Greetings!

Heading into the last 4 months of 2020 you may be asking yourself - as I am - what have I accomplished during this forced "downtown?" My house should be spotless and every closet organized and I should have been exercising every day. Nope. Didn't happen.

I did get to speak to the ladies of Pearls at Lely Resort in July and I was the featured speaker on a Zoom call with the Sea Stars of Naples in August. I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with new people whether in person or virtually. If you belong to a group looking to add something different and exciting to your next meeting, whether in person or virtually, call me. I have several topics available to entertain and educate.

I have continued to see clients in my studio, although not at the same pace as previous years. My studio is clean and sterile, the spa where I am located is clean and sterile and I only see clients on a one-on-one basis so there are no crowds. If you are eager to make good use of your "downtime" please call to schedule a session with me. Wouldn't it be great to be seen wearing the colors that make you look healthy and younger and more energetic - once you are out and about? This pandemic can't last forever (please no no no) so why not use the time to make yourself look and feel better?

I am also offering two virtual consultations. "Color Identity" is a private one hour session with me during which I will analyze your hair color, eye color and skin tone and then provide information on your most flattering color palette for wardrobe, accessories and makeup. "Heads Up" is a private one hour session during which I analyze your face shape and facial features and then provide you suggestions for hairstyle, eyeglasses/sunglasses and necklines.

I hope you are all safe and healthy and I look forward to the day when this crisis is behind us and the future is once again virus free.
Christine

5 COMMON MISTAKES
WOMEN MAKE
WHEN CHOOSING LIP COLOR

Finding the best smile-brightening shade of lipstick takes practice (and sometimes, expert assistance). But whether you've had the same signature lip color for the last decade or change up the contents of your makeup bag regularly, your lipstick selections should evolve as you age. (Just like your style, right?) Here are some helpful tips on choosing lip shades to flatter more "mature" lips.

1. Wearing lipstick that is too dark or too bright
Bold, statement lip colors are fun to wear, but you should be mindful of the intense shades. Lips tend to become thinner as we age and dark or bright shades of lipstick only enhance this fact by making the lips appear even thinner. It's important to choose a color that coordinates with your seasonal palette but simply go lighter. A soft plum for Winters rather than a dark cranberry or bright fuschsia; a lighter mauve shade for Summers; a deep peach rather than a dark russet for Autumns and a soft apricot for Springs.

2. Not Using Lip Liner
Many of my clients tell me they don't use a lip liner because they believe it calls attention to thinner lips and/or the fine lines that appear around the lip area with age. Actually, the opposite is true. Using a lip liner helps the lips look fuller and keeps the lipstick from "bleeding" into those pesky fine lines. Use a lip liner that is just one shade darker than your lipstick to make lips look plumper, and blend the lipstick right into the lip liner so there is no visible outline.

3. Choosing the Wrong Finish
 As with eyeshadow and foundation, the lipstick's finish should also be a consideration. Matte lipsticks can be very drying and make lips appear older, while a creamy lipstick can be quite nourishing to lips and make them look younger. Avoid lipsticks with a very high shine as they can be aging on more mature lips.

4. Picking the Wrong Shade for Your Skin Tone
Learning about your skin's undertone and what shades of lipstick (and blush) will be most flattering for you is one of the main reasons to have your color palette analyzed in a Color Identity consultation. Wearing the wrong shades of lip color and cheek color is the easiest and fastest way to appear older. If you haven't had your colors done, you can let your jewelry metals be your guide. If you look best in silver or white metal jewelry, your undertone is cool. If gold jewelry complements you best, then you probably have a warm undertone, and if you can pull off both, then you have a neutral undertone. WARNING: Most of us will simply assume we look best in whatever metal we prefer. If you've worn nothing but silver for years you may not be able to recognize that gold is a better choice. That's why having an experienced professional advise you is always better.

5. Skipping Hydration and Exfoliation
Just like your skin needs moisture and hydration to keep its youthful glow, so do lips! When you apply lipstick to dry lips, it sinks into those pesky fine lines and cracks, which not only amplifies the look of aging but also makes for uneven lipstick application. Try Image Matters Sugar Lip Scrub to exfoliate your lips and keep them hydrated. Use it 2-3 times a week. Image Matters Soothing Lip Balm can be used every day, throughout the day, to keep lips soft and moist. Each of these products is $22 or you can buy them as a duo "The Luscious Lips Duo" for $39. Click here to order: https://imagemattersswfl.com/collections/for-the-lips/products/luscious-lips-duo?variant=29387826004081
SUGAR LIP SCRUB SOOTHING LIP BALM
MEET WITH ME "VIRTUALLY"
You can now have a private consultation with your favorite image consultant from the comfort of your own home. Two consultations are currently being offered.

"Color Identity" is a virtual color analysis session. There are still millions of people who have never had "their colors done" and now is the perfect time, when we all have so much down time. When you register for this consultation, I will provide instructions on how to prepare since I will need to get a good look at your skin tone, hair color and eye color. The consultation will take about an hour and you will have all the information you need to start building a coordinated, working wardrobe filled with the colors that make you look younger, healthier, more confident and more energetic. After the video call you will receive a recording of the video session as well as the specific guidelines recommended just for you. Book it! You'll be glad you did! This consultation is regularly priced at $250. The virtual consultation is $95.

"Heads Up" is a one hour virtual consultation focusing on face shape and facial features. The analysis of your face shape and facial features will allow me to provide tips on selecting flattering hairstyles, eyewear and necklines. After each video call you will receive a recording of the video session as well as the "Heads Up" handout I will mail to you with all the specific information filled in for your convenience. Your investment for this service is $95.

This consultation makes selecting prescription eyewear a breeze, as well as finding the perfect pair of sunglasses. No more squinting into a small mirror wondering if what you are looking at is really the best shape for you.

Always curious as to whether bangs would be a good choice for you? Do you waver back and forth between short hair or going longer? Ever wonder why some tops and blouses seem to suit you better than others? "Heads Up" will answer all those questions for you.

Call me if you'd like to discuss further - 239-454-0044 - or click here to register for this virtual consultation:
Look at the difference color makes! Stefanie should never wear pea green (her complexion looks so sallow) when the bright pink (her skin looks clear and bright) makes her look so much better. Color makes a difference!
Another great example of the impact color can have. Look at the difference for Inke! She looks years younger and pounds lighter in the right clothing, makeup and hair color.
The sunglasses on the left are angular. The ones in the middle are more rounded and the ones on the right are not too angular and not too rounded. Which shape would be best for you?
Bangs or no bangs? What is the best choice for you?

Which hairstyle do you prefer on Reese Witherspoon? Sign up for a virtual Heads Up consultation and find out what hairstyles will flatter your face shape. (Hint: Reese has a heart shaped face - wider at the forehead and narrow at the chin.)
Image Presentations Available

Do you belong to an organization, club or social group that meets regularly to listen/learn from guest speakers?
Call me to book an Image Matters presentation for your group. The presentations are always informative, entertaining and just plain fun! 
The most requested topic is "Look Good and Feel Great . . . with Color!" Many other image-related topics are available, such as 
"SW Florida Style", "Fashionality" and "Accessorizing with Ease." 

All presentations are tailored to fit the needs/goals of the group.  You could be the one to introduce Image Matters to your group - and be a STAR!

Call me at 239-454-0044 to discuss.
www.ImageMattersSWFL.com