I haven’t been idle with makeup, though, and since I’m here, I’ll give a little preview what I plan to write about within the week. A couple of weeks ago, I attended a Chanel event at my local Macy’s and received a full makeup consultation with a Chanel makeup artist. I learned some new tricks and got turned on to some fabulous products.

So that’s what you have to look forward to! There will be pictures, too.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Eyes: Kat Von D Rock ‘n’ Roll Eyeshadow Duo – Believer ; Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner – Rhi-venge ; Too Faced Eyeshadow Insurance ; Lumene Blueberry Volume Mascara

Lips: NARS Lip Stain – Indian Red

Face: Sephora Matifying Powder Foundation – D10 ; LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer ; NARS The Multiple – Orgasm ; Lumene Beauty Base Cover Palette

I’m a big fan of the cult-adored Diorshow, among others. Lumene makes an excellent mascara that contains natural blueberry seed oil, and it nourishes the eyelashes for strength, thickness and length – it’s available at Ulta. I also enjoy the new Lash Stiletto from Maybelline New York, which is in drugstores. The precision brush gives me the longest lashes I’ve ever had (and mine are naturally long as it is) and the formula boasts a shiny finish.

What you might not know, however, is that colored mascaras offer special benefits that regular black or brown mascaras don’t. For example, did you know that blue mascara makes the whites of your eyes look even whiter?

The idea of colored mascara may seem tacky or immature, but the truth is that you can take your makeup to another level of fabulousness with it.

More fun facts about colored mascara:

- purple mascara accentuates brown eyes, making them pop
- green or olive mascara looks beautiful on brown eyes and blue eyes alike
- burgundy mascara flatters green and hazel eyes
- it’s good for everyday wear, not just going out
- the color of the mascara doesn’t normally show up on your eyelashes, but it depends on how much you use. Most of the time only a hint of the color can be seen up close from certain angles; otherwise you get all the extra effects of the color without looking like you have unnaturally colored eyelashes

I recommend Yves Saint Laurent’s award-winning Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara ($28.50). The formula comes in seven gorgeous shades, and it is well-known for giving Diorshow a formidable challenge for its cult-favorite status. The brush is easy to use and as the name suggests, delivers the effect of wearing false eyelashes.

Dior, Benefit Cosmetics, Urban Decay and Tarte are just a few popular brands that carry mascara in dazzling shades. There are also some available in drugstores. Check Max Factor and Rimmel London for some unusual lash colors. Give one a try!