Top 5 NYE Makeup Trends

It's New Years Eve (eve) and you're starting to think about what you're going to wear when the ball drops. Well, what you'll be wearing on your body is not my forte, but luckily what you'll be wearing on your face is! Here are my top 5 makeup picks for a great start to 2012 along with my last 5 NYE looks. (the good, the bad and the ugly included). 

5. Only Line Your Top Lid

While the smoky eye isn't going anywhere, here's a look that's equally sexy but a bit crisper. Try the combination of big lashes and liquid liner for a modern twist. Here, January Jones wears a hint of shimmery shadow in the inner corners of her eyes for extra brightness.

 

And my 2011/2010 NYE picture: 

Rockin the dark hair and the top lid lined (and Peter!). 2011 was a great year! 

4. Bright Lips

From Fendi to Gucci to Jil Sander, we saw bright lips everywhere in every shade. Oranges, reds and pinks were all popular, but this pretty fuchsia on Natalie Portman gets our vote for wearability.

And my 2010/2009 Pic: 

3. Don't be Afraid of Color

The models on the spring 2011 runway show wore a rainbow of eyeshadow shades. Here, Emily Blunt opts for a more wearable pale blue-gray, which complements her bare, pink lips.

And my 2009/2008 Pic: 

Blue eye shadow (I couldn't find a picture that really showed it! :() and nude lip. (and champagne!) 

2. Lashes, Lashes, Lashes - 

They used to be a joke, the preserve of drag queens and aging dolly-birds who'd never quite got over the Sixties, but right now, false eyelashes are enjoying a renaissance. At first, it was a stealthy return; make-up artists snuck the odd clump of them in among celebrity lashes then somewhere in the past 18 months, the last vestiges of stigma fell away and having improbably long, thick and fluttery eyelashes has become not just a look for a party, but a necessity for everyday makeup. You can blame pop princesses for much of it - Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry just to name a few. False lashes have become so acceptable that even the ultra stylish Michelle Obama has been seen wearing them. One rule though, make sure you wear the lashes; don't let the lashes wear you! 

2008/2007 NYE: 

1.  Grown-up Glitter! 

Sequence is in and so it only seems natural to add a little extra sparkle to your face to compliment your sparkling attire! Everyone wants to shine on New Year's Eve. Glitter done right can be beautiful. It catches the light and brightens the face. The key to wearing glitter well is to pick one area of your face and to use small glitter particles for a discreet shimmer. Have fun with it! 

And the most important tip I can give you for New Years: 

Spend it with great friends! 

Cheers to a great 2012!! 

Cat Eye

What eye trend is on everybody's mind these days? We’re talking about the classic cat eye, of course. The gorgeous eye makeup is purrfect for all of your holiday soirées. Sexy without being over the top, the look is all glamour... if done right.

Of course, painting on this chic look can definitely be intimidating to both makeup newbies and vets alike. So let me help you! Take a look at the imagaes below that I hope inspire you to step out of the makeup box this weekend for your holiday party. What's even better: it looks good on any eye shape!

A smokey Cat Eye. Perfect for a night out.

Vintage Cat Eye.

Celebrity Cat Eye.

The purrrrfect cat eye. Close to the lash line and extended out.

A perfect how-to for a thicker Cat Eye.  And dang those are some good brows. Treading anyone?

Our Top 5 Essential Winter Beauty Picks

No matter where you live, the season of cold weather and holiday parties can make you second guess every piece of makeup you have in your bag. To make your holiday routine a little easier, here are my top 5 beauty essentials for this winter: 

5. Rodan + Fields Dermatologists - Enhancements Lip Micro-Dermabrasion:

This product is not for the faint of heart (or those of you who aren't a fan of instantly younger looking and softer lips!) This product amazed me the first time I used it. It is EXTREMELY gritty and really gets the job done. Did I mention this line was created by the doctors who created Proactiv? It works people! A bargain at twice the price! ($16) 

4. MAC Pigment

I use this product in one shade or another every single day. "Tan", "Blue Brown" & "Melon" are a few of my favs that are great for an everyday all over base shade. The best thing about this product? I've NEVER had to replenish my supply as they seem to last forever! 

3. NARS Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna: 

With a name like Orgasm you better be able to walk the walk. This product is a combination blusher & bronzer and it literally looks great on all skin tones. It will give you that freshly bonzed look (in between airbrush tans, of course) and the blusher adds that romantic, fresh faced look we're all looking for. It's a bit pricey ($40), but it will last you a few seasons. 

2. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara:

This is only the BEST mascara ever made! Why spend $15-30 dollars at the department store when you can get this product for $8 at target. I'm serious, this mascara is great for everyone. Use one coat for a natural day look, or apply 2-3 coats for your dramatic evening look. Go for Carbon Black to really make a statement! 

1. Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System:

The fact of the matter is, you can apply all the make up in the world but if you don't have good skin underneath it all, you won't get the results you're looking for. This easy to use, relatively inexpensive system works and is customizable to fit your skincare needs and concerns.  I set a good friend of mine up with her own system last week and the very next day she could already see and feel a difference. Invest the $50 dollars, it's worth it.