Shu Uemura just launched 3 new skin care products specifically for oily skin-that means me! The line is inspired by water lilies, and is designed to combat both external and internal stresses that cause excess oil on the skin. Primarily I’ve been using the Intense Pore Perfecting Solution. It’s a lightweight lotion that feels cool when it goes on, and shrinks my pore size noticeably. I also found I had to blot less throughout the day. However, you can also use the solution over the top of make up to touch up.

Today I picked up the rest of the line (I like it when things all go together) The way it works is to use the Clarifying Refreshing Lotion (In the Shu world lotion means toner) after cleansing. Then the Pore Perfector then the Clarifying Balancing Moisturizer. Gel-like in texture this helps keep skin shine free by absorbing excess oil, but still looking radiant. Here’s to a slick free complexion!

It is virtually impossible to recreate some of the looks we have shown on our blog without the right tools. I love brushes and as a make-up artist I own hundreds, but for most people a starter set of five will do quite nicely. One thing I will say about brushes is that they are worth the investment. While you can often get away with spending less on a lipstick or eyeshadow a cheap brush will not perform, or last as long as one you spend more money on.

Brushes can be natural or synthetic or a blend of both. The important thing is the shape and texture, soft brushes pick up and apply less product and are good for blending. Stiff brush pick up and apply more product these are good for powder and cream products.

From left to right:

1. Powder or Blush-a medium size dome shaped brush made of goat hair is the perfect size to double for powder or blush.

2. Tapered Eyeshadow-a soft haired paint brush shape is ideal for blending eyeshadow through the crease of the eye. Or dusting eyeshadow all over the eye for a subtle blended look. It’s also very good for blending away hard lines so your eyeshadow looks more diffused.

3. Flat Shader-This type of brush is good for powder or cream products. Most companies carry a small or large version, choose according to the size of your eyes. It can be used on the eyes to create intensity because of the shape and density of the hairs. For example to achieve strong colour on the eyes you would pick up the colour on the flat side and press it against the eyelid.

4. Angled Brush-This brush is a definite must have. It can be used with powder, cream, or liquid products to define eyebrows or for eyeliner. Make sure you examine the angle on the brush before buying. The hairs should be tight together along the angle and not too wide.

5. Foundation Brush-This flat brush is for applying liquid or cream foundation. Because it is quite dense it will pick up alot of product, if you are heavy handed use with caution. You can achieve a very flawless finish with this type of brush, and unlike a sponge it will not soak up the foundation.

For tips on how to care for your brushes go to September 9th post on How Often Should I Wash My Brushes?

Every girl wants long, thick, luscious lashes. But like me, many women are have short straight eye lashes and have trouble keeping them curled. If you’re not born with long lashes, here are 3 different tips that can make your eyes really pop:

1. Use a good eyelash curler. I love my Shiseido Eyelash curler and have used it for years. Shu Uemura also makes a good one. To make the lashes look natural, curl lashes in three steps, starting from the roots and working outward. Then finish with waterproof mascara. If you don’t use waterproof mascara your lashes will start to droop and loose the curl so this is a must! And don’t forget that you must use an oil based cleanser to take the waterproof mascara off.

2. Get an eyelash perm. This is a great option if you have long straight lashes. The perm is fairly inexpensive and can last from 1 to 2 months. Then you can use whatever mascara you like. My sister has these and it looks fantastic.

3. Eyelash extensions. Me and every other Hollywood celebrity is obsessed with eyelash extensions. And once you’ve had them they can be very addictive because they make your eyes really pop but in a natural way unlike strip lashes. Eyelash extensions are glued on lash by lash onto each one of your natural lashes. The extensions also falls out with your natural lashes. The price isn’t the cheapest, but I think it is worth every penny. You can get a full set from $80 to upwards of $200, but the fill is usually about half the price and should be done every 3-4 weeks. If you have straight lashes make sure you request a curlier lash like a C curl or a Super Curl, not a J curl which will make your lashes stick straight out instead of up.

Image from justjared.com

The eighties were about flash and cash in all aspects of life. This time around there isn’t as much cash so going extreme with make up is a less expensive alternative. There is a lot of precision required with these looks so when trying to achieve that Nicole Miller elongated blue eye, brushes are a must. Don’t even attempt the neon lip without a super sharp lip pencil to define the mouth. While overindulgence is the theme of the trend, no need to amp eyes, cheeks, and lips choose your favourite and let it stand out.

Images from style.com