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May 19, 2017

Working With Greenery, Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year

Pantone has revealed the color of the year to be Greenery, a cheery yellow-green hue in the spirit of nature, matcha tea and fresh springtime grass. According to Pantone’s execs, the color symbolizes the reconnection we seek with each other, nature, and a larger purpose. As if that wasn’t inspiration enough, studies have linked green to creating peaceful vibes, improving attention spans and even increasing feelings of happiness. Celebrate the shade with your Ebates discounts, and shop these seven favorite finds below.

1. Alessi Big Love Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon, $65

Your favorite flavors will taste even better when enjoyed out of this shiny steel bowl with a heart-shaped spoon.

2. Nike Zoom Winflo 3 Running Shoes, $90

Put a spring in your step — literally — with these pretty green sneaks. The side lace detailing adds an unexpected edge.

3. Zales Green Diamond Solitaire Earrings, $489

Treat yourself to Pantone-approved bling with these glittery green diamonds.

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4. Green Eye Cord Bracelet, $32.50

Designer Ileana Makri takes inspiration from her worldly travels to create pieces with a fresh perspective. This bracelet features a braided cord and evil-eye charm.

5. Tory Burch Robinson Mini Wallet, $135

This vibrantly hued accessory holds all your basics — cards, cash, coins.

6. Winky Lux Lip Balm, $14

This lipstick looks like a work of art. Swivel up the tube to reveal a clear balm with a beautiful Greenery-hued flower frozen inside.

7. Ole Henriksen Hydrator, $34

This green bottle and all-natural formula will make you look forward to your morning face-moisturizing rituals.

May 11, 2017

Celebrate Ebates’ Birthday with 15% Cash Back

Celebrate Ebates’ 18th birthday with our gift to you: From May 9 to 15, enjoy 15 percent Cash Back from participating merchants. Whether you’re looking to get a head start on shopping summer looks or simply in need of restocking your favorite beauty buys, we’ve compiled a quick curation of 18 favorites. Merchants are updated each day, so be sure to click back daily to take full advantage.

1. Aveda After-Sun Hair Masque, $27

Pools and beaches do a number on your hair. This product protects and soothes.

2. Prana Amelie Dress, $89

Electric blue and comfortable to boot. You’ll live in this dress all summer long.

3. Marc Jacobs Eye-Con Eye Shadow Palette, $99

Paint your lids with a palette of summery shades.

4. BB Dakota Ulric Embroidered Shorts, $80

These smocked shorts feature an elastic waistband and a punchy print, perfect for summer
outings.

5. Kate Spade Leewood Place Rainn Leather Tote, $328

Elevate your basic summer bag with this baby blue leather number.

6. Erdem Oval Brow Bar Frame Sunglasses, $99

These crystal-clear shades lend instant coolness to any summer look.

7. Aerie Super Scoop One-Piece Swimsuit, $35

Make waves on the beach this summer in this pink suit. The dramatic side scoop provides a playful peek of skin.

8. Figleaves Cashmere Wide-Leg Pants, $224

It doesn’t get more luxurious than these super-soft, cozy pants.

9. Candie’s Women’s Lace-Up D’Orsay Flats, $35

These flats have a ballerina vibe. They look chic with everything from jeans to skirts.

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10. Bonobos Summer Weight Shirt, $88

The button-down equivalent of a glass of lemonade. We’re sold on the cool mermaid print.

11. Clarisonic Mia Fit Facial-Cleansing Brush, $219

This ultra-compact cleansing tool will help your complexion achieve ultimate gleam.

12. Juicy Couture Los Angeles Tee, $58

Show your love for one of the country’s coolest cities with this cropped tee.

13. Traveler by Toms Bryton Matte Sunglasses, $78

These pearly pink shades brighten up any summer look.

14. Alexis Bittar Large Segmented Hinge Bracelet, $425

A serious statement-making accessory that will give people something to talk about at weddings and formal fetes.

15. Zimmerman Jasper Fan Bralette, $315

Nothing looks cooler paired with high-waisted pants or a flowing skirt.

16. IT Cosmetics Vitality Flush Reviver Lipstick Stain, $20

This swivel-up lipstick gives you the prettiest natural flush.

17. Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit Running Shoes, $150

These shoes look like space-age workout gear. They feature a flexible sole and lace-free
design for ultimate comfort.

18. Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Renewal Creme, $260

Reduce puffiness and dark circles with this super emollient and luxurious eye cream.

April 25, 2017

8 Ways to Get In Tip-Top Shape for Your Wedding

You’ve been planning for months, but now that your wedding date is approaching, the pressure of having all eyes on you is really starting to sink in. The best method of attack is to commit to a fitness and wellness plan well before you say, “I do.” Below, eight tips to help you be your physical and mental best for your wedding.

Plan in Advance

Although it’s tempting to freak out and fall prey to crash diets, experts advise starting early. Keep a morning journal to track your progress. What are your specific goals for how you’d like to feel and look? What types of exercise do you enjoy? Writing down your plan will help you feel a sense of control and keep you focused even when life gets busy.

Change Your Diet

Even if you’re committing to amazing workouts, it’ll be challenging to meet your goals if you’re still pounding down margaritas after work. The easiest trick: Eat your veggies. Not only will it make your skin, hair and nails look great, but it also will help you feel fuller longer.

Adjust Your Attitude

When you’re not in the mood to go to the gym, remind yourself that your wedding body is something you can control. There might be a million glitches and last-minute changes with the rest of your plans, but you’re in charge of your daily exercise.

Balance Is Key

Some brides amp up their workout routines into overdrive, leaving them more prone to burnout. Schedule specific times each week for you to hit the gym — and treat it like any wedding appointment. Make it a priority and give yourself time to get in the groove.

Start Small

It’s all about baby steps. Challenge yourself to new fitness goals. Take a yoga class after work or work with hand weights during one of your breaks. If you commit to making a little effort every day, you’ll soon notice big results.

Meditate

Whether you’re getting hitched at city hall or planning a big blowout, weddings add new challenges and issues to your everyday routine. Clear your head of worries. In the mornings, take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. It will slow your heart rate and help you be better prepared when problems arise.

Connect with Your Fiance

During the wedding process, it’s easy to forget the reason you’re doing it in the first place. Take time each day to connect with your fiance. Schedule a date night, cook a healthy dinner together or go for a long hike outdoors.

Treat Yourself

You may have your hair and makeup team for the big day under control, but it’s also helpful to pamper yourself before you say, “I do.” Book a manicure, try out a facial mask or spring for a massage.

April 8, 2017

How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Hair

Your wedding photographs aren’t just another Facebook profile picture — these are the images you’ll be looking at for the rest of your life. To look your best on the big day, it’s important to be mindful of beauty appointments and upkeep, especially regarding your hair. Here’s a countdown to help you get everything under control.

One Month Before

Invest in a keratin treatment. If your hair is naturally wild or super frizzy, an in-salon keratin treatment can remedy the situation. Experts advise booking these one month before the wedding to get your texture in tip-top shape.

Find inspiration online. Anyone who has come home from the salon in tears over a bad haircut knows that style is subjective. Your version of loose curls may be totally different than your stylist’s. The best way to prevent miscommunication is to search for pictures. Pinterest is an amazing tool. Pin the looks you love and consult with your stylist before the wedding to avoid any hairstyle confusion.

Two Weeks Before

Start conditioning. If you’re planning to wear your hair down, you’ll want it to look super healthy. Stylists suggest booking an in-salon deep-conditioning treatment to repair split ends and leave your hair looking silky. You also may wish to invest in a deep-conditioning hair treatment to use once a week to increase softness.

Fix your color. Whatever your dream shade, this is the time to book your colorist. It’ll give the dye a chance to settle and still look fresh without roots growing back in. Although a bold hue is one way to make a statement, many experts recommend keeping it natural. This is a day when you’ll want to rock the color that makes you feel most like yourself.

One Week Before

Get a trim. Stylists don’t recommend dramatic changes prior to the wedding — it’s already a sensitive time and any major snip could send you into a spiral. Book a stylist you trust and opt instead for a light trim.

Add shine. Dirt, oil and products can leave hair looking less than lustrous. Try a clarifying product to cut out gunk. You also can schedule a last-minute in-salon gloss treatment.

April 4, 2017

How to Get Your Skin Ready for Your Wedding Day

Finding an amazing makeup artist is just one step toward getting gorgeous skin on your wedding day. The real work comes during months of skin care, diet and exercise. The good news is that you easily can achieve luminous results with a few simple tweaks. Here’s a plan that will result in your best skin ever.

1. Start Drinking More Water — Immediately

Yes, it’s the oldest advice in the book, but water maintains moisture and increases skin elasticity, and it will combat skin problems such as wrinkles and eczema. Force yourself to take water breaks at work, and keep a glass by your nightstand. And, if you’re bored by water, make it fun: Get in the ritual of having water with lemon when you wake up. Drinking more water will change the way your skin looks more than anything else.

2. Pay Attention to Your Diet

You are what you eat, so revamping your diet will make a more dramatic change than any expensive skin cream. Experts advise paying extra attention to your diet in the months leading up to the big day. Keep a food journal describing how you feel after eating. Do you notice certain foods making you feel sluggish? Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the new diet. Cut out carbs, sugars and animal proteins; fruits and veggies have all the minerals, nutrients and antioxidants you need to glow from the inside.

3. Stick to a Routine

Planning a wedding means you’ll be busier — and more stressed out — than ever. Set your alarm for five minutes earlier than usual and block off an extra five minutes at night to commit to a strict skin-care routine. Invest in a good mask tailored to your skin’s needs and use it every Sunday night. Julia Noik, founder of organic beauty line African Botanics, suggests doing this at least two to three months before your wedding.

4. Commit to Exercise You Enjoy

Exercise increases blood flow, nourishes skin cells and carries away waste products. Working up a sweat revs up collagen production and is on par with getting a facial, experts say. If you have only three spare minutes in the morning, begin your day with cat-cow pose: inhale, lift your chest and butt, and drop your belly. Then exhale, drop your head and curl in your navel. Do it fast! Yogis say the anti-aging benefits of this pose are in the speed.

5. Book a Facial

A month before your wedding, book a facial. It will increase circulation and decrease waste (which causes puffiness) under your skin. It also will cleanse your pores on a deeper level and can help even your skin tone and lighten dark spots.

March 6, 2017

10 Wow-Worthy Wedding Makeup Tips for the DIY Bride

You want your big day to be flawless, and that includes your wedding makeup. Get the lovely looks you and your bridesmaids crave with the best wedding makeup ideas around. No matter your stunning style, you’ll save a pretty penny with Cash Back at Ebates and some simple DIY wedding makeup tips. Here are our top 10 tips for flawless wedding makeup!

1. Prime Time

The best bridal makeup begins with the perfect surface. No matter the season or location of your wedding, the ideal primer will ensure your makeup stays put from your walk down the aisle to photos and every dance move in between. Apply a water-based primer from a makeup maven like Kat Von D Beauty and get ready for the smoothest skin possible. You’ll notice your makeup has more staying power than ever before. If you’re going for any shadow, be sure to keep your lids lovely with an eye shadow primer to prevent creases too!

2. Matte Is a Must

Overly oily skin can get in the way of even the best makeup looks. Combat that greasy glow in an instant with top-rated oil-blotting papers from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. A must-have for summer weddings and warmer climates, these ultra-thin papers are perfect for an on-the-go touch-up without smudging your bridal makeup. They’ll soak up sweat and oil and leave your skin feeling flawless.

3. Hands Off

Using a clean brush or soft makeup sponge is one of the best wedding makeup tips around. Skip breakouts on your big day by always applying foundations, BB creams, concealers and anything else that touches your face with a clean makeup brush or damp blender.You’ll prevent any dirt and bacteria from transferring from fingers to face. Plus, great makeup tools will give you that flawless finish you want, without leaving behind smudges and fingerprints. Be sure to blend well to stop those pesky makeup lines from infiltrating your wedding photos.

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4. All About the Arch

The right makeup for wedding day photos is crucial. Don’t let your bare brows steal the spotlight! Instead, if your eyebrows are slightly sparse, give them some shape with an eyebrow pencil or defining cream from NARS Cosmetics. You’ll frame your face and really make your snapshots pop. Be sure to watch a wedding makeup tutorial to get your look just right, and practice perfecting your arches with the right shade before the big day.

5. Get Glowing

Ditch the dull and get a stunning sheen in seconds with a radiant highlighter. When properly placed, a highlighter can give you a subtle glow without making your face look like a strobe light. Pop some in the corners of your eyes for a fresh-faced, awake look in an instant. Use it under your brow arch for a little lift, and sweep some on your cheekbones for a great glow if you’re looking for some easy glam. Check out e.l.f. Cosmetics for lots of illuminating essentials while saving with a makeup promo code.

6. Waterproof for the Win

Let happy tears flow freely and never mess up your makeup, thanks to waterproof wedding makeup. Your lashes will love a coat or two of waterproof mascara to keep them in perfect shape all day long. Check out some great, long-wear waterproof mascara options at Tarte Cosmetics and lengthen and strengthen your lashes with the best.

7. Stay Put

Once you’ve achieved your perfect bridal makeup look, be sure to set it with a great makeup setting spray, like Urban Decay’s All Nighter. Give your face a generous mist and let it dry to give your look staying power from morning to night.

8. Get Cheeky

The last thing you want is for your face to appear washed out in your wedding photos. Avoid a dull look by adding a pop of color to your cheeks with a natural-looking cream blush. It’ll give you instant lift and a healthy glow. Smile, pop some color on the apples of your cheeks and blend out toward the temples for the perfect look.

9. Bright Eyes

Skip red, tired eyes with your favorite anti-red eye drops. We recommend the tried-and-true Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief. A must if you’re anticipating a late night the day before your vows, eye drops will get the red out and brighten up your look instantly.

10. Bye-Bye, Bags

Pesky under-eye bags and dark circles have no place in your wedding photos. Prep your delicate under-eye area with a moisturizing eye cream and let it sink into your skin. After your primer layer, dot on a color-correcting concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes and blend out toward your cheekbones. This technique will give you a great, natural-looking highlight and cover up any drab darkness under your eyes. Be sure to set it with a light powder before your grand appearance.

February 10, 2017

The Bearded Man’s Guide to Winter Skin Care

By now, the scraggly stubble you started with at the beginning of November has become a full, lush beard. Congrats on making it this far. Most guys give up during that awkward phase a few weeks into the beard-growing process.

Now that we’re in the dead of winter, you’re probably starting to notice a few things about your beard. Particularly dandruff collecting around your collar, wiry and unruly whiskers, and irritation on your neckline and under your mane — all of which are completely normal. But those issues are a sign that it’s time to start doing more than trimming up every other week.

If you want to make it through winter without completely destroying your skin, you need to develop a winter skin-care routine. It adds only a few minutes to your morning routine so you can get on with your day, and you can earn Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products.

Go easy on the hot water.

Few things feel better than stepping into a steaming hot shower on a cold winter day, but bearded guys have to be mindful of the water temperature. Hot showers wash away all of the oils that protect your skin and beard, and it’s hard enough as it is to keep the skin under your facial hair moisturized. You don’t have to polar bear it. Just dial back the heat for a week and you’ll notice a big difference.

Dry it. Dry it real good.

The biggest mistake most guys make is not drying their beard enough. We know everyone’s busy, but that extra minute or two will really make an impact. Beards naturally trap water, and all that moisture next to your face has the same effect as a hot shower. Plus, any beard oil or moisturizer you use will be less effective.

Pro tip: Pat dry instead of rubbing a towel all over your face. When you pat dry, you’ll end up with less irritation, follicle damage and split ends.

Stroke, don’t pluck.

One of the best things about having a beard is touching it 10,000 times a day. If you’re going to touch it (and you are) you have to avoid the temptation to pick at it. Picking leads to a patchy beard, which usually drives the owner of said beard to shave it off at midnight in a moment of weakness. Picking also opens the door for infections and ingrown hairs. Don’t be that guy. Take it easy on your beard.

Oil is your friend, but don’t overdo it.

Kiehl’s Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil (Saks Fifth Avenue)

If you want an easy and cheap way to keep your skin and beard healthy year-round, beard oil is it. It’s one of the best skin-care products for men — particularly bearded men. Sprinkle a few drops of oil in your hands, rub them together and run your fingers against the grain starting at your neck. Then run them down the sides of your beard to smooth it out. You can also comb in the oil. Really, there’s no wrong way to apply it.

There are endless options out there, but it’s all more or less the same. Generally, it comes down to whatever scent works for you. We’re big fans of Kiehl’s Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil. It’s a little pricey but well worth it.

Resist the urge to wash.

Art of Shaving Peppermint Beard Wash (Sephora)

If you’re the type of guy who shampoos and conditions daily, you need to cut back. Daily washing makes it even harder to build up the essential oils your skin needs to stay healthy. You also need to avoid using the same products you use for your scalp. There are far more follicles on your head than on your face and the skin is different as well, so you’ll want to reach for shampoo and conditioner developed for beards.

Art of Shaving Peppermint Beard Conditioner (Sephora)

We love Art of Shaving’s peppermint beard wash and conditioner. They both have great scents, and you get a nice tingling sensation from the peppermint that lasts long after your shower. Use them for a deep clean once a week.

If it’s really damaged, reach for the butter.

Joe Grooming Beard and Moustache Balm (Ulta Beauty)

Beard butter, that is. Most are pliable blends of oils and wax that’ll stay in your beard longer and really bring it back to life. You apply it the same way you apply beard oil. Use it liberally if your whiskers are really unruly. Check out Joe Grooming’s Beard and Moustache Balm if you want a good beginner balm. It has no scent, and it’s non-greasy.

Now that you’ve got a few beard maintenance and winter skin-care tips under your belt, it’s time to put them to use. Follow some or all of this routine and you’ll be on your way to having a healthier beard and skin.

February 4, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Winter Hair Care

Sun damage may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of protecting your hair from the elements, but dry weather also can take its toll on that luscious mane. Winter hair care is as important as it is easy and affordable! Some of the most essential winter hair-care tips require only items you may already have in your kitchen. However, if you need to upgrade your hairbrush or invest in some salon-quality winter hair-care products, be sure to get them with Cash Back at Ebates. Here are our top hair-care tips to get you through the coldest months.

1. Coconut Oil Is Magic

There isn’t much coconut oil can’t do, including fending off flakes. Your scalp is just as prone to drying out as the rest of your skin, and conditioner just won’t cut it. Melt a tablespoon of coconut oil, and then mix in a teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp, let it soak in for about a half hour and then shampoo and condition as normal. Add this to your winter hair-care routine once a week and you’ll notice a healthier scalp in no time.

2. Fight Frizz

Hats and beanies are a stylish way to keep warm and protect the integrity of your strands. Unfortunately, they also cover up your cute winter hairstyles and cause a lot of frizz. Prevent hat head and frizz by lightly wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before putting on your hat. You should also use a vented hairbrush with plastic and boar bristles, and always use a leave-in conditioner.

3. Cut Your Washes

Natural oils are important to your hair’s health, and over-washing can definitely take the life out of it. Make sure you are washing your hair no more than three times a week. Between washes, spray your scalp lightly with dry shampoo to keep your coif looking clean and fresh.

4. Blow-Drying Basics

We all know excessive blow-drying can wreak havoc on your hair, but it’s important never to leave the house with wet hair during winter. It’s way too cold for comfort, and it can also make your hair more brittle. When you don’t have time to let your hair air dry before heading out, blow-dry it on the coolest setting and always point the barrel down the length of your hair to prevent frizz.

5. Get a Humidifier

Think humidifiers are only cold remedies? Think again! If you’re blasting the heat, the air in your home can get dry as well. Turning on a humidifier at night at least will create a healthier environment for your hair.

January 20, 2017

The Best Beauty Rewards Programs With Cash Back

Let’s face it: Makeup and skin care can get expensive. Even when shopping tried-and-true bargain beauty brands, you can easily find yourself filling up your cart when you just wanted to replace your mascara. The good news is that you can keep being the makeup maven you are while cashing in on some serious perks. These six beauty rewards programs offer everything from free products to rewards points while you earn Cash Back at Ebates.

Sephora Beauty Insider

Sephora is your one-stop shop for the best makeup and skin care brands on the planet. Their loyalty rewards cater to the most serious makeup shoppers, but rest assured: There is something for every level of spender. Anyone can be a Beauty Insider, but you can reach Sephora VIB status when you spend $350 or more per year and VIB Rouge when you spend $1,000.

Beauty Insider

Free birthday gift
Free beauty classes
Flash two-day shipping for $10 per year
Get access to the Rewards Bazaar every Tuesday and Thursday. Rewards at 750 points and up ship free, with no purchase required!

VIB

All Beauty Insider perks
Seasonal savings
Hand-picked gifts
One free custom makeover per year

VIB Rouge

All Beauty Insider and VIB perks
Unlimited free custom makeovers
Free flash two-day shipping
Private hotline
Invitations for exclusive events

Ultamate Rewards

Ulta Beauty offers both high-end and drugstore cosmetics for shoppers who want the biggest bang for their buck. You can even book expert beauty services in-store for your hair, skin and brows. The Ulta rewards program is completely free and unbelievably easy. Spend $450 in a year and go Platinum for even more pretty perks!

Ultamate Rewards

Free birthday gift
Earn one point per dollar
Double points on purchases during birthday month
Up to five times Ulta points on select products
Redeem Ulta Beauty rewards points on any product

Ultamate Rewards Platinum

Earn 1.25 points per dollar.
Redeem points any time. They never expire!
Free birthday gift, plus a $10 coupon
Shop items marked “Platinum Perk” for extra bonus points

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Walgreens Beauty Enthusiast

For those busybodies who score beauty go-tos along with toothpaste and tea bags during their lunch break, the Beauty Enthusiast program at Walgreens is essential. You can sign up with your email or your Balance Rewards number for exactly zero dollars.

Spend $50 on beauty items and get 5,000 points for a $5 reward
Coupon to earn 20 times everyday points after signup
Exclusive promotions and samples

Sally Beauty Club

We love free beauty programs, but the next best thing is a beauty program that is essentially free. A Sally Beauty rewards account requires the purchase of a $5 membership card, but you immediately get a $5 reward back! Here’s what else you can expect from the Sally Beauty loyalty rewards program:

Spend $25 a month and get 15 percent off one purchase
Members-only discounts every day
Special birthday offers
Renew your Sally rewards membership on time and get a free product

MAC Select

Similar to Sephora’s loyalty program, MAC Select offers three levels of membership. Join at the “seduced” level, spend $150 or more per year to become “devoted” and get “obsessed” when you spend $500 or more per year. Here is a list of all the MAC perks at each level:

Seduced

Exclusive products
Anniversary gift
One free sample per order at checkout
Free shipping on all orders

Devoted

Exclusive products
Anniversary gift
One free 30-minute makeup application per year
Two free samples per order at checkout
Free two-day shipping with $50 minimum order

Obsessed

Two free 60-minute makeup applications per year
Be the first to shop exclusive collections
Deluxe anniversary gift
Two free samples per order at checkout
Free two-day shipping with $50 minimum order

The Body Shop’s Love Your Body Loyalty Program

If skin care is more your jam, we’ve got you covered too. The Body Shop offers savings every single time you shop! Earn one point for each purchase between $20 and $49.99, and two points when you spend $50 and up. (Note: Each purchase can earn a maximum of two points.) Here’s what each Love Your Body member will enjoy:

$15 discount for every four points earned
$25 discount for every eight points earned
10 percent off all qualifying purchases
$10 off for your birthday
Exclusive offers

December 4, 2016

Beauty Tips for Looking Stunning in Holiday Photos

The holidays are all about marking another year gone by and the blessings that came with it. One of the ways we do that is by taking holiday photos and professional family portraits. But the thought of getting camera-ready can cause anxiety for some. If that’s the case with you, we’re here to help. Take a look at these simple beauty tips that will have you glowing and looking gorgeous for all your photo ops. This complete holiday beauty guide will give you the skinny on what you need and how to get it with Cash Back at Ebates.

Hydration First

You may think skipping the moisturizer will help you keep your face on longer, but remember: We’re approaching winter, and the cold air is harsh. Protect your skin by always starting the day with a moisturizer. Stick with non-SPF moisturizer (it photographs better) and keep it light. A sensitive-skin formula should do the trick.

Get Matte, Then Get Even

Applying a pore-reducing, matte primer is your next step. We recommend Benefit’s The POREfessional: Matte Rescue Invisible-Finish Mattifying Gel. It will give you an instant glow, and your foundation will glide on like butter. Speaking of foundation, you’re going to want to go heavier than normal for full-on coverage. Then, even out your skin tone with a concealer that blends easily with your foundation. Finish it off with powder, and you’ve got the perfect canvas. Pro Tip: If dry spots pop up while you apply your foundation, mix it with your moisturizer and reapply to only the dry areas.

Brows That Wow

Filling in your brows is a must for photos, even if they’re naturally full. Harsh light can wash them out, leaving your eyes looking frameless. The key to keeping the look natural is filling with hair-like strokes. This Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer does just that with a push-up, angled tip.

Stop. Selfie Time.

Now that you have your face and brows done (the foundation of your makeup look) take a selfie. Mirrors will only deceive you. Make sure to do it in bright, natural light to make sure everything looks even, and angle the shot so that your brows look as symmetrical as possible.

Primp Those Peepers

Believe it or not, you’re now past the hardest part, and highlighting your eyes will be a breeze. All you need is neutral shadow at the crease, light-yet-matte shadow at the brow bone, a little dark shadow on your lash line at the outer corners (top and bottom) and a touch of shimmer at the inner corners. Before you finish it all off with your normal mascara, sweep on some Lancôme CILS BOOSTER XL Mascara Base to create the look of thick, long lashes. No falsies required!

Pucker Up

You may not normally wear lip liner, but it’s absolutely essential for photos. Start with your liner, then apply lipstick (preferably matte, for staying power) with a lip brush. You’ll be amazed how much longer lipstick lasts this way, as opposed to when you apply it straight from the tube.

Now Freeze!

Once everything is applied perfectly and you’re full-on feeling yourself, spray on some NYX Cosmetics Makeup Setting Spray. Don’t worry — it may feel wet, but it’s really like hairspray for your face, and will make everything sweat- and element-proof for the whole day. Be sure to keep blotting papers and translucent finishing powder on hand in case your skin starts to get shiny. Pro Tip: Ripped-up pieces of toilet seat covers actually work wonders for absorbing oils when you’re in a pinch.