I use colors I have, and just change things up a bit. It always works, and saves me $$$!

i just found a new way to get out of my rut: http://fairytale22.org/dusty wait some seconds,and You will see the new list. i discovered this today... maybe You know about this since ages Christine,but if not,it is really worth a look :-DDDD let me know how You like it :-D

i read Temptalia of course :-D You really helped me to get out of my makeup rut,with the countless gorgeous color combos,looks,tuts... and i have another trick: i put those colors,that i use frequently away after a time,so i force myself to use new combos.

Look through *make-up blogs, esp urs *magazine sites, glamour.com, etc *look at cosmetics sites, for face charts *go to mac_c

i look at websites and mags to keep me updated of make up techniques and new products with a different twist. mixing and matching colors is easy when you imagine what you want to get. i also practice putting make up weekly even if i'm just staying at home.

I tend to keep magazines...cosmo,cosmo girl, allure ect... and flip through the pages. I often will copy looks.. Having so many clients that give you free range helps the creativity coming...I hardley get in a rut.

i go through the specktra FOTDs!

I avoid buying more lol. I just look in my stash and try on stuff i havent worn in a while. I kinda make a point to use the stuff and make it work. I hate buying stuff and not using it.

Last year when I was in a mega make-up rut I hit the MAC counter (which is how I became a fan) and asked for help with creating a look for a party I was attending. The MA created the look from beginning to end and of course I bought almost everything she suggested. It was really helpful to tell her that I was in a rut, since it stopped her from asking me over and over again (it drives me nuts when the MA asks me what I want...if I knew I wouldn't be asking for help DUH) what colors I usually wear. Even though she picked out colors I wouldn't wear daily it was really helpful to get new ideas from a different point of view. I also think its helpful to ask MA's for suggestions of colors they think would be flattering...though I have had some mixed results with that, either way it helps me to get new and different ideas from someone who knows make-up and colors:)

I like to just jump right in. I agree with the other posters that it helps to try a color combination that you would have never considered or wear something in a new way. It gets your mind working again and helps you break the monotony.

I just dig up colors I haven't used in awhile and do a color makeover. I switch between a no-crease vs. a crease look too. Or I can just go buy new stuff! =D

Every Halloween I go to the MAC counter and tell the makeup artists to do whatever they want to match my outfit(it's always an outfit/costume). Last year sparked my love of blue eyeshadows and liners, which I still haven't explored as much as I want to. This year has given me a red/berry lip(Rebel). I wear it almost every day now and I've never been one for lipstick.

I've found that playing with colors I wouldn't normally wear helps me rediscover my creativity. Even if it's just digging around in my makeup case and trying something I haven't worn in a while because it's too bright, or too dark, or I just don't like it, or going to the store to pick up a cheap shadow or blush that I wouldn't normally try, and figuring out a way to apply it so that I'm not embarrassed to wear it out helps.

Ha..how true your comments are! Just checking out the new MAC products & the suggested looks (as well as magazine photos)and of course checking Temptalia site out, helps to keep us refreshing any out-dated looks & make up application.