Now THAT is how you put on a face!

So, one thing I've been struggling with lately is my "wash and go" face. I am starting to realize that the youthful, innocent  glow of my late teens and early twenties is...waning. (Relax...I'm only about six months out from the big 30!) But with that being the case, I'm starting to notice when I wake up in the morning, that I may need to "prep" a little more than I used to before I go out. My mom and grandmother blessed me with amazing skin, so now, I've just got to take care of it, and highlight it on occassion.

I've always been into makeup, I think I started dabbling in it right about the time I learned to...tie my shoes! My friends, and family members were often victims of my "makeovers." So now I'm just getting back into my love for it, as makeup is proving to be a staple in my daily routine. I've also had some inspiration from my beautiful sister :) I encourage you to watch this video, and subscribe to this channel on youtube. This young lady does an awesome job and is very clear in her instruction. I do not know her personally, but I am just a fan. Be blessed, and feel free to share some of your makeup secrets below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e5Jcda0O2g&feature=related

Here are a few tips that are helpful, especially for women of color:

1. YOU MUST MOISTURIZE-I use St. Ives Intensive lotion. It's lightweight and has lots of vitamin E.

2. YOU MUST MOISTURIZE YOUR LIPS-An old tip from my mom, I use actual Vitamin E oil by bursing open an actual Vitamin E gel capsule. By now I'm sure they have another form of it available.

3. USE BLUSH!!!!-Many of us, especially women of color forget this crucial highlighting step. It makes your face have that natural glow and it brings together all of the other makeup. So don't be afraid of the blush...I used to be.

4. USE CONCEALER, EVEN ON YOUR LIPS AND EYELIDS-This will really give you an even palette to work with, it will also conceal some discoloration on the lips as well and help to get that nude color if you are looking to work that.