5 Makeup Tips to Look Instantly More Awake

Just because we gained an extra hour of sleep doesn't mean we can't use a little help to look bright eyed.  I for one, am not a morning person! Here are five makeup tips that'll make you look instantly more awake.

Shrink bags with constricting ingredients.  All eye creams are not created equal. Make sure your eye cream has ingredients like caffeine or green tea.  They help to automatically shrink under eye bags.

Massage your face in the morning.  You can use face oil or even use your moisurizer and take the time to work your hands from the inside out on your forehead, cheeks and jawline.  Do this a few times and you'll instantly de-puff.

Use nude eyeliner.  Line your bottom inner rims with a nude eyeliner pencil to cancel out the red in and around your eyes.

Curl your lashes. Most people skip this crucial step in their makeup routine, but it's the easiest thing you can do to open up your eyes.

Pluck your brows.  Have a professional put a nice arch in your brows once and you can maintain it yourself. Your brows frame your face and an arch will draw any attention upwards like an instant face lift.

Red Carpet Ready: Country Music Awards

This weekend I found myself wondering, what does one wear to a red carpet event in Nashville?  Why?  Because this week I'll be attending the Country Music Awards on behalf of Colgate Optic White!  Yes, not just any red carpet event, but the CMA's so if you're a fan of country music (hello, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood), make sure you follow along my live tweet from the show and check out my Instagram for behind the scenes pics.  So what am I doing to prep?  These five simple things that you can try in order to look fab for any occasion.

1. Use Self Tanner - I'm using a trifecta of self tanners to make sure I have a red carpet glow that can compete with J. Lo - not so much to look dark (it is November), but think more of a healthy glow.  A self tan not only helps to bring more life to your look, but also makes your legs and arms look leaner and more toned.  Guaranteed Carrie Underwood will be glowing as well.

2. Boost Your Smile - Naturally, the Colgate team sent me everything I need to make sure my smile is in check for the big event.  Daily, I've been brushing with their Optic White PLATINUM Whiten & Protect Toothpaste and then using the Optic White WhiteSeal Mouthwash.  Ever since I've had Invisalign and achieved a perfect smile, I've been anal about taking care of my teeth.  Before big events, definitely boost the whitening factor.

3. Apply a Face Mask - I like to apply a moisturizing mask after I travel to help plump up my skin, but also before any big event to prep it before I put makeup on.  Try applying a thick layer of whole milk yogurt to your face and let it sit for 20 minutes.  It acts like an anti-aging and moisturizing treatment, because yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps to slough off dead skin cells and shrink the appearance of large pores.

4. Add Lashes - Adding a few individual false lashes to the outer corners of my eyes is my #1 secret for going from everyday to glam.  Don't be afraid of the application.  It's easier than you think and you only need three or four on each eye to make a big difference.

4. Find a Dress - I used Rent the Runway to find a dress that's fun, yet appropriate for the red carpet event.  The idea of being able to rent and return a dress is genius to me, because after being photographed in a dress, I don't normally like wearing it again to another big event.

 *This post is sponsored by Colgate, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

How to Embrace the Neon Beauty Trend

Neon makeup is still happening and we’re seriously loving it. Neon pink cat eyes were seen on Chanel's Fall 2014 runway and for the Spring 2015 season, we saw bottom orange liner at Peter Som and neon blue eye shadow at Honor. While the neon beauty trend may not be the most practical choice, there are ways to pull it off. Try some of these products to rock it in the most gorgeous way possible.

Deborah Lippmann 80’s Rewind Nail Polish Collection 

Nails are a great place to wear neon colors. As huge fans of Deborah Lippmann, there are three key colors from her limited edition 80’s Rewind Collection that are the perfect way to embrace the neon beauty trend. Manic, a glossy bright purple; Don’t Stop Believing, a bold spin on a classic red; and She Drives Me Crazy, a high pigmented teal with an opaque finish.

Mark Neon Kisses Sheer Lip Glosses

Lips are another great place to wear bright colors. While these lip gloss colors may seem a bit intimidating, they apply just the right amount of coloring – sheer like jelly shoes. Not only do they add the perfect tint of color, they’re soft unlike those sticky glosses you’re used to wearing.

Urban Decay 27/7 Glide-On Pencil 

These pencil eyeliner actually have a creamy finish that allows the liner to deliver high-pigmented color. Some of the neon colors in the collection are Chaos, a matte vibrant cobalt blue; Woodstock, a sparkling hot pink; and Freak, a bright bold green with a hint of shimmer.

Eye Makeup Must Haves

As you may see on my Instagram, tons of new fall makeup has been hitting my desk and making into my makeup bag, but these three pieces of eye makeup are for sure worth highlighting. Thanks to them, my brow, lash and shadow game has been upgraded. Looking to update your makeup bag for fall?  Check out my video.

Beauty Secrets of the Rockettes

Can you believe it's almost time to prepare for the holiday season?  I'm writing this from sunny California, where it's 80 degrees and I can't even begin to think about snow.  Last week however, I found myself in a kick line with the Rockettes at their rehearsal studio in Radio City Music Hall learning the moves to one of their Christmas Spectacular performances thanks to POND'S.  Ever wonder what it's like to be a Rockette?  How about some of their beauty secrets?  I got you covered.  Hint: They do their own makeup!

That's right, NYC's Radio City Rockettes do their own makeup for every performance.  I found that shocking, especially since their iconic red lips are always perfectly painted and smudge-proof, which is not an easy task for a performer.  Post performance, they remove their stage makeup with POND'S – specifically the Cold Cream Cleanser and Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes, because they remove makeup easily and moisturize at the same time leaving their skin soft and pampered.

Besides having great skin, Rockettes are known for having amazing legs! I spoke with Rockette, Sierra Ring to find out the secrets behind their gams.  Our interview went something like this:

Oliptical or Stairmaster

Wax or Shave

Lotion or Oil

Stockings or Bare Legs

Heels or Flats

Self tan or Sun tan

Shorts or Short Shorts

Red Pedi or Nude Pedi

Fun facts huh?  Want to see the Rockettes at Radio City this year?  Enter the POND'S + Rockettes NYC Holiday Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win tickets and join our Twitter chat on Monday, November 3rd using #PONDSperforms.  I'll leave you with this adorable video that'll make you want to start your own kick line.

*This post is sponsored by POND'S, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

5 Benefits of Beauty Oil

We here at BeautySweetSpot cannot live without our favorite beauty oils (hello, Rodin Olio Lusso). They provide us with so many health and beauty benefits, but the best part is that just one small drop can get the job done, and the job done well.  Here are just five reasons you need to keep oil in your vanity in order to survive the dry winter months.

1. Lock in Moisture

Not only does beauty oil provide you with super soft skin, but they actually lock moisture in to provide longer all-day nourishment. You can mix it into your moisturizer or apply it as is after a warm shower and you’re skin will seriously thank you this winter.

2. Prep Your Lips

Oil is a key ingredient in a lot of DIY beauty recipes. Mix a little brown sugar in some olive oil and use it as an exfoliating lip balm. You’re lips will benefit from the exfoliating and moisturizing aspects of this recipe and it's great to do as prep before putting on your lipstick.

3. Remove Makeup

Run out of eye makeup remover?  Oil can break down your eye makeup while remaining gentle enough to keep from irritating your eyes.

4. Prevent Ingrowns

Using beauty oil before shaving preps the skin for a clean, smooth shave while moisturizing. This will leave your skin post-shave feeling sleek and refreshed.

5. Strengthen and Condition Your Hair

Beauty oils aren’t just for your skin. They can also seriously strengthen and condition your hair. Just apply a small drop to your palms and rub them through the ends of your hair. Once you apply, the hair absorbs it all in so there’s no need to continue packing it on.

Of course, we understand that you might be hesitant about applying oil directly to your face or in your hair as it sounds like it would do more damage then good. But trust us on this one, we wouldn't steer you wrong.  Check out this post for some oil suggestions.

How to Be a Dove 'Real Woman'

Ever wonder what goes into a "real women" casting?  I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the new Dove Beauty Bar Beauty Chain Campaign shoot, which is a video thanking the women who use Dove, to talk to some of the ladies involved. Not only did I find out about the casting process, but also how you can be a part of it. 

Through word of mouth, 75 women attended a casting and 22 of them were shot for the Dove Beauty Bar Beauty Chain campaign.  As a Dove girl myself, I knew exactly what they were looking for and wasn't surprised when I arrived on set and met Sheri Adams of San Francisco, a mother of four and Renata Zeiguer of the Bronx, a 26 year old yogi. While the Dove woman has a range of ethnicities, ages and body types, one thing's always for sure – she's not a model or actress, radiants confidence, has good skin and has a passion for the brand.

Sound like you?  Then you may want to make a Dove Beauty Chain like the one shot that day.  The face morphing technology is unreal!  I made one called "Three Generations" with a photo of myself, mom and grandma.  Check it out, create your own and spread the Dove love.

The Next Big Thing: Express Facial Peels

Blowout bars, brow bars, makeup bars... aren't we lucky ladies? Having the convenience of quick, specialized services at affordable prices is a luxury we've been getting used to (at least here in NYC). There's a new bar in town that's perhaps the most exciting since the launch of DryBar – The Peel Bar by Dr. Neal Schultz.  The first of it's kind, you can get a 40% glycolic peel for under $40 in just two minutes.  Here's why it'll be the next big rage in beauty.

Dr. Neal Schultz, a NYC derm who is know for his peels, put it on the map. At home, you can try his Progressive Peel, but if your skin craves something a bit more intense, a professional peel is the way to go.  While I frequent my derm for them or even add one on to my facial, the time and money is always a factor.  At The Peel Bar, you can literally stop in, get a two minute glycolic peel (the same strength used at the derms office) for $39 and be on your way.  No wait time and it won't break the bank.

Of course, I analyzed the whole situation during my visit (the first of many) and am confident that with quality control this is a great idea that will quickly spread as fast as the Dry Bar.

You can book a glycolic peel at The Peel Bar at Butterfly Salon, which is located at 149 5th Ave., NYC.  They're being offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays by Dr. Schultz's medical staff.

Halloween Makeup & Makeup Removal

Inspired?  I hope so!  Halloween is just around the corner and whether you have the makeup skills to pull off this look seen at last week's Makeup Forever event or not, using makeup to transform yourself into something creepy or cute (like these animal inspired makeup looks I posted earlier) is almost imperative on dress up night – at least for ladies like us.  However when your night of trick or treating is over, don't forget about your skin when it comes to halloween makeup removal.

Halloween is not the night to skip washing your face!  To prevent any unwanted creatures from popping up on your skin in the morning, make sure to use a cleanser that's known for removing makeup like Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser.  To really get into your pores rub it around in a circular motion and take it off with a warm washcloth to fully remove any goop.  Repeat if necessary and splash with cold water to seal your pores shut.  And not only does the Pond's cleanser dissolve all traces of makeup, but it also moisturizes for soft, radiant skin.

*This post is sponsored by Pond's, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

7 Q-tip Beauty Hacks

The Q-tip is actually a surprisingly overlooked essential when it comes to your beauty regimen. There are so many little hacks involving Q-tips from perfume touch ups throughout the day, to perfectly smudging out eyeliner, to cleaning up makeup mistakes. We have seven creative, life-changing ways to use a Q-tip in your beauty routine. After this, you'll never want to be without a Q-Tip in your beauty bag.

1. Prevent bleeding lipstick: A bold lip can be completely ruined by bleeding over the lip line. While typically a lip liner can prevent this, liner isn’t for everyone. A more subtle way to create a barrier is to dip a Q-tip in translucent powder and run it along the outside of your lips.

2. Clean up manis: If you just dip a Q-tip into some nail polish remover, rub it along the outside of your nail to clean up any excess polish. A god technique to keep lines clean and polish from spreading along the skin is to turn the Q-tip inward.

3. Smudge out a smoky eye: If you’re a little unsure on how to create a gorgeous smoky eye, Q-tips can actually make it a lot easier. After placing the primer, take the color you want to smoke out with onto the Q-tip and smudge out. The cotton texture makes for a great smoky effect.

4. Touch up Perfume:  It’s such a shame when your favorite fragrance doesn’t last necessarily as long throughout the day as you’d like. You can touch up the scent without luging around the entire perfume bottle now. Just spray your perfume on the Q-tips’ end and seal them in a Ziplock bag. When you feel you need a touch up, just rub them along your wrists and behind your ears.

5. Clean up eye makeup mistakes: It’s one of the most upsetting feelings when you see those black mascara or eyeliner smudges on your perfectly blended eye shadow. You don’t want to start over, but you need to rid of these black spots. A Q-tip allows for a more focused, precise removal with just a dab of water or concealer.

6. Plump up eyelashes: If your mascara isn’t giving you the fullness on each lash you desire, after applying the first layer of mascara, take a bit of baby powder on a Q-tip and rub along the underside of your lashes before applying the second layer. It will thicken each lash for more volumized eyelashes.

7. Place highlighter: Highlighting underneath your brow takes precision to emphasize a gorgeous arch. Sometimes your fingers just can’t get the arch your craving. A Q-tip will allow you to push up under the brow for a precise highlight and thus gorgeous arch to your brow.

3 Questions with Cara Delevingne

Your ultimate girl crush is much cooler than you think she is.  I knew I was interviewing Cara Delevingne yesterday so naturally, I prepared my questions, but when I arrived at Sephora in the Meatpacking District to celebrate her new Burberry campaign, I was barely prepared.  Immediately I grabbed a makeup artist and asked her to fill in my brows.  Thank God, because a photo was taken.  Here, she spills her beauty must haves, behind the scenes info on her new campaign and the one super power she wishes her famous brows had.

 1. How was shooting with Kate Moss?  Tell me about the Burberry campaign.

Kate and I have wanted to work together for a while and I still can't believe that it actually happened.  We didn't actually smell the scent before shooting, since it was top secret, but we did on the day of shooting and it's amazing.  We were relieved that it was wicked.  We had so much fun hanging out.  They were trying to get us to stop chatting and concentrate most of the time (on set).

2. What are your ultimate beauty must-haves?

The new Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer Stick that I just discovered recently and rose water spray for my face that I use when I travel and always, really.  It's a great refresher and makes me happy.

3. If you could give your brows one super power what would it be and why?

I wish more than anything that I was Medusa and my eyebrows could move.  I would want them to grow some nerves so I can move them.

The new scent, My Burberry, is a floral fragrance that has top notes of sweet pea and bergamot fuse with a heart of geranium, golden quince and freesia, rounded out with base notes of rain-tipped damask and centifolia roses and patchouli.

Guerlain Spa: Effectively Pampering

Last week, instead of facing the usual mid-week 4pm crash, I had the luxury of slipping into a heated bed at the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria to test out their Abeille Royale Youth Facial instead.  Not a bad way to rejuvenate.  While my afternoon of work seemed fancy, I left finding the spa impressive, the facial extremely satisfying (you know, not the kind where they just rub creams all over your face), and with lots to write about.  

The Guerlain Spa's Abeille Royale Youth Facial started with a foot massage.  Dead serious.  I'm always skeptical when I go to new places for facials, because while being pampered is nice, I like results.  Not that I don't believe that they can't go hand in hand, but I know facials.  Microdermabrasion, peels, extractions... bring it on.

This was a deep cleansing facial, which is exactly what I needed (extractions and such), but while masks sat on my face to dry, my hands were massaged and they placed in paraffin gloves.  A nice touch in deed.  Now that I told you about some of the pampering touches, here's what I really found most impressive about it.

As a 'youth facial' the whole Guerlain Abeille Royal skincare line was used, which is known for firming and toning the skin.  The main ingredient: honey.  Besides being moisturizing, honey is also anti-inflammatory, brightening and soothing.  My esthetician, Alina Cimpoeru, said it also repairs collagen overtime, which I didn't know.

The spa was gorgeous, as it should have been being that it was at the Waldorf.  While waiting you're offered champagne or tea (I chose the latter) and you nestle into a private pod until your therapist calls.  Each treatment room had it's own bathroom with a shower, locker and phone charger.  I will definitely definitely be going back.

The Guerlain Spa is located at the Waldorf Astoria Towers at 100 East 50th St. New York, NY 10022.  You can book an appointment by calling 212.872.7200.

Oribe Fragrance is Now A Thing

If you've ever had your hair styled in a salon with Oribe products, or are completely obsessed with the Dry Texturizing Spray like I am, you're going to love this news.  The signature scent we've all fallen in love with is now available as an eau de parfum. That's right, the beloved haircare brand has bottled up their signature scent and is now doing fragrance.

When developing the celeb hairstylist's haircare line, a perfumer was involved to create a signature scent that was placed in all of the products so they'd be easy to layer.  A fine fragrance, Cote d'Azur, was created and then developed to work with the products.

That fragrance, Oribe Cote d'Azur Eau de Parfum, a citrusy floral, is now available for purchase at salons and on oribe.com for $85.  It's unisex and includes top notes of Fresh lemon, plum, black currant, Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian Orange; middle notes of Tuberose, blue cyclamen, white butterfly jasmine and bottom notes of Sandalwood, vetiver, crisp amber.

That Moment, Just Married

After exchanging "I Do's" Joe and I took pictures in Washington Square Park, where a saxophonist began playing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" as we walked past.  It couldn't have felt more right.  We began dancing and as the busy hustle and bustle of NYC was happening all around us, we stood still in the energy... for that moment.  Just married.

Final Look Before the I Do's

The rain stopped and the sun came out.  My friends and family claim I was the chillest bride they've ever met, but I still don't see what there would've been to stress over  with such a talented glam squad and the truest friends and family around (don't get me started on my dress).  Guess who was ready to get married?  

Wedding Day Makeup

I guess you can say I'm lucky, because my brows never looked better.  It took a year, but thanks to my wedding day makeup artist, Maribeth Madron, they went through an extreme makeover just in time.  Seeking a hybrid of a natural yet glamourous look, we kept the focus on my eyes and skin very clean with minimal makeup.  With a little help from friends like Tom Ford and Laura Mercier, Maribeth made me look like the best version of myself.  She's truly an artist.

Maribeth is an extraordinary makeup artist, especially for wedding makeup, who really pays attention to detail – no short cuts here.  I've been seeing her at the Sally Hershberger Uptown Salon for about a year and a half now as she's the only one I ever let touch my brows.  Remember, pics of my final look will be shown at the end of the week!  What about my bridesmaids you ask? They started their morning at Rouge, a makeup salon, similar to a blowout bar, in Soho.  And yes, you'll see their final looks a the end of the week, too.

Something Blue-ish

Something old: my grandma's prayer book that was incorporated into my bouquet. Something new: my dress.  Something borrowed: Joe's mom's bracelet. Something blue: my pedicure plus and wedding day scent.  I chose a new scent for my wedding day that Joe approved of before hand so that each time I wear it, I think back to the memories of those romantic moments – getting ready with the girls, arriving at the church, dancing in Washington Square Park with him, being introduced into the ceremony as Mr. & Mrs., our first dance... So, how can a scent be something blue? Better yet, you'll love how I wore it.

I spritzed Oscar de la Renta Something Blue into my veil so when the wind caught it or when it moved as I danced, a sensuous uplifting scent filled the air.  It was romantic and he noticed.

My Wedding Day Hair Inspiration

It's wedding week on BeautySweetSpot!  I told you about my wedding day glam squad before I got married (today marks four months!), but now, I'm excited to show you the behind the scenes of the beauty prep and inspiration.

Up and off the neck was the direction I gave my bridesmaids for their hairstyle on my wedding day.  Inspired by a ballet, they chose their own style Amsale chiffon and lace dresses.  Since their necklines were all different, it only made sense to show them off as they walked down the aisle and stood by my side.  My hairstylist, Liam Carey, assisted by Jan Marie Arteca, crafted all of their updos as well as doing my hair for the biggest day of my life.  With the help of extensions, I ended up with the Angelina Jolie inspired look I envisioned.  Enjoy the photos. Oh yea, my final look will be shown at the end of the week!

Liam Carey and Jan Marie Arteca can be found at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC. How did I choose my stylist you ask?  Great question.  I go to both Liam and Jan regularly for my cut and color and did my first and only hair trial with Liam.  Because I was comfortable with them and knew their level of talent, it was only fitting for wedding hair.  My trial was perfect and having friends there on my big day was a lot of fun for all of us.  Their positive energy added to the environment and all of my bridesmaids were happy with their hair.

Lucy Hale: Get the Look with Mark Cosmetics

I've been seeing Lucy Hale everywhere lately and every time the first thing I think is – she's a mark. girl!  Therefore, when news landed in my inbox about her cover makeup look, I was compelled to cover it.  Plus, it's perfect for the holiday season.  Here, her makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, spills how you can replicate the look with mark cosmetics.

Eyes:

Sweep mark. Eye Dream Of Glam Eye Shadow Palette in light pink shade (left column, second shade from bottom) across the eye lids. Next, apply the blue shade (top right column) starting at the center of the lid and extending outwards into a defined V shape. Line the upper and lower lash lines with mark. What A Line Max Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Cobalt and finish with two coats of mascara.

Face:

Sweep mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards along the cheekbones.

Lips:

Complete the look by applying mark. On The Dot Lip Gloss Compact’s light pink gloss (top right shade) across the lips.

*This is a sponsored post by mark cosmetics, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Behind the Scenes in A Cosmetic Lab

Last week, I had the honor of touring Nu World Beauty’s factory, a cosmetic lab in New Jersey.  I felt like I was Charlie and I had won the golden ticket to the chocolate factory, except instead of chocolate, it was makeup; so way better. It was such a unique, eye opening experience and I just couldn’t wait to share my insider access with you BeautySweetSpot readers.

We were invited to the factory through the cosmetic company Hard Candy to celebrate their new fall launch. But we not only got to see the creation of Hard Candy products, but also other Nu World Beauty brands such as MAC, Victoria Secret, Benefit, and many more they manufacturer.

We were guided through different rooms on the floor, each room with a different task focus. The first place we explored was a small room where they were pressing powders into blush pallets. Through a window, we watched the machine go up and down as the pallets moved through on the conveyor belt.

Next, we went into the largest room we saw on the tour. It was filled with multiple assembly lines, conveyor belts and persons manning the machines. From lipsticks to primers to eyeliners, handfuls of different products and brands were being shifted along the lines. It was perfectly organized mayhem and beauty junkie would fawn over.

At one station in the cosmetic lab, workers were filling up moldings for lipsticks and then shaving off the tops before being placed in to their tubes. Once they were in the tubes, women were hand placing the bullet tops onto the lipsticks before capping them off and sending them to the end for packaging.The next room we went to held a very potent smell due to the flavored lipgloss being stirred in a giant container you needed a ladder to even to the top of it. Next to the giant chamber was a machine that was pressing the wax for lipstick. This was the part of the process where the wax was pressed to create the perfect color pigment before being heated and mixed.

We then moved through the storage area where ingredients were packaged in giant plastic bags with the perfect measurements for products ready to follow a recipe to its creation. It was a very Walter White moment for many of us. Then, we moved through the flammable section of storage into the nail polish creation area. With skinny long belts along the room, one special nail polish brand specifically had a curtain between their line and the rest of them for more privacy.

Our last stop on the tour was the chemistry lab where the colors and fragrances are researched to find the perfect combinations for the perfect products. Men and women in lab coats were measuring out glitters, and powders in all types of beakers and test tubes. You forget how scientific makeup and beauty products really are until you take a deeper look in to its creation.

A whole new level of respect is earned for the beauty industry when you step behind the scenes into a cosmetic lab and see the products that make up the industry created from scratch.