The Big Kiss

This post is dedicated to my friend, who is looking for a great kiss to help her ring in 2012.  You shall remain nameless :)  Oh, your makeup will look fly- just like you!

You have already made all the big decisions: where to go, what to wear and who to celebrate with.  Now it's time to have some fun with your makeup!  This is the night to try something fun, unexpected and perhaps outside your comfort zone.  I beg of you to leave the smokey eye, holiday lip color or frightful New Year's Eve glitter look behind.  Haven't you done that enough in 2011?

Try bold, colorful eyeliner and don't forget plenty of mascara and perhaps a set of lashes too ;)

Check out these amazing looks:

I want to die wearing this look!  How sexy is she?  Fierce black liner accented with emerald!!!

A bright and bold statement without trying too hard.  Gorgeous!  Just promise to keep the rest of your makeup simple and subtle.

Metallic (not glitter) with lashes, this just screams Happy New Year!

So here is to a great year, a great night and a great kiss ;)  Happy New Year.

A Natural Beauty

It't that time of year- stores open 24 hours (yuck), shopping lists a mile long, busy parking lots, grocery stores and just about everything else!  There is too much to do and not enough time. With consumption at an all-time high, I thought it might be nice to talk about taking something out- of your product that is.  Let's talk about using more natural products and less "stuff".  Here are some of my favorite "green" products.

Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter
I have one of these in my purse, my car and my nightstand.  It is the best and it tastes good too:)

Organix Exfoliating Coconut Milk Body Scrub
This smells yummy and let's be serious: who couldn't use a really good exfoliation right now? Just don't forget to moisturize really well after.

Origins Reinventing the Heel
This heavy cream will help sooth dry cracked feet with shea butter.  Taking good care of your feet now will make sure they are ready for open toe season (I promise it will be here again).





I would love to here about your favorite natural beauty products- I love trying out new stuff!

Secret Weapon: Blush

Alright Kate, this one is for you (well maybe not just for you, but you did ask about blush).  In my opinion, and please note I have a very strong opinion about blush, every woman needs to wear about twice as much blush as she does, so pack it on ladies.  I say this especially with the drab and dull months of winter approaching.  Don't you think we could all use a little pick me up that doesn't cost $4.50 at Starbucks EVERYDAY?

Blush is the most under-utilized product used in a woman's cosmetic arsenal.  It has the ability to brighten up your face when you feel a little grey and it requires no touch ups during the day (unlike lipstick)!  If I could only use two beauty products every morning for the rest of my life, it would be mascara and blush.  Mascara to open the eyes and blush to brighten the face.  This takes 60 seconds to apply and I am out the door!

Let's talk colors.

Every woman needs two basic blushes- keep it simple.

1. Pink (think spring flowers, not dusty)

2. Coral  

Let's talk placement.

There are a million theories on how to apply blush.  Again, let's keep it simple.

Smile and apply to the apples of your cheeks, gently blending up your cheekbone towards your temple.  The concentration of color should be on the apples of your cheeks.

I was once asked: "Blush or Bronzer?" and my response: BOTH.

This is spot on!

Who knew red lips could be this simple (and gorgeous)?

This is your holiday go-to item.  I am OBSESSED!  Here are 3 reasons why I love it:

1.  I knew this was a winner when my husband, who never comments on my ever changing makeup, stopped me at 7:15am the other morning and dipped me in the kitchen and kissed me after he noticed it.  Our mornings rarely allow the time to look at each other (we have a 2 year old boy and a 5 week old daughter that consume our morning routine), much less notice the lipstick I am wearing.
2.  It was $7.99.  Who doesn't love a good deal?
3.  No lipliner required (lipliner is much to fussy for me).

Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayon $7.99
Rosey Nude 10








Now stop reading this and go get it before it is gone!

Brow Raising Idea

If you were born with big, beautiful eyebrows than you are in luck this season (if you weren't born with them, I am going to teach you how to pretend you were).  Fall/Winter 2011 is all about a big and beautiful brow.  Of course, this doesn't mean a messy brow so you still need to shape them.  Here is a step-by-step guide to the perfect brow.

1.  Maintenance- tweeze, wax, whatever you prefer and are comfortable with.
2.  Brush- Smooth brow hairs with a brow brush to identify areas that need filled in.
3.  Fill & Define- Fill in brows with short light strokes starting from the center of your face working toward your arch.  Tip:  Choose a color one shade lighter than your natural brow hair.
4.  Hold Shape- You can do this two ways.  Either with your brow brush or with a clear brow gel.  Brush through brow to maintain desired shape and soften color.
5.  Highlight-  Choose a light shimmery eyeshadow (NOT white) to place under your brow.  Focus color just underneath the arch and blend in each direction.

Full, natural brows frame the face and eyes.  A beautiful brow is to the face what a great frame is to a piece of artwork.  Get framing!!!

Secret Weapon: Navy eyeliner

I've decided to start a new series of blog posts called Secret Weapon.  This comes from the barrage of questions I am constantly being asked by my grandmother, friends and strangers about makeup and skincare tips.  This series will give you an idea of absolute must haves, trends, makeup tips and more!

So the first secret weapon is my favorite beauty product and makeup tip....navy eyeliner.  EVERY woman, and I mean EVERY woman, should have one!  3 reasons I say this:
1.  It is more interesting than black or brown, but still dark.
2.  It brightens your eye color (any color).
3.  It can by glamorous or an everyday look.

Important to keep in mind:  I said navy, not blue.  Navy eyeliner will work for anyone because it is deep in color and understated.  Blue eyeliner will not work for everyone and is a trickier application.  When choosing a liner choose a matte color for your everyday look and one with a touch of shimmer for a more dramatic look.

Jennifer Aniston often wears navy eyeliner, this is a great example of an everyday look.

Here is an example of how to use navy eyeliner in a glamorous and more dramatic way.

Why you shouldn't be afraid of oil

It's a common thought- oil causes breakouts.  FALSE!  Oil is actually valuable to your skin, our skin naturally produces oil for a reason.  So stop searching for all those products that claim "Oil Free".  Below you will find a few good reasons to start using MORE oil to take care of your skin.

It might be counter-intuitive that oil could actually be good for clearing up acne-prone skin.  But let's think about this for a minute.  Remember the phrase "oil and water".  The wet to dry cycle of washing can dehydrate the skin if your cleanser doesn't have some oil in it.  An oil cleanser will sweep away pore clogging oils, not break you out.

The cold winter months ahead are going to dry out everyone's skin (even the oily).  Oil based cleansers and moisturizers will keep you hydrated.  Oil forms a barrier, which will actually seal in hydration better than a moisturizer without oil.

Here are the oil based products I love and recommend:
Cleansing Oils:  Shu Uemura carries an entire line of cleansing oils.  These are great because you can rub them on your eyes without irritation.  Apply one pump of cleansing oil to a dry face and tissue off or rinse.

Moisturizing Oils:  Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil.  Use a few drops and apply directly to the face or add a few drops to a moisturizer you are already using.  My favorite way to use it is mixed with an exfoliator for a gentle treatment.

Splurge or Save?

You get what you pay for, right?  Well…..sometimes.  The beauty industry can be difficult to navigate and you can easily spend a fortune.  So, here are some suggestions on what you should splurge on and what you can save on in your beauty routine.  Save that extra cash for a night out with the girls!

Save:  Makeup brushes 

Sonia Kashuk makes great brushes that last.   They range in price from $3.99- $19.99.  I have been using some of her brushes for over 5 years and they are still in great condition.  The trick to making them last:  proper storage and care.  Always store your brushes in a cup, not a bag and clean them regularly with a brush cleanser.

Splurge:  Eye cream

La Mer makes the BEST eye cream.  It is pricey but it is worth it- I promise!  La Mer eye concentrate $165 (at least a 6 month supply).  I hesitate to say that this eye cream changed my life, but it definitely changed my skincare life.   The first week I started using it I got compliments on my complexion and stopped using concealer!  I swear.  I have not worn concealer in over a year.  Please note:  I have kids, a full time job and lots of obligations so I am always tired.

Save:  Eyeliner

Sephora makes their own brand of makeup and they have an unbelievable range of colors- all for only $8!  You can get metallic, glitter, waterproof, you name it.  I discovered these when I was 16 and first experimenting with makeup and haven’t found anything I like better.

Splurge:  Fragrance

Jo Malone is hands down the leader in personal and home fragrance.  Each scent is meant to be combined with another and there are endless possibilities.  You can invest in a few scents and always create a new scent by mixing and matching.  Fragrances start at $55 and candles are $65- these make great hostess gifts!

And just because I love a good bargain…here is one more Save!

Save:  Shampoo and Conditioner

Organix makes a great collection of shampoo’s and conditioners that are paraben and sulfate free (great for color treated hair).  I love the Moroccan argan oil line ($7.99 each) because it protects against styling and heat while restoring shine and strengthening your hair.

Cheek Raves

Check out this new feature on the blog (scroll down on the right side)!  Thanks for all the love, I just had to share one with you.  If you know anyone interested they can contact me on Facebook at Cheek Makeup by Lindsay.

gail

Wedding: 02/12/2011

5.0out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

 

Lindsay is a very talented makeup artist! I am extremely picky and she made me feel at ease right away. Not only did I love the makeup she did on me, but the whole party of girls loved their makeup as well. She was able to capture each persons individual style within minutes of meeting them and we all looked and felt beautiful. Also, the makeup lasted from morning to the wee hours of the night! Totally worth every penny! If you can book this girl, do it! She will be in high demand!

Earn a free makeup session!

Cheek Makeup by Lindsay is offering a great new deal!!!  Receive free makeup services for your engagement photos when you book makeup services for your wedding (5 or more people).  Email me or call me to book your deal!  Available to the 1st 25 people until 12/31/2011.

Drug Store Deals!

If you have ever wondered what the difference between drugstore and department store products are you aren't alone.  Navigating the cosmetic industry and aisles can be a daunting task!!!  I use mostly department store products because my experience has been, you get what you pay for.  With that said, there are plenty of good finds at the drugstore as well.  Below are a list of products I like and use that you can find at any local drugstore.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer $9.49
This daily moisturizer gives you a subtle and natural tan
that builds as you use it.  It smells good too!  I have been
using this for 3 days and can already see a difference.
This is a great alternative to pricey self tanners, tanning
beds and laying out at the pool all day.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter $13.99
This is the best belly butter and I recommend it to anyone that is expecting.  Tried and true- I didn't get any stretch marks!

Sonia Kashuk Brushes prices vary
Great product for the price!!!  My favorite brush is the large contoured/angled blush brush.  I have had it for 5 years and it is in great condition still.  Check out some of the sets- they are great for travel.

Revlon eyeshadow in Peacock Lustre $4
A great trend is emerald eyeshadow, use this
along with a black eyeliner for a sultry look.
I also recommend using this eyeshadow as your
eyeliner for a more daytime appropriate look









Do you have a favorite drugstore find?  Let me know so I can try it out!

Melting Makeup

The warm summer months bring vacations, outdoor patios, glowing tans and inevitably a shiny forehead (so not cool).  If you are like most women minimizing shine is an endless task.  With a few of the right products and a cool attitude you can keep your skin glowing, not shining, and your makeup looking fresh all day.



First: re-evaluate the moisturizer you are using.  The lighter the better and preferably one with an SPF (to keep the wrinkles away too).  I like Philosophy's Hope in a Jar with SPF 25, it is light-weight, quick absorbing and protects.  Then use an oil free primer in your shine-prone areas (forehead, nose).  The absolute best primer on the market is by Laura Mercier, make sure to get the oil free primer.








Now you are ready for makeup!  I suggest two options: liquid or sheer powder.  If you use a liquid try something light weight, like a tinted moisturizer.  Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier make great ones.  The other option is to use a sheer pressed powder that will help minimize shine but still give coverage.  Combat the mid-day shine by carrying with you blotting papers.  Shiseido makes the best!!!

Remember:  you don't want to be completely matte.  All skin has a natural shine and makes you look healthy, but you don't want that "just went running shine".  

Party Perfect Makeup

There are two typical party looks- smoky eyes or bold lips.  Both can be perfect for a special night out or party.  The trick is to keep the focus on one feature on the face.  With both looks it is important to have defined brows (they help frame the face like a picture) be careful not to have drawn on brows, just defined. 

Smoky Eyes

Dramatic eye makeup can be rock ‘n’ roll or refined.  This is a great option for nights when you are tired and want to look fresh because the eye makeup will help distract from the bags or shadows under your eyes.  I love the look of a sheer gold shadow all over the lid (just to the natural crease) and heavy dark black eye liner.  Keep the eyeliner thicker toward the outer corner of the eye on the top and bottom lash lines and smudge it.  The last step is at least two coats of mascara, minimum!  I like Hypnose mascara in deep black by Lancôme.

Keep the rest of your look simple, perhaps a soft shine nude lipstick.

Bold Lips

This look is great when you want to look dressed up but not made up.  Pick your signature color, if you don’t have one here are some color suggestions:

·         Red is great for holiday parties, try MAC Viva Glam I

·         Coral is a bright option for spring and summer, check out Clinique colour surge butter shine lipstick in Ambrosia

·         Bright Pink is fun for a night out with the girls, try NARS pure matte lipstick in Carthage

Line the lips with a lip liner that is a more natural shade of the lipstick color you choose.  Be sure to use the side of the lip liner, not the tip for a smoother outline and then blend in the color.  Then fill in lips with your choice lipstick.

As with the smoky eye you want to keep the rest of your look clean.  A bold lip is paired well with a simply lined eye and of course, two coats of mascara!

Try these looks out and tell me what your favorite is!  I love hearing about new colors and ideas.

Fabulous Feet

I am fairly certain it has been raining since it stopped snowing, and if the rain ever stops it will be time for open toe shoes and shorter hemlines.  I have this amazing pair of wedge sandals I have been lusting after for 2 years and I finally bought them, but I haven't been able to wear them yet.  So yesterday I gave myself a pedicure in hopes that it would stop the rain and bring the warmer weather.  Here is a step by step:






Step 1:  Soak your feet in warm water for 3 minutes.
Step 2:  Scrub and rub. Massage a handful of scrub onto the skin.
TIP- use an oil based product that will help moisturize while exfoliating.
Step 3:  Shape nails.  Trim nails with clippers and file with emery board to desired shape.
Step 4:  Moisturize. Rub a nourishing cream on your feet, focusing on dry areas (heels and cuticles).
Step 5:  Polish.  Remove moisturizer from nails first with nail polish remover.  Using a base coat, 2 coats of color and a topcoat will help your color last longer.
TIP- Allow nails to dry for at least 15 minutes (it can take up to 2 hours for them to fully dry).

Here are some of my favorite colors for your fabulous feet this spring and summer:

       It's Raining Men                         Super Bossa Nova

Photo Shoot Fun!

Check out these great images from my photo shoot with the AMAZING Stephanie Lehnert at Novia Distinctive Photography!  We had a blast drinking champagne and chatting, not a bad way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.  Thanks to my beautiful models: Gail, Natalie, Jasmine and Maren.  Look for more images coming soon. Become a fan on Facebook (Cheek Makeup by Lindsay).

Spring recipe

When is the warm weather gonna get here?  I have the winter blues!  Which gets me thinking about how I still have some more time to get ready for spring.  Not just cleaning out the closets and under the sofa but getting my skin ready.  This is the perfect time to prep for the warmer months ahead.  So set aside some time for yourself.  Below are a few of my favorite products to get me ready for spring!
Spring Recipe:

• S Factor Balance Booster hair repair (while in hot shower)
• Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub (while in a hot shower)
• Laura Mercier Face Polish (while in shower)
• Kiehl's Creme de Corps or Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Dry Oil
• La Mer concentrate (face and eye)
• OPI nail color in Ladies & Magenta-men
• Jo Malone Vitamin E Nourishing Hand Treatment

Check these out and let me know what you think!  Send me your favorites too, I am always looking for new products to try.

Spring Fever!

Do you have spring fever as bad as I do?  The recent weather is wonderful and a reminder that spring is right around the corner (I am sure a few more cold and snowy days are ahead)!  It has me thinking about my favorite spring looks- fresh faced with a pop of color, bright blush, dewy skin, and sun-kissed tans.  My look is ever changing depending on my mood, wardrobe or destination.  Right now I am loving my Bobbi Brown lip shine in Papaya- a must have this spring.  It treats your lips, protects them (with SPF 15) and comes in amazing colors.  Papaya is a bright pinky coral and has just the right amount of shine.  I wear mine with a simple black eyeliner (lots of mascara, obviously) and a soft pink cheek.  This look is all about the lip.

Bridal Bliss

I love doing makeup for weddings!  I get to spend the entire day with the bride and her loved ones on one of the most exciting and important days of her life, everyone is happy and excited.  Yesterday was no exception.  My best friends had their wedding reception last night.  We spent the entire day together- working out, breakfast, nails, hair and makeup and then of course the party.  All the girls were wearing different dresses so we got to play with lots of different looks- colorful, smoky, classic, false lashes, etc.  The bride was gorgeous as always- she wanted a dramatic but fun look so we gave her a little bit of color (purple and navy) and false lashes.  Some of the girls wanted a simple and clean look and some a bold red lip and smoky eye.  The evening was a blast and everyone looked fabulous- it was a night to remember!  I will post pictures soon to facebook- Cheek Makeup by Lindsay and to the website www.cheekbylindsay.com.

Blogging...

If you love makeup you will love this blog!  I will be sharing all my faves and craves, best beauty products, season trends and much much more.  Please check back often to find out the latest.