Don’t underestimate the power of a girl’s trip. When women have adventures together, they share stories, thoughts and ideas and learn so much from one another. Beauty always winds up playing a role as it is our feminine nature and celebrating it together is empowering. I just went deep sea fishing in the Dry Tortugas with three girlfriends and had the time of my life! It was a weekend of fun in the sun with lots of fresh seafood–caught and cooked by us, of course!

Even though we were on a boat in the middle of the Caribbean, we still wanted to look our best. I treated the gals to vacation makeovers, which was a good idea because just about an hour later some very cute guys from the US Coast Guard came on our boat to say hello.

The first step was to make sure everyone was wearing sunscreen, which you should always have on, even if you’re not on a boat. My favorite sunscreen is SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45. This waterproof zinc formula never breaks you out and totally blocks the suns rays. Makeup also glides on top of it without changing texture.

Next, I like to apply a little bit of sheer liquid foundation. I use a water resistant formula like Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Your Skin Makeup and blend on a tiny bit to cover any redness. Then I tap on a little cream highlighter on top of the cheekbones and under the brows and blend on a little cream blush to the apples of the cheeks. When swimming creams stay on better then powders as long as you don’t rub your face when you get out of the water.

For the eyes I smudge a hint of waterproof gel eyeliner along the upper lash line. I love the NYC Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil or Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil. Have fun and use shades of blue, teal or green while on the water. Finish the eyes with a light formula waterproof mascara like Maybelline Lash Discovery. For lips, a protective balm will keep lips smooth and supple. Try Burt’s Bees Lifeguards’ Choice Lip Balm and then top it off with your favorite gloss for a little fun!

As an established makeup artist, many beauty brands send me samples of their latest products for consideration. I only write about the items that I truly love and I always abide by Daily Makeover’s Editorial Ethics Pledge in each of my Positively Beautiful posts.

Garnier Nutrionist Anti-Wrinkle
Firming Eye Cream

Now that the weather is downright cold, our eyes need a little extra TLC. Chilled air dries out the delicate skin around your eyes, which makes wrinkles appear more pronounced and your eye makeup can look chalky and flakey.

The first thing I recommend is to step up your skincare routine. Make sure to use a really rich and creamy eye balm every night. During the day, pat it on again before applying your makeup. This will keep your skin nice and hydrated and help your makeup go on smoothly.

Clinique Quick Eyes
Cream Shadow

Switch out your powder eye shadows for cream formulas which will prevent your skin from looking parched. If creasing is a worry, keep creamy highlight shadows under the brow and in the inner corners only. Also, dab a darker cream shadow on your lids, but stop short of the crease to avoid creasing.

Sally Hansen by Carmindy:
Lift and Define Mascara

Try a pot of gel eyeliner to line your eyes. Use a liner brush to precisely paint it on and also give your lashlines a shot of hydration. Switch up waterproof mascara for protein-rich formulas that condition lashes like Sally Hansen by Carmindy’s Lift and Define Mascara. Lashes can really take a beating this time of year, so treat them gently.

With these tips, you should find that the little lines around your eyes will look less noticeable, your makeup will look smooth and you’ll be able to face the harsh winter with confidence!

As an established makeup artist, many beauty brands send me samples of their latest products for consideration. I only write about the items that I truly love and I always abide by Daily Makeover’s Editorial Ethics Pledge in each of my Positively Beautiful posts.

In these lean times we find ourselves cutting back on luxury items like $26 lipsticks and $200 jars of face cream. Well, don’t fret about looking good while cutting back on spending. Today, drugstores are full of high quality and low cost beauty products. From skincare and makeup to nail care and haircare, we are so covered.

Instead of spending a fortune on an expensive cleanser, spend about $5 on Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It is consistently recommended by derms as being the best cleanser on the market.

Forget fancy face scrubs and buy a box of sugar! Yes, I said sugar because it is the ultimate facial exfoliant. First lather up your face with Cetaphil, then rub a teaspoon of sugar all over using circular motions. After about a minute, rinse. You’ll be amazed at how smooth your skin feels–especially since it cost you about a penny.

I am normally La Mer girl (which is $125 for one ounce), but have been rethinking how to replace this super-rich face cream with something that costs less than the sales tax does on La Mer. After searching and searching, good ‘ol Nivea Creme in the blue jar is the winner!

Primer and foundation with fab formulas have always been hard to find in a drugstore, but now there is a line that actually surpasses in quality anything you will get at a department store. Try Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer and Your Skin Makeup Foundation.

Brows can look their best now with Ardell brow kits and Boots no. 7 brow pencils . Lips can be luscious if you skip on over to the Sally Hansen Lip Lab. Maybelline Great Lash (an all time makeup artist fave) keeps lashes flirty and NYC Sparkle Dust will give you the glow.

So don’t worry my beauties! You don’t have to sacrifice gorgeousness when pinching those pennies!

As an established makeup artist, many beauty brands send me samples of their latest products for consideration. I only write about the items that I truly love and I always abide by Daily Makeover’s Editorial Ethics Pledge in each of my Positively Beautiful posts.

During my recent book tour I met a women with gorgeous skin named Amy at one of my signings in LA. She introduced me to a new line of skin vitamins called GliSODin Skin Nutrients. This daily formula of fabulous anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients all specifically targeted to improve the appearance and texture of the skin seemed like just the pill I wanted to pop. It promised to rejuvenate and hydrate my skin, maintain the structural integrity of my collagen and reduce the signs of aging by protecting it from free radicals. (I always picture little angry men with machine guns blowing things up on my face whenever I hear that term.)

She gave me a month’s supply and I immediately started to take them. I must say, after about 4 weeks, my skin looked great. That says a lot considering that I had been on about 20 flights across the country in that time frame.

I am a firm believer that diet, exercise, and state of mind will keep you looking vibrant and gorgeous. What you ingest, the type of life that you lead, and the thoughts swirling around your mind will absolutely have an effect on your overall appearance. Choosing vitamins, food, cosmetics, and skin care that contain healthy natural ingredients will insure a better and more gorgeous looking you!

As an established makeup artist, many beauty brands send me samples of their latest products for consideration. I only write about the items that I truly love and I always abide by Daily Makeover’s Editorial Ethics Pledge in each of my Positively Beautiful posts.

In this tough economy, we need to find ways to save a cash and splurges like facials are one the first things to go. Fear not my pretty things! You can open your own fridge to find fresh and fast ways to beautify yourself. Most of these ingredients I’m sharing with you are found in high-end facials and masks anyway that cost up to $185 at a fancy spa, but at home they are FREE! We like that word and the results are the same..if not better.

My favorite fast food for the face trick is the ultimate white sugar scrub. You just simply lather up your face with a little cleanser, pour a handful of white sugar in the palm of your hand and scrub in circular motions. It will remove all dead skin cells and keep your complexion smooth and sweet.

Apple cider vinegar mixed with water can be the best toner and pore minimizer. Pour in 1 cup of this “kinda smelly stuff” in your sink and fill the rest with cold water. Splash your face about 10 times and you are toned and tight.

Moisturizer is key for the final steps of a good facial and there are a few great things you can use. Mash up 1 really ripe banana and smear all over your face. Leave on the skin for about 15 minutes and wash with warm water. It will leave your skin moist and smooth. You can do the same thing with honey, although a bit sticky, but after you apply it, lay a hot washcloth over your face and let it steam the honey into your skin. Wash off with warm water and the hydrating properties in the honey will make your skin really supple.

Swollen eyes? Chill slices of cucumber in the fridge and then gently lay them over puffy eyes for 15 minutes for a smooth fix.

Last is a good eye and lip balm. Coco butter dabbed onto these dry areas will keep them soft and lovely.