Be there or have dark circles!

Kerry Washington looked stunning in a white Zac Posen gown at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards.

The new matte makeup look Kerry has been sporting is soft, diffused and pretty.  Kerry’s signature nude lips and sculpted cheeks perfectly set off her signature look.

If you have oily skin or large pores, use mattifying and oil absorbing products to achieve the flawless sheer matte finish to emulate Kerry’s seemingly poreless skin.

The most important steps toward achieving a shine-free, pore-perfect finish is to prepare you skin with products formulated to keep oil at bay.

There are a few products that I use personally and keep in my kit for my clients that will help you attain a beautiful matte finish makeup.

1.  Prep

Insure that skin is smooth without a vestige of a pore in site. Whether you are fighting aging or acne, skin should be treated with a pre-makeup solution.

Try:  Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-aging Mattifying Lotion $6o

This double-duty product keeps your skin looking young and kills shine in one fell swoop.

-OR–

Try: Cover FX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment $39

Mattifies skin and primes it for foundation.

2.  Even Complexion

Keep skin smooth are pore-perfect with a matte foundation made for this millennium.

Try: NARS Sheer Matte Foundation $42

Sheer velvety matte finish with buildable coverage—not the matte of 1990.

-OR–

Try: CoverGirl Queen Collection Compact Foundation $9.49

Oil absorbers and luminous finish.

3.  Flush

Kerry’s strong cheekbones are a highlighted with a coral blush.

Try: Illamasqua Blush in Excite $24

This matte blush is pigment-potent, so just a swipe goes a long way.

Try: Nyx HD Grinding Blush in Apricot $16

This high definition blush is the vanguard of camera-ready makeup so that you are ready for any photo op!

Finish with a swipe of neutral brown shadow across eyelids and lots of mascara.  Gloss up lips with a sheer lipstick like Clinique Buttershine lipstick in Adore U.

Shop the look:

Face Primer at Sephora
Face Anti-Aging by Dr. Brandt Skincare

You can't go wrong with a red lip.  You can't go wrong with classic makeup.  You can't go wrong with a classicly worn pony tail, faux or real.  You can't go wrong with simple gold or silver hoops.  You can't go wrong adopting a less is more approach to beauty.  And you can't go wrong with a chic wardrobe of understated black and white.  

Iconic style and beauty chanteuse Sade gets it.  Since Sade first emerged on the music scene in the mid 80s, she has maintained her signature look.  Over 25 years later, Sade has only gotten better with time, as has her heart-rending lyrics and  emotive voice.  

Today, her eyebrows are a tad thinner, but nonetheless bold.  Her lips are still crimson. Her freckles still show. Her hair is still in a pony tail.  There is a hint of a life well-lived on Sade's face—a few character lines at the corner of her eyes.  

Emulating Sade's look, is a win-win situation.  Simple makeup that can be done in a few minutes, but can take you from the boardroom to the bedroom is a necessity for all women.  

Here are our recommendations, budget and luxe, to get our Soldier of Love, Sade's Look.  

Get the look:

1.  Let your skin show.

Sade doesn't mask her skin, we see her individuality, her freckles through an even skin tone. The best way to accomplish this look is with a tinted moisturizer or a lightweight, sheer foundation.

Luxe: Try—Cover FX Water Based Foundation SPF 15 $40

What it is:
A water-based liquid foundation with SPF 15.

What it does:
Provides hydrating sheer to medium coverage for the face and body. The formulation was designed to achieve a natural looking, satin finish.
 

Budget: Try—Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Makeup $4.99

What it is:
A sheer water-based liquid foundation with a natural finish.

What it does:

Enhances natural skin tone, never red, ashy or shiny. Glides on smoothly and evenly.

3.  Define Eyebrows

If you have naturally full eyebrows, just fill in sparse areas.  If your brows are sparse, fill in with brow color and extend to give your eyes a full frame.

Luxe: Try—Anastasia Beauty Express For Brows and Eyes $39.50

What it is:

A portable brow maintenance kit that includes a sampling of some of Anastasia's core brow products.

What it does:

This kit includes everything you need for perfectly groomed brows on the go. The portable palette contains Brow Powder Duo, Brow Wax, stencils, and an Angled Brow Brush with a mirror and instructions all in one convenient place.
 

Budget: Try—NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder $6

What it is:

An eyebrow maintenance kit to keep brows in exquisite shape. 

What it does:

Each Eyebrow Cake Powder kit includes a slanted brush and a round wand to shape, style and tame eyebrows. Available in 6 different shades.

4.  Smoldering Eyes

A deft hand with a sweep of charcoal shadow in the corners of the eyes enhances Sade's sultriness.

Luxe: Try—Sue Devitt Silky Matte Eye Shadow in Black Hill Range $18

What it is:

A crease resistant, long lasting eyeshadow that holds to professional standards.

What it does:

What it is:

A silky-smooth powder eye shadow that delivers unbelievable color with a curved double ended applicator. 

What it does:

Use dry for eyeshadow and wet for liner.

 

5.  Signature Siren-Red Lips

 

The final punctuation on Sade's classic look are her eponymous red lips.

 

Luxe: Try—Dior Rouge Dior Lip Color in Red Muse $32

 

What it is:

An ultra-nourishing, long-wearing formula, in a haute couture color.

What it does:

It dresses your lips in voluptuous, long-wearing color, while simultaneously providing definition, moisture and nourishment to the lips.

Budget: Try—CoverGirl Queen Collection Lipstick in Into the Red $6.99

What it is:

As much rich, true color as the leading department store lipstick.

What it does:

Adorns lips with rich color and saturates them with moisturizers that actually improve the overall condition of your lips

 

Eye Shadow by Sue Devitt

There is nothing like a make-under. The once over-the-top pink-lipped, black/blue/green/yellow/pink haired Barbie that we love to watch has become something of an elegant understated beauty. With an edge of course. No more Pepto Bismol pink lips and gargantuan rainbow bright hair for this hip hop hottie. No, Nicki Minaj has morphed into quite the stylish diva.

Nicki Minaj MTV Movie Awards Makeup (April 13, 2014 – Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin)

Nicki Minaj MTV Movie Awards Makeup (April 13, 2014 – Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin)

We have been watching Minaj’s ascent into cool classicism, and love it. We are particularly in love with her ability to take a red carpet by storm with her curves, waves (hair)  and less-is-more makeup.

Nicki Minaj MTV Movie Awards Makeup (April 13, 2014 – Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin)

Get the Look:

1. Flawless Face:

Nicki’s skin is flawless. Get the same flawless look with foundation and concealer that will last for hours on the red carpet or in the boardroom.

Try: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H $45.50

A perfecting foundation with 24-hour staying power. This velvety smooth foundation blends effortlessly for shine-free, round-the-clock comfort.

Try: Cover F X Cream Concealer $27 A water-based liquid cream concealer offering medium to full coverage.

Create the illusion of mega cheekbones even if you don’t have them. Sculpt with bronzer then highlight top of cheekbones.

Try: bareMinerals Ready Bronzer in the Deep End $24

A bronzer with antiaging benefits.

Try: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light $45

A universal finishing powder that features state-of-the-art technology to recreate the most exquisitely flattering types of light.

3. Soft Brows

Soft brown eyebrows let Nicki’s eyes do the talking.

Try: Tarte Amazonian Clay Volumizing Brow Powder $25

A volumizing formula for flawlessly defined eyebrows and hair.

4. Define Eyes

Accent lids with a touch of skin toned eyeshadow and a subtle highlight.

Try: NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Madrague $35

A mini mirrored compact featuring two crease-proof NARS eye shadows in cream and caramel.

Winged-out eyeliner

Every girl needs a signature element to her look – Nicki’s is her shiny winged liner on upper lid only.

Try: Stila High Shine Liquid Vinyl Eye Liner $22

A high-shine liquid eyeliner that dries to a wet-looking, vinyl finish.

Lots of Lashes

Lose the falsies and just look like you naturally have lashes for days.

Try: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara $23

An intensely black, volumizing mascara with an hourglass-shaped brush that separates, coats, and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection.

5. Pretty Pout

Nicki’s soft lips shine with natural sexiness.

Try: Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick in Happy Honey $22

A three-in-one lipstick with the shine of a gloss, the pigment of a lipstick, and the hydration of a balm. 

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 Solange embodies effortless beauty in every appearance she makes at a music festival, whether it be as performer or audience, and we think she is the one to borrow from. Her super-cool looks always includes funky fresh hair and believable makeup, which are key to partying in comfort and style.

We have road tested more than a beat-the-heat beauty products,  and here are some that we are positive will take you from dawn to dusk while you enjoy your musical festivities.

Top 10 Music Festival Beauty Must-Haves:

Sweat-proof Skin Care

1. Prime

Be sure all your skin care stays in place by using a primer that seals it in.

Try: Cover FX Mattifying Primer With Anti-Acne Treatment $16

A lightweight, water-resistant gel-primer that keeps skin matte while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pores.

2. Protect From Sun Damage

Keep skin matte and protect from the sun in a simple swipe.

Try: Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Powder SPF 45 $30

A transparent SPF 45 mineral powder in a convenient brush applicator. The light, matte powder gives the complexion a smooth, radiant, youthful look.

Waterproof Makeup

3. Flirty Lashes

Mascara is a girl’s best friend. You never know what hottie you will be standing next to that requires a fresh, flirty glance.

Try: Pur Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara $20

Made with Argan Oil—a revolutionary ingredient, loaded with lash-loving omega fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants—Pür’s waterproof mascara evenly coats each lash in beautiful, budge-proof colour.

4. Stay-Put Eyeliner

Add color and definition to your eyes with a waterproof eyeliner.

Try: Too Faced Bulletproof 24 Hour Eyeliner $22

A 24-hour wear, waterproof eyeliner that allows you to line, blend, and create smoky eye looks.

5. Flush of Blush

A slight flush is always sexy, so get cheeky with a long wearing blush.

Try: LORAC Pro Powder Cheek Stain $20

This innovative, 12-hour long-wear powder blush stains your cheeks with one swipe of healthy, radiant color.

6. Even Skin Tone & SPF

Skin is always in, so get yours even toned and protected from the sun in one fell swoop.

Try: bareMinerals READY® Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 $20

A solid mineral foundation that gives long-lasting hydrating coverage without looking or feeling like a foundation.

 7. Cover up

Late nights, partying and sun may cause dark circles to appear. Cover them up without worry.

Try: Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer $22

8. A Pretty Pout

Kissable lips are always a must, so keep they moist and tinged with color.

Try: Smashbox MegaTint Long Wear Lip Color $20

A long-wearing lip tint that conditions your lips for up to eight hours.

Frizz-free Hair

9. Controlled Curls

Keep curly locks defined, humidity resistant and frizz-free.

Try: John Frieda Frizz Ease Unwind Curls Calming Crème $5.99

Loosens tight spirals, tames puffy hair and fights frizz for salon-perfect style.

Calms and elongates kinky, frizzy curls for soft, even and controlled curls that last all day.

10. Silky Straight Tresses

Banish the “pouf” from straight hair.

Try: John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Styling Crème $5.99

Lightweight crème smooths away frizz and keeps hair soft & moisturized for up to 24 hours while helping block humidity.

Supermodel Jourdan Dunn wore the fall face well during Fall Fashion Week 2014–this is the skin to emulate.

We have tried dozens upon dozens of foundations, and we guarantee that you will “fall” for at least one of  these five perfect bases.

1. 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer

Try: COVER FX Total Cover Cream Foundation $42

An antioxidant-rich, two-in-one foundation and concealer offering broad spectrum SPF 30 protection with medium to full, buildable coverage.

2. Oil Free Option

Try: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder $46

A second-skin, oil-free powder foundation that can be used wet or dry.

3. “Natural” Skin

Try: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick $44

This formula is creamier and yet even more lightweight than the original and blends seamlessly into skin to create the perfect nude canvas.

4. Velvet Finish

Try: IMAN Cream to Powder Foundation $16

Full coverage foundation imparts a velvety powder finish.

5. Make it Mineral

Try: bareMinerals READY® Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 $29

A solid mineral foundation that gives long-lasting hydrating coverage without looking or feeling like a foundation.

1. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
2. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. One six-ounce bottle of sunscreen should provide two full days of sun protection for prolonged outdoor activity.

Alba Botanica® Very Emollient Mineral Spray Sunscreens (SPF 35) $15.99

Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates. Made without Oxybenzone, PABA, nano particles, Vitamin A or synthetic fragrances.

Application is made easy with these single-touch, aerosol-free sprays with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Perfect for sunny, summer days, their milky formulas have earned the coveted Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. They are water resistant for up to 80 minutes, biodegradable and reef safe. Available in Fragrance Free and Herbal Fresh.

Price: $15.99 each, Available at Whole Foods Market, natural food stores, drugstores and AlbaBotanica.com in May

Avalon Organics Intense Defense Sheer Moisture SPF 10 $18.99

Avalon Organics’ Intense Defense products balance antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, White Tea and Lemon Bioflavonoids to defend skin and support its natural renewal cycle. This feather-light day lotion is formulated with antioxidants and light mineral sunscreens to help protect against UV exposure and neutralize free radicals while naturally stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Price: $18.99, Available at Whole Foods Market, natural food stores, drugstores and AlbaBotanica.com in April

Cover FX Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen $45

Ideal for all skin types—and all skin tones—Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 glides on completely clear to prevent any white residue or pinkish cast, a common complaint among sunscreen users. The weightless and gel-like formula melts into skin seamlessly and creates a smooth, non-greasy finish perfect for applying makeup.

Price: $45, Available at CoverFX.com, Sephora and Sephora.com

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Facial Oil SPF 30 $19.99

Restores the natural oil that can be lost as skin matures with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. This lightweight, non-greasy formula soaks deeply into skin for intense, glowing, nourishment. The formula contains eight essential oils which penetrate into the skin’s surface layer to provide long-lasting hydration and a healthy glow.

Price: $19.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide

Peter Thomas Roth Radiant Instant Mineral SPF 30 $35

This translucent, brush-on bronzing powder for both face and body delivers immediate, any time SPF 30 that for a lasting sun-kissed radiance. Vitamins A, C & E help nourish the skin and protect against sun damage while chemical-free, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to prevent burning and sun damage.

Price: $35, Available at PeterThomasRoth.com

June Jacobs Advanced Sun Resistance SPF 30 $51

Paraben and preservative free, this weightless, oil-free, broad spectrum sunscreen with skin soothing botanicals, allantoin, aloe vera and ginger extract, and natural plant lipids, jojoba seed and rose hip extracts, help to protect sun-exposed skin.

Price: $51, Available at JuneJacobs.com

What it is:
An ultra-lightweight transparent sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 that moisturizes, brightens, nourishes, and protects.

What it does:
Ideal for all skin types and skintones, Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 glides on completely clear, preventing any white residue or pinkish cast. The weightless, gel-like texture melts seamlessly into skin, creating a smooth, non-greasy finish perfect for makeup application. A skincare and sun care product in one, it’s formulated to bring out the skin’s highest potential. Squalane and natural sesame extract nourish, soften, and moisturize the skin, while antioxidants from tomato extract help boost the skin’s ability to defend itself against free radicals, sun damage, pollution, and other environmental aggressors. With consistent daily use, skin appears brighter, healthier, and more youthfully resilient. It’s infusion of UVA/UVB protection and potent antioxidants help prevent the signs of sun damage, including discoloration, redness, premature wrinkles, and dullness.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens

My results:
When CoverFX Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 says clear and invisible about this sunscreen, they meant it. CoverFX Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is clear in the bottle and invisible on my skin. This is a first for me, especially with an SPF of 30.

CoverFX Clear Cover Invisible Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 feels a bit oily when you first apply it, but I think it’s the dimethecone, and it dries down to a smooth velvety finish. I have applied makeup over it and I have no problem with my foundation rolling or fading. One pump is enough for my entire face and neck.

I’m truly impressed with the technology of a clear sunscreen and I believe it is the answer for anyone who has brown skin and has struggled with wearing an SPF that doesn’t make their skin look holographic.

This sunscreen promises brighter skin with continued use and I look forward to that benefit!

Bling Factor:
Pro: Transparent, velvety finish, wears well under makeup
Con: None
Price: $45
Buy Again: Yes
Packaging: 5 Blings
Overall: 5 Blings
Hero Ingredients: Squalane and natural sesame extract, tomato extract
Natural/Organic/Vegan: No
Cruelty Free: Yes

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About Cover FX Cover Click Concealer + Foundation $18:

What it is:
An ultra-creamy, stick version of Cover FX’s bestselling Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation. (An antioxidant-rich, two-in-one foundation and concealer that delivers medium-to-full, buildable coverage. This foundation provides an all-day radiant finish that nourishes and protects with antiaging benefits. The buildable formula can provide medium-to-full coverage and offers all-day wear. )

What it does:
Cover Click is a foundation and concealer-in-one that’s perfect for contouring, highlighting, concealing, and covering. Available in 24 universal shades, this cult favorite offers ultimate blendability and leaves a finish that mimics the look of natural skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates

What else you need to know:
This product is vegan and free of talc and fragrance. Carry your Clicks individually or load into your customizable Click Stick to create your own perfect, portable beauty tool. Customizing your Click Stick is simple. Just pick, click, and go.

Why it’s a must-have:

The formula of Cover FX Cover Click Concealer + Foundation is pretty much amazing. It manages to not only hide my dark circles, but to look practiclly imperceptable in the process. I guess unless you believe that I have perfect skin, you wouldn’t know that I was wearing this foundation/concealer duo. I love  using the Cover Click packaging because I just stroke it on and blend. Done. No fuss, super easy. The foundation/concealer spreads easily and offers full coverage.

Additionally, the color choices are spot-on. I have two of these because I wasn’t sure which to get, and both work equally well — N80 (for neutral tones) and G60 (for golden tones).  The concealer lasts for hours, all day as a matter of fact, so I don’t have to worry about reapplying or smudging. If you have oily skin, I would suggest setting Cover FX Cover Click Concealer + Foundation with powder for the best result.

The Click Stick (which holds two tubes of product — Concealer + Foundation, highlighter or corrector) is ideal for keeping the product handy. You simply pop it of our the Click Stick to use, and then slide it back in. (I also love the highlighter, which I will be reviewing next.) It’s convenient, keep the product clean and “safe” in your makeup bag.

Bling Factor:

Pro: Great coverage and color choice, long-wearing, easy-to-use, portable

Con: None

Price: $18

Buy Again: Yes

Packaging: 5 Blings

Overall: 5 Blings

Hero Ingredients: N/A

Natural/Organic/Vegan: Vegan

Cruelty Free: Yes

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See my before and after pics below:

Editor’s note: We are trying to figure out why the photos are sideways — sorry for the inconvenience. WordPress problem…

Youth To The People Kale + Spinach + Green Tea Age Prevention Cleanser $36

(review)

An antioxidant-rich gel cleanser loaded with superfoods—kale, spinach, and green tea—to balance and remove dirt and toxins without stripping the skin.

Shea Moisture Olive & Green Tea Shea Bubble Bath & Body Wash $10.99

SheaMoisture’s olive and green tea bubble bath and body wash gently cleanses the skin, while relaxing the senses. Certified organic shea butter and olive oil blend together in an ultra-moisturizing formula. Avocado nourishes skin with essential vitamins and minerals, while antioxidant green tea helps protect skin from early signs of aging. Leaves skin soft with a youthful appearance.

Cover FX Correct Click Color Corrector $18

A cream color corrector that visibly evens skin tone by neutralizing the appearance of redness.

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens $10

A package of portable blotting sheets made from 100 percent natural Abaca Tree fiber, and infused with soothing green tea extract to absorb excess oil and reduce shine without disturbing makeup.

Clarins Booster Detox $39

A concentrated drop formula—infused with decongesting green coffee—to leave skin looking refreshed, radiant, and plump.

Too Faced Sketch Marker Liquid Art Eyeliner in Smokey Emerald $20

A liquid eyeliner for smooth, vivid, waterproof liner looks.

The Estée Edit Fluid Metal EyeShadow $24

A high-shine, liquid eyeshadow with a glossy metallic finish for instant-impact eyes with 12 hours of non-fading, non-flaking wear.

OGX Tea Tree Mint Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner $7.99 ea

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator $52

An ultra-gentle refreshing gel mask to help soothe, hydrate, and detoxify the look of dry, irritated skin with botanical extracts.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Plan 9 $21

An innovative lipstick that coats lips with bold color, long-lasting wear, and luxe comfort.

Ole Henriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator $34

A lightweight, mattifying hydrator with potent active botanicals and powerful AHAs to reduce oil and minimize the appearance of pores, and improve the wear of foundation.

NARS Eyeshadow in Night Porter $32

Shimmer finish black eyeshadow with green pearls.

Bulgari Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert $72

Delicate and discreet, yet lively and citrusy, this fragrance is sourced on a base note of green tea leaves, which are known for their relaxing and healing properties. The unisex fragrance combines a longer-lasting scent with discreet intensity.

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Polish in Cool Cucumber $7.99

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish provides nail color, while also delivering on key care benefits.

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