Tuesday Tip of the Day

{Summer Glow}

from Health

Ok, chicas. We're here to talk about ceekas. (Ah! Too cheesy! I couldn't resist. Please forgive.) Here are a few tips to getting a gorgeous summer glow that won't melt. I tested these products in fierce Southern humidity and all passed with flying colors.

Step 1: Prime. (See last Tuesday's post to get the 411 on primers.)

Step 2: Cover. Tinted moisturizer is the best summer choice. It's light but still evens out skin tone. Recipe substitution: Don't have tinted moisturizer? Mix a pea-size amount of foundation and moisturizer together for instant tinted moisturizer! I like a moisturizer with SPF because you also get that crucial sun protection. If you feel absolutely naked without heavy-duty foundation, wet a makeup sponge, squeeze out the excess, then apply your foundation like normal. The damp sponge creates a lighter veil that won't melt throughout the day.

Step 3: Luminize. The "glow" factor that comes from "summer glow" is thanks to the luminizer. There are three formulas: gel, liquid, and powder. Liquids and gels are a must for summer, which I know seems counter-intuitive but they actually soak into the skin, unlike a powder, which just lies on the surface (and eventually melts off.) Technique tip: Apply the luminizer all over your face, concentrating on areas where the sun naturally hits: cheek bones, bridge of nose, chin, and middle of forehead.

Step 4: Color. Apply a brightly-hued cream blush to the apples of your cheeks using your fingers. Bright colors are far more subtle on skin than they appear in harsh department-store lighting. Summer is your season for pops of color, so stray away from ashy earth tones. Far too boring!

Tools of the Trade


Primer:
See last Tuesday!

Tinted Moisturizer: 

Laura Mercier SPF 20 Tinted Moisturizer, $42; sephora.com

Every beauty guru swears by this stuff. When the "best of" makeup awards come out, this baby is always at the top of the list.

Luminizer:

Givenchy Mister Radiant, $36; sephora.com

This is brand-spankin-new. Mr. Radiant, so nice to meet you! He has three shades of micro-beads that release pigment to blend in seamlessly with skin, giving you that perfect hint of warmth. And it smells amazing.

Blush:

Yves Saint Laurent Cream Blush in Velvety Peach, $38; nordstrom.com

The "it" blush of the summer. I've tried it on all types of skin: fair, olive, medium, you name it, and it looks fabulous on everyone. It's super-lightweight and has just enough of a peachy-coral hue for perfectly flushed cheeks.

Feast Your Eyes On This, Friday

America Love is so thick in the air and I'm in heaven! Of all destination spots for the 4th, I believe the lake is a place that captures the essence of the holiday better than any other. It's rustic, beautiful (but not overly glamorous), humble yet proud, and has this way of making you want to kick back with your family. We usually go to the beach for the 4th, but it never seems to hit the spot quite like a day at the lake, watching fireworks glitter overhead while you lounge in a boat, beer in hand, George Strait in the background, surrounded by the people you love. Doesn't get much better than that. So, I give you permission to start your weekend now, even if it's just in the form of an Americana euphoric daydream:

So cliche, but true. A smile is your greatest accessory.

from Life

A family outing.

That puts tubing to shame. 

A canoe with a motor. Totally my style.

Summer fun. 

Conde Nast

She wins the "Most Proud to Be An American" award.

A true lady of leisure.

I always wonder how they actually got into the hammocks. 

That is my idea of "water sports."

God Bless America.

Bon weekend!

Wish It Was Friday, Thursday

Nantucket: The Most Patriotic of All

I got carried away in this Nantucket home. The epitome of nautical chic. I believe this could be the most beautiful way to capture the spirit of red, white, and blue. If this doesn't make you excited for the weekend, I don't know what will.

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

The reason this works so well is the balance of rustic and refined. The clean lines of clapboard walls against the exposed ceilings and wood furniture. It's what 4th of July is all about-- no frills, just celebrating the beauty of what's around you.

What Was Sista Thinking? Wednesday

Trendy Trashy: Neon Nausea

I realize it is unwise to take on controversial topics like abortion, gay marriage, tanning beds, and neon nail polish in my infancy stage of bloggerhood. I almost chose a different topic. But then I thought, this is the Blog o' Brad and I get to say whatever I want. Here is my beef with neon nail polish. It got its first big break in trailer parks and for some reason the fashion gods decided it would be good to share the love with runways round the world.  You say to yourself, "But Brad, tons of cool celebs wear neon nail polish. Who do you think you are?" 

Gwennie

RiRi

Kardashian Sisters

Katy P

You use Katy Perry as an arguing point for taste and sophistication? Trend setter, I'll give you that. But here are a few of her other nail mishaps: 

Sushi Nails.

Hmmm... I'm a little hungry. Not to worry, I think I still have some tuna left on my pinky.

Family Tree...Phalanges Style

No more cell phone reminders to tune into the royal wedding. Paint it on the fings instead. Much more festive! 

Oompas

To curb chocolate cravings.

Rainbow Bright

I have a confession. I actually like these. But way too close to a candy necklace. How could you resist not eating a few?

Just. Say. No. 

Some trends are not meant for you or me. Leave it to Gaga and Katy P to do the dirty for us. What are your thoughts on neon nails?

Tuesday Tip of the Day

Primary Rule for Summer Makeup

What do you think when I say "primer?" The white stuff you paint on a wall before you do your real paint? Or, a useless makeup product that those crazy, wild-eyed cosmetic counter ladies try to force you to buy to bump up their commission. Too long has the humble primer been rejected and I'm here to set the record straight.

Most women don't use primers but they're essential in the summer. Think of them as makeup glue. They bond your makeup to your face but are lightweight enough to not be goopy. If you have really oily skin, don't moisturize before you apply your foundation and go straight to primer. I suggest getting one with SPF so you have that extra layer of sun protection under your base makeup. 

Raves and Favs: 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15, $42; sephora.com

This stuff was developed by fashion photographers when they kept getting the "clown face." You know what I'm talking about. When your foundation photographs white, even though in normal light it looks like your skin color. This primer evens out skin, pores, and fine lines all the while keeping you clown face free. And it has SPF. Great for a wedding or special event.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $30; sephora.com

This primer is always on the "best of" makeup awards lists. If the beauty gurus like it, then maybe you should too. I love this primer because it's very sheer and more of a liquid, than the first, which is more of a gel, making it ideal for everyday wear. 

Monday, Funday

There is something about patriotism that brings out the best in everyone-- kind of like brownies & ice cream, puppies, or an unexpected flower delivery. Pull out the red, white, and blue and just wait for the good cheer to start coming your way. Add a little food, beer, boats and explosives to that recipe. Partay!!! I couldn't decide between giving a nod to our Forefathers via fabulous clothes or party inspiration. When in doubt, I choose both. (Brad Bitt: Use that motto when packing as well. "Curse you, overweight baggage fee! You don't scare me!" When a random red-carpet appearance or a day of bear wrestling get thrown into the mix of your perfectly planned vacation itinerary and you're the one who doesn't have anything to wear, don't blame me.)

Fabulous, Fashionable, Fourth of July!

Glamour 

I love the photography from this spread in Glamour's June issue. Oozing Americana.

Glamour

Glamour

Glamour

Glamour

Why this works and how it works for you: 

Mixing polka dots and stripes
Primary colors always pop
Don't shy away from a throwback
Ladylike silhouettes never fail

Patriotic Party Planning

Veranda

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Elle Decor

Martha Stewart

Veranda

Why this works and how it works for you:

Consistent color palate

Ticking stripes. Can I get an amen?

Nothing is too pricey:

Mini flags, mason jars, striped fabric. Done.

Feast Your Eyes On This, Friday

There is something about the 40s-60s that I find so effortlessly chic and glamorous. I know God doesn't make mistakes but we have chatted a time or two about why I wasn't in my youth during that era. The hair, the clothes, the intense cat-eye liquid liner, the fact that guys could dance well and couldn't text you/facebook message you to ask you out, the "it's ok to want to be a housewife and not always be the 'I am Woman, hear me roar,' type of girl." Here are a few lovely things to dwell on before the weekend commences. Just in case you were wondering, I am also writing this to remind Jesus why I would have been a wonderful candidate as a lady of leisure during this time:

Slim Aarons

Because floral swimcaps were another beach accessory option.

Slim Aarons

  And crochet head-to-toe was considered demure.

from Life

 And girls wore red lipstick when they went waterskiing.

Slim Aarons

When working on your tan was considered responsible. 

from Life

Relaxing meant you had a productive day.

Slim Aarons

 Men could wear floral prints crazier than yours and didn't care if your yip-yap dogs sat on their Rolls Royce.

Slim Aarons

 Cocktail hour started at breakfast. And it was normal.

Brigitte Bardot, photographer unknown 

 Big hair didn't conjure thoughts of bump-its or Snooki.

Slim Aarons

 Champagne buckets were part of your patio furniture.

Slim Aarons

And most of all. It wasn't classified as animal cruelty to dye your poodle pink so it would match your pillows. 

Bon weekend!