You Put That Where?! Or How I Use Eye Gel to Get A Glowy, Luminous Makeup Look

Ages ago, I posted a trick about how I like to pop in the shower with my foundation on to give my skin a steamy, healthy glow. But water, as you know, can make makeup streak and so this way is even better.

Currently, I am really obsessed with my Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation in #4 because the texture is so creamy and lovely. On spring days when I want to wear a little less makeup, I mix my foundation with a huge dollop of Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Revitalizing Eye Gel. You probably have read about mixing foundation with moisturizer, but I believe this eye gel is an even better way to go, particularly if your skin is sensitive or breakout prone like mine.  Believe me! You will look like a model in a beauty ad.

I originally had this idea because I noticed this product made the skin around my eyes gleam. Who wouldn't want their whole face to look the same way?

To look foxy for a night out, I recommend using a mix of Armani foundation + Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Revitalizing Eye Gel, blending carefully with your fingers. Then, apply other makeup, such as blush, mascara and lipstick. After that, if you have the time, walk outside for about 30 minutes to activate the ingredients in the lavender eye gel for a "power glow."  Makeup always looks better after it is has settled into your skin a little. Some say hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient inside the gel, draws moisture from the air. The gel also contains grape seeds, green tea and lavender extracts to feed the skin as well. I love it!

My own skin is extra-sensitive, so the other solid benefit is that the gel doesn't irritate my skin and prevents breakouts. If your skin is very dry, you might need a thicker moisturizer instead. And if you have trouble justifying using a $20 eye gel as a face moisturizer, think of it as giving your skin a little spa time. You might not use this trick every day, but keep it in your makeup samurai arsenal.

Look divine! Stay amazing! XOXO!

Beauty Secrets: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Want to look perfect without trying? Here are secret beauty shortcuts for looking hot faster than Clark Kent changes outfits.

Foundation: If you love to sleep late, a few spritzes of Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray foundation ($62, Sephora) provides even, flawless coverage in seconds. 

When you use liquid foundation, you might need to prime your face and spend a lot time blending the makeup to achieve an even look. DiorSkin AirFlash spray foundation features special micro-diffusion technology that quickly covers up uneven areas and blemishes pronto with the click of a button. Spray, blend just a little and you're done.

Wink and Go: For an easy daytime eye look, try Sue Devitt Silky Matte Eyeshadow in Cuba ($18, Dermstore.com). This neutral-pinkish shade is so flattering and will make the natural color of your eyes pop.  The product is also crease-resistant. For extra staying power, apply concealer or an eyeshadow primer underneath the shadow. The estimated time for both steps is about 40 seconds.

The Prettiest Lips and Cheeks: To get to class or work on time, spend just a minute dabbing on Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for lips and cheeks ($24, BobbiBrown.com). I have recommended this product before on Eyeshadow Government because it's one of my all-time favorites. Available in a variety of rich, flattering colors, this rouge provides a lovely, dewy finish and can be applied with your fingertips. Dab it on the apples of your cheeks to look more awake and cheerful. Press the rouge onto your lips for a spectacular, sophisticated smile.

BONUS FASHION TIPS: 

• If you can't decide what to wear, mix boyish and feminine pieces for a dash of instant style. 
• Use accessories sparingly. One or two is plenty.
• Nix all that thick, spiked gold jewelry. After all, you're a lady, not a pitbull.

Terax Delicato Shampoo and Crema Conditioner Reviews

I tested my Terax Delicato Classic shampoo and Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing conditioner for the first time today, and perhaps you should too. The Terax shampoo has a gentle, fresh scent that isn't overpowering. After leaving the Terax conditioner on for about 7 minutes, my tangled up mane felt as smooth as a hair commercial. The conditioner is my favorite.

These natural, sulfate-free products totally cleaned up my hair and gave it a "chill" look. My hair is often frizzy, not that there's anything wrong with this, but I think the conditioner really helped minimize frizz.  After a spree of cleaning and decorating at my new apartment (moved just 6 blocks!), a great hair day is icing on the cake.

GRADE: A

BUY IT: The Terax line is sold at Ricky's stores and Beauty.com.

Gosh, You're Gorgeous: 6-Step Classic Beauty Look

Hello dearies,

If your taste is classic and maybe even a bit old-fashioned, this makeup tutorial is for you. It's romantic and reminds me of springtime in Paris.

LIPS
Get lips to long for with YSL Rouge Couture lipstick in Beige Etrusque ($30). This classic, beige-pink shade is very sophisticated and pretty.  (Expert Tip: Start with the lips because if you put on lipstick first, you usually will find that you end up using a touch less foundation and blush overall.)

PRIME THE SKIN
 Next, squeeze a few drops of Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time foundation primer ($21, Sephora) into the palm of your hands, and spread it across your face with your fingertips.

FOUNDATION
Apply a layer of YSL Teint Radiance SPF 20 foundation in Opal. (MAC and Nars both offer excellent options for gals with darker skintones.) This foundation has a beautiful, porcelain-like texture, and effectively covers uneven areas and redness.  You can use a foundation brush to distribute a thin layer evenly across your face.

BRIGHTEN AND TREAT 
Dab Ole Henriksen Truth Serum ($48, Sephora) on your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Allow the serum to set in for a minute. I know most people wear serums underneath makeup, but live it up! Serums can take your makeup look from a basic matte to a "Hollywood glow" in seconds.

BLUSH
Rub a pinch of Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in powder pink ($22, Sephora) on your cheeks for stunning results.

MASCARA
Finish with your go-to mascara. Mine is Armani "Eyes to Kill" lately (scroll down to read my post). What's yours?

MORE ON EYESHADOW GOVERNMENT

Maria Cornejo Talks Fashion and Beauty at Japan Fundraiser

On My Shopping List: Bobbi Brown Rose Berry Lipstick

Richard Chai Opens Up

Beauty Trend: Happy Water Color Nails

Reading Rainbow: Tavi, Apple + Mac Sitting in a Tree, Hexa by Kuho

Stay updated on Facebook and Twitter, XOX.

The Layer Cake That Is My Lips

Today, I was in such a rush but couldn't decide on a single lipstick color. I don't know if it was because I was in an impish mood or just moving at an extremely New York City pace.

Today was Cezanne's birthday, so maybe that was inspiring me to be a bit more creative than usual.

In the end, I blended so many lipsticks I can't even name them all, and tossed Clinique's classic Almost Lipstick in Black Honey into the mix for extra moisture and shine. I think that both the Clinique Almost Lipstick and the Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey look great over so many other colors.

Just a tip!

The final effect of my experiment was a perfect and gorgeous shade.

XO,
Charlotte

Matte Lipstick for Jogging?

Maybe I am a total diva anticipating my "look" before even beginning an exercise regimen. Sue me.

I think matte lipstick is the way to go, but in a very neutral tone. Historically, I have noticed that joggers in Brooklyn do not wear lipstick. That's fine if you're Jodie Foster. Clarice Starling had loads of style. But as for me, I will be wearing Revlon lipstick, light powder and some fearsome ambition.

Neutral and matte. Nothing too red. No need to be the "Lady Gaga" of Prospect Park.

Wise Lady Tip: For the same reason that I refuse to wear stilettos in the evening, I think exercising outside after dark is unwise.

Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel: My exercise routine begins Monday. Expect an update the same day, unless I faint/die/get tangled in a tree/never come home again.