beauty trend: nude lips.

I am such a fan of a beauty trend that makes your eyes pop while your lips take a back seat {in neutral, though}. Take note: this doesn't mean your lips won't look beautiful because trust me, I am a lipstick/lip gloss/lip crayon junkie! In fact, the lip carries the trend. The big spring look is a nude lip. It is so chic, it pairs beautifully with a night-time smoky eye, and it looks stunning with a little bronzer and mascara during the day.Some tips:For those of you that have lighter to medium skin tones, a pale pink nude color will be the best bet. Top it off with this lip gloss in 'Nude Pink.'For those of you that have medium to dark skin tones, a creamy nude shade will fit you best. I just bought this, and I am so excited to try it out. Other nude shades in this lipstick are available and fitting to any complexion color.How to apply:1. When you are applying your foundation, include the lip to tone down it's natural shade. {or you can use your concealer for this step}.2. Line the perimeter of your lip with a nude lip liner. <--Color suggestion: 'Naked Liner.'3. Fill in the entire lip with you nude lipstick or crayon. {several options below}.4. Optional: top your lip with a gloss for shine or a lip liner to keep it matte while adding subtle color (such as pale pink) to the natural lip.Have fun and play with these shades! Experimenting will lead you to the perfect match.P.S. This lip maximizer is always a great addition to your routine as well. #fullerlips

5 Items You MUST Have in Your Makeup Bag!

I am constantly trying to sort through the old and add in new products to my makeup routine. Personally, I like to try and keep things simple when possible. I recently asked makeup artist Erika Palmacci for some inside tips on what items are necessities. She gave me the scoop on 5 things that are must haves for every girls' makeup bag.1) NARS Orgasm Blush. The universally flattering shade has a subtle highlight with gold shimmer accents. A makeup artist and beauty editor favorite!2) Benefit Eye Bright.  A pink perk-me-up stick to brighten your eyes. Keep it handy for those afternoon touch ups.3) Laura Mercier Undercover Pot. This travel-friendly pot contains award-winning Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer. The product is oil free and stays place all day long covering blemishes and imperfections. Set your makeup with the lightweight, silky Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Need I say more?4) Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Feels amazing, no need to constantly reapply and isn't sticky. Love this product! The treatment nourishes, protects and plumps the lips all day long.5) Anastasia Brow Fix. Keeping your brows in line is so important. Brows frame your face, so if they are just a hair off your whole appearance can change. Brow Fix is a colorless brow gel that comes in a pencil making it easy to store and use without that goopy feeling.