Skone Cosmetics

As fall fashion week comes to an end, we’re giving the makeup colors and treads seen a huge THUMBS UP!

This fall, it’s about (well what do you know) red on your lips and nails!  Been shouting from the rooftop how elegant and classic this look is and how you can wear this look with anything and look ravishing – even naked.  (Okay, I won’t go there.)

But I will recommend these hot red lip colors to choose from:  “Stunner” lipstick, which is a bright red for women with cool undertones and if you’re warm try “Vegas” lip rouge (my first love) or my current fav “Earth Red” lip pencil on your entire lip.  If you want to make a statement, these fantastic reds will get you there effortlessly.

Next on the “in” list are metallic shadows.  I’m a huge fan, but be careful because a little goes a long way and you don’t want to look overdone.  I recommend “Olive Gold” eye lights, which is one of the hottest eye shadow colors trending this season.  Our Olive Gold is shimmery and perfect to wear on your lower lids alone or you can smoke it out with a little black shadow on the outer corners of your eyes.  You can wear this color to your next party, with jeans to look chic and modern, or any place special.  (This is such a must have for your makeup bag.)

Take a peek at the eye lights here.

Next up, I’m happy to report that smoky eyes has taken a spot as one of the number one looks for fall, along with thick brows and winged eye liner.  (Apply sparingly or in moderation.)

Orange eye shadow and lip color spilled over to fall, but I only recommend this color for women with warm undertones or darker skin tones.

Other eye shadow colors trending, are navy and charcoal with sparkle.  (To get the look, try “Midnight Blue” or “Black Ice” eye shadows.)  By the way, you can blend either of these colors (separately) to get a fashionable version of a smoky eye by adding a splash of color or a splash of silver.  (Try “Chill” eye lights, which is a stunning, silvery shadow loaded with pigments…and as the holidays approach, you can get tons of uses with this one.)

Finally, nude makeup is still trending strong and works this fall.  To add a sexy flare to this look, apply clear gloss or you can add a rosy colored blush to spice it up a bit.  (Love this look.)

These trends and colors are for women of all ages, but if you’re grown and sexy (over 30), and you’re confused about which colors and styles can work you this fall, this one’s for YOU.

 To YOUR fabulous beauty and style,

Natasha

Have you been “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”?

I watch on occasion and was a little baffeled by something Kris Jenner said in the episode where she and Bruce renewed their vows.  The ceremony took place in beautiful Bora Bora and was a surprise from her hubby.  The interesting thing is, when she learned about the ceremony, she initially resisted because she wasn’t feeling beautiful.

Can you imagine that? 

Interestingly, after watching her resistance to the ceremony and hearing the negative things she said about herself even before the trip, I thought about the other countless women who have also felt this way, how many times I’ve felt this and why we as women still feel this way.

Thankfully, she eventually came around and went through with the ceremony and looked happy and beautiful!

Let’s reason for minute…

Sure, she’s not 21 anymore, but she’s still a beautiful woman – so why isn’t she seeing what we’re seeing?  Why isn’t she embracing her beauty and owning it?  And why do we sometimes feel this way, too?

Sometimes we sabotage our own happiness and self image by thinking negatively about ourselves.  That’s why it’s so important to embrace our beauty, which is so freeing and naturally sets us up to feel good about ourselves – confidently.

Regardless of what society says, we’re all beautiful by our own standards and it’s up to us to embrace and own it.  Once you get clear about loving who you are and embracing your beauty (and body), it’s so much fun enhancing it.

As smart women, let’s start a mission to love and embrace our own, unique beauty and our body - at any age.

Remember…

You have it, enhance it and really love who YOU are.

Natasha Caesar

www.skonecosmetics.com

Were you not blown away by last night’s performers?!  There was so much energy, passion and fire!

Like Gaga…

I didn’t know who that was until half way through her speech, and then I realized it was her! And talk about staying in character – wow!  Gotta admit, that took real guts to pull off.  Her message is so brilliant, doesn’t it make you want to own it and just be free to be YOU?

And how about Chris Brown’s insane performance, with the different dance moves through time, flying from stage to stage – in a suit!  People are still talking about how he absolutely ‘killed’ it!  His inspiring performance just makes you want to bring it!

What about the dancers for Britney Spears’ tribute?  Those girls were dancing like their rent was due that night!  Their determination is so impressive.

Heck, by the time Pitbull and Neyo were performing, I was dancing and having a good time - feeling motivated!

How about the very pregnant Beyonce singing live with heels on, giving such a heartfelt and powerful performance?  Showing how you can effortlessly be so many things and still rock it!

Finally, congrats to Katy Perry, who wins video of the year for ‘Firework’!  Love the video and that the song is about inner confidence, which motivates us with words like ‘there’s a spark in you – you just gotta ignite the light and let it shine.’

Well done to all the performers who not only entertained us, but shows us how to be inspired and motivated to be ourselves, which is so beautiful!

Remember, and this is for both inner and outer…

You have it. Enhance it.

…and really love who YOU are.

Natasha

Have you noticed how these stars are mixing nail polish colors and coming up with awesome, unique nail colors?  It’s rocking the fashion world because it’s so unique and different.  Women everywhere are tying it and loving it. 

Did you know you can have that same fabulous effect by wearing our unique lip colors or by mixing them with lip gloss? 

Our glosses are perfect to mix with lip colors, and I’ve made it super easy for you with these two suggestions…“Super Copper” or “Super Clear”. 

Super Copper over any lip color gives your lips a nice shimmery gold, glossy look and works beautifully with almost all colors. 

And the Super Clear lip gloss can change the dynamics of any lip color, giving it maximum shine and real sex appeal! 

Be bold.  Be different.  You’ll have so much fun with it.  :)

Remember… 

YOU have it. Enhance it.

xoxo,

Natasha

Without a doubt Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo) is still beautiful after all these years, kicking a## and taking no prisoners.  This mega movie star, platinum recording artist, entrepreneur/mogul and fashionista is back on top with a newly released album, host of American Idol, spokesperson for new endorsements, all while securing a pretty little spot as People Magazine’s 2011 World’s Most Beautiful Woman!

What’s her secret?

Two things…

Jennifer enriches her life with “beauty” regimens that work.  She is committed to working out and running to stay fit, she incorporates a portion controlled diet and she doesn’t smoke or abuse alcohol.  She sees her regimen as part of her job, that’s how much she owns it.  By enriching your life with wellness and actually making it a part of who you are, brings out part of what I call “whole-listic” beauty, which is combining wellness, spirituality and physical appearance to embody the true essence of what beauty is.  You see, doing these things will help your skin emulate good health and give you a youthful appearance.  Once you make that your mission, you begin to really feel good and the rest becomes easier.

Secondly… 

Jennifer’s vibrant beauty isn’t just the makeup she uses, but the colors she uses.  She wears natural-looking makeup that compliments her undertone, her hair and her signature style; making her look radiant and even years younger!  Using colors that compliment your undertone doesn’t make you look over done and actually makes you look fresh, healthy and polished (and who wouldn’t want that?).  Combining colors suitable to your undertone (which is key) creates an effervescence organically, which is exactly why natural-looking makeup is and remains “haute” this season and every season.

Now, how can you embody J. Lo’s bombshell beauty secret?  

Make wellness a part of your daily regime and use the right colors to enhance your own beautiful, God-given features.

Here are a few tips, focusing on the lips, to get you that natural radiance every woman wants…

Face:  Use a light foundation or powder.

Eyes: Use eye shadow colors that compliment your undertone or eye color.  Be sure to add eyeliner, mascara and fill-in your brows with brow powder. (Brow powder looks more natural as opposed to brow pencil.)

Cheeks:  Use light blush colors in line with or close to your lip color.

Lips:

You can fill in your entire lip with our long-lasting lip pencils or lip liners in a natural color for healthy looking lips.  Depending on your lip color, I recommend “Tea Rose” or “Natural” in the pencils.  For the liners, I recommend “Hush”, “Clay”, “Cappuccino”, “Cognac”, “Raisin”, “Mahogany”, “Taffy” and “Spice”.  Remember to fill in your entire lip.  To add some sexiness, apply clear or simmer lip gloss on top.  (You can find all these products at www.skonecosmetics.com.)

Because I really want you to get this so that your makeup works for you naturally, here’s a link to my blog on undertones.  Simply click here.  (Huge freebie!) 

Okay, if you’re still confused or lack motivation to really bring it, I invite you to contact me for a personal consultation.  Email me at info@skonecosmetics.com.

No more excuses; unleash that pretty girl, put your best self forward and really feel it whole-listically! 

Here’s to enhancing your beauty to look fresh, radiant and really owning it!

Natasha Caesar

Skone Cosmetics

www.skonecosmetics.com

Have you ever felt like not getting out of bed?  Not caring how you look, not wanting to exercise, eat right, or to do anything at all?!  Of course, we all have.  Or have you ever met a “happy Hanna” with her bubbly personality, smiling, looking like she just stepped out of a photo shoot?  Who not only has it together on the outside, she’s also a beautiful person on the inside….naturally exuding so much life and love.  Then you think why am I not like that?  What motivates her to be so fabulous and happy all the time?

What you’re feeling and thinking are negative feelings and thoughts.  I’ve learned to stop those negative feelings and thoughts with meditation and positive thinking.  Meditation quiets your mind and balances you and gives you a chance to explore your feelings and thoughts.

Take just 10-15 minutes each day to meditate by taking deep breaths, exhaling slowly, while concentrating on just your breathing.  If you get distracted or begin to think negatively, simply go back to thinking about your breathing.  Think positive thoughts and ask yourself what you want.

I invite you to explore meditation and begin today if you’re not doing it already.  You’ll begin to have a sense of balance and well being.  You’ll care more.  Life will feel good.  You’ll enjoy people and people will enjoy you and pretty soon you’ll look like you just stepped out of a photo shoot.  You see, when you feel good, you look good.  You begin to take better care of not just yourself, but others too.  Life and love will easily flow from you and to you.  And that my friend is the world’s best beauty secret.

Starting today, BE inspired to be beautiful, inside and out.

I wish you much love beautifully,

Natasha Caesar, Skone Cosmetics

*Now through next Saturday (July 16, 2011), for every purchase at www.skonecosmetics.com, I’m giving away a FREE 15 minute phone consultation with me!  Learn your undertone, what colors absolutely ROCK on you, what your best makeup choices are specifically for you, what you need to start owning your beauty and ANY questions you may have.

Be happy with yourself and don’t be afraid to own it!  Remember, you have it, enhance it.

Ahhh…summer 2011 is in full swing and there are so many fabulous looks to choose from! This summer it’s all about dresses (definitely long, flowy maxi-dresses), sexy jumpsuits and rompers, dressy shorts, gold and silver sequence tops (and dresses), long and big earrings, embellished sandals, strappy platform heels, chucky and sexy sunglasses and definitely a huge trend right now…unique color nail polishes! (I’m loving blue, opaque pink, and definitely yellow.)

For makeup, depending on the time of day, you can choose from neutrals, corals, oranges, pinks (definitely hot pink), reds, pastels, and dare we not forget purple!

The statement lip is really huge this summer, so go for amazing colors like Skone Cosmetics’ automatic lip liners that you can use to color or fill-in your entire lip. You can wear them alone or with lip gloss. You’ll be amazed at how long they stay on your lips…even after eating!

Another “haute” summer trend for lips is hot pink. If you have pale skin (or have a cool undertone), hot pink lips can be a fabulous way to make a bold statement. Try our version called Hottie, which is frosted and fierce! If you have warm undertones, go for a nice red for the same bold and fabulous effect. A great choice with staying power, is Earth Red lip pencil filled-in over your entire lip. It’s matte and really makes lips stand out! You can wear both alone or with clear lip gloss over the top.

On your lids, gold and bronze is super hot if you have warm undertones. If you’re cool, go for silver. Try Masquerade eye shadow for stunning gold shimmery eyes and for sultry silver eyes, try Chill eyelights. The eyelights are loaded with pigments, so just a slight touch is all you need.

Another trend for eyes are soft pastel eye shadows. Pastel eyes are huge during the day, but if you want to be different or for nighttime, smoke out the outer corners with a little dark colored shadow, like black or dark purple. Try Black Ice or Odyssey for the ultimate smoky look. These two shadows also double as an eye liner too! Simply use a flat liner brush to outline the upper and/or lower lids.

Summer can be brutal, so a good waterproof mascara can last longer and is your best bet.

Use this guide to absolutely ROCK this summer and have fun with it!

If you’d like to really bring it this summer and reveal YOUR sexy, radiant, and confident style, email me at info@skonecosmetics.com for a personal consultation on what works for YOU.

Note: You can find all cosmetic suggestions at Skone Cosmetics’ website at www.skonecosmetics.com. Suggestion for sunglasses is linked to Elegant Eyes, which can be found at www.eleganteyes.com.

Happy Summer!

If you’ve enjoyed reading this, please share. Please also follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.

Natasha Caesar
Skone Cosmetics
www.skonecosmetics.com

Primer is a liquid, gel or cream used to smooth out your facial skin.  It is applied before foundation or powder to diminishes fine lines for a smooth canvas and allows your makeup to last longer.  A good primer has multiple uses and should be applied after you clean and moisturize your skin. 

Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, use a day moisturizer with antioxidants and make sure it has an SPF of 30 or higher.  Moisturizing is key, and if you have fine lines, moisturizing is even more important because it will actually keep the skin plump and hydrated.  Make sure your moisturizer is suitable for your skin type and use it every morning.

After moisturizing, apply a good primer.  Primer is actually the “secret sauce” here.  A good primer acts as a barrier and keeps your skin from absorbing your makeup, dirt and pollutants.  It smoothes out the surface of the skin for a flawless makeup application.  If you’re having problems with your foundation settling into your fine lines or wrinkles, use a primer first and you’ll see the difference.  Here’s what you should do:

1. First, gently exfoliate your skin at least once a week (no more than twice a week for mature or sensitive skin) - to get the dead cells off, reveling fresh, smooth skin.
2. Then, use a face wash and moisturizer suitable for your skin type - you’re applying specific treatment here.
3. Then apply your primer – you’re protecting the skin and you’re smoothing out the surface of the skin for makeup application.
4. Finally apply your foundation or powder.  Tip: Use a little blush on your cheeks to brighten and soften your face, so that your makeup application is balanced and the focus won’t be so much on your problem areas.

At night, while you sleep, focus on repairing and renewing.  Use a cream suitable for your skin type and if you have aging skin, use one with retinol to stimulate collagen production.  Lastly, try not to ever let your skin get dry.  Wrinkles form and set in when the skin is dry, so stay moisturized!

A good primer can be used with or without makeup, so make sure you moisturize and then add your primer to seal it in.  I recommend Retexturizing Face Primer by Skone Cosmetics, which is a lightweight serum with opalescent light reflectors that diminish lines and makes your skin super soft!  It’s packed with vitamins A & E and works well on all skin types.  So, whether you’re trying to hide fine lines or protect your skin from absorbing your makeup, a primer is definitely the way to go.

Understanding your skin and what really works will take your makeup application from looking made up to looking flawless and beautiful!

Thank you for reading, and please pass this article along.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, please click here to subscribe to my email list for more free beauty information, tips, special offers and to learn everything SKONE.  Also feel free to submit this page to your favorite social media site.

Cheers,

Natasha Caesar

Skone Cosmetics

www.skonecosmetics.com

No matter how fabulous your makeup is, or what technique you use, you really need good makeup brushes to pull it all together.  The absolute KEY to a great makeup application is really all in the brush!

Applying eye makeup can be super easy once you know which makeup brush to useto create the stunning, sexy look you want.

Here are juicy little tidbits on makeup brushes to absolutely ROCK your makeup application!

Begin with a large shadow brush.  This brush allows you to sweep, blend or base eye shadow over your entire eye from lash line to brow bone.  This brush is perfect for basing translucent powder over the eye, for applying just one color, or to apply a base color before adding multiple colors.  For a quick makeup application, apply one color over your lower lid or the entire eye lid, line your upper eye lid with eyeliner, add mascara and you’re done…how simple is that?

If you want to take it a step further, use a shadow brush.  This brush allows you to gently pat, press or sweep shadow on to your lower eye lid.  It’s also perfect for blending a highlighter color over multiple colors or applying a shimmer or highlighter color just below the brow.  This is another simple and easy to do step that you can easily do quickly.

Here’s where you can be artistic or as simple as you want with this angle shadow brush, which allows you to add a darker or contrasting color to the outer corners of your eyes to create depth and definition.  Because it’s angled, it makes it super easy to create that “V” or “U” shape to the creases of your eyes.

Finally, use the shadow blender brush to blend it all together.  In small circular moves, blend so that there are no demarcation lines or areas where you can actually see harsh lines.  This shadow blender brush is the KEY to making your makeup application look polished, blended and professional.

These makeup brushes are the most basic brushes you need for almost any makeup application and can all be found at www.skonecosmetics.com. 

Makeup is all about layering, so use the right makeup brushes to apply color to create a fabulous, beautifully blended and professional eye makeup applications!

Remember…

You have it.  Enhance it.

Natasha Caesar

SKONE Cosmetics

www.skonecosmetics.com

Undertones:  Learn What Works for You…Naturally

There’s something magical that happens when you wear colors that compliment you beautifully.  That something makes you glow and have a natural radiance about you.  That’s why understanding what works for you will allow you to choose colors that make you look vibrant and stunning.  To help you find what colors will look best on you, you will need to learn about undertones.

Okay, let’s break it down.  There’s “skin tone” and “undertone.”  Your skin tone is literally the color of your skin and your undertone is the color or tone beneath the skin.  Exploring your undertone, will allow you to choose the right colors that will work for you because you’re using the colors that blend naturally with your skin.  Incorporating the right colors will brighten up your face and entire look, exposing your beauty naturally.  Choosing the wrong colors, can make you look tired, worn out or unhealthy.  Keep in mind that although you can tan or if the color of your skin changes, your undertone never changes.

There are 3 basic types of undertones: warm, cool or neutral.  A warm undertone has a yellow, gold or peach undertone.  A cool undertone has a pink or blue undertone.  If you’re not sure, it’s possible you have a neutral undertone.  The easiest way to find out what your undertone is, is to look at the veins in your arms.  If they’re green, you’re warm and if they’re blue you’re cool.  Another way is to hold a sheet of white paper up to your face without wearing makeup.  If you see reflections of yellow, gold or peach, you’re warm.  If you see reflections of pink or blue, you’re cool.  If you’re still undecided, you’re probably neutral, which means almost any shade looks good on you.

Let’s explore each undertone…

Warm

If your undertone is warm (like mine), you look absolutely fabulous in yellows, oranges, peach, rust, browns, olive and greens.  You can get away with red, so choose a bright red or red-orange as opposed to a deep red or bluish red.  When choosing between white or off white, choose off white or cream.  Yellow metals like yellow gold look best on you.  Your foundation should be warm with a yellow base.  Choose colors like gold, copper, browns and greens for your eyes and for your lips, choose corals, peach, rust, brick, browns and neutrals.  Keep in mind that these suggestions aren’t set in stone and there are exceptions based on how warm or how cool you are, so experiment with it.

Cool

If your undertone is cool, you look absolutely fabulous in black, blues, purples, violet, red, pinks and magenta.  You can get away with green, but it has to be a bluish green or maybe even a deep green.  When choosing between white or off white, choose white.  White metals like platinum, silver or white gold look best on you.  Your foundation should be cool with a pink base.  Choose colors like blues, browns or purple for your eyes.  A smoky eye works for both undertones, but really looks nice on you.  For your lips, choose colors like pinks, reds or wines.  As noted above, you should keep in mind that these suggestions aren’t set in stone and there are exceptions based on how warm or how cool you are, so experiment with it.

Neutral

If you’ve tried all the tricks and you still can’t find which you are, there’s a chance you’re neutral, which means you could be a mix between cool or warm.  People who are neutral are lucky because you can basically wear and use any color and it will look great on you.  True neutrals tend to look good in all types of metals, but bronze metals looks best.  Use a foundation that has a neutral base.  Since most colors work for you, you can experiment with just about any color or any type of application, like a smoky eye or a complimentary color eye shadow application.  There’s no set rule of thumb for you, but you should ask a professional for help, as your hair and eye color can play conflicting roles, which could be why you’re undecided.

**************************

Once you understand your undertone and what works for you, you’ll be able to apply what you know not only for makeup, but also for the colors you wear, which will transform your whole look!  Have fun with it and if you need specific information or a personal consultation, email me at info@skonecosmetics.com.

Natasha Caesar

Skone Cosmetics, LLC

www.skonecosmetics.com

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