It is a fact that when the seasons change, the colder temps tend to dry out your skin more than the norm. Add some furnace heat and/or fireplace warmth and you can really feel the skin on your face AND body tightening & drying out quicker than usual. Taking care to make sure this doesn’t happen to you starts from step one of your skin care routine—cleansing!
There are many cleansers for your face and body that infuse moisturizers into your skin so it doesn’t lose its natural oils. It is really important now more than ever to read labels, check ingredients and research before you purchase a skin cleanser. You will want to find ones that are especially targeted for dry skin…. even if your skin isn’t that dry to begin with. You have to remember it is better to prevent rather than reverse skin damage, including what occurs when your skin dries out too much.
Washing your face or taking a shower doesn’t have to be a drying experience in the fall and winter seasons. Now with the focus being on more natural products in things we use every day, you can’t find better moisturizers or hydrators than those in natural ingredients. Things such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter are some of the most emollient ingredients for the skin and the most natural too. Don’t turn into a “flake” during these cooler seasons—pamper yourself and your skin starting from the beginning of your skin care regime each and every day!

Makeup Brushes!!!
Most artists will admit that they are nothing without the tools of their trade. Just think: Where would Van Gogh have gotten without his bold brush strokes?

When it comes to good makeup application, the makeup brushes you choose make a big difference.


So, this means it's time for you to leave the finger painting to the kids and graduate past relying on the foam wands included in many eye shadow compacts.

Investing in and using the right makeup brushes and tools will not only help give you a flawless makeup look, but you'll actually save money in the long run. How? Well, put simply, you'll use less product and your makeup will last longer (i.e. remain germ-free longer), if you keep your hands out of your colors and formulas.

But with a gazillion different shapes and materials of brushes, it can be difficult to know which ones you actually need and which should be left in a makeup artist's case. You definitely don't need to tote around an arsenal of brushes in every shape and size known to woman in order to achieve a gorgeous makeup look.

Foundations: One of the most daunting makeup categories has to be foundation, the questions and confusion never seem to stop. It doesn't help that there are so many different formulas and types to choose from. Someone with oily skin wouldn't be served well by a luminizing foundation, and a woman with dry skin should clearly avoid any type of matte formula.
Let’s break down a few formulations and let you know who they work best for, and hopefully this will help provide some insight into the crowded, confusing, often confounding world of foundation.
foundation
liquid
The most common and easy to use formula. It's easily blended, mixed, and manipulated to get the coverage you want. That said, it also comes in options that can quickly become overwhelming at the counter.
Does it say moisturizing or allude to being emollient in any way? Then it's not the best formula if you have oily skin or skin that's prone to breakouts. Oil-Control or long wearing formulas tend to be on the heavier side, and more matte, which can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, so if you have dry, flaky skin, or are older, you'll want something a bit more on the dewy side.

tinted moisturizer
Tinted moisturizer is great is you have generally excellent skin, with only a few areas of light discoloration or a few blemishes that need to be dealt with. The coverage is minimal but will even out a bit of redness here and there.
Concealer is needed to fine tune coverage. Tinted moisturizer is light, easy to apply and often has SPF, which is an added bonus.

luminizing
Hollywood is crazy for luminizing foundation and makeup artists are always singing the praises of Armani's "Luminous Silk Foundation." That's because the subtle illumination provided by that formula adds a glow to the skin that adds youth, vitality and makes stars look like they're literally glowing from within. These formulas are especially excellent on the red carpet, where the lighting is out of your hands and you want the actress to look subtly radiant, not greasy or shiny Luminizing formulas don't work on everyone. If you have large pores or oily skin, this type of foundation can just exacerbate the issues, settling into the pores and making your t-zone visible from space. If you want that glow, you're best adding it afterward with a slightly luminous powder--that way you can control where the shine is. Your oils will mix in with your foundation and give you a lovely glow regardless. Your natural oil + lots of shimmer all over = greasy mess.
(Bonus of having oily skin: you have fewer wrinkles as you age)

dewy
Dewy formulations are exactly what they sound like: they leave a moist finish that leaves the skin looking fresh and, well, dewy. These are wonderful formulas for those with normal to dry skin because they are also moisturizing. (They tend to have a lot of oil in them--oil is usually the second or third ingredient--so if you have oily skin, this is not the foundation for you.) They don't tend to offer too much in the way of coverage, but they are great for adding a little believable color to your face. If you are good and wear your sunscreen daily, your face may be lighter than your body. This sheer formula lets you add warmth to your skin without looking cakey.

Stay tune for more.......

Well-shaped eyebrows can do wonders to frame your face (Brooke Shields' brows even defined her look!).
"Brows are the most important feature on our face, They serve as a communication tool and if shaped correctly, brows can balance our facial features." To achieve the correct brow shape, a few key points need to be identified: the shape of the face and the hair growth pattern of the brows (some grow upward while some grow downward):
How To Proper Eyebrow Placement
Beginning point of brow Hold a brow pencil or brush vertically from the inner corner of eye up toward the eyebrow. This is where the eyebrow should start.
The arch The brow arch or highest point of a brow shape should directly be above the outer rim of the iris. The arch is usually 2/3 of the length of the eyebrow.
Brow ending point Hold a brow pencil or brush diagonally at the base of the nose to the outer corner of the eye and extend it past the brow. The end point is where the ruler intersects with the brow. This prevents brows from appearing too long or short.
Types Eyebrow Fillers
Brow pencils If you already have defined eyebrows or only need to fill in small gaps of missing hair, pencil is the way to go. We suggest using light and subtle strokes for a natural look. If you draw too hard, your eyebrows will look too harsh and drawn in. .
Brow powder To softly enhance eyebrows, choose a powder shade that's lighter than your hair color. "Powders are great to fill in sparse brows that need definition and shape, Dip a firm, slanted angle brush in the powder and use light, short strokes to fill in brows. To blend the powder into your brows, brush the hairs with spoolie or a clean mascara brush.
Brow gels Tinted or clear brow gel will help shape eyebrows without adding intense definition. "Gels hold your brows in place all day without flaking or drying down too hard, A brow gel will help tame and keep them in place. These brow gels have a lightweight gel texture and are either clear or pigmented. You can use the brow gel alone (just swipe and go) or use after you apply brow pencils or powders to set them.
Tip: Unless you like bold eyebrows, always start with a small amount of brow product. It's easier to add more color than it is to take off.

I think spring has finally arrived here in Iowa. and well things at Allure have been a little crazy since my last post, we have been planning a move of the salon and we are now in our NEW location!!! Lots of work, but well worth it!

My beautiful daughter has joined me at the salon, as a stylist. She is growing her clientele everyday. She loves to do color, but don't we all.
WE are also offering Feather extensions at the salon. They are all the rage out there. Stop in and check them out.
Remember to check out our Face book Fan Page~ and of course"like" it. We list our specials and have special promotions just for FB Fans.
Hope to see you soon and we will get pictures posted soon.

Kim

So.... its been a long time since I updated the blog. My new year goal was to update once a month, and its almost April. Better late then never. So here is some great info on Shelf life for your makeup!! In the salon, I educate clients about shelf life, when they are buying them, I also get many questions asked as to the shelf life. Mascara: This makeup item is the one item that will be renewed in your makeup bag the most often. Why? As the brush is taken out, applied and put back into the tub, it brings with it.... bacteria that is collected. Purchase new mascara every two to three months. Foundation: Liquid foundations will last 6-12 months once opened. Keep them out of moist environments and away from heat, this encourages the growth of bacteria. An off smell or color change or if it starts to cause irritation or breakouts, then its time to purchase a new one. Concealer: powder or stick form can last up to two years while liquids should be repurchased after one. Face powder: They keep going and going. They can last for up to two years. again, do not leave in moist areas, such as the bathroom. Blush: The same rule applies to blush as face powder if its a powder blush. However, cream blush should be replaced after one year. Eyeshadow: Replace powder shadows after about 3-4 months, although they are similar to other powders, they are in contact with your eye and the mucous membranes, so there is a higher risk of transferring bacteria. Cream based shadows, tend to grow bacteria more quickly, so replacing more frequently then a powder shadow. Eyeliners:Liquid or pencil, replace about every three months. The same applies here as in shadows, they are applied near a sensitive area and can/will pick up bacteria. Lipstick/Gloss: Replace after a year, lipsticks/glosses contain oily ingredients that start to smell over time, also look out for changes in texture, if it starts to feel streaky and glob and hard to spread, time to replace! Brushes-Brushes-Brushes: If cleaned and stored properly, they can last for years. Keeping your Brushes clean will also help to keep your makeup in good condition. I have always recommended to my clients that they wash there brushes once a month in an anti bacterial soap, squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry. When brushes start to have bristles fray or fall out, then its time to replace. Makeup sponges: Not a huge fan, I prefer using a foundation brush, if applying a liquid or cream foundation. but if you like sponges, get the disposable ones, use a couple of times and throw away. Keeping them for long periods of time will also cause a build up of bacteria. Have any questions for us. please feel free to contact us. Thanks and talk with you all soon!!!

Makeup Tips

Every day I am asked by friends and clients on different ways to help them with there makeup issues, whatever they may be. If you know me, you know how much I love makeup. So... I am always willing to help. I feel that every women should know the basics of makeup application. I also feel that a makeup look from natural everyday to a fun dramatic look should be simple and you should be able to replicate.


Makeup tips for you at home:

Secerts to a flawless look:

Apply liquid foundation to your cheeks, forehead, lids, under eyes and chin using a foundation brush or sponge. I don't care for your fingers. My favorite is a foundation brush, as I feel that you will get a more even and flawless application. Blend into your neck and hairline to achieve a seamless look.


~ When choosing a foundation shade make sure you are matching at your jawline exactly. NEVER the back of your hand.

~Start with small amounts of foundation and increase the amount of coverage that suits you. Just don't get to thick.

~For a more sheer application with your foundation, mix with your moisturizer before applying.

HIDING IMPERFECTIONS:

Concealer will help with trouble spots and red areas. Just remember...... a little goes a long way.

~Under eyes: gently pat to even out the tone, you should use your ring finger. I apply my concealer with a brush and then blend it with my finger, this gives me the application I need with out becoming to thick and cakey.

~When choosing your concealer shade, choose one that is your skin tone or one shade lighter.

Flawless Finish:

A light dusting of either loose or pressed powder will set your liquid foundation and concealer giving your face a more natural finish and glow. It also helps for the next step.... eye makeup and blush.

~Face powder can be used alone as foundation.

The Eyes have it:

Whatever look you are looking for remember blending is the key.

~Sophisticated Look

~Elegant and Dramatic

~Brighter and Wider

~ Well Defined and Well Groomed Brows

A Natural and Rosy Appearance:

When applying blush, you want it to look soft and natural.

~Check color should be used to enhance your complexion
use sparingly for daytime and then add more for nighttime.

~For special occasions you can dust a luminous powder on the tops of your check bones for a more alluring glow.

~Again, make sure to blend .

Blending is always the key to a great makeup application.

Pucker UP:

~Lining your lips will create a more plump lip

~Whether you choose Cream, Sheer, Gloss make sure your lips look soft and supple.


Be Beautiful, as you are. If you would like to book a makeup application/lesson with me at my salon, you can by calling 515 295 2599. I would love to help you to achieve your look. We do special occasion makeup also.



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