Beauty Tips

Q- I’m not great with applying makeup how can I improve?

A- When you see makeup tutorials online the ladies can make it look effortless but doing it yourself is another story. There is no magic wand that will make you an instant makeup artist, it is all about technique and that comes with practice. Practice as much as you can and sooner or later you will get there. 

Q- How important is buying the right makeup brushes? Are the best ones expensive?

A- Getting the right makeup brushes and tools is essential. You can own the most expensive makeup out there but if you don’t have the right tools to apply it, it might not look so hot.

You don’t have to go out and buy over priced brushes, there are synthetic brushes that work well. The most important factor is quality; good quality brushes will stand the test of time and be a good investment. Sigma brushes are great. Check out- Sigma kabuki brush set

Q- I am just starting out with makeup how do I know what to buy?

A- For beginners I would suggest deciding what makeup you want to work with. If you want  to create smoldering eye shadow looks then purchase a palette that is affordable yet has many different colors for experimenting with. Coastal Scents has some great palettes. Just get the basics and work your way up from there. Check out: Coastal Scents 120 eye shadow palette

Q- How do I choose the right foundation and concealer?

A- If you have no idea what color foundation to use and you don’t want to end up looking like you got a bad tan then I suggest testing before you buy. Stores like MAC and Sephora give samples. Get a sales rep to help match you within a few different brands and try them out at home in natural lighting, (the lighting in the store is not always reliable).  Sephora also has a machine in store that matches you quite accurately. Check out: MAC foundations and concealers

Q- How do you apply liquid eye liner?

A- Liquid eyeliner can be tricky but practice makes perfect! Steady your hand on a table top and start in the middle of the lash line. Draw short lines towards the outer eye and then move to the inner eye going over the line you have created to darken it. You can also make small dashes along the lash line and connect them into one full line. The easiest way to make a nice straight line for beginners is to use a pencil eye liner in the same color as your liquid liner. Make sure the pencil glides on smoothly and is easy to work with. After you draw the line with pencil trace it with a liquid liner for practice.

Q- I don’t like wearing heavy makeup, how do I get a natural look?

A- You don’t have to cake on the makeup to get a stunning effect. If you don’t like heavy foundations try pressed powder. The Studio Fix powder by MAC gives good coverage without the heavy feeling of a foundation. You can also try BB creams or a tinted primer. Add a touch of blush for color, a bit of eyeliner and some gloss and you are good to go.

Q- Is bronzer important?

A- Yes! Bronzer can give the skin a beautiful glow and can help contour and shape the face. It can create a slimming effect where you want it and add definition to cheekbones. Check out: Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer

Q- I hate applying and wearing false lashes, is there another way?

A- Those pesky falsies can be heck to get on and no one wants to glue their eyes shut. To get a false lash look try curling your lashes, priming them, and then using 3-4 different mascaras in layers for long full lashes. Lash care is important too, so before bed apply some natural oil or Vaseline to help your lashes thrive while you snooze. Check out: How to apply mascara and care for your lashes

Q- How can I brighten up my eye area?

A-  A great way to make your eyes look bigger and brighter is by applying a white eye liner to the inside of your lower lash line. For darker skin tones white can be too harsh so try using a beige liner instead. You can also add a shimmery highlight to the inner corners of your eyes.

Q-I have dark under eye circles, how can I cover them up?

A- Covering up the effects of sleepless nights and under eye darkness starts at night. The skin under your eyes is very sensitive so pat on a good eye cream before bed, preferably with retinol. Cucumbers work well too and although it may be hard, try to get enough rest. To cover up darkness with makeup try using a corrector and then patting on concealer with the pads of your fingers or with a small precise brush. e.l.f has a wonderful flawless concealer brush. Check out Pelle Beatuy Eye Balm 

Q- My lips are prone to dryness, how can I get a soft supple pout?

A- Bright lipstick over chapped lips is not a good look. Before bed try exfoliating your lips. You can make your own lip exfoliator with a mixture of brown sugar and honey or you can use a toothbrush (not the one you use on your teeth) and gently brush your lips to remove dry skin. e.l.f. also has a great lip exfoliator on their website. Slather on some hydrating balm during the day and before bed, eos and Burts Bees have some great formals.

Q- How do I pick the right red lipstick?

A- All women can pull of sexy red lips you just have to choose the right shade for your skin tone. Lighter skin tones look great in cooler reds think Taylor Swift, medium skin tones look great in true reds like MAC’s red lipstick and darker skin tones can pull off deep reds. Check out: MAC's Red lipstick

Q- My hair gets very dry how can I add moisture?

A- Avoid over washing your hair to help combat dryness, the sulfates in your shampoo are very harsh so try switching to a sulphate free brand. Deep condition as often as you need and avoid excessive heat styling, chemicals and dyes. Use a serum or natural oil after styling. check out: How to deep condition your hair

Q- I suffer from dry skin, how can I moisturize?

A- No one wants alligator skin so make sure you use a non-drying soap like Dove or a moisturizing shower gel. Right after a warm shower apply thick creamy body butter natural or store bought. Some natural oils like sweet almond oil, avocado oil and coconut oil also help combat dry skin. Check out: How to make your own body butter

Q- I am not sure how to shape and groom my eyebrows, what should I do?

A- Well groomed brows can change the shape and appearance of your face. Over plucking can drastically thin out the brows and those babies don’t always grow in as thick. Visit a salon to have your brows shaped and cleaned up when they begin to sprout. Make sure to be clear about what you want and aim for a nice shape without thinning out your brows. Threading is quick and can be quite precise, a threading session can cost anywhere from $4 to $25 dollars depending on the salon.

Q- My nails are brittle how can I strengthen them?

A- Brittle nails can be a sign of a deficiency so consult with a doctor and consider taking a multi-vitamin. Polish is pretty but nail lacquer and nail polish remover contains chemicals that may leave your nails dry, brittle and stripped. Taking a break from frequent manicures and using a strengthening treatment can give your nails time to heal. Try to chose polish that do not contain harsh ingredients such as formaldehyde. If you want to go the extra mile keep your nail beds and cuticles moisturized.

Q- What is the best way to remove makeup?

A- Removing your makeup is essential in skin care because if left on overnight it can clog pores and diminish the look of skin. Start with a soft makeup removing cloth, Neutrogena has some good ones, and gently wipe your face clean. Next, wash your face with a facial cleanser that is best suited for your skin type. You can also use a facial cleansing brush like the Olay Pro X or Clarisonic for a more thorough cleanse. Pat your skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer before bed. Check out: Olay ProX Advanced cleansing system and Clarisonic Mia 2 review

Q- Is it important to wear sunscreen all year?

A- The suns UV rays never rest, they are even present in the cold dreary winter months. Using a daily moisturizer, BB cream or foundation with SPF protection is a good idea.

Q- I have oily skin, how can I control the oil?

A- For oil prone skin make sure you are using a cleanser and moisturizer that is oil free and suited for your skin type, avoid greasy products. Toners also help absorb excess oil. Find a find a foundation that provides a matte finish and set it with a mattifying powder. It is also a good idea to keep oil blotting sheets handy for touch ups. 

Q- I have acne, how can I get rid of it?

A- Acne can be caused by numerous factors such as hormones, medications, excess oil production and dietary habits. To diagnose the cause of your pimple problem and to have it treated properly you should see a dermatologist. There are numerous acne treatments available in the drug store but if you do not treat the cause of the acne it may affect the success of these treatments. Check out- Skinetica anti-blemish toner that can help with acne.

Q- Does makeup setting spray really work?

A- Setting spray is very handy to have when you need your makeup to stay in place and look fresh for longer periods of time. For special events and in hot humid climates a setting spray can help keep your foundation from melting off and looking too shiny or oily. They don’t always hold up with profuse sweating or exposure to water. Check out: UrbanDecay All Nighter makeup setting spray.

Q- How do I apply blush?

A- Applying blush to the apples of the cheeks works for most people but there are ways to apply blush to suit different facial shapes (see the diagram below).

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