This is one of my very favorite sites for makeup. Marlena, who runs the site, does a great job. Her skill level is amazing. Although some of the looks here are more than I would ever do, there is a lot that I have learned from this site. So when you have the chance, check it out!
makeupgeek.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Ticky - Hot Lashes - Part Duex
Why does mascara dry out or become to hard? Well, one of the primary ingredients of mascara is wax. Soo.. this means that when it hits the air and cooler temperatures it won't stay in its most desireable state. Especially if you live somewhere that gets very cold in the winter, you may have noticed that when it's cold your mascara doesn't go on as nice.
How to fix this? Let your mascara take a little hot water bath. Either fill up your sink a bit or fill a mug with very hot water. Warming it up will melt the wax and make it easier to apply. I would say that it's best to let it sit in there for at least 5 minutes. If you do this right before you start your makeup, by the times you're ready for mascara, it will be perfectly melty and good.
How to fix this? Let your mascara take a little hot water bath. Either fill up your sink a bit or fill a mug with very hot water. Warming it up will melt the wax and make it easier to apply. I would say that it's best to let it sit in there for at least 5 minutes. If you do this right before you start your makeup, by the times you're ready for mascara, it will be perfectly melty and good.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ticky - Hot Lashes
If you feel like you're not getting enough oomph out of your eyelash curler - yes, the one you got at the dollar store - you could try heating it up. Use a blow dryer on a high heat setting and blast your curler for a minute or so. Heating it up will make it act like a little curling iron and help your lashes to hold the curl.
I know that this one is a bit more of a time consuming trick, but for a night out or when you have some extra time to get ready this one can be a fun, cheap boost.
I know that this one is a bit more of a time consuming trick, but for a night out or when you have some extra time to get ready this one can be a fun, cheap boost.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Masked (Wo)man – Honey Mask
The Scoop
Dominic knows that I have a plethora of different masks that I have tried and use, but the other night, when I had on my honey mask, he was so befuddled (yes, that’s right, befuddled) that I thought his jaw was just going unhinge and fall off. “Dom, do you really have to sit here and stare at me?” “Yeahh… what’s it supposta do?” He kept looking at me, like I was some sort of California Nut for putting pure honey on my face. So we had a little talk on why pure honey makes one of the greatest masks…
In short, honey is great for acne, anti-aging, moisturizing, (eating), and so much more. And although Dominic reminded me that I was really schlapping “bee vomit” all over my face, that honey is nothing but goodness for it. The next morning, your skin will be glowing. It makes it softer, too. I’ve found that it helps with acne and seems to act as a mild anti-inflammatory. There are no side effects and you can do it as often as you like. In all honesty, I don’t feel that I can claim to explain the science behind this one, but trust me, it’s a worthwhile mask.
What does it all entail? Just get out the honey bear and lather on. You’ll probably land up wanting to use about 2 teaspoons, enough to cover your whole face. I even put this one under my eyes, it’s that gentle. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
Variations
Diluted with Water
Take 2 tps and dilute with a little bit of water. This will activate the naturally occurring hydrogen-peroxide found in honey. I would recommend this if you have acne. Acne is a bacterial infection; hydrogen-peroxide is an anti-bacterial.
Aspirin Mask – Honey Mask Combo
This is one of my favorites! Great for acne, too. Take a couple aspirin and drop them into water to dissolve them. (Pouring water over them does not work as well.) Drain off most of the extra water and then mix with the honey. This is such a great powerhouse combo, because the salicylic acid in aspirin is great for acne too.
Mixed with Citrus
Citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, are great for your skin. Try mixing the 2 tps with a little bit of citrus (whatever you have on hand) juice, or maybe even zest.
Articles & Interesting Sites
Wiki on Honey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey
In short, honey is great for acne, anti-aging, moisturizing, (eating), and so much more. And although Dominic reminded me that I was really schlapping “bee vomit” all over my face, that honey is nothing but goodness for it. The next morning, your skin will be glowing. It makes it softer, too. I’ve found that it helps with acne and seems to act as a mild anti-inflammatory. There are no side effects and you can do it as often as you like. In all honesty, I don’t feel that I can claim to explain the science behind this one, but trust me, it’s a worthwhile mask.
What does it all entail? Just get out the honey bear and lather on. You’ll probably land up wanting to use about 2 teaspoons, enough to cover your whole face. I even put this one under my eyes, it’s that gentle. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
Variations
Diluted with Water
Take 2 tps and dilute with a little bit of water. This will activate the naturally occurring hydrogen-peroxide found in honey. I would recommend this if you have acne. Acne is a bacterial infection; hydrogen-peroxide is an anti-bacterial.
Aspirin Mask – Honey Mask Combo
This is one of my favorites! Great for acne, too. Take a couple aspirin and drop them into water to dissolve them. (Pouring water over them does not work as well.) Drain off most of the extra water and then mix with the honey. This is such a great powerhouse combo, because the salicylic acid in aspirin is great for acne too.
Mixed with Citrus
Citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, are great for your skin. Try mixing the 2 tps with a little bit of citrus (whatever you have on hand) juice, or maybe even zest.
Articles & Interesting Sites
Wiki on Honey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey
Sunday, June 14, 2009
What I Learned from My Dermatologist: Sunscreen
No one likes being sunburned but we sometimes forget just how strong the sun can be. Like my brother here, now that he’s not being a vampire on night shift anymore, he’s looking a little sizzled. In order to help women remember and simplify, there has been a decided recent trend in makeup and skincare products where so many companies are all beginning to make products that contain spf. From a marketing standpoint, it seems genius. From a “I have no time in the morning” standpoint, it seems like a great idea. But I wondered, how on earth could the spf in my foundation or lotion be nearly as good as a sunscreen? So on my last dermatologist visit, I asked him about just that. He said that the primary issue with this is that the quality of the spf in makeup and other products is that it is not nearly as good as a true sunscreen. According to him, if the bottle says it’s spf 15, it’s really more like the quality of an spf 10.
So all this to say, don’t be misled by the promises of spf in makeup. Simply put, the spf in makeup or even moisturizers just isn’t good enough. Of course this is better than putting on nothing at all, but especially if you are very fair or prone to skin cancer (as I am to both), the spf in your foundation just really isn’t going to cut the mustard for you.
And think about it, a dermatologist would recommend that you apply about a ‘quarter-sized’ blob of sunscreen to your face. Chances are you wouldn’t be putting nearly that much foundation on, and the primary purpose of the foundation is not to protect you. Sun damage is what causes aging and skin cancer. You still need to wear sunscreen!
I can hear it now, “But Daisy, sunscreen is just so dog-on greasy!” But dealing with a little grease is far better than the long term effects. Additionally, there are many sunscreens out there that are less greasy.
My top recommendation is La Roche-Posay Sunscreen. This one you’ll pay a pretty penny for, however, this is said to be the very best, most protective sunscreen on the market. It’s not greasy at all. However, to my knowledge, it’s only sold at CVS and Longs, or online through their website. (See links below.)
My second recommendation is Neutrogena. They also make a lot of great sunscreens that many dermatologists would recommend. Mine told me that if I couldn’t get the La Roche-Posay Sunscreen, I should opt for Neutrogena. The Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch is pretty nice and comes in many different levels of spf.
Another trick that might help out if you still feel like your sunscreen is feeling greasy on your face, put on your moisturizer, let it sink in, and then put on your sunscreen. After that, wait another minute for the sunscreen to sink in and then put on your makeup. Just do something like brush your teeth or comb your hair in between.
Hope this helps and I just wanted to encourage y’all to lather up!
AAD’s FAQ About Sun Care
http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_sunscreen.htm
WebMD’s Article on Sunscreen and Makeup
(Not sure if I agree with all of their ‘tips’ or product recommendations, but I think that especially the beginning part of the article has some good things to say.)
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/sunscreen-and-your-makeup-routine
La Roche-Posay’s Product Website
http://www.laroche-posay.com/_int/_en/index.aspx
Thursday, June 11, 2009
More Dollar Store Fun
Travel Sized Products
Many of the travel sized items can be around a dollar at regulars stores, like Target and Walmart. However, I've found that sometimes the dollar store will have them for even less than a dollar. I recently got Dominic a couple of travel sized AXE shower gels there for less. Maybe not worth a special trip, but good to pick up if you're already there.
Magnifying Mirrors
Often found next to the tweezers, logically. These are so much less expensive than if purchased elsewhere.
Bar Soap
I personally don't use bar soap, but I always see many popular brand names. I know Momzy uses the Dove Beauty Bar (great bar soap, by the way), and I always always see it there.
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