Moms: the Original Trendsetters

Say what you will about style mags and runway shows. Moms are the original trendsetters, teaching us more about fashion and beauty than we’ll ever know (or care to admit to). And with Mother’s Day a mere two days away, what better way to pay tribute to the women that inspire us, than by reflecting on the very things they taught us?

Growing up with a fashion buyer for a mom (for the now-defunct Prange’s department store—go ahead, Google it), I knew about Fashion Week before I could grasp basic grammar. Twice a year, my mom would fly to New York to meet with vendors and return with rough sketches and samples of what would hit the Juniors department in a future season. She was always impeccably dressed (a bold statement, considering it was the eighties—in Wisconsin); and, looking back, I’m lucky her taste extended into children’s wear. (No jumpsuits or bowl cuts for this baby.) While other kids were learning about colors, she taught me which colors worked together.

When it came to beauty, she was ahead of her time. While her friends and coworkers sported the totally tubular neon lips and super-smoky eyes of the day, she kept her look natural, often with only a hint of mascara and a spatter of lip color. And while she did wield a mean can of Aqua Net, she did it gracefully enough that we can still look at that decade’s family photos without laughing (too much).

Thanks mom, for keeping it real (and well grounded) throughout the awesome eighties, and beyond. You taught me some pretty rad things (and spared me from years of embarrassing yearbook photos). I owe you.

What did your mom teach you about fashion and beauty? Share your stories below or on Facebook.

What is Foundation Makeup?

Foundation is a skin-colored makeup that is applied to the face to help cover up minor blemishes, create a uniform complexion and, sometimes, to slightly alter the shade of the skin.

Foundation can come in liquid, cream or powder form, and can be oil-based, oil-free or water-based. As a general rule, you should try to match your foundation to the type of skin you have, using it to compensate for either an oily or a dry complexion.

Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation is an innovative cosmetic product that all skin types can use. Free from harsh chemical dyes, fragrances or preservatives, this mineral makeup acts not only as a foundation, but also as a concealer, powder and SPF 15 sunscreen all in one.

When choosing a foundation color, select the shade that most closely matches the color of your skin. To correct certain skin flaws, like blemishes, redness or dark spots, you can apply a foundation primer, like Pür Minerals Color Correcting Primers in peach and green, prior to applying makeup.

The actual appearance of any foundation is determined by how it actually works with your particular skin tone and type. For this reason, you should experiment with different shades until you find what works best for you.

Asian Complexion Makeup Secrets

Every ethnicity has different facial features and thus has different requirements when it comes to cosmetics. If you’re of Asian descent, chances are that your skin tone is different than that of your Caucasian or African American counterparts.

Many believe that a pink-based foundation, like that used on Caucasian complexions, can downplay the yellow undertones in Asian skin. In actuality, this can create a masked look that comes across looking chalky. Rather than over-emphasizing your natural color, yellow-based foundations such as the Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation in Golden Medium can actually enhance the glow of your skin, creating a soft, refreshed look.

If you want to add a little color to your cheeks, lightly dust on Pür Minerals Pressed Mineral Blush in either Copper Sienna or Plum Adamite to give your complexion a hint of warmth. Try to pick light, airy hues, and remember to blend your colors out toward the hairline.

Additionally, dominant Asian features, such as brown to black hair and brown eyes, are neutral enough that they work well with virtually any eye shadow and eyeliner colors, allowing you to coordinate your makeup with your wardrobe. Experiment with different shades to find color combinations which work best with your own natural tones.