If you tuned in to Elvis Duran and The Morning Show this AM, you may already have heard the news: I’m going to be the show’s new Beauty and Lifestyle Expert. Today was my on-air debut and, going forward, I’ll be answering questions from callers, giving tips and covering a range of topics from awards show looks to men’s skincare and more.

 

 

I’ll also be Elvis Duran’s on-call expert to answer any beauty and lifestyle questions that come up, any time. Because I knew that Elvis is a superfan of our Medium Bronzer, I surprised him by announcing I’m creating a shade just for him called “Elvis D”.  All in all, a great first day on the job.

First order of business: Healthier breakfast options.

 

In case you missed it, here are my top 5 things women should do to freshen up their makeup routines in the New Year:

 

#1: Clean out your makeup bag

 

Throw away old makeup, especially:

Mascara after 3 months

Lipstick/lip gloss after a year

If there is a color in your makeup bag that you haven’t worn for over 6 months or you know you will never wear again, considering tossing it.

If any powders or shadows are cracked, toss them.

Keep two bags—one for your day-to-day makeup routine, and one with other colors or formulas you wear from time to time, but not every day.

 

#2: Clean your brushes

 

Start the New Year with a fresh set of brushes. They harbor bacteria, so you should get in the habit of cleaning regularly, at least every 2 weeks to once a month.

That doesn’t mean new ones, just clean ones, and you can clean them with a professional brush cleaner, or some mild facial soap and water.

Make sure they dry completely so they don’t trap bacteria. Hang the brush head over the counter so it gets its original shape back.

 

#3: Start washing your face before bed

 

This may seem obvious, but a lot of women don’t, and it is important to wash all of the makeup, dirt, and pollutants off your skin at night and again in the morning, as the skin detoxes overnight.

Use a mild cleanser and eye makeup remover daily and exfoliate twice a week.

 

#4: Start wearing eye cream

 

A lot of women skip this step, but a good eye cream will keep you looking young and refreshed.

Use under eye only, not on lid.

It can depuff the undereye area and also help with dark circles.

And eye cream is a great primer before putting on corrector/concealer—which you should also start using if nothing else in the New Year to brighten the eyes and conceal darkness.

 

#5: Try something new

 

Maybe you want to consider having more fun with color, experimenting with a bright lip, or learning how to line your eyes for more drama.

Or if you wear a lot of makeup, find your perfect nudes and tone it down to let your natural beauty come through. Nude doesn’t mean beige—it means the colors that are right for your skin tone.

It is nice to get out of your makeup rut by experimenting, and if something doesn’t work, it’s okay. You now know it is not for you.

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