Okay, this week—in preparation for Valentine’s Day—it’s all about perfectly flushed, perfectly accentuated, perfectly kissable cheeks! They are incredibly easy to achieve with these three simple steps:
1) Starting on the apples of your cheeks (that’s the plump, round, oh-so-pinchable part below your eyes) and with a bushier brush, buff in a rosy shade (my fave is Smashbox's Blush Rush in Heartbreak) to give your cheeks that healthy pop of color. Just be careful with high-pigment blushes to not use too much—a little goes a long way. If you like cream blushes, you can certainly use them instead. Using your fingers, apply a little to the apples and rub in (start out with less—it’s easier to add more if you need it than to correct if you overdo it at first).
2) Next, with a more angled brush, apply bronzer to the lower part of your cheekbones, making sure to follow the natural contour of the bone and to blend the product all the way back to the hairline by your ears. My go-to’s here are Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick in Bronze and Cargo’s BIG Bronzer. Also apply a little bronzer along the hairline on your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, and on your chin for an even glow.
3) Finally, to tie it all together, apply highlighter powder (as you know, I’m in LOVE with MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle) with the angled brush to the upper part of your cheekbones, veering ever-so-slightly towards the outer corners of your eyes. If you prefer cream highlighter, MAC’s Cream Colour Base in Pearl is a good option—apply it in little dabs with your fingers in the same place, blending as you go.
Enjoy Superbowl weekend, my cheeky DKBeauties—GO GIANTS! :)
Infinite x’s and o’s,
Diana
Friday, February 3, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
"Very Superstitious!"
Once again, it’s Friday, DKBeauties! And not just any Friday—but Friday the 13th!
So, in the spirit of this, I figured I’d focus on the “FUN” today by providing some links to body and beauty superstitions. Some of these you’ve surely heard before (ie, “If you pull out one gray or white hair, ten more will grow in its place”), but some are extremely out-there and incredibly hilarious (ie, “If your eyebrows meet, you will be rich”—ladies, what have we all been waxing/plucking for?!?! Haha!).
In any case, enjoy! And feel free to comment below with your favorite superstitions! (P.S. My fave one so far: “If you touch a beauty spot on your face, you will travel overseas”—my fabulously freckly friends, you are the lucky ones!!!). :)
http://blog.eastdayspa.com/
http://www.whimsy.org.uk/
http://asiams.net/AM/else/103/
xo always,
Diana
So, in the spirit of this, I figured I’d focus on the “FUN” today by providing some links to body and beauty superstitions. Some of these you’ve surely heard before (ie, “If you pull out one gray or white hair, ten more will grow in its place”), but some are extremely out-there and incredibly hilarious (ie, “If your eyebrows meet, you will be rich”—ladies, what have we all been waxing/plucking for?!?! Haha!).
In any case, enjoy! And feel free to comment below with your favorite superstitions! (P.S. My fave one so far: “If you touch a beauty spot on your face, you will travel overseas”—my fabulously freckly friends, you are the lucky ones!!!). :)
http://blog.eastdayspa.com/
http://www.whimsy.org.uk/
http://asiams.net/AM/else/103/
xo always,
Diana
Friday, January 6, 2012
“A Cherry Pout? You’re So REaDy!”
I’ve been getting a lot of great feedback this week on the luscious red lips I gave my friend Lea for her recent photoshoot. But, almost every time, along with the “WOW, that looks amazing!” comes a “I could NEVER pull that off!” Well, DKBeauties, I’m here to tell you…“YES, you can!”
There’s no denying that a red lip makes a bold statement. So, the first rule of thumb when going for a scarlet pout is to tone down the rest of your makeup. Wear lighter, more neutral eyeshadows—or even simply line your eyes (for tips on doing a winged eyeliner, see 12/2/11’s posting—this is the perfect partner to a red lip!) and apply mascara.
Okay, so first, prep your lips with a liquid foundation or lightweight concealer that matches your skin tone. This will encourage the lip color to stick and prevent “bleeding” later on.
Next, carefully line your lips with a red pencil. I say carefully because this is the part that could make or break the look, in my opinion (be most cautious at the corners of your mouth—sometimes it’s easy to curve the line upwards there, which can result in a Jack-Nicholson-as-The-Joker look…haha). If your upper lip is a little thinner, like mine, try to draw on the outside edge of your lip for a fuller, plumper appearance. Once the line is done and you’re happy with it (if you’re not happy with it, just use a little makeup remover and start over), fill in your lips with the liner (remembering to color inside the lines). ;)
Then, apply your red lipstick—I suggest picking up a matte one, as it will be more versatile (and you can always add shine by layering lip gloss on top of it). Press your lips together a few times to make sure everything is well-blended and then blot gently on a tissue to remove any excess (you can also try sticking your index finger into your mouth and closing your lips around it as you pull it out—red lipstick has a tendency to get onto your teeth, so just double-check before flashing those pearly whites).
Finally—and this is an optional step—apply a touch of lip gloss with a lip brush for added brilliance and, VOILA, admire your fabulous sex-kitten-self in the mirror! (For me, this usually involves making my best kissy faces ala Marilyn Monroe!)
Enjoy the weekend, my dears, and have fun trying out this hot, hot, HOT look! :)
xo,
D
There’s no denying that a red lip makes a bold statement. So, the first rule of thumb when going for a scarlet pout is to tone down the rest of your makeup. Wear lighter, more neutral eyeshadows—or even simply line your eyes (for tips on doing a winged eyeliner, see 12/2/11’s posting—this is the perfect partner to a red lip!) and apply mascara.
Okay, so first, prep your lips with a liquid foundation or lightweight concealer that matches your skin tone. This will encourage the lip color to stick and prevent “bleeding” later on.
Next, carefully line your lips with a red pencil. I say carefully because this is the part that could make or break the look, in my opinion (be most cautious at the corners of your mouth—sometimes it’s easy to curve the line upwards there, which can result in a Jack-Nicholson-as-The-Joker look…haha). If your upper lip is a little thinner, like mine, try to draw on the outside edge of your lip for a fuller, plumper appearance. Once the line is done and you’re happy with it (if you’re not happy with it, just use a little makeup remover and start over), fill in your lips with the liner (remembering to color inside the lines). ;)
Then, apply your red lipstick—I suggest picking up a matte one, as it will be more versatile (and you can always add shine by layering lip gloss on top of it). Press your lips together a few times to make sure everything is well-blended and then blot gently on a tissue to remove any excess (you can also try sticking your index finger into your mouth and closing your lips around it as you pull it out—red lipstick has a tendency to get onto your teeth, so just double-check before flashing those pearly whites).
Finally—and this is an optional step—apply a touch of lip gloss with a lip brush for added brilliance and, VOILA, admire your fabulous sex-kitten-self in the mirror! (For me, this usually involves making my best kissy faces ala Marilyn Monroe!)
Enjoy the weekend, my dears, and have fun trying out this hot, hot, HOT look! :)
xo,
D
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| Image from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGxxiUsdijGfkT2H9dWavD9WerdI9AK5FxOioa6YpflUiY8g_DWfPGFaonRONoc65G3mpyMVoGZRfks7PWohyphenhyphen2DawY4pQ7L4_FxBMxa6DjY3Ju39YHuGYcDzhyphenhyphencaiYrcb83M7NDKW5xE/s1600/red+lipstick+Marilyn-Monroe.jpg |
Friday, December 30, 2011
“Make Your Peepers POP!”
There are lots of ways to make “the windows to your soul” stand out more—eyeliner, false lashes, funky eyeglasses, etc. But, one of the best ways is to use an eyeshadow in a complementary color to the natural color of your eyes. So, what does that mean? See my quick guide to choosing the ideal color here:
IF YOU HAVE BLUE EYES…
…then 1) you’re lucky :) and 2) it’s time to warm up those pretty peepers with coppers, oranges, and browns. On the color wheel (see below), blue is directly across from orange—which means colors in the orange family make blue eyes seem brighter and more radiant. MAC Cosmetics carries some shimmery, coppery shadows that are fabulous and FUN—check 'em out!
IF YOU HAVE GREEN EYES…
…then purple is your friend. Make your eyes look regal and glamorous with deeper violets—or light and ethereal with lavenders. My favorite brand for purple shadows is the not-yet-mainstream INGLOT Cosmetics (the palettes I have from them are decadent and drool-worthy, with bold, blendable colors that go on like BUTTAH!).
AND IF YOU HAVE BROWN EYES (like moi!)…
…then you can really have fun playing! Since your eyes are naturally “neutral,” you can be more adventurous with colors. If your eyes are dark brown, try rich jewel tones like teal or sapphire (I love Make Up For Ever’s Peacock Green 80 and bareESCENTUALS Ready eyeshadow in Water). If your eyes are lighter brown, purples are good to explore (try Stila’s eyeshadow trio in Venus). Shimmery greys with purple undertones (like Minx by Smashbox) work nicely when creating a smoky look.
The most important thing to remember is to HAVE FUN experimenting with eyeshadow colors—I promise that choosing the right complement will result in many compliments. ;)
HAPPY NEW YEAR, DKBEAUTIES!!! 2012 will bring many exciting things, so stay tuned! Let’s make it a GORGEOUS year, my loves!!!
xo,
D
IF YOU HAVE BLUE EYES…
…then 1) you’re lucky :) and 2) it’s time to warm up those pretty peepers with coppers, oranges, and browns. On the color wheel (see below), blue is directly across from orange—which means colors in the orange family make blue eyes seem brighter and more radiant. MAC Cosmetics carries some shimmery, coppery shadows that are fabulous and FUN—check 'em out!
IF YOU HAVE GREEN EYES…
…then purple is your friend. Make your eyes look regal and glamorous with deeper violets—or light and ethereal with lavenders. My favorite brand for purple shadows is the not-yet-mainstream INGLOT Cosmetics (the palettes I have from them are decadent and drool-worthy, with bold, blendable colors that go on like BUTTAH!).
AND IF YOU HAVE BROWN EYES (like moi!)…
…then you can really have fun playing! Since your eyes are naturally “neutral,” you can be more adventurous with colors. If your eyes are dark brown, try rich jewel tones like teal or sapphire (I love Make Up For Ever’s Peacock Green 80 and bareESCENTUALS Ready eyeshadow in Water). If your eyes are lighter brown, purples are good to explore (try Stila’s eyeshadow trio in Venus). Shimmery greys with purple undertones (like Minx by Smashbox) work nicely when creating a smoky look.
The most important thing to remember is to HAVE FUN experimenting with eyeshadow colors—I promise that choosing the right complement will result in many compliments. ;)
HAPPY NEW YEAR, DKBEAUTIES!!! 2012 will bring many exciting things, so stay tuned! Let’s make it a GORGEOUS year, my loves!!!
xo,
D
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| Image from http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/images/color-wheel-300.gif |
Friday, December 2, 2011
“Go Ahead…Wing It!”
There’s no better way to get peep-show worthy peepers ;) than to do a winged eyeline (also known as a “cat eye”). You can never go wrong with black, but rich, sultry jewel tones like eggplant and teal can add a vibrant splash of color to this sexy look.
To do this, place your elbow on a hard surface and pull your eyelid taut with one hand. With the other hand, start to draw a line along your top lashline, working from the inner corner of your eye outwards. Keep the line as thin and as even as possible at first. Go over the line again, but now, as you move towards the outer corner of your eye, gradually start to thicken the line and create an upward curve. You can go out a little past where your lashline naturally ends, but be careful not to overdo it (unless you’re going for a dramatic, Cleopatra-esque look!). The most important thing to remember is to take it slow…and build, build, build! It’s much easier to add to the line to get the desired effect than to take away. ;)
It definitely takes some practice to nail this, but there are certain tools that you can start with to help you learn (think chopsticks connected with a rubber band or a bike with training wheels). See my tips below and I promise that, in no time, you’ll be an expert at winging it!
Beginner-level DKBeauties
Use a liquid liner that comes in pen or marker form. My favorites are Loreal Voluminous Mistake-Proof Marker (for black and brown) and Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (for fun colors). Because these are in marker form, they help your hand stay steady and make it easier to draw a straight line. One thing to be wary of though: you may go a little too thick at first with these. But hey, that’s what makeup remover is for, so be fearless!
Intermediate-level DKBeauties
Feel free venture to a liquid liner that comes in a small pot or tube (where the “wand”/dip-stick applicator screws in, much like a tube of mascara). My go-to, as I’ve mentioned before, is Loreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner, but MAC makes some good options as well (Superslick Liquid Eye Liner comes in a wide variety of whimsical colors). These applicators are a little less sturdy, but allow for a nice fluidity when drawing the eyeline. Before you know it, you’ll be a smoooooth operator. ;)
Advanced-level DKBeauties
Get your gel on. ;) Gel liner usually comes in a pot and you need your own, separate brush to apply the product (I recommend the combo of MAC’s Fluidline formula and #210 Precise Eye Liner Brush). I love gel liner because it has a sleek appearance, lasts all day without smudging, and really allows you to achieve a sharp, precise line. Be careful not to put too much product on the brush, though, because it can lead to clumping. A little goes a long way.
That’s a wrap for today, my loves! Enjoy the weekend!
Always,
D
To do this, place your elbow on a hard surface and pull your eyelid taut with one hand. With the other hand, start to draw a line along your top lashline, working from the inner corner of your eye outwards. Keep the line as thin and as even as possible at first. Go over the line again, but now, as you move towards the outer corner of your eye, gradually start to thicken the line and create an upward curve. You can go out a little past where your lashline naturally ends, but be careful not to overdo it (unless you’re going for a dramatic, Cleopatra-esque look!). The most important thing to remember is to take it slow…and build, build, build! It’s much easier to add to the line to get the desired effect than to take away. ;)
It definitely takes some practice to nail this, but there are certain tools that you can start with to help you learn (think chopsticks connected with a rubber band or a bike with training wheels). See my tips below and I promise that, in no time, you’ll be an expert at winging it!
Beginner-level DKBeauties
Use a liquid liner that comes in pen or marker form. My favorites are Loreal Voluminous Mistake-Proof Marker (for black and brown) and Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (for fun colors). Because these are in marker form, they help your hand stay steady and make it easier to draw a straight line. One thing to be wary of though: you may go a little too thick at first with these. But hey, that’s what makeup remover is for, so be fearless!
Intermediate-level DKBeauties
Feel free venture to a liquid liner that comes in a small pot or tube (where the “wand”/dip-stick applicator screws in, much like a tube of mascara). My go-to, as I’ve mentioned before, is Loreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner, but MAC makes some good options as well (Superslick Liquid Eye Liner comes in a wide variety of whimsical colors). These applicators are a little less sturdy, but allow for a nice fluidity when drawing the eyeline. Before you know it, you’ll be a smoooooth operator. ;)
Advanced-level DKBeauties
Get your gel on. ;) Gel liner usually comes in a pot and you need your own, separate brush to apply the product (I recommend the combo of MAC’s Fluidline formula and #210 Precise Eye Liner Brush). I love gel liner because it has a sleek appearance, lasts all day without smudging, and really allows you to achieve a sharp, precise line. Be careful not to put too much product on the brush, though, because it can lead to clumping. A little goes a long way.
That’s a wrap for today, my loves! Enjoy the weekend!
Always,
D
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