In the summertime, I want something that is just grab and go.  I find that I like to simplify my routine and one way is to have a multi-use product.  For me,  this is my #1 go to item…NARS the Multiple.  I have it in several shades and if you have never used it before, once you do, you will understand why it has achieved such a cult status over the years.  It’s velvety cream to powder formula is perfect for adding color and/or highlight to your skin.  In addition, no powder to settle into any fine lines you may …read more

Talk about convenient, people from all over the world submitted video’s and blogs showcasing their winning personalities and product ideas for the chance to design this beauty worthy collection and collaboration with Smashbox. What an amazing opportunity for anyone who loves beauty and so genius of Smashbox. Andria Woods was chosen from thousands of entries to apprentice at Smashbox in Los Angeles, and to design the official Beauty Guru Palette. How cool is that!
Included in this fabulous kit are all of the “it” shades from Los Angeles Fashion Week for the eyes, lips and cheeks. Also included are step-by-step instructions …read more

I mix and custom blend most of the cosmetics that are sold on my website, and just love it. I think of the late Estee Lauder every time I am in my studio working on a new batch of lip gloss or custom blending a new shimmer powder. She is definitely one of my “it gals” and someone who I have the utmost respect for when it comes to beauty. For those of you who are feeling a little daring and want to turn your blush into a shimmery lip color, here’s a quick tip on how to do it.
If …read more

Through trial and error, you find the perfect shade of lipstick. What do you do when you discover your favorite shade of lipstick has been discontinued? You can: scour the web trying to find someone who still carries stock; open the makeup drawer and attempt to mix and match shades of lipstick that did not work into one that does; or you can visit Three Custom Color Specialists.
Three Custom Color Specialists specializes in recreating discontinued lip color shades. Simply send in a sample (instructions on how to do this are on the website) and the trio of experts will analyze …read more

To the get the shade I really want, I often use a peach and a pink blush to find the shade that looks perfectly natural on me. I don’t have to do it with the Bobbi Brown Compact. Did you notice that you get 5 different shades to work with and they manage to create just the perfect color for summer. Yes, if you look closely, there is a peach shade and a pink!
It just occurred to me that I haven’t seen my compact in a while. I wonder if I left it somewhere?? Oh well, I think …read more

Okay, you have a little time today so you are going to add a few steps that you usually… ignore. Feeling guilty… don’t even think about it. My regular day makeup is about 3 minutes tops. This is a whole seven extra minutes!!
1. Apply a cold compress to the eye area to reduce any puffiness. Take advantage and stretch out on the sofa for a few minutes.
2. Apply moisturizer and allow it to soak in.
3. Dot on foundation and blend. Using a sponge will help tremendously with this particular step. Check that there is no foundation line on neck. …read more

Blush can add a healthy glow to your complexion, but if you use too much of a vibrant color, it can also age you. That’s certainly not what we are hoping to achieve.
And a word about those bronzing blushes that come out every summer. Just keep in mind that they don’t work with all complexions. Sometimes they simply look like a swipe of brown eye shadow across the cheekbones. Not very complimentary… A combination of a peach and a rose is usually my best combination.
So play around with more than one color and see what happens!!
More Ways to …read more

Much as I loved Twiggy’s lashes in the sixties… I certainly wouldn’t try re-creating them now. For one, my daughter wouldn’t let me out the door looking like that… but ahhh the memories! But getting back on track, I have come up with a short list of things you really shouldn’t do as one begins to get a wee bit older. While certain makeup trends looked pretty cool in the past, they certainly don’t anymore!! Here’s my list.
1. Don’t use a harsh liner. Instead of a heavy line of black, opt for a softer shade of chocolate!

2. Blush shouldn’t …read more