Get a Fresh, Glowing Face in 5 Minutes!

I know how it goes. You are trying to get out of the house early in the morning, perhaps dropping the kids off at daycare or heading out for a full day at the office. That doesn’t mean that you have to eschew makeup for the day. Instead, fight dull dry skin and put on makeup that makes you look glows and that defines your features without taking much effort.

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer is an excellent alternative to foundation. It's easy to just slap it on your face and run out the door. Tinted moisturizer keeps skin hydrated and gives it a bit of a tint to smooth way any imperfections. For double-duty results, choose a tinted moisturizer that contains sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15.

Liquid Highlighter

Liquid highlighter can do wonders and can multitask as different products. Dab just a bit on your brow bones, inner eyes, and the tops of your cheekbones. Choose from frosty white, peach or pink liquid highlighter.

Mascara

Sweep on a glossy, brown mascara that is light and resistant to smudging.  As you are busy, you don’t want to have to deal with raccoon eyes during your day. The reason that you should choose brown is that it’s less harsh than black and works better when the rest of your makeup is natural.

Tinted Lip Balm

Tinted lip balm is another easy-to-use dual-purpose product. It adds a pop of color, sometimes sunscreen, all in a moisturizing base. Choose from very natural nude colors, to sheer berry. 

Use Eyeliner to Accentuate your Eyes

Forget diamonds, eyeliner is a girl's best friend.

Eyeliner is, hands down the best way to accentuate your eyes. You can magically make your eyes look bigger or change their shape with the use of this makeup tool.

If you were to conduct a Google search you might find a tutorial highlighting the best ways to use eyeliner, to view one click here.

One of the most important things a woman can do with regards to improving their makeup expertise is to start with the basics. With eyeliner that means being able to sweep a straight line from your inner to outer lashes. Don’t expect to be able to pick up your eyeliner pencil and draw a perfect smudge free line the first time. As with all things, this will take practice before you get it right.

For good basic eyeliner, I would recommend a long-lasting kohl pencil such as Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner here. First close the eye you intend to line first and pull the lid of that eye taut. Then take your pencil and run it along the tautly pulled lid. Wiggle the pencil in between your lashes until you have lined to the outer edge. Go over the line a second time, this time adding thickness if desired. The third step is to take an angled or chiseled brush and smudge the line into your lid. Smudging is important, especially if you made a crooked line.

Your ultimate goal isn’t to create a straight line. It’s to create a smooth one that appears as if it’s been blended in. The look is more subtle and less harsh.

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel

"It combines organic cucumbers, green tea, and chamomile and Dead Sea minerals."

Does late night partying and waking up early have you looking more like a zombie at the office than a bright eyed human in the morning? Realizing it’s also cold and flu season, you may arise from bed to see puffy eyes and deep dark under eye circles from tossing and turning in bed all night.

Are you anticipating a busy day underfoot where your best face forward, or at least looking awake is vital? What’s a stressed gal to do…?

Relax ladies, that’s it simply take a deep breath. When that isn’t enough, turn to Yes to Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel. This is an under eye gel that actually does soothe under the eyes. It is made of 99.6% natural ingredients. It is free of parabens, petroleum, and sodium laureth sulfate, read about the dangers of SLS here.

It combines organic cucumbers, green tea, and chamomile and Dead Sea minerals. I squeeze about a pea size amount on to my ring finger and then swipe across under my eyes. I remember reading in an issue of cosmopolitan magazine that your ring finger delivers the least amount of pressure. You want to avoid putting pressure on this delicate eye area. Doing this will perk me up in the morning or anytime I apply it.

You can really feel the ingredients go to work. Also, yes… I can personally vouch that this product does serve to help eliminate under eye circles. I usually apply it with my moisturizer before applying makeup. Though personally, I don’t wear make up on a daily basis.

Snatch up this under eye soother on drugstore.com.

 

Tips For Making Your Small Eyes Pop!

Small eyes do not have to feel like a detriment. Sure, doe-eyes beauties are revered in our society. Just remember that smaller eyes can feel exotic and sultry. The issue that arises is that small eyes can sometimes sink into your face. Using the right makeup and techniques can make your small eyes pop without a whole lot of effort.

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner – not just an evening look. Used by the 1960s bombshells, applying cat-eye liner makes your eyes look a bit wider and longer. Apply it only to your upper lash line. If you apply liner to both the top and bottom of your eyes, it will make them look smaller and more closed off. Stick with dark brown liquid eyeliner instead of black as it can be harsh.

Start at the inner corner of the eye and create a super thin line. For best results hold your upper eyelid taut. As you draw the line, it should get thicker as you reach the end. At the end of the upper lash, wing it out and up.

Eye Shadow

In my opinion, ladies with smallish eyes need to stick to relatively neutral colors. That doesn’t mean that you can’t add a bit of a smoky purple or charcoal gray in the crease. The key is that it should just be a touch and only to define the eyelid. While you may think that bright colors will make them pop, that generally isn’t the case for everyone. It can overpower the eyes.

Instead, use a sheer wash of color and neutrals as eye shadow. Stick with creams, taupes and beiges. Again, use the brighter or bolder colors in moderation and use a light touch.

Liquid Highlighter

Liquid highlighter is magical. It is a trick used by makeup artists to draw attention to specific areas of your face that you want to stand out. Put a dab of frosty white highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes and up on the brow bone. This opens them up and makes your eye color look brighter. This should be your last step when applying eye makeup. 

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

Beat the Wintertime Dandruff Blues

Winter weather can affect even the most healthy mane from time to time, leaving you with dry, flaky strands. I had my hair highlighted and cut recently and while I love the look, I have fallen, for the first time in many years, to winter's darker side when it comes to maintaining beauty. For about a month I've dealt with an itchy, dry scalp and the appearance of dandruff. Last week I decided it was finally time to do something about it. I searched the Internet far and wide for the best at home dandruff remedies. I've tried out two so far and they both worked to varying degrees.

 

For my “no more dandruff experiment” one I looked for a homemade recipe that contained ingredients that were actually in my kitchen at the time. (I rarely have avocado on hand.) The first one I found was on allwomenstalk.com in an article written by Fawn Wagner titled “7 Best Home-made Hair Masks.” This hair mask recipe includes the ingredients of bananas, and almond oil. Combine one, mashed up banana and three drops of almond oil. Mix the two together and spread evenly throughout your hair. Let the mask sit for 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to do the job of repairing your hair. The recipe was easy enough and it worked and looked beautiful. However, my hair went back to dry, dull and flaky again after the third day. I would recommend using this treatment a few times to obtain the best results.

 

My second “no more dandruff experiment” involved extra virgin olive oil. I read online in an article titled “20 Home Remedies to Get Rid of dandruff” written by Neha Sadana for the website experstcolumn.com that leaving a warm treatment of olive oil on your hair overnight would fix my dandruff woes. I decided to try the experiment but shorten the time frame because I didn't want the oil to seep on my pillow case while I slept. I left the oil on for 25 minutes and washed my hair. I must say that this experiment worked much faster for me than the first one though I can't say the same would be true for everybody

 

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

Beat the Wintertime Dandruff Blues

Winter weather can affect even the most healthy mane from time to time, leaving you with dry, flaky strands. I had my hair highlighted and cut recently and while I love the look, I have fallen, for the first time in many years, to winter's darker side when it comes to maintaining beauty. For about a month I've dealt with an itchy, dry scalp and the appearance of dandruff. Last week I decided it was finally time to do something about it. I searched the Internet far and wide for the best at home dandruff remedies. I've tried out two so far and they both worked to varying degrees.

 

For my “no more dandruff experiment” one I looked for a homemade recipe that contained ingredients that were actually in my kitchen at the time. (I rarely have avocado on hand.) The first one I found was on allwomenstalk.com in an article written by Fawn Wagner titled “7 Best Home-made Hair Masks.” This hair mask recipe includes the ingredients of bananas and almond oil. Combine one, mashed up banana and three drops of almond oil. Mix the two together and spread evenly throughout your hair. Let the mask sit for 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to do the job of repairing your hair. The recipe was easy enough and it worked and looked beautiful. However, my hair went back to dry, dull and flaky again after the third day. I would recommend using this treatment a few times to obtain the best results.

 

My second “no more dandruff experiment” involved extra virgin olive oil. I read online in an article titled “20 Home Remedies to Get Rid of dandruff” written by Neha Sadana for the website experstcolumn.com that leaving a warm treatment of olive oil on my hair overnight would fix my dandruff woes. I decided to try the experiment but shorten the time frame because I didn't want the oil to seep on my pillow case while I slept. I left the oil on for 25 minutes and washed my hair. I must say that this experiment worked much faster for me than the first one though I can't say the same would be true for everybody.

 

Long Lasting Lipgloss

I hate to say it, ladies. The trick to long lasting lip gloss is to buy the thick stuff.

You know the kind I’m talking about… the stuff your husband, boyfriend, lover or playmate won’t appreciate you getting on their lips after a nice long make out session. Long lasting gloss will cause your hair to stick to your lips on a windy day. Even then, this seems to go without saying, but you’ll still have to reapply it after eating or sipping something without a straw.

With that being said, my two favorite long lasting lip glosses are: Wet n Wild glassy gloss and C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint Shine. Wet n Wild glassy gloss is available at many drugstores. The price for this gloss is very reasonable. I have found it for 1 to 3 dollars, depending where you look. I love this gloss, because yes, while flyaways will stick to your lips, it will last for hours without touchup. It features a brilliant shine, and is infused with vitamins and minerals to keep your kisser looking plump and gorgeous.

The C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint Shine is available at Bath and Body Works stores all over the country. Locate your nearest one here. I love this gloss, because it features menthol and mint in the ingredients. I’ve used it myself, but looking at reviews users reported that it will freshen up your breath. Also, I might add that, though your make out partner might complain about your glossy lips; I’ve found when I wear this stuff, they usually remark that 1) the taste is addicting and 2) they love the mint flavor as well!

Holiday Season 2011 Nail Ideas

Show Holiday Spirit Through Your Nails

 

This holiday season is a time of transformation and experimentation, at least when it comes to nails. Rock your manis through the Christmas season and beyond without making a serious dent in your wallet.

Statement nails are in, as seen by the pointed look worn by singer Adele.  With a bit of patience and know how, you to, can have gorgeous, do-it-yourself nails to get you through the holidays.

 

Go for the gold or silver or everything in between when it comes to glitter. Accessorizing your nails with glitter is a great way to shine until the New Year's Eve ball drops. Beauty experts recommend painting your nails with a solid color, such as gray, and placing the glitter over it to avoid nails that scream party while you're at work.

 

Add bling to one finger only and leave the rest a neutral hue. Paint your nails with the neutral shade of your choice and then go completely crazy with one nail on both of your hands. Experiment with leopard print, polka dots (which are showing up everywhere) or, heck, even rainbows. The goal here is to let your inner party girl come out and play but within reason. Everyone from your mom to your best friend's sister will rave over this type of manicure.

 

Apply a green manicure to liven up dull, winter days. The go to shades, according to refinery29.com are those that contain a jewel tone and the greens that remind you of a forest.

 

Experiment with a nail art kit and remember the one nail per hand rule as you try out the endless possibilities. You can purchase nail art from your local beauty supply store and through online retail outlets such as Amazon.com.

How to Make a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Face Mask

"Pumpkin facials moisturize your skin and soften fine lines, if applied for at least 20 minutes."

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and what better way to indulge yourself post turkey than by applying a pumpkin peel facial mask. Pumpkin desserts aren't really my favorite, I am more of a chocolate lover, but that doesn't mean that I'm not thankful for a bit of beauty indulgence in the form of healthy, radiant skin that only a pumpkin face mask can provide.

Pumpkins contain high amounts of beta carotene, that give them their orange color, and alpha carotene. Other healthy nutrients found in the squash include lutein, vitamin A and vitamin E, which makes them a great candidate for face masks and as a nutritious food option around Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin facials moisturize your skin and soften fine lines, if applied for at least 20 minutes. Leave it on and see how hydrated your skin looks when your finished. Some skin care lines have realized how well pumpkin works to benefit your skin and have made a practice of selling tiny jars for over $50. With the economy the way it is in this day and age I think many would find a do-it-yourself mask the way to go. All you'll need is a few items from the grocery store and your set.

Things You'll Need:

  • 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cream (lactic acid)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon

 

  1. Round up all the ingredients and measuring spoons you need to make your canned pumpkin facial mask.
  2. Place the pumpkin facial mask ingredients next to a mixing bowl and your stirring spoon.
  3. Mix the ingredients together until you have a thick, pasty material.
  4. Tie your hair to keep it away from your face to avoid getting the mask in it because it is stick.
  5. Apply the mask to your face and leave on for 20 minutes.
  6. Wash off in warm water and enjoy your stress free, post Thanksgiving glow.

Beauty Problems to Fix While Still Young or Young at Heart

Beat Common Beauty Issues

I find myself thinking about how to avoid beauty mistakes as I settle into my 30s. I never gave my skin or body the attention it deserved while in my 20s. Wrinkles, middle-age spread and illnesses requiring surgery seemed a long way off. Well, right before my 30th birthday ended up having to undergo gall bladder surgery. Then, during my pregnancy I had to watch my diet in order for my baby to remain healthy. Those two major events set up a chain reaction which led me to start thinking about my health and how I could shape up over the long-term. Here are some of the tips I learned along the way.

Not getting enough exercise during the day can lead to sleepless nights and a thickening middle. I don't really take part in a traditional exercise program. I do, however, play with my daughter, clean, walk and get moving whenever I have the chance. Adding a few minutes of exercise here and there, which adds up during the day, has helped me keep my weight down after surgery and pregnancy.

Over doing it with skin care products or not using enough can give you more skin issues than you care to deal with. I am one of those that's guilty of never using enough skin care products. That, I know, can harm me down the road in the form of wrinkles and lines. Others have the problem of over-applying their skin care. Using too many products on your face and skin clogs pores and reverses the conditions which you're trying to fix. Many skin care experts agree that taking care in a minimum skin care regimen sees results in the long run. Soap, sunscreen, moisturizer and a few anti-aging products are all you need. Oh, and one face mask each week. The face mask, a cheap one by Montagne Jennessee, found in supermarkets, smoothes out my skin on a weekly basis.

Not getting enough sleep each night can lead to serious health problems down the road. Along with not getting enough exercise, not partaking in, at least, seven to eight hours of sleep a night can net you more problems than you bargained for. Skimping on sleep causes everything from weight gain to mental slow down. Try going to bed a half-hour to an hour earlier to start seeing results.



 

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