Category: beauty

Brow Basics

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Brow Basics

I am really fortunate to have one of those mothers who did not say “I told you so” very often. My mom is more about giving advice and guiding than nagging. However, there were a few things she told me and one of them was “do not pluck your eyebrows too much”. I fully intended on listening to her. Growing up, I had a nice full brows and waxed consistently with no issues. However, the past few years, I have noticed my brows thinning considerably. Fortunately, there are excellent products on the market and I have filled in when necessary.

Recently, I had my brows waxed to clean them up a bit…trying to heed Mom’s advice, I carefully instructed the aesthetician to please only clean up the strays under and not wax any of my actual brow. Unfortunately, all of a sudden my brows are now way too thin. The ends are almost non existent. While she will never say “I told you so”…I should have listened to my Mom!

Using these products used to be something that was optional and that I did when I was making a special effort to dress up or go out…now, it is essential. Fortunately, they work like a dream and so I can fill in easily.

This Benefit Brow Zings is a wax and powder kit that allows you to tame and shape your brows. It includes a dual ended brush…use the hard edge to apply the wax and outline the shape of the brows and then fill in with the powder. Available in 5 colors at www.sephora.com. If I am in a major rush and do not want to take the time to outline my brow, I will use this Givenchy Mister Brow Filler. Just apply to your brows like mascara and you are good to go. Available at www.netaporter.com. Other tools I like are the Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors and Brush. These scissors have a contoured body and work well for trimming your brows and the brush helps maintain your shape. Available at www.sephora.com. These tweezers were a quick and economical pickup from CVS…I keep an extra pair in my car.

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If your brows are in need of some TLC, try these products out…I have found them to be highly effective!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 5.2018
How to Create a Sparkly Eye

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How to Create a Sparkly Eye

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Headed out for the holidays? Feel like adding some sparkle to your makeup routine? You are in luck…we are going to tell you how to create a festive and elegant sparkly eye today.

For evenings out, I like to wear shimmery eyeshadows but since we are in the full swing of the holidays, I like to incorporate a bit of glitter for added panache.

This look was created by my incredibly talented makeup artist, Aradia Vive, (see our 5 tips post for more of her makeup tips). She is incredibly professional and works with fashion shows, models and brides so I knew she would be able to create something truly special. Her secret to keep glitter from being garish is to start with a deep smoky eye and then layer the glitter on at the end. Keep reading for Aradia’s technique for how to create this smoky glitter eye.

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“This sexy look never goes out of style. Sultry smoky eye makeup can be a girl’s sexy best friend or worst nightmare. (Hel-lo smudges and raccoon eyes!) When it comes to black shadow, less is more! Rim your top and bottom lash lines with the darkest shade and create a sideways V shape at the outer corners of your lid. Apply the same shade you just used along your bottom lash line with a small angled brush, using short feathering strokes. Wrap around the entire eye. Don’t forget to add a little highlighter. Shimmery white shadow is great for adding a little sparkle to your inner corners, but working it up to your brows is glitter overkill. Dust a gold or copper colored shadow on your lids and smudge it along the lower lash line. Add a hint of bronzer and a nude gloss look for a neutral, everyday smoky eye look that’s anything but boring!”

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She used these Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows on the top of this smoky eye. This is an excellent product…the glitter is fine, it is easy to apply and it stays on well. Use sparingly…when it comes to glitter, a little goes a long way. Available at www.sephora.com.

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sWhen I create a dramatic eye like this, I keep the rest of my makeup subtle. For this look, I topped it off with this mini of Nars Gold Digger lip gloss…this liquid gold face set includes 3 amazing products perfect for creating a glow. The lip gloss is the perfect size for an evening clutch.

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Hope this helps you create a gorgeous new look. Have fun celebrating the holidays!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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A very special thanks to Aradia from Bridal Makeovers by Aradia. Contact her or any occasion you may have…she will create your perfect look!

f. 2.2017
My Amazing New Teeth Whitening System

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My Amazing New Teeth Whitening System

read to the end for giveaway details!

I am always on the lookout for beauty tips…especially related to anti-aging. I once read that a key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to keep your teeth white. This was right up my alley since I am one of those strange people who enjoy dental hygiene…brushing, flossing and going to the dentist regularly. I have inquired multiple times about whitening trays but have never wanted to spend the $700-900. When Smile Brilliant reached about reviewing their product, I was excited and curious to see how this product would work.

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When I received my kit, I was impressed. The box contains everything you need…the products to create the trays, the whitening gel and a desensitizing gel. All you have to do is follow the step-by-step instructions to create the molds, send them back and you receive your trays in the mail a couple of weeks later. No appointments, no driving anywhere…it is as easy as Amazon Prime. Once I received the trays, I was pleased to see they fit my teeth perfectly. You simply use the whitening paste and leave on for 45 minutes to 3 hours and, if you need it, the desensitizing gel after. It is that simple. Fortunately, my teeth are not sensitive and I did not need to use the desensitizing gel.

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I was happy with the results. While my teeth are already fairly white, I do feel that this brightened them up nicely. And I can use the trays over and over. Smile Brilliant is permanently being added to my beauty routine since it is a cost effective, convenient and, most importantly, effective method of whitening.

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Before

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After

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If you are interested in learning more about this product check out their other at home teeth whitening reviews. If you order, use coupon code stylelife15 to receive $15 off your order.

Click this link to be entered for a free Smile Brilliant Kit *($139 value). Simply enter your name and email and you are entered to win! www.smilebrilliant.com/g/styleandlife

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If you are looking to incorporate teeth whitening into your beauty routine, try the Smile Brilliant whitening system…I am confident you will be pleased with the results!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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*Giveaway is open for two weeks. Entries must enter through the above link to be counted. Giveaway is for $139 credit- and is open to USA, UK, Canada, and Australia residents. All entries due 11.25.17.

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How to Whiten Your Teeth

f. 11.2017
Hair Care Essentials

Hair Care Essentials

Sooo…stating the obvious, I have a lot of hair. A LOT. I like wearing it long which means I have to take care of it to make sure it stays healthy. I try a lot of different products, but today I am sharing my hair care essentials. In the past, I have strayed from these products but always return because they are effective in keeping my hair in tip top shape.

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Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment

Since I use a blow dryer, straightener, waving wand or curling iron every day, I like to use this treatment once a month to help heal my hair from heat damage. It is made with quinoa protein to strengthen damaged hair. Available at www.aveda.com.

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Aquis Hair Towel

It is true that your hair has the highest chance of being damaged while it is wet than any other time. In order to minimize damage, I use the Aquis Hair Towel. The Aquis towel is more gentle than regular towels and prevents breakage and split ends. It also cuts drying time with the super absorbent drying technology. Available at www.aquis.com.

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Drybar Hair Clips

Like with most things, the key to making your hair look great is being organized. Whether curling or blow drying, I use these Drybar hair clips to separate into sections and then style. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Oribe Soft Lacquer Heat Styling Spray

In addition to the Oribe detangler, I also use this heat styling spray to protect my hair before blow drying. What I like the most about this product is that it does not leave your hair greasy or sticky, but soft and shiny. Available at www.oribe.com.

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Organic Coconut Oil

Once a month I like to do a coconut oil mask on my hair. It takes a bit to shampoo out the next day but the coconut oil is incredibly moisturizing for your hair and scalp. Since I use coconut oil for a variety of beauty purposes, I now buy it in this large size that is available at www.amazon.com.

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The Wet Brush

Truly a lifesaver, this brush saves a ton of time detangling your hair. I have one at home and another in my travel bag because it makes brushing your hair post-shower an absolute breeze. Available at www.thewetbrush.com.

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Hope you found these hair care tips helpful…keep those locks looking gorgeous!

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Bisous,s
Rebecca

f. 2.2017
Beauty Sleep Solutions

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Beauty Sleep Solutions

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This week it has been all about staying in and being cozy…whether that be with cute loungewear or with a delicious meal. Now that the weekend is here, my plans include hanging with the family and getting some much needed R & R. I fully intent on catching up on some much needed beauty sleep and will be using all of the items below.

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Slip Silk Pillowcase

I like to take care of my skin and this pure silk pillowcase is another attempt to do so. These pillowcases are made to minimize sleep creases. Over time, sleep creases cause premature stretching and aging of the skin. Since traditional cotton pillow cases do not give with the skin, the silk will allow your skin to glide resulting in less creasing. It is rumored to be a trick of Old Hollywood movie stars. Available at www.silkslipillowcase.com.

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Eye Mask

I tend to be a light sleeper so when I am determined to sleep in, I always wear an eye mask. Goia Boutique was kind enough to gift me these awesome personalized eye masks and I absolutely love them. They keep the light out and are comfortable on the skin. They make a great gift for any occasion or holiday! Available at www.goia.boutique.

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Nighty Night Tea

I drink several of of Traditional Medicinals teas and on the nights that I need a little extra help relaxing, I will drink a cup of their Nighty Night Tea. It is made of a blend of . A warning…valerian root has a strong smell so beware. Add a bit of manuka honey if you need to sweeten it. Available at a local grocery store or www.amazon.com.

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Lavender Spray

Aura Cacia Relaxing Lavender Spray blends three different types of lavender oils to help create a calm and soothing environment that is ideal for a solid’s night sleep. It is also nice to use while traveling. Available at Amazon, Target or Whole Foods.

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Hope these beauty sleep solutions help you get a good night of sleep!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 27.2017
Fall 2017 Makeup Trends

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Fall 2017 Makeup Trends\s

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If you want to freshen up your fall makeup routine, here are five items that can dramatically change your look. Just a few tweaks and you are good to go!

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Grey Eyeshadow

This Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Color #3 shade is flattering shade of grey and creates a soft smoky eye that is perfect for fall. If you keep it soft and light, you can wear it for day and its easy to layer for a sultry night look. Available at www.saks.com.

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Pastel Colored Eyeshadow

A range of pastel colors…blue, green, purple were all over the runway shows. This Urban Decay color is pretty and fashion forward without being garish. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Black Eyeshadow

For the classic smoky eye, this MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon creates a dark and dramatic look perfect for evenings out. It can also be used as a powder eyeliner. Available at www.saks.com.

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Blurred Lips

There are varying degrees of this trend and I wear the more subtle version. I like it because it gives your makeup a less “done” feel. To create a blurred lip, buff this Anastasia Beverly Hills Pure Hollywood Liquid Lipstick shade into the lips and then apply a gloss in the center of your lips but be sure it does not go to the outer line of the lip…keep the gloss focused in the center of the lip and less as you get near the lip line. Available at www.sephora.com.

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The Red Lip

While I do not often wear a red lip, I am always inspired to wear it during fall. Every year, I find myself buying a new red lipstick to try. This year, I purchased this Jouer Long Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick. It stays on a long time and I periodically add lip balm to keep it from drying out. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

Just a few updates in your regular makeup routine will keep you looking stylish this season!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 18.2017
Fresh Fall Nail Colors

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Fresh Fall Nail Colors

Since Fall is officially in full swing, it it time to update everything…clothing, accessories and now nails. If you are looking a quick and easy way to update your fall look, try one of these fun nail polish options this season.

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Smith & Cult “Darjeeling Darling”

This is a beautiful shade of green…it is an opaque, jaded forest green color. Smith & Cult nail polish is vegan, gluten, paraben, mineral oil, petroleum free. Available at www.smithandcult.com.

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Zoya “Sam”

This luxe dark red is a fall staple and it is my go-to neutral for fall. I like Zoya nail polish because it is formulated without formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl, phthalate, toulene, camphor, TPHP, parabens, xylene, ethyl tosylamide and lead. While I may not quite understand the disadvantages associated with all of those ingredients…I do feel better using a brand that does not contain them. Available at www.zoya.com.

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Zoya “Darcy”

This sunny yellow shade is surprisingly prettier than you may expect and complements many of the warm tones that are popular this fall season. Available at www.zoya.com.

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OPI “Russian Navy”

Any and everything navy feels fresh this fall and this OPI Russian Navy nail polish color is no exception. This shiny deep indigo shade is flattering on almost every skin tone and creates a nice rich hue. Available at www.amazon.com.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 1.2017
Amazing Lashes with One Two Lash

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Amazing Lashes with One Two Lash

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I posted the incredible story about how one of my dear friends invented, yes, invented, the One Two Lash magnetic eyelashes last year shortly after I relaunched Style & Life. Since then, a number of people have reached out and asked me if these actually work. The short answer is-yes, they do! Below, I detail a step-by-step guide so you can see how simple they are to use.

When it comes to photography, I like to wear false eyelashes because they make my eyes stand out. So, I decided to show you the One Two Lash Bold Lash. If it were a regular day, the Originals would be perfect…just enough to boost your look but subtle enough that people would not even realize you were wearing them.

The packaging of this product is positively gorgeous. The luxe black case keeps your lashes protected between wears and is small enough to fit in your purse or suitcase.

One Two Lash has two lashes that sandwich your natural eyelash. You simply apply them at your lash line and the magnet connects them. I like to apply mascara before applying my lashes so I start with mascara application and ensure it is dry before I apply the lashes.

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Step 1: Select the appropriate lashes. I like to place the top lash at the base of my eyelash.

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Step 2: Place the top lash at the base of your eyelash.

Step 3: Place the bottom lash under your lash. The magnet will connect them easily.

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Step 4: I sometimes adjust them a bit just to make sure I like the position and voila! Instant luxurious lashes.

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I am excited to try the One Two Wash, an eye makeup remover that is safe for your lashes and removes your makeup seamlessly.

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These lashes are the quickest and most convenient way to step up your beauty game. Stay gorgeous friends!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 19.2017
My Bathtime Ritual: A Moment of Self-Care

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My Bathtime Ritual:

A Moment of Self-Care

If you read my Healthy Mid Year Resolutions post, I discuss how I am refocusing my energies on my health and fitness goals. In addition to nutritious meals, proper hydration and the right amount of exercise…stress management is another key element to health and wellness. When you are stressed, you do not sleep well…which throws everything off…like getting up early to excercise, preparing a healthy lunch to bring to work…the chocolate craving at 3pm. Everything.

I realized that in order to be successful in achieving these goals, I have to carve out some moments where I am able to fully decompress. When I need to de-stress, one of my favorite things to do is to take a bath. It is a nice moment of zen where the challenges of the day seem to melt away. A nice cup of tea, some fun bath products, a book and some faacial masks sounds like the perfect end to a challenging day. Here are some of my favorite bath products. They can also make a nice gift.

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Body Therapy Kit

From the Canadian brand Kocostar, this Body Therapy Kit contains four treatments that will hydrate, sooth and heal various concerns. A hair, nail, foot and split end therapy creates an evening full of pampering. Available at www.anthropologie.com.

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French Girl Organics: Sea Polish

If my skin needs some deep exfoliation, I use this French Girl Organics Sea Polish This sea polish is a blend of coco butter, sea salt and sugar and leaves skin glowing. Available at www.amazon.com.

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Lush Bath Bombs

One of these days, I will actually take a bath filled with rose petals…just because pictures make it look so amazing. In the meantime, the heart shaped bath bombs shown above are my choice. They smells of rose and jasmine and leave little rosebuds floating in the water. Available at www.lushusa.com.

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Soveral Midsummer Dew Body Oil

Soveral is an incredible skin care line and I use a number of their facial products. This Midsummer Dew Body Oil was the first body product I have tried and was enormously pleased with it. If you are looking for a luxurious and incredibly hydrating post-bath treatment for your body, this oil will not disappoint. Available at www.alexandrasoveral.com.

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Senteurs D’Orient Rough Cut Soap

This soap bar contains raw oat and wheat to gently exfoliate the skin while shea butter and olive oil moisturizes. The almond scent smells delicious. Available at www.netaporter.com.

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L’Occitane Shower Oil

I received this amazing L’Occitane Shoer Oil as a gift from my amazing aunt and have bought it a few more times. You actually use it while in the shower and it cleanses and moisturizes at the same time. Available at www.usa.loccitane.com.

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French Girl Organics: Sea Soak

This sea soak is a blend of four different salts, soothes muscles and smells deliciously of mint, lavender and rosemary. It will make your bathroom smell like a spa. Available at www.amazon.com.

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If you are in need of some relaxing, give one of these a try…you may also enjoy my Sheet Masks, Lip Care or Facial Mask posts. Happy relaxing!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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sPhotography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 3.2017
Why Prime?

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Why Prime?

If you read my recent post where I shared five tips from my makeup artist, I mention that priming the skin is one of the key tricks to elevating your makeup routine. Prior to having my makeup lesson from Aradia Vive, I thought that primer was an unnecessary step and just another product that was being pushed on me.

Once I started using primer, I immediately noticed a difference in how my foundation looked on my skin and how long my makeup lasted. And so did others. Once I started using primer, instead of looking completely washed out by the end of a long work day, my makeup was actually still on.

There are a wide variety of primers on the market…gel, cream and powder based. The most important thing is to find one that you like and works with your foundation. It will help smooth out problem areas, fill in wrinkles and even add another layer of SPF. The ones featured are three different primers I use. Be sure to buff them into your face with a brush…I like the Sigma Kabuki F80 Brush, which is also the brush I use for applying my foundation.

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Lightweight

If you are sensitive to how formulas feel on your face, then this Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is an excellent option for you. This weightless, silky formula looks beautiful under all foundations and even tinted moisturizers. It corrects redness, fills in smooth lines and contains SPF 15 for added protection. Available at www.netaporter.com.

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Medium

I like to use this Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer when I am meeting friends for drinks or for date night with my husband. There is something very flattering with the natural finish it creates on the skin. There are a variety of options in this primer-color correcting, radiance and a version that contains SPF. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Thicker
The POREfessional face primer from Benefit Cosmetics is a beauty cult classic. This primer is much thicker than the others and has a consistency that is more like a balm. While it may have a thicker feel, it is extremely effective…it definitely helps my makeup last all day. As advertised, it truly minimizes pores and gives your skin a smooth appearance. It can also be applied on top of your make up (dabbed on in specific spots) if you need to further reduce pores. I use this for long days at the office or when I am traveling so I can maintain my foundation as long as possible. Available at www.ulta.com.

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Eyeshadow Primer
I apply this NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base while my face primer is drying. This keeps my eyeshadow looking as fresh at the end of the day as it does at the beginning. You only need to use a tiny amount for application…for reference, one of the tubes lasts me approximately six months. Available at www.sephora.com.

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If you have not tried priming before, give it a try, your makeup will definitely look better!

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Bisous,

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Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 23.2017