These days we have so many makeup products to choose from to give our skin a shimmery glow. You might be wrinkling up your nose and thinking, “Why would I want shimmer? I’m not ten years old!!” Well, a little shimmer and sparkle isn’t just for kids. Follow these tips from beautystoredepot.com to use shimmer to your advantage.

* Look for sheer options. Opt for lightweight shimmer products, not heavy, opaque, “frosty” makeup.

* Focus on one feature. You’ll surely look like you got into mommy’s makeup if you have heavy shimmer and shine on your eyes, cheeks AND lips. Pick one feature to shine.

* Go light-handed with application. Unless you’re going for a costume look, apply products lightly. If you are going for a natural shimmering glow, then here is where you can add a little to the cheeks and the eyes – just don’t overdo it!

* Try a multi-use highlighter. Yes, it can be daunting at first, but one great highlighter can do so many jobs. GloMinerals GloHighlighter can be applied before or after your foundation depending on how subtle you want your glow. Apply it to cheekbones, the brow bone, inner corner of eye or the center of lips for a hint of shine.

* Avoid shimmer on certain areas. Applying shimmer products to fine lines, wrinkles or blemishes will only highlight them, and that’s definitely not the goal here. However, a lightweight powder like Pur Minerals Afterglow Illuminating Powder contains the natural shimmer of mica to actually reflect light away from your imperfections.

* Always blend! This is the key to making your shimmer look natural. Use a GloMinerals GloTools Cream Blush Brush for creamy or liquid products and a GloMinerals GloTools Fan Brush for powder formulas. And be sure to only use this brush for your sparkling products, otherwise you’ll end up with shimmer everywhere, all the time.

How do you wear shimmer makeup? I’d love to hear your ideas! Here’s a hot tip: through 4/19 you can take $10 off orders $49+ at beautystoredepot.com with code UPICK10 at checkout. FREE SHIPPING, too!

Julep Atmospheric Eyeshadow Duo

I’m loving Julep’s Orbital eyeshadows Atmospheric Duo in Earthshine and Borealis, which are rapidly becoming fan favorites! The multidimensional formula has triple the pigment for intense brightness and incredible stamina to last all day. It can be applied wet or dry for endless looks. They definitely creates eye-catching eyes!

This duo set includes:

Earthshine: Tree bark with chrome pearlescence

Borealis: Charcoal with peacock pearlescence

Julep Shader Brush: A versatile brush built for controlled application and flawless blending

Professional Tip: Sweep your favorite shade of Orbital eyeshadow on dry for buildable shimmer, or dampen your brush to unleash vibrant intensity.

OFFER: The Atmospheric Duo set contains two beautiful Orbital eyeshadows and a shader brush for a special price of $29.99 with the code SPARKLE ($54 value) through March 31, 2015.

Spring is in the air and that signals the start of a new season – which to me means it’s time to make some changes! One area that can always use a springtime makeover is the makeup bag. This week I had some help with that thanks to Victoria Jackson Cosmetics.

I received a few of the Victoria Jackson products to test out including the Foundation Duo, Here Comes the Sun Bronzing Powder, Perfect Everyday Blush and Lush Mascara. I love the sleek packaging of the products that gives them a very “high end” feel. The foundation duo glides on easily and gives great coverage without heaviness or caking. The blush and the bronzing powder add a nice glow to my face. The finishing touch is definitely the Lush mascara. It lengthens my lashes and, best of all, stays in place all day! None of those dreaded under eye shadows from smudges.

The mission of Victoria Jackson Cosmetics is to help women achieve inner confidence through outer beauty. Since I spend most days at home with only a few trips around town to run errands or to walk the dog, I don’t have to make a “full face”, but at bit of foundation, some blush and a brush of mascara and I feel ready to go out just about anyplace.

Discount: Right now you can grab yourself a beauty bargain! Victoria Jackson® is offering an exclusive 25% discount off the entire site using promo code LOVEVJC. Valid until 4/4/15.

For more information, follow Victoria Jackson® on their social channels:

• Victoria Jackson® on Facebook: facebook.com/victoriajacksoncosmetics
• Victoria Jackson® on Instagram: instagram.com/vjcosmetics
• Victoria Jackson® on Twitter: twitter.com/@VJMakeup

What do you need to refresh in your makeup bag this spring?

Avon has something new and it’s big and daring!  Yes, it really is – it’s their new Big and Daring Mascara.   The new formula lets you go bold with 5 times the volume for an extra daring lash look!

The product features a DYNAMITE WIRE BRUSH. This curved brush with multi-level patented bristles combs through and captures each lash while sculpting and filling in gaps. It also features lash build technology of a Plumping Complex and innovative crème-gel formula that delivers 5X the volume and a clump-free, smudge-free, flake-free build.

Checking the reviews on this new product, it seems that it really does last a LOOONG time with no flaking, clumping or smudges. I’m ready to try it!

Right now the  Big and Daring Mascara is on sale for only $6.99 (regularly $9).  You can also get FREE shipping on orders of $35 or more.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support our site with no additional cost to you. See our complete disclosure policy here.

Are you a fan of Pür Minerals?  Last time I was in Las Vegas and my face was super dry because of that dry Vegas climate, a local beauty counter rep recommended 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer. I grabbed it and it was just what I needed! Whether you’re already a fan, or if you want to try for the first time, you have the opportunity right now to purchase any item in the Pür Mineral BOGO category and choose another item of equal or lesser value FREE!

Pür Minerals Complexion BOGO Sale is avalible for:

• 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Powder ($27): This all-purpose hydrator, primer, foundation and SPF creates a sheer, flawless finish while infusing the skin with vital moisture. Ceretin Complex combines with Sodium Hyaluuronate for all-day hydration that also renews the skin’s appearance for a dewy soft look and feel. Available in 11 true shades.
• 4-in-1 Liquid Foundation ($36): Lightweight and oil-free, Pür Minerals’s dermatologist-tested formula offers all-day true colour tone that won’t smudge, rub or fade. Enriched with super-hydrating Ceretin Complex, this foundation revelation draws vital moisture to the skin for a look so flawlessly fresh, you’ll forget you’re wearing makeup. Available in nine true shades.
• CC Cream ($38): Pür Minerals’s CC Cream with SPF 40 protects, corrects and perfects the skin’s appearance with clinically advanced plant-based ingredients, like DERMAPUR® HP—a clarifying corrective from meadowsweet—and CLARISKIN II®—a brightening powerhouse from wheat germ. Available in four true shades.
• 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer ($34): The 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 creates a sheer, ultra-natural finish while hydrating the skin and protecting it from harmful UV rays. As sodium PCA infuses skin with intensive moisture, Ceretin Complex renews the skin’s appearance for a more youthful radiance. Available in four true shades.
• Disappearing Act 4-in-1 Concealer ($22): Made with salicylic acid, brightening Waltheria Complex and Pür’s proprietary Ceretin Complex, Pür’s one-of-a-kind formula works to brighten, balance and lift the skin’s appearance as it conceals common imperfections. Available in four true shades.
• Color Correcting Primer ($31): Containing clinically proven skin-perfecting ingredients, these lightweight primers also brighten and firm the skin’s appearance while leaving a silky smooth finish. Available in five problem-solving shades, including the newest limited-edition Illuminate and Glow.

Be sure to head on over and take advantage of the Pür Minerals BOGO deal today.  It won’t last long! You have through 8/18 to take advantage of this offer.