How do you like to do your eyeliner? Liquid, pencil, kohl? Upper, lower, both? What’s your liner style?

Here is a great work-safe look from Carrie!

• Eyes: Satin Taupe all over lid, Innuendo in crease, Mylar as highlight, Earthline technakohl as liner, black mascara (Lancome Courbe Virtuose, i think?)
• Face: Select liquid foundation, Loreal Shimmer of Hope powder as contour and around edges of face, no blush
• Lips: Masque l/s with a little bit of Energy 3D glass (blotted to reduce shimmer)

See more photos… Continue reading →

What products do you use on your body? Are you well-versed in body butters and lotions? Do you make sure to use firmers, sculpters, or anti-aging products on your body? Are you all about scrubs and loofahs?

What exactly is mineral makeup?

Mineral makeup are products that contain all natural minerals found in the earth. It lacks certain ingredients like preservatives, chemicals, and dyes that are prevelant in the typical cosmetic market. With the push for eco-friendly makeup, green makeup, and simply trying to go more natural with our beauty routines, mineral makeup has really taken off.

Is it better for you?

This is still a debatable subject. It really depends just how natural or organic your makeup is, and whether or not is has been qualified by an organization to have met certain, rigorous standards. Some say that the ingredients found in mineral makeup have been used for decades in traditional makeup. Others point out the fact that there are simply less ingredients, especially known irritants and comedogenics, which make it better for the skin.

Who might like it?

• Those with sensitive skin may find this a great alternative because many mineral makeup lines that are available have significantly less potentially irritating ingredients.
• Those with acne-prone skin may find the lack of comedogenic ingredients a huge plus, because they don’t have to think about which of the many comedogenic ingredients are causing their breakouts. Instead, they make the switch to mineral. Of course, it will depend on the cause, type, prevalence, and an assortment of factors, on whether or not mineral makeup solves your acne issues or if it is only part of the solution.
• Those with oilier skin may find that the wide range of mineral powders appealing. Of course, many mineral powders are milled so finely that dry skin can get away with it, and with the popularity of natural makeup, companies have started producing liquid and cream versions.
• Those who hate the feel of foundation or powders. Mineral makeup does tend to be lighter, especially because it is such a finely milled powder product.

You’re going to have to do your homework.

If you really want it to be natural or organic or truly mineral, you have to pay attention to ingredient lists, company philosophies, and have a keen eye to see whether brands are touting themselves as approved or guaranteed or some sort of message that conveys their ingredients have undergone inspection or verification.

Watch for questionable ingredients like bismuth, which many people have skin issues with, and it is technically considered a mineral ingredient. Bismuth is a skin irritant for some, and it has been known to contribute to acne. Many products use bismuth to help add bulk to them. Like most potentially irritating ingredients, if it is listed towards the end of the ingredient list, it is likely to be a non-issue.

How do you feel about mineral makeup? Do you think it’s better for your skin as its often touted?

Temptalia’s Guide to Everything Summer | Wedding Makeup, Sunscreen, Suncare, Tanning, Self-tanner, Bronzers, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, and Prom 2008

Bridal & Wedding Makeup:

• Basic Makeup Tips & Advice
• All About the Skin
• All About the Skin – Product Recommendations
• All About the Eyes
• All About the Eyes – Product Recommendations
• All About the Lips
• All About the Lips – Product Recommendations
• All About the Body & Nails
• All About the Body & Nails – Product Recommendations

Sunscreen 101 Series:

• Introduction to Sunscreen, UVA/UVB
• Spray On SPF
• Water Resistant SPF 30+
• SPF 30 & Higher
• SPF 30 & Higher with Moisturizer
• Fitzpatrick Classification

Tanning 101 Series

• Preparation
• Application
• Maintenance

Bronzers 101 Series

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Earth Day 2008

• Eco-Friendly Beauty for 2008

Mother’s Day 2008

• Gift Giving Ideas Pt. I
• Gift Giving Ideas Pt. II

Prom 2008

• Prom Makeup for Teal & Purple Dresses
• Prom Makeup for Peach and Gold Dresses
• Prom Makeup for Yellow Dresses
• Prom Makeup for White Dresses
• Prom Makeup for Red Dresses

Hope you enjoy these guides! (We have a few more guides and focused posts to write as summer really revvs up, so periodically check this post for updates!)