These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Actually, these are a few of Sarah Skarda’s favorite things! Sarah is a freelance make-up artist (and mother to 2 beautiful little boys) who came up through the ranks at MAC Cosmetics and has always had wonderful suggestions in how to make even the most time-starved woman feel beautiful.

Here is what she had to say:

There are a few make-up staples that I cannot live without. I don’t have very much time but, like most gals, want to look as polished as possible. So, I have a “must have 3 list” for those who don’t have more than 5 minutes to apply make-up in the morning.

Number one! Find the “perfect bronzer” for your skin, not too orange and not too red. Red will give the skin a grayish payoff that will look dirty and the last thing you want is for someone to lick their finger and rub your cheek the way your mother used to in order to get dirt off your face! The bronzer I use for my skin tone and LOVE is Golden Bronzer by MAC. Bronzer gives that wonderful sun-kissed look but won’t make you too blushy or rosy. Apply bronzer with a large powder brush and stroke downward in small strokes towards the jaw on the cheek bone (no more of the 80’s streak line blushed look ladies). Also, apply in the T-zone and on the neck. Bronzer is something that you use to look polished, alive and “natural, not noticeable.”

Number two! Get your favorite mascara. Use a black mascara to thicken your lash-line and to define your lashes . . . personally I never use any other color. My favorite mascara ranges from the typical $8 mascara from the local drugstore to my trusty Lancome Definicil Mascara. ALWAYS replace your mascara every 10 weeks, if you use it daily. Not only can you get an infection, but it dries out and becomes flakey and clumps your lashes together. Having a new mascara makes your application process easier and FASTER! Apply an even layer on your lashes and try to separate the lashes by using very small back and forth movements. If you get mascara on your skin while applying it, let the mascara dry completely, then flake it off with your fingernail. NEVER try to get mascara off when it is wet.

Number three! Find a great gloss that you are comfortable with, both in color and shine. Some of my girlfriends hate gloss because their hair sticks to it or they just don’t like the thicker texture and look. In that case, find a tinted lip moisturizer to substitute for gloss. The reason I say a gloss is a “must have” is because it is one thing you can re-apply without the use of a mirror, there are many colors to choose from, and it dresses up a natural and virtually makeup-less look. I LOVE the juicy tubes by Lancome or Lip Glass by MAC. Try a reddish hue for the holidays and your friends will think you took forever to get ready! Apply directly on or use your fingertip to smear it on. Usually brands will sell wonderful sets for the holidays at reduced prices.

Now is the time to “buy and try” for your new years, “new look” resolution.

All recommended products available at Nordstrom.