Labels: beauty, free makeup samples, makeup tips Labels: free makeup samples, nail polish, skin care Labels: beauty, free makeup samples, hair tips Labels: free makeup samples, makeup tips, mascara
Makeup Experiment
When you were a young and first trying makeup, you probably tried all kinds of things. I remember getting together with girl friends and giving each other huge "makeovers" and then washing it all off and trying again. You can still do it!
The wonderful thing about makeup is that it isn't permanent like a tattoo, hair cut, or hair color (although even that is un-doable). Give yourself permission to try some new things on yourself. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to wash it off though, and don't do it right before you are about to walk out the door in case it's a disaster. Try some new colors, a new way of applying the makeup, or some new makeup brushes and tools that you have never used.
If you would rather try a vitual makeover first, then by all means. You can see some of my virtual makeover results here!
Go ahead! Experiment. You might find something wonderful to make a part of your regular look.
Toe Nail Polish Tips
Start by soaking them in some warm soapy water for a few minutes. You can do this just by soaking in a nice hot bath for a while - another plus to doing it at home! When you get out of the tub, it's time to exfoliate. Scrub the areas of dry thick skin on your feet and make them soft. Then slather on some lotion and be sure to work it into your cuticles.
Once the lotion has been absorbed, you are ready to start. Trim back hanging cuticles, and trim and file the nails. Discolorations can be buffed out with a nail buffer.
Before adding any color, begin with a clear base coat. This will help prevent discoloration of your nails from darker polish. Dark polish has a bad tendency to turn your nails yellow, so don't skip this step! Add a couple coats of your polish, and be sure to let it dry thoroughly in between coats. Apply the coats quickly so they don't go on too thick which will cause drying problems down the line.
Finally, add a top clear coat. This will make the manicure last a long time. If you need touch ups every few days, then add them. A good pedicure should last at least 2-3 weeks.
Flat Iron Tips for Hair
First, make sure you have invested in a good one. It's tempting to get a cheaper one, but trust me when I say it will not last very long and it really won't work as well as a more moderately priced one. Even those will wear out after a year or two of heavy use.
Use it on freshly washed hair that is mostly dry, but not entirely. The long strands of hair should be about 80% dry and will steam out nicely when straightened. Be sure the hair near the roots is very dry or you'll risk burning your scalp from the steam.
Separate out small sections of hair that are as wide as your iron, but only an inch thick across the scalp. Run the iron over each section twice, and at a different angle each time in order to insure that you smooth the hair cuticle on all sides.
There are several products you can use on your hair to help straighten it as well. Some work to put moisture into your hair, and others are spray on products that help neutralize the ions that cause static and add sheen. If you use these kinds of products on your hair before you iron it, be sure to wipe the iron clean after each use. That will ensure that your hair slides easily through the plates for the next use and will help minimize breakage.
If you iron your hair every day, it's probably a good idea to give your hair a rest occasionally. And be sure to keep your hair in good condition by getting it trimmed regularly.
The Search for the Perfect Mascara - Part 2
For an everyday mascara to create a tidy, yet subtle effect, I choose Max Factor Masterpiece mascara. It brings perfect definition every time and in truth I was amazed when I first found a mascara with this brush design. I have seen many others since then, but I have stuck to what I know. I also found that Max Factor’s Masterpiece Max was a perfect step-up from their original Masterpiece, to create a thicker look yet still not overdone.
There are, of course, those nights out when I just want my eyes to look as dark and as thick as they possibly can. We all want to make an impact at times, and mascara is a great way to do this. On these occasions I tend to use Benefit’s Bad Gal which does what it says on the tin. It isn’t meant to be nice and subtle – but bold and obvious! As for the waterproof, I have found simple is best – cheap and cheerful classic waterproof mascara from Maybelline was all I needed.
