Waterproof' em

In heat and humidity, waterproof is the best way to go for mascara and eyeliner. Waterproof cosmetic products do not smudge or "feather", even on oily eyelids. Applying a primer to your eyelids is also a great way to prevent unwanted eyeshadow creasing and eyeliner "feathering". While there are some great lid primers on the market, one tried and true way to give lids staying power is to apply foundation and powder to them.

We recommend using a waterproof formula mascara and eyeliner (especially during the summer months) for beautiful eyes that last all day.


We use Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Gel Eyeliner to perfect summer looks and keep blushing brides beautiful on their special day. It has excellent staying power against the teariest of eyes and hottest of days. Our favorite shades are "Espresso Ink", "Black Mauve Shimmer Ink", and "Jet Ink". Apparently Elle, In Style and Allure agree because they each gave this product an award.

Not sure about trying a gel? Try New York Color's N.Y.C. Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. The company boasted that it is "...tear-proof, sweat-proof and swim-proof...perfect for an active lifestyle." We agree (though we took a client's word for it on the swim-proof part)! These pencils provide great long-lasting color. At a price that is under $5, this is also our "Recessionista Pick".

Credits: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., N.Y.C. New York Color (Coty US, LLC)

After Glow

Ok get your minds out of the gutter *smiles*...we are talking about rounding out your fresh faced summer look with a "Living My Life Like It's Golden" glow. The best way to achieve (and maintain) that natural inner radiance look is to apply the same shade on your eyes, cheeks, and lips.

We like to use a sheer shimmer like Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Compact (in "Bronze") on eyes and cheeks, and compliment it with a sheer shimmer lip gloss like "Rose Sugar". The Shimmer Brick's subtleness in color and shimmer perfectly highlights the brow bone; makes eyes "POP" when dusted around the inner corners of eyes; and accentuates cheekbones. To get that "from within" glow, we recommend applying rose or apricot colored blush to the apples of your cheeks.

While some of you may be cringing at the idea of putting blush on your eyes and lips, just remember, THERE ARE NO RULES IN MAKE-UP - BE ADVENTUROUS! Here are some other products we recommend using to get that "After Glow":

NARS out did themselves when they created The Multiple. We love it because it is easy to apply, multi-use, long-lasting, and gives great natural color....and did we say EASY TO APPLY? So much so that any make-up or beauty novice can apply it without looking like a "Clown School Drop-Out". We touched on the Blush and Bronzing Duo (which we also love) in yesterday's bronzer post, and were thrilled to see they now offer a Duo for The Multiple (The Multiple Duo).

So what exactly is The Multiple? It is a cream stick that gives a powder finish (a.k.a. "cream-to-powder") that can be applied to eyes, cheeks, and lips! Since it is cream-to-powder, you will definitely need to apply a sheer or clear gloss over lips to add shine and moisture. We do not recommend using The Multiple if you have oily skin or large pores. Despite giving a matte-powder finish, the cream tends to make large pores look bigger, and does not hold up well on oily skin. The Blush and Bronzing Duo, however, works well and looks great on all skin types.

Our "Recessionista Pick" is E.L.F.'s Shimmering Facial Whip. Aside from being fun and easy to use, E.L.F.'s Shimmering Facial Whip is good for all skin types. Available in a variety of colors ("Toasted" received the 2008 Allure Best of Beauty Editor's Choice Award), these little tubes are perfect for adding a hint of shimmer and glow to your eyes, cheeks, and lips. They can also be added to your lotion to get a little "body shimmer". Packed with Vitamins B, C, and E, this lightweight, non-greasy cream is long-lasting and buildable. Our only "Notes of Caution" for this product are:

a) it can give too much shimmer - so start off light and build as needed.
b) it looks better on Fair and Medium skin tones - the shimmer tended to be too much for Darker skin tones in spite of light/sparse application.
c) it has a sweet citrusy scent, but at $1 a pop, we can live with that!

Credits: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., NARS Cosmetics, Inc. Eyes.Lips.Face. (JA Cosmetics Corp.)