I live with a budding makeup enthusiast. The brighter, the sparklier: the better. And applications that would make an avant-garde artist proud. No it's not my husband, it's  my "almost" eight-year-old daughter. Of course being a makeup artist myself, I encourage her. She even has her own makeup kit with not just the standard kit, but theatrical makeup as well. I know what you're thinking: Are you crazy? There will be time for that when she's 13 (or 21). But the fact remains that there's makeup everywhere in our house. I have a baker's rack with boxes labeled and organized by type of makeup and even color. I am always working with, ordering, or talking about makeup, so I decided that it makes for good opportunities to teach her about what is appropriate and when.

In light of my views, I had a chance to practice what I preach in front of my daughter this weekend. My friend Katie's daughter Caroline turned 13 on Saturday. For her birthday her mom decided she wanted Caroline to receive a makeup lesson. Perfect, I thought. Now my daughter can see what 13 will look like.

I arrived with my assistant (my daughter) and talked to Caroline about how much time she has to get ready for school (not much), what is realistic for her to wear on a daily basis, and what would work for special occasions. After we came up with a plan, the makeup lesson began.

Caroline doesn't need much makeup. She has beautiful skin, gorgeous eyes, and she just wanted to look a little more grown up and polished. Here she is, before we began:



First we talked about skin care and how important taking care of skin is. Then we did a little brow arching. Caroline was surprised what a difference removing a few little hairs makes.

As for her makeup routine, the best plan is to keep it simple.

First, a little concealer just where she needs it (at 13, she really doesn't need foundation). Using a synthetic brush (best for creams), we applied at the lower inner corners of the eyes, lower lash line, and anywhere there was discoloration. Then a little powder to set the concealer so it doesn't crease. I know I recommended it before but the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda concealer palette is perfect—everything she needs in one small palette.

The next step is adding a little color to the face. I recommended my favorite Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Rose. Caroline can use it on her cheeks and lips, and it's the perfect complimentary shade to her natural lip color. One product, two features: couldn't be easier.

Last but not least, we focused on the eyes. This is Caroline's most stunning feature, so we worked on enhancing them in a way that she'll be complimented on her eyes and not necessarily the makeup. I chose four products she can mix and match to get different effects. Even when wearing all four, as she is in the after photo, it still won't look like too much makeup.

First, MAC Eye Paints in Bamboom to be used alone or as a base shade from lash line to just past the crease. For a little more color, MAC Paradisco eye shadow, a bright pinky-coral that brings out the beautiful aquamarine of Caroline's eye color. This shadow can be layered over the eye paint/base as well as be worn alone for a sweep of color.

And what girl doesn't like a little sparkle? I recommended Sonia Kashuk's Eyeshadow Quad in Shimmering Sands. It can be layered to add sparkle and be worn alone. And the icing on the cake—mascara. This step really makes a dramatic difference, especially on blondes. Voila!



I created a chart so Caroline remembers what I used and where to apply:



When we were finished, my daughter told Caroline, "You look beautiful." I added, "and beautifully appropriate for a thirteen-year-old." I wish Caroline a wonderful birthday and a lifetime of loving who she is on the inside as much as the outside.

Being out in nature doesn't necessarily mean you need to have a totally naked face— but what is too little makeup and what is too much?

Personally, I am one of those gals that goes to the gym without a stitch of makeup. But then again, I don't expect to have my picture taken or be tagged on Facebook!  When I'm at an outdoor gathering, I do like to be slightly more groomed, whether it's a picnic, garden party, or cocktails and croquet. (No, seriously, I did just play croquet at my neighbor Janine’s house!)

I am often asked where to draw the line. This is one of those million-dollar questions that has a different answer for different women on different days. But here is what I believe the essentials are!

Sunscreen. No question, if you're going to be outside during the daylight hours, apply generously, and well before you walk out the door. This allows the sunscreen to absorb into the skin and to be more effective. Don't forget to blend into the hairline, neck, and ears. If you do nothing else, do this, even if your foundation has an SPF.  Sunscreen is incredibly important. And don't underestimate additional protection of a hat. I've been quite fond of my straw hat collection which I've been wearing all summer, dressed up or down.

Brows. 

This is an area where spending a little time daily really pays off. If the brows are groomed, the entire face looks more polished. A well arched brow has a gradual curve from the inner to outer edge. Unless I’m at the gym or the beach, I like using brow gel to keep brows in place. If I want a little more polish, I use a light concealer or Benefit's High Brow just under my brows to highlight my brow bone and make my eyes look more finished.

Mascara. 

What I like: mascara makes the eyes look finished without looking like you are wearing a lot of makeup. What I don't like: flaking, smearing, and smudging—making you look a bit like Courtney Love near the end of one of her concerts. If you need a little more definition around the eyes, consider a waterproof mascara, and don't forget a waterproof mascara remover or baby oil as well. My favorite is Dior Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof. This is because most waterproof mascaras tend to look stiff, clumpy, and dry. This one is very conditioning, looks natural, and doesn't budge.

Cheeks.

Unless you are endowed with a natural healthy glow, I suggest a cheek stain. You'll look youthful, healthy, and lovely in photos. One of the longest-lasting ones I have found is the Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stains. There are a variety of colors; choose one that best matches your natural glow. You can use it on your lips as well.

Lip stains and balms.

They're a good idea so that if the balm wears off, you still have color. SPF is important, too. Try Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15. This non-greasy balm works wonderfully to comfort and protect the lips over the lip stain, and in the winter you can also use it to condition lips before you apply lipstick.

What are some of your favorites?

Going on vacations means fun and relaxation, but it can also bring you out of your comfort zone. I am working out of town this week and since most of the people I work with travel for their profession, I asked around to compile a list of what is most important to bring or have on a trip (aside from your usual toiletries). What are necessities your hotel can supply, and if you are traveling with friends, what are things to ask your friend for? Here's what we came up with:

Things to bring:

• Q-tips, the real ones! These come in handy for a variety of reasons, from the obvious—cleaning ears (even though nowhere on the package does it say to use them in your ears)—to the practical: makeup applicators/removers.
• Razor. Let's be honest, the one they give out at hotels suck!
• Makeup wipes. Pick up a small travel size of the Up & Up brand at Target. The small package makes them convenient to take on a trip and ensures they don't dry up too quickly. Plus, you can use these to do a quick spot removal on clothes.
• Moisturizer. Besides the usual, you can also use it on a Q-Tip to remove makeup from around the eyes. Keep it with you so you can moisturize on the plane. I like Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Moisturizer.
• Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream. Especially in the summer; bug bites can be nasty, plus you can use a little if you get a pimple or any kind of skin rash.
• Hair pins. You can use them to secure your hair when exercising or for a quick updo in the evening.  I get these at Sally's Beauty.  They are usually a better quality than the ones you get at drug stores.
• Hair products that work for your hair in smaller containers. (I love these containers). Sephora has a nice selection of travel-size products, including Bumble & Bumble if you left yours at home.
• Proper foot and outer wear including a small umbrella. Seriously; check ahead for weather, I am sure there is an app on your phone for this!
• Bathing suit. Even if you're going to a cooler climate, it's nice to be prepared for the hotel pool or jacuzzi.
• Special treat if you have extra room: Sake yeast mask. Individually packaged wet fiber mask with eye and mouth holes. Brightens and hydrates the skin. Great spa-like treat for a fraction of the price. Order on Amazon.

Things you can ask a hotel for:

• Band-Aids. Especially if you decided to wear shoes you just bought—not that I would know about this!
• Sewing kit. If you lose a button or split a seam there's also a small nail file and a tiny safety pin if you need those. If the hotel doesn't have a sewing kit, ask for double stick tape and that should do the trick.
• Toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Shaving cream (although it may not be the best quality).
• Blow dryer.
• Umbrella—but you may have to put up with a crazy color! The hotel I am staying at has fuchsia umbrellas that I LOVE, but if you don't want to take the chance...go back to my “what to bring” section.

Things you can ask a friend for:

• Curling iron or flat iron. Girls that use these won't leave home without them.
• Perfume. Or stop by a department store and try out a new scent. Nordstrom carries Joe Malone London, an exceptional line of scents, and you may even find a scent you can't live without.

Things to Buy:

• Fresh fruit. I always pick up a banana or apple to keep in my room. It's important to have antioxidants every day and it prevents you from breaking into the mini bar offerings!
• A flower or flowers for your room. I am in Seattle this week and there are beautiful flowers at Pikes market. It's amazing how such a little thing can make the place you are staying so much more homey.
• A votive or travel candle. Whole Foods has a really great selection.

Apps:

• Use your map or gps app to help navigate a new city. You can search for whatever you need: drug store, yoga studio, etc. I cannot tell you how helpful this is!
• Instagram. Take super cool pics and instantly share them with your friends.
• Starbucks app. Especially in Seattle...this one is indispensable!

Have a great vacation!
 

If you are what you eat, then it stands to reason that you are also...what you wear, at least on your skin and scalp.

Intelligent Nutrients, a Minnesota homegrown company, is changing the environmental price we pay for beauty, by offering a line of truly unique products with low impact and great performance.

Justine and I recently spent some time learning about the company, its philosophy, and what makes them stand out from Jeanne Joramo and Jamie Richards.

According to Jeanne Joramo, stylist and trainer at IN, "The word natural has lost its meaning," so at IN they are going for "it": as in, certified organic, food-grade ingredients. If you are spending time and money eating organic, wearing organic on your body, is the natural progression.

While there, I had an aura reading (high tech with a computer, charts, and graphs) that showed my overall state of being, and helped me chose the right Certified Organic Aromatic Elixirs to wear. These elixirs can be used all over the body to moisturize, as well as create a more balanced state. After smelling and applying these fresh plant oils, it's hard to go back to faux fragrances (those made with chemicals).

All this "pureness" had me thinking about my daughter and her obsession with makeup (well, her mom is a makeup artist!) and the two products that we have incorporated from Inteligent Nutrients that I feel good about her using.

Intelligent Nutrients: Lip Delivery Nutrition & Antioxidant Gloss

Anything you wear on your lips can be absorbed and if you lick your lips also ingested, so lip products are the perfect place to incorporate food-grade ingredients.

Here are a few of the amazing ingredients in this gloss:

• Certified Organic Intellimune Superantioxidant Proprietary blend
• Acai oil
• Beeswax
• Coconut oil
• Rosehips oil
• Shea butter

Here is what this gloss does not have:

• Gluten
• Mined minerals
• Synthetic oils & waxes
• Lead & other heavy metals
• Synthetic colorants & fragrances
• Iron oxides

And to be honest, these glosses are near and dear to my heart because I worked on shading them. The formula is heavenly and the colors are not only beautiful but very wearable.

Certified Organic Bug Repellent Perfume Serum and Spray

Here is a bug spray that actually will attract humans while deterring insects. The downside is you need to apply a bit more often, but with a sweet tradeoff: It is free of DEET, which makes me feel good about dousing my daughter with it.

As a matter of fact, just this weekend I was having dinner in the backyard and I had just sprayed my daughter when a friend came over and asked what the lovely smell was. It really does attract humans!

I am not much of a TV watcher, but occasionally when I am in a hotel room, the television pulls me in. I cannot remember the particular show I was watching or the overall theme, but what caught my attention was a woman in a red dress. Let me back up here: At some point in the show the subject turned to color and how we perceive it and are affected by it. They dressed a woman in a white dress first and asked her to walk around a busy street. A hidden camera then recorded how many looks she received from men passing her. For the most part, she went unnoticed. Then the same woman put on the exact same dress—only this time it was red. Immediately, she was noticed repeatedly. Then she asked random men for a dollar to see what they would do or say. Not only were her wishes granted, but some men gave her more than a dollar without hesitation. Finally, the woman in the red dress asked to be carried across the street, and surprisingly she had takers (more than once)!

What does this prove? According to research, men are more attracted to women wearing red, and not only does red imply desirability, but also prestige and power.

There is even one study that shows athletes wearing red win more times than those wearing blue.

So in honor of our country's birthday this week, I thought I would encourage you to try a little red. Not only will you stand out in the crowd, but it may increase your chances of getting what you want!

This J. Crew Tee Shirt Dress is what I sported on the Fourth, and it easily took me from beach to fireworks. But if you're still a little hesitant about that red dress, you could add a little crimson to your lips or hands. 

Here are some of my favorite reds:

Best intense matte red lip color
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl
This formula is fantastic. It's matte and long lasting, but not drying. In fact, it's super lightweight and feels incredibly good on the lips. My favorite part—the color. It’s incredibly vibrant. Definitely a color that will get you noticed. And it's all in the easy-to-use and convenient-to-carry pencil form.

Best sheer red lip color
CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Peony
This lip gloss/balm has the perfect combination of color and transparency, so it looks great on everyone. SPF 15 gives you protection and shea butter leaves your lips feeling better after each application. It's the perfect daytime red.

Best bright saturated red orange
MAC Hey Sailor! Pro Long Wear pencil in Throw Me a Line and lipstick in Sail La Vie.
Intense saturated shades are perfect for summer and beyond. This is limited edition, so get it while it's hot.

Best red nail polish
Essie Russian Roulette
It's a classic red with a touch of orange to increase the intensity. It's really beautiful and defiantly eye catching.