Think Outside the Beauty Box

What a year it’s been at Shimmer! From being featured on Chronicle, to hosting countless fun events, to almost completely redesigning the shop, we’ve been busier than ever. Veronica’s work on the floor plan has transformed Shimmer into a space we truly adore walking into every day. And while we haven’t posted to the blog as often as we’d like, we’re excited to get back to it just in time for the new year.

With January right around the corner and our new schedule for cosmetics lessons (plus an exciting new service we’ll reveal soon!) now live on our website, we figured there’s no better time to dive back into sharing tips, tricks, and inspiration. Plus, let’s be honest: we know many of you are home right now, wondering what day it even is. Let’s shake things up with some creative ways to rethink your beauty routine!

1. Use Your Bronzer as Eyeshadow

Clean beauty is all about versatility, and your bronzer can double as the perfect eyeshadow. Not only does this save you money, but it also lightens your makeup bag and reduces waste. Pro tip: apply a soft sweep of bronzer across your lids with a fluffy brush for an effortlessly cohesive look that ties in with your cheek color.

2. Swap Concealer for Color Correctors

Concealers are great, but color correctors can be game-changing. Green neutralizes redness, peach brightens dark circles, and yellow cancels out purple tones. If you’re not sure where to start, this is exactly why you should book a cosmetics lesson with us. Our team will guide you through finding the perfect shades for your skin.

3. Use Lip Balm to Tame Flyaways

If you’re dealing with pesky flyaways and don’t have hair products on hand, a clear, unscented lip balm can work wonders. Simply dab a tiny amount on your fingertips and smooth it over the flyaways for quick, touchable control. This hack is especially great for travel or on-the-go touch-ups when you’re working with minimal products.

4. Use Facial Oils on Your Cuticles

Multi-purpose facial oils can be a lifesaver for dry cuticles. Massage a tiny drop onto your nail beds for instant hydration. This small habit can keep your hands looking polished and nourished.

5. Use Tinted Moisturizer as a Quick Contour

For a subtle, natural contour, try using a tinted moisturizer in a shade slightly darker than your skin tone. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and temples, then blend well for a soft, sculpted effect.

6. Turn Your Face Mist into a Setting Spray

Face mists can double as a setting spray to keep your makeup fresh and glowing throughout the day. After applying your makeup, spritz a fine mist over your face to lock everything in place and add a dewy finish.

7. Experiment with Eyeliners that aren’t Black

Black eyeliner is a classic, but it can sometimes feel a bit harsh, especially for daytime looks or those with lighter features. Softer alternatives like deep brown, slate gray, or even jewel tones like emerald or amethyst can complement your natural eye color and give a more flattering, subtle definition. These shades enhance your eyes without overpowering them, creating a polished, approachable look that works beautifully for any occasion.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, explore your perfect color palette, or learn pro tricks tailored just for you, don’t forget to check out our cosmetics lessons. With a little creativity and guidance, your beauty routine can be as simple as it is effective. See you in the shop soon!

Katherine Lowe