Bold & Bright Makeup

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Are you in need of a mid-winter pick me up? This is the time of year when the days are short, dark and cold for most of the country. Right around now is when I often find myself in need of a little color inspiration, so if you are like me then I have great news for you! The fun and on-trend Essence cosmetics line just launched at over 500 select Target locations nationwide. One thing that always perks me up is makeup. It’s a great way to inject a quick pop of color into my life and it’s an affordable and fun way to stay current and trendy. 

I could not be more excited about Essence Cosmetics Launch at Select Target Stores! Essence cosmetics is an up and coming, high-quality and affordable cosmetics line. The Essence cosmetics can be found in their brand new display in the beauty aisles and it’s easy to be inspired to create fun and modern looks with their products. Essence cosmetics come in 3 major beauty categories: lip, nail, and eyes. I just love browsing the beauty department at Target, don’t you? If I’m ever lost, you should first look for me in Target. 

There are so many gorgeous products to choose from that I could have taken the entire display home. Think candy-colored nail polishes, creamy lipsticks and sparkly glosses, and mascaras for days. Not to mention kits and face products like highlighters and blushes. I was so inspired by this bright orangy-pink lipstick that I built this whole makeup look around the color. I’m always drawn to orangy-pinks – there is something so alive and vibrant about the color, and it’s just what I need to perk me up and make my whole face look bright and colorful. 

For this bold and bright look, we are going to start with a simple face of makeup. I’m adding the Essence Get Big Lashes to what I call my base face: a clean look of tinted moisturizer, setting powder, bronzer on my cheekbones and neck, and eyebrow gel. I have this routine down and can apply it in less than two minutes. I have short eyelashes so I always curl them before applying mascara for extra lift. 

The Essence blush up powder blush that I purchased is ombre from orange to pink, just like the paint wall behind me! As soon as I saw this blush I knew I had to photograph it by the Biscuit Paint Wall, one of Houston’s treasures. I swirl my brush around to get a little of both colors and the mix of colors makes a dynamic and bold pop to the cheek. 

This powder blush is bright and bold, so you just need to add a little at a time directly to the apples of the cheeks. Blush stays on the cheeks, mamas, not on the forehead, otherwise you’ll end up looking sunburned. For color around your face, use a warm bronzer on your cheekbones, neck and right above the temples. Keep the pinky orange pop of color front and center!

And now the lipstick. I’m such a lipstick kind of girl and I’ll tell you why: it’s the easiest and fastest way to look “done”. A bold lipstick means the rest of your makeup should be simple and minimal with just a quick sweep of mascara on the eyelashes.

And now to add a little sparkle and shine to the lipstick is this XXXL shine lipgloss in a complimentary color to my lipstick. I dab the gloss right at the center of my lips and pat them together. This gloss is also beautiful on its own – more sheer without the bold lipstick underneath it, but a pretty add to the lipstick or as a standalone. It smells good and isn’t sticky!

Ooooeeee, look at that pop on the cheek and lip! I just am over the moon excited about these fun new Essence cosmetics products. 

Here is my final look: bright & bold yet simple and easy. This entire look start to finish is under five minutes, which is a major criteria for me as a busy mom. This is a beautiful daytime look and can easily transition to an evening look by adding a thin line of eyeliner and some nude eyeshadow. 

It may be the middle of winter, but let’s not forget that life is SO good, right? (I do realize that this may be easier for me to say since I live in south Texas, but remember, I spent my entire life in Chicago! I believe it’s 10 degrees there right now). Have fun, treat yourself, share a smile, be confident! Love being who you are and be who you want to be!

Are you particularly drawn to a shade like I am to an orangy-pink? I want to hear what inspires you!

XO 

Author: Candace Thomas

These fun photographs were shot by the talented Rocio Carlon at the Biscuit Paint Wall in beautiful Houston. Y’all should come visit and see all that this great city has to offer.