Colorless makeup transforms to match skin tone

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Being a very pale person, it has always been hard for me to find the perfect shade of makeup to match my skin. Even the lightest ivory concealers often leave a clashing baseline at the bottom of my jaw.

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine purchased some of Almay's Smart Shade™ Makeup at Wal-Mart. It was slightly expensive, I thought, at almost $11 for a 1-ounce tube. "You'll have to let me know how that works out for you," I said, too skeptical to purchase one for myself.

The next time I saw her, I asked if the "magic makeup" was all it was cracked up to be.

"I'm wearing it right now," she said as she moved to a more well-lit area so I could examine her baseline. She tilted her head back, and to my surprise it blended so well that I could not even tell it was there. I was convinced enough to try it out myself.

When I opened the makeup, I was intrigued at its white color. But when I rubbed it onto my face, it blended like magic. The makeup is also a bronzer, so it gives skin a sun-kissed look.

I also noticed that it has a runny, light-weight texture to it. The end result was clean, even, natural-looking skin. When I wear it, it never looks like I have a ton of base caked on my face.

The Smart Shade™ Makeup contains tiny color beads that are designed to blend to a person's skin tone when it is smoothed on. Rubbing it in is what activates the beads.

Complimenting skin tone isn't the only advantage to wearing Smart Shade™ Makeup. According to information provided at Almay.com, it contains nourishing antioxidants such as grape seed, ginseng and gingko biloba that "help give skin a healthy glow." It is also hypoallergenic, meaning there is little possibility that using it will cause an allergic response.

You don't have to have ultra-light skin like me to use the Smart Shade™ Makeup. There are three variations to choose from: light, light/medium and medium. Just choose the one that best applies to you.

Although slightly expensive, a little bit of the makeup goes a long way. If you decide to try this revolutionary product, keep in mind that a dime-size amount will be plenty to cover your face. When applying, be sure to rub it in very well so that the color beads can reach their full potential.

After discovering the Smart Shade™ concealer, I liked it so much that I had to try Almay's Smart Shade™ blush. The tube is half an ounce and costs around $8 at Wal-Mart. I was just as pleased with the blush as the makeup. It definitely gets the job done of making your cheeks rosy while blending to look natural. And like the bronzer, there are a few different shades to choose from. I say it's worth a try, but if you are not big on splurging for makeup and have a blush you already are pleased with, you may want to stick with what you've got.

Still skeptical? Visit Almay.com to view a product demo.

Be in the know for Back to School

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

It can be exciting, overwhelming or even depressing, but it's ultimately inevitable.

The first day of school is approaching, and along with it comes a lot to think about for students and parents. From what to wear to where to buy school supplies and get immunized, much preparation goes into the beginning of a new school year.

Taylor St. Charles will be a senior at Amarillo High School this year and said she is optimistic and is "ready to get it over with."

"I think everyone is just ready to get back to school," she said. "I'm sure it will be fantastic this year."

For others, beating the back to school blues can go much smoother when you know where to shop, what to buy and freebies offered in the community.

The Church at Quail Creek, located at 801 Tascosa Road, will be giving away free school supplies packets August 8, to the first 400 people that register. Registration starts at 6 p.m.

Although the packets won't include all items on the school district's complete school supplies list, it will include the basics, said Norma Thomas, a church employee.

They also will be giving away free lunch box snack bags and a sack of back to school groceries to all families. There will be a live band and an inspiring message given at the event. Those planning to attend should enter at the playgroud doors.

The third annual KidsFest will be taking place at Thompson Park August 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"We have over 10,000 people attend," said Kae Rae Austin, administrative secretary at the Amarillo Independent School District superintendent's office.

According to Austin, KidsFest will have food, entertainment, games, bouncers, school supplies and more.

"It's all free to the community," she said.

Kids must be accompanied by a parent at the event. Immunizations will be available, but parents must bring shot records for their kids. There also will be information about how kids can get involved with organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts.

"It's just a fun event for families and we hope everyone will come out and support us," she said.

For fashion, retro-styles of the 70's and 80's are hot for the fall, according to information provided by ARA content. Polka Dots of all sizes have been in style for the summer, and the trend is expected to continue. Fashionclub.com predicts designer hoodies and tops adorned with bows to be popular fashion must-haves this fall.

Accessories to customize binders and lockers, such as stickers and magnets, also are in demand. Trapper Keeper turns 30 this year and is celebrating with new products such as Trapper folders and index card holders. They also have a weekly assignment planner full of 80s trivia, ARA reports.

Some students, on the other hand, aren't concerned with fashion.

"I am probably going to wake up half and hour before I'm supposed to be there and throw on jeans and a tee-shirt," St. Charles said.

But for those who are, keep an eye out for back to school sales going on at local department stores. Thrift stores also may be a good place to shop for vintage clothing.

FYI:
Classes for Amarillo I.S.D. and Canyon I.S.D. start August 25. Complete school supplies lists can be found at amaisd.org and canyonisd.net.