Get it. You'll be a total knock out.

www.judithaugustcosmetics.com

VOLUME FOR LESS

I don't like to spend money unnecessarily. Who does? Which is why I never buy $25 mascara when I can get the most fabulous one for $8. People say it's all in the brush, but I disagree. When doing a fashion show or putting makeup on clients I don't use the brush the mascara comes with... I have to use the more sanitary, disposable brushes. It's all in how you apply. Place brush at base of lashes firmly, wiggle a little bit and then coat the rest of the lashes. Repeat, repeat, repeat until desired effect is achieved. Now all you have to do is figure out what to do with that extra $17 you saved.

www.cvs.com

TEAM POMEGRANATE

Girls are mercurial. Team Edward one day, Team Jacob the next. Cherry Crush one day, Pomegranate the next. Boys. Makeup. It all depends on the day. For today, Jacob and Pomegranate are my new favorites. Just like the original Cherry Crush... Pomegranate lip and cheek stain is sheer and weightless but the color is a bit more pink than red. You won't have to stand out in the cold for 2 hours to get those winter pink cheeks....it's just too bad it doesn't come with a Pomegranate martini.

www.stilacosmetics.com

SOLAR POWER

I went to New York this weekend and while I saw plenty of amazing fashion and decorative items.... the real find in NYC was a face cream. Summer is officially over but the sun's rays are still out, damaging our face (like we need more of that). The need for heavy sunscreen is over but you still need to be protected and do it naturally. Devita moisturizer has TRANSPARENT zinc oxide instead of the more common white/grey zinc that is in my other favorites. This means it's fantastic under makeup, is sheer and absorbs easily. It leaves the skin soft and supple but protected and not from a bunch of chemicals. Sorry Neutrogena.

www.organicbeautyworld.com

EASY ON THE EYES

Are you still trying to figure out how to create a smoky eye? Are you buying more kits promising the ease of the smoky eye but instead of appearing sexy-smoky you look scary-racoony? Your search is over. Ready? Ready for how easy a smoky eye can be? Here it is. All you need are three things. Nars Mudd Club pencil, black eyeliner and black mascara. Line your upper lid generously with Mudd liner then blend with your finger to cover your entire lid (Mudd liner is very soft and acts like a shadow when smudged). Then use Mudd to line your lower lid just outside your lash line. Now use your black eyeliner to line your inner upper and inner lower lash line and smudge both. Add a lot of mascara and you are smoked.

www.narscosmetics.com

MY MAMA

For those who say makeup makes you look older, I beg to differ. When done correctly, makeup can erase what mother nature should have never intended. When my mom turned 50 (shown here) she wanted makeup that could make her look youthful but also sophisticated. A little eyeliner, matte neutral eye shadow, tinted moisturizer and gloss easily helped create a decidedly younger version. Mother Nature can suck it.

VAMPED

Balenciaga is doing it. Fendi is doing it. Bergdorf's is doing it. This does NOT mean that you should do it too. While vampires may be hot (yes, I'll admit, I'm as obsessed with Edward from Twilight as any tween girl out there) makeup is not the way to bring out your inner vamp. Stick to dark goth toenails or fingernails... maybe the occasional darker plum lipstick but that's it. Take it any further and you just wind up looking....dead.

HAPPY ENDING

Ever had a favorite lipstick get discontinued? A blush? A foundation? It's not pretty. It's horrific and you'll do anything to get your favorite item back. Remember Elaine on Seinfeld? Yeah,, it's like that. When you find yourself in this situation,, there's help. Strawberrynet.com carries discontinued products from all your favorite brands. Just make sure to check their site as soon as you know your product has been yanked out of production,, or you could be really, um, unhappy.

www.strawberrynet.com