Look Good, Feel Good

MOBILE, Ala. - This time of year, "it's just adding that one little touch that makes you look a little more special than you do every day." There's no doubt -- when you look good, you feel better! And, this time of year, our calendars are full of parties, events, dinners -- you name it -- all things we would like to look good at! So, we're going to break it down. We're going to talk about how to go from everyday activities -- to party-mode!

We turn to our expert, Mom of two, Courtney Matthews, a makeup artist at the Bobbi Brown makeup counter in Belk at Colonial Mall Bell Air. We're using me as an example. We started with a regular makeup look, and then added some touches here and there -- to get the look holiday ready! Courtney says to take a look from day to night, we should aim for a little more. "Since we are busy Moms, adding a lip liner, adding a lip gloss, adding a little bit more eyeliner and another coat of mascara -- those are four little quick things you can do to transition from that daytime into your night time party look," explains Courtney.

GETTING HOLIDAY READY!
It really doesn't have to take a lot of time to get your holiday look ready! You can keep it really simple. Courtney shares some other tips for us, including

• Finding a good concealer. That can help add the 'sleep' you may have missed. It can actually give your face -- under your eyes -- a lift.
• Try a tinted moisturizer. It's lighter, full of good things for your skin -- like SPF -- and, you don't have to be as precise as when you're using a foundation.
• Look for makeup that has dual purposes. For example, Courtney used one of Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouges for both my lips and cheeks -- fast and easy!
• This time of year, Courtney suggests using metallics and chrome-colored makeup to give you some sparkle.
• But, you only want to sparkle in one area -- like your eyes or lips.

ALL YEAR LONG
There are some things you can be doing all-year long that will not only save you time right now -- but, each time you get ready to go. Courtney says first and foremost, we should all

• Focus on our skin. Make your skin a priority. Look at cleansers, moisturizers -- everything that will help give you healthy skin. When you have healthy skin, you don't need to use as much foundation or concealer. That will make for a faster getting ready process.
• Get to know your T-zone. That's the area from your across your forehead down your nose. That's a problem area for many women. But, there are things you can do -- for example, if you have an oily T-zone of a dry T-zone.
• Get the right tools! When it comes to makeup, the right brushes can not only speed up the process, but they can also help your makeup last longer because it's not wasted.
• Take care of your tools! Make sure you keep your brushes clean. They can carry bacteria if they're not properly cared for. Also, it's better to avoid sharing your makeup and makeup brushes with other people.
• Keep Qtips handy when you're putting on your makeup. They can help you correct all kinds of problems without having to start over. And, that can save you lots of time!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!
One of the best ways to find makeup and skin care products that work for you is to set up a consultation. You can do what I did with Courtney at the Bobbi Brown counter in Belk. All the makeup counters offer consultations. Trained makeup artists will help you pick out what works and what doesn't. That could save you time and money in the long run!