Spring Beauty 2008

This spring, be ready to put your best face out there. Fresh, clean makeup is all the trend and with these easy steps, I'll make it easy for just about anyone.

Face

For a while now, mineral makeup has been all the rage, as it should be. Made from crushed minerals right from Mother Nature, this makeup is said to help the look and feel of your overall skin. Bare Minerals is my personal favorite. The price of just the foundation is $25 and you can purchase it at Ulta or Sephora. A little pricey, but it lasts forever.

If you want to splurge, I would opt for the Ulta Exclusive - Starter Collection for $60. You will receive all the brushes, the foundation in two shades, blush, bronzer and the Mineral Veil. Your skin will look so good, you just won't go back to your old foundation again.

Blush

For your blush this Spring, keep it neutral. Steer clear of pinks and look for peach/bronze tones, depending on your skin tone, to achieve a sun-kissed look. Almay Smart Shade Bronzer or the Smart Shade Blush is the easiest way to bronze without screwing up. The more you put on, the darker the shade. Start out with a little - you can always add more, but it's not as easy to remove.

Eyes and Lips

For the most flattering makeup, choose colors that will make your eyes pop with a soft, neutral lip.

For the Best Bold Eyes

• If you have brown eyes, shades of grape and chocolate will make your eyes stand out. Try Stila Eyeshadow Duo in Vieux Carre.
• If you have blue eyes, shades of copper mixed with blue will play up any shade. Try Bourjois Wet / Dry Eyeshadow in Marron Glace 54 with a blue mascara like Too Faced Lash Injection in Bright Blue.
  
• If you have green eyes, shades of violet mixed with jade and brown will make eyes pop. Try Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Belly Dance paired with Givenchy Eye Fly Lash Extender Mascara in Fly in Brown.
• If you have hazel eyes, shades of blush and black will enhance your eye color. Try Calvin Klein Tempting Duo Intense Duo Eyeshadow in After Hours.

Naturally Neutral Lips

• If you have a fair to light skin tone, try a sheer pink lip gloss like Stila Lip Glaze in Papaya.
• If you have a medium skin tone, try a peach lip gloss like Benefit Cosmetics The Gloss in Streakin.
• If you have a dark skin tone, try a bronze or copper lip gloss like Sephora Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss in Copper.

Beauty & The Beach

How many women out there have struggled finding a bathing suit that fits their body type? How many of you guys out there can never find a bathing suit with enough versatility and pockets? Well, no worries! I have a fool-proof guide that can help anyone find the perfect bathing suit for their personal needs.

Women who want to show off all of their desired assets should look into purchasing a bikini. There are many different styles to choose from. For women with smaller chests, string bikini tops are a good pick. The offer custom sizing since there are no clasps in the back and around the neck - they have ties. Also, this style bathing suit will give you contour padding in the top. A bandeau top is another good idea for small chested women. This kind of top has no straps and offers a fitted strap around the back for full support. If you have broader shoulders and need more support, you should look into a full coverage halter. This will have thicker tie straps that go around the neck and back and allows for the most support. Halter tops also have clasp styles.

Not a bikini kind of girl? Today there are more options besides your traditional one-piece suit. Tankinis offer more of a tank style top that offers some or complete coverage of the torso. You also have a choice of many different styles such as tube tops, halter tops or tops with adjustable straps. The one-piece isn't so traditional as it use to be. Now they come in patters with the sides cut out and open and/or lower backs.

As for a bathing suit bottom, the string side-tie bikini is a must for women who like to show off some skin. This style ties at the sides and usually sits low on the waist. For those of you who want more coverage, you should look into the bikini scoop bottoms or boy shorts. These will cover more of your torso and your upper thighs.

For the men out there, a boardshort style bathing suit will give you the most versatility. For those who like more room and comfort, look for a style with elastic waists. It also has a drawstring so you can adjust the waist size. The next thing you shold look for is a suit with pockets. They offer waterproof pockets in some styles with a soft plastic lining on the inside to keep money, your wallet and especially your cell dry. For you oops people out there, this is a must! The last thing to keep in mind is the liner. You want mesh because it is breathable and will allow for more comfort.

Shoes for the 'Sole'

Hate walking from the dorm room to class and having your feet hurt? Hate feeling like you have to resort to ‘ugly’ footwear to be comfortable? Well, stop worrying. Here are some suggestions to give your feet a little TLC without making your outfit suffer.

For all of the fashonistas on campus, flats are a must have this season. They will complement jeans and a sweatshirt to a skirt and blouse with ease. This spring, look for bright-colored flats or try for a satin fabric for the evening. Whether you are heading to class or out with friends, sporting flats will definitely get you noticed.

For those of you who want comfort with a sporty look, Nike Shox are the way to go. The ShoxTM cushioning technology in the heel provides lasting comfort no matter how many hours you are on your feet. The color selection is phenomenal because at Nike's website they allow you to customize your own. For getting around campus or taking a jog around Patriot circle, these shoes will make you feel like yo

u are walking on air.

Another sneaker that offers comfort with a more casual look is the New Balance 574. A cushioned, shock reduction sole allows all day comfort whether you are going out during the day to run errands or walking to class. These shoes come in an assortment of colors and textures for men and women to accommodate anyone’s exclusive style.

For my flip-flop fans out there, Reef makes an assortment of shoes for 

men and women. Guys who want comfort and style should look into the Reef Bonzer. A dark brown, soft leather with a cushioned foot bed makes these the perfect campus flip-flop. For the ladies out there, Reef Sandy’s are the most comfortable flip-flop around. In a plethora of colors to match all your favorite spring/summer styles and added arch support, you can’t go wrong with these.

Not all the guys out there are into the sporty sneakers or flip-flops. Diesel makes an awesome pair of casual sneakers that offer comfort while being fashionable at the same time. The Diesel Remy comes in leather and suede combinations in earthy colors that will compliment any outfit. These will take you from calculus class to a party without needing a change in between.

'Spring' into Fashion

This spring season it is all about the accessories. You can do a lot to a boring shirt and a pair of jeans with a few of these simple trends that will pack quite a punch.

Whoever said thin was in was wrong. Chunky jewelry is all the rage this season and will no doubt make a statement. Bangles and brightly jeweled cocktail rings are a great idea for those of you who are easing into this trend. Pair with a simple top, jeans and a cute pair of flats and make heads turns. For the daring, pull your hair back into a ponytail and rock a pair of oversized earrings or wear a v-neck top with a long, chunky necklace.

All the stars have been seen sporting a common item since the start of the New Year - oversized bags and totes. Although you may have some difficulty finding your necessities in there, you definitely won't have a problem fitting your life and then some. The best tip for lessening your frustration with one of these bags are pockets. Because these bags are so immense, the insides are usually adorned with a special place for everything you do (and don't) need. Make sure to an oversized day time tote for work or school and an oversized night time tote to take to dinner and stash some things away if you happen to sleep out.

This spring, blue is the new black. And not just any shade - cobalt blue. This striking shade can add a little something to every outfit. Instead of wearing your white button down and khaki's with boring black boots, grab a pair of cobalt blue shoes. Get chunky jewelry with cobalt blue jewels or even your oversize tote. Anyway you look at it, this color wins the gold!

'Green' Beauty

The most recent trend to hit the shelves this year is 'green' beauty products - and not the color.  The hottest products for 2008 are all about being eco-friendly.  Many of the products we use today on our face and body contain chemicals that are not good for our health and are not good for the earth.  Hopefully the items below will keep you glowing while helping save our earth one beauty product at a time.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm gets the top rating for 'naturally' soft and healthy lips.  Made with the actual beeswax from the walls of the honeycomb along with coconut and sunflower oil, you will never have to think twice about licking your lips.  It is safe for you and for the environment.

Juice Beauty is exactly what they say they are - the Organic Solution.  SPF is the most important product anyone can put on his or her face and Juice Beauty's SPF 30 Sheer Face Moisturizer is the best way to do it.  Made with real white grape and pomegranate extracts, it protects your face from the sun while replenishing it so you will always put your best face forward.

I hope that everyone enjoys brushing his or her teeth in the morning and before bedtime with a minty fresh toothpaste because bad breath is definitely not a beauty trend.  What is a trend is the lack of some of the chemical ingredients found in toothpaste.  Tom's of Maine Natural Anti-cavity Fluoride Toothpaste will give you the minty freshness, minus the bad stuff.  All I have to say is it's true, "Tom" does know best.

Dressing In The Rain

How many of you women resort to a hoodie and jeans when it is raining outside? Well, not anymore. Invest in good trench coat. Check out Gap's Cropped Trench Coat for a stylish new way to keep dry and look cute even when it is raining outside. It comes in two awesome colors to get you ready for the Spring (Strawberry and Taupe) with 3/4 length sleeves and a double-breasted type style.

Everyone hates getting their feet wet and ruining those adorable new shoes. J.Crew has an awesome selection of Wellies Rain Boots to keep your feet dry when Mother Nature has other intentions. The boots come in a selection of colors and prints that will complement anyone's personal style.

The last horrible thing about the rain is the fact that it messes up our hairstyles that take some, if not all women, about 30 minutes or more to do in the morning. Get yourself a durable and easily usable umbrella. Totes has an Auto Open Auto Close 'Brella that opens and closes with the push of a button. And for my eco-friendly ladies (hopefully all of you) Totes makes the same umbrella that is made out of recycled items. Each of these umbrellas comes in four colors that are guaranteed to please.

Fashion Emergency Fix-Its

Ever go to a party and realize that you have a stain on your shirt? Or better yet, your strap breaks! Well ladies, have no fear! With only a few essential items stashed away in your adorable 'going out' purse, you will be ready for any crisis that comes your way.

From a broken heal to a broken nail, crazy glue does the trick. Just a little dab and you can practically fix anything. Just make sure to be careful so your shoe doesn't get stuck to your hand! It is small and compact for something that is so heavy duty.

Dinner before partying can almost guarantee a stain - especially if you are wearing white! Tide To Go is the most amazing thing to happen to clothes since the BeDazzler. It gets out almost anything from red wine to pizza sauce so your shirt looks 'so fresh and so clean' the whole night!

Broken straps are the worst! To be prepared, make sure to have a sewing kit sta

shed away in your purse. Inside is everything you need from the needle to the thread. Keep your eyes peeled from the ones that have safety pins with them as well. Those come in handy when you need an even quicker fix to your strap emergencies.

This is a hidden secret of mine - always carry around flossers! Anything can end up in your teeth, and when you shine your pearly whites to the cute guy in the club, green spinach lodged between your canines isn't such a turn on. They come in disposable single-use packs of 15 that will keep your smile looking great all night long (not to mention, your dentist will be proud!).

While on the topic of teeth, gum and/or mints are a must for any emergency bag. Bad breath = bad! It is one of the worst things to ever happen to a person's mouth. And always make sure you have enough to share. You can offer a special someone a piece without embarrassing them in regards to their stinky breath!

We have all been there at a bathroom in a public place or house party. The long lines and the mirror hogs are the worst! Be prepared to check yourself out whenever you need to by bringing along a compact mirror. It can be helpful for touching up your makeup or as reassurance that you are the hottest girl at the party!

My final emergency item, and the one that is very important because I know that at one time or another every female has wished they had one - Hair Ties! It is the easiest thing to carry around with you but the easiest to forget. Make sure you always have a few stashed away in your purse, and for those of you with short hair, some clips or bobby pins would be beneficial as well.

Hopefully the next time you are out at a party or a club and something takes a turn for the worse, this emergency kit will keep you looking and feeling beautiful all night long!

Have any other emergency items?  Post a comment and let me know!