We're Blushing...

With lips, lashes, and liners stealing centre stage for beauty last fall, it seemed our cheeks are getting kinda lonely and left out. Not to worry: re-add some life and vibrancy (and a youthful glow for that matter) back into our faces with a quick swipe of blush. If you tend to have drier skin or mature skin, especially throughout the winter, cream blush works miraculously and looks a lot more natural. Why? Cream blends much more easily into our skin and the colour appear to come from within versus on top. If you are more on the oily side, grab your powder blush and a big fluffy brush.

Beauty Muse Tip: try to stick to more matte colours or those with a subtle iridescence as we generally apply the blush to the apples of our cheeks (and up) and this is the spot of the face where pores are rather larger and the iridescence of the blush would only emphasize their size. Whichever product you decide on, be sure to smile as you apply!

Here are Beauty Muses' Picks:

Break the (Beauty) Habits

We all are guilty of following a pre-set beauty routine (or at least one of the following routines); however, if you can disentangle yourself from these beauty ruts by advancing your go-to routines, you will ultimately reinvent yourself. FLARE helps us to discover this renewed version of ourselves by experimenting with make-up: new techniques, methods, colours, applicators, products: all of these little (but huge) things can help you experiment with different beauty styles to expose yourself to something new. Get this: you might actually like it! (And we are not expecting you to go to unrealistic extremes here, just subtle changes). In this instance, change is good.

Beauty Routine #1: You use the same eyeliner everyday (and night).
Change It: Try a kohl eye pencil! Not only is it much easier to use than liquid liners (with a softer effect), if gives a more diffused, sultry and smokey look. Apply the liner along your lashline and smudge it with a sponge/applicator.
Beauty Muse Pick: Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner ($12, sephora.com): comes in a rainbow of colours with a smudge-tip for easy smudging and blending.

Beauty Routine #2: You've worn the same lipstick since 1999 (and still have back-up in your make-up bag, "just in case").
Change It: We know not everyone has the confidence or even likeability to dark lips to just intensify the colour and go on with their day. Instead, why not try different shades that are within the same colour family as your favourite lipstick? (If you like blue-based reds, try a brown-based or orange-based red). Also, try to change up the consistency of the lipstick: move from sheer to matte.
Beauty Muse Pick: Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Creme Lip Colour ($30, chanel.com)

Beauty Routine #3: You are addicted to purples because you've read it enhances green eyes and you refuse swipe your lids with anything else because "purple is for green eyes and that is that".
Change It: Although purple does enhance green eyes, maybe try a different shade of the colour: loving lavender? Try a plum. Furthermore, try a new application technique: cover your lids in an earth-tone shadow, and line your lash lines (top and bottom) with the purple you know and love. This will not only enhance your eyes, but offer an updated version of eyeliner. Also, burnt reds totally intensify green lids! Experiment with colour, you may like it.
Beauty Muse Picks: Make Up Forever Eye Shadow in Plum 39 ($19, sephora.com); MAC Eyeshadow in Coppering ($14.50, maccosmetics.ca) 

Beauty Routine #4: You apply concealer, foundation and powder to your face daily no matter where you are going or what you are doing .
Change it: While this process does have amazing results, it is not always necessary. A great new trend in make-up is tinted moisturizer! They offer coverage, while often having a spf, leaving your skin dewy and healthy looking all day long. Also, opt for a cream-based blush or a cheek stain to bring some healthy glow back into your skin. Remember: the trio is not always necessary.
Beauty Muse Picks: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($42, sephora.com); Josie Maran Cream Blush ($22, sephora.com)



Get Glowing!

Tarte Cheek Stain ($30, www.sephora.com) is a water-based gel cheek tint that gives you a natural flush (no more cheek-pinching necessary). This natural looking gel blush gives the illusion of a natural glow of colour coming from under your skin (and not make-up sitting on the surface). Not only is it alcohol-free (so it won't dry your skin) but also oil-free (so it won't clog your pores). Yes, there is more. It contains Skinvigorating ingredients like a T5 Super Fruit Complex. This is pure water to help the skin retain moisture and mineral-derived pigments that are known for their soothing and softening properties. Another fascinating thing about tarte? In keeping with their eco-friendly efforts, they've partnered with Sambazon, creators of the Sustainable Acai Project (an initiative to promote positive change in the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities through the sustainable management of the Acai Palm tree). Acai is an antioxidant-rich super fruit that helps fight free radicals, promotes cell regeneration, has known anti-inflammatory and skin softening properties, and combats premature signs of aging. In 7 fabulous stains, this cheek stain contains this superfruit!