Learn How To Fill In Your Eyebrows - Photo Tutorial

This photo tutorial is made possible by our sponsors at Starlooks

Your eyebrows are considered to be very important facial assets. Taking care of your eyebrows' appearance is a beauty essential. Having filled eyebrows makes your eyes and face beautiful in such a manner that when someone makes eye contact with you, he / she may say: "Wow! You have gorgeous eyes!" Receiving a compliment such as this one is only possible if you take the time to do something to make your face expressive and appealing, such as filling in your eyebrows.

To make yourself more beautiful and appealing than you already are, you will need to learn how to fill in your eyebrows. Here are few tips to help your eyebrows look full and perfect.

First, you will need to gather a few Eyebrow Essentials:

Now that you have all the necessary tools, let see exactly how easy it is to fill in your eyebrows the "non-complicated" way!:

Taking the Starlooks Eyebrow Shader Compact - select the powder that matches your eyebrows the best. In my case, I am using the taupe shade.

Once eyebrows are filled with brow powder, select a concealer that is slightly lighter or closer to your natural skin tone. I opted to use the second shade in this concealer palette.

Next and almost final step:

You can stop here once concealer has been completely blended or add two more steps to get a easy completed day look .....

Apply highlighter shade from the Starlooks Eyebrow Shader Compact under brow bone. Then use Starlooks Cream Blush to add warmth to cheeks.

To complete this day look, apply a few coats of Starlooks Moisture Rich Lipstick to lips for a soft pouty finish.

To help you see the difference between naked eyebrows and properly filled eyebrows, here is a before and after:

As you can see, taking five minutes to fill in your eyebrows really helps soften and frame the face. My honest recommendation: Never, ever, ever leave home until you have filled in your eyebrows first!


I hope you were able to enjoy this super quick and easy photo tutorial. The Starlooks Eyebrow Shader Compact, the Cream Blush and Pigment Luster in Cinnamon Toss (not pictured in this tutorial) were included in the May 2013 Starlooks Starbox.

The Starlooks Moisture Rich Lipstick was not included in this particular Starbox - However I had to use it in this tutorial because it is the perfect creamy nude shade; and I just adore it!


Now it's YOUR turn: How do You prefer filling in Your eyebrows? With a powder or brow pencil? Let us know in the comments!


Disclosure: This beauty tutorial is sponsored by Starlooks. As an active partner, I receive their monthly Starbox and one additional makeup product every month to review. I do not receive compensation of any kind if You are inclined to click on a link and purchase their products. The links posted in this post are for Your reference only. All photos, opinions and posts are 100% mine and exclusive property of LatinFlava Designs. For a more detailed disclosure, please refer to our Disclosure Page listed in our Table of Contents at the top of this page. Thank you!

Bridal Season 2013 - Beauty Tips for Brides

Wedding days are all about looking good and feeling good. Not only do you want to look your very best, but you also want the appearance to look as natural as possible even if it means spending hours in front of the mirror with 2-3 beauticians. A smiling face that looks fresh, radiant, and confident makes a picture that is hard to forget and life long to cherish! And this is only possible if your wedding day make-up brings out the best in you and makes you look as beautiful as you really are.

Getting Make-Up Done By A Professional

When getting your wedding day makeup done by a professional, you need to make sure that the makeup artist and you understand each other's requirements completely. A couple of practice sessions should solve this issue and help you learn some tricks and ways to enhance your looks as well!

One of the advantages of getting makeup done professionally is that you don't have to worry about anything going wrong at the last minute. Your professional makeup artist should know the latest trends in makeup as well as what sort of makeup will look best on your face. Which is why a trial session on the eve of your wedding with the makeup professional is highly recommended as this will ensure that both of you are prepared to achieve the most natural look on the wedding day!

Choosing To Do Make-Up By Yourself

For those of you who choose not to work with a professional, doing your own makeup would definitely require days of practice as well as experimentation with colors and makeup techniques. Visiting your local mall makeup counter to pick up some special tricks, tips, and special products would be most essential step in creating your own makeup look.




Basic Makeup Tips to Follow if You are Choosing to do Your Own Makeup

The best way by which you can achieve an unblemished and perfect look is to blend all the mentioned elements together and highlight all your features in such a manner that none overpowers the other. Here' are the tips on how this can be done:

Face:
To obtain an unblemished and a perfectly made up face, you need to have a perfectly matching foundation. The foundation you apply should be an exact or a very close match to your skin tone. The foundation needs to blend into your skin, easily, and give you an even and clean surface to work on. Before you buy a foundation, check it under natural light only because artificial lights can deceive you into buying a foundation which doesn't match your skin tone at all!

Next important thing is to pick a foundation that is specially formulated for your skin type. A dry skin type will require a foundation that also works as a moisturizer, while a oily skin type will require an oil-free matte foundation that captures the level of oil secretion to keep you looking fresh and shine-free for longer.

As a bride, picking up a concealer can be a good idea because you probably won't get much shut-eye on the eve of your marriage ceremony. Mix a little concealer with your foundation to ensure it blends smoothly and evenly in your skin. Face powder is a great product to get rid of extra shine and should be used sparingly and only when required. So keep your powder box at hand, if possible, through the ceremony day. Remember to use it just before you get your pictures.

Eyes:
Best colors for eyes include muted and neutral colors that compliment the color of your dress, accessories, and lip color. Open up your eyes and make them look bigger by using a white or light colored eye shadow on the inside edges. Don't use too much glitter, though a light shimmer along your cheekbones can enhance your appearance. Finish up the eye makeup with a dash of waterproof eye liner and waterproof mascara. You can also use false eyelashes if you want to.

Lips:
Lip color forms an important part of your overall makeup look. Use a lipstick shade that is slightly brighter than the color you usually wear so that it shows up nicely in your photos. Practice wearing the lipstick a few times before the wedding day to get comfortable. A touch of gloss and make your lips look fuller and enhance your lipstick color as well. Keep your lipstick on for longer by apply a matching lip liner all over your lips just before you apply the lip color.

Finally, get your hair done before you get the makeup as this will help you apply the make up better and make you look a million dollars on one of the best days of your life!!

****
Related posts in the Bridal Series 2013:
Skincare for the Bride to Be 
Apricot Collection - Wedding Guest Edition


Now it's YOUR turn: If you are a bride-to-be, will you doing your own makeup? Or will you be using a professional makeup artist?  Do you have any tips to add to this post?  Let us know in the comments! 

photo credits: © Phil Date | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Bridal Season 2013 - Skincare for the Bride to Be

Early last week we shared our first Bridal Season 2013 post, where we showed you three simple yet classic wedding guest outfits. Here is the link to that post for your reference: Bridal Season 2013 - Apricot Collection - Wedding Guest Edition.

In today's article we are going to concentrate on the bride to be only - specifically skincare tips.

When you are a bride to be, you don't want to compromise on anything. This includes every detail from your wedding favors to your wedding gown and jewelry. So, why compromise on having less than perfect skin on the day itself? 

For women who have normal skin, you may not feel the need to put in extra effort to ensure that your skin is in good condition before your special day. However, women who have dry, oily, or combination skin must take extra care of their skin to ensure it is free of skin problems and glows with good health.

It's never too early to begin a skin care routine to ensure healthy and clear skin, even if this means starting a few months before your wedding ceremony.

If you have oily skin, you will need to keep a range of products especially formulated for oily skin at hand. Usually women who have oily skin tend to have a drier epidermis but an oily underneath. Depending on the season you are getting married in, try your best to have a range of products that you can use during that particular season to maintain the health of your oily skin.





Here is the ideal routine for oily skin:

Cleanser: Your facial cleanser should be gel based. Apply it on your face and neck with soft circular motions and rinse carefully, making sure you splash water at least 10 times. In case you are getting married in winter you can use a creamier cleanser as you skin may become dry.

Product Recommendation: Avene Diacneal Gel Cleanser

Toner: Never use an alcohol based toner! These toners will dry your skin surface completely, while locking the impurities beneath it leading to pimples or ever acne. You must never over dry you skin. The best toners for oily skin are those with AHAs.

Product Recommendation: Lerosett Purifying Acne Toner

Tip: Apply cucumber water with a clean cotton pad for a refreshing and clean feel.

Moisturizer: Moisturizing oily skin helps prevent the release of more oil and pimples, since dry skin leads to production of oil. A cream that helps mattify the surface of your skin will give you a clean, clear, and younger looking skin - exactly what you need on your wedding day!

Product Recommendation: Pevonia Botanica Mattifying Oily Skin Cream

Foundation: If you want to use a foundation as a base for bridal make-up that will work, always make sure you cleanse your face and neck thoroughly before going to sleep. On the day of, try to use only oil-free formulas. If you feel that applying a oil-free foundation, then try applying mineral makeup instead. Here is an article that explains how to get the best makeup look for the hot summer season.

When removing your makeup, use a make up remover made especially for oily skin type and use a clean cotton ball to wipe away the eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, liner etc. You must also use a good quality facial exfoliant to get rid of the grime, dirt, and clogged pores. Ideally you should use an exfoliant only twice each week, and concentrate on your 'T' zone (the forehead, nose, and chin).

Here is an easy do-it-yourself article we posted on making an oatmeal scrub exfoliant.

Finally, if you have followed the routine laid out for you and are still affected by skin problems, run to an expert. A dermatologist will be able to offer you better solutions and ensure your beauty is not just skin deep on your nuptials!


Image courtesy of imaferymajestic /  FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now it's YOUR turn:  Are there any other specific bridal topics you would like to read on our blog?  Let us know in the comments! 

Do you know of someone who is a bride to be?  If so, please feel free to share this post with them!  

In our next article in the Bridal Season 2013 series, we will be sharing a few more beauty tips for the bride to be...Stay tuned! 


Disclosure: Certain links for the suggested product recommendations are affiliate links. By purchasing any item via these affiliate links, you are helping support this site and helping to keep it online. Thank you very much for your continued support.

Bridal Season 2013 - Apricot Collection - Wedding Guest Edition

It's mid-June - the weather is getting warmer and the nights are lasting longer. Do you know what this means? It means that Bridal Season 2013 has arrived!! That's right, if you have not noticed yet, but Bridal Season is in full effect with outdoor and evening wedding ceremonies.

Are you ready?

Whether you are on the official guest list, or just someone's "plus one", it is of the utmost importance to know what kind of outfit to wear to a summer wedding.

The following three beauty-sets were designed for that same purpose: To give you an idea of three staple outfits that will certainly help you to standout in style.

Beauty-Set #1 - Little Navy Dress

Apricot Collection - Wedding Guest Special
with
Stella & Dot, Moyna, Badgley Mischka

Papillon Hot Navy Dress {Apricot-Collection}
Stella & Dot Flower Pendant {Stella & Dot}
Stella & Dot Flower Studs {Stella & Dot}
Badgley Mischka Navy Suede Pumps
Moyna Clutch


Beauty-Set #2 - Coral Bloom Dress

Apricot Collection Wedding Guest Special
with
Stella & Dot, Tasha, Corso Como

Nougat London Coral Bloom Dress {Apricot-Collection}
Stella & Dot Fiona Earrings {Stella & Dot}
Stella & Dot Bello Bangle {Stella & Dot}
Corso Como Coral Pumps
Tasha "Pearlier Box" Clutch


Beauty-Set #3 - Belted Safari Dress

Apricot Collection - Wedding Guest Edition
with
Aldo, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Stella & Dot

Papillon Belted Safari Dress {Apricot-Collection}
Stella & Dot Eden Studs {Stella & Dot}
Stella & Dot Sidewinder Ring {Stella & Dot}
BCBGMAXAZRIA - Estie High-Heel Sandal
Aldo - Bovian Clutch 



Now it's Your turn:  Do you have any weddings to attend this bridal season?  Which beauty set did you like the most?  Let us know in the comments! 


PS. Stay tuned for more bridal related posts coming this week! We will also have a LookBook and fashion giveaway from our sponsors Apricot-Collection!  Please come back as there will be tons of info updated on the blog during the next few days!! 

How to Get the Best Makeup Look for the Hot Summer Weather

Although the official start to this Summer season has not yet arrived, we have had a few extremely warm days. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining! I am originally from the Caribbean - I am all about hot tropical weather. I LIVE for the summer sun!

Even if you are not as comfortable with warmer temperatures as I am, there is ONE thing that we all need to consider : Learning how to get the best makeup look for hot weather.

Deciding what makeup to use during the summer season does not need to be a difficult process. One option is to start using a mineral makeup. Mineral makeup is made from natural ingredients, the two main ones being titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Titanium dioxide is a waterproof, light mineral which is ground into a very fine powder and is the principal ingredient in the makeup. As it lies lightly on the skin, its tiny plates cover the pores of the skin and protect them from bacteria-feeding moisture. This is the reason dermatologists tend to refer to mineral makeup as a “potential acne fighting makeup.”

Titanium dioxide is also not absorbed in water, and it can thus be applied when going to the pool or beach because it is waterproof and will maintain the flawless complexion. You will be able to swim and play at the beach while maintaining the finished look the makeup had when you first put it on in the morning.

Additionally, mineral makeup will not run down your face when you sweat because it is waterproof and will not be absorbed by the sweat on your face. This is especially important to those of us who have extremely oily – acne prone or sensitive skin types.

Zinc oxide, which is the other main ingredient of mineral makeup, is a natural sunscreen which is used in most of the sun protections products that are on the market. Thus, zinc oxide makes mineral makeup the perfect sunscreen. The most common SPF found in most mineral makeup products is SPF 25. You can certainly wear extra sunscreen under the makeup for additional sun protection in summer if you are planning to be in the sun for long periods of time.

In a nutshell, mineral makeup is a natural way to fight acne, help your skin stay matte, protects your skin from the sun, and it is also waterproof which makes it excellent makeup option for the summer season.

To help you further, here are our top mineral makeup pics for you to consider purchasing:

KORRES WILD ROSE MINERAL FOUNDATION (0.26 OZ)

Price: $28
Where to Buy: Click Here


BAREMINERALS  ALL-OVER FACE COLOR BARE RADIANCE (0.03 OZ)

Price: $19
Where to Buy: Click Here


ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE-WEAR MINERAL-RICH LOOSE POWDER

Price: $36
Where to Buy: Click Here


Now it's YOUR turn: Have you tried wearing mineral makeup before? If so, do you have a favorite brand? Let us know in the comments!


main photo credit: we heart it

disclosure: This post is not sponsored, however the links provided for each suggested product are affiliate links. Purchasing any item via these affiliate links posted helps support this site and keep it online. For more detailed information please refer to our disclosure page at the top of this post. Thank you.

Steal This Look: Loose Sexy Waves for Long Hair

This year during the People En Espanol's 50 Mas Bellos Red Carpet Event held at the Marquee in NYC, the beautiful actress and singer Maite Perroni dazzled everyone. Maite showed up on the Red Carpet  in a very modern silver and gold sequined short- length jumpsuit, celebrating her fifth nomination as one of People en Español’s 50 Most Beautiful.

Not only did Maite's stylist, Irma Martinez {ambassador for P&G} do an amazing job, Maite's long loose sexy waves caught our attention as well.

Renowned hairstylist, Antonio Rosales tells us exactly how he created that wavy loose hairstyle to complement Maite’s look and how to get those soft, voluminous and seductive waves.

Steal This Look in Five Easy Steps:

Step 1: To start transforming Maite’s natural straight hair, I applied Pantene Heat Protection Spray to protect hair from heat damage and prepare for styling.

Step 2: I divided the hair on top of the head in two sections and used two large rollers, one for each side of the head to add volume at the root.

Step 3: After the top hair has been rolled, I sectioned the bottom hair in ½ inch sections and used a curling iron to create many closed waves.

Step 4: Once all hair was completely wavy, I removed the two rollers and asked Maite to flip her head back to be able to finger comb her waves to loosen them up and transform into soft waves.

Step 5: And finally, I couldn't let her go without my final touch! I sprayed Pantene Pro-V Stylers Flexible Hold Hairspray throughout Maite's long hair to maintain the volume and seal the style so it will last all night.


For additional beauty tips, please visit www.mipantene.com or follow us on Twitter @PANTENE, hash-tag #WantThatHair

Now it's YOUR turn:  Are there any hair tips or hairstyles you would like to learn how to recreate? Let us know in the comments!