Curious about BB and CC creams?

Are they a moisturizer, tinted cream or foundation? Actually it's a little bit of everything with  some fabulous skincare benefits too, but you need to find the right formula for your particular skin type. 

Are BB creams the same as CC creams? The answer is no. BB stands for Beauty Balms and they are usually a silicone based product that is a non-brightening primer, foundation, moisturizer and anti-aging cream (some with SPF). They leave a dewy complexion and not the best for acne-prone skin but great for dry to normal skin.

CC creams are an improved refined beauty balm, known as Complexion Correction cream (or Color Correction) that is oil free and a brightening primer, foundation, moisturizer, SPF and anti-aging cream. They are designed to not only cover sun damage, but also to help treat and prevent future damage with continued use. 

BB and CC creams are best applied with a foundation brush and in layers. Blending is the key to having a perfect application and coverage. Sometimes concealer still may be needed for under eye circles or blemishes since these creams only have a light to medium coverage. There are many brands out there now promoting their line of creams, so be sure to read the labels to see which is best for your skin. 

Foundations alone are a thing of the past. Skin care is important and using products that work with your skin to improve its condition are available and should be explored. You can find the best product for you with a little exploring and patience. 

Seeing Spots?

With summer coming to an end, do you see some unfamiliar signs of sun damage on your face? Kind of looks like freckles, but they're not? Splotchy skin? Dark patches? Sun damage can be instant or take years of build up before appearing as hyper-pigmentation, but once it's damaged, it's damaged. Luckily there is something you can do to minimize the appearance.

For starters there are over the counter treatments you can get in a cream to help lighten the skin. Applied nightly, typically non-irritating, and all of them will either say "lighteners" or "reducers" or "eliminators" for spots on the labels. Clinque makes a really nice one, but drug store brands (Olay, Revlon, etc..) also make decent ones too. Concealer is another step to use in the meantime while the creams do their thing because it does take months for creams to work though, so don't expect overnight resolution.

Another solution would be to see your dermatologist who can prescribe you a more potent skin lightener. Mostly referred to as 'bleaching cream', and make your skin sensitive, so use sparingly. Best time to start these regiments are fall/winter when you are not parading around in the sunshine, but will still need sunscreen on your face while using the creams since the sun is still out, whether your trying to get it or not.

It's almost unavoidable since anywhere the sun shines and touches your skin is where sun damage can occur. So slathering on the sunscreen year round and doing post-damage control with the creams is the best way to keep your face in tip top shape. More extreme cases of damage definitely need a dermatologists assistance, so take care, take precautions and learn to love your skin.

(P.S. - Sorry for the hiatus in posting; I was enjoying my summer in Greece..now I'm using said creams to combat early signs of pigmentation I detect!)

Is 'Au Natural' The Way to Go?

My definite answer will always be "no". All women can benefit from the aid of cosmetics and beauty regiments. It sometimes makes me cringe when I see women out and about without a speck of makeup on, who need it, and wonder were they really that busy they didn't have a moment to apply some, or is it that they just really don't care? Especially when they make the effort to do their hair or put together an outfit...why stop there? Makeup isn't meant to be a mask but a tool to enhance.

Regardless of your agenda for the day, touching up your face before you step out to hide your imperfections, or highlight your assets, should be a step all women embrace, willingly. All the details are important. It doesn't make you (or me) high maintenance to care about how we look. Summer seems to bring out the bohemian girls more and more, and while they dress the part, they lack the finishing touch that can make casual look pretty (and effortless). The tend to look messy, sloppy and dirty.

Lack of a pedicure with open toe shoes is a big pet peeve for me. Either maintain your toes or don't make the rest of us look at your less than appealing feet. You spent money on rocking those sandals, wedges, heels; but yet can't be bothered to paint your toes or apply lotion? Really?? Not that feet are attractive in general anyway, but anything to make them look better is always a plus. Dry, scaly, knarly feet aren't pretty.

Dirty hair that doesn't look like beach or bed head, but more like a weeks worth of grit needs to be washed. I personally can go 3 days without washing my hair as I don't use products and my hair isn't oily but I never get to the point where it looks like it needs to be washed, and you shouldn't either. Dirty stringy hair is just not attractive.

Overgrown eye brows that missed their wax/tweeze appointment by 2 weeks are noticeable. Trust me...we can see the stray hairs sprouting up everywhere. Shaving your legs, under your arms too....seriously. Same goes for your upper lip...it's obvious, so take care of it.

A pimple that needs concealer. Under eye bags/darkness that need attention, dry lips that need sloughing, yellow/stained teeth that could use brightening...they are all things noticeable and economically fixable so don't be lazy and just do it. Au natural doesn't mean sloppy. You don't need to spend a lot to maintain the feminine details. Missing one, two or more all add up and look terrible overall. Don't be that girl.

Mono-chromo-what?

Monochromatic means only having one color. What does this have to do with makeup? A lot if you want to try the trend of wearing monochromatic makeup and pull it off. Wearing one particular shade of color all over can look good when done right if you stay within a shade or two of the color (lighter or darker, and that share the same undertone).

For example; a violet eye with a sheer lilac lip are both purple, but in different shades. Combine that with a light, well blended, purple hue blush, and it's monochromatic done right. Nude is another monochromatic look that is gorgeous when you incorporate a little shimmer, sheer and matte together. Nude is the color of skin, and skin comes in all shades, so stay within that shade range and you will be rockin JLo's effortless go-to look.

Makeup is meant to bring out your features, hide your imperfections, boost your confidence, be colorful, fun, dress up your outfit, and even alter your persona. No other product can do that for you so embrace the tools you have at your fingertips.

Time's a Wasting!

In a lifetime of "one day I will....." (insert proactive habit here) I have come to realize that too many of us (myself included) never actually do everything that we should that's good for us, until it's too late, too difficult (or irreversible).

I have always been fairly obsessed with my skin/face and always took care of it, but neglected my neck for some reason, and as I get older now I notice lines on my neck that weren't there before. So what do I do? I'm slathering on every over-night cream I can find and rushing to the dermatologist to get prescription strength potions to ensure my skin stays as youthful and tight as possible. Flawless is impossible, but I will try my best to get close.

So why do we ignore the signs to take better care of ourselves? From diet and exercise to skin care, we all slip a little from time to time, but it's time to get smart and get in the habit of healthy rituals that will allow us to live better, stronger, healthier and more beautiful lives. 

I never used sunscreen as a kid and only started using it in my mid-20's. Luckily I never had a serious burn that left sun spots, but I know they are there, creeping under the surface of my skin (because the sun damage WAS done) and will eventually show up where I will have to deal with it, and I will be ready.

I will be 37 this year and although chronologically I am this age, my heart and mind don't feel a day over 26. Where did the years go?  I pretty much do everything I can to make my skin (mind and body) healthy, and look its best because growing old gracefully is not a lifestyle I will ever embrace. If I have the tools and technology available to fight it, you bet I will use it.

So what are you neglecting that you need to change? No better time than today to start a healthy habit.

You're so Vain...You Probably Think This Post is About You...

 vainity van·i·ty/ˈvanətē/Noun

1. Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

pride [prid] Noun

1. Satisfaction with self
2. Proper sense of own value
 
There is a fine line between vainity and pride, but caring about how you look shouldn't be an issue. I pride myself on always looking my best, and you should too. The efforts we take to ensure we look (and smell) good are not to be shrugged off or wasted. In a world where we are judged even before we open our mouth and speak, it should interest everyone to always put their appearance as a priority.

Making sure your hair, nails, face, teeth, clothes, shoes and scent are presentable is a must. This does not make you high maintenance, just conscientious, and attention to details will always score you big 'points' professionally and personally. Always.

A great investment that will last a lifetime would be to hire an image consultant. Sounds pricey, but it's actually not. They can customize their service(s) to suit your needs and do everything from style assessment, wardrobe/closet audit, hair/makeup consultation and personal shopping (among a few other things) to create your new look. They even go through your clothes and create new outfits for you.

Think of it like the show "What Not to Wear" with stylists making you over, but without the television cameras. This is the perfect way to get a legitimate unbiased opinion on what looks good to portray the image you want. Being delusional about thinking you look good when in fact you look like a hot mess is the worst thing you could do. Whether you start with a makeup make-over, or book an image consultant, you will not go wrong when applying the efforts to look your best.

Banish Those Puffy Eyes!

Do you often wake up with puffy under eyes regardless of how much sleep you got? Although hereditary, age and diet are the usual suspects, you can combat those dreaded bags. 

First things first; wash your face with warm water and lightly massage/tap the puffy area to circulate the fluid that has accumulated there. Next, get an ice cube, wrap it in a paper napkin and apply to puffy area (off/on for about 10 minutes). In between icing, continue to massage/tap the area gently while keeping your head upright (no laying down). Wait another 10 minutes before starting to do your makeup and you will see the remaining puffiness dissipate on its own. 

What can you do to prevent the puffiness in the first place? Drink more water, less sodas, and try eliminating salt/high sodium (junk) foods from your diet, and cut back on alcohol, because these are the beauty destroyers. If you don't believe me, just try skipping it for a week and you'll see how much more refreshed you'll look in the morning without the under eye baggage.

There are de-puffing eye products you can buy (caffenine is the main ingredient) that might be able to help speed up the process, but ultimately your diet is the bottom line and those "toxins" will resurface and show on your face. Plenty of rest with your head slightly elevated also helps avoid puffy eyes too.

Makeup Tips

Come visit (and 'like') my Touch of Color facebook page to read my quick daily status posts on makeup tips, tricks and techniques. Everything you could want, never knew, or needed to know.

http://www.facebook.com/TouchofColorAirbrushMakeupArtistry (cut and paste into browser if above link doesn't direct you to page). Thanks and hope to see some new 'fans'.

Wait..What? It's 2012 Already????

Saying 'time flies' is an understatement for how quickly 2011 zipped right by us. It's now 2012 and with this fact comes renewed hopes, dreams, goals, ideas and strategies for all of us. So aside from the usual get-in-better-shape resolution, what personal monologue did you have with yourself as 2011 was ending? What do you hope to accomplish/change for your new year?

While I'm an advocate of always looking your best and believing that when you look good, you feel good (or better), my resolutions are always attainable ones that I can practice daily. Not that I don't challenge myself (believe me, I'm my own worst critic and best cheerleader in one!) but I find business goals more challenging than personal ones (and not a resolution to make but a lifestyle to aspire to). So since I am fueled by things that make me happy and smile in life, I'd rather make a resolution that supports that, and encourage you to do the same.

Sometimes something as simple as getting a new haircut, changing you lipstick shade, wearing more color in your wardrobe, adding a fun accessory to an outfit, or even just smiling more in general (yes, even at strangers) can start a chain-reaction in  you. Despite what you may have gone through or what you have ahead of you, live your life and (try) to enjoy yourself. Don't waste energy (or sleep) on things you can't change or have no control over. Make 2012 the year of optimism and throw pessimism out with 2011.

Whether you work from the inside out or outside in, you can achieve what you set out to attain, so looking good while you're doing it couldn't hurt. Happy New Year everyone and remember to smile.

Holiday Freebies

Who doesn't love free stuff? This time of year is prime time for cosmetic companies to throw together a little incentive to purchase an item from them in order to get their free 'swag' bag of goodies. Ok its not technically free-free since you do need to buy something first, but with a small purchase of anywhere between $19.99 - $29.99, you can get a nice little re-useable makeup bag filled with free makeup products (travel size usually, but not always), and who doesn't love that?

I for one am a huge fan of this practice and always direct my purchase to the companies who do offer freebies just so I can get more for my money. The best part is that they aren't giving you discontinued products or un-popular colors, but are actually giving you products that you will want to use because they want you as a customer again and hope you will fall in love with something and return and buy it when you run out. It's worked on me many times, especially with the free perfume samples...I always come back to buy a full size bottle.

Lancome was the first major cosmetic company to offer the free product with purchase, and then all other companies followed suit. In my opinion though, Lancome still reigns supreme with the freebies because they give a lot for such a little purchase AND you get to pick your items too. I bought mascara the other day for $24 and walked away with a full size eye cream, lipstick, blush, 2 eye liner pencils, lip gloss, and an eye shadow duo compact. I was really impressed with the quantity and that I got to choose my own 7 items. 

So go check out the freebies being offered right now and get your own goodie bag to play with.

Destination Wedding Makeup

You're engaged! Now the planning begins, and whether you get married locally, back home or abroad for a destination wedding, you need to budget for a makeup artist to make sure your wedding photos look amazing.

Your regular makeup routine won't cut it and only a professional can give you camera-ready makeup. Here is an article I wrote for Destinations Travel Magazine regarding destination wedding makeup, and why you need to hire a professional on such an epic day.

Click Here - "The Flawless Face: Airbrush Makeup" page16

Falls MUST Haves

I am not particularly a fan of fall/winter because I adore heat, sunshine and summer clothes more, but the products we get to use sometimes during the chillier months do have its perks. This fall while your body is all bundled up (and probably your head too), let your gorgeous face peek through, and remind everyone that spring is only 6 months away.

 

This season you should incorporate coral, pink or berry colored glosses/lipsticks into your look. Pink blush is also flattering on everyone, shimmer or dewy skin (think J-Lo, she rocks it) looks fresh, and really subtle eye makeup. Nothing too busy. Matte anything right now (lipstick, eye shadow, face) can look harsh, so aim for "fresh". Using a tinted moisturizer is great to keep the cold wind and hot heaters from making your skin look dehydrated.

 

Flipping through fashion magazines is a great way to be inspired not only for fashion, but what's trending now in makeup as well. If you are not a follow-the-masses kind of girl, I still recommend that spring and fall require a makeup change, especially in your skin-care regiment, so you can benefit from the seasons changing and always look your best year round.

Tricky Treat?

Happy Halloween! I love, love, love this time of year and the whole production of deciding on a costume, getting the accessories and putting it all together. Halloween doesn't need to be difficult though and you can pull together a look with makeup alone; just depends on how creative you want to get, but YouTube has awesome pictures and video tutorials to help you on your way.

I personally like to go for the sexy costumes where I still look like me without war paint covering my face, but regardless of what my costume is, I still try to incorporate my makeup with the look. When I was Medusa one year I airbrushed my face gold and attached green and blue jewels around my hairline to mimic abstract snake skin. This year I am going retro and will be a 1960's Playboy bunny and will do period hair and makeup to tie it all together. The fun of Halloween for me is getting dressed up and seeing how creative people get with their details.

Me as Wonder Woman & Medusa

When deciding on a costume, go all out on the makeup and hair because if you are going to do it, do it all the way. Still stumped on what to wear? Why not create your own costume with a painted face by Googling 'halloween makeup idea' images where you will get some amazing examples of costumes you can create around your makeup. Whatever you decide, have a safe and festive Halloween and hope you get the option to either trick or treat ;) .

Winter Brides Get Glowing

Not every woman getting married wants to be a summer bride, so winter brides don't need to sacrifice that bridal 'glow' just because it's not 82* outside. The winter months don't pose any obstacles to looking phenomenal on your wedding day, but getting your skin ready and your makeup just right is the key.

Taking care of your skin is always important, but the months leading up to your wedding date is most essential, no matter what time of year you are getting married. You need to remember if you baked your skin all summer, you will have to deal with (possible) sun spots, faded tans, dry skin (on top of already winter dry skin), and a overall un-even skin tone to cover, so if the damage has already been done, don't fret, there's an app for that.

Spray tanning is a great way to even you out, but it needs to be a fairly light 'natural' color so you don't look fake and sprayed. Orange is not a good color on anyone, even an Oompa Loompa. Airbrush makeup is another great way to get even looking skin that is custom blended to match your skin tone (not paint it a different color), and regular foundations work well on the face but can't be used on the body (shoulders, arms, back). So depending on what you are dealing with will determine which option is best for you. Whatever you decide, you definitely need a trial-run to test it out first before the wedding.

If your skin is fair, you still need a little color on your face with a shimmery blush in a color that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural blushed state. A light bronzer is another perfect alternative to getting that 'glow' when applied sparingly. Despite the richer fall/winter colors you may be having at your wedding, you don't need to go dark on the makeup or lips if that's not your style. Finding makeup looks in bridal magazines is always a great tool to envision the look you want and help your makeup artist create.

A lot of my brides (year round) will spray tan their bodies but airbrush their face to blend it all together. If you have severe dry skin, spray tanning is not the route to go because showering will exfoliate the color and leave your skin looking dirty, and more difficult to even out. So scrub, scrub, scrub that skin (gently) to remove all dryness and then moisturize, moisturize, moisturize to keep it supple before you determine which route you are going to go. Any canvas can be painted into a work of art, and your bridal day look is no exception.

OMG Lashes

I try to mix up my posts but admit I fall back on lips and lashes a lot because, 1) there is always new products/colors coming out to try, and 2) it's the finishing touch to any look. I am always buying makeup for my kit (and myself) and this weekend I purchased Hypnose Doll Lashes from Lancome, and have to say it's pretty damn cool.

Granted I am a huge fan of Maybelline mascara for all the right reasons (cost, effect, availability, end results) but sometimes I like to splurge on the pricey mascaras too just to see (prove myself wrong?) that pricey doesn't always mean better. In this case however, Hypnose is well worth the price and did give amazing results. The wand is cone shaped and no matter how many coats (wet or dry) I reapplied to my lashes, I didn't have lumps. None. Zero. Zilch.

I don't appreciate the fake ads of any cosmetic company showing sky-high lashes if you use their product (with the tiny disclaimer that the photos are 'enhanced') but Hypnose did deliver on 'doll lashes' as claimed in the name and I definitely will be including this in my routine, along with my other Lancome splurge of Definicils mascara. That stuff just lenghtens your lashes like crazy! Doesn't give you fullness like Hypnose does, but pick your battles, right?

For daily makeup tips, check out my facebook page and become a fan.

The Face of Fall

We all know that trends repeat themselves, so this isn't actually an alert of an amazing new color concept in makeup, but more of a what-you-should-know for the latest looks that hit the runways in New Yorks famous Fashion Week that was held in New York City last week. Fashion forward styles include makeup and hair trends as well, so typically what is seen on the runways is what you'll soon find on the streets, so here's your guide to stay with (ahead?) of the pack.

Dramatic metallic smokey eyes with berry lips.

Metallic lids, bold berry rich lips and flawless skin were rampant in the fashion world. In my opinion, this look never gets old. There were a lot of bold eyebrows and smokey eyes as well, so you have a few choices to run with to complete your look this fall if you follow trends. Fashion aside, makeup completes your look, regardless of what you are wearing, and it can either dress you up or dress you down,so keep that in mind when attempting one (two or three) of the looks for fall.

The best way to get on board with the latest and greatest looks is to buy compact makeup shades that are sold together so you can get the colors that go together and compliment each other. Eyeshadows are a great place to start. Sometimes lipstick/glosses are also sold this way too. A berry pout in the same color family (cool or warm) that is best for your skin tone can never go wrong.

If you haven't noticed already, I am sure you will start to see now in magazine and t.v. commercials the ads selling these looks since what ever is seen on Fashion Week is what sets the trends for all cosmetic companies to follow. You don't have to use their interpretation as the gospel last word in makeup or fashion, because it really does boil down to making the look work for you, especially in the best shades that are most complimenting for you. Metallics and berries look great on everyone though, so you can't go wrong.

Hidden Talent at the Mall Makeup Counter

Yesterday I went shopping at Macy's and was stopped 4 times as I walked through the beauty counters from sales girls trying to get me to sit down and get my makeup done. Initially I think, why would I want a make-over when I am clearly made-up, but understand they are just trying to make a sale. I stop to chat with the last girl to see what magic product she was promoting and noticed something that most makeup counter girls had in common: they were attractive, had nice skin and their makeup was tastefully done. To me, that's important. Just like I wouldn't get my hair done by someone who had fried dried out hair with horrible color. Depending on the cosmetic brand depended on the look each girl wore too, because I noticed Chanel, Shiseido and Dior girls wore more makeup, while Clinque and Lancome were done up lighter...just an observation.

Upon further discussion with the sales girl, I could see her makeup was artfully done and knew right away she knew what she was doing. I rarely ever let someone else do my makeup but sometimes it's fun to see what they would do different, so I sat down and let her do up my eyes in a 'night' look. She first asked me what the event was and what I would be wearing. Loved that. She wanted to create a look that was going to be right for me and the event and that is definitely important.

She then asked about any allergies I had or sensitivity to products I'd experienced and then proceeded to do my makeup once she had the go-ahead. She was professional, friendly and although I knew the ultimate goal was to sell me the products she used, she was still having fun doing my makeup and it was obvious she enjoyed doing it. She was done in 15 min and I was impressed with the new eye look she gave me that I asked for her card because there are times when I hire assistants to help me tackle large bookings, and she was clearly talented.

Granted not all sales girls in the makeup department are makeup artists, and I have seen (and heard) horror stories of such encounters, but there are some good ones out there if you pay attention. So next time you walk through the mall and browse the latest products, don't turn down an opportunity to get your makeup done because you just might walk away with a new look you'll love, and the products to re-create it, from someone genuinely talented.

Why Airbrush Makeup Can Kick Your Makeups Butt Any Day

Yahoo! SHINE asked me to write an article on my expertise, airbrush makeup, and it was published. So if you were ever curious about what makes airbrush makeup so great and the benefits of using it versus traditional cosmetics, here's your chance to learn more.

shine.yahoo.com/why-airbrush-makeup-can-kick-your-makeups-butt-any-day

Lip-a-licious

I've always felt that if you only had time to do one thing (makeup-wise), your lips had to be done. I feel naked without it and believe it just makes you look 'polished' even if no other makeup is worn. NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss has just come out (this month) and their new, innovative gloss is specially formulated to nourish and enhance lips. The cool part about their new lip gloss it's new bristle brush, which provides a perfect application to help define and shape lips because of its extra small size.

It's available in 9 gorgeous shades and stays in place all day because it's also a long-wear gloss. No goop or glop, it's shiny with vibrant colors that keep your lips smooth. That's extra incentive to use it in my book. You can get it at Sephora. 

If that wasn't enough, designer Kate Spade has teamed up with the brand Lipstick Queen, to create a new line of lipsticks called Supercalifragilipstick. Seriously. It's set to launch in September, and currently has 4 shades in its line. The ingredients include silk powders, shea butter and antioxidants to make lips soft and supple. The lipsticks will be sold at Kate Spade stores and at KateSpade.com.

So ladies, treat yourself to one of these little products that's sure to pack a lot of punch and garner some attention.

Are You a Clutter Queen?

When is the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag? Yeah, that's what I thought. Women tend to accumulate lots of makeup items, some we rarely use, but stash in our makeup bag anyway. What most women end up carrying is a ton of products in a messy bag.  An organized makeup bag really can make doing your makeup that much more efficient. So take 15-minutes to empty out the contents of your bag and separate it into 2 piles. One pile for your everyday makeup, and one pile for your rarely worn, or special event makeup.



My organized 4-tiered on wheels makeup case.



From these two piles, remove anything that is old, broken, leaking, empty (or almost) or that has chemically separated (or smells weird). Mascara has a shelf life of 3 months once it's opened, then it becomes dried out with all that in-and-out wand pumping, and is usually the reason why your mascara flakes. Foundation can last 2 years if not subjected to extreme heat conditions. cream or powder blush and eye shadows can last years, same with lip and eye pencils, lipsticks, compact powders and glosses. As long as your makeup has never melted and re-hardened, it should be good. Clean off any residue, gunk or grime with a wet paper towel from the makeup containers and the interior of your makeup bag. If it's beyond cleaning, treat yourself to a new one.

Makeup brushes that you carry in your bag should be cleaned at least once a month and never left loose in your bag. Keep them in a brush tube (Sephora has them) so the bristles stay clean and don't lose their shape. Also less chance of bacteria growth opportunities this way. Makeup sponges/wedges can be tossed once completely soiled so that you get the best application with your foundation. If your sponge looks funky, it probably is.

I would recommend to only carry with you the daily touch up essentials. Leave the rest at home in a drawer, makeup case or separate makeup bag (especially the special occasion makeup). There is no need to carry around every item you own, and it's a nice way to keep your makeup bag clean and clutter free. Since I wear airbrush I don't carry around much to touch-up, but my makeup case for work is always kept cleaned and organized. I'm a huge fan of Sephora for the beauty tools needed at affordable prices to organize your makeup.



My daily essentials - floss, gloss, eye & lip liner



When you do your makeup in the morning, toss those touch-up items you may need in your daily makeup bag, along with a few 'evening' makeup essentials you may need (like shadow, darker eye liner or lipstick) so you can easily transition from work to play if needed. Don't forget to keep a pair of tweezers (tip protected so they stay aligned), a sharpener (that catches/stores the shavings), travel pack of Q-tips, blotting sheets and a mirror in your case as well.

I once heard that people who kept a cluttered/messy car meant they had a messy life. A messy desk meant messy finances and a messy bedroom meant a messy love life. I can see the connection. Call it feng-shui or just a coincidence, but things tend to be less hectic when you're organized. Now maybe a messy makeup bag isn't so dramatic, but in my opinion, it could mean less finesse in how you look because you simply can't be bothered.