Modernize the Way You Make Up

Let's just state the obvious shall we: The beautyblender Cosmetic Sponge looks more akin to Easter hunts than make up bags. Yet with its unique shape, texture and material trifecta, it works foundation into that coveted overall even, crease-free coverage.

This ovoid applicator was the brainchild of Rea Ann Silva, one of Hollywood's top make up artists, who "knows the key to the perfect face is the perfect blend."  (Side note: I wonder how many flawless Oscars faces last night were achieved with its help!). Beyond Tinsel Town, this tool is also a well known Fashion Week backstage essential.

As I generally apply my foundation with my fingers, I wasn't sure how the beautyblender would fit into my daily routine. The tip sheet that accompanied it assured that even with my preferred technique, the beautyblender would smooth and refine my make up to a clean finish. Incorporating it this way was fun and did seem to make a noticeable, albeit slight, difference.

Other suggested uses include to use the round base to apply blush and the pointed end to "stipple and twist" concealer to perfectly camouflage blemishes. My pedestrian maquillage talents will surely need a bit of practice to fully utilize the beautyblender's magic, but I'm happy to take the road that eventually leads to complexion perfection.

beautyblender retails for $19.95 at major retailers nationwide including Duane Reade Look Boutique, CO Bigelow, Henri Bendel and Beauty.com.

Tips + BeautyBlender = Perfect face

Seen a funny looking pink tear-dropped shaped sponge in the magazines, on TV, in your friend's makeup bag? It's a Beautyblender! Learn the myriad uses and get your own:

Celebrity makeup artist and Beautyblender founder Rea Ann Silva provides her blending tips and tricks that will leave you looking flawless!

Cover Up Dark Circles and Blemishes

Apply your favorite concealer to Beautyblender. Use the pointed side and the “stipple and twist” technique to work makeup into depressed areas of the face. The stippling and twisting actions feathers out the makeup’s edges, blending it with

out creating changes in the texture or tone of your skin, leaving a perfect finish. The pointed side is particularly great for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose and mouth, and under the eyes.

Ditch the Cakey Foundation Look

Use the round base for foundation on the larger areas of your face such as your forehead, cheeks and chin. It leaves just the right amount on the skin and will leave an airbrushed finish. Be sure to blend makeup all over, including the eye area, starting in the middle and working your way out.

Add Some Color to Get Your Glow On

Instantly brighten your skin with bronzer and blush. Use the round base and apply bronzer to the apples of your cheeks followed by blush. A fast way to find the apples of your cheeks is to smile. Be sure to blend the color up toward your temples. You can even add a highlighter to your cheek bones to really accentuate them and give a glow. Start at the inner corner of the eye, blend it over the brow bone and onto your cheekbone – then do the other side. Finish by blending a little down the bridge of your nose, chin and above the middle of your lips.

Make Your Eyes Pop

Using the pointed side of Beautyblender, apply eyeshadow in your creases and blend it down over the lids avoiding the brow bones. By using the Beautyblender, there won’t be any harsh lines or stripes of color. Instead, it will look blended and effortless. For more definition, rim your upper lashes with a liner pencil and smudge it upward with the pointed side. To get an extra bright-eyed effect, use the tip of the pointed end and dot shimmery eyeshadow onto the inner corners of your eyes. Celebs use this trick on the red carpet all the time!

Add Some Strategic Shimmer

Blend some shimmer on the top of your decolletage in a capital T shape. For an even bigger boost, blend bronzer with the round base of Beautyblender around the inside of each breast to enhance your cleavage. This little beauty magic trick works wonders!

Get your own Beautyblender at major retailers nationwide including Duane Reade, Look Boutique, CO Bigelow, Henri Bendel, Beauty.com and online at www.beautyblender.net

BeautyBlender

FROM BLAISE:

Using the Beautyblender is very easy for this on-the-go lady. When you don't have much time, this is a no-fuss way to put on your foundation in the morning.

I use liquid foundation so this was a nice change from the usual finger application. The sponge's silky feel, combined with cold water (needed to apply wet makeup) leaves my face feeling fresh and soft, as opposed to caked on. The sponge is not only cute (bonus!) but was created in an unique shape--a pointy end for those hard to reach places and a round base that is fun to bounce over your cheeks, forehead and chin. Who knew you could have fun while applying your make-up!

The Blendercleanser is a must-have if you opt to buy the Beautyblender. I usually clean my Beautyblender once a week (gross, I know...but I said I was on-the-go!) and the Blendercleanser does it's job. Just wet the sponge, apply a small amount of the cleanser, lather, rinse, repeat and you're done--no mess! Included in the package is also a nice pedastal for the sponge to sit on and dry, which is very useful!

Check out http://www.beautyblender.net/ for more information!