This time of year is when I do the most entertaining. First there’s Thanksgiving dinner to host, then comes the marathon Christmas baking parties and last it’s planning a festive New Years shindig. This means that I not only have to cook my best but I also have to look my best!

Here are my 5 simple tips to looking pretty in the kitchen!

Tip #1 – It’s all in the face! If you want your makeup application to look celeb-flawless and last longer, start with a clean, exfoliated, toned and moisturized face. I prefer to use natural products, often found right here in my kitchen like honey, green tea, and even coffee grounds to keep my skin youthful and glowing. Check out my natural skin care regimen video!

Tips #2- Flaunt pretty hands! Pretty hands and nails can go a long way in making you feel pretty and girly. I spend so much time working with my hands that I rarely get a chance to enjoy pretty polishes. They never seem to last long anyway. Lately though I’ve decided to give my bare, boring nails the boot and try some color. Let me just say, I am so hooked! I’ve been pampering myself with CoverGirl® Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss. These polishes come in 15 fun colors (more on the way in January), no need for a base or top coat! To my surprise they have already shown their true staying power by emerging chip-free after a full day of Thanksgiving cooking.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss

I’m wearing “Tickled Pink” in the photo. It’s such a divalicious color!

Tip #3- Wow them with your eyes. I LOVE eyes! They are such a pretty feature and can be played up in so many ways. Even when I’m not in the mood to throw on makeup, I can totally get away with it by simply playing up my eyes. I love smokey eyeshadows with a little shimmer and a winged eyeliner. Of course you can’t forget about the mascara! I go for a volumizing, clump-free mascara that can withstand the heat in the kitchen like COVERGIRL® Clump Crusher Mascara. This mascara claimed to give 200% more volume and zero clumps even after 30 strokes, so I was super excited to try it out. This is now my FAVORITE mascara! I never thought I’d say this after wearing another brand for so many years but goodness gracious! This mascara pulled out lashes that I never knew I had. The proof is in the pudding, check out those lashes.

Tip #4Dress the part. When you think of kitchen attire the first thing that usually comes to mind is an apron. Aprons are a must for me when it comes to cooking and entertaining all at once. I’d definitely ruin my clothes if I didn’t wear one. Luckily they have really evolved over the years from looking very Jane Clever-ish to now looking downright sexy! It’s amazing how pretty and empowering a pair of comfy stilettos (yes they exist), a cute dress, and a sassy, fitted leopard-print apron makes me feel. The hubby gives this look two thumbs up too : ). Cooking and entertaining is all about having fun so you should wear whatever makes you feel happy, pretty and comfortable.

Tip #5 Smile for instant glam. This tip should probably be number one because a smile is like an instant face lift and mood booster. It makes you look and feel so pretty and inviting. My guests can certainly get over the fact that I’m entertaining in sweats and a bare face if it means I’m going to be happy, smiling and enjoying every minute of their company. Nobody likes an unhappy cook or hostess. Good food and a smile cover a multitude of faux pas. Smile. I mean it.

Visit COVERGIRL for more tips on how to look pretty in the kitchen and on every occasion!!

What makes you feel pretty in the kitchen or just in general?

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