V is for Vivacious.

Valentine's Day

You either love it or you hate it...usually depending on your status.

Allow me to help you prep your face & case this weekend. I may not have the most noteworthy relationship advice, but I can assure you that if you follow my skincare and makeup tips you'll look and feel fantastic... Valentine or not.

There are several scenarios that can come in to play this time of year. Match the case below, you feel you identify with best. Follow my beauty guidelines and you should have yourself a recipe for indulgence at this year's celebration of l-l-love.

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Case #1

The Forbidden Fruit

It’s all about “U”….Unattainable, Unapproachable, Unforgettable. You have a “You can look but you can not touch” strategy and enjoy being on display.

In this case I would recommend you put on a show. You’re single and you love it, why not accentuate all of your best assets? Pump it up and go for the BOLD!

Make a delicious statement with a sultry eye. I prefer a deep brown shadow with a hint of shimmer to make the eyes pop. To get a professional look without a lot of effort try using the eyeshadow trio called “Smashbox.com", by Smashbox.

1. Sweep the dark brown shade over your lid up into the crease. Since this is considered a "smokey eye" it's okay to not be precise.

2. Deposit more color near the lash line and outer corners, smudging your way up to the crease.

3. Line the entire eye with a dark brown pencil like Tarte's EmphasEYES High Def. Eye Pencil in Dark Brown (Tip: dot in between the lashes and smudge with a "Q-Tip" to achieve a fool proof line)

4. Highlight just under your brow bone and in the inner corners of your eye with the lighter shade to give yourself a more polished look.

5. Contour your cheeks with Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer. (Lightly sweep over forehead and collar bone with blush brush while you're at it to add a subtle glow)

6. Highlight your cheekbones with the sheer pink from your Smashbox trio to create flawless highlighted finish.

7. Color your kisser with a rich shade like Makeup Forever’s Plum Burgundy.

Case #2

Single and HATING IT!

It’s that time of year again and you can't help but wonder why Lloyd Dobbler isn't standing outside your house with a BoomBox over his head. You bitterly observe the holiday by doing things you’d never admit to anyone… like eating that entire carton of triple fudge nut chocolate double chip cookie dough ice cream, stalking all of your exes on Facebook, and crying your face off to Steel Magnolias. You’re out of tears, your pizza is on it’s way, the sweats are in the dryer…now what?

It’s time to take those broken wings and P-A-M-P-E-R yourself .

The first step is to de-puff those peepers...

***When the eyes get a puffin'-I really can't emphasize the importance of hydration. Drink lots of water to get yourself back on track.

I also recommend the tea bag remedy... hehe...

- Place each bag over your (CLOSED) eyes for approx. 10 minutes to alleviate puffiness and irritation. The herbs from the tea are also a natural antioxidant which promotes healthy skin (especially around delicate areas like the eye).

Give yourself the ultimate facial Rx with the Black Tea Age Delay Skin Care Set.

This kit has all the essentials to cleanse treat and pamper your skin. Trapped inside this cute little black makeup bag includes a cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream and mask. You'll be feeling FRESH and revived in no time at all.

If none of these tips succeed to your satisfaction--Resort to the Vino.

Case #3

Lost in Love… Lieb… Aimer… Amor…

Whatever language you speak, this is the holiday you look forward to all year. Smitten with your sweetie, you can’t wait to shower them with love. You’ve been planning for months the perfect way to dote on your darling. Rose petals? Check. Champagne & Strawbs? Check. Expensive dinner reservations? Check. Perfect V-Day makeup? Che - - ?? ...Lemme help you with this one.

Less is always more in my book. You’re in love! Glow with it!

For an easy and radiant look try:

The Natural Collection, from Bare Escentuals

This kit has everything you need to achieve a flawless appearance that will make your skin look and feel dazzling. With "makeup so pure you can sleep in it" there's no need to fret about a your carriage turning into a pumpkin at midnight. I can assure you your skin will maintain it’s brilliance until you take it off.

& last, but not least...

Case #4

The Dude.

Simple.

...but you still need to take care of your skin.

Spruce up your grooming regime with some straightforward and easy to use products. You'll like it, I swear (as will your nearest and dearest).

Try the men's Facial Fuel Line from Kiehl's, it's packed with testosterone-I promise!

All you need are these three products. Cleanse. Shave. Moisturize. It's that easy.

There you have it, a crash course to Valentine's skincare and beauty. Now, if you have multiple personalities and you feel you were able to relate to all four cases I apologize for any confusion I may have caused. Just keep this tip in mind: don't overdo it on the products and you'll be juuuuust fine.

Happy Valentine's Day!

*Rach

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. -Robert Frost