Category — Free Makeup samples

Whether you are showing off a new ring or shaking hands with an acquaintance, well-groomed nails help improve the look of hands and make a better first impression. If nails have tiny white spots, called leukonychia, there really isn’t much you can do to get rid of them. These spots are usually caused by some trauma to the nail or nail bed. The best course of action is to let these grow out on their own and cover them with polish until they do. Even a fleshy pink color like those used in French manicures will reduce the appearance of the spots.

If your nails seem to be brittle and split often, try taking a daily biotin supplement. This will increase your vitamin B intake which will also improve the health of your hair…a bonus! Using a strengthener can also get the job done. A great and inexpensive product is Sally Hansen’s VitaSurge Strength Gel. Applying this product daily will add the extra vitamins to your nails that they are missing. Keeping hands and cuticles hydrated will also make nails smoother and less brittle. Be sure to moisturize every time you wash your hands and rub a little extra into the cuticles while you’re at it.

Nails that look yellow are usually stained due to lifestyle choices. If you smoke or wear dark polishes most of the times, your nails will look more yellowed. A short soak in some warm water and dish soap can brighten up the nails for a while, but using a more neutral polish and avoiding things that yellow the nails will keep the whiter and brighter longer. Going “au natural” for a couple days and allowing the nails to air after a good buffing will also improve their natural color.

Most of us would like healthy hair, but with all of the products and ideas out there, we’re not really sure what to do. Here are some tried and true ideas to improve the health of your hair.

Start by washing less. It sounds kind of gross to some of us, but your hair will start to produce less oil and be healthier if you limit shampooing to two or three times a week. The hair and scalp will adjust in less than two weeks and by the end of the month, you’ll notice a difference in the health of your hair.  In the beginning, try a dry shampoo or opt for the slicked back ponytail until your hair makes the adjustment.

Stop brushing wet hair! This breaks your hair and does more damage than you know. Opt for a wide tooth comb or a comb that has rotating teeth. Twice-baked is only good for potatoes, so limit heat styling products to just one. If you must blow dry, do it the night before and then curl or flat iron in the morning.

Schedule trims regularly. Hair should be trimmed (just a bit) every four to eight weeks to keep it healthy. It’s hair, just like the hair on your legs, it will grow back sooner than you think.

Finally, use a hydrating mask once a week, especially if you have chemically processed hair, to help prevent split ends and increase the healthy sheen of your hair. As with any beauty regime, start by improving the health of the hair, and you’ll be amazed at how beautiful it, and you, can be!

Choose the right shade for your foundation if you wish to establish that flawless skin appearance!  Are you fair, medium light, or darker-skinned?  Be careful because artificial lighting in many stores often be insulting to the complexion.

Testing colors on your hand and wrist is also not only  a waste of time but also deceptive. The nature of your skin on your arm is different from  your face, and the color will be too. The truth is that any part of the body other than your face may be darker or lighter than other parts.  The only spot to effectively test the shade is the area where it is going to be worn.  This is why department stores are a great place to test foundation colors since they will let you try it right in the store, Just be sure to use one of the alternate lighting sources that they often have available.   Be sure to remove any foundation you are currently wearing in order to test the color.

Choose foundation that appears similar to what you believe is your own shade, then choose a few shades up or down from which to compare. Typically, yellow-based foundations look the most natural, and warm on medium light, and darker skins. Be careful with a pinker base, which works more effectively on cool complexions, because it can often enhance reddish tones that you are trying to conceal.

You also need to evaluate your foundation color every season, as the skin color changes during the year, and also at critical points in your life such as adolescence, and pregnancy.

A number of make-up counters will offer free samples. These help buyers to test out the color, and its application to enable them to purchase in confidence.

As the increased exposure of sun safety factors is increasing, SPF protection it is very important when choosing foundation for a perfect appearance. This will hold off premature aging, as well as add life to your foundation by stopping you against tanning darker than its shade. If you’ve got oily skin, try to find oil-free formulas, because they blend evenly, and for a matte finish you can include powder rather than liquid to oily regions of the skin.

Choosing foundation for a perfect appearance is the starting point to reaching an exquisite complexion, so, if you think you’re ‘medium light,’ tests this along with other shades in natural light before purchasing.

Any makeup is incomplete without a little attention to the eyes. A clever eye makeup not only makes you look like a million bucks, but also eliminates problem areas like thin lashes and dark circles. Eyeliners and false eyelashes accentuate the eyes and make it fuller. Big, small, wide, or hooded, these two pieces in your makeup kit can significantly add oodles of glamor to your look.

The one common concern many face is, what goes first – eyelash or the liner. Here are simple and easy-to-follow tips that will help you with this makeup mystery:

Invest in a good quality eyeliner –- liquid or pencil. While the former gives a clean finish, and is perfect if you have steady hands for application; the latter works well for beginners and for those who find it hard to finish with a clean line. Pick from solids or colors like green, blue, brown, silver, and so on depending on the occasion.

The other must-have is a pair of false eyelashes. Many leading brands offer a variety of shapes and colors to choose from, pick one that suits you the best. These eyelashes come with glue or you can scout local stores for ready-to-use variants.

If your false eyelash is wide, cut is slowly, one lash at a time. You can do the same to trim the length of the lashes. This will ensure that the lash looks natural and blended.

Follow it up with a gentle squeeze of glue on to the width of the band behind the eyelash, and spread it evenly. Don’t forget to wipe out the runny glue.

Now, pick the lash with tweezers and place it on your eye’s lash line. Don’t worry if you have not managed to get it right. Do it again, you will get better with practice. Once you have placed it, press and hold it for a few seconds till you’re sure it won’t come off. Use a mascara and comb out the lashes gently. This will blend the natural and false eyelashes and hold them together.

To finish the look, apply a soft coat of eyeliner to fill the gaps between the false lashes. Avoid applying a thick coat as this may reveal the false eyelash band. Draw a line along the outer rim of the eyelid. Try funky eyeliners or a winged eyeliner look to draw attention away from the false lashes.

The results are best when you follow these steps after a basic eye makeup. Now you are set to dazzle with a twinkle in your eyes!

To make the most of your eye shape, pay attention to the colors you choose and the application method you rely on. Try some of these tips to get the most out of your shape:

For Asian Eyes – Use black or black/brown eye liner to create a thick line along the top lashes. Blend gently for a smoky look and then apply a thinner line under the bottom lashes.

For Wide Eyes – Apply deeper shadows to the inner half of the lid and a lighter shades on the outer half. Then blend for a subtle transition between colors.

For Close Eyes – Go the opposite of the Wide Eye folks and apply the lighter shades to the inner half of the lid and the darker shades to the outer half. Always remember to blend!

For the Four-Eyed – Use a black, perhaps shimmering, mascara to really play up your eyes and bring them out from behind the glasses. Be sure to use an eyelash curler and two coats of mascara. Allow a few seconds for the mascara to dry completely before putting the glasses back on.

No matter what your eye shape, remember to play up the color as much as possible and use proper application techniques to make the most of your eyes.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts for making the most out of those peepers. Whenever applying eye shadow, start with a foundation to help keep it in place. You won’t need expensive primers for this, just the regular concealer that you dot on those dark circles can also be dotted above your eye to create a stay-put canvas for color. Once color is applied, BLEND!! Don’t be afraid to blend a little longer than you think is necessary.

Color-blocked eye shadow is not a good look on anyone. Keep colors light at the top and darker on the lid. A touch of white eye shadow (using an eye shadow pencil makes this much easier and keeps the color off the bridge of your nose) will make eyes look brighter and wider. For those of us who are more experienced and may have a few lines that show it, shimmering shadows will highlight those life lines, so be careful. Not all of us care about hiding our wisdom though, so go ahead and give a gold shimmer a try.

Select eye colors that enhance your eye color, but remember that colors like taupe and light lavender can really be worn by the majority. For a more specific to you look, check out a color wheel and choose an eye shadow that falls opposite of your eye color, like purple for green, or gold for blue.  Remember to always have fun with your eye color and mix it up a bit from time to time.

The first step in mascara application is to make sure there are no clumps on the wand before you even begin applying the product. Use a tissue to remove the excess mascara from the wand if necessary. Never, never pump the wand in and out of the tube.  Adding air to your mascara will cause it to dry out faster and clump easier.

To keep lashed from clumping, use a clean mascara wand after you’ve applied your mascara to take away the excess product and separate the lashes more completely. The best way to do this is to apply the mascara to the front of the lashes with your eyes open, then close your eyes and use the clean wand to go over the back of the lashes. Using a lash comb is also an option for removing clumps. Follow the same procedure, but use a lash comb instead of a clean wand. Always be sure to apply mascara at the base of the lashes first and then pull through to the tips.

Keep the wand going in a side to side motion (the shimmy) as you apply the product. If applying a second coat, which should only be done for special occasions or in the evenings, do it immediately after, the first coat is applied. Going over a dry coat of mascara will lead to more clumps and flaking. No one can carry clumps well, so be sure to take a few extra seconds for the proper, clump-free application.

We strive for those perfectly plump eyelashes that we can bat at the next cutie to walk by, but how do we get them? And how in the world are we supposed to sort through the myriad of choices when it comes to quality products? It is completely possible to find quality mascara for a reasonable price at your local drugstore.

Avoid off brands where the price seems to be too good to be true…these will clump and make a mess. Once a brand has been chosen, start thinking about the different formula options and what your personal needs are. Options such as lengthening, thickening, and waterproof are the most popular. For contact lens wearers, waterproof seems to be the best option. If you can forgo the waterproof option, try mixing and matching mascaras. Start with a swipe of lengthening and then top it off with a coat of thickening. Along with formula options, there are now color and shimmer options.

Although a shimmering mascara can be subtle and brighten the eyes, avoid glitter-rich products unless you are in a fashion shoot or off to a Halloween party. Soft blacks, charcoals, and black/browns can work for most people for either day or night. If you’re looking to mix things up, try a color that will make your eyes really stand out like plum for blue eyes and purple for green or brown eyes.

After the product has been selected, proper application is crucial. Use the hairdryer to heat up an eyelash curler for better results. Then use the shimmy method of application. Shimmy the wand from side to side as you slowly drag it the length of the lashes. This will help to separate the lashes and avoid clumps. Most of us can skip applying mascara to the bottom lashes, but if you need the illusion of wider eyes, a light touch of the wand to the bottom lashes is fine.

Creating your own scent can be fun.  Whether you are trying to create a perfume, spritz, or lotion, spend some time exploring the different smells available to you and create something that is uniquely yours.  Everyone has their own preferences.  Smells bring back memories and emotions depending on how you associate them to things in your past.  Start somewhere with a scent that you like or that appeals to you.

If you’re not sure where to start, try sniffing essential oils at your local whole foods store.  If you find a place with a ‘scent bar’ take some note cards and spend some time mixing and matching the different smells that appeal to you.  When exploring scents, there are several categories to know:

Florals are usually the smell of a romantic.  These nodes can range from the delicate scent of violets and roses to the more exotic moonflowers to the more potent musk and sandalwood.

Fougere means ‘fern-like’ and is a popular category for men’s scents.  These smells are usually grassy and crisp, like pine.

Fruity smells create a warmer feeling when they pass the nose.  Citrus is among the lightest of the fruit smells while papaya and passion fruit tend to be stronger.

Orientals are better for evenings and cooler weather.  Scents like amber, clove and cinnamon fall into this category.

Oceanic is light and clean.  These smells include sea breezes and fresh air.

Woodsy (or chypre) is the perfect scent for the outdoorsy.  Patchouli and oakmoss are this category’s most popular.

Once you’ve decided on something you like, adding those oils to an all-natural lotion will create the perfect after-shower moisturizer just for you.

For most, the hair on our heads is all we really want.  Desiring to remove unwanted hair on other areas of the body is an ever-growing industry.  There are several methods available to remove this unwanted hair, but very few of them will take care of the hair permanently or on the first try.  When looking into the options, be sure to select the method or combination of methods that is best for you depending on cost, time, skin-type and hair.

Threading is used in beauty clinics and mall kiosks for removing facial hair.  The results are similar to plucking and not permanent.

Waxing is done by applying a heated wax to the hair followed by a strip of waxing paper. Hair is then ripped out by the root.  Although this lasts longer than shaving, it can cause some discomfort and skin irritation.

Depilation is a process that uses chemicals to dissolve the hair.  This usually lasts as long as waxing but has the major side effect of skin irritation due to the chemicals melting away skin cells as well as the unwanted hair.

Electrolysis uses fine-gauge needles that are inserted into hair follicles.  Then an electric current is applied to the root, burning the hair root and stopping the production of more hair.  This procedure lasts longer than others, but requires repeated treatments up to 18 months to be a permanent solution.

Laser treatments are becoming more affordable thanks to newer and more cost-effective treatments being introduced.  Although this may currently be the most effective way to eliminate unwanted hair, it is not always permanent and not for everyone.  Those with light skin and dark hair will see the most benefit.  Laser hair removal works by emitting light at different wavelengths into the skin which normally targets the melanin.