Get Lippy for Your Valentine

So...Valentine's Day is almost here.  Yikes.  that means my birthday is almost here too!  Do you have plans yet for Valentine's Day (or should I say Valentine's Night?!)?  I do!  You're going to be sooo jealous when I tell you this, but my Valentine's Day plan includes working late.  Boy, do I know how to live or what?

My husband and I have been together forever, so we don't make special plans on Valentine's.  I guess we fall into the "I don't need Hallmark to tell me when to love my partner" camp.  But still, I get that it's a fun "holiday" and that special plans can make it all the more exciting. 

I received the tips below from makeup artist Jemma Kid.  Here is her advice to getting an enviable, romantic red pout, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Application:
- No lipstick looks good on chapped lips and some matte lipsticks dry lips even more. Keep lips smooth and moisturized with a balm containing natural oils, such as beeswax, and SPF. If you have chapped lips, apply balm and after a few minutes massage gently with a soft toothbrush or muslin cloth.

- Dab foundation around the lip are and over the lip itself. It will tone down any redness and ensures the line of the lips will be sharp and defined.

- Use a matching waxy lipliner to prevent any bleed around the lips. Spend time drawing the outline, making sure the lips are completely symmetrical and the bow is even. An uneven top lip shows up with red lipstick more than any other color. Start at the V of the Cupid’s bow and take the liner right into the corners.

- Fill in the lip with the pencil to hold the lipstick in place and make it last longer. Go over the pencil color with a lip brush, working it into any creases.

- Paint on the lipstick using a lip brush for precision, starting in one corner and working inward. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat of the brush for larger areas. Blot with a tissue and apply another coat.

- Add a dab of gloss in a clear or slightly lighter shade at the center of the lower lip and press your lips together. High-shine glossy lips create instant glamour, make the lips look fuller, and draw attention to your mouth-a luscious evening look.

Attitude:
- Red lips spell grown-up glamour and should be worn with confidence.

- Hair color is irrelevant when choosing the right shade of red – it’s skin tone that counts. Pink tones are best suited to cooler “blue reds,” while darker, Mediterranean, and Asian skins are better suited to “orange reds.”

- Deep, plumy reds look fantastic on dark skin, cool blue-based reds suit pink-toned and pale skin, while orange-based reds are less draining on a warmer complexion (but make sure it doesn’t accentuate any redness in your cheeks).

- Red lips will be the focus, so keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

- A red-tinted lipgloss will give a more subtle effect.

- Try not to touch your mouth so you don’t risk smudging the lipstick. Matte finishes are more resistant to smudging than gloss.

Jemma says: “Lip color is one of the most fun and accessible areas of make-up, and also one of the most noticeable. From pretty and natural through classic and sophisticated to glamorous and vampish, how we make up our lips can change our mood in an instant”

Here Comes the Bride!

It's summer, so that means it feels like everyone is either having babies or getting married. Though I loved my wedding and am so glad I'm married, I wouldn't want to have to go through all the "getting married" hoops again. Planning a wedding is a huge stress!

The folks over at CVS have sent me some advice to help brides get ready for their big day without blowing their budget. If you're getting married (or have a big event coming!), check out the tips below. You don't need to hire a makeup artist--save the money for your dress...or better yet, your honeymoon!

One Month Until “I Do”:
Wedding planning may be stressful, but brides don’t have to look like they lost sleep.

* Performing a brow facelift at-home can help release any stress lines that may have formed between the brows. The WrinkleFree Brow Patch System ($29.99) includes a built-in battery to “ion charge” the anti-aging patch for a wrinkle-free treatment, while a complimentary youth serum acts to enhance and maintain results.
* Moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes to soothe stressed-skin, while preventing damage from the sun. La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Eyes UV ($29.50) helps shield skin from UVA and UVB rays, while smoothing dehydration lines.
* Add life and shine to hair with hydrating products, such as BioLuxe Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 each). The formulas include Almond Oil, Vitamins E and D, and essential minerals, like Magnesium, to add luster to the hair while smoothing the cuticle.

The Week Before:

Brides should take extra care of their skin the week before their big day with preventative beauty solutions.

* Wearing a sunscreen that provides defense from both UVA and UVB rays can help prevent last minute sunburn. The broad spectrum CVS/pharmacy Extreme Sport ($9.99) is sweat-resistant to maintain its SPF protection all day, even during those final pre-wedding exercise routines.
* Banishing last-minute pimples is easy before the big day. The Zeno Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device ($39.99) is a safe, hand-held tool that uses gentle, low-level heat to painlessly destroy the bacteria that cause blemishes and reduce 90% of imperfections in 24-hours.

The Big Day Is Here!

Calm fragile nerves the day of the wedding with beauty products designed to relieve stress.

* Showering with scented body washes can help relieve tension. The Aveeno Positively Nourishing Body Wash in Calming ($6.99) works with the steam of the shower to release soothing notes of Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, and Chamomile.
* Hydrating skin with a lightly-scented body cream can also help soothe and rejuvenate the mind and body. The Essence of Beauty Body Lotion in Creamy Fig ($5.99) offers a peaceful fragrance, while Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Vitamins E and C work to moisturize the skin.

While most brides have their makeup professionally done, there are a few helpful cosmetics they can keep close at hand to maintain their glow throughout the festivities.

* Dabbing a crème blush to the apples of the cheeks can easily create a rosy, flushed and youthful complexion. The Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Rose Petal ($7.99) provides a soft color and satin-like finish.
* Applying a hydrating lipstick can help to keep lips kissably soft at the alter and beyond. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Blush ($8.99) hugs lips with a burst of weightless color, while moisturizing with Sweet Almond Oil.

All products are available nationwide at CVS/pharmacy stores and online at CVS.com.

Resolution #4: Pinch Your Pennies

With the economy still in the shitter (though starting to improve) and with the gluttony-filled holiday season just getting behind us, a lot of us are looking for ways to reign in our spending. Here are a few tips for when to save and when it's better to spend.

Awhile ago, Real Simple did a great overview of whether it's best to splurge or spend when buying particular beauty products. Here's what they recommend:

• Facial Cleaners: Save--it's only on your face for a few seconds and more expensive cleaners are virtually the same as their cheaper counterparts.
• Day Cream (moisturizer): Save--just make sure your moisturizer contains sunscreen!
• Anti-Aging/Night Cream: Spend--the more expensive brands are able to afford better research and typically contain superior ingredients.
• Eye Shadow: Spend--more expensive brands have richer color and go on better. But, if you are trying out a new color, or are opting for something trendy, go with the cheaper stuff.
• Foundation: Spend--it's best to have a make-up consultant help find the right color for you, or, better yet, to mix a color just for you and your skin type. Again, be sure your foundation contains some sort of sunscreen.
• Blush: Spend--for the same reasons as the eye shadow.
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss: Both--spend on a great everyday lipstick. More expensive brands are creamier and often contain vitamins. Save money on the gloss because you're going for shine, not color density.
• Mascara: Save--again, there is almost no difference between the budget brands and the spendy ones.
• Powder: Spend--for the same reasons as foundations.
• Shampoo: Save--all the fancy-schmancy ingredients in expensive brands just go down the drain, so don't bother.
• Conditioner: Spend--high end products have advanced delivery systems that penetrate the hair shaft in order to protect and restore hair.

The folks at Allure also chimed in on the subject. Here's their advice:

BROWS
Splurge on: Professional brow-shaping. The pros can work magic on shabby brows but you can keep costs down by plucking stray hairs that pop up between visits.
Scrimp on: Brow products. You can use your inexpensive eyeliner to lightly fill in your brows or find a drugstore-brand brow pencil to give your brows a better shape.
Skip: Brow gel. You can use Vaseline to keep crazy brows in place. Or pick up some cheap clear mascara to coat your brows. One word of caution: the mascara may flake a bit, so be prepared!

SKIN
Splurge on: Anti-aging creams if you need the help. Try to get something containing retinoids to help reduce wrinkles and increase firmness. If you really want the most bang for your buck, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription-strength treatment.
Scrimp on: Expensive treatments. Instead of a professional peel at a doctor's office, try an at-home microderm abrasion kit. Just be sure to use the product regularly to achieve the maximum benefit.
Skip: Facials. They don't do much any way. Just be sure to wash your face regularly, use your daily moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF!

HAIR
Splurge on: Highlights. You cannot achieve the same rich, high-definition highlight at home that you get in the salon. If you need to save a few bucks, opt for a partial foil rather than a full color/foil. Just having the highlights around your face will brighten up your look.
Scrimp on: Shampoo. Really cheap shampoos only contain cleaning agents that may strip your hair of moisture and shine. But shampoos in the $5 range are all you really need: they clean and moisturize perfectly. The same goes for hair products. Stay in the middle of the price range and you should be a-okay!
Skip: Salon blowouts. Unless you have a special occasion to go to, you don't need to have a pro do your hair for you. When your in the salon getting your highlights and cut, ask your stylist to show you how to blowout your own hair. Try out a few things like flatirons and large Velcro rollers to add volume to your hair.

No matter what resolutions your made this year (if any), I hope you have a happy, healthy, and beautiful 2010!

Know How to Fake It!

One of my Twitter friends recently asked me the best way to wear false eyelashes, and I was stumped. See, I wear glasses....all the time. I hate contacts and really do prefer being a 4-eyed kind of girl. I'll admit it: I love my glasses!

I love the look of fake lashes done well. They look dramatic and fun. But to me, it seems silly to spend time and money on fake lashes since I am just going to hide them under my specs. Fake lashes have been all the rage for a few years now, and if you're looking to embrace your flirty inner diva (or if you're just getting your Halloween costume in order), here are some hints that will help you fake it to perfection:

1. Pick your weapon! Do you want a very full eyelash? Or do you just want to add a few falsies in with your natural lashes for a more subtle sense of glam? Do you want your lashes to be black? Neon green? Pink, with feathers? All sorts of options are out there, and all the variations will greatly affect your final look.
2. Prepare your beauties! Before you apply your fake lashes, take a moment to make sure they're not clumped together (you may want to gently separate your store-bought beauties with a lash comb). Now's also a good time to trim your fake lashes with a nice sharp pair of scissors if necessary.
3. Prepare yourself! Curl your real lashes and give them a good go-through with the lash comb. If you want, you can now apply some waterproof mascara to your real lashes to thicken them up a bit. Also: if you haven't done so already, get yourself in front of a really good mirror (magnifying mirrors are best for this) and into some excellent lighting. You're going to need to see all the details around your eyes really well to get your falsies on right.
4. Attach your lashes! Follow the directions that come with your fake lashes, especially since you're going to be working with glue and the such. Apply the glue to the base of the fake lashes and wait a minute or two for it to set. Then carefully apply your fake lash as close to the base of your natural lash line as is humanly possible. TAKE YOUR TIME! And try not to get yourself all worked up if you don't get it right the first time. You may want to have a pair of tweezers or a toothpick on hand to help make final adjustments. And using the blunt end of your tweezers may help you get the fake lashes to conform to your lash line. Just be careful not to apply to much pressure. If you're just adding clumps of fake lashes, apply them to the outer corners of your eyes for a really fun, old-school sexy look. You'll really need a toothpick/tweezers/steady hand to get the clumps in the right spot.
   
5. Assess your work! Now's the time to apply the rest of your eye makeup. You may want/need to apply some more mascara to your real lashes and the fake ones. Just be very careful when you do this. You don't want to snag your falsies with your mascara wand and rip 'em off after all your hard work. While your mascara-coated lashes are wet, you can also sort of squeeze your real and fake lashes together to better unify the two. Make sure your lash glue is not visible. If you can still see a bead or two of glue, you can use eyeliner to hide it.

Applying fake lashes can be tricky, so it's best to practice, practice, practice. If you're a fake lash wearer and have any tips to share, please leave a comment!

I Need YOUR Advice!

Okay--I answer lots of beauty questions, but now I have a few questions for you. I need advice and I'm turning to my blog for the answers! Yes, this is self-serving, but hey...it's my blog so by definition it's self-serving.

Here's what I need help with:

1) I am a natural blonde, but lately I've been going platinum. This means suffering through a bleach and tone every eight weeks or so. I love, love, love my platinum blonde locks, as I've mentioned before. The only drawback? My hair is much more dry than normal...thanks to the bleach and harsh chemicals. I've been trying to wash and condition every other day (and never on the weekends). This seems to be helping a little, but on day two, my hair is dry-ish and my scalp oilier than I like. This is my question: If you have dry, chemically treated hair, how do you care for it? Specifically: what products are your favorites?

2) As I mentioned yesterday, I have come to the realization that I have combination skin. My T-zone tends to get a little shiny during the day but I also have some dry patches on my forehead and cheeks. Nice. I wash daily and exfoliate regularly. I moisturize....I try to do everything right. If you have combination skin, what products and treatments do you use? What's worked and what hasn't?

Thanks in advance for your comments! I'll be back tomorrow with a brand new Beauty Product of the Week!

Ask Lydia x2: Face Cleansers and Foot Care!

I've had two questions from readers lately. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. I appreciate your thoughts, and so do two of your fellow Kiss and Make-up readers! And if you want to ask me anything, shoot me an email (asklydia@hotmail.com).

Question #1: I have normal to oily skin. What facial cleanser would you recommend that could double as a makeup remover?

Even though I did a "Battle of the Eye Makeup Removers" awhile back, I never use a special makeup remover. I don't have the time for it, and honestly...unless I'm wearing a ton of makeup, I don't see the need for it. Who wants to buy a special product when they don't have to?

When it comes to face cleansers, my first rule is stop using soap. Soap makes your skin too tight, drying it out and leaving it in need of extra moisturizer later. Instead, try a gentle product specifically designed for the more sensitive skin on your face.

If you want a high end product, I'd recommend Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It effectively removes makeup--even tough to get off mascara and eyeliner--without striping away your skin's natural (healthy) oils. If you're looking for a drugstore brand, any of Olay's facial cleansers are worth a try. I usually keep a tube of Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser in the shower and a bottle of Purity Made Simple by my sink. And on days when I am really lazy, I swear you cannot beat Boot's 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Face Wipes, as I've said many, many times before!

Question #2: I've been wondering if you know of any good pedicure products. The heels of my feet are in awful shape (really rough), and it always tickles too much to have them filed or whatever when I get a pedicure. Do you have any recommendations for a good pumice stone that will really do the trick? My foot filer thing hasn't been working too well.

I try to get regular pedis in the summer (once a month if I can swing it), and I always worry that I am going to laugh when getting worked on. Sometimes I can't help it, but I can usually quash my giggles with the latest edition of Town & Country magazine (for some reason, reading a snooty magazine while getting a pedicure seems like the right thing to do!).

If you don't have the time or resources to go in for a pedi--or if you're ultra ticklish!--there are plenty of products you can try at home. Look for high end, high quality (high priced) products from Tweezerman. Their Pedro Callus Stone has a decent handle and is easy to use. If you don't want to invest in an expensive tool, all you really need is a decent pumice stone. They're typically pretty cheap and readily available. Look for affordable products from Earth Therapeutics (I adore their foot wipes in the summer time!), ecoTOOLs, or the ultra cute, budget friendly Ms. Pedicure line of goods.

One word of caution, and this is coming from me, a beauty enthusiast, not a professional: avoid callus shavers. They shave off the skin from your feet and are very effective in the short term. I forget where I read it, but supposedly over-use of callus shavers can actually worsen your callus problem. I've only had a callus shaver used on me once--in a salon I won't be going back to. The whole thing freaked me out for some reason. But hey....maybe that's just me.

So readers: if you want to add your thoughts, please do so!

Ask Lydia: Festival/Camping Makeup

Lydia,

I was wondering if you had any recommendations for how to stay pretty while camping. I just bought my tickets for the Sasquatch Music Festival, where I'll be forced to stay in a tent/not shower/feel gross for a few days. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Simone

Hi Simone!

First, have fun at Sasquatch! I live near Seattle and have thought about going over to the Gorge to check out Sasquatch, but the prospect of being outside, camping...with all those people, sort of turns me off. I am not a camper. camping for me means staying in a B&B with a shared bathroom.

Anyway, if I were going to a multi-day music festival...or if I were actually camping...there are a few things I would take with me in order to keep looking cute. You don't want to be bogged down with products, but you do want to take care of your skin and use products that will do double duty. For me, my makeup essentials are good looking skin, a quick coat of black mascara, and a hint of color on my lips. When camping or at a festival, you don't want to do your full face, so leave your eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, concealer, etc. at home.

Here's my must have list of your situation--if anyone has anything to add, please leave a comment!

TO KEEP CLEAN:

• Boots Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes...or something similar. These wipes are great. They don't require any water or rinsing, and they make your skin feel perfectly clean. These are available from Target, but there are many other brands out there. They're a great way to wash your face with minimal effort (and no running water!)
• Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: You can use this on days when you don't have time to wash, or when you don't have access to water or a blow dryer. It will make your hair feel and smell good, even if you're hanging out in the elements.

TO KEEP PROTECTED:

• MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: these are awesome! Sure, this is an expensive product ($42!), but they're easy to apply and even easier to pack. Plus they provide a high level of sun protection, and that's essential at outdoor festivals or when camping.
• Some sorty of bug spray. Many people swear by Avon's Skin So Soft, but I use the ultra-toxic stuff that contains DEET, like Deep Woods Off. Use what you like, but be sure to take something with you!
  

TO STAY CUTE:

• Alba Terra Tints Natural Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 18...or something similar. These tinted lip balms will refresh your lips with their minty scent/flavor, and they'll give your lips protection from the sun...all while adding moisture and color to your lips. I love double duty products, and this is one of my favorites!
• Any sort of tinted moisturizer containing SPF, like Olay Complete Plus Ultra-Rich Tinted Moisturizer. Again, this is a double duty product--your skin will get much needed moisture, and you'll quickly even out your skin tone.
• Your favorite waterproof mascara (I like Great Lash by Maybelline). Mascara will give your eyes just enough pop with minimal time. Go for a waterproof product so it won't smudge...and don't worry about getting it off--the Boots 4 in 1 wipe can handle it!

There you go, Simone! Don't forget to stay hydrated and be sure to wear your sunglasses. Have fun watching Animal Collective, NIN, and Jane's Addiction at the Gorge!

Wednesday Quickies

Ok, as I promised yesterday, here are a few random, quick bites of beauty info to tide you over. Tomorrow I'll be giving you some gift ideas for the men in your life!

MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN?
Here's a paradox: many people with oily skin often feel that they need a little extra moisturizer. This is my theory...some of the skin cleansing products designed for acne-prone or oily skin often strip away the skin's natural moisture. Sure, this helps control shine, but it can also take away some of the nutrients your skin needs. But using a regular moisturizer if you have oily skin can lead to way too much moisture, excess shine, and breakouts. So what are you to do?

The Body Deli may have just the product for you. Their new Flash Flood Light Facial Emulsion moisturizer is a revolutionary new product designed to retain skin’s moisture while controlling excess oil. The Body Deli folks took two years to design a product that uses ionic minerals that would hydrate, soften, and smooth the skin while controlling excess oil and breakouts.

My husband has oily skin and he's been using this product for about a month and a half. He likes the lightweight feel and the fact that he's getting the perfect amount of hydration. Try it out!


LOOK GOOD IN PICTURES WITH CARSON KRESSLEY
It's that time of year again...the time when you get together with your family and friends and get your picture snapped. You want to look your best in photos, but let's face it...watching America's Next Top Model will not help us, mere mortals, learn how to get a good shot. Well, Carson Kressley from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and How to Look Good Naked fame has teamed up with Nikon to give us pointers we can use. Click here to check out their video!

FREE SHIPPING FROM LALACIOUS
LaLicious is offering a holiday special: free shipping on any order over $50 now through the end of the year. Just enter code FREESHIPPING08 when you check out from their website. They sell yummy bath and body products that make great gifts for your friends and for yourself!

SUPER CUTE MAKEUP BAG!!!
I was window shopping online the other day and saw the cutest makeup bag (below) at this site. It's too darn cute and would make the perfect gift for a woman who does a lot of traveling. I don't know why I liked it so much, but there you go!

Ask Lydia: Winter Foundation

Hi Lydia,

Good question for you. Winter Foundation. I usually wear 3W Voile from Aromaleigh and I noticed this morning that when I was putting on my foundation and it looks like I was apply a much darker shade. Got any tips on going lighter in the winter? ~Michelle

Hi Michelle! Thanks for your email.

In the cooler months, those of us with tans (i.e., not me since I only turn red and NEVER get a tan!) have to deal with our colors fading a bit. This can become a problem if you notice your foundation is looking a bit off.

Here are a couple of suggestions for lightening up your foundation. Readers, if you can think of any solutions I'm leaving out, please leave me a comment.

FOR LIQUID FOUNDATIONS
Try mixing a little moisturizer with your foundation. This way you'll be thinning out the liquid foundation and diluting the colors a bit. The moisturizer-foundation combo will save you time--it's like instant multitasking! Plus making the liquid foundation thinner will make application much faster and easier.

FOR MINERAL FOUNDATIONS
Try mixing your normal shade with mineral foundation that's one shade lighter. This will give you a custom-blend that might match better to your winter skin tone. Michelle, in your case, I'd try blending the 3W with a 2W.

CUSTOM BLENDS
One other thing you could do...if you have the money to do it....would be to get a custom-blended foundation from a higher end cosmetics company like Prescriptives. This way you can't go wrong! Just expect to pay a pretty penny to get custom-made makeup.

Time's Up

In the interest of being green, I am recycling an old post! I've had a few people ask me about when beauty products should be thrown out...if products have expiration dates or not. Well, let me just say that yes, you do need to be concerned with the freshness of your products. Here's what I said a few years back about the subject. I think the info still holds up today!

HOW OLD IS TOO OLD?

Ok, here's a confession: I keep beauty products forever. I don't know why, but I always feel guilty throwing out unused make-up. Consequently, my makeup kit is always littered with old products I'll never (or should never) use again. I think I still have a few tubes of discontinued lipstick lying around--eek!

If you're like me, you need to read this handy-dandy reference to help figure out when you should toss out your old cosmetics. Here are the shelf life guidelines for your favorite products:

• Mascara: 3 to 6 months. Mascara can easily get contaminated with bacteria, so it's best to buy this staple several times a year.
• Moisturizer: 3 months to a year. Manufacturers often include an expiration date on moisturizer, so it's best to heed their recommendations.
• Foundation: one year. If liquid foundation starts to change color or if it takes on an "off" smell (yuck!), throw it!
• Powder: two years. It can last longer, but it tends to dry out.
• Eyeshadow: powered shadow can last up to three years; cream shadows only last about a year.
• Eyeliner and lipliner: up to two years. Sharpening these products helps to discourage bacterial growth.
• Lipstick: two years. If it dries out, it's time for a new shade!
• Lipgloss: 18 months to 2 years.
• Perfume: up to 2 years. To keep them lasting longer, store them in the fridge or away from direct sunlight.

For all products, be sure you don't share with your friends, use on broken or infected skin (ick!), and make sure you take good care of your brushes.

Now, go clean out your makeup kits!

Save Your Pennies

Times are tough, economically speaking. The Dow Jones seems to hit a new low every week, and the news is filled with scary stories about people losing their homes, their jobs, their entire savings accounts. Because we're tightening up our budgets, many of you may be wondering where you can save on beauty treatments.

Thanks to the editors at Allure, here are a few hints on when to save and when to splurge:

BROWS
Splurge on: Professional brow-shaping. The pros can work magic on shabby brows but you can keep costs down by plucking stray hairs that pop up between visits.
Scrimp on: Brow products. You can use your inexpensive eyeliner to lightly fill in your brows or find a drugstore-brand brow pencil to give your brows a better shape.
Skip: Brow gel. You can use Vaseline to keep crazy brows in place. Or pick up some cheap clear mascara to coat your brows. One word of caution: the mascara may flake a bit, so be prepared!

SKIN
Splurge on: Anti-aging creams if you need the help. Try to get something containing retinoids to help reduce wrinkles and increase firmness. If you really want the most bang for your buck, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription-strength treatment.
Scrimp on: Expensive treatments. Instead of a professional peel at a doctor's office, try an at-home microderm abrasion kit. Just be sure to use the product regularly to achieve the maximum benefit.
Skip: Facials. They don't do much any way. Just be sure to wash your face regularly, use your daily moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF!

HAIR
Splurge on: Highlights. You cannot achieve the same rich, high-definition highlight at home that you get in the salon. If you need to save a few bucks, opt for a partial foil rather than a full color/foil. Just having the highlights around your face will brighten up your look.
Scrimp on: Shampoo. Really cheap shampoos only contain cleaning agents that may strip your hair of moisture and shine. But shampoos in the $5 range are all you really need: they clean and moisturize perfectly. The same goes for hair products. Stay in the middle of the price range and you should be a-okay!
Skip: Salon blowouts. Unless you have a special occasion to go to, you don't need to have a pro do your hair for you. When your in the salon getting your highlights and cut, ask your stylist to show you how to blowout your own hair. Try out a few things like flatirons and large Velcro rollers to add volume to your hair.

For tips on whether to spend or splurge on makeup products, click here for one of my very first posts...it still has some good info!

Buy This Book (Giveaway!)

Quick question: Who taught you about makeup, how to do your hair, or how to take care of your skin? Maybe your mother or sister taught you everything you know....maybe a friend passed on her knowledge...maybe you visit blogs like mine for insight. Almost all my beauty knowledge was gathered on my own. I don't have some great beauty guru I go to for advice.

My point? There are so many places to learn about the beauty world. And one new resource for you comes from the editors at Cosmopolitan, Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous. This book is packed from cover to cover with useful beauty secrets, all presented easily and with lots of photos. It comes out November 4th and costs $19.95.

This would be the perfect gift for a friend (the holidays are creeping up on us!), if you have a daughter who is reaching her teens and wants to learn about makeup, or for yourself. Honestly, I know plenty about beauty and there are still things I picked up from this book.

Here are three of my favorite hints from Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets:

• For a treat for your lips, make your own lip mask with three teaspoons of Vaseline, one teaspoon of honey, and a dash of cinnamon. Store it in a small container and smooth on a bit at night. Leave on for 30 minutes then wipe off. Your lips will feel "velvety smooth" after use!
• Shrink a zit by dabbing it with toner then placing an ice cube wrapped in tissue on the blemish for a minute. Follow by using a spot-treatment before applying concealer.
• For an easy at-home treat for your feet, soak them in a bowl of warm orange juice for about 10 minutes. The acid in the OJ acts as an exfoliant. Follow by rubbing your heels and rough spots with a foot scrub and rinse. Wrap feet in warm towels for 5 minutes and then apply a thick cream. Sounds perfect for the coming cold weather months!

You'll learn so many great tips from this book--go get your own copy! Actually, I like this book so much, I want to share it with you all. I'll give away one copy of Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets to a lucky reader. Just leave a comment on this entry and I'll pick a winner at random on November 5th. Best of luck!

Get More Beauty Sleep

I don't get enough sleep. I go to bed between 10 and 10:30 on weeknights and my dreaded alarm sounds off at 5:50 am. Even if I sleep through the night, I always feel like I could use more dream time.

Ask all the beauty experts out there and they'll probably all tell you to get more sleep, that sleeping more makes your skin look more radiant, your hair shinier, and reduces some of the effects of aging. But like me, I bet most of you aren't getting enough sleep.

I know one of my problems (along with a super busy schedule) is that I think too much to fall asleep quickly. And tonight, Sunday night, is perhaps the worst week for falling asleep easily. So what's a girl to do?
Here are some tips from Prevention magazine on fighting off insomnia and drifting off to dreamland:

Turn off your mind: Keep yourself from rehashing a stressful day of worries by focusing your thoughts on something peaceful and non-threatening, says Michael Stevenson, Ph.D., a psychologist and clinical director of the North Valley Sleep Disorders Center in Mission Hills, California. Play some soft, soothing music as you drift off or some environmental noise, such as the sound of a waterfall, waves crashing on a beach, or the sound of rain in a jungle. The only rule: Be sure it's not intrusive or distracting.

Don't turn your bed into an office or a den: "If you want to go to bed, you should be prepared to sleep," says Magdi Soliman, Ph.D., a professor of neuropharmacology at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy in Tallahassee, Florida. "If there's something else to do, you won't be able to concentrate on sleep. Don't watch TV, talk on the phone, argue with your spouse, read, eat, or perform mundane tasks in bed. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.

Say no to a nightcap: Avoid alcohol at dinner and throughout the rest of the evening, suggests Dr. Stevenson. And don't fix a so-called nightcap to relax you before bed. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, but it also disrupts sleep. In a few hours, usually during the middle of the night, its effects wear off, your body slides into withdrawal, and you'll wake up.

Try sex before bedtime: For many, it's a pleasurable and mentally and physically relaxing way to let loose before settling down to sleep. Indeed, some researchers have found that hormonal mechanisms triggered during sexual activity help enhance sleep. But again, it depends on the person, according to James K. Walsh, Ph.D., the executive director and senior scientist at the Sleep Medicine and Research Center of St. John's/St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and adjunct professor of psychology at Saint Louis University. "If sex causes anxiety and creates problems, it's not such a good idea. But if you find it enjoyable, it can do a lot for you."

Avoid stimulants after twilight: Coffee, colas, and even chocolate contain caffeine, the powerful stimulant that can keep you up, so try not to consume them past 4:00 p.m., says Merrill Mitler, Ph.D., the director of research for the Division of Chest, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the Scripps Clinic Sleep Disorders Center in San Diego, California. Don't smoke either; nicotine is also a stimulant.

Eat a light snack before bedtime: Bread and fruit will do nicely an hour or two before you hit the hay, says Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D., a psychologist and a professor in the department of psychiatry and research director of the Sleep Center at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. So will a glass of warm milk. Avoid sugary snacks that can excite your system or heavy meals that can stress your body. Use common sense. If you're older, don't drink a lot of fluids before bed, or bathroom duty might call in the middle of the night.

Learn and practice relaxation techniques: The harder you try to sleep, the greater the chances you'll end up gnashing your teeth all night rather than stacking some Zzzs. That's why it's important to relax once you're in bed. "The one problem with insomnia is that people often concentrate too much on their sleep, and they press too hard," Dr. Stevenson says. "The key to successfully falling asleep is to reduce your focus and avoid working yourself into a frenzy."

Biofeedback exercises, deep breathing, muscle stretches, or yoga may help. Special audiotapes can teach you how to progressively relax your muscles.

Here are two techniques that doctors have found particularly successful:

• Slow down your breathing and imagine the air moving slowly in and out of your body while you breathe from your diaphragm. Practice this during the day so that it's easy to do before you go to bed.
  
• Program yourself to turn off unpleasant thoughts as they creep into your mind. To do that, think about enjoyable experiences you've had. Reminisce about good times, fantasize, or play some mental games. Try counting sheep or counting backward from 1,000 by 7s.

Sweet dreams!

Tips for Applying Mascara

In recent posts I reviewed a new mascara by Givenchy and also announced a Great Lash mascara giveaway. From some of the comments I've received, it sounds like I need to give out some tips for applying mascara. So...here goes. If I missed anything, please leave me a comment and let me know!

WHY SHOULD I WEAR MASCARA?
Mascara is the most important eye product I use. I'll gladly forgo eyeshadow, blush, even eyeliner. But I won't give up my mascara!

When applied properly mascara makes lashes appear longer, darker, thicker. A quick coat of mascara opens up the eyes, giving a more alert look (perfect on days when I've stayed up too late!). Mascara defines the lash line, enhancing the shape of the eyes. Best of all: you don't have to spend a fortune on mascara if you don't want to. In my humble opinion, mascara is, perhaps, the best bang for your beauty buck.

To sum it up: use mascara anytime you want. If you're getting all dolled up for a special event, a coat of the blackest black mascara is essential. If you're trying to go for a more natural look, mascara will help you look polished but not over done.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY IT?
Mascara only needs to be applied once a day. I find it's best to put mascara on last...after all other eye makeup is applied. My routine for eye makeup goes like this:

• brow shaping (with a brow brush and pencil, if needed)
• lash curling (click here to learn how to save yourself some cash on a lash curler)
• eyeliner
• eye shadow
• mascara
  

HOW DO I APPLY IT?
Follow these simple steps:

• Pull the wand out of the tube. DO NOT pump the wand in the tube--doing so will increase your chances of sloppy application (i.e., clumps) and forcing air into the tube apparently speeds up the growth of nasty bacteria thingys you don't want anywhere near your eyeballs!
• Wiggle the mascara brush at the base of your lashes. This makes your lashes look thicker and defines your eye shape.
• Slowly drag the brush through your lashes, up to the tip.
• Move slowly and carefully as you go and try not to blink. Any sudden moments could result in a mascara disaster. Trust me...I've had my share. The last thing you want are those annoying black mascara dots you can get on your lids if you're not careful.
• Applying mascara to your bottom lashes is not necessary. If you want to define your bottom lashes, go for it. My advice here: use a very light touch.
• Once you have your coat of mascara on, don't keep applying. One coat is usually all you need. The more coats of mascara you apply, the greater your chances of clumps or what I call spider lashes.
  
• After you're done, gently rake a lash comb through your lovely lashes to further separate them and to remove any residual mascara gunk. I like lash combs with tiny metal teeth--they seem to do a better job than their plastic counterparts.
  

WHICH MASCARA IS BEST FOR ME?
It depends on what you need your mascara to do. If you're not a big fan of makeup, I suggest going to your local drugstore and picking up almost any brand of mascara there. You really don't have to spend a lot of money to get amazing looking lashes.

If you've read my blog, you know I have my favorites. If you want a drugstore brand, go with my pick: Great Lash by Maybelline. If you want to hit up your local Sephora, Lorac's Lotsa Lash is my fave, and it's by no far the most expensive of the "prestige" brands.

When it comes to picking a color, your default choice should be a classic black. I'm very fair skinned and blonde and I wear black mascara every day. Black just makes lashes...all lashes...look better. That said, if you love brownish black or the blackest black on the market, go for it.

You can also get colored mascaras that will give your eyes a whole different look. Many people swear by blue mascara, but I just can't pull that look off. Blue supposedly makes your eyes look brighter, so if you need some lightening in the eye area, you may want to try it out. If you want to try out a trendy color, I highly recommend that you purchase a drugstore brand for your maiden voyage. That way if you hate it, you didn't blow a huge chunk of your beauty budget on a terrible mistake.

The final mascara decision you need to make is waterproof or regular mascara. I don't think I have ever knowingly purchased a waterproof mascara. For the majority of us, the regular formula is all we need. However, if you plan to cry a lot, if you're going to get your face wet (and you need to have great lashes), or if you live in an extremely humid environment, waterproof mascara may make more sense. Remember, you'll need an eye makeup remover to get it off!

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• Never share your mascara with someone else. It's not hygienic and eye infections are nasty and down right gross.
• I do not advocate trying out mascara samples at stores. I've seen women do this and it freaks me out. It's right up there on the gross factor with trying shoes on without socks, touching doorknobs in public bathrooms, or trying on earrings (I actually saw this happen at Costco once....ick!)
  
• You need to replace your mascara every 3 months or so. I know that sounds a little obsessive compulsive, but come on. Mascara isn't very expensive. An eye infection? It could set you back a few bucks and cost you a few days at work.

There you have it...all the advice I could muster up about mascara. Like I said: if I missed anything, please let me know!

Weird Beauty Advice

We've all done some strange things in the name of beauty. I've used olive oil to remove makeup, poured beer through my hair, and put toothpaste on a zit.

According to Cosmopolitan magazine, here are some crazy beauty tips that actually work:

• Buff with Baking Soda: If you find yourself streaking (not glowing) after applying self-tanner, put some baking soda on a loofah, and scrub away the stripes.
• Powder Your Roots: If your hairline starts to look greasy, dig up a big, fluffy makeup brush, and dip it into a pot of loose powder. Tap it once on the back of your hand to remove the excess, then dust it over your roots. It mops up oil and blends into your strands, so no one will know you didn't shower.
• Soften Your Bod with Avocado: Take a ripe avocado, remove the pit and skin, and mash it up in a bowl. Slather it all over your body, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be so soft — avocado is a natural moisturizer.
• Boost Body Lotion with Baby Oil: If you're craving shiny legs that aren't greasy, blend a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion for extra luster.
• Freeze Your Eyeliner: If the tip of your eyeliner pencil crumbles and smears on your lids, store the liner in the freezer for 15 minutes before use so the tip is firm and goes across your skin smoothly.
• Press a Tea Bag on Splotches: If your skin is sensitive or just looking irritated and puffy for some reason, steep a bag of green tea for a minute or two, let it cool down, and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in the tea take down inflammation.
• Amp Shine with Vinegar: Mix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water, and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.
• Make an Egg-White Mask: To revive tired, dull skin without hitting the spa table, try this: Crack open an egg in a bowl, separate the yolk, and use the egg whites to make a face mask. The proteins help to heal and restore skin's moisture. Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse off.
• Customize Your Body Lotion: Instead of shelling out for an expensive perfumed body product, you can make your own by pouring a few drops of fragrance into any scent-free lotion. Rub it on — the scent will last for hours.
• Super-Glue a Nail: Instead of tearing off your nail when it breaks, put a tiny dab of Super Glue over the split, and paint a generous layer of your favorite nail polish shade over it. Go for an opaque option (like red, purple, or coral) to camouflage and seal the crack.

Drugstore Heros

I am currently giving away some St. Ives products, and many of you have commented on your fondness for St. Ives' signature product, Apricot Scrub.

All this got me thinking about drugstore products that have taken on cult status, and I'm going to need your help with this post.

In thinking about my favorite drugstore products, I came up with a short list:

• Maybelline's Great Lash mascara
• Olay's daily moisturizer
• Noxzema deep cleansing cream

These are products I've used throughout my life, and they're products I trust.

But now I want to hear from you...what are YOUR favorite drugstore beauty products? Please leave me a comment and let me know. I'll use your comments to review some of your favorites here on my blog. And who knows...maybe I'll have a drugstore giveaway soon. But I need your feedback on this one...I fear I have gotten out of touch with some of the treasures that can be found outside of a Sephora!

Accent Your Eyes

Yesterday I gave you some pointers on how to achieve the much sought after smoky eye. Staying on the theme of eye makeup 101, today I'll give you pointers on what shades of shadow to buy in order to enhance your eyes.

FOR BROWN EYES
For a classic look: try the neutrals: browns, beiges, khaki (including khaki green), bronze, copper, and champagne. Try neutrals with a hint of apricot or pink for added color.
For a more fun look: try out bolder greens, vivid tangerines, and deep blues.

FOR GREEN EYES For a classic look: brown (a universally flattering color!), plums, purples, apricots, any color in the khaki family, and even green shades, especially forest green.
For a more fun look: play off your greens by wearing lime or light green. Or go with bright purple or shimmery gold.
FOR BLUE EYES
For a classic look: browns (yet again!), grays (even black if you're daring), violet, purple, even deep blue (bluer than your natural shade) all look great.
For a more fun look: be daring with turquoise, fuchsia, or silver

A good rule of thumb when selecting an eyeshadow is this: to enhance your eyes, pick a shade that is opposite that color. This will bring out your eyes, making them really pop.

Many cosmetics companies (notably Almay) have palettes especially designed to enhance, compliment, or contrast your eye color.

No matter what, be sure to apply your shadow properly so that it looks it's best. Find a color combination you like and embrace your signature look. The best thing to do is try out many shades of shadow to find what you like best. To do this without breaking the bank, look out for deals on gift packs. They often contain a wide-array of eyeshadow colors for very little money. Sure, these are not the best quality shadows on the market, but they'll give you a chance to try out all sorts of colors.

Smoky Eye 101

The smoky eye is one of the most dominant trends for eyes. It's been around forever and only seems to gain popularity each season. It can be dramatic, it can be classic, it can be fun, and it is almost always sexy.

Once you master the basic techniques of applying the smoky eye look, try playing around with different colors to make a look all your own.

Here's how to do a classic, sultry smoky eye.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Concealer and loose face powder
• Eye primer (optional)
• Black or dark brown eyeliner pencil
• Two shades of eyeshadow, one lighter, one darker but both in the same color family (for a classic look, stay with neutral shades)
• Eyeshadow brushes
• Q-tip or sponge-tipped brush
• Eyelash curler
• Mascara

HOW TO PULL OFF THE LOOK

1. Use the concealer lightly around your eyes to cover up any dark circles or discoloration. Apply, but don't blend in, loose powder under you eyes. This excess powder will help catch any shadow that falls off during application.
2. If you feel it necessary, apply an eyelid primer. A primer is not necessary, but may help avoid creases and slippage throughout your wear.
   
3. Apply eyeliner to the upper and lower eye area. Smudge the pencil into your lash line on your top lid. For your lower lid, smudge the pencil so it makes a thick, soft hint of color around the lower, outer part of your eye. Smudging is essential to the smoky eye, so work on your technique! Try using a Q-tip or sponge-tipped applicator to control the smudge.
   
4. Apply your lighter color over you lip. Be sure to sweep the lighter color up to your brow bone, under your eyebrow arch. This is your base color, and you can even sweep it down the corner of your eyelid, slightly down the side of your nose and under your eye (optional).
   
5. Now it's time for the drama: applying the darker color. With an eyeshadow brush, sweep your darker color from your lash line to the crease in your eyelid. Be sure to blend the color into your eyeliner, working in an upward direction. Also make sure to stop at the crease--don't go too far up to the brow bone! You want that area highlighted!
6. If any of the dark powder falls on to your cheek, use the loose powder to quickly sweep it away.
7. Before you touch your mascara, take some time to review your work. Is the color even on both eyes? Do you need to do any clean up? Are your brow bones highlighted to your liking? Make any adjustments now!
8. Curl your upper lashes and apply the mascara of your choice.
9. Viola! You have lovely smoky eyes! You rock.

CONSIDERATIONS

• The smoky eye can be a lot of look, so be sure to pair it with a nude lip. You want the rest of your face to be as neutral as possible. Try an apricot shade of blush and a neutral lip color.
• For a fun look, try a colored eyeliner or mascara (blue mascara will really make your look pop!).
• Be sure to keep your brows neat and under control. Sparse or sloppy brows will destroy this look.

MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR THE SMOKY EYE
You can use whatever you like, but here are my faves for getting this look:

• Brushes: Sephora's All Over Color Brush and Sephora's Smudge Brush
• Eyeshadow: NARS Duo Eye Shadow in either Paris or Portobello
  
• Mascara: Lorac's Lotsa Lash or Maybelline's Great Lash (of course!)
  
• To fix mistakes: Revlon Eye Makeup Eraser Pen

Diffusion Confusion

Summer has finally come to the Pacific Northwest. For the past few days, it's been insanely hot and humid here. Despite the fact that I grew up in Maryland, a state know for it's hazy, hot and humid summer days, I don't do well in the heat. My makeup melts, my skin feels greasy, and my hair? Oh, god...my hair is a wavy, uncontrollable mess!

I have a tiny bit of wave to my hair. Under ideal conditions, I blow my hair dry to get it sleek and shiny. Since I know not to fight the losing battle against humidity, I recently decided to embrace my natural waves and let them flow.

To do so, I tried out my never-used diffuser attachment on my hair dryer. I heard that diffusers help make curly hair look great. After my first try with the diffuser, my hair was overly fluffy and very 80s metal. I ended up looking like a blonde Dave Mustaine from Megadeth (see below). Not the look I was after!

So...I must have done something wrong. (See? Beauty bloggers don't know it all!) I did some checking around on the Internet and here's how a diffuser is supposed to be used:

• Use only the cool or the lowest heat setting on the hair dryer.
• For volume at the roots, flip head upside down and place the teeth of the diffuser directly into the root area. Use the teeth to lift the root. Move the diffuser around the head.
  
• For a hair diffuser to work correctly, you must stay close to the hair since the air flow is restricted.
  
• Lift the ends of the hair with the diffuser, almost as if you were using your fingers to scrunch the hair. Dry hair about 80% of the way. Resist hand scrunching. Let it finish trying on its own so any curls are not flattened.

I'll try this out tomorrow morning and will hopefully look decent...and not like an 80s metalhead. If you have any tips on how to use a diffuser, by all means...leave me a comment!

Concealer 101

I recently received an email from a reader who wanted to know more about concealer. It was when I read her question that I realized that, apart from this entry, I have not talked a whole lot about concealer.

Why? Because I never use the stuff. As much as I love makeup, I don't like taking extra steps or using extra products if it is not absolutely necessary. To cover my many flaws, I just stick with foundation. If my dark circles or huge blemishes can't be hidden with my normal makeup routine, then so be it. I'm not what you would call a perfectionist!

However, there are plenty of people who use concealer on a regular basis. This entry will be an overview on why to use it, how to use it, and other tips. If you are a concealer user and you want to add your thoughts on the subject, by all means, leave a comment!

WHY SHOULD I USE CONCEALER?
Concealer does just what it says: it conceals imperfections. Unlike foundation that balances out skin tone all over the face. concealer is best used in specific places. If foundation is like a broad brush, concealer is the fine, more detailed tool. Concealer is best used to cover up dark under eye circles, to make pimples or blackheads less noticeable, or as a primer for eyeshadow.

HOW SHOULD I USE CONCEALER?
Because concealer is for finer details, it should only be used in those pinpointed spots. Do not use concealer for all over color. Apply concealer lightly, using either a concealer brush or your fingertips. The more gentle your touch, the better. Just dot the concealer over the area needing coverage, gently blotting the product into the skin to thoroughly blend it. If you don't blend concealer correctly, or if you use too much, you can end up with a cakey look that will only draw more attention to your problem area. Not what you want!

OTHER INFO

• For information about colored concealers, click here for an earlier entry I wrote on the subject.
• If you don't want to buy a separate concealer, you can try just using your normal foundation and a concealer brush to add more product to your trouble area
• If you're a concealer user, please leave a comment with your tips and let me know the name/maker of your favorite concealer!

Now...I hope that covers the subject!