Introduction, New Year/New Beginings

Happy New Year, everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leah Lattanzi and I am a makeup artist located out of CT. I have been doing makeup for about 5 years now, and hope to continue it as my career... until I can't move anymore. ;)

I've always been a creative soul, and this is just another outlet for me. Please visit lattanzimakeupartistry.com for more information about what I am all about! In my blog you will find my thoughts on inner/outer beauty, makeup tips, promotional information, product reviews, and events/updates from my business. I hope this interests you, and I will do my best to keep you guys up to date with anything new.

With the New Year here, there is so many resolutions that we all hope to keep. Bettering ones self to flourish. I have my own set of goals as well for twenty ten. Usually with goals set for the new year, there is always the admiration of looking good. If you look good, you more then likely will feel good. Here is a few thoughts/tips on how to refresh your look and be a better you for the new year...

Every women wants to look beautiful, but not every women has the resources to keep up with the demanding beauty business of today. With high end cosmetics flooding the shelves, botox, surgery, new and improved formulas to look better, what can a girl do to improve her look whilst not spending big bucks?

First things first...get your skin in order. Throw that Dove bar in the garbage and lets get a plan together. The better your skin is the less cosmetics you will need. Of any kind. In my personal experience hormonal imbalances and conditions have prevented me from having a flawless complexion. I have acne. I have oily skin w/ dry patches. Everyone has their own skin challenges, but you want to work towards getting it in order. Even Hiedi Klum gets breakouts, so don't fret. We all have flaws. Youre worth splurging on a few products that will, in the end, make you feel better, and your skin will love you for it! Consult a location esthetician or makeup artist who is well knowledgable in skin care, and can offer you great tips on what to use.

Secondly, grab your makeup bag and dump it on the table. What is old and crusty? Trash it. What is dated? Save it. Trust me. Got half used/broken makeup? Don't toss it.

1)Anything that has a bad smell, discoloration or is completely dried out toss it in the garbage. No reason to keep such an old or expired product. Its not benefiting you, or anyone.

2)Anything that is "last season" or "outdated" I personally would keep. You can mix these colors with other colors to create new/in looks. That bright blue 80s eyeshadow might be out, but mix it with a black eyeshadow and turn it in to a sultry, smokey deep blue eyeliner. Be creative, don't waste. We are, after all, trying to be greener these days right?

3) For half used lipsticks, etc get an inexpensive pill case. Break off/scoop out the tip of your lipstick and place in one of the pill compartments. Not only will you get the most product this way, you can carry multiple colors around without digging for the right one. Another way to save lipsticks is to melt the scooped product in a microwave safe beaker, and pour the melted lipstick into a professionally made empty lipstick palette. Let dry. It gives you the same effect of the pill container, but looks more high-end and organized.

For any broken eyeshadow or blush you can get any type of empty container/jar with lid, and break up the broken colors further into a mineral form. This way you won't waste the color, but can still carry it around in a clean, sanitary manner.

After everything is cleaned and compacted you will be surprised on how much makeup you have left to use, and new looks you can create with the same products. Its ok to splurge on a hot new item, but most of us have to use what we got. Be creative, try new colors, mix and match. Yesterdays lipstick can be todays cream blush. If you have difficulty with this concept contact a local makeup artist (or me!) to go through your makeup bag with you. She/He/Me ;) Will be able to give you tips on what to keep, what to mix, and what to toss....saving you more $ in the end.

Start fresh in the new year! Sometimes starting from the outside, will help repair what is broken on the inside.

<3 Leah Lattanzi