Editors Note: This article from our guest contributor is a great way to tap in to the styles we loved in the past and re-invent them to work in the present.  How fun is that?  You can take that concept to other areas of life too, like clothing, decorating, and more so don’t feel sad certain things are now out-dated just get creative! ~Nitika~

Do you have your own beauty ritual? Applying makeup can be fun and gratifying while you can express your creativity and style.  It can also be really simple by enhancing your natural beauty with a few quick strokes of a brush. Either way, taking the time to honor your unique beauty with makeup is connected with feelings of higher self-esteem, confidence and identity. Since the beginning of time, people across the world have used cosmetics to adorn, protect, enlighten and more. While makeup and beauty ideals have certainly evolved, today’s trends are still influenced by the past. With just a little extra time and love, try a couple of the popular looks that you can translate in your own special way.

The old proverb, The eyes are the windows to the soul, seems to be a prevalent belief throughout the history of cosmetics. The ancient Egyptians used black kohl to outline the eye, believing it gave them some protection from the sun, eye disease and the healing energy of the Gods. This shape continues to play a major role in modern makeup looks such as the “smoky” and “cat” eyes.

The “smoky” can be by achieved by choosing a deep eye shadow color such as purple, green, grey, brown or black. Use a small angled eyeliner or brow brush to follow the lash line on top and bottom. Then pull the brush slightly away from the lash line to create a blended, smoky look. You can line the inner rim for more definition (and maybe healing powers), but know that it can make the eye appear smaller. For the Egyptian or “cat-eye” inspired look, try a black liquid liner or sharpened pencil liner. The idea is to sweep a clean, sharp line across the top lashes that start near the tear duct and extend a bit past the outer corner of the eye. Using liquid liner can require some practice, but the dramatic effect is well worth it. Keep q-tips and a gentle remover nearby. Take your time and remember to breathe!

Also, taking us back to the days of Cleopatra, red lipstick has made a permanent mark on beauty that transcends time, season and occasion, re-emerging in the 1920s during women’s liberation, then again when Marilyn Monroe made it a classic symbol of beauty and glamour in the 1950s. It continues to be a makeup staple that brightens both the face and mood. It’s been reported that women wearing red lipstick feel powerful, daring and sexy.

The good news is there are several ways you can make red work for you. First, you can experiment with textures- sheer, cream or matte. For maximum impact, cream or matte would be best because they usually have more pigment. These can be applied straight from the tube or with a brush for a more defined look, or tapped on with your fingertip for more of a “stain”. Sheer color or stain may also come in the form of a lipstick or gloss and would be a quick and low-maintenance way of wearing red. Using a neutral or red lip pencil to define your lip line first gives you a guideline for placement and helps the color from traveling into fine lines. Another trick for longevity is to separate a tissue, place a sheet over the mouth, and apply a sheer, loose powder over the tissue with a soft brush. Remove the tissue and apply another coat of color, if necessary. Hopefully, you’re now feeling ready to make a statement without saying a word!

Whether you choose dramatic or natural looks, take five or twenty minutes; be encouraged to view your makeup ritual as a celebration of your divine, beautiful self. Let it be a time to literally reflect on your many remarkable qualities. Light a candle, look into your own eyes and say a positive affirmation such as “I am beautiful” in the mirror. Make a vision board of images that inspire you with colors, shapes or moods. Know that caring for your appearance with loving intentions can be a powerful way to attract even more beauty into your life!

*This article was written by guest contributor, Rebecca Casciano, for her bio and contact information click here: http://yourbellalife.com/guest-contributors/