Is it true? Is your makeup causing wrinkles?!

Have you heard that before? That wearing makeup may actually be causing you to age? Is this true? We were curious too, so Enza Essentials did a little digging and found out the truth.

Now take a breath and relax- makeup itself will not lead to wrinkles. But don't stop reading here.

Now what you do (or don't do) with your makeup may be causing you wrinkles...

•  Not taking makeup off- I promise, those 9 hours of sleeping can make a world of difference. While the makeup you wore begins clogging your pores, it also leaves remnants on your pillow to come back and haunt you!
• Not wearing sunscreen- Not wearing sunscreen under your makeup (or makeup with SPF) makes you are prone to sun damage which leads to premature aging! And don't think that you can't get sun burned through a window or when it's cloudy, the sun is relentless!
• Tugging at your skin- So even when you do everything you are told and take your makeup off daily, wear your SPF, you still need to watch out while applying and removing. Tugging on your skin, especially where the skin is thin around your eyes can cause the skin to lose it elasticity, leading to under eye. 

Now after a little Wrinkle 101 class, you can keep the skin you love for longer!

Can you believe this spring makeup style?! We want your opinion, is this a do or don't?

Spring is here and it's time to see what the fashion world has for us to try out this season! These women flaunt the bright blue, highlighting their eyes-- It's a springy color, right? 

Now I've always been a fan of the neutral browns and greens for my blue eyes- you know, nothing too showy- but these pictures make me want to try something new! What do you guys think? Can it be pulled off or is it too much?

This New Look will do Wonders for Your Skin

Not to be cliche, but I can't help it with this one-- when it comes to Christina Aguilera's new look, less is so much more. With minimal makeup (left), she shows off her more refined and natural side of her. I don't know about you, but I think she looks fabulous!

And lets not forget, her skin must be letting out one big sigh of relief-- literally! Excess makeup often ends up suffocating the skin over time, which can lead to major breakouts, unwanted blemishes and early signs of aging. But luckily for Christina, her skin still looks as stunning and flawless as ever. What do you all think? How well does Christina pull off her new look?

The Best Sleep you Never Got

I've learned a lot in my college classes- about terms, theories, and practices-  But more than any of these, college has taught me how to function with the least amount of sleep possible. 

There are a few simple ways to do this. The first and most important of these is looking like you are perfectly well rested. Because if you look awake, you feel awake. First, I chug a glass of water which usually gets me going enough to start boiling water for my cup of (caffeinated) tea. Then I assess the damage in my bathroom mirror. 

With my Enza products close by, I start with normal routine and finish with the Sustaining Glow Creme to brighten up my zombie-like complexion. And to get rid of those dark circles and puffy under-eyes, the Eyebright Eye Gelee usually does the trick. And while I'm not a makeup artist by any means, by using a light eye shimmer on my lower lash, brow bone and corners of my eyes, can truly work wonders on tired eyes.

Next thing I know, I'll be sitting through class, trying to pay attention to whatever new theory my professor is talking about, and I probably won't really be learning anything. But I sure look like I am. Oh the things you learn in college. 

Your Makeup Loves Your Skin, Too!

We all know that women have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Although many men won't admit it, we seem to find more and more ways to get two, three, or four things done at once. Whether its typing and email and eating breakfast, working out and reading your favorite magazine, or even talking on the phone and writing out your grocery list while browsing the internet for new recipes. It's true--we've become experts at doing it all. Which means this shouldn't be any different for our beauty routine. We've found a few products that are perfect for the multi-tasking woman. These makeups will act like your normal makeups, but care for your skin at the same time! Here are some of our favorites!

• Moisturize and Cover- Say goodbye to heavy foundations that weigh down your skin! New options such as tinted moisturizers and BB creams combine moisture, concealer, and SPF all in one.
• Conceal and Treat- Trying to cover a blemish can often do more harm than good, however now there are new concealers that treat while they cover up. 
• SPF and Lipstick- Protecting your lips is important since the skin on your lips is sensitive to sun exposure. With SPF components added into your favorite lipsticks, you can dress and protect!

Prove you are a true multi-tasker with a few of these hot new makeups! 

And the Winner goes to...

I was going through my usual Sunday night routine- vegging out on the couch with my roommates- when we clicked to the Oscars. While we were watching, we all picked out our favorite dresses (I still say, Amanda Seyfried's, no doubt), drooled over guys in suits (did you see Chad Michael Murray?!) and sat wishing we could afford just one of the diamonds on Anne Hathaway's stunning Tiffany& Co. necklace. 

While they continued arguing over dresses and jewelry  I couldn't help but interrupt- OH my gosh, look at Jessica Chastain! I could not stop obsessing over her seemingly flawless look. Maybe it's just because my ultra-pale skin and dark hair would never allow me to pull off the red lips like hers but I was absolutely in love with her look. You guys, why can't I look like that?

Her look, was classic-  gorgeous skin, long lashes, thick eyeliner and red lips that really made a statement. I think it goes without saying- she was by far my favorite look of the night. How about all you out there? What was your favorite look of the night? 

Simplicity is Bliss

It's late on a Friday night. You've just gotten home after a long week and a night out with friends and all you want to do is crash in your bed. You skip the night routine and fall into bed and a deep sleep. But little do you know, while you're happily snoozing in your bed, your unwashed, makeup caked face will already begin retaliating. By leaving makeup on and your face unwashed before bed, you are putting yourself at risk for breakouts, blemishes, and clogged pores.

 As you continue on your skin care resolutions, you may find its the little things, like not washing your face at night, that are keeping you from beautiful skin. Here are a few more small skin care changes that will make the biggest difference. 

• Clean Your Brushes- Your brushes and makeup applicators can often become dirtied overtime by bacteria. Keep your brushes clean to ensure you are not applying bacteria-infested blush!
• Wash Your Pillowcases and Sheets- After sleeping for weeks on the same pillowcase, your face is bound to leave excess oils or bacteria that you will be exposed to every time you sleep on it.
• Cleanse After Working Out- Of course, you're tired after working out and washing your face might not be first on your priority list, but storing cleansing wipes in your purse makes doing this task easy, convenient and effortless.
• Stop Touching Your Face- Touching your face, and especially the new pimple you noticed this morning, introduces your face to more oils and bacteria which is sure make that new pimple much worse before it gets better.
• Drink Water- We all know the importance of water for our health, but water is important for keeping your skin hydrated and creating that youthful glow we're all aiming for! 

So even as you walk like an overtired zombie through your front door, be sure to take care of your face before collapsing in your bed. Whether its taking a pit-stop in your bathroom to wash your face or using the cleansing wipes on your nightstand, be sure to have a routine and stick to it! Remember, you must start with the little things before you start to see the big differences. 

A Few of our Favorite Things

This winter season, we have a few beauty items that we're obsessed with. Whether it's for a holiday party, a night out, or a day in the office, here are a few make-up items that we love, and we hope you will too!

• BB Creams: A moisturizer, SPF and a "cover" all in one. A BB cream can truly brighten up your skin while minimizing pores, covering blemishes and wrinkles. 
• Lip & Cheek Stain: Apply to lips and/or cheeks with a color rich enough to give your lips and cheeks a healthy- looking glow. This product also has moisturizing properties. 
• Eye Shadow- And not just any eye shadow- but the dazzling, glimmering colors that will make your look unique. Try a glimmer gold, silver, or red. 
• Eye-Brightener- For reducing under-eye bags when you need it most. Whether its tired, aging, or stressed eyes, this will reduce, rather than cover up, the worst of your under-eye bags. 
• Finishing Powder- Put on after applying all your makeup to keep your look longer. It also helps in absorbing any extra oil your makeup may have caused. 

Try these makeup items for whenever and where ever. But whatever you do, prepare to stand out. 

Make an Entrance

Here's the situation: You've been so busy at work, planning your party, finishing your Christmas shopping, and writing out your Christmas cards that you've left no time to find a dress, do your hair or makeup for the party you're invited to tonight. What do you do? Well you can cross panicking right off the list and begin your deciding after reading these few tips.

• Choose a Dress for your shape: For a fuller figure, try emphasizing the details on the dress- pleats ruffles, or fringe (not all together) can show off your shape without adding volume. And for a more petite shape, try a fitted dress that will stand out and show off your frame. 
• Skip the Traditional: The easy out is always the little black dress. Or for holiday parties, a simple red dress to match the season. But drop the dress you've worn every other year- challenge fashion rules and try something new!
• Don't forget Accessories: You can really add a splash of personality with the right jewelry  handbags, or shoes.
• Makeup: Try a bright read lipstick, smokey eyes, fine eyeliner, shimmer, etc. Find what fits you and your outfit of choice!
• Liquid Gold: For a bit of extra shimmer, try Enza's Liquid gold on your face, neck and any skin exposed on your chest. This silky smooth liquid will make your skin shine and your makeup really stand out!

Look your best this holiday season, and don't be afraid to make an entrance!

Stay Awake! Or at Least Pretend to...

As the days are getting shorter, we can't help but feel more tired, but you can help how tired you look by using your makeup bag to your advantage. As Monday rolls around the corner after a weekend that we surely didn't catch up on our sleep, here are some of our tips on how to look awake in the office, even when you don't feel it.

• Start by curling your eyelashes, especially if you don't have naturally long eyelashes
• Use a dab of concealer just a little ligher than your skin under your eyes and rub in completely
• Apply light eyeshadow on the inside corner of your eye, next to the tear duct
• Try out a highlighter to wear just along the brow-bone or above, and rub in
• Use a light colored eyeshadow 
• Apply a white or silver eyeliner on your waterline
• When choosing your mascara, try a product that will emphasize the length of your lashes, not their fullness
• Avoid heavy dark eyeliner & eyeshadows

Even if you're feeling like you just woke up- don't look it! Use some of these easy makeup tips and be bright-eyed and awake, even on Monday morning!

Killer Halloween Makeup Ideas

What better way to disguise yourself this Halloween than with a unique makeup job for your costume! We have a few easy tips and tricks to make your scary costume complete!

• Eyes- In creating a dirty, irritated, or injured look, matte eyeshadows in lime green, mustard yellow, dark brown, deep purple, and various shades of blue. Using eyeliner can also create a mysterious gaze or sassy cat eyes. 

• Lips-Try dark red or highly pigmented lipstick. This gives you a bit of a "halloween" look as it imitates the color of blood. You can even use lipstick wherever you want to create cuts or the appearance of blood on your skin.

• Face- Baby powder or white cover up are perfect if your looking to get a pure, white face for a vampire, old woman, or other creepy character. 

• Nails-Your nails can really add to your costume! Try a DIY style, purchase temporary, press-on nails, or the classic black nails to spice up your costume.

Always be sure to check that your Hallowen makeup is safe to avoid causing your skin any reaction. Also, don't forget to completely wash off your makeup before bedtime with a safe make-up remover.

From Enza Essentials to You: Happy Halloween!