Monday, May 16, 2011

Eyelash Extensions Naturally DIY



As far as hot beauty trends go, eyelash lengthening is becoming the new teeth whitening – Just like eyebrows and hair, our lashes thin with age. And if you are using false eyelashes or lash extensions, the glue can make them brittle if not properly hydrated.


The trick to long full lashes is in keeping them hydrated. Make sure you’re taking off your makeup gently every night and try using a swab of petroleum jelly or olive oil along the lash line to moisturize. This will promote eyelash growth without any special potion. Eye lash hair has a natural growth cycle, but mascara and dry lashes cause breakage long before is reaches it natural length so moisturizing here will help reverse this.

There are products on the market designed with powerful formulas to lengthen lashes like Latisse, a formula approved by the FDA available only with a doctor’s prescription, that is proven to work but not without potential side effects. It costs about $120 for a 30-day supply and is not reimbursed by insurance.

Other over the counter products which consistently get results are Lash Relonge’ (rated highest) and Revitalash. More economical and less risky. I found both on Amazon today between $60 and $99. Click on the photo for more information on ordering.

All of these products are applied like eyeliner, drawing a thin line daily to each upper lid at the eyelash root. Most users report that one bottle will last them at least 2 months, with expected results seen around 4 weeks, after which you need only use the product every other day or so. Long, thick lashes will likely always be viewed as the captivating symbol of universal glamour. With a little effort you can have them too.





Thursday, May 12, 2011

PHONEography


Using your phone as your primary camera these days? Seems everyone is, and the photos are on par with alot of point and shoot digital cameras. But a smart phone with the right imaging app can take your photos to the next level ... and some of the apps are free or just $1.99!

You can rotate, crop, add filters, effects, borders, sharpen or add text bubbles into your photos. This is a great way to be creative as well as save a photo that you love but was overexposed.

Check them out in your app store. Instagram is one of the most widely used and did I mention it's FREE? Other popular ones that cool kids are using: Hipstamatic, Diptic, Everyday, and 3D Camera. Have fun and start snapping!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Suit Up


Swimsuit season is rapidly approaching so I just purchased these bikini's online from Victoria Secret. I love the fact that I can mix and match and order different sizes for top and bottom because let's face it, when it comes to swimsuits, one size does not fit all!

When planning for your next weekend getaway or that holiday pool party, choose a suit with a great pattern or color that looks fantastic on you. You may think that the more coverage the better to hide a few pounds, but in reality extra fabric can sometimes emphasize the thing you are trying to hide, so try on a few suits and styles you wouldn't normally, you just may surprise yourself! AND don't freak out that your swimsuit size is larger than your clothing size. Swimwear typically always runs small since they are meant to fit snug so remember to go up a couple sizes especially if you are trying on Junior brands like Roxy.

Use Victoria Secret Code SP1126065 thru 6/17 for:
$15 off  $100
$30 off  $150
$75 off  $250

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Barely There


With summer fast approaching and temperatures rising it's important to re-evaluate your foundation and change from a heavier product to a lightweight and barely there look. Or consider using just a lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF for casual days instead.

Makeup artists are raving about Giorgio Armani's new Luminous Silk Foundation. This will be my next purchase, but I am still really happy with Make Up For Ever's foundation, especially since it's half the price. It goes on sheer with good coverage but not settling into fine lines or looking cakey. Fools even the best HD camera for that invisible look in real life too. 

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation 115 Ivory

Monday, May 9, 2011

Sun Kissed Damage


It is well known that sun exposure contributes to premature wrinkles, 
but studies show that most people view mottled or blotchy, 
irregular patches on their skin as even older looking.

The good news is that you can use products to help fade these dark spots in as soon as a month with the help of an ingredient called hydroquinone. Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is a good one to try. Use it on your hands and face once or twice a day to fade the age away. And then keep vigilant with the SPF!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Future's So Bright!



Sunglasses are thee IT accessory at the beach, but they are equally important when hiding from the paparazzi and covering dark circles from a sleepless night. These cat-eye sunnies by Victoria Beckham are my newest obsession and this feline, Retro trend is showing up everywhere for Summer 2011.

When choosing YOUR perfect frame, keep your face shape in mind to bring balance to your features. People with round faces should stick with square or rectangle shaped glasses that sharpen lines and add definition to your face, while square shaped faces look great with rounded frames.

Also keep in mind your coloring when choosing your perfect sunglasses. Yellowish/warm skin tones look best in gold, tortoise or brown colors while Cooler/bluish skin tones look best in silver, black or blue colors.

Finally, size does matter! Your sunglasses can be larger than regular glasses but need to be in proportion to your head making sure they don't reach too far beyond your temples. If your face is long or you have a larger head,  the oversized frame was made especially for you!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mother Knows Best


Is it true that boyfriends should check out their future mother-in-laws-to-be for a glimpse into tomorrow?

According to a new study, facial aging does follow a similar pattern between mothers and daughters, but celebrity moms today don't seem like they're aging at all! Great looks are genetic, but it is our beauty routines that can make a difference in the years ahead.

For sure mother knows best when warning us about the dangers of the sun and wearing SPF. And my own Mom was definitely right when she told me orange lipstick was not my color and that my 10th grade boyfriend was bad news!

My advice for Mother's Day 2011? Listen to every pearl of wisdom your mother offers, because she is going through some of the very same feelings and issues you will be too one day. There is not a day that goes by I don't miss my Mom, wishing I had asked more questions  ... Here is a photo of us from the early 90's!

Friday, April 29, 2011

A princess does do her own Makeup.


It's official, she wore Alexander McQueen and reportedly did her own makeup after being disappointed with the pancake job the makeup artist did for her engagement photos. 
A DIY girl with a tiara! 

Other little details: the princess wore Bourjois Ultra Shine So Laque Nail Polish in Rose Lounge today. It's a limited addition at Shoppers Drug Mart for $10. It's neutral, classic and perfect for her big day!

Proof that you don't always need a hugely talented makeup artist to put your best face forward! 

I know a great book, Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect!  (Available for only $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes) that can help you with everything you need to know,beyond just makeup, to capture your own magical image for your best look yet!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

A Strong Finish!


For your best pictures don't forget powder! Even if your skin is not oily it can appear that way in a photo, especially with a flash - your best bet is a translucent (colorless) powder, I like Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder, it works on every skin tone, sets your makeup and doesn't collect in fine lines ... giving you a matte, but not flat finish. 

You should also get in the habit of using blotting papers to touch up any breakthrough shine. You do NOT want to apply more makeup or powder which can look cakey. Sonia Kashuk makes Matte Oil Blotting Papers - 100 for $6.99 at Target. In a pinch, you can use a piece from those toilet seat covers in the bathroom to blot shine too - or peel apart a tissue and use one ply. (Just blot don't rub)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Time to get the RED OUT!



A recent study by Ethology revealed that people with bloodshot eyes are considered sadder, unhealthier and less attractive than people whose eyes are whiter and untinted.

Models often use a few drops of Visine in their eyes before big shoots and now you know why.

Clear, white eyes seem to be one of those universal standards of beauty, so if your allergies are acting up or emotions are making you cry, remember to keep the eye drops handy!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Green is the new black ... Happy Earth Day!



There are many beauty recipes you can mix up with non-toxic ingredients that you probably have sitting at home in your kitchen.
Here is one that can help with getting rid of blackheads.
Make a thick paste of baking soda with a little bit of water.
Pat on your skin for about 10 minutes and rinse off.
You might find using this several times a week will help control acne.

You can also use baking soda as a deodorant by patting the powder underneath your arms with a dry washcloth.
Very little is needed to form an invisible layer of protection.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Overdone, Underdone or Just RIght.


Don't try too hard to achieve perfection in your photos.
A softer look is always better and more approachable. 
Let your hair fall out a little from a messy updo.
Don't overdo your make up because it can be incredibly aging.
Use a luminizing tinted moisturizer instead of cakey foundation.
Overdone anything just looks overdone ... 
suntans, plastic surgery, hair color, posing, makeup.
 Looks change but beauty lasts so RELAX and let it shine through!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Well-Lubed Hair


No time to wash your hair? Try dusting some translucent (colorless) powder onto your roots where the oil begins with a fluffy brush or sprinkle talcum "baby" powder on your fingers and massage through your hair as needed. 
The powder should absorb the extra oil .... No one will know you pulled an all nighter!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect!



Available for only $7.99 on Kindle, Nook, and iTunes.
Paperpack on Amazon.com $27.99


It’s time to stop being jealous of your friend who never takes a bad photo and start learning the tricks for looking like a cover girl yourself!
There are so many books about how to take a good photograph written that are geared only to the person behind the camera, the photographer. Face This is a book written for YOU, the girl who wants to know what to do in front of the camera!
Even Cindy Crawford says she doesn’t wake up looking like Cindy Crawford. Get advice from real models, make-up artists and professional photographers on how to have THE perfect picture! The flawless face, lighting, background, style, composure and oozing personality all revealed.
The cheats, the secrets and what you can do to expose yourself in the best possible light digitally and put your “tag” in the cyber universe for all of the world wide web to see!