Stuck in a Rut? Let Me Pull You Out.

I get bored easily but I am also a creature of habit. One of the things I do love to switch up and experiment with is my makeup and hair. It can totally change your appearance. One of the best things about being a woman...we never have to look the same way! We all get in our comfort zones though and I know so many women that do the same thing day after day, year after year.

Are you stuck in a rut? Let me pull you out!

A great time to experiment with your looks is when the seasons change. Think about it, being bronzed and golden is gorgeous in the summer but once the winter months roll around, it seems a bit out of place. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for a good tan and sparkly summer shadows, but I try to phase it out once the gloves come out.

Here are some tips and things to try during the winter months.

Prime your canvas
If you've never tried a makeup primer, winter is a great time. Your skin tends to be drier in the winter. Putting foundation on dry skin is tricky, it can accentuate it more than hide it. Put your moisturizer on first and then slick on a primer. It will help to hold your moisturizer in and it gives your face a better surface to start with.

Laying a foundation
Your skin is most likely paler this time of year. It's important to match the color the best you can. The other important thing to look for is something that is creamier than your usual makeup. You want to keep your skin moisturized so choose a foundation with oil in it. Even if you have oily skin, it's a good idea. What you need to make sure you do is remove your makeup at the end of the day. That's what causes an issue.

You're making me blush

I love a cream blush. It provides a more natural look. Think of how your cheeks look when you've just been outside in the cold. That's what you want to achieve. Skip the bronzer. Go with colors like a berry or mauve. Redheads like me, go more towards a coral tone. I love to contour my cheekbones for a more sculpted look. To accomplish this, hold your fingers like I have them in the picture. 

1. Highlighter above the top finger.
2. Your normal blush in between your two fingers
3.Then underneath your bottom finger (in the hollow of your cheeks, when you suck them in), put a little darker blush color.
4. Blend well with a brush so that the lines aren't sharp.

My what beautiful eyes you have

Skip the pale sparkly shades for winter. They will wash you right out. This time of year is perfect for trying browns, greys and jewel tones. You can find great color combos to make it easier. Black eyeliner is always a good choice but I like to experiment with plum, navy, hunter green and brown too. If you don't want a harsh line on your lower lid, use a small angled brush and use eyeshadow instead for a more smudged look. Add a nice thickening mascara or falsies to finish it off.

Lips of an angel
I'll be honest. Lipstick is the hardest thing for me. I have full lips, so I tend to stick with my lip shade but glossier because I don't want my lips to enter the room before I do. It takes a lot for me to veer away from my comfort zone. If you want to experiment, the winter is a great time for rich berries and plum shades. They will enhance the overall color in your face, plus because they are a blue base color, your teeth will look whiter. Score! You can always try a gloss version if lipstick scares you. Everyone can wear red lip color too. You just have to pick the right shade for your skin tone.

Play around with your look. Most importantly, have fun experimenting. One of the great things about this time of year, when it comes to your beauty routine, is that so many companies put together special kits and palettes for gift giving. You can score some great deals too. So why not, give yourself the gift of winter beauty and scoop up some new
things just for you.

xo
Bethany