Dear Dawn: How do you get that glow?

Posted on July 16, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

I notice that you always have a glow. How do you get that? Can I please get that? I don’t want to mess it up and look like my 80s prom picture.

xoxo,

(Reamy W.)

Dear Reamy W.,

Why, thank you!

It’s soooo easy to get “that glow” when there are so many illuminating/glow-getting products on the market today. People are fearful of looking frosty or ashy, they tell me. That is the shimmer of the past. Today’s shimmer is glowing, dewy, fresh and YOUTHFUL!

Here’s your BeautyFrosting “Glow” Recipe:

Start with moisturized skin. Illuminators will cause parched skin to look downright desert-like. So be sure to press your favorite moisturizer or oil (I’ve been using Creme de La Mer for 16 years) into your skin.

Follow with a tinted sunscreen. I love Bobbi Brown’s Extra SPF 25 Tinted Balm for dry skin, Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

or Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer.

Then grab your favorite blender brush (I love Armani’s) and one of the following illuminators: Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer #3

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer #3 ($22)

or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector.

Brush on the tops of cheekbones (right below the eye socket) for a youthful dewy glow and on “bow” of lips which makes your lips look fuller and makes the color pop!

You’ll be glowing, effortlessly, in no time!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What is your favorite way to achieve your own personal “glow”?

*This Dear Dawn was originally posted April 9th, 2012.

Mailbox Monday: Dear Dawn – Mom Makeup

Posted on July 9, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Hi y’all!

One of the most common questions I get in “Dear Dawn” is a lot like this one. This is for all you beautiful moms out there!

Dear Dawn,

I love all of your beauty advice on BeautyFrosting. And I love reading about your life too! It’s fun for a mom like me to live vicariously through your life! While I would love to take baths every night or spend 30 minutes on my makeup, I simply don’t have the luxury of time. Can you give me some quick tips about applying makeup so that I don’t have to reapply? I usually have less than 5 minutes in the morning to myself. I bet there are a lot of moms out there, like me, who would love to look their best but just don’t have the time. Thanks so much and keep the beauty, baking & being fun coming!

Thank you,

Mallory K.

Hi Mallory K.,
Thank you so much for your question! And you’re right! There are A LOT of moms out there who want to know a quick morning makeup routine that can make them their beautiful best every day. Best part? It’s easy-peasy.

My good neighbor-friend and mother of 2 beautiful girls, Jennifer, was sweet enough to help me show you how to achieve easy, effortless, lasting “beautiful you” Mom beauty.

Jennifer & one of her gorgeous daughters, Lucy

Here’s your go-to guide for every day carpool beauty in under 5 minutes with 6 beauty tools in your Super Mom beauty arsenal.

Here’s Jennifer au naturel prior to her “Beautiful Best Mom Makeover”. Beautiful!

Naturally Beautiful Mom, Jennifer

And after, Beautiful BEST!

5-minute Mom beauty

I’m listing the products in order of priority. Even if you’ve only got 2 minutes before carpool, you can easily get a little beachy bronze color on your face, glowing skin and a defined neutral lip.

1) Bobbi Brown EXTRA Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($52)

No matter how much of a rush you’re in, slather on that sunscreen. This is my FAVORITE tinted balm because it leaves you protected while giving you dewy, glowing, younger-looking skin. Who doesn’t want that? And a little goes along way so even though the price seems a little pricey, you’ll be using this for 3-6 months. And it is worth every penny!

Bobbi Brown EXTRA Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($52)

2) Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40)

This is your one-stop shop for eyes and cheeks. When you just have time to use one product, this is my go-to. It can be used as a bronzer on your cheeks and cheekbones. It can be applied to your eyelids for a natural glow. The darker tones can be used to define the crease and add a depth of color to the lids. The lightest color on top is perfect for brightening the inner corner of the eye!

Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40)

3) Revlon ColorStay Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm ($8.99)

I love these super nifty lipstain/balm combos to help naturally shape the lip and moisturize with a balmy sheen. Naturally defined, moisturized lips? Yes please. I particularly like the shade, Instinct, for its true nude tone.

Revlon ColorStay Just Bitten in Instinct

4) Maybelline The Falsies Volum Express 24 Hour Waterproof Mascara in Black Drama

Fuller lashes. No smudging. No running. Love.

Volum Express "The Falsies" Waterproof Mascara in Black Drama

5) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

This crease-proof concealer is not only a great cover for dark circles but TREATS your skin concerns. All-in-one beauty best!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser ($8.94 - $10.99)

6) Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks & Lips in Pale Pink ($25)

I love using this as a pop of color on top of the Revlon lip stain & balm and as a lasting pop of color on the cheek under the Bronze Shimmer Brick. It seems to serve as an anchor to any powdered blush, bronzer or highlighter that’s applied on top of it. Bonus! It’ll last you forever as it just takes a smidge!

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheeks & Lips in Pale Pink ($25)

Jennifer is loving her quick morning makeup routine and she never misses a moment with her two beautiful girls!

xoxo,

BF Asks: Hey Moms! What are your favorite beauty tips? Your fellow Moms out there want to know!

Mailbox Monday: Dear Dawn

Posted on June 25, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

Please tell me where you get the charm necklaces we see you wear on BeautyFrosting. I’m particularly in love with the heart necklace (in a pic I saw), the sideways cross (in a FREEday Friday post) and the cupcake!! I’m thinking they would be the perfect Graduation/Rush gifts! Please share asap. Thank you!

xoxo,

Molly T.

Dear Molly T.,

I’m so flattered you noticed my necklaces.

Have I got a tip for you!! You’re gonna love me for this one, Molly.

And I agree! These are the PERRRFECT gifts for graduation, rush or even just a friend’s birthday. At under $20 (!!!!!), they are friendly to any beauty’s budget!

I found this beautiful and budget-friendly private line of jewelery, Flea Market Girl, at a Schecky’s Girls Night Out in Santa Monica in April. I had an extreeeeemely limited budget but ended up buying 4 necklaces for gifts for under $40. Wowza!! I’d been looking for dainty charm necklaces for a while and they were all too rich for me at over $200. Yikes!

So when I found Flea Market Girl, I was a happy, happy girl!!

For those who may be a little less observant than you, here are a few photos of the charms you’re asking about:

The Sideways Cross Necklace

Flea Market Girl Cross (seen in bottom right picture)

Sideways Small Bronze Cross Necklace from Flea Market Girl ($15)

The Cupcake

Flea Market Girl Cupcake

Gold plated Brass Cupcake Charm Necklace from Flea Market Girl ($7.50)

Heart Necklace

Brass Heart Necklace from Flea Market Girl ($12)

Brass Heart Necklace from Flea Market Girl ($12)

Texas (& other state charms)

Texas Gold-plated Brass Charm from Flea Market Girl ($7.50)

And I got this lovely sideways cross bracelet from FMG too!

Sideways Cross Bracelet from Flea Market Girl ($15)

To get your dainty, stylish jewelry, visit www.FleaMarketGirl.com

Hope that answers all your questions (and more!), Molly T!
Please let me know what fun Flea Market Girl jewelry you end up with!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What jewelry have you been hunting for? Let me know and I’ll keep my expert shopper’s eye out for it!

Mailbox Monday: Dear Dawn – Waterless beauty

Posted on June 11, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

I am living in Alaska in a tent this summer, and I won’t have any running water. I have access to showers but they will not be an every day luxury for me. How can I keep my skin and hair looking and feeling healthy and clean with out running water? Any advice is much appreciated!!

xoxoxoxo,

Nikki

Dear Nikki,

First of all, WOW!! I am so impressed with the adventure it sounds like you have ahead of you. Enjoy every minute! Second of all, I have to say I’m glad it’s not me! I am a wimp about the outdoors. I admit it.

But on those occasions where camping or being outdoorsy do come up, I have some tried-and-true tips that I stick to.

So here you go! May these beauty products be your best friends in the wild…um, along with some solid mosquito repellent!

Water-Free Best Friends #1: DRY SHAMPOO

Water-free hair cleansing is a must. I highly recommend dry shampoo for situations like yours or for when we need a little beauty boost in between washing. I am a big fan of the TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo.

TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo

It pumps up your lifeless locks into fabulous, full-bodied hair – all without water! It helps to remove the oil, residue and scent that unwashed hair can leave.

I would suggest using a dry shampoo product like this 2-4 times/week and then giving your locks a deep cleanse and deep conditioning treatment on the weekend. Be sure to massage the scalp as you wash! If your hair still feels heavy, another tip is to wash & rinse hair once, then condition and rinse out and wash hair again. That’s right! If you have fine hair, shampoo again AFTER applying conditioner to reduce the weighed down effect some conditioners can leave.

Water-Free Best Friends #2: Facial Cleansing Cloths

No matter where you are, proper skincare is a must. So that means no going to bed without washing your face!

Since water isn’t an option for you, cleansing cloths are the way to go!

I recommend keeping them by your bedside right next to your moisturizer so all you have to do is reach out and remember your routine right before bed.

One of my favorites is:

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes-Hydrating

For only $6.99, these little beauties remove dirt, oil and makeup – yes, even waterproof – while lightly hydrating your parched skin. No water needed.

Again, I would recommend that you really wash and exfoliate when you do get to take that shower.

You can also use No Rinse Cleansing & Deodorizing Bathing Wipes on your body to feel a little fresher between showers.

No-Rinse Cleansing & Deodorizing Bathing Wipes ($3.99 for 8-count)

And lastly…

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN!!!
I know when you feel a little less clean than usual, the idea of applying sunscreen can seem like a yucky idea.

It’s not. Get a good, non-greasy, high SPF sunscreen to keep your skin safe.

I personally love Cotz Sunscreen SPF 58 ($16.99) because it’s good for sensitive skin.

Cotz Sunscreen SPF 58 ($16.99)

As someone very sensitive to SPF, this one does the trick without making me break out into hives. If your skin is not so sensitive, Neutrogena makes great sunscreens that dermatologists always recommend!

Hope that helps, Nikki!

Have an amazing adventure, be good to yourself and take care of you…oh, and send us urban dwellers some pictures!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What camping-friendly products would you recommend to Nikki?

Mailbox Monday: Dear Dawn – Favorite Beauty Tip?

Posted on April 2, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

What is your favorite beauty trick that we might not know about?

Thanks!

(Britt P.)

Dear Britt,

Hmmm…there are a few and I’m always learning more! But here’s my favorite trick that most of my friends and clients don’t know of until we have a little pow-wow about it.

And once they hear about it and try it out, they’re ADDICTED!

Addicted to what?

The 3 step lash.

Step 1) Prime lashes with a mascara primer such as

Tarte MultiplEYE Lash-Enhancing Primer ($22)

Tarte MultiplEYE lash-enhancing primer

Makeup Forever Lash Fibers ($20)

Makeup Forever Lash Fibers

2) Curl Lashes with your favorite Eyelash curler. Hold curl for 20 seconds on each primed eye.

3) Apply your favorite mascara. My favorite mascara, of the moment, is Tarte gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara ($19)!

Tarte Smart Amazonian Clay Mascara ($19)

It increases volume by 121% instantly!! And it really does. 91% of users also saw healthier lashes within 3 weeks. I don’t wear false eyelashes nearly as much as I used to. Love this stuff! And everyone I’ve told about it LOOOOOVES it too!
FYI, Here’s a BEFORE and AFTER using the process above:

BEFORE:

BEFORE 3-step Lash

AFTER:

AFTER 3-Step Lash

Hope that helps, Britt!

Please let me know your experience with the 3-step lash! Send me a pic!

Have a great week, beauties!

xoxo,
BF

BF ASKS: What is your favorite secret beauty tip?

Mailbox Monday: Dear Dawn – Lip Color fit for a Bride

Posted on March 26, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

I am getting married in the Fall and there are lots of events coming up this summer in anticipation of the big day. That sounds great, right? Well, I have one little problem. I need lip color help stat! We have pictures coming up and I have no idea what my lips should wear. I have long dark brown hair, brown eyes and fair skin. Thoughts?

(Meg F)

Hi Meg,
What an exciting time in your life! Congratulations!! And it’s the perfect time to discover your signature lip color. I always say that your wedding day should be you at your beautiful best. You don’t want to try to look like someone else but simply be the best version of yourself. That’s who he fell in love with, after all, isn’t it?

Also, it’s good to establish an everyday shade that makes you feel like the pretty beauty you are and then, if you decide, you can step up the color a bit for the big day. But for engagement parties/showers/rehearsal dinner/photos, etc., I think it’s good to aim for subtle color.

So, on that note, let’s talk shades. From the details you provided, I would suggest trying a blue-based pink, lilac or a sheer-cherry popsicle-fizzy red. Here are a few that you simply cannot go wrong with:

Blue-Based Pinks:

Lipstick Queen Glossy Pencil in Crime ($20)

This true-bridal pink is sure to please for pictures!

Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Tint in Amused ($24)

Sheer-Cherry Popsicle-Fizzy Red – by fizzy, I mean shimmering, of course!

Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Luster in Fever ($24)

Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Luster in Fever

Try these shades out over the next few months. When you wear a color that makes you feel both comfortable and pretty and that brings out your best features, you know you’ve found the “right one”. It’s a lot like love that way!

BF Tip: Take pics with your trial lip colors on phone see how you look in varying shades of light. You might find that the color you love to wear everyday (like that bare nude that looks oh-so-natural) might just wash you out in pictures. See what color makes you glow and look like the happy bride-to-be that you truly are!

Enjoy this magical time, Meg! And please send pics of your lovely lip colors along the way!

xoxo,

Dawn

p.s. Don’t forget about our amazing Kai giveaway going on through Thursday at 5pm (PST). A winner will be announced on Friday, March 30th! The winner will win $261 products of Kai!

Dear Dawn: Dry & Red Skin & Another Birthday on the Horizon – Help!

Posted on March 19, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

I am about to turn another year older and I am tired of my skin care regimen. I have lots of red in my skin and it seems to be so dry. Any suggestions, BF?

Shelby P & her little beauty

Dear Shelby P,

Yes! Well, judging from the precious pic above, it looks like you have your hands full with that little beauty of yours! Which, I imagine, makes your own beauty routine take a backseat many a night.

DD to the rescue! Maybe that’s a little dramatic. I’m no superhero but I think, in this case, I can be of some help. The first thing you need to know, and have faith in, is that there is a solution. We just have to find the perfect recipe that works for your skin.

I have both clients and friends who have had this EXACT concern. They are affected by weather changes, climate changes, foods, wines, stress – by a lot.

My first suggestion is a biggie: try sleeping with your head elevated on 2 pillows. This is a must for skin conditions such as redness, rosacea and puffiness.

My second suggestion is to limit alcohol, excessive caffeine, highly acidic fruits and chocolate.

My third suggestion is to take supplements. Many people, including yours truly find them super helpful. I would suggest Krill oil and an mega-acidophilus supplement, such as Natren Healthy Trinity. Many times taking these produce almost immediate results!

Now that that’s out of the way, on to the fun stuff. THE PRODUCTS!!!!

Many people have found relief with Clinique Redness Solutions. If you haven’t tried that yet, start there. You can get a Clinique Redness Solutions kit, to try it all in one fell swoop (the soothing cleanser, relief cream and SPF 15 protective base), for only $39.50 at Sephora. Click this link to buy: Clinique Redness Solutions Kit.

Clinique Redness Solutions Kit $39.50

Clinique still reigns supreme as head redness fighter in the beauty world simply because it works for so many people and sells for such a reasonable price point.

If you have already tried that, here are some ingredients that I would use to bake up your perfect skincare recipe:

Skincare Recipe for Shelby P:

Morning:
Do not wash face.
If you shower, splash with lukewarm or cool water. No scrubbing. Pat dry.

Apply oil ( try Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil - buy it for $10.34 by clicking on this link).

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

Apply serum (Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum - buy for $55 by clicking on this link). Bonus? This doubles as a beautiful slip of a makeup/sunscreen primer!

Wexler MMPI.20 Skin Regenerating Serum

Apply SPF cream (Clinique Protective Base SPF 15 or Avene Redness SPF 25 $33)

Night:

Wash face with gentle cleanser like Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser, Eucerin Soothing Cleanser Redness Relief (which is $7.55 on this Amazon link) or Avene Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin (buy it for $22 and receive samples by clicking on this link to Beauty Collection).

Avene Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin at Beauty Collection

Apply oil (again, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil)

Apply anti-aging serum (like Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum) which is amazing for sensitive skin like yours and mine. And it feels deeeeeluxe and deeeeelish!

Apply eye cream of choice (if you don’t have one, ask me!).

Apply rich moisturizer like: Clinique Repair Cream, Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream ($11.94 on this Amazon link) or Avene Cream for Intolerant Skin.

*Note:

I’ve also been a big fan of Creme de La Mer for 16 years. So if you are needing a solution, try a sample and see if it’s an option for your skin type.

DDF Redness Relief is another treatment clients have loved.

DDF Redness Relief

Think of the oil and serum as your anti-aging ingredients and the moisturizers and cleansers as your soothing treatments for redness.

In terms of concealing the redness, this is my philosophy: don’t try to cover up all the time. Leave your skin plenty of time to breathe, be treated with the above ingredients and heal.
So while you’re trying this new skincare recipe, I would recommend using concealing makeup only when totally necessary. When you do, try the Allure 2011 Best of Beauty Winner, Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder $32.50.

The pale yellow powder neutralizes the redness rather than just covering it up. I am not a big fan of mineral makeup all the time – quite the contrary, actually- but when it comes to dependable concealing, it is hard to beat.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder $32.50

Shelby P, please let me know what ingredients work as we try these products to find your perfect skincare recipe! I can’t wait to hear back in a week or so!

Cheers to beautiful, younger-looking, less pink skin and a more PINK LIFE!!

xoxo,
Dawn/BF

BF Asks: What is your skincare concern?