I always considered blue eyeshadow to be a bit of a fashion throwback, retro in a tacky way rather than a cool touch of vintage. But the mainstream institutions of fashion seem to believe otherwise: blue shadow is back in a big way.

While I was reluctant to embrace the trend at first, I'm coming around to it. You don't need to color your entire lid, but a bold streak of blue beneath the crease is a refreshing alternative to the typical smoky eye. Plus, this color really makes brown eyes pop. Just make sure that you go more neutral on the cheeks and lips to avoid the dreaded clown face.

Lipstick is an amazing way to spice up your makeup routine. Unfortunately, making it last all night can be tricky. Here are some tips that will keep your lipstick looking fresh all night long.

1. Apply a light lip balm on your lips to even them out.

2. Take a nude lip pencil and line the outside of your lips.

3. Apply a layer of your favorite lipstick onto your lips, making sure to blend with the lip liner.

4. Take a loose powder and use a napkin to blot a think layer over your lipstick. This will set the first layer of lipstick in place.

5. Apply another generous layer of lipstick over the layer of loose powder. You will now have lips that will last you the whole night!

My morning makeup routine is usually pretty simple. I put on some eyeliner and mascara and call it a day. However, during the winter months my skin tends to dry out a bit more and I break out so much easier. So lately, I have been working on correcting how I apply my foundation, concealer and bronzer so it doesn’t look like I have much makeup on.

The foundation I have been using pretty much ever since I was sixteen is Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation. I love it because it isn’t oily and even though it is a liquid, it doesn’t leave me appearing shiny, which is great. I use 173 Amber for medium skin with dark olive undertones.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, sephora.com, $42

Since I don’t always use concealers, I don't own very many but I do want to try out a few other brands (if you have any suggestions feel free to leave a comment). The one I have been using is by MAC and it is Select Moisturecover in NC45. It comes in a small tube that’ll fit pretty much anywhere.

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer, MAC Counters, $18

Last but certainly not least, would be my bronzer by Tarte. I have tried numerous bronzers simply because I am obsessed with looking sunkissed all year long. I live in the Northeast so there are plenty of dull months where the sun is at an all time low, so this product adds the right amount of golden hue you need. I use Park Ave Princess and it’s a mineral powder and does not leave you orange which is great. I used to use a bronzer by MAC but I thought I was seriously on the verge of looking like an oompa loompa. It is also great because I have sensitive skin and to this day, mark my words, this has never made me break out.

Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer, sephora.com, $29

Ever since the temperature has dropped, my skin has been in desperate need for a remedy. It had become dull and dry and my normal skincare products were just not doing the trick. The other day, when I went to Lush to buy a gift for a friend, I came across Oatifix Fresh Face Mask. It is an all natural face mask made from oatmeal and bananas specifically for dry skin. It comes in a little container and is made fresh in the store.

The Lush Oatifix Fresh Face Mask costs about $6.95 and a little goes a long way. The lady at the store told me it was good for about six uses but I have used it about that many times and have barely made a dent. I absolutely love it. Within the first day my skin was noticeably softer and brighter. I have been using it for about a week now and my dull, flaky skin has been completely rejuvenated. Another plus is that it smells amazing! Since it is an all natural product, it is also great for those with sensitive skin.

The two possible downsides with this product is that it needs to be refrigerated and it sometimes doesn't stick well on skin. The oatmeal is a little bit clumpy and has a tendency of falling off. Also, if there isn't a Lush store nearby, it can be difficult to ship due to the fact that it is perishable.

Overall, I love this product. I would definitely recommend it as a solution to the oftentimes brutal effects winter has on skin. Not only does it moisturize your skin, you see the results of it almost immediately.

Lush Oatifix, lushusa.com, $6.95 for 2.1 oz.

If you have been keeping an eye on the latest fashion shows, then I’m sure you have realized some striking similarities between them. It’s the color blue and has been the premier color of everything from coats to dresses.

One of the most striking blue trends is the return of blue eye shadow. This sizzling hot trend has made its appearance in a range of shows, from Michel Kors to Roberto Cavalli. Now ladies, don’t fret, the 80’s aren’t coming back to haunt you. My theory is that when some fashion trends repeat themselves, they return more chic and powerful than before.

If, by chance, you are like me, then you are in love with this trend already. Now if you also find yourself in love with the highly Avant Garde make-up on the runway, then you might actually be my long lost twin in which case you should send me an email so we can reunite.

In all seriousness, Avant Garde make-up is beautiful, but most of it doesn’t work for women in the real world. Not to worry though; blue can still work if done right. I have some tips on how to execute blue eye shadow without looking like you’re going to prom again.

Staying true to nature, I’ll go from the most dramatic looks to a simple look. But first, I have a few tips to make this process as painless as possible. Before you start, make sure you have a blending brush because it will be your friend when you apply any eye make-up. Also remember to always apply primer before applying your eye shadow. This will prevent creasing and help your color look amazing all day. Something else to keep in mind is skin tone. Ladies, if your skin is fair, use lighter shades of blue and if your skin is darker, use more bold and vibrant shades of blue. Lastly, fear all things that match. Do not make your eye shadow match with your eye color as this will wash those gems out. Opt for a different shade that contrasts will your eyes to make them pop.

The Dramatic

The night is the perfect time to pull out the drama so this smoky look will be absolutely perfect for a fabulous night out. First, take your lighter blue and cover the entire eyelid. Don’t be scared ladies; take this color from the lash line all the way up to the brow bone. Following this, apply your darker blue from your lash line to the crease of the lid. Blend both colors to soften. To truly take your evening look to the edge, add a bit of shimmery blue shadow to the inner corner of the eyes and finish it off with blue eyeliner. Blend in and you are ready to be the highlight of the night.

The Medium

Take your boldest brightest look and apply it on your eyelid, making sure to sweep it evenly across the entire eyelid to prevent creases. After this, apply black eyeliner to the top and bottom lash lines and then lightly smudge them in. Lastly, take a fine make-up brush and evenly sweep your blue eye shadow along the bottom lash line. You can take the drama a few steps further by applying bold black mascara to top off the look. Ladies, premiere this bold and beautiful look to your friends or significant other during a fun evening out.

The Simple

To accomplish this easy look, simply take your lightest blue and sweep it evenly across the lid. Be sure to blend color in evenly to avoid creasing. Follow this with brown eyeliner and some mascara for a daytime look that can easily work on the job or a day at the mall.

Because blue eye shadow, whether simple or bold, makes a statement, be sure to make the rest of your look simple yet elegant. Ladies, if you follow these easy steps, you will be sure to look blue but not feel the part at all.