Summer Favorites: Blush

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In the summer, bright and vibrant shades of cheek color is a surefire way to look younger and healthy. Use these products to emphasize a tan, create a youthful flush or mimic a lit-from-within complexion.

Start by choosing the right shade for your skintone. To find your go-to blush shade, pinch your cheeks and then pick a color that mimics your natural flush. This trick will ensure that you’re choosing the most flattering color for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a cool pink. Medium skin looks great in vibrant apricot/peachy hues, and darker skin tones look radiant in fuchsia.

Cream blush is a great way to instantly look fresh and dewy. Although it’s staying powder is not the best, especially in higher temperatures, cream blush is a nice alternative for dry skin. To ensure staying power on oily skin, first prime the skin and then set with a powder blush or translucent powder. To apply cream blush, smile and lightly focus the blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Then blend softly back and up toward the hairline. If you apply too liberally, tone down heavy application by blotting the excess color with a clean makeup sponge. Or, use a sheer, luminizing powder to diffuse excess color. The blush then looks like it came from within the skin versus sitting on top of it.

FAVORITES:

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush: I am a sucker for these gimmicky products. However, this one is fantastic. The formula magically adjusts to your skin’s natural chemistry to create a universal shade. It produces an angelic pink glow that makes you look “lit-from-within.”

It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain in Peony: The most long-wearing powder blush I have tried. The waterproof formula mimics the lasting power and glow of a cheek stain with the easy application of a powder. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti aging properties, this blush gives new definition to a “healthy glow.”

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Rouge: These blushes are incredibly pigmented and easy to work with. They blend beautifully and last all-day. They feel lightweight on the skin and never settle into lines. A small amount goes a very long way, apply with a light hand for a sheer wash of color or add more for vibrant glowing skin.

Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle: Full Review HERE.

NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower: On trend for summer, this bright coral blush is beautiful on both the lips and cheeks. The velvety texture is extremely easy to blend and apply. Subtle gold shimmers hide in the coral to help create perfectly flushed, luminous skin.

BECCA Beach Tint in Guava: This is the perfect color for summertime. It resembles the act of playing in the sun a little too long. The water-resistant formula can be used on both the cheeks and lips. Produces the most natural-looking flush and smells like summer.

Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie: A lightweight cream blush that does not pull or disrupt a base. It can be used on top of foundation, powder… anything. The formula is sheer but buildable. The staying power is not the best, but I am obsessed with this color. Quickie is a sheer bubble gum, electric, cotton candy pink. The minute it is applied, it creates instant youthfulness.

Glow-T 2011: Best in Beauty

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Happy New Year! As 2012 begins, I want to recap on my favorite beauty products of 2011. These are items that I constantly reach for and will continue to use in the new year. From skincare to cosmetics, here are Glow-T’s Best of 2011 Beauty Products:

Body Lotion: Kiehls Creme de Corps

Face Cleanser: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Face Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

Face Moisturizer/Foundation: Origins VitaZing SPF 15

Sunscreen: NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen

Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette

Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

Mascara: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Bottom Lash Mascara: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Concealer/Corrector: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

Blush: By Terry Rose De Rose Blush Fluide

Powder: Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder

Hair Mask: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

Makeup Sponge: Beauty Blender

Hair Product: Bumble & Bumble Texture

Lip Product: Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm

Glow-T Gift Guide: Beauty Stocking Stuffers

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with beauty stocking stuffers. Fill your holiday with tradition and your stockings with tiny treasures. These simple, small, easy-to-pick-up beauty necessities are thoughtful and useful. From a washable makeup bag that will last forever to the “can’t live without” makeup sponge, here are a few stocking stuffer ideas.

Emi-Jay ~ Hair Ties (Pack of 3): $5.99

BeautyBlender ~ BeautyBlender Single: $19.95

Neiman Marcus ~ Prada Trapezoid Cosmetic Case: $170.00

Sephora ~ Sephora Collection Vanity Brush Set: $48.00

Sephora ~ Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler: $20.00