As we head into the coldest months of the year we all need a pick me up to make us feel better especially after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Women face self-esteem issues and women with epilepsy are not excluded from these feelings. We are all trying to make ourselves fit this “Picture Perfect” image that we see in photos, magazines, television, Facebook, Instagram, etc… The reality is that we are all perfect in our own way. We were not created to be exactly like the woman next to us. We need to embrace who we are and focus on the things that make us unique! I have had the privilege to get to know an AMAZING lady that is not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. Her name is Dana McDowell and she lives here in Nashville, TN. Dana is partnering with My Epilepsy Story to help women find the beauty that is right in front of them without trying to make them into someone else. Dana wanted to share a few beauty tips that we can ALL use this winter season! So get ready to see the beauty that is right in front of you! ~Brandy
“Winter is coming, & by now any remnant of summer color is gone, so your skin is lighter. Also, daylight is dimmer, so skin seems duller. To counteract the problem, choose a base at least one shade lighter than you’d wear in other seasons. And opt for a hydrating formula that contains moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin or sodium hyaluronate because skin tends to be drier, too.
Disguise dark circles
Winter colds can exacerbate puffiness and undereye shadows. And as we grow older, the skin around our eyes becomes thinner, making these problems more noticeable. To fix, after putting on foundation, dab on a yellow-based cover-up one shade lighter than your base. Apply as close to the lash line as possible, blending from the outside edge of the eye socket to the side of your nose (which helps hide the tinge cast by your eyes).
Cheeks
To brighten a winter washed-out face, bring back your bronzer. The reddish brown tones help counteract the ruddiness brought on by colder air. However, don’t go more than two shades darker than your skin tone or you’ll look muddy. Using a large blush brush, tap areas of your face that naturally pick up color from the sun: your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. For a greater glow, add a touch of pink blush to the tops of your cheekbones!
Eyes
Fierce, frigid winds, not to mention the common cold, can cause your eyes to tear, resulting in runny shadow and mascara. For staying power, prime lids with face powder to absorb any excess oil, which can cause makeup to smudge. And be sure to use long-lasting formulas that are designed to work all day without creasing or fading.
Polish your pucker
Because your lips lack oil glands, they dry out easily. Add in abuse from bad weather, and your skin begins to flake, making lipstick look blotchy. For luscious lips, first remove dead skin by applying a lip balm and gently exfoliating with a damp washcloth. Then use cream lipsticks & or glosses! They’re moister than matte formulas. And steer clear of ultra dark shades, which age you because they absorb rather than reflect light. “
My name is Dana McDowell, & I am honored to be given this opportunity, to help reach young women across the board, to motivate, encourage, and guide them into a journey of beautification. Not just solely on the outside, but to help enhance the beauty on the inside as well!
I have been in the industry for 20 years. I was forwarded the opportunity at a very young age to own and run my own salon successfully for five years. I then sold it in 2002 and moved here to Nashville, to marry the man of my dreams. From there, I have pursued a very sought after career, here in the heart of Nashville where I have been blessed to work with some of country music’s finest. Through this journey, I will take the time to educate women on skin care, make up tips, along with hair care. I will also provide a question and answers session, and strive to work one on one with whomever would like a personal consultation along with providing a live demonstration!
