When it comes to applying makeup like a professional, using the right tools can make all the difference. High-quality brushes can help you achieve a smooth, even look. Here are a few makeup artist tips and techniques you can use every day to get a polished look. It’s all a matter of using the right brush to get beautiful results.

*A Powder Brush *is a full, fluffy brush designed to evenly distribute powder to the face. Sweep brush across pressed powder or dip into loose powder; tap gently to remove excess and apply to the face from forehead to chin using long, light strokes.  

*A Cheek Brush *is used to accentuate bone structure or add a healthy blush to cheeks. Use the tip of this soft, angled brush to apply color to the apples of the cheeks and stroke upward along cheekbones, stopping just below the temples, then blend. This brush is also a great tool to use for applying bronzer. Apply across the bridge of your nose, temples, cheekbones and shoulders for a gorgeous, healthy looking glow.  

*An Eye Definer Brush *has bristles that are tapered and rounded at the end to shape and define eyes and blend color evenly. Sweep color softly across the eyelid and then lightly above the crease for a natural, yet polished look.  

*An Eye Crease Brush *has long, thin, pointed bristles and is used with midtone and darker shades of eye color to add depth to eyes. Begin by placing the brush at the outer corner of the eye and then sweep inward following the natural crease. This brush can also be used to create a smoky eye look. Using the brush tip, sweep softly along lower lashes from the outer corner inward.  

*An Eyeliner Brush *is used to line eyes and enhance sparse brows with eye color. This flat, angled, short-bristle brush makes it easy to apply a thin line of color along top and bottom lashes. It’s also a great tool to use for blending your eyebrow pencil.

Use an *Eyebrow Brush *to brush brows in the opposite direction from which they grow to remove any excess foundation. Gently brush back, following their natural shape and direction, as a finishing touch to your makeup application.  

YOU GLOW GIRL!

After reading this information and using Mary Kay products I do think 40 is the NEW 30 when you take care of your skin! I have a bit of the “crows feet” not much though. Do you think maybe I’m really 25 years old? lol  

By James Sternberg, MD
Dr. Sternberg is a dermatologist and anti aging expert in Westwood, California.  

Taking care of your skin now will pay big benefits later—no matter what age you are now!  

Although these changes are typical, there may be exceptions. The proper use of cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance. Use of a good skin care program as Mary Kay offers—skin supplements containing Alpha Hydroxy—can certainly alter this progression.  

At 20 years—The skin on the face is still free of wrinkles.  

At 25 years—The first wrinkles appear on the forehead and under the eyes. Laugh lines become apparent.  

At 30 years—”Crow’s feet” develop at the corners of the eyes.  

At 40 years—Permanent wrinkles begin to appear in the area from the ears to
the neck.  

At 50 years—Wrinkles appear around the nose, ear lobes, and chin. The skin
is noticeably drier.  

At 55 years—Folds form at the nape of the neck and mostly on the areas exposed
to sunlight. Hyper-pigmentation or discoloration begins.  

At 60 years—Wrinkles around the mouth deepen and the cheeks begin to sag.  

At 70 years—Wrinkles begin to overlap, forming a crisscrossing net of
creases. Pigmentation is now quite evident.  

You GLOW GIRL!

Since 1996, May has been a time for educators and health professionals to spotlight skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with over one million new cases diagnosed every year.  

Fashion and beauty industry insiders have spoken. Now it’s time for you to listen. The tanned look is no longer fashionable. The tides have turned. Those in the know are going with their own glow. You should too.
(source: Skin Cancer Foundation – skincancer.org)

When I see someone that looks like they’ve had too much sun I let them know the importance of wearing sunscreen and limiting their time in the sun. I’m sure most roll their eyes behind my back but I’m on a mission. Why? Because skin cancer is on the rise and my family has been effected by skin cancer and melanoma. You learn a lot when skin cancer plays into your life.

Did you know melanoma is hereditary? I didn’t have a clue until my daughter’s dad found out he had melanoma. Now my daughter goes to the dermatologist for yearly mole checks. I go for yearly mole checks not because it’s hereditary on my side of the family, but because I was a sun lover when I was in my teens and 20s, plus I’m all for prevention.

I limit my time in the sun and use my favorite Sunless Tanning Lotion with moisturizer. I like it because it's lightweight and nongreasy. Remember these lotions don't have sunscreen so you'll want to put on a sunscreen before going outdoors.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer.

Here's how to Be Sun Smart (Source: aad.org):

Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Don't forget to protect your lips with a Lip Protector with Sunscreen. You can use it alone or under lipstick or lip gloss.

Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION on products that meet these criteria.

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.

Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.

Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. If you want to get your vitamin D from the sun, all you need is 20 minutes a day.
Be sure to seek the sun during non-peak hours.

Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Hello Fabulous Women!

If you missed my friend's radio show /you can listen in at the following link to learn more about her "I Create My Body" program.  

I believe in this program and what Marilyn can do for us to help us lose the weight we need to and feel good about ourselves.  That’s why I’m going to take her class.

If you can't attend her class you can still get the audio program.

Have a “Magical May” Day!
Leslie

My mom is 75 years old and I always try to get her something special for Mother’s Day, her birthday and Christmas.  I always try to give it great thoughtful and find something for her that’s unique.  

For Christmas I found her a beautiful wool sweater through the Sundance catalog (Robert Redfords’s company).  I usually can’t afford much from their catalog but this beautiful sweater was marked down.  She loved it.

Of course I could get her something from my business website but she has all the skin care and cosmetics to last her a life time. :)

What are you getting your Mother for Mother’s Day?

My computer stopped functioning on April 25.  I wasn’t a happy camper.  I never thought I would be without service for a WHOLE WEEK!! Come to find out our ISP was doing upgrades in our area.  

Then it got me thinking.  What did we all do before the Internet was born?