Still More Napoleon...

Napoleon teaching me how to use his fantabulous NP set cosmetics.

So for those of you just tuning in, I had a successful meeting with Napoleon Perdis a week or so ago, and I had so much to share that it just wouldn't fit in only one post! So here is my second installment. I've been playing with NP set cosmetics for over a week now, and I am in love. I will attempt to explain why without totally sounding like an infomercial.

• The cosmetics are top notch, high quality. Napoleon pinched pennies on the packaging, and invested all of his cash into the make-up. This is sweetness for you and me, because it is high-end department store quality, with Target prices.

• I am no make-up artist...not even close, but Napoleon's make-up has been super easy to use. I've had so much fun experimenting, especially with the palettes. It has been a breath of fresh air to my routine.

• The make-up is creatively named after different destination cities across the land. Yes Houston is represented (in a navy eyeliner and a shade of foundation).

• On each product you find a "What's In It for Me," list of all active ingredients such as Pomegranate extract, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Vitamins A and E, etc. so you know you're skin is getting nutrients, and looking fabulous.

• One more NP expert tip - to stay on top of make-up trends, check out what's happening on the runway, then adapt the same style to yourself using only 20% of the color intensity
  

Also, when I asked Napoleon why he chose to visit our lovely city he emphatically said "because Houston women are FUN!" Hmmm...I guess we are...aren't we:) Thanks Napoleon!

Expert Make-up Tips from Napoleon Perdis!!

The city of Houston was taken by storm, when the vibrant, boisterous and all around adorable celebrity make-up artist Napoleon Perdis came for a visit last week. If you don't know his name, you should. Not only did he have his own show on TLC, but he has also made up the faces of celebrities like Debra Messing, Evangeline Lilly, LeAnn Rimes, Amanda Bynes, Miley Cyrus and oodles more.

The fabulous Napoleon was kind enough to hang out with me at the St. Regis, share his stellar cosmetic line NPset (now at Target), and teach me some expert make-up tips and tricks. Want to know his secrets? Here they are...

Mascara First

Before anything else. Really. Don't apply a drop of foundation or concealer until you swipe that mascara wand. When I asked why, Napoleon explained, "mascara gives you the map for the make-up for your face." Once your eyes get that wake up call, you may find that you don't even need much additional make-up. How brilliant!

Update your Look

So many of us get cozy with certain colors or products and never try anything new. Sometimes even for decades! Don't allow yourself to get stuck in a cosmetic rut. I played with the NP Denim Set (pictured below) over the weekend, and found Napoleon's palette to be an excellent cure for make-up monotony. The colorful palette even includes instructions for applying both a.m. and p.m. looks. SO much fun.

Play with color

While we were playing with NPset, Napoleon applied a touch of orange shadow to my eyelids. Orange?? Why would I ever try orange eye shadow? Well man I wish I would have. It was subtle, made my eyes pop, and just plain looked amazing. What a shock!

Don't go far boys and girls, I've got lots more of Napoleon's expert ideas to share. Check back very soon!