Fashionomisist

How to Make Eyes Look Bigger with Makeup

2011-01-08T12:06:00.001-07:00

Ever look at those pictures of celebrities before makeup and after? My favorite celebrity is Gwyneth Paltrow and I was thrilled one day to see her without makeup. Her eyes just disappeared. Yet in photos, she has luminous eyes. So what's the secret?

There are actually several. To get huge eyes try these tricks:

Curl Eyelashes

If you don't have naturally long, perfect eyelashes, curling them before applying This is a link mascara will really open up your eyes. You can actually curl lashes AFTER mascara is applied, as long as your mascara is dried (a good tip to know if you want to curl your lashes later in the day without removing your mascara). I usually blast the eyelash curler for 3 seconds with a hair dryer for extra staying power. Just test the metal to ensure it's not too hot before you clamp down on your upper lash.

What to Do With the Bottom Lashes?

Many makeup experts avoid mascara on the lower lashes because they believe it actually closes up the eyes. This is true for some women, but for others, mascara and eyeliner on the lower lashes can make a dramatic difference. Try it out for yourself and see if you like it.

To apply mascara on lower lashes, hold the brush vertically, then sweep it back and forth. If you wear eyeliner on the lower lashes, try a pencil eyeliner, which tends to be softer. Then smudge the line with your finger so it looks more natural than a straight line.

See my lists of the best mascaras and eyeliners.

Don't Be Afraid of False Eyelashes

Individual false lashes are exotic, gorgeous and can look natural if applied correctly. Large cities offer "lash bars" in the hottest department stores. (Henri Bendel, Bergdorfs and more, for example) but I expect the counters at most department stores will have experts in false lashes. Ask at yours.

Don't want to go to department store? Drugstores carry false eyelashes. If they're too long, you can trim them with scissors.

Why White Shadow is the Makeup Artist's Secret

When I go out for the evening, I always put a bit of light eyeshadow right at the inside ridge of my eye, where the upper lid meets the bottom lid, near the tear duct. It's amazing how that bit of white brightens my eyes and makes them look whiter. This is a old beauty secret of makeup artists and if you look closely at photos of celebrities on red carpets you can see that tell-tale white in the inside corner of their eyes.

For a doe-eyed, seductive look, makeup artist Paul Starr suggests in Harper's Bazaar that you try lining your lower lids with a creamy white eye pencil.

Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat: Another Makeup Artist Secret

A few years ago when everyone was going ga-ga for Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat calling it the "best concealer ever," I bought it thinking I'd use it to conceal any spots on my face.

I hated it. It hardly concealed anything and I couldn't see what the big deal was. I went back to the store to return it when the women at the counter told me it's actually supposed to be used as a highlighter, not a concealer. She did me up and I was blown away by how awake I looked. It's now a beauty staple in my arsenal and I use it every time I go out.

To use: Dot along the browbone just below the brow and blend in. You can also dot along the bottom of eye and even above the browbone. One trick with Touche Eclat is to fill in the shadows that naturally occur when you tuck your chin and look into the mirror. Tuck your chin, look into the mirror and swipe a line of Touch Eclat where the shadows lie. Blend the lines with a tip of the finger.

Keep Your Brows Manicured

You'd be amazed at how manicured brows can transform your face. I've seen it happen with so many women. They think their brows are fine even though they never get them tweezed or waxed. Perhaps they're afraid of over-tweezing or they are unsure of what shape is right for their eyes. They don't realize how much better they could look until I convince them to get their brows done. Wow. It's perhaps my single most important advice to you: Get thee to a professional for waxing, tweezing or threading and then keep it up with touch-ups with your own tweezers by following the "map" they create.

Best of Lush!

2011-01-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

It’s no great secret I simply adore Lush Cosmetics. I get asked a lot what are my favorite Lush products and it’s a little difficult to just randomly compile a list and comment about it. This post is actually made up of 27 Lush Products I think you should try and buy!

Jump ahead for it!

Lush Washday Greens

Best shampoo every for de-greasing and clarifying hair. Has an irresistible minty green scent with a thin runny formula that lathers up nicely and gets hair in tiptop shape!

Lush Vanishing Cream

Ideal moisturizer for oily skin types or those seeking a lighter moisturizer for Summer wear. Mattifies skin with a cool lavender herbal scent. Oily foreheads be gone!

Lush Ultra Bland

Buttery smooth cleanser that emulsifies and breaks down makeup. Does run a tad greasy and may be overkill for those who have pores that easily clog up but dry skin types will adore it!

Lush Godmother Soap

Missing Lush Snow Fairy? This will get you through the year until Christmas when Snow Fairy Shower Gel reappears!

Lush Comforter Bubble Bar

One of my very favorite bubble bars because of it’s huge size and gorgeous scent! To me it smells like a big old new eraser, like the ones you got when heading back to school! It’s quite big so you can easily get two baths from one bar.

Lush Sexypeel Soap

The sexiest lemon scent you’ll ever smell! Sweet, tart lemons, ’nuff said!

Lush Sexbomb Bath Bomb

One of my favorite bath bombs because of the sweet little “surprise” after the bomb melts away (I won’t ruin it for you and say what it is). Sports a soft jasmine scent that’s truly girlish and lovely!

Lush Retread Conditioner

Lush’s thickest, creamiest conditioner! Gets locks tangle-free and soft sans silicons!

Lush Antiphilitron Shampoo

You may have a hard time saying the name but you’ll love the effects this shampoo has on your hair. Clarifies and cuts through oily, greasy hair with the power of lemon!

Lush Back for Breakfast Shower Gel

One of Lush’s best shower gels in my opinion! The sweet, tart scent of lemons to wake you up in the AM!

Lush Baby Face

Lush Ultrabland in solid form this be! A massage bar for your face! Dry skin users will rejoice and adore the soothing, softness that comes along with using this. However, be aware for those who’s pores easily clog up!

Lush King of Mods Hair Gel

One of my fav ways to keep my wavy, curl hair in order!

Lush Ice Blue Shampoo

The cooling scent of mint to clarify hair and get it deep, down clean!

Lush I Love Juicy Shampoo

100′s of fruits squeezed into a single bottle of nourishing shampoo for your hair!

Lush Gorgeous Moisturizer

One of Lush’s most expensive moisturizer and also one of it’s best. A skin miracle I deem it!

Lush Ginger Fragrance

My favorite scent of all time, mind you not for everyone, if you enjoy unique, sensual blends!

Lush Fresh Fharmacy

Got spots? This will clear up your face with a single use! I keep this stashed around for the occasional crop up of a pimple or several, it honestly works wonders! Best part about it, is you can use daily as a preventive measure for future outbreaks but be careful as it does dry skin out without proper moisturizer after use!

Lush Dr Peppermint Shampoo Bar

Although he’s for dandruff I enjoy using the good doctor because of his minty fresh scent!

Lush Dark Angels Cleanser

Ideal for spotty, oil skin but easily enjoyed by all! It’s a MAC’s Volcanic Ash dupe, so if you’ve used yours all up grab some of this and you’re golden!

Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo

For those of us with frizzy, flyaway wavy hair and curls! Weights and smooths curls down for beautiful hair instead of a frizzy mess!

Lush Candy Fluff Powder

A flirty, girlish scent for dusting onto your body!

Lush Buffy Bar

Perfect for scrubbing away dry skin on legs, knees, elbows, heels, feet…anyway you’re sporting dry, rough skin!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

A beautiful way to get lips back into shape when they are dry or chapped!

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner

My favorite toner from Lush! Hydrates and preps for moisturizer in a snap!

Lush Big Shampoo

Perfect clarifying treatment for those who are sporting serious buildup or ideal for those with thinner hair that are in need of some serious volume!

Lush Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser

A great way to keep skin glowing! I use it after my normal cleanser to get my skin squeaky clean and keep it spot free!

Lush American Cream Conditioner

A silicon-free conditioner that will keep hair free from tangles sans build up!

Are you a Lush fan?

What are your fav products?

Do share ‘em!

Get more info about Lush Cosmetics by visiting www.lush.com

Tips for Red Heads

2011-01-08T11:35:00.002-07:00

EYE MAKEUP

As far as eye shadow is concerned, it is true that the complexion of a redhead blends itself well to neutral tones, such as taupe. However, neutral need not be boring. Try chestnut, camel, gold, beige, honey, terra cotta, russet and raisin. Experiment with different shades of browns and peaches, blending and combining shades for a smoky or defined eye look.

Remember, every redhead is unique. Red hair comes in a wide range of shades, from strawberry blonde to deep auburn. So, I encourage you not to listen to the “experts” who say redheads cannot wear color. Experiment with color and step outside the ordinary. Opt for something dramatic but different, such as plums or emeralds. Use a lighter color on the brow bone to open up the eyes. In general, stay away from blues and pinks.

Redheads typically have very light eyebrows and eyelashes, making eyeliner a must to add definition to the eyes. Choose a light or dark brown or brownish-black eyeliner pencil and apply it with a light hand to make your eyes stand out more. Select a mascara which adds a lot of definition to fine or skimpy lashes, something that lengthens, thickens and fortifies. Again, browns are favored over blacks, which can wash out a redhead’s fair complexion and look too harsh. Finally, always wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect the fair and delicate skin around your eyes from wrinkling.

LIPSTICK AND BLUSH

In general, pinks and reds may not make the most of your hair and skin tone. For everyday, choose lipsticks and blushes from more neutral, natural color palettes, such as peaches. But again, experiment with color and find what works best for you. Blue-based reds, such as brick, or brown-based reds, such as toast, are exceptions to the rule. Brick or toast lipsticks and blushes add a great deal of warmth to the redheaded complexion and bring out the natural depth of a redhead’s skin tone. Try golden corals and yellow- or gold-based reds, apricots and tawny peaches. But don’t be afraid to try something different. For example, deep lavender lipstick can be very striking on a redhead.

HAIR

If you are fortunate enough to have naturally red hair, by all means embrace it. This is no time to be a shrinking violet. Experiment with a sassy, short style a la Cynthia Nixon or Molly Ringwald, a long, sleek, straight style like Julianne Moore’s or Lindsay Lohan’s, or a wild mop of curls, such as both Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts have boasted on many occasions. The best way to show off your beauty is to play up your best features. In your case, based in part on its rarity and mystique, your hair is one of your greatest assets. Show it off. Try a henna shampoo to bring out the natural red highlights in your hair or to boost fading natural red color. Beet juice or cranberry juice will also boost red highlights. To give red hair added shine and also prevent build-up from hair products, add approximately two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water when you rinse your hair. The really great news? Redheads don’t go gray. Instead, they go from red to a sandy “buff” color then to white.

One final suggestion: Keep in mind that the greatest beauty asset a redhead has is her inner spirit. It’s no myth: Redheads are intelligent, fun-loving, energetic, passionate and fiery. Play up the positive aspects of those traits and allow your inner redhead to shine through.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

2011-01-08T11:29:00.003-07:00

Properly Cleaning Your Cosmetic Brushes Will Make Them Last Longer

Besides letting your brushes last longer (very important if you're going to buy more expensive, smoother brushes), if you know how to clean your make up brushes, you can minimize skin problems such as breakouts from accumulated oils or eye infections from mascara brushes. Hygiene is one reason that experts say never to share your makeup with a friend: you can transmit bacteria on the applicators. Cold sores, acne, rashes and staph germs can move easily from one makeup brush to another, so never borrow someone else's brush or powder puff. In fact, for people who apply makeup using their fingers, it's not even a good idea to wipe your fingers across someone else's blusher or eye shadow, because you're picking up bacteria from their fingers and skin.

How to Wash Your Make up Brushes Free of Bacteria

You can wash your makeup brushes in warm, soapy water, using an antibacterial soap, shampoo or a hand sanitizer. There are also special products for cleaning your makeup brushes. Lipstick brushes may need extra care because of the extra emollients in lip colors, which can make them sticky and hard to wash. Wash them with a gentle oil removing wash you may already use for your skin, and take your time, working out the lipstick from the brush bristles.

Shape brushes while wet and let them dry to preserve their smoothness. Lay them flat instead of standing them on end, or you will damage either the bristles or handle of the brush. Wash them gently, never scrubbing, or the hairs will start to come out. Follow any cleaning instructions that come with your makeup brushes in case they have special requirements. And if you can't make up your mind to commit to cleaning your brushes, you can always buy disposable sponge brushes and throw them away more frequently. Especially if you suffer from very oily skin or acne, make sure you're always using a clean makeup brush to minimize bacterial problems that may increase your skin trouble.

Dirty Makeup Brushes Carry Bacteria and Will Not Give You a Flawless Look

Whatever you do, don't use the same makeup brushes day in and day out without washing them. Aside from harboring bacteria, makeup pigments bind with the oils from your skin, making brushes sticky and dirty. Makeup colors can change, becoming darker or more orange due to oxidation and to mixing with skin oils or dust, making a mess of your daily makeup routine. Clean your brushes once a week to keep them working properly, and if a brush becomes stained or misshapen, throw it out and get a new one.

Eyeshadows to Match Your Eye Color

2011-01-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Need an eyeshadow shade that looks cool with your eye color? Here's help.

FOR BLUE EYES

1. Tried and True: taupe, gray, violet, purple, deep blue (a darker shade than your eye color makes your eyes really blue), black (mix it with bright blue for a smoky effect)

2. Funky Favorites: silver, turquoise, fuschia (brightens any shade of blue)

GREEN or HAZEL EYES

1. Tried and True: brown, apricot, purple, plum, deep khaki or forest green (because they are in the same greenish family, they brighten green eyes)

2. Funky Favorites: gold, glowing, lime-green, really light green, bright purple (super modern)

BROWN EYES

1. Tried and True: copper, bronze, champagne Uma Thurman (soft pink with a touch of apricot), brown (for a doe-eyed look), beige, and khaki-green (lighter shades add highlight)

2. Funky Favorites: tangerine, royal blue, hot pink, lime-green (the contrast adds punch to brown)

ALL EYES

1. Tried and True (Classic): navy or charcoal base to define and a powder-blue shadow for highlighting (it brightens your brow bone so any eye color pops)

2. Funky Favorites: silver-sparkle shadow makes all eyes look edgy.

How to Choose Which Bathing Suit to Wear

2011-01-08T10:16:00.002-07:00

What womens swimsuit fashion is best and most flattering for your body type

Apple shaped body frames have broader shoulders and smaller hips. Two-piece bikinis or tankinis with a solid color top and a patterned bottom will give you a more balance appearance.

Pear shaped body types have larger hips and smaller shoulders with a waist that is larger than the shoulders. One-piece bathing suits with tummy control or other design feature that create the illusion of a waist line will be the most flattering.

Small Bust - To enhance a smaller bust try a halter bikini top that has a seam just under the bust line or a lightly padded or line top. Swim wear with texture can also help detract attention away from your bust line if you feel self-conscious.

Fuller Bottom - Skirted swim suits are back in style and can be found in many different patterns and styles. The skirt flatters a fuller bottomed body type and will give you a more balance look. You may also want to try on a few boy short styles as well. Both of these options offer a little more coverage on the bottom.

Slender, athletic bodies have shoulders, waist and hips that are the similar in width. One-piece or two-piece suits with detailing around the waist will help create a more hourglass shape. Try a wrap style top or a belted bathing suit bottom to create more waist definition.

Hourglass figures have balance shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. If this is you, you're lucky because just about any classic styled bathing suit should flatter your figure.

Buying a swimsuit is about perception

Buying a swimsuit has a lot to do with beauty because it’s more about perceptions than it is actual good looks. The fact is, with the right attitude, nearly any woman’s swim suit will look good to men, provided there’s a woman in it. Other women are much pickier about what suit looks good on what body, and the worst critic of all is that chick in the mirror. I have a few beauty tips about bathing suits and bikinis, which I will pass on to you in the hopes that they will inspire confidence. Some of them are just theoretical for me, and others I use whenever I shop for a suit. Use what works for you.

How much are you willing to spend for designer swimwear?

Like good shoes, good bathing suits cost money. You’re paying for design here, and for things like built-in controls or enhancements. Thanks to the fairly recent craze for selling binkini tops and bottoms separately, retailers have found they can charge a lot more for a whole suit than they could five or six years ago when bottoms and tops were inseparable. On average, a decent suit will cost you around $60. On the other hand, if you have a great body, it doesn’t matter if your suit is cheap because you don’t have anything to hide. Just make sure you buy something that won’t come apart when it hits the water.

When to buy a cheap swimsuit.

If you’re only going to wear a bathing suit the three days you go to the beach each year, or for sunning in the back yard, you can go cheaper too. In fact, there’s no reason not to wear a pair of shorts and a bathing suit top or even a camisole or tank top. It’s crazy to spend a lot of money for a suit you aren’t going to wear.

One piece or two piece bathing suit? Who will be looking or who do you want looking?

A shy friend of mine went to Mexico, and because she was very modest and didn’t feel very pretty, she wore a pair of men’s trunks and a bikini top in the pool at the hotel. A Mexican fellow who frequented the pool told her that if she wanted to blend in, she’d better drop the trunks and wear bikini bottoms. She did, and they went dancing several times after that. She came home with a golden tan and a happy expression.

Comfort is important, and depending on the beach or pool scene, either no-one will notice you at all, or everyone will be watching everyone else. If it matters to you, or if your boyfriend’s ex is going to be at the party, fork out the big money and look great, even if you only wear that suit that one day.

How much coverage do you want from your beach wear?

Crucial to the question of bathing suits is coverage. Again, the nicer your body, the less coverage you need, unless you’re shy or you’re smart and want to save your skin from sun damage. You can apply sunscreen and sunless tanner and have a beautiful glowing tan without the sun exposure. Just be sure to evenly distrubute and don't over apply the self tanner and end up looking a shade or orange. If you plan to be swimming or playing volleyball or surfing, you may want more coverage because a suit that covers more of you also tends to hang on, where flimsier, actually make that skimpier, things might fall off or out.

With board shorts, boyshorts and hipster bikinis, we can buy suits that fit even in the middle of a plus size day or PMS fat attack. A well-cut one-piece can hide and camoflauge an assortment of figure flaws. Contrary to what some experts will tell you, large floral designs do not minimize a heavy body, and you don’t have to wear black either. Depending on where the chubbiness lies, a smaller-coverage suit may turn out to be more flattering than the high-coverage suit you didn’t want to buy anyway. No one can possibly see all the lumps and bumps as the girl in the bathing suit in the mirror does, so pick the least worst suit you can find, and get out there and play!

For a Clear Complexion...

2011-01-07T19:39:00.001-07:00

Keep your skin CLEAN, it's the most important thing you can do for a clear and healthy complexion. Make sure your hands are clean before washing and touching your face to avoid transferring bacteria.

Gently massage cleanser into your face, leaving on for a few seconds to dissolve impurities, then wipe away with a cotton ball. Finish off with a splash of cool water to wash away excess cleanser and boost circulation, then use soft towel to pat dry.

Want Supermodel Smooth Skin?

2011-01-07T19:38:00.001-07:00

To give their skin that smooth poreless and polished look, models often soak their faces in bowls of ice water.

Your Skin Gets Thirsty Too!

2011-01-07T19:37:00.003-07:00

Our body is about 70% water, with 35% of that found in the skin. When you're dehydrated from not drinking enough water, the first thing your body does is grab moisture from your skin.

Drinking the right amount of water not only keeps you hydrated, it helps your body flush out toxins making you look and feel healthier.

Try drinking eight 250ml glasses of water each day, drinking an extra 2 glasses for every coffee or glass of wine you drink.

Oily Hair?

2011-01-07T19:37:00.001-07:00

No time to wash your hair before dashing out the door? Try sprinkling a little talc on your hairbrush and run it through your locks. The powder will absorb excess oil buying you some time until your next shampoo.

Whiter Looking Teeth

2011-01-07T19:36:00.001-07:00

Have your pearly whites faded to grey over the years? Try this simple trick to tide you over until you can make that dentist appointment:

Red lipsticks with 'cool' (blue or purple) undertones will bring out the white in your teeth while downplaying any yellowish discoloration.

So sweep on that color and smile pretty!

Stretching

2011-01-07T19:29:00.001-07:00

Daily stretching is a great way to become familiar with your body and build confidence.

It can help to lengthen and strengthen muscles, enhance athletic performance, and improve posture.

So remember to stretch regularly and learn to get comfortable in your own skin!

Concealing Under Eye Circles

2011-01-07T19:28:00.001-07:00

To prevent the dreaded creases under the eyes, mix a bit of moisturizer with your concealer and apply sparingly to problem areas before foundation and powder.

Prevent Post-Exercise Bacne

2011-01-07T19:27:00.003-07:00

Is post-exercise "bacne" putting a damper on your workout schedule? Try wearing exercise gear that is fast-drying and moisture-wicking (to keep sweat and bacteria away from the skin).

These "technical" fabrics will keep you cool, dry, and comfortable, making your workouts more enjoyable and breakout free.

Speed Up the Healing Time of Breakouts

2011-01-07T19:27:00.001-07:00

Shorten the lifespan of that unexpected blemish with this simple trick of the trade: crush an aspirin and add water to form a paste (aspirin contains salicylic acid which is also present in many acne products). Apply to cleansed skin to zap that zit pronto.

The Secret to Long Lashes

2011-01-07T19:25:00.003-07:00

Thick long lashes are seriously sexy. This three-step technique will make your mascara work like a magic wand!

Step 1: WIGGLE.
Wipe excess mascara off the brush head, then place it under the very base of your lashes so it's gently touching your eyelid. Now wiggle the bristles back and forth a few times. The wiggle motion thoroughly coats and separates your lash roots, making them look as thick as possible.

Step 2: SWOOP.
Slowly stroke the mascara from roots to ends. Let dry for a few seconds, then apply a second coat.

Step 3: TOP OFF.
Lightly swipe the very tips of your lashes a third time to maximize their length.

How To Prevent Frizzy Hair

2011-01-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Step 1:
Rub a pea-size amount of shine serum between palms, then run hands over damp hair. Style as usual.

Step 2:
Once hair is dry, rub another pea-size amount of shine serum between palms, then lightly smooth hands over hair. This double layer of serum will seal up your hair cuticles and prevent water droplets in humid air from seeping into your strands and causing them to swell up and frizz out.

Beauty Tricks!

2011-01-07T19:23:00.002-07:00

We know every beauty junkie has a hard time packing all of her products into one easy-to-tote weekend bag. Sound like you? These three beauty basics can pull double duty and cut down on the loot you need to lug around.

HAND CREAM = STYLING CREAM
A dab of hand cream warmed up between your palms can be used to style, define, and de-frizz dry hair.

BODY LOTION = SHAVE CREAM
Slather body lotion over your legs, bikini line, and underarms in the shower to help a razor glide over your skin and prevent nicks.

LIP BALM = BROW GROOMER + CUTICLE SOOTHER
Clear lip balm can coax unruly brows into place and moisturize dry,ashy cuticles.

How To Manage Your To-dos and Minimize Your Stress

2011-01-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Who isn't overscheduled, overspent, and overtired? In today's hectic lifestyle, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. And our growing addiction to cell phones, iPods, Blackberries and text messages seems to fuel the fire. The result is chronic mental clutter or a state some life-coaches call "overload in overdrive." Here are a few tips for cleaning out mental clutter so that you can focus, relax and unwind.

1) Use cell phones, Blackberries, Treos, iPhones and laptops to facilitate the things that really matter, but don't let them dictate your life. Turn them off turn at designated time-out periods during the day, like after dinner or during lunch.

2) Don't be obsessive about checking your email. Try to only check your inbox a few times a day like in the morning, once in the afternoon and at the end of the work day. This will ensure that work doesn't consistently pile up on you, overwhelming your mental to-do list and causing you to stress.

3) Keep a list of what you need to get done each day. This way you won't worry about forgetting to do something. Be realistic about how much can be done in the allotted time.

4) Learn to delegate rather than risk overload. You don't have to do everything yourself.

5) Ease up on perfectionism. Ask yourself what it is you really need to get out of a particular situation. Perhaps it is a good relationship with someone or peace of mind. Keeping your mind on the ultimate goal will allow you to responsibly let go of certain details and still attain your desired outcome.

How To Get Super Soft Feet

2011-01-07T19:19:00.001-07:00

Got milk?
Soak your feet in a large bowl of warm whole milk. The lactic acid will slough off rough spots and make your skin feel extremely soft.

Lock in moisture
Slather your feet with a rich foot cream, then slip on a pair of cotton socks. Wear the socks for at least 20 minutes (you can even sleep with them on) to lock the moisture into your skin.

The buff stuff
Keep a pumice stone or foot file in your shower so that every day you can tackle rough spots
and cracked heels. This daily maintenance will prevent your feet from stepping into the scary sole zone.

Make That Pimple Disappear

2011-01-07T19:17:00.003-07:00

Zits have an uncanny ability to surface at the worst times (like before a big action-packed weekend or a nerve-racking job interview). The trick to making your blemish disappear quickly is to diagnose what kind of eruption you're up against, then treat it accordingly.

• A superficial pimple—the kind that is on the surface of your skin and can be tempting to pop—can be cured by using a spot treatment that contains the maximum amount of either salicylic acid (2%) or benzoyl peroxide (10%). Treat your pimple morning and night, and bring down any swelling by icing it for 10 minutes. These tactics should zap your zit within a day or two, and in the meantime you can keep it covered with a blemish-fighting concealer.

• If you're cursed with a cystic pimple—those are the ones that are imbedded deep in your skin and can be painful when you press it—you'll need to visit your dermatologist to see fast results. A quick cortisone injection will shrink that volcano down within a day.

• Regardless of the type of pimple you have, one rule stays constant: don't pop it! The more you touch it, the bigger the zit will get and could cause a scar. So hands off!

How To Get Your Best Beauty Sleep

2011-01-07T19:16:00.001-07:00

Lack of sleep can compromise our immune system, powers of attraction, concentration and the overall glow of being healthy. Today, one third of all Americans struggle with some form of insomnia and 40% of women have disrupted sleep patterns, which, according to The National Center on Sleep Disorders, could be caused by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. The rise of insomnia has recently spawned a surge in spa treatments, such as meditation, breathing exercises, special massage and aromatherapy, geared towards helping you drift off to dreamland. "We do not really go to sleep so much as we allow ourselves to let go of the active waking self," explains Arizona-based sleep expert Dr Rubin Naiman. Here are some spa-inspired tips to help you let go of an overly stimulating day and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.

1) Start winding down a few hours before your actual bedtime. Consciously leave all your must-do's for the next day, reassuring yourself with a written list of reminders. Dim the lights, turn inwards and avoid all stimulation such as caffeine, alcohol, upsetting conversations, and violent TV shows.

2) Tune into the sound of your own breath or the cadence of soothing music. Run a warm (but not scalding hot) bath and soak by candlelight, inhaling a favorite blend of relaxing essential oils in the vapors.

3) Examine the nagging thoughts that keep you awake at night. Do you feel that by being on constant "fight or flight" alert you will better control outcomes? Switch to a new mantra: The more rest you get, the more efficient you can be.

4) Give up rigid expectations about how much sleep you require. Even nighttime wakefulness can be restful if you use it as a time for quiet meditation. The more you trust in natural processes and in life in general, the easier it will be to eventually get the right amount of sleep you really need.

5) Evaluate the quality of your waking life: are you living in alignment with your needs, wants and values? Is there something you need to express? A satisfying waking life is a potent remedy for many issues affecting sleep.

Secrets to Flawless Skin

2011-01-07T19:14:00.001-07:00

We all know that one baby-faced person with perfect skin. No blemishes, no dry spots - just a smooth, clear, radiant complexion. How do they achieve and maintain such a perfect complexion year-round? Here are some secrets.

1.Science and Medicine. The main thing women use to achieve the baby-face complexion are pills. There are several different kinds of pills that can control acne; birth control, hormones, antibiotics or pills specifically made for controlling acne. If you want to go this route, talk with your doctor and find out which would best be suited for you. If you are nature-oriented and do not want to mess around with pills, keep on reading. There are more beauty caresecrets!

2.Use Cool Water. Many of us have long been taught that drying out your skin is the best way to control acne. We have news! It's not. Drying out your skin will cause it to produce more oil to gain back its 'protective layer'. Washing your face with a mild gel, such as Cetaphil or Spectrojel, and rinsing with cool-lukewarm water will keep your skin clean and clear without drying it out.

3.Keep Hydrated – Inside and Out. Aside from drinking plenty of water each day, fill your sink with lukewarm or cool water and add a few drops of oil. Coconut oil and Almond Oil are great choices. Hold your breath and soak your face for as long as you can. Come up for air and keep soaking for about 3-5 minutes. Your skin loves to soak up water, and you probably know that after having a long bath your skin feels the most soft and smooth. Finish your soak by immediately applying a light, unscented facial moisturizer and either let your skin air-dry or gently pat dry with a towel.

4.Blot Excess Oil. If your skin is constantly oily and shiny, blot with oil absorbing sheets. There are many different brands and they all have one main goal; to remove excess oil without the need for adding more pore-clogging powder to your face. Keeping as less stuff off your face as possible will keep it looking fresh and healthy.

5.Keep it Clean! The number one rule of maintaining healthy looking and flawless skin is to keep your hands off it. Your hands and fingertips are crawling with bacteria. You don't want this on your face and seeping into your pores. This is the number one way breakouts occur! Try to keep as much away from your face as possible and always remember to wash off your makeup at the end of each day.

Natural Wavy Hairstyles

2011-01-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

Before we proceed to the techniques, there's something you should know. These suggestions are devoid of any hot appliances such as curling irons. Some women would depend on these devices to achieve a little curl here and there on their hair. Though they are effective and can give you the look in a matter of minutes, they are not healthy at all. The intense heat they produce can dry the hair up, leaving you with brittle, dull, or even frizzed hair.

Here are the things you can do instead:

Choose your conditioner very well. The first step to getting a long wavy hairstyle is to actually shampoo and condition your hair. Now, it's very important that you get picky with the latter. As much as possible, you should pick the lightweight one because you don't want to weigh your hair down. You want them to be very easy to control and manage.

You can also use the leave-in or anti-frizz hair conditioners. After taking a bath, remove the excess water from the strands and wrap your entire head with a towel. Wait for around 15 minutes to an hour. After the designated time has elapsed, you can now remove the cloth and allow natural wind to completely make it dry. This step is easy, no fuss, and can give you a bouncy wavy hair that's natural looking.

Apply a volumizing formula. While your hair is not too damp or too dry, you can apply a conditioning mousse on your hair to ensure that you can conveniently twist or curl it. After you've accomplished this, you can then spray your volumizing formula. One of its jobs is to also ensure that your wave stays all throughout the day.

A little word of caution, though: avoid becoming enthusiastic on the mousse. Too much of it can also make your hair very heavy to easily manage.

Wear the rollers. It will definitely take some time to obtain a wavy hair with the rollers, but they are a lot healthier and safer. The size of your rollers will depend on the kind of wave you want to achieve. While they are still on, you can spray your styling spray at least half of the rolled hair to make sure they hold properly once you remove the rollers.

Eyeshadow Makeup Tips

2011-01-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

The best part of Almay's Bright Eyes eyeshadow collection of products if for brightening the eye area. This version has two eyeshadows in one package, one a softer shade than the other, and each with a cream-to-powder finish.

Combining these or using them separately is supposed to create the intensity or brightening you need, but those traits can be attributed to most eyeshadow formulas, depending on the colors you choose. The cream-to-barely-powder finish helps create a sheer application but they remain creamy even after blending and are prone to creasing and fading.

If you like pressed powder eyeshadows, you may want to try Smooth Minerals eyeshadow from Avon. The main minerals in Avon's formula are the same as those used in most eyeshadows, even though they're not marketed or labeled as mineral makeup.

On a positive note, compared to other loose mineral powders, Avon took care to choose packaging that minimizes the mess, so if you're extra careful, this works well as a silky-smooth powder eyeshadow with a finish that is either a sparkling shine (Bronzestone, Pixie Dust, Russet, and Pink Sapphire) or a soft shimmer (all the other shades). The shine stays in place reasonably well, though some flaking is inevitable.

The gray-blue Breeze shade is the only one to consider avoiding, unless you intend to apply it sheer. Eyeshadow Perfect Pro by DHC features three shades for shaping and shading the eyes, along with a thin strip of powder eyeliner. Shine is the name of the game here, but for those who prefer shiny eyeshadows these have a sumptuous, almost creamy texture that is a pleasure to apply and blend. Color payoff (including for the dark eyelining shade) is sheer, but the formula builds well and the shine tends to stay in place. Each of the sets is well coordinated, though what's available is limited to say the least.

Revlon makes a great eyeshadow where the texture is smooth, the colors are soft and well-coordinated, and it blends well to a low-glow cream finish. What's not to like? You can blend Revlon shades together to get a gradation of color and be able to shape and shade the eye (which is the purpose of eyeshadow). However, in some cases, even if your blending is precise, the formula tends to cause the colors to migrate into one.

If powder eyeshadows with obvious shine and sheer color payoff are what you're after, Revlon's option is worth exploring. This eyeshadow has a beautifully silky texture that isn't the least bit "dusty" and it applies evenly. You can build more intensity, but keep in mind that doing so ups the shine ante, because with each layer you get more shine than pigment.