Fusion Beauty Blog by Product Expert Heather Boswell

The Ultimate Foundation Test

I was at the dentist the other day for my annual cleaning and my dentist started asking me about makeup. She wanted to know what foundation I used. I never pass up an opportunity to talk makeup, so I managed to respond to her (in that speech that only dentists can understand) by asking her why she wanted to know. She said that when she shines her light on patients she can see EVERYTHING and usually women's makeup looks awful under the light. All gathered in crevices and looks like it is sitting on top of the skin. She said she couldn't see mine but thought my skin looked really great. So...I guess my foundation has passed the ultimate foundation test. We talked about mineral foundation and custom blending and also about makeup in general. She agreed that it is soooo important for women to wear their makeup and not for their makeup to wear them. It's all about looking flawless and keeping people guessing...Is she wearing makeup or does she just have amazing skin?

Application Tip : Lately I've been applying my SkinFusion Foundation and Brightener at once. I do two pumps of each and blend them on my fingertips before applying. It applies beautifully, and gives a soft "tinted moisturizer" kind of finish that is perfect for summer.

Tattoo You

I took my kids to the dollar store the other day for some fun Summer toys and we picked up temporary tattoos. They wanted some crazy dragon creatures but I also picked up a package with "girlie" tattoos of flowers, butterflies, suns etc. The kids had a  blast putting them all over but I selected a couple of realistic looking ones for my ankle, a flower garland arm band and a sun for around my belly button. I've had them on for a few days now. They actually last really well and nobody is questioning whether they are real or not . At the beach, they look so awesome with none of the tattoo regret!  My kids think it is totally cool that their hobo chic mom is sporting tattoos and I have to say that I think my husband is finding it a bit sexy too!

You Can Leave Your Hat On

If you don't have a great summer hat yet I highly recommend you pick one up. One with a nice wide brim and in a pretty straw that goes with everything. This is such an essential summer beauty accessory. I picked one up last year and will have to replace it soon because I am wearing it every day. Here are the top reasons why you need a great summer hat:

1. Of course for sun protection for your face/ears/neck but also to protect your hair from bleaching out.
2. Speaking of your hair - NOTHING fixes bad beach hair like a super cool straw cowboy hat. Nobody needs to know how bad the hair underneath looks!
3. Bendy straw hats can be flattened for packing, scrunched for a casual look and straightened out for a more dramatic look. Make sure you get one that can be "molded".
4. Designer sunglasses and a big hat - How Hollywood ! Look like a celeb in 2 seconds flat. Add a summer scarf oversized bag and iced coffee and people will be trying to guess who you are!
5. It's all about the attitude - I'm not sure why it is but the second you put a hat on you just feel different. More confident and cool. It pulls every look together even if all you're wearing is a bikini.

Do You Wear Makeup…TO THE GYM!!??

If the weather prevents me from running outside then I hit the gym for a quick cardio after getting my boys off to school so it's almost always first thing in the morning. I almost always see a few ladies who have taken the time to apply a full makeup before hitting the treadmill...and I mean FULL makeup. Here's my question. Do you wear makeup to the gym? If so, why? and do you change it up? I must admit I don't go completely without makeup. I wear LashFusion, because otherwise my eyes are non-exist ant and usually clear LipFusion or a light colorshine. And of course the moment I wake up I apply my brightener and a little EyeLift, but that is not really makeup.  Okay so let's take a little poll. No makeup? Full makeup? or just a little?

MAKEUP MAKEOVER IV

Today will turn our attention to mascara. The rule : Sorry girls,  after three months, it's time to go. Pumping the wand into the tube adds air to the product, drying it out and promoting bacterial growth. I used to have a drawer full because I could never find one that covered all the bases. And have you ever tried one of those double ended mascaras with the white stuff on one end that you have to wait to dry before applying the color? Ugh!  Now, I have ONE mascara...I think you know which one it is. It's weather resistant, water resistant, conditioning, strengthening, thickening, lengthening and the color is totally rich. I wear it everywhere. I went fishing with my kids last weekend. Had my mascara on. (of course!) Swimming...yup. To the gym, you bet. I would say the only time I don't wear mascara is when I go to sleep. Oh and by the way...I am a huge fan of the makeup remover wipe. Takes my LashFusion off in two seconds.

Ahhh...that does feel better. Everything is nice and new in pretty, clean packages and I can actually SEE what I have. Because it's all about beauty right? My quality products look beautiful in the drawer and in my organized makeup bag that I am not ashamed to pull out of my handbag. And..I use every carefully selected item. (because if you can't find them you won't use them and if you don't use them they don't work!)

MAKEUP MAKEOVER III

Powdered products can last for over a year so I have a little flexibility here. I am choosing two blushes and 6 eyeshadows on top of the stuff I use every day. Now the criteria here is that they have to be something I have used in the last 6 months. Done.  One pink mosaic and one peachy coral. Now here is the tough part. Eyeliner pencils and cream shadows are only good for 6 months! Hardly enough time to use them. I am keeping black, brown and grey liners and everything else, all those fun colors that I thought I would wear but never have...gone! I only have one cream shadow in a bisque color so yay, I get to keep it.

Almost done....Finally the lips. Have you ever noticed that we tend to buy the same color over and over again in different packaging and different consistencies? Most women do. We are naturally attracted to colors that look good on us (in clothing too) so if you find you have lots of one shade then it is likely a good one for you. This step is easy for me. I haven't used lipstick in 3 years. Not one. And this statement from a makeup artist who collected every lipstick color on earth...just in case. I got rid of any unused tubes to my sister, my mom and some girlfriends but since they only last one to two years before they should be disposed of I threw the rest away. I have my favorite LipFusion Color Shines, a few pencils and two Liquid Lipsticks. These are great because they are like having your plumper, lipstick, lip pencil and gloss all in one. Hooray for the ultimate multi-tasker!

MAKEUP MAKEOVER II

Happy 4th of July!!

Okay we're on day two of our makeup make-over and today I have to sort out the stuff that I DON'T use every day. Should be easy right? Easy to determine what I don't use but how to decide what to throw away? Starting with Foundation. I do have a couple colors kicking around because I used to switch up my foundation every season before I started using my current foundation with customized color that activates to my perfect shade. (So easy) I seem to have wow, 3 bottles here. Cha-ching! That's a huge amount of money I am now saving but throwing them away? Here's the rule: Upon opening, liquid foundation has a shelf life of one year. Keep sponges, brushes or your fingertips clean when applying to prevent contamination. Bye bye. All three bottles are over a year old. At least I won't be making that mistake anymore.

Moving on to powder. I have a translucent powder here. Not using it anymore because I switched up to  SkinFusion mineral powder so I am getting mineral benefits at the same time. You know me...always the mulit-tasker. If I am using a powder then it had better do more than just give color. So, although powders can be stored for up to 2 years, I NEVER use this so it is gone. Same goes for my old bronzer. I can't remember the last time I used it. Again, I have switched to a bronzer with vitamin and anti-oxidant benefits as well as great color so this old one just won't cut it. Into the bin it goes.

Next time we will get into color...lips and eyes. Do we really need 5000 colors?

MAKEUP MAKEOVER

Well, it’s July. Finished your Spring Cleaning? Yeah, me neither! Although I have read a few articles on how to de-clutter, simplify, feng shui or whatever term you choose to use to perfect your home or closet. Haven't DONE it yet but I think I may start with my makeup drawer...well drawers actually as it seems to be spilling over into any available storage space I have in my bathroom.

Today we will start by PRIORITIZING. You know, sorting out the stuff you use every day and can't live without. This should be easy because it is likely right on top. Okay, I've got my maintenance products: LiftFusion, SkinFusion Brightener and LipFusion XL. Then for my daily makeup routine: foundation, powder, brow powder, eye shadow, liner, lash treatment, blusher and bronzer, lip pencil and plumper and an assortment of lip colors. Done.

Everything else is going into the "to be sorted" pile and I will deal with it "tomorrow". Hmmm...coffee smells good. Think I'll take a break.

I hope you enjoyed my Wedding Day Myth Series, and if I somehow helped any of you for your special day, then it was truly worth the effort. Here is one final wedding day tip:  I would recommend to every bride to hire a professional makeup artist. We spend so much time, effort and money on everything else and WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR FACE? REALLY?! Have a consultation beforehand so you know what to expect and then relax on your wedding day, knowing that you and all your attendants will look fresh, flawless and fabulous!

Congratulations and enjoy!